1. District 29-I Newsletter
FELLOW LIONS OF DISTRICT 29-I:
The very first task for me in this newsletter is to thank the many special Lions who made the
District 29-I Fall Conference a great success. Every Lion that I spoke to had positive remarks about the
weekend. Conference planning started over one year ago and my Conference Chairperson, Barbara
Fishel along with my wife, Lion Sue, worked diligently to assure that every Lion in attendance was not
disappointed. They made the weekend spectacular. A special thanks to the Mineral County Lions,
particularly the Fort Ashby members, who worked to make the conference a weekend to remember.
I was very pleased at the number of clubs represented at the conference. Well over fifty percent of
the district clubs sent representatives. Of those clubs sixteen participated in our Parade of Banners to
open the Saturday evening Banquet. I was truly inspired by this.
I especially want to thank all clubs who participated in our annual “Parade of Checks.”
At last count 40 Lions clubs and one Lioness club participated to support humanitarian efforts in the
amount of $ 49,456. I thank you for your tremendous generosity to those in need. I would also like to
thank all Lions who donated food items to the Tucker County Food Bank.
All Lions who participated in the “Silent Auction” seemed to have a grand time. Bidding was furious
over some of the items. I hope that everyone that participated came away with something to remember.
I would like to send out a very special “Thank You” to International Director John Pettis, Jr. whose
humor and wisdom made this a memorable learning experience for all. I truly hope that his stay in West
Virginia was enjoyable and that he will return with wife Liz to vacation at some future time. It is an
honor for WV lions to call you a mountaineer!
To all of you that attended the conference I look forward to seeing you again at next year’s event and
for those who did not join us, please come and see what great fellowship you are missing.
At this point in our Lions’ year we are already one fourth of the way on our journey to
“Strengthening the Pride.” How are You Doing? As for me, I believe that my year has been successful,
but we still have room for improvement. Remember every day to “ASK 1” and “Reach One.” Many clubs
often experience membership drops toward the end of the calendar year. As Lions, we need to “Be the
Best that we can be.” Let’s work hard to insure that this does not happen to your club!
As winter draws near I would encourage you to consider the “Blueprint for a stronger club” and the
club excellence program. Take time to assess your progress, re-visit your goals and implement recruitment
plans.
In closing, I have completed over 40 annual club visits to date and look forward to seeing each and
every one of you. As always, thank you for “Guiding through Service. “
Until next month,
District Governor Doug
DISTRICT GOVERNOR’S MESSAGE
Volume 1 Number 5 - November 2014
“Guiding Through Service”
304-303-3210
douglong64@gmai l.com

2. DISTRICT FALL CONFERENCE
Lions in District 29-I and throughout the Multi-District converged on the Canaan Valley to celebrate the District
Fall Conference. The weekend started off on Friday evening in grand fashion with an American Fair Buffet
featuring B-B-Q Chicken, Jumbo Beef hot dogs, Beef Brisket and the “world’s best baked beans.” Lions were
pleased to try their hand at bingo and place starting bids on a huge variety of silent auction items.
Saturday started off with the normal district cabinet meeting followed by lunch. The Luncheon speaker, Brad Ford
invigorated the group by teaching us how to be kids again while doing Lions’ work. The highlight of the luncheon
was listening to Frankfort Middle School’s Teal Steel Band! What an amazing group of young musicians.
The Saturday evening Banquet featured a keynote address from International director Lion John Pettis Jr. Lion
John mixed humor and fun with an impressive message about the great things Lions accomplish when performing
with the “Heart of a Lion.” A variety of awards were presented including two Melvin Jones Fellowships and three
Presidential Certificates of Appreciation.
The only adversity to the entire weekend was the poor weather on Saturday that forced our Diabetes Stride Walk
indoors. Please consider leaving a weekend open for next year’s event.
ID John Pettis presents the Melvin Jones Award
to DG Doug Long. Pictured l-r: DG Pettis,
PDG Steve Glass, DG Doug and his wife Sue
Parade of Club Banners
Lions Ken Shahan, Sue Long,
PID Steve Glass and Al Cox participate in
motivational demonstration.
"Teal Steel" provided lunch time entertainment.
They are from Frankfort Middle School in Short
Gap, WV
DG Doug Long, FVDG Al Cox, PDG Cindy
Glass, ID John Pettis and Lion Sue Long
Attendees at Cabinet Meeting
Fort Ashby Lions Club
DG Doug Long leads the
Cabinet Meeting
Presidential Certificate of
Appreciation presented to
Rusty Mall, Diabetes Chairman
ID John Pettis presenting Ron Brockett,
Cabinet Secretary-Treasurer the
Melvin Jones Award.
Pictured also is his wife, Kathy. Presidential Certificate of Appreciation
presented PDG Steve Glass presenting the Presidential to Ron Brockett.
Certificate of Appreciation to Lion Sue Long
International Director, John Pettis,
Jr. from Merrimac, Massachusetts
Seminar speaker, Lisa Dudley
of the WVU Eye Institute
Brad Ford giving a motivational speech at the District Conference lunch

4. DISTRICT GOVERNOR'S 2014 - 2015 CALENDER
NOVEMBER
3 Short Gap
7-8-9 District 29-N Conference - Pipestem Resort
(Council Meeting)
10 Elkins/Elkins Lioness - 6:00 p.m.
18 Inwood/Bunker Hill - 6:00 p.m.
DECEMBER
4 Romney - 6:30 p.m.
9 East Lewis, Jane Lew @ Jackson’s Mill
JANUARY
3 Council of Governor’s meeting - Charleston
17 Cabinet Meeting - Adamston (Clarksburg) - 10:00 a.m.
20 Charles Town - 6:30 p.m.
30-31 Leadership School - Flatwoods
FEBRUARY
1 Leadership School Closes
MARCH
14-15 District L Conference, Wheeling
19 Adamston
APRIL
16 Hedgesville/Pikeside
20 Moorefield/Petersburg
MAY
1-2-3 MD State Convention, Charleston
Please make an attempt to schedule your official visit early in the year.
I believe that early year visits make it easier for your club to set realistic goals!

5. FIRST IMPRESSIONS - VDG AL COX
Hello District 29-I Lions!
It’s hard to believe, but we have completed one third of this Lions year under
the great leadership of our DG, Doug. As some say, “Time flies when you are
having fun”! And, I hope all of you are having fun participating in your club
and providing service to your community.
Speaking of fun, we had a wonderful time at our District Conference at Canaan Valley in October.
It was both fun and informative and I’ve only heard good comments from those attending. A special
thank you to our PDG & PCC Barb Fishel who served as chairperson of the conference and her Lion
helpers on a job well done.
I’ve been busy attending club meetings and going on several visits with our District Governor. I also
had the pleasure of going to a DG night at the Doddridge County Lions Club in West Union. They
are in District 29-L and their DG, “Gene” Saunders gave an excellent speech.
In late October, Lion Billie Nichols and
I made a presentation on how to use the
Plusoptix children’s eye screening equip-ment
to Lions clubs located in the area
of WV’s northern panhandle. They
received a grant to purchase their own
Plusoptix unit. The event was hosted
by the Chester Lions and other
clubs attending were: Weirton, New
Cumberland, Newell and East
Liverpool, OH. The East Liverpool
Review newspaper covered the meeting with a front page story and photo. Great publicity for Lions!
I was invited to attend a meeting of the Zone 8 Lions clubs held in Clarksburg at the end of October.
All clubs in the zone were represented and was I was impressed by the quality of the meeting. Zone
chair, Ken Shahan did an excellent job in leading the session and was well prepared with pass out
information. Also making presentations at the meeting were PID Steve Glass and PDG and District
GLT coordinator Cindy Glass.
We have some very good zone chairs in our District and let’s all support them by attending zone
meetings. It’s a great way to keep informed on what’s happening at the Lions international, state,
and local levels. In addition to good fellowship you can learn and exchange ideas about programs,
fund raising, activities and projects of clubs in your zone. It also provides an excellent opportunity to
plan joint projects with other clubs in the zone.
Don’t forget the Leadership School is coming up January 30-31 in Flatwoods. I hope to see you there!
Thanks for all you do to “Strengthen the Pride”!
Albert Cox (left),
of the Clarksburg,
WV Lions
Club, explains the
PlusOptix mobile
vision screener
Thursday to Tom
Hineman, of the
Chester, WV
Lions Club.
(Photo courtesy
of the East
Liverpool Review)
Albert Cox, of the Clarksburg, WV
Lions Club, demonstrates the Plus
Optix mobile vision screener Thursday
by testing Martha Elder, president of
the Newell, WV Lions Club. (Photo
courtesy of the East Liverpool Review)

6. DO YOU KNOW THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN LCI AND LCIF?
Every Lion is a member of the Lions Clubs International (LCI) founded by Melvin
Jones nearly 100 years ago. Although started in Chicago, headquarters are now located in
Oak Brook, IL. Under the auspices of LCI are many divisions including, but not limited to
Club Supplies, Convention, Administration, Lions Clubs International Foundation (LCIF),
and many others.
Reports and dues are sent to LCI. Reports are also sent to other divisions as
necessary and/or required. These divisions are listed in the front of your directory and are
available for viewing on the website.
LCIF receives and distributes money for a wide variety of projects, grants, and
programs. Most, but unfortunately not all, clubs make a donation to LCIF yearly, usually at
the club’s conference or convention during the parade of checks. EVERY dollar donated is
used for LCIF distribution. There are no administrative costs in this division. WV has
received more money back into the state than we have contributed. Every dollar counts
and I urge your club to make a donation this year to LCIF even if it’s $5.00. Let’s show
LCIF our gratitude for all they have done for us.
Personal donations are also accepted by LCIF and appreciated. For every $1.000
donated, either at a club level or personal level, a Melvin Jones Fellowship can be
presented.
Every month the 4 District LCIF Coordinators and I receive monthly reports listing
club and personal donations. Many of the clubs throughout the state have more than
$1.000 to their credit. Therefore, they are entitled to
present a Melvin Jones Fellowship. If you are not aware
of your club’s present contributions, please contact your
District Coordinator or me for the information. The four
District Coordinators are: L- PDG Harry Schramm,
I- PDG Glenn Ryburn, O- PDG Jim McMillon, and
N-PDG Dick Brockway.
Always a Lion,
MD Coordinator Connie McMichael
wvconnie@gmail.com
Formerly Known As:
PDG Connie Dorscheid has legally changed her name to her maiden name as of
October 15th. She is now Connie McMichael. Now begins the process of notifying
all who need to know.

7. 19TH ANNUAL WV LIONS LEADERSHIP SCHOOL
The 19th Annual West Virginia Lions Leadership School will be held January 30 – February 1, 2015
at Days Inn in Flatwoods, West Virginia. Planning is well underway and the committee is putting
together an event that will be memorable.
The keynote speaker for Friday’s banquet will be E. Gordon Gee, currently serving his term as
president of West Virginia University. Prior to his current term at WVU, Dr. Gee served as
president of the University of Colorado, Ohio State University (two terms), Brown University, and
Vanderbilt University. Dr. Gee is a graduate of the University of Utah with a doctorate and law
degrees from Columbia University. Dr. Gee has been a member of several education-governance
organizations and committees, and is past chairman of the American Council on Education’s
Commission on Higher Education Attainment. In 2011, he was appointed to serve as secretary on
the Board of Directors of Ohio’s economic development program.
At Saturday’s luncheon, the keynote speaker will be Nikki Bowman, founder, publisher and editor
of seven West Virginia-themed publications. A 1992 graduate of West Virginia University, Mrs.
Bowman has nearly 15 years of experience editing magazines in Chicago, Washington, DC and
Mississippi, winning several industry awards. Travelling throughout the Mountain State, she
frequently speaks about the need for West Virginians to become invested in their communities and
to take pride in their heritage.
Past International Director Judy Hankom will be the keynote speaker at Saturday’s banquet. A
member of the Hampton, Iowa Lions Club since 2001, PID Hankom served on the International
Board of Directors from 2012-2014. She served as chair of the First Women’s Symposium in Iowa
and also as a faculty member at the Great Plains Lions Leadership Institute. PID Hankom has
received five International President’s Certificates of Appreciation, three International President’s
Awards, the International President’s Leadership Medal and the Ambassador of Good Will Award,
the highest award to be bestowed upon a member. PID Hankom is a Progressive Melvin Jones
Fellow, as is her husband, Ron.
Sunday’s luncheon will feature Sheltered Reality. Sheltered Reality has dedicated itself to being a
youth-oriented project, where youth members use music and education as a way to reach out to
audiences, motivating them to advocate for those in need, especially children and families.
Sheltered Reality employs the power of music to engage and motivate audiences to make positive
changes both in themselves and the world in which they live. Through stories of hardship and
triumph, and a sequence of Steps of Success, Sheltered Reality teaches personal empowerment and
character building, and then encourages the application of these abilities to its primary focus of
advocacy for youth in crisis.
Registration fee for this year’s Leadership School is $115 if paid before January 15, 2015 and $135
after that date. Hotel rooms at the Leadership School rate can be secured by calling Days Inn at
304-765-5055. Make certain you tell the hotel representative that you are with the Leadership
School.
Robert Stigall

8. WEST VIRGINIA LIONS LEADERSHIP SCHOOL
What, When, Where and How Much?
The West Virginia Lions Leadership School will be held January 30 -February 1, 2015 at
the Days Hotel in Flatwoods. The Early Bird registration fee of $115.00 covers your choice of
seminars and four meals. A motivational speaker or group is featured at each meal. Your room is
not covered in the registration fee, but the hotel offers complimentary breakfast if you are a hotel
guest. Call Days Hotel to reserve your room – rate is $89.10.
Why is WVLLS held at this time of year?
Yes, weather can be a travel factor in late January, but this is also a time of year when
schedules are not so busy, and when there are no conflicts with district conferences.
Why Should I Attend West Virginia Lions Leadership School?
To be a more effective Lion – to enjoy yourself – to LEARN – to get MOTIVATED!
WVLLS is a great opportunity to learn more about being a Lion and about how to be an effective
Lion Leader at whatever level you choose. It’s also a fun and relaxing weekend with opportunities
to renew acquaintances and make new Lion friends.
Cost Concerns?
District 29-I is offering up to five scholarships to First Time Attendees. The scholarships
will cover the registration fee, not the room. Contact PDG Cindy Glass at 304-203-2006 or at
scjglass@aol.com if you want to apply. The application for the First Timers Scholarship and the
WVLLS Registration Form are also available on the 29-I website (e-district.org/sites/29i). If you
are not eligible for a First-Timer Scholarship, ask your club if they will pay or subsidize your
Registration Fee, especially if you are a current or upcoming officer. Every club is encouraged to
send one or more members to WVLLS. You may also want to consider sharing a room with
another Lion if you are not attending with a spouse.
An exciting line-up of speakers, presenters and seminars is planned. Details will be finalized
and publicized soon. Please be part of the 2015 West Virginia Lions Leadership School!
Submitted by: PDG Cindy Glass

9. West Virginia Lions Leadership School
DAYS HOTEL
FLATWOODS, WEST VIRGINIA
JANUARY 30, 2015 - FEBRUARY 1, 2015
REGISTRATION FEE $135 – A DISCOUNT PRICE WILL BE $115 IF PAID BY 1/15/2015
PRINT OR TYPE CLEARLY
Lion_________________________________________________________________________
Name Name for Tag
Lion or Guest_________________________________________________________________
Name Name for Tag
_____________________________________________________________________________
Address: City State Zip Code
____________________________________________________________________________
Home Phone Business Phone E-Mail
________________________________________ _______________________
Club Name District
_______I am a first time attendee
MAKE CHECKS PAYABLE TO:
WV Lions Leadership School (Note: Credit cards will not be used)
If you have special dietary requirements, please list below:
____________________________________________________________________________________
Mail Completed Registration to:
PDG Eva Dague
105 Sandy Avenue
Moundsville, WV 26041
Please contact: PCC Kris Pinkerman with any questions:
(H) 304-638-4096 akpinkerman@gmail.com
Call Days Hotel Flatwoods for hotel reservations.

10. MULTIPLE DISTRICT DEAF AND BLIND RECREATION PROGRAM
“BUY A BIKE CAMPAIGN”
At the Council of Governors meeting at West Milford on July 26, 2014, I presented before the
Council of Governors my proposal to purchase new bikes and helmets for the students at the Romney
Schools for the Deaf and Blind. As the Multiple District Chairperson of the Deaf and Blind
Recreation Program (formerly called the Blind Ski Program), I was approached by a school employee
asking if the Lions would be willing to purchase some new bikes for the school or help in buying parts
to repair old bikes. On a spring visit to the school at Romney, I saw firsthand the pile of bikes that
were in various stages of much needed repairs. I then made the decision to pursue the idea of
purchasing new bikes. Along with new bikes we also need to purchase new helmets not only because
of safety precautions but because of health reasons too.
I spoke with my contact at the school this week and he informed me that 28 bikes (and helmets) are
needed. This would provide a bike to students in both the elementary and high school. My goal is
still the same – to provide as many bikes and helmets as the Lions of West Virginia can. As I write
this article, we now have $1750.00 designated strictly towards the bike campaign. Ten Lions Clubs,
one Lioness Club, and one individual have donated towards this program. We still need more support
if we are to meet our goal.
We plan to go to the Moorefield, WV Walmart on Sunday, November 2 to begin choosing the bikes
that we need. Our goal is then to be able to have all of the bikes purchased and delivered to the
school the week of December 15. We will invite interested Lions to join us and also intend to have
the local newspaper there as well. This may well be one of the best Christmas gifts that these kids
have ever been given.
If your club or any individual is interested in sending a monetary donation towards the “Buy A Bike
Campaign” please send your check to the “MD Deaf & Blind Recreation Program” and mail it to me
at: Barbara Fishel, P. O. Box 41, Mt. Storm, WV 26739. Make sure you note on the check that the
donation is towards the bike campaign.
Thank you for your support of this program. December 15 will be here before you know it. If you
wish to make a donation, I urge you to do it soon.
PCC Barbara Fishel
MD Deaf & Blind Recreation Program Chairperson

11. ENVIRONMENTAL PHOTO CONTEST:
I would like to remind all clubs in the District of the annual Lions
International Environmental Photo Contest. We will have more
details later on categories and criteria, but each Lions club can
select one photograph to be submitted to the District by mid/late
December of this year. Categories will include animal life, plant life,
weather phenomenon and your urban or natural landscape. Entries
must be an original taken by the Lion member. (Can be a photo
from his or her immediate surroundings taken anytime of the year).
A REMINDER FOR THE LION’S PEACE POSTER CONTEST
DEADLINE IS NOVEMBER 15
We would like to invite all the clubs in District 29I to sponsor The Lion’s
Peace Poster Contest in your local schools. This contest is sponsored
each year to encourage children around the world to express their
visions for peace. The theme for this year’s contest is “Peace, Love and
Understanding”. Students who are 11, 12 or 13 on November 15 are
eligible to compete in this contest. The club must submit one winning
entry to the District Governor by November 15. If you have never done
this contest the best place to start is with the art teacher at your local
school. This age group would encompass students in grades 5-8 for the
most part.
Mike Funkhouser
Leo/Peace Poster Chairpe
Last year’s winning poster submitted
by Tongbram Mahesh Singh,
a 12-year-old
boy from Manipur, India
Commemorating a partnership of 70 years, Lions Day with the United Nations (LDUN) gives Lions
the opportunity to learn and discover how the UN and Lions together can continue helping those in
need on a global scale.
Held at the UN Headquarters in New York City, approximately 450 Lions, UN diplomats and other
key representatives discuss targeted humanitarian challenges in engaging panel discussions; celebrate
the year’s winner of the International Peace Poster Contest and more.
Mark your calendar to attend the 2015 Lions Day with the United Nations on Saturday, March 7,
2015.

12. REMINDERS FROM THE GOVERNORʼS DESK
Newly elected club officers should consider attending WV Lions
Leadership School In Flatwoods January 30, 31 & February 1.
The district will be giving 5 scholarships to first timers!
Clubs should be: developing an annual budget, holding board of
director meetings and setting goals!
All Lions clubs can visit the Lions Clubs International web site at
www.lionsclubs.org and do things like: Register for Club Excellence
(CEP), or the Blueprint for success.
Clubs should be considering how to best help their membership afford to pay their
dues.
LET’S STRENGTHEN THE PRIDE TOGETHER!!!!!
DG DOUG LONG
304-303-3210
douglong64@gmail.com
LOOK WHAT’S INSIDE:
DG Doug’s Message
Calendar of Events
Conference Photos
Buy A Bike Campaign
LCIF News
WV Lions Leadership School
...Lots of Lions News
Another of our PDG's has passed away..Norville Ellison of Mt. Hope who was DG
in 1969-70 Let's keep his family in our prayers.