The International Association of Lions Clubs District N4, NL Sam Wells Pat Bursey Diane Bonnell Jennifer Hutchings District Governor CST 1 st VDG 2 nd VDG Tel: 754-8333(H) Tel: 753-8602 Tel: 582-2677(H) Tel: 240-2025(H) 685-0902(C) 683-3367(C) 697-1340(C) samgwells@yahoo.com patbursey@bellaliant.net dbonnell61@gmail.com jennifer_pennell21@hotmail.com MINUTES OF GENERAL MEETING DISTRICT N4 OCTOBER 22, 2016 MARYSTOWN District Governor Lion Sam called the meeting to order at 9:10 AM. Lion Bob Beauchamp led the Lions Invocation, followed by a moment of silence for deceased Lions, Lionesses, Leos and World Peace. District Governor welcomed everyone to the General Meeting and Lion Geoff Lomond, on behalf of the Host Committee and Deputy Mayor Spencer, on behalf of the Town of Marystown, welcomed all. The Agenda was adopted on a motion by Lion Bob Beauchamp; seconded by Lion Herb Hudson. Motion carried. CORRESPONDENCE The Health Care Foundation is seeking financial assistance with the purchase of an Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) Machine which assists with the early detection and diagnosis of retinal conditions. A motion for same was carried at the Cabinet Meeting and is being brought forward to the General Membership. Motion by Lion Bob Beauchamp; seconded by Lion Greg King; to apply to LCIF for a grant of $50,000.00 towards the purchase of this devise. Motion carried. MINUTES OF GENERAL SESSION, APRIL 2016 Motion to accept the minutes as presented by Lion Danny Campbell; seconded by Lion Alexander Osborne. Motion carried. No business arising from minutes. 2015-2016 AUDIT 2 nd VDG Lion Jennifer Hutchings presented the Audited Financial Statement and all in order. Motion by Lion Jennifer; seconded by Lion Les Caines; to accept the report as presented. Motion carried. PROPOSED BUDGET PCC Lion Herb brought forward the proposed budget as presented at the Cabinet Meeting in August. following items were presented for approval: The
(1) Green s Harbour Lions Club has folded and have outstanding dues. A motion by PCC Lion Herb; seconded by Lion Tom Janes; to write off outstanding dues. Motion carried. (2) District Directory A discussion about the directory. The cost of the directory is determined by the number of pages. DG Lion Sam to ask Long Range Planning to look at the merits of the directory containing so much information given that most everyone uses email or telephone for contact. (3) Travel/Meal Allowance A motion by PCC Lion Herb; seconded by Lion Alexander Osborne; to increase mileage rate to $0.30 per kilometer and meal allowance to $10.00 Breakfast; $15.00 Lunch and $20.00 Dinner. Motion carried. (4) A motion by PCC Lion Herb; seconded by Lion Les Caines; to accept funds from Team Broken Earth to channel to the East Duran Lions Club in Nepal for the purchase of an ambulance and the District to absorb the cost of this transfer. Motion carried. With changes noted the proposed budget was approved on a motion by PCC Lion Herb; seconded by PDG Lion Sam Saunders. Motion carried. BUDGET AND AUDIT COMMITTEE REPORT (PCC LION HERB BURRY) The Budget and Audit Committee met prior to the Cabinet Meeting and the following items were discussed. PCC Lion Herb Burry presented the items resulting from the meeting. District must adhere to the policy established. (1) Lions with approved expenses must submit their claim to the CST within 30 days of incurring these expenses; (2) clarify the policy with respect to mileage claim, i.e., from home Club to destination; (3) only eligible participants will be reimbursed for training; i.e.; while everyone is encouraged to avail of training seminars District will only cover costs of targeted Lions; (4) meals will be reimbursed as per the Rules of Audit. (5) PDG Lion Frank Antle presented an invoice for payment which exceeded the time frame as per policy guidelines. After some discussion, a motion by PCC Lion Herb; seconded by Lion Eleanor Reid; that this invoice would not be honoured. Motion carried. CST REPORT CST Lion Pat noted that a copy of the Financial Report had been emailed to the Clubs. As this is early in the year there is not much activity and nothing new to report. Clubs are asked to make their cheques payable to LCI District N4 and to note the designation of funds on the cheque. This will allow funds to be deposited to the correct project.
MEETING WITH ZONE CHAIRS 1 st VDG Lion Diane Bonnell reported on her meeting with the Zone Chairs. 8 of the 10 Chairs were in attendance. Clubs are continuing to do wonderful work. There are some clubs who are struggling with membership and finances with the possibility of 2 Clubs returning their charter. Clubs are reminded that we have a GMT and GLT Committee to help clubs who feel they would benefit. Clubs are asked to check with their Zone Chair if they wish to have the Teams involved. Zone Chair Lion Gerald Coombs threw a bouquet to the MUN Campus Club, although they only have 12 members, they are doing well. MOTIONS FROM CABINET MEETING AUGUST 2016 Redistricting It is the conclusion of District N4 that redistricting is not in the best interest of Lionism for the District. A motion by Lion Gerald Coombs; seconded by PDG Lion Paul Abbott; that District N4 maintain status quo. Motion carried. Lions Day of Service A motion by PCC Lion Len Mooney; seconded by Lion Maxine Quigley, that May 6, 2017, be observed as a Lions Day of Service. Motion carried. Lion Max Simms Memorial Camp A motion by 1 st VDG Lion Diane Bonnell; seconded by Lion Gerald Coombs, that the District apply for a grant of $75,000.00 from LCIF for playground equipment for the Lion Max Simms Memorial Camp. Motion carried. COMMITTEE REPORTS ALERT (LION PERRY COLLINS) No report from District Chair, however, Lion Michael Foote gave a report on the fire that destroyed the fish plant in Bay De Verde. The Baccalieu Lions Club worked tirelessly to help all those in need. It made them feel proud to be able to provide needed assistance. CENTENNIAL CELEBRATIONS (LION MAUREEN HYNES) - No report at this time. CONSTITUTION AND BY LAWS (LION CLAUDETTE COOMBS) The Constitution and By Laws Committee will be presenting a Motion at the General Business Meeting of the February 2017 Convention. Comments can be forwarded, before February 1, 2017, to any member of the Committee. MOTION Constitution and By Laws Committee recommends to the District N4 Membership that: District N4 shall adopt the LCI Standard Form Constitution and By Laws for Districts as the Constitution for District N4. And further that,
The Constitution and By Laws Committee shall take all relevant information in our current Constitution and By Laws, specific to District N4, and place the appropriate articles in our District N4 Policy Manual. And further that, These changes shall be effective July 1, 2017. CONVENTION (LION DANNY CAMPBELL) Lion Michael Foote has agreed to serve on this Committee with Lion Danny. Recommendation from the Committee is that Tail Twisting at Conventions should encompass some sort of fun and not just a free will offering. CULTURAL AND COMMUNITY AFFAIRS (PDG LION BILL DUNNE) - No report at this time. DIABETES AWARENESS (LION THERESA LEWIS) Chair has only heard from three Clubs who have indicated their participation in Diabetes Awareness. Encouraged Clubs to become involved and to report same. DISASTER RELIEF FUND (PDG LION LEWIS FIFIELD) No report at this time. Committee will be meeting and have a report for the February Convention. ENVIRONMENT (LION ROLAND LEGROW) Clubs are encouraged to participate in the Lions Environmental Photo Contest. Deadline for submitting entries is December 11, 2016. Please send your photos to Lion Roland. Some Clubs have advised of their participation in an Environmental Project for those who have participated and not advised please do so. GLOBAL LEADERSHIP TEAM (LION JANINE HOWSE) Separate training sessions were held for Zone Chairpersons and Secretaries at Riverside Elementary School in Clarenville in September. These training sessions have been found to be worthwhile by those who attended. One of the main goals of the GLT is to encourage new leadership. It is very important that such Lions are supported in their learning. The GLT is here to help you. If you would like a visit to your Club it can be arranged. Contact a member of the Committee to plan a place and time. A Membership/Leadership Forum is planned for Marystown January 21, 2017, at the Marystown Hotel. Presidents and 1 st Vice Presidents from the clubs in Zone 10 will be invited to participate. If this Forum proves beneficial it will be planned for upcoming years. If you have any questions or concerns please contact your Team. GLOBAL MEMBERSHIP TEAM (LION CHES PIKE) The GMT held a meeting on October 4 th to establish a frame work for the coming year. Topics discussed were; Orientation familiarize yourself with the various aspects of our organization; Centennial Celebrations participate in the Legacy Project; and Membership and Visibility.
HEARING AND SPEECH (LION CHARLIE PHILLIPS) No report at this time. HONORARY (PDG LION SAM SAUNDERS) No report at this time. INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (LION SYLVAIN GALLANT) District Clubs are encouraged to embrace the online world. There is a strong tie to communication and public image that is generated from online presence and activity. This increases our visibility and may appeal to a younger demographic. Lion Sylvain measured the health of our Clubs from an IT perspective. Some interesting figures 94% of Clubs report electronically 80% of these Clubs have current reports 3 Clubs have not reported in 2 years 11% of Clubs have an independent web presence outside of e-clubhouse or Facebook 47% of Clubs have e-clubhouse activated but only 10 clubs are current 62% of Clubs have a Facebook presence but only half of those are current 6 Clubs have no email address with MYLCI The policy as it pertains to the IT Chair and committee and communications for the District needs to be revised. If any Club would like assistance with IT please contact Lion Sylvain or PDG Lion Frank Antle. INTERNATIONAL UNDERSTANDING AND COOPERATION (LION LES CAINES) Clubs are asked to please email your report to the Chair if you have undertaken any projects. LIONS CLUBS INTERNATIONAL FOUNDATION (LION BOB BEAUCHAMP) LCIF has been providing grants in our Province for some time. This is where the money that you contribute to LCIF is used. The Lions Family of District N4 has once again been recognized as one of the TOP FIVE Districts in Constitutional Area II. This is four years in a row that this District has achieved this honour. LCI has asked that all Clubs have a LCIF Coordinator introduced this year. This Lion will get the message to the Club on a more regular basis and increase individual awareness about their Foundation. Should you need any further information please contact Lion Bob. LIONS DISTRICT N4 FOUNDATION (LION JIM FORD) No report at this time. LIONS FOUNDATION OF CANADA (LION TOM JANES) Our District continues to support LFC and the great work they do. Recently the North Harbour Lions Club was contacted by a family in the United States who were inquiring to see if the Club was interested in the services of a Diabetic Alert Dog Guide. They had a dog trained for their two year
old child but unfortunately the child passed. The North Harbour Lions Club is looking into this matter and a further update will be provided in February. Also, a family in Port Blandford received an Autism Assistance Dog Guide for their five year old child. Great work being done by LFC. Any Clubs supporting LFC please provide the information to Lion Tom. LION MAX SIMMS MEMORIAL CAMP (2 nd VDG LION JENNIFER HUTCHINGS) Summer Camps went very well, seeing an increase in revenue over 2015, just below $100,000.00 an equivalent of 694 overnight campers plus day use camps. Camp A Rama weekend was well attended and numbers increased from both Districts as the LMSMC celebrated 35 years. $103,000.00 was awarded by ACOA for the replacement of the playground. Groundwork has begun and hopefully the project will be completed by the summer of 2017. Unfortunately revenue is down in 2016 by approximately $41,000.00 with a projected decrease of $80,000.00. Major revenue generators in the off season are being cancelled and many groups have chosen to omit camp this year due to cost saving measures. The Camp has a large wish list and if you are interested in supporting this wish list please contact 1 st VDG Lion Diane Bonnell. Lion Carl Chafe reported on the Ride to the Max. The weather cooperated for the 7 th Annual Ride. The ride began at the Goulds Lions Club and picked up riders along the way to the Camp. Lunch was served by the Alexander Bay Lions Club. A lot of fun and relaxation was had by all and a total of $17,150.00 was raised. The 8 th Annual Run is scheduled for August 19, 2017. Mark your calendars now. A total of $14,400.00 was collected today for the Lion Max Simms Memorial Camp. LONG RANGE PLANNING (LION MARY FELKAR) The LRP Committee was tasked with various concerns. Conventions after reviewing the current policy manual it is felt that all the issues raised are covered by current policy and there is no need to change. District Directory asked to look at the possibility of forming a committee to develop the district directory. This item was discussed at length and the committee members feel that since most of the information needed is available from the PU101 forms and the purposes of the funds raised from the booklet that this should continue to be performed by the DG and CST with help from the VDG s if needed. Also recommends that the Club address be included as well as that of the president and secretary Newly Chartered Clubs current maximum start up costs of $500.00 for new Clubs is sufficient. An application to be used by new Clubs who wish to avail of these funds will be developed.
Pins and Banners the committee researched the spending patterns of PDG s and noted the allocated amount was spent. The committee recommends that the budget remain unchanged and the purchase choice be that of the DG. Any amount spent in excess of $1,200.00 would be the responsibility of the DG. The committee was asked to review the Leo Convention; the International Service Project and 2 nd VDG Funding. These items are a work in progress and will be reported on at the February Convention. NOMINATIONS AND ELECTIONS (PCST LION RON POND) The elections for the 2017-2018 Lions year are scheduled for the Gander Convention. It is the responsibility of the Nominations and Elections Committee to review the qualifications of each nominated candidate within 30 days prior to the election and rule on eligibility. Nominations from the floor will only be accepted if there are no candidates previously nominated and approved by the Nominating Committee. If a nomination is made from the floor the credentials must be checked prior to being permitted to stand for election. All rules which govern this process must be adhered to. If you have any questions please contact Lion Ron. OPPORTUNITIES FOR YOUTH (LION JANE SMITH PARSONS) LEOS (LION LORETTA RYAN) the Leo Convention will be held at Camp Starrigan in early May. The LMSMC was considered as a possibility for this convention but it is more feasible to hold at current location and also there were issues around gender based accommodations. LIONS QUEST (PCC LION LEN MOONEY) workshops are planned to train the trainers. The first week in November will see a training session for four individuals and two workshops, for 50 teachers, are scheduled for the second week in November. Lions Quest recently received a grant for $25,000.00 US and this will help greatly with our program. If anyone would like more information on the Quest Program please contact a member of the Committee. PEACE POSTER (LION BEV PENNEY) should be in schools now. The deadline for submitting posters is November 15, 2016. Please send to the District Chair. All information required is provided in the Peace Poster Kit. SPEAKOUT (LION GEOFF LOMOND) further information will be coming out in November, through the CST. Information is also contained in the Policy Manual. YOUTH EXCHANGE (LION CHRIS SQUIRES) the Youth Exchange Program was very successful. Although only one applicant she was an extraordinary youth. She was liked so much by the exchange club that she was asked to stay an extra three weeks. This project will continue this year and more information will be coming in the near future. PINS AND VISITATIONS (LION TERRY CLARKE) There are still pins available for purchase. Please seek out Lion Terry at the Conventions. Lions who participate in the Visitations are asked to please have your Visitation Card to the Chair before July 15 th of each year so certificates can be prepared.
PUBLIC RELATIONS (PDG LION HARRY HARDING) The Public Relations Committee consists of PDG Lion Harry, Lion Janine Howse and Lion Bradley Moss. Please contact a member of the committee if you need assistance with getting your message out there. Lions are asked to publicize our organization every chance we get. READING ACTION PROGRAM (PDG LION JOAN FORWARD) No report at this time. Will report in February. SIGHT CONSERVATION AND WORK WITH THE BLIND (LION BRADLEY MOSS) White Canes - appeal is still on. Clubs can remit their donation at any upcoming Convention or directly to the CST. Blind Adult Camp this year 60 campers took part in the week long event at the Lion Max Simms Memorial Camp. More than 80% of the campers were supported by Lions Clubs. This is very much appreciated by the campers and a good time was had by all. Recycling Centre the Bishops Falls Eyeglass Recycling Centre has been featured in both a story on the CBC website and recently in the Grand Falls Advertiser and Telegram On Line. The Centre was really busy over the summer importing glasses from Districts N1 and N2. The inmates are now in the range of 50,000 pairs recycled and BFCC supplied about 1,700 glasses for the recent mission to Nicaragua. International Service Project a defined criteria is presently being established and an application process and selection committee being put in place to select Lions for the ISP. In order to ensure the future success of both sides of the Program Team Broken Earth has offered Lion Bradley an unpaid position within their organization known as Vision Coordinator. Lion Bradley has accepted this position. More information to follow when LRP has reviewed. We have been invited to Haiti in February to run another clinic and costs are being assessed to see if we can get back there and setup an expanded clinic. In connection with the International Service Project to Nicaragua it was a productive mission. Although it took many hours to reach there Lions Bradley and Jamie Meadus (Goulds Lions Club) worked hard and the clinic ran for 4.5 days with a total of 443 patients. It gave the life changing gift of sight to people who need it. During the mission Lions visited a school for the blind called Casa Santa Lucia. Students welcomed and performed music on guitars and drums. It had run down equipment, ancient braille machines and oddly enough, no white canes for these children. They were led around by hand. Lion Brad contacted the CNIB and will secure canes for these children as soon as possible, through the funding available. A financial report on the mission will be available as soon as all invoices have been received. Thanks to all those who continue to support the International Service Project. VOCM BINGO LIAISON (PDG LION RON WHITTEN) No report at this time.
NEW BUSINESS PCC Lion Len Mooney reported on the progress of installing televisions at the Agnes Cowan Hostel. Work is beginning and televisions should be installed in each room by Christmas, if not before. They will be mounted on the walls and not easily removed. Givers will be noted. We are still a little short of our goal to provide 88 televisions and if you would like to donate please send your money to the CST. Lion Claudette Coombs invited Lions to visit the Healthy Communities display at the back of the meeting room. 169 Lions signed the attendance sheets. No further business - the meeting adjourned at 3:55 PM