Next Meeting - Tuesday, Sept. 1 Our program for this next meeting is Bob Ansheles, Director of Membership and Marketing of the Madison Chamber of Commerce. With all of the issues of recession, development and taxation flying around, this is a chance to get more info on what's happening, and what's planned to happen, and maybe even what's hoped to happen. In a city that focuses mostly on government, the voice of business sometimes isn't very loud,but we should at least hear some whispers.

In Memoriam - We have lost one of our MCLC family members. June Miller, JERRY's wife, passed away on Sunday, August 16. The "Celebration of Her Life" will be at Lake Windsor Country Club on Sept 26, 2009. Our prayers and sympathy go out to JERRY and the family.

Last Meeting - JODI presided, JIM SCHUTZ led the song, and ROSS ROYSTER offered an invocation stressing "opportunities." We do have them, we just have to make use of them. Summer's gone, mostly because it hardly ever came, and football begins. That means the Concession Stand needs workers. Sign up on line, or see SCOTT GROVER. This is a major source of funds for our service work.

We inducted two new members, GAIL STIRR and JACK HEIM. PDG JOHN JENSON did the honors. GAIL is married to Rick, they live at 7510 Red Fox Tr., Madison 53717, home phone 833-5667. She's at the UW Eye Research Institute, 445 Henry Mall #305, 53706, phone 265-4023. E-mail, gmstirr@wisc.edu. JACK's wife Judy was a guest, and they live at 5 S. Kenosha Dr., Madison 53705, home phone 233-3812. He's at the UW Math Dept., 480 Lincoln Drive, 53706, phone 263-4189. E-mail, jheim@math.wisc.edu . Jack's guide dog, Walker, was also a guest, altho we didn't have any kibbles for him. Guess he can't eat while he's on duty, anyway.

We celebrated Lion Birthdays for SAL AL-ASHKAR, WARREN RANDY, MICHELLE VETTERKIND, JIM KEMMETER and JIM SCHUTZ. Drawing winners of the gifts: PHIL STOWITTS, ROSS ROYSTER, SCOTT GROVER, CRAIG BUTLER and MELISSA NOVINSKI. MICHELLE VETTERKIND, Birthdays Chairperson, led the recognition of years of Lion service.

Pres. JODI commented that the Emerging Lions Leadership Training (a program that started at International but is now offered at the District (State) level) will be held on Oct. 22-25. This is an invaluable opportunity for Lions with less than 8 years service who have not been Club President - it teaches, as JODI put it "skills for life, with a Lions twist." The material presented is useful in everyday life, and is also intended to help you be a more active and effective Lion. Like the USA-Canada Forum, those who go all say it was extremely worthwhile. If you're interested, see JODI.

Open House at Lions Camp is Sept.19. If you haven't seen the Camp in the last couple years, you should go. Reserve lunch in advance, and go on one of the tours given all day. You will come back with your Lion batteries recharged - this is one of the best things we do! Fall Work Day is Oct. 24.

SCOTT GROVER says September is our month to be transporters for the Eye Bank. We got a wonderful front page story in the Wisconsin State Journal on this project, including a quote from PHIL INGWELL. This too is high-level Lion service in action. If you want to get on the team, tell SCOTT. You could take family and/or friends on a mission, and it's a great opportunity to recruit.

JOHN JENSON has done it again! Having "retired" from his job ab MG&E, but seemingly unable to quit, he did a number of projects for the company, and in return received a $2,000 donation for our service funds. Dedication to Lion service shows up in remarkable ways! Those whom we help owe a debt of gratitude to JOHN and to Madison Gas and Electric Co.

We are participating in a Health Fair at Leopold School (Madison's largest) on Oct. 10. Details to follow, but we will have a good part to play and be highly visible.

Committee Chairpersons: Program, MICHELLE VETTERKIND. Community Service, PHIL INGWELL. Eyeglass Collection and Lensometer, JOHN JENSON. Eye Transport, JIM KEMMETER. Vision Screening, JIM SCHUTZ. Membership, CRAIG BUTLER. If you have questions, or can help in these areas, talk to them!! More Chairpersons will be announced in the next issue.

Plan Ahead! Part of the Kohl Center Basketball schedule is available. We need your help! Volunteer now for the games you can work.

What's happening at the Edgewater? Read this WSJ story and find out.

Pomo on Golf - watch this video.