Next meeting, February. 7, 2006, at the Edgewater. The speaker will be one of our own, 1^st VP SAL AL-ASHKAR, and he will be talking about diabetes. This subject is important to us all, partly because as Lions we have projects going, and partly because everyone should know about this all-too-common disease. SAL is our Diabetes Chairman, and has participated in a number of seminars on the subject. Wisconsin Lions are working hard to raise diabetes awareness, and Lions International had a picture of one of our meetings in a recent issue of “The Lion” magazine. SAL will tell us about the symptoms of diabetes, the risk it presents, its complications and treatment and, importantly, why we as Lions are involved.

NEWS FLASH!!! MICHELLE VETTERKIND TO LEAD WISCONSIN BROADCASTERS ASSN!
MICHELLE has been designated President-Elect of her organization, to take over the leadership of the WBA next year when the current CEO retires. Congratulations, MICHELLE — we know you can do it!!

Pres. CHUCK opened our last meeting, OTTO FESTGE led the song, JOHN JENSON was the flagpole, and “Archbishop” BOB BOHN gave the invocation. We had several guests — OTTO brought his daughter, SUE HINELINE of the Waunakee Lioness Club, DON NEVIASER brought Kevin Drake, who is considering membership, and Jaime Hoppe was introduced by DAVE WEINBACH. He had seen our web site, contacted Pres. CHUCK, who invited him to lunch to see what we are about. Score one for the web! Lion JERRY RABACH, from the Lions Eye Bank, was also visiting, and we gave him a check for a $1500 donation to help with their expansion. He thanked us for that, and also for the work of our transporters.

DON NEVIASER reported on a new experience for him, the Lions Curling Bonspiel. He said our team spent the weekend throwing stones, and actually won 1 game. Sounds as though everyone had a lot of fun! The Prez. also reported that we have a new and much better stand location at the Kohl center, which has doubled our sales and therefore our commissions. We are working with the McFarland, UW Lions, and Evansville Clubs, and so far it has been well staffed, those participating have enjoyed it, there’s been a lot of Lion camaraderie and we’ve raised some money. Sounds like a winner — but be sure to help out if you can. Our other new fundraiser, inkjet/toner cartridge recycling, is in need of a chairperson. See CHUCK.

BOB BOHN read a “Thank You” from the Salvation Army for our help as bellringers at Hilldale. This is another opportunity to work with another Lion, really help out the unfortunate, and not only do you get some personal satisfaction, but it is heartwarming to see how many parents help their children to contribute. We got another “Thank You” from the UW Hospital. Some gifts in memory of Lawrence Ingwell, PHIL’s brother, were designated for the new clinic and routed through our Club Foundation. Yet another acknowledgment came from the new UW Lions Club, to whom we gave $50.00 to help them get started.

Our District Convention will be March 10-11 at the Governor Dodge Hotel in Platteville. It is an opportunity to learn more about Lion service, so see JOHN JENSON if you’d like to go. The Multiple District (State) convention will be in Middleton on May 19 and 20. Every one of us should at least look in on that one — it is right next door, and again, an opportunity to learn more about the next level of Lionism. Sec. JOHN has the signup sheet for that one too. You can also become a pin trader.

Pres. CHUCK introduced our speaker, Waunakee Lion DAN TEETZEN, who gave us some of the info he presents in our District leadership seminars. He spoke of the power of belief — “as I think, I am!” Leadership styles vary among people, but the keys are honesty, enterprise, prudence, inspiration, creativity, and motivation. Good leaders think out front, and enthusiasm comes from participation in a winning effort. Meetings should be fun, and members should be involved in doing what they want to do. Don’t try to force someone to do something they don’t enjoy — create a “want to” attitude. Problems arise when “the old guard rules,” new ideas get only negative receptions, cliques persist, meetings are not interesting, actions are “railroaded” through without involvement of many members, or communication is poor. Good leaders encourage and build enthusiasm by displaying their own — you can’t give what you don’t have. They are positive role models and are open-minded. All things we sort of knew, but they work in all aspects of life if you follow them.

And More Sayings From The Dalai Lama:
   11. Live a good, honorable life. Then when you get older and think back, you’ll be able to enjoy it the second time.
   12. A loving atmosphere in your home is the foundation for your life.
   13. In disagreements with loved ones, deal only with the current situation.
   14. Share your knowledge. It’s a way to achieve immortality.
   15. Be gentle with the earth.