DREAMS ARE THE SEEDLINGS OF REALITY It’s already December! As I get to this half-way mark, not only do I have to look back and see what has, and hasn’t been accomplished in 2014 - but so too am I asked to account for our Dis- trict to International and also to our Multiple District. Here lies the biggest battle I’ve had to deal with this year - and perhaps I can ask you to indulge my rambling on this very sensitive subject …. Numbers! Every communication I receive as DG talks predominantly about our dropping numbers and the impact this will have long-term … it is clear we are assessed on this level and currently, we are failing! So, instead of me passing that message on and asking you to get your numbers up - I am going to talk about 2 initiatives which I believe can assist in this ultimate goal. When this same topic is raised in clubs - the impression I get is that many smaller clubs do not know how to recruit new members - either the club is too small to be “attractive”, or younger people are not interested .. Or perhaps the environment being served by the club is just changing and there are just no people to ask. The first of the two initiatives stems from a Multiple District level and I’m not going to say too much about it right now, as you will be re- ceiving more information from myself and the GMT/GLT team in due course. Suffice to say, we are going to be looking at training a number of Lions as official Guiding Lions in our district. This is a great course to go through and will benefit those who take part. These Guiding Lions will then play a role in assisting clubs to achieve more — in member- ship growth, creative projects etc. If you are looking at ways to grow personally, please consider taking on this challenge of be- coming a Guiding Lion and being proactive in our District’s growth. The second initiative I would like to see happen- ing is that of a new district wide project - one that every club will commit to taking part in. The project is to be called “Seedlings 4 Seniors” and revolves around the benefits in giving the elderly who are resident in homes, something to care for and nurture. Instead of the traditional Bingo, and there’s nothing wrong with Bingo, this is another way to make an impact in this very rewarding part of our society. Each club will be responsible for identifying a home in your area (can be multiple homes) and identifying the number of residents there are. As a district, we will negotiate and obtain a large quantity of small flower pots as well to get sponsored seedlings (LOTS of them). The idea is simply for each and every Lion in the entire district to be responsible for planting and nurturing that seedling for a short period until it’s time to donate it to someone in the home you’ve identified. (MARCH 2015) Each pot has an identifying Lions sticker which we will provide, and a card attached to the pot. The cards will be printed on the outside but the inside is left blank for Lions to write their own personal message. EDITION 2 - DECEMBER 2014 DISTRICT GOVERNOR’S newsletter The Difference starts with you! "“Courage is not the absence of fear — it’s inspiring others to move beyond it.” ― Nelson Mandela During the course of March 2015, all Lions Clubs are to visit the homes and take the seedlings with their special message to someone who needs it. However, this project is not only one that can gain great publicity for us - but it will require your club to find and pull in more people to assist — these people are your potential new Lions! No club should finish this project with at least a few new prospective Lions. More information on this is to follow, but right now I am asking for you to help me and commit to doing this project for our District. There will be a small cost involved for the pots - but I will endeavour to obtain as much as possible as dona- tions … (Approx R1.50 per pot with sticker) So - please let me know ASAP if you’re in and just an estimate of how many pots and seedlings you will require. Looking forward to getting your support. DG Carl van Blerk www.facebook.com/seedlings4seniors
Transcript
DREAMS ARE THE SEEDLINGS OF REALITY It’s already December! As I get to this half-way
mark, not only do I have to look back and see
what has, and hasn’t been accomplished in 2014
- but so too am I asked to account for our Dis-
trict to International and also to our Multiple
District.
Here lies the biggest battle I’ve had to deal with
this year - and perhaps I can ask you to indulge
my rambling on this very sensitive subject ….
Numbers!
Every communication I receive as DG talks
predominantly about our dropping numbers and
the impact this will have long-term … it is clear
we are assessed on this level and currently, we
are failing!
So, instead of me passing that message on and
asking you to get your numbers up - I am going
to talk about 2 initiatives which I believe can
assist in this ultimate goal.
When this same topic is raised in clubs - the
impression I get is that many smaller clubs do
not know how to recruit new members - either
the club is too small to be “attractive”, or
younger people are not interested .. Or perhaps
the environment being served by the club is just
changing and there are just no people to ask.
The first of the two initiatives stems from a
Multiple District level and I’m not going to say
too much about it right now, as you will be re-
ceiving more information from myself and the
GMT/GLT team in due course.
Suffice to say, we are going to be looking at
training a number of Lions as official Guiding
Lions in our district. This is a great course to go
through and will benefit those who take part.
These Guiding Lions will then play a role in
assisting clubs to achieve more — in member-
ship growth, creative projects etc.
If you are looking at ways to grow personally,
please consider taking on this challenge of be-
coming a Guiding Lion and being proactive in
our District’s growth.
The second initiative I would like to see happen-
ing is that of a new district wide project - one
that every club will commit to taking part in.
The project is to be called “Seedlings 4 Seniors”
and revolves around the benefits in giving the
elderly who are resident in homes, something
to care for and nurture.
Instead of the traditional Bingo, and there’s
nothing wrong with Bingo, this is another way
to make an impact in this very rewarding part
of our society.
Each club will be responsible for identifying a
home in your area (can be multiple homes) and
identifying the number of residents there are.
As a district, we will negotiate and obtain a
large quantity of small flower pots as well to
get sponsored seedlings (LOTS of them).
The idea is simply for each and every Lion in
the entire district to be responsible for planting
and nurturing that seedling for a short period
until it’s time to donate it to someone in the
home you’ve identified. (MARCH 2015)
Each pot has an identifying Lions sticker which
we will provide, and a card attached to the pot.
The cards will be printed on the outside but the
inside is left blank for Lions to write their own
personal message.
EDITION 2 - DECEMBER 2014
DISTRICT GOVERNOR’S newsletter
The Difference starts with you! "“Courage is not the absence of fear — it’s inspiring others to move beyond
it.” ― Nelson Mandela
During the course of March 2015, all Lions Clubs are
to visit the homes and take the seedlings with their
special message to someone who needs it.
However, this project is not only one that can gain
great publicity for us - but it will require your club to
find and pull in more people to assist — these people
are your potential new Lions! No club should finish
this project with at least a few new prospective Lions.
More information on this is to follow, but right now I
am asking for you to help me and commit to doing
this project for our District.
There will be a small cost involved for the pots - but I
will endeavour to obtain as much as possible as dona-
tions … (Approx R1.50 per pot with sticker)
So - please let me know ASAP if you’re in and just
an estimate of how many pots and seedlings you will
require.
Looking forward to getting your support.
DG Carl van Blerk www.facebook.com/seedlings4seniors
The Willows - Mid Year!
Joseph "Joe" Preston, of Dewey, Ari-
zona, USA, was elected president of
Lions Clubs International.
President Preston is temporarily retired
from the automotive industry. He has
over 30 years of experience as a fleet
sales manager.
A member of the Bradshaw Mountain
of Dewey-Humboldt Lions Club, Presi-
dent Preston has been a Lion since
1974.
Lions Worldwide Week of Service in January (Jan. 10 - 16)
The Lions Worldwide Week of Service kicks off January 10, 2015, and we'd like you to be a part of this
special Centennial Service Challenge event!
The Worldwide Week of Service is an international event that brings
Lions around the world together for a special week of celebration and
service. It's an opportunity to strengthen your community, show-case your club and celebrate the
birthday of our founder, Melvin Jones.
BIG Thanks to ZC Tilly and her amazing team for arranging a
memorable Mid Year in port Elizabeth. You did us proud!
- DG Carl van Blerk
A message from ZC Zwaai and Carrie Kruger
I hope that your Christmas would be enjoyable and may the essence of
Christmas always remain with you.
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
The beautiful view for Spring Conference 2014. Thank you Port Elizabeth!
PEACE POSTER WINNER 410D
Sheena Louca from El Shaddai Christian Academy was judged the winner of the Lions Peace Poster competition, from
numerous entries submitted to the Lions Club of Port Alfred.
This earned her, and her school, a cash prize of R500 each from the Lions Club of
Port Alfred.
Her entry was then judged at the Nelson Mandela Metropole University’s Fine Arts Department against all winners from the clubs in District 410 D, stretching from
Stilbaai to Umtata, a huge district.
The Zone 4 Christmas party was hosted by Port Rex Lions
Club at the Port Rex Lions Centre on Saturday the
15th November. Members from Berlin,
Cambridge, Gonubie and Port
Rex attended the party and a
good time was had by all.
DG Carl and some Port Rex mem-
bers at John Dory's in East London
Soup evening held on
Saturday, the 26th July
Port Rex Lions Club held their month-
ly Bingo at the Manor Retirement
centre on Thursday, 24th July
Cambridge Lions Club
members: LP Roni and Lion Wendy handing over a cheque to CANSA Ass,
Michelle Goddard. The proceeds were from a
raffle of a clown.
DG Carl and Shireen Piater visited Berlin Lions Club for their General Business meeting.
Seen here is Lion President Alan Jacques seen handing over Berlin Lions Club Banner and
DG Carl handing over his DG banner.
Also a picture of the club
members and DG Carl
and LP Shireen Piater.
Our Heritage day potjie
competition was
great fun!
We marshaled for the “Merrell Eden Duathlon” over and above our call of duty!!! Seen below is Honorary Member John Allan “going the extra mile”!
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alk
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We marched in support of our rhino, elephant and lions along with Eden Lions
LP Debbie seen below with Director of CACH (Campaign Against Canned Hunting) Director, Chris Mercer.
Sedgefield Lions had a party with the Literacy Programme
teachers and scholars at Smutsville Primary
Our Pensioners were spoilt once again at the annual Pensioner’s tea
We ran the bar at the Knysna “Working
With Wood” Festival
We are packing our “Lions Care and Share” bags… and food
hampers
Our support for the “Babies in Need” project is ongoing
We are gearing up for our annual “Carols By Candlelight”
What fun we had at Spring Conference…
And what fun we had at our Year End dinner….
And last but not least from Sedgefield Lions....
VISION STATEMENT
VISIE-STELLING
The Academy strives to identify sporting talent
early, offer coaching and guidance to help Junior
Disabled athletes to reach their full potential by
creating opportunities to develop as mature ath-
letes.
From Then to Now.....
In the past two years we achieved the follow-
ing:
ords!!
pated in athletic events
2 galas
We need you to…..
Adopt a ASJA athlete
Make a monthly contribution by debit order
Make a commitment for 12 months
We will send you information on a monthly basis
by SMS or email, regarding progress and personal
information of your ASJA athlete…..
If you don’t want to make a monthly contribu-
tion you are more than welcome to make a
once-off payment into the following account:
Account name: ABLE SPORT ACADEMY
Branch: FNB
Branch code: 250655
Type of account: Cheque
Account nr: 62396845392
Reference: ASJA athletes
Above: Marinda, a teacher from Carpe Diem School in George with one of her ath-
letes from the ABLE SPORTS ACADEMY who has cerebral palsy. This child has already received numerous medals in
previous sporting events. There request from us was as
follows:
Dear Lions, Dear ZC Zwaai
Thank you for presenting this at Conference.
I am truly excited regarding the possibility of our Zone sup-
porting these wonderful athletes. These are incredible chil-
dren and incredible teachers and coaches. The love and dedi-
cation Marinda has for these children is tangible and heart
warming.
If I remember correctly, six athletes have been chosen to go
to the competition and R4000 is required per athlete - quite an
attainable target within the district?
I do hope we can all pull together on this - I think it will be a
very rewarding project. These children are dedicated as are
the teachers and coaches - they already have numerous gold,
silver and bronze medals amongst them.
Regards
Debbie Olivier
Sedgefield Lions
LP Nico Muller, Lorenda de Klerk ( Sponsor ), Ilana de Klerk ( youngest PA member to date ), Dirk de Vos
( Sponsor ) of Lucinda de Vos & Sjahn Janse van Rensburg with Zone Chairman Shireen Piater.
Shireen Piater ( Zone Chairman ) LP Nico doing inductions.
Port Alfred Lions were awarded the trophy for largest
contingent of delegates at recent Lions District 410 D Conference. L:R Lion President Nico Muller. Cabinet Secretary Vic von Abo
( Kingwilliamstown ) and immediate past District Governor
Herman Smit ( Swellendam )
For the second year running, Port Alfred Lions won the
“ BEST Yearbook Shield “ in District 410 D.
L:R Lion President Nico Muller with Vic von Abo & Herman Smit
Please spare a thought this Christmas for our rangers on the
ground trying to protect our rhino. Presently our stats show that 3.23 rhino are poached daily in South
Africa – that is 1122 for 2014 as at 14 December – and that excludes the unborn calves of the poached mothers and the babies that are
so traumatized and stressed they die even after being rescued, so in
actual fact the numbers are way higher.
Horrifying statistics – will we be the generation accountable for our
rhino going extinct?
On the 30th of August, LP Sanet, Secretary Sandra and ZC Tilly Strydom attended Zone 3’s meeting @ The
Sunshine Coast. Thank you to LP Walter for hosting.
Sasbo, Absa’s Union partnered with the Lions of St Croix on 30
August – provided most of the items on the Algoa Social and Open
Door of Hope wish list.
On The 30th of August we supported Uitenhage
Lions at their annual Melodrama. From St Croix ,
LP Sanet, ZC Tilly, Secretary Sandra, Prospective
Lion Andre, Lion Morne, Treasurer Wesley, Member
Taryn.
Lions of St Croix celebrated International Literacy Day at Victoria Park Grey. Books were donated – a big thank you to happy helper Shadene Emmerick
for organising this important day!
We had an awesome General Meeting on the 9th of
September – many projects are on the cards. During
the fellowship after our meeting, tail twister Wesley
Sherman entertained us with a kangaroo court.
Those at his mercy were Lion Nadine Low Ah Kee,
accused of being a wanted person in 7countries,
whilst her husband, Gary Low Ah Kee, was accused
of stealing a golden horse statue. Judge Wesley had
proof in the way of a photo and Lion Nadine and Lion
Gary had 30 seconds to state their case. The Jury
(rest of members) found them guilty anyway and they
were released by paying a fine. We also had pro-
spective Lions Willie Steyn visiting us.
On the 13th of September we supported the
Protea House of Safety’s annual fundraiser
event – a talent show. Thank you to LP Sanet,
Secretary Sandra, and Prospective Lions
Shadene, Andre and Diane who attended
(below).
On Sunday the 21st of September, The Lions of St Croix assisted at the Urban Run. Our duty point was
across from the Herald next to the Old Post Office manning the tyre obstacle. We arrived early so as to enjoy
breakfast fellowship before the hard work began! Thank you to LP Sanet, ZC Tilly, Secretary Sandra, Lion
Morne, Lion Gary, Lion Nadine, happy helpers, Kyle, Nathan, Shadene and Roxy for assisting
On the 22nd
of September LP Sanet and ZC Tilly attended The PE Ladies Benevolent Society’s annual AGM.
The Lions of St Croix donated R5000 to this worthy cause, and it was lovely to meet the lady staying in the
“Lions Cottage” (below).
On Heritage day we planted six trees at The Algoa Social and Open Door of Hope. Although it was raining very hard, this did not stop The Lions of St Croix! We also treated 100 children to a sweet packet. Thank you to LP Sanet, ZC Tilly, Secretary Sandra, Treasurer Wesley, Lion Morne, Lion Nadine, Community Projects Co-ordinator Collette and happy helpers Justin and Stanley for making this an awe-some day.
On the 23rd of August the Lions of St Croix did a Food and Clothing Drop off, Soup day at the Mission Road Out-reach. Thank you to Lion Nadine Lion Gary and Lion Collette for securing the sponsors for the food and clothing, also thank you to LP Sanet, ZC Tilly
and her helper Kyle, Lion Sandra who also attended (above and below).
On the 29th of September, The Lions of St Croix
visited Sydenham Old Age Home at teatime (below) – we treated them to Lions Christmas Cake, sa-voury snacks, cool drinks, and a sweet packet to take to their rooms. These old folkies survive on a
government grant only, they were so happy to have us visiting.
Thank you to LP Sanet, ZC Tilly, Secretary Sandra,
Treasurer Wesley and Lion Nadine for taking the
time to bring joy
to Sydenham Old
Age Home. And
also thank you to
Lion Collette for
assisting with the
arrangements.
Recently inducted members for Uitenhage!! From
left is Lion Freddie Erasmus, new member Hein
De Vrey with wife Antionette De Vrey, Tilly
Strydom (Inducting Officer), new member Anthony
Geldenhuis with wife Sue-Ann Geldenhuis and Li-
on President Andre van Niekerk
LEO PRESIDENT CEREMONY - UITENHAGE The Third Induction Ceremony of the Alpha Leo Club (the acronym LEO stands for Leadership-Experience-
Opportunity) was held on 1 October 2014 at Riebeek College Girls’ High School. The Alpha Leo Club has its origins from the past Junior Town Council which will now be entering their 28th year in providing a service to the Community. The main objective of the Alpha Leo Club is “To provide the youth of the World with an opportunity for development
and contribution, individually and collectively, as responsible members of the local, nationally and International Com-munity said Leo Chairperson Juan Hay. (Photo 1st top left).
The services provided to the local Community by the outgoing Alpha Leo Club achieved the objective of the Leos confirmed Lion Juan.
During their Term the Leo Club participated inter alia in the CANSA Relay for Life , organized a talent show which raised R8 120 that was donated to the Aandmymering Retirement Home and recently assisted with the cleaning of the tanks and feeding of the penguins at the Boardwalk Oceanarium said Outgoing President Alana-Lee Daniell.
(Photo 2nd front) and Deputy President Yasnaya Viljoen (photo 4th front). They thanked all the respective schools and fellow Leos for their dedication and commitment in making the above
possible.
With the induction of Incoming President Tayla Boscombe
( photo 3rd front) and Deputy President Vice Zain Dolley
(photo 2nd back) we will rely heavily on them and their respec-
tive schools to continue providing the excellent service to the
local community and maintain this proud tradition, said First
Vice District Governor Bokkie Oberholzer (front right)
The Leo’s Club from Uitenhage set out on 23rd of August to assist Bayworld in Port Elizabeth. The Club assisted in the cleaning of the different enclosures and
general cleaning duties around the park. Bayworld often makes use of volunteer to assist and the Uitenhage Leo’s
was eager to help
Ubuntu Community Development Solutions would like to thank the Lions Club of Uitenhage and the Round Table 14 Uitenhage for assisting us yesterday in our "Braai for Charity" project. We braaiied 30 kg of wors, 55 chicken drumsticks and a chicken pot with over 50 kg of chicken!! It was awesome fun! The donations were given to Alida Davis of the Eagle's Wings Street Children's Ministry in Uitenhage.
Visit to Lake Farm – UITENHAGE LIONS Lake Farm Centre is a home for 90 intellectually challenged adults as well as a protected workplace. They have several different workshops with all goods produced sold at the Coffee shop situated on the premises that is opens WEEKENDS from 09h00 to 12h30. Lake Farm is an NPO which has two main fund raisers per year, namely the Fun Run (in first term of year) and an Open Day that involves an Annu-al Auction combined with a braai day that took place on 24 September 2014. Lake Farm would like to thank the organizers, volunteers and those who supported the Auction day .
The Uitenhage Lions, with the assistance of Nikita, Lorinda,
Lindie and Jamie provided the Centre with approximately 80
haircuts followed by a hot meal.
The SPCA Animal Rally which was sponsored by VWSA was attended by approximately 250 bikers! The purpose of the Rally served both as a Fundraiser and the public was also
invited to donated much needed pet food for the animals. The Uitenhage Lions Club was invited to assist at the Rally at the reception area that provided the SPCA the opportuni-
ty to use their limited resources more productively.
Uitenhage Leo’s Club - The Riebeek College Alpha Leos visited and donated
food and clothing to Eagle Wings on Wednesday 20 August. Eagle Wings is an organisation run by Mrs Alida Davis which shelters and feeds the homeless
Lions Council Meeting 23 August 2014
Uitenhage Leos hold talent show to raise funds for Retirement Home
The Alpha Leo Board of 2014 recently organized its first Talent evening with the aim to raise funds and awareness for a local retirement home. The event was held at Muir College and involved each of the respective Leo clubs from
schools including Brandwag, Daniel Pienaar, Muir, Riebeek, Strelitszia and Uitenhage High. All the school presented three acts each which in turn was subject to the scrutiny of a selected panel of judges. At the completion of the show
the winners included 3rd place Junyde Adams (dancer), 2nd place Dem Boys (dancer) and Fredolene Komedie (singer). Comments from the panel of judges are summarized as follows
“The Talent Show could not be seen as a competition because of the extremely high quality and standards in all spheres. It is amazing to see so many talented youngsters performing in one night and their hard work and dedication was evident in the success of the evening. In the end, everyone was a winner and should keep on working hard doing
what they do best – to entertain and share their talent with others” A total of in excess of 400 people attended the show which raised R 8 120 that will be donated to the recipient Retire-
ment Home. On behalf of all of the members of the Uitenhage Lion Club we wish to congratulate Leo President Alana
-Lee Daniell and her fellow Leo members for an exceptional performance and upholding the Lion motto of “We Serve”
said Lion President Andre van Niekerk.
Herewith some photos of a luncheon braai
at Stirling Lodge on 20 September 2014.
Once a quarter we treat the residents to a
braai for their lunch, also providing juice
and wine. It is always an enjoyable day for
the residents and Lions.
On Saturday 24 September Gonubie Lions
we sold 50 dozen breakfast rolls at the annu-
al car show in EL to raise much needed
funds.
On 4 October we held a steak evening and were
well supported by Port Rex and EL West Lions
which made the evening so much more fun. –
thanks to all concerned!
The annual combined World Service Day was
held in East London on 12 October 2014. This
project is arranged by Port Rex Lions who invite all
clubs in the zone and beyond to take senior citi-
zens to the Guild Theatre where they are enter-
tained to an amazing variety show presented by
talented local artists.
Lions from three local clubs handing out juice and bis-
cuits during interval with Gonubie Lions assisting
We held a very successful Craft market at our local shopping centre on Satur-day 1 November.
Craft market co-ordinator Lion Jeanette and Treas-urer Lion Margie collect-ing stall fees - posing here with a couple who definitely bake the best pancakes in East London!
Colourful stalls were to be seen everywhere! We normally round off
our years activities by
holding a senior citi-
zens Christmas party
where all the locals are
invited to join us at the
Gonubie Primary
School hall for tea and
cake, entertainment
and a little spoil-
ing. This was held on 6
December and was at-
tended by approximate-
ly 130.
This school piano is the original one that Bruce Gardiner started playing on 63 years ago!
The delicious platters for the tables – what a treat!
Lion President Mike welcomes all the guests whilst our oldest Lion Drummond (81) thinks of another joke to tell!!! After the hectic day Gonubie members got together in the evening to enjoy a final social for 2014 and celebrate Lion Aletta's birthday. outdoors on a farm patio with Li-ons family and supporters - what bliss!!
This club has recently gained another new member! On 26 November Lion John Sheard
was inducted by Zone Chair Shireen Piater. Seen here is ZC Shireen, LP Roni and new
member John.
The Eden Lions at-tended The Willows Friendly Conference 21 – 22 November 2014 – a great weekend en-joyed by all! A big than you to ZC Tilly Strydom and her committee members for all their hard work. A great weekend with fellow Li-ons, a fantastic venue and good food – what more could we ask for?
Another awesome joint project done!
All the Service Clubs of George work to-gether on this project. Each Club selected 16 children to be en-trained for the day. 112 Children received gold tickets to fly on the 6
th of December
2014. Lots of fun and games with boere-wors, pancakes and ice cream served to all the children. Fa-ther Christmas arrived and faces lit up. A very special day for all of us. The Holy Cross & Them-balethu Leos joined us for the day.
Thank you DG Carl van Blerk and Zone Chairman Zwaai for attending our joint Service Clubs of George project.
Miss Teen – Eden Lions The idea of having a “walk for a cause” initiated by ACE Models, soon became a reality for Eden Lions. The winner and the two princesses will be working with the Eden Lions for the next year, assisting us with all our projects. After a long day of interviews and the show on the evening of the 25
th of October the judges
made their final decision! The winner Alyxandra Swartz, 1
st Princess Carla Voight,
2nd
Princess Angel Mjekula
LP Pieter Nel receiving the Project of the Year and PRO Trophies for the year 2013-2014 on behalf of the Eden Lions from IPDG Herman Smit.
