District Governor’s Message August 2012

Greetings to all Lions and Partners

We have just arrived back from Korea where I was installed as your District Governor for 2012-2013. Our first day in Korea was taken up with receiving gifts from and a photo session with, Incoming President Wayne Madden and his Partner Lynda from Indiana.

The next four days I attended training from 9:30am to 4:30pm. Training was very intense and was conducted by PID Haynes H. Townsend. His presentation was conducted to a group of DGE’s. They consisted of three Australians and 25 Americans. The three Australian were all from Victoria, V2, V3, V5 .and in no time we were a cohesive team.

We were pleased and surprised to receive the beautiful flowers and the cards from both District and from our Lions Club of Werribee.

It was very pleasing to see a number of members from our V2 District at the Convention; 1st VDG Stewart Pyers and Carol, Lion Ken Johnson from Altona, PCC Bruce Hudgson of Werribee, and Lion David Gamble and Partner Sylvia from Timboon.

Both Carol and I were thrilled to see the Lions Club of Altona being nominated for two International Awards namely; “Best Hunger Relief Program” and “Best Long-Term Environment Project”. They were in the last three nominations of each of the projects. It was great honor to see Lion Ken Johnson to be called on to stage by the now Past International President Dr. Tam to receive the two awards. Well done Altona Lions!

Talking about the “Environment Project”, you will remember that PIP Dr. Tam challenged us all to plant 1 million trees. Well, the final total as of the second last day of the Convention was: 13,211,348 trees.

What a fantastic effort by all Lions around the world! Saturday was the International Parade and Australia was number three in the Parade. We were preceded by the Chinese and North Carolina. We had an half hour delay at the start, mainly due to a large group of 2300 Chinese The Parade did not finish until 5:00pm, and was the largest parade ever seen in the history of Lions.

Total registration for the convention reached 55,000 plus for the five days of the Convention in Busan, Korea.

On our last day of the Convention, Wayne Madden was sworn in as our new International President.

His theme for 2012-2013 is: “In a World of Service”

A number of projects are attached to his theme: “Reading Action Program” — “Eradication of Measles” this is a joint project with the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, “Continue to Plant more Trees” and “Continue Support for the Blind and Visual impaired”

Now that we are home it time to prepare for our Club Visitations, and both Carol and I are very much looking forward to this.

By the time that you receive the newsletter we would have been to 10 Clubs as well as the District Change-Over in Ararat.

More on this in the next newsletter as well as more on the International Project that we could be doing in our V2 District. Don’t forget to register for the District Convention in Altona on 9/10/11 November, 2012.

Lou Scholten, District Governor

We Serve

Lion Lou becomes District Governor Lou.

Carol’s Chatter

Hi, well we’re back! It was a very exciting time for us. DG Lou was very busy all day, but after putting on our uniform and going to the venue, we (the Partners) would be dismissed most days after about an hour, and we would be on our own, shopping and swimming. But the best thing about this was it gave us some free time to get to know one another. And that was such a pleasure! I think there is a saying that goes something about like minded people. They were all delightful. It was sad that one of the Partners couldn’t come because of illness, but we had the pleasure of meeting her daughter, a very lovely young lady

Lions International District 201V2 Newsletter – August 2012 Page 2

At the “Down Under Breakfast” hosted by - wait for it! - the New Zealand Lions, DG Lou and I met a couple from Timboon. Lion David Gamble and his Partner Sylvia, so now I look forward to going to Timboon to see them again.

The highlight for me was the International Parade. What a thrill, not much compares to wearing your country’s uniform, and marching in another country waving your flag. It was a very proud day, but a hot one - the uniform is not meant for the tropics.

As DG Lou said, by the time you read this we will have had the District Changeover in Ararat, and visited 10 Clubs. Again, thanks for the opportunity. I know it will be a great year.

Lions Lady Carol Scholten

Lion Mints

I would encourage all Clubs to support the selling of Lion Mints. Not only are they a good fundraiser but they also promote Lions in the local community. Remember to keep the outlets well stocked and in good condition.

To assist Clubs to sell Lions Fudge, cartons can be ordered one at a time. The carton cost is $93.00 including freight. Each carton has six displays with 300 sealed pieces of fudge. At a selling price of $0.60 per piece clubs can still make close to 100% profit. I would ask all Clubs to consider ordering this excellent product.

PDG Allan Reeve Lion Mints Chairman

Retention

Following on from what I wrote in the July District Newsletter, I would like to begin to unpack some of the information to be found in “Member Retention a case of Routine Maintenance NOT Rocket Science” developed by PDG Bill Duncanson. In the paper he refers to the TEN COMMANDMENTS for a good retention program and over the coming year, in this Newsletter, I will address aspects of these Commandments.

Commandment 1 – Punctuality and Control: This has proven to be a most powerful tool in keeping interest in meetings, and high percentage attendances. Start meetings on time and finish on time. Establish an acceptable time to finish and only seek an extension if at least two-thirds majority approve. Seek other options rather than drag the meeting too late. Remember, many members may have to rise early for work. This applies to both Business Meetings and Dinner Meetings. Adhere to a prepared agenda as this will keep the meeting running smoothly and if you have a Guest Speaker they will not feel rushed. Well run meetings are a key point in encouraging prospective members to return, in impressing Guest Speakers who may be prospective sponsors, or future members. Don’t embarrass members by being especially careful to understand people’s limitations, protect these members from embarrassment. Strive to share out duties, but don’t ask members to do tasks that make them uncomfortable. Allocate smaller tasks to build their confidence. Take it slowly with shy and quiet members – we want them out of their shell, eventually – not out of the Club. Make sure to warmly welcome all visitors, and before closing the meeting thank them for attending.

Phillip Johnson 2nd Vice District Governor – Retention

Lion Christmas Cakes

By now all Clubs should have received the Christmas Cake Manual and Order Forms. These were sent out early July.

The retail price this year is 1kg Cake $11.00, 1.5kg Cake $15.00 and Pudding $11.00.

The Christmas Cakes and Puddings are stilled baked in Kedron, Qld., but this year the orders are sent to George Weston Foods LTD, Reply Paid 587, Nth Ryde BC, NSW, 1670.

PDG Allan Reeve Christmas Cake Chairman.

DG Lou’s

Visitation Schedule – August, 2012

Wednesday 1st Port Fairy Belfast Thursday 2nd Camperdown Monday 6th Rupanyup Tuesday 7th Penshurst & District Wednesday 8th Ararat Thursday 9th Leopold Saturday 11th Cabinet Dinner, Geelong Sunday 12th Cabinet Meeting/Region Meeting, Geelong Monday 13th Murtoa Tuesday 14th Cavendish & District Wednesday 15th Bannockburn & District Thursday 16th Lorne Monday 20th Koroit Tuesday 21st Ocean Grove/Barw.Heads Wednesday 22nd Timboon Thursday 23rd Skipton Monday 27th Council Meeting, Sydney Tuesday 28th “ “ “ Wednesday 29th “ “ “

September 2012

Monday 3rd Forrest & District Tuesday 4th Warrnambool Wednesday 5th Merino Digby Thursday 6th Heywood

District Governor’s Album

I will be producing an Album for District Governor Lou and Lions Lady Carol as a memento of their year as V2 District Governor.

I would appreciate all Cubs forwarding the District Governor’s visit photographs via my email address email: hlochhead@hotmail.com as soon as possible after the visit to keep the Album as a true record of DG Lou’s year.

I would also appreciate any Newspaper clippings re your Club which I can scan and include in the album. I will also accept actual photographs if you are unable to use email.

Lions International District 201V2 Newsletter – August 2012 Page 3

Please send a brief detail of date, names and activity when sending them. Many thanks,

Heather Lochhead 51 Allanvale Avenue, Leopold 3224

District Convention 9th – 11th November, 2012

Only 4 months to go!

Have you booked your accommodation? Lion Val Bacon is waiting for your call on 9398 4635 and she will gladly send you information.

The Hospitality Book cost has been set. It will be $70.00. This is for the Informal Reception, Saturday Night Dinner and the Barbecue on Sunday. Where can you get three meals for that price as well as great entertainment?

The country you are coming as on Saturday night should be well on the way. If not you better get cracking!

We are still working on the Partners’ Tours but one will be an hour’s walk around Williamstown. I have heard this is a great walk and very informative of the local history. I will have the other two options in the next newsletter.

Registration Forms should be received at Clubs in the first week of August. Please do not leave registering to the last minute as there is a lot to do by the Convention Committee and early returns would be appreciated.

Please put this date in your diary to attend and let us show you some great hospitality. Watch each month for more details.

Faye Cook Convention Organizing Committee Chairman

9369 3666

Melvin Jones Fellow

The Lions Club of Anglesea Inc. has pride in announcing the presentation of a Melvin Jones Fellowship Award to its long serving Treasurer, Lion Ken Mollison. Ken received the prestigious award at the club Changeover Dinner on 27th June. Lion Ken, in his 16th year as Treasurer amongst a host of other portfolios in the past, has been a stalwart of the Club in respect of service to the community and the Club itself.

An honour richly deserved but never anticipated.

Membership At the District Changeover Dinner held at Ararat on 14th July, it was noted that there was an increase in membership across the District of 50 Members for 11/12 Lions year.

If you discount these figures for the two new Lions Clubs of Point Cook and Corio/Norlane which accounts for approximately 25 members each, and the 30 members introduced to District Clubs through the Internet enquiry mechanism, there has been a negative growth in membership for 2011/12 Lions Year.

Other disturbing Membership facts are: 60% of District Clubs have less than 18

members 50% of new members resign within 3 years

Statistically this occurs as a result of member dissatisfaction with Club politics, long boring meetings, and the sense of lack of meaningful involvement.

Strong membership allows Lions Clubs to carry out their good work within their local communities.

With a stronger increased membership how much more could be achieved for your community

How much more funds could be provided? How many additional projects could be

undertaken to benefit the community? How much more disaster relief could be

provided?

A stronger membership comes from two areas - new members and the retention of existing members. This reflects District Governor Lou’s Theme for 2012/2013 “Respect the Past and Embrace the Future”

Lions International District 201V2 Newsletter – August 2012 Page 4

Club Excellence Process

The Club Excellence Process is a 4 stage practical road map to review Club activities, review community needs, develop goals and develops action plans and reviewed and implementation.

The difference between Club Excellence Process and earlier programs such as 4 Star, 5 Star and Club Care programs Is the commitment to the Club developed action plans from firstly the Club itself. District GMT/GLT team, the District Governor, Multiple District, and Lions Club International. The CEP Process is supported by independent Facilitators who visit the Club and commit to the success of the Club Goals identified during the CEP process.

The District has trained Club Excellence Process Facilitators located throughout the District and within easy distance to all Clubs.

It can be seen that when Club programmes reflect the needs of the community, Club membership grows and members are happy to participate

The Next Step

If Clubs. Zone and District Chairmen would like to have a Club Excellence Process presentation or would like to find out more about the CEP, please contact me:

Dennis Grant GMT (Membership) Coordinator

Mobile: 0401 374 928 Phone: 5282 1499

Email: dennisjg50@gmail.com

Memories of Korea

DG Lou with delusions of becoming an Emperor

Meeting with International President Wayne Madden & Lions Lady Lynda

Member Welfare

The welfare of our Members is a vital concern. We must rally around our Members who are unwell, and send our congratulations and good wishes to Members celebrating happy occasions.

The sincerest sympathy of District Governor Lou, Lions and Partners of our District 201V2 are with those whose loved ones have passed away.

To Lions Maree and Andy Belyea from the Lions Club of Camperdown on the passing of Lion Maree’s father, Lion Allan Bailey, a very active Lion for many years, and a Life Member of the Association.

To Lions Rob and Chris Fleming, also from Camperdown, on the loss of Rob’s mother.

To Lion Rita Reid (Lions Club of Colac), on the passing of Past District Governor Max.

To Lion Peter Holmberg and Lions Lady Rita (Geelong) on the passing of their daughter-in-law following an accident.

To Lion Jeff Douma (Colac) on the loss of his grand-daughter.

To Lions Kaye Connolly, Maria and Les Connolly (Altona) on the death of their brother and brother-in-law, Lion Wayne Jeschke (also from Altona).

Lion Jim and Lions Lady Annette O’Shea (Camperdown) on the passing of Jim’s mother.

To the family of Lion Randall Aicher (Sunshine).

To Lion Ron and the Lions Club of Kaniva on the loss of Lion Kaye Witmitz.

All Lions and Partners also pass on their sympathy to District Governor Lou and Lions Lady Carol on the passing of Carol’s mother, Irene.

On a happier note, Lion Roger Gurrie and Lions Lady Jan (Colac) are grandparents to a girl, Abagail Rose.

To Lion Tony and Lions Lady Helen Jones (Colac) on the birth of a grandson.

Lion Vin Genua and Lions Lady Pam Felews (Colac) on the birth of a granddaughter.

Birthday wishes to all Lions who have recently had birthdays, and congratulations to those who have celebrated special occasions.

Special birthday wishes to Lion Les Nancarrow (Lions Club of Coleraine), who turns 70 this month.

To Lion Kim Saddler (Heywood) who celebrated her 40th birthday.

Congratulations to Lion Barry and Lions Lady Glenda Gourley (Colac), who celebrate 45 years of marriage.

Mary Antonoff Welfare Chairman

maryantonoff@bigpond.com

East Timor Update

Members of Lions District V2 are reminded that the City of Greater Geelong's (CoGG) "Friends of Viqueque" (Timor Leste) Committee has been engaged in a range of community partnerships in the District of Viqueque since 2002." (see - www.geelongaustralia.com.au). These projects include the renovation by Christian College Geelong of two "Friendship Centres" in Viqueque, one being a large building used as a pre-school centre and the other being the restoration of a visitor’s bunk-house. In 2006 several of the Friends of Viqueque Committee with links to local education formed the "Geelong-Viqueque Friendship Schools Inc" and its members represent 15 primary and secondary schools in Geelong, Corio and Torquay who are linked to 15 disadvantaged schools in Viqueque, see - www.geelong-viqueque.com.au. It is recommended that Lions access the 5 minute documentary - titled - "Keep the Wheel Turning" on www.youtube.com/watch?v+P3TD6c2KDyw which describes a visit by 7 Timorese school principals and teachers to Geelong in 2010 and a reciprocal visit to Viqueque by 18 principals and teachers from Geelong to Viqueque in 2011. Such is the commitment of the Friendship School partners, that during the course of the 2011 calendar year, 95 local teachers and students self-funded visits to Viqueque. The Friendship Schools Committee has recently provided $10,000 for the purchase of text books in the Portuguese and Tetun language and another $10,000 has funded scholarships for poor students to attend post-primary colleges and to undertake teacher training. One of the most outstanding projects by Christian College at a cost of $50,000 was the construction by local workers of a four roomed school in the small outlying village of Kraras. Our respective Committees now wish to acknowledge the more recent generous funding by Lions District V2 in partnership with Christian College toward the construction of a second school in the District of Viqueque. We express our heartfelt thanks to those Lions Clubs who have contributed.

Lion Brian Edward, APM Community Representative –

CoGG Friends of Viqueque and Committee Member –

Geelong Viqueque Friendship Schools Inc.

Lions International District 201V2 Newsletter – August 2012 Page 5

District Cabinet Secretary’s Report

This month has been a busy one for me in taking over the role from Past Cabinet Secretary Bill with files and equipment to collect. I am still trying to settle into a routine, (with the help of ex office secretary Barbara). I have been working on the many alterations to the Master Mailing address list and Club Websites and email addresses. Just when I thought I had them up to date another change would appear, but I believe they are in line with the information supplied on the current Club PU101 forms.

Some Incoming Club Officers have experienced problems accessing the WMMR Website, please ensure the outgoing Secretary has listed you on the website as the new officers, otherwise LCI will not recognise you. When this is done go to the logon site register as a new user and follow the prompts, LCI will not be issuing passwords, you create your own as prompted.

By the time you read this we will have held our District Changeover, District Governor Lou Scholten will have taken up the reins of office and even have several Club visits completed. Again I would appreciate it if Clubs due for his visit, in August/September in particular, would return their confirmation and questionnaire as early as possible. I thank those who have already done so (a few have already confirmed their December and early 2013 dates!).  

It assists in my preparing Certificates or Awards you may want the District Governor to present during his visit.

To Club Secretaries, please keep me informed of any movement of Members. The District Governor would like to acknowledge and welcome all new Lions and their Sponsors in the monthly newsletter. I think it’s an encouragement to other Clubs to see growth within the District.

Finally please submit your MMR’s and Activity reports on time. This is a very important part of the organisation’s administration system.

Bob Gilchrist Cabinet Secretary

Put this date in your diary! Lions Club of Clifton Springs

Charter Luncheon 12:00 for 12:30 pm

Sunday, 23rd September, 2012 At Clifton Springs Golf Club More details in next edition