On Monday, February 12, the Stanley and Boyd Lions Clubs hosted District Governor Dennis Sykora at a joint meeting that was held at The Village Haus in Boyd. There was a combined total of 32 in attendance. Boyd Lions President Denny McQuillan welcomed the District Governor, his wife Brenda and Mary Vrieze, a Wisconsin Lions Foundation Director.
After a delicious meal, District Governor Sykora in his presentation urged all local clubs to work for a net gain of two in their membership. If that occurred, membership worldwide would increase by over 1 million. He also urged the clubs to let the world know of the service they provide and the donations that are made in their communities. As he ended he urged attendance at the District 27-E-1 Convention that will be held on March 23-24, at 29 Pines Conference Center, rural Eau Claire.
District Governor Sykora was followed by Mary Vrieze, Wisconsin Lion Foundation (WLF) Director for 27-E1 and E2. She reported on the work that the Lions Club International Foundation (LCIF) does in responding to worldwide disasters. She concluded those remarks by urging all clubs to increase their annual donation to LCIF by 10 percent. She then reported on the activity of the Wisconsin Lions Foundation, which has a new initiative to support and help families with CHILDHOOD CANCER, through five statewide organizations. To start this effort, all Lions Clubs are being asked to donate $100. Another new initiative is to start community composting sites at recycling centers.
As apart of his attendance, District Governor Sykora presented Chevrons to members of both clubs that recognize milestone years of service. Boyd Lions recognized were Deb Zais – 30 years; Dennis Zais – 35 years; Jeff Zais – 40 years and Richard Fredrickson – 40 years. Stanley Lions recognized were Larry Ciokiewicz – 10 years; Duane Booth – 20 years; Adam Smit – 20 years; John Pozdell – 35 years; Charles Poulter – 40 years and Dave Jankoski 55 years.
Prior to adjournment, Boyd President Denny McQuillian and Stanley President Jewels Lahner Johnson presented gifts of money to the District Governor that he will be donating to a State Lions Project of his choice.
The next meeting of the Stanley Lions Club will be held on Monday, March11. The next meeting of the Boyd Lions Club will be on Wednesday, March 13.
