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Agenda for 4thy COG Meeting & Zoom Information
Feb-04-2026 |
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The Agenda for the 4th COG Meeting of the Lions of Illinois is available. The Meeting will be held at:
Four Points Sheraton
500 Hamilton Blvd
Peoria IL.
International President A.P. Singh will be joining us via Zoom.
You may join us too! Here's the link:
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District 1BK Convention - March 6-7, 2026
Jan-27-2026 |
NO TIE DAY is happening at the District 1-BK Convention! 
Leave the tie behind and bring the Lion spirit!
Join your fellow Lions for No Tie Day during the District 1-BK Annual Convention—a relaxed, fun way to connect, celebrate fellowship, and enjoy the weekend.
March 6–7, 2026
Quality Inn | Bradley, IL
Wear whatever makes you comfortable — NO TIE REQUIRED!
Caught wearing a tie? A $5 donation will go to the Lions of Illinois Foundation.
Convention Registration Info:
Registration due by February 20, 2026
First-time Lions, Leos, non-Lion guests & children under 18 register FREE
Late registration after Feb. 20 is $30
All attendees must register and wear name badges
No meal tickets sold at the convention
Hotel Info:
Quality Inn, Bradley, IL
$94/night + tax (guaranteed until February 28, 2026)
Be sure to say you’re with the “Lions Convention” when booking to receive the discounted rate and help the district secure future discounts
Share the fun!
Post your no-tie photos and tag:
Why No Tie Day?
Celebrate fellowship & fun
Encourage approachability
Promote a relaxed, inclusive atmosphere
Let’s Lead to Serve—comfortably!   
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District 1BK Forum
Jan-27-2026 |
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? DISTRICT 1BK LIONS FORUM ? Empowering Lions to Lead and Serve
? Saturday, January 31, 2026 ? 9:00 AM – 2:30 PM ? 210 East Main Street, Reddick, IL 60961
Join fellow Lions for a day of learning, leadership, and connection designed to strengthen clubs and empower Lions at every level!
? What’s Included with Registration:
? Engaging Lions seminars ? Continental breakfast & lunch ? Tools and resources to empower Lions ? Opportunities to learn, share, and connect with fellow Lions
? What to Bring:
? Your laptop ? A notebook or tablet for extra notes ? Your dedication to lead to serve and serve to lead!
? Registration Fee: $10.00 (Includes all seminars, breakfast, and lunch)
? How to Register: Make check payable to DISTRICT 1BK Mail registration and fee to: PDG John Whalen 1507 Adams Dr. Normal, IL 61761
? Don’t miss this opportunity to grow, connect, and lead alongside Lions from across District 1BK. We look forward to seeing you there!
??
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District 1CS Convention
Jan-27-2026 |
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Hello Fellow Lions:
You are invited to our 1CS District Convention to be held at The Pavilion in Marion Il., on April17th & 18th.
The attached forms include the Convention Information Letter, Registration and Agenda.
Our Keynote Speaker is ID Bert & Lion Pam Nelson from New York Mills, MN. The attire Friday night is casual. Saturday is Business Casual. Banquet Head Table-Men: White Dinner Jacket Black Tie and Women: Formal Dress.
The Theme is SUPERHEROES IN SERVICE. TOGETHER WE SERVE AS ONE.
There will be presenters from Lions of Illinois Foundation, the Global Leadership Team and Leader Dog. There will be a Meet & Greet Friday night at 7:00 pm and 10:00 Saturday night in a Suite at the Drury Inn. You are all welcome to bring your Club activity Banners to be displayed. We will be decorating on Friday from 8:00 am– 5:00pm. We are looking forward to having a great time. Hope you will be able to make it.
Yours in Service,
Lion Retha Eurales, DG
And the 1CS Convention Committee
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District 1D Convention Announcement and Registration - April 24 & 25 2026
Jan-21-2026 |
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LIONS DISTRICT 1-D CONVENTION
Join us for a fun-filled and inspiring weekend with Lions from across District 1-D!
April 24–25, 2026 Farm Bureau Center 210 W. Spring St., Freeport, IL 61032
Registration Options: • $50 – Convention Registration & Luncheon • $25 – Luncheon Only (Non-Lions)
Lodging Information: Hampton Inn – Freeport 109 S. Galena Ave., Freeport, IL 61032(815) 232-7100 Lions 1-D Block Rate: $139/night Available through March 25, 2026
Friday Evening – April 24 7:00 PM | Lions Got Talent A great opportunity to share your talent with fellow Lions! Celebrity judges
Prizes awarded
Saturday – April 25 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM | Convention • Seminars & Education • Lunch with International Director Chris Carlone • Awards & Memorials
This is a weekend you won’t want to miss—fellowship, fun, learning, and celebration of Lions service!
Registration details coming soon—spread the word!
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District 1F Convention Invitation and Registration - March 14, 2026
Jan-21-2026 |
2026 District 1-F Lions Convention 
“A Celebration of Lions”
Saturday, March 14, 2026
Hilton Chicago / Northbrook
2855 Milwaukee Ave., Northbrook, IL
Join Lions from across District 1-F for a day of education sessions, fellowship, voting, auctions, awards, and fun, capped off with our Governor’s Reception and Banquet. This year’s hospitality theme is “Hong Kong Nights” — don’t miss it!
Registration Information
Early Bird Registration available before February 15, 2026
Regular registration accepted through March 7, 2026
Late/on-site registration available (meal availability not guaranteed)
Hotel Reservations
• Hilton Chicago/Northbrook
• Special Lions rate: $129 per night
• Reservations must be made by February 17, 2026
• Call 847-480-7500 and mention District 1-F Convention or book at Hilton.com
Payment Options
• Check payable to District 1-F Lions
• Zelle available: LIONSD1F@YAHOO.COM
(Please note “D1F Conv” in the memo)
Registration forms must be completed for each attendee, even if paying electronically.
Submit forms by email or mail to:
PDG Barb Lahtinen
Lionbarbara@comcast.net
Whether you’re a new Lion or a seasoned leader, this convention is your chance to connect, learn, and celebrate the incredible service of Lions.
Mark your calendar and register early!   
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District 1H Convention Invitation and Registration - May 1 & 2, 2026
Jan-20-2026 |
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Lions District 1H Convention at Embassy Suites
May 1 and 2, 2026
With District Governor Bill Jeffries
Embassy Suites, 100 Conference Center Dr. E. Peoria, IL 61611
Welcome!
On behalf of District Governor Bill Jeffries, we welcome you to District 1H Lions at the Embassy Suites. Come celebrate with great food and learning sessions, see old friends and make new ones.
The events will kick off on Friday evening at 5:00 p.m. with a “Meet and Greet” and games especially prepared for your fun and enjoyment in Room Lydia C.
Come back Saturday morning for a busy day that will begin at 8:00 a.m. with a silent auction and vendors available and the Welcome & Introductions by our Master of Ceremonies Dave Russell at 9:00 a.m.. After the Welcome, there will be 4 breakout sessions available where you can choose between topics of interest to you. Also, you will have beverages available all day, 2 breaks with special snacks and a Buffett lunch.
The dress code for the weekend is to be Lions casual. Show off your club shirts or vests and be comfortable for this fun event. You can register by filling out the next page and mailing that and a check payable to Lions District 1-H. Mail to: Lion Deanna Bruce, 283 Herman St., Pekin, IL 61554. To book your hotel room at the special Lions rate of $129.00, you can call the hotel directly at the number on the next page. The room reservation guarantee deadline is April 10, 2026.
We hope you will join us for this weekend of our great district!
Sincerely,
District 1-H Convention Team
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District 1G Convention Invitation and Registration - March 27 & 28 2026
Jan-20-2026 |
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DG Rob Wirth and Denise would like to invite you to attend the 2026 District 1-G Convention to be held on March 27 & 28, 2026. This year the convention will be at The Great River Ascend Hotel, 3559 College Avenue, Alton IL 62002. The Registration Form is provided here for you to print and mail.
1. Registration: The registration opens at 4pm Friday. There is a night dinner followed by a Lions Trivia game night. The Saturday morning meeting starts at 9 a.m. with a short business meeting, nominations and voting. The lunch will start at noon followed by the necrology ceremony and then informational seminars. The Saturday night banquet will feature the Landolfi String Quartet with District Awards and ending with a special and enjoyable speech from our International Director Dave Wineman
2. Hotel: The Hotel is The Great River Ascend Hotel. Room block will close on February 26th but if rooms are still available, the hotel will honor the $132 plus tax if told that you are with the Lions Convention. Reservations can be made with the hotel at 618-462-1220. Breakfast is included for those staying overnight.
3. Silent Auction: To help in keeping the cost of the convention down, it is very much appreciated when the Clubs and Lions members donate silent auction items. This is aways a fun event.
4. Delegates: A delegate form is attached and needs to be filled out and mailed to Lion Nila Hemming, Cabinet Secretary by March 15, 2026. Voting for District Governor, First and Second Vice Governor and Trustee will be on Saturday morning.
5. Necrology: There will be a necrology service for the deceased members of 1-G after lunch on Saturday. Please fill out the form and return it to PDG Judy Fenton, Convention Chairperson by March 1, 2026.
6. Ads: The ads for the Program Book is an important part of the convention. We are asking that each Club submits an ad for the book. If there is any Lion who would like to advertise their business, we are encouraging them to put in an ad to let other Lions know what you do, Lions helping Lions. Full page $75; half page $50; quarter page $35 and business card $25. Make checks out to District 1-G.
All convention information is attached, included in the monthly newsletter and will be mailed to the Club secretary.
Thank you for being a Lion in One Great District.
PDG Judy Fenton, Convention Chairperson
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District 1M January 2026 Newsletter & Convention Registration
Jan-06-2026 |
See all the news from District 1M and register to attend the District Convention to be held Janaury 23 & 24, 2026.
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District 1BK Newsletter - January 2026
Jan-06-2026 |
Happy New Year from District 1BK. See attached newsletter.
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Dist 1G and Dist 1M Forum - February 28, 2026
Jan-06-2026 |
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Wish you could do more, but not sure where to start - should you strengthen your club leadership, membership or service? Whether you have a club success story to share, or are looking for a new idea or maybe you want to network further….
Join District 1M and District 1G for the first combined Forum to be held February 28, 2026 in Springfield.
See attached Registration Form and Invitation!
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3rd COG Meeting Synopsis - December 6, 2025
Dec-18-2025 |
See the attached meeting synopsis for the 3rd COG Meeting held December 6, 2025.
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Final Minutes of 2nd COG Meeting, Chair Reports, Budget and Policy Manual Revisions
Dec-09-2025 |
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Approved Minutes of the 2nd COG Meeting - September 27, 2025
State Chair Reports of the 2nd COGT Meeting - September 27, 2025
Budget Presentation - 1st Quarter Reporting - September 27, 2025
Proposed Policy Manual Changes - September 27, 2025
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District 1BK Newsletter December 2025
Dec-02-2025 |
Enjoy the news from District 1BK!
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District 1M Convention Information and Registration
Dec-02-2025 |
The District 1M Convention will be held January 23-24, 2026, in Champaign, Illinois. See the attached materials for more information and registration materials.
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1M District Roar Newsletter
Dec-02-2025 |
Enjoy news from District 1M
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Agenda for the 3rd COG Meeting December 6, 2025
Nov-26-2025 |
The Agenda for the 3rd Council of Governors Meeting has been published. The meeting will take place at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, 3000 S. Dirksen, Springfield, Illinois. The meeting will begin at 9:00 AM
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District 1M Newsletter - November 2025
Nov-04-2025 |
District 1M Newsletter - November 2025
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District 1BK Newsletter - November 2025
Nov-04-2025 |
Enjoy the District 1-BK November Newsletter.
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MD1 State Magazine for November 2025
Nov-04-2025 |
Enjoy the November issue of the MD1 State Magazine and Events and Fundraisers Publication. Thanks to PDG Joni McMillian!
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SAVE THE DATE! MAY 14-17, 2026
Oct-15-2025 |
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Attention Lions!
The 105th Annual State Convention and LIF Annual Membership meeting has been scheduled for May 14-17, 2026.
Location: Bloomington-Normal Marriott Hotel and Conference Center, 201 Broadway, Normal, IL
More information, registration and details to follow!
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District 1F Directory Revised
Oct-14-2025 |
See attached District 1F Director (Revised) for 2025-2026
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Have You Seen LionsUSA.org Yet?
Oct-01-2025 |
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The Lions of the USA have been branding together the last couple years. Check these resources ou for all Lions and Clubs!
www.lionsusa.org
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Minutes of 1st COG Meeting Approved 09 27 2025
Oct-01-2025 |
The minutes of the 1st COG Meeting held during the International Convention were approved by the Council of Governors on Septemer 27, 2025
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MD1 State Magazine for October 2025
Oct-01-2025 |
Enjoy the latest edition of the Lions State Magazine for October 2025. Thanks to PDG Joni McMillan!
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Agenda for 2nd COG Meeting & Zoom Information
Sep-23-2025 |
The Agenda has been finalized for the 2nd COG Meeting to be held Saturday, September 27, 2025, at 8:30 am.
If you would like to join the Zoom Call with International President A.P. Singh and 1st Vice President Mark Lyon at 9:00 AM, click on the link below. A new window will open to join the Zoom call.
The Meeting ID is: 88290112411
The Meeting password is: 380972
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District 1BK Directory
Sep-18-2025 |
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Hong Kong 2026 - Be There. Be Loud!
Sep-18-2025 |
An epic adventure awaits you!
Don’t miss the chance to illuminate Hong Kong with the spirit of service! Join us for a time of fun, fellowship and the opportunity to learn from your fellow Lions and Leos. Register today and get ready to experience everything Hong Kong has to offer!
Register for Hong Kong - 2026!!
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District 1CN Convention Information
Sep-17-2025 |
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Please mark your calendar to attend the upcoming District Convention to be held on Saturday, October 18, 2025, in Mt. Vernon, IL. We are planning a one-day event on Saturday, beginning with a service project to put together some packets for the Midwest Distribution Agency. We have a Lions International Director lined up to speak to us. There will also be additional Lions-flavored sessions and a Celebration of Life Service to honor the valued service of recently deceased members of our District. If your Club has a member who has passed away and needs to be honored, please reach out to me, Lydia Ellis, or Mo Ritzel with the information. We will also be holding our District officer elections for 2026.
Your attendance and that of your fellow Club members are important and appreciated. Lunch is included in your registration of $65.00. Spouse lunch cost of $25.00
HELP US SPREAD THE WORD TO YOUR CLUB MEMBERS!We hope to see you at the convention - Doubletree by Hilton Hotels, 222 Potomac Blvd, Mt. Vernon, IL on Saturday, October 18, 2025. This will be a one-day convention. We start at 8:00 in the morning with a short service project on-site, and we’re done by 6:00 in the evening. Please feel free to invite your spouse to come along as there are opportunities for shopping and exploring the Cedarhurst Art Museum in Mt. Vernon. Click here to register for the event. Credit/debit cards, Apple/Google pay, and EChecks
Contact the hotel for rooms, 618-244-7100. $129 for a standard room.
There will be a small hospitality suite for out-of-town guests,
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District 1M Newsletter
Sep-16-2025 |
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District 1M September Newsletter
District 1M St. Jude Walk
District 1M Directory
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Lions Quest & Service Carnival Opportunity
Sep-08-2025 |
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Lions Quest and Service Carnival Opportunity.
You can attend via Zoom on Monday, September 8, 2025, at 7:00 pm
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Revised September 2025 State Magazine
Sep-04-2025 |
A revised edition of the September 2025 State Magazine is now available.
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District 1BK Newsletter September 2025
Sep-03-2025 |
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From the Desk of District 1BK Governor Denise Lowe
District 1BK Newsletter
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MD1 State Magazine for September 2025
Sep-02-2025 |
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Lions of Illinois
Enjoy the latest issue of the Lions State Magazine and Events and Fundraisers for MD1.
PDG Joni McMillan
MD1 Magazine Editor
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2024-2025 Peace Poster Finalists
Aug-21-2025 |
A huge congratulations to more of the 2024-25 #PeacePoster finalists!  
We can't wait to see the posters for this year's contest!
Make sure to order your 2025-26 digital kits by October 1st. Click below to grab yours 
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2nd COG Meeting of the 2025-2026 Council of Governors
Aug-19-2025 |
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Good Morning Lions:
Mark your calendars! The 2nd meeting of the 2025-2026 MD1 Council of Governors will be held on Saturday, September 27, 2025, beginning at 9:00 a.m.
International President A.P. Singh and 1st Vice International President Mark S. Lyons are scheduled to join the meeting via Zoom. With their remarks, the Agenda for our meeting likely won't begin until approximately 11:00 a.m.
LOCATION:
Bloomington Marriott Hotel & Conference Center, 201 Broadway Avenue, Normal, IL 61761
Phone: 309-862-9000
DISTRICT GOVERNORS:
If you are a District Governor, there is no need to reserve your room as that has been done for you. You will need to provide a credit card upon arrival. You will need to register for the COG meeting to provide any dietary restrictions as well as your Partner in Service/Spouse. See link below.
FIRST VICE DISTRICT GOVERNORS:
We have a block of rooms reserved for the First Vice District Governor beginning Thursday, September 25, 2025. Each of you have a room reserved in your name for Thursday, September 25, 2025, as you are scheduled to attend GETS Training. You will need to provide a credit card upon arrival.
Please note that GLT Chair Darren Van Duyn will be sending out information to you separately regarding the GETS Training.
You will need to register for the COG meeting to provide any dietary restrictions as well as your Partner in Service/Spouse. See link below.
SECOND VICE DISTRICT GOVERNORS:
You are very important to us! Unfortunately, I do not have specific instructions for you other than to register to attend the COG meeting to provide any dietary restrictions as well as your Partner in Service/Spouse and reserve your room. See the link below.
STATE COMMITTEE CHAIRS:
We would love to see all of you at the 2nd COG meeting!
Please plan on submitting your written reports to SST Cecilia at sst@illinoislionsmd1.org by MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 2025! Your report will be included with the Agenda and distributed to the entire Council one week prior to our meeting.
Please remember that in order to be reimbursed per the Rules of Audit, you must have an invitation to speak from the Council Chair or the Council of Governors.
When booking your room, check the date and the number of nights you are staying.
If you have any questions or difficulties registering, please do not hesitate to contact SST Cecilia at the State Office. Have a great day!
Lions of Illinois, Inc.
828 S. 2nd Street, Suite 101
Springfield, IL 62704
Phone: 217-299-9113
State Office Hours: Tuesday - Thursday 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM
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MD1 State Magazine for August 2025
Aug-12-2025 |
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1-J 2025 July newsletter
Jul-14-2025 |
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1st COG Meeting Agenda for 2025-2026
Jul-09-2025 |
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The First Council of Governors meeting for the MD1 Lions of Illinois will take place on Tuesday, July 15, 2025, at 12:00 Noon at the International Convention in Orlando, Florida.
The Agenda, 5th COG Draft Minutes of 2024-2025 and the Proposed Rules of Audit for 2025-2026 are found below.
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MD1 Lions of IL July 2025 Events & Fundraisers Info & Flyers
Jul-03-2025 |
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MD1 Lions of IL July 2025 eMagazine
Jul-03-2025 |
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2025-2026 Lions Int'l Peace Poster Contest Info
Jun-22-2025 |
https://www.lionsclubs.org/en/start-our-approach/youth/peace-poster#contest
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You're Invited: Midwest Breakfast at the International Convention – Orlando 2025! Please share!!
Jun-22-2025 |
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Lions:
You're cordially invited to join fellow Lions from across the Midwest for a special Midwest Breakfast during the Lions International Convention in Orlando, Florida!
? MIDWEST BREAKFAST – Orlando
Hosted by MD-5 Lions
? Tuesday, July 15, 2025
? 6:30 A.M. Eastern Time
? Rosen Plaza Hotel 9700 International Drive, Orlando, Florida 32819
Enjoy a delicious Cypress Buffet, including fresh juices, baked mini muffins, Danish pastries, croissants, sliced seasonal fruit and berries, bagels with Philadelphia cream cheese, preserves, Nutella, whole grain cereals with a variety of milk options, and individual yogurts.
Cost: $45 per person – includes breakfast, tax, and gratuity.
RSVP before: June 1, 2025
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Online registration for Midwest Breakfast - Orlando starts on May 15th 2025. Online registration ends June 3rd 2025.
lionsofillinois.regfox.com
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If you have any questions, please contact our International Convention Chair PDG Tom Elsey @ thomas.elsey@gmail.com
Let’s share great food, fellowship, and Lion spirit before the day’s events begin.
We look forward to seeing you all in Orlando!
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YOUR FEEDBACK IS REQUESTED on This Educational Forum Survey (closes July 15)
Jun-22-2025 |
o: ALL LIONS CLUBS and LIONS of ILLINOIS
The District Governors Elect have created a survey to collect feedback on the state education Forum for next Lion year. They want to hear from all of us. You can complete the survey online at the link below or print the survey and US Mail it back to state office. You can also get the Word doc version of the survey from state website at www.illinoisliondmd1.org and email it back to sst@illinoislionsmd1.org.
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/GH8ST7L
Thank you for taking the time to send in your feedback so we can provide the best educational event possible for all of us.
#WeServe
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LCI RECORDED WEBINAR: PREPARING YOUR CLUB FOR NEW LION YEAR
Jun-19-2025 |
LIONS CLUBS -- HERE IS THE RECORDED WEBINAR FROM LCI ON PREPARING YOUR CLUB FOR THE COMING YEAR:
https://www.facebook.com/share/v/16gsydLyw2/
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