(Click here to go to our website) Call to Order – President Ted Gonsiorowski called the meeting to order and led in the Pledge of Allegiance.

Invocation – David Hunter - We thank Thee, Lord, for food like this, for friends who we would surely miss if it were not for Lions Club and shoulders here with which to rub. Amen. Vittles – Italian meat loaf, cheesy hash brown casserole, vegetables, salad and toppings, rolls and butter, Turtle cheesecake or chocolate turtle cake, tea and coffee.

Attendance – 22 members, 2 visitors. Guests – Larry (guest of Fonda Bowden); Rachel and Sarah (above, granddaughters of Weldon Garrelts). Birthdays – none.

Lions Report – Bob Suter has cancer of the kidneys. If you are ill or know a fellow Lion that is under the weather, please call Pat Bryan at

Lottery –

Marvin Paulsen won the $10.50 lottery.

Announcements – Ted Gonsiorowski announced upcoming events: 1E Zone Meeting, April 11 at Monical’s on Kirby at 6:30 pm, please tell Marvin Paulsen, Zone Chair, if you would like to attend; Tootsie Pop Day is May 10-11, Weldon Garrelts, Chair;

May 19/20 is the State Convention; Hearing bus is in June 2013, Marvin Paulsen, Chair; Walk for Sight is June 9 at Mattoon, Rich King, Chair. Herb Bail needs help collecting used glasses.

Jay Hoeflinger updated us on Sight and Sound. Lions Diabetes drive needs a chair.

Program – Business Meeting - President Ted Gonsiorowski read the minutes of the February Board Meeting.

Karl Drake presented the Treasurer’s report. As of February 28, 2013, the General Fund has $3,438.36; the Charities Fund has $7, The Endowment Fund (unchanged) has $2, Membership and Activities Committee: The membership application of Richard A. Suchomski, sponsored by David Hunter, was unanimously accepted. An induction will be held for him and Ravi Challa. 1st Vice President (and Tootsie Pop Chair) Weldon Garrelts asked everyone to mark their calendars for Tootsie Pop Days, May 10 and 11. We may have a new location this year, the County Market at 4th and Springfield. 2nd Vice President (and Program Chair) Charlie Osborne said he has programs through April 10. The Club needs someone to take over program chair soon, Charlie, who we agreed has done an exceptional job getting great speakers, will be moving into new duties. Fonda Bowden reported that Herb Bail, plus others, collected 617 pair of glasses for February. Omer Benn helped him count them. Marvin Paulsen shared the results of the survey and provided analysis of responses. 19 responses were received from 37 members. Overall the survey shows we are pleased with our club in most areas.

Recruiting and retaining members was the area that most agreed needs improvement. David Lin said he, Jay Hoeflinger, and Sam McGrew have discussed ways to improve recruiting, such as including others to join us in service events as well as lunch guests, a regular “guest day” where guests who are business people get the opportunity to speak about their business for a few minutes, so they can become familiar with the mission of Lions and get to know our members. It is time for the nominations committee (members to be announced) to nominate new officers for next year. Walk for Sight – Rich King will Chair and participate. June 9 is the date of the event at Mattoon. The Mattoon Club has challenged Champaign Club to a game of beep ball. Birdies for Charity and Lions of Illinois Foundation Diabetes Awareness Campaign (March 1 through May 31); If we are to participate in these programs, we need someone who is willing to chair and promote the effort.

Marvin Paulsen presented the results of the club survey. The responses were mostly positive. Everyone liked the meeting place. Member retention and recruiting were identified as needing attention. Most felt they were not being asked to do too much. The Chatter received overwhelming support. It was suggested we have more publicity.

Tail Twister – Tom Yaxley,

asked Omer Benn to carry the bucket. Then he fined Omer for not greeting today.

Marvin Paulsen for having won the lottery;

Weldon Garrelts for some award or other.

Then our beloved TailTwister told some jokes that were un-repeatable, but funny.

Greeter: Pat Bryan Mar 27 - Dr. Forsythe (Bella Medical Center) - Youthful, not Youthless Click here to Charlie Osborne and let him know what you would like to see in a Lions Club program some Coming up Mar 20 - David Leake (Parkland) - How to Buy a Telescope

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