Mailing Address: Wheaton Lions Club, P.O. Box 296, Wheaton, IL 60187
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Last Updated:01/27/2010
 

 

 

 

Seeing Our Way
By Dorothy Troyer
Spectrios Institute for Low Vision

A DATE TO REMEMBER
March 6th, 2010

Winter will be almost over. It will be too early to dig up the garden and too cold to go fishing. So on March 6th, a Saturday, drop in at Spectrios Institute for Low Vision sometime between 10 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. The front door will be open. Take the elevator down one level and just walk around, watch what’s going on and ask questions.

Right here in Wheaton and supported financially by the Wheaton Lions is a fantastic technology lab where state of the art equipment is on display and available for demonstrations. Everything in this lab, called “Eye Tec,” has been designed for people who have a severe vision loss.

So why should you go to see this stuff? Because you are a Lion and our mission is to serve the visually impaired and hearing impaired. Wouldn’t it be tragic if someone came to one of us Lions asking for help in finding a piece of equipment that would help them get a job or stay employed and we had no idea where to find such things?

The Technology Open House on March 6th, 2010 won’t cost you a dime. You can take your spouse, or a grandchild, or a neighbor. Before you take the elevator down to Eye Tec or after you have explored it, you can have a cup of tea or coffee and a cookie in the conference room, which just happens to be named after a Wheaton Lion, Jim Gates.

Sometime between now and the end of February, call Leah Gerlach at 630-690-7115 and tell her you are planning to attend the Technology Open House on March 6th. Better yet, call right away and mark it on your calendar.


Hear Here
By Dr. Terri Lightbody, Au.D
HEARING SPECIALISTS of DuPage


Timely for St. Valentine's Day

The Kiss of Deaf

By Melissa Alexandra, intern student from RUSH

Who knew a simple kiss could cause so much trouble. There is a new report about how an innocent kiss caused permanent hearing loss and tinnitus. Homemaker Gail Schwartzman of Hicksville, NY came home one day to be greeted enthusiastically by her 4-year-old daughter, who gave her a big a hug and a kiss - directly on her left ear. Mrs. Schwartzman reported that while her daughter was kissing her, "It felt like she was sucking the air out of my head. I couldn't push her away because I had this terrible sensation in my head. When she was finished, I had no hearing in my left ear" (Hearing Review).

Levi Reiter M.D., Professor of Audiology at Hofstra University, first wrote of Mrs. Schwartzman's case in 2008. Mrs. Schwartzman came to Dr. Reiter one year after the incident, frustrated by numerous specialists who had been unable to diagnose her condition. Schwartzman had seen a full-page spread about Dr. Reiter in Newsday and her frustration turned to hope. Dr. Reiter's unique teaching methods piqued Schwartzman's interest and an appointment was made with Dr. Reiter soon after.

Mrs. Schwartzman reported that within one week after the 'kissing' incident, her hearing had improved from completely deaf to essentially a mild low-frequency sensorineural hearing loss, yet her ability to understand speech was still reduced by one-forth. She was also experiencing facial muscle spasms, tinnitus (ringing in the ear) and extreme sensitivity to loud sounds. By the time Mrs. Schwartzman saw Dr. Reiter, many of her symptoms had reduced in severity. Mrs. Schwartzman's "rushing" tinnitus now occurred only in quiet settings, her speech understanding in the effected ear improved and her muscle spasms only occurred in response to loud sounds. Her hypersensitivity to loud sounds however remained unchanged. She also noted experiencing a "flutter" in the left ear when she turned her head.

After Dr. Reiter evaluated Mrs. Schwartzman, he explained that the vigorous kiss created excessive 'negative' pressure or a suction to the ear canal and eardrum. This suction pulled the eardrum laterally, thus pulling the stapes bone of the middle ear forcefully away from a membrane (the oval window) at the opening to the inner ear, damaging a tiny but important muscle in the middle ear. This muscle is responsible for a reflex that protects the inner ear from loud-low frequency sounds. It contracts when a loud-low frequency sound occurs, reducing the flow of energy from the middle ear bones to the inner ear. The "kiss of deaf" left Mrs. Schwartzman with a damaged left stapedial muscle. Her facial spasms and sensitivity to sound are side-effects of the damage to her stapedial muscle.

Since the 'kissing' incident, Mrs. Schwartzman has recovered most of her normal hearing and function to the damaged ear. She is still not completely back to normal. So be sure to plant your smooches with care. Be careful when attempting to kiss someone on the cheek. They may turn their head and accidentally suffer the "kiss of deaf".


 

More Than 27 Million Americans Will Endure Untreated Hearing Loss In 2010

With hearing loss in America approaching what medical researchers say may be epidemic proportions, a top hearing care executive is calling for this to be the year that hearing care is recognized as a medical necessity.

“Even mild hearing loss, left untreated, can impair communication and negatively impact social and family relationships, job performance and health and safety,” said Stephen Hansbrough, CEO of HearUSA , one of the nation’s largest hearing care companies. He said studies show that untreated hearing loss, which has been linked to depression, loneliness, reduced alertness and stress and can put personal safety and overall health at risk, is also costing billions of dollars in lost earnings.

While hearing aids can treat 95% of all hearing loss, Hansbrough said they are used by only one in four of the 36 million Americans with hearing loss. He said that while cost was a major factor, other barriers to greater use of hearing aids were stigma (which is fading), unfamiliarity with today’s state-of-the-art hearing aids technology and lack of trust and confidence in an often-confusing hearing aid marketplace.

“Acceptance of hearing care as a medical necessity would enable millions suffering from untreated hearing loss to receive hearing aids and support services from qualified, credentialed providers,” said Hansbrough.

“Hearing care must be made more affordable, accessible and consistent,” said Hansbrough, reaffirming HearUSA’s support for the hearing aid tax credit legislation currently pending in the House and the Senate.

According to a study conducted by Johns Hopkins University researchers and published in the Archives of Internal Medicine, “Hearing loss is a societal problem. It is known to be highly prevalent and the costs of increased needs and diminished autonomy associated with hearing loss are shared by society.”

The study concluded that “the prevalence of hearing loss is predicted to rise significantly because of an aging population and the growing use of personal hearing devices. Indeed, we may be facing an epidemic of hearing impairment.”

In its landmark study, “The Impact of Untreated Hearing Loss on Household Income,” The Better Hearing Institute estimated that the annual cost in lost earnings due to untreated hearing loss was $122 billion, with the Federal government losing $18 billion in taxes. The Better Hearing Institute also reports that America’s hearing loss population is growing at a rate of 160% of the overall population growth.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding your ears or hearing, call Dr. Lightbody. Dr. Lightbody has a private practice in Wheaton and works with all ages. She can be contacted at her office, Hearing Specialists of DuPage, (630) 580-5777. www.thehearingspecialists.com


How To Buy a Cell Phone when You Have Hearing Loss

Purchasing a cell phone when you have hearing loss can be a daunting task. The choices can be overwhelming and the terminology can be baffling.

The Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) fact sheet on “Hearing Aid Compatibility for Wireless Telephones” provides an excellent overview of this topic and can be accessed at www.fcc.gov/cgb/consumerfacts/hac_wireless.html.

Basically, when searching for a hearing aid compatible cell phone, keep these things in mind.
1). The “M” rating (M3 or 4) represents microphone interference potential to a hearing aid from the cell phone and the “T” rating (T3 or T4) represents the telescopic coupling capability of the cell phone. The higher the rating, the better the phone will couple to the hearing aids.
2). What type of hearing aid do I have? In the ear hearing aids may have less interference than behind the ear hearing aids.
3). Can I try the cell phone in the store? Not all stores allow you to try out their phone in the store. It is important to test the phone in a noisy and quiet setting.
4). Can I try the cell phone at home? Check the store’s return policy and look for early termination fees. It will be beneficial to be able to try a new cell phone in your own listening environments.

Remember, technology is constantly changing so keep this in mind when selecting a cell phone contract. There is no perfect phone for every person with hearing loss. It can be a matter of trial and error. There are many different options available for those wearing hearing aids today. Don’t miss out on good communication.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding your ears or hearing, call Dr. Lightbody. Dr. Lightbody has a private practice in Wheaton and works with all ages. She can be contacted at her office, Hearing Specialists of DuPage, (630)580-5777. www.thehearingspecialists.com


Hearing Dogs

Many of us have heard of dogs being specially trained for individuals with vision loss. Did you know that there are dogs trained for individuals with hearing loss? Hearing dogs are trained for similar duties as ‘seeing dogs’ such as alerting their owner to danger. Imagine going to bed and having to take your hearing aids and/or cochlear implant off putting you into a silent world. Imagine being afraid of missing an important phone call, not hearing a baby crying or missing the fire alarm. Imagine not being able to hear someone calling your name or not being able to determine where the sound is coming from. These are fears that the hearing impaired/deaf struggle with on a daily basis. A Hearing Dog can help with all of these situations and many more. They give their owner a greater sense of peace and independence.

Hearing dogs come in all shapes and sizes. They are chosen based on their temperament, health, intelligence, adaptability, social etiquette, and work ethic. The hearing dog must be able to pay attention, respond to commands, and remain under control and not be distracted by offers of food, non-important sounds, and startling sounds/situations. Hearing dogs are trained to alert their human partners to sounds through physical contact to get their attention. The dog may be trained to touch a hand, nudge their leg, or touch their foot and then connect their partner to the sound they are alerting for by moving toward the sound. Some of the sounds hearing dogs can alert to are a door bell, door knock, teakettle whistle, kitchen timer, telephone ring, smoke alarm, alarm clock, and the various beeps and bells of kitchen and laundry appliances. New sounds can be added as needed.

Hearing dogs are identified by an orange collar and leash or vest. You should never approach and make contact with a hearing dog that is ‘on duty’ unless you ask their owner’s permission first.

To find out more about hearing dogs, you can investigate these websites: International Association of Hearing Dog Partners: www.iaadp.org/ , Assistance Dogs International: www.adionline.org/ , AKC’s Canine Good Citizen Program: www.akc.org/events/cgc/index.cfm.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding your ears or hearing, call Dr. Lightbody. Dr. Lightbody has a private practice in Wheaton and works with all ages. She can be contacted at her office, Hearing Specialists of DuPage, (630)580-5777. www.thehearingspecialists.com


Wine Festival

Was held
Thursday November 19, 2009
6:30 till 9:00 PM

Lions Mike Nass and Jim Ellingson

Wine Festival

Was held
Thursday November 19, 2009
6:30 till 9:00 PM

This year at
The Golf Academy at Cantigny

Wines by Tasting DeVine on Front Street

We brought a prospective member and our spouse. Enjoyed a light dinner and our favorite red or white wine.

This is our one annual event where we can tell prospective new members all about Lions and the great things we do and have a lot of fun doing it.

There is no charge for your guests and spouses of guests. Members and spouses pay only $20 each, which this year, includes a light dinner. (you will be billed later). Wine from Tasting DeVine on Front Street.

The Membership Committee: Lions Jim Ellingson, Byron Powell, Jack Aylward, Gerry Dakin, Jim Huck, Jim Mathieson, Jim Herrmann, Scott Shorney, Brad Pihl, John Sheahin, Keith Carlson, Pat McEvoy, Rod Irey, Bill Davis


Welcome Our New Vice-President

Lion Jennifer Atten has announced her resignation as our Vice-president, effect immediately. Lion Jennifer’s personal duties have changed and she needs to devote more time outside Lions.

Our President Lion Tony Ladd announced the change at the November Board meeting, November 09, 2009. Lion Dr. Terri Lightbody, our past President two years ago, has volunteered to complete Jennifer’s term. Lion Terri will continue serving her 3-year Board of Director member position. Dr. Lightbody also serves on the Benevolent Committee.

Dr. Terri Lightbody


Welcome Our New Members

Lion George Bryson
Sponsor: Lion Byron Powell
Inducted January 12, 2010

Lion Rich Miller
Sponsor: Lion Gerry Dakin
Inducted January 12, 2010

 

Lion John Wallerius
Sponsor: Jim Herrmann
Inducted January 12, 2010

    

Lion Allen Mossman
Retired Chemist
Sponsor: Jim Herrmann

Lion Scott Schorney
Hope Publishing
Sponsor: Jim Ellingson



Lion Julie DeGrace
Windsor Park
Sponsor: Marty Findling

Lion Joe Hoff
Retired Banker
Sponsor: Ruth Carlson

Lion Doug Holzrichter
President
PHN Architects
Sponsor: Karen Lellios

Lion Judge Daniel Guerin
Associate Judge
State of Illinois
Sponsor: Jim Huck

Lion David McLinden
Sales
Delta Dental
Sponsor: Jim Borsch


New Member Inductions

  

Lion Bill Davis, left, Lion Keith Carlson congratulating Rich Miller while George Bryson looks on.

   

New member Rich Miller explaining his background to the membership.

 

New Member George Bryson with Sponsor Byron Powell, with Membership Chair Jim Ellingson, right.

New member George Bryson explaining his background to the membership.

January 12, 2010

Lion Bill Davis administering the Oath to new members Rich Miller and George Bryson. Sponsors Keith Carlson and Byron Powell look on



WALK for Sight

“We Walk So They Won’t have To.”

This year (2009) was our 4th Annual Night Walk for District 1J which includes Districts 1A, 1B and 1F. In the previous three Night Walks, Wheaton Lions were awarded plaques for collecting the most money and having the most walkers. It’s become both a tradition and a challenge. Funds raised help to deliver an increasing number of services to the one million men, women and children in Illinois who are hearing and vision impaired.

The Wheaton Lions Club Walk for Sight Committee were Lions Tony Ladd, Chairman, Ruth Carlson, Steve Lederman, Jim Mathieson, Brad Pihl, and Dorothy Troyer.

Walk for Sight was held on Sunday, June 7, 2009 at the Danada Equestrian Center. The “Walk” will began at 4:30 PM.

Lion Jim Mathieson and his wife Gail hosted host a picnic at their home for all Wheaton Lion participants before the event.

Click here to see 2009's Walk photos.



Welcome Our New Officers & Board Members
for 2009/2010

The President’s gavel is passing from Lion Jim Atten to Lion Tony Ladd, effective July 1, 2009. We all thanked Jim for his leadership this past year. Lion Jim has made it a fun and productive one.

Lion Tony Ladd presenting thank you award to Outgoing President Jim Atten.

Our Vice-president in charge of membership is Lion Jim Ellingson. Jim says “We can double our membership if every member produces one new candidate”. Under Lion Jim's leadership these past three years membership has expanded from the 60's to 99 as of the Installation Banquet evening.

 

Lion Bill Davis inducting the new officers and board members May 20, 2009

Lion Harold Gaede received Melvin Jones Fellow Humanitarian Award

Lion George Newitt received the Melvin Jones Fellow Humanitarian Award, also.

 

Lion Keith Carlson presenting the Melvin Jones Fellow Humanitarian Award to Lions George Newitt, Glenn Auble and Harold Gaede.


LIONS Club Officers & Board of Directors

Serving July 1, 2009 through June 30, 2010

Officers
President.........................................................Tony Ladd
Vice President .................................................Dr. Terri Lightbody
Secretary........................................................Bob Clavel
Treasurer .......................................................Christopher Barton
Past President ................................................Jim Atten
Fund Raising Director ......................................John Sheahin
Program Director ............................................Dorothy Troyer
Scholarship Director...........................................Bill Davis
Membership Director .......................................Jim Ellingson
Publicity Director .............................................Bud Roeser
Sight & Hearing Director..................................Neil Pollock/Karen Lellios
Lion Tamer .....................................................Ed Lambke
Tail Twister .....................................................Glenn Auble
Assistant Tail Twister .......................................Don Fischer

Board Of Directors
One Year Directors .................................... Bob Haeger, Ern Kovacs
Two Year Directors .................................... Steve Lederman, Frank Steck
Three Year Directors ................................Dr. Terri Lightbody, Brad Pihl


SightFirst II Campaign

Campaign SightFirstII is a coordinated, global fundraising effort involving all 1.35 million Lions in more than 45,000 clubs to raise $150 million for the SightFirst program. It is conducted by Lions Cubs, International Foundation, the grant-making arm of the International Association of Lions Clubs.

The SightFirst Program

Since 1990, Lions have done more to prevent blindness and restore sight than in their previous 65 years as "Knights of the Blind." In a decade and a half, Lions have prevented severe vision loss or restored sight to 27 million people-more than the combined populations of New York and Tokyo.

How is this possible?

SightFirst makes it possible! SightFirst's strategy of containing and eliminating the leading causes of blindness, creating sustainable eye-health systems, and training eye- care workers who will serve their communities for years to come, makes it extraordinarily effective and remarkably efficient. On average, just $6.00, can save one person from a life of darkness. SightFirst has touched the lives of tens of millions around the globe. Through SightFirst, Lions are changing the world-and the world now looks to Lions as leaders in the international effort to combat preventable blindness.

Since 1990, SightFirst has....

Prevented serious vision loss for 27 million.
Provided 80.5 million treatments for River Blindness
Awarded $193 million for 818 projects in 90 Countries
Restored sight to 7 million with Cataract
Improved eye-care services for hundreds of millions
Built or expanded 213 eye hospitals, clinics and wards.
Upgraded 325 eye centers with equipment
Trained 305,000 Ophthalmologists, Ophthalmic nurses, other professional eye- care workers and village health workers.
Launched world's first-ever initiative to combat childhood blindness in partnership with the World Health Organization. 30 Pediatric eye-care centers will be established.

The Years of Campaign SightFirst II

2005-2006 The Year of Education and Preparation CSFII
Launched at the International Convention in Hong Kong Model Clubs begin intensive fund raising. All Clubs conduct one additional fundraising event for CSFII.
2006-2007 The Year of Inspiration and Motivation
Prepared Clubs begin intensive fundraising efforts
2007-2011 The Year of Participation and Celebration All remaining Clubs begin intensive fund raising. CSFII concludes at the International Convention in Bangkok.

For a copy of the Pledge Form, download here.

For more Information on SIGHTFIRSTII visit: http://www.lions-csfii.org/live/content/index.shtml   

For information about River Blindness, visit: http://www.cartercenter.org/health/river_blindness/index.html   


    Nicolas Diaz is the story of just one of more than 1,000 people who have been operated on by the Lions SightFirst campaign in the Federal District of Mexico

Nicolas Díaz remembers the day he began to wonder if he was going blind. It was over two years ago. The former taxi driver already had some vision loss and had to quit his job and begin working as a waiter in a restaurant in Mexico City. A full pitcher in hand, Nicolas crossed the dining room to pour drinks for the patrons. He had trouble seeing the drink glasses, and soda spilled all over the table and guests. He felt humiliated. His life, he says, “began to plunge into darkness.” He and his wife live in rented rooms in the town of Xochimilco, just outside of Mexico City. Their daughter lives in the city and sends them money each month to pay the rent. His wife baby-sits the children of their niece. They live a very simple, poor life with their dog, Shakira. And when Nicolas was diagnosed with bilateral cataract two years ago, they had no insurance and no money to pay for the surgery. Shortly thereafter, Nicolas lost his job at the restaurant. He tried to be hired for work in gardens and to guard people’s cars parked on the streets, but his vision deteriorated. Just one year later, he was not able to walk in the streets. Then he received a call from his daughter, “Dad, Dad! The Lions in Mexico City are doing a cataract campaign with Our Lady of the Light Hospital! They are helping people like us who cannot afford the surgery!” The next week, Nicolas’s wife took him to the local Lions screening campaign where he met Past District Governor Pepe Fernández who administers the 4,000-surgery campaign that is funded in part by SightFirst. After receiving a comprehensive eye care exam and having a socioeconomic study performed on his household, Nicolas was operated on through the SightFirst campaign on Valentine’s Day last year. Today, Nicolas is 67 years old and says he has the sight of a 20-year old. For the first time in years, he is able to look for work. He regularly welcomes the Lions back in his home, who come to check up on him and his family. They share a drink, take a walk to the shop around the corner to buy some groceries, and together walk Shakira. He cannot thank them enough for their service and generosity. With tears in his eyes, he declares, “I feel complete now. It is like being born again.” Nicolas Diaz is the story of just one of more than 1,000 people who have been operated on by the Lions SightFirst campaign in the Federal District of Mexico The SightFirst project continues to be successful, with another 3,000 people soon to receive the gift of sight from the Lions.


COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIPS AWARDED TO WHEATON STUDENTS

WHEATON LIONS CHARITIES CONFERS COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIP FOR QUALIFIED VISUAL AND/OR HEARING IMPAIRED HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATES

Our 84th Year Helping the Wheaton Visually and Hearing Impaired Community

WHEATON, IL (June 10,2009) Wheaton Lions Charities, Ltd., and the Wheaton Lions Club has again awarded a scholarship to qualifying high school seniors residing within the boundaries of School District 200 who are challenged by visual or hearing related conditions, including type 1 diabetes. The scholarship money is to be used toward college, technical school or similar educational program to enhance a career of their choice. This year the Wheaton Lions Club has awarded $4,000 in total scholarships to Victoria Klopf, Jamie Geer and Victoria Noe. Lion Bill Davis is our Scholarship Director.

Student Victoria Klopf, received her Tom Yule Memorial Scholarship LIONS scholarship award during the our Officers Installation Banquet, May 20, 2009 from Wheaton Lion Past-President Dr. Terri Lightbody, audiologist.

Victoria Noe with her parents and Lion President Jim Atten

Student Jamie Geer, received her LIONS scholarship award during the our regular meeting, June 30, 2009 from Wheaton Lion President Jim Atten.

The Wheaton LIONS have long maintained their LIONS Eye Care Program within the community, working with local schools and local eye physicians, for the purpose of screening needy individuals, especially children, who have visual impairments. This program includes eye exams, glasses and other apparatus like magnification devices. The Wheaton LIONS also strongly support the Deicke Center for Visual Rehabilitation. Funding for these and other causes come primarily from the annual Nite Walk in June, Candy Day collections in October, a golf and steak fry each summer and a Christmas auction.

The local Wheaton LIONS Club began its charter on October 23, 1923. Our President this year is Lion Tony Ladd.

Individuals interested in joining the Lions Club may obtain further information from Membership Chairman, Jim Ellingson or calling 630-665-9471. Prospective members are invited to attend our weekly luncheon meetings held on Tuesdays at Noon to 1:00PM in the Masonic Building, 120 W. Wesley, Wheaton, IL 60187.

Wheaton Lions Scholarship Past Winners
YEAR
STUDENT-SCHOOL
AWARD
2001
Michelle Conway-College of DuPage
$1,500
2002

Kara Donndelinger - Columbia International University
Jennifer Maier - College of DuPage
Katherine Kelly - Illinois Wesleyan University

$1,500
$750
$750

2003

Michelle McIntyre - College of DuPage
Benjamin Hoffmeier - Centre College

$1,500
$1,500

2004 Somoch Huy - College of DuPage
$1,500
2005 Jock Lezon - College of DuPage
Michael Mallek - Cooking & Hospitality Institute of Chicago
$1,500
$1,500
2006 Owen Finnegan - Judson College
Victoria Klopf - Illinois State University
$1,500
$1,500
2007 Victoria Klopf - Illinois State University
$3,000
2008 Richard Dykstra - Universal Technical Institute
Michael Cantieri - Rochester Institute of Technology
Victoria Klopf - Illinois State University *
                                                *Tom Yule Memorial Scholarship
$1,500
$1,500
$1,500
2009 Victoria Klopf - Illinois State University*
                                                  * $500 plus $1,000
Tom Yule Memorial Scholarship
Victoria Noe - Colorado State
Jamie Geer - College of DuPage
$1,500
$1,000
$1,500
* Funded by Lee Yule and donations in memory of Tom Yule
   

   

LION President Joel Riley Receives 1J Award

Lions Of Illinois Secretary Mario Gumino, stationed at the Sycamore, IL headquarters, visited us on April 25, 2006 to award our President, Joel Riley with his work in bringing in new members.

   
Lion Dr. Tracy Williams Earns Melvin Jones Fellow Award

Lion Dr. Tracy Williams, Director of the Deicke Center known for his volunteering with the Chicago Bulls and The Chicago White Sox as team eye doctor. Once in awhile we hear about Lion Williams’ sojourns into third-world country, distributing the eye glasses we collect and administer other eye exams and solutions, free of charge.

Lion Tracy’s work has not gone unnoticed. Lion Dr. Joe Morrissey, DDS a past Wheaton Lions president, presented the Melvin Jones Fellow award for dedicated humanitarian services on behalf of the Lions International Foundation to Lion Dr. Tracy Williams, at our regular January 17, 2006 meeting.

After receiving his award, Lion Tracy told us of more of his interesting stories about helping the sight impaired located in third-world countries. The latest trip was to Guatemala where he fitted a women with a glass eye. She claimed she could see and then proceeded to tell the whole village of the “miracle”.



Close-up of the Melvin Jones Fellow Humanitarian Award presented to Lion Dr. Tracy Williams, January 17, 2006.

Dr. Tracy Williams, left, received the Melvin Jones Fellow Award for all his trips to third-world countries, dispensing glasses and performing eye exams. LION Joe Morrissey, past president of our Wheaton Den, presented the award during our regular Tuesday Noon meeting, January 17, 2006



Dr. Tracy Williams, left, Jim Atten, who sponsored the showing of the DVD of the LIONS International Convention held last summer in Hong Cong, in which, Dr. Tracy appeared describing his efforts around the world. Lion Joe Morrissey and our President, Lion Joel Riley.

   

LION Jim Atten Finds ‘49 LIONS Photo

Pictured are Wheaton Lions. Front row: Dr. Roy Schluchter, Jr., Don Auble, Roy Langan, Stephen Platt, Charles W. Townsend, Jr., Ed Farrar, Bill Atten, J.W. Fitzsimmons, Al Woodward, Bob Haeger. Back row: Anton Carlson, William Fellmer, Homer Heitz and Charles Hughes.

Lion Jim Atten’s mother found a photo printed in the December 29, 1949 Wheaton Leader showing LIONS members ready to attend a Christmas Party held in the Wheaton Theatre. The price of admission to the theater was one can of food for distribution to the needy. Jim is donating the photo to the Wheaton Historical Society. Printed on the back is a Jewel Foods ad showing it was located at 126 N. Hale. Featured was 12 oz. fantail shrimp for 69¢, Planters peanuts 8 oz. can for 29¢.

Current members are sons Jim Atten, Bob Haeger and Keith Carson and grand daughter, Jennifer Atten.


     
   

 


New Member Recruiting Recognized
   

Lion Keith Carlson, past VP of Membership shows the plague he earned and also gave to others for recruiting new members to our Wheaton Club. Those who recruited 2 or more new members also earned a LION pin.

The LIONS receiving the awards are:

 LION
# New Members
Jim Atten
2
Bruce Schurman
3
Keith Carlson
1
Dale Davis
1
Clyde Kautz
1
Jim Herrmann
1
Glenn Auble

1

Joel Riley
1

   
   

SERVICE RECOGNIZED

President Joe Morrissey presented Lion Harold Gaede with a 50 year award as a member of our Wheaton LIONS den at our Installation Meeting, May 11, 2005. Harold is our official Installation Officer who conducts the inductions of new members at proceedings taking place quarterly
President Joe Morrissey presented Lion Ed Green with a 35 year award as a member of our Wheaton LIONS den at our regular Noon meeting, May 25, 2005.

 

   

Wheaton LIONS Club History is Building

2003 was a special year for our LIONS club. We celebrated our 80th anniversary. And we discovered a 1941 Christmas card signed by the then members and mailed to one of the member’s son flying for the Royal Air Force in London,

Recently, the Post Office found an envelope containing a Christmas card signed by the Wheaton LIONS Club members, addressed to a Lt. William D. Tibbetts, Army Airforce, mailed December 22, 1941, c/o the American Embassy, London, England.

Among the 70 signers was Kevin K. Tibbetts. We believe he was the Superintendent of Wheaton schools from 1928 through 1952.
We are looking for any information you may have regarding Kevin and William Tibbetts and if any descendants are still in Wheaton. We are interested in finding out the relationship of Kevin to William, also.

And now, LION Cleve Carney discovered a poem written for his dad, Marvin Carney and signed by the members.

   
   

SightFirstII Pledge

Scholarships History

How To Buy a Cell Phone when You Have Hearing Loss


Upcoming Events... 2009

New VP Appointed

January 12, 2010New Member Induction

February 03 , 2010—Wheaton College free admission for Club member and family. Winning service club receives a free promo on the Jumbotron at the first football game next Fall. If we win, we can post the Candy Day promotion.

March 6, 2010—Spectrious Open House
                         10 a.m. and 1:00 p.m

March 30, 2010—No meeting, Spring                            Break week

July 4th Parade—Lion Conrad Stoll, Chairman.


Archived Activities:

Christmas Auction at Arrowhead Golf Club December 15, 2009

Thanksgiving Luncheon at Wheaton College Campus, November 17, 2009

Wine Festival at the Golf Academy at Cantigny November 19, 2009

2009 Installation Banquet

4th Annual Walk-For-Sight
June 07, 2009

2009 4th of July Parade Review

Mike Williams Memorial
11 a.m. July 17, at Gary Memorial United Methodist Church

2009 Golf Outing; Photos, Forms, Silent Auction Items and Program

Candy Days October 9-10-09

Speakers Calendar
(See "Guest Speakers" for reports and photos of speakers)

March 02 , 2010
Sponsor: Lion Brad Pihl
Speaker: David Lundberg, Evangelical Child & Family Agency of Wheaton
Topic: Adaption of Children in Illinois

February 23, 2010
Sponsor: Lion Bob Harris
Speaker: Kelly Goetz
Topic: Wellness & Health in the Work          Environment

February 16, 2010
Sponsor: Lion Craig Henninger
Speaker: TBA
Topic: TBA

February 09, 2010
Sponsor: Lion Bill Guild
Speaker: Rick Carney
Topic: Current Election Races

February 02, 2010
Sponsor: Lion Georgianna Cobb
Speaker: Cheri Nicholas
Topic: Therapy Dogs

January 26, 2010
Sponsor: Lion Julie DeGrace
Speaker: Bud Knoedler
Topic: Birds in Art

January 19, 2010
Sponsor: Lion Scott Shorney
Speaker: Leanne Stavenger-Vos
Topic: What is Donka?

January 12, 2010
Sponsor: Lion Jim Borsch
Speaker: Jody Grandlienard, Director of Community Schools of the Arts, Wheaton College
Topic: Music and Art for children through high school age—outreach program

January 05, 2010
Sponsor: Lion Jack Aylward
Speaker: Paul Bock, Senior Resident Supervisory Agent from the Lisle FBI
Topic: Tracking Down Terrorists

December 29, 2009
No meeting, New Year's Week

December 22, 2009
No meeting, Christmas Week

December 15, 2009
Sponsor: Lion Mike Bernard
Christmas Auction at Arrowhead Golf

December 08, 2009
Sponsor: Lion Dorothy Troyer
Speaker: Leah Gerlach and her guide               dog, Jan
Topic: Experiences with a guide dog

December 01, 2009
Sponsor: Lion Doug Holzrichter
Speaker: Allan Goldstein
Topic: Something special

November 10, 2009
Sponsor: Lion Ken Knicker
Speaker: U.S. Rep. Peter Roskam
Topic: Congressional Perspectiv
e

November 03, 2009
Sponsor: Lion Joe Hoff
Speaker: Susan Broad
Topic: DuPage Children’s Museum

October 27, 2009
Sponsor: Lion Mike Gresk
Speaker: Commissioner Debra Olson
Topic: Running for Dupage Cty Sup.


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Birthdays. . .

January 08.................. Keith Carlson
January 13 ..................Lucky Gosain
January 13 .................Ray Shepardson
January 23 ..................Vince Loiacono
January 24 ..................Marty Findling
January 25...................George Bryson
February 02................ Dorothy French
February 03 ................Jeff Kincaid
February 04 ...............Bruce Schurman
February 09 ...............Steve Lederman
February 09 ................John Stock
February 10 ................Dan Guerin
February 11 ................Richard Miller
February 15 ................John Mulkerin
February 21 ................Richard Drury
February 22 ................Bill Langman
February 22 ................Jim Atten
February 22 ................Don Fischer
February 23 ................Joe Morrissey
February 24 ................Bud Roeser March 12 ....................Georgie Cobb
March 25.................... Mike Nass

Thought for the Day . .

“BIf it’s true that we are here to help others, then what exactly are the others here for? “


Eye Glasses, Hearing Aids & Key Collection Program

LION Ed Lambke, in addition to being our Lion Tamer, works our discarded eyeglasses, hearing aids and keys program. Ed has many collection boxes in place throughout Wheaton.

Latest (11-10-09) collection results:
   
• Eye Glasses: 1141
    • Hearing Aids: 1
    • Misc.: Hearing Aid Batteries
    • Keys: 2lbs.

After the used glasses are collected, Lion Club volunteers take each pair, determine the refraction numbers and labels as such. Then during the dispensing of the used glasses to the poor in this and other countries, the marked glasses are then matched to the patient.

We collect brass keys for the metal.

LION Dr. Conrad Stoll with one of the collection boxes

The Wheaton LIONS Club maintains collection boxes at the following sites:

LOCATION OF LIONS EYE GLASS DEPOSIT BOXES

Central Wheaton
Community Bank
  100 N. Wheaton Ave. 
Senior Leisure Center
  (Memorial Park) 208 W. Union St.
St. Michael’s Church Gym
   314 W. Willow Ave.
Dr. Conrad Stoll, O.D.
   214 Front St.
Dental Health of Wheaton
   949 W. Liberty Dr.
DuPage Recorder of Deeds Office
  421 N. County Farm Road

North Wheaton
Wheaton Bowl
   2013 Gary Ave.
St. Mark’s Church
  303 E. Parkside Dr.
Williams Kamp Funeral Home
  430 E. Roosevelt
I.T.E.C.
  2015 N. Main St., 2nd Floor

South Wheaton
Wheaton Post Office-Danada
  46 Danada Square West
Danada Vision Center
  115 Danada Square East
Lenscrafters Town Square,
  Wheaton
St. Daniel The Prophet Church
  101 W. Loop Rd.
Wheaton Park Dist. Community Center
  1777 S. Blanchard Road

Glen Ellyn
Dr. Lindenmuth
  45 South Park Blvd, 3rd floor.



 

Recycle Day was April 18, 2009


Lions (rt. to lt.)Pat McEvoy, Dr. Terri Lightbody and Ern Kovacs were assisted this year by Wheaton North High School volunteers Anna and Susan, manning the Wheaton Lions Table at Wheaton Recycle Day. We accepted 8 hearing aids, 342 eye glasses and 8 pounds of keys.

In just six hours, residents dropped off the following items for recycling or reuse during Wheaton’s Recycling Extravaganza on April 18: · Nearly 8,000 pounds of scrap metal · 143 American flags to be appropriately retired by the American Legion · 46 fire extinguishers · 342 eye glasses and 8 hearing aids · Approximately 8 pounds of keys · 109 sealed lead acid batteries


4th Annual Walk for Sight
Sunday, June 7, 2009
Walk begins 4:30 PM
Danada Equestrian Center
3 South 501 Naperville Rd.
Wheaton, IL 60187

"We Walk . . .To Light The Way"

Lions of Illinois Foundation runs 13 programs that reach over 18,000 Illinois children and adults with vision and hearing handicaps. But, there are almost 1,000,000 men, women, and children in the state of Illinois that have vision and hearing impairments. Our goal is to raise funds to deliver an increasing number of services to help these people live a better life, and to hopefully someday help stop preventable blindness.

How You Can Participate

Individual Walkers Collect your donations and join other walkers at the Danada Equestrian Center with the same cause: "We Walk. . .to light the way"

Team Walking Why not join forces, whether at work or home or your club or organization and form your own team for the 2008 Annual Walk. What a great way to show your combined support, as well as, share in the fun of the day

Family Teams A group of walkers (family or friends) representing one family.

Lioness, Leo & Lion Club Teams A group of walkers (Club members, family, friends) representing your

Non Lion Teams A group of walkers representing the same organization— for example: a high school junior high, church or scout troop. What a great way to earn those "Community Service" points

Schedule of Events

• 3:30 p.m. Registration & Path                 Assignment
• 3:30-4:30 p.m. Visit LIF Program Exhibits, Beep Baseball demonstration, "Blind" obstacle course, Clowns, Picnic, Hearing van walk-through.
• 4:15 p.m. Opening Ceremony
• 4:30 p.m. Walk for Sight begins
• 5:30-6:30 p.m. Walkers complete. LIF Program Exhibits open, Clowns, Picnic continues.
• 6:30 p.m. Walk for Sight ends

Entry Fees
Adults: $20.00 per individual

This year the committee members for our Wheaton Lions Club are Tony Ladd, Chairman,with Dorothy Troyer, Jim Mathieson, Georgie and Barry Cobb, Gary Dewel, Harold Gaede, Ken Knicker, Jack Aylward, Dave McLinden, and Dale Davis.

We can add to the fund by contacting sponsors. A Sponsor Worksheet is available for download by clicking on this: Walk for Sight Pledge Sheet

All Nightwalk forms are also available on the web at the Lions of Illinois Foundation site www.lionsofillinoisfoundation.org

For photos of the 2009 event and report, click here.


Wheaton Lions Club Sponsors Golf Outing
August 19, 2009 at Cantigny Golf Club

The Wheaton Lions Club, local den of the international organization serving the sight and hearing impaired, is sponsoring the annual golf outing and steak fry Wednesday, August 19, 2009 at Cantigny Golf Club, Wheaton. The outing raises funds for the sight and hearing impaired in the local area.

Lions Bob Haeger is once again leading the committee with Lions Jim Ellingson, Pat McEvoy, Brad Pihl and Jim Borsch assuring success of the event. The event consisted of 18 holes of Golf with cart, driving practice range, chipping and putting practice, Club Pro chipping lesson, $10,000 Hole-in-One prize, lunch, on-course refreshments, streak fry and prizes all for $800 a foursome, single player $225.00, $40.00 Steak Fry only. Please contact LION Bob Haeger at haegerB@langanins.com or 630-668-6644 with questions and for foursome pairings.

Wheaton merchants in the past have been generous underwriters. Tee or green sponsors contribute $300.00. Donated door and raffle prizes produce the greatest amount of revenue for the charity event. Underwriters contribute $500.00 with their name prominently displayed on a banner that is posted at the golf outing start, during the steak fry and during the awards and raffle portion of the evening. The banner is then prominently displayed at each weekly noontime meeting throughout the year. Each tee or green sponsor donates $300.00 and has their name and logo displayed on a sign that is placed at the tee or green of their choice. Prizes such as dinners at local restaurants, event tickets, gift certificates are most appreciated as raffle and door prizes.

Forms for Golf Outing:
Underwriter & Hole Sponsors form
Foursome Pairings
Raffle Prize Donations

2009 Program of Events
2009 Silent Auction Items


LIONS Convention Pins Collection

A friend of Lion Bud Roeser, gave him his dad’s collection of LIONS Convention Pins, attending meetings around the world from 1975 to 1990, while a LION in Phoenix.
There is one pin for attending Chicago’s hosting in 1980. The International Lions convention was held in Chicago July, 2007.

The Brackett LIONS Convention Pin collection along with 2 lanyards is being displayed on our den's bulletin board.

Lion Tom Meloni examining the Brackett Lions Convention Pin collection passed around during our meeting November 28, 2006.

Membership Directory
To obtain a copy, please contact Jim Ellingson at 630-665-9471

 

 

 

Found: Christmas Card mailed in 1941 to London
In 1941, 78 Wheaton LIONS signed and mailed a Christmas card to Lt. William D. Tibbetts, a WWII pilot stationed in London, England. We are looking for background information. Hope you can help. To view the card, envelope and London hotel bill, click here.

Our Wheaton LIONS Cup

LION Cup
Our very own. Available for $10.00 each.
See Lion Tony Ladd 630-752-5748
Dishwasher safe

 


 OFFICERS    BOARD of DIRECTOR
President Tony Ladd
630-752-5748
One Year Directors: Bob Haeger Ern Kovacs
Vice President Dr. Terri Lightbody
630-580-5777
Two Year Directors: Steve Lederman Frank Steck
Secretary Bob Clavel
630-668-1515
Three Year Directors: Dr. Terri Lightbody Brad Pihl
Treasurer Christopher Barton
630-933-0900
 COMMITTEES
Tail Twister Jim Mathieson
630-653-1616
Sight & Hearing Dir.  Neil Pollock
630-668-2695 
Lion Tamer Ed Lambke
630-668-8688
Fundraising John Sheahin
630-653-0078 
Past President Jim Atten
630-260-1500
Membership  Jim Ellingson
630-665-9471  
Mailing Address:
Wheaton Lions Club,
P.O. Box 296, Wheaton, IL 60187
Program Director Dorothy Troyer
630-665-7562 
Scholarship Director
630-668-1167
Publicity Director Bud Roeser
630-668-3885 
 
 

©2002-2010 Wheaton Lions Club
Wheaton, Illinois

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