Thalia Lions Club

Welcome

2009-03-31T23:59:00.000-07:00

June 14, 2011. Past President (2010-2011) of the Thalia Lions Club, Lion Steve Rosnov passes the gavel to new President Jeri Furman.

"Welcome to the Thalia Lions Club. Please call on me @ 422-5877 or email jeriannfurman@yahoo.com. Thank you Lion Steve Rosnov for your service as President (2010-2011). I only hope I can make this year as successful and rewarding to the community and our club members as you have so successfully done this past year."

Lion Jeri
President Thalia Lions

* Lions Club International (LCI) - http://lionsclubs.org/EN/index.php and http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lions_Club - has 45,000 clubs and 1.3 million members in 201 countries around the world making the members of Thalia Lions Club part of the world's largest service club organization.
* Lions Clubs International Foundation (LCIF) –
http://lionsclubs.org/EN/lci-foundation/index.php
LCIF, the official charitable Foundation of LCI, helps to fund Lions humanitarian projects.
* Lions of Virginia - http://www.lionsofvirginia.org/
* Our district - District 24D (one of six districts in Virginia) web page is @ http://www.lions-of-virginia-24d.org and http://lions-of-virginia-24d.org/Club_Links.html. The “Knights Vision” newsletter for up-to-date 24D information is located @ http://www.lions-of-virginia-24d.org/Knight_s_Vision.html
For a list of clubs in 24D and those with web sites please see http://www.lions-of-virginia-24d.org/Club_Links.html
* Our region - Region III (16 clubs) (one of three regions under 24D)
* Thalia Lions Club is under Zone "G" (6 clubs) (one of three zones - "E," "F," and "G" under Region III). Region III was reorganized in 2010 and some web sites may show the old organization.

Next Regular Meeting

2009-03-31T23:58:00.000-07:00

Feb 1, 2012 - Regular dinner / meeting at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, 4453 Bonney Road, Virginia Beach, Va. 6:00 Happy Hour / 6:30 dinner.

Program to be announced.

Traveling Leos welcome (RSVP to Lion Mike).

Meeting Minutes 2012

2009-03-31T23:50:00.001-07:00

OFFICIAL MINUTES OF REGULAR AND BOARD CLUB MEETINGS

Jan. 25, 2011, 7:00 p.m. - Thalia Lions Board Meeting
Location: Home of President Lion Jeri Furman
4004 Atlantic Ave. Virginia Beach, 23451
In Attendance: Lions Bob Donnelly, Mike Coren, John Watters, Jack Wagner, Vickie Kennedy, Stan Furman, Roger Snell, Nancy Watters, Aziz Selahi and Jeri Furman
Call to order: 7:00pm by Lion President Jeri Furman

Treasurer’s Report: Lion Vickie Kennedy
Secretary’s Report: Lion Nancy Watters - None

Old Business:

1. Money disbursements and donations – it was recommended that the club make the budgeted remaining donations as shown below. Other Activity budget items will be paid when actual amounts are defined, Diabetes Camp approximately $300.00 and Bland approximately $500.00
a. Elementary school clinic donations – $600
b. Plaza Rescue Squad donation. – $125
c. Scholarship – $500

2. Bland Contest Status: Lion Randy Jones of the OLG Club contacted Lion Jack Wagner and said that the Kempsville Club has a candidate and wants to contribute to the cost of the Bland, possibly $100.00. Lion John Watters pointed out that participating clubs must understand that there is one winner per contest. Lion John will order medals and send Lion Jack and Lion Vickie a copy of the order. So far there are 2 pianists, 3 violinists, and 2 vocalists. The Bland Contest date is Feb. 21st, 7:00pm at Thalia United Methodist Church.

New Business:

1. Vision Walk sponsorship. Lion Stan Furman moved that we contribute $500.00 from activities moneys to Vision Walk sponsorship. Lion Jack Wagner seconded the motion and there was unanimous approval. Lion Steve Rosnov is organizing a walk team in the name of Thalia Lions. The S&H Van is scheduled for the Walk. Lion Aziz Selahi is concerned about the timing but board members felt it would be possible to shift enough workers between the run and working the van. The hours are from 11:00am to 3:00pm.

2. Scholarship Status - Lion Jeri asked for approval to send the balance of this year’s scholarship to our recipient. Motion was approved. Lion Vickie Kennedy will write the check and inform Lion Rich Roberts, the scholarship chairperson.

3. Broom Sale Status – Lion Bob Donnelly –There are about 4 Doz. Brooms remaining at Paul’s Garage. Lion Bob will place a broom order in time for the sale on April 27-28 at B.J ‘s.

4. White Cane Status – Lion Roger Snell – Designated dates are April 6-7. Lion Roger Snell will have a signup sheet as the event draws closer.

5. Nominating Committee for 2012 officers – Lion Jeri Furman – appointed Lion Steve Rosnov, Lion John Watters, Lion Bob Donnelly. The Committee will meet after the 1st regular club meeting in Feb. Nominations must be submitted the first meeting in March. Nominations from the floor may be made at the 2nd meeting in March. Elections are 1st meeting in April

6. Charter Night location and information – Lion Stan Furman moved that the club find a location to accommodate 50 -55 people and make this year’s Charter Night free to all members and their spouse or significant other. Lion Mike Coren will speak with the Crowne Plaza in an effort to have them provide the venue and a nice meal for an inclusive price of $30.00 or less per person. There will be a cash bar and the bar should be in the room for the event. The date is June 6th.

7. Leo Club Status – Lion Mike Berns – delayed until next meeting

8. Lion Stan Furman asked for Board endorsement to run for District Governor as required by the rules. There was unanimous approval. He presented his announcement letters for signature by the President and Secretary.

9. Membership Application – Lion Steve Rosnov presented the application for membership of Willard C. (“Smitty”) Smith of Vethouse. The second was made by Lion Stan Furman and the vote was unanimous for approval. Lion Stan will induct “Smitty” at our next meeting.

Announcements: None

The meeting was adjourned at 8:12pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Lion Nancy Watters, Secretary
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Jan 18, 2012 - The regular meeting of the Thalia Lions Club of Virginia Beach, VA, was called to order on Jan 18, 2012, by Lion President Jeri Furman at 6:30pm at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, Lynnhaven C Room, 4453 Bonney Road, VA Beach, with those members in attendance as shown on the Attendance Record and Guest Register.
Transcribed below is what happened at the meeting.
ATTENDANCE
0 Guests
23 Members
71.8 Percent
Social Mixer 6:00 - 6:30 pm
Call to order: 6:35 pm

President Lion Jeri presented Past President Lion Steve Rosnov with the 2011 District 24 –D 100% President’s Award. Thalia Lions Club also received the District 24–D Club Excellence Award, the Virginia Lions Hearing Research Foundation Award and the State Achievement Award. The patches were given to Lion Otis Etheridge to place on the club banners.

Lion Steve Rosnov thanked the club for their condolences in the recent death of his mother in law. He also reminded the club to read the Knight’s Vision. He has written an article about our activity with Vethouse. Willard Smith (“Smitty”), the director of Vethouse, will be inducted as a new member of the Thalia Lions at the next meeting, pending board approval of his application.

Introduction of Guests: Lion Nurys’s granddaughter visited the meeting.

Recess for Dinner: 6:55pm
Reconvened 7:30pm

Guest speaker – Thalia Lion Stan Furman, First Vice District Governor, was introduced by Lion Dick Kreassig. Lion Dick pointed out that Lion Stan will be the first Thalia Lion to become District Governor. Lion Stan explained the history, function, activities, and value of LCF - Lions Charity Foundation 24D, LOVF – Lions of Virginia Foundation, and LCIF- Lions Clubs International Foundation.
LCIF was voted the best run nongovernmental organization in 2007. Because of its management, the foundation has given out more than is donated to it. It also partners with other organizations to increase its helping power. The Sight First and Sight First II initiatives almost wiped out River Blindness in third world countries.
Since its inception in 1968 it has given over $708 million to worthy causes. All of these donations and grants are given and administered through individual Lions Clubs. LCIF is now partnering with the Bill and Milenda Gates Foundation to eradicate measles in the third world. One way to donate to the Foundation is through the purchase of a $1,000 Melvin Jones Fellowship. This fellowship may be awarded to any person, Lion or not. Additional $1000 donations provide Progressive Fellowships. Our LOVF raffle tickets are the foundation’s biggest fund raiser. The annual raffle raises money for both the foundation and individual clubs, because of the $30 of tickets in a book, $10 goes to LOVF and $20.00 to the club selling the tickets. As a club we try to sell 45 books every year. That makes it a $900 fundraiser for this club. Disaster Relief was the original reason the LOVF was formed and is still its main effort. After Hurrican Irene Virginia got emergency grant money going specifically for temporary shelter, food, and supplies for immediate relief. The LCF 24-D gave $103,000 last year in assistance for cataract surgeries, and other eye related treatments. They raised only $17,000 at the Charity Auction. They earmarked $15,000 for hearing aids for this year, having quickly gone through the $10,000 budgeted last year. Their services are much more valuable because of the network of partners and physicians who donate their time and expenses. E.g., the foundation is able to have cataract surgeries done for $500 total. Sponsoring the LPGA at Kings Mill in Williamsburg was the main fundraiser for the Foundation before the tournament was discontinued a few years ago. But there is a plan for the LPGA to return to Kings Mill Resort and for the Charity Foundation to again benefit from the event. In 2012, the tournament will be in Sept. but in 2013, it is hoped that the tournament will be scheduled as before on Mother’s Day. The Charity Foundation will have another District Auction this year. The date is tentatively set for October 6th. Lion Stan asked that we keep the date in mind and also start thinking about items to be auctioned. The Good Samaritan Award of the LCF 24-D, like a local Melvin Jone Fellowship, will be awarded for a donation of $500to the Foundation. Lion Stan feels that the most important foundations deserving of individual donations are LCIF and LCF 24-D. All donations to the foundations are tax deductible as they are all 501(C3) non-profits.

Reports:

*Secretary’s Report:
- Polo Shirts – Please place your order by submitting your check made out to Embroidery Etc. Color, size and style should be indicated in the memo line.
- Governor’s Ball Foodbank – Lion Nancy took donations for Samaritan House to be given to Lion Jack Wagner
- Webinar – CEP – Club Excellence Program will be provided in the form of a webinar to all interested members. The information was sent by email to everyone. Please consider participating.
- Empty Bowls Event – Fundraiser to fight hunger February 10, 2012 5:30 – 7:30 Peninsula Fine Arts Center – tickets are $20.00 in advance and $25.00 at the door. You will be purchasing a “potter’s bowl” of your choice then provided soup and bread. All proceeds will go to fight hunger. Sponsored by the Hampton Mercury Lions
- Charter Night – Lion Nancy tentatively reserved Broad Bay for Installation Night, June 6th, upon club approval. Cost will be $30.00 but there is room for a maximum of 42 people.

* Treasurer’s Report: Lion Vickie Kennedy

Old Business:

* EGRC – Lion Ed DeLong- Thursday, Feb, 9th – meet at Best Buy at 9:30 – 2040 Broadmoor Ave., Chesapeake, Va., 23323 (The EGRC visit is always the second Thursday and always needs more people.) Lion Ed reminded members that we also collect hearing aids. We usually turn in our hearing aids to EVMS. If they cannot use them they return the hearing aids and we send them to South Africa. We are now collecting those hearing aids to send to our district twin club in Cape Town, S.A.

* SIGHT AND HEARING VAN – Lion Aziz Selahi
The Sight and Hearing Van is scheduled for May 6th from 11 am to 3 pm in conjunction with the 17th Street Vision Walk that Lion Debra Laughlin is coordinating. We will also have the van at the Adult Learning Center April 5th from 10-2pm.

* TRAVELING LEO – Lion Steve Rosnov has the following dates scheduled:
1. ZONE D: SOUTHSIDE LIONS (60 members) Greenbrier Country Club http://www.clubcorp.com/Clubs/Greenbrier-Country-Club, 1301 Volvo Pkwy
Chesapeake, 23320 - Meets: 1st & 3rd Thursday – 1 pm. Guest Speaker: Dr. Whitehurst, former US Congressman. Visit date: January 19, 2011 –Lions Steve, John, Bob Donnelly, Aziz and Mike Coren will attend.
2. ZONE E:
OCEAN VIEW LIONS (22 members) - Mom & Pops Family Restaurant http://www.momandpopsfamilyrestaurant.com/ - 331 E. Bayview Blvd
Norfolk, 23503; Meets: 1st & 3rd Monday -7 pm; Visit date: February 6, 2012
Attending: Lions Steve, Bob Donnelly, Irene, Mike Coren, Otis will attend

* Fruit Sale – Lion Jack Wagner (Vickie Kennedy) As of tonight, all money is collected. Lion Vickie will report on the exact amount of profit, which may be in the $1000 range.

* BLAND –Lion Jeri asked for volunteers to assist Lion Vickie Kennedy in chairing the contest in Lion Jack Wagner’s absence. Lions John Watters and Lion Ed DeLong volunteered to assist if Lion Jack is not able to complete the chairmanship
District – April 13th Williamsburg Grand Ballroom Patriot’s Colony 7:00
State Contest – May 18th in Chesapeake. Thalia Bland Contest will be at the Thalia United Methodist Church, February 21, 2012 at 7pm. All judges have been contacted and agreed to serve. Dr. Brian Nevdin is replacing past Judge Sondra Gelb because she is sponsoring a baritone in the contest. This year’s bland contest is in conjunction with the Oceana-Lynnhaven-Golden Lions Club. That club is sharing the cost and may have contestants. Lion Vickie has sent out applications. Our Bland Master of Ceremony will be Lion John. We will need members of our club to assist during the contest. There will be no Region III Bland. The District competition is scheduled for April 13th in Williamsburg and the State Contest in May 18th at the convention in Chesapeake

* Lion Brad moved that we cancel the 2nd meeting in Feb. because the Bland Contest is the third week. The motion was voted down because members felt that too much momentum would be lost and participation in the Bland would decrease.

* Meeting Location – Lion Bob Perrine – suggested that the club return to the Japanese Yukai Buffet as a regular meeting place. The price is now $10.95 (special deal for groups over 15) plus tax and 18% tip, totaling $14.07. That includes ice water for the drink. Other drinks may be purchased individually. Lion Bob was told that Yukai might take 10% off the already discounted price of $10.95 ($9.85 + tax & tip = $12.60 (room for that $2.10 ice tea). Many opinions were voiced by several members. Points were made about the lack of proper environment at the Yukai, about poor lighting, lack of audio visual equipment, summertime tourists being placed in our meeting room, noise, etc. It was also noted that we are a service club and food should be secondary. Other comments were that the bar at the Crowne Plaza made hospitality time pleasant. After much discussion it was decided that the club would continue to meet at the Crowne Plaza. Lion Nurys suggested that the person in charge of making the reservations, (Lion Mike Coren) talk to the Food and Beverage Manager, Joe Walker to make better arrangements for food choices. She pointed out that the food choices available at the hotel were quite varied. Many members like the free food offered at the bar and even order separate meals. So the hotel food is obviously not the real issue. Though Christine has tried to accommodate, she is new at the position, and she is the sales person in charge of renting out rooms. We would benefit by negotiation with the person in charge.
Lion Bob Perrine moved that we try one meeting at the Happy Buffet and was seconded by Lion Dick. The club overwhelmingly voted against leaving the Crowne Plaza.

New Business:

* Scholarship – Lion Steve Rosnov – nothing to report

* Lion Stan Furman is running for District Governor and asked for the club’s endorsement. Lion John moved that the club endorse Lion Stan. The club voted unanimously in favor.

Announcements from the floor

* Vision Walk – Lion Debra Laughlin would like the club to sign up as a walk team for the event. She also asked for help in recruiting corporate sponsors. Sponsorship begins at the $500 level and goes to the $10,000 community partner level. Our club voted last year that we support the initiative through individual donations. Lion Steve moved that we support the Vision Walk Event through the club and through individuals. The club approved. At the next board meeting, it will be decided how much is available to offer from the club.

Birthdays – Lion Bill Abdalla (15) Lion Vickie Kennedy ((8) Lion Rich Roberts (5) – celebration was deferred until next meeting.

Raffle- Lion Aziz Selahi -$26.00 Lion Mike Coren and $26.00 to Lion Ed DeLong.

Respectfully submitted
Lion Nancy Watters, Secretary
Thalia Lions Club 8:31

Upcoming Events:
* January 19th – Thursday – Traveling Leo to Southside Lions Club – Greenbrier Country Club, 1301 Volvo Pkwy, Chesapeake, Va. 23320
* Jan. 25th - Board meeting, Lion President’s residence, January 25, 2011, 7pm
* February 1st – Wednesday – Regularly scheduled meeting Crowne pLaza
* February 6th – Traveling Leo to Ocean View Lions Club – Mom & Pops Family Restaurant, 331 E. Bayview Blvd., Norfolk, VA, 23503
* February 9th – Thurs. EGRC – meet at Best Buy at 9:30 – 2040 Broadmoor Ave., Chesapeake, VA 23323
* February 21st – Thalia/OLG Bland Contest – Thalia United Methodist Church -7:00pm
* April 5 S&H Van at Adult Learning Center
* April 21 - RedMill Park – Audible Easter Egg
* May 6th – Vision Walk with S&H Van on location
* April 5th – S&H Van at Adult Learning Center
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Jan 4, 2012 - The regular meeting of the Thalia Lions Club, of Virginia Beach, VA, was called to order on Jan. 04, 2012, by Lion President Jeri Furman at 6:30 at The Ronald McDonald House, 404 Colley Ave., Norfolk, VA with those members in attendance as shown on the Attendance Record and Guest Register.
Transcribed below is what happened at the meeting.
Song – omitted
Pledge of Allegiance – omitted
Invocation- omittedATTENDANCE
3 Guests
15 Members
47 Percentage

Social Mixer 6:00 – 6:45 pm and pizza from Pizza Hut
Call to order: 6:45p.m.
Introduction of Guests- Steve Eggleston, Joan Wagner, Maurice Clarke (friend of Lion Bob Donnelly and possible prospect for membership.)

Lion Jeri Presented a plaque of appreciation to Lion Vickie for hosting tonight’s meeting at RMCH
Elyse Brown presented a video program earlier in the evening about Ronald McDonald House to club members while awaiting pizza delivery.-

Treasurer’s Report - Lion Vickie Kennedy
See attached

Secretary’s Report- Lion Nancy Watters - presented the club with a banner from the Table View Lions Club in CapeTown South Africa and a banner from the District 410A in South Africa. She and Lion John visited the club recently while in the country for Nancy’s daughter’s wedding. They presented the Table View Club with a Thalia banner and a fish pin. The Table View Club has requested that we become a twin club with them. See the attached article written for the Knight’s Vision to be published in January, 2012

VETSHOUSE – Lion Steve Rosnov gave the following report at the Board meeting in December.
At the Holiday Party we collected at total of $295. 12 – $10 cards for Target, 5 – $10 cards
for Walmart, 1 – $25 card for IHOP, 1 – $25 card for Olive Garden, 1 – $20 card for Food
Lion, 1 – $10 card for Burger King, 1 – $25 card for Farm Fresh, 1- $10 Cash, Two bags
of toiletries. Lion Jack and Joan delivered 3 bags of non-perishable foodstuffs to them in
the name of Thalia Lions Club that they procured from surplus foods not now needed by
some of the pantries for the homeless and disadvantaged. Lion President Jeri with Lions
Steve and Jack presented the donations to Vetshouse Director Williard Smith. The
Director, Williard (Smitty) Smith is going to become a member of our club! He said the
spirit of helping the community and the genuine camaraderie during our meeting
convinced him that he should belong! Our club is planning a tour of the facility and a cook
out to meet the residents this spring.

SALVATION ARMY LAMP – Lion Jeri Furman
The Lamp project was December 10th. From our club was Lions Brad, Jeri & Stan & 4
non-members. Other clubs that participated along with our Club were Oceana-Lynnhaven-
Golden, Bayside, Aragona- Pembroke, Virginia Beach Town Center & Virginia Beach
Central. 69 people were seen and quite a few received glasses.

TRAVELING LEO – Lion Steve Rosnov has the following dates scheduled:
1. ZONE D:
SOUTHSIDE LIONS (60 members)
Greenbrier Country Club http://www.clubcorp.com/Clubs/Greenbrier-Country-Club
1301 Volvo Pkwy
Chesapeake, 23320
Meets: 1st & 3rd Thursday – 1 pm. Guest Speaker: Dr. Whitehurst
Visit date: January 19, 2011

2. ZONE E:
OCEAN VIEW LIONS (22 members)
Mom & Pops Family Restaurant http://www.momandpopsfamilyrestaurant.com/
331 E. Bayview Blvd
Norfolk, 23503
Meets: 1st & 3rd Monday -7 pm
Visit date: February 6, 2012
Attending: Lions Steve, Bob Donnelly, Irene, Mike Coren, Otis

FRUIT SALE – Lion Jack Wagner – 160 boxes were sold this year as opposed to 200 last year. Only 2 boxes were left and those were donated to Vethouse and to Ronald McDonald House. Please turn in all you collected money by the next club meeting. The remaining uncollected amount will be our club profit.

FOOD BANK – Lion Jack Wagner stated that he is open for donations to Samaritan House. They are most in need of cleaning supplies at this time. Monetary contributions are most appreciated.
Banner presentation from TableView Lions club in South Africa

SIGHT CHAIR – Lion Linda Eggleston read a very warm thank you letter from a recent person the club assisted in getting glasses.

BLAND –Lion Jack Wagner Judges have been set Church is reserved.
Band director form Hampton and ODU – New Addition is Brian Nevin ODU
Alex Travino Harvey Stokes

Regional Date – Many clubs are not doing a BLAND this year.
District – April 13th Williamsburg Grand Ballroom Patriot’s Colony 7:00

State Contest – May 18th in Chesapeake

Our Bland Contest is going to be at the Thalia United Methodist Church, February 21, 2012. All judges are have been contacted and agreed to serve. Dr. Brian Nevdin is replacing past Judge Sondra Gelb Emert due to her sponsoring a baritone in the contest. This year’s bland contest is in conjunction with the Oceana-Lynnhaven-Golden Lions Club. That club is sharing the cost and may have a contestant. Lion Vickie has the applications prepared and ready to go out. Our Bland Master of Ceremony will be Lion Jack or Lion John. We will need members of our club to assist during the contest. The date for the Region Bland is TBD. The District competition is scheduled for April 13th in Williamsburg and the State Contest in May 18th at the convention in Chesapeake.

Town Center 2012 Contract -Lion Mike Coren – and Lion Aziz spoke with the Crown Plaza and found that the stipulations in the contract that was presented to the club have been waived. After some discussion, the club decided to meet at the Crowne Plaza for our second meeting in January and then decide if we should take action to change locations. Crowne Plaza has again promised to improve service and food. They have also offered to add soup and dessert for $2.00 extra. The price of the meals remains $16.57 per meal. The board decided to leave the member price at $16.00. The hotel does need a count each meeting and notification well ahead of time if you cancel a meeting.

SIGHT AND HEARING VAN – Lion Aziz
The Sight and Hearing Van is scheduled for May 6th from 11 am to 3 pm in conjunction with the 17th Street Vision Walk that Lion Debra is coordinating. We willalso have the van at the Adult Learning Center April 5th from 10-2pm.

HEARING AID APPLICATION – Lion Jeri - received a request for assistance for obtaining hearing aids from a lady in our geographical area that is on social security. Medicare is her primary insurance and medicaid is her secondary insurance. The lady is 93 years old and the request was submitted by her daughter. At the board meeting, Lion Steve mentioned that hearing aids for a long term loss recipient of that age may not be very beneficial however that should not be criterion for not providing assistance. Lion Stan suggested that since she resides with her daughter she should pay $100 per hearing aid and we could forward the application to the Charity Foundation. Lion Jeri notified the recipient and informed her that she would need to pay the $100 co pay for each hearing aid.

Lion Jack Wagner relayed a message from former member Lion Bill Pope. Bill extends greetings to club and wishes us much success in the new year.

Audible Easter Egg Hunt- Lion Irene Conlin -The event will be held April 21st from 10-12pm at Bayville Farms Park.

CHARTER NIGHT – LION STAN FURMAN –requested that we consider scheduling the night for the first Wed. evening in June rather than the 2nd. He and Lion Jeri will be out of town for the 2nd meeting.

EYEGLASS RECYCLING VISIT – Lion Ed Delong reminded the club that Thurs., Jan. 12th is a regular scheduled visit to the recycling center. Please consider working. Meet at Best Buy at 9:30 a.m. for carpooling.

Polo Shirt Order – Lion Nancy Watters - Please visit http://www.sanmar.com/ for a look at what is available. Items: K500SP (men’s with pocket) Navy, Black or White - $28.00 and Items: L500LS (women) Royal, Navy, Blk, Burgandy, or Red -$26.00, are long sleeved polo shirts similar to the short sleeved ones we ordered before. Shirts for men without pockets are also available and more colors are available. We may order anything on the sight and have the logo placed on the item. Our order may be diverse. It is not necessary that we order the same items or same colors. Please let Lion Nancy know your choices. Orders will be placed in January.

Elyse Brown- Director of Ronald McDonald House gave a presentation describing the purpose of Ronald McDonald House. It functions as a place to stay for very little or no cost for parents and siblings of children hospitalized at CHKD or other local hospitals. They presented a very touching video of testimonials describing specific cases. The Charity has aided over 30,000 families and is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year.

Ronald McDonald Charities provides 12% of the operating cost of the facility and the remainder is left to donors. Many corporations provide services and in-kind contributions to keep the House operating.

Ronald McDonald House is always in need of volunteer services. Ordinary jobs such as providing food, do housekeeping chores, gardening, or repair work is always needed.
Club members were given a copy of the annual report for 2009. The Leo Club members were encouraged to participate in volunteer service for the House.

Our Club presented a check on behalf of Thalia Lions Club in the amount of $200.00 to Ronald McDonald House. All left over pizza and cookies were donated.

Upcoming Events:
January 12th – Thurs. EGRC – meet at Best Buy at 9:30 – 2040 Broadmoor Ave., Chesapeake, VA 23323
January 18th – Regularly scheduled meeting at Crowne Plaza 6:00pm social – 6:30p.m. meeting time.
Jan. 25th - Board meeting, Lion President’s residence, January 25, 2011, 7pm

Adjournment Time: 7:25
Lion Nancy Watters, Secretary
Thalia Lions Club
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Dec 14, 2011 - Board of Directors Meeting
Lions Stan and Jeri Furman residence, December 14, 2011
Board Members Present:
Lion Jeri Furman, Lion Mike Coren, Lion Stan Furman, Lion Steve Rosnov, Lion Jack
Wagner, Lion Vickie Kennedy, Lion Aziz Selahi
Call to order by Lion President Jeri Furman –7 pm

Treasurer’s Report – Lion Vickie Kennedy
Activities Fund has $5,346.76. Admin fund has $6,356.09. We are doing very well and staying within our budget. We received a dividend of $119.04 from the Vanguard Scholarship fund. Fruit sales total $1,570 with approximately $1,000 profit which is what we budgeted for (Treasures Report attached).

Secretary’s Report – Dispensed with (Secretary Absent)

OLD BUSINESS:
*Ronald McDonald House – Lion Vickie Kennedy
Our first meeting in the New Year, Jan. 4th, will at Ronald McDonald House. The Club will order pizzas. We will collect $8.00 per person to defray costs and provide pizzas for residents. The program will be a tour or the house and a presentation by Lion Vickie and the director, Elyse. Any short fall for expenses will come out of the activities fund.
*VETSHOUSE – Lion Steve Rosnov. At the Holiday Party we collected at total of $295. 12 – $10 cards for Target, 5 – $10 cards
for Walmart, 1 – $25 card for IHOP, 1 – $25 card for Olive Garden, 1 – $20 card for Food Lion, 1 – $10 card for Burger King, 1 – $25 card for Farm Fresh, 1- $10 Cash, Two bags of toiletries. Lion Jack and Joan delivered 3 bags of non-perishable foodstuffs to them in the name of Thalia Lions Club that they procured from surplus foods not now needed by some of the pantries for the homeless and disadvantaged. Lion President Jeri with Lions Steve and Jack presented the donations to Vetshouse Director Williard Smith. The Director, Williard (Smitty) Smith is going to become a member of our club! He said the spirit of helping the community and the genuine camaraderie during our meeting convinced him that he should belong! Our club is planning a tour of the facility and a cook out to meet the residents this spring
*SALVATION ARMY LAMP – Lion Jeri Furman.The Lamp project was December 10th. From our club was Lions Brad, Jeri & Stan & 3 non-members. Other clubs that participated along with our club were Oceana-Lynnhaven-
Golden, Bayside, Aragona- Pembroke, Virginia Beach Town Center & Virginia Beach Central. We assisted 69 people and quite a few received glasses. It was a successful project.
*TRAVELING LEO – Lion Steve Rosnov: 1. ZONE D: SOUTHSIDE LIONS (60 members) Greenbrier Country Club http://www.clubcorp.com/Clubs/Greenbrier-Country-Club 1301 Volvo Pkwy, Chesapeake, 23320 , Meets: 1st & 3rd Thursday – 1 pm. Guest Speaker: Dr. Whitehurst, Visit date: January 19, 2011
2. ZONE E: OCEAN VIEW LIONS (22 members), Mom & Pops Family Restaurant http://www.momandpopsfamilyrestaurant.com/ 331 E. Bayview Blvd, Norfolk, 23503, Meets: 1st & 3rd Monday -7 pm, Visit date: February 6, 2012
Attending: Lions Steve, Bob Donnelly, Irene, Mike Coren, Otis
*FRUIT SALE – Lion Jack Wagner - This year's citrus order has been placed. We ordered a total of 168 boxes, 8 of which are extras. This year’s order is slightly down from last year’s order of 200 cases. Delivery is scheduled for 12/16/2011, 10:00 AM at my residence, 845 Five Point Road, Virginia Beach, VA. It is in the Great Neck. If you are coming East on I-264, take Exit 19B to Virginia Beach Boulevard, then right to North Great Neck Road, ( 3 traffic lights ). Left on
Great Neck, to the 3rd traffic light (look for WAVE church on your far right corner. Make a left at this light onto Inlynnview Road. Go to the 3rd left, which is Five Point Road. Make a left and go 2.5 blocks to my house on the right. If you are coming from Shore Drive take Great Neck Road to the traffic light at WAVE church and make a right onto Inlynnview Road. If you are coming from the oceanfront make a right onto First Colonial Road at Hilltop. Go to the traffic light just past the hospital. This is Old Donation and you make a left onto Old Donation, which becomes Inlyynview Road at Great Neck Road. Just continue on to the 3rd left which is Five Point Road. Unlike last year, this driver does not have 3 sons to help him unload. Could use some help unloading. Lions Stan, Steve & Mike Coren are going to help unload. I will not be available Friday afternoon for pickup of fruit. Best pick up times is Saturday & Sunday.
*FOOD BANK – Lion Jack Wagner - Our club donations are down somewhat due to not meeting as frequently as normal and members away during the season. The Church of Ascension and Saint marks are making huge donations this time of year so the food bank is doing well. Lion Stan mentioned that the club could donate to the Food Bank from our funds. Lion Jack stated that it may be brought up at a later date if need be.

NEW BUSINESS:
*BLAND –Lion Jack Wagner - Our Bland Contest is going to be at the Thalia United Methodist Church, February 21, 2012. This year’s bland contest is in conjunction with the Oceana-Lynnhaven-Golden Lions Club. That club is sharing the cost and may have a contestant. We have four Judges confirmed. Dr. Brian Nevdin is replacing past Judge Sondra Emert due to her sponsoring a Baritone creating a conflict of interest. Lion Vickie has the applications prepared and
ready to go out. Our Bland Master of Ceremony will be Lion Jack or Lion John. We will need members of our club to assist during the contest. The date for the Region Bland is TBD.
*Town Center 2012 Contract – Lion Steve - The club received our proposed 2012 contract with Towne Center. We previously did not have a signed contract. I had the opportunity to review it am not comfortable with a few articles in the agreement. 1. FUNCTION ROOM ASSIGNMENTS: If the function room needs to be reset less than twenty four hours prior to the function we are subject to a $150 fee.
2. OVERTIME CLAUS: Function runs overtime surcharge of $100 per hour.
3. SALES TAX & SERVICE CHARGES: We do not rent the meeting room and there is nothing in this document that states that. 4. INDEMNITY: I don’t want the Club to be held responsible for any claims that should be the hotels responsibility. If I’m injured there I should not have to waive my right to have my legal representative seek recourse. 5. CANCELLATION POLICY: Only the person who signs this agreement can coordinate any change and must speak directly with the Crowne Meetings Director. This should have two members authorized. There is one last thing I am very uncomfortable with. I said it before; the meals are poor
and it is hurting meeting attendance and some members are opting out of eating.
This generated quite a bit of discussion. Lion Vickie suggested we may be better served meeting at the Hibachi Buffet where the Region 111 meeting was held in Norfolk and the Happy Buffet on Lynnhaven was suggested. The Happy Buffet has been remodeled and has a separate room that is adequate for our club. Lions Aziz and Mike Coren will schedule a meeting with the Crowne Plaza Meetings
Director to discuss the quality of the food and portions of the contract that could be
modified to best serve our interest. Lion Stan will coordinate with the Happy Buffet to see if February 1st is available and if so we may meet there to give the club members the opportunity to assess our best options.
*BROOM SALE/WHITE CANE – Lion Jeri - We need to have a Broom Sale in May and a White Cane probably in April which will be Lion Roger’s decision.
*SIGHT AND HEARING VAN – Lion Aziz - The Sight and Hearing Van is scheduled for May 6th from 11 am to 3 pm in conjunction with the 17th Street Vision Walk that Lion Debra is coordinating and we will have the van at the Adult Learning Center in April. As soon as the date is confirmed I will request a confirmation for the van for that day.
*HEARING AID APPLICATION – Lion Jeri - I received a request for assistance for obtaining hearing aids from a lady in our geographical area that is on social security. Medicare is her primary insurance and Medicaid is her secondary insurance. The lady is 93 years old and the request was submitted by her daughter. Lion Steve mentioned that hearing aids for a long term loss recipient of that age may not be very beneficial however that should not be criterion for not providing assistance. Lion Stan suggested that since she resides with her daughter she should pay $100 per aid and we then would forward the application to the Charity oundation. Lion Jeri will notify the recipient.
*SUPPORT FOR THE INCOMING DISTRICT GOVERNOR – Lion Jack
Lion Jack mentioned that our club may wish to be involved with an upcoming District Project to show our support for Lion Stan who is next year’s Governor. Lion Stan commented that our club already budgeted $500 to support his Hospitality Room during the May 17 – 20 State Convention. He would like support from the members helping out in the hospitality room May 18 & 19. The state convention is going to be in Chesapeake so travel is not a problem.
*EYE COLLECTION LOCATION – Lion Aziz - We have a new eye glass collection site located within the Pembroke Mall. I placed the collection box in their office and I will be collecting the glasses. I’ll forward the name and point of contact to Lion Steve so it can be added to our Collection site list.

Next meeting: Lion Jeri’s residence, 7 pm, January 25, 2012
Meeting Adjourned: 8:30 pm
Respectfully submitted
Lion Steve Rosnov, Acting Recorder

Nov 16, 2012 - OFFICIAL MINUTES OF BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING
Thalia Lions Club of Virginia Beach, Virginia.
Board Meeting was held immediately following the regular meeting on,Nov. 16,2011at the Crowne Plaza, 4453 Bonney Road, Virginia Beach, Va.
Lion Jeri Furman
Lion Mike Coren
Lion Dick Kreassig
Lion Nancy Watters
Lion Debra Laughlin
Lion Steve Rosnov
Lion Jack Wagner
Lion Otis Etheridge
Lion Vickie Kennedy
Lion Nurys Sabino

Call to order by Lion President Jeri Furman – 8:05pm

Treasurer’s Report – see regular minutes

Secretary’s Report – All dues have been collected.

Old Business

New Business

Ronald McDonald House – Lion Jeri suggested that our first meeting in the new year, Jan. 4th, be at Ronald McDonald House. The Club will order pizzas. We will collect $8.00 from each member to defray costs and provide pizzas for residents. The program will be a tour or the house and a presentation by Lion Vickie and the director, Elysse.

Community Service Activities – Lion Steve Rosnov made the following proposal.

1. Create a World Service Committee. The chair and committee would look for people that need assistance. There are quite a few agencies that could help us find a service project. Area Churches and School nurses are probably the best ones to contact and perhaps we can find a less fortunate elderly couple/widow/widower that just cannot take care of some basic home maintenance. We could go in, place our “Lions at Work Sign” on the lawn and cut down overgrown shrubs do some painting, basic fixing up (no repair) and have a cookout afterwards that includes the couple and our Lions, who would probably feel like it was a more personable and meaning project working together to help someone needy.

2. Create a Holiday Food Baskets for the elderly and needy in the community committee. The Chair and committee seeks outs a few less fortunate homes (5 to 10) during the holiday season, assemble and deliver Holiday Baskets containing a Turkey and basic ingredients such as cans of fruit and vegetables for a holiday meal. Those recipients can be identified by the same resources used for World Service Day. Members going to each family with the Holiday Meals Baskets would have a great sense of community involvement.
Discussion:
The Board liked Lion Steve’s ideas and noted that the speaker this evening from Vethouse offered a perfect opportunity to start this project. Lion Nancy Watters suggested that we bring $10.00 gift cards from various places, Walmart, Rite Aid, Target, CVS, Movie Theaters, Bowling Allies, or anywhere else. The gift card could be brought to the Holiday party or to the Board meeting at Lion Jeri’s on the 14th of December. The cards could be gifted to the residents at Vethouse for the holidays. Lion Nurys also volunteered to fill baskets with dollar store men’s toiletrie. It was also suggested that we invite Smitty, director of Vethouse to our Holiday party and present him with the gifts. Lion Steve will email everyone with this information and will coordinate the project.

Lion Dick Kreassig asked about Melvin Jones presentations. He would like to see Lion Rob Seim honored for his service in the past several years in providing $10.00 Medicare patients eye exams. The Board willr Revisit that idea in Februaruy when selection is considered.

Open Discussion
8:20
Respectfully submitted
Lion Nancy Watters, Secretary
------------------------------------------
Nov 16, 2011 - The regular meeting of the Thalia Lions Club, of Virginia Beach, VA, was called to order by Lion President Jeri Furman at 6:30 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, Pembroke Room, 4453 Bonney Road, VA Beach, with those members in attendance as shown on the Attendance Record and Guest Register.
Transcribed below is what happened at the meeting.
Song – Lion Vickie Kennedy
Pledge of Allegiance – Lion Debra Laughlin
Invocation- Lion Jack WagnerATTENDANCE
1 Guests
16 Members
50 Percent

Social Mixer 6:00 - 6:30 pm
Call to order: 6:30 pm
Introduction of Guests
Recess for Dinner: 6:35pm
Reconvened 7:00pm
Guest speaker – Lion Dick Kreassig introduced Mr. Willard C. Smith, (Smitty) Executive Director of Vethouse, Inc. Vethouse is a unique nonprofit organization serving homeless veterans in Hampton Roads. It is not a shelter, but a 12 month program providing contemporary living quarters in a group environment, and assistance in job hunting, transportation, personal skills and development guidance. Vethouse provides housing, food, clothing, counseling and other assistance to homeless veterans of the US Armed Forces in order to facilitate their return to gainful, independent, responsible and productive lifestyles. Their goal is to bring awareness to Hampton Roads of the current plight of the 2500 homeless veterans in our community. The program is provided to as many veterans as possible thru the donation of time, materials, services and fundraising efforts of volunteers and sponsors. Vethouse can only accommodate 23 veterans. It is a smoke, drug and alcohol free site. Vets are given 10 days to find a job. If unsuccessful, they are given assist to address issues that may be preventing their success. Veterans living at Vet house are self-sufficient, cleaning up and cooking for themselves. Midnight curfews are enforced unless employment makes it impossible. There are no exceptions to following the rules, dismissal is automatic. Residents must have an honorable discharge and a TB test. Alcohol and drug programs are required for those how have dependency problems. Cost per client is $275 per month for the first month. The second and third month increase to $375. Since 1992, over 500 homeless veterans have been helped. Over 70% of residents have successfully completed the program. Homeless vets usually come to Vethouse with only the clothes on their backs. They are given food, cloths, and bus fare for the first month. Hopefully, that will get them through until the first paycheck. They are required to open a savings account. Vets can remain as long as 18 months and are tracked for up to three years. Vethouse accepts no government money. Vethouse does not have facilities for females at this time but there is a new facility in Norfolk that has just opened called Female Vets Haven. Smitty offered our club an invitation to visit their facilities. Vethouse greatest donation needs are food, cleaning supplies, bikes, and men’s clothing. Please call him if you have a donation or wish to purchase collards or pecans that are grown and sold by the vets. Any leads on jobs for vets would be appreciated, even yard work or minor repairs. He will vouch for any worker he would send. Smitty said that several organizations and churches offer food, meals, and gifts during Thanksgiving but fewer do things for Christmas for residents. Gift cards for movie, bowling, or other distractions and expenses are truly appreciated for Christmas. His information is as follows: Williiard C. Smith, Executive Director P. 757-724-8614 vetshouseinc@aol.com
Presentation of Thalia Lions umbrella to speaker – Lion Jeri

Reports:

Secretary’s Report:
1. Region III Meeting – 8 members attended Tues. 14th. Some important announcements were, District Bland date – April 13th in Williamsburg.
Governor’s Ball – Feb. 18th Fort McGruder, and State Convention May 17-20 in Chesapeake.
2. Polo Shirt Order – Lion Nancy Watters - Please visit http://www.sanmar.com/ for a look at what is available. Items: K500SP (men’s with pocket) Navy, Black or White - $28.00 and Items: L500LS (women) Royal, Navy, Blk, Burgandy, or Red -$26.00, are long sleeved polo shirts similar to the short sleeved ones we ordered before. Shirts for men without pockets are also available and more colors are available. We may order anything on the sight and have the logo placed on the item. Our order may be diverse. It is not necessary that we order the same items or same colors. Please let Lion Nancy know your choices. Orders will be placed in January.
3. PediaVision – SPOT Pembroke Mall - November 19th event. Santa comes to the Mall and Region Lions Clubs are invited to participate in center court for an all-day eye screening. Set up at 9:00a.m. Screening hours are from 10am – 4pm. Three other clubs are on duty during the morning hours. Thalia is encouraged to participate any part of the day but will be needed mostly during the afternoon.

Treasurer’s Report: Lion Vickie Kennedy

Old Business:

Salvation Army LAMP – Lion Jeri reported for Lion Brad Furman - Saturday, Dec. 10, co-hosted with Aragona Pembroke Club. Please let Lion Brad Furman know if you can work. He will coordinate with Lion Mary Ward from the Aragona Pembroke Club who is making a schedule. 10-2

EGRC – Lion Ed DeLong- Thursday, Dec. 9th – meet at Best Buy at 9:30 – 2040 Broadmoor Ave., Chesapeake, Va., 23323 (The EGRC visit is always the second Thursday and always needs more people.) Lion Ed reminded members that we also collect hearing aids. We usually turn in our hearing aids to EVMS. If they cannot use them they return the hearing aids and we send them to South Africa. We are now collecting those hearing aids to send to our district twin club in Cape Town, S.A.

Traveling Leo- Lion Steve Rosnov – Two more visits are planned. The first is to the Oceanview Lions on Monday, Dec.5th. The meeting starts at 7:00 pm. Lions Bob Donnelly, Irene Conlin, Steve Rosnov, Mike Coren, and Otis Ethridge will attend. The last traveling leo will be to Southside Lions on Jan. 19th. More information will follow.

White Cane- Lion Jeri Furman submitted a report stating that we had a $1583.00 collection and $110.00 Umbrella sales. Thanks to all who participated!

Fruit Sale- Lion Jack Wagner - The 2011 Citrus Sale prices are as follows: 4/5/ bushel Navel Oranges - $ 26.00 , 1/2 bushel Navel Oranges- $17.00, 4/5 bushel
Grapefruit- $25.00, 1/2 bushel Grapefruit- $16.00, large container Tangerines -$20.00, smaller container Tangerines- $14.00, *Triple Charmer, Citrus Trio- $26.00, (*consists of a dozen each grapefruit, oranges, and apples.) Orders must be in by December 09, 2011 to the grower. Shipping will be week of December 16-20/2011. Anticipated pick up date will be one day following delivery at my residence, 845 Five Point Road, in the Great Neck area of Virginia Beach. Please let Lion Jack know how your orders are coming along so that he will have a good grasp on what will be necessary to order. Fifty one cases have been submitted to date. Fifty four are required for free delivery. Please get your orders in to Lion Jack. “Cell more Citrus!!” No Citrus Sell is planned for Birchwood Shopping Center. All citrus will be presold. “Cell more Citrus!!”

Foodbank – Lion Jack Wagner- Donations are always gladly accepted for Samaritan House.

Bland Contest Lion Jack Wagner – The date for the Bland Contest will be Feb. 21st at Thalia United Methodist Church, 7: 00 p.m. The Church is happy to report that they have purchased a new piano, Kawaii, 6ft. grand. We will sponsor the contest jointly with Oceana Lynnhaven Golden Lions Club. Lion Jack is working on getting judges and Lion Vickie is preparing letters for participants.
LOVF Irene Conlin – Please turn in money

Vision Walk – Lion Debra announced that the Vision Walk date and location will be May 6th on Boardwalk. See flyer attached.

December Schedule- Lion President Jeri - December meeting and Holiday Party dates. The Holiday Party is planned for Dec. 7th in the Party room at Lion Stan and Jeri’s Condo. There will be no business meeting in December because of the Holidays.

Members are asked to bring a covered side dish or dessert, bottle of wine or other beverage of choice. Please let Lion Jeri know if you plan to attend and if you will bring a guest. All spouses, partners, and dates are welcome. ( Please see the board minutes for more information about what else might be brought to the party.)

There will be a Board meeting on Dec. 14th in the home of Lion Jeri and Stan Furman. Lion Steve Rosnov will act a secretary in the absence of Lion Nancy Watters. Lion Jeri took a count of those who would like to attend the Holiday Party.
.
New Business
Announcements from the floor

November Birthdays: Lion Taj Old (9) Lion Mike Berns (22)– Lions Steve and Lion Dick sany to Lion Taj. They raised $43.00 for the club.

Raffle: Lion Steve Rosnov (acting tail twister) Vickie wn $18.00 and Lion Nancy won $20.00.
Adjournment: 8:02
Respectfully submitted,

Lion Nancy Watters, Secretary
Thalia Lions Club

Upcoming Events
*Friday, November 18 – PediaVision- Emmanuel Lutheran Church, 3900 Virginia Beach Blvd., 23452
*Saturday, November 19 – PediaVision - Pembroke Mall Santa Clause comes to town! 9:00am set up – screening hours 10-4pm. Wear Santa Hat!!
*Wednesday, Dec. 7 – Holiday Party – Home of Lion Stan and Jeri Furman – 6:00pm (potluck)
*Thursday, Dec. 8 – EGRC visit - meet at Best Buy at 9:30 – 2040 Broadmoor Ave., Chesapeake, VA 23323
*Saturday, Dec. 10 – Union Mission/Salvation Army LAMP – joint project with Aragona-Pembroke Club
*Wednesday, Dec. 14 – Board Meeting – 7:00pm at home of Lion Stan and Jeri Fu

Nov 2, 2011. The regular meeting of the Thalia Lions Club, of Virginia Beach, VA, was called to order on Nov. 2, 2011, by Lion President Jeri Furman at 6:30 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, Pembroke Room, 4453 Bonney Road, VA Beach, with those members in attendance as shown on the Attendance Record and Guest Register.
Transcribed below is what happened at the meeting.
Song – Lion Nancy Watters
Pledge of Allegiance – Lion Nurys Sabino
Invocation- Lion Vickie Kennedy
ATTENDANCE
7 Guests
19 Members
59 Percent

Social Mixer 6:00 - 6:30 pm
Call to order: 6:32 pm

Introduction of Guests: Bayside Lions Club Traveling Leo – Lions Dudley Godwin, Bill Brightwell, Tom Walsh, Ren Zerby, and one other.

Recess for Dinner: 6:35pm
Reconvened 7:00pm

Guest speaker – Lion Dick Kreassig introduced Kristin Carter speaking on Juvenile Diabetes. Kristin is a graduate of Sweetbrier College and is present director of the Early Discovery Program through the YMCA. Her son, Scotty, is a juvenile diabetic. Kristin is the daughter of Lion Dick Kreassig and Scotty is his grandson.

Type 1 Diabetes is an autoimmune disease in which the body’s immune system attacks and destroys the insulin producing cells of the pancreas. Insulin is a hormone that enables people to get energy from food. The Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation is a grassroots organization founded in 1970 by a mother of a child diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. She was devastated by her son’s diagnosis and wanted to do something to help. She found that she could raise a lot more money through research than through fund-raising efforts. In 1972, Juvenile Diabetes Foundation was founded. The organization focus became a research foundation. JDRF is the worldwide leader in funding research to cure type 1diabetes and is the leading advocate of type 1 diabetes science. JDRF’s mission is to find a cure for diabetes and it’s complications through support of research. JDRF is also committed to developing new and better treatments that improve the lives of people with the disease and keep them healthy while we advance toward a cure. JDRF research strives to cure by replacing or renewing insulin-producing cells and stopping the body’s own attack on those cells; to treat with new devices and therapies that optimize blood glucose control and treat/prevent diabetic complications; and to prevent by using vaccines and other therapies. JDRF funded more that $100 million for Type 1 research in the past year. More than 80% of expenditures directly support research and research related education. Since its founding by parents of children with Type 1, JDRF has provided more than $1.5 billion for research. JDRF has four areas of therapeutic development.
Immune therapy – reverse the immune attack in Type 1 without suppression the entire immune system. Beta Cell Therapy: Regeneration, which has the potential to restore beta cell function in the largest number of people living with Type 1.
Glucose Control: The closed –loop artificial pancreas – a devise combining glucose monitors and insulin pumps using artificial intelligence to automatically dose insulin; use of Novel insulin that is glucose-responsive, faster acting, easier to use, and more effective. Complications Therapies: New approaches to assess risk and block complications from developing or progressing. The two largest fund raisers for JDRF are Walk for the Cure and The Gala. Scotty read his letter of invitation to the Walk for the Cure. (Please see attached) He also shared his experiences and explained how his pump and sensor work. He has become quite competent and mature in handling his condition and monitoring his glucose level.

Lion Jeri presented an umbrella to Kristin Carter.

Reports:

Secretary’s Report:
a. Thank you acknowledgement from LCI
b. Reminder that donations in memory of “Mum,” Mrs. Majorie Pat Snell, mother of Lion Roger Snell may be made to LCI, LCF, or to the Thalia Club
c. Region Meeting registration: Deadline is tonight for checks or cash. Eight Lions are registered to attend. Lion Nancy and John, Lion Linda Eggleston, Lion Ed DeLong, Lion Steve Rosnov, Lion Vickie Kennedy and Lions Stan and Jeri Furman.
d. PediaVision – SPOT Pembroke Mall - November 19th event. Santa comes to the Mall and Region Lions Clubs are invited to participate in center court for an all-day eye screening. Set up at 9:00a.m. Screening hours are from 10am – 4pm. Three other clubs are on duty during the morning hours. Thalia is encouraged to participate any part of the day but will be needed mostly during the afternoon.

Treasurer’s Report: Lion Vickie Kennedy

Old Business:

Salvation Army LAMP – Lion Jeri reported for Lion Brad Furman - Saturday, Dec. 10, co-hosted with Aragona Pembroke Club. Please let Lion Brad Furman know if you can work. He will coordinate with Lion Mary Ward from the Aragona Pembroke Club who is making a schedule.

EGRC – Lion Ed DeLong- Thursday, Nov. 10th – meet at Best Buy at 9:30 – 2040 Broadmoor Ave., Chesapeake, Va., 23323 (The EGRC visit is always the second Thursday and always needs more people.) Lion Ed reminded members that we also collect hearing aids. We usually turn in our hearing aids to EVMS. If they cannot use them they return the hearing aids and we send them to South Africa. We are now collecting those hearing aids to send to our district twin club in Cape Town, S.A.

Sight & Hearing Van Report- Lion Aziz Selahi - Central Library, Sat. Oct. 22nd. Diabetes screening and PediaVision screenings were offered along with the services of the Sight and Hearing Van. We Screened 29 people through the van did 30 pediavision screenings and 30 diabetes screenings. 12 members participated.

Traveling Leo- Lion Steve Rosnov - Only one more visit is needed to complete requirements for the DG patch. Lion Debra spoke at the Oceanside Club last week and we used it as a Traveling Leo. We are scheduled for Nov. 14th at the Smithfield Lions. Those signed up to attend are Lions Steve, Jeri, Nurys, Vickie, and Ed DeLong. Please meet at Best Buy at 5:45pm. Lion Jeri and Stan are going to Little Creek on Nov. 8th. If someone wants to go with them please let Stan know and it could be a Traveling Leo.

White Cane- Lion Stan Furman- –Friday and Saturday, November 11-12, in front of B.J.’s at Birchwood Shopping Center. A signup sheet was passed around. We need at least 2-3 people per 2 hr. shift. Please contact Lion Stan and volunteer. This is a major fund raiser for our club. We are a month late in this event and we need funds to continue to provide exams, glasses, and services for those in need. We are covered during the morning hours but need more in afternoon. Lion Ray Ashe called and wanted to sign up. He passed out last Sunday and he was in hospital but still wants to work the white cane. We love his dedication and hope it will spread to all members.

Fruit Sale- Lion Jack Wagner - The 2011 Citrus Sale prices are as follows: 4/5/ bushel Navel Oranges - $ 26.00 , 1/2 bushel Navel Oranges- $17.00, 4/5 bushel
Grapefruit- $25.00, 1/2 bushel Grapefruit- $16.00, large container Tangerines -$20.00, smaller container Tangerines- $14.00, *Triple Charmer, Citrus Trio- $26.00, (*consists of a dozen each grapefruit, oranges, and apples.) Orders must be in by December 09, 2011 to the grower. Shipping will be week of December 16-20/2011. Anticipated pick up date will be one day following delivery at my residence, 845 Five Point Road, in the Great Neck area of Virginia Beach. Please let Lion Jack know how your orders are coming along so that he will have a good grasp on what will be necessary to order.

Foodbank – Lion Jack Wagner- Donations are always gladly accepted for Samaritan House.

New Business

Bland Contest Lion Jack Wagner – The date for the Bland Contest will be Feb. 21st at Thalia United Methodist Church, 7: 00 p.m. The Church is happy to report that they have purchased a new piano, Kawaii, 6ft. grand. We will sponsor the contest jointly with Oceana Lynnhaven Golden Lions Club.

December Schedule- Lion President Jeri - December meeting and Holiday Party dates. The Holiday Party is planned for Dec. 7th in the Party room at Lion Stan and Jeri’s Condo. There will be no business meeting in December because of the Holidays. There will, however, be a Board meeting on Dec. 14th in the home of Lion Jeri and Stan Furman. Lion Steve Rosnov will act a secretary in the absence of Lion Nancy Watters.

November meetings will be the first and third Wednesday evenings of the month as scheduled. Because the dates are Nov. 2nd and 16th, there is no holiday conflict. The November Board meeting will be after the regular meeting on the 16.th

Scholarship – Lion Steve Rosnov - Dividends from the scholarship account will be paid monthly by direct deposit into our account.
We offer scholarships in the amount of $1,000.00 to Princess Anne High and to the Adult Learning Center each year.

Polo Shirt Order – Lion Nancy Watters - Please visit http://www.sanmar.com/ for a look at what is available. Items: K500SP (men) Navy, Black or White - $23.98 and Items: L500LS (women) Royal, Navy, Blk, Burgandy, or Red -$21.98, are long sleeved polo shirts similar to the short sleeved ones we ordered before. We may order anything on the sight and have the logo placed on the item. Our order may be diverse. It is not necessary that we order the same items.

Announcements from the floor

Flags – Jim Healy spoke about our Flag kits and flags, $22.00 and $30.00.

Vision Walk – Lion Debra announced that the Vision Walk date and location will be May 6th on Boardwalk.

Birthdays – Lion Mike Berns (22) Lion Taj Old (9) Lion Nurys Sabino (10)
Lion Steve and Lion Jeri tried to sing to Lion Nurys. $33 was raised to hear them sing. (If we had only known!!)

Raffle- Lion Aziz Selahi - $20.00 won by Lion Jack, $13.00 won by Lion Nancy

Adjournment: 8:20

Respectfully submitted
Lion Nancy Watters, Secretary
Thalia Lions Club

Upcoming Events:
*Thursday, Nov. 3 – PediaVision at Malibu Elementary School, 3632 Edinburgh Dr., VB 23452 - 9:00 am (need help)
*Wednesday, Nov. 9 – PediaVision at Thalia Elementary – 421 Thalia Rd., VB 23452- 9:00am (need help)
*Thursday, Nov. 10 – EGRC visit - meet at Best Buy at 9:30 – 2040 Broadmoor Ave., Chesapeake, VA 23323
*Friday/Saturday, Nov. 11-12 – White Cane Collection – B.J.’s at Birchwood Shopping Center (10am – 6pm)
*Monday, Nov. 14 – PediaVision at King’s Grant Day School – 873 Little Neck Rd., 23452 9:00am (need help)
*Monday, Nov. 14 – Traveling Leo – Smithfield Lions Club. Meet at Best Buy at 5:45.
*Tuesday, Nov.15 – Region III meeting – Hibachi Grill 5957 East Va. Beach Blvd. Norfolk. Register with Lion Nancy by Nov. 8th (this is Thalia’s Region meeting!
*Wednesday, Nov. 16 –PediaVision - Kings Grant Elementary School, 612 North Lynnhaven Rd. VA 23452
*Wednesday, Nov. 16 – Region I Meeting- Hibachi Grill – 11883 Jefferson Ave., Newport News (Please let Lion Nancy know by Nov. 8)
*Friday, November 18 – PediaVision- Emmanuel Lutheran Church, 3900 Virginia Beach Blvd., 23452
*Saturday, November 19 – PediaVision - Pembroke Mall Santa Clause comes to town! 9:00am set up – screening hours 10-4pm. Wear Santa Hat!!
*Saturday, Dec. 10 – Union Mission/Salvation Army LAMP – joint project with Aragona-Pembroke Club
*Wednesday, Dec. 7 – Holiday Party – Home of Lion Stan and Jeri Furman – 6:00pm (potluck)
*Wednesday, Dec. 14 – Board Meeting – 7:00pm at home of Lion Stan and Jeri Furman
--------------------------------------------------

Oct 26, 2011 - Thalia Lions Board Meeting
Location: Home of President Lion Jeri Furman
4004 Atlantic Ave. Virginia Beach, 23451
Time: 7:00 p.m. In Attendance: Lion Vickie Kennedy, Lion Steve Rosnov, Lion Mike Coren, Lion, Jack Wagner, Lion Jeri Furman, Lion Bob Donnelly, Lion Linda
Eggleston, Lion Stan Furman, Lion Nancy and John Watters

Call to order: 7:03

Treasurer’s Report: Lion Vickie Kennedy

Correspondence: Lion Jeri read a Thank you note from LCIF for Thalia Lion $250 donation

Old Business:

A. Discussion concerning Blind Made Products and from whom they will be procured. Lion Bob read his position statement on Blind Made Products stating that he would like to see brooms purchased from U. S. suppliers where brooms are made by the blind. Currently product components are made in Mexico and assembled by a North Carolina company employing blind people.
Lion Steve stated that the issue should be handled by the District level rather than at the club level. The club cannot pass a resolution independently. When we sell brooms and blind made products, we state that the sales benefit the blind rather than stating that the products are made by the blind. The Board decided that Lion Bob should pursue the issue on the District level.

B. Discussion of when and if funds should be transferred from Administrative Account to Activity Account.
a. General consensus was that we do not need to take the action at this time. Many expenses will be paid from the Activity account including Bland costs, Diabetes Camp, School Clinic donations, Plaza Rescue donation, Life Net donation, and PediaVision.
b. The Board has the prerogative to transfer funds to the Activity Account when necessary.
c. A motion was made by Lion Stan to reimburse Lion Nancy. PediaVison Chair, for out of pocket expenses not to exceed $100.00 and send the remainder, $200.00, to the District for PediaVision line item. The motion was seconded by Lion Jack Wagner. The vote carried.

C. December meeting and Holiday Party dates. The Holiday Party is planned for Dec. 7th in the Party room at Lion Stan and Jeri’s Condo. There will be no business meeting in December because of the Holidays. There will, however, be a Board meeting on Dec. 14th in the home of Lion Jeri and Stan Furman. Lion Steve Rosnov will act a secretary in the absence of Lion Nancy Watters. November meetings will be the first and third Wednesday evenings of the month as scheduled. Because the dates are Nov. 2nd and 16th, there is no holiday conflict.

D. Unpaid dues –discussion postponed until next board

New Business:

A. Scholarship: Lion Steve Rosnov moved that we will take out the interest to pay scholarships this year. The fund was set up for scholarship use and should be used as such. Lion Stan asked that we take the money monthly instead of in a lump sum. Dividends may be paid monthly by direct deposit into our account. We offer scholarships in the amount of $1,000.00 to Princess Anne High and to the Adult Learning Center each year.

B. Lion Jack proposed that the Bland be held Feb. 21st Tuesday. Lion Jack was advised to see Grace Holdren at Thalia United Methodist to be placed on their schedule. OLG will join our club to sponsor the contest. Lion John explained how students are recruited through the schools and throughout the area. Now is the time to recruit judges.

C. Lion Linda Eggleston asked the Board for input concerning an application for a child who needs glasses at a school out of our club’s area of responsibility. The application had been refused by the assigned Lions Club. Lion Linda felt that since the child had been referred for assistance by the school nurse and had noted that no action had been taken for the child, that possibly our club would assist. She was advised to get a completed application and then make her own judgment.

D. New Club shirt orders - Lion Nancy will get information from Embroidery Etc. about long sleeved shirts for the club to order.

E. Lions may be provided with a cheap source of eye glasses. There are three initiatives with Lion Clubs International Foundation, Lions Eyeglass Recycling Center, and The Old Dominion Eye Foundation to provide a source to clubs.

Announcements:

Lion Steve is going to work on the newsletter for the winter and will ask all chairs to give input.

Adjournment: 8:25
Respectfully submitted,
Lion Nancy Watters, Secretary
---------------------------------------------

Oct 19, 2011 - The regular meeting of the Thalia Lions Club, of Virginia Beach, VA, was called to order on Oct. 19, 2011, by Lion President Jeri Furman at 6:30 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, Pembroke Room, 4453 Bonney Road, VA Beach, with those members in attendance as shown on the Attendance Record and Guest Register.
Transcribed below is what happened at the meeting.
ATTENDANCE
1 Guests
19 Members
59% Percentage

Social Mixer 6:00 - 6:30 pm
Call to order: 6:30p.m
Introduction of Guests: Nurys Sabino’s granddaughter
Recess for Dinner: 6:35pm

Reconvened 7:00pm: Guest speaker: Lion Dick Kreassig introduced Lion John and Nancy Watters to present a program about RAM (Remote Area Medical Project.)
Lion Nancy briefly introduced the club to the book written by Stan Brock founder of RAM. Lion John showed a video and slide presentation of the RAM facilities and activities that take place during the 2 ½ days of the event in Wise, County Virginia each July. This year marked the 12th anniversary of RAM. The statistics for this year were 7,279 patient encounters with 1,467 volunteers (mostly Lions). The eye clinic saw 975 patients and dispensed 954 pairs of glasses. The total estimated value of services offered this year was $1,446,551.00. Both Lion John and Nancy offered antidotes of their experiences with RAM. Several members and relatives of members of Thalia have participated in the event. Lion Susie Sumnick, her husband, Mick and their granddaughter, Jamie, Lion Linda Eggleston and her husband Steve, and Lion John and Nancy’s granddaughter, Elizabeth have all attended. Once you go to RAM, you want to go every year. But preparation must be made very early. To reserve a hotel, reservations must be made as early as January to assure a place to stay during the 3 days. This year’s dates for RAM are July 20-23.

Announcement: Lion President Jeri presented Lion Vickie with a 100% Treasurer’s Award from last year’s District Governor Donna Weiler.

Reports:
Secretary: Lion Nancy Watters
1. Thalia United Methodist Church District LAMP – Oct. 29th sponsored by OLG. Lion Randy Jones is the Contact.
2. Fall Conference Oct. 14-15 – Thalia had a great turnout. Ten people participated and attended different events at the conference.
3. Region meetings are scheduled for November. Region III is Nov. 15th. Lion Nancy will accept reservations and collect monies for the meeting. The location is the Hibachi Grill 5957 E. Va. Beach, Blvd. Deadline for money and reservations is Tues. Nov. 8th.
4. PediaVision screenings for Thalia are scheduled. Please see the “Upcoming Events” for dates and locations. Anyone willing to participate is needed.
5. Please note the Eyeglass Recycling visit on your “Upcoming Events” list. Nov. 10 – meet at Best Buy at 9:30. 2040 Broadmoor Ave., Chesapeake, Va. 23323

Treasurer’s Report: Lion Vickie Kennedy – fund is down to $877.00 Please do not order anything until our White Cane collection in November. Our club needs a good collection at that event if we are to continue to offer services to our community.

Health Fair – Lion Brad Furman – Va. Beach Convention Center - Oct. 8, 2011. Lion Jim and Mike, Lion Donna and Tucker attended. There were 30 PediaVision screenings, four of which were children. All four children were referred for further examination. Lion Brad attempted to recruit 3 people into membership.

Salvation Army – Lion Brad Furman – LAMP – Saturday, Dec. 10th.- Co-hosted with Aragona Pembroke Club. Please let Lion Brad Furman know if you can work. He will coordinate with Lion Mary Ward from the Aragona Pembroke Club who is making a schedule.

Sight and Hearing Van – Lion Aziz Selahi was absent from the meeting but the information is as follows: Central Library 10-2pm – Sat. Oct. 22nd. Diabetes screening and PediaVision will be offered. Two shifts are scheduled 10-12 and 12-2. Lion Aziz asked for more volunteers and got several responses.

Traveling Leo – Lion Steve Rosnov – Monday Oct. 24 Lions Nancy, John, Steve, Taj and Debra Laughlin will be visit Oceanside Lions club. Lion Debra is the guest speaker for the meeting.

A Traveling Leo to Southside is scheduled for Tues. Nov. 1st. Lions Nurys, Steve, Stan, Jim, and Susie are signed up to attend. (this Traveling Leo has since been cancelled and will be rescheduled)
Only 2 more Traveling Leos are necessary for this year and they will likely be to the Smithfield and Oceanview Clubs.

Leo Club Status – Lions Mike Berns(was not in attendance but the information is as follows: World Hunger-Lion Minnie Nery of the Kempsville Club is organizing this event at Thalia Lynn Baptist on Oct. 22nd. Lion Mike is attempting to organize the Leo Club to assist in packing food. Afterwards he plans to take the Leos to the Sight and Hearing Van at the Central Library to work with our Club.

White Cane Collection – Lion Stan Furman/Bob Donnelly –Friday and Saturday, November 11-12, in front of B.J.’s at Birchwood Shopping Center. A signup sheet was passed around. We need at least 2-3 people per 2 hr. shift. Please contact Lion Stan and volunteer. This is a major fund raiser for our club. We are a month late in this event and we need funds to continue to provide exams, glasses, and services for those in need.

Holiday Fruit Sale – Lion Jack Wagner: The 2011 Citrus Sale prices are as follows: 4/5/ bushel Navel Oranges - $ 26.00 , 1/2 bushel Navel Oranges- $17.00, 4/5 bushel, Grapefruit- $25.00, 1/2 bushel Grapefruit- $16.00, large container Tangerines -$20.00, smaller container Tangerines- $14.00, *Triple Charmer, Citrus Trio- $26.00, (*consists of a dozen each grapefruit, oranges, and apples.) Orders must be in by December 09, 2011 to the grower. Shipping will be week of December 16-20/2011. Anticipated pick up date will be one day following delivery at my residence, 845 Five Point Road, in the Great Neck area of Virginia Beach. Attached to the minutes is a Holiday Fruit Order form. You may insert your email and contact information.

Foodbank donations are still needed and appreciated. Attached to these minutes are some amazing statistics from Samaritan House. Please take time to read them. Our impact on Samaritan House is significant. Thalia Lions has donated $909.00 in cash thus far this year, a better than 2 weeks supply of food for the facility.

Eye Glass Recycling – Lion Ed Delong – Thursday Nov. 10– meet at Best Buy at 9:30 – 2040 Broadmoor Ave., Chesapeake, VA 23323 – We need more people to read, sort, and clean glasses. Thalia turned in 312 pairs of glasses for recycling this month.

LOVF Tickets – Lion Irene Conlin - The LOVF Raffle is a major fund raiser for the year. One book is $30.00. Twenty dollars from each book is kept by the club for activity use. Please try to sell you tickets and turn in your money as soon as possible. The drawing is in May. We were given 45 books for the club to sell – 9 books have been paid for to date.

Umbrellas- Lion Jim says this is the greatest fund raiser we have! – Please sell them. $10.00 each

New Business - Dist. Governor Al Miller, Lion Bob Donnelly and a few others are looking for a new source to provide Lions brooms. Our brooms are put together by the blind but the brooms are not made in the U.S. The components are made in China. The idea is to find a U.S. supplier.

Birthdays: Lion Aziz Selahi (24) Lion Bob Donnelly (01) Lion Dallas Divelbiss (27)
Lion Bob Perrine and Dick Kreassig raised $77.00 by singing “Happy Birthday” to Lions Dallas and Bob.

Raffle: Lion Stan Furman – $45.00 was won by Lion Nurys Sabino
Adjournment: 8:20
Respectfully submitted
Lion Nancy Watters, Secretary
Thalia Lions Club

Please mark your calendars with the following dates!!
*Saturday, Oct. 22nd – Sight and Hearing Van at Central Library – 10:00 a.m.-2:00pm
*Saturday, Oct. 22nd – World Hunger Event – Thalia Lynn Bapt. Church, Va. Beach Blvd. sponsored by Kempsville
*Wednesday, Oct. 26 – PediaVision at Stratford Preschool – 4300 Shore Drive, VB 23455 9:00am
*Saturday, Oct. 29th – LAMP Thalia United Methodist Church sponsored by OLG
*Thursday, Nov. 3 – PediaVision at Malibu Elementary School, 3632 Edinburgh Dr., VB 23452 - 9:00 am (need help)
*Wednesday, Nov. 9 – PediaVision at Thalia Elementary – 421 Thalia Rd., VB 23452- 9:00am (need help)
*Thursday, Nov. 10 – EGRC visit - meet at Best Buy at 9:30 – 2040 Broadmoor Ave., Chesapeake, VA 23323
*Friday/Saturday, Nov. 11-12 – White Cane Collection – B.J.’s at Birchwood Shopping Center (10am – 6pm)
*Monday, Nov. 14 – PediaVision at King’s Grant Day School – 873 Little Neck Rd., 23452 - 9:00am (need help)
*Tuesday, Nov.15 – Region III meeting – Hibachi Grill 5957 East Va. Beach Blvd. Norfolk. Register with Lion Nancy by Nov. 8. (this is Thalia’s Region meeting!
*Wednesday, Nov. 16 – Region I Meeting- Hibachi Grill – 11883 Jefferson Ave., Newport News (Please let Lion Nancy know by Nov. 8)
*Wednesday, Nov. 16 – PediaVision at King’s Grant Elementary School 612 North Lynnhaven Rd. 23452 – 9:00 am (need help)
*Friday, Nov. 18 – PediaVision at Emmanuel Lutheran Church – 3900 Va. Beach Blvd., 23452 - 9:00am
*Monday, Nov. 21 – Region 11 Meeting – Hibachi Grill 5957 East Va. Beach Blvd. Norfolk (Please let Lion Nancy know by Nov. 16)
*Wednesday, Dec. 7th – Holiday Party – Lion Stan and Jeri’s home – 4004 Atlantic Ave. (time TBA)
*Saturday, Dec. 10 – LAMP at Salvation Army, 5524 Virginia Beach Blvd., 23462
------------------------------------------------

Oct 5, 2011 - The regular meeting of the Thalia Lions Club, of Virginia Beach, VA, was called to order by Lion President Jeri Furman at 6:30 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, Pembroke Room, 4453 Bonney Road, VA Beach, with those members in attendance as shown on the Attendance Record and Guest Register.
Transcribed below is what happened at the meeting.
*ATTENDANCE
3 Guests
19 Members
61 Percentage
*Social Mixer 6:00 - 6:30 pm
*Call to order: 6:30p.m
*Introduction of Guests: –Lion Nancy Watters guest, Tajiman Old, District Governor Al Miller,Region II Zone G Chairperson Lion Randy Jones
*Recess for Dinner: 6:35pm
*Reconvened 7:00pm

Guest speaker: 1st Vice District Stan Furman introduced District Governor Lion Al Miller. District Governor Al Miller says that the Thalia Club is a model club. He talked to the club about the International President Tam whose motto this year is “I Believe”. President Tam wants Lions to come together as a family and to plant 1 million trees. 51 Live Oaks trees will be delivered to the Fall Conference. They will be distributed to the clubs to plant. 479,000 trees have already been planted throughout the worldwide organization. DG Al encouraged Clubs to publicize activities and to nurture the members that we have to maintain and grow our clubs. Clubs are also asked to help the organization by donating money to LCIF. 10 million dollars was donated to LCIF by clubs and individuals a couple of years ago and over 13 million was given back for charitable causes. DG Al’s theme this year is” growth through positive change.” His first priority is recruiting new members. Providing service is the second priority and finally fundraising to support our causes. GMT (Global Membership Team Leader) Lion Sharon Tighe is very ill but the focus is to recruit and retain new members. 20 clubs have less than 20 members. DG Al plans to target those clubs and offer ways to recruit new members. Fall Conference sponsored by DG Al’s Club, Virginia Beach Central, will have speakers and seminars as well as meetings for presidents and secretaries. Pediavision, Sight Chairs, Diabetes, Prevention of Blindness will all be topics of discussion and training. Casino night will benefit LCF. A $20.00 fee will go the Charity Foundation and there will be an auction for items using your “cash” winnings. District Governor Al Miller says that Thalia Lions Club is doing a tremendous job.

Lion President Jeri was presented a pin from International President Tam.

Induction of New Member, Tajiman Old, by District Governor Lion Al Miller. Taj is sponsored by Lion Nancy Watters. She is a golfing friend who was invited to a PediaVision screening because she was interested in volunteering time to a worthy cause. We are very pleased to have her as our new member.

Reports:
*Secretary: Lion Nancy Watters
1. Thalia United Methodist Church District LAMP – Oct. 29th sponsored by OLG. Lion Randy Jones is the Contact.
2. Fall Conference Oct. 14-15 (Diabetes, PediaVision, Sight,)
3. Membership Excellence Year Round Growth Patch 2010-2011 – awarded to the club for exceeding a 10% membership growth last year.
4. PediaVision screenings for Thalia are scheduled. Please see the “Upcoming Events” for dates and locations. Anyone willing to participate is needed.
*Treasurer’s Report: Lion Vickie Kennedy – (Scholarship fund is now up to $53,000.)
*Health Fair – Lion Brad Furman – Va. Beach Convention Center - Oct. 8, 2011. The time is from 11-6pm but club members are asked to arrive at 10am to assist in the set up. Our Club is being featured in the flyer as being one of the sponsors of the event. Other clubs in the District have been invited to participate. Diabetes screening will be offered as will PediaVision. The event runs from Monday through Sunday with events happening at different locations. It is sponsored by the Aaron Wheeler Group.
*Salvation Army – Lion Brad Furman – LAMP – Saturday, Dec. 10. co-hosted with Aragona Pembroke Club. Please let Lion Brad Furman know if you can work. He will coordinate with Lion Mary Ward from the Aragona Pembroke Club who is making a schedule.
*Sight and Hearing Van – Lion Aziz Selahi - Central Library 10-2pm – Sat. Oct. 22nd. Diabetes screening will be offered. Two shifts are scheduled 10-12 and 12-2. Lion Aziz asked for more volunteers and got several responses.
*Traveling Leo – Lion Steve Rosnov – Two visits in October are scheduled.
1. Aragona Pembroke,Wed., Oct. 12th . They meet at The Green Turtle http://thegreeneturtle.com, 1401 Greenbrier Parkway South # 2260,Chesapeake, VA 23320 Order off the menu. Wednesday is 50¢ Buffalo wings and they come in a variety of flavors. Five people have committed to the visit, Lions Vickie, Rich, Stan, Linda, and Jeri
2. Denbigh Lions – Thursday, Oct. 13t,h Steve’s Steak House, 11847 Jefferson Avenue, Newport News, 23606-9483, 40 minutes/32.25 miles from Best Buy Parking Lot. Depart Best Buy at: 5:45 pm. Lion Steve,Jeri, Debra, Bob Donnelly, and Stan will make the trip.
*Leo Club Status – Lions Mike Berns - World Hunger-Lion Minnie Nery of the Kempsville Club is organizing this event at Thalia Lynn Baptist on Oct. 22nd . Lion Mike is attempting to organize the Leo Club to assist in packing food. Afterwards he plans to take the Leos to the Sight and Hearing Van at the Central Library to work with our Club.
*White Cane Collection – Lion Roger Snell – November 11-12, in front of B.J.’s at Birchwood Shopping Center. Lion Bob Donnelly will be the contact for the White Cane Collection. Lion Roger has been called to England to be with his mother who is terminally ill.
*Holiday Fruit Sale – Lion Jack Wagner has been in contact with the Citrus supplier who says the price of the fruit we order has increased. All orders must be place by Nov. 9th and delivery will be Dec. 16-20. Lion Jack will send the information to the secretary and it will be sent to the Club.
*Foodbank donations are still needed and appreciated.
*Eye Glass Recycling – Lion Ed Delong – Thursday Oct. 13 – meet at Best Buy at 9:30 – 2040 Broadmoor Ave., Chesapeake, Va 23323
*LOVF Tickets – Lion Irene Conlin – passed out tickets tonight. The LOVF Raffle is a major fund raiser for the year. One book is $30.00. Twenty dollars from each book is kept by the club for activity use. Please try to sell you tickets and turn in your money as soon as possible. The drawing is in May.
*Program for next meeting, October 19th – Lion John Watters will present a program about RAM

Birthdays: Lion Aziz Selahi (24) Lion Bob Donnelly (01) Lion Dallas Divelbiss (27) (deferred until the next meeting because of Governor’s visit and Board meeting immediately following the regular meeting.)
Raffle: Lion Aziz Selahi $25.00 won by Bob Perrine, $23.00 – Lion John Watters

Adjournment: 7:55
Respectfully submitted
Lion Nancy Watters, Secretary
Thalia Lions Club

Upcoming Events
*Wednesday, Oct. 5th – Governor’s visit to Thalia Club Meeting
*Saturday, Oct. 8th – Health Fair – Va. Beach Convention Center -10:00am – 6:00pm
*Wednesday, Oct. 12 – Traveling Leo – Aragona -Pembroke, Wed., Oct. 12th. They meet at The Green Turtle, 1401 Greenbrier Parkway South #2260, Chesapeake, VA 23320
*Thursday, Oct. 13 – Traveling Leo Denbigh Lions - Steve’s Steak House, 11847 Jefferson Avenue ,Newport News, 23606-9483 - 40 minutes/32.25 miles from Best Buy Parking Lot. Depart Best Buy at: 5:45 pm
*Wednesday, Oct. 12 – Traveling Leo - Aragona Pembroke The Green Turtle http://thegreeneturtle.com/, 1401 Greenbrier Parkway South # 2260, Chesapeake, VA 23320
*Wednesday, Oct. 12 – PediaVision Screening at Wellington Oaks Center, 1247 Bunsen Court, Norfolk, VA -9:30
*Thursday, Oct. 13 – Eyeglass Recycling Center - meet at Best Buy at 9:30 – 2040 Broadmoor Ave., Chesapeake, VA 23323
*Wednesday, Oct. 19 – PediaVision Head Start Screening at Suffolk Head Start -860 Davis Rd., Suffolk, Va (9:30)
*Saturday, Oct. 22nd – Sight and Hearing Van at Central Library – 10:00a,m-2:00pm
*Saturday, Oct. 22nd – World Hunger Event – Thalia Lynn Bapt. Church, Va. Beach Blvd. sponsored by Kempsville
*Wednesday, Oct. 26 – PediaVision at Stratford Preschool – 4300 Shore Drive, VB 23455 9:00am
*Saturday, Oct. 29th – LAMP Thalia United Methodist Church sponsored by OLG
*Thursday, Nov. 3 – PediaVision at Malibu Elementary School, 3632 Edinburgh Dr., VB 23452 - 9:00 am
*Wednesday, Nov. 9 – PediaVision at Thalia Elementary – 421 Thalia Rd., VB 23452- 9:00am
*Friday/Saturday, Nov. 11-12 – White Cane Collection – B.J.’s at Birchwood Shopping Center (times TBA)
*Monday, Nov. 14 – PediaVision at King’s Grant Day School – 873 Little Neck Rd., 23452 - 9:00am
*Wednesday, Nov. 16 – PediaVision at King’s Grant Elementary School 612 North Lynhaven Rd. 23452 – 9:00 am
*Friday, Nov. 18 – PediaVision at Emmanuel Lutheran Church – 3900 Va. Beach Blvd., 23452 - 9:00am
*Wednesday, Dec. 7th – Holiday Party – Lion Stan and Jeri’s home – 4004 Atlantic Ave. (time TBA)
*Saturday, Dec. 10 – LAMP at Salvation Army , 5524 Virginia Beach Blvd., 23462
--------------------------------

Sep 21, 2011. The regular meeting of the Thalia Lions Club, of Virginia Beach, VA, was called to order by Lion Vice President Bob Donnelly at 6:30 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, Pembroke Room, 4453 Bonney Road, VA Beach, with those members in attendance as shown on the Attendance Record and Guest Register.
Transcribed below is what happened at the meeting.
ATTENDANCE
1 Guests
12 Members
37.5Percentage

Social Mixer 6:00 - 6:30 pm
Call to order: 6:30p.m
Introduction of Guests: Five year old granddaughter, Mereno, of Nurys Sabino, Mereno
Recess for Dinner: 6:35pm
Reconvened 7:00pm

Guest speaker: Lion Dick Kreassig deferred introduction to Lion Debra Laughlin. Her guest, Dina Gordon, of Foundation Fighting Blindness spoke on the FFB and “How to host a Vision Walk.” VisionWalk is the national signature fundraising event of the Foundation Fighting Blindness. Since its inception in the spring of 2006, the program has raised over $17 million to fund sight-saving research. As promising treatments move into critical human studies, the need for research funding is greater than ever before. The organization includes the entire spectrum of retinal diseases, including age related macular degeneration, retinitis pigmentosa, Usher syndrome, and Laber’s congenital amaurosis.Founded in 1971, the organization has raised over 18 million just from the Vision Walk fund raiser. All money raised goes into research. FFB has funded 129 grants internationally. Retinal degeneration disease affects more than 10 million people in the U.S. Retinitis pigmentosa and Usher syndrome limits vision to something like looking through a straw. Usher is retinitis pigmentosa plus hearing loss. Macular Degeneration or, AMD, is the leading cause of blindness in adults age 55 and older. The condition leaves the person with vision gaps as if looking through Swiss cheese. FFB is the first foundation of any type to use gene therapy. In clinical trials, Genretinide and Lucentis have shown to slow the progression of dry ADM.Virginia Beach has been added to the Vision Walk list for the first time this year. The goal for the walk is to raise $40,000 and the projected date is sometime in the spring, possibly May. The event is family friendly and there is no registration fee. It will be a fun day with a D.J., face painting, activities, and such. Sponsorship and Team Fundraising are the major sources of fund raising. Sponsorship packages begin from $500 and go to $10,000. Supporters are offered website ads, or links, and logo tee shirts. A team may consist of as few as 2 people or include as many as 200. Lions are asked to reach out to their friends and communities. A club may sponsor activities to raise funds by doing Neighborhood yard sales, car washes, bowling tournaments, Dining in the Dark events, Hoops for sight (basketball tournament) or other ideas a club may initiate. Lions can help by forming a team, brainstorming potential sponsors, recruiting other teams, participating in monthly walks, and holding leadership meetings. Dina left the Club with two pieces of advice for protecting good vision.
1. Eat dark vegetables like carrots, broccoli, spinach
2. Don’t smoke ( %50 percent of smokers over the age of 50 will have AMD)
Dina Gordon, Events Manager, Mid-Atlantic Region
Foundation Fighting Blindness
7168 Columbia, Gateway Drive, Suite 100
Columbia, MD 21046-3256
Phone: 410 423 0625 Mobile 443-869-1004
www.FightBlindness.org or DGordon@FightBlindness.org
Lion Bob presented Dina with a plaque of appreciation for her presentation.

Lion Bob Donnelly turned the remainder of the meeting over to Lion Steve Rosnov who explained that our former member, Doug Craddock, resigned because he is having major back surgery and will be confined to his home for 3 months. He felt that he could not contribute to the club during this time and did not want to continue membership while dealing with his condition. If and when he is again able to participate, he may reconsider his resignation.

Reports:

Treasurer’s Report – Lion Vickie Kennedy

Secretary: Lion Nancy Watters –
1. Board meeting at Lion Jeri and Stan’s home 4004 Atlantic Ave., VB. 23451 - Wed. Sept. 28th
2. The Governor’s Visit will be Oct. 5th
3. Charity Foundation Auction – Sat., Oct. 8th – 11:00am silent auction – 2:00pm live auction. Lion Stan Furman has gotten several items for the Bid & Buy Auction for the Lions Charity Foundation including gift certificates from The Hilton, from Charles Barker (and a $1,000 donation). Members need to support the fundraisers and make donations to the Foundation. Other items solicited by Lion Stan are, week in Orlando,, Presidential Suite at Hilton Oceanfront with gift certificate of $200 for their gourmet restaurant, a weekend at Ramada Inn at the Oceanfront for Neptune Festival with $ 200 gift certificate to Mahi Mahi, $50.00 gift certificate for 58th Deli and a wedding dress.
4. Thalia United Methodist Church District LAMP -project is Oct. 29. – Lion Randy Jones of the OLG club is organizing the event and asking for assistance from clubs. People asking for help with eye exams and glasses should be referred to the event if possible. Referrals are to be sent to Lion Randy for scheduling the day of the event.
5. Thank you note from Lions Medical Eye Bank
6. Fall Conference – Oct. 14-15 - Everyone should plan to attend. There will be learning sessions on Friday afternoon and Saturday mornings. Classes in PediaVision, Diabetes Screening, Sight Chair Information, will be offered. There will be hospitality rooms, lunches, dinners, Casino Night, and speakers from International. Milton Bullock, one of the original Platters will be on hand to offer entertainment. Please print off the information sent to you by the Secretary and send in your completed registration as soon as possible. You are not required to register for every event. You may pick and choose as you like.
7. Thalia Lions Club member Kimberly Vakos got married in July. She has been trying to balance married life and work again. She said she is in the process of determining the direction of their lives and does not yet know how involved she will be in club activities now. She is happy to continue to house and care for the brooms as long as she is owner of Paul’s Auto Service. Lion Kim’s new surname is Canakci. Her husband works for a car dealership in the area. She asked about her limited membership and was told that we were happy to keep her as a member. She has paid her dues for the year and she can participate in activities as she is able and willing.

Norfolk Homeless Connect – Lion John Watters –Wednesday Sept. 14th – 238 people were seen in the S&H Van and 199 pairs of reading glasses were distributed.

Union Mission – Lion Brad Furman – LAMP – Date has been changed to Dec. 3rd. and may be combined with Salvation Army LAMP and co-hosted with another club. This date is yet to be confirmed.

Sight and Hearing Van – Lion Aziz Selahi (absent) - Central Library 10-2pm – Sat. Oct. 22nd. Diabetes screening will be offered. Two shifts are scheduled10-12 and 12-2. Volunteers are asked to assist. Lion Aziz passed out a signup sheet and needs at least four more volunteers.

Traveling Leo – Lion Steve Rosnov – Two visits in October are scheduled.
1. Aragona Pembroke,Wed., Oct. 12th . They meet at The Green Turtle http://thegreeneturtle.com, 1401 Greenbrier Parkway South # 2260,Chesapeake, VA 23320 Order off the menu. Wednesday is 50¢ Buffalo wings and they come in a variety of flavors. Five people have committed to the visit, Lions Vickie, Rich, Stan, Linda, and Bob Perrine
2. Denbigh Lions – Tuesday, Oct. 11t,h Steve’s Steak House, 11847 Jefferson Avenue, Newport News, 23606-9483, 40 minutes/32.25 miles from Best Buy Parking Lot. Depart Best Buy at: 5:45 pm. Lion Steve, Debra, Bob Donnelly, Stan and Aziz will make the trip.
Leo Club Status – Lions Mike Berns/ Ed Delong (absent – no report)

White Cane Collection – Lion Roger Snell (absent) – November 11-12, in front of B.J.’s at Birchwood Shopping Center. Though the District recommends the week of Oct. 8th, the board delayed the collection because the Health Expo is scheduled for that date.

Holiday Fruit Sale – Lion Jack Wagner (absent) has been in contact with the Citrus supplier who says price will probably remain the same. We will be notified by mid Oct. of any price change. Truck delivery will be made to Lion Jack’s residence this year.

Foodbank donations are still needed and appreciated.

Holiday Party – Lions Stan Furman/Nancy Watters – The Holiday party will be at Lion Stan and Jeri’s this year and the date will be the 7th of December.

Eye Glass Collection (US) Mailbox – Lion Steve found an appropriate person to make the request for the mailbox. We will be notified within a couple of weeks if we will be able to acquire the drop box. The Postal Service has given a few of the drop boxes to police departments and other organizations. Lion Steve contacted her again and thinks that we may get one yet because they are just sitting out and getting rusty.

EGRC – Lion Ed reminded everyone of the regularly scheduled visit to the EGRC on Thurs. Oct. 13th. The last visit cost Lion Ed almost $300.00. He laid his glasses down and recycled them accidentally! Lion Ed turned in recycled eye glasses and found a pair of gold Lions emblem earrings. It was decided to donate them to the Charity Auction.

PediaVision – Lion Nancy Watters – Three programs have been presented this month to other clubs, Pheobus, Woodstock, and Western Branch. We have participated and trained in 6 joint PV projects in Norfolk, Chesapeake, Portsmouth, and Virginia Beach. 292 children have been screened this month with 107 referrals.
Our club is responsible for the screening on Sept. 28th at St. Aidens’s Head Start. But there are two more screenings where help if needed. The First is Oct. 12th at Wellington Oaks, 1247 Bunsen Court, Norfolk. (68 children) The Norview Club is responsible but has only one member who will participate. Though asking a lot, the other location is at Suffolk Head Start, 860 Davis Blvd., Suffolk, Va. They have 185 children at this location and the plan is to have 3 PediaVision devices to do the job. Please contact Lion Nancy if you would be willing to participate

Health Expo – Lion Brad Furman, Convention Center – Oct. 8th – Lion Brad has asked that we set up on Friday between 2pm and 7pm or Saturday morning at 9:30 -10:00am. The event runs from 11am to 6pm on Saturday. Attached is the flyer with information about the event.

World Hunger-Lion Minnie Nery of the Kempsville Club is organizing this event at Thalia Lynn Baptist on Oct. 22nd. If you are willing to volunteer for pack food boxes, please call Lion Minnie at 263-2450 W, 621-8469 C.

Program for next meeting, Sept. 21st–Lion Dick Kreassig- October 5th is District Governor Al Miller’s visit to our club.
October 19th – Lion John and Nancy Watters will present a program about RAM

Umbrellas / Flags – Lion Jim Healy reported that the company making the US umbrellas is again discontinuing the product. They offered him the price of $89.00 per case instead of the regular charge of $125.00. He purchased 5 cases.
A Complete flag kit cost $30.00 without pole it is $22.00. We have a good supply.

LOVF Tickets? - Lion Irene Conlin will be notified to distribute LOVF tickets at the next meeting.

Open discussion:
Birthdays: Lion Roger Snell (06) Fran Scott (02) all absent
Raffle: Lion Steve Rosnov (acting Tail Twister) - Winners were $33.00 Lion Debra
Adjournment: 8:08

Upcoming events:
*Wednesday, Sept. 28th – Thalia Board Meeting – at home of Lion Jeri and Stan 4004 Atlantic Ave. VB 23451
*Wednesday, Sept. 28th –PediaVision screening at St. Aiden’s Head Start 3201 Edinburgh Dr., VB
*Saturday, Oct. 1st – Lions Charity Foundation Auction – Khedive Temple, 645 Woodlake Drive, Chesapeake, VA. 23320
*Wednesday, Oct. 5th – Governor’s visit to Thalia Club Meeting
*Saturday, Oct. 8th – Health Fair – Va. Beach Convention Center -10:00am – 6:00pm *Wednesday, Oct. 12 – Traveling Leo –
*Wdnesday, Oct 12th - Aragona-Pembroke. They meet at The Green Turtle, 1401 Greenbrier Parkway South #2260, Chesapeake, VA 23320
*Tuesday, Oct. 11 – Traveling Leo Denbigh Lions - Steve’s Steak House, 11847 Jefferson Avenue ,Newport News,23606-9483 40 minutes/32.25 miles from Best Buy Parking Lot. Depart Best Buy at: 5:45 pm
*Wednesday, Oct. 12 – Traveling Leo - Aragona Pembroke The Green Turtle http://thegreeneturtle.com, 1401 Greenbrier Parkway South # 2260, Chesapeake, VA 23320
*Wednesday, Oct. 12 – 9:30 am PediaVision screening at Wellington Oaks Head Start Center, 1247 Bunsen Court, Norfolk, Va. 23413 (Help is needed since only one member of the Norview Club can participate) 68 children
*Thurs, Oct. 13 – Eyeglass Recycling Center - meet at Best Buy at 9:30 – 2040 Broadmoor Ave., Chesapeake, VA 23323
*Wednesday, Oct. 19 – 9:30 am PediaVision screening at Suffolk Head Start, 860 Davis Blvd., Suffolk, VA. (185 children)Assistance is needed to help – 3 machines will be used.
*Saturday, Oct. 22nd – Sight and Hearing Van at Central Library – 10:00a,m-2:00pm
*Saturday, Oct. 22nd – World Hunger Event – Thalia Lynn Bapt. Church, Va. Beach Blvd. sponsored by Kempsville
*Saturday, Oct. 29th – LAMP Thalia United Methodist Church sponsored by OLG
Friday/Saturday, Nov. 11-12 – White Cane Collection – B.J.’s at Birchwood Shopping Center (times TBA)
*Wednesday, Dec. 7th – Holiday Party – Lion Stan and Jeri’s home – 4004 Atlantic Ave. (time TBA)

Adjournment Time: 8:30
Lion Nancy Watters, Secretary
Thalia Lions Club

Sep 7, 2011. The regular meeting of the Thalia Lions Club, of Virginia Beach, VA, was called to order on Sept.7, 2011, by Lion President Jeri Furman at 6:30 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, Pembroke Room, 4453 Bonney Road, VA Beach, with those members in attendance as shown on the Attendance Record and Guest Register.
Transcribed below is what happened at the meeting.
ATTENDANCE
8 Guests
18 Members
58 Percentage
Social Mixer 6:00 - 6:30 pm
Call to order: 6:30p.m

Introduction of Guests:
Traveling Leo – Poquoson Lions Club –Lions Ray Yannello, B T Smith, Kathy and Keith Feigh, and Bob Wagner
Traveling Leo – Oceanside Lions Club – Lions Mary Davis, Roy Stockdill, Jeff Blair (speaker) with Prince

Recess for Dinner: 6:35pm

Reconvened 7:00pm
Lion President Jeri announced that Thalia Lions Club has been awarded the following patches for the club banner Eye Glass Recycling, Governor’s Contest, Traveling Leo, District Achievement Award, and District Governor’s Award, Lion President also thanked Lion Bob Donnelly for hosting the meeting/social at his Old Donation Condo Complex Clubhouse.

Guest speaker: introduced by Lion Dick Kreassig. Lion Jeff Blair with dog, Prince accompanied by Lion Roy Stockdill, Co-Chairs of the Leader Dog Program. Lion Roy showed a short, informative, and touching video on the Leader Dog Program. Jeff Blair is a member of the Oceanside Lions Club and is the co-chairperson of the Leader Dog Program for District 24 D. Lion Roy told us that Leader Dog is the largest of the organizations for training leader dogs in the world. The organization is 72 years old. A dogs working life is 8-10 years and breed such as German Shepherds, Labs and Retrievers are used. Lion Jeff introduced the club to Prince, his leader dog. The auto industry was the biggest sponsor but now they are a bit strapped. Voice activated GPS is now given instead of the tracker mechanism previously offered. There is a need to search for people who can actively use the leader dog program. Less than 1 percent of blind people use a leader dog. Many people do not know or understand the opportunity that is available. Prince has allowed Lion Jeff to live on his own, independent of his parents and family. The waiting list to get into the program is about 2 months long. Students coming to Leader Dog to receive a guide dog complete a 26-day training program that includes country, city and nighttime travel, how to incorporate a Leader Dog into a daily routine, and dog care knowledge. Upon arrival to Leader Dog, students learn how to work with a guide dog, including commands, making corrections, proper praise and physically caring for a dog. On day three, students are matched with a trained dog with consideration made to lifestyle, travel pace, physical size and stamina. Leader Dog recognizes the needs associated with diversity and the demands of balanced lifestyles and careers. They strive to meet the special needs of the students with accommodations such as Spanish-speaking instructors, late evening diabetic snacks and one of only two existing programs for individuals who are both deaf and blind. Prerequisites and Requirements; 16 years of age and older - Legal blindness, which is defined as a visual acuity of 20/200 or less in the better eye with correction or restriction in the visual field of less than 20 degrees. - Good mental and physical health, including the ability to walk several blocks. - Successful completion of a basic course in orientation and mobility. - A short video demonstrating independent travel skills is required.
The guide dog’s program is offered free-of-charge at the residential campus in Rochester Hills, Michigan, including: expenses for public transportation to students traveling within North America and room and board.

Announcements: Lion President Jeri – announcement of membership resignation of Doug Craddock. Lion Doug Craddock has submitted a letter of resignation to the club. The secretary has sent an acceptance letter. We regret that Lion Doug has felt the need to resign and hope that he will possibly reconsider at a later date.

Reports:

Secretary Report: Lion Nancy Watters –
1. The Governor’s Visit was changed to Oct. 5 instead of Sept. 22nd because of the USA/Canada
2. Eye Bank Annual Dinner at Norfolk Yacht Club was only attended by Lion John and Nancy
3. Health Coordinator for Head Start in South Hampton Roads has asked that all children in the program be screened in the first 45 days of school. 17 clubs will be involved. Two of the centers are in the Thalia service area. Most of the others are in Norfolk, Suffolk, Smithfield, and Chesapeake. (1500 children) First Screening is at St. Mary’s 921 Holt St. Norfolk, Va. On Friday, Sept. 9th starting about 8:30. 95 children are expected to be screened.
4. Thalia United Methodist Church District LAMP -project is Oct. 29. – Lion Randy Jones of the OLG club is organizing the event and asking for assistance from clubs. People asking for help with eye exams and glasses should be referred to the event if possible. Referrals are to be sent to Lion Randy for scheduling the day of the event.
5. Thank you note from the Leader Dog Program.
6. Saturday, Sept.3rd.– Community Service Day – sponsored by Bayside Lions – United Methodist Church, 815 Baker Road. 1p.m.-4p.m. 34 children with 11 referrals were screened. 10 members from 4 clubs participated.

Treasurer’s Report: Lion Vickie Kennedy

Health Fair – Lion Brad Furman – location Va. Beach Convention Center - Oct. 8, 2011. The time is from 11-6pm but club members are asked to arrive at 10am to assist in the set up. Our Club is being featured in the flyer as being one of the sponsors of the event. Other clubs in the District have been invited to participate. Diabetes screening will be offered as will PediaVision. The event runs from Monday through Sunday with events happening at different locations. It is sponsored by the Aaron Wheeler Group.

Norfolk Homeless Connect – Lion John Watters – Wednesday Sept. 14th – 7:00am.-3:00p.m. – email was sent today with all details concerning parking, tickets, instructions and such. If you did apply earlier, a ticket should have been mailed to you.

Union Mission – Lion Brad Furman – LAMP – Date has been changed to Dec. 3rd. and may be combined with Salvation Army LAMP and co-hosted with another club.
Sight and Hearing Van – Lion Aziz Selahi - Central Library 10-2pm – Sat. Oct. 22nd. Diabetes screening will be offered. Two shifts are scheduled10-12 and 12-2. Volunteers are asked to assist. Lion Aziz passed out a sign up sheet and needs at least four more volunteers.

Traveling Leo – Lion Steve Rosnov – Two visits in October are scheduled.
1. Aragona Pembroke,Wed., Oct. 12th . They meet at The Green Turtle http://thegreeneturtle.com, 1401 Greenbrier Parkway South # 2260,Chesapeake, VA 23320Order off the menu. Wednesday is 50¢ Buffalo wings and they come in a variety of flavors. Five people have committed to the visit, Lions Vickie, Rich, Stan, Linda, and Steve
2. Denbigh Lions – Tuesday, Oct. 11t,h Steve’s Steak House, 11847 Jefferson Avenue, Newport News, 23606-9483, 40 minutes/32.25 miles from Best Buy Parking Lot. Depart Best Buy at: 5:45 pm. Lion Steve, Debra, Bob Donnelly, and Stan will make the trip.

Youth Services Project - Lion Bob Donnelly- reported that the Youth Exchange Dinner was a successful project and thanked everyone who participated in making the event memorable for the students.

Leo Club Status – Lions Mike Berns/ Ed Delong
The "Cavalier Connection" night was very well attended. Lion Mike handed out 30 applications and discussed the purpose of the Leo Club with many students and parents. He has started a Facebook group and hopes to get some students to join the group after the Cavalier Connection night on Aug. 23rd. On the downside, the support from the school isn't any better than it was last year. For the last two years we have had two different teachers from the Special Ed wing who have little or no contact with students in the general population. Lion Mike met with Mr. Panchik (faculty advisor from last year) and was told that he did not desire to be the advisor this year. He did say he will work us until he finds a replacement.

White Cane Collection – Lion Roger Snell – November 11-12, in front of B.J.’s at Birchwood Shopping Center. Though the District recommends the week of Oct. 8th, the board delayed the collection because the Health Expo is scheduled for that date.

Holiday Fruit Sale – Lion Jack Wagner has been in contact with the Citrus supplier who says price will probably remain the same. We will be notified by mid Oct. of any price change. Truck delivery will be made to Lion Jack’s residence this year.

Foodbank donations are still needed and appreciated.

Holiday Party – Lions Stan Furman/Nancy Watters – The Holiday party will be at Lion Stan and Jeri’s this year and the date will be the 7th of December.

Eye Glass Collection (US) Mailbox – Lion Steve found an appropriate person to make the request for the mailbox. We will be notified within a couple of weeks if we will be able to acquire the drop box. The Postal Service has given a few of the drop boxes to police departments and other organizations. Lion Steve will contact her again soon.

World Hunger-Lion Minnie Nery of the Kempsville Club is organizing this event at Thalia Lynn Baptist on Oct. 22nd. If you are willing to volunteer for pack food boxes, please call Lion Minnie at 263-2450 W, 621-8469 C.

Charity Foundation - Lion Stan Furman has gotten several items for the Bid & Buy Auction for the Lions Charity Foundation including gift certificates from The Hilton, from Charles Barker (and a $1,000 donation). Members need to support the fundraisers and make donations to the Foundation. Other items solicited by Lion Stan are, week in Orlanda,, Presidential Suite at Hilton Oceanfront with gift certificate of $200 for their gourmet restaurant, a weekend at Ramada Inn at the Oceanfront for Neptune Festival with $ 200 gift certificate to Mahi Mahi, $50.00 gift certificate for 58th Deli and a Wedding dress.

Fall Conference – Lion Stan Furman- Everyone should plan to attend. There will be learning sessions on Friday afternoon and Saturday mornings. Classes in PediaVision, Diabetes Screening, Sight Chair Information, will be offered. There will be hospitality rooms, lunches, dinners, Casino Night, and speakers from International. Milton Bullock, one of the original Platters will be on hand to offer entertainment. Please print off the information sent to you by the Secretary and send in your completed registration as soon as possible. You are not required to register for every event. You may pick and choose as you like.

Unbrellas – Lion Jim Healy reported in writing that the company making the US umbrellas is again discontinuing the product. They offered him the price of $89.00 per case instead of the regular charge of $125.00. He purchased 5 cases.

Open discussion:
Guest and Traveling Leo from Oceanside, Lion Mary Davis announced that local Lions will be given 50 Live Oaks as part of our project to plant a million trees. They will be delivered on Oct. 15th. She asked that the club have two people available to plant the trees in a specific location. She will have more information soon and will send it to the secretary. Fall Conference Date is delivery date -

Birthdays: Lion Fran Scott (2) Lion Dick Kreassig (23) Lion Stan Furman (30)
$144.00 was raised to hear Lion Ed Delong, Lion Vickie Kennedy and Lion Ray Yannello sing Happy Birthday. Lion Ray’s birthday was Friday and was sung to by Lion Steve, and Lion Stan Furan.

Raffle: Lion Aziz Selahi $23.00 won by Lion Dick - $20.00 won by Traveling Leo Lion Bob Wagner

Upcoming events:
*Saturday, Sept.3rd.– Community Service Day – sponsored by Bayside Lions – United Methodist Church,
815 Baker Road. 1p.m.-4p.m.
*Thursday, Sept 8th – EGRC – meet at Best Buy at 9:30 – 2040 Broadmoor Ave., Chesapeake, VA 23323
*Wednesday, Sept. 14th – Norfolk Homeless Connect
*Wednesday, Sept. 21st – Next Regular Meeting - Crowne Plaza. Lion Dick Kreassig announced that Debra Laughlin will host Dina Gordon of Foundation Fighting Blindness who will speak to our club about how to host a successful Vision Walk. Thalia has committed to the event for the coming year.
*Saturday, Oct. 1st – Lions Charity Foundation Auction – Khedive Temple, 645 Woodlake Drive, Chesapeake, VA. 23320
*Wednesday Oct 5th - District Governor Al Miller’s visit to our club.
*Saturday, Oct. 8th – Health Fair – Va. Beach Convention Center -10:00am – 6:00pm
*Wednesday, Oct. 12th – Traveling Leo Aragona -Pembroke, Meet at The Green Turtle, 1401 Greenbrier Parkway South #2260, Chesapeake, VA 23320
*Tuesday, Oct. 11th – Traveling Leo Denbigh Lions - Steve’s Steak House, 11847 Jefferson Avenue ,Newport News,23606-9483 40 minutes/32.25 miles from Best Buy Parking Lot. Depart Best Buy at: 5:45 pm
*Wednesday, Oct. 12th – Traveling Leo - Aragona Pembroke The Green Turtle http://thegreeneturtle.com, 1401 Greenbrier Parkway South # 2260, Chesapeake, VA 23320
*Wednesday, Oct 19th – Lion John and Nancy Watters will present a program about RAM
*Saturday, Oct. 22nd – Sight and Hearing Van at Central Library – 10:00a,m-2:00pm
*Saturday, Oct. 22nd – World Hunger Event – Thalia Lynn Bapt. Church, Va. Beach Blvd. sponsored by Kempsville Lions
*Friday/Saturday, Nov. 11-12th – White Cane Collection – B.J.’s at Birchwood Shopping Center (times TBA)
*Wednesday, Dec. 7th – Holiday Party – Lion Stan and Jeri’s home – 4004 Atlantic Ave. (time TBA)

Adjournment Time: 8:30
Lion Nancy Watters, Secretary
Thalia Lions Club

Aug 24, 2011 - OFFICIAL AGENDA OF BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING
Thalia Lions Club of Virginia Beach, Virginia.
Board Meeting at the home of Lions Stan and Jeri Furman, Aug. 24, 2011.
Lion Jeri Furman, Pres.
Lion Stan Furman
Lion John Watters
Lion Nancy Watters,sect.
Lion Aziz Selahi
Lion Linda Eggleston
Lion Vickie Kennedy
Lion Jack Wagner
Lion Brad Furmam
Lion Roger Snell
Lion Mike Coren
Lion Steve Rosnov

Call to order by Lion President Jeri Furman 7:04pm

Lion President announced that Lion Doug Craddock has submitted a letter of resignation to the club. The secretary has sent an acceptance letter. We regret that Lion Doug has felt the need to resign and hope that he will possibly reconsider at a later date.

Health Fair – Lion Brad Furman – location Va. Beach Convention Center - Oct. 8, 2011. The time is from 11-6pm but club members are asked to arrive at 10am to assist in the set up. Our Club is being featured in the flyer as being one of the sponsors of the event. Other clubs in the District have been invited to participate. Diabetes screening will be offered as will PediaVision. The event runs from Monday through Sunday with events happening at different locations. It is sponsored by the Aaron Wheeler Group.

Union Mission – Lion Brad Furman – LAMP – After discussion about the many LAMP type activities during the month of Sept. and Oct., it was decided to move the event to Dec. 3rd.

Sight and Hearing Van – Lion Aziz Selahi - Central Library 10-2pm – Sat. Oct. 22nd. Diabetes screening will be offered. Two shifts are scheduled10-12 and 12-2. Volunteers will be asked to assist.

Thalia United Methodist Church District LAMP project is Oct. 29. – Lion Randy Jones of the OLG club is organizing the event and asking for assistance from clubs. People asking for help with eye exams and glasses should be referred to the event if possible. Referrals are to be sent to Lion Randy for scheduling the day of the event.

Youth Services Project - Lion Bob Donnelly- Lion Bob was not in attendance and there was no information on the project available.

Leo Club Status – Lions Mike Berns/ Ed Delong- (written report from Lion Mike)
The "Cavalier Connection" night went very well last night. It was very well attended. I handed out 30 applications and discussed the purpose of the Leo Club with many students and parents. I have started a Facebook group and hope to get some students to join the group after our contact last night. On the downside, the support from the school isn't any better than it was last year. For the last two years we have had two different teachers from the Special Ed wing who have little or no contact with students in the general population. I met with Mr. Panchik (faculty advisor from last year) and he told me he did not desire to be the advisor this year. He did say he will work us until he finds a replacement.

White Cane Collection – Lion Roger Snell – November 11-12, in front of B.J.’s at Birchwood Shopping Center. Though the District recommends the week of Oct. 8th, the board delayed the collection because the Health Expo is scheduled for that date.

Holiday Fruit Sale – Lion Jack Wagner has been in contact with the Citrus supplier who says price will probably remain the same. We will be notified by mid Oct. of any price change. Truck delivery will be made to Lion Jack’s residence this year.

Holiday Party – Lions Stan Furman/Nancy Watters – The Holiday party will be at Lion Stan and Jeri’s this year and the date will be the 7th of December.

Open discussion:
Lion Nancy Watters moved that we pay the current year budgeted commitments to District 24 D. Lion Jack Wagoner seconded the motion and the vote carried.

Budget changes:
1. “Parades and Floats” was moved to Administration from Activities. $64.00
2. “Website” donation for $25.00 was added to the Administration budget.
A motion was made, seconded, and voted confirmed to pay the two amounts.
3. PediaVision donation was discussed but the decision was to delay or possibly, at a later date, strike it from the budget as a donation. Most of the devices are now funded by grants and there is relatively little expense.

Lion Steve Rosnov –
1. Lion Doug’s resignation left a vacancy on the Board – Lion Steve Rosnov recommended Lion John Watters to fill the vacancy. Appointment was made by Lion Jeri.
2. The Youth Exchange is usually done in the hottest time of the year. Lion Steve recommends that we check with the District chair and ask for a commitment for an indoor location next year. Lion Stan will talk to Lion Jeff Jacobs about the issue.
3. EyeGlass Collection (US) Mailbox – Lion Steve found an appropriate person to make the request for the mailbox. We will be notified within a couple of weeks if we will be able to acquire the drop box. The Postal Service has given a few of the drop boxes to police departments and other organizations..

World Hunger-Lion Minnie Nery of the Kempsville Club is organizing this event at Thalia Lynn Baptist on Oct. 22nd. Lion Steve will coordinate and will have more information at the meeting on Sept. 7th.

Lion Stan Furman has gotten several items for the Bid & Buy Auction for the Lions Charity Foundation including gift certificates from The Hilton, from Charles Barker (and a $1,000 donation). He asked for other donations. To be listed on the flyer, the items must be submitted by Aug. 26th.

The Governor’s Visit was changed to Oc.t 5 instead of Sept. 22nd because of the USA/Canada Leadership forum.

Adjournment: 9:50
Respectfully submitted
Lion Nancy Watters, Secretary

Jul 20, 2011 - The regular meeting of the Thalia Lions Club, of Virginia Beach, VA, was called to order by Lion President Jeri Furman at 6:30 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, Pembroke Room, 4453 Bonney Road, VA Beach, with those members in attendance as shown on the Attendance Record and Guest Register.
Transcribed below is what happened at the meeting.
ATTENDANCE
3 Guests
21 Members
65.6 Percentage

Social Mixer 6:00 - 6:30 pm
Call to order: 6:30p.m.
Song – Lion John Watters
Pledge of Allegiance – Lion Nancy Watters
Invocation- Lion Steve Rosnov
Introduction of Guests: Page Powell, resident of Hope House, Anne Knox, and Anne Standings cousin of Page and board member.

Introduction of Speaker: Lion Bob Perrine – Ann Standings, is owner of Panache Interiors, Inc. in Virginia Beach. Anne serves on the board of Hope House Foundation as well as a member of their marketing committee. Anne took the lead on Hope House Foundation’s Rise & Shine Breakfast in 2011, which raises money for the foundation’s annual fund. Under her leadership the annual fund breakfast raised more than $20,000. Accompanying Anne is her niece Page Powell who is an active member of the community and Anne Knox, staff support from Hope House. Hope House sponsors the following fundraisers, Stockley Gardens Arts Festival, Summer Ghent Bar Tour, Changes Hairstyling event, Fashion/ Hair show at New Belmont in Ghent and many other events. Anne Knox explained that their major fund source is from Community Services Board. The board of Hope House is very fiscally responsible and rents apartments to others when not in use by their clients. Anne Standing explained that Hope House supports adults with developmental disabilities by allowing and assisting them to live in their own homes. It is a foundation that originally set up a group home and later moved residents into their own homes. Apartment complexes are in Norfolk, Va. Beach, Chesapeake and Portsmouth. With about 250 employees Hope House offers support to 119 residents. Anne’s niece, Page, is quite capable, living under the care of Hope House. She writes an article in the newsletter called Page by Page in which she reviews restaurants.Page said that she is the spokesperson and she is 27 years old. She receives 98-100 percent of support from Hope House. She said she still pays bills “hopefully on time.” She is trying very hard to become a good food critic. She says that Hope House is very important to her, “it rocks and rolls.” The staff helps her with her budget, her cooking, grocery shopping, transport, and basic care and support with her diet. She is trying to lose weight. She has been with Hope House Services for the past 5 years.

Business Meeting – reconvened -7:00PM

Presentations: Lion Jeri Furman presented Lion Steve Rosnov with a membership Key for bringing 2 members into Lionism

Lion Jeri also presentedThalia Lions with the District 24D Achievement Award banner for earning the most Gross Achievement points in the District.

Reports:

Treasurer’s Report – Lion Vickie Kennedy- see attached

Secretaries Report – Lion Nancy Watters

District Meeting – July 17th
*DG Al Miller announced International Theme is “Believe.”
*Lions International wants 1 million trees planted this year and a major push for growth in membership.
*Lion Al plans to focus on 1. Harmony in Lionism, 2. Membership Growth especially in clubs with less than 20 members, 3. Feeding the needy, and 4. Identifying children with vision needs through PediaVision. The District Governor’s visit will be September 21st.

Region III Meeting – Tues. August 16, 2011 Hibachi Grill & Supreme Buffet, 5957 East Virginia Beach Blvd., Norfolk – Cost $10.50. Reservation deadline is Aug. 9th. Please pay the club secretary by next meeting, Aug. 3rd.

Lions Medical Eye Bank 32nd Annual Dinner – Norfolk Yacht & Country Club, 7001 Hampton Boulevard, Norfolk, VA. Wednesday, August 17th, 2011. Board Meeting – 5:00pm, Social hr. 6:00pm, Dinner – 7:00 pm – Cost is $35.00 per person. Deadline is August 10, 2011. Please make individual reservations. Form has been emailed.

LCF – Bid & Buy Auction – Saturday, Oct. 1, 2011. Please contribute/solicit quality items for the auction. LCF is a 501 C-3 so donations are tax deductible. Please see flyers and auction donation form that has been emailed to membership.

Operation Homeless Connect – Norfolk Scope – date is Sept. 14th. More to follow

Thank you note - Cecelia Robbins wrote a lovely thank you note for the assistance given by our club in providing and eye exam and glasses. She especially thanked Lion Ed DeLong for the recommendation. She is a member of Lion Ed’s writing group. (I forgot to read this during the meeting but want it to go on record. NW)

Lion Nancy Watters submitted her "End of Year Sight Report."

Old Business -

Youth Exchange Dinner – Lion Steve Rosnov
Our International Youth Camp Project is at Wesleyan College Sunday, July 24th. Please be there at 5:30 p.m. to help with set up. Lion Bob Perrine is providing BBQ chicken. Dian Rosnov is making Greek style cucumber salad. Lion Mike Berns will bring pasta salad, Lion Jack and Joan will contribute cold slaw and beans, Lion Rich and Dick will bring cookies. Lion Fran will bring watermelon, Lion Debra wand Irene will supply ice and Lion Vickie will donate water from McDonald House. Lions John & Nancy have all cups, plates, flatware, iced tea mix, napkins, and coolers, trash bags and paper towels. Lions Fran, Mike Coren, Irene, Rich, Steve, and Debra will assist. Please come and bring spouses. This is also the Parade of Flags evening which is quite a ceremony to see. Costs may be turned in to Lion Nancy for reimbursement. Lion Ed requested that everyone wear Lions attire. Lion Mike Berns is hosting a student this year from Turkey. There are 30 students from 17 countries in the Exchange this year. Please come, enjoy, and help!!

Traveling Leo – Lion Steve Rosnov- Our goal is 5 visits this year to earn the Governor’s Patch. Aragona Pembroke is our first visit on Sept. 14th. The following visits are Denbigh – Oct. 13th, Southside- Nov.1st, Smithfield - Nov 14th, and Oceanview- Dec 5th.

RAM – Lion John Watters – 7 people are attending RAM in Wise County – Lions Nancy, John, their granddaughter, Lions Linda and Steve Eggleston, and Lion Susie and Mick Sumnick will work the event. Lion Nancy and John are pulling the LAMP trailer and PediaVision will be used.

PediaVision – Lion Nancy Watters – August 3rd. Location is Central Library from 10-1:00pm- Volunteers are needed. Lion Ed DeLong and Lion Dick Kreassig offered to assist.

EyeGlass Recycling – Lion Ed DeLong - On 14 July, the following Lions and guest worked for two hours each at the recycling center. In addition two hearing aids were turned in. Lions Ed DeLong, Mike Coren, Linda with husband Steve Eggleston, Jim Healy, Fran Scott, Steve Rosnov and Aziz Selahi. 157 eye glasses were turned in for recycling. Next scheduled work day at the EGRC is August 18. Meet at Best Buy at 9:30. We need 8 people every visit.

Flags – Lion Jim Healy- Flags are sold separately from poles now for $22.00. They are American made and of excellent quality. Lion John has a few extra poles that are free. Kits are $30.00.

Foodbank – Lion Jack Wagner- Most people are contributing cash. Lion Jack and his wife are shopping to buy things that most people need like. They purchase lots of items from Dollar Tree. Thanks for your efforts and generosity.

New Business:

Health Fair October 8th - Lion Brad Furman – Lion Nancy Reported that Lion Brad has asked the Club to participate in the Health Expo at the Convention Center on 10/8. He has requested the PediaVision and canopy to be used as well as the LAMP for screening purposes only. Lion Brad has also requested the LAMP for the Union Mission location again. Date is tentatively set for Oct 22. There is no cost other that service for either of the events. The Club reacted favorably to both ideas.

Because of the Region meeting on August 16th, the Eye Bank Annual Dinner on Aug. 17th and the EGRC trip scheduled for the 118th, there will be no Club meeting on Aug. 17th. Lion Mike Coren will need to notify Crowne Plaza that there will be no meeting that evening.

Important Announcements from the floor:

Lion Rich was given LOVF Raffle tickets. Lion Debra Laughlin has agreed to account for the tickets and collect the moneys.
Lion Dick is in charge of programs this Lions year and has asked for suggestions. He would like in house speakers as well as programs endorsed by the District.

June/July Birthdays: Lion Susie Sumnick 6/25 – Lion Rob Seim 7/21 -(neither were in attendance)

Raffle: Lion Aziz Selahi-$21.00 – Jim Healy $20

Upcoming Events:

July 21-24 – RAM – Wise Country, Virginia
August 3rd – Wednesday - PediaVision screening at Central Library, 10-1pm
August 3rd – Next Regular Meeting – Crowne Plaza
August 11th – Regular scheduled work day at Eye Glass Recycling Center
August 16th – Region meeting at Hibachi Grill, 5957 Va. Beach, Blvd. $10.50
August 17th- Annual Eye Bank Dinner and Board Meeting, Norfolk Yacht and Country Club, $35.00 per person, Board meeting 5:00pm Social hr. 6:00pm, Dinner 7:00pm
Sept. 2nd – Norfolk Homeless Connect – Scope
October 8th – Health Expo- Va. Beach Convention Center

Adjournment Time: 8:30
Lion Nancy Watters, Secretary
Thalia Lions Club
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Upcoming Events

2009-03-31T22:00:00.000-07:00

Aug. 11, 2011 – Eyeglass Recycling Volunteer Activity 2nd Thursday each month – meet @ 9:30 am Best Buy, 217 Independence Boulevard, Virginia 9:30 for carpool to Southside Eyeglass Recycling Center at 2040 Broadmoor Avenue, Chesapeake, VA 23323. The work involves sorting out, repairing, testing and packaging eyeglasses so that they are ready for distribution.

Aug. 16, 2011 – Region III meeting at Hibachi Grill & Supreme Buffet, 5957 East Va. Beach Blvd., Norfolk. It is in the old “Compu Serve store across from Janef Shopping center.

Aug. 17, 2011 – no regular Thalia Club Meeting

Aug. 17, 2011- Annual Eye Bank Dinner and Board Meeting, Norfolk Yacht and Country Club - Board meeting 5:00pm Social hr. 6:00pm, Dinner 7:00pm Cost is $35.00 per person and the deadline is August 10th. This is a dinner at Norfolk Yacht Club and the program is usually exceptionally informative and touching. (normally a little dressy)

Aug. 24, 2011 - Thalia Lions board meeting at the home of Lion Stan and Jeri Furman, 4004, Atlantic Ave., VB 23451 on August 24th at 7:00pm.

Sept. 7, 2011 – Regular Thalia Club meeting – Crowne Plaza

Sep. 8, 2011 - Eyeglass Recycling Volunteer Activity 2nd Thursday each month – meet @ 9:30 am Best Buy, 217 Independence Boulevard, Virginia 9:30 for carpool to Southside Eyeglass Recycling Center at 2040 Broadmoor Avenue, Chesapeake, VA 23323. The work involves sorting out, repairing, testing and packaging eyeglasses so that they are ready for distribution.

Sept. 14, 2011 – Norfolk Homeless Connect – Scope

Sep. 21, 2011 – Regular Thalia Club meeting – Crowne Plaza. Lion Dick Kreassig announced that Debra Laughlin will host Dina Gordon of Foundation Fighting Blindness who will speak to our club about how to host a successful Vision Walk. Thalia has committed to the event for the coming year.

Sep. 22, 2011 - USA/Canada Leadership forum.

Sep 22, 2011 6 pm - The Foundation Fighting Blindness invites you to a Pizza Social at YNot Pizza, 5257 Providence Road, Virginia Beach, VA 23464, tel 474-6000, near the corner of Kempsville Rd. We will be gathering to discuss recent scientific advances and new clinical trials as well as gearing up for the upcoming Inaugural Virginia Beach VisionWalk slated for the spring of 2012. We would love for you to attend and share in the excitement of the summer with FFB! We are really looking forward to meeting new folks in the area and sharing our stories of hope and success! Please RSVP by Tuesday, September 20th by contacting Dina Gordon at (410) 423-0625 or via email at DGordon@FightBlindness.org

Oct. 1, 2011 - 2nd Annual LCF "Bid' n Buy" AUCTION, Khedive Shrine Center, 645 Woodlake Drive, Chesapeake, Va. - Food, fun and excitement. Please help with your solicitations of auction items from your friends, neighbors and local businesses. Each Lions club is asked to secure at least five (5) auction items with a value of $100 or more (but will accept any item). Individual Lions are also encouraged to contribute items of value, new or like new items are always welcomed. All donations are tax deductable and a great way to support Lions humanitarian service. Clubs are encouraged to start early for this function in support of the 24D Charity Foundation. Thalia POC is POC Lion Stan Furman. POC is Lion Chet Kramer, PDG 757-483-5742(H) / Cell: 757-681-3018

Oct. 5, 2011 - Governor’s Visit (changed from Sept. 22nd)

Oct. 8, 2011 11-6pm - Health Fair - VA Beach Convention Center - Fair POC Lion Brad Furman – Club members are asked to arrive at 10am to assist in the set up. Our Club is being featured in the flyer as being one of the sponsors of the event. Other clubs in the District have been invited to participate. Diabetes screening will be offered as will PediaVision. The event runs from Monday through Sunday with events happening at different locations. It is sponsored by the Aaron Wheeler Group.

Oct. 12, 2011 – Traveling Leo - Aragona Pembroke The Green Turtle http://thegreeneturtle.com, 1401 Greenbrier Parkway South # 2260, Chesapeake, VA 23320

Oct. 12 – PediaVision Screening at Wellington Oaks Center, 1247 Bunsen Court, Norfolk, VA -9:30

Oct. 13, 2011 - 5:45 pm – Traveling Leo Denbigh Lions - Steve’s Steak House, 11847 Jefferson Avenue ,Newport News,23606-9483 40 minutes/32.25 miles from Best Buy Parking Lot. Depart Best Buy at: 5:45 pm

Oct. 13 – Eyeglass Recycling Volunteer Activity 2nd Thursday each month – meet @ 9:30 am Best Buy, 217 Independence Boulevard, Virginia 9:30 for carpool to Southside Eyeglass Recycling Center at 2040 Broadmoor Avenue, Chesapeake, VA 23323. The work involves sorting out, repairing, testing and packaging eyeglasses so that they are ready for distribution.

Oct 14-15, 2011- District 24-D Fall Conference, The Cavalier, Oceanfront & 42nd Street, Virginia Beach, Virginia, 23451. Contact Anthony Imperioli, host club president at 724-4900 or the host club chairperson, Iris McGovern at 650-7242.

Oct 19, 2011 – Regular Thalia Club meeting – Crowne Plaza. Lion John and Nancy Watters will present a program about RAM

Oct 19 – PediaVision Head Start Screening at Suffolk Head Start -860 Davis Rd., Suffolk, Va (9:30)

Oct. 22, 2011 - World Hunger- Thalia Lynn Baptist Church, Blvd. sponsored by Kempsville Lions, POC Lion Minnie Nery.

Oct. 22, 2001 Sat 10-2 pm Sight and Hearing Van Central Library. Diabetes screening will be offered. Two shifts are scheduled 10-12 and 12-2. Volunteers needed - POC Lion Aziz Selahi .

Oct 26 – 9:00 am - PediaVision at Stratford Preschool – 4300 Shore Drive, VB 23455

Oct 26 - 7:00 pm - Thalia Lions Board meeting at Lion Jeri’s home. All members are invited.

Oct 29, 2011 Thalia United Methodist Church District Lions Assisted Medical Project (LAMP) Screening Event – POC Lion Randy Jones of the OLG club is organizing the event and asking for assistance from clubs. People asking for help with eye exams and glasses should be referred to the event if possible. Referrals are to be sent to Lion Randy for scheduling the day of the event.

Oct. 29 – Lions Assisted Medical Project (LAMP) Thalia United Methodist Church sponsored by OLG

Nov 2, 2011 – Regular Thalia Club meeting – Crowne Plaza. Kristin Carter will speak on Juvenile Diabetes. Kristin is a graduate of Sweetbrier College and is present director of the Early Discovery Program through the YMCA. Her son, Scotty, is a juvenile diabetic. Kristin is the daughter of Lion Dick Kreassig and Scotty is his grandson.

Nov 3 – PediaVision at Malibu Elementary School, 3632 Edinburgh Dr., VB 23452 - 9:00 am

Nov 9 – PediaVision at Thalia Elementary – 421 Thalia Rd., VB 23452- 9:00am

Nov 10 – Eyeglass Recycling Volunteer Activity 2nd Thursday each month – meet @ 9:30 am Best Buy, 217 Independence Boulevard, Virginia 9:30 for carpool to Southside Eyeglass Recycling Center at 2040 Broadmoor Avenue, Chesapeake, VA 23323. The work involves sorting out, repairing, testing and packaging eyeglasses so that they are ready for distribution.

Nov 11-12 - 10 am to 6 pm each day – White Cane Collection – B.J.’s at Birchwood Shopping Center – POC Lion Stan Furman

Nov 14 – PediaVision at King’s Grant Day School – 873 Little Neck Rd., 23452 - 9:00am

Nov. 14 – Traveling Leo – Smithfield Lions Club. Meet at Best Buy at 5:45.

Nov 15 – Region III meeting – Hibachi Grill 5957 East Va. Beach Blvd. Norfolk. Register with Lion Nancy by Nov. 8. (this is Thalia’s Region meeting!

Nov. 16 –9:00 am PediaVision - Kings Grant Elementary School, 612 North Lynnhaven Rd. VA 23452

Nov 16 – Region I Meeting- Hibachi Grill – 11883 Jefferson Ave., Newport News (Please let Lion Nancy know by Nov. 8)

Nov 16, 2011 6:00 pm – Regular Thalia Club meeting – Crowne Plaza. Mr. Willard Smith will present a program on the Vetshouse, a unique nonprofit organization serving homeless veterans in Hampton Roads. It is not a shelter, but a 12 month program providing contemporary living quarters in a group environment, assistance in job hunting, transportation, personal skills and development.

Nov 18 – PediaVision at Emmanuel Lutheran Church – 3900 Va. Beach Blvd., 23452 - 9:00am

Nov 19 – PediaVision - Pembroke Mall Santa Clause comes to town! 9:00am set up – screening hours 10-4pm. Wear Santa Hat!!

Nov 21, 2011 – Region 11 Meeting – Hibachi Grill 5957 East Va. Beach Blvd. Norfolk (Please let Lion Nancy know by Nov. 16)

Dec 3, 2011 - Union Mission LAMP - in conjunction with the Salvation Army and Aragona/Pembroke - POC Lion Brad Furman.

Dec 5, 2011 - Traveling Leo's, Oceanside Lions is resceduled to Feb 6.

Dec 7, 2011 Wed 6:00 pm - Holiday Party @ Lion Stan and Jeri’s, 4004 Atlantic Ave. POC is Lion Jeri @ jeriannfurman@yahoo.com / 422-5877. Ham and turkey will be provided. Bring an appetizer, side dish or dessert. The party room has a stove and refrigerator. Bring your own beer, wine, etc.

Dec 8, 2011 – Eyeglass Recycling Volunteer Activity 2nd Thursday each month – meet @ 9:30 am Best Buy, 217 Independence Boulevard, Virginia 9:30 for carpool to Southside Eyeglass Recycling Center at 2040 Broadmoor Avenue, Chesapeake, VA 23323. The work involves sorting out, repairing, testing and packaging eyeglasses so that they are ready for distribution.

Dec 10, 2011 – Lions Assisted Medical Project (LAMP) at Salvation Army , 5524 Virginia Beach Blvd., 23462 – joint project with Aragona-Pembroke Club. POC is Lion Mary Alice @ ggirl4@cox.net

Dec. 14, 2011 – Board Meeting – 7:00pm at home of Lion Stan and Jeri Furman

January 12th – Thurs. Eyeglass Recycling Volunteer Activity 2nd Thursday each month – meet @ 9:30 am Best Buy, 217 Independence Boulevard, Virginia 9:30 for carpool to Southside Eyeglass Recycling Center at 2040 Broadmoor Avenue, Chesapeake, VA 23323. The work involves sorting out, repairing, testing and packaging eyeglasses so that they are ready for distribution.

Jan 16, 2012 - Charity Foundation Meeting at the Arbors. Cash bar before the meeting. POC's Lion Pam Pittman @ pittsmail@cox.net and Lion Harold Pittman @ pittsmail@coPx.net

Jan 18th – Regularly scheduled meeting at Crowne Plaza 6:00pm social – 6:30p.m. meeting time.

Jan 19, 2012, 1 pm - Traveling Leo's, Southside Greenbrier Country Club, 1301 Volvo Pkwy, Chesapeake, 23320 - Dr. Whitehurst is their guest speaker.

Jan. 25th - Board meeting, Lion President’s residence, January 25, 2011, 7pm

Feb 1st – Wednesday – Regularly scheduled meeting Crowne PLaza

Feb 6, 2012 7 pm - Traveling Leo's, Oceanside Lions. Mom & Pops Family Restaurant, 331 E. Bayview Blvd, Norfolk, 23503.

Feb 9th – Thurs. Eyeglass Recycling Volunteer Activity 2nd Thursday each month – meet @ 9:30 am Best Buy, 217 Independence Boulevard, Virginia 9:30 for carpool to Southside Eyeglass Recycling Center at 2040 Broadmoor Avenue, Chesapeake, VA 23323. The work involves sorting out, repairing, testing and packaging eyeglasses so that they are ready for distribution.
February 21st – Thalia/OLG Bland Contest – Thalia United Methodist Church -7:00pm* April 5 S&H Van at Adult Learning Center

April 21 - RedMill Park – Audible Easter Egg* May 6th – Vision Walk with S&H Van on location

April 5th – S&H Van at Adult Learning Center

May 6th - Sunday -Hampton Roads VisionWalk to be held at the 17th Street Park, Oceanfront. Please join Lion Debra Laughlin's team and help make this 1st Hampton Roads VisionWalk a huge success. VisionWalk is the Foundation Fighting blindness signature fundraising event. Foundation funded research in gene therapy and stem cell transplantation has yielded promising outcomes. Human clinical trials in stem transplantation have begun in the US and England this past summer. see www.fightblindness.org/goto/debralaughlin

24-D News Letter

2009-03-19T02:00:00.000-07:00

Jan 2010
Knights Vision News Letter
for up-to-date 24D information @
http://www.lions-of-virginia-24d.org/Knight_s_Vision.html

Clubs are asked to document their service projects by sending articles to the Knights Vision with lots of pictures! This way Thalia Lions can let others know what is going on in the Thalia Club and our community. Help Lion Donna in her goal to produce an exceptional District News Letter. She needs our support. Make sure you drop her a line every now and then and thank her for what she does for this District. This is a labor intensive project she does every month and we honor her dedication.

E-mail her @ theknightsvision@cox.net for input, articles, and thanks.

LCI Magazine

2009-03-19T01:55:00.000-07:00

Welcome to the Lions Club International Magazine Online, the official publication of Lions Clubs International, published in 21 languages. Click on cover picture for the current edition and left click in the center top rectangular box to maneuver around -
http://www.lionsclubs.org/EN/news-and-events/lion-magazine/index.php

Intern'l Convention

2009-03-19T01:50:00.000-07:00

Lions Clubs International 95th Annual Convention in Busan, Korea, from June 22-26, 2012.
http://www.lionsclubs.org/EN/news-and-events/international-convention

Online Registration
http://www.lionsclubs.org/EN/news-and-events/international-convention/for-attendees/news-conv-register.php

Making a Difference

2009-03-19T01:00:00.001-07:00
Nov 2011 - The Thalia Lions Club of Virginia Beach salutes Thalia Lions Nancy and John Watters for making a difference by detecting possible vision problems in young children for referral to ophthalmologists and optometrists. District 24-D had been using an eye screening instrument (the MTI Photoscreener) since 1999, a system that was poor in detection, took considerable time in producing results, and used Polaroid instant film that was increasingly more expensive to buy. When in the fall of 2009, Lion John Watters, District 24-D Sight Conservation Chair, began researching new techniques for screening pre-school children, he learned about the PediaVision Screening Assessment System that shows instant results. With the purchase of the first PediaVision device in September 2010, Lion Nancy, now District 24-D Children’s Services/PediaVision Co-Chairperson, worked tirelessly to screen children. Through their work Lions Nancy and John realized the considerable benefits of PediaVision and turned their efforts to persuading the rest of the 24-D clubs to use it. As a consequence, preschool eye screening has grown exponentially with most clubs in 24-D now having access to the expensive ($9,600) PediaVision system (one in each zone; i.e. five machines with two upgrade instruments called SPOT). As a result of their hard work the number of children screened by 24-D clubs is expected to surpass 8,000 by the end of the year. Nationwide, up to 15 percent of preschool children between the ages of three and five have a vision condition that, if not corrected, can result in reduced vision followed by poor performance in school. Unfortunately, many parents are unaware of their children’s eye problems because vision problems are not painful and children do not know how well they see. Lions Nancy and John bring credit to District 24-D through their laudable efforts in providing for the next generation’s vision.

See the Wed Oct 19, 2011 Article in the Suffolk News-Herald, “Can You See Me Now?” Lions John and Nancy Watters tests 3-year-old Amayah Lee’s eyes at the CDI Head Start Center. http://www.suffolknewsherald.com/2011/10/19/can-you-see-me-now

History of Preschool Screening in District 24-D
Updated November 2011 by Lion John Watters.

Preschool vision screening began in the district about 25 years ago when the Western Branch Lions Club began screening with the help of Prevent Blindness in Richmond. After the 24-D Charity Foundation bought an MTI Photoscreener™ for nurses in Gloucester in 1996 at the suggestion of Lion Hauser Weiler, its success in screening prompted the purchase of a device for the District in 1999. Eventually many clubs began using the several photoscreeners in the district. Direct measure of vision (a subjective method) using the HOTV and stereopsis methods began in 2005. The use of the PediaVision Screening Assessment System™ was introduced to the district in September 2010. The ease and speed of screening with this latest device reactivated the entire district’s interest in this important community service.
In the fall of 2009, Lion John Watters, District 24-D Sight Conservation Chair, began researching new techniques for screening pre-school children. The MTI Photoscreener had lost all manufacturer support, was statistically poor in detection and delayed in producing results. It also used Polaroid™ instant film that was increasingly more expensive to buy. Lion John learned that were two new devices being sold, the Welch-Allen Sure-Sight and the PediaVision Screening Assessment System. The Sure-Sight was a monocular (one eye at a time) device and the PediaVision was binocular and would indicate mis-aligned eyes (strabismus). The name PediaVision was the USA name for the PlusOptic screener developed in Germany, now marketed by a company in Florida. It was being used by Lions in Alaska, Indiana, Pennsylvania and Wyoming. Enthused by the description and on-line videos of the PediaVision, Lion John asked local pediatric ophthalmologists for their recommendation. After their positive remarks, he contacted both the Western Branch Lions Club and the 24-D Charity Foundation in October 2009, proposing the purchase of one device as a trial. District Charity funds were tight and there was no interest in using this expensive equipment. In the spring of 2010, both the DG (Lion Gary Rapier) and VDG (Lion Donna Weiler) became interested in PediaVision and were quite supportive in attempting to obtain one. Use of the PediaVision for screening became the District Governor’s Signature Project under DG Donna for the 2010 – 2011 Lions’ year. The company was contacted and many questions asked. Lions John and Nancy Watters spoke to a number of Lions Clubs about PediaVision, and Lion Hauser Weiler wrote grant requests to LCIF, the Hampton Roads Community Foundation and the O’Shaughnessy-Hurst Foundation. At the District 24-C District Conference on September 18, 2010, a demonstration by the sales representative from PediaVision, Jeff Mortensen, was presented, with several Lions from 24-D attending. After the demonstration, Lions Hauser and Donna (then the DG for 24-D) Weiler ordered two units for the district. These orders anticipated the approval of a grant in progress, and an anonymous donor provided funds for the second unit. On September 26, 2010, the first unit was delivered and the first screening of a preschool was carried out at the preschool associated with Norfolk State University. The sponsoring club was the Norfolk Mid-Town Lions Club, assisted by Thalia Lions John and Nancy Watters. Lion Nancy was subsequently appointed the PediaVision Chair for the district, to organize training and use of the devices. Additional units of PediaVision devices were added to the district’s armamentarium as the grants from the O’Shaughnessy-Hurst (one unit), the Hampton Roads Community Foundation (one unit) and Lions Clubs International Foundation (matching for two units) were approved. Lion John Watters submitted grant requests to the Obici Health Care Foundation in Suffolk and the Ronald McDonald House Foundation in Norfolk, both subsequently approved (one unit each). Approved in September 2011 is a grant request to the City of Virginia Beach Community Organization board from the Central Lions Club of Virginia Beach to purchase one devices. Since the first PediaVision screening in September 2010, the district has screened more than 6,440 children under the age of 10. In order to keep accurate records, statistics are being compiled as screenings are completed. Many clubs are now “certified” as being capable of organizing and performing preschool screenings. The certification process consists of learning about the PediaVision method, learning how to set up a screening with the necessary documents and then being observed and supervised during a screening. This method of “training the trainer” is working well to spread the ability to run an effective screening. In addition to preschool screening, the PediaVisions are being used to screen non-verbal children and as an adult automated refractor in the district’s health care activities (Lions Medical Assistance Projects or LAMP’s). This permits the eye doctors at a LAMP to have refraction information before the exam to speed the refinement of the prescription for eyeglasses. The latest development in this preschool eye screening project is the interest being shown by other districts in Virginia. Several other districts have submitted grant requests and are actively interested in following 24-D in the use of the PediaVision.
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Oct 5, 2010 - The Thalia Lions Club of Virginia Beach, Virginia, salutes Nurse Debra Laughlin for making a difference in her efforts in bringing eye disease awareness to Virginia Beach. On Oct 9th, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. under the guidance of Laughlin and the members of the Emmanuel Episcopal Church Parish Nursing Ministry there will be a free health fair at Emmanuel Episcopal Church, 5181 Princess Anne Rd, Virginia Beach. Presenters will include a plastic surgeon, a chiropractor, a pharmacist, a dental assistant and others. Debra will there providing information from the Foundation Fighting Blindness, of which she is a member. Blood pressure and blood sugar screenings will be conducted plus free glucometers for diabetic patients in need. Skin cancer tests, body mass index checks, immunization schedules, and advanced directives will be reviewed.The Virginian-Pilot on September 30, 2010 featured Debra Laughlin in an article titled, “Free Health Fair in VB on Oct. 9,” by Scott Mathews: http://hamptonroads.com/2010/09/free-health-fair-vb-oct-9 “I was driving and couldn’t see the signs,” Laughlin says. “I figured it was time to get my eyes checked for glasses.” Her eye doctor told her she had progressive cone-rod dystrophy, a low-vision retinal disease similar to macular degeneration. “Unfortunately, I have a blend of macular degeneration and retinitis pigmentosis,” she says. “It’s like looking at a target, but I can’t see where the red circles are on that target. As my vision gets worse, my target gets smaller and there’s nothing in the middle. There is no treatment. There is no cure,” she explains. Laughlin worked as a certified registered nurse anesthetist with Atlantic Anesthesia for 20 years. “I loved my job,” she says, ”but, in 2007, I had to resign my position because I could no longer read as a result of my visual disability. The following year was stressful. I felt sorry for myself.” But the next year, she says, “I wanted to get out and work. And, the third, I began volunteering.” It was during that time that the Rev. John Baldwin of Emmanuel Episcopal Church encouraged Laughlin to help organize the Parish Nursing Ministry. “I had returned from a conference quite taken with the idea of meeting the physical and spiritual health of our church’s community,” he says. “I knew she had a background as a nurse. I was aware of her condition. I believed she was the ideal candidate to chair this outreach program.” At the Health Fair, “I hope to create an awareness of the varying eye diseases as well as the growing population of people with visual disabilities,” she says. “Over nine million Americans are affected with blinding retinal diseases. In Virginia alone there are over 139,000 people with some kind of visual loss. “People need to know that these types of eye diseases progress slowly. Those blind people living in poverty face a difficult life. It’s a travesty.” Laughlin hopes to meet more people with visual disabilities at Emmanuel’s health fair. She hopes to form a chapter of the Foundation Fighting Blindness in Hampton Roads. And she plans to continue working to create awareness of the various visual disabilities. “I have great admiration for her work in organizing our health fair,” Baldwin says. “I know the Foundation Fighting Blindness is close to her heart. She’s passionate about it.”
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Aug 9, 2010 - The Thalia Lions Club of Virginia Beach, Virginia, salutes Dr Tom Little, 61, for making a difference in treating eye diseases and training locals in optometry in Northeastern Afghanistan. He was the team leader of a ten member group of medical professionals — six Americans, two Afghans, one German, and a Briton who were on their way back to Kabul after a two-week mission in the remote Parun valley of Nuristan province about 160 miles north of Kabul where they provided medical care to isolated Afghan villagers. After hiking for more than 10 hours over rugged mountains, unarmed and without security, Dr Tom Little and all but one of his team were killed Aug 7th 2010 in a Taliban ambush. They were gunned down in a gruesome slaughter that the Taliban said they carried out, alleging the volunteers were spying and trying to convert Muslims to Christianity. The gunmen spared an Afghan driver, who recited verses from the Islamic holy book Quran as he begged for his life. . “He consciously put his life on the line for his beliefs,” Dr. Little’s brother, John Little, 62, said in a telephone interview from Florida. Dr. Tom Little, a senior ophthalmologist (eye physician and surgeon) from Delmar, New York, worked in Afghanistan for more than 30 years. He and his wife, Libby, reared three daughters in Kabul. Dr Little was affectionately known as “Mister Tom” amongst the many staff at the National Organization for Ophthalmic Rehabilitation (NOOR). As an ophthalmologist and manager at NOOR, he set up clinics and ophthalmic workshops. He was much loved by both foreigners and Afghans, and was the inspiration for others coming to Afghanistan, sticking it out through the Soviet invasion of the 1980s, and the vicious civil war of the 1990s, when Afghan warlords rained rockets on Kabul. He was briefly expelled with other Western aid workers in August 2001 but returned after the Taliban were ousted from power three months later. Continuing his work at NOOR Dr. Little supervised a string of hospitals and clinics offering treatment for eye diseases. He oversaw hospitals and clinics, trained locals in either “eye care,” “medical care,” or “ophthalmic care;” and administering care in the most rural of areas. Dr. Little also worked with the International Assistance Mission, an “international charitable, non-profit, Christian organization, serving the people of Afghanistan.” http://www.iam-afghanistan.org/our-mission-valuesTom leaves behind his wife and 3 daughters.http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tom_Little http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/38604010/ns/world_news-south_and_central_asia
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April 19, 2010 - The Thalia Lions of Virginia Beach salute Haitian Lions Club Zone Chairperson William Eliacin whose initial earthquake response paved the way for efficient and orderly reception of a swift world wide outpouring of Lion support. Despite insurmountable hardships, including sleeping in his car, Lion William worked nonstop for 12 days after the initial tremor to mobilize local Lions and direct Lions Clubs International Foundation (LCIF) in their most productive method of assistance, i.e., an immediate supply of water, food, and medical supplies for use at a hospital and orphanage. The Lions Clubs of adjacent Dominican assisted in breaking up log jams at the Port-au-Prince airport by ferrying contributed supplies across the border to Haiti from the Dominican Republic. Under the continuing direction of Lion William, local Lions Clubs Port Au Prince Central, Port Au Prince Delmas, and a Leo Club built three tent cities, each accommodating 1,200 people in Delmas, Blanchard, and Carrefour-Feuille. Local Haitian Lions together with outside Lions are currently providing essential support needed to maintain these 3,600 Lion tent-city displaced Haitians. Lion William continues his efforts by directing a committee of local Lions leaders to insure sustained relief efforts and to develop long-term plans for reconstruction of a school and ophthalmic clinic. Lion William said during a recent interview, “We want to show the Lions and the Haitian people in general that the Lions Club is an extraordinary organization, that we are here and that our motto is, ‘We Serve’”. (see http://lionsclubsorg.wordpress.com/2010/02/15/lions-clubs-photo-of-the-week) The 45,000 Lions Clubs and their 1.3 million members across the world have donated over $4.3 million to “Lions Hope for Haiti,” Lions and Lions Clubs International Foundation (LCIF) working together to provide relief and hope for the people of Haiti. See Jan 2010 - Lions Hope for Haiti- http://lionsclubsorg.wordpress.com/2010/01/22/lions-hope-for-haitiJan 2010 – An important message from Al Brandel, LCIF Chairman, please view @ http://www.youtube.com/user/lionsclubsorg#p/a/u/0/s7MEfFzR7So Feb 2010 - Lions Hope for Haiti http://www.lionsclubs.org/EN/lci-foundation/haiti-relief/news-updates.phpFeb 2010 - LCIF Continues to Respond One Month After Haiti Earthquake http://www.zimbio.com/Haiti/articles/H2rwnnau1cO/LCIF+Continues+Respond+One+Month+After+Haiti -------------------------------------------------
Dec 16, 2009 - The Thalia Lions salute Barbara Benson, RN, for making a difference in her fight against diabetes in children. She is the program manager of the “Healthy You” weight management program at The Children's Hospital of the King's Daughters in Norfolk. In her struggle against type 2 diabetes in youth, she has helped countless children by changing their life style to become less obese. Overweight children not only suffer from self-esteem and body image, but they will moist likely suffer from the deadly duo of type 2 diabetes and hypertension, leading to early vascular disease and later to heart disease and strokes. Because of poor diet, obesity, and lack of exercise, for the first time American children’s life expectancy will be shorter than that of their parents according to a report published in The New England Journal of Medicine, March 2005. Type 2 diabetes develops over time and the most common risk factor is simply being overweight. Even modest weight loss will reduce the chance of developing type 2 diabetes, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. See “Children's Life Expectancy Being Cut Short by Obesity,” New York Times by Pam Belluck, Mar 17, 2005 - http://www.nytimes.com/2005/03/17/health/17obese.html and “Diabetes Mellitus Type 2” from Wikipedia - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diabetes_mellitus_type_2
For children who struggle to maintain a healthy weight, Barbara has worked hard to improve their health and fitness through her innovative “Healthy You” weight management program. She asserts that even making one or two of the changes from Healthy You's "Countdown to Family Fitness: 5-4-3-2-1'' program will help. Here are her five life saving steps.See “Countdown to Family Fitness,” - http://www.chkd.org/documents/healthyyou/CHKD%2054321%20handout.pdf
Five: Serve at least five servings of fruits and vegetables every day. It's easier than it sounds: half a cup of veggies or half a medium-sized banana, for example, counts as a serving. Keep sliced fruits and vegetables within easy reach of children.
Four: Give kids four servings of water a day. Avoid soda and sugary juices — they're very high in calories and sugar — give them their own water bottles to fill up and keep a pitcher of water on the kitchen table.
Three: Aim for three daily servings of low-fat dairy products, which are rich in the calcium a child's growing body needs. Examples of one serving are an 8 oz. glass of milk or yogurt and 1½ ounces of cheese.
Two: Limit a child's total daily "screen time'' to two hours or less (the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends no screen time at all for kids younger than 2). That includes watching television, being on a computer and playing video games.
One: Encourage children to get at least an hour of physical activity every day. Plan active family outings, sign up for team or individual sports and, if your neighborhood is safe, get kids to go outside and exercise by playing or riding a bike.
When working with children, Barbara involves the parents, incorporating parent education as a way of empowering parents and helping build family stability. With a background in pediatric nursing, Barbara has worked with children and families for many years and continues to enjoy the challenges they present. She works with clients on a variety of issues besides obesity.
See http://www.pathwayspsych.com/therapists/Barb-Benson.html
Barbara states, “Children who weigh more than they should, risk serious health problems such as high blood pressure, diabetes and high cholesterol. Self-esteem and body image can also suffer. If your child struggles to maintain a healthy weight, Children's Hospital of The King's Daughters weight management program can help.”
* See "Healthy You" - Weight Management Program,” - http://www.chkd.org/services/healthyyou
For Holiday meals Barbara Benson gives this advice. "The average person is gonna gain about five pounds. There are some things you can do to cut the calories in those deliciously fattening meals. A website called http://hungrygirl.com/ lists calorie saving cooking swaps. I think anytime that you can reduce the calories and still have the finished product taste good, it's a win-win situation.”
* See “Holiday Meals Don't Have to Pack on the Pounds, Experts Say,” by Vanessa Coria of WVEC.com, Dec 15, 2009 - http://www.kvue.com/news/health/Holiday-meals-dont-have-to-pack-on-the-pounds-experts-say-79310302.html
Barbara Benson, RN, at (757) 668-7035 barbara.benson@chkd.org
"Healthy You" fact sheets and class schedule - http://www.chkd.org/Services/HealthyYou/Info.aspx
Also see the following articles:
“Study: Cost of Treating Diabetes to Triple by 2034” by Caleb Hellerman, CNN Medical News senior producer, Nov 27, 2009 - http://www.cnn.com/2009/HEALTH/11/26/diabetes.projections/index.html#cnnSTCText
“Health Crisis in the United States” by the Children’s Nutrition Collection, a database designed to provide librarians and teachers with the ability to search for specific books and other media that support the nutrition education topics outlined in the California's Department of Education’s SHAPE (Shaping Health as Partners in Education) Nutrition Competencies for Children program for kids - http://www.childrensnutritioncollection.org/parents_and_teachers.html
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Nov 2, 2009 - The Thalia Lions Club salutes research scientists for making a difference. A plethora of recent announcements in eyesight research has been heralded as unprecedented and seen as a major breakthrough in giving sight to the 314 million people visually impaired worldwide, 45 million of them being blind. The following is a list those researchers and their work;
* Dr. Brian Mech, Vice President of Second Sight Medical Products in Sylmar, Calif. - Stem cells and bionics correcting retinal disease.
*Dr. Raymond Lund, Professor of Ophthalmology at the Casey Eye Institute at Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) - Stem Cell Transplants to prevent age-related macular degeneration.
* Dr. Robert Aramant of the University of California, Irvine - Transplanting sheets of fetal retinal cells into patients with macular degeneration.
* Dr. Natalia Caporale at the University of California Berkeley - Engineered light-sensitive molecules introduced into a blind eye
* Dr. David Gamm Assistant Professor of Ophthalmology and Visual sciences at the Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health – Growing retina cells from from the patient's own skin stem cells to repair damaged retinas.
* Dr Katherine High of the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia - Gene Therapy for Leber Congenital Amaurosis (LCA)
* Dr Jean Bennett of the University of Pennsylvania - Gene Therapy for LCA
* Professor Iqbal Ahmad of the University of Nebraska Medical Center - Replacing cells lost to degenerative diseases with stem cells
Chicago Society for Neuroscience Annual Meeting - Oct 19 and 20, 2009.
At the 2009 annual meeting, the world's largest source of emerging news on brain science and health, five study findings were announced that hold great promise to cure sight impairment and blindness.
1 - Bionic Eye Opens New World of Sight For Blind – Oct 20, 2009
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=113968653&ps=cprs
Diseases of the retina cause blindness by damaging the cells that line the back of the eye, where images of the world are normally transformed into nerve impulses that go to the brain. Now there may be a cure. Dr. Brian Mech, Vice President of Second Sight Medical Products in Sylmar, Calif. http://www.2-sight.com/ reported that stem cells and electronics can help restore vision to people who've been blinded by retinal diseases. He said, "There's very little therapeutic treatment out there right now for people with diseased retinas.” Second Sight has developed an experimental bionic eye that has been tried in more than 30 patients with macular degeneration or retinitis pigmentosa. Each patient wore a pair of glasses that incorporated a video camera.. The video signal from the camera were sent to an implant on the eye itself, which in turns communicated with an array of electrodes attached to the patient's retina. Those electrodes performed what the old retina could not do anymore, i.e., send electrical signals to the brain that allowed the patient to see. Patients' brains usually took a little while to make sense of the new signals, but they learned to use the device better over time. The artificial eye used just 60 electrodes to replace millions of retinal cells, therefore the restored vision was rudimentary, but the patients could find doors and follow lines on the floor, but most were not able to read. Despite these limitations, Mech said patients who have received one tend to get emotional when they realize they can see even a little bit.
2 - Stem Cell Transplants May Prevent Devastating Eye Diseases - Age-related macular degeneration is a major retinal disorder that results in progressive loss of vision. The macula is the part of the eye that allows people to see fine detail. People with macular degeneration gradually lose the ability to see objects clearly and perform ordinary tasks such as reading and driving. Now stem cells transplanted into the back of the eye may prevent macular degeneration and has potential to lead to treatment for millions of macular degeneration patients. Dr. Raymond Lund, professor of ophthalmology at the Casey Eye Institute at Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) http://www.ohsu.edu/xd/health/services/casey-eye/index.cfm has demonstrated that placing human neural stem cells in the back of the eye of rats protects cone photoreceptors in the eye from progressive degeneration and preserves eyesight. Dr. Lund said, "This could have a huge impact on people with macular degeneration. There are drugs to treat people with wet macular degeneration – caused by leaking blood vessels invading the eye – but no effective treatments for earlier forms of macular degeneration. We are looking at catching people who are at risk for developing the disease and hopefully sustaining their vision and preventing catastrophic loss of sight." David Wilson, M.D., Director of the Casey Eye Institute said, "It's exciting to have the potential to prevent vision loss from macular degeneration, which affects some 7 million Americans and millions of other people worldwide." Dr. Lund’s team discovered that the stem cell transplants are safe and long lasting. The results will help researchers gain FDA approval for clinical trials within the next few years. See http://www.ohsu.edu/xd/about/news_events/news/stemcellsmaypreventeyediseases.cfm 3 - Fetal Retinal Cells and Transplant. A team led by Dr. Robert Aramant of the University of California, Irvine, using fetal retinal cells, has been treating patients suffering from retinitis pigmentosa and age-related macular degeneration. His approach is to retrieve an intact sheet of fetal retinal cells and transplant the entire sheet into a damaged eye. The transplanted cells then mature the same way they would in a developing fetus, creating all the layers of a normal retina. Aramant said seven of ten patients got better, including one woman whose vision went from 20-800, which is severely impaired, to 20-200, which is good enough for many daily tasks. After treatment, Aramant said, the woman was able to play computer games, write emails, and read a large-print version of Reader's Digest.
4 - Creating New Light-Sensitive Molecules in The Eye. Engineered, light-sensitive molecules introduced into a blind rodent's eye resulted in vision, according to results from an interdisciplinary collaboration between numerous labs. The results could lead to treatments for people with inherited, blinding eye diseases such as retinitis pigmentosa, which affects one in every 3,000 individuals. Dr. Natalia Caporale at the University of California Berkeley, the study's first author, said, "This approach could prove to be a viable therapeutic option for people who have lost significant vision and are in the late stages of retinal degeneration" By manipulating existing proteins that human brains normally use to transmit information between neurons, they can be made light sensitive. The researchers focused on several light-sensitive proteins, each with its own unique properties that could be fine- tuned to meet researchers' specific needs. One such engineered protein, LiGluR (Light Activated Glutamate Receptor), can turn neuronal activity on and off upon illumination with specific wavelengths of light. There are many glutamate receptors in the human brain, but they are not normally light sensitive. Caporale said these experiments “could prove to be a viable therapeutic option for people who have lost significant vision and are in the late stages of retinal degeneration." Her research is being supported by the Nanomedicine Development Center for the Optical Control of Biological Function and the Foundation Fighting Blindness. See also Science Daily (Oct. 21, 2009)
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091021014732.htm
5 - Growing Retina Cells from Skin-Derived Stem Cells. Dr. David Gamm Assistant Professor of Ophthalmology and Visual sciences at the Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health and his team of scientists have successfully grown multiple types of retina cells from two types of stem cells, suggesting a future in which damaged retinas could be repaired by cells grown from the patient's own skin. The discovery is expected to lead to laboratory models for studying genetically linked eye conditions, screening new drugs to treat those conditions, and understanding the development of the human eye. Dr. Gamm said, the research "shows how similar the process is to normal human retinal development. That is quite remarkable given that the starting cell is so different from a retinal cell and the whole process takes place in a plastic dish. We continue to be amazed at how deep we can probe into these early events and find that they mimic those found in developing retinas. Perhaps this is the way to close the gap between what we know about building a retina in mice, frogs and flies with that of humans." In normal human development, embryonic stem cells begin to differentiate into more specialized cell types about five days after fertilization. The retina develops from a group of cells that arise during the earliest stages of the developing nervous system. Dr.Gamm’s Wisconsin team took cells from skin, turned them back into cells resembling embryonic stem cells, then triggered the development of retinal cell types. See “Macular Degeneration Research's Notes -Researchers Grow Retina Cells From Skin-Derived Stem Cells,” http://www.facebook.com/note.php?note_id=130086257413
August 26, 2009
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Sep 29, 2009 - The Thalia Lions Club salutes Associate Professor Dennis Hong and his Virginia Tech Mechanical Engineering Department’s Robotics and Mechanisms Laboratory (RoMeLa - http://www.me.vt.edu/romela) for making a difference by taking one small step for man and one giant leap for the blind. Dr. Hong is a National Science Foundation Career Award recipient. (see http://www.me.vt.edu/people/faculty/hong.html).
Developing a car that can be operated by the blind is the same ingenuity that got us to the moon. The project was launched in 2004, when the National Federation of the Blind Jernigan Institute challenged university research teams to develop a vehicle that would one day allow the blind to drive. Virginia Tech was the only school in the nation to respond to the challenge. Prof. Charli Reinholtz started the original Blind Driver Challenge team when he was at Virginia Tech, which was later taken over by Associate Professor Dennis Hong when in 2006 he directed his RoMeLa students to start over from scratch with a brand new approach - www.me.vt.edu/blinddriver. This ground- breaking project quickly became one of several successes from Dr. Hong's world-renowned RoMeLa. Using only a $3,000 grant provided by the National Federation of the Blind, the Virginia Tech team was able to retrofit a four-wheel dirt buggy with laser range finders to act as the driver's "eyes," instant voice commands, and other technologies to allow the blind to drive completely on their own. Earlier this summer, some visually impaired people got the first chance to test-drive the vehicle on a closed course at Virginia Tech in Blacksburg, VA. The team then went on in July 2009 to the National Federation of the Blind's Youth Slam on the University of Maryland College Park campus, giving 20 blind youth the chance to test-drive the vehicle. The youth said it was an opportunity they never thought possible. The National Federation of the Blind hailed the project as a major breakthrough and said RoMeLa’s technology has enormous potential to help the visually impaired and blind to become more independent.
http://www.vt.edu/spotlight/innovation/2009-07-27-drivers/2009-07-27-drivers.html.
Robots DARwIn, STriDER, CLIMBeR, RAPHaEL, HyDRAS-Ascent, and IMPASS conceived, constructed, and tested in Dr. Hong’s one-of-a-kind RoMeLa nursery are going to have offspring ranking among the world’s most advanced and useful robots -
http://www.vt.edu/spotlight/achievement/2008-06-30_romela/2008-06-30_romela.html .
RoMeLa robots are out there setting new benchmarks every day. HyDRAS-Ascent won the grand prize at the 2008 International Capstone Design Fair in South Korea http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/28543005
and RAPHaEL has a hand that can firmly hold objects as heavy as a can of food or as delicate as a raw egg, while dexterous enough to gesture in sign language -
http://www.vtnews.vt.edu/story.php?relyear=2009&itemno=392
Will RoMeLa be the first to develop the advanced humanoid boy robot “David” capable of emulating thoughts and emotions as depicted in robotics’ favorite cult movie “A I ?” - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A.I._Artificial_Intelligence. DARwIn is well on the way as a humanoid robot with a bit of “artificial intelligence” and could well be David’s grandfather - http://www.me.vt.edu/Robocup/Site/Media.html .
Tech's College of Engineering is consistently ranked in the top 10-15% in the nation by U.S. News and World Report. The Aug 2009 survey has the undergraduate program at no.14 in the nation, and in April 2009 the graduate program was ranked 27th. Dr. Hong and his students in RoMeLa have done a lot to give Virginias Tech these impressive rankings, but perhaps even more impressive is what they have done to help the blind.
http://www.vtnews.vt.edu/story.php?relyear=2009&itemno=613
http://www.vtnews.vt.edu/story.php?relyear=2009&itemno=349
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Sep 5, 2009 -The Thalia Lions Club salutes Dr. Barry Strasnick for making a difference. Dr. Strasnick is head of the Olotology-Neurotology Division, Department of Otolaryngology at the Eastern Virginia Medical School (EVMS) - http://www.evmsent.org/divisions.asp; President of the Coalition for Hearing, Education and Research (CHEAR) non-profit organization - http://chearvirginia.com/; and architect of the Virginia Early Hearing Detection and Intervention (EHDI) law which requires that all Virginia hospitals screen the hearing of all newborns prior to discharge and report to the Virginia Department of Health http://www.vahealth.org/hearing. Dr Strasnick is a specialist in the fields of chronic ear infections, Cochlear implants, and hearing disorders. Dr. Strasnick regularly takes time out from his busy practice at EVMS to speak to civic groups about the importance of newborn hearing screening and providing needed services for disorders of the ear to those who would not otherwise have the resources. Dr. Strasnick spoke August 21st at the Wards Corner Lions Club Lunch meeting where Thalia Club Traveling Leos were in attendance. The CHEAR organization is currently raising funds for a mobile hearing van. Dr. Strasnick has not inspected the Lions 24D Sight and Hearing Van - http://www.avantecmedia.com/clients/lions24d/van.html but was invited to do so at the luncheon. Some type of hearing loss resources between CHEAR and 24D might prove beneficial to both charity organizations. For example, donated hearing aids are accepted at the EVMS Hearing and Balance Center (422-9300) to be refurbished by Prairie Labs Inc - http://www.prairielabs.com/AboutOurCompany.htm for $80 and provided to Hampton Roads residents at low cost or free of charge; whereas the Lions clubs in 24D turn in used hearing aids to the Lions Eye Glass Recycling Center of Eastern VA‎ (4205 W Mercury Blvd, Hampton, VA‎ - 825-3399) for donation to the Lions Clubs International Foundation to be provided to individuals in need outside of the United States.
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July 30, 2009- The Thalia Lions salutes Thalia Lions Club members Nancy and John Watters for making a difference. During the week of 26 July 2009, they traveled to Wise County, some 460 miles from Virginia Beach, at their own expense to participate in the 2009 Remote Area Medical (RAM) Expedition in Virginia’s Appalachian Mountains. They have given a week of their time to become part of about 1,800 volunteers providing health care to thousands of local residents in dire need of their services. As representatives of the Thalia Lions Club, their exemplary service brings praiseworthy credit, not only to them, but to the club.
See the NPR article “Rural Medical Camp Tackles Health Care Gaps”@ http://www.npr.mobi/templates/story/story.php?storyId=111066576&ps=rsand “Quiet Lions Roar at RAM Health Expedition in Wise,” @http://www.timesnews.net/article.php?id=9015521 Saint Stan Brock: Founder of RAM:This man has come to the rescue of nearly 200,000 poor Americans who can’t afford to see a doctor. So who is Stan Brock — and why has a penniless 72-year-old Brit devoted his life to solving the US healthcare crisis? It’s nearly 6am on a Saturday in early February and pitch-black on the fringes of the Smoky Mountains in Knoxville, Tennessee. A tall, lean man with thick grey hair in a weathered leather bomber jacket and khaki uniform strides over to the metal gate where a crowd has gathered. Hundreds of people, shivering and wrapped in blankets, push gently forward, each clutching a tiny paper ticket. Some are elderly. Some have teeth chattering and are aching so badly that they can barely stand. Most have slept in their cars. The man before them is about to call out numbers. He will provide assistance. He will end their suffering. “Okay, folks,” he shouts, his breath visible in the frigid air, “we’re going to bring in the first 50.” He stands bone-straight, hands clasped behind him. A British voice, sonorous and genial, silences the crowd. He begins calling out numbers. One by one they step forward. Through the open gate, up the small paved hill and into the building. They move at different paces. A few are limping, others are skipping, and one woman in her twenties and wearing flannel pajama bottoms and bootee slippers is jumping for joy as she races indoors. They have not won something. Nor are they the first to arrive for a concert or a state fair. They are excited because soon they will have the chance to see a doctor, a dentist or an ophthalmologist. All they have been given is the opportunity to have their basic healthcare needs met. No payment necessary. No questions asked. For the next two days, the Jacobs building will house the 561st Remote Area Medical (Ram) expedition. In just a few short hours its empty structure will be transformed into a mammoth field hospital. Less than 24 hours earlier, the Ram trucks arrived with medical supplies. Dental chairs, sterilising machines, auto-refractors and eye charts, everything from the silver for fillings to wooden tongue depressors. Volunteers began unpacking boxes of sterile gloves, opening crates of cotton wool and paper gowns, delineating sections for eye clinics and examination rooms. Hundreds of volunteers, thousands of dollars of equipment — all of it donated. Stan Brock is the man overseeing the operation. He founded the Remote Area Medical Volunteer Corps, a non-profit-making organisation, in 1985, but he had the idea when he lived in the Amazon in the 1950s. He has carried out medical relief missions all over the world, but increasingly his focus has been on the poorest Americans. So who is this British man, living in the middle of the Bible Belt in Tennessee and trying to solve America’s healthcare crisis? It might be a temporary fix, but he is driven by those in desperate need, and his devotion is paying off. How did he become a hero for so many? The Ram headquarters operates out of a 37,000-square-foot schoolhouse that Brock leases from the city of Knoxville for $1 a year. This is his home. On Friday morning, the day before this year’s event is due to start, Brock shows me round. The plaster is peeling off the walls, it is damp and cold, and many of the volunteers work in parkas. We walk through the schoolhouse as Brock, still fit and strong in his seventies, leads the way to a classroom where we’ll sit and talk. This is the only time I see him seated for the next 48 hours. Brock was born in Lancashire in 1936 and grew up mainly in South Wales and along the south coast of England. He had been given a scholarship to the Canford school in Dorset, but dropped out at 16 to join his mother and father, a civil servant who had been posted to British Guiana on the northern coast of South America — now known as Guyana. His life story unfolds like an action-packed western where Brock is the hero. For the next 15 years he lived as a cowboy with the Wapishana Indians on Dadanawa ranch in the Amazon. It was during this time that he was inspired to start a volunteer medical-relief corps that would bring free healthcare to people who were poor and isolated. In the US, Brock is remembered as the star of Wild Kingdom, a popular TV series about wildlife conservation that began in the late 1960s. Off the back of this, Brock starred in a few films in the 1970s that were low on plot but packed with animals. There are fading posters on the wall from Escape from Angola and Forgotten Wilderness. On this poster, Brock is pictured in a swamp wrestling a real anaconda. Also hanging on the wall is Brock’s tae-kwon-do black belt and several framed photographs — he looks more at ease in the ones with lion cubs than in those with humans. He was often referred to as “the original crocodile hunter”. Forty years later, his adventurous spirit is still thriving. Part James Bond, part Gandhi, he moves with purposeful velocity. He seems incapable of wasting time. And because he has, as he says, “no dependants”, he is utterly, passionately committed to Ram. He needs very little. Brock sleeps on the floor on a mat, and his main companion is a stray dog, Rambeau, who is now blind. Until six months ago, the two of them showered outside in the courtyard with a hose, but when the temperatures dipped below freezing, ice cubes came out of the nozzle, so an indoor shower has been installed. There is no hot water? “No,” he says, recoiling. “Hot water is bad for you.” Brock does not take a salary and has no income. “I am here 365 days a year, all day, every year.” All of his money has gone into the organisation. He has no car, no house, no possessions, no bank account. He was sending in tax returns with “zero” under income for so long, the IRS (Internal Revenue Service) informed him it wasn’t necessary for him to file. “This is all I do. I do not need money. I had oatmeal to eat this morning and one of the volunteers brought the oatmeal.” He laughingly admits he has taken a vow of poverty. He does not go to restaurants because he’s not able to pay the bill, and he doesn’t miss it. He lives on a diet of rice, beans, fruit and oatmeal, and only occasionally protein, such as a can of tuna. The only beverages he drinks are water and 100% fruit juice. He has never had a fizzy drink. Every day, sometimes waking up at 4am, he does two hours of exercise — tae kwon do, 600 sit-ups, and running, but only on a soft surface. He will ride his bicycle out to the local airport or soccer field and run around on the grass. Personal details are hard to pin down. There is brief mention of a marriage, which, he says protectively, “didn’t work out”. He has no children, and later I discover his marriage lasted for 12 years. His family is his work — and the volunteers he surrounds himself with. Twelve years ago the operation became so large and complicated that Brock had to begin paying some of the volunteers. Jean Jolly will be 74 in August and has been with Ram for the past 15 years. Her salary is about $1,000 a month, and since she retired in 2004 from work at Talbots, a retail-clothing store, she is now the full-time volunteer co-ordinator; the engine that keeps everything running smoothly. “We are the only nongovernmental charitable organisation in the United States that offers free dental, free visual, free medical, without any restrictions or questions asked,” she says proudly. There are two separate entities. The Ram Foundation is the fundraising and administrative arm of the organisation, managing the private donations that underpin the work, with two full-time and five part-time employees. Then there is the Ram Volunteer Corps, which organises the expeditions and field operations, record-keeping and statistical information. Brock is chairman of both. Last year, Ram was profiled on the American news programme 60 Minutes. Up until then, the annual budget had been about $250,000. And Ram had directed 94% to 96% of unrestricted funds to programme services, and spent between 4% and 6% on administration and overheads. But now, thanks to that exposure, the annual budget will be $1.9m. All donations and grants are from private donors and family foundations — no government money, no taxpayer money, no corporate funding. So what does that $1.9m cover? $595,000 of it was spent on an aeroplane, part of Ram’s mandate to take advanced surgical teams to communities that have never had a clinic before. It will fly a surgical team to Guyana a few times a year. There will also be a tractor-trailer rig outfitted as a self-contained mobile medical unit — to travel across America. Twelve clinics are scheduled a year, but it usually ends up doing twice that. Some of those are one-day clinics offering one-day screenings, and so on. In the US it has expeditions scheduled in Kentucky, Virginia, Ohio and many more in Tennessee. For this weekend’s event, Ram will spend between $2,500 and $3,000 on supplies and $500 on fuel (since it is so close to home). The estimate for the entire weekend is $4,000. The reason for this low figure is that nobody gets paid. Everyone who has travelled has done so at his or her own cost. All volunteers cover their own food and lodging. There are no expenses. By the end of the weekend there will have been 570 volunteers — including 36 dentists, 25 hygienists, 12 opticians, four optometrists, and three ophthalmologists. There will be nurse practitioners and dental students and those who have shown up to make coffee and offer administrative support. There will be people like Dr Joseph Smiddy, a pulmonologist who went to truck-driving school and got his licence as a truck driver in order to drive his 18-wheeler customised x-ray unit and mobile clinic. There will be volunteers who have travelled at their own expense from 15 states — including Marta Flood, a nurse practitioner who drove eight hours from Cleveland, Ohio, and Moira Stangeland, a nurse from Los Angeles. When they first arrive they will be overwhelmed, unsure what to expect, and by the end they will have become friends, with plans to meet up again for a future Ram event. There will have been 911 patients registered — some who have driven from nearby states like Georgia, Kentucky and Texas. Of those registered, 13.4% said they earned less than $5,000 a year, while 73.8% refused to answer the question about income; 88% of patients were in the 21-64 age group; 70% were Caucasian, 22% African-American, 9.4% Hispanic; 61% are unemployed and 61.5% have no health insurance. At the end of this event, 1,538 services will have been provided; many patients will receive more than one service. There will be 424 pairs of spectacles made, 26 mammograms, and 904 teeth extracted. The value of care will total $189,290. By 9.30 pm on Friday, all that can be seen is a serpentine row of headlights set against the endless blackened sky as people arrive and wait. Tickets are distributed by the Tennessee State Guard on a first-come, first-served basis. People are told they will be allowed to return tomorrow at 5am — as a safeguard to prevent carbon-monoxide poisoning from running car heaters all night. But those who have driven for hours choose to stay overnight in the car park rather than risk losing their spot. They can’t afford a motel. Ida Stanford is on a fixed income. She is number 9. She’s worried if she’s not here when her number is called she will be passed over. She has problems with her eyesight and needs a new pair of glasses. Darrell Ledford is number 69. He is disabled — having suffered a spinal injury — and here to see if he can get 14 teeth extracted. He is in excruciating pain. His jaw is swollen to the size of a grapefruit. If Ram weren’t available he would have no choice but to do what he’s done all year: lie at home with a toothache. A small heater is on the passenger seat next to him in the truck. Will he stay out here all night? “Yes, ma’am,” he replies. “It’s rough. My teeth hurt real bad. I’d sleep out here three nights if I had to.” Tony Blake is an Iraq and Afghanistan veteran who has walked from his house down the road to get his ticket. The Veterans Health Administration provides him with his blood-pressure medicines, but he says they don’t do a lot of dental care unless you’re about to be deployed. He was a construction surveyor in the army, but can’t find employment. He talks for a while about the veterans and how they are treated when they come back. He is angry. “I served 15 years in the military. I spent 15 years as a firefighter. Pretty much my whole life has been in service — for my country or as a civil servant. I’ve been all over the world. I free people from oppression, and I’m more oppressed in my own country than the people I free.” Tony is going to walk home and return at 5am. He needs some fillings done and his teeth cleaned. When asked what he would do if he didn’t have Ram, he shrugs. “I’d suffer.”At 11pm, the volunteers are still inside and focused on being ready for the morning. Brock stands over a rubbish bin peeling an orange — this and a banana will be his dinner before he goes back outside to see how it’s going and make sure nobody has passed out in their car. He will spend the night in a camper van in the car park — the van has been lent to him for the next two days by Laurie and John Osborn. They’ve been involved with Ram since 1992, and John, a dentist, is now the dental director. When Laurie shows Brock how the thermostat works and asks how he likes it, he looks baffled. “Whatever’s normal,” he says. There is a double bed, but he chooses to sleep on the floor. He’ll be up at 4am so that the gates open promptly at 6. The sun has only been up for a few hours and already hundreds of people have been treated. Everyone here has a sad story. When I meet Brandi Devine, 33, she is in tears. Her husband, Shane, helps walk her over to the stairwell so she can rest. She has just had five teeth pulled and she is dazed from the pain. Shane says she has lived in agony for months. They are from a small rural town 40 miles away called Tellico Plains. They arrived at 7.30pm on Friday and slept in the car. They look worn out. Being unable to help ease his wife’s pain has taken its toll. “I felt like half a person,” Shane says, stroking her hair. Neither of them has health insurance. Five years ago, his wife developed an infection that caused the enamel in her mouth to deteriorate badly. They have been married for nine years and have a three-year-old. He had been working as many shifts as possible at the foundry but is now unemployed. He is relieved his wife can eat something now besides soup. “This has saved our marriage,” he says. Dr Joseph Gambacorta is a dentist who has driven 300 miles from Buffalo, New York, with his 13-year-old son, Patrick. He has been pulling teeth nonstop for four hours. “The American system is not working,” he says. “There are a lot of people who are working middle class and can’t afford the co-pay or the deductible.” To understand what he’s referring to, it’s important to grasp some basic facts about American healthcare. In 2008, there were approximately 48m Americans with no health insurance whatsoever and 25m-30m more who were under-insured, according to the National Coalition on Health Care in Washington, DC. Health coverage in the United States is a complex labyrinth that is dizzyingly brutal to navigate. If a patient in the US seeks medical care from a physician, there is usually a co-insurance requirement. This is a percentage that they must pay for the medical care, and this percentage is determined by their employer’s health plan. The co-pay is a specific amount the patient has to pay for prescriptions. However, neither coverage nor benefits kick in before the deductible has been met. This is what the patient must pay from their own pocket at the beginning of every year, and varies based on different employer benefit plans. For instance, if the deductible is $400, and you see a physician who costs $100, you will need to pay that amount in full. Then there is the premium. The premium arises when a health-insurance plan charges the employer for providing coverage, and most employers require their employees to share in the cost of that premium. The average amount is about 30%. This gets deducted from their pay cheque. Under the 1986 Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act, when someone loses their job they are allowed to purchase coverage from their former employer, and so can continue on that company’s insurance plan — but they have to pay it in full. They can do this for up to 18 months. After that, it’s discontinued and the only option is for them to try to insure themselves privately or to seek government assistance. Millions of Americans who are working still cannot afford the cost of healthcare. They are considered “working poor” because they are earning a modest income and unable to qualify for Medicaid or Medicare, the public-assistance programmes for those whose income and resources are insufficient to pay. Medicare is the nation’s largest health-insurance programme, providing coverage for about 39m Americans who are aged 65 or older or who have a disability. Medicaid provides medical assistance to approximately 36m low-income Americans and is funded by the federal government and the state governments. TennCare is the Medicaid programme in Tennessee that provides healthcare for children from low-income families, pregnant women and those who are disabled. The eligibility explanations on the website are a jumble of obfuscation — sections for Medically Needy versus Poverty Level Income Standard versus Supplemental Security Income. It is an incredibly convoluted and confusing process just to figure out how to get help when it is needed. And most people who are truly in need do not have the acuity or the time to make sense of it. Though Brock has adapted to living with the suffering of others, the rawness of it still hits him when he has to turn people away. “You try not to become immune. I review e-mails that come in by the hundreds.” He reads them all? “Oh yes,” he replies. “You can’t exit out and move on.” His current mission is to raise awareness about a key issue: that qualified, licensed medical professionals should be permitted to cross state lines to practise and provide free healthcare to indigent people. But owing to licensing laws, they are not, and that, he says, is the greatest impediment. The only place in the United States this can happen is in Tennessee, and this is because Brock had the laws changed. Most of the doctors who will show up over the weekend will be from out of state. In April 2008, during the heart of the election campaign, Brock was asked to speak at a congressional hearing on healthcare in Washington, DC. He gave his views and asked: why can’t doctors cross state lines? He was given five minutes to say his piece and then was asked questions. And since then, what has transpired? Nothing. “It was a big disappointment,” he says. It hasn’t stopped him. Brock seems most at ease when he is in motion. He is a qualified airline transport pilot — and often pilots a vintage second-world-war Douglas C-47 plane built in 1943 and flown in the Normandy invasion by the US Ninth Air Force. It is used for the transport of medical equipment and volunteers from the Knoxville base to various Ram clinic sites in the US. During Hurricane Katrina it evacuated refugees out of Baton Rouge. There are a total of five aircraft in the donated fleet. Aside from the C-47, there is a Twin Beech classic from the 1950s; a King Air turboprop plane that was bought after a donation from Rena and Sami Shulsky of New York; a Cessna 206 bush plane that is based in Guyana flying a free air ambulance mission every 1.9 days throughout the year; and a Cessna 150 basic trainer. We are inside the Jacobs building, with the event under way. As we talk, Brock squats, feet flat on the floor: “Sitting down isn’t good for you.” Reluctantly he talks about some of his own bouts of illness. While in Brazil in the early 1960s he developed a severe form of malaria — plasmodium falsiparum — and spent three weeks drenched in sweat and delirious. He had no medication. When asked what happened, he responds stoically: “I got over it.” Amused by the line of questioning, he tells me about the time he had leishmaniasis, a flesh-eating parasite transmitted by the bite of a sandfly. He had it in the late 1950s when there was no cure, and he says with a smile: “It was inconvenient.” How did Brock end up in Tennessee? In the 1980s he was asked to help design the Central Florida Zoo. His television show, Wild Kingdom, was off the network and he had never been interested in pursuing a more active Hollywood career. One zoo led to another, and he ended up in Knoxville and fell in love with the area. Teresa Gardner is a nurse practitioner and excecutive director of The Health Wagon, a mobile unit she drove up from Clinchco, Virginia, about four hours away. She is able to do smear tests and breast examinations, will screen-test for cervical cancer and will call the patients when the results come in and help refer them for follow-up care. Inside the tiny waiting area, Lottie Crudup-Richardson wears a hat covered with round and shiny Barack Obama buttons. She is 52-year-old, and anxiously waiting her turn. Tresa Osborn is 46. Her last breast examination was two years ago, and she too is nervous. She has two part-time jobs, but has no insurance. She makes too much for TennCare. “You’re punished if you work,” she says quietly. She was told 15 years ago that she should have a hysterectomy, but as she has no insurance, she hasn’t been able to have the procedure. A few feet away outside, Robert Macelyea is trembling from the cold. He has been outside since 4.30am. It is nearly 3pm. He is number 477. He works in Wal-Mart and can’t afford to pay extra for his insurance. It’s about $200 a month. He has three children under the age of four, and he is here to have his teeth and vision checked. He lives in the next county. “Number 475!” is called. He leans on the gate and waits it out. Glimpses of Brock reveal him overseeing, answering questions, making decisions, observing. Things are running without incident. Brock would like to organise Ram UK and is currently exploring various options, but there are problems. Not least those to do with licensing laws, which can make it difficult for Canadian and American medical and dental professionals to practise in the UK. He says that possibly, if there were enough practitioners giving their support, then they might be able to do it. He hopes to get past the bureaucracy. Today’s expedition is winding down, but tomorrow it will begin again. Hundreds more will be seen, disease will be detected, pain extinguished, lives saved. Right now, Lottie is worried. Her voice is soft and shaky as we sit in the trailer of Dr Smiddy’s truck. She has just had her chest x-ray done. She is a smoker who has been rolling her own unfiltered cigarettes for years. In The Health Wagon she was told she has a rapid heart rate, which is what led her here. “Maybe it’s nerves?” she asks, with apprehensive hope. We wait to find out. Dr Smiddy takes her x-ray and reads the result. It is good news. There is nothing cancerous, no sign of emphysema or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. “Thank you, Jesus.” She exhales when he delivers the outcome.
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July 1, 2009 - The Thalia Lions salutes Lee Ann Armbruster for making a difference. She regularly organizes get-to-gathers at the Bayside Special Services Library for parents of visually impaired youngsters so they may socialize and learn about available resources. Armbruster, a Virginia Beach teacher for visually impaired students, visits area schools working with 5 other teachers of the vision impaired as well as two teacher assistants. There are only 72 vision impaired students out of a 70,000 enrolled population. Armbruster works with 15 of the 72 and though her efforts helps to bring all 72 and their parents together so they can realize they are not alone. Armbruster is working to create in Hampton Roads a chapter of the “Virginia Association of Parents of Vision Impaired.” In her interview with Virginian Pilot Ricardo Lopez for a July 1, 2009 article, “A Vision for the Visually Impaired,” page 1, Hampton Roads, she said, "The main reason to have this is to create a community for parents. It's a support group; it's a play group." http://hamptonroads.com/2009/06/beach-library-has-vision-visually-impaired
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June 1, 2009 - The Thalia Lions Club salutes Star Glynis Grieser, President of the Southeastern Virginia Society of the Deaf (http://www.vbdeaf.com/Southeastern_Virginia_Society_f/About_SVSD.html) and head of the American Sign Language and Interpreter Education Program at Tidewater Community College (http://www.tcc.edu/news/experts/topic.php?expertise=127), for her outstanding work in promoting American Sign Language (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_Sign_Language) and taking a stand against oral only (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oralism) preschool programs (such as the ODU Oral Preschool Program – see “Learning to Hear,” Hampton Roads, May 28, 2009 - http://hamptonroads.com/2009/05/preschoolers-odu-program-listen-learn-hear). Grieser, who is deaf, makes her case in The Virginian Pilot (Your Views, Editorials – June 1, 2009 – “All the Tools to Succeed” - http://hamptonroads.com/2009/06/all-tools-succeed). She says, “It is a contradictory and misguided myth that using sign language with deaf children will harm their speech skills. An oral approach, without the use of sign language, only limits what a deaf child can achieve. Let deaf children sign. Give them all the tools for success.” Grieser is a strong advocate of “Baby Signs,” (https://www.babysigns.com/) a growing movement among parents of babies who have no hearing loss. Research has shown that signing with one's baby only produces positive effects, increased IQ, fewer behavioral problems, and stronger bonds between parents and babies. Grieser asks, “Why not use American Sign Language with deaf children as well?” She goes on to question the effectiveness of the cochlear implant (see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cochlear_implants) and says they are not always successful in restoring hearing or teaching a child language. Please read more about Grieser's sign language interpreter education program at TCC -http://hamptonroads.com/2008/03/sign-language-speaks-many-local-campuses----------------------------
May 18, 2009 - The Thalia Lions Club would like to salute Dr.Robert J. Stewart (age 97), who has had diabetes for 60 years and Dr. Sheri Colberg who has had the disease for 41 years. Both have not only lived with it but have gone on to lead productive, successful, and happy lives. While Sheri is a very successful writer, Dr. Bob in his retirement at the Westminster-Canterbury Retirement Center in Virginia Beach, VA. recently won five Gold Medals and two world records in the Senior Olympics. He promotes health and wholeness to residents at the retirement home and has encouraged many to become more active and diet right. Recently Sheri interviewed Bob. Please take a moment to listen to Bob’s uplifting message to diabetics and to all of us @http://www.shericolberg.com/media-interviews.asp. Dr. Sheri has authored 8 books and more than 150 articles on exercise, diabetes, healthy lifestyles, fitness, nutrition, aging, weight loss, diabetic Latinos, and more. Read more about her professional experience with diabetes @ http://www.shericolberg.com/In her book “50 Secrets of the Longest Living People with Diabetes,” she reveals the key ingredients to a productive life with diabetes -Secret No 1 – DietSecret No 2 – ExerciseSecret No 3- Build Your Own TeamSecret No 4- Be Your Own AdvocateSecret No 5- Positive AttitudeSecret No 6 - Have a good time (lots of enjoyment) and live with it the best you can.http://www.shericolberg.com/longest-living-diabetes.aspDr. Bob says, "“You can live happily with a problem. It's not the problem that gets one down but rather how you deal with it!”
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April 16, 2009 - The Thalia Lions Club would like to salute Karen Bauer who has been faithfully helping with the Lions' Diabetes Family Camp at the Triple R Ranch in Chesapeake for diabetic children since the program started in 1994. This coming May 1-3 will mark her 16th year of unbroken service and dedication to children in need of her expert help. Karen is a certified diabetes educator with Chesapeake Regional Medical Center, one of the major sponsors of the event. The camp is an important resource to those with diabetes. Karen helps kids with diabetes learn how to cope with their disease by teaching them proper nutrition habits, how to manage insulin and other diabetic medicines and to let them know that they are not alone in fighting this illness. While there the kids have a great time with activities which include horseback riding, archery, wall climbing, fishing, canoeing, and more. For the Virginian Pilot interview on March 30, 2009, Karen said "They [children with diabetes] get to see there are other kids with diabetes who can go and have fun and do things just like people who don't have diabetes. On many levels, the camp can help a parent understand what is going on with their child and help them to live a healthier life." http://hamptonroads.com/2009/03/family-camp-teaches-skills-deal-type-1-diabeteshttp://hamptonroads.com/2009/03/lions-family-diabetes-camp http://hamptonroads.com/2009/03/lions-family-diabetes-camp
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April 11, 2009 - The Thalia Lions would like to salute Isabel Marie Andrews, 93, who passed away on this day. She was featured July 11, 2008 in The Virginian-Pilot for her patriotism for welcoming returning Navy ships back to the Norfolk Naval Station even though she could no longer see them as they passed by her home at the Westminster Canterbury retirement community near the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay. Starting eight years ago, when Isabel could see, she decided the least she could do was wave from the Westminster retirement community sea wall to Navy ships returning to port. Since then, she was committed to welcoming countless ships back from deployment, many carrying Westminster Canterbury relatives and friends. She typically organized 15 or so of her friends to help greet the ships. She knew when they would be coming from secret connections. In recent years, Andrews’ eyesight faded, leaving her legally blind. But that did not stop her from taking long walks in the surrounding communities with her white cane and continuing her welcome of returning Navy ships. With her American flag waving, Isabel commented as a Navy carrier cruised past, “I just have a love for my country and my flag. As long as there’s breath in my body, I hope I can be out here doing this.” And she was out there until a few months before her passing. In the autumn of 2008 she reluctantly turned over Navy ship welcoming to a trusted friend. But even as her health failed, Isabel’s mind remained sharp, and Westminster residents could still see her being wheeled to the weekly political Current Affairs program where she continued to keep abreast of the goings-on from around the world. While she was growing up during the Great Depression, her father, a World War I veteran, instilled in her and her two sisters a passion for the U.S., particularly its role in humanitarian efforts around the world. She and her late husband, Mallory, passed that sense of patriotism to their own children and their friends, offering American flags as gifts for weddings, graduations and other milestones. Isabel Marie Andrews truly made a difference for all of us who knew her. She will be missed! See “92-Year-Old Virginia Beach Woman Gives Homecoming Troops the Welcome They Deserve” By Shawn Day in the Virginian-Pilot, July 11, 2008VIRGINIA BEACH - http://hamptonroads.com/2008/07/92yearold-virginia-beach-woman-gives-homecoming-troops-welcome-they-deserveIsabel Marie Andrews VIRGINIA BEACH - Isabel Marie Andrews, 93, passed away April 11, 2009, in Westminster-Canterbury. She was born in Philadelphia, the daughter of the late Benjamin and Jennie Shriver. Published in The Virginian Pilot on April 12, 2009. See http://www.legacy.com/pilotonline/Obituaries.asp?Page=SearchResults
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April 6, 2009 - The Thalia Lions would like to salute Lizzie Grant, Ocean Lakes High School senior http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ocean_Lakes_High_School .Congratulations on your acceptance into Gallaudet University.http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gallaudet_University -Hearing Student to Attend Renowned School for Deafby Lauren Roth, the Virginian-Pilot, April 6, 2009 - http://hamptonroads.com/2009/04/hearing-student-attend-renowned-school-deaf. This fall Lizzie Grant will enter Gallaudet University in Washington, D.C. All classes there are conducted in sign language because nearly all of the students are deaf or hard of hearing. But Grant can hear. She has been admitted to the university as a member of the Hearing Undergraduate Student program. Only a small number of students are accepted each year, and they must plan on a career in the deaf community. At Ocean Lakes there are about a dozen deaf students and there Grant has become a sign ambassador of sorts, encouraging others to learn sign language, leading the school American Sign Language Club, and tutoring sign language students.http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_Sign_Language http://asl.meetup.com/cities/?urlkey=asl&country=us&locationPickerRef=0&dbCo=us&dbOutsideUsLink=&zip=23451&submitButton=Go%21Last year, Grant won a first-place prize in the American Sign Language Honor Society's national literature competition - http://www.aslhonorsociety.org/
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March 24, 2009 - The Thalia Lions would like to salute Ophthalmologist Samuel Garrett -http://www.ucomparehealthcare.com/drs/virginia/ophthalmology/Garrett_Samuel.htmlGarrett started giving free eye exams 15 years ago. He said, "If you can't see, you can't do anything. It's your most precious sense because we live in a visual world." At the Virginia Beach Eye Center - http://vbeye.com/, ophthalmologists - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ophthalmology, optometrists - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Optometry,and their staff work after hours to give free eye exams to people without insurance, jobs, and homes. If patients need glasses, they receive those for free, too, and some will receive free follow-ups for eye conditions such as cataracts and glaucoma. Garrett started giving the exams 15 years ago when his church, Baylake United Methodist Church got involved in a homeless shelter program organized by Volunteers of America, a nonprofit organization in Virginia Beach that provides services for homeless people.http://www.baylakeumc.org/templates/System/default.asp?id=30440 http://www.voa.org/. Deborah Maloney, director of Volunteers of America, helps the center connect with people who needed the exams - http://www.theplanningcouncil.org/tpcdatabase/750osvro.htm .Vision disorders are the second most prevalent health problem in the country, affecting more than 120 million people. Recent studies have shown that people are putting off health care because of the recession. Garrett says his practice does the free eye exams once a year, but he also sees people throughout the year who can't afford eye treatment.http://www.aboutus.org/Vision_Disorders. From the Virginian-Pilot - March 24, 2009 by Elizabeth Simpson, “Free Eye Care for Those who Need It the Most.” http://hamptonroads.com/2009/03/office-offers-free-eye-care-those-who-need-it-most

11 - 12 Officers

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Officer (Old -2010-11 / New 2011-12)
President: Steve Rosnov / Jeri Furman
Immediate Past President: Bob Perrine / Steve Rosnov
1st Vice President: Bob Donnelly / Bob Donnelly
2nd Vice President: Jeri Furman / Roger Snell
3rd Vice President: Roger Snell / Rich Roberts
Secretary: Nancy Watters /Nancy Watters
Assistant Secretary: None / Rich Roberts
Treasurer: Vickie Kennedy / Vickie Kennedy
Tail Twister: Rich Roberts / Aziz Selahi
Lion Tamer: Otis Etheridge / Otis Etheridge
Two Year Directors: Stan Furman and Aziz Selahi / Nurys Sabino and Doug Craddock
One year Directors: / Jim Healy, Ed DeLong and Roger Snell / Stan Furman and Mike Coren
Membership Chair: John Watters / Brad Furman

Officers' Duties

2009-03-01T03:30:00.000-08:00
The President shall -
1. Be the Chief Executive Officer of the Club.
2. Preside at all meetings and is chairman of the Board of Directors.
3. Issues the call for all regular and special Board Meetings.
4. Appoint the standing and special committees of this club and cooperates with chairmen thereof to effect regular functioning and reporting of such committees.
5. Call and hold regular elections.
6. Cooperate with the 24D District Governor’s Advisory Committee.
7. Co-sign club checks with the Treasurer.
8. Appoint a nominating committee to put together a slate of candidates so that an election meeting may be held no later than April 15.
Goals of the President.
1. Attempt to have his club be a 100% (or greater) club by accomplishing the following:.
(a) Promote and excell in the 24D Governor’s Achievement Program.
(b) Comply with the Standard Leo Club Constitution and Bylaws and the policies
of the International Board of Directors, and refrain from any action encouraging
unauthorized use of the name, goodwill, emblem, and other insignias of the association.
(c) Show a net increase in active membership for the fiscal year. (Net increase is
not affected by transferred, deceased, or at-large members.) or personally sponsor one or more new members into the Thalia Club prior to the end of the fiscal year.
(d) Conduct at least one major service activity. This may be a joint community service project with another Lions club(s).
(e) Conduct at least one major fundraising project with substantial membership participation. This may be a joint community project with another sponsoring Lions club.
(f) Certify that all new members have been properly indoctrinated and assigned to a working activity or service committee.
(g) Be certified that the above requirements have been met.
2. Be a 100% President by promoting and excelling in the 24D Governor’s Achievement Program.
3. Ensures that new members’ induction ceremony is impressive so that they may take pride in joining the club.
4. Ensures each new member receives a New Member Kit.
5. Ensures all members have Lion hats, vests, and pins.
6. Ensures that the Constitution and By-Laws are available to all members
7. Ensures that new officers attend the District Officer Training.
8. Attempt to attend Region III meetings, District Cabinet meetings, the Mid-Winter Conference, State Convention (May), and the District Convention.
9. Attempt to visit/attend the Youth Exchange Camp (July), Virginia Lions Hearing Foundation Annual Meeting (July), Eye Bank Annual Meeting (Aug), Sight and Hearing Unit Meeting (Aug), Leadership Forum (Sep), and Governor’s Ball (Feb).

The Immediate Past President shall and other past presidents shall officially greet members and their guests at club meetings and shall represent this club in welcoming all new service-minded people in the community served by this club.

The Four Directors are members of the Board of Directors and are responsible to actively assist the President, officers, and Board of Directors in overall policy and operation of the Club.

The Vice Presidents shall -
1. Occupy the President's position (in order of rank) if the President is unable to perform the duties of his office for any reason, and perform his duties with the same authority as the president.
2. Under the direction of the president, oversee the functioning of such committees of this club as the president shall designate and assure that these committees are serving only the administrative, fund-raising, and charitable needs of the club.
3. Report verbally or in writing each month to the board of directors the activities of your assigned committees.
Goals of the Vice Presidents
1. Be prepared to replace the President when senior officers are not present.
2. Delegate responsibilities to your committees - don’t attempt to perform all these functions yourself.
3. Assure that all activities are documented by the Committee Chairman for your monthly report and to accumulate a history so there is no need to reinvent the wheel every year.
4. Encourage the chairman of each committee to engineer improvement in all the processes, not just do what has been done before. Careful documentation and thought should make all projects more efficient every year.

The First Vice President shall oversee the following committees:
Membership/Attendance
Youth Exchange/Leo/Services
Blind-Made Products
Finance/Budget
Educational Svcs/Scholarship
Eyeglass and Hearing Aides Recycling
Leadership Development/Lions Information
International Relations/Conventions

The Second Vice President shall oversee the following committees:
White Cane
Sight Conservation
Programs
Bland Contest
Website
Constitution / By-Laws
Phone Tree
Club Socials / Recreation
Greeters

The Third Vice President shall oversee the following committees:
Hearing Conservation
Tail Twister Drawing
Holiday Fruit / Flags / Fund Raising
Journey For Sight
Traveling Leos
Diabetes Awareness
Public Relations/Bulletin
Member Care, Health & Social Services

The Secretary shall be under the supervision and direction of the President and the Board of Directors and shall
1. Assist Committee Chairmen prepare yearly summary reports of all Club
activities. The reports shall include a summary of the activity, member attendance,
pictures, financial accounting and recommendations for future improvements.
2. Order supplies from Lions International and reports the placing of such
orders to the Treasurer.
3. Obtain all awards for the Members as the Board deems appropriate.
4. Assist the President in preparing budgets, agendas and other items as
requested.
5. Have custody and keep and maintain general records of this club, including records of minutes of club and board meetings; attendance; committee appointments; elections; classifications (if any); addresses and telephone numbers of members; and members’ club accounts.
6. Distribute the minutes to all Board members and read the minutes and other correspondence at regular Club meetings.
7. Issue quarterly or semi-annual statements to each member for dues and other financial obligations owed to this club, collect and turn the same over to the club treasurer and obtain a receipt thereof.
8. Act as the liaison officer between the club, Region III, Zone E, the 24D District, and the association. In fulfillment of this, he shall.
(a) Submit regular monthly and other reports to the international office of the association in the manner specified containing such information as may be called for therein and otherwise by the board of directors of the association;
(b) Submit to the district governor’s cabinet such reports as it may require including copies of regular membership and activities reports;
(c) Cooperate with and be an active member of the district governor’s advisory committee of the zone and region in which this club is located;
(d) Give bond for the faithful discharge of his/her office in such sum and with such surety as determined by the board of directors.

The Treasurer shall be
1. Responsible for Finances of the Club
2. Assist in formulating the Club’s budget.
3. Pay Bills as incurred. All checks and vouchers shall be signed by the treasurer and countersigned by the President.
4. Receive all monies, from the secretary and deposit the same in a bank or banks recommended by the finance committee and approved by the Board of Directors;
5. Maintain financial records and prepare reports as required.
6. Have custody and keep and maintain general records of club receipts and disbursements.
7. Prepare and submit monthly and semi-annual financial reports to the international office of the association and the board of directors of this club.
8. Give bond for the faithful discharge of his/her office in such sum and with such surety as determined by the Board of Directors.
9. Perform other duties as assigned by the President or Board of Directors.

The Lion Tamer shall
1. Attend all regular Board meetings and Club meetings.
2. Have charge of and be responsible for the property and paraphernalia of the club, including flags, banners, gong, gavel, song books and button board; and put each in its proper place before each meeting and return the same to the proper storage area after each meeting.
3. Act as sergeant-at-arms at club and board meetings to
(a) See that those present are properly seated,
(b) Distribute bulletins, favors and literature as required
(c) Give special attention to assure that each new member sits with a different group at each meeting so that he/she can become better acquainted.
(d) At the end of each meeting, make sure that all Lions Club property is stored in
the proper location, and collect any articles inadvertently left behind.
4. Maintain a rotational schedule of Greeters and advise greeters of proper
procedure. .
5. Ensure that a supply of New Member Applications is on hand at all times.

The TailTwister shall
1. Promote harmony, good fellowship, life and enthusiasm in the meetings through appropriate stunts and games and the judicious imposition of fines on club members.
2. Impose fines, provided, however, that no fine shall exceed an amount fixed by the Board of Directors, and no member shall be fined more than twice at any one meeting. His decision in imposing a fine cannot be overruled. The Tail Twister may not be fined except by the unanimous vote of all members present.
3. Enforce the wearing of the Lions Pin.
4. Conduct auctions or raffles or drawings.
5. Turn over all money collected to the Treasurer

President's Award

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2009-2010 CLUB PRESIDENT EXCELLENCE AWARD APPLICATION

In order to receive the Club President Excellence Award, each club president must have the club secretary fill out this form and have it approved and signed by the district governor. Charter presidents in clubs organized during the first six months of the fiscal year shall be eligible. In undistricted areas the Coordinating Lion or provisional region/zone chairpersons should sign the
completed form. The completed form must be mailed to the English Language Department at International Headquarters, or faxed to (630) 706-9130, to arrive by September 30, 2010. The award will be mailed to the 2010-2011 district governor for presentation. In undistricted areas the award will be mailed directly to the coordinating Lions or directly to the 2010-2011club
president.

Requirements. Please confirm completion by checking the boxes and supplying requested information.

1. The club has furthered the association’s purposes and has adhered to the association’s constitution and by-laws as well as its policies.

2. The club has conducted at least one service activity during the year.

3. The president has attended all of the following Lions meetings during the year. (In case of emergency, a representative of the club president may attend on behalf of the club president.)
(a) At least two zone meetings. Region Meetings will be allowed to satisfy this requirement.
(b) Club officer orientation/training.
(c) District, multiple district, or international convention. The District Convention mentioned will be the Fall Conference in October. District 24-D Cabinet will assist in meeting these goals if desired.

4. The club has submitted each of the following reports to International Headquarters by the due dates:
(a) Monthly Membership Report (C-23-A).
(b) Annual Club Officer Report (PU-101).

5. The club is in good standing with Lions Clubs International, the multiple district and the district at the end of the fiscal year June 30.

6. The club has achieved a net gain in membership by June 30.

7. New members were properly inducted, oriented and involved in service activities and/or committee work.

8. The club has made a contribution to LCIF.

What was the club’s most outstanding accomplishment in 2009-2010?

Request for review of award eligibility from a disqualified club president shall be considered only if received at international headquarters within 12 months after completion of the club president’s term of office, provided that the original application form is already filed at international headquarters.

Melvin Jones Awrd

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Lions International recognizes outstanding individuals by bestowing on them an award that is named for its founder, Melvin Jones. This Fellowship Award Lions Club International Foundation (LCIF) was created in 1973 by Lions Clubs International (LCI) as the highest form of recognition to acknowledge an individual's dedication to humanitarian service. Whether a Lion should be selected to receive a Melvin Jones Fellowship award is decided only by the Club's Melvin Jones Fellows, and then the identity of the recipient is only disclosed at an installation dinner.

http://www.waynelions.org/MJA.htm http://www.confluencelions.org/index_files/Page506.htm

The Melvin Jones Fellowship is the backbone of LCIF. A recognition of humanitarian work, an MJF is awarded to those who donate $1,000 to LCIF or to people for whom a donation was made by others. Melvin Jones Fellows receive an attractive lapel pin, a plaque and a congratulatory letter. Melvin Jones Fellows who make additional US$1,000 donations to LCIF, or in whose name US$1,000 donations are made, become part of the Melvin Jones Fellowship Progressive program. Progressive Melvin Jones Fellows are awarded a new lapel pin and congratulatory letter for each subsequent US$1,000 donation. (The first lapel pin is a one-diamond yellow gold pin. For each US$1,000 donation thereafter another diamond is added to the pin). For information on Melvin Jones Fellowships, contact LCIF Donor and Financial Services Department at 630-468-6954.

Facts:

* The Fellowship was established in 1973 and the Progressive program began in 1986 in response to Lions' request for a way to extend their commitment to LCIF.

* Donations through MJFs provide 70 percent of the Foundation's annual revenue.

* There are 261,900 MJFs worldwide and 46,695 PMJFs

* The MJF luncheon began in 1984 and has been held at each convention since. All MJFs are invited to the annual luncheon and their names are on a rotating computer list of donors in the MJF room at International Headquarters

* The MJF is LCIF's highest honor

http://wiki.answers.com/Q/What_is_A_Melvin_Jones_Award

See also

Melvin Jones Lions International Memorial Fort Thomas, Arizona, USA

http://lions-mjm.org/

Melvin Jones – Founder of Lions Clubs International –

http://www.lionsclubs.org/EN/about-lions/mission-and-history/our-history/melvin-jones.php

\/ 11-12 Committees

2009-03-01T03:01:00.000-08:00
Committes 2011-12
** denotes Chairman

1st VICE PRESIDENT BOB DONNELLY

MEMBERSHIP/ATTENDANCE
Mike Coren**
Dick Kreassig

YOUTH EXCHANGE
Mike Berns**
Ed DeLong

LEO CLUB
Mike Berns **
Nurys Sabino

BLIND MADE PRODUCTS
Bob Donnelly **
Jim Healy
Jack Wagner

RAM /PROJECT HOMELESS CONNECT
John Watters **
Nancy Watters
Susan Sumnick
Stan Furman

FINANCE/BUDGET
Stan Furman **
Aziz Selahi, Vickie Kennedy, Nancy Watters
Jack Wagner, Rich Roberts

EDUCATIONAL SVCS/SCHOLARSHIP
Ed DeLong**
Rich Roberts *Susie Sumnick, Mike Berns
Vickie Kennedy

EYEGLASS RECYCLING
Ed DeLong **
Jim Healy, Aziz Selahi, John Watters
Otis Etheridge

LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT/
LIONS INFORMATION
Dick Kreassig **
Bob Donnelly

Environmental Service Projects
Rich Roberts **
Kim Vakos, Doug Craddock

2nd VICE PRESIDENT

WHITE CANE
Roger Snell **
Dallas Divelbiss, Jim Healy, Jack Wagner

SIGHT CONSERVATION
Linda Eggleston* *
John Watters, Nancy Watters, Susan Sumnick

SIGHT AND HEARING VAN
Aziz Selahi **
Ed Delong, Jim Healy, Roger Snell

PROGRAMS
Dick Kreassig* *

BLAND CONTEST
Jack Wagner **
John Watters,
Ed DeLong,
Nancy Watters,
Vickie Kennedy,
Otis Etheridge

PHONE TREE/MEETING COORDINATOR
Mike Coren**
Irene Conlin

CONSTITUTION/BY-LAWS
Doug Craddock **
John Watters, Bob Donnelly

WEBSITE /IT
Bob Perrine**
Filip Cuckov

CLUB SOCIALS/RECREATION
Stan Furman *
Nancy Watters

FOOD DRIVE
Jack Wagner**
Jim Healy,
Aziz Selahi,
Mike Berns,
Otis Etheridge

3rd VICE PRESIDENT ROGER SNELL

HEARING CONSERVATION
Ed DeLong**
Fran Scott

HOLIDAY FRUIT/FLAGS/FUND RAISING
Jack Wagner**
Jim Healy,
Dallas Divelbiss

JOURNEY FOR SIGHT
Jim Healy**
Irene Conlin, Roger Snell

TRAVELING LEO
Steve Rosnov**
Mike Coren, Aziz Selahi

DIABETES AWARENESS
Dick Kreassig **
Linda Eggleston

PUBLIC RELATIONS/BULLETIN /PUBLICITY
Rich Roberts**
Ed DeLong,
Bob Perrine

MEMBER CARE/ HEALTH / SOCIAL SERVICES/ GREETERS
Nurys Sabino* *
Debra Laughlin

TWIN LIONS CLUB ST. PANTELEJMON
Filip Cuckov**
Steve Rosnov

EXTRA FUND RAISERS/SPECIAL PROJECTS
Bob Donnelly**
Jim Healy

AUDIBLE EASTER EGG HUNT
Irene Conlin**
Debra Laughlin, Kim Vakos

NATIONAL VISION WALK
Debra Laughlin**
Irene Conlin

LOVF/LCF24-D
Stan Furman**
Bill Abdalla
Doug Craddock

Membership

2009-03-01T02:00:00.001-08:00
Membership Plan 2011 – 2012

Specific Goal: 8 (eight) new members this Lion year, net gain.

Expected Losses: 1 or 2 members

Method: Personal contact and communication, especially during and related to service
projects.

Every member will be encouraged to involve their family, friends and contacts in Lions service projects, in order that they might be inspired to join us as a member. e.g., Thalia Lions sponsored eight persons for participation in RAM/LAMP medical care activities in Wise County in July 2010 and plan the same number for 2011. Last year we gained two members from this service project alone. A local sight and hearing screening resulted in another new member.

We have proved that active service grows membership and we will continue our involvement in service to grow more. We also plan to do 2-3 membership drives by setting up tables at PediaVision screenings and various service events throughout the city of Virginia Beach. Our goal is to gain 3-4 new members this year from these events alone.

Lion Brad Furman
Membership Chair 2011-2012

General: The Thalia Lions Club Membership/Attendance Committee is under the overall supervision of the First Vice President. The committee is responsible to
1. Develop a growth program specifically for the club and presents it to the Board of Directors for approval.
2. Encourage members at club meetings to bring in new quality members.
3. Ensure proper recruitment procedures.
4. Prepare and implement orientation sessions for new members.
5. Report to the Board of Directors ways to reduce the loss of members.
6. Coordinate with other club committees in fulfilling these responsibilities.
7. Serve as a member of the zone level membership committee.

Greater details for all the program are available on the Lions Clubs International Member Center “Proud Lion MTR – 5.” @ http://www.lionsclubs.org/EN/common/pdfs/mtr05.pdf

Lions Family Club Program shows how inviting our children, grandchildren can work in our clubs. This also opens up the possibilities of our clubs being welcoming to younger adults who have children.
http://www.lionsclubs.org/EN/common/pdfs/mpfm33.pdf

Programs Committee

2009-03-01T00:52:00.000-08:00
GUEST SPEAKER SCHEDULE.

BACKGROUND:
The Thalia Lions Club Program Committee is under the overall supervision of the Second Vice President. The Programs Chair is responsible for obtaining a guest speaker for a presentation at all regular Thalia Lion’s meetings. Thalia Club Committee Chairmen are also encouraged to present programs about their committees. The club receives 25 points in the District 24-D Governor's Achievement Program for each speaker and an extra 25 points for a program relative to Lionism (sight, hearing, diabetes, youth exchange, etc. - see below for a more complete list).

PROCEDURES and RESPONIBILITIES:
The Programs Chairman will
In Preparation....
* Actively engage his committee. The Chairman should hold meetings and assign each member with duties and responsibilities. Obtaining guest speakers should be a responsibility assigned to each member.
* Obtain a listing of names from District 24-D of certified speakers who can provide an extra 25 points.
* Ensure that during the year every Committee Chairman hosts a program discussion.
* Schedule guest speakers for meetings starting with the first meeting after Installation, i.e., the first regular meeting in July. The club does not have a guest speaker when the District Governor visits or for Charter Night (2nd meeting in June), the Holiday Party in Dec, or other special events that may be scheduled during the year such as a picnic in lieu of a normal meeting.
* Schedule speakers a few months in advance and followed up near the date of their presentation. Have an outside speaker or Thalia Committee Chairman on tap for short notice if there is a last minute cancellation.
* Forward the list of speakers, their subject and date, to the Secretary.
Prior to the meeting.....
* Inform the guest speaker that:
- The Thalia Lions are a congenial, pleasant group that serves the community and interested in subjects of community interest.
- We have established approximately 20 minutes or so for the speaker with a little while for Q&A if any.
- Meals are complimentary, and the club presents the speaker with an umbrella as a token of the Club’s appreciation.
- We meet for a social at 6pm with the dinner to start at 6:30pm. The guest speaker will either give the presentation at 6:30 if dinner is not ready or shortly after dinner is served. The speaker will not stay for the business portion of the meeting unless the speaker desires to linger. The President will not obligate the speaker to stay and will make sure an exit is courteously provided after presenting the umbrella.
- Subject matter of a product endorsement, religious, or political nature is not to be discussed. If this occurs the Programs Chairman is responsible to step in and remind the speaker that under the Lions Club charter this discussion needs to be directed away from this subject. Be polite but firm.
At the Presentation...
* Present the guest speaker. Ask for a short Bio from the speaker - whatever the speaker wishes the Programs Chairman to say when presenting the speaker. It should not be long, just a paragraph.
* Inform the guest speaker of the time and establish a hand signal to alert the speaker that about 3 minutes are left. If the speaker continues past the time frame, stand up and say, “We are running out of time. I’m sure there are a couple of questions from our members, so please try to wind up your presentation in the next couple of minutes.”
* Monitor the time period for Q&A after the program. If necessary, stand up and say “one or two more questions.”
* Present a Thalia Club umbrella to the guest speaker after the presentation.

50 point programs can be from external guests or from a Thalia Club member as long as they relate to one of the following subjects– District 24-D Governor’s Achievement Program, Lion websites, Pin Traders Club of Virginia, Proud Lion Awards Program, Lion Sponsors, Lions Club International, Lions Club International Foundation, Lions of Virginia Foundation (LOVF), Lions Charity Foundation of District 24-D, Inc, Youth Outreach / Lions Quest, Youth Exchange Host Family, Youth Exchange, John M. White Youth Camp, Traveling Leo, Michelob Ultra Golf Tournament, Lions Area Medical Projects (LAMP), Remote Area Medical (RAM), Project Homeless Connect, Melvin Jones Fellowship, and anything on Helen Keller; disabled children; sight (Preschool Eye Screening, Sight Conservation, White Cane, Eye Glass Recycling, Lions Medical Eye Bank, Edward M. "Moon" Kosjer Endowment for Indigent Sight Care, Blind Made Products,); hearing (Hearing Aids Recycle, District 24-D Hearing Aid Program, Virginia Lions Hearing Foundation); safety; or diabetes.

Food Bank

2009-03-01T00:51:00.000-08:00
The Thalia Lions Club is assisting with the Samaritan House’s food bank (pantry). Food donations are accepted at Thalia Lions Club business/dinner meetings.

POC for the year 2011/2012 is Lion Jack Wagner. Also for pantry monetary donations please contact Melody (757-631-0710) at the Samaritan House.

*The Samaritan House is a non-profit organization providing families living in a domestic violence environment and families without a home
- a refuge.
- freedom and safety from domestic abuse and homelessness.
- education in regaining control and becoming self-sufficient in order to begin a new and better life.
See http://www.samaritanhouseva.org/index.html

The Samaritan House at 2620 Southern Blvd, Virginia Beach, 23452, provides families with food, shelter, toiletries, supportive services, personal needs and financial assistance for about $13 per person per day.

One in every four women will experience domestic violence in her lifetime. Almost one-third of female homicide victims that are reported in police records are killed by an intimate partner. This information is provided by National Coalition Against Domestic Violence.

Traveling Leos

2009-03-01T00:49:00.000-08:00
Thalia Traveling Leo Schedule 2011-2012

ZONE H:
ARAGONA-PEMBROKE LIONS (21 members)
The Green Turtle
http://thegreeneturtle.com1401 Greenbrier Parkway South # 2260
Chesapeake, VA 23320
Meets: 2nd Wednesday – 6:30 pm
Visit date: October 12, 2011
Order off the menu. Wednesday is 50¢ Buffalo wings and they come in a variety of flavors.

ZONE C:
DENBIGH LIONS (33 members)
Steve’s Steak House
11847 Jefferson Avenue
Newport News 23606-9483
Meets: 2nd & 4th Tuesday – 6:45 pm
40 minutes/32.25 miles from Best Buy Parking Lot
Depart Best Buy at: 5:45 pm
Visit date: October 11, 2011

ZONE D:
SOUTHSIDE LIONS (60 members)
Greenbrier Country Club
http://www.clubcorp.com/Clubs/Greenbrier-Country-Club
1301 Volvo Pkwy
Chesapeake, 23320
Meets: 1st & 3rd Thursday – 1 pm
Tentative visit date: November 1, 2011

ZONE F:
SMITHFIELD LIONS (19 members)
http://www.smithfieldstation.com/
Smithfield Station
15 S. Church Street
Smithfield, 23430
Meets: 2nd Monday – 7 pm
50 minutes/36.42 miles from Best Buy Parking Lot
Tentative visit date: November 14, 2011

ZONE E:
OCEAN VIEW LIONS (22 members)
Mom & Pops Family Restaurant
http://www.momandpopsfamilyrestaurant.com/
331 E. Bayview Blvd
Norfolk, 23503
Meets: 1st & 3rd Monday -7 pm
Tentative visit date: December 5, 2011

District 24-D Traveling Leo Rules: July 1st 2011 – May 31st 2012

I. Purpose: To encourage visitation among clubs of District 24-D, fostering a spirit of friendship, fellowship, understanding, and sharing, which leads to club strengthening and improved service to those in need.

II. Rules:
The traveling Leo Award will be a District Governor’s award given to each club that completes the requirements listed below.
A. Minimum number of clubs to be visited
1. All clubs must visit at least five clubs.
2. Clubs in Zone A, B, C, D, E, F, G & H must visit clubs in at least five (5) clubs in five different zones, none of which shall be in the clubs own zone to qualify for the award. Visits within your own zone will count towards the clubs total visits and points but not toward the minimum requirements to earn the patch.
3. Clubs in Zone I must visit at least five clubs with two (2) of those visits being to clubs outside of Zone I.
B. A minimum number of Lions required to make a Traveling Leo visit:
1. For Clubs that have a membership of twenty-five (25) or fewer members as of June 2011 MMR, a minimum of three (3) Lions required to make a traveling Leo visit.
2. For Clubs that have a membership of twenty-six (26) or more members as of June 2011 MMR, a minimum of four (4) Lions required to make a traveling Leo visit.
C. The traveling Leo Trophy will be awarded to the club which accumulates the most combination of points earned by visits, mileage and crossing the Bay Bridge Tunnel during the contest period.
D. Traveling Leo Points are based on the total number of clubs visited, traveling in excess of 50 miles and crossing the Bay Bridge Tunnel.
1. Ten points for each club visited.
2. One point for each club visited over the Bay Bridge Tunnel.
3. One point for each trip in excess of 50 miles from the visiting clubs meeting location to the visited clubs meeting location.
4. One point for one (1) additional Lion only beyond the minimum requirement going on the visit.
E. MapQuest is the one source guide to determine mileage for obtaining points for excess miles. Mileage for all trips will be calculated using MapQuest with shortest time as the default setting. http://www.mapquest.com/ In the invent that the Traveling Leo does not have access to MapQuest, place a question mark in the check mileage block on the Traveling Leo form and the District Traveling Leo will determine the mileage and enter it if earned.
F. Credit will be earned only once for visiting an individual club during the contest period.
G. Clubs may be visited only at regular meetings and not during special events such as Charter or Fund Raising events.
H. Traveling Leos may occur during an official visit by the District Governor, but only if both clubs agree and the District Governor’s approval is obtained prior to the visit.
I. Visits must be coordinated with the clubs at least 48 hours prior to visit, but it is recommended that clubs make initial contact a week out to facilitate caterers and reduce conflicts. A final cutoff date between clubs can be negotiated.
J. To complete a visit, visiting Lions must be present at the time the bell is rung to begin the regular meeting and must remain until the meeting is adjourned.
K. Traffic back –ups at bridges, tunnels, and on major highways will be judged on an individual basis by the Traveling Leo Chairperson & the District Governor if necessary.

III. Rules of Conduct:
A. The Lions code of ethics shall be followed and the club & /or personal equipment of the clubs shall be respected at all times.
B. No “special fees” shall be imposed on the traveling Leo club beyond the usual fines, which may be assessed against all present.
C. Cost of meals to the traveling Leo Club shall be no more that the cost of the meal to the host club members.
D. Visiting Lions are encouraged to be seated next to host club Lion or a Lion from another visiting club. No visiting club should be seated as a group among themselves.
E. The visiting club is to be Courteous, Quiet, & respectful during the meeting. Remember you are a guest at someone else’s meeting. Always show respect to the Program Speaker.

IV. Responsibility of the Traveling Leo Club:
A. Contact the visiting club secretary or president at least 48 hours prior to the scheduled meeting and receive agreement to visit at that time and date.
B. Have at least the minimum number of Lions required for a Traveling Leo visit present for the entire meeting. (See section B- under rules.)
C. Ensure that all traveling Lions pay for their meals at the time of visiting, no charging.
D. Bring with you and have completed the Traveling Leo Visit form at the time of the visit. It is the responsibility of the traveling club to have a form with them. Send a copy of the form within two (2) weeks of the visit to the Traveling Leo Chairperson as identified in District Directory.

V. Responsibility of Visited Club:
A. Agree, whenever possible within the listed rules, to the request for a Traveling Leo Visit.
B. Certify on the Traveling Leo form the visit of the listed number of Lions.
C. Assist in any seating arrangements to allow the mingling of the host and visiting club Lions.

VI. Award:
A. The winning club will receive the Traveling Leo Trophy to display for one year and a check from the Traveling Leo Sponsor, Wards Corner Lions Club. The Trophy will be presented during the annual District Meeting in June 2012. The check from the Wards Corner Lions Club will be sent to the club secretary with instructions on its use. Engraving the trophy is the responsibility of the winning club.
B. The Wards Corner Lions Club sponsors the Traveling Leo Contest and awards a check to the winning club. Their rules and requirements for the use of the fund will circumvent any policy stated in this letter. Funds awarded to the winning club must be used for 501c(3) charities. Funds cannot be used to reimburse travelers; pay for meals, gas, oil, or tolls; or any other non-charity expense not previously approved by the Wards Corner Lions Club.

VII. Controversy: No waiver of exception to any of the rules will be granted during the current Lions year. Controversies will be resolved promptly by the Traveling Leo Chairperson in consultation with the District Governor.

VIII. Achievement Program: On the Achievement Program form, your club will receive fifty (50) points for each official Traveling Leo visit. The Host club will receive twenty five (25) points for hosting a traveling club. To receive these points, they must be reported on the official Achievement Form.

Thank you and have a great traveling year.

DG Al Miller

Hearing Conservation

2009-03-01T00:48:00.000-08:00
The Thalia Lions Club Hearing Conservation Committee Chairman is under the overall supervision of Third Vice President.

Jul 15, 2009. New Procedure for Applications for Hearing Aids
When we have an application for a hearing aid, fill out the financial forms and send directly to Lion Sammie Reid. She will process them, set up the appointment and refer to the Charity Foundation if required. By centralizing this process it will make it easier for everyone.
Lion Sammie Reid
600 Briar Court
Virginia Beach, VA 23452
Phone 757-340-5223
Email : powerhearing@aol.com

The Hearing Conservation Committee is responsible for providing hearing aids and exams for people in need of assistance. Applications for assistance may be obtained from Jeri Furman, phone 757 422-5877. When an application is reviewed and approved, a voucher for an exam and purchase of a hearing aide is given to the applicant. Thalia Lions has negotiated a generous reduced rate for both the exam and hearing aid for about $400. Depending on the level of need Thalia Lions covers a portion of this cost.

Thalia Lions supports the Virginia Lions Hearing Foundation (VLHF) located at the University of Virginia Medical Center in Charlottesville, VA –
http://www.lions24b.org/VLHF/ and http://www.lions24c.org/hearing.htm
by promoting at regular meetings and in the Virginia Beach community one of VLHF’s prime objects, i.e., “To conduct informational programs to educate the public on hearing disorders and to encourage hearing protection.”

Sight Committee

2009-03-01T00:47:00.000-08:00
Sight Committee: The Thalia Lions Club Sight Committee Chairman is under the overall supervision of Second Vice President responsible for providing eye glasses and exams for people in need of assistance and for screening preschool children for vision problems.

The Human Services Forum features Lions Nancy and John Watters in their talk about PediaVision -http://www.whro.org/home/html/podcasts/cityofnorfolk/player/?p=HumanServicesForum&f=HSF1122111

Nov 19, 2011 - PediaVision (SPOT) eye screening at Pembroke Mall center court sponsored by the Region Lions Clubs and other club participation (including Thalia). Santa was also there to help.

“Santa Spotted at the Mall”

T’was Nov. 19th and throughout Pembroke Mall
There were children and shoppers out having a ball
When what to their wondrous eyes should appear
But Santa and 26 Lions volunteers.

From 9 different clubs they rose early to arrive
To check each little one for a problem in eyes.
21 children were “SPOTTED” that day
And parents were told “See an eye doctor right away.”

83 others were let off the hook
They proved they could see to read a good book.
Thanks to the Lions on duty that day
For sharing their time in a meaningful way.

There was Central and Center, Kempsville, P.A.
Aragona, and Golden all of VA
But Thalia and Bayside had the most
And oh, I forgot, there was Virginia Beach Host.

We work hard and play hard with all of our might
To insure that kids have the gift of sight
What better holiday gift to preserve
Merry, Merry to all and remember “We Serve!”

by Nancy Watters

Sight Committee Activities Plan 2011-12

Goals:
1. To provide assistance in the procurement of eyeglasses and eye exams for indigent and needy individuals.
2. To offer preschool eye screening service to both public and private schools in the Thalia Club area.
3. To offer a donation to the three Elementary School clinics to use toward the clinic needs or the children needs not provided by the school system.

Activities:

Eyeglasses and Exam Assistance
*Objective: to provide assistance in obtaining eye glasses and exams for those in need.
*Description of Services: When an application is reviewed and approved, a voucher for an exam and for purchase of eyeglasses is given to the applicant at no charge. Applications are evaluated by the Sight Chairperson and assistance to obtain eyeglasses and exams are provided by dispensing vouchers at Lens Crafters, Dr. Robert Seim’s and Dr. Mark Crafford’s office.
* Contact Person: Applications for assistance in procuring eyeglasses and exams may be obtained from Linda Eggleston, 2249 Rose Hall Drive, Virginia Beach, Va. 23454 (H) 757-481-1791.

Preschool Eye Screening
* Objective: to eye screen every child 5 years old and under in an effort to provide the child good vision for better school performance. Eye screening in the preschools is important because approximately 5% of children develop serious eye problems between the ages of 6 months and 5 years. Some of those problems may not be correctable unless treated before the age of five. Common problems causing amblyopia (lazy eye) are myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), astigmatism (defect of the curvature of the cornea or lens of the eye), anisometropia (different focus in each eye), strabismus (crossed or deviated eyes), and opacities such as cataracts.
*Description of Services.
Thalia Lions Club volunteers perform eye screenings free of charge. The school clinic or nurse is contacted for scheduling and for obtaining proper consent forms from parents. In most cases children are screened with a PediaVision or a PediaVision SPOT. Please see the following links for information. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6nTWyhk4nOE http://www.youtube.com/user/PediaVision
http://spotvisionscreening.com/2011
*Contact Person: Lion Nancy Watters, District 24 D Children’s Services/ PediaVision Co-Chairperson - 757 496 3684 Home or 757 288 3684 Cell

Schools and Daycare Facilities in Thalia Lions Club Area
*Malibu Elementary – 3632 Edinburgh Dr. 467-8900
*Emmanuel Lutheran Church – 3900 Va. Beach Blvd. 340-3866
*King’s Grant Presbyterian Church – 745 Little Neck Road, Va. B. 340-2840
*King’s Grant Day School – 873 Little Neck Rd. 431-9744
Our Future Child Care Learning Center – 3794 Virginia Beach Blvd., 631-2442
Prince of Peace Lutheran Church 424 Kings Grant Road, Va. B. 340-3033
*Rainbow II Preschool & Child Care Center – 3820 Va. Beach Blvd. 498-8900
*St. Aidan’s Head Start Center 3201 Edinburgh Dr. 631-0585
*Sunnybrook Day School 3380 Edinburgh Dr. 340-2266
*Thalia Day School 4321 Va. Beach Blvd. 648-1150
Thalia Trinity Presbyterian Church 420 Thalia Rd., 340-6156
*Stratford Preschool 4300 Shore Drive – 460-0659
*VBCC – Great Neck Preschool – 2225 Rose Hall Dr. 461-5278
Kindercare #964 – 3704 Lampl Ave., Va. Beach, 23452 (757) 498-8522
In addition to the above listed locations, free eye screening with the PediaVision or the SPOT may be offered at public libraries, Malls, or other public locations or events. Other locations may be added at any time.

Submitted by Committee Chair: Lion Linda Eggleston
Committee members: Lion Dr. Rob Seim , Lion Susan Sumnick, Lion John Watters and Lion Nancy Watters.

Nov 2011 - The Thalia Lions Club of Virginia Beach salutes Thalia Lions Nancy and John Watters for making a difference by detecting possible vision problems in young children for referral to ophthalmologists and optometrists. District 24-D had been using an eye screening instrument (the MTI Photoscreener) since 1999, a system that was poor in detection, took considerable time in producing results, and used Polaroid instant film that was increasingly more expensive to buy. When in the fall of 2009, Lion John Watters, District 24-D Sight Conservation Chair, began researching new techniques for screening pre-school children, he learned about the PediaVision Screening Assessment System that shows instant results. With the purchase of the first PediaVision device in September 2010, Lion Nancy, now District 24-D Children’s Services/PediaVision Co-Chairperson, worked tirelessly to screen children. Through their work Lions Nancy and John realized the considerable benefits of PediaVision and turned their efforts to persuading the rest of the 24-D clubs to use it. As a consequence, preschool eye screening has grown exponentially with most clubs in 24-D now having access to the expensive ($9,600) PediaVision system (one in each zone; i.e. five machines with two upgrade instruments called SPOT). As a result of their hard work the number of children screened by 24-D clubs is expected to surpass 8,000 by the end of the year. Nationwide, up to 15 percent of preschool children between the ages of three and five have a vision condition that, if not corrected, can result in reduced vision followed by poor performance in school. Unfortunately, many parents are unaware of their children’s eye problems because vision problems are not painful and children do not know how well they see. Lions Nancy and John bring credit to District 24-D through their laudable efforts in providing for the next generation’s vision.

See the Wed Oct 19, 2011 Article in the Suffolk News-Herald, “Can You See Me Now?” Lions John and Nancy Watters tests 3-year-old Amayah Lee’s eyes at the CDI Head Start Center. http://www.suffolknewsherald.com/2011/10/19/can-you-see-me-now

History of Preschool Screening in District 24-D - Updated November 2011 by Lion John Watters.

Preschool vision screening began in the district about 25 years ago when the Western Branch Lions Club began screening with the help of Prevent Blindness in Richmond. After the 24-D Charity Foundation bought an MTI Photoscreener™ for nurses in Gloucester in 1996 at the suggestion of Lion Hauser Weiler, its success in screening prompted the purchase of a device for the District in 1999. Eventually many clubs began using the several photoscreeners in the district. Direct measure of vision (a subjective method) using the HOTV and stereopsis methods began in 2005. The use of the PediaVision Screening Assessment System™ was introduced to the district in September 2010. The ease and speed of screening with this latest device reactivated the entire district’s interest in this important community service.In the fall of 2009, Lion John Watters, District 24-D Sight Conservation Chair, began researching new techniques for screening pre-school children. The MTI Photoscreener had lost all manufacturer support, was statistically poor in detection and delayed in producing results. It also used Polaroid™ instant film that was increasingly more expensive to buy. Lion John learned that were two new devices being sold, the Welch-Allen Sure-Sight and the PediaVision Screening Assessment System. The Sure-Sight was a monocular (one eye at a time) device and the PediaVision was binocular and would indicate mis-aligned eyes (strabismus). The name PediaVision was the USA name for the PlusOptic screener developed in Germany, now marketed by a company in Florida. It was being used by Lions in Alaska, Indiana, Pennsylvania and Wyoming. Enthused by the description and on-line videos of the PediaVision, Lion John asked local pediatric ophthalmologists for their recommendation. After their positive remarks, he contacted both the Western Branch Lions Club and the 24-D Charity Foundation in October 2009, proposing the purchase of one device as a trial. District Charity funds were tight and there was no interest in using this expensive equipment. In the spring of 2010, both the DG (Lion Gary Rapier) and VDG (Lion Donna Weiler) became interested in PediaVision and were quite supportive in attempting to obtain one. Use of the PediaVision for screening became the District Governor’s Signature Project under DG Donna for the 2010 – 2011 Lions’ year. The company was contacted and many questions asked. Lions John and Nancy Watters spoke to a number of Lions Clubs about PediaVision, and Lion Hauser Weiler wrote grant requests to LCIF, the Hampton Roads Community Foundation and the O’Shaughnessy-Hurst Foundation. At the District 24-C District Conference on September 18, 2010, a demonstration by the sales representative from PediaVision, Jeff Mortensen, was presented, with several Lions from 24-D attending. After the demonstration, Lions Hauser and Donna (then the DG for 24-D) Weiler ordered two units for the district. These orders anticipated the approval of a grant in progress, and an anonymous donor provided funds for the second unit. On September 26, 2010, the first unit was delivered and the first screening of a preschool was carried out at the preschool associated with Norfolk State University. The sponsoring club was the Norfolk Mid-Town Lions Club, assisted by Thalia Lions John and Nancy Watters. Lion Nancy was subsequently appointed the PediaVision Chair for the district, to organize training and use of the devices. Additional units of PediaVision devices were added to the district’s armamentarium as the grants from the O’Shaughnessy-Hurst (one unit), the Hampton Roads Community Foundation (one unit) and Lions Clubs International Foundation (matching for two units) were approved. Lion John Watters submitted grant requests to the Obici Health Care Foundation in Suffolk and the Ronald McDonald House Foundation in Norfolk, both subsequently approved (one unit each). Approved in September 2011 is a grant request to the City of Virginia Beach Community Organization board from the Central Lions Club of Virginia Beach to purchase one devices. Since the first PediaVision screening in September 2010, the district has screened more than 6,440 children under the age of 10. In order to keep accurate records, statistics are being compiled as screenings are completed. Many clubs are now “certified” as being capable of organizing and performing preschool screenings. The certification process consists of learning about the PediaVision method, learning how to set up a screening with the necessary documents and then being observed and supervised during a screening. This method of “training the trainer” is working well to spread the ability to run an effective screening. In addition to preschool screening, the PediaVisions are being used to screen non-verbal children and as an adult automated refractor in the district’s health care activities (Lions Medical Assistance Projects or LAMP’s). This permits the eye doctors at a LAMP to have refraction information before the exam to speed the refinement of the prescription for eyeglasses. The latest development in this preschool eye screening project is the interest being shown by other districts in Virginia. Several other districts have submitted grant requests and are actively interested in following 24-D in the use of the PediaVision.

Sight and Hearing Van

2009-03-01T00:45:00.000-08:00

The Sight and Hearing Van is a 24-D district wide use vehicle for approx 30 Lions clubs throughout the Tidewater region. Please see
http://www.lmshu24d.org/

The mission of the Sight and Hearing Van is to operate and maintain, for the benefit of the public generally, without charge, a mobile unit to conduct screening tests to assist in early detection of sight and hearing defects. District 24-D Lions Clubs are encouraged to use the Van as often as practical.

The Sight and Hearing Van is 38 feet long, 10 feet wide and nearly 12 feet high. It is the biggest vehicle built by Winnebago and was specially constructed for this use. Self contained power is available or it can use external power. The unit is air conditioned throughout. It is equipped with state of the art vision and hearing screening devices capable of easily being used by Lions operating the unit. There are two visual, two hearing, and two glaucoma testing stations. Space is also provided for use by nurses performing diabetic or other screening. Special drivers are assigned to move the unit to the screening location.

To use the van the following volunteers are required to operate it at 100%:
2 persons for hearing booths.
2 persons for glaucoma testing.
2 persons for visual acuity testing.
1 person for check-in/check-out of participants.
1 certified person for diabetes screening (special request needs to be made for the kit).

The van’s lights and instruments can be operated from a standard 115 volt AC outlet, and we carry enough extension cord to reach about 150 feet. If you wish to operate the air conditioning, you will need to have access to a 30 or 50 amp 220 volt outlet (this is unlikely) or run the generator.

Virginia Lions District 24-D
“Sight and Hearing Conservation is our primary activity.”

Recycling - Glasses +

2009-03-01T00:44:00.000-08:00

A group of Thalia Lions work at the recycling center once a month from 10 AM to noon on a Thursday morning every second Thursday each month.- Southside Eyeglass Recycling Center at 2040 Broadmoor Avenue, Chesapeake, VA 23323. The work involves sorting out, repairing, testing and packaging eyeglasses so that they are ready for distribution. The service project is reinstated for 2009-2010 and starts Oct 8, 2009. The first trip will be Oct 8th. 2009.

"Eyeglass and Hearing Aid Recycling -
Free for You – Priceless to Them"

Here's how you can help. You can drop off your old eyewear and hearing aids at one of Thalia Lions’sponsored collection boxes. Locations are as follows:

Eye Glass Collection Locations (Revised December 15, 2011)

1. The UPS Store
3419 Virginia Beach Blvd, Virginia Beach, VA 23452
Site monitor - Lion Aziz Selahi

2. Branch Medical Clinic Oceana Naval Air Station
1550 Tomcat Boulevard, Suite 150, Virginia Beach, VA 23460
Site monitor - Lions John & Nancy Watters

3. Atlantic Eye Care (Lion Robert Seim, O.D., P.C.)
4217 Virginia Beach Blvd, Virginia Beach, VA 23452
Note: Sells Lions Mints $.50 each.
Site monitor - Lion Aziz Selahi

4. Central Library
4100 Virginia Beach Blvd, Virginia Beach, VA 23452
Site monitor - Lion Aziz Selahi

5. Harbor family Eye Care (Kristina L. Ramsey, O.D.)
3712 Virginia Beach Blvd, Virginia Beach, VA 23452
Site monitor – Lion Aziz Selahi

6. National Optometry
Lynnhaven North Shopping Center
2720 North Mall Drive, Suite 148, Virginia Beach, VA 23452
Site monitor - Lion Jack Wagner

7. Great Neck Recreation Center
2521 Shorehaven Drive, Virginia Beach, VA 23454
Site monitor - Lions John & Nancy Watters

8. YMCA, Hilltop East Shopping Center
1536 Laskin Road, Virginia Beach, VA 23451
Site monitor - Lions John & Nancy Watters

9. Virginia Beach Christian Church
2225 Rose Hall Drive, Virginia Beach, VA 23454.
Site monitor - Lions John & Nancy Watters

10.Cavalier Golf and Yacht Club
1052 Cardinal Road, Virginia Beach, VA 23451
Site monitor - Lions John & Nancy Watter

11.Eyecare Optometry Associate PC – Nathan P Bond OD
4554 Virginia Beach Blvd Ste 590, Virginia Beach, VA 23462
(757) 497-3205
Site Monitor – Lion Aziz Selahi

Changing Lives, One Pair at a Time

Eye Glasses -Imagine if you could help a child read. An adult succeed in his job. A senior maintain her independence. And provide a community with more opportunities to grow and thrive. Everyday, our recycled eyeglass programs do all of this and more. In just about any dresser drawer, you can find a pair of eyeglasses that are no longer being used. That same pair of eyeglasses can change another person's life. Throughout the year, we collect used eyeglasses and deliver them to our Lions Eyeglass Recycling Center. We accept prescription and reading glasses, sunglasses and plastic and metal frames. Children's glasses are especially needed. There are hundred (and perhaps thousands of people) in South Hampton Roads who have uncorrected refractive errors (near-sightedness, far-sightedness or astigmatism). Most of these vision impairments are quickly diagnosed and easy to treat with corrective lenses. These folks are pushed deeper into poverty simply because they don't have glasses. They can't learn, because reading is difficult. They can't work to the best of their ability, because they can't see clearly. It costs Lions less than 8 cents to provide a pair of recycled eyeglasses and change someone's life. For children, clear vision means a better education, healthier development and a better quality of life. For adults, it means greater employment opportunity and economic strength. For seniors it means less dependence on others. Eyeglass recycling is one of our most popular activities.
http://lionsclubs.org/EN/our-work/sight-programs/eyeglass-recycling/how-you-can-help.php

Hearing Aids - One of the most effective ways Lions help people with hearing loss or impairment is through our hearing aid recycling program. Thalia Lions recycle hearing aids to enhance the lives of adults and children all over South Hampton. If someone in your family just died, got a cochlear implant, just upgraded to digital from analog, or bought a hearing aid awhile ago but it did not work well - don't throw out that unwanted hearing aid. It may still have some life in it yet and be of use to someone who can't afford a hearing aid, and that old hearing aid just lying around could make the difference in someone's life. For an adult in need, a used hearing aid can mean the ability to get or hold a job; for a child, it can mean being able to learn better due to having access to sound at last. We refurbish (repair) the collected hearing aids and provide them to persons in need. http://lionsclubs.org/EN/our-work/health-programs/hearing-programs/index.php

You can make a difference, a big difference by doing so little!

The Thalia Lions Club Eye Glass and Hearing Aids Committee Chairman is under the overall supervision of First Vice President.

Diabetes Awareness

2009-03-01T00:43:00.002-08:00

The Thalia Lions Club Diabetes Awareness Committee is under the overall supervision of the Third Vice President.

The Lions Diabetes Awareness Program was introduced in 1984. Lions became involved in diabetes education because diabetic retinopathy is the leading cause of blindness among people between the ages of 20 to 74. Nearly one half of people with known diabetes have some degree of diabetic retinopathy which affects the retina, the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye. The primary objective of the Lions program is to reduce the number of new cases of blindness caused by diabetic retinopathy through diabetes education, early detection and treatment, and support of research. Lions are especially encouraged to conduct awareness activities in their communities throughout the year. Lions Diabetes Education Month is celebrated in November. The Lions Diabetes Awareness Program Mission Statement is:

“To conduct and support local and large-scale effort leading to the control and treatment of diabetes and its complications through education, prevention and research.”

The United Nations General Assembly on Dec 21, 2006 passed a landmark Resolution recognizing the global threat of the diabetes epidemic. For the first time, governments have acknowledged that a non-infectious disease poses as serious a threat to world health.
http://www.worlddiabetesday.org/the-campaign/unite-for-diabetes/press-releases

It is estimated that more than 230 million people have diabetes world wide. This number is expected to rise to a staggering 350 million by 2025. More than 23.6 million Americans have diabetes which almost two times more than the rest of the world. And more than 20% of those Americans or about 5.7 million don’t know that they have the disease. Diabetes is the seventh leading cause of death in America with over 200,000 Americans dying each year of diabetes-related complications.
http://chinese-school.netfirms.com/diabetes-diabetes-facts.html
http://www.idf.org/home/index.cfm?unode=F19F01A1-B3EC-4D51-AC8D-F10CA45A24BA

24D: Clubs desiring to do Diabetes screening in conjunction with the use of the Mobile Sight and Hearing Van should contact Lion Randy Foster @ 757-416-8337. Lion Randy is responsible for seeing to it that the Diabetes Kit is filled and available for the Van Driver to pick up the day of Thalia's event. If the Thalia Sight and Hearing Van coordinator fails to contact Lion Randy at least 3 to 4 days before the event, Thalia might get a kit that is not well stocked. The Thalia Sight and Hearing Van event coordinator needs to contact Lion Randy and keep him informed.

IMPORTANT. Individuals cannot be screened if they have not filled out and signed the Diabetes Permission form in both areas where they are required. Also, the results of the test should be documented on this sheet also. This is very important and will protect us from any liability issues. Please take the time. Also, please collect and retain these sheets for our records. If you use the Sight and Hearing Van, place completed sheets with the kit and they will be collected by the Diabetes Van Coordinator. If you have an independent kit, please collect these sheets and find a way to get the completed ones back to Lion Randy Jones 421-3006 cell 450-6118 (Diabetes Coordinator for the Region) or Lion Ed Novak 410-2823 cell 268-4668 (Diabetes Chair). Please call District Governor Lion Gary T. Rapier (757-469-5493 cell 757-967-9970) if you have any questions about these sheets. Also, Lion Darlene 483-0199 cell 535-6827 can be reached if you have any questions about Diabetes testing and issues you find. Remember to follow protocols and be safe in all our controls and practices. Every effort should be made to put Diabetes screening on the Thalia schedule.

Diabetes Only Resources

Albemarle Regional Health Services

Location: 711 Roanoke Avenue, Elizabeth City, NC 27909

Phone: Diabetes Education - 252-338-4370 (cost)

Support Group – 252-384-4139 (free)

Nutrition Education – 252-338-4370 (cost)

Bon Secours DePaul Medical Center

Location: 150 Kingsley Lane, Norfolk, VA 23505

Phone: Diabetes Education – 757-889-2273 (free)

Support Group – 757-889-2273 (free)

Nutrition Education – 757-398-2094 (free)

Bon Secours Mary Immaculate Hospital

Location: 2 Bernadine Drive, Newport News, VA 23602

Phone: Diabetes Education – 757-886-6700 (free)

Support Group – 757-947-3391 (free)

Bon Secours Maryview Medical Center

Location: 3636 High Street, Portsmouth, VA 23707

Phone: Diabetes Education – 757-889-2273 (free)

Chesapeake Regional Medical Center

Location: 800 Battlefield Blvd., Chesapeake, VA 23320

Phone: Diabetes Education – 757-312-6132 (cost)

Nutrition Education – 757-312-6132 (cost)

Children’s Hospital of the Kings Daughters (pediatric patients only to age 21)

Location: 601 Children’s Way, Norfolk, VA 23507

Phone: Diabetes Education – 757-668-8609 (free)

Support Group – 757-668-8609 (free)

Nutrition Education – 757-668-8609 (cost)

Eastern Virginia Medical School (EVMS) The Leonard R. Streliz Diabetes Institute

Location: 855 W. Brambleton Ave., Norfolk, VA 23510

Phone: Diabetes Education – 757-446-8477 (cost)

Support Group – 757-446-8478 (free)

Nutrition Education – 757-446-5913 (cost)

Naval Medical Center Portsmouth (Military)

Location: 620 John Paul Jones circle, Portsmouth, VA 23708

Phone: Diabetes Education – 757-953-2116 (free)

Nutrition Education – 757 953-2627

Riverside Endocrinology Diabetes Center

Location: 11844 Rock Landing Drive, Suite B, Newport News, VA 23606

Phone: Diabetes Education – 757-534-5050 (cost)

Support Group – 757-534-5050 (free)

Nutrition Education – 757-989-8830 (?)

Riverside Walter Reed Hospital

Location: 7519 Hospital drive, Gloucester, VA 23061

Phone: Diabetes Education – 804-693-8880 ext 588 (cost)

Support Group – 804-693-8880 ext 588 (free)

Nutrition Education – 804-693-8800 ext 588 (cost)

Riverside Wellness and Fitness Center

Location: Several Peninsula Locations

Phone: Diabetes Education – 757-875-7533 (cost)

Nutrition Education – 757-875-7533 (cost)

Sentara Bayside Hospital

Location: 800 Independence Blvd., VA Beach, VA 23455

Phone: Diabetes Education – 757-363-6834 (free)

Nutrition Education – 757-388-2030 (cost)

Sentara CarePlex Hospital

Location: 300 Coliseum Drive, Hampton, VA 23666

Phone: Diabetes Education – 1-800-736-8272 (cost)

Support Group – 757-827-2313 (free)

Nutrition Education – 757-827-2313 (cost)

Sentara Indian River Therapy Center

Location: 5660 Indian River Road, Suite 121, VA Beach, VA 23464

Phone: Diabetes Education – 757-961-4974 (cost)

Nutrition Education – 757-961-4974 (cost)

Sentara Leigh Hospital

Location: 830 Kempsville Road, Norfolk, VA 23502

Phone: Diabetes Education – 757-388-2030 (cost)

Support Group – 757-261-4705 (free)

Sentara Norfolk General Hospital

Location: 600 Gresham Drive, Norfolk, VA 23507

Phone: Diabetes Education – 1-800-736-8272 (cost)

Sentara Obici Hospital

Location: 2800 Godwin Blvd., Suffolk, VA 23434

Phone: Diabetes Education – 757-934-4879 (cost)

Support Group – 757-934-4721 (free)

Nutrition Education – 757-934-4721 (cost)

Sentara Virginia Beach General Hospital

Location: 1060 First Colonial Road, Va. Beach, VA 23454

Phone: Diabetes Education – 757-395-8836 (cost)

Nutrition Education – 757-395-8836 (cost)

Sentara Williamsburg Regional Medical Center

Location: 100 Sentara circle, Williamsburg, VA 23188

Phone: Diabetes Education – 757-984-7106 (cost)

Nutrition Education – 757-984-7106 (cost)

Diabetes Health Information:

Access Partnership

Website: http://www.accesspartners.org/

For information on Hampton Roads health centers, clinics & dental care – 757-853-8500

American Association of Diabetes Educators

Website: http://www.diabeteseducator.org/

American Diabetes Association (ADA) Greater Hampton Roads – Virginia Office & Northeastern North Carolina

Website: http://www.diabetes.org/

Phone: 757-424-6662

American Diabetes Association (ADA) National Office

Website: http://www.diabetes.org/

Phone: 1-800-342-2383

Website: http://www.diabeteswork.org/

International Diabetes Center

Website: http://www.idcdiabetes.org/

Phone: 1-888-825-6315 or 952-993-3393

Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation

Website: http://www.jdrf.org/

Phone: 757-497-2202 (local)

1-800-533-2873 (national)

National Diabetes Education Program

Website: http://www.ndep.org/

National Institute of Health

Website: http://www.nih.gov/

State of Virginia Diabetes Education Program

Website: www.vahealth.org/cdpc/diabetes

Virginia Association of Free Clinics

Website: www.vafreeclinics.org/find-a-free-clinic.asp

Phone: 804-340-3434

Virginia Diabetes Council

Website: http://www.virginiadiabetes.org/

* Online resource for employers designed specially to address the management of diabetes in the workplace – http://www.diabeteswork.org/

Free/Reduced Income free Clinics Dental and Diabetes

AMERICAN RED CROSS ADULT DENTAL CLINIC

Shirley Bisciglia, Director, Dental Programs

611 West Brambleton Avenue

Norfolk, VA 23510

Clinic Location:

Park Place Multi Service Center

606 West 29th Street

Norfolk, VA 23510

Phone: (757) 446-7756

Fax: (757) 623-5747

Email: bisciglias@seva-redcross.org

Serving: Norfolk city

Eligibility is determined by income and residency. The clinic requires that all persons requesting services be at or below 125% of the federal poverty level. They must be Norfolk residents age 18 or older and may not have an existing patient relationship with a dentist. A high percentage of those we see have chronic medical problems, such as high blood pressure, diabetes and heart disease. Pre-medicating these patients is often necessary.

BEACH HEALTH CLINIC

Susan Hellstrom, Executive Director

3396 Holland Road, Suite 102

Virginia Beach, VA 23452

Phone: (757) 428-5601

Fax: (757) 428-7872

Email: beachhealthclinic@gmail.com

Website: www.beachhealthclinic.org

Serving: Virginia Beach city

The Beach Health Clinic serves the uninsured population of Virginia Beach. Our patients all fall at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Level, and they are required to provide financial information for verification. Of the 2,217 patients seen in 2003, 82% were below 125% of the poverty level. By looking at the number of patient visits the clinic provided last year (more than 11,000) compared with the total number of patients seen, it is obvious that our patients come for multiple visits throughout the year for continuing treatment of their chronic illnesses, such as diabetes and hypertension.

CHESAPEAKE CARE

Cathy Revell, Executive Director

2145 Military Highway South

Chesapeake, VA 23320

Phone: (757) 545-5700

Fax: (757) 545-7706

Email: crevell@chesapeakecare.org

Website: www.chesapeakecare.org

Serving: Chesapeake city, Norfolk city, Portsmouth city, Virginia Beach city

Chesapeake Care was founded in October 1992. Throughout our history, Chesapeake Care's mission remains constant: To provide free healthcare to families without health insurance earning below 200% of the federal poverty income guideline. Our vision, adopted in February 2007 is: Chesapeake Care Free Clinic changes lives through education and compassionate healthcare.

Current services include medical and dental care, medications, lab and diagnostic testing, case management, diabetic clinic, health education, follow-up and preventive care, and support groups for Chesapeake residents and dental services for uninsured, low income individuals residing throughout Hampton Roads. We rely heavily on the generosity of on-site licensed volunteers, medical assistants and clerical volunteers supported by a skeleton staff. Over 100 volunteer physicians in the community offer specialty care and consultations on a referral basis. Partnerships with area hospitals, diagnostic centers, community agencies and donors are critical to our ability to serve patients each day.

A profile of our 2007 patient population follows: :

• 100% have no health insurance coverage at all (medical, dental, vision or prescription)

• 100% earn <>

• 81% household incomes fall at or below the 2007 FPIG

• 48% Caucasian, 48% African American, 3% Hispanic, 1% American Indian

• 70% are female, 30% are male

• 61% are currently employed, 39% are actively looking for employment, temporarily or permanently disabled, recent graduates, or unemployed

• 68% have at least one chronic condition

• Top 5 diagnoses: hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, heart disease, asthma

DR. RICHARD F. CLARK H.E.L.P. FREE CLINIC

Charlotte Dillow, Executive Director

PO Box 190

Hampton, VA 23669

Clinic Location:

317 Rip Rap Road

Hampton, VA 23669

Phone: (757) 850-8956

Fax: (757) 723-0649

Email: cdillow@help.hrcoxmail.com

Website: www.helphouse.org

Serving: Hampton city, Newport News city

H.E.L.P. Free Clinic, located in Hampton, serves the low-income poor and working populations of Hampton and Newport News who do not have health insurance. We are an acute medical clinic which will see patients who earn less than 200% of the federal poverty level.

H.E.L.P. FREE DENTAL CLINIC

Charlotte Dillow, Executive Director

PO Box 190

Hampton, VA 23669

Clinic Location:

1310 Todd's Lane

Hampton, VA 23666

Phone: (757) 848-5396

Fax: (757) 848-5390

Email: cdillow@help.hrcoxmail.com

Website: www.helphouse.org

H.E.L.P. Free Dental Clinic, located in Hampton, serves the low-income poor and working populations of Hampton and Newport News who do not have health/dental insurance. We see patients who earn less than 200% of the federal poverty level. Preventative and restorative dental work. No dentures.

EVMS (Eastern Virginia Medical School)

Clinic Location: Norfolk, VA

Assessment & evaluation of people of all ages with known or suspected brain dysfunction from disease, head injuries, strokes, learning disabilities, ADHD, etc. Fees based on income or no income

Phone: 757-446-8400

Service Area: Tidewater

Gloucester-Mathews Free Clinic

Clinic Location: 2276 George Washington Memorial Highway, Hayes, VA 23072

Phone: 804-642-9515

Fax: 804-684-3691

Website:

Service Area: Gloucester County, Mathews County

Lackey Free Clinic

Robert R. Bradley, Jr., LCSW, Executive Director

1620 Old Williamsburg Road

Yorktown, VA 23690

Phone: (757) 886-0608

Fax: (757) 369-3821

Email: rbradley@olivetministries.org

Website: www.lackeyfreeclinic.com

Serving: York County, cities of Hampton, Newport News, and Williamsburg.

The Lackey Free Clinic is a faith-based free health ministry, and serves patients who live in Williamsburg, York County, and Newport News. We provide basic primary care medical services to adults and children residing in the area who fall below 200% of the federal poverty level and are not insured or are under-insured and who have no access to health care aside from the clinic. Many of our patients work multiple part-time jobs or full-time jobs but do not have health benefits.

* Accredited through the Virginia Association of Free Clinics

MAPP (Medication Access Program for Portsmouth)

Clinic Location: 1701 High Street, Portsmouth, VA 23707

Provides generic medications for people without insurance, this emergency assistance is not on going. Referral is offered to the Patient Assistance Program of various drug companies.

Phone: 757-405-1800

Fax:

Website:

Service Area: Portsmouth

Maryview Foundation Healthcare Center

Clinic Location: 3600 High Street, Portsmouth, VA 23707

Provides medical services & medication assistance to indigent & uninsured in Portsmouth

Phone: 398-2449

Website: www.bonsecourshamptonroads.com

Service Area: Portsmouth

Northern Neck Free Health Clinic

Jean Nelson, Executive Director

PO Box 1694

Kilmarnock, VA 22482

Clinic Location:

51 Harris Drive

Kilmarnock, VA 22482

Phone: (804) 435-0575

Fax: (804) 435-9017

Email: nnfhc@verizon.net

Website: www.rivnet.net/nnfhc

Serving: Lancaster County, Middlesex County, Northumberland County, Richmond County, Westmoreland County

The Northern Neck Free Health Clinic provides health care to persons in Lancaster, Middlesex, Northumberland, Richmond and Westmoreland counties. Our patients have a part-time or seasonal job, are waiting for government benefits, may have recently suffered a financial disaster, could be handicapped or disabled, meet the financial requirements and do not have access to Medicaid, Medicare or health insurance coverage.

Portsmouth Community Health Center

Clinic Location: 664 Lincoln Street, Portsmouth, VA 2370

Provides primary medical care without regard to patient’s ability to pay

Phone: 757-393-6363

Surry County Area Free Clinic

Terry Lewis, Executive Director

PO Box 32

Surry, VA 23883

Clinic Location:

479 Colonial Trace West

Surry, VA 23883

Phone: (757) 294-0132

Fax: (757) 294-3352

Email: tlewsur@peoplepc.com

Serving: Isle of Wight County, Prince George County, Southampton County, Surry County, Sussex County

The mission of the Surry Area Free Clinic is to provide medical, dental and pharmaceutical care to the area working poor, using volunteer and professional staff. The Surry Area Free Clinic’s intention is to help those who are making a sincere effort to help themselves and their families. Most of our patients have incomes at or below 100% of the federal poverty level. We treat mostly patients who have at least one chronic illness.

Tappahannock Free Clinic

Blake Slusser, Executive Director

PO Box 2313

Tappahannock, VA 22560

Clinic Location:

317 Duke Street

Tappahannock, VA 22560

Phone: (804) 443-9590

Fax: (804) 443-9560

Email: tappahannockfreeclinic@gmail.com

Serving: Essex & Surrounding Counties

We work to provide chronic and acute medical care to patients who are not insured and fall at or below 200% of the federal poverty guidelines.

Western Tidewater Free Clinic

Doris Salem, Executive Director

2019 Meade Parkway

Suffolk, VA 23434

Phone: (757) 923-1060

Fax: (757) 923-1068

Email: dsalem@wtfreeclinic.org

Website: www.wtfreeclinic.org

Public Health Departments

Chesapeake Health Department

South Norfolk Health Center

409 Liberty Street

Chesapeake, VA. 757-382-2650

Isle of Wight County Health Department

402 Grace Street

Smithfield, VA 757-357-4177

Norfolk Public Health Department

830 Southampton Avenue

Smithfield, VA 757-683-2756

Portsmouth Public Health Department

1701 High Street

Portsmouth, VA 23707 757-393-8585

Suffolk Public Health Department

1217 North Main Street

Suffolk, VA 757-686-4900

Virginia Beach Public Health Department

Pembroke Corporate center III, 1st Floor, 4452 Corporation Lane

Virginia Beach, VA 757-518-2700

Chesapeake Care Free Clinic

Clinic Location: 2145 South Military Highway, Chesapeake, VA

Phone: 757-545-5700

Service Area: Chesapeake, Norfolk, Portsmouth, Virginia Beach – uninsured residents at or below 200% of federal poverty level. Proof of income & residency required.

Services provided: Dental exams, X-rays, cleanings, fillings, & extractions

Fees: Fee for financially eligible people

Kool Smiles Clinics

Clinic Locations: 4239 Holland Road, Virginia Beach, VA

5900 E. Virginia Beach Blvd, Virginia Beach, VA

2165 Cunningham Road, Hampton, VA

14346 Warwick Blvd, Newport News, VA

4072 Victory Blvd. Portsmouth, VA

2338 E. Little Creek Road, Norfolk, VA

Phone: 757-588-5665

Service Area; Hampton Roads – underserved children & young adults ages 1 – 21 who are covered by Medicaid, State Children’s Health Insurance Programs- Smiles for Children, & Tricare Health Insurance

Fees: Medicaid, Medicaid HMOs, FAMIS Smiles for Children, Tricare & private pay

Norfolk Department of Health

Clinic Location: 207 E. Little Creek Road, Norfolk, VA

Phone: 757-531-2133

Service Area: Norfolk – low income preschool & school age children. Proof of income & residency required.

Services provided: oral exams, treatment plan, medical history, restorative dentistry, dental sealants, endodontic, space maintenance, scaling prophylaxis, oral hygiene, & fluoride treatments.

Fees: Charges for some services depending on ability to pay; some services are free, Medicaid & FAMIS are accepted for children up to 18.

Old Dominion University Dental Hygiene Care Facility

Clinic Location: ODU Health Sciences Building, 1st Floor, 46th Street & Hampton Blvd., Norfolk, VA

Phone: 757-683-4308

Service Area: Tidewater area - No financial requirements. Insurance is not accepted

Services provide: Oral cancer screenings, dental & periodontal charting, oral prophylaxis therapeutic scaling, stain removal, soft tissue management, fluoride therapy, sealants, denture cleaning, custom athletic mouthguard, & X-rays

Fees: Minimal fees are charged to cover the expense of supplies used.

Peninsula Institute for Community Health

Clinic Location: 157 North Main Street, Suite A, Suffolk, VA

Phone: 757-942-1280

Service Area: Suffolk

Services provided: Adult & pediatric dental exams, cleanings, fillings, extractions, root canals, sealants, fluoride, & other treatments.

Fees: Medicaid, Medicaid HMOs, FAMIS “smiles for Children”, & sliding fees according to income

Portsmouth Community Health Center

Clinic Location: Healthy Smiles Dental Center

644-A Lincoln Street, Portsmouth, VA 2370

Phone: 757-399-4588

Service Area: South Hampton Roads, children enrolled in the school lunch program are automatically eligible for services. Proof of income & residency required.

Services provided: Dental exams, cleanings, fluoride treatments, dental sealants, fillings, extractions, root canals, partial & full dentures

Virginia Beach Department of Health

Clinic Location: 4452 Corporation Lane, Virginia Beach, VA

Phone: 757-518-2694

Service Area: Virginia Beach children ages 3 – 18 & enrolled in the free school lunch program, Income information & city residency required.

Services provide: Exams, X-rays, cleaning, sealants, restorations, & selective root canals

Fees: Sliding scale fees based on income; certain services free. Medicaid & FAMIS accepted.

White Cane Days

2009-03-01T00:41:00.000-08:00

The Thalia Lions Club White Cane Committee Chairman is under the overall supervision of Second Vice President.

One hundred percent of collected donations go to Thalia Lions charities which include for the blind and visually impaired:
* Lions Eyeglass Recycling Center
* Lions Medical Eye Bank of Eastern Virginia
* Leader Dog Program (Lions International)
* Charitable glasses and eye examinations
* Sight and Hearing Mobile Screening Unit

In the Spring and Fall the Thalia Lions Club holds their White Cane collections. During these times Thalia Lions publicize and educate folks about blind people carrying white canes so they will be courteously afforded the right of way when crossing a road or in a public place. Thalia Lions want folks to know about the aspirations, hopes, and abilities of people who are blind or visually impaired.

History of the White Cane. Blind people have used canes as mobility tools for centuries, but it was not until after World War I that the white cane was introduced. In 1921 James Biggs, a photographer from Bristol who became blind after an accident and was uncomfortable with the amount of traffic around his home, painted his walking stick white to be more easily visible. In 1931 in France, Guilly d'Herbemont launched a national white stick movement for blind people. In the United States, the introduction of the white cane is attributed to George A. Bonham of the Lions Clubs International. In 1930, a Lions Club member watched as a man who was blind attempted to cross the street with a black cane that was barely visible to motorists against the dark pavement. The Lions decided to paint the cane white to make it more visible. In 1931, Lions Clubs International began a program promoting the use of white canes for people who are blind. The first special White Cane Ordinance was passed in December 1930 in Peoria, Illinois granting blind pedestrians protections and the right-of-way while carrying a white cane. On October 6, 1964, a joint resolution of the Congress, HR 753, was signed into law authorizing the President of the United States to proclaim October 15 of each year as "White Cane Safety Day" (see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/White_Cane_Safety_Day) . President Lyndon Johnson was the first to make this proclamation.

Also see the History of the White Cane @

http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/75996/white_cane_month_recognizes_the_blind.html?cat=47

Umbrellas/Flags

2009-03-01T00:40:00.001-08:00

Umbrellas and flags are available at White Cane and Fruit Sales plus always at Paul’s Garage & Auto Service (128 Happy St. 23452 - from the Virginia Beach Central Library ½ mile east on Virginia Beach Blvd, right on Lynn Shores Dr for 475 ft south and continue on Happy Street 400 feet to Paul’s on the left) or call 486-1575 and ask for Nick for Lions Brooms/Flags or VA State Inspection - see Paul’s Auto Service @
http://www.paulsautoservice.com

Umbrellas are $10. They have a strong solid wood staff with a U.S. flag design and look through venal window wedge. It has a plastic slide down cover and a rain screw off cap to empty collected rain water.

U.S. Flags are $30 and include pole and mounting bracket ($22 for the flag only). The top quality flag is U.S. made with embroidered stars and sewn strips.

Broom Sales

2009-03-01T00:40:00.000-08:00

The Thalia Lions Club Blind-Made Products Committee Chairman is under the overall supervision of First Vice President.

Brooms are all made by Industries for the Blind of Greensboro, NC (http://www.industriesoftheblind.com/io_blind_e.asp) where both blind and visually impaired workers staff the broom making assembly line. In early May (this year 2009 the sale will be Friday May 8th and Saturday May 9th) of each year the Thalia Lions Club members sell brooms at the Birchwood Shopping Center (BJ'S Wholesale Club‎ and Original Mattress Factory), 3750 Virginia Beach Blvd, in the parking lot in front of the Burlington Coat Factory. This has become a regular event and tradition for both the community and the Club. It should be noted also, that the club sells Brooms at Paul’s Garage & Auto Service all year long (128 Happy St. zip 23452
1/2 mile east of Broom Sales location, i.e., from Virginia Beach Blvd go south on Lynn Shores Dr for 475 ft and continue on Happy Street 400 feet to Paul’s on the left) or call 486-1575 and ask for Nick for Lions Brooms or VA State Inspection - see Paul’s Auto Service @
http://www.paulsautoservice.com/

One hundred percent of all donations go to Thalia Lions charities which include for the blind and visually impaired:
* Lions Eyeglass Recycling Center
* Lions Medical Eye Bank of Eastern Virginia
* Leader Dog Program (Lions International)
* Charitable glasses and eye examinations
* Sight and Hearing Mobile Screening Unit

Product - Prices.
#4 Virginia Special Broom - $10
Hotel / Patio Broom (plain handle) - $12
Hotel / Patio Broom (cushion handle) - $14
Witches Broom - $7
Push Broom 24” Black Bristle - $23
Push Broom 24” Brown Bristle - $21
Whisk Broom - $5
Toy / Hearth Broom - $6
Cotton Yacht Mop - $6
Sponge Floor Mop - $10
Refill for Floor Mop - $4
Ironing Board Cover - $6
Wooden Clothes Pins, Pack - $2
Scrubeeze - $3

The Committee Chairman is responsible to keep an inventory record and order the blind made products through Jim Adams at 874-0055 prior to Dec 15. Status of order can be tracked by calling Industry of the Blind in Greensboro, NC at 800-909-7086. Delivery to Paul’s Garage is in April. Upon delivery, the committee is responsible to unload the truck and place the merchandise in storage at Paul’s Garage and create a sign up sheet at the 2nd April meeting for Lion volunteers for the May sale.

Lions Club Fundraise –
Sweeping Changes for Broom Sale

The Lions politely roared in the parking lot, asking people at Birchwood Shopping Center to support their annual broom sale.

It was quite different from years past, when Thalia Lions Club members would sell their wares door to door to raise money to help the blind and visually impaired.

Member Dick Kreassig recalled those days. “There were a lot of long driveways and then nobody was home,” said the retired Thalia resident.

Ed DeLong of Baycliff has been a Thalia Lion for 14 years. “In our area, a lot of the houses are a quarter-mile apart,” the 81-year-old said. “It’s just difficult for people our age to go around door to door.”

Broom committee chairman Bob Perrine agreed. “We had some roller carts, and we went around,” he said. “It was too labor intensive.”

At one point, DeLong said, the group even tried golf carts as their neighborhood mode of transportation. “We finally decided there was a better way to do it,” he said.

A year ago in May, they started selling the products from one location. Stanley Furman, whose wife and son are also members, said the new system saves time. “Five nights versus two days,” he said. Along with many of the service organization’s 22 members, he took a turn volunteering over the two-day stretch May 8 and 9, selling the popular brooms and mops, plus American flags and umbrellas.

DeLong said having customers come to them is a less strenuous way to sell the items made by blind and visually impaired employees at Industries of the Blind in Greensboro, N.C.

Club President Bill Pope said it’s a win-win situation: providing the blind and visually impaired with jobs and using the proceeds to help them further.

This year’s sale earned the group more than $700 for their cause.

“The money allows us to pay for sight exams and glasses,” said Pope, who said the club’s charitable foundation supports a variety of causes, including eyeglass recycling, prescreening preschool children for glasses, funding cataract surgery and providing hearing aids.

The Thalia Lions Club, chartered in 1966, is part of the International Association of Lions Clubs, with more than 1.3 million members worldwide. In 1925, Helen Keller spoke at the group’s convention and challenged its members to be “knights of the blind in this crusade against darkness.” Since then, their focus has been to help the sight and hearing impaired.

Lucille Nolette stopped by the sale and bought a $5 whisk broom. The grandmother of 16 raved about the quality and durability of the Lions’ products. “I miss them being in the neighborhood, though,” said Nolette, who has lived in the Princess Anne Plaza area since 1959. She eyed one of the brooms with a wide handle. “I’ll be back,” she said. “I’m going home to get my checkbook.”

By Cindy Butler Focke butler496@aol.com
Correspondent
Bayside

Holiday Fruit Sale

2009-03-01T00:39:00.000-08:00

The Thalia Lions Club Fruit Sale - trucked straight from grove means unbelievably fresh fruit at a low price! Please call or email your Lions Club representative who will hand deliver your order right to your door step. Orders to your Lion representative must be in NLT Thursday December 08, 2011. Delivery will be December 16-20, 2011.

Varieties and Prices:
*Navel Oranges: 4/5 Bushel -$26.00: 2/5 Bushel - $17.00
*Grapefruit: 4/5 Bushel -$25.00: 2/5 Bushel - $16.00
*Tangerines: 2/5 Bushel-$20.00: 1/5 Bushel - $14.00
(quantities depend on size of fruit)
*Triple Charmer - $26.00
(dozen each Navel Oranges, Grapefruit, & Apples)
*Citrus Trio - $26.00
(dozen each Navel Oranges, Grapefruit, & Orlando Tangelos)
*Orlando Tangelos - $25.00:
(4/5 bushel carton, 64-80 Orlando Tangelos -1/2 carton not available)

The sale supports Thalia’s charitable service programs. The Lions Club fund raisers have NO overhead and 100% of all profits go to support Lions Club charities. For a list of charities and service projects, please visit our web site at http://thalialions.blogspot.com/2009/03/who-we-are.html

Also you are invited to review the grower CJ Citrus Sales @ http://cjcitrussales.com/pb/wp_ebf5b2c4/wp_ebf5b2c4.html

Youth Programs

2009-03-01T00:38:00.000-08:00

The Thalia Lions Club Youth Exchange/Leo/Services Committee Chairman is under the overall supervision of the First Vice President.

• Youth Program with a Community Elementary School

The First Meeting – On 30 April 2009, Thalia Lions Club's Bob Donnelly and Bob Perrine met with teachers Mauria Ganther and Gwen Spear-Jones at the Old Donation Center for Gifted and Talented Students http://www.olddonation.vbschools.com/about.htm to discuss plans for a project to enable selected center students to extend their environment of academic and artistic merit out into the community. Lions Bob and Bob found this an exceptionally high-quality pursuit to teach young students about community service organizations while furthering the Thalia Club youth exchange outreach.

The Plan – Fifteen students (4th and 5th graders) from the center will present a performance of approximately 20-40 minutes in duration to a public forum (say a retirement center, hospital, or other). In September 2009 students will participate in a “Quest 1” to develop an idea, plan, and then prepare a performance to include singing, dancing, acting, and/or an audience interactive arrangement. Sometime in the November 2009 time frame (or later) the students will take on “Quest 2” to perform in front of a live audience, say at a facility such as the Westminster Canterbury Retirement Center - http://www.wcbay.com/. Supervision teachers Mauria Ganther and Gwen Spear-Jones will set parameters and encourage the students to use a theme that incorporates hearing and sight impairment and/or Lionism. The Thalia Lions Club will sponsor the event and set up a venue and time once the center has established when “Quest 1” will be completed and a selected facility can have at least a month’s notice. The Thalia Lions Club will research possible performance locations in the summer of 2009.

• Youth Exchange: For between four and six weeks a family hosts a foreign young person between the ages of 16 and 21 who comes from one of 190 countries to learn about our culture This time can be combined with the Lions Club John M. White Youth Camp in Norfolk, VA.

• The District 24 D - John M. White Youth Camp held at the Virginia Wesleyan College, 1584 Wesleyan Drive, Norfolk, VA 23502, tel 757-455-3200 http://www.vwc.edu/ (Age 16 – 19). In July of each year the camp provides two weeks of educational and recreations activities, camp outs, sightseeing trip throughout Virginia and Washington D.C., beach trips to Virginia Beach, James River and Chesapeake Bay, fishing, talent shows, and more. The Camp fee is $400 which can be partially funded by the Thalia Lions Club for a sponsored individual in need of assistance. Also the Thalia Club is invited to host a dinner for the Camps’ Parade of Nations Night. Club members cook food (enough for 50) and bring it to the college for a night of socializing, entertainment, and exchange of ideas. Contact for the Camp is
Jeffery W. Jacobs at 757-569-8808 or 569-4421.
http://www.avantecmedia.com/clients/lions24d/exchange.html
http://www.lionsyouthexchange.eu/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=15&Itemid=30

Leo Club

2009-03-01T00:37:00.000-08:00

The 2010/11 Princess Anne High School Leo Club’s first activity was a visit to the Ronald McDonald House, Norfolk, Jan 19, 2010, for pizza, video, and a tour. Three Leos attended (left to right) Sixtine Abrial (partial view), Selina Lara (black and white striped scarf), and John Delosreyes. They received information about providing a dinner at a future date. For the 2010/11 year there are 12 Leo member. Shelby Richardson (below photo - top row, far right) was elected president. Lion Bob Perrine (far right, blue shirt) is the Thalia Club Advisor for the Leo Club.

Princess Anne High School Leo Club Charter Members 2009/2010 Year

Sponsored by Thalia Lions Club

1st row (bottom left to right): Amy Abernathy, Laura Culbreath, Selina Lara, Haley Bobadilla, Charlese Dalton, and Amber Kendall

2^nd row: John Watters (Thalia Lions Club One-Year Director), Nancy Watters (Thalia Lions Club Secretary), Stan Furman (24D Lions Club Zone E-East Chairman), Jeri Furman (Thalia Lions Club Lion Tamer), Bob Perrine (President Thalia Lions), Bob Donnelly (Thalia Leo Club Advisor), and Gary Rapier (24D District Governor)

3rd row: Georgia McKown, Nicole Northam, Liz Connor, John Delos Reyes, Jae Han, and Shelby Richardson (2010-11 President Leo Club),

On Dec 3^rd, 2009 the Princess Anne High School Leo Club held its chartering and installation of twelve officers and members. The newest 24D Leo Club is sponsored by the Thalia Lions Club, chartered 43½ years ago. Princess Anne High School becomes the newest and sixth active high school Leo Club in the 24D District [Lafayette, Lancaster, Poquoson, Western Branch, and Jamestown].

The induction ceremony was hosted by 24D District Governor Gary Rapier, First Vice District Governor Donna Weiler, and Princess Anne High School Leo Club Sponsors Adrienne James and Joseph Panchik.

In recognition of Thalia Club Lion Bob Donnelly’s hard work in organizing the Princess Anne High School Leo Club, District Governor Gary Rapier wrote the following congratulations to Lion Bob Donnelly. “I wanted to send you a note to thank you for all your efforts and time in coordinating the formation of this new Leo Club at Princess Anne High School. Through your dedication and efforts, many young adults will get the opportunity to see what community service does and its impact on those we reach. Lasting impressions will be made and hopefully future civic leaders will be born out of this group of young adults. I wish you much joy as you mentor and guide these young Lions into active service and watch them as they change the world, one service event at a time. I look forward to meeting all of them and hearing about their great adventures in the Service of their school and their community.”

On September 24, 2009 fourteen Leo Club members of Princess Anne High School - http://www.princessannehs.vbschools.com/ launched the 8^th and newest Leo Club under District 24D. This marks a historic event for the Thalia Lions Club chartered 33 years ago on April 20^th 1966 under Lions of Virginia, District 24 D, Region III, Zone “E.”

Thalia Leo Club Advisor:

Lion Robert Perrinely

Princess Anne High School Faculty Advisors:

Ms Adrienne James - tel 729-8126 Adrienne.James@vbschools.com

Joseph Panchik - joseph.panchik@vbschools.com

• Leo Clubs are youth organizations of Lions Clubs International as sponsored by local Lion clubs. The word L E O stands for Leadership, Experience, Opportunity. It is the World's largest youth organization. Currently the Thalia Lions club is not sponsoring a Leo Club but invites its members to consider getting involved. Sponsoring a Leo club inspires Lions club members through involvement with their community’s youth. The sponsoring Lions club is responsible for guiding and counseling its Leo club. There are two types of Leo clubs, community-based (members would all be from the local Thalia area) and school-based (members would be from Princes Anne High School, ODU or TCC).

Forming a New Leo Club - for information see

http://www.lionsclubs.org/EN/our-work/youth-programs/leo-clubs and

http://www.lionsclubs.org/EN/member-center/planning-youth-projects/leo-zone/start-a-new-club.php

* Leo clubs are an affiliation of Lions clubs. Leo clubs cannot exist without the approval of a Lions club sponsor.

* Leos work with their sponsoring Lions club to help communities address unmet needs. * The Leo Club Program offers two club types, a two-track approach, and involves a financial obligation.

* Lions clubs interested in sponsoring a Leo club can follow step by step directions on preliminary procedures, organizing a new club, and launching the club.

* Club Type - There are two types of Leo clubs, community-based and school-based, and all Leo clubs must be sponsored by a Lions club.

- Community-based club - members are all from the local area.

- School-based club - members are all from the same school or college and must have permission from their principal or activities officer.

* Club Track - The Leo Club Program offers a two-track approach to better help the needs of club members: Alpha and Omega. All Leo clubs must declare their club as either Alpha or Omega Leo Clubs. Track specific materials will be mailed to each club.

- Alpha Track – for youth between the ages of 12 and the legal age of majority in their country. This track focuses on the individual and social development of teens and pre-teens.

- Omega Track – for youth between the legal age of majority in their country and an age deemed appropriate by the multiple district. This track focuses on the personal and professional development of young adults.

* Financial Obligation: The Leo club organization fee is $100, a one-time fee and includes:

- The costs involved in processing the Leo club application

- A certificate of organization

- A Leo club officers' kit

- A Leo club sponsor kit

- l 20 Leo new member kits (including lapel pins, membership cards, and certificates, a welcome letter, and Leo decals) for the first 20 members of the club

- If there are more than 20 originating members in the new Leo club, each additional member is assessed the new member fee of $5 and provided with a new member kit. This fee is charged to the sponsoring Lions club at the time of certification (in addition to the $100 Leo club organization fee).

- Lions clubs are also responsible for the annual Leo club sponsor levy of $90. The levy pays for Leo Club Program materials, mailings, club record maintenance, communications, awards, and Web site maintenance. The annual sponsor levy is pro-rated for clubs certified within the fiscal year.

- If a Leo club is canceled, a notice in writing must be sent to the Youth Programs

* Preliminary Procedures

- Step 1: Request a free Organization Kit from the Youth Programs Department.

- Step 2: Arrange a meeting with Lions club members to explain the responsibilities of Leo club sponsors. Explain that every Leo club must have an advisor. This advisor must be a Lion who enjoys working with young people. School-based Leo clubs often require a teacher or school administrator to serve as co-advisor.

- Step 3: Appoint three or more Lions to serve on a Leo club committee.

- Step 4: Determine if the new Leo club will operate in conjunction with a local school, church, or other community group. Often, outside agencies require the appointment of their own club leader or advisor. This agency must agree to fulfill Leo Club Program responsibilities.

- Step 5: Obtain the names of potential Leos from schools, houses of worship, youth groups, and friends and relatives of Lions club members.

* Organizing a New Club

- Step 1: Announce the day and date for a Leo club formation meeting. Inform local young people about this meeting through notices sent to schools, religious youth groups, community programs, and the local media.

- Step 2: The organization meeting should explain the philosophy of the Leo Club Program. Lions should be prepared to answer questions concerning: requirements for Leo club membership, the relationship to the sponsoring Lions club, and activities undertaken by Leos.

- Step 3: Distribute the Application for Membership. Leo leaders can then submit: a signed Leo Club Organization Report and the Leo club organization fee of $100 to the Youth Programs Department at international headquarters. Only registered Leo clubs will receive a Leo club charter and Leo membership materials.

- Step 4: After review of the applications by Lions, the new Leos can vote to accept:

(1) The original members.

(2) The Leo Club Constitution and Bylaws.

(3) Club officers.

(4) A specified amount of money for member fees.

* Launching the Club

- Step 1: Plan the Installation Ceremony. Together, the Leo club officers and Lions on the Leo Advisory Committee plan the Leo installation ceremony as outlined in the Leo Club Officer Installation and New Member Initiation.

- Step 2: Ceremony Invites. Invitees to the ceremony should include:

(1) Lions club members.

(2) Parents and friends of the new Leo club members.

(3) Representatives of outside agencies such as schools, religious youth groups, or community programs.

(4) Lions and Leo district officers.

(5) Local media representatives.

- Step 3 – The Ceremony. The highest-ranking Lions official presents the Leo Certificate of Organization to the club officers and the Leo club members receive their new member kits.

Suggested Activities for the 2010/11 Year (not necessarily in any particular order)
* Provide a dinner at the Ronald McDonald House (Norfolk) for families with children facing medical challenges in local hospitals (weekend) - see http://www.rmhcnorfolk.com/
* International Leo project suggestions – see http://www.lionsclubs.org/EN/our-work/youth-programs/leo-clubs/leo-club-activities.php .
* Visit the Lions Eye Glass Recycling Center in Chesapeake, VA. (weekend). Learn how to wash and grade glasses - see http://thalialions.blogspot.com/2009/03/donate-eyeglasses-and-hearing-aids.html
* Help out young children at the Lions' Diabetes Family Camp at the Triple R Ranch in Chesapeake for diabetic children early May 2011 (weekend) -
see http://hamptonroads.com/2009/03/family-camp-teaches-skills-deal-type-1-diabetes
* Establish a Princess Anne High School awareness program for the hearing impaired through guest visits by a member of the Coalition for Hearing, Education and Research (CHEAR) program http://chearvirginia.com; Southeastern Virginia Society of the Deaf (http://www.vbdeaf.com/Southeastern_Virginia_Society_f/About_SVSD.html ; and/or the American Sign Language and Interpreter Education Program at Tidewater Community College. (http://www.tcc.edu/news/experts/topic.php?expertise=127
* Twin with a Lions club in Skopje St. Pantelejmon, Macedonia. Provide email contact with the Thalia Lions sister club learning about their culture – see http://thalialions.blogspot.com/2009/03/twinning-committee.html
* Get involved in a “Save the Bay Project” (weekend) – see http://www.cbf.org/Page.aspx?pid=195 . Activities might include, beach clean-up around the Pier Café with donations from them / free lunch, dune grass planting, etc. (weekend)
* Get involved with “Lynnhaven River NOW.” They have several volunteer programs for high school students (weekend) - see http://www.lynnhavenrivernow.org/ .
* Sponsor a picnic for children of the Hampton Roads Chapter of Virginia Parents of the Visually Impaired. Help blind kids on playground equipment at the new play ground for visually impaired at Rude Inlet on the beach (weekend) – see http://thalialions.blogspot.com/2009/03/vision-impaired-children.html
* Environmental Project. Last year 24D District Governor Lion Gary asked us to plant a Ginkgo tree (which Thalia did) as symbolic of Lionism growth. We would welcome a continuation of this activity, perhaps tree planting in around Princess Anne High School or some other environmental project.
See http://thalialions.blogspot.com/2009/03/ginkgo-tree-committee.html .
* Help Thalia Lions with one of our service projects.
- Currently we have a food drive underway for the Samaritan House. They have 12 shelters for the battered and abused.
- We have adopted Bonney Road under the City of Virginia Beach Clean Community Program Adopt-A-Programs and pick up trash once a month on a Saturday morning.
http://files.meetup.com/381057/clean%20community%20brochure.pdf
- White Cane Days - The Thalia Lions Club collects money at the Birchwood Shopping Center in front of BJ'S Wholesale Club two times a year.
See http://thalialions.blogspot.com/2009/03/white-cane-days.html
- Broom Blind-Made Sales - The Thalia Lions Club sells brooms at the Birchwood Shopping Center two times a year. See http://thalialions.blogspot.com/2009/03/broom-sales.html
- Thalia provides a $1,000 Scholarship to a Princess Anne Senior on his/her way to college. Your involvement in this program would be welcome.
- Thalia is in the process of converting our website http://thalialions.blogspot.com/ to a better one http://www.thalialions.org/home and could use help.
* Sponsor an in-school program. Thalia will provide a resource for either a club meeting or after school advertised event. Some resources are as follows:
- Barbara Benson, RN, Children's Hospital of the King's Daughters “Healthy You” weight management program for highschool students struggling against type 2 diabetes – see http://www.chkd.org/Services/HealthyYou .
- Vetshouse Serving Homeless Veterans - see http://www.vetshouseinc.org/ .
- Pleasure House Point Public Land preservation involvement – see http://www.tpl.org/tier3_cd.cfm?content_item_id=23667&folder_id=632 .
- Insight Enterprises – learning how to address and assist a person with a disability – see http://articles.dailypress.com/keyword/insight-enterprises .
- St. Mary’s Home for Disabled Children, Norfolk. Plan a Saturday field trip to their home - see http://www.saintmaryshome.org/

Visually Impaired

2009-03-01T00:36:00.000-08:00

The Thalia Lions Club has adopted the visually impaired youth of the Hampton Roads Chapter of the Virginia Association of the Parents of the Visually Impaired (VAAPI) -
http://www.vaapvi.org/ and assists the children at special functions.
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Dec 12, 2010, 1-4 pm - VAAPVI “Float a Thon”

The Thalia and Bayside Lions hosted a “Float a Thon” at the Bayside Recreation Center for visually impaired youth of the VAAPI. Lions helped where needed and provided pizza courtesy of Sal’s Pizza. The Lions set up tables in the lobby of the center to display literature to promote Lions and seek potential members. Virginia Beach Recreation staff ran the event in the pool areas. Thanks to Lion Bob Donnelly (activity promoter) the children loved the swim and the pizza.
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Mar 27, 2010, 2-4 pm – VAAPVI Easter Egg Hunt

/\ First Picture - A clown hands out goodies to a visually impaired child at the March 27, 2010 VAAPVI Easter Egg Hunt held at Bayville Park 4132 1st Court Road, Virginia Beach.

/\ Second Picture - Two members from Lions Clubs (?) and Thalia Lions Kimberly Vakos and Bob Perrine take time out from helping out.

The VAAPVI Easter Egg Hunt was a great success. The Virginia Beach police department bomb squad planting 200 Easter Eggs with sensors inside so that the children could detect them. Lions helped guide the visually impaired children around searching for the ticking eggs, and then all enjoyed a visit from the Easter Bunny, games, drinks and eats, and a trip over to two fire trucks brought in for the occasion. Thalia Lions Bob Perrine, Kimberly Vakos, and Bob Donnelly attended as well as members from four other Lions Clubs. Lee Ann Arnbruster, Teacher of Vision Impaired (TVI), sent a thank you letter to the Thalia Lions for the Five Lions Clubs’ help.

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Oct 17, 2009 - 11-12 noon, Fun Forest, Chesapeake. The VAAPVI held a business meeting while Thalia Lions volunteers played games at tables and took the visually impaired children to the playground and explored. Afterwards the Thalia Lions provided 20 pizzas and drinks to all. Leftovers were donated to the Ronald McDonald House. Thalia helping hands were Lions Nancy Watters, Bob Perrine, Dick Kreassig, and Stan and Jeri Furman. Paper products drink mix, coolers, and cookies were donated by Thalia members. This was an uplifting worthwhile sponsorship for which the Thalia participants were eager to continue sponsorship of future events. VAAPVI sponsors Lee Ann Armbruster and Irene Conlin sent a thank you letter to the club in appreciation of Thalia’s helping hands and generous donation for the park retail and food and drink.

Scholarship

2009-03-01T00:35:00.000-08:00

The Thalia Lions Club Educational Services / Scholarship Committee Chairman is under the overall supervision of First Vice President.

The purpose of the program is to award and fund scholarships and thereby demonstrate to the community that Thalia Lions Club is interested in furthering education. The Scholarship Committee selects recipients of scholarships awarded annually. Applicants should demonstrate financial need and be committed to their education. Two college/university scholarships are usually awarded each year as follows:

a. A $1,000 scholarship to a Princess Anne High School graduate to attend a Virginia college.
*The 2011 winner was Jessica Carlisle
*The 2010 winner was Chris Horton, a young man who is a MERSA survivor. He was hospitalized last year for 7 months and still kept up his grades.
*The 2009 winner was Regina Stallings, (attending the University of Virginia)
*The 2008 winner was Lydia Michailow (attending VA Tech)
*The 2007 winner was Devin Prater.
(see http://www.princessannehs.vbschools.com)

b. A scholarship to an Adult Learning Center graduate who is successfully enrolled at Tidewater Community College. For 2011 the Thalia Lions increased this $600 scholarship to $1,000.
* May 2011, $1,000 awarded to was Steven F. Hulmes, a 54 year old gentleman.
*May 2010, $600 awarded to Jeri Gussman
*May 2009, $600.00 awarded to Skye Fibish

c. Sight Impaired Scholarship. On July 7, 2010, a special scholarship presentation was made to a sight impaired student from Ocean Lakes High School, Sahara Gooding. Sahara's vision impairment began at birth and as a result of albinism. She is attending Virginia State University. She plans a career in the medical field.

d. Local Elementary School Scholarships. Three elementary school clinics in the Thalia area (Thalia, Malibu, and King’s Grant) are presneted $200 each year for health related needs.

RAM / Homeless

2009-03-01T00:33:00.000-08:00

The Thalia Lions Club Remote Area Medical (RAM) and Project Homeless Connect Committee Chairman is under the overall supervision of the First Vice President. http://www.ramusa.org/projects/ruralamerica.htm

Remote Area Medical (RAM)
Founded in 1985, Remote Area Medical is an all-volunteer charitable organization. Volunteer doctors, nurses, pilots, veterinarians and support workers participate in expeditions (at their own expense) in some of the world's most remote places at their own expense and treat thousands of patients a day under some of the worst conditions. Volunteers have provided general medical, surgical, eye, dental, and veterinary care to tens of thousands of people and animals, with 60% of services going to rural America. Each July Virginia Lions along with others from near and far away come to the RAM expedition on the Wise County Fairgrounds in southwest rural Virginia.

Feb 2010. Lion Nancy Watters, Thalia’s Secretary (2009-2012), wrote the following very heart warming article published in the 24D Knight’s Vision Newsletter for Feb 2010 under the monthly column “The Day I Became a Lion." See http://www.lions-of-virginia-24d.org/uploads/knights_vision_0210.pdf

The Day I Became a Lion
I met Dooley for the first time about 6:15 a.m. on a hot, steamy July morning on the fairground of Wise County Virginia. He was sitting on the back row in a very crowded make shift eye clinic waiting area in hopes of being seen by one of the volunteer optometrists or ophthalmologists most of whom would not arrive until at least 7:00a.m. Over a hundred had gathered for free service offered by the Remote Area Medical Project, sponsored heavily by the Lions of Virginia. I actually came to the project only because I was dating one of the ophthalmologists and had agreed to participate with him. I knew he was dedicated to Lionism but I was not sure that I wanted the responsibility or commitment. John and I arrived first on the scene. Looking out at the crowd, I said "What am I suppose to do?" John looked back at me, "I have to go inside and set up the equipment, see if you can get this group organized." After almost 30 years of teaching school, this seemed like a piece of cake. I immediately started giving people numbers, taking their names, and assuring them that the doctors would be in soon and they would receive service. I assumed that I was right and they actually believed me. Just as planned, the other doctors came in. Dr. Vicki Weiss, the optometrist in charge, opened the clinic. The first patient was called. To my surprise, everyone in the clinic moved up one chair.....it was their custom that whoever was in the chair closest to the door was called and each person then moved up one place. Almost in mass, I saw 100 people get up and move over one seat. In amazement I said, "Wait! Wait! You do not have to move, I will call your number! A very unhappy rumble rolled through the crowd and I heard a voice, "we're afraid we'll lose our place!" As I tried to assure everyone that the system would work and that there would be less inconvenience for them, they seemed unimpressed. I just couldn't understand why they all wanted to move, some with heavy bags in preparation for staying all day or longer, some with small children and strollers, and some with obvious disabilities. Then on the back row, I saw an older gentleman stand up. "Give that gal a chance!" he said. "I think she knows what she's doin'!" Reluctantly, they settled down and as the morning progressed they watched the simple system work. Just because new people came in later and sat in the front chairs, did not mean that those people would be seen first. The system worked and I had made a friend. As I thanked Dooley for supporting the idea, he warmly chuckled, "Everybody ought to have a chance to mess up." He had more questions for me that I had time to ask him. Where did I come from, what did I do in real life, and was I married. Dooley was there for eye and dental care. He was very concerned about getting through the eye clinic in time to have someone look at his teeth. I did my best to get him in as quickly as possible but it was almost lunchtime before Dooley's number was called. An hour or so later Dooley had finished his eye exam and was off for the dental clinic. The day was hot, the lines were endless and the pace was hectic. By four o'clock I had long forgotten about Dooley and I was putting out the fires of unrest in the eye clinic waiting area. By then many people had begun to realize that the hour was late and that they would not be seen that day. It was a true dilemma for many of them because they had left jobs, or had traveled many miles and this was their only opportunity for medical care. As I am explaining the process for the following morning for those who could return, I felt a gentle tap on the shoulder. There was Dooley, bigger than life with a mouth full of gauze and a smile from ear to ear. He was mouthing something that I finally determined was "came back to thank you!" "Dooley," I said, "How many teeth have you had pulled?" He held up ten fingers, ten fingers again, and then eight more. Twenty eight teeth and he was walking, smiling, and coming back to thank ME!! Beaming with gratitude he reached to give me a hug. In spite of all I could do, I turned into a Lion that day. I left Wise County that weekend totally exhausted and totally committed to becoming part of an organization that changes peoples' lives. That was four years ago. I became a Lion and married John, in that order. We have returned to Wise Co. every July since then for the Remote Area Medical Project and every year I keep out an eye for Dooley.
Lion Nancy Watters Thalia Lions Club.

Project Homeless Connect
Each year in September Project Homeless Connect turns Norfolk Scope's basement into a one-day, mega service site to help homeless adults connect to resources and receive services. The 24D District Lions provide the Sight and Hearing Van (driven into the underground Scope gargantuan facility) for diabetes, eye, and hearing screening. Reconditioned reading glasses are given out and contact information is provided for those requiring follow-up diabetes, eye, and hearing care. Besides these Lion services Homeless Connect provides medical treatment; nail and foot care and cleaning; substance abuse, mental health, and legal counseling; food stamp and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) sign ups; and employment, job training, and housing information. At lunch time a wholesome meal is provided – all free of charge.