December 5, is our next meeting, and the program will be Holiday Music, by the McFarland Brass Quintet. A mix of Christmas carols and jazz - a great way to build the holiday spirit. They will start playing at noon and will play during our meal, with whatever business there may be to follow the program. So don’t be late, but bring your spouse, friend, or prospective member. LINDA BERGREN is the Program Host. And please, Lions, as a courtesy to those who want to hear the music and those who are performing, please limit your conversations while they are playing. Time for talk is afterwards.

TaleTwister's Jackpot
$826

At our last meeting, the TailTwister’s pot had grown to $826, but again there were no winners. A stray gift from somewhere was auctioned off (the TT has some trouble distinguishing between an auction and a raffle, which may explain why there have been no winners.) but we don’t know who “won” the auction. Nor do we know who drew the wrong card. The TT also has a convenient short-term memory loss - he sold the Editor a ticket in the lunch line, but conveniently forgot five minutes later.

The meeting began with the renowned “Archbishop” BOB BOHN offering the invocation and Jim Schutz leading a stirring version of “America..” We had several guests. LINDA BERGREN introduced her mom Lois, DON NEVIASER introduced Linda Dryer and Mary Ellen Johnson, and Pres. SAL introduced Jan Cichocki, a prospective new member. Former member Don Golembiewski (editor can spell that one - years of practice) was back visiting, and the new Director of the Wis. Council of the Blind, Karen Majkrzak, was introduced. Hopefully we’ll get to practice some more on that one.

JIM SCHUTZ said that the Beaver Dam Lions would be at our next meeting with their citrus fruit. They will have a box of oranges for $16, half oranges/half grapefruit for $15, and/or all grapefruit for $14. Always good stuff, and we help another Lions Club with their fundraiser. They buy ours, too.

The renowned Bell-Ringer, BOB BOHN, says we’re all set to help out the Salvation Army again this year, and they need it. We have a kettle to staff at West Towne Mall (inside!) on Wed., Dec. 20. BOB sent around a signup sheet and he’ll have it at the meeting again next week. You’ll see lots of your friends in the crowds, and it’s a good way to get into the real feeling of Christmas. Your editor always enjoys seeing parents bring their young children over to put something in the kettle.

LINDA BERGREN handed out the orders for Holiday Nuts. The fruit cakes hadn’t come, but Benson says they’re coming. If you haven’t gotten your order, come to the next meeting and pick it up, or contact LINDA to get it. And please, turn in the money ASAP.

Pres. SAL read a letter from Lions Clubs International Foundation, thanking us for our gift of a Melvin Jones Fellowship. In so doing, we honor one of our own, and help with the world-wide service of LCIF.

Pres. SAL named Past President CHUCK BASFORD as “Lion of the Week” in recognition of his continuing effort to staff the UW Concession stands. This new project raises funds for our service work, with the bonus that CHUCK has obtained participation from some of the other clubs in our area. This helps them raise money, and also builds Lion fellowship as we work together. Congratulations and “Thank You!” , CHUCK. [See CHUCK's handiwork - Football results and Basketball schedule.]

Pres. SAL introduced Lion MARSHALL FLAX as our speaker. MARSHALL told us about the new “Sharper Vision” store at the UW Ophthalmology Clinic, which he now operates in addition to the similar facility at the Wisconsin Council of the Blind. He works to aid low-vision patients in rehabilitation, mobility, computer use, and in education and training. The goal is to obtain the maximum benefit out of the remaining vision which patients may have, and there are innumerable aids available which can be employed to assist individuals with different problems. MARSHALL said that patients with eye conditions should keep going to their doctor, in order to preserve the vision they have and control further damage. Some very exciting new treatments are being developed. Advances are being made for glaucoma (get tested every year), cataracts can now be quite easily removed for most, and there are fewer diabetic retinopathy patients each year, as people learn to detect and treat diabetes before it becomes a serious problem. MARSHALL makes use of such things as telescopic glasses, talking clocks and watches, large buttons for things like phones and large print items like checks, in addition to various ways of magnifying print and other small details so people can see them. If you know of someone with low vision, make sure they know how to connect up with MARSHALL, because he can help them.

Yes. there's still a few opportunities to volunteer to serve at the Men's Basketball Games at the Lions Concession Stand in the Kohl Center. Check the volunteer schedule to find the open date of your choice, and then use the handy volunteer form to add your name to the list. This is an excellent way to be able to work with Lions from other clubs, all serving a common goal.