GR Lions Club

May 19, 2019 - Muskegon Northside Lions 40th Anniversary
2019-05-19
Fellow Lions,
On Sunday May 19, 2019 the Muskegon Northside Lions will be having their 40th Anniversary Gala. I know it is a ways off but not wanting to wait until the last minute (crisis management) I thought I would contact you to see what your availability might be for our planning purposes. This is the weekend of the MD 11 convention as well. It is requested that you complete the information needed below and return it to me as soon as possible I would greatly appreciate it. If you do plan to attend, more detailed information will be mailed to you in the form of a formal invitation.
In any case, Happy New Year to all!!
Lion Ed Weessies
Please check what applies:
Yes I will be there & how many:
Regrets:
Maybe :
Thank you for helping us plan this event.
Contact PCST Ed Weesies if you have any questions or concerns.
eweessies@aol.com

May 16-18, 2019 MD11 State Lions Convention
2019-05-16 - 2019-05-18
The Multiple District Convention will be held May 16-18, 2019. Reservations will need to be made at the Center Point Marriott Auburn Hills Mi.
If you are able to join the convention on Thursday, you can also sign up to go to Leader Dog for a meet and greet with the 2nd VP Brian Sheehan, our speaker for the weekend.

May 14, 2019 - High School Student Recognition Awards
2019-05-14 12:00 - 13:30 (America/Detroit)
May 14, the Grand Rapids Lions provide a recognition award to two high school students from each of the five GR public high schools, the two Catholic high schools, the Christian high school and East Grand Rapids high school. The award recipients are selected by their respective principal and their guidance counselors. Awards are given for a combination of academic, athletic, and community service excellence. The students, their principal, and top administrators froom Kent County schools join the Lions for a special luncheon for recognition, photo opportunities, and awards.

May 7, 2019 Luncheon Meeting - Girl Scouts
2019-05-07 12:00 - 13:30
Detail to follow

12pm-1:30 pm
University Club (top floor of 5/3 bank bldg)
111 Lyon St NW
Grand Rapids MI 49503
As always free parking in their lot

4/30/2019 - NO LUNCHEON MTG - Come out to Eyeglass Recycling
2019-04-30 18:00 - 20:00
No Luncheon Meeting, come out to Eyeglass Recycling 6pm-8pm
Jamark Laboratories (Surgeon’s Secret)
4282 Brockton Dr SE
Ste D
Grand Rapids MI 49512

At Noon, is a FULL Board (Executives and Board of Directors) meeting at ABVI!!!
See you there.

4/23/2019 Luncheon Speaker, Ed Robinette
2019-04-23 12:00 - 13:30
Edward J. Robinette, President of Robinettes Inc. Born 1963, the oldest of 3 brothers
He is the fourth generation of my family to work the farm here in Grand Rapids
Graduate of Northview High School. BS in Horticulture from Michigan State University in 1985
Returned to the farm in 1985 to work with my father and grandfather
I have been married to Alicia for 33 years
We have two sons, James II and Allan, both married as of May. Allan is working at the farm full time. Jim works as a beer and wine salesman. My brothers both have 2 children each, so the 5thgeneration is beginning to get involved.
I was elected a Township Trustee in Grand Rapids Township in 1996 and was elected Township Clerk in 2012.
I have served as the president of the Michigan State Horticultural Society, Michigan Cider Makers Guild, and the Michigan Pomesters.
Come join us
University Club – Always Free Parking
5/3 bldg (top floor)
111 Lyon St NW
Grand Rapids MI 49503

4/16/2019 War International - Bethany Bratt & Rachel Olexa
2019-04-16 12:00 - 13:30
Presentation on “WAR” (Women at Risk) International – Bethany Bratt & Rachel Olexa. Bethany enjoys public speaking on oppression, raising the poverty IQ in communities, alleviating poverty and trafficking.
I was abducted in 1996 and that spurred my passion to work with other women who are coming out of trauma. Women and men who have experienced trauma and subsequent issues that result from trauma are especially those whom I care the most deeply about.
Local initiatives, programs and how as a community we can help
Hope you can join us
12-1:30pm
University Club, 5/3 bldg (top floor)
111 Lyon St NW
Grand Rapids MI 49503

Always free parking

CANCELED!!!! Sat April 13, 2019 Spring Clean-up 10am-12pm Caledonia Lakeside Park
2019-04-13 10:00 - 12:00
Due to lack of volunteers and the weather, this event is CANCELED!!! We will try again another tine.

Come join us as we work together to clean up our Kent County Parks!
Caledonia Lakeside Park 370 N Lake St SE, Caledonia, MI 49316
Spring Cleaning includes raking, picnic areas clean up and landscape support (weeding, mulching, planting, and flowerbed planting). All tools provided. Bring your own gloves! Dress appropriately with raingear and waterproof shoes No Rain Date
This family friendly, good for all ages, service project is a great way to reconnect with other Lions members who have been gone over the winter and also a good way to show a curious colleague what a Lion looks like in action!
Please RSVP #of people coming!!!! (This lets us know how many tools to bring)
MaryBeth Eyestone at: mb@eyestonelawoffices.com

Blind Dinner Date, April 11, 2019
2019-04-11 18:00 - 21:00
Mark your Calendars and attend the annual Blind Dinner Date!
The date is Thursday, April 11, 2019
Location The BOB, 20 Monroe Ave NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503
COST: $75 per person
Checks made out to: Grand Rapids Lions Club
Send to: Rick Stevens c/o ABVI, 456 Cherry Street SE, Grand Rapids MI 49503
Proceeds going to ABVI and the Grand Rapids Lions Club Vision Clinic at Cherry Health.
DRESS: Business Casual (men-sport jacket/no tie, ladies-dress or nice blouse/pants) no jeans
ABVI helps individuals with severe and permanent vision loss perform daily
tasks that we who are sighted take for granted. Just imagine how you
would check your mail, put toothpaste on your toothbrush, or select your
clothes with limited or no vision. ABVI helps individuals with blindness or
visual impairment live more independently, confidently, and with greater
dignity.
The Grand Rapids Lions Club Vision Clinic at Cherry Health provides comprehensive eye care and glasses to underserved individuals who otherwise would not be able to receive eye care. Over 10,000 people are helped in the vision clinic each year.
Hope to see you there! Bring a friend too!

4/9/2019, Luncheon Speaker-G.R. Lions Club Pres Ed Thauer-President of Design Financial Group
2019-04-09 12:00 - 13:30
President of Design Financial Group (founded as Design Underwriting, Inc.), 985 Parchment Drive, SE, Grand Rapids, MI, an organization that focuses on financial services along with Investments, Business Insurance, Retirement Strategies, Employee Benefits and Personal Estate Preservation.

Hope to see you at the University Club (top floor of the 5/3 bldg) Noon-1:30 pm
111 Lyon St NW
Grand Rapids MI 49503
ALWAYS free Parking too!!

4/2/2019 Luncheon Meeting - Prof Paul Isely
2019-04-02 12:00 - 13:30
Dr. Paul Isely is currently Associate Dean and Professor of Economics for the Seidman College of Business at Grand Valley State University. He joined the GVSU faculty in 1995 after earning his Ph.D. in Economics from Purdue University. He also holds an M.S. in Economics from Purdue University and a dual B.S. in Physics and Economics from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
Dr. Isely’s research interests have led to many local articles and reports. These articles have explored West Michigan’s economy including forecasts of growth, the state of entrepreneurship, healthcare costs, environmental clean-up values, economic impacts of various activities, and the costs and benefits of wind power. These studies have resulted in him being interviewed extensively by TV, radio, and newspapers on the West Michigan economy and its relationship to the national and state economies.
Hope to see you at the University Club (top floor of the 5/3 bldg) Noon-1:30 pm
111 Lyon St NW
Grand Rapids MI 49503
ALWAYS free Parking too!!

3/26/19 - No luncheon Mtg - See you at Eyeglass Recycling
2019-03-26 18:00 - 20:00
Come out tonight to Eyeglass Recycling Enjoy your fellow Lions and enjoy dinner from 6-8 pm
4282 Brockton Dr SE
Ste D
Grand Rapids MI 49512
United States

March 23, 2019 - 11C-1 District Convention
2019-03-23 08:00 - 19:00
MARK YOUR CALENDARS!!!!!

District Governor Greg Wehby and the convention committee have an exciting one day event planned that is filled with seminars, an International Director from Canada, I.D. Tom Gordon, meals, silent auction and representatives from our district projects. There will also be a business meeting to vote in our new district leaders, be sure to get certified! A possible tour of the Dominican Center or a service project is yet to be determined.

Day: Saturday, March 23, 2019

Place: Dominican Center at Marywood
2025 Fulton Street East
Grand Rapids MI 49503
Plenty of Parking Available

Cost: Again the cost will be broken down to make it convenient for all to attend.

(I personally think the ALL DAY fee of $50 – that covers your registration fee, and two meals is the best deal)

Otherwise there is a registration fee of $12 added to your meal

i.e. (lunch $20+ $12 reg= $32) or (Dinner at $25 + $12 reg = $37)

A printed registration will be coming soon!!! Registration is required and a late fee will be added

Any questions, please feel free to contact any of us on the committee:
DG Greg Wehby; gregwehby@ameritech.net

Cheryl Anderson; andersoc@gvsu.edu
Dianna Robach; 866dva@gmail.com
Julie May; jmay4379@gmail.com
Deb Davis; ddavis@pawswithacause.org

3/19/19 Lunch Meeting - Dr. Renee Mika
2019-03-19 12:00 - 13:30
Come join us as Dr. Renee Mika, (G.R. Lion member) speaks to us on the G.R. Lions Vision Clinic at Cherry Health and any updates she can share.
12-1:30 pm
Always Free Parking

5/3 bldg (top floor)
111 Lyon St NW
Grand Rapids MI 49503

GVSU Campus Lions Club-Dinner in the Dark, 3/14/19
2019-03-14 18:30 - 20:30
The GVSU Campus Lions Club has their annual fundraiser, Dinner in the Dark on March 14, 2019. Experience the feeling of eating a spaghetti dinner blindfolded (you don’t have to eat blindfolded)
Bring a friend and support the club
GVSU Dinner in the Dark

3/12/19 Tuesday Luncheon Meeting, Joe Koenig, "I am D.B. Cooper"
2019-03-12 12:00 - 13:30
Our speaker, Joe Koenig, a retired Michigan State Police Officer, has authored many articles and the award-winning book, “Getting the Truth.” The book is about reading between the lines, distinguished truth from deception and learning to sculpt your questions to get the truth. In his new book, Getting the Truth – “I am D.B. Cooper,” released in January 2019, he applies his investigative experience and forensic linguistics expertise to identify Walt Reca as the real D.B. Cooper.

Come join us at 12:00-1:30 pm
University Club – 5/3 bldg (top floor)
111 Lyon St NW
Grand Rapids MI 49503
Always free parking

Note: The Recycling Center is open every Tuesday from 6:00 – 8:00 pm from September through May

Lions Day with the United Nations
2019-03-08 08:00 - 2019-03-09 17:00
LDUN 2019

Join Lions, Leos, UN diplomats, dignitaries and other guests in the global conversation about this year’s theme, “Protecting our Future: The Health of our Children.” #LDUN

Lions Clubs International will celebrate 73 years of partnership with the United Nations by holding two Lions Day with the United Nations events to take place in New York, USA and Geneva, Switzerland. These events will commemorate our long-standing relationship as a consultative NGO to the UN dating back to 1945 when Lion leaders were asked to help develop the NGO charter for the UN
For more information:
https://lionsclubs.org/en/start-our-approach/lions-advocacy/lions-day-united-nations

March 5, 2019 Luncheon Meeting
2019-03-05 12:00 - 13:30
This Tuesday will be the third presentation on the history of the Grand Rapids Lions. The years 1970-1979 will be presented by Lion Lynn Francis.
We will also have a presentation on the Lions Eye Mission Trip to Izamal Mexico, from Lion Mark Oberlin & Lion Cheryl Anderson. The 24 member team went Feb 19-24, 2019.
Jason Brown will be inducted as our newest member to the Grand Rapids Lions Club at the meeting as well. Sponsor John Rice will be there too.
There is a full agenda, I hope you can join us from noon -1:30pm at the University Club – top of 5/3 bldg. 111 Lyon St NW, Grand Rapids MI 49503. Parking is always free!!!

G.R. Lions Pack-A-Thon; Saturday, March 2, 2019
2019-03-02 10:00 - 12:00
Grand Rapids Lions Members and Families,
Attached is a flyer (at the bottom) regarding one of our Grand Rapids Lions Club’s new service activities.
This activity is designed to be done by Lions members of all ages AND their children or grandchildren, (over the age of FIVE, please).
It is on a Saturday, March 2, 2019 and includes a Subway sandwich lunch for volunteers after the food sacks are all packed. We estimate about TWO hours total.
We would like every individual or family attending to purchase 25 of one of the food items listed and let Mary Beth know when you RSVP, what you are planning to bring.
Please send all RSVP’s, questions or concerns to MaryBeth Eyestone at: mb@eyestonelawoffices.com.
These meals provide a “dinner” for children in the school system that get a breakfast and lunch at school, but then go home and often have nothing for supper.
“Feeding the Hungry” is one of the five Service Campaigns of Lions International.
Let’s see if we can involve our young people in the joys of SERVICE.
RSVP today!
Grand Rapids Lions Club Membership/Service Committee
Grand Rapids Lions Supper Pack-a-thon

Rockford Lions Club Chili Cook Off! Thurs 2/28/19
2019-02-28 18:00 - 20:00
This is a fun social event. Lots of chili to taste and vote for your favorite.

Please join the Rockford Lions Club for their annual Chili Cook Off on Thursday, February 28 beginning at 6:00 p.m. at the Rockford Sportsman Club, 11115 Northland Drive, Rockford MI 49341.

Chili cooks are always welcome! Dust off your apron and bring your favorite chili recipe! Chefs and guests eat free – others are $5 per person!

Rockford Lion chili flier 2019

For questions, please contact Kim Neveau at kimneveau@yahoo.com

No Luncheon Mtg Feb 26, 2019 Mtg held at Recycling!!!
2019-02-26 18:00 - 20:00
Come join your fellow Lions on Tuesday, Feb 26, 2019!
The Lions meeting is held at the Eyeglass Recycling Center.
Lots of hands needed!!!!

Recycling Center is located at:
4282 Brockton Dr SE
Ste D
Grand Rapids MI 49512

Feb 23, 2019 Lions Michigan Forum, Holiday Inn Gateway Center, Flint
2019-02-22 - 2019-02-23
Mark your calenders to attend the Lions Michigan Forum at the Holiday Inn Gateway Centre, Flint MI.
Details to follow
FYI – The Service Project will be on Friday, Feb 22

Feb 19, 2019, Luncheon Mtg-Noelle Frost Alzheimer's Assoc of Greater MI
2019-02-19 12:00 - 13:30
The Alzheimer’s Association is the leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer’s care, support and research. Our mission is to eliminate Alzheimer’s disease through the advancement of research; to provide and enhance care and support for all affected; and to reduce the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health.
Come and hear firsthand from Noelle Frost
Free Parking
5/3 bldg (top floor)
111 Lyon St NW
Grand Rapids MI 49503

Feb 12, 2019 Luncheon Speaker, George Bayard, Grand Rapids African American Museum & Archives
2019-02-12 12:00 - 13:30
The Grand Rapids African American Museum & Archives (GRAAMA) showcases more than 30 years of community building and art collecting by a group of individuals dedicated to African American history and culture. The leader of the project isour speaker today, George Bayard, is an art gallery owner and collector whose personal mission fueled the museum.
For Mr. Bayard, it all started with a person and a place. The person was his grandmother when she became ill, He took over the running of her household and soon found himself discovering “tons of things,” he says, including photos, furniture and clothing all related to African American history. he has said, “That kind of got my whistle wet as far as collecting things,” and he found himself inspired by the cultural history contained in the thousands of objects he found in his grandmother’s home.
The place was the inspiration was his hometown, Dunleith Estates, a suburb of Wilmington, Delaware. Described by Mr. Bayard as 99 percent African American and a home to returning veterans, the town was “rich in arts and culture” and laid the foundation for his later career in the arts. He went on to major in art education at the University of Delaware, after which he ran a slew of art galleries in Philadelphia and founded the Bayard Gallery in Grand Rapids following his move to the area in 1988. Despite initial opposition and the commonly held opinion that “black art will never sell in this town,” says Mr. Bayard, his gallery and friendships continued to grow.
Waiting for the perfect timing and location, Mr. Bayard finally utilized years of education and collecting to set up shop at an empty spot in the Monroe Center retail space. “We were very thrilled when we heard we were going to move into here,” he says. Though serving only as a temporary location while Bayard searches for property on which to construct a new building, he hopes that GRAAMA will soon be “a place that people go for information” on African American history and culture, he says.

2/5/19 Luncheon Mtg Speaker, Bonnie St. Amour, Sr. Client Engagement Manager, Microchip Technology.
2019-02-05 12:00 - 13:30
Is a self-driving car in your future? Come out and join your fellow Lions as we listen to our guest speaker Bonnie St. Amour. Who needs one, right? What will this car look like, feel like and cost? What are the dangers and opportunities? What new technology is being developed for this vehicle of the future?

This Tuesday being the first luncheon meeting of the month, will be the second in the series of the Grand Rapids Lions Club 100 years. The years of 1944-1969 will be presented by Lion Craig Nobbelin.

NO MEETING- Jan 29, 2019 - CLOSED Eyeglass Recycling Ctr
2019-01-29 18:00 - 20:00
NO LIONS CLUB MEETING TONIGHT!!!!
Due to the inclement weather (windchill & snow), the eyeglass recycling center is CLOSED!!!
See you next week, at recycling!!!

1/22/19 Luncheon Meeting-Dave Marquardt, Grand River Whitewater Project
2019-01-22 12:00 - 13:30
Grab a friend and come join your fellow Lions as we will hear from Dave Marquardt, on the Grand River Whitewater Project.
at Noon-1:30 pm
5/3 bldg (top floor)
111 Lyon St NW
Grand Rapids MI 49503
Free Parking!

Eyeglass Recycling Center is Cancelled Tonight-1/15/19
2019-01-15 18:00 - 20:00
Eyeglass Recycling Center is closed tonight, January 15, 2019 due to inclement weather.

January 15, 2019 Luncheon Meeting- Mike Guswiler, West Michigan Sports Commission
2019-01-15 12:00 - 13:30
Next Tuesday, January 15, 2019 is West Michigan Sports, Mike Guswiler
The non-profit West Michigan Sports Commission (WMSC) was founded in 2006 by a visionary group of business leaders, led by Peter Secchia. Its mission is to promote West Michigan as the premier venue for hosting youth and amateur sporting events, which enhance the region’s economy and quality of life. It has an impressive record, with an economic impact over $260 million in direct visitor spending.
Hope to see you at noon
5/3 bldg (top floor)
111 Lyon St NW
Grand Rapids MI 49503
Free Parking too!

Sat Jan 12, 2019 - 11am - 4pm Help Needed for KIDsight in Comstock Park & Muskegon
2019-01-09 08:00 - 17:00
KIDsight screenings at Sam’s Club
IN NEED OF VOLUNTEERS!
KIDsight screenings at Sam’s Club Health Fair this Saturday, January 12th
from 11am – 4pm at the following locations:
· Comstock Park, Alpine Ave – Volunteers needed
· Kentwood, 28th Street – Wyoming Lions scheduled.
· Muskegon, Sherman Blvd. – Volunteers needed
If anyone is available to help during this time, especially at the Comstock Park and Muskegon locations, please contact Lion Ken Adamy at 616-780-6810 for more details or to let him know what time would work to help fill the schedule!
During the Sam’s Club Health Fair the children will be screened with our KIDsight vision screeners. If there is a referral, a Sam’s eye doctor will examine the child, and if the child requires glasses, the glasses can be provided from the designated funds granted by the Walmart Foundation. This is an ideal concept for KIDsight as referred children will receive immediate care with no need for further follow-up.
