December 23 Minutes

Meeting held at Sazon. Members present: Sarah Storrs, Byron Thomas, Doug Ryder, Wayne Wiedert, Bob Titus

November 25th Minutes – Approved as written

Treasurer’s Report – Lion Sarah Storrs for Dick Wedin
· Dues Account & Project Account balance
· Outstanding Eye Care Applications: 2

Old Business

Mint Sales: Lion Byron Thomas
· Byron turned in money collected last week.
· Will check again 12/29/08.

Cub Scout Den 480: Lion Byron Thomas
· Byron to attend January committee meeting.
· Will take remaining RMH tab houses to distribute to scouts.

Ronald McDonald House Pull-Tab Collection: Lion Sarah Storrs, No updates

Ellensburg Charm Trail: Lion Sarah Storrs
· Have sold 38 charms total (plus 1 donated as bunco prize)

Sight & Hearing Committee: Lion Sarah Storrs
· Approvals: 1 glasses only, 1 glasses/exam
· Decision made to not allow Lions patients to pay extra for "preference" options (transitions, A/R, etc. when not Rxed by Dr). Sarah Storrs will notify Valley Vision of this change.

Lions Health Screening Unit for Schools– Fall 2009, No updates

“Zone F-1 Pride” T-Shirts: Lion Sarah Storrs
· First order 50 shirts
· Submitted second order for 10 XXL
· Donated one for raffle prize at Zone meeting. Have sold 15 shirts so far
· Decision made to not charge more for XXL--all sizes $15 each
· Sarah Storrs working on a T-shirt order forms to mail to Club Presidents in January

New Business

Summary of 2nd Zone Meeting, 12/9/2008
· Spring Conference: March 20 & 21 (Friday & Saturday)
-Booth for fun night on Friday. Theme is "Day at the Fair." Members present were interested in putting on a booth. Ideas were for a dunk tank, "fishing" game, ring toss, and darts.
-Raffle prize donation. Members approved donation of 1 size M Zone Pride Shirt
· Leadership 101: March 20; Sarah Storrs to attend, club will pay $35 registration for workshop
· Next Zone Meeting: Wednesday, Feb 25th (Location TBA)

Passing of Naches Lion Bob Way

MD-19 CARE Project 2008-09 “Fight Child Labor in Bolivia”
· Defer final decision until Sec/Treasurer can confirm buget would allow for donation, but consensus was we should use our project fund for local service programs (glasses/exams)

Adjourn

Next Meeting: Tuesday, January 13
Next Program: Tuesday, January 27
Rolf and Michelle Williams, Kittitas County Parent-2-Parent

Zone Meeting Minutes 12/9/08

These will be posted as soon as I receive the electronic copy :)

CDC study projects large increase in rates of diabetes-related eye diseases.

As reported by MedPage Today Monday, HealthDay (12/9, Preidt) reported that, according to a study published in the Dec. issue of the Archives of Ophthalmology, "The number of Americans with diabetic retinopathy is expected to increase from 5.5 million to 16 million by the year 2050." Researchers from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention "analyzed data from the 2004 National Health Interview Survey and the U.S. Census Bureau to predict the number of Americans with diabetes who will have diabetic retinopathy, vision-threatening diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, and cataracts in 2050, when the country's population is expected to be 402 million." The investigators also predicted that vision-threatening diabetic retinopathy cases "will increase from 1.2 million to 3.4 million," and that "cataract cases among whites and blacks age 40 or older with diabetes will increase 235 percent." In addition, "glaucoma cases among Hispanics age 65 and older with diabetes will increase 12-fold."

AOA First Look, Dec 10, 2008

T-Shirts!

Our custom Lions T-shirts are ready. There are lots of L and XL, a few M. They are $15 each. You can buy one at the zone meeting Tuesday night (or contact Lion Sarah Storrs by email/phone, and I'll get one to you).

Show your Zone F-1 pride!

November 25, 2008 Minutes

Attendance
Members: Byron, Wayne, Doug, Bob W., Bob T., Sarah, Mark, Dick, and Liz.
Guests: Joan Wagner, Bill Barber

Call to Order – Lion President Sarah Storrs

Flag Salute – Lion Bob Wagner

Invocation – Lion Doug Ryder

Introductions & Tail Twisting – Lion Bob Wagner

November 11th Minutes –Lion Dick Wedin
• Approved

Treasurer’s Report – Lion Dick Wedin
• Dues Account & Project Account balance
• Outstanding Exam/Glasses: One request.

Old Business

Mint Sales: Lions Bob Wagner & Byron Thomas
• Byron (and Mark) will be taking over beginning 1st week in December. Bob Wagner, informed the group the Perkins mint sale box is a hit, need to service twice a week: Monday’s and Friday’s…Mark will service Perkins and Jenika’s Coffee House at Exit 106; Byron will service the remaining sites.

Ronald McDonald House Pull-Tab Collection
• Still have some houses—please help find homes

Ellensburg Charm Trail: Lion Sarah Storrs
• No updates

Sight & Hearing Committee: Lion Sarah Storrs
• 2 boxes batteries donated by Inland Hearing Aids, and 9 donated hearing aids (4 collected by IHA) delivered to NWLSHF by Marge & Bill Sheppard 11/20/08

Play It By Ear Bunco Tournament: Lions Liz Whitaker & Sarah Storrs
• Final Total: (Brought in $938, supplies all donated)
• $450 Play it by Ear donation to Northwest Lions Sight and Hearing Foundation-Approved.
o “Proceeds will be split” between NWLSHF and club was on all promotional materials, “half proceeds going to NWLSHF for PIBE was written in 7/22/08 minutes
o Motion not needed, Dick will send a check in the mail.
• Tournament winners: Jennifer Johnson (Most Losses), Naches Lion Paul Kauzlarich (Most Wins), Audrey Wedin (Last Bunco), and Linda Brennan (Most Buncos). All four chose to donate their prize money to the brand new Ellensburg Lions Club Hearing Project Fund.

Lions Health Screening Unit for Schools– Fall 2009: Lion Liz Whitaker
• Committee: Liz, Doug, Dick, Bob T, Wayne.
• Application has been submitted for
o 1st Choice October 5th, 6th, 7th
o 2nd Choice September 28th, 29th, 30th
o 3rd Choice October 7th, 8th, 9th
• Will be notified of our date by end of January 2009.
• Sarah submitted application by e-mail and was confirmed.

Cub Scout Den Charter – Lions Byron Thomas and Dick Wedin
• Byron attend organizational meeting. There are 11 parents and cub scouts. The pack will meet at Mt. Stuart Elementary. Brian Carlson is the cub scout master with several volunteers. Byron informed Lions that there are two important dates coming up: Pinewood Derby Race is January 19th, and the Blue and Gold Banquet is March 15th. The Club decided to invite the newly formed pack to the Lions Club June 23 noon meeting to receive: Recognition, give Pledge of Allegiance, etc.

Tail Twister and Tamer:
• Bob Titus was overwhelming accepted as the new Tail Twister…and didn’t waste time doing his newly appointed job. Still looking for someone to volunteer for Club Tamer…is that you, dude/dudette?

New Business

Certificate of Appreciation to Rodeo City BBQ
• Presented and accepted.

VFW Thank You card for Flag
• Passed around and signed.

“Branding”
• Current President is requesting everything Lions Clubs do have a plaque or a logo, to make sure people know there are Lions out there providing service to community. Includes wearing vests when participating in an activity.

“Zone F-1 Pride” T-Shirts
• Design examples
• Sell to other clubs in our Zone; have in time for the Zone meeting—give 1-2 as a raffle prize
• Price quotes
o Shirtworks in Ellensburg
o Shirts and More
o Ellensburg Embroidery
• Ellensburg Embroidery approved by popular vote—Sarah will proceed.

Program: Bill Barber, FISH
• Bill presented an informative program about Friends In Service to Humanity. Motion passed to donated $365 to FISH.

Adjourn

Next Meeting: Winter Zone Meeting, Tuesday December 9th, 6:30 pm No noon meeting

Play it by Ear Bunco Tournament

Last night was ELC's (Ellensburg Lions Club) first ever Play it by Ear Bunco Tournament. I don't have a final total yet, but between tournament tickets, donations, and the raffle we brought in over $700! We had eight full tables rolling away, with some hot hands rolling lots of Buncos. Thanks to all ELC members for helping to make this a very successful event.

F-1 Zone Chairman David Heath hopes luck is with him tonight. On the other team, Ellensburg Lion Bob Titus is hoping not :)


It's Terrace Heights vs. Ellensburg!


Two players modeling the very hip Bunco hat.



The tournament winning players: Jennifer Johnson (Most Losses), Naches Lion Paul Kauzlarich (Most Wins), Audrey Wedin (Last Bunco), and Linda Brennan (Most Buncos). All four chose to donate their prize money to the brand new Ellensburg Lions Club Hearing Project Fund.

November 11 Minutes

Attendance
Members: Chris, Mark, Bob T, Bob W, Byron, Sarah, Dick, Wayne, Liz.
Guests: Frank Villanueva, Boy Scouts; David Heath.

Call to Order – Lion President Sarah Storrs

Flag Salute – Lion Bob Titus

Invocation – Lion Dick Wedin

Introductions & Tail Twisting – Lion Bob Wagner

Approval of October 28th Minutes –Lion Dick Wedin: Approved

Treasurer’s Report – Lion Dick Wedin
· Dues Account: $681.72
· Project Account: $1,336.47
· Outstanding Exam/Glasses: 1 (exam & glasses)

Old Business

Mint Sale: Lion Bob Wagner.
Sales at Perkins really good. Need to check and replenish twice a week. With Bob W leaving, Mark volunteered to service Perkins, Byron will do the rest.

Ellensburg Charm Trail: Lion Sarah Storrs
· Charms are in—lots of people asking, but no buyers at the office (sold 14 at Terrace Heights meeting 11/6/08)

Sight & Hearing Committee: Lion Sarah Storrs
· No updates

Play It By Ear Bunco Tournament: Lions Liz Whitaker & Sarah Storrs
· Saturday November 15th, 6:30-9:30 pm at St. Andrew’s Church (waived rental fee!)
· Names of Lions who will be attending:
o Set up crew (5:30 pm): Dick, Chris, Bob T, and Sarah.
o Ticket Taker (collecting admission tickets, selling raffle tickets): Byron
o MCs: Sarah & Liz
o Refreshments (set-up, making coffee, replenishing cookies): Mark
o Raffle Drawing (prize table, announcing winners): Mark
o Hearing Loss Demonstration: Sarah
o Take down crew: Dick, Sarah, Liz, others?
We have approximately 31 tickets accounted for being sold. Will need to set up 10 tables with 4 individuals per table. Tables will be supplied by: Byron 1, Bob T 1, Mark 1, Dick 2, Bob W 1, Liz 2, and Sarah 1.

Lions Health Screening Unit for Schools– Fall 2009: Lion Liz Whitaker
· Committee: Liz, Doug, Dick, Bob T, Wayne.
· Application due November 30th.
· Will request 3 school days
· Dates West Valley/Tieton will be requesting (per Marge Sheppard)
o 1st Choice--October 5 through October 7, 2009
o 2nd Choice --September 28 through September 30
o 3rd Choice--October 7through October 9.

Wanted:
· Tail Twister
· Lion Tamer
· RMH Zone Project Chair: Sarah
o “Tab Houses” are here—please take 1-2 for home & work to collect tabs

New Business


Program: Frank Villanueva, with Boy Scouts.
After an informative presentation, members voted to become a Charter member of Cub Scouts, chartering the new club Pack at Mt. Stuart Elementary. Charter member includes the following responsibilities: Attend monthly pack meetings, voting member of District Committee meetings held once a month in Yakima, and the ability to hire/fire pack leaders. The cost of Chartering a Pack is $35 which was paid to Frank. Dick and Byron will be the charter contacts for District and the Pack. There are 4 existing Packs: one community based, and the other three associated with the LDS Church. Our new Pack will help spread members for the community Pack. There are 6 Boy Scout Troops, three of which are associated with the LDS Church and the other three various other churches. The Mt. Stuart Pack will meet either or Monday or Tuesday nights at Mt. Stuart Elementary.

Adjourn

Next Meeting: Tuesday November 25th
Speaker: FISH, Bill Barber.

Tuesday December 9th No noon meeting
Winter F1 Zone Meeting, at Rodeo City BBQ 6:30 pm.

Survey indicates just three percent of Americans are concerned about diabetes.

This was in an email newsletter from the American Optometric Association. If one of Lions International's goals is to increase awareness of diabetes and the seriousness of it's complications, we've got our work cut out for us.

HealthDay (10/28, Doheny) reported, "While millions of Americans are at risk for developing diabetes, too few perceive the threat it can pose to their health, according to a new survey" commissioned by the American Diabetes Association (ADA). Investigators polled "more than 2,400 U.S. adults," and found that 49 percent "they most feared cancer as a potential health problem," but "just three percent said they worried about diabetes." Yet, "each disease has about the same number of expected new cases each year, more than a million annually." The ADA noted that "overall, one in 10 U.S. adults, or 10 percent, have been diagnosed with diabetes at some point in their lives, compared to six percent who have experienced cancer." The survey also revealed that "after cancer, respondents next feared heart disease, mentioned by 12 percent, and nervous system disorders, noted by 11 percent."

WebMD (10/28, Colihan) quoted Ann Albright, Ph.D., of the ADA, as saying, "Unfortunately, people don't seem to take diabetes seriously, and they don't seem to realize that diabetes -- if left untreated or poorly treated -- can be a very scary disease." She added, "We don't like to unnecessarily scare people, but the findings from this survey are alarming because diabetes is more deadly than these other fears, and Americans are more likely to have a personal experience with diabetes than shark attacks or snake bites."

Lions are on the Ellensburg Charm Trail

The "Lion" charm for the Ellensburg Charm Trail is here. Charms are available at Family Eye Clinic for $1.00 each, and all proceeds will be donated back to the Lions Club. Support awareness of Ellensburg Lions by buying a charm today (even if charm bracelets aren't really your thing, I'm sure you could come up with something to do with a little lion...)

October 28th Minutes

Attendance.
Members: Sarah, Bob Wagner, Dick Wedin, Wayne, Mark, and Liz.
Guests: Joan Wagner, and Crawford Spens (Longview Lions Club).
Speaker: Dale Larson, WSU Kittitas County Exenstion.

Call to Order – Lion President Sarah Storrs

Flag Salute – Lion Sarah Storrs

Invocation – Lion Wayne Weidert

Introductions & Tail Twisting – Lion Bob Wagner

Approval of October 14th Minutes – Approved.

Treasurer’s Report – Lion Dick Wedin
· Dues Account & Project Account balances
· Outstanding Exam/Glasses: 3

Old Business

Mint Sale: Lion Bob Wagner.
Bob will pick up 3 more cases of mints. Dick wrote out a check for $180 to the West Valley Lions Club. With Bob and Joan moving back to California, Byron has volunteered to take over the mint sales…ordering mints and servicing mint sale boxes, starting in December.

Sight & Hearing Committee: Lion Sarah Storrs
· Outstanding: 1 exam/glasses & 1 glasses only approved; 1 glasses only bill submitted by provider.
· Revised Provider Agreement – Signed agreements from Family Eye Clinic and Valley Vision are on file
· Change in procedure –Secretary will be the person keeping all applications on file, sending notification letters to patients after receiving approvals from the Sight and Hearing Committee.

Play It By Ear Bunco Tournament: Lions Liz Whitaker & Sarah Storrs
· Saturday November 15th, 6:30-9:30 pm at St. Andrew’s Church (waived rental fee!)
· Sub-committees
o Byron and Chris-promotion & tickets
§ Fliers to be posted at businesses around town. Flyers distributed to several members to distribute around town: Mark, Dick, and Bob W.
§ Ticket sales—Mark will buy a table, Dick has sold one table.
o Mark-prizes: Working on it…some wine already donated. I’ll drink to that.
o Cindy-refreshments: Via email—will deliver refreshments to the tournament, but unable to attend event.
o Card Tables, need 10: Dick will bring 2, Mark 1, Bob Wagner 1, Liz 2, and Sarah 1. Need 3 more tables.

Lions Health Screening Unit for Schools– Fall 2009: Lion Liz Whitaker
· Committee: Liz, Doug, Dick, Bob T, Wayne.
· Application due November 30th.
· Bill Meehan indicated ESD was interested, Cle Elum also interested; Ellensburg Christian School –haven’t spoken with Anna Ng (per a parent, they have no screenings)
· Full-scale (5 days) for our first time or less (2-3 days) to get a feel for running a screening
· Costs involved: currently $100 per day for LHSU, fee increase expected (not exceeding $150/day per Marge Sheppard); donations of lodging, meals, gas cards for driver are “encouraged”
· After much discussion, the club will coordinate with Yakima Lions for three days in Ellensburg, servicing the Ellensburg School District…this year. We will see how it goes and if successful may include other county school districts the year following.

Zone Pull Tab Collection Project
· Still need a chair, preferably by 10/30/08
· Ronald McDonald House has cardboard “house” receptacles in two sizes—Spokane RMH is mailing us 10 large and 20 small (we can get more)
· Main job now is finding sites to distribute collection containers –possibly the list of mint sale participants?

Speaker Coordinator –Lion Dick Wedin
· Current list:
o November 11th: Boy Scouts.
o November 25th: FISH
o January 13th: Rolf Williams, Kittitas Valley Opportunities, Parent-2-Parent (need to confirm)
o Ideas for future programs? A representative from Foster Care would like to be on program…Sarah will forward request to Dick for scheduling.

Ellensburg Charm Trail-Sarah Storrs
· Charm forms submitted to ECC 10/15/08. Charms delivered to Family Eye Clinic 10/28/2008. The Lion charm is $1, and proceeds go to Lions Club.

New Business
· Boy Scouts would like to have the Ellensburg Lions Club become a Charter sponsor for a new cub scout den out of Mt. Stuart. Sarah will invite him to our November 11th meeting to explain.

Program: presented by Dale Larson, Kittitas County 4-H

Adjourn

Next Meeting: Tuesday November 11th
Speaker: Frank Villaneuva, Boy Scouts.

Tuesday December 9th No noon meeting
Winter F1 Zone Meeting, at Rodeo City BBQ 6:30 pm.

Volunteer Positions

As small of a club as we are, it is inevitable that each member may end up serving on multiple comittees. We have three positions which need to be filled as soon as possible. Volunteers would be greatly appreciated--not being able to attend every meeting does not mean you still can't serve in one of these positions (Zone Project Chair).

1. Lion Tamer
• Responsible for bringing bell & mallet to each meeting
• Keeps other club items, bringing to meeting as necessary (splay of flags, extra vests)


2. Zone Project Chair (by 10/30 if possible)
• Project is collecting aluminum pull tabs for Spokane Ronald McDonald House
• Chair duties involve making collection containers, finding locations to put the containers, distributing containers to said locations, emptying containers periodically, forwarding tabs to Spokane Lions Club

Thank you to Lion Dick Wedin--he is our new Speaker Coordinator

Minutes for 10/14/2008

Attendance
Members: Doug, Sarah, Byron, Bob Wagner, Bob Titus, Mark, Cindi, Dick.
Guests: Gene Ketzenberg, VFW; Don Morris, VFW; Joan Wagner.

Call to Order – Lion President Sarah Storrs

Flag Salute – Lion Doug Rider

Invocation – Lion Byron Thomas

Introductions & Tail Twisting – Lion Bob Wagner

Approval of September 23rd Minutes: Approved.

Treasurer’s Report – Lion Dick Wedin
• Dues Account & Project Account balances
• Outstanding Exam/Glasses: 4 (2 exam/glasses; 2 glasses only)

Old Business

Mint Sale: Lion Bob Wagner

Sight & Hearing Committee: Lion Sarah Storrs
• Approved CH application for exam and glasses.
• Hope Source has declined to continue being a screening source
• Revised Provider Agreement – Sarah reported that the Provider Agreement has been revised;Family Eye Clinic signed, and an agreement has been mailed to Valley Vision Associates for signature

Play It By Ear Bunco Tournament: Lions Liz Whitaker & Sarah Storrs
• Saturday November 15th, 6:30-9:30 pm at St. Andrew’s Church (waived rental fee!)
• Sub-committees
o Co-Chairs: Need card tables. Bob Titus volunteered along with Byron, Dick (2) and Mark. May need more.
o Byron and Chris-promotion & tickets
1. 20 color fliers to be posted at businesses around town
2. Press releases submitted to Daily Record and Tribune 10/8/08
3. PSA applications to KXLE & KCWU 10/6/08
4. Email announcement with request to forward sent out to each Lion, SS’s Bunco group, others???
5. Tickets are here—asking each Lion to try and sell 5 tickets and were passed out to members.
o Mark-prizes
Donations from Family Eye Clinic, Avon gift basket, Pampered Chef. Mark will follow up with other organizations including Suncada for prizes.
o Cindy-refreshments: Need 12 dozen cookies. Dick, Cindi, Sarah, Mark volunteered.

Still looking for a Lion Tamer…

Promotional Items Needing Updating with New Meeting Days and/or Location
• Road sign update – Bob Titus and Wayne. No report.

Indian John Hill Rest Stop
• Date for 2009: July 4th weekend (July 3-6th). Members need to reserve the date to staff a shift or two. This is our main fund raiser and need full participation by members.

New Business

VFW Flag Presentation – Gene Ketzenberg & Don Morris.
American flag and mount were presented to the club. Arrangements have been made for the flag to remain at Rodeo City BBQ. The presentation was cheerfully accepted and is appreciated. Gene indicated that we should contact him to depose of any torn flags…for there is an accepted way of deposing of the American Flag which VFW performs on request.

Gene also indicated that the local VFW is hosting a turkey dinner, October 25, 6:00 p.m., at the First Lutheran Church. Cost is $10 per ticket or $25 per family. Real food, and proceeds go to a good cause.

Lions Health Screening Unit for Schools– Fall 2009• Committee: Liz, Doug, Dick, Bob T, Wayne.
• Application due November 30th. . More information at our second meeting in October.
• Liz will contact Bill Meehan about level of interest/dates; Include Cle Elum; Ellensburg Christian School also interested (Anna Ng).
• Marge Sheppard had suggested putting our request either immediately before or after West Valley/Tieton’s days (they are requesting last week of September); this may give us a weekend to do a public screening as well

Summary of 1st Zone Meeting
• Minutes were emailed out to club members
• Two main action items
o Zone Project: Collecting aluminum pull tabs for Spokane Ronald McDonald House
• Need a chair for this project (involves making collection containers, distributing them, and then emptying periodically)
• Tabs will be forwarded to Spokane Lions Club
• Need to separate the tab from the aluminum can or just collect the can and we can remove…since the Zone is collecting the tab, club can recycle the can.
• Zone needs to know the club contact person by October 20…any volunteers?
o Ellensburg will host Winter F1 Zone Meeting, Tuesday December 9th at Rodeo City BBQ 6:30 pm. Working on guest speaker from RMH Spokane. With a night meeting, the December 9th noon meeting was cancelled…no reason to have two meetings in one day.

Upcoming Programs
• Need a volunteer to serve as “Speaker Coordinator”
o This person will come up with program ideas (with club input), contact speakers, remind/confirm 1 week and 1 day ahead of time, make framed award certificates, introduce speaker and present award certificate at conclusion of program. Dick volunteered to coordinate.
• Current list:
o October 28th: Dale Larson, Kittitas County 4-H Program, Dick will confirm.
o November 11th: FISH Food Bank (Need to invite)
o December 9th : Zone Meeting by Ellensburg Lions, 6:30 p.m., Rodeo City BBQ. Need attendance. Potential speaker from Ronald McDonald House Spokane (Sarah is arranging).

Ellensburg Charm Trail-Sarah Storrs
• Program sponsored by Chamber of Commerce & Downtown Association
• Purchase a bracelet from CC, & get a map to businesses that have charms; cost public ~$1 each
• Enrollment fee ($75), minimum 144 charms to get started (~$75)
• Sarah is signing up Family Eye Clinic & am willing to “piggy-back” the Lions club with a second charm (Lions club would pay for the charms—proceeds would come back to the club). Motion approved for the Lions club to participate.

Adjourn

Next Meeting: Tuesday October 28th
Speaker: Dale Larson/4-H

Play it by Ear Bunco

Ellensburg Lions Club is sponsoring the first ever Play it by Ear Bunco Tournament on Saturday, November 15th, 6:30-9:30 pm. The event will be held at St. Andrew's Church (401 S. Willow St. in Ellensburg).

Tickets are $25 each or $80 for a table of 4 tickets purchased at one time. There will also be a hearing loss demonstration, dessert refreshments, and a raffle throughout the tournament. One raffle ticket is included with the Bunco registration, additional tickets will be available at the event.




Proceeds from this event will be split between the Northwest Lions Foundation for Sight and Hearing and the Ellensburg Lions club to fund local hearing projects.

District Governor Visit

Here is a photo with most of our local club members, taken on the day of our District Governor's Visitation last month.


(L to R) Dick Wedin, Zone Chair David Heath, Mark Grassel, Liz Whitaker, Wayne Weidert, District Governor Fujiura, Byron Thomas, Sarah Storrs, Chris Hobbs, Joan Wagner, and Bob Wagner.

Highlights from the Fall F1 Zone Meeting

Lions Bob Wagner and Sarah Storrs attended the F1 Zone meeting in Naches September 24th. All clubs in our Zone except for Terrace Heights and Yakima had representatives.

The main action items were as follows:

1) Ideas for and selection of a Zone Project.
The two proposed ideas were collection of aluminum pull tabs for the Spokane Ronald McDonald House (RMH) and sponsoring a guide dog for a blind person (which is about $40,000). After some discussion, a motion was made and passed to take on a Zone-wide collection of the tabs. Each club will have a lead person for this project--the main work involved is to make and distribute collection containers, and then periodically empty them. The tabs will get forwarded to one of the Spokane clubs. The RMH affiliated with Seattle Children's was also mentioned as a beneficiary of our collection efforts, but we later found out they don't participate in the pull-tab program.

2) Ellensburg will be hosting the Winter Zone Meeting, Tuesday December 9th, 6:30 pm.
It will be at Rodeo City BBQ (and happens to be the same day as our regular meeting also). The plan is to have a guest speaker from Ronald McDonald House in Spokane.

September 23rd Minutes

Call to Order – Lion President Sarah Storrs

Flag Salute – Lion Sarah Storrs

Invocation – Lion Dick Wedin

Introductions & Tail Twisting – Lion Bob Wagner

Approval of August 26 & September 9 Minutes

Treasurer’s Report – Lion Dick Wedin
· Dues Account & Project Account balances
· Outstanding Exam/Glasses: 3

Committee Reports:

Mint Sales: Lion Bob Wagner
· Removed Mint Sale box from Bank of the West due to conflict with bank policy.

Sight & Hearing Committee: Lion Sarah Storrs
· Sarah updated application with current approved language. Need to send updated application to agency screeners.
· Sarah and the committee will review agreement form with providers. May need to be updated.
· Sarah asked that she be removed from the approval process due to possible conflict of interest. Byron and Bob Titus will review applications and approve/deny. Sarah will notify applicants by mail of committee decision.

Play It By Ear Bunco Tournament: Lions Liz Whitaker & Sarah Storrs
· Tentative date: Saturday November 15th, 6:30-9:30 pm
· Locations: PUD—available, free, but small; St. Andrew’s Church—available, $50 rental (secretary to ask pastor if rental can be waived); Hal Homes Center is another possibility. Liz will follow up and secure the location.
· Committee Members: Mark-prizes, Cindy-refreshments, Byron and Chris-promotion & tickets
· Sarah & Liz to secure location, tables & chairs (if needed), MC, “How-to” on Bunco, hearing loss demonstration

Kiwanis Threshing-Bee Pancake Breakfast
· Provided 17 man-hours total (Kiwanis provided 12 man-hours for Indian John). Dick, Cindy, Wayne served Saturday and Dick, Mark and Liz Sunday morning.

Lion Tamer – Any Volunteers?
· Still need a volunteer Lion Tamer. The person is the keeper of the club hardware and delivers club flag, bell, etc to monthly meetings.

Promotional Items Needing Updating with New Meeting Days and/or Location
· City entrance road sign need to be changed to reflect new meeting dates. Bob Titus is following up on source and who is responsible for new signs.

Indian John Hill Rest Stop
· Call date for next year is October 13, starting at 8:30. The phone number is 674-4444. Byron and Dick offered to call in. Preference is east bound, June-September. If months not available then the next preference is west bound during those same months. The next preference is east bound October –April, last preference is same time period but west bound. An additional third caller would be helpful…any volunteers?

Lions Health Screening Unit for Schools– Fall 2009
· Application will be due in November
· Committee: Liz, Doug, Dick, Bob T, Wayne. Sarah and Dick will contact Bill Meehan, Special Services Director, for approval, dates, and location. Looking at 5 days perhaps six with an invitation for Cle Elum School District to participate.
· The club would like to have newspaper and radio coverage once the dates have been sent.

1st Zone Meeting
· September 24th, 7:00 pm Naches. Sarah and Bob W. will attend.

Program
· Lion Byron Thomas provided an informative presentation on Vision Independence Center in Yakima. The Center is a two county project (Yakima and Kittitas) and patients are referred for low vision services by their respective eye doctor. Yakima Lions Club donated $15,000.00 for startup funding along with other organizations and private individuals. The cost of services is free to no-income patients including a sliding scale fee schedule for other patients. The Clinic is currently open 2 days a month with Byron and another optometrist providing their expertise essentially “free.”

There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 1:00 p.m.


Next Meeting: Tuesday October 14th

August 9th Meeting Agenda

Call to Order – Lion President Sarah Storrs

Flag Salute

Invocation

Introductions & Tail Twisting – Lion Bob Wagner

Approval of August 26 Minutes

Treasurer’s Report – Lion Dick Wedin
• Dues Account:
• Project Account:
• Outstanding Exam/Glasses: 1
• Budget for 2008-2009

Old Business

Committee Reports:

Mint Sales: Lion Bob Wagner
• New signs

Sight & Hearing Committee: Lion Sarah Storrs
• One outstanding exam/pair of glasses
• Anticipating 2 more applications for glasses only
• Revised application/policy to go out to screening sources
• Revision of provider agreement needs to be done & sent to Valley Vision (BSVC no longer participating)
• Donation of 3 copy boxes full of glasses for recycling (estimate 300 pairs)

Play It By Ear Bunco Tournament: Lions Liz Whitaker & Sarah Storrs
• Tentitive date: Saturday November 15th, 6:30-9:30 pm
• Locations: Hal Holmes, PUD, St. Andrew’s Church, Ellensburg School District
• Committee Members: Mark-prizes, Cindy-refreshments, Byron and Chris-promotion & tickets
• Sarah & Liz to secure location, tables & chairs, MC, “How-to” on Bunco, hearing loss demonstration

Kiwanis Threshing-Bee Pancake Breakfast
• Saturday Sept 13, 7-10:00 am: Dick, Wayne, Cindy
• Sunday Sept 14, 7-10:00 am: Dick, Liz, Mark (Cindy if needed)
• Agreement between clubs?

New Business

President Goals for 2008-09
1) Meet all the criteria for the Club President Excellence Award
a. at least 1 new member
b. at least 1 major service project
c. reports turned in on time (monthly membership, annual club officer report)
d. attendance at 2 zone meetings, club officer training, and district/multiple district/international convention
e. new members induction, involved in committee work
2) Organize a LHSU event with local school districts to take place Fall 2009
3) Hold a Deaf/HH awareness event (Bunco tournament, for example) in conjunction with Play-It-By-Ear October 2008
4) Increase White Cane Days 2009 donation by 10% of 2008 amount
5) New “Fine” container (not a urinal)

Lion Tamer

Promotional Items Needing Updating with New Meeting Days and/or Location
• Road Sign – coming into town off W. Interchange, is there a second sign?
• Web Page www.kvalley.com/lions

Indian John Hill Rest Stop
• Call date for next year
• Volunteers to call
• Do we want to try and get two dates?

Lions Health Screeing Unit for Schools– Fall 2009
• Application will be due in October
• Go for 5 days?
• Committee: Liz, Doug, Dick, Bob T, Wayne

1st Zone Meeting• September 24th, 7:00 pm Naches

Adjourn

Next program meeting September 23rd
• Lion Bill Smedely, Yakima Lions Club
Topic: Opening of Vision Independence Center in Yakima

Upcoming Visitations

August 12 - David Heath, Zone Chairman

August 26 - Melba Fujiura, District Governor

July 22nd Meeting Minutes

Meeting called to order at 12:00 noon

Members Present: Sarah Storrs, Bob Titus, Liz Whitaker, Bob Wagner, Cindy Preston

Guests: District Governor Melba Fujiura, 2nd Lion from Sunnyside Lions Club, Zone Chairman David Heath, Sergeant Fred Slyfield, Joan Wagner

Program: Sergeant Slyfield gave a 30 minute presentation on the organization and activities of Kittitas County Search and Rescue.

Old Business

Indian John Hill Rest Stop – August 1st-4th

• Sign-up sheet was circulated again (an updated version is attached). Current openings are Midnight-6 am Saturday and Sunday, 2 people needed each shift; Noon-6 pm and 6 pm-Midnight on Saturday need 1 person each shift

• Mark Grassel will be purchasing supplies; Bob Wagner will follow up with VFW on donated cookies

• Kiwanis involvement: currently 2 Kiwanis members are signed up for the 6 pm-midnight shift on Sunday

• A written agreement acknowledging the division of proceeds (attached) has been prepared, to be signed by a representative from each club

New Business


VFW Memorial

• Bob Wagner made a motion to donate $1000 to the VFW towards the Memorial at the City Pool, to be paid in four yearly installments of $250 each. $1000 amount proposed because that is the amount needed to get the club name on a plaque at the memorial.

• Motion was seconded by Cindy Preston.

• Discussion of the motion included members wanting to wait and see the Indian John Hill fundraiser proceeds and preparing at least a rough budget for the next year prior to a vote.

• Motion tabled until the next meeting.

Play It By Ear Bunco Tournament Fundraiser

• Sarah Storrs presented idea of a combination fundraiser/awareness of hearing impairment. Tickets would be sold in advance for $10-20. The second half of the tournament, participants would randomly have to wear unilateral or bilateral ear plugs and/or earmuffs to simulate different levels of hearing loss. Part of the ticket money would be used for prizes (or community donated prizes?); half the proceeds would go towards the club’s “Play It By Ear” donation and the other half would be used by the club for hearing projects.

• Discussion of feasibility of hosting bunco tournament in conjunction with a dinner. Possibility of brining in more money, but this would require a location that has a kitchen in addition to at least one member obtaining a food handler’s permit. General consensus was to serve a dessert snack and beverage.

• Saturday October 4th was selected as the tentative date. Liz Whitaker will contact St Andrews, Sarah Storrs will contact the PUD as possible locations. Project Chair TBA (Volunteers will be gladly accepted).


Meeting Adjourned 1:00 pm

• Next business meeting August 12th
• Next program meeting August 26th Roylene Crawford, Rodeo City Kiwanis Breakfasts & Chamber of Commerce

Reminder: June 24th Meeting

Remember--next Tuesday's meeting will be at Wing Central's Roadhouse Grill (101 Umptanum Road) at noon.

Tim Morehouse from Inland Hearing Aids, Inc. will be giving a presentation entitled "Huh?" Causes of hearing loss, it's impact on quality of life, and what can be done about it.

Also, there will be a New Member and New Officer Induction Ceremony.

Meeting Minutes for June 10th, 2008

Attendance: Sarah Storrs, Bob Wagner, Wayne Weidert, Dick Wedin, Bob Titus, Byron Thomas, Doug Rider

Guests: Joan Wagner, Dale Larson

Treasurer Report. Approved.

Previous Meeting Minutes. Approved.

Club Projects

1. Mint Sales.
Bob indicated we have mint sale boxes at Yakima Federal, Bar 14 and two boxes with Family Eye Clinic. New sites include Cashmere Valley Bank and the Chamber of Commerce. Bob and Dick will visit Perkins and Sterling Bank for additional sites.

2. Sight and Hearing Committee.
No new applications for exams or frames.

3. Membership.
Handed out membership applications. Dick will go to the Copy Shop and have brochures folded.

Old Business

1. February 26th Planning Meeting Review & Action Plan.
Bob has completed the web-site and is up and operating. The site is www.kvalley.com/lions

2. Guest Speakers & Program Suggestions & Scheduling.
Sarah handed out a proposed program schedule. Discussion included the following:
June 24 meeting: Tim Morehouse/Hearing Aid Fitting Process
July 22 meeting: Kittitas County Search & Rescue/ TBA
Aug 26 meeting: Roylene Crawford Rodeo City Kiwanis Breakfast Fund Raiser
Sept 23 meeting: Michelle Williams/Kittitas County Parent-2-Parent Programs
Oct 28 meeting: Dale Larson, Kittitas County 4-H Program
Nov 11 meeting: Invite New County Commissioners/TBA
Dec 9 Meeting: FISH Food Bank/TBA
Group decided to hand out a Certificate of Appreciation to speakers who are invited to present programs. Sarah will develop a Certificate for the group to review.

New Business

1. New Member & Officer Induction.
Bill Sheperd will attend the June 24th meeting to induct Liz Whitaker (and any other new member between now and then) and the club officers. Since Rodeo City BBQ will be closed then due to vacations, Dick will check with the Wings Central’s Roadhouse Grill (101 Umptanum Road, 925-7200) to see if room is available for our June 24th meeting. Dick will let folks know and Bob Wagner will contact Bill Sheperd.

2. Indian John Hill.
The sign-up sheet for Indian John Hill rest stop was distributed. Wayne will e-mail schedule out to members to sign-up for particular times once they have a chance to review their calendars. Need a project chair; may need to coordinate with Rodeo City Kiwanis.

3. Meeting Place Plaque.
Wayne will get a new plaque to hang at Rodeo City BBQ reflecting the new meeting dates: second and fourth Tuesdays.

4. Club Screening Forms.
There is a concern that 3rd party screeners are not screening eye glass exam/glasses request thoroughly enough or on the club’s behalf…since there has been approximately 3 patients out of the dozen or so who had insurance. The screening committee will review the applications and make the necessary corrections to ensure the club is funding those who meet our intent. Sarah, Bob Titus and Byron Thomas will meet, change, and present new forms at the next meeting.

There being no further business the meeting was adjourned.

Next Meeting: June 24, noon, Roadhouse Grill???.
Agenda: Tim Morehouse/Hearing Aid Fitting Process
New Member & Officer Induction

Coming Events
a. August 1st – 4th, Indian John Hill Rest Stop fund raiser, Eastbound

Upcoming Programs

June 24
Topic: Hearing Aid Fitting Process
Tim Morehouse, Licensed Hearing Specialist
Inland Hearing Aids, Inc.

September 23
Topic: Parent-2-Parent Family Support Programs
Michelle Williams
Kittitas County Parent-2-Parent

Minutes for May 27th, 2008

Attendance: Sarah Storrs, Bob Wagner, Wayne Weidert, Dick Wedin, Bob Titus, Byron Thomas, Doug Rider

Guests: Joan Wagner, Dale Larson

Treasurer Report. Dues account balance & Project account balance
Outstanding Eye Exams/Frames: None

Previous Meeting Minutes. Approved.

Club Projects

1. Mint Sales.
Bob indicated we have mint sale boxes at Yakima Federal, Bar 14 and two boxes with Family Eye Clinic. New sites include Cashmere Valley Bank and the Chamber of Commerce. Bob and Dick will visit Perkins and Sterling Bank for additional sites.

2. Sight and Hearing Committee.
No new applications for exams or frames.

3. Membership.
The club welcomed Liz Whitaker as a new member.

Old Business

1. February 26th Planning Meeting Review & Action Plan.
Bob has completed the web-site and should be up and operating at Kvalley. The site is www.kvalley.com/lions

2. Guest Speakers & Program Suggestions & Scheduling.
Sarah will located a program for the second meeting in June.

3. MD 19 Convention, Yakima, May 23 & 24, Staff Table.
Bob Wagner attended and staffed the registration table on Friday.

New Business

1. Indian John Hill.
The sign-up sheet for Indian John Hill rest stop will be presented at the first meeting in June. Need a project chair. May need to coordinate with Rodeo City Kiwanis.

Program

VFW representatives presented a program on the proposed veterans memorial at Veterans Memorial Park. VFW is seeking donations to cover the cost of establishing the memorial at approximately $35,000.00. The construction schedule will start later this summer. Donations will be welcomed.

There being no further business the meeting was adjourned.

Next Meeting: June 10, noon, Rodeo City BBQ.
Agenda: Business

Coming Events
a. August 1st – 4th, Indian John Hill Rest Stop fund raiser, Eastbound

Respectfully submitted,

Dick Wedin
Secretary/Treasurer

New Meeting Location!

Reminder to all club members...


We are now meeting at Rodeo City BBQ at noon, on the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of the month. This change is effective for today's meeting.

Meeting Minutes for May 6th, 2008

Attendance: Sarah Storrs, Bob Wagner, Wayne Weidert, Dick Wedin, Bob Titus, Byron Thomas, Mark Grassel.

Guests: Joan Wagner

Treasurer Report. Dues account balance & Project account balance
Outstanding Eye Exams/Frames: None

Previous Meeting Minutes. Approved.

Club Projects

1. Mint Sales.
Bob indicated we have mint sale boxes at Yakima Federal, Bar 14 and two boxes with Family Eye Clinic. Bob will meet with Dick to get boxes out to various businesses such as Perkins, Cashmere Valley Bank, Chamber of Commerce, and Valley Vision Associates.

2. Sight and Hearing Committee.
No new applications for exams or frames.

Old Business

1. February 26th Planning Meeting Review & Action Plan.
Bob Titus handed out a draft final Club brochure. Bob made 50 copies that are available to hand out to businesses and prospective members. Still working on web-site.

2. Guest Speakers & Program Suggestions & Scheduling.
Bob Wagner indicated that VFW representatives will be at our May 26 meeting. Sarah will arrange for speakers for our June 24th meeting.

3. Ellensburg Lions Club Blog Site.
It is up and running. You can access the site at: www.ellensburglions.blogspot.com The primary purpose of the Blog will be for internal communication for club members. Sarah will provide a link to other Lions Club sites. For security, Sarah will provide a password for members to access.

4. MD 19 Convention, Yakima, May 23 & 24, Staff Table.
Bob Wagner will be attending. Voting delegate information was handed to Bob for his use

New Business

1. White Cane Days Review.
Lion Bryon reported that our White Cane Days was very successful. Over $800 was collected. Good exposure for the club. For next year, perhaps spend time at the preceding club meeting to go over sells pitch and information to share about Sight First and Ellensburg Lions Club in general…so we are all telling the same story. Suggested to write a thank you letter to Super 1 for hosting our table. Also, a Certificate of Appreciation to Super 1 and present it to the manager.

2. Dave Heath from the Naches Lions Club attended and presented a short program on Campaign on Sight First.

3. General Discussion. Sarah suggested perhaps the club host a Bunco night as a possible additional fund raiser…perhaps held at the Kittitas County PUD auditorium. Also, perhaps the Club produce business cards to hand out to prospective members and at public events such as White Cane days. To gain more exposure, the Club may want to develop a display board high lighting Club activities to be used at White Cane days, etc.

4. LCIF. Moved, second, passed to have the Club provide a $50 match with Sarah for Campaign Sight First.

5. Meeting with Rodeo City Kiwanis. Dick reported he met with Rodeo City Kiwanis, Tuesday, April 29 to discuss possible interclub cooperation on local fund raising events. Rodeo City has two fund raising events they will consider having the Lions club participate: The Saturday and Sunday breakfast at Albertson’s on Rodeo weekend and the Saturday and Sunday breakfast at the Threshing Bee. Intern, the Lions Club would like help for Indian John Hill. There is mutual interest and willing to explore the details further. Whatever the clubs work out it must be straight forward, simple, and equitable…perhaps settling participation once a year in the fall.

There being no further business the meeting was adjourned.

Next Meeting: May 27, noon, Rodeo City BBQ.
Agenda: Program: VFW

Coming Events
a. August 1st – 4th, Indian John Hill Rest Stop fund raiser, Eastbound

Respectfully submitted,

Dick Wedin
Secretary/Treasurer

Highlights from May 6th Meeting

1. White Cane Days
We raised over $900. Not only did we exceed the 10% challenge--This is the best WCD in the history of the Ellensburg club! Super-1 was a great location, and we were able to make contact with some potential members.

2) Campaign Sight-First II
David Heath (Naches Lions) briefly spoke about CSFII. Since the original goal of $150 million has been met, a challenge goal of an additional $50 million has been issued. CSFII ends at the end of June. Motion was made (and passed) for the club to match a $50 donation from Family Eye Clinic--total of $100 to CSFII.

3) New Meeting Place
Starting May 27th, we will be meeting at Rodeo City BBQ, noon. VFW will be presenting the program.

Meeting Minutes for April 1st, 2008

Attendance: Sarah Storrs, Bob Wagner, Wayne Weidert, Dick Wedin, Bob Titus.

Guests: Liz Whittaker and Joan Wagner

Treasurer Report. Dues account & account balance
Outstanding Eye Exams/Frames: One

Previous Meeting Summary. Approved.

Club Projects

1. Mint Sales.
Bob indicated we have mint sale boxes at Yakima Federal, Bar 14 and two boxes with Family Eye Clinic. Framed Certificates of Appreciation were given to Bob Wagner to give for participating businesses. Dick volunteered to work with Bob on getting more boxes out to businesses...such as Perkins, Cashmere Valley Bank, Chamber of Commerce, Valley Vision Associates.

2. Sight and Hearing Committee.
No new applications for exams or frames.

Old Business

1. February 26th Planning Meeting Review & Action Plan.
Bob Titus handed out a draft Club brochure for comment. Need some Club history to include in the brochure. Hopefully, be ready for use by next meeting. Good job. Discussion also included the web-site Bob is putting together. It was agreed that the web-site would be the primary source for external information for the club…the Blog site would be for internal discussions and information.

2. New Meeting Location & Times.
For clarification, the change in meeting time from the second and fourth Tuesdays, noon, and location at Rodeo City BBQ will start with the second meeting in May. So the meeting schedule for May is May 6th and May 27th. We will need to change meeting date signs at both I-90 interchanges.

3. Guest Speakers & Program Suggestions & Scheduling.
Bob Wagner has contacted Marge Sheperd and will be the featured speaker at our April 15th meeting. Bob will find out about VFW speakers for our May meeting as well as Sarah will see if there is someone to present a program on mental health since May is mental health month.

4. Dues 2008.
Most members have paid their 2008 dues. Unfortunately, received a letter from Norm Butler dropping his membership…he sent a $50 check for the club to distribute anyway it wishes, it was deposited in the Dues Account. Dick will contact John Boys-Smith to see if he would still wants to be a member.

5. Invocation as an Agenda Item.Tabled.

6. White Cane Days: Chair, Supplies, Location, Times. Lion Bryon is the Chair and has ordered supplies: canes and posters. White Cane Days are Friday, May 2 through Sunday, May 4th at Super 1. Sarah passed around a sign-up sheet. It was agreed to have a “paste on the sticky to the white cane” get together April 22, 5:00 to 5:30, City Hall. Wayne will arrange a meeting room. This get together is to put the white canes together for distribution on White Cane Days...sounds appropriate.

7. Ellensburg Lions Club Blog Site.
It is up and running. . You can access the site at: www.ellensburglions.blogspot.com The primary purpose of the Blog will be for internal communication for club members. Sarah will provide a link to other Lions Club sites. For security, Sarah will provide a password for members to access.

8. Officer Nominations for 2008-2009.
Nominations include the following: President: Sarah Keys, Vice-President: Byron Thomas, Secretary/Treasurer: Dick Wedin, Tail Twister: Bob Wagner. Nominations will be submitted to International the end of April.

New Business

1. MD 19 Convention, Yakima, May 23 & 24, Staff Table.
Bob Wagner will be attending. Voting delegate information was handed to Bob for his use. Bob will find out how much time is involved in staffing a table on Friday and Saturday and will let us know.

2. Ed Foundation Annual Meeting.
Monday, April 28, 7:00 to 9:00 pm, Heritage Center at the fairgrounds will be the site for the Ellensburg School District Education Foundation annual meeting. It is a wine and dessert function with no charge for attending. Lions has annually sponsored a table for the function at $100. Moved to sponsor a table and passed the hat to help cover the $100 to minimize impact to the Project Account.

3. Club Policies: Prices for Hats. Vests; New membership fee?No discussion.

Announcements.
Sarah announced that she will be meeting with Alex a representative from the Hearing and Sight Foundation on April 9th, noon, at CCThai behind the Safeway store in Cle Elum. If you would like to attend, please call Sarah.

Sarah was contacted by Dave Heath, Naches Lions Club, who will be attending our May 6th meeting to discuss Campaign Sight First.

There being no further business the meeting was adjourned.


.

Next Meeting: April 15st, noon, Palace Restaurant.
Agenda: Program: Marge Sheperd, Hearing & Sight Foundation

Coming Events
a. May 2, 3, 4; White Cane Days at Super 1.
b. May 23 & 24, MD 19 Annual Convention, Yakima, Yakima Convention Center
c. August 1st – 4th, Indian John Hill Rest Stop fund raiser, Eastbound

Respectfully submitted,

Dick Wedin
Secretary/Treasurer

Viewing Blog is by invitation only

I have changed the security on the blog so now that only invited readers (aka members or potential members) can access the site. This was following discussion at the April 1st meeting that the web page Bob Titus is working on will be for the general public, and the blog will be for keeping members updated.

Upcoming Events

Wednesday, April 9th
Lunch with Alex from NW Foundation for Sight and Hearing, 12 noon-1:00
CC Thai, 807 W Davis (behind Safeway), Cle Elum
All members welcome--call Sarah (509 728 4023) if you would like to join us

Tuesday, April 15th
Marge Shepard will be at our meeting, Topic NW Sight and Hearing Foundation

Tuesday, April 22nd
Assembling the White Canes day, 5-5:30 at City Hall (exact location TBA). We need help to get our 1000 canes ready!

Monday, April 28th
Ellensburg School District Education Foundation annual meeting
Wine and dessert function, no charge for attending
7-9:00 pm, Heritage Center at the fairgrounds

May 2-4
White Cane Days
We still need volunteers to cover 5-9 pm shift on Saturday and 2-6 pm shift on Sunday

Tuesday, May 6th
Dave Heath, Naches Lions Club, will be attending our meeting to discuss Campaign Sight First II

Rodeo City BBQ Confirmed

I called Rodeo City BBQ and confirmed a standing reservation for Lions Club on the 2nd & 4th Tuesdays of the month at noon, starting May 27th.

We will be in the smaller of the two group rooms. Occasionally, the room may not be available (if a group larger than us makes a reservation for the same time) and we will be seated at the large table in front of the window. There is a positive to this alternative--visibility of our club meetings to the public.

Meeting Minutes for April 1st, 2008

Attendance: Sarah Storrs, Bob Wagner, Wayne Weidert, Dick Wedin, Bob Titus.

Guests: Liz Whittaker and Joan Wagner

Treasurer Report. Dues account & Project account balance
Outstanding Eye Exams/Frames: One

Previous Meeting Summary.
Approved.

Club Projects

1. Mint Sales.
Bob indicated we have mint sale boxes at Yakima Federal, Bar 14 and two boxes with Family Eye Clinic, and Valley Vision. Framed Certificates of Appreciation were given to Bob Wagner to give for participating businesses. Dick volunteered to work with Bob on getting more boxes out to businesses...such as Perkins, Cashmere Valley Bank, Chamber of Commerce.

2. Sight and Hearing Committee.
No new applications for exams or frames.

Old Business

1. February 26th Planning Meeting Review & Action Plan.
Bob Titus handed out a draft Club brochure for comment. Need some Club history to include in the brochure. Hopefully, be ready for use by next meeting. Good job. Discussion also included the web-site Bob is putting together. It was agreed that the web-site would be the primary source for external information for the club…the Blog site would be for internal discussions and information.

2. New Meeting Location & Times.
For clarification, the change in meeting time from the second and fourth Tuesdays, noon, and location at Rodeo City BBQ will start with the second meeting in May. So the meeting schedule for May is May 6th and May 27th. We will need to change meeting date signs at both I-90 interchanges.

3. Guest Speakers & Program Suggestions & Scheduling.
Bob Wagner has contacted Marge Sheperd and will be the featured speaker at our April 15th meeting. Bob will find out about VFW speakers for our May meeting as well as Sarah will see if there is someone to present a program on mental health since May is mental health month.

4. Dues 2008.
Most members have paid their 2008 dues. Unfortunately, received a letter from Norm Butler dropping his membership…he sent a $50 check for the club to distribute anyway it wishes, it was deposited in the Dues Account. Dick will contact John Boys-Smith to see if he would still wants to be a member.

5. Invocation as an Agenda Item.
Tabled.

6. White Cane Days: Chair, Supplies, Location, Times.
Lion Bryon is the Chair and has ordered supplies: canes and posters. White Cane Days are Friday, May 2 through Sunday, May 4th at Super 1. Sarah passed around a sign-up sheet. It was agreed to have a “paste on the sticky to the white cane” get together April 22, 5:00 to 5:30, City Hall. Wayne will arrange a meeting room. This get together is to put the white canes together for distribution on White Cane Days...sounds appropriate.

7. Ellensburg Lions Club Blog Site.
It is up and running. You can access the site at: www.ellensburglions.blogspot.com The primary purpose of the Blog will be for internal communication for club members. Sarah will provide a link to other Lions Club sites. For security, Sarah will provide a password for members to access.

8. Officer Nominations for 2008-2009.
Nominations include the following: President: Sarah Keys, Vice-President: Byron Thomas, Secretary/Treasurer: Dick Wedin, Tail Twister: Bob Wagner. Nominations will be submitted to International the end of April.

New Business

1. MD 19 Convention, Yakima, May 23 & 24, Staff Table.
Bob Wagner will be attending. Voting delegate information was handed to Bob for his use. Bob will find out how much time is involved in staffing a table on Friday and Saturday and will let us know.

2. Ed Foundation Annual Meeting.
Monday, April 28, 7:00 to 9:00 pm, Heritage Center at the fairgrounds will be the site for the Ellensburg School District Education Foundation annual meeting. It is a wine and dessert function with no charge for attending. Lions has annually sponsored a table for the function at $100. Moved to sponsor a table and passed the hat to help cover the $100 to minimize impact to the Project Account.

3. Club Policies:
Prices for Hats. Vests; New membership fee?
No discussion.

Announcements.
Sarah announced that she will be meeting with Alex a representative from the Hearing and Sight Foundation on April 9th, noon, at CC Thai 807 W Davis (behind the Safeway store) in Cle Elum. If you would like to attend, please call Sarah.

Sarah was contacted by Dave Heath, Naches Lions Club, who will be attending our May 6th meeting to discuss Campaign Sight First.

There being no further business the meeting was adjourned.

Next Meeting: April 15st, noon, Palace Restaurant.
Agenda: Program: Marge Sheperd, Hearing & Sight Foundation

Coming Events
a. May 2, 3, 4; White Cane Days at Super 1.
b. May 23 & 24, MD 19 Annual Convention, Yakima, Yakima Convention Center
c. August 1st – 4th, Indian John Hill Rest Stop fund raiser, Eastbound

Respectfully submitted,

Dick Wedin
Secretary/Treasurer

Meeting Minutes for March 18th, 2008

Attendance: Byron Thomas, Sarah Storrs, Bob Wagner, Wayne Weidert, Dick Wedin, Bob Titus, and Cindy Preston.

Guests: Liz Whittaker

Treasurer Report. Dues account balance & Project account balance
Outstanding Eye Exams/Frames: One

Club Projects

1. Mint Sales.
Bob indicated we have mint sale boxes at Yakima Federal, Bar 14, Valley Vision, and two boxes with Family Eye Clinic. Sarah printed out and handed over to Bob Certificate of Appreciation to be given to businesses who support our mint sales. Bob may have frames for Certificates.

2. Sight and Hearing Committee.
No new applications for exams or frames. Sarah indicated the Hearing and Sight Foundation Screening Unit is fully booked for 2008. The club will make a bid this fall for 2009. Sign up time is usually in October.

Byron shared with the group that he and others have been working in developing the Vision for Independent Center for low income patients in Yakima. The Yakima Lions Club provided $10,000.00 seed money to get the Center going. There probably will be 6 to 12 patients a month utilizing the Center.

Old Business

1. February 26th Planning Meeting Review & Action Plan. No discussion.

2. New Meeting Location & Times.
After considerable amount of discussion and review of the blog vote, it was moved, seconded and approved to change the Ellensburg Lions Club month meeting dates to the second and fourth Tuesdays, noon, to be held at Rodeo City BBQ starting with the second meeting in May. We will need to change meeting date signs at both I-90 interchanges.

3. Guest Speakers & Program Suggestions & Scheduling.
Bob will get a hold of Marge Sheperd to be our guest speaker for the second meeting in April…April 15. She will discuss with the group programs and available opportunities with the Hearing and Sight Foundation. Need to arrange with the Daily Record meeting notices and speakers for the Events Calendar section of the newspaper.

The members agreed that the second meeting of each month will be dedicated to programs and each member has a responsibility to bring/invite a guest (potential member) to the club meeting.

4. Dues 2008.
A reminder, dues are due April 15th. At the last meeting, the dues were increased $10 to $75 to help cover meals for up-and-coming speakers at our second monthly meetings.

5. Invocation as an Agenda Item.
No discussion.

New Business

1. Ellensburg Lions Club Blog Site.
It is up and running. You can access the site at: www.ellensburglions.blogspot.com The primary purpose of the Blog will be for internal communication for club members. Sarah would appreciate your help in visiting and providing information to the blog site.

2. MD 19 Convention, Yakima, May 23 & 24, Staff Table.
No discussion.

3. Officer Nominations for 2008-2009.
Nominations include the following: President: Sarah Storrs, Vice-President: Byron Thomas, Secretary/Treasurer: Dick Wedin, Tail Twister: Bob Wagner. Unless there are violent objections, these names will be submitted to International.

4. Club Policies.
No discussion.

5. White Cane Days: Chair, Supplies, Location, Times.
Lion Bryon is the Chair and has ordered supplies: canes and posters. He will be getting a proposed sign-up schedule out for folks to sign up for times they are available to be at Super 1. White Cane Days are Friday, May 2 through Sunday, May 4th.

Coming Events
a. White Cane Days: May 2, 3, 4
b. MD 19 Convention, May 23 & 24, Yakima, Yakima Convention Center
c. Indian John Hill Rest Stop, August 1st – 4th, Eastbound

There being no further business the meeting was adjourned.

Next Meeting: April 1st, noon, Palace Restaurant.
Agenda: Continued planning/action on Club Reincarnation.

Respectfully submitted,

Dick Wedin
Secretary/Treasurer

Meeting with Alex from NW Sight and Hearing Foundation

Alex from NW Sight and Hearing Foundation called me today--she is traveling through town on April 9th and wanted to meet with me to talk about some different programs through the Foundation.

We will be meeting for lunch at noon on Wednesday, April 9th, in Cle Elum (exact location TBA, but will most likely be one of the restaraunts at 807 Davis Street). Topics for discussion will include Foundation grants, Play it by Ear (similar to White Cane Days, supports hearing programs), and availability of Foundation speakers/presentations for future meetings.

Any club members able to attend, I am extending the invitation to you. Just let me know if you are planning on coming so I know to expect you. We can meet at my office shortly before noon (807 W Davis, Suite 102A).

Thanks,
Sarah

How to Plant Your Garden

Given the little snow flurries of yesterday and today, it might be a little bit to early to be getting to work in our actual backyard gardens. But the spirit of volunteerism and helping others knows no season.

How To Plant Your Garden

First, you Come to the garden alone, While the dew is still on the roses....

FOR THE GARDEN OF YOUR DAILY LIVING,

PLANT THREE ROWS OF PEAS:


1. Peace of mind
2. Peace of heart
3. Peace of soul

PLANT FOUR ROWS OF SQUASH:


1. Squash gossip
2. Squash indifference
3. Squash grumbling
4. Squash selfishness

PLANT FOUR ROWS OF LETTUCE:


1. Lettuce be faithful
2. Lettuce be kind
3. Lettuce be patient
4. Lettuce really love one another

NO GARDEN IS WITHOUT TURNIPS:


1. Turnip for meetings
2. Turnip for service
3. Turnip to help one another

TO CONCLUDE OUR GARDEN WE MUST HAVE THYME:


1. Thyme for each other
2. Thyme for family
3. Thyme for friends

WATER FREELY WITH PATIENCE AND CULTIVATE WITH LOVE. THERE IS MUCH FRUIT IN YOUR GARDEN BECAUSE YOU REAP WHAT YOU SOW. NOT BAD,HUH?!

White Cane Days

Hello all fellow Ellensburg Lions,

I have good news. I was able to secure the use of Super-1 entrance area for White Cane Days 2008. We are scheduled for May 2,3,4, which is Friday, Saturday and Sunday. I have ordered 1000 white canes and 1000 white cane tags. Also ordered 4 nice new posters and 200 each of the white cane story brochures and inserts.

Here's the deal. ALL members need to select and 4 hour period of time to stand and "greet" the public at Super-1 on that weekend. Our goal is to raise funds for the Lion's Eye Bank. On April 14, 2008 I will be contacting ALL members to get a commitment for this event. I'm sure we can all find 4 hours in a normal day to stand for the benefit of Lion's Eye Bank and all the good they do.

We will have an "assembly session" (meaning we put the tags on the canes) at the second meeting in April. I would appreciate all attending the usual meeting so we can be well prepared for the May weekend.

Thank you all in advance for your support for Lion's Eye Bank.

Respectfully,
Lion Byron Thomas, O.D.,
Ellensburg Lions Club White Cane Days Chairman

*Editor's Note: You can sign up by leaving a comment to this post or emailing Sarah Storrs. Currently, the following shifts are open: Friday 6-9 pm, Saturday 1-5 pm and 5-9 pm, Sunday 2-6 pm

Highlights from 3/18/08 Meeting

I don't yet have the official minutes to post, but here is a summary of the main action items that happened:

1) Meeting time/location change. A motion was made to change our meetings to the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of the month, at noon, at Rodeo City BBQ. This change will not take effect until May. Tuesday, May 13, 2008 will be the first meeting at Rodeo City BBQ. Sarah Storrs will call to finalize this with Rodeo City BBQ.

2) White Cane Day - May 2, 3, 4
Byron Thomas is chairing the event. He will speak with the manager at Super-1-Foods to get approval for us that weekend. He will order the supplies, and get a sign up schedule set up.

3) Officers for the upcoming year were nominated and elected as follows:
President - Sarah Storrs
Vice President - Byron Thomas
Secretary/Treasurer - Dick Wedin
Tail Twister - Bob Wagner

Poll Results

Here are the results of the poll for each question (number in parentheses is how many voted):

Preferred time: (8) Noon - 87%
Preferred Day of the Week: (7) Tuesday - 71%
1st & 3rd of the month vs. 2nd & 4th: (6) tie
Place: (9) Rodeo City BBQ - 44%

Featured Club Member

As a way for us to better get to know each other (and future new club members), I wanted to have posts "featuring" members. I thought it was only fair for me to go first, so here goes...

My name is Sarah Key Storrs--I am an Optometric Physician and a mom (not necessarily in that order). I am left-handed, a Virgo, and love Mexican food--fajitas especially.

I became a Lion first because of the example set by my dad, who is a member of the Terrace Heights Lions Club. Secondly, my profession revolves around the sense of sight, which is a main area of service for Lions Club. Finally, my son Evan is deaf, and he inspires me to become more involved with service projects relating to hearing.

Three things that the Lions club doesn't know about me:

1) I was very close to being held back in three grades (Kindergarden, 2nd, and 5th)--mostly because I didn't want to follow along and do things the way everyone else did them. I am still like that--I don't mind working hard, but I like to know the "why" behind it. "Just because" is not an inspiring reason!

2) I love scrapbooking and taking pictures of my son. I think I took more pictures during Evan's first year than I had taken the previous 30 years combined.

3) I am very passionate about the March of Dimes Mission--to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth and infant mortality through programs of research, community service, education and advocacy. This year is our family's third year of fundraising for the MOD March for Babies (if you would like to sponsor our family, go to www.marchforbabies.org/skeybunny)

Reminder to Vote Meeting Poll

Please vote before next week's meeting!

I did call to check on the availability of Rodeo City BBQ 2&4th Tuesdays at noon (the leading choice as of right now), and that time is open.

Lions Health Screening Unit (LHSU)

I spoke with Alex at NW Sight and Hearing Foundation (she's in charge of scheduling the LHSU). 2008 is a busy year for the screening unit--the schedule is full! She will contact me if any club cancels a reservation, but it looks like we will not be doing any screenings with the LHSU until 2009.

Meeting Minutes for March 4th, 2008

Attendance: Byron Thomas, Sarah Storrs, Bob Wagner, Mark Grassel, Wayne Weidert, Dick Wedin, and Cindy Preston

Treasurer Report Dues account balance & Project account balance. We currently have one outstanding bill for an eye exam and glasses.

Club Projects

1. Mint Sales:
Bob indicated it was a slow time of year. Discussion centered around recognizing those businesses who allow us to have mint sales. Also, it would be beneficial if we had “stickers” on the mint boxes notifying the public on who to contact about the Ellensburg Lions Club. Moved and seconded to put “club” stickers on the mint boxes and to give each business hosting our mint sales a Certificate of Appreciation. Sarah will draft the sticker and Certificate.

2. Sight and Hearing Committee:
Sarah reported one approval letter was sent for eye exam & glasses. Sarah reported she has been working with Ellensburg School District school nurses to organize the Eye Site Foundation mobile van and sight screenings at our local public schools. Dates for 2008 dependent upon coordinating with Marge Sheperd, West Valley Lions, who has reserved 10 day this coming fall…Sarah will see what dates are available to have the van here around that 10 day period and the Foundation if there are any cancellations this fall. The club will put a bid in this fall to the Foundation for 2009.

Bob delivered to Zone 2 ½ boxes of glasses while attending the Cabinet meeting last week. Dick will pick up the other box of glasses from Sarah’s office so they can be delivered to Amigos via Becca Flemming when she is here on spring break from Pacific University.

Old Business

1. February 26th Planning Meeting:
Reviewed meeting minutes and work done. Discussion included that actions identified will take some time to implement but to start club improvements ASAP. We agreed to continue discussion on the work plan at our second meeting in March.

New Business

1. Guest Speakers & Program Suggestions & Scheduling.
Sarah sent an e-mail with some suggestions as to potential future programs. There was consensus that the first meeting of each month be dedicated to club business and the second meeting dedicated to informative programs and guest speakers. Club members are encouraged to suggest interesting subjects and informative speakers for future programs. The club will try to maintain a 3 month program schedule.

2. Member Survey Report.
Sarah indicated she got a hold of her list of contacts…the general conclusion is: Conflicting work schedule for the first Tuesday of each month (noon meetings), and that the club has poor attendance and meetings are not interesting…. Mark will contact his list for concerns and improvements. Concerns expressed confirm issues identified at the February 26 planning meeting, hence further discussions on improving club meetings, recruitment, club programs at our second meeting in March.

3. Dues 2008.
Dues for Lions have been $65.00 for several years…which at the planning meeting was expressed as being low. With monthly programs and guest speakers, an increase cost to the Dues Account to pay for lunches, it was moved and seconded to increase 2008 dues to $75.00. The additional $10.00 should help pay for one program speaker per month.

4. New Meeting Date, Time & Location.
Deferred any action until Mark has a chance to contact his list of members for input, the topic will be a discussion item at our March 14th meeting

5. Ellensburg Lions Club Blog site.
Sarah reported she has created a blog site for the club. You can access the site at: www.ellensburglions.blogspot.com Thank you Sarah. Take a look, it is a great site with great potential and service to the club with your help and participation.

Coming Events

a. White Cane Days: May 2, 3, 4
b. MD 19 Convention, May 23 & 24, Yakima, Yakima Convention Center
c. Indian John Hill Rest Stop, August 1st – 4th, Eastbound

There being no further business the meeting was adjourned.

Next Meeting: March 18th, noon, Palace Restaurant.

Respectfully submitted,

Dick Wedin
Secretary/Treasurer

Meeting Time/Place Poll

One of the action items from today's meeting is to decide on any changes for future meetings.

I have listed four poll questions on the right side of the page, regarding preferred meeting times, dates, and locations. Please vote, and if you have any suggestions for other meeting spots please leave a comment.

Poll results will be discussed at the next meeting, March 18th.

Welcome!

I started this blog to help chronicle the revitalization of the Ellensburg Lions club. In the coming months--as more activities take place and our membership increases--there will be more to post.

Please use this as a forum to comment about what you read, offer suggestions of things to post, whatever comes to mind.

Thank you for reading!