ART TAGGART has scheduled next week's program, and we will hear Terrie Domoe of United Way, telling us about the Neighbor to Neighbor Initiative. Not sure what this is about, so you'll have to come and find out.

President LINDA BERGREN opened the last meeting by calling on OTTO FESTGE to direct the song, without benefit of piano. Didn't seem to matter. JERRY MILLER startled the multitudes a bit with a long and thoughtful invocation - there was some talk about setting up a smoke generator after he finished. Finally, Bishop BOB gets a little skilled help! In a preliminary skirmish before the meeting, JERRY had noted the absence of the lion bank, and thanked whoever had it for volunteering as TailTwister. Nobody would own up to taking it, so we had a day off from fines. Bring that quarter back next week, though. JERRY also reported that our bowling team is contending for first place in the Civic League. Go keglers!

We had two guests. DON NEVIASER reintroduced Andy Strunk, saying that he was joining us. Loud applause. JODI BURMESTER introduced Lion BOB SHERMAN, of the McFarland Lions Club, who among other things is the incoming Vice District Governor for our District 27D-1. A familiar face resurfaced - SCOTT GROVER is back from his sojourn in Carolina and was welcomed by everyone. Good to have him back! Leave the door open long enough and everyone you know comes in.

We had some awards - JODI BURMESTER, in her capacity as Region Chairperson, presented CHUCK BASFORD with an Outstanding Service award from the District Governor. CHUCK has almost single-handedly brought our District into the computer age, in addition to his other efforts on behalf of our Diabetes Awareness project and membership recruitment. A richly deserved recognition - thanks, CHUCK! Secretary JOHN JENSON also presented a Membership Key award to President LINDA BERGREN, for sponsoring two new members. These are the things that keep our Lion service going.

JOHN also reported on the results of our election. To no one's surprise, CHUCK BASFORD was elected President, SAL AL-ASHKAR 1st VP, DON NEVIASER 2nd VP, JOHN JENSON, Secretary (he said he only got one vote, but if so he didn't vote for himself, because the editor voted for him. Probably had mittens on when he counted.), MELISSA ABBOTT, Treasurer, ROSS ROYSTER, TailTwister, LINDA BERGREN, Membership Director, and ART TAGGART, DALE MUELLER, and CHRIS WILZ, Directors. PHIL STOWITTS continues as a Director. The current Board of Directors will meet next week at the Doubletree Inn, formerly Howard Johnson's.

JODI BURMESTER is our current and continuing Program Chairperson, and she says the theme for next month is "things to do". We will hear about the Farmers Market, and go to Olbrich Gardens for a meeting. We get to wander around in the gardens, see the bench that recognizes one of our donations from previous years, and hear an interesting program. Lots to do in our fair city - some of it is right under our nose but somehow we never see it. Should be a fun month, and JODI and her committee are doing a great job in bringing us varied and interesting programs. You have to be there.

MELISSA NOVINSKI had two announcements. One was the birth of our latest lioness cub, Brooklyn Grace JOHANKNECHT. DAWN's daughter was born on March 28, at 8 lbs. 11 oz and 21 inches. The other is a change of address for GREG MILLER, who is now at 2 N. Allen St., Madison 53726-3924. Must be wanderlust - he moved just around the corner from his old place. Along the way we found out that MELISSA's birthday is today, 4/20. SAL AL-ASHKAR reported that he attended a Diabetes Focus Group meeting, held at Lions Camp. He's our Diabetes Awareness chairman, and the meeting explored ways we can raise awareness of this disease, which has so many evil consequences if untreated.

We are in the final stage of our Rose Day campaign. DAN STOUDT says be sure you write clearly on the order blanks, turn in orders for club delivery by this Friday, and the depot @ Zimbrick will open at 7:30.

JODI introduced our speaker, Mike Mitchell, Program Coordinator for Youth Services, who told us about the Youth Job Center, which helps high school youth get part-time work. Besides gaining experience which will help them get better jobs later, kids with jobs get better grades and drop out less. They also bring enthusiasm, fresh ideas, and sometimes technical (computer) expertise to the workplace. They serve ages 14-17, about 60% of whom are people of color. He's always looking for job opportunities - employers can help both themselves and the young people they hire. He had some good success stories.