Md 5M
District 5M-8
Lions of District 5M8 Minnesota

Announcements :

Make Change a Routine Thing by Mahendra Amarasuriya, President, The International Association of Lions Clubs

Think back to your routine this morning. You probably did what you always do: pour a bowl of your favorite cereal, read the section of the newspaper you always turn to first, or flick on your preferred morning TV or radio show. You likely had awoken at the same time you always do and even rolled out of the same side of the bed to which you’re accustomed.

We like routines. We are comforted by the familiar. Face it—people are creatures of habit. And so are Lions. That’s a good thing—to a point. When we automatically revert to familiar practices and procedures and don’t even consider whether changing things would give us better results, then we may be not be maximizing our capabilities as Lions.

My presidential theme is Challenge to Change. Note the two concepts. We Lions need to change and it is indeed a challenge. We Lions have been highly successful for more than 90 years and the tendency is to keep doing what we do—because that’s how we’ve always done it. But the world around us has changed and we need to change, too.

It’s been said if you change your thoughts you can change the world. The only real impediment to Lions evolving and increasing our stature and numbers in our communities is ourselves. We belong to a great organization that has proven its value generation after generation in country after country. We Lions have the formula for success. Service to others is a magnificent, noble endeavor with great staying power. And we have a lot of fun while we serve. But we must evolve from our past, not be chained to it.

Lions, be creative. Use your imagination. Dream up new ways of holding meetings, attracting new members and doing service. Respond to your changing community with a fresh approach and bold ideas. Be practical and prudent but don’t hesitate to improvise and experiment. No one likes change. But everyone relishes success. Push aside the invisible barriers we erect—the box that regulates our actions. Yes, it’s an overused phrase but think outside that box. The world wants us and needs us. Our service is indispensable. It’s up to us to remain relevant.

Meet ID Dr. Harold Ott our International Guest at 5M8 Midwinter Convention

 Dr. Harold R. Ott from Boalsburg, Pennsylvania, USA, was elected to serve a two-year term as a director of The International Association of Lions Clubs at the association’s 90th International Convention, held in Chicago, Illinois, USA, July 2-6, 2007. Director Ott is a retired university administrator. A member of the Harris Township Lions Club and a Lion since 1980, Director Ott has held many offices within the association, including club president, zone chairperson, region chairperson and district governor. He also served as Liaison Committee member, Leadership Development chairperson and MERL chairperson for his multiple district. In addition, he has been a presenter and discussion leader at Lions forums.

In recognition of his service to the association, Director Ott has received numerous awards, including his club’s Distinguished Service Award, the Past International President Joseph Wroblewski Award, two International President’s Certificates of Appreciation, the International President’s Leadership Award and the International President’s Medal. He also received a Lions Clubs International Academy Awards honorable mention in the Best Leadership Program category and is a Melvin Jones Fellow.

In addition to his Lions activities, Director Ott is active in numerous professional and community organizations. He is the Lions representative to Town & Gown International Partnership Building Futures for Tsunami Generation, life member of the PSU Alumni and of the PA Beacon Lodge 365 Club (supporting the Lions Camp for the Blind), and member of the PA Counselors and the PA Lions Foundation. In the past, he served as treasurer of the Mercer Area School Board, member of Epsilon Sigma Phi, board member of the Boalsburg Heritage Museum, and board member and chairperson of PA Parents Anonymous.

Director Ott and his wife, Barbara, also a Lion and Melvin Jones Fellow, have two children and two grandchildren.

 5M8 District Governor Allen Bailey

“It’s the most wonderful time of the year…” And, “it’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas…”

Snow for Christmas! It’s great! Lion Terri and I wish all Lions, Lioness, LEOs and to Lion Will Barnett in Iraq, a very, Merry Christmas and all the best for the New Year. Lion Will is doing great things in Iraq for Lions as well as serving our country. Thanks Will!

Our visits have been absolutely wonderful! You know, I’ve said this before, the club visits were one of the things we were looking forward to the most this year. Past District Governors who have told us how much fun they are, weren’t kidding. Asof this writing, we have visited with 32 clubs, have 35 more scheduled and still need 8 more clubs to schedule a visit. Please contact me asap so we can schedule a visit to your club.

Our Midwinter Convention is fast approaching. The Cold Spring Home Pride and Cold Spring Lions Clubs have been working hard on this convention. Our visiting International Director is Lion Dr. Harold Ott and his wife Lion Barbara. There will be plenty of good food, interesting seminars, hospitality rooms and fun, Fun, FUN!

I have sent a letter to all club secretaries in the district in regards to writing checks for the Parade of Green on Sunday. We will be doing things a little different this year. We will be collecting your checks when you check in at the convention registration table. Please make sure you have the check amounts and who they go to on another piece of paper so your club representative can read that during the Parade of Green. This should help the process of totaling up the amounts faster and give everyone in attendance the chance to participate on Sunday morning instead of counting all the checks. Thank you all for your cooperation.

District 5M8 is looking for a Vice District Governor candidate! What I need you to do if you are interested, is write a letter of intent and get an endorsement from your club and send it to me asap!

5M8 Lions clubs, thank you for all you do in your communities and around the world. You are truly making a difference!

DG Allen Bailey

 5M8 Vice District Governor Judy Loken

Happy Holidays to the Lions, Lioness and LEOs in 5M8, and Lion Will in Iraq.

Lion Will is working on forming the second Lions club in Iraq. If one Lion can accomplish that feat, just imagine what the potential is for one club.

I want to thank the secretaries who are completing the reports on time each month. The monthly membership report (MMR) is sent to Lions Clubs International as they need to keep an accurate accounting of membership to bill each club correctly for the dues. The Membership and Activities report (M & A) is vital to your District Governor, Vice District Governor and Zone Chair so they can complete their reports on the members and activities of the club. Also, the information is needed for the Governor’s contest.

Our district is in need of a candidate for Vice District Governor who will serve during the Lions’ year 2008-2009. Please contact DG Allen if you are interested in the position or have questions about it.

The Mid-Winter convention, which will be held on February 1-3, is a great way to learn more about our great organization, participate in the business meeting, meet other Lions and exchange ideas, and have lots of FUN! Be sure to visit the hospitality rooms.

December is a special time for family and friends. Helen Keller said “the only real blind person at Christmas time is he who has not Christmas in his heart”. Frank and I wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy, Healthy New Year. Enjoy the holidays, and we look forward to visiting with you in 2008.

VDG Judy

When we do the best that we can, we never know what miracle is wrought in our life, or in the life of another. Helen Keller

Attention All Clubs!

If you had a member that passed away this year, since the last midwinter convention, please send me a name and picture, so we can recognize them during our memorial service at the Midwinter convention in February 2008. Email me: atbailey@eaglevalleytel.net or send to:

DG Allen Bailey PO Box 165 Clarissa, MN 56440

Attention all PDG’s, PCC’s and PID of District 5M8!

DG Allen Bailey has requested that you and your spouse/significant other, please wear your whites (formal) for the Saturday evening ID reception and banquet at the Midwinter convention. It is not mandatory, but you are encouraged to do so. Thanks!

Did you know?

Retention of Lions members is more difficult than gaining new Lions.

Your club has a chance at winning a drawing for a processed beef IF EVERY 5M8 CLUB has a minimum of +1 (75 clubs = 75 members) by June 30, 2008. One chance per club. IF NOT ALL CLUBS HAVE A MINIMUM OF +1 BY 6/30/08, but the district membership is +75, a drawing for ˝ beef processed will occur. Each club will have a number of chances equal to the member increase for the year. Charter club(s) will have a maximum of 5 chances.

PROUD LION /PROUD SPONSOR PIN: This strategy to earn unique Lions pins is on-going.

Many Lions who receive the Governor’s newsletter do not share the information with their fellow Lions. Any Cabinet member would be honored to spend time with your club speaking about Lions programs. Learn more membership/retention information by contacting 5M8 cabinet co-chairs Lion Sandy Sandwick and/or PDG Larry Schul.

District 5M8’s NEW Website is online! The NEW AND IMPROVED 5M8 Lions website is online with information for all in 5M8. It has information on upcoming events, newsletters (past and present) links to other websites including district club websites, WMMR membership reporting for LCI and more. Check it out today! www.lions5M8.org MD5M Convention News The Dilworth, Ulen and Hitterdal Lions Clubs of District 5M 11 invite you to the 89th Annual Multiple District 5M Convention to be held May 2- 4, 2008 at the Shooting Star Event Center in Mahnomen, MN. We are planning a convention you won’t want to miss! We will have stimulating speakers, informative seminars, exciting entertainment and more – all under one roof! The Shooting Star Casino & Event Center has been billed as “Northern Minnesota’s premier gaming & convention property.” The Hotel and & event center boasts 390 hotel rooms, a 22,000 square foot convention center, restaurants, snack bar, lounge, swimming pool, shopping and gaming. A beautiful RV Park is located on site. Rooms will be $75 (US) per night – tax included. RV spots at the Shooting Star Campground will be $25 (US) per night. The complete Hospitality Book Price will be $109.00 that includes all meals and entertainment. All reservations must be made through the Dilworth-Ulen-Hitterdal Lions Clubs using an official registration form. For your convenience, Visa & MasterCard will be accepted along with checks or cash. You will be able to register on-line at www.Dilworthlionsclub.info An updated list of registrants by Lions, District, will be available on the website as well. Lion PDG Debra Wasserman Announces Candidacy for International Director Fellow MD5M Lions, It is my intention to seek the endorsement of Multiple District 5M as our candidate for International Director. I feel I have a unique combination of talents and abilities that will enable me to be an effective member of the International Board. I became a Lion in 1992, when my father asked me to join him in the Faribault Lions’ Club. Although he is now deceased, he remains my strongest role model of selfless service to others, inspiring me to assume many leadership roles in Lionism. I have been privileged to serve my club and my district in many capacities including District Governor in 2003-2004. I am currently serving as a Sector Coordinator for Campaign SightFirst II and as Leadership Development Chair for District 5M2. I am a retired School Social Worker, having worked at the Minnesota State Academy for the Blind for 25 years. I am a wife to Lion Steve, a mother to our daughter Carla, and Kitty Grandma to Allison, Christina, and Aidan. I believe the Association of Lions Clubs International is the greatest service organization in the world. Its greatness comes from the power of each Lion, and every club, working together to have a positive impact on the world. Just look at what we accomplished through the SightFirst program and now Campaign SightFirst II. There is power in the Lions’ motto: "We Serve". Our service truly makes a difference in our communities and our world. Your participation at the MD5M Convention in Mahnomen, May 2-4, will also make a difference. Please make plans now, and register for the Convention. I look forward to interacting with Lions all over 5M to share more about who I am, and why and how I want to serve them and Lions around the world. I ask for your support, and pledge mine in return. Debra Wasserman Service from the Heart! Lion PDG Robert Vokes Announces Candidacy for International Director Fellow Lions: I am pleased to announce my candidacy as International Director from Multiple District 5M. I am very proud to be a Lion, and I have been very blessed: My wife and I, Lion Linda, will have been married for 40 years this December.  We have two wonderful daughters who are married to great young men, and we have one granddaughter, Emily.  Everyone is healthy. I spent my career in health care, serving in hospital administration, an excellent background for volunteer work.  I spent much time in committees, one of the major ways that decisions are made in health care, providing training and experience in group processes. My Lions career spans my local Lions club, district, and Multiple District 5M. You’ll note that I listed the three items above in the “correct” order:  family, work, Lions.  We Lions need to remember to keep these priorities in proper order. My work at the multiple district level includes training 9 classes of District Governors-Elect and Vice District Governors, and helping organize and serving as a faculty member at 2 Regional Lions Leadership Institutes.  As LCIF Chair, I helped bring $3.0 million in LCIF grants TO projects in Multiple District 5M, and I served as Director and Chair of the Marketing Committee of the Minnesota Lions Eye Bank.  At the district level, I have been Leadership Development Chair for many years, providing club officer training and seminars on many leadership topics.  I have served in nearly every capacity in my local Lions club, the Duluth Lions. Within the community, I have served on the boards of directors and have been involved in many organizations, including Duluth Lighthouse for the Blind, United Way of Greater Duluth, Goodwill Industries, American Heart Association, and First Lutheran Church. We Lions are people who care about our communities, care about people, want to make a difference in other people’s lives. Collectively, we can do much more to serve those in need than any one of us can individually. Lion Linda and I are dedicated to service and look forward to serving our International Association. We look forward to meeting you at your Midwinter Convention on February 1-3, 2008 in St. Cloud.  We encourage you to attend the Multiple District 5M Convention on May 2-4, 2008 in Mahnomen, Minnesota and to vote for the candidate of your choice. Lionism enables ordinary people like you and me to do extraordinary things to improve people’s lives in our communities, in our countries and throughout the world. PDG Robert Vokes

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