At our next meeting, we will hear a speaker from HospiceCare, Inc. This organization provides a vitally important service at a difficult time, and it is something we should all know about. LINDA BERGREN is the Program Host.
At our last meeting, the TailTwister began with a repeat of his offer to match $$ spent for Zoo Raffle tickets with his own money contributed to the TT Fund. He has a destination in mind for the Fund, but the editor was unable to hear what it was. He had a couple jokes, and he reminded the Lions present that they needed to know what Lion area was represented by the editor's pin on that day in order to avoid a fine. Very few Lions read the BULLetin, judging by the response to this effort, or else they just like paying fines.
President DICK POMO presided, although it took some effort to get the restless multitude to subside. Maybe the bell wasn't there to be rung - the Lion logo has broken off again, and the bell is now anonymous. Your editor may have to take up a collection from the members to replace it, because it is often pretty difficult to hear the speaker over the hubbub. And, no, it's not just old ears, altho that doesn't help. There will be a Board meeting next week, and election ballots will be coming shortly.
LINDA BERGREN once again led the singing of America, making a great effort to get an agreed pitch before starting. Her tempo is more of the Mike Leckrone school than some, but we all got done at the same time and pretty much on the same note. PHIL INGWELL is back, and gave the invocation. PHIL and BETTY were in Las Vegas for two months, and he says "there's a lot to do in Las Vegas!" Not what you'd think -included in his list were a number of outdoor activities that don't get much publicity. He says they weren't in the casinos much, and he didn't have to walk home, so he must be truthful.
MARK LARSON is back, at full speed, as evidenced by the fact that he called for a volunteer to transport corneas to Johnson Creek in the afternoon. March is our Club's month to be transporters, and we've been busy, which means that a good number of people have been helped. This is what Lionism is all about.
JOHN JENSON is circulating signup sheets for the Leadership Training sessions coming up shortly. Four sessions, four dates, four different sites, same program. A great opportunity, because the topics covered are useful in all aspects of life, as well as Lions Club activities. Your editor, and most of our club presidents, attended the USA-Canada Forum and found it to be one of the most valuable sessions we'd ever taken part in, and these District sessions are an effort to bring similar material to the local level. Club officers and directors, and any Lion who hasn't been to a Leadership session, would greatly benefit from attending, and on top of all that our Club will pay the Registration fee. Don't miss it - this is one part of Lionism that will benefit YOU, and enable you to be more effective in helping others.
DAN STOUDT pointed out that we have both color and black-on-pink posters for our Rose Sale, and asked that orders and money be turned in as they come in - makes life easier at the end. ROSS ROYSTER has 47 sales so far, many the result of a direct mailing he sends to about 180 of his closest friends. He suggests that you have a system for sales and repeat sales, and you can make first contact by mail or e-mail. DON GOLEMBIEWSKI remarked that he had heard a presentation on their vision programs by Kentucky Lions, and as hard as they were working, we in Wisconsin have more to offer, headed up by Lions Camp, which is partly supported by our flower sale, and our vision screening, Eye Bank, and glasses recycling.
JODI BURMESTER introduced Paul Blume and Sam Sorenson of NBC Channel 15. They recently completed a 10-day stay in Iraq with troops of the Wisconsin National Guard 229th Engineer Company. They were "embedded", meaning that they lived with that company and went wherever it went during their stay, which took them from Kuwait to a big American base in Iraq. One very dangerous moment, when their convoy got stuck in traffic near Baghdad as night fell, but they made it safely to their destination with the help of some friendly Iraqis when they got lost. They said morale among the troops was good, and they believed in their mission, which was rebuilding roads and facilities for both American troops and Iraqis. They felt that about 90% of Iraqis were glad to have the Americans there, but they remarked that there seemed to be a lot of working-age men on the streets with little or nothing to do. Years of oppression had depressed the economy and living conditions, and the troops could see that a lot of rebuilding was going to be needed. The troops still had to maintain a defensive posture, with plenty of firepower in full view, and watch for IEDs (Improvised Explosive Devices). There was some interaction with Iraqis, and the kids were friendly, but the language barrier was a problem. Very interesting program - lots of questions.