From: James [jamio@persona.ca]
Sent: September-03-09 6:37 PM
To: Secretary Bruce Bishop; @nd Vice Governor Sonny Warrack; 1st Vice District Governor John Goodrich; District Governor Fred Walters
Cc: Donaldo Earl Ward; Brad Downie; Dirk DeGraaf; Audrey Brien; Stew Tomlinson
Subject: Zone Meeting
 
 
   From: Zone Chairman James Lee 2A
 
!st Zone Meeting held at Blackie, AB. September 2nd/09 at 7pm.
 Attendees: Don Ward-Foothills
                  Larry Williams- Foothills
                  John Nikulak-Highwood          
                  David Hoover-Highwood 
                   Debbie MacRae-Okotoks                 
                  Heather Jones-Okotoks 
                  Bernie Gribben-Lions News Letter
                  Bill Baux-LCIF Chair
                  Ron Walker-Blackie
 
Bill Baux replete with visual aids gave a presentation on "the Services of LCIF" an informed overview of LCIF at work worldwide that was well received by all, and Bill will be visiting the Clubs in 2A in the coming year to present this film and give a more detailed power point presentation. Bill also explained how cubs can get grants for upcoming projects and that to date District 37 has donated $4 million to LCIF and has received $1.7 million in grants to date.
 
Bernie Gribben vocalized that he would like to receive articles from the clubs in 2A for the News Letter and would like to see the newsletter distributed within the club structures, so that membership can stay informed about local, regional and international Lion Events.
 
CLUB REPORTS:
Blackie: Provide fireworks and a tractor pull every July 1st that is well received by the community. They also host a golf tournament for club members and their spouses. Of real interest to all that were in attendance was their Community Pancake Breakfast that is held the 1st Saturday of each month from October through to April. Sponsors of the Breakfast are from within the community and decide which Charity will receive the $1200.00 donation that the attendees donate from each breakfast. Their resources and energies will be in refurbishing the Lions Hall this year.
 
Okotoks: Held a June pancake Breakfast, a July Dog Walk. participated heavily in the Youth Exchange Program-Sent 8 participants and hosted 5 participants. September ditch clean up, as well as a September  rodeo replete with a pancake breakfast in Lions Park. The Club donated $15000.00 to the Air Cadets for their new building and gave $5000.00 to the Toy Library as well as spent $5000.00 on 2 benches in memory of deceased (2) Lion Members along the Walking Trail.
 
High River: Gave a Large donation to the High School "Heroes Program". They also donate and assist in packing Christmas Hampers for those in need, and they bought a $35,000.00 grand piano for the United Church. They also gave a large donation for the Lions Music Festival. Highwood Lions also served beef on a bun at the George Lane Park after the "Little Britches" Parade. July 1st served hot dogs and pop at the George Lane Park. Furthermore Highwood also gave a large donation to the local Hospital for the Eye Clinic. They run a Campground and will be working a casino at Frank Sissons.
 
Foothills: Raise funds running (3) campgrounds Turner Valley, Longview and Black Diamond. Host bingo twice a month from September to April, and have a Casino at Frank Sissons. The club worked the Lions Lucky Loot at the Stampede. Hosted a pancake breakfast at the Black Diamond Rona. The club is also hosting a pin trading event at the Turner Valley Legion September 26/09 10 am till 4pm. The seasonal highway cleanup will take place at the end of September. Monies will be spent to upgrade some of the facilities within the campgrounds this year.
 
Debbie MacRae will visit the clubs in 2A and give an update on W.C.B. and how it works for clubs.
 
Zone Chairman: -talked about the importance of attracting new and younger membership
                        -talked about the new Organ and Tissue Donor initiative and that Lions Ben Pond and Brian Grier will and would love to talk to this at a regular club meeting
                        - Peace Poster Contest- 2A clubs don't do it because it conflicts with the same program offered by the Legions
                        -District Governors Club Visitation Dates were emailed to each club...change in Nanton Visitation was noted and passed on to their club President and club Secretary.
                        -Have asked that in the future each club either email me a summary of their club events or bring one to the next Zone Meeting.
                        - next Zone Meeting November 26/09 in Blackie at 6pm, followed by dinner and a regular Club Meeting.
                        -wrap up to a successful, positive environment.
                        - A big Thanks to Ron Walker and the Blackie Lions Club for hosting the meeting and showing a willingness to continue to do it in the future.
 
 
 
 
Yours truly, in Lionism
Zone Chairman  James Lee