27-D1 District Cabinet Meeting - August 4, 2019
Coachman Inn
Cabinet Meeting Minutes
Call to Order at 12:00pm by DG Conrad Dreyer
Pledge led by 1st VDG Tammy Rockenbach
Words of Wisdom from Bill Gates, Helen Keller, and Winston Churchill given by 2nd VDG Bill Clausius.
“Lions are extraordinary fundraisers, but the true value of Lions is measured in something far more valuable than money. It’s measured by commitment and service of its members.” - BG.
“When a door of happiness closes, another opens. But often we look so long at the closed door, that we do not see the one that has been opened for us.” HK.
“Courage is the first of human qualities. Because it’s the quality that guarantees all others.” WC
Installation of Cabinet was conducted by PID Phil Ingwell.
IPDG John Elvekrog was recognized for his dedication with a plaque from both the 27 D-1 District and the Lions Eye Bank. During his year he had many accomplishments, but two that come to mind were the matching funds raised by our District to donate a flow cytometer to the Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin and his work in obtaining grants from LCIF to support flood victims in the Mazomanie area. Thank you for your tremendous leadership IPDG John!
Lions Eye Bank of Wisconsin Rick Daluge presented IPDG John with a plaque because our District was the largest fundraiser in the state for the Eye Bank. Our District raised $25,000 during the Lion year 2018-2019.
PDG Rick Daluge reported the annual Golf Outing fundraiser this year was a very successful and he thanked everyone that participated.
He stated that they held their annual meeting in July.
They recently handed out dilly bars to participants at the Kidney Foundation Run/ Walk.
He also mentioned that there was a recall on the eye cleaning fluid that was purchased from one of their suppliers. They use it when recovering corneas. Unfortunately this caused the need to destroy any corneas they had on hand that had used this solution during the recovery process. The Eye Bank took a financial hit from this recall as well.
Secretary Report - DG Conrad reported the minutes are on the District website. There were no additions or corrections. Motion to approve the May 18th meeting minutes was made by PDG Bob Faliveno, 2nd by PDG Rick Daluge , motion carries unanimously.
Treasurer Report - PDG John Jenson performed an audit of the books and found everything to be in order and he feels there is a level of comfort. While the audit is not designed to look for fraud, he did not find anything that would lead him down that path. We are in very sound financial condition as a District. One of his recommendations is the activities funds of Vision Screening, Diabetes, and Lions Missions seemed to be building a lot of money every year and each committee should be planning how to use that money. He wants to thanks Lion Bill for his cooperation during the audit and his report is on the District website. Motion to approve by PID Phil Ingwell, 2nd by GMT Tara Vraniak, motion carries unanimously.
CT Bill Severson stated that the District budget showed that we lost about $1000 last year. Both District ($3300) and state Conventions ($9000) made a decent amount of money. He cautioned we will have reduced income next year as membership is down a bit and we will not have the Sate Convention profits. There will be several new expenses including extra travel (Singapore) and budgeted expenses for the GSC’s. All and all we are still in decent financial shape.
Because ofthe amount of funds we have in our administrative account, PDG John Jenson recommends that we waive the first half district dues. We should reward the Clubs for their participation and help at Conventions. Motion PDG John Jenson, 2nd by ZC Adam Crowson, motion carries unanimously. Motion to approve budget with dues revision by PDG Rob Sherman, 2nd by PDG Bob Falaveno, motion carries unanimously.
We are sitting on a lot of money in the administrative fund. The policy manual has nothing that restricts us from investingthe money into a CD. Motion to invest $20,000 into a CD by PDG John Jenson, 2nd by WLD Lori Holthaus, motion carries unanimously. PID Phil Ingwell suggested that we check around on rates with both banks and credit unions to get the best return that we can on our money.
Lioness Update - LCIF Effective June 30th, 2021 will no longer support Lioness Clubs with either insurance or use of the logo. There are options for these Clubs to convert to Lions Clubs and service would transfer to the new Club. Lion Greg has calls into LCI legal how to precede going forward and what the options would be. LCIF and District dues will be half price for all Lioness clubs that convert to Lions Clubs for the first half of 2019-2020 Lion year. Motion Lion Greg Clark, 2nd PDG Rob Sherman, motion carries unanimously for the district to offer half price dues as explained above.
Presentation
* Diabetes Call to Congress - March 27-29th Lion Jill Kietzke attended the event in Washington DC. She was grateful for the donation to help her afford the trip. On the first day they sat at the table with their own state representatives, she was one of four attendees from Wisconsin. There were a lot kids that attended with type one diabetes that they planned activities for. Each person attending had to do a bio with his or her story. They learned that ADA funding for 2019 includes 2.165 billion for research, 1.85 million in another area of research, and 30 million for diabetes prevention. They also talked about continuing the ADA funding for a special program that targets Native American and other racial disparity group for two more years. Other discussions included insulin affordability and expanding access to diabetes self-management education. At night they were provided a reception for all participants and were served many diabetic foods.
What’s the next step for the Lions in our support of diabetes in all the different areas? Jill will be meeting with US Representative Mark Pocan on August 13th from 2:15-3:10 at his office in Madison near the Capitol. Contact her if you would like to join her.
* Research and Long Range Planning - 1st VDG Tammy Rockenbach -they have revamped this committee to include 1st VDG, 2VDG, IPDG, last years IPDG, and next years Cabinet Secretary. The committee will be sending out two surveys to all Lions members in the district, 1st survey coming out on October 14th , and due by November 1st will include District Convention - what they would like to see for awards and workshops. The 2nd survey will be sent January 13th and include what the members would like for officer training. Everyone please enchorage your members to respond.
* LCIF Project 100 - 2nd VDG Bill Clausius - We are in the 2nd year of campaign 100. So far LCIF worldwide has raised 100 million in donations and pledges. Their goal is to raise 300 million so we have a ways to go. They have dropped their demand to be a “Model Club “ from $750 per member to $500 to try and get more participation. There are currently three clubs in the state of Wisconsin that are considered Model Clubs. Lion Al Johnson will assist in getting the word out to all our clubs. LCIF has asked each member to donate $100 per year and clubs to donate what they can.
“There is time to continue to educate the clubs abou tthe importance of support for LCIF to fund increasing service impact and expanding global causes.” Please consider stepping up to help in this campaign.
Standing Committees
Global Membership Team - Lion Tara Vraniak - Membership has increased by seven members in the District for the year. So far only 13 Clubs have reported a Service Activity and there is some confusion by the Club Secretary’s with the new app “My Lion”. This should be a topic at all Zone meetings. The new app is very similar to the old, but Secretary’s just need to get in there and become familiar with it. It’s nice that you can report and list both past and present events.
Global Service Team - Lion Bruce Voight - Our District won the Diabetes challenge last year in the state. Still there were 24 Clubs that did not participate in any projects at all. We increased Service Projects by 10% and 18% in the four main focus area projects. Our goal this year is to continue this trend and increase for the current Lion year and get more Clubs participating. We’ve added an emphasis on Childhood Cancer projects this year with one project per Club as our goal.
Wisconsin Lions Foundation - Lions Laurie Holthaus and Steve Ver Kuilen -the Birch-Sturm event was rained out with weather and many trees down. They’ve rescheduled for September 14th. The benefit raffle will continue and it will be drawn on the 13th of September. Please remind all Clubs to send their yearly foundation donations at your zone meetings. Foundation financial report will come out after the September 28th meeting. If you would like either Laurie or Steve to attend a meeting. Please reach out to them.
Restoring Hope Transplant House - PDG Bob Faliveno -stated that PID Peter Cerniglia presented at the most recent council meeting and gave an emotional speech. This resulted with a unanimous decision approving “Restoring Hope Transplant House” as an official program for the State of Wisconsin. Lion Bob wanted to recognize Lion Cindy and her son Eric for the amazing work they do at the house. They’ve been receiving many families of patients from UW Hospital that are doing multiple transplants with pancreas and liver or heart and pancreas.
A new fence was installed atthe house this summer with many volunteers helping out.
They are looking to break ground on an expansion project sometime in 2020. This will result in them turning away fewer families that need our help in the future. Motion Lion Scott Grover, 2nd IPDG John Elevekrog. By unanimous vote from the Cabinet of district 27-D1 on August 4, 2019 permission was granted to hold the remaining $59,000 of the original $75,000 grant issued for the expansion of Restoring Hope Transplant House. Ground breaking will commence in the spring/summer of 2020.
Adult Vision Screening - PDG Bob Faliveno -they have been assisting in many health fairs throughout the District. All of you can use them if you have a need for one in your town. Please contact Lion Bob and get it scheduled and they would be happy to come out and do it.
Lions Camp - PDG John Dickson - He has been working on the Friends and Honor garden at the Wisconsin Lions Foundation Camp. He would like to ask our District to purchase a half Diamond to recognize 27 D-1 District for being the 2017 eye glass challenge champ that he was a major contributor in. He has already raised $500 towards the cause. It would cost the district $750 with a half diamond going for $1250. Motion IPDG John Elevkrog, 2nd PDG Rob Sherman, approved unanimously.
Raffle Money fromstate and District Conventions - PDG John Jenson - Monies raised from the raffles in Wisconsin must be used for the purposes of the organization and not used to benefit the members of such organization. Therefore be it resolved that the profits fromthe 2019 State and District Convention raffles conducted by District 27 D-1 be transferred from the Administrative account to the new Activities account. This balance is $6902.00. Motion PDG John Jenson, 2nd PDG Rob Sherman, approved unanimously. Monies for Lions Camp Diamond will come from this fund.
Committees
Wisconsin Lion District Editor - Lion Mike Vraniak - He is the new editor for the district on the Wisconsin Lion newspaper. Keep sending him your photos along with the articles. He has a background editing at both the high school and college levels.
Stuffthe Bus - Currently running with August 10th being the official date. Many clubs run individual programs from now until school starts.
US/ Canadian Forum - 1VDG Tammy Rockenbach - It’s coming up on September 19th - 21st in Spokane Washington. You can register right up to the date. They will have 60-80 seminars that include everything from motivational speaking, conflict resolution, and time management etc.
Next years forum will be in Louisville Kentucky. Lion Tammy is planning a separate bourbon tour.
General Information
World Diabetes Day - November 14th is “World Diabetes Day” and the month of November is recognized as World Diabetes Month. The theme this year is diabetes in the family. Clubs should plan events around this time frame.
Lions Youth Exchange - PID Phil and Betty Ingwell -they wanted to give a shout out to Youth Exchange Director Ben August and the job he does with the program and the kids. The kids were able to tour the new Lions Eye Bank facility, and then to State Street for photos and some free time. This was followed by the picnic in Marshall that Phil and Betty were able to attend. Lion Phil stated both he and Betty engaged in conversation with a lot of the kids. They shared a story that they hosted a camper from Finland 25 years ago, and they found one camper that was ironically from the same exact town. Lion Conrad was able to attend camp at Campbellsport on Thursday with the other District Governors. Our District does a great job supporting the Youth exchange. Lion Ben will be presenting at the next meeting asking for continued financial support.
Marshall Lions Riverfest - featuring the Steak & Lobster meal - CS Denny Kloepping stated that the event is taking place in Marshall on August 10th . Dinner will be served from 3:00 - 7:00pm. He has tickets available if anyone has an interest.
Cross Plains Lions Fish Fry - PDG John Dickson - September 13th at the Legion Hall serving from 5:00 - 8:00pm. $12 per person.
Governors Golf Outing at Coachman’s Golf Resort - IPDG John Elevekrog - Tuesday the 13th, see John after the meeting if you still want to register.
New Glarus Annual Golf Outing - September 8th at Edelweiss Chalet Country Club. Fee is $75 per golfer for 18 holes with half a cart and dinner. $30 if you just want to attend the dinner.
Next Cabinet Meeting - October 13th at the Dodgeville Bowl - Eat at 12:00 with meeting to follow.
Meeting Adjourned at 1:45pm
Reports:
Agenda
March Cabinet Meeting Minutes
1st Vice District Governor Report
District Audit Letter (pdf)
Diabetes Committee Report
Global Leadership Team Report
Global Membership Team Report
Global Service Team Report
International Convention Committee Report (pdf)
Lions Eye Bank of Wisconsin Report (pdf)
Restoring Hope Transplant House Report
USA Canada Forum Report
Wisconsin Lions Mission Report
Youth Exchange Report (pdf)
Note: some reports are PDF format. You may downloadthe most recent free Adobe PDF reader at Adobe.