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THE DISTRICT GOVERNOR’S MESSAGE
I have requested a new feature article starting this month entitled Lions Spotlight”. This will give us a chance to better know who our members are. I persuaded Editor Stephen Lynch to be the first, so you can read about him below. Watch for the November issue which will feature Lion Jack Wormer. Please remember the DG Contest. Points will be awarded for new members, youth projects, food pantries or soup kitchens, and the earth. You can send in reports each month or at the end of May which will be the cut off date so points can be totaled. Forms should be sent to CS Karen Rager. "Sometimes it is not enough to do our best, we must do what is required". Sir Winston Churchill. Yours in Lionism,
DG John
The Lions’ Roar October, 2010
The Official Newsletter of the Lions Clubs of District 20-Y2 Stephen Lynch, Editor [email protected]
Lions, Lionesses and Leos,
Fall is in the air, and the Clubs of District 20-Y2 are doing what we do, serving the needs of our communities. I hope each of you had a great summer with family and friends. I extend a personal "thank you" for your thoughts, prayers, cards, and calls during my surgery. It went well and I should be up and around soon. A special thanks to the Clubs that allowed me to reschedule my visit to your Club during this time.
An informative presentation on the proposed redistricting is available on the district website at http://20y2lions.org/20Y2/Redistricting.ppt
The Fall District Cabinet Meeting was held on September 11th at America‟s Best Value Motel in Amsterdam. It was very well attended. The next Cabinet Meeting will be at the Woodlin Club in Glenville on Saturday, November 6th. There was an excellent presentation by the Sight Society of Northeastern New York / Lions Eye Bank at Albany (Below).
PDG Ken Butkowski II (Below) provided an explanation of the MD20 Redistricting proposal. If passed, the new map would be as shown (Below right). There were strong feelings on both sides of the issue.
Lion Stephen Lynch and his lovely wife, Lion Marianne, joined Lions in 2005 and have earned Perfect Attendance Awards every year since.
His other volunteer activities, recent and present, include serving on the Department of Homeland Security Urban Search & Rescue Task Force (7yrs), as President of Adirondack Bed & Breakfast Association (Twice), an Officer and Board Member of the Granville Area Chamber of Commerce, a Board Member of the Washington County Tourism Association, Chairman of the Granville Zoning Board of Appeals (5yrs) and as a Trustee of the Pember Library and Museum of Natural History.
In his “spare” moments, Lion Stephen enjoys time with Marianne, collecting Jaguar motorcars, restoration of historic architecture, and sailing.
He is a semi-retired Civil / Structural Engineer with over 25 years of experience in engineering, construction and project management. Lion Stephen and Lion Marianne, a dedicated Special Education Teacher, also own and operate The Sheldon Mansion, An Historic Inn.
Lion Stephen currently serves our district as the Region N, Zone A Chairman and again as the Editor of the District Newsletter, The Roar. He is also serving as President of the Granville Lions Club, where he has previously served as Second Vice President, Secretary and Membership Chair. He has received the Robert J. Uplinger and District 20-Y2 Lion of the Year Awards.
The Lions of 20Y2 send their deepest condolences to Lion Tom Snowdon, his wife Ellen and their family on the passing of their son Brian on Aug. 26. Memorial contributions can be made to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, 5 Computer Drive, Albany, NY 12205.
PDG Peter Wilson had bypass (5) heart surgery on September 18th at Albany Medical Center. He is currently recovering at Sunnyview 1270 Belmont Place, Schenectady 12308, Room 352, phone 832-4500 (ask for room). According to his family, he is doing well at this time. He will be in Sunnyview until Monday, October 4th and then will return to Albany Medical Center for more surgery. He is taking calls and would appreciate your thoughts, prayers, and cards.
Delmar optometrist Tom Little was one of 10 medical missionaries to Afghanistan that were killed on August 5th. [Ref: http://tinyurl.com/25u2vma links to the story in the Times Union.] As far as we know, he wasn‟t a Lion, but his life exemplified what Lionism is all about. In consideration of this, 1st Vice President & Tail Twister Lion Tom Hart of the Albany & Troy Lions Club proposed that District 20Y2 award a posthumous Knight of the Blind to Dr. Little, and that the funds for this be raised from the various Lions, Lioness and Leo clubs in the district. The Albany & Troy Lions Club has donated the first $50. The resolution was adopted at the September 11th District Cabinet Meeting. All money raised shall be donated to the Lions Eye Institute. It is hoped that the total will exceed the $500 required to award a Knight of the Blind. So far, the Albany & Troy, Central Mohawk Valley, and Granville Lions Clubs and District 20Y2 have each agreed to donate $50. All checks should be payable to District 20Y2 and go to the district treasurer: PDG Lettie Saheim, 117 Hansen Rd, Schaghticoke, NY 12154.
First Zone Meeting
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Fireside Restaurant, Gloversville (You can order off the menu or just have a drink)
Please try to send representatives as well as Club Presidents and Secretaries.
For more information, call Fran Mezza 725-7381 or Linda Walsh 773-7845.
We Serve
The first Zone Meeting for Region N, Zone A was held on September 8th in Hadley at Mollie‟s Mason Jar. Two Zone Projects were approved. We will develop customized club brochures focused on child services and have a Zone Work Day at Camp Badger in the Spring. Please contact Zone Chairman Stephen Lynch if you are interested in helping with either project.
The Circle of Life Camp will repeat their Taste of New York benefit on
October 1st
For more information, contact
www.circleoflifecamp.org Tel: 518-459-3622 e-mail: [email protected]
They also held their Family Camp Weekend on September 17th-19th. Folks enjoyed hiking, canoeing, and camp activities with other families with diabetes and saw their new campsite. In December 2009, the Circle of Life Camp signed a partnership agreement with Lion‟s Camp Badger, moving the Camp to a permanent location in Spencer, NY, to further expand the camp programming. Lion‟s Camp Badger sits on 220+ beautifully wooded acres with a lake for canoeing and boating, a swimming pool, large field, playground, and over 100 acres of hiking. The Circle of Life Camp, Inc., a not-for-profit resident camp for children and their families with diabetes, was founded in 1996. The camp provides the fundamental, age-appropriate diabetes education and social support essential for adolescents to properly manage their diabetes. The campers experience a unique opportunity to interact in a relaxed and supportive atmosphere, which fosters understanding, acceptance of their condition, and proper emotional development. They are able to share their knowledge, experience, and concerns as well as participate in educational sessions and recreational camping activities.
Keller Johnson Thompson
Keller Johnson Thompson, grand niece of Helen Keller, will be in our area presenting a program on the life of Helen Keller to fourth grades in several schools in Districts Y2 and O. She will visit the following schools (in District Y2, unless otherwise noted):
Monday, October 4th – Cambridge Elementary, 9 a.m. and Galway Elementary, 1:30 p.m.
Tuesday, October 5th – Charlton Heights Elementary, 9:30 a.m., Regina Coeli Elementary (District O), 1 p.m., and Ralph R. Smith Elementary (District O), 2:15 p.m.
Wednesday, Oct. 6 – Woestina Elementary, 9 a.m., Mariaville Elementary, 10:30 a.m., and Duanesburg Elementary, 1:15 p.m.
We are asking Lions who live near these schools to come to Keller Johnson‟s program, if possible, to help promote some of the work that Lions do in general, as well as the services provided by the Foundation and the Eye Institute.
Also, please don‟t forget that there will be an Open House from 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 9 at the Eye Institute.
President Lion John McDonald President PDG Dick Nason Lions Eye Institute Lions Foundation at Albany
October 14, 2010 During the week of October 4 - 6, 2010 the Lions Eye Institute and the Lions Foundation at Albany, N.Y., Inc., along with area Lions Clubs, will be sponsoring the visit of Keller Johnson Thompson to area schools. Keller is the great grandniece of Helen Keller and Vice President of Education at the Helen Keller Foundation in Birmingham, Alabama. Keller has developed and runs an Educational Program on the life and legacy of Helen Keller that travels to schools throughout the United States. Keller visits about 200 schools per year, and she has touched the lives of over 180,000 students in her travels. During her visits to our region since 2000 she has presented her program to approximately 7,900 area students! Keller‟s program consists of a presentation on the life of Helen Keller (about 30 minutes in length) with time at the end for questions and answers. The entire program is about an hour in length and is designed for 4th, 5th and 6th graders, although others are certainly welcome to participate. Teachers can prepare their students for Keller‟s visit beforehand by being sure that the students are familiar with who Helen Keller is. Having the students read Helen Keller‟s book “The Story of My Life”, or presenting a showing of the „Miracle Worker‟ prior to Keller‟s visit would be ideal. The Lions are proud to be sponsoring this educational opportunity. There is no charge to the schools or students who participate in the program. This program is being sponsored in recognition of World Sight Day, which this year will be recognized globally on October 14, 2010. World Sight Day was established in 1998 by Lions International with one primary goal in mind – “to educate the world about the overwhelming need to conquer blindness, and our collective ability to do so”. During her stay in New York Keller hopes to meet and speak to as many students as possible. With this in mind, the Lions are recommending that School Districts work to combine their students to one central location for Keller‟s visit. This would allow her to see a greater number of students at each location. If you should have any questions regarding Keller or the scheduling of a visit please contact John McDonald at 518-402-6988 during the day or at 518-882-6148 in the evening. John can also be reached by e-mail at: [email protected] or [email protected].
Calling All Lions!
Saturday, October 9, 2010
Fall Work Day at VISIONS VCB
(VISIONS Center on Blindness) 111 Summit Park Road
Spring Valley NY 10977
Thanks to all the Lions that supported VCB in the 2009-10 Lionistic year. We had a great summer serving 534 participants, with the help of your club’s financial contributions of scholarships and volunteer efforts.
We urge you to join this work day and help prepare the facilities for the Fall/Spring season. If you do not have an adopted building or program area at VCB, you can help with other projects or just join us for a tour of VCB.
Please RSVP now!!
Here’s an opportunity for work, camaraderie, refreshments, and fun you won’t want to miss!
We will begin at 10 a.m. with lunch served at 1 p.m. You must RSVP by October 4, 2010. Please
contact Khaled Musa, VCB Program Director/Lions Coordinator (212) 625-1616, ext. 130 or via
email to [email protected].
HELP GET VCB READY FOR the Fall season !
Khaled Musa VCB Program Director/Lions Coordinator VISIONS/Services for the Blind and Visually Impaired Phone: 212-625-1616, ext. 130 500 Greenwich St., 3rd Floor Fax: 212-219-4078 New York, NY 10013 Email: [email protected]
Family Caregiver Tele-Seminars
Participate by phone from the comfort of home
Designed to inform and support Greater Capital Region residents providing assistance and care for elder relatives, partners or friends.
Wednesday, October 20th, 12noon-1pm
“Driving & Transportation:
Resources for Family Caregivers”
Speakers: Christine Cary, Town of Colonie Senior Resources Dept
& Tianna Pettinger, Senior Services of Albany
Previous Seminar Thursday, September 23rd 7-8pm
“Understanding & Caring for Persons with
Vision Loss –What YOU can do! ”
Speakers: Cheryl Lawyer & Ann Gallagher-Sagaas, Northeastern Association of the Blind at Albany, www.naba-vision.org
Advance Registration Required: Call 465-1903 or e-mail: [email protected]
Senior Services of Albany’s Caregiver Connection
www.seniorservicesofalbany.com
Our 85th Charter Anniversary/Holiday Party is scheduled for Wednesday, December 1st at the Hilton Garden Inn, Hoosick Street, Troy, NY, at 6 pm, Cocktails, 7 pm Dinner.
Volunteer Night for the Regional Food Bank is Tuesday, October 12th from 6 to 8 pm.
Lion Ruth apprised the Board that she has received a $1,000 Grant through the Legislative Initiative Allocation. Assemblyman Ron Canestrari, sponsored the Lions Club for this Grant. It was from the 2008-2009 State budget. We received a letter from Lions Clubs International Foundation acknowledging receipt of our $100 Fellowship Donation.
We received a letter from The International Association of Lions Clubs (New Jersey Lions Eyeglass Recycling Center, West Trenton, NJ) thanking us for the eyeglasses that Lion Tom recently mailed and indicated that she is willing to send a letter to each of our collection sites to thank them for collecting said glasses.
Donations included a $100 donation for the O’Brien family (Fire Victims in North Troy); a $100 donation for the Sight Society of Northeastern New York, Inc.; and $250 ($200 for clothes and $50 for a Price Chopper Certificate) donation for a Family Holiday Program.
PDG Dave Harris inducted new members Alex Gillies (sponsor: Jerry Gordon), Diane Gillies (sponsor: Alex Gillies) and Kathy Dorn (sponsor: Diane Hart). From left to right in the photo: Alex, Diane and Kathy.
The club will prepare a “Questionnaire” regarding maintaining and growing our membership base, et al. Additionally, they will review a new application for membership.
Galway Lions Club Gives Back The Galway Lions Club recently completed most of the additions and renovations to our building, located at 2167 East Street, Galway, NY. The Galway Food Pantry now operates out of the largest area of the building, and additional space is dedicated to a garage for the storage of fundraising equipment used by the Galway Lions and Lioness Clubs, and a parking place for the Lions trailer.
Here‟s what the building and the ball park looks like today.
Incidentally, the Lions trailer is used every month to transport food items from the regional food bank in Albany to the Galway Food Pantry. Also, a community room is located in another part of the building that is now the meeting place for the Galway Lioness and Leo Clubs. This area has seating for approximately forty people, complete with kitchen and handicap accessible bathroom.
The community room is also used to host board meetings of the Galway Food Pantry, Galway Lions Club, Galway Lioness Club, and Galway Leo Club. The community room is also available for other community organizations and individuals upon request. The Galway Lions Club has spent approximately $50,000.00 for the project, and has also dedicated approximately $30,000.00 for renovations and repair to two baseball fields in the Galway Lions Park, located on the same property as the Lions Club building.
October 23, 2010
Galway Lioness 25th Anniversary
@ Perthshire Banquet Facility 112 Perthshire Drive, Amsterdam, 12010
Cocktails – 6:00 PM; Dinner – 6:30 PM
For reservation flyer, contact Lioness Donna 882-1347 or Lioness Carolyn
Don‟t just throw away your MD-20 Magazine. After you are done reading it, take it to a local public place for others to enjoy and learn about Lions. Somewhere like a doctor‟s office or a nursing home or a library or anywhere else appropriate.
Be creative in spreading the word about Lions!
SAVE THE DATE!
Donations this month included $50 toward a Knight of the Blind for Dr. Tom Little, $50 for movies at the library, $100 for the Annual Backpack Project, $100 to missionary Cassie Dodge, and $500 for the Veterans‟ Clock.
The Granville Lions Club mourns the loss of a fine Lion and a wonderful friend. Lion Robert
“Bob” Lennox passed away suddenly on September 27th, leaving a legacy of good works. He was only 63. Our hearts and prayers go out to his loving wife Margaret and family.
Bob lived the life of a Lion and served in many ways. At the club level, he held many positions over the years including President. He was a natural as the current Interclub Committee Chairman and sought to reach out to others. Bob, a past Zone Chairman, was also well known at the district level, especially due to his avid interest in Lions pins. He was a regular fixture at the MD20 State Conventions. Bob was always ready to jump in and he knew how to make it fun.
Bob is shown with Margaret at our club‟s 50th Anniversary last April. He and PDG Dave Harris designed and procured the commemorative pin.
John Freed treated us to a very interesting talk about the Veterans’
Memorial Clock at our September 7th Dinner Meeting. He shared the compelling story of his efforts to restore this tribute to our veterans. Joining us were the Commanders of the local VFW and the American Legion.Left: Art Brannigan(VFW), King Lion Stephen Lynch, Ed Burkhart (A-L), John Freed, his dad Lion Dick Freed and Lion Rick Roberts.
The Granville Lioness Club held their annual evaluation of all things old and unusual on September 15th. The event featured professional appraiser James Marquis along with a professional jewelry appraiser. Together they assessed a wide variety of personal treasures. It was a very entertaining evening.
Lions Club International Mission Statement To empower volunteers to serve their communities, meet humanitarian needs,
encourage peace and promote international understanding through Lions clubs
Lion Leo Pauquette received his 50 Year Monarch Chevron Award at our first Dinner Meeting of the new Lions year.
The Village of Granville honored its veterans with a huge celebration on September 18th with a parade, rededication ceremony and reception for the Veterans’ Memorial Clock. The Lions were invited to participate. There are at least six Lions in the picture below. How many can you identify?
18th Annual Town Wide Garage Sale September 11th & 12th: This was one of our biggest fundraisers for the year. We worked in conjunction with the Greenfield Community and Business Association. We ran all the food concession, including Fries, at the Hairport. We had a trailer at Bucky‟s end as well, but will be making a donation to the Corinth Snowshoe Club from those profits; as a fundraiser for them. Their members helped us at that end. Lion Verna was the Team Leader and we needed all teams and team members to work this two day event. Cut-A-Thon during the Town Wide Garage Sale: We also had Wigs for Kids/Locks of Love hair cuts as a benefit for a local woman struggling with cancer for the 2nd time. Lion Becky Chandler and Lion Verna‟s two girls Courtney and Alyssa donated their hair along with several other Lions members and their kids. More Circle K Regulator Cowboy Shoot Event Cooking: 8am to 2pm at 706 Geyser Road, Ballston Spa, NY September 17th, 18th and 19th, October 17th and November 7th Heluva Rukus September 17th, 18th and 19th: This was a three day event chaired by PDG Joe Jarvis. We served Lunch and Dinner on Friday, then Breakfast and Lunch on both Saturday and Sunday. There were over 270 shooters signed up for the event.
We are always appreciative of items for The Lions Roar, the Official Newsletter of the Lions Clubs of District 20-Y2. Ensure that your President and Secretary are aware of the process for submittals so your club can be included. Please submit your information to [email protected] in common formats such as e-mails, Word, Excel and Adobe Acrobat. Photos should be in a normal size. We can shrink them as necessary. Any submission is subject to changes as determined in the sole discretion of the Editor.
Be certain to send your submission by the deadline, which is the 28th of each month.
Lion Jerry Gordon has posted most of the 2010-11 district directory on the web site, including the DG‟s visitation schedule and district chairs. Current Club info is there for those clubs that responded with their 2010-11 info. Make sure he has your latest info.
Town of Greenfield Lions
25th
Charter Anniversary
You are cordially invited to join the
Town of Greenfield Lions Club
in a
25th
Charter Anniversary celebration on October 9
th, 2010
at the Brookhaven Golf Club,
333 Alpine Meadows Road,
Porter Corners, NY
6pm Cocktails and hors d’oeuvres
7pm Buffet Dinner and Program
Cost for dinner is $25 per person. Please RSVP by September 25
th
Come celebrate with us!!
We hope to see you there!!
Town of Greenfield Lions Club
25th
Charter Anniversary Dinner
Reservations
October 9th 2010
Name________________________
Address______________________
____________________________
Phone_______________________
Email _______________________
# Attending ____ x $25 = $______
RSVP By September 25th 2010
Mail RSVP and payment to: Greenfield
Lions Club, PO Box 188, Greenfield
Center, NY 12833
Hadley-Luzerne Lions Club members parked cars for the Painted Pony Rodeo, and sold pull tab tickets inside the Rodeo. The Painted Pony Rodeo is the oldest weekly Rodeo in the United States. Club members start in June parking a special event for the Americade, the regular season begins the first week in July and ends Labor Day weekend. This year the club raised over $12,000.
Members parking cars and selling Pull Tabs included (Above) Michele Mayhew, Bill DeLong, Don Sebald, & Peggy Guarino, (Left) Bea Evans and (Below) Mike Miller, son Mike Jr. and Bill DeLong.
The Club held Community Appreciation Day on September 4th. The Club had a picnic at Lake Luzerne Community Park to show appreciation to the community for their support. In addition to Hot Dogs, beverages and snacks, there were a DJ, kids duck pluck, and also the 10th Annual Duck Race.
The Club has provided 9 eye exams and eyeglasses for needy individuals so far this year.
For years our local food pantry has provided free food to those in need, working out of a closet in a Thrift Shop. With the people they serve in the town of Lake Luzerne, and Day the number has grown to over 800 families each week, causing extreme stress on their ability to store enough food.
In early 2010 they sought out the Hadley-Luzerne Lions Club to help them find a larger facility. The Thrift Shop allowed the Pantry to build an 800 sq. ft. addition. A campaign by the H-L Lions club to gather support has now generated the cost of the project, $10,000. This included private donations and a fund raiser spaghetti dinner at a local restaurant. Construction began in late September with help from the H-L Lions members and the local community. We expect completion before winter.
The New Hartford Lions Club co-sponsored a benefit event, the Patriot‟s Revival, on September 12th. There are two area veteran‟s organizations that will benefit from this event.
The Fallen Stars Tribute, a traveling memorial, is an ongoing project created by two Lions, members of the Herkimer Lions Club. This traveling memorial recognizes the military personnel from New York State that have given their lives in Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom. The founding Lions accompanied the traveling exhibit to the Patriot‟s Revival, attending the Tribute. Herkimer Lion Kelly Brown spoke to the importance of this project in the lives of the Fallen Stars families.
This event also supported the Central New York Veterans Outreach Center. The founder, Vincent Scalise, shared the details of this fantastic support for our Veterans. Vinny is still active military, having served in Iraq, and he gave a wonderful presentation of his local outreach project.
The Patriot‟s revival was a family event. There was a children‟s pavilion with face painting and a craft table. To raise support for these area projects there were Silent Auctions with gift cards and baskets from local merchants, a 50/50 raffle, Bake Sale, door prizes, vendors, live music, and speakers from the Alexander Hamilton Institute.
The park is beautiful with three pavilions, one built by the Sauquoit Valley Lions Club, a large pond, and lovely rolling lawns. Participants brought their lawn chairs and enjoyed a Sunday with the family, outdoors with activities, entertainment, and education. All this was fun and learning with an opportunity to benefit veterans, active military, and their families.
The Saratoga Lions Club held their 13th Annual Saratoga Springs Lions Golf Tournament “Tee It up with a Pro” on Wednesday, September 15th, at the Ballston Spa Country Club, 1366 Amsterdam Road / Route 67, Ballston Spa, NY 12020 Proceeds will benefit the causes and affects of sight and hearing loss and diabetes. Special thanks go to Lion Tim Pehl, Golf Committee Chairman. See below for their next exciting event.
Visit The Lions Clubs of District 20-Y2
Web Site at
http://20y2lions.org
Go to the lower left corner to sign up to automatically receive
The Lions Roar,
The Official Newsletter of the Lions Clubs of District 20-Y2
by e-mail each month
by PDG Dick Ralston
Guide dogs are the guiding eyes for people who are blind or visually impaired, and they are specially bred and trained for this most important job. There are several guidelines people must follow when in the presence of a guide dog to allow for the safety of the dog and its handler. Disregarding these guidelines can distract the dog, which can create a dangerous situation for the dog and its handler.
Don't touch, talk, feed or otherwise distract the dog while he is wearing his harness. Do allow the dog to concentrate and perform for the safety of his master. Don't treat the dog as a pet. Do give him the respect of a working dog. Don't give the dog commands. Do allow the master to do so. Don't try to take control in situations unfamiliar to the dog or master. Do assist the master upon his request. Don't walk on the dog's left side as he may become distracted or confused. Do walk on the owner's right side but several paces behind him. Don't attempt to grab or steer the person while the dog is guiding him or attempt to hold the dog's harness. Do ask if the owner needs your assistance and, if so, offer your left arm. Don't be over-protective or overbearing when the graduate first arrives home with the new dog. Do be thoughtful, patient, and try to inspire confidence in the master. In time, you will admire the expertise of the team. Don't expect too much too soon. Do remember that the dog is young and that complete harmony and confidence take patience, perseverance and time. Don't give the dog table scraps. Do respect the master's need to give the dog a balanced diet and to maintain its good habits. Don't allow children to tease or abuse the dog. Do allow it to rest undisturbed. Don't allow your pets to challenge or intimidate a guide dog. Do allow them to meet on neutral ground when all parties can be carefully supervised. Don't allow the dog on your furniture or in areas of the home mutually agreed upon by the family and master. Do ask the master to correct any errant behavior or trespassing. Don't let the dog out of the house unsupervised. Do understand its value to the master. Don't pat the dog on the head. Do stroke the dog on the shoulder area but only with its owner's approval.
In November, I will be highlighting the various service dog schools.
The 2010-2011 LCIF program is for the LCIF chairman to visit clubs in the district and give presentations on our international foundation. I will be contacting clubs to set dates, if possible, to visit and present the LCIF program. PDG Richard G. Nason LCIF Chairman
Service Commitment Pledge Campaign
Declare your commitment to Lions ideal of service and invite fellow Lions to do the same! Join President Scruggs in pledging to "support and participate in your Lions
club's service activities and to make a difference in someone's life this year." Add your name to the growing list of members who know that their personal efforts can bring light
where there is darkness and despair, and that by working together, Lions can have a huge impact on the entire world.
Sign the Pledge now!
Start your own Lions e-Clubhouse!
Go to http://20y2lions.org/ClubWebSites.htm
for a free and easy way to create, maintain or improve a web site for your club.
ACTIVITIES FOR THE FISCAL YEAR 2009-2010
INCOME: Contributions from 13 clubs $4,015.00
EXPENSES: Assistance to clubs for hearing aids & misc. $2,220.00
Maintenance on loan out centers (annually) $800.00
(LHAP) LIONS Hearing Awareness Program $781.00
30 million Americans have a hearing loss; 80% of those affected have hearing damage that is irreversible and permanent. 17 million are affected by sensorineural hearing damage resulting from heredity, birth, trauma, disease, equipment, power tools, guns, sporting events, crowd noise, stereo headsets and etc. 7 million of these cannot afford medical treatment or hearing aids.
The LHCS goal is to inform the public on why/how/when to protect their hearing and to assist those in need of hearing aids or assistive devices.
In 2009 LHCS, with the help of volunteers, went to three fairs covering a total of seven super tractor pull events and handed out hearing awareness brochures along with a pair of ear plugs. Volunteers also went to the Albany-Saratoga race track twice. During all these events, a total of 5000 brochures and 6000 pair of disposable ear plugs were handed out.
LHCS is greatly concerned about the infants and toddlers attending events where they are exposed to loud sounds, e.g. tractor pulls, race tracks. Their ears are too small for standard ear plugs and appropriate ear muffs are too expensive for the Hearing Society to purchase and give away; although we would love to be able to do that. The Hearing Society is now exploring options to loan children‟s earmuffs without volunteers having to stay at events until they are over or to simply sell them. BUT first we need the sufficient funds to buy the appropriate children‟s ear protection to implement this program.
With Event Organizers permission and sufficient volunteers, we plan to cover more fairs and more race track events this year.
Also, the existing eight Lions Loan-Out Centers located within District 20-Y2 need to be upgraded. There are many new hearing assistive devices that the loan-out centers should have available for deaf and hard of hearing people to borrow and experiment with to see which devices would improve their hearing ability.
We are asking all clubs in district 20-Y2, if you do not have the Lions Hearing Conservation Society in your budget to please consider doing so. Whatever your club can afford will be greatly appreciated by those who benefit.
PDG Surnoff Judy,
LHCS President
The 34th Annual USA / Canada Lions Leadership Forum was held on September 23rd through 25th in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
The Lions Quest seminar was held on Thursday, September 23rd, immediately prior to the opening of the Forum. Lions Quest, a positive youth development program of Lions Clubs International Foundation, is used in nearly 60 countries around the world. It is designed to increase academic achievement, decrease problem behavior and increase pro-social behavior.
For more information, please contact Nancy Lothrop at 914.243.2211 or via email at [email protected].
On September 12th, Guiding Eyes for the Blind presented The Refined Palate of the Blind Sommelier, Led by Amy Dixon, a Guiding Eyes Graduate and Certified Sommelier, at the Guiding Eyes for the Blind Headquarters and Training Center at 611 Granite Springs Road, Yorktown Heights, NY 10598. The event included Puppy Training Demonstrations, a Kennel Tour, and a Wine tasting led by Amy Dixon and Guiding Eyes dog Elvis. Each participant received a Take-home guide of Amy‟s wine tasting tips and descriptions of wine selections.
Internationally accredited guide dog school providing greater independence, dignity, and new horizons of opportunity
For more information, visit their website at
https://usacanadalionsforum.org/
USA/Canada Lions Leadership Forum is on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube
USA/Canada Lions Leadership Forum P.O. Box 697
Belle Fourche, SD 57717-0697 E-mail: [email protected]
The NYS Bermuda Lions Foundation is making an effort to increase awareness of our mission as well as providing a copy of the grant application to Lions Clubs within NYS. We are hopeful that this will provide a more expedient way for Lions to contact the Foundation regarding a project that can benefit the communities that our Lions Clubs serve. It has been brought to out attention that many Lions are not aware of the NYS Bermuda Lion Trustees that serve their district. Each district within NYS has three elected trustees that are available to assist with providing information and help with filling out the NYS Bermuda Lion Grant Application. Attached is an x-file of NYS Bermuda Lions Trustee's listed by District. If there is a need to be contacted by a trustee please use the information below and you will be contacted. Please distribute this information in your District Newsletters and in any other way that you feel is appropriate. If there are any questions or concerns please contact Foundation President Peter Neidrauer at (585)-293-1105 or Foundation Public Relations Chair Patrick Mitchell at (631)-363-6412. Thanks for your help, PDG Patrick Mitchell NYS & Bermuda Lions Foundation Public Relations Chair Editor‟s note: Contact your district‟s Trustees for more information. The three elected Trustees for District 20-Y2 are: PDG David Ramsey Elected for 2008-2011 518-922-5802 Lion Mary Claire Noakes Elected for 2009-2012 518-696-3090 PDG Joan Scott Elected for 2010-2013 518-696-2904
Two “Low Vision Technology Fairs” were sponsored by the Northeastern Association of the Blind at Albany (NABA) on September 15 at the Kingston Holiday Inn, Kingston and on September 16 at the Beltrone Living Center, Six Winners Circle, Colonie.
The purpose of a “Low Vision Technology Fair” is to showcase the latest in low vision technologies designed to assist the visually impaired with reading and daily activities such as computer use, working, shopping and more. Low vision technology companies demonstrated state-of-the-art products that help with low vision, as well as healthcare experts to present the latest in eye health research. Persons with vision difficulty as well as family members, caregivers, educators and healthcare professionals were encouraged to attend. The fair was free to the public and light refreshments were available.
Low Vision Technology Aids & Vision Rehabilitation Therapy “Low Vision” is defined as a visual impairment that cannot be corrected by standard eyeglasses, contact lenses, medication, or surgery; that interferes with the ability to perform everyday activities. Many Americans with low vision have difficulty reading mail, shopping, cooking, watching TV and even reading this article. Challenges associated with vision loss can seem overwhelming at times.
Vision rehabilitation combines training, counseling and adaptive devices, teaching skills that can give people with low vision the confidence to function as independently as possible by optimizing their remaining sight. Low vision technology and aids along with vision rehabilitation services help people adapt to their environments and learn new ways of doing things to improve their safety, independence and confidence. Most importantly, these technologies can help people with low vision maintain their everyday activities and to continue to enjoy life.
For over 100 years the Northeastern Association of the Blind at Albany (NABA), a non-profit organization, has been providing services and resources to the blind and visually impaired. Located at NABA‟s facility at 301 Washington Avenue in Albany, New York, the Dr. Harry M. Judge Vision Rehabilitation Center provides examinations by a low vision specialist for prescribing low vision aids, vision rehabilitation services, orientation and mobility training and counseling. Services are at no charge to the legally blind.
For more information, contact Cheryl Lawyer, NABA Coordinator of Outreach Services, at (518) 463-1211 X234, [email protected], www.naba-vision.org
Guiding Eyes for the Blind Puppy Raising Program of Yorktown Heights, New York, is looking for regional volunteers to help raise puppies to prepare them for guide dog school. The Northern New York Puppy Raising Team, representing Saratoga, Warren and Washington counties and surrounding areas, meets twice a month at Christ Church United Methodist in Glens Falls, New York, and is in need of Puppy Raisers, Puppy Sitters and volunteers. Upcoming classes are open to the public. A Puppy Raising Team is shown to the right.
Volunteers Needed to Raise Pups to be Guide Dogs
Raising a puppy for Guiding Eyes for the Blind is a real gift of love. A puppy is not born a guide dog, but created through the dedication and commitment of an entire team of individuals. The Puppy Raiser is the pivotal member of that team. Puppy Raisers volunteer to take into their homes a Guiding Eyes for the Blind puppy to provide them with training to help them learn commands and to provide socializing to all kinds of experiences in preparation for becoming a guide dog.
Puppy Raisers typically keep the puppy in their homes from 16 to 20 months before returning them to Guiding Eyes for the Blind for further guide dog training, a six- to eight-month program. It is important that puppies learn to be well-socialized to all kinds of experiences--people, other dogs, schools, public transportation, restaurants, public venues--anywhere a guide dog might encounter. Guiding Eyes puppy
After attending guide dog school, puppies are evaluated for temperament and personality to be matched with a blind person's lifestyle. Guide dogs are provided to the blind at no charge. Puppy Sitters are an important part of the Puppy Raising Team, providing a safe and well-trained temporary home while Puppy Raisers go on vacation or simply to provide a new home experience for the puppy.
Volunteer Region Coordinator Cheryl Lawyer of South Glens Falls coordinates and supports the training of a team of eight puppies. Puppy Raisers and Puppy Sitters on the team live in Saratoga, Queensbury, Wilton, and Wells, New York. There is also a Capital Region Team representing Albany County and surrounding areas. After raising a puppy in 2004 for Guiding Eyes for the Blind, Ms. Lawyer's dog King now serves as an "Ambassador" for the Puppy Raising Program, attending health fairs and special events to educate the public about the program and to teach how to interact with someone with a guide or service dog. A Guiding Eyes dog Family
Ms. Lawyer is also employed as the Outreach Coordinator for the Northeastern Association of the Blind at Albany (NABA), providing services to the blind and visually impaired. "This summer, one of our team's puppies will be returning to Guiding Eyes for the Blind for guide dog training. Three pups have graduated with their new owners since the fall of 2009 and three pups are currently in guide dog school. Pups will also be graduating this summer for their alternate careers as a bomb sniffer for the Federal Government and as a service dog for an autistic child. We are proud and excited about these accomplishments. They are great dogs and great volunteers and we look forward to their graduations from training school later this year." states Ms. Lawyer. The network of Puppy Raisers, Puppy Sitters and volunteers includes a broad spectrum of caring individuals from various walks of life, including couples, families with children, young adults and senior citizens. Some already have pets of their own. Puppy Raisers live in urban, suburban, and rural areas--and in apartments, town-homes, and single family homes. Sixty percent of Puppy Raisers are repeat raisers--meaning they have raised more than one Guiding Eyes for the Blind puppy. Guiding Eyes is extremely proud that so many raisers enjoy the program enough to renew their commitment to raise another puppy. A few have raised as many as 35 puppies! For more information about the Guiding Eyes for the Blind Puppy Raising Program, contact Cheryl Lawyer at [email protected] or visit www.volunteer.guidingeyes.org.
Where Lions meet, be present Lord – to weld our hearts in one accord.
To do thy will Lord, make us strong - to aid the weak and right the wrong.
"It is an extraordinarily rewarding experience to raise a puppy, watch them go through guide dog school and ultimately provide a blind person with a new level of independence," states Ms. Lawyer. "Guiding Eyes for the Blind Puppy Raising Volunteers are a special group of people who give a lot of time, love and commitment to a puppy preparing them for their special work. The relationship and bond between the Raiser and pup will become the foundation for all the life lessons a guide dog needs to master."
Ms. Lawyer agrees that giving the puppy back to go to guide dog school is an emotional experience, but all volunteers know that this will eventually happen. She says it's like saying farewell to a child who is going off to college. "It's difficult to let them go, but you know that they are moving on to grow and do a special job." "Ambassador" King with little girl
