Next time, Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2009, we kick off our Flower Day Sale, starting with the report of JERRY HODDINOTT, Chairman of what used to be called the Rose Day Committee. Apparently, the "change" we are promised begins, at our level at least, with titles. In this case, unlike the politicians, we are calling it what it is. This is our major fund-raiser, and we will get the vital information - date, types of product available, and prices. We may also find out where the distribution depot will be.We will also hear from some of our other committees - there will be more information on the upcoming Poker Tournament from DON NEVIASER and/or JERRY MILLER, and our Walk For Sight. SCOTT GROVER, Chairman of the Concessions Committee, will report on how we are doing at the Kohl Center. Lots for us to do, and we need everyone present and participating.

The Rose Day Committee will meet in the Edgewater Bar at 11:15 on Tues. 1/20, prior to the regular meeting. JERRY would like all committee members to be there, and he could use some more help, so any/all Lions are welcome.

Also meeting prior to the regular meeting is the Walk for Sight Committee, at 11:00.

Lion Birthdays for 8 Lions, whose service ranges from 1 to 48 yrs. will be celebrated by Chairperson MICHELLE VETTERKIND. Editor Emeritus HAL OTTERBACK would have said "You know who you are. Be there, with a small gift for the raffle." Those who show up, in person or by proxy, get their names in the BULLetin next time. Part of your 15 minutes of fame - don’t miss this opportunity!

Pres. JODI opened our last meeting, not without difficulty as the gavel has disappeared. Without a hammer, she had to pound on the bell with something else, and had nothing with which to pound on the recalcitrant members. When order was restored, we Pledged, DON NEVIASER led the song when no one else could or would, and ROSS ROYSTER gave another of his brief and to-the-point invocations. The TailTwister was absent, but a macabre character who claimed to have captured him tried to extract a ransom. Apparently the TT is worth less than a supertanker, which is not right - the pirate got more money when he promised not to bring him back. When the last latecomer had arrived, there were 16 Lions in attendance. Your editor cannot think of an appropriate comment that he can print.

We had a recognition of service presented to Lion JERRY HODDINOTT, who received the Certificate of 25 years of membership, and the chevron for his pin, from District Governor JOHN JENSON. The TailTwister, missed an opportunity, as JERRY did not appear to have a pin to which he could attach the chevron. Never mind, JERRY has done a lot for his community and our Club in 25 years. Or 28, which is what it says in our Directory.

DG JOHN also reminded us of the upcoming District Convention, here in Madison at the Sheraton, on March 13-14. We should all go - it’s another chance to see Lions in action, and to be a part of something big. See JOHN to sign up. The Multiple District (State) convention will be in May.

LINDA BERGREN has a few fruit cakes left, some mixed nuts, and lots of the ever-popular malted milk balls. Take some along to sell or consume, so we can get this one wrapped up.

The Board of Directors will meet at the Edgewater at noon, Tuesday, Jan. 27.

STEVE BRIGGS, back on his feet from his hip surgery, introduced our speaker, Stu Levitan, who gave us a very interesting program on early Madison, focusing on the 1920s, the point at which he said the city began its transformation from the 19th century to the 20th. By 1925, the Capitol had company on the Madison skyline - the Gay (now Churchill) Building on the Square, and the Loraine Hotel and the Belmont Hotel (now the YWCA) just off the square signaled the growth of the capital city. Then, as now, the address at 1 S. Pinckney St. was the most prestigious office building, and from 1920 to 1926 a number of buildings were built which shaped the Square towards what it is today. He showed a picture of State St., looking West from the Capitol, and the buildings which framed it are still there. Many prominent architects of the day designed them - Greek Revival, Italianate, and French Renaissance styles are still a part of our architectural heritage. He noted that Frank Lloyd Wright actually had a boathouse building constructed, which stood on Lake Mendota at the end of Carroll St. from 1893 to 1926. There was also a picture your editor found disturbing - over 100 men in full KuKluxKlan attire marching up State St. Mr. Levitan remarked that our Club did great service in helping to establish Neighborhood House, which helped immigrants assimilate. A very interesting program, and if you were one of the many who were not there, you missed something special!