Happy New Year 2015 to you all Lions, Lionesses and Leos of District 1A

Ring out the old, ring in the new. I hope everyone had a Wonderful Holiday Season and hope the New Year is filled with love, joy, hope, peace and all the best wishes you heart can hold. I had a great time. After many years, approx 7 years we had every kid of ours, home for the holidays. Now that everyone has returned back to where they need to be, it’s time for me to start working again on lion’s activities making the second half of my year as fruitful as the first. We just completed 6 months of our Lionistic Year – 2014-2015. I am very excited to see that District 1A is plus in membership. My special thanks to all those clubs who inducted new members and helped me to reach my goal. My goal is to reach to a minimum of 1,800 members for District 1A by the end of June 30th 2015. Currently, we are just 31 members short to reach my goal. My year started with 1701 and we are now 1769. International President Joe Preston program is to ask “Ask1” and I say also “Keep1”. As new members are coming in, we are also losing members equally or some months losing even more. With little more enthusiasm and hard work this is definitely possible to get new members or even retain the members we have. Sure we can do it, we are District 1-A, nothing is impossible. In December 2014, it was my pleasure to go to a Governor’s Night and be able to have 14 new members inducted by the Chicago Filipino American Lions Club. It was wonderful to see their hard work in bringing new members to their club. In August Chicago Puerto Rico Lions Club inducted 13 new members. They went from 14 members to 34 members in four months. More members mean more projects; more fundraisers and more people can be helped. These two clubs really helped me to increase membership in our District.

My theme for my year is to – “Serve with Love and Affection.” I see this happening in our District when I hear and see of our Lions Clubs members distributing truckloads of food to the needy with love and compassion, collecting with eyeglasses, hearing aids, clothes, books, scholarships, etc., etc. This is the reason why Lions Clubs International is #1 humanitarian organization in the world declared by United Nations Organization 2007 and we are still #1. Fellow Lions let us keep this crown of pride by serving less fortunate in our communities. I honor and I thank the following clubs that through their hard work has helped me

in reaching part of my goal. I had asked at the beginning of the year for each club in our district to bring in just one new member. Some clubs went through some hardship but said I will support you Governor; we will bring a new member. Thank you all. Mexica……………………………...4 Azteca…………………………….……..2 Chgo Phillipine…………………10 Jefferson Park………………………..1 Chgo Puerto Rico……………..20 Southeast………………………………1 Bellwood…………………………..4 Windy City……………………………..5 Brookfield-LaGrange……….…2 LaGrange-Highlands……………….2 Calumet City……………………..3 Burbank…………………………………2 Chgo Heights…………………….2 MtCjare-Elmwood Park………….1 River Grove………………………8 Palos……………………………………..3 Stickney Forestview………….7 Chgo Ecuadorean……………………2 FIL-USA…………………………….4 Maharlika………………………………1 Mayfair…………………………….3 Mt Greenwood……………………...2 Oak Lawn………………………….1 OakPark-River Forest……………..2 Bayanihan-Sampaguita……..3 Hegewisch……………………………..1 Filipino American…………….14 Uptown………………………………….1 Franklin Park-Manila………...2 Thornton………………………………..3 Argo Summit…………………….2 Beverly Ridge………………………….1 We had a total of 119 new members.. Welcome new members. If there is anything I can do for you or if you have any questions/suggestions/input, please give me a call (708)771-3177 or email me at teamterry@gmail.com As always I will include in this newsletter article also, the names and Sponsor’s name for the month of December.

CLUB #of Memb NEW MEMBER SPONSOR'S Name #Sponsored

to-date

Filipino American 14 Joy M. Alexander Yoly Zoleta 6

Carlota Charles GronkeYoly Zoleta

John Lanzallotte Yoly Zoleta

Eden Lanzalotte Yoly Zoleta

Steven F. Lemley Yoly Zoleta

Connie Leong Yoly Zoleta

Felix R. Llanes Inday Mayor 3

Marjorie Q. Llanes Inday Mayor

Jocelyn G. Ruta Inday Mayor

Vincente V. Montalvo Aim Ramirez 2

Nazarene T. Montalvo Aim Ramirez

Karla Guella Ruta Ben Zoleta 3

Bryan Olayres Zoleta Ben Zoleta

Mark Anthony Zoleta Ben Zoleta

Chicao Hegewisch 1 Jerry M.Nelson Anthony Mancini 1

Chicago Mt Greenwood 1 Margaret A. Burch Loretta Kowalski 1

Chicago Phillipine 2 Carmen D. Estacio Name Unavailable

Fellie Vincoy Cleofe Mendiola 1

Chicago Uptown 1 Debprah A. Watson Timothy Paul 1

Franklin Park- Manila 2 Benjamin Aquino Benjamin Fernandez 2

Emmanuel Franco Benjamin Fernandez

Thornton 3 Ted Boazkowski Dan Tondu 3

Thomas Hartman Dan Tondu

Mike Havakas Dan Tondu

Calumet City 1 Katie Keilman Mollie Schneider

Chgo Bayanihan-Sampaguita

3 Jovencio Agus Manuel Escalona 1

Cristina Agus Remedios Escalona 1

Mel Sonon Romeo Bongat 1

Total for December 2014 28

Lions, I have just visited a few clubs for a Governors Visit. Please schedule ASAP. My Schedule is getting filled very fast.

-Terry D’Souza, Governor ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Editorial:- PDG Austin D’Souza, Ph.D.

End of 2014 Governor had some good news about our District’s membership growth. District 1A was 38+ at the end of the year. I said good news because for the first time in several years we ended up with plus in membership. Thanks to all clubs who actively participated in this membership growth program. Now the challenge for coming six months is not only to keep these 38 plus members, but also to bring some more in plus numbers. I am pretty sure that our 71 clubs will work hard to reach this challenge and to help our governor to close her Lionistic Year with plus members.

January is the month of our founder Melvin Jones birthday. He was born on January 11th and if he was alive, he would have reached 136 years. In many of our hearts he is still alive and because of his vision and passion we are doing miracles in this beautiful world.

Our International President Joe Preston asked us to celebrate Melvin Jones birthday this year with supporting Lions activities and helping less fortunate in our communities. In Multiple District 1, The Forest Kala Sampath Lions Club is the only club celebrating his birthday on January 11th. Let us attend this program and make this event a memorable one. January is also the month of special event in District 1A, i.e. Mid Year Forum which is named MY Forum this year. On Saturday, January 24 at Moraine Valley Community College, 9000 W. College Parkway, Palos Hills we will have this forum and this year the forum will be a whole day event. With continental breakfast and lunch plus very interesting sessions to learn about lionism, entrance fees are only $25 per person. Bring your fellow lions, lionesses ore leos and couple of perspective members so that can have firsthand experience of true lionism in District 1A.

From the desk of I VDG Ralph Zarada:

Fellow District 1A Lions:

This month on Saturday, January 24th we will be having our District 1A 2015 Mid-Year Forum. The Forum will be held at Moraine Valley Community College, 9000 W. College Parkway, Palos Hills.

The MY Forum will provide meaningful workshops and seminars throughout the day with topics ranging from goal setting to membership to motivation. The committee has been working diligently to put together a forum that will provide

current information that will benefit all Lions and help to inspire and reinforce why we are all part of this service organization. We hope everyone has a good time. No matter what position you hold in your club, this year’s forum offers programs to help all of us build and maintain stronger organizations. We hope our members have a good time

networking and catching up with old and new Lions friends from around the District.

Program format

We have changed the format this year! Attendees can build their own program, participating in sessions based on topics that interest them.

The morning consists of 15 sessions scheduled in three different time slots. Each session will last 40 minutes and participants can choose to attend one session in each time slot.

After the lunch break, Dr. Janet Szlyk, President and Executive Director of the Chicago Lighthouse for the Blind will provide the keynote address. Dr. Szlyk will talk about the long and rich history the Lions of District 1A have with the Lighthouse.

In the afternoon, we will have Roundtable discussions for Region and Zone Chairs and Club Presidents, as well as membership and social media workshops.

The registration fee for the 2015 MY Forum, including breakfast, lunch, an afternoon snack, and a commemorative pin, is $25.

Please come and join us for a day of learning, discussion, and friendship. Contact IVDG Ralph Zarada, Lion Herb Zimmerman, or Lion Janice Wiggins for more information.

MY Forum agenda:

The following is a list of the programs being presented. It is a tentative schedule and is subject to change as we finalize the itinerary.

8:30 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. Registration and breakfast Welcome, VDG Ralph Zarada Governor’s Message, DG Terry D’Souza

Event overview, TBD

Morning session one (Five options, choose one) 9:20 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. Recognition, Lion Ernie Lapid, Chicago Philippine American Lions Eye Bank, TBD Goal Setting, Lion Ron Schammert, River Grove Lions 2017 Convention, Lion Bob Block, Calumet City Lions Reading for Success, Lion Judy Toft, Mayfair Chicago Lions

Morning session two (Five options, choose one) 10:10-10: 50 a.m. I’m New, I’m Leaving, and I’m Gone: Lion Ralph Zarada, River Grove Lions Leader Dog Puppy Raisers: TBD Centennial Challenge, Lion Bob Block, Calumet City Lions V.O.I.C.E.S.: Lion John Torphy, Stickney-Forest View Lions Public Speaking: Jerilyn Willin, JWillin Consulting

Morning session three (Five options, choose one) 11:00-11:40 a.m. Holistic Living: Lion Tammy Brown, Glenwood Lions Lions of Illinois Foundation: PDG Mario Gumino, Executive Director Karen Putz, Inspirational Speaker, TBD

V.O.I.C.E.S.: Lion John Torphy, Stickney-Forest View Lions Retirement for Baby Boomers? Jerilyn Willin, JWillin Consulting

11:45 a.m. – 12: 10 p.m. Lunch

12:15-12:50 p.m. Keynote Address Dr. Janet Szlyk,

President, CEO Chicago Lighthouse for the Blind Afternoon session (Four options, choose one) 1:00-2:30 p.m. Social Media Workshop:

Lion Gail Anton, Orland Park Lions and Lion Tom Drez, Lemont Lions Club

Region Chair/Zone Chair Roundtable: Lion Herb

Zimmerman, Orland Park Lions and Lion Janice Wiggins,

Cook County Lions

President’s Roundtable: Lion Dave Guerin, River Grove Lions and Lion Tracy Alder, River Grove Lions

Membership: Lion Andreas Brandt, Westchester Lions and Lion Tamara Ivetic, Cook County Lions

I would encourage all lions to invite your friends or any non-lion to come to the forum. They will see what we do as an organization and decide to join us in our quest for serving others. As a lion you may find a topic which will motivate and inspire you to become a more active part of our great service organization. Please contact IVDG Ralph Zarada, Lion Herb Zimmerman, or Lion Janice Wiggins for more information. To register for the forum please contact Lion Janice Wiggins.

We will see you at the forum.

-Lion Ralph Zarada 1VDG

District 1-A Pin Order Form 2015 MD-1 Illinois

New 2015 MD-1 ILLINOIS PINS for the International Convention in Honolulu, Hawaii

District 1-A members may order any amount

I want ______ Pins @ $2.00 each $________________

SORRY BUT STICK PINS AND CHARMS ARE OUT OF

STOCK.

e-mail Ralph Koller to arrange how to receive your pin order: rk7737@gmail.com Make checks payable to: District 1-A Lions

District 1-A 2015 Mid Year Forum

Saturday, January 24

Moraine Valley Community College, Palos Hills.

The 2015 MY Forum will provide

meaningful workshops and

seminars with topics ranging from

fundraising to membership to

motivation. The program will

provide current information that will

benefit all Lions and help to inspire and reinforce

why we are all part of this service organization.

Mail Pins To:

Mail this form to:

PDG Ralph Koller, 9037 Roach Ave, Brookfield, IL 60513-1043

No matter what position you hold in your club, this

year’s forum offers programs to help all of us build

and maintain stronger organizations. We hope our

members have a good time networking and

catching up with Lions friends from around the

District.

Program format

New this year – attendees can build their own

program and participate in sessions based on

topics that interest them.

The morning consists of 15 sessions

scheduled in three different time slots. Each

session will last 40 minutes and participants

can choose to attend one session in each

time slot.

After the lunch break, Lion Dr. Janet Szlyk,

President and Executive Director of the

Chicago Lighthouse for the Blind will

provide the keynote address. Dr. Szlyk will

talk about the long and rich history the Lions

of District 1A have with the Lighthouse.

In the afternoon, there will be Roundtable

discussions for Club Presidents and Region

and Zone Chairs. There will also be

membership and social media workshops.

The registration fee for the 2015 MY Forum, including breakfast, lunch, an afternoon snack, and a commemorative pin, is $25. Please come and join us for a day of learning, discussion, and friendship.

Contact IVDG Ralph Zarada

(ralph.zarada.1a@gmail.com), Lion Herb

Zimmermann (oplionherb@aol.com), or Lion Janice

Wiggins (janicewiggins@comcast.net) for more

information.

Countdown to Convention!

The 47th Annual District 1-A Convention will be

held March 27-29, 2015 at the Westin Chicago

Northwest Hotel. This year’s theme: Who’s your

SUPER HERO?

The planning committee has been hard at work

finalizing plans and organizing sub-committees to

create an agenda that will not only enable us to

take care of District business, but will also leave

plenty of time to

connect with

your fellow

Lions.

We’re pleased to

announce that

International

Director Karla

Harris will be the

keynote speaker

during the Governor’s Banquet on Saturday night.

Director Harris has been a member of the South

Milwaukee Lions Club since 2002 and has held

many offices within the organization, from club

president to district governor. She is a Progressive

Melvin Jones Fellow, was honored by the White

House as a “Champion of Change” for her work to

raise awareness for the visually impaired, and

helped create the Lions “Rockin’ the Vest” Rap

Video.

Once again, the hospitality rooms will be open

Friday and Saturday evenings. They are the perfect

place to relax, enjoy some food and drinks, do a

little dancing, and have fun with your fellow Lions.

Who knows, you might even win some interesting

raffle prizes!

Need more information? The “Convention” section

of the District 1-A website is your source.

Don’t forget! Mark your calendars and plan to join

Governor Terry D’Souza and PDG Austin D’Souza

for a weekend full of fun and fellowship!

-Janice Wiggins, PR & Publicity Chairperson

9037 Roach Avenue

Greetings Fellow District 1-A Lions,

During this Holiday Season, the Convention

Committee wishes you the best of health and

fortune for you and your family. We would also like

to remind you that it is not too early to register for

the 47th District Convention. The theme is “Who’s

Your Superhero”.

The Convention is being held at

the Westin Chicago Northwest

Hotel in Itasca, Illinois and they

are already accepting your

room reservations for the

weekend, March 27 through

March 29, 2015. While you

make that reservation fill out your registration

form and mail that to PDG Harold Burkett, the

Convention Registrar. He would really appreciate

EARLY registrations. Remember, we have worked

very hard to keep the pricing at last year’s level.

The form can be found on the District website:

lions1a-us.org. You will also find the form for

hospitality room rental and the form for the Leo,

Lioness and Lion of the Year and the Richard J.

Daley Citizen of the Year Awards.

We are also very happy to announce that there has

been an increase in the number of hospitality

rooms rented for this convention. There are a few

left, so if you or your club or region is interested in

renting one please contact PDG Mike Smigielski

and he will be more than happy to reserve one for

you.

Also, the District is seeking its future slate of

officers. Should you be interested in seeking an

office in the District, please contact Cabinet

Secretary Brenda Block at csblock1a@aol.com She

will help you to start the process.

PDG Steve Anton, Convention Chairman

santonlions@comcast.net

PDG Harold Burkett, Convention Co-Chairman

harold.burkett@att.net

PCST Dawn Grogan, Convention Co-Chairman

dgrogan498@aol.com

PDG Mike Smigielski, Convention Hospitality Room Chairman

lionmikesmig@aol.com

Thank you,

PDG Steve Anton

District 1-A Convention Chairman

What’s your New Year’s Resolution?

Register today! District 1-A Mid Year Forum

January 24, 2015

Registration form and detailed agenda are attached.

You can pay at the door – just let us know you’re planning to attend so we can have

enough food!

Join our Pride

in

DISTRICT 1A

Birthplace of Lionism

Terry D’Souza, Governor, Ralph Zarada I VDG, Ernie Lapid II VDG

Brenda Block Cabinet Secretary, Pat Duda Cabinet Treasurer

At the present time, District lA is accepting resolutions for the two positions on the District Cabinet - 2nd Vice

District Governor and Lions of Illinois Foundation Trustee for the years 2015-2017 and the three Board positions on

V.O.I.C.E.S.

These positions are an important part of our District growth and strength. Lions with good leadership skills are encouraged to get involved. This involvement will help in continuing not only the success of our

District, but will also give that individual a sense of accomplishment as they carry out our motto "WE SERVE".

The qualifications for the candidate seeking a board position on V.0.1.C.E.S. is simple. He or she needs to be a member in good standing in a Lions Club that is also in good standing with District lA and Lions Clubs International. A candidate for a V.0.1.C.E.S position, cannot hold a District elected office, however, they may hold a club office.

A candidate for the Office of 2nd Vice District Governor and Lions of Illinois Foundation Trustee, needs to be a member

in good standing in a Lions Club that also is in good standing with District l A and Lions Clubs International. Additionally, he or she needs to meet the quali­ fications outlined in the District IA and Lions Clubs International

Constitution and By-Laws in order to be eligible to be a candidate for that District office.

The candidate needs to file the proper written resolution with the District IA Cabinet Secretary stating his or her intention. The resolution shall be prepared and presented as outlined by the latest adopted edition of the District lA and Lions Club International Constitution and By-Laws. Said resolution needs to be delivered by the District Cabinet Secretary to the appoint­ ed Members of the Nominating Committee no later than 20 days prior to their report at the

District Convention. As in the history of District 1A, all resolutions received prior to the February Cabinet Meeting will be read and recorded as part of that meeting's minutes.

If there is any position not having a nominee within 20 days of the District Convention, then the procedure to make nominations from the convention floor will be carried out as per the District IA and Lions Club International Constitution and By-Laws.

Thank you for your consideration to get involved and serve your fellow Lions as an officer of District IA or a member of the V.0.1.C.E.S. Board.

I am looking forward to receiving your resolution. Respectfully,

Brenda Block Lion Brenda Block

District IA Cabinet Secretary

Cc: Lion Terry D'Souza, District IA Governor Lion Steve Anton, PDG, District 1A Convention Chairman

District Governor’s Newsletter Edited & Published by PDG Austin D’Souza for District 1A Lions