Minutes of District 2-T2 Cabinet Meetings

2008-2009

The meeting was called to order at 9:03 am by Lion Jim Taliaferro, President of the Slaton Lions Club. All gave a hearty thanks to the Lions of the Slaton Lions Club for the donuts provided by Slaton Bakery. We then got a brief history of the Harvey House by Jim Davis, the newspaper editor. The Harvey House was built in 1911 to accommodate the railroad workers and passengers. The town is built 12 hours (Railroad time) from Sweetwater. Fred Harvey, an Englishman, approached Sante Fe Railroad about providing food service. He hired proper young ladies to serve as waitresses and they were known as the Harvey Girls, who were immortalized by Judy Garland in a movie. The Harvey House has been refurbished and restored into a Bed and Breakfast.

After Lion Jim gave the welcome, the invocation and pledge was given by PDG Joe Hargrove.

Lion Jim Taliaferro introduced VDG Fredda Buckner and she introduced the PDG’s and the District Governor, Jene Steakley. Those present were Lions Van Wilson, Shirley Ward, P.A. Wilmon, Flo Shoemaker, PDG Marshall Cooper, Wanda Cooper, Matt Melbourne, Helen Sampson, Bob Sampson, PDG Dan Pope, Ted Boyd, Dan Seals, Jean Anne Stratton, James Osborne, Bob Ruiz, Linda De Los Santos, PDG Gary Linker, VDG Fredda Buckner, Joyce Hargrove, PDG Joe Hargrove, PDG Max von Roeder, Ann von Roeder, Peg White, Kip Culp, Jim Taliaferro, PDG Leo Seiter, Jim Stratton, PDG Jerry Marshall, Troy Coon, Raleigh Hudzietz, PDG Carmon McCain, PDG Terrell Thompson, PDG Duane Howell, PDG Jere Smith, Danny Leake, CC Bernie Gradel, Dan Warrick, Katharine Hudzietz, Elaine Steakley, DG Jene Steakley and our District Queen Kaitlyn True.

It was moved by Cabinet Secretary Peg White and seconded by P.A. Wilmon that the minutes be accepted as printed. Motion passed.

The financial report was given by Cabinet Treasurer Matt Melbourne. He reported that our district has 1583 members at this time. We are in excellent condition concerning district finances. PDG Terrell Thompson moved the financials be accepted as printed. Seconded by PDG Max von Roeder. Motion passed.

Lion Peg White gave a report on the district newsletter, The Windmill. She reported that it is going well, but that we need more articles and pictures to be sent from clubs in the district. We also need a few more advertisers to help offset the costs. Please send in your changes of address so you will receive your newsletter.

Lion Danny Leake gave a report on the district Youth Leadership contests which will be held during the Mid-Winter Cabinet meeting. The three categories are Outstanding Youth, Diabetes Essay, and Drug Awareness speech. The rules and applications will be on the state website, lions2t2.org. January 9, 2009 is the deadline to register to be in the contest. Juniors and seniors in high school may enter one or all of the contests. Clubs were encouraged to enter their Queen as a participant. Winners will be required to compete at the State Competition representing District 2-T2 during the State Convention in Lubbock, Texas, June 4, 5, and 6, 2009. Clubs can enter as many contestants as they want.

Governor Steakley mentioned that contest points will be given to clubs for the number of members they have at Mid-Winter. They will be awarded 1000 points per club member. Texas Lions Camp representative Trish Wilson will be the keynote speaker at the luncheon. There will be a hospitality room available at the Holiday Inn Park Plaza the Friday night before Mid-Winter, on January 23^rd. Everyone is invited to come by for snacks and fellowship. Special thanks to the Lubbock South Plains Lions Club who will host Mid-Winter.

Cabinet Treasurer Matt Melbourne made some clarifications about financials. He prefers that checks be made to the individual accounts and be sent directly to him. Texas Lions Camp money will be sent monthly. The directory was printed right on budget. Extra directories were available for anyone who needed one.

PDG Max von Roeder gave out door prizes with the help of Queen Kaitlyn True.

Anne Willingham from the Great Plains Eye Bank gave a report. The Eye Bank provides eye tissue to those with corneal blindness not only on the South Plains, but also the United States and overseas. They help with talking to families about donations and work closely with LifeGift. Founded in 1974 by the Lions of 2-T2, the first ophthalmologist was Dr. Lambert. Dr. Weston Petty awards are available to clubs. Dr. Petty was a key advocate for the Eye Bank. Anne said that a cornea lasts five days giving time for testing to be sure they are disease-free. People can donate up to age 75 for transplant and 75 and up for research. Surgery takes about one hour. Anyone can register to be a donor by going to www.donatelifetexas.org. Anne mentioned that she needs 2 directors- Region 3 and Region 7. She also told us about the Eye Bank fundraisers.

District Governor Jene Steakley proposed the District look into giving the money to buy a plaque at the Harvey House honoring Norma and Hack Lassiter.

Lion Raleigh Hudzietz , Zone 2A reported that they were down 2 members

Lion Kip Culp gave a report.

Membership: After January 1^st, several Lions will begin the process of recruiting new members to start a new Lions club in Post, Texas. The District is down 12-15 members at this time.

CC Bernie Gradel reported on the Texas State Lions Convention, June 4-6, 2009 in Lubbock, Texas. International President Al Brandel will be the keynote speaker. Bernie will show the video promoting the convention at MidWinter.

Lion Dan Warrick reported on the constitutional amendment we will be voting on at the District Convention, April 24-25 in Snyder, Texas. The amendment, which was passed narrowly at the International Convention in Bangkok, Thailand, concerns creating the position of 2^nd Vice District Governor. We must amend our constitution to comply with International. It is not mandatory that the position be filled in the district.

It was recommended that the clubs send a get well card to Past International President Jimmy Ross.

Concerning the District Convention in Snyder, Texas, the keynote speaker will be International Director Dr. Harold "Otter" Ott from Pennsylvania. It was also suggested that the International Director might need transportation from Lubbock to Snyder for the District Convention.

Under New Business, PDG Jerry Marshall, chairman of the District 2-T2 Lions Hall of Fame committee, mentioned the need for nominees. Applications need to be to him no later than January 23. Nominees must be a current member of our District or deceased. They must have been a Lion at least 25 years.

CC Bernie Gradel told everyone they could preregister for the State Convention.

The District project, the Hope Lodge was then discussed. Our district is wanting to raise $50,000 to sponsor a Patient Room. We have $7125. on hand and $34,625 pledged. The site will be to the west of the Ronald McDonald House. The Governor would like to pledge (nonbinding) our district to underwrite one of the patient rooms. This was moved by Raleigh Hudzietz and seconded by VDG Fredda Buckner. The motion passed.

PDG Marshall Cooper gave a report on the Eyeglass Recycling Center. The training of Lions will be in Lubbock. Lubbock South Plains Lions Club has taken the lead in getting things started. They are ready in Midland to make glasses for children. The doctor writes the prescription and the frame is sent to Midland. The cost is $14 – 18 with a one week turnaround. It is then mailed back to the optometrist or club. The contact person in Midland is PDG Bob Edwards.

VDG Fredda Buckner reported that membership in Roby, Texas is up 28%! This is from a town of just 700 people.

Queen Kaitlyn True spoke about how to get kids for the contests by contacting the school counselors.

Special thanks was given to the Slaton Lions Club for all they have done to make the Second Cabinet meeting a success. They provided donuts and coffee for breakfast and then a fabulous lunch which was enjoyed by all. Lion Shirley Ward introduced new Lion Florence Shoemaker who was attending her first cabinet meeting. Florence is from the Levelland Evening Lions Club.

Our next meeting is at the Mid-Winter Cabinet Meeting on Saturday, January 24^th in Lubbock, Texas, at St. Luke’s United Methodist Church, 3708 45^th Street.

The meeting was adjourned at 11:30 am by District Governor Jene Steakley.

Respectfully submitted by

Peggy Dennis White

Cabinet Secretary, 2-T2

The meeting was called to order at 9:10 am by Lion Donald Rhoads, First Vice President of the Ropesville Lions Club. The Invocation and Pledge were given by PDG Joe Hargrove. Lion Rhoads introduced VDG Fredda Buckner. VDG Fredda then introduced the attending PDG’s and the District Governor Jene Steakley.

DG Jene then introduced and installed the Cabinet. Those voting members present were DG Jene Steakley, VDG Fredda Buckner, Cab. Sec. Peg White, Cab. Treas. Matt Melbourne, Lions Peggy Vernon, Lottie Smith, Raleigh Hudzietz, Jake Bentley, IPDG Terrell Thompson, and PDG Tom White. PDGs present were Max von Roeder, Charles Shannon, Marshall Cooper, Tom White, Terrell Thompson, Bernie Gradel, Carmon McCain, Jere Smith, Joe Hargrove, Arlee Jackson, Gary Linker, Paul Ellis and Jerry Marshall. Several other Lions were also in attendance.

DG Jene introduced IPDG Terrell Thompson, who then gave a final report of his year. IPDG Terrell gave a financial report after expressing his thanks for being governor. He reported that the District fundraiser was a success with the money going to District charities, $2000 to Campaign SightFirst II, the South Plains Lions Club as the club that sold the winning ticket, and to PDG Jere Smith who won the raffle. The leadership mentored new Lions in the District. Training is now available on the website and our financial situation is very strong. One concern is membership – part of the problem has been the new International stance of putting clubs on status quo when they are behind on their dues which gives clubs only 90 days to comply. IPDG Terrell said that now is the time to turn around membership with “no where to go but up.”

IPDG Terrell reported that we ended the year with a budget surplus. In the way of disbursements, Terrell suggested that we should give the Outstanding Youth winner, Will Cherry, a $500 scholarship like we did the Diabetes and Drug Awareness winners. It was moved by Raleigh Hudzietz and seconded by Jake Bentley to give Will the scholarship. Motion passed.

It was moved by IPDG Terrell and seconded by Lion Peg White that we also give $1000 to the 2009 Convention Fund which is chaired by CC Bernie Gradel and PDG Gerald Devault.

IPDG Terrell Thompson received a standing ovation for the outstanding way he governed last year.

Cabinet Secretary Peg White had given a copy of the minutes to those in attendance. She moved that the minutes be approved without reading them. Lion Raleigh seconded the motion. Motion passed.

At this point, PDG Max von Roeder, District tailtwister, gave out prizes.

DG Jene read a letter from Whiteface Lions Club stating that they no longer wanted to be an active club. They have 3 members. Lion Raleigh and the Governor plan to visit.

A slide show of the teamwork learned from geese was shown. Geese flying in formation have a 71% longer flying range. Flying in formation is quicker and easier than those flying alone. We need to “honk” positive encouragement and take care of each other and emphasize that we are a family. We need the encouragement and uplift we get from Lions.

Lion Raleigh Hudzietz announced that Campaign SightFirst II goal was exceeded. The preliminary total is $203,000,000. Lubbock Redbud is a model club giving $400 per member. This is an extraordinary accomplishment.

The directories were available and it was noted that the dedication was to PDG Mac and Mary McCown for their tireless efforts on behalf of District 2-T2 and for their support of DG Jene.

It was reported that Littlefield Early Risers has installed three new members and that they are having their Labor Day Golf Tourney.

After a brief break during which PDG Max had a game for all to play, the meeting was called back to order at 10:15 am by DG Jene.

Lion Don Ebersole gave a report on the Lions Hearing Bank. The Hearing Bank was started in 1997. Expenses keep going up, especially hearing tests which can be as much as $600. Medicare will pay some expenses. They can use recycled hearing aids.

District Treasurer Matt Melborne presented the 2008-2009 Proposed Budget. It was moved by Lion Raleigh and seconded by PDG Tom White that the Outstanding Youth, Diabetes and Drug Awareness winners receive $500 in scholarship money and the $200 entry fee be paid for them to attend the State Competition. Motion passed.

Lion Raleigh moved and Lion Ronnie Vaughn seconded to amend the motion to include passing the Proposed Budget. Motion passed.

Lion Danny Leake called our attention to the First Object of Lions International which is to create and foster a spirit of understanding among the peoples of the world. The Julien C. Hyer program which the District had just finished participating in is a prime example of that object. Lion Danny thanked the District for all the monetary contributions and being a part of sponsorship. He feels that the students left thinking “Texans are really good folks”. It was moved by Lion Peg White and seconded by Lion Raleigh that we give $1000 of last year’s budget surplus to the 2009 Julien C. Hyer fund. Motion passed.

Lion Peg gave a report on the newsletter. She needs articles and welcomes any news and pictures that are contributed. She also needs clubs to advertise to offset the cost of the newsletter. Labels are available for the clubs and will be mailed to those not in attendance.

Gov. Jene announced that Lion Raleigh Hudzietz is our new membership chair on the MERL team. Lion Raleigh spoke to us of ways to help membership. He recommended that “we need to toot our own horn” and let people know the good we are doing. Decide what you are passionate about and share that with your clubs. Use your MERL team. Lion Raleigh commended Lubbock Crossroads for their outstanding work even though they are small.

CC Bernie Gradel gave a report on the 2009 State Convention which will be in Lubbock, Texas on June 4-6. This comes to Lubbock only once every 16 years. Co-Chairman Gerald Devault thanked Lion Peg White, PDG Gary Linker and PDG Charlie Shannon for the work they have already done. The convention will be at the Holiday Inn Hotel & Towers will be the location. There will be a Dance and Meal on Thursday, June 4 at the Ranching Heritage Center. There will be a Hall of Fame Luncheon and District 2-T2 will have a candidate. Saturday night, June 6 will be the Governors’ Banquet. Al Brandel, Lions International President from New York, will be our special guest speaker. Lion Peg recommended that the individual clubs have their meeting that week at the Friday noon meeting of the convention.

PDG Max von Roeder gave out door prizes and awarded the a special award to Lion Peg for her drawing of a goose.

The Governor stressed the need for more 100% clubs, family memberships, women in Lions, and forming of new clubs. There was a short video from International.

Lion Cliff Fedler proposed donating to the Hope Lodge as a District Fundraiser. The Hope Lodge will be a place for people taking cancer treatments to stay at no cost to them. Recipients must live at least 50 miles from Lubbock. This will touch the Lions all around our District. He would like to see us pay for a suite which will cost $50,000. This fundraiser will help to unify our district. It will be the first in Texas with Houston getting one after ours. Lion Raleigh moved and Lion Lottie Smith seconded that we participate in this fundraiser. Motion passed.

DG Jene reported that the Second Cabinet meeting will be October 28^th in Slaton, Texas.

The meeting was adjourned at 12 noon with all invited to the home of PDG Charlie Shannon for lunch.

Submitted by Lion Peggy Dennis White

Cabinet Secretary