Johnson City Lions Club

The Johnson City Lions Club met for its regular  meeting on Thursday June 4, 2020 at 12 noon at the Johnson City Country Club. Present at the meet were: Lions Debbie Shipley (President), Ken Gough (Treasurer), Steve Campbell, Ed Gibbons, George Winton, and Doris Kaifa ( acting secretary}.

The meeting was called to order by the President Debbie Shipley.

Lion Ed Gibbons led the meeting in prayer.

President Debbie asked Lion Ed Lion Ed update on the June 6^th Vision Van project. Lion Ed indicated that the Vision Van Project will be carry out on Saturday, June 6^th at 8:30 am. He asked for assistance or volunteers to help. Masks and gloves will be provided for all volunteers. He also stated that breakfast will be provided by him and lunch will be provided by President Debbie. Lions Debbie Shipley, Steve Campbell, Ken Gough, and Doris Kaifa volunteered to help.

Lion Ken Gough won the drawing and contributed the money toward the Turtle Derby.

Lion Ken Gough reported that about 3000 pairs of glasses were picked up by Lion Justin Mitchell.  He will select pairs of interest to collectors and sell them online.

President Debbie Shipley then presented Lion Steve Campbell and Doris Kaifa with pins for bringing new members into the club.

Lion Steve Campbell presented a summary of the 2019-2020 budget for review.

President Debbie Shipley then asked for any new business.  Debbie asked how we bring in new members.  She suggested that one way we can bring in new members is by having an event in the park and inviting people. Lion Doris Kaifa suggested that business people be invited to give a brief workshop on their business. After the workshop they can be invited to become Lions.

Election of officers for 2020-21 – A motion was made by Ken Gough to elect all new officers by acclamation. The motion was seconded by Steve Campbell and approved unanimously.

Meeting was adjourned by the President.

With no other discussion the meeting was adjourned by the president.

• Doris Kaifa, Acting Secretary

Dear Lion,

The Board of Directors has voted to cancel the 2020 Lions International Convention due to concerns about the coronavirus (COVID-19). This means that the next International Convention will be held in 2021 in Montreal, Canada.

After evaluating a variety of different options including moving the convention to a different venue or postponing the convention to a later date, the Board of Directors voted to cancel the 2020 convention. This decision was made with the health and safety of our Lions, staff and vendors in mind.

Canceling the International Convention for 2020 impacts international officer continuity and candidate elections. After review of the International Constitution and By-Laws, this impact is outlined below:

• Executive officers and international directors will continue in their respective positions until the 2021 convention in Montreal. All candidate elections for these positions shall comply with the provisions of the International Constitution and By-Laws for election at the convention in Montreal.
• An international director from the areas of Africa and Australia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Indonesia and the Islands of the South Pacific is permitted only in even-numbered years. As a result, no director from Africa or Australia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Indonesia and the Islands of the South Pacific would be eligible for election until the 2022 convention.
• Barring any district election complaints, district governors, first vice district governors and second vice district governors elected during a convention of their respective districts will be accepted by Lions International. The International Board of Directors intends to authorize commencement of the DG terms beginning July 1, 2020.

We are disappointed that we will not be able to move forward with this international event, but we are optimistic that with each new day there is hope, and as Lions we will continue to find new ways to put our kindness in action while safely serving our communities.

Regards,

Dr. Jung-Yul Choi
International President

Dear Lion,

We regret to announce that the Lions Clubs International Convention, scheduled for 26-30 June 2020, will not be held as originally planned in the city of Singapore.

The Ministry of Health in Singapore just announced that all large-scale events through June 30 will be cancelled to further reduce the transmission of the coronavirus. The Lions Board of Directors received the notification today from Singapore, and this important topic will be discussed by the Board of Directors at or before the April Board meeting.

Earlier this month, I informed you that while we were optimistic we could hold the convention in Singapore, we were also assessing the feasibility of other host cities. For the past several weeks, the Executive Officers and the Convention Division Team have been exploring alternative options. Any changes surrounding the convention site and times are subject to Board approval, and will be shared with Lions as soon as available.

In the meantime, our Convention Team will be working diligently to assist you. Lions International will issue full refunds for all registration fees paid. At this time, we kindly ask that you do not contact LCI Registration to inquire about your registration, ticket or housing cancellations as we establish our cancellation details.

We are disappointed, but we will continue to move forward as a global organization, keeping the health and safety of our members in mind.

Regards,

Dr. Jung-Yul Choi
International President

The Johnson City Lions Club met on Thursday March 5, 2020 at the Johnson City Country Club.  Those present were Lions: Gayle Cox, Ken Gough, Brian Powell, Tim Tapp, Don Raines, Debbie Shipley, David Beerman, Doris Kaifa, Steve Campbell, Jerry Malchek, Jerry Lonon, George Winton, and guest Maggie Wood.

The Lion Tamer collected 2.20 and the Tail Twister collected 2.75.  Brian Powell won the drawing and donated the money to the Milligan Scholarship fund.

President Shipley called the meeting to order and called on Steve Campbell to lead the pledge and Tim Tapp to pray.

Ken Gough announced the Eyeglass Recycling Trip on April 18th.

A New Slate of Officers will be nominated in the coming days.  We need help in this area.  We have several officers who will rotate off or will be vacating their positions and we need someone to step up to the plate.  If there is a job you want to do please let President Shipley or Vice President Powell know.

David Beerman introduced Maggie Wood from A Step Ahead Foundation of the Tri Cities.  Maggie presented an informative program regarding Long Acting Reversible Contraception.  She discussed all of the ways A Step Ahead is active in the community via education, services, and assistance.  She noted that the foundation is new to the Tri – Cities and will take some time to be recognized but is already off to a great start.

At the conclusion of a question and answer time Ms. Wood was presented a Lions Club Pen in appreciation for her time at our meeting.

With no further business to come before the club, the meeting was adjourned.

Fellow Lions,

I am going to need your help on Saturday, April 25. That is the day we are having a Vision Van (Miles for Smiles) come over to help us with eye screening. The van will do eye exams and the customer will pick out their frames. I will need your help with registering and other things. The hours are from 9 am to 3 pm. You can work for a few hours or all-day. Since I am about 40-50 people behind in eye exams/eyeglasses, this will help me catch up. Our club will have to buy lunch for the workers there and we should make a donation for the Vision Van. I will make the calls to the people in line for eyeglasses to let them know where the vision van will be on that day. I am still working where the van will be. I will also have to line up some optometrists to help us that day. If you know one, ask them to help. Look at your calendar and see if April 25 you can help. Thanks.

Ed Gibbons

The Johnson City Lions Club met for the February board meeting on 2/20/2020 at the Johnson City Country Club at 12 noon.  Those in attendance were; Gayle Cox, Clem Wilkes, Steve Campbell, Tim Tapp, Debbie Shipley, Doris Kaifa, George Winton, Ken Gough, David Beerman, and Jerry Lonon.  Carolyn Rhinehardt from the Dandridge Lions club was also present as a guest.

President Debbie Shipley called the meeting to order and asked Lion Tim Tapp to open with a prayer.  Lion President Debbie shared some announcements:

1. A thank you card was received from 2nd Harvest Food Bank for our $250 donation for diabetic food boxes.
2. A thank you card was received from Isaiah 1:17 for the $500 donation to their work.
3. The Leadership Convention will be held in Louisville this year. See Lion Debbie if you are interested in more information.  You can also check out the website by googling USA/Canada Leadership Forum.
4. We are needing nominees for Lion of the Year and Lion of the Decade for the District. If you have suggestions see Tim Tapp for Lion of the Year and Ed Gibbons for Lion of the Decade.

Ken Gough shared the Projects and Admin reports.  The Turtle Derby receipts are slightly behind but catching up.  The admin fund has $6,891.  Ed Gibbons made the motion to accept the reports and George Winton provided the second to the motion.  The motion carried. It was noted that the purchase of the camera was moved to miscellaneous expense.

Tim Tapp presented the minutes of the last meeting.  Lion Ken Gough made the motion to accept and Steve Campbell provided the second.   the motion carried.

Old Business:  Ken and Steve have not had a chance to look at financials for dues structure.

New Business:  The District Convention is this weekend.

The Eyeglass Recycling trip to Roanoke is coming up in April.  If the situation in storing glasses and shipping them to be used is not improved we may start sending our glasses somewhere else or find other ways to use the glasses.  Each Lion is encouraged to consider taking at least one trip to assist with the recycling.

With no further business to come before the board the meeting was adjourned.

Respectfully Submitted,

Tim Tapp – Secretary

The regular meeting of the Johnson City Lions Club was held at noon on Dec. 19, at the Johnson City Country Club.

Debbie Shipley presided, the pledge was led by George Winton, and Debbie offered the blessing.

Doris Kaifa won the drawing and donated $2.25 to Turtle Derby.

Debbie thanked all who rang the bell for the Salvation Army on Tuesday.  The weather was rainy, cold and windy, but we persevered – and Doris raked in the money by singing Christmas Carols.

Debbie and Ed Gibbons visited CB Willis this week.  He’s doing well but is lonely.  Visit him during the holidays if you can – Colonial Hills Assisted Living Apt 123.

Our speaker was Tracy Edwards, Community Relations Manager with 2^nd Harvest Food Bank.  Member of “Feeding America”.  The food bank is now located in the old Sam’s Club building on I-81 near Tri-Cities Airport.  At any given time the building contains over 1,000,000 lb. of food.  It serves all of Northeast Tennessee.  There are over 140 participating agencies, serving approximately 40,000 meals per month.  2^nd Harvest is effectively a food broker distributing food to agencies and churches who handle the “last mile” of delivering to the hungry.

They are beginning a new program – “The Middle Mile” – Volunteers on call pick up surplus food at local restaurants and deliver it to agencies.  All done by phone app.

They also offer a “Virtual Food Drive” – Hold a virtual food drive via social media – ask friends and contacts to donate to 2^nd Harvest online.

They are happy to give tours of the facility on request.

We donated $250 to 2^nd Harvest.  Money will go to pay for food baskets for dialysis patients.

Ed Gibbons reported that in November we checked 150 kids in Johnson City schools and referred 7 with problems.

Submitted by:

Ken Gough

The Johnson City Lion’s Club Board Meeting was held on December 12, 2019 at the JC Country Club.

Those in attendance were Brian Powell, Ken Gough, Steve Campbell, George Winton, Ed Gibbons, Dennis Powell, Jerry Lonon, Debbie Shipley and Tim Tapp.

The meeting was called to order by President Debbie Shipley and she opened with a reminder that we will be taking up money for our annual gift to Darlene, our waitress.

President Shipley also reminded us that we will be having a guest speaker from 2nd Harvest Food Bank next week. A motion was made that we donate 250.00 to 2nd Harvest for Diabetic Food Boxes. The club voted last week. This vote has to be confirmed by the board. The motion was made for the approval by Ken Gough with a second by Ed Gibbons. The motion carried.

A motion was made by Ken Gough that we cancel the February board meeting in order to use that money for the Valentine’s Banquet. A second to the motion was provided by Steve Campbell. All were in favor and the motion carried.

A motion was made by Ed Gibbons to accept the resignations of Frank Ray and Tom Terry from membership. A second was provided by Steve Campbell. All were in favor.

It was mentioned that C.B. Willis has broken his hip and is unable to get around without the aid of a wheelchair. President Shipley encouraged the club to go visit with C.B. after next week’s club meeting.

Ed Gibbons mentioned that we have fulfilled 126 Eyeglass applications since July. He made a motion to buy a printer for the new camera at a cost of 238.45. A second was provided by Ken Gough and all were in favor. The new camera will be used by ETSU Lion’s Club on January 17 as they do vision screening at Ashley Academy.

Ken Gough shared the financial report with 6,088.60 in the Admin Fund and 17,973.88 in the projects fund. Ed made a motion to accept the financial reports and Steve provided a second. All were in favor.

The subject of the dues structure was discussed again. After much discussion, Ken Gough made a motion to table the discussion until the next meeting. All were in agreement.

With no further business to come before the board, the meeting was adjourned.

Respectfully Submitted,

Tim Tapp – Secretary.

Johnson City Lions Club – December 5, 2019

The Johnson City Lion’s Club met December 5, 2019 at the Johnson City Country Club. Those present were:  Brian Powell, Ken Gough, Gayle Cox, Don Raines, Steve Campbell, Clem Wilkes, Jerry Lonon, Debbie Shipley, Tim Tapp, Judy VanLandingham, George Winton, Doris Kaifa, Charles Green, Ed Gibbons, and Billy Pike

The Lion Tamer collected 5.07 and the Tail Twister collected 3.48. Doris Kaifa won the drawing and chose the Turtle Derby as the beneficiary of the funds.

President Shipley called the meeting to order and called on Gayle Cox to lead the pledge and Brian Powell to lead the prayer. The following announcements were made:

• We received a thank you note from ETSU Scholarship Recipient – Heather Brooke Arnold.
• We received an award from Lions International for Membership Satisfaction.
• We received a thank you note from Doris Kaifa for the donation fo Celebrate Life.President Shipley reminded the club of our efforts last year for Diabetes Awareness.  In that project we donated money to Second Harvest Food Bank to put together Diabetic friendly meal boxes.  Gayle Cox made the motion that the club donate 250.00 and Don Raines provided a second to the motion.  all were in favor.We will be ringing bells with the Salvation Army at the Upper Level Entrance (Men’s Dept) at Belk.  The date for this will be December 17th and we have the 11:00-5:00 pm. time slot.President Shipley introduced today’s speaker Amy O’Brien from Safe House Domestic Violence Shelter.  Following the informative program, President Shipley gave a Lions Club Pen to Ms. O’Brien.With no further business to come before the club, the meeting was adjourned.Respectfully Submitted,Tim Tapp – Secretary

Johnson City Lions Club November 21, 2019

The Johnson City Lions Club met for the last regular meeting of November on the above date at the JC Country Club. This win attendance were guests Nathan Johnson and Preston White from the ETSU Lion’s Club and Kristina Dulaney from Cherished Mom.  Johnson City Lions Present were:  President Debbie Shipley, Tim Tapp, Brian Powell, Judaun Alison, Gayle Cox, Don Raines, Ed Gibbons, Jerry Lonon, George Winton, Charles Green, Doris Kaifa, David Beerman, Judy VanLandingham, Clem Wilkes and Steve Campbell.

The Tail Twister collected 4.06 and the Lion Tamer collected 1.60. The winner of the drawing was Nathan Johnson and he designated the money to the Turtle Derby.

Debbie Shipley opened the meeting and called on Ken Gough to lead the pledge and Tim Tapp to lead the prayer.

All Guests were introduced and the ETSU club was thanked for helping with the Turtle Derby. Vice- District Governor Millie Burke sent a donation of 50.00 to the Turtle Derby.  Pecan money is being collected and Turtle Derby invoices are available.  We also need people to sign up for programs in 2020.

Ed thanked the volunteers who helped in the eye screening – 40 children were screened. There were 4 volunteers from our Lion’s Club at the Celebrate Life program at Good Samaritan Ministries.

David Beerman introduced today’s speaker, Kristina Dulaney, who presented a very informative program on Postpartum Psychosis and support. She shared ways that individuals could help with this service and told about her non-profit, Cherished Mom.

President Debbie Shipley thanked Ms. Dulaney and presented her with a gift from the club.

With no further business to come before the club the meeting was adjourned.

Respectfully Submitted,

Tim Tapp – Secretary

The Johnson City Lions Club met for their Board Meeting on November 14, 2019 at the Johnson City Country Club. Those in attendance were President Debbie Shipley, Ed Gibbons, Brian Powell, Steve Campbell, George Winton, Jerry Lonon, And Doris Kaifa.

The meeting was called to order at 12:20 pm by the president Debbie Shipley. Lion Brian. lead the club in prayer.

The Minutes of the last Board meeting were presented by President Debbie Shipley to the body. A motion was made by Lion Debbie Shipley for the minutes to be accepted. The motion was then seconded by Lion Steve. The minutes were accepted  Lion Ed Gibbons reviewed the Projects Fund Financial Budget Report. He gave a copy to every member.

Lion Ed reported that $1000 will go to lions International and $1000 will go to District 12n. $184.80 will be reimbursed to Debbie Shipley for the gifts purchase for the Turtle Derby Lion Debbie “Thanked” Everyone for attending and helping with the Turtle Derby.

All members that were present were pleased with the success of the TURTLE DERBY.

Lion Ed Gibbons suggested that the club should contribute to the Boys and Girls Clubs for allowing the Lions Club to use their facilities for the Turtle Derby.

Members unanimously agreed to contribute to the Boys and Girls Club. Lion Ed Gibbons will research the previous contribution made to the Boys and Girls Club and report to the club in next meeting.

The board made a donation of $250 to the “Celebrate Life” Quarterly Birthdays Program for the underprivileged at the Good Samaritan Ministries.

Open discussion for next year Turtle Derby were discussed but not concluded. Ideas about having it in the park with live turtles was discuss, but no conclusion.

President Debbie Shipley brought up for discussion a building of a Handclap ramp for an individual.

The body indicated that building a handicap ramp was not part of the role of the Lion Club.

876 kids were screen last week by Lion Ed Gibbons and Lion Debbie Shipley.

80 people were referred for glasses

107 applications were received from July 1^st to October 31^st.

(its like one application was received everyday)

Eye screening next week at KinderCare

Ed Gibbons is Working on Erwin having its own Lion’s Club.

Open discussion for next year Valentine Day Dinner Party was discuss.

The board agreed to have it on the Last Thursday close to Valentine Day.

Venue will be at the Blackthorn at the Ridges Country Club.

With no other discussion the meeting was adjourned by president Debbie Shipley!

Respectfully submitted by;

Doris Kaifa (substituting for Secretary Tim Tapp)

Johnson City Lions Club   November 7, 2019

The Johnson City Lions’ Club met for the regular November meeting on this date at the Johnson City Country Club. Those in attendance were George Winton, Don Raines, Charles Green, Brian Powell, Ken Gough, Tim Tapp, Debbie Shipley, Ed Gibbons, Steve Campbell, Clem Wilkes, Doris Kaifa, Judy VanLandingham, Dennis Powell.

President Debbie Shipley opened the meeting and called upon Lion Doris Kaifa to lead the pledge and Lion Tim Tapp to lead the prayer.

President Shipley acknowledged Lion George Winton to speak about the Turtle Derby coming up this Saturday.

President Shipley shared a thank you note from Lions Volunteer Blind Industries.

The Lion Tamer collected 3.25 and the Tail Twister collected 3.00. George winton won the drawing and designated the money to the Turtle Derby.  As of today 324 Turtles have been sold and prizes have been picked up for the kids.  We have enough door prizes for all 17 races as well as two bicycles.

President Shipley shared the need to bring in white socks for a drive she is participating in for the district. She also asked the club to vote on the posters for the Peace Poster Contest.  the winner was Kaylyn Delph and the prize was 50.00.

President Shipley called upon Doris Kaifa to share the Celebrate Life Program which is part of Good Samaritan Ministries and involves having birthday celebrations for people in the community – many of whom have no family or have never had a party in their honor. This is an amazing program and several success stories have come from it.  She talked about the need to find grant funding or local donations to keep the program going.

With no further business to come before the club the meeting was adjourned.

Respectfully Submitted,

Tim Tapp – Secretary.

The Johnson City Lions Club met Thursday October 17^th 2019 at the JC Country Club.  Those present were:  Dennis Powell, Brian Powell, Ken Gough, Theresa Gibbons, George Winton, Jerry Lonon, Justin Mitchell, Judy VanLandingham, David Beerman, Steve Campbell, Ed Gibbons, Debbie Shipley, Tim Tapp, and Billy Pike.

The Lion Tamer collected 1.30 and the Tail Twister collected 6.80 for a total of 8.10. Dennis Powell won the drawing and designated the money for Turtle Derby.

President Shipley called the meeting to order and asked Jerry Lonon to lead the pledge and Brian Powell to lead in prayer.

Ken Gough thanked the participants who went on the Roanoke Recycling trip. He reported 60-65,000 pair of glasses being processed.  There was a record turn out of 22 participants from District 12 N

Ed Gibbons thanked those who had helped with eye screenings.

Special Guest Lion Wayne Garland District Zone Chair brought greetings to the club.

Appreciation was expressed to Justin Mitchell for his work in eyeglass sales. This is a new way to raise funds from vintage glasses found in our collection boxes.  So far, Justin has gone through 6000 pair of glasses and has sold 165.00 to go back into the projects fund.

Special Guest Speaker was Rachel Denny from Isaiah 117 House.   Ed Gibbons introduced Rachel and she presented a great program about the service that Isaiah house provides to the Dept. of Children’s services.  Our club gave a donation to Isaiah house and is giving members the opportunity to give during our meeting today.

With no further business to come before the club the meeting was adjourned.

Respectfully Submitted,

Tim Tapp – Secretary

Johnson City Lions Club October 10, 2019 – Board Meeting

The JC Lions Club Board of Directors met on Thursday October 10, 2019 at the JC Country Club. Those present were:  Ken Gough, Don Raines, Jerry Lonon, Steve Campbell, George Winton, Ed Gibbons, Debbie Shipley, Tim Tapp, Brian Powell,

President Shipley called the meeting to order.

Tim Tapp offered the invocation. He also reminded everyone that the minutes of the previous meeting had been emailed and posted on the website.

President Debbie Shipley called for the financial report. Ken Gough shared a balance of 12,148.26 in the Projects Fund and 6,071.34 in the Administrative Fund.  A motion was made by Don Raines and a second by Steve Campbell.  All were in favor.

Ed suggested a donation of 100.00 to Isaiah 117 house in honor of next weeks speaker. Ken Gough made a motion that 500 be given instead.  Brian Powell made a second to the motion and the motion carried.  Don Raines also suggested that contributions be received should anyone want to give to this worthy cause.

President Shipley turned the discussion to our current dues structure and expressed her desire to revise it. She gave several reasons why the current dues structure is not effective but focused her main concerns on the dues being prohibitive for potential members as well as the fact that not every one wanted to eat at the meeting.  After a lengthy discussion, Jerry Lonon made the motion to table the discussion until next meeting and a second was provided by Steve Campbell.  All were in favor.

With no further business to discuss the meeting was adjourned.

Respectfully Submitted,

Tim Tapp – Secretary

Johnson City Lions Club October 3, 2019

The JC Lions Club met in regular session on Thursday October 3, 2019 at the JC Country Club. Those present were:  Ken Gough, Don Raines, Jerry Lonon, Steve Campbell, Justin Mitchell, Judaun Alison, Judy VanLandingham, Tom Terry, George Winton, Ed Gibbons, Doris Kaifa, Debbie Shipley, Tim Tapp, Brian Powell, Billy Pike.

The Tail Twister collected 3.77 and the Lion Tamer collected .96. Ken Gough won the drawing and donated the winnings to the Turtle Derby.

Tim Tapp led the pledge to the flag and Brian Powell offered the invocation.

President Debbie Shipley made some announcements and turned her attention to George Winton to discuss the Turtle Derby. Today was the official Turtle Derby Kickoff.  Sponsor lists were distributed to help all of the salesmen and women.  Questions were answered and the Turtle Derby is set for November 9th from 9-11 at the JC Boys and Girls Club.  Ticket and Poster Distribution will be coming soon.

Ken Gough talked about the upcoming trip to Roanoke for eyeglass recycling and noted that he will be taking 6000 pairs of glasses to Roanoke. He encouraged volunteers to go with the group.  They will meet at Wal Mart at 6 a.m on October 12.

We received a thank you note from Sharon Smith for our scholarship.

President Shipley spoke about her recent trip to USA Canada Forum and shared some of her vision and her ideas for the upcoming year. We must make some changes if we want to see our club grow.  She also requested that each member provide her with 2 pair of white socks by November 1st.

With no further business to discuss the meeting was adjourned.

Respectfully Submitted,

Tim Tapp – Secretary