As I write this months message from your president, I find myself overwhelmed by the events of January. As a club, we know that our motto is “We Serve” and after a while, we sort of do it on autopilot. Of course, we serve. We are a community service club. That is what community service clubs do; they serve their community.
In January, we found ourselves on the other side of the equation. Our community stepped up to serve us, the Elk Grove Lions Club. I know, that we regularly reach out to our community for assistance and support at our fundraising events. Our community buys our Crab Feed Tickets, etc… But in January, thieves struck at the heart of the Elk Grove Lions Club. They broke into the storage facility at the Senior Center and took the white trailer which was chock full of supplies and equipment. The trailer was found, empty, by the police, but all of the equipment and supplies were gone, a loss of about $20,000 in supplies and equipment. They took our pancake griddles, propane tanks, pancake mix, spatulas, everything.
As we were reeling from the loss. Checking in with insurance companies, and wondering how we would handle upcoming obligations, we got the surprise of our life. Our friends in this community that we call home, rallied and reached out to ask the community to help us recover from this loss. Of course, the District Governor Erv Gon reached out and asked how the district could help. But what I am talking about is the rest of the community. Other service clubs in Elk Grove. People who went to their Facebook pages and told the community about the loss and asked them to help.
The donations started coming in. In a period of less than one week, we received over $3,000 in online donations through our website. City Councilman Steve Detrick reached out to all of his constituents and asked them to reach into their pockets, just like he did himself, and go online to donate. Robert “Doc” Souza spread the word on his Elk Grove/Laguna Forums. As the word spread, over 100 members of our community went to our Facebook page to offer their thoughts and to like our page. A new food truck operator, Joshua Gold at DoJo Burger Food Truck, offered to provide his truck as a portable kitchen for us if we needed it.
Long time friends of our club; Patricia Beal, Sandy Waite, Elaine Bush, Frank & Paula Maita, Anna Hooper and dozens of others reached out to us and reached into their wallets as well. More people that I can list here in this short message. Nick Janes with CBS13, called and asked if he could come out and do a story for the news to give us additional support. Other supporters made direct calls to fellow Lions and offered money to help us replace the stolen equipment and supplies. I still don’t know the full extent of the giving that has been received by each of these lions. At the same time, we are also receiving online orders for tickets to our March Crab Feed which will provide additional funds for us to be able to continue to serve this wonderful community of Elk Grove that we proudly call home.
Each of the people who have donated online received an immediate email thank you and we will be following up with a formal thank you note along with their receipt for their donation. As I gather the information from my fellow Lions regarding donations that they have received, we will reach out to say thank you to them as well. To say the least, I am overwhelmed. When you are in the business of serving, you rarely give a lot of thought to how that giving is personally felt by the recipient. You do it because that is what you do. To be on the receiving end of the serving brings tears to my eyes. We, the Lions Club, are very blessed. This tragedy has turned into a blessing as our friends are able to show us how much they appreciate our service to our community. It makes me want to do more. I know that all of my fellow Lions feel the same way.
As to the regular news that you see in my monthly message I will keep this brief. We started off the new year with our Senior Center Breakfast on the 10th. We hosted a wonderful Student Speaker Contest on the 26th. Several members attended the Soup and Salad event at the Roseville Host Lions on the 30th of January. We assisted EG Community Lacrosse Boosters with a fundraiser on the 24th as well as the Markofer Spaghetti Feed on the 30th.
Please check the board minutes to see who is the chairperson for upcoming events and volunteer to assist them with our commitments to our community this month. On a final note, please keep Lion Heinz in your prayers. He started radiation treatment in December.
Join Us
Elk Grove Lions Club
P.O. Box 465
Elk Grove, CA. 95759
Meetings: 2nd & 4th Mondays (except November & December)
Board Meetings: 3rd Monday
Location: Senior Center of Elk Grove 8830 Sharkey Avenue
Lions are in 200 countries and geographic areas. We have 45,000 clubs with over 1.3 million members world wide. We have a dynamic history. We are best known for fighting blindness — it’s part of our history as well as our work today. But we also volunteer for many different kinds of projects including disaster relief — across many borders. We serve youth. Our community projects often support local children and schools with new programs and resources. Internationally, we offer many programs.
We hope you will consider joining our club.
To become a Lion, you must be of good moral character and good reputation in our community.
Membership is by invitation.
If you’re interested in being invited to join Lions Club of Elk Grove, you may want to consider some of the following facts about Lionism:
Lion Warren Weaver congratulating the winner, Johanna Martin
A special thanks to our judges: Ellen Carlson, Dennis Albiani & Charlotte Mitchell
Announcements
Let’s reach out to our fellow members:
Please keep Lion Heinz in your prayers. He started radiation treatment in December. Give him a call and lend him your support. He can be reached at (540) 888-3936.
As many of you know, Lion Sterling has been in a care facility since his stroke. He would love to have some visits from his Lion friends. Call ahead to make sure he is not out on a field trip. He is at Emeritus of Laguna Creek, 6727 Laguna Park Drive, EG, CA. 95758 916-683-1881
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As usual, we want to send out a special thank you to Dr. John J. Eliopulos, O.D. for all of his support with our efforts to continue to provide support to people with visual impairments. You can find Dr. Eliopulos’ office at 9074 Elk Grove Blvd., Elk Grove, CA 95624.
We also send our thanks out to Dr. Diana Holcomb, O.D. for her support of our mission to support people with visual impairments. You can find Crystal View Optometry at 8347 Elk Grove-Florin Road, Suite 123, just north of Calvine Road.
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Birthdays
Happy Birthday to Lions:
Warren Weaver
Anniversaries
Congratulations on another year of Service to the Lions Club:
Gary Dapelo, Joe Tallerico, Andy Anderson
Cooks List
February 9 – Shauna Ono, February 23rd. unknown
March 9 – Don Thompson, March 23 – John Zehnder (Swiss Night)
Board Minutes
ELK GROVE LIONS
Board Meeting Minutes
January 19, 2015
Call to order Lion President: Francisco “Pancho” Sanchez 7:00 PM
Attendance:
X
President: Francisco Sanchez
X
Secretary: Jim Switzgable
X
1st VP: Robert Brewer
X
Bulletin Editor: Jack Edwards
X
2nd VP: Ray Martinez
X
Tail Twister: Tom Anderson
X
3rd VP: Taka Blackburn
Ex
Treasurer: Fred Handley
X
Lion Tamer: Sharon Mika
X
2-Year Director: David King
X
1-Year Director: Warren Weaver
Ex
2-Year Director: John Muegge
X
1-Year Director: William Hibbard
X
Membership Director: Dan Pearson
X
Imm Past Pres: John Zehnder Jr.
Other Lions Present:
Don Thompson
Bill Heston
Andy Anderson
Bob Turner
Rick Schriver
Guests:
Nate Tussing, Crew President, Crew 59 presentation for Crab Feed setup and annual report to the Elk Grove Lions Club. Completed service project for SPCA, support to Lions Crab Feeds. Venture Crew is for 14 – 17 year olds. Request by Board to have the youth work the setup with parents supervising (rather than the parents doing the work). Make sure the majority of the crew show up to help out.
Michael Lee, Troop 59 Eagle Scout candidate. Assistance on Eagle Scout fundraiser (spaghetti). Need equipment and labor. Serve at 5:30pm. Planning on 250 people. Building 13 recycle bins for Elk Grove High School.
Michael Krogen, Wilton 4H – 2nd annual 4H fundraising dinner. We ask that you cook tri-tip and chicken at the Alta Mesa Gun Club on March 28th. About 100 people expected.
Jamie Carroll, Pleasant Grove Elementary School: PTA – Bingo Spaghetti Feed, March 20th, serve 300. Cook/ prepare penne, sauce, salad. Access to kitchen
Secretary Report by Lion Secretary Jim Switzgable: Motion to approve Board Minutes by Lion Warren Weaver and second by Lion Dave King, Approved
Treasurer Report by Lion Treasurer Fred Handley : not present for the meeting.
Kristen Chavez: Hi – I just wanted to send out a huge “THANKS!” to you and your team of Lions! You guys do such a wonderful job and make a great tasting spaghetti! Obviously we would not be able to pull off this dinner without so much of your assistance and it could NEVER be as successful! So again, thank you so much from all the Elk Grove HS Drill Team girls and their parents!
Committee Updates
Membership: Dan Pearson
Two possible members in the queue. Lion Dan working on other hopefuls.
Sunshine: Fred Handley
Thank you from Lions Warren and Teresa for plant/flowers
Visitation: Sharon Mika
Meadow Vista is not yet scheduled. Go on the 4th Wednesday of February. Check with membership.
Eyesight: Dave King
Helped a couple of people. Also Dr E is helping with discounting frame replacements for children in need. We also owe money to Dr. Holcum.
Assets: Don Thompson
$61 spent on new plastic bins.
Old Business / Chairman’s Reports:
Date Chairman Notes
Senior Center Breakfast
1/10
L Don ThompsonL Jim Switzgable
12 Lions worked 47.5 hours. 145 served! $781 raised.
Tri-tip Fundraiser for EG Community Lacrosse Boosters (food & bar)
1/24
L Warren Weaver
At the Masonic Lodge.
Student Speaker Contest(next dinner meeting)
1/26
L Warren Weaver
SCEG: Social – 6pmDinner – 6:30pmSpeeches right after
Markofer Spaghetti Feed Fundraiser
1/30
L Warren Weaver
Elk Grove High School
Hockey Game Excursion
1/31
L Dave King
Only 11 interested. We will car pool to the game
Blue and Gold Spaghetti Dinner for Troop 179
2/19
L Taka Blackburn
In December the Board approved labor / equipment.
Pleasant Grove Aggie Backers – burgers and brew (food & bar)
2/28
L Warren Weaver
Pleasant Grove High School
Crab Feed coming up on March 7th. Lion Ray will chair. Start selling tickets!
3/7
L Ray Martinez
SES Hall
Zone Student Speaker Contest
3/9
ZC JT Retzlaff
Senior Center of Elk GroveBegins promptly at 7pmNo dinner that night.
New Business: Motion Second Approval
Sheldon High School Sober Grad Committee wants a Spaghetti Feed Fundraiser on March 14, 2015. Laura Daniel is Committee President 916-690-7470.
We will provide $500 toward costs, equipment and labor for this event: Lion Taka Blackburn.L Pancho Sanchez to chair. L Rick Schriver to co-chair
L Dan Pearson
Yes
Lion Bill Heston speaking about the future of the Senior Center and the impact to Elk Grove Lions Club. Leaving in 2017. Meeting with the City Architect tomorrow. It will be on City Center Drive. Twenty thousand square foot Senior Center will be built by the City. Asking if the E G Lions would be interested in relocating to the new Center.
No action required at this time.
Request for cooking for the Scholarship Foundation. The event would be held on 6/13/15 at Mosher Ranch for approximately 400
We need more information from Lion Joe Tallerico. No motion.
My name is Aujanae Wilson and I attend San Jose State University. I got your contact information from Rick from the Lions Club. I currently have an outstanding fee of 3,000 dollars left to pay on my account. My mom being a single unemployed mother of three cannot afford to pay the balance. This is my first year in college and I would love to return for spring semester but that will not happen if the fee is not paid before the 16th. I would feel a great deal of hurt if I could not continue with school because I have already come so far to be set back even farther. I would be very appreciative of any help to me and my future education.
Motion from L Bill Hibbard to provide $200.
No second.
Hello there Pancho. I am Jamie Carroll from Pleasant Grove Elementary PTA. Taka has forwarded me your email address so that I can inquire about the Lions Club helping us out again this year for our annual Spaghetti Bingo night. Our event will be on March 20th from 6-8pm. Last year you guys purchased (and then we reimbursed you) and prepared all the wonderful food for this fundraising event for our elementary school.
Lion John Zehnder Jr makes motion for labor and equipment
L Jim Switzgable
approved
Request from Michael Lee, Eagle Scout, Troop 59 for equipment and cooking his Spaghetti Fundraiser at Elk Grove HS on 2/20/15 for 250+ serving from 4pm – 8:30pm
Lion Taka Blackburn made motion to provide equipment and will chair event
L John Zehnder Jr
approved
New Business: Motion Second Approval
Request from Michael Krogen, Wilton 4H to cook tri-tip and chicken for their fundraiser at the Alta Mesa Gun Club on 3/28/15 for 100 serving from 6pm – 7pm
Lion Sharon Mika made a motion to cook. She will chair
L John Zehnder Jr
approved
Plaques for eye doctors and dinner invitation requested by Lion Sharon Mika
Lion Sharon Mika made a motion to supply plaques to both eye doctors. $500 to NCLSA for the plaques
L Jack Edwards
approved
We want to switch our Foundation and Admin accounts from Mechanics Bank in Sacramento to a more convenient bank in Elk Grove.
Lion Bob Brewer made motion to move bank accounts from Mechanics Bank to the Bank Of Stockton.
L Warren Weaver
approved
Lion Bill Hibbard moved to give $300 to support the Blue and Gold Dinner
L Dan Pearson
approved
Provide 4 tickets to Cornerstone Printing. Motion by Lion Jack Edwards
L Sharon Mika
approved
Update on the $500 donation by Sacramento Optimist in the name of the Elk Grove Lions
L El Presidente Pancho Sanchez /L Fred Handley
Submitted the $500 to Elk Grove Optimist for Child Spree.
Donation we consider each year (Ear of the Lion, Wilderness Camp for Deaf Children, Autism Speaks, Lions Quest, etc) Lion Secretary Jim Switzgable to present a summary for consideration
Options reviewed for Board to consider
Spotlight on Scholarship providing the tea and water on 5/7/15 (5pm – 8:30pm) plus clean-up
Motion by Lion Taka Blackburn to provide the tea, water and clean-up labor
L Sharon Mika
approved
Elk Grove Senior Sunset spaghetti dinner on 5/27/15. Asking for donation of $250 and cook dinner at Elk Grove High School
Motion by Lion Warren Weaver for $250, labor and equipment to support the Senior Sunset Dinner
L Taka Blackburn
Approved
New Business: Motion Second Approval
Motion by Lion Bob Brewer to give $500 to the Elk Grove Musical Theater
L Bill Hibbard
approved
Upcoming Events:Date Location Notes
Tri-tip Fundraiser for EG Community Lacrosse Boosters (food & bar)
1/24
Masonic Lodge
L Warren Weaver
Student Speaker Contest(next dinner meeting)
1/26
Senior Center
L Warren Weaver
Markofer Spaghetti Feed Fundraiser
1/30
Elk Grove High School
L Warren Weaver
Hockey Game Excursion
1/31
Stockton
L Dave King
Senior Center Breakfast
2/14
Senior Center
L Jim Switzgable /L Don Thompson
Blue and Gold Spaghetti Dinner for Troop 179
2/19
Edna Batey Elementary
L Taka Blackburn
Michael Lee, Eagle Scout spaghetti feed fundraiser
2/20
Elk Grove High School
L Taka Blackburn
Pleasant Grove Aggie Backers – burgers and brew (food & bar)
2/28
Pleasant Grove HS
L Warren Weaver
Crab Feed coming up on March 7th. Lion Ray will chair. Start selling tickets!
3/7
SES Hall
L Ray Martinez
Zone Student Speaker Contest
3/9
Senior Center
ZC JT Retzlaff
Sheldon Sober Grad Spaghetti Dinner Fundraiser
3/14
Sheldon High School
L Pancho Sanchez /L Rick Schriver
Pleasant Grove Elementary PTA Spaghetti Dinner Fundraiser
3/20
Pleasant Grove Elementary School
L Taka Blackburn
Wilton 4H Tri-tip and Chicken Dinner Fundraiser
3/28
Alta Mesa Gun Club
L Sharon Mika
Good of the Order:
Adjournment: 9:05 PM
Items to address during our next Board Meeting:
Edits.
1. The Sheldon High School Sober Grad Committee Spaghetti Fundraiser received an approval for up to $500 to cover costs. This was approved by the Board during a meeting called by the President just ahead of our Christmas Dinner Meeting. I added this to the current minutes so that we have it documented.
This bulletin is produced each month by the Bulletin Editor, Lion Jack Edwards. He may be reached by email at jack.edwards@surewest.net or by phone at 916-240-9302 or by mail at:
Elk Grove Lions Club P.O. Box 465 Elk Grove, CA 95759
President: Pancho Sanchez 916-595-9103
Secretary: Jim Switzgable 916-684-7700
Bulletin: Jack Edwards 240-9302
1st VP: Bob Brewer 686-7084
2nd VP: Raymond Martinez 709-2101
3rd VP: Taka Blackburn 686-6696
Treasurer: Fred Handley 628-9770
Tail Twister: Tom Anderson 947-2439
Lion Tamer: Sharon Mika 479-4954
1 Year Dir: Warren Weaver 715-9636
1 Year Dir: Bill Hibbard 956-5860
2 Year Dir: John Muggee
2 YearDir: Dave King
Membership: Dan Pearson 217-2753
Past Pres: John Zehnder 690-4934
Public Relations: Rick Schriver 425-3865
Make-up Clubs
Delta Lions Club 2nd Thursdays, 7 am Bartley Cavenaugh Golf Course 8301 Freeport Blvd.Sacramento
Galt Lions Club 2 & 4 Thursdays 6:00 pm Social7:00 pm
MeetingPapa’s Pizza 505 C Street, Galt
Pride of Laguna 2 & 4 Wednesdays at 7 pm The Old Spaghetti Factory 7727 Laguna Blvd.Elk Grove, CA
Club Roster with Phone Numbers & Email Addresses
was Emailed to Each Member
Name
Spouse
Andy Anderson
Tom Anderson
Ashley
Taka Blackburn
Valerie
Bob Brewer
Cheryl
Charlie Brummer
Brad Dano
Teresa
Chuck Davis
Rebecca
Rigo De La Torre
Marina
Daniel DiBenedetto III
Sunni
Dianne Edwards
Brian
Jack Edwards
Tracey
Randy Feist
Barbara
Lewis Flint Sr
Peggy
Lorene Fuhs
Robert
Fred Handley
Pam
Bill Heston Jr
Linda
Bill Hibbard
Linda
Bob Hillyer
Shirlee
John Jackson
Dave King
Julie
Bill Kirkland Jr
Dusty
Sterling Kloss
Tina
John
Lorraine
Kirk Marchetti
Robin
Ray Martinez
Connie
Lu Lu Martinez
Tom McDaniel
Name
Spouse
Jack Megna
Sharon Mika
John Muggee
Rebecca
Rebecca Muggee
John
Marv Neill
Annajean
David Ogden
Diann
Shauna Ono
Greg
Jim Parino
Charlette
Dan Piersen
Shelli
Shelli Piersen
Dan
Teresa Rodriguez
Jerry Salamy
Leann
Pancho Sanchez
Theresa
Bud Schafer Jr
Rosanne – Ro
Rick Schriver
Jessie
David Simpson
Ginger
Howard Stoll
Jeanette
Jim Switzgable
Debbie
Matt Switzgagle
Joe Tallerico
Lynda
Don Thompson
Sue
Bob Turner
Alice
Don Veninga
Vernon Wheeler
Patricia
Warren Weaver
Patricia
Dennis Weiss
Diane
John Zehnder
Nancy
John Zehnder Jr
Linda
District Contact Info
International President Joseph Preston
“Strengthen The Pride”
District Governor Erv Gon
District Governor
Lion Erv Gon (Lion Cat)
Embarcadero Lions Club
32 Sunlit Circle, Sac, Ca 95831
Res.916 427-5747
E-mail:gonfishing32@sbcglobal.net
1st Vice District Governor
Lion Mike Retzlaff (Lion Sheri)
Pride of Laguna Lions Club
Cell: 916-225-8321
Res: 916-681-9726
