Lions, Lioness and Friends of Lions

We are a week into a new decade of service to our communities and the world. The New Year began with the 121st Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena, themed "2010: A Cut Above the Rest." Lions are "A Cut Above the Rest!"

Since 1992 Lions Clubs International has had a float in the New Year's Day Tournament of Roses Parade which is viewed by approximately 400 million people in 85 countries around the world. What a wonderful way to promote Lionism!

Thirty-seven members (resplendent in blue uniforms) of the Ohio School for the Blind Marching Band participated and each member was accompanied by a "sighted friend" identified by their red blazers. It was a wonderful sight to behold.

According to CBS commentators, the Ohio Marching band was the subject of one of their "American Spirit" segments more than 1 & ½ years ago when the band began to rehearse for the Rose Parade as the band had just received an invitation to appear in the parade New Year’s Day, 2010. I hope all of you had the opportunity to watch the parade and see Lions performing to a world audience.

Click Here for a Video: Lions Float & The Ohio School for the Blind Marching Band

Time is moving quickly. It doesn't seem possible that we only have five months and three weeks left in our year as District Governor. There are several meeting dates approaching such as the Cabinet meeting at the Ramada Inn in Grayling on January 30. The Council of Governors meets March 5-6-7 at the Holiday Inn in Lansing. District 11 E-2 Convention will be at Treetops in Gaylord April 30-May1-2. Please plan to attend some of these meetings.

I am proud of what our District 11 E-2 has done in MEMBERSHIP recruitment since July 1, 2009. All of our District Clubs have been working hard to bring in new members and also with their projects. We have increased our MEMBERSHIP by 51 new members in this time period. Eighteen clubs reported increases in MEMBERSHIP. There are a few clubs who recently inducted new members or who will be inducting new members in the next week or so and that will bring our total new members even higher. We need to continue with this momentum.

Spring is on its way and will bring new growth to our trees, plants and gardens and even Gingko trees and 'Lions. ' Remember President Eberhardt Wirfs' theme "MOVE TO GROW." It's all about: MEMBERSHIP! MEMBERSHIP! MEMBERSHIP!

DG Beverly Bodem
Alpena Lions Club
District 11 E-2
121 E. White St.
Alpena, MI 49707
989-354-4656 bodembd@charter.net

VICE DISTRICT GOVERNOR BILL STENBACK'S MESSAGE:

I hope all of the Lions of District 11-E-2 had a very Merry Christmas and will enjoy a Happy New Year!

January has come, and I need to find people who will be willing to work with me as the District Governor on all of our District 11-E-2 Officers for 2010- 2011.

I am calling those who are currently holding offices and chairmanship roles to verify your willingness to continue to serve in that or any other leadership position. I encourage any of you willing to consider holding an office to contact me as soon as possible.

There are about 43 officer/chairperson positions to be filled. I will be sending a letter to all club secretaries and presidents listing jobs to be filled. Please look through the list and see where your talents can fit into the District Team.

Elections of the 2010-2011 cabinet officers will be coming up in April, and I would like to take this moment to encourage all who feel the need (as our district has a large need) to run for an office to do so. The deadline for filing for any of the cabinet jobs is 60 days before the election. You will need your club officers to make the nomination and the Secretary of your club to send in a letter to (1) Nominations Committee and the (2) State Office.

Positions known to me that will be open are: (1) 1st Vice DG & 2nd Vice DG; (2) Cabinet Treasurer; (3) District Newsletter, and District Editor for LIONS PRIDE.

We also have people stepping down from Region and Zone chairs, so please look into your Lions Hearts and see what you can do for your Lions District 11-E-2. Those currently in those positions are willing to help get you started and they can help clear up any questions you might have related to the duties of any position you are considering. Contact them......e-mails are listed on the last page of every newsletter and phone numbers are in the current District Roster.
Lions are all about serving......volunteer today!

On the thought of membership, the Charlevoix Lions Club has started off the new year by bringing into their club four new Lions in the month of December. Well done, Charlevoix Lions Club!

FUTURE CABINET MEETING DATES:

January 30, 2010, 10:00 AM DISTRICT CABINET MEETING AuSable Valley Ramada Inn, Grayling

April 30, May 1-2, 2010 10 AM DISTRICT CABINET MEETING Treetops Resort, Gaylord
(at the DISTRICT 11 E-2 CONVENTION)

CLUB RESOURCES:

You asked for it..... now it is available for your use! "Orientation" (all 5 sessions!) are on the website. Look For them under the "CLUB RESOURCES" selection at the left of this page. Make your own copies for your new membersand your Club's Membership Chairperson. The "PICTURE GALLERY" selection , also on the left, has been updated with some interesting videos on Lionism.