IN MEMORIAM

Publisher Hal

HAL OTTERBACK, Lion since 1969, Club President 1977, one of the few who held both Melvin Jones and Birch-Sturm Fellowships, passed away April 10. Hal was big enough to play tackle for the Badgers for four years, dexterous enough to build aircraft models of various sizes that are much sought after for displays, a pilot who built his own plane, and a Lion who was always there when there was work to do. He was a mainstay of the Eyeglass Recycling program, Bulletin Editor for years, Arboretum path worker, and indefatigable flower deliverer. He also served the Experimental Aircraft Assn. as Handicapped Transporter for years and as a guide in their Museum, and as a Scout leader. His cheerful presence at meetings and sharp-pointed pen as Bulletin Editor contributed much to the fellowship of Madison Central Lions, and he will be greatly missed. Visitation will be at Gunderson East, Funeral Hom, 5203 Monona Dr., on Friday, May 14, from 4 PM to 8 PM.

Next Meeting - Tuesday, May18 - A business meeting, and Pres. JODI never seems to have trouble finding Lion business to talk about. Don't know what it will be this time, though. If you have money to turn in from the Flower Sale, please get it to MELISSA NOVINSKI as soon as you can. It's our profit that's still out there! There will be a Lion Birthday celebration, led by MICHELLE VETTERKIND. Honorees for their years of service to our Club include: DON FENNO, TOM STEVENS, SPARKY WATTS, PHIL STOWITTS, STEVE BRIGGS, JERRY MILLER, DAN STOUDT and TERRY SCHAR. Birthday Lions please bring a small gift for the drawing. NOTE: In the interest of economy of both postage and effort, Lion MICHELLE will be sending reminders to those having Lion Birthdays by e-mail wherever possible. Please watch your in-box and reply to her message. Those without internet access, relax - your reminder will come by the mailman.

Members in the news: PHIL and BETTY INGWELL were recently honored by Meriter Hospital for having given at least 100 hours of volunteer service this past year.

Last Meeting - Sec. JOHN JENSON presided, in the unexpected absence of all those with "Pres." or "Vice Pres." in their titles. He knew the way, though, so everything went off on schedule.

SCOTT GROVER reported that the UW Concession Project has brought about $15,000 to our Club since its start in 2005, out of a total of about $41,000. Other Lions Clubs share in the work and the profits, but we have done well. It works out to about $35 per Lion, per shift.

Excerpts from MELISSA NOVINSKI's report on the Flower Sale: In addition to those already recognized, Lions who helped with the vital routing and delivery functions were: LINDA BERGREN, Libby (JIM) BRADLEY, STEVE BRIGGS, JODE BURMESTER, CRAIG BUTLER, DON FENNO, SCOTT GROVER, JERRY HODDINOTT, JOHN JENSON, CHARLIE and Trish LIBERTY, DALE MUELLER, MELISSA NOVINSKI, WALT PRIDHAM, ROSS ROYSTER, SUE SABIN, TERRY SCHAR, JIM SCHUTZ, TOM and Marian STEVENS, GAIL STIRR, DAN STOUDT, and MICHELLE VETTERKIND. What a great team!!

JIM KEMMETER took replacement calls, and others who sold flowers or made a donation included LINDA BERGREN, JIM BRADLEY, JODI BURMESTER, DON FENNO, MARSHALL FLAX, SCOTT GROVER, JACK HEIM, JERRY HODDINOTT, JOHN JENSON, JIM KEMMETER, CHARLIE LIBERTY, DALE MUELLER, WALT PRIDHAM, WARREN RANDY, TERRY SCHAR, TOM STEVENS, PHIL STOWITTS, MICHELL VETTERKIND, and former Lion Art Taggart.

Our speaker from Badger Bots, student Ian Delaney, told us about their organization, which fields a team of students in an annual competition to build soccer-playing robots out of Lego parts. Any part available that year (they differ annually) can be used, which leads to wildly different-looking robots, which try to get soccer balls into a goal. They hosted a State Contest of about 35 teams, and there is a Summer Camp, all designed to encourage innovative-thinking students. They also assisted in developing a "Sit-Ski", which disabled people can use to have a winter-outdoor experience. Interesting program, and a lot of ideas being encouraged here.