District 5M6

October 2017 District Governor Curt Stockford www.lions5m-6.org

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

Woodridge .............................. 2

Words from 1st VDG ............... 3

Club Anniversaries .................. 3

Memorials ............................... 3

Club Activities ......................... 3

DG’s Message .......................... 4

Membership Growth ............... 4

MN Lions Vision Fdn .............. 5

Welcome!!…………………….…….5

Youth Camps & Exchange ....... 6

President’s Message ................ 6

Evening of Remembrance ....... 7

Service Recognitions .............. 7

Lions Clubs International ....... 8

Shoreview/Arden Hills ............ 8

Upcoming Events Calendar .... 9

Important Links ...................... 10

Lions Display ........................... 10

District 5M6............................. 10

Newsletter Deadline ................ 10

Thoughts.Words.Deeds. It is sometimes difficult to move from one of these realms to the next, as unique barriers that we are all socially groomed to accept, yet present themselves along the way in everyday life. This is the story of such — and the ultimate end … or beginning, depending on your perspective.

It begins with a “vision”; not your traditional kind described as ghosts appearing from the past like a Christmas Carol — but the kind that occurs in the mind. A “What if…” or “Wouldn’t it be great if…” or “How come I or we can’t do…?” All of these are thoughts; complex questions in search of an answer or specific outcome.

The next step involves words.

Forming them in one’s own head and then conveying them; to close friends, trusted confidants, persons of similar interests and mindset, and — when courage and confidence is building — to others, and strangers. The challenge here is one once written about by [George] Bernard Shaw with, “The single biggest problem in communication is the illusion that it has taken place.”

Then come the deeds.

Like a forceful hurricane of events — each present two paths; stop or move beyond the challenge and forces that would hinder progress. It means endless meetings to share words, written and vocalized; in front of small groups and larger audiences. Before friends and strangers. All while more thoughts and words are countered, such as:

“So this is a playground for the disabled?” “No, not really…,”

“Let’s just call it an ‘Inclusive Playground’ then, right?” “Sort of…,”

...Continued on next page

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...Continued from page 1

“Then what is it?” “It is a place for EVERYONE — regardless of social, physical, or mental status or capacity — to explore and enjoy their differences and similarities and create a world where everyone is an equal and valued participant. It is a PLAYGROUND.”

“Do you know how much this ‘Playground’ will cost?!”

The deeds are seemingly endless.

Appearances continue; solicitations for support in mind, spirit, and body. Calls for assistance in writing grant requests, alongside calls for social and financial support. Echo chambers forming, as more and more begin to see and feel the excitement of thoughts and words taking shape. While many could find reason to tire, others selflessly, tirelessly, and unremittingly move forward. Thousands of committed hours, taxing on the minds and bodies of those coming to assist, and even other activities that could delay thoughts and words from years now long passed from becoming a reality in deed.

Reality Settles In?

On September 26, 2017, under a clearing canopy of clouds a large group gathered in Cottage Grove, Minnesota. To welcome a community to the transition of thoughts and words into deeds with an end result. A gorgeously sprawling expanse — some 21,000 square feet — where neighbors and visitors could gather in a recreational area free from obstructions of a bygone era. A Place to Play — For One and All.

When this story began, it was the thoughts and words of possibility, and the transformation of these into deeds. Lions from across the 5M-6 district, coming together alongside and as equals with members of their community and elected officials. In the face of obstacles to overcome, and “traditional” barriers of what was ‘the norm’ — a PRIDE IS BORN. One formed and forged in the association of thoughts and words and deeds.

Epilogue: “Play is the exultation of the possible.”

While many would see this story as a Swan Song; a prize and a symbol of success, we Lions understand that this is a heritage of “…what we do because we are Lions.” The traditions that began over century ago, when Lions Clubs International began with the simple premise of “We Serve”, are but a mere inspirational endowment.

A gift for generations to enjoy — to aspire towards — and to exceed beyond our wildest expectations. Of Thoughts. Of Words. And of Deeds.

— Respectfully Submitted By: An Anonymous Lion

FOOTNOTE: Thousands of Lion volunteer-hours along with donations from District 5M-6 Lions Clubs and a grant from the Lions Club International Foundation exceeded $131,000.00 and helped make the Woodridge Park Inclusive Playground possible.

“Volunteers are paid in six figures...S.M.I.L.E.S.”

~Gayla LeMaire

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CLUB ANNIVERSARIES

67 yrs - New Brighton

53 yrs - Mounds View

48 yrs - Eagan

37 yrs. - Vadnais Heights

• Lion Paul Vorwerk,

Rosemount

A WORD FROM OUR 1ST VICE DISTRICT GOVERNOR

Memorials

Kindness Matters.

At home and

around the world.

This was shown on a

large panel as we

entered the display

hall at the Chicago

LCI Convention. It

was a well-placed statement for all 30K

plus Lions from around the world to

ponder. I remember as small kids we were

told to be kind to everyone. So it all starts

at home when our worlds are much

smaller. Now as adults our world is so

much larger and closer through the media

that it’s easy to see an even greater need

for kindness. This can take on many forms

of actions in our daily lives. Most acutely

at this time I see a need for kindness for

the victims of the hurricanes, earthquakes,

forest fires and other types’ of disasters

that are happening throughout the world.

So here I am miles away seeing a small

portion of the pain others are experiencing

- what can I do? This is where LCIF comes

in. I know that LCIF is able to make a

greater impact than I can individually.

With the donations they receive from

clubs and individuals we are making a

difference for those in need. It warms my

heart to receive the emails

saying funds have been sent

to the many different

locations throughout the

world during a crisis. I also

know that Lions will be in

those locations for the long

haul for those in need.

Thanks Lions.

"To support the efforts of Lions clubs

and partners in serving communities

locally and globally, giving hope and

impacting lives through humanitarian

service projects and grants."

Since our founding in 1968 we have

strived to sustain Lions’ humanitarian

service goals throughout the world,

awarding over 13,000 grants totaling more

than US $1 billion, in the four key areas of

sight, youth, disaster relief and other

humanitarian efforts.

Take a moment to learn more about what

we are doing around the world.

http://www.lcif.org/EN/index.php

Where there’s a need there’s a Lion.

The Lakeville and Lakeside Lions Clubs teamed up with Cub Foods and

Dollar Tree Stores to hold a food drive on September 23rd for their local

food shelf. They collected 2,362 pounds of items!!

Club Activities

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MEMBERSHIP

GAINERS (YTD NET GROWTH,

ENDING AUGUST 31, 2017)

+21 - Shoreview/Arden Hills

+7 - Cottage Grove

+2 - Burnsville

+2 - Farmington

+2 - St. Paul Park Newport

+1 - Miesville

+1 - S. St. Paul

+1 - St. Paul North Ramsey 500

+1 - Wildwood

August 31, 2016 = 1,433

August 31, 2017 = 1,471

TOTAL MEMBERSHIP

FOR THE 38 LION

CLUBS

I imagine that you, like me, are

wondering where in the devil the First

Quarter of our Lions Year has gone. Or,

maybe you haven’t yet had time to

ponder that fact. You have wrapped up

your traditional summer projects. You

are recuperating from working ticket

sales, greeting, or parking at the State

Fair. Your club has resumed a full

meeting and program schedule. You’re

in the midst of your fall club projects

and planning for the Holiday ones to

come. Meanwhile, we’ve asked you to

make time for the Region Meetings of

September and October.

Now, we ask you to “up the ante” on

your Service Projects (and report them

through MyLCI) by adding at least one

new one to your club’s portfolio. Plus,

we’re pushing for you to engage local

childcare facilities to provide vision

screening through our KidSight

Program. And, don’t forget those

Centennial Legacy Projects! Holy

Smokes, Batman! Are you kidding

me???

Believe me when I say that ‘I feel your

pain’. This “volunteer” business can be

a little overwhelming at times. I

understand, but I also offer this

reminder from Luke 12:48. “For unto

whom much is given, of him shall be

much required: and to whom men have

committed much, of him they will ask

the more.”

We do ask a lot of ourselves as Lions.

At times it may even seem like too

much. But, imagine if you will, how it

must feel to be homeless and jobless in

Florida or Houston or Puerto Rico or

Mexico, or homeless and hungry, right

here in the Twin Cities. Imagine the

hopelessness of a parent anywhere in

the world who cannot provide the most

basic needs for their child. Imagine

watching your child die from a

preventable disease like measles, for

want of a $1.25 vaccination. The needs

are vast, and we know we cannot meet

them all. But, we also know that we can

do more.

And, so, I ask that you reflect for a

moment on the blessings in your own

life and perhaps even on your life’s

purpose. Let this reflection fuel your

commitment to do more than you

thought possible with your time and

energy. Let Lions be a platform to

pursue your life’s purpose, and may you

bask in the deep personal satisfaction

that comes from serving others.

Thank you for being a vital part

of our Lions family and for your

contributions to a better world!

Lion Curt

DISTRICT GOVERNOR’S MESSAGE

Fellow Lions, Lioness & Leos,

Last month after Hurricane Harvey devastated

Texas and other parts of the Gulf Coast I sent out

and e-mail to all the Club Secretaries in our district

asking them to be sure to send any donations for

LCIF for Hurricane Harvey through me so I could

make sure they received proper credit for them. Unbeknownst to us Hurricane Irma

was going to also take a devastating path through Florida and several other southern

states. Since these two catastrophic events have occurred I have had a steady stream

of mail from Lions Clubs and individual Lions with contributions going to the LCIF

Disaster fund.

To date I have received donations from 7 Lion / Lioness Clubs as well as donations

from 10 individual Lions for a total disaster donation of $8310.00. I hope that other

clubs and individual Lions/Lioness will strongly consider making a donation for

these recent disasters that have effected all of us in one way or another. Below is a

copy from the LCIF website with the areas that are recognized for a Melvin Jones

Fellowship.

Lions Clubs International Foundation (LCIF) will now be able to help more people than ever before. Melvin Jones Fellowship (MJF) eligibility includes donations to four areas. Donors will be able to receive MJF and PMJF credit when directing their support to:

• Area of Greatest Need: Supports all program areas and allows LCIF the flexibility to supplement initiatives where additional funding is necessary or where the need is most urgent. Funds projects that meet diverse community needs beyond sight, disaster and youth, such as the measles program, water wells and vocational training programs for the disabled.

• Disaster: Enables LCIF to direct the funds to the area’s most in need following disasters to provide for immediate, mid and long-term relief. The Foundation will be able to immediately provide funds for large-scale disaster relief, rather than collecting and distributing funds over a period of weeks or months.

• Sight: Funds seek to support hundreds of sight-related activities ranging from equipping eye clinics to providing Braille computers for the visually impaired.

• Youth: Supports the Lions Quest program and other initiatives such as educational infrastructure improvements and programs to assist at-risk youth.

Funding directed to “Area of Greatest Need” provides LCIF with the ability to financially support any program within the other four general areas. Donors are encouraged to consider this option when making a gift.

Please feel free to reach out to me if you have any questions. Lion Lynn Farley

New Members

Kirstin Czarnota

Cottage Grove

Kevin Day

Dakota Cty Tech College

Girum Kassaye

Dakota Cty Tech College

Joe Stadelman

Dakota Cty Tech College

Theresa Lendway

Vadnais Heights

Thomas Lendway

Vadnais Heights

Jason Anderson

White Bear Lake

Jonathan Melander

Wildwood

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2017 LIONS INTERNATIONAL CAMP SPICER

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Twenty-seven youth from 17 countries gathered at some new locations in 2017. Campers traveled North (Nort) to

Brainerd, Baxter and Nisswa. Seven Lions clubs and 2 LEO clubs help feed the 16-20 year old's.

Camp began in St. Cloud with the youth serving their international banquet to the new

District Governors and MD5M leaders.

Sude from Turkey and Dries from Belgium invited the Council of

Governors to the banquet.

A true camping experience was had at Camp Vanasek. Swimming, canoes and paddle boats were popular right

away. Confidence Learning Center was the new site for team building, rope course, ‘human’ foosball, tubing, and paddle boards. Pirates Cove

golf and go-carts rounded out our visit to the North Country.

Can Do Canines is always a hit.

We met with PID Debra and IPDG Steve to learn about Braille, the visually impaired, and play ‘goal ball’,

complete with blindfolds. The Eden Prairie Lions provided lunch and pontoon boat rides. Chanhassen Dinner

Theater, Feed My Starving, Carver County Court House visit, and Valley Fair completed camp.

It is not too early to ask for host

families for 2018!!

President’s Message

Dear Lion,

It's an honor to work alongside Lions like you who are changing communities and the world every day. Throughout more than 40 years as a Lion, I have witnessed how the Power of Service enables Lions to meet any need and overcome any challenge.

That's why Lions have focused our attention on diabetes—a disease that impacts over 420 million people and claims the lives of five million people every year.

As Lions, we have the power to make a difference and stop the rise of this epidemic. By making diabetes our new global service focus, we have committed to not only supporting those affected by diabetes, but to raising awareness and creating a global brand of diabetes expertise.

And it all begins with you.

Educate yourself and your club about the impact of diabetes in your community. Invite medical professionals to speak at your meetings and reach out to friends and neighbors with diabetes. With an increased understanding of the disease, you'll be ready to identify and address unmet needs in your community.

Diabetes is a global humanitarian crisis. And we can be part of the solution if each of our 1.4 million Lions commits to playing a small but important role in our new signature cause. I look forward to working with you to tackle our greatest challenge yet

Sincerely,

Dr. Naresh Aggarwal

Your International President

Celebrating Lives of Service

This year I have the honor of being the chairperson of our Evening of Remembrance Service on

Friday, Jan 5th

2018 at our 5M6 Midwinter Convention. I would request that each Club send a photo

and short bio of your deceased Lions, or Lioness from this past year. Our theme this year is

Celebrating Lives of Service. Any pictures of our deceased Lions or Lioness working on club projects

would be greatly appreciated.

I will need ALL PHOTOS and BIOS NO LATER than Dec 15th 2017!! This is the deadline if photo’s are to

be included in the Power Point presentation.

Please email photos and bios to me at: dkellylion@gmail.com

Thank you, Lion Dennis

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SERVICE

RECOGNITIONS

55 yrs - Clifford Gilbertson

North Saint Paul

55 yrs - Daniel Nicolai

Farmington

50 yrs - Herbert Bernick

Saint Paul Midway

45 yrs - Gordy Berres

Maplewood North

45 yrs - Dwain Kasel

Saint Paul Midway

45 yrs - John Luckow

Farmington

45 yrs - Dr. Paul Spilseth

Stillwater

45 yrs - Eric Steneroden

Saint Paul Midway

40 yrs - Ralph Meuwissen

Hastings

30 yrs - Lynn Farley

White Bear Lake

30 yrs - Jane Lightbourn

Hastings Rivertown

30 yrs - Vincent Jirik

Lake Elmo

25 yrs - Albert Boche Sr.

Saint Paul Park Newport

25 yrs - Kent Petrie

Saint Paul Park Newport

20 yrs - Andrew Stanczak

Burnsville

20 yrs - Michaeline Stanczak

Burnsville

20 yrs - Gary Stanoch

Roseville

15 yrs - Mary Bebel

Saint Paul Midway

15 yrs - Anita Johnson

Burnsville

15 yrs - Joseph Kielbasa

Woodbury

15 yrs - John Mead

Woodbury

10 yrs - Leslie Brzezinski

Vadnais Heights

10 yrs - Robert Hervig

Scandia Marine

10 yrs - Laurie Marquardt

Cottage Grove

10 yrs - Gregory Niederkorn

South Saint Paul

10 yrs - Carrol Westenberg

Farmington 7

40th

Annual Mid-Winter Convention

Evening of Remembrance

Friday, January 5, 2018

Minneapolis Airport Marriott Hotel

LCIF Awards Major Catastrophe Grant to Lions in Puerto Rico Dear Lions,

It is hard to recall a time recently when so many major natural disasters occurred in such a short period of time. Over the past several weeks, natural disasters have struck in several places, with particularly devastating results – flooding in India and Japan, hurricanes in the United States and Caribbean islands, and not one but two earthquakes in Mexico. Most recently, Lions Clubs International Foundation (LCIF) awarded a US$100,000 grant to support relief and reconstruction in Puerto Rico in the wake of another destructive hurricane. Your Foundation has responded with emergency and major catastrophe grants to allow Lions on scene to provide much-needed supplies.

In all cases, LCIF coordinates funding for emergency and major catastrophe grants with local Lions. Lions in the disaster area then work with local government officials and other agencies to ensure the right supplies are getting to areas most in need, without duplication of effort.

Since its founding in 1968, LCIF has awarded more than

13,000 grants totaling over US$1 billion. LCIF will continue to work every day to support humanitarian service projects all over the world and give hope to those who need it. In 2015-2016, LCIF awarded over US$9 million in disaster grants, which helped more than 500,000 people around the world.

LCIF relies on donations from compassionate Lions. These donations provide the vast majority of the revenue received by LCIF, making the Foundation a leading humanitarian organization. Lions know their donations matter and that funds entrusted to LCIF will support initiatives that impact communities and change lives.

Your donation – whatever the amount – allows the Foundation to respond when called upon, and has a direct impact on the lives of millions of people.

Along with your donation, I know you join me in keeping the victims of these most recent natural disasters in your thoughts and prayers.

Together we are making a difference.

Sincerely,

Chancellor Bob Corlew Chairman, Lions Clubs International

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Lions Club International, the world’s largest service organization, cordially invites you to

the charter celebration for the newest club of Multiple District 5M6

Shoreview/Arden Hills Lions Club October 15, 2017, 5:00 p.m.

Shoreview Community Center 4580 Victoria St. N.

Shoreview, MN 55126

Italian Buffet catered by Donatelli’s

5:00 Social Hour/Cash Bar

6:00 Dinner

6:45 Program

Special Keynote Speaker: Tickets: $25/person, payable at the door Past International Director Brian Sheehan Business Casual Attire

UPCOMING EVENTS

(Click on the “colored” event link for event details)

October 3 - Region Meeting for Medium clubs with 21-50 members at

Concord Lanes (details have been shared with club secretaries and through Facebook)

October 4 - Can Do Canines, Drink for a Cause at Northgate Brewing

October 5 - Region Meeting for Large clubs with 51+ members at Apple

Valley American Legion (details have been shared with club secretaries and through Facebook)

October 8 - North Suburban Evening, Waffle Breakfast at Roseville Skating

Center

October 8 - Stillwater, Fall Cruise on the St. Croix at Stillwater

Riverboat Docks

October 8 - Vadnais Heights, Fall Waffle Breakfast at Vadnais Heights

Commons

October 14 - Wildwood, PunkinMania 2017 at Triangle Park, Mahtomedi

October 15 - N. St. Paul, Semi-Annual Pancake Breakfast at American

Legion Post 39

October 15 - Shoreview/Arden Hills, Charter Celebration at Shoreview

Community Center

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Maplewood North Lions

Is selling Metro Dining Club cards for $25

per box. Each box of 166 cards gives you 1,992

discounts for a total of $10,000 in savings! Cards are valid

once per month. Areas available are: South of the River,

St. Paul/Western WI, and North/Northeast. Please

contact Lion Kathy Dean at 651-238-6152 or email

kathydean@lions5m-6.org to place your order today!!

For more information or to view participating restaurant menu

guides please visit www.metrodiningclub.com

DISTRICT 5M6

Lions Clubs International

extends our mission of service

every day – in local communities,

in all corners of the globe. The

needs are great and our services

broad, including sight, health,

youth, elderly, the environment

and disaster relief.

11,ooo Individuals served by 5M-6 Lions Activities

700+ Lions Hours

Almost 1500 Members Serving In Our District

Over 1.4 Million Lions Members

Worldwide

IMPORTANT LINKS

NEW District 5M6 Website: https://www.lions5m-6.org

District 5M6 Youth Exchange

Lions MD5M Hearing Foundation

Lions Multiple Md5M

Lions International

Minnesota Lion Diabetes Foundation

Minnesota Lions Vision Foundation

Can Do Canines

Camp True Friends

Leader Dogs for the Blind

Project New Hope

Special Olympics Minnesota

Newsletter Deadline: 20th of each month…

Submit your club events,

club awards, and

Lions program articles to:

or

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The District 5M-6 Display is available to

all clubs. Plan to set it up at your next club

event to help advertise what Lions do.

Contact Lion Eileen to reserve it and

arrange pick up.

emschirer@comcast.net