District Governor Lion Warren Weir opened the meeting and welcomed all present to the convention, the first week-end of Fiesta San Antonio 2008.  Granted a special welcome to International Director Steven D. Sherer and his wife, Lion Mary Ellen Sherer.

The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Lion Steve Mejia. The inspirational Invocation was given by Lion Judy Rhone.

Vice District Governor Manny Carrillo following protocol introduced the following:
ID Steven Sherer etux, Lion Mary Ellen Sherer; PCC Rey Costa; PDG John Seale; PDG Saul Lopez and wife, Lion Alice Lopez; PDG Johnny Olivares; PDG Cal Lawson; PDG Pat Carroll etvir, Lion Herb Carroll; PDG Chris Lloyd; PDG John Kimbrough, PDG T.J. Tijerina; PDG Dick Alphin; PDG James Long, and PDG Bob Lawrence.

Cabinet Secretary Lion LaJuana Newnam-Leus presented the minutes of the last meeting and a motion was made, seconded and approved accepting the minutes of the Mid-winter Cabinet meeting held January 19th, 2007, in Del Rio, Texas, as printed. Announcement was made that the first cabinet meeting of the new year in July would be hosted by the Pleasanton Lions Club with applications on hand for registering early.

Cabinet Treasurer Lion Ron Hall gave the report and noted there were no addresses for various Club Treasurers in the directory therefore dues notices were mailed out to Club Presidents resulting in many cases of non-payment of dues. He highly recommended that the new Directory list names and addresses of club treasurers from now on. Some clubs do not pay dues in a timely manner. Eleven clubs have not paid dues for the first half of this year and twenty clubs have not paid dues for the second half of this year. $1600.00 was raised for the scholarship fund. $34,000.00 to support Texas Lions Camp. Eighteen clubs have sent in their 100% Governors checks. Motion duly made, seconded and passed to accept report as given.

Convention announcements were made by PDG T. J. Tijerina. Total of one hundred sixty-one tickets for the luncheon have been purchased. Voting certification would be open until 1:59 pm in the lobby and voting would take place in the Partagas Room from 2 pm to 4 pm this afternoon. MERLO meeting at 2:45 pm in the Monte Cristo A & B ballroom, the Governors' Banquet would be 6:30 pm in the Coronado Room. Immediately following this meeting the luncheon would also be held in the Coronado Room.

VDG Manny Carrillo reported there would be MERLO training meeting at 2:45 pm in the Monte Cristo A & B room and would be open to all incoming Presidents, Secretaries, Treasurers, Zone and Region Chairman.

A very well done and informative Video was than presented by the Our Lady of the Lake Lions Club showcasing the activities and programs of that most successful club the past year.

PDG Rey Costa made a voting registration report that Bandera, Comfort, Crystal City, and Kerrville Hosts, had not registered any delegates as of this time and requested any attendees to please report to the registration table in the lobby. 

At this point, the ever vigilant Tail Twisters asked for all Club Presidents in attendance to stand and then were fined for not bringing any club banners to the convention!

Following the Break, a Membership Report was given by Lion Roland Keller, whereupon, he introduced Susan Crissy, daughter of deceased Floresville long time Lion, I.D. Flores, Jr., to speak of the Passion he had always shared for Lionism and how it had affected their family and community.

DG Warren Weir spoke to the upcoming Fiesta Flambeau Parade which had ties to the Founder's Club in San Antonio and they had secured a place for Lions in the parade and Our Lady of the Lake Lions would represent the Lions of District 2-A2 in the parade this year.

PDG Rey Costa gave an update from the certification committee on total of delegates registered to vote being ninety-four in number and thirteen past District Governors.

PDG Johnny Olivares, LSRF Chair, presented a status report on Lions Sight Research Foundation activities since the District Mid-Winter meeting. The Resolution passed at Mid-Winter proposing expansion of the Lions Low Vision Center of Texas was presented to and unanimously endorsed by the MD-2 Governors at their meeting in February. A Core 4 Grant Application has been submitted to LCIF and action is expected at their June meeting.    Lion Jim Wheeler President and COO of the LSRF was introduced and reported on the planning for relocating and expanding the Lions Low Vision Center of Texas which is housed on the campus of UT Health Science Center in San Antonio. The expanded LLVC will be more than triple the size of the existing facility that has been in operation since 2003. The new facility will house a much expanded staff and will allow the patient load to expand to meet the ever increasing demand for low vision services. The total program will cost in excess of $1.5 M. To launch the fund raising, the LSRF Board has pledged to match up to $35,000 that the District hopes to raise through the 2008 Stride for Sight. The Stride for Sight money will then be used in the Core 4 Grant to receive a $200,000 Grant from LCIF. Once the Core 4 Grant is in hand, the private fund raising needed to obtain corporate sponsorship for the project will start. It is of note that operating expenses of the LLVC will be provided by the UTHSC; the Lions portion of this joint District 2-A2 -- UT Health Science Center project is for the construction and equipping of the new facility.  PDG Olivares reported on the LSRF Board meeting held yesterday and was pleased to report that 100% of the Board members went on record to say that they would personally make contributions to the 2008 Stride for Sight in support of the LLVC Expansion Program. 

PDG Johnny Olivares then announced that he had a special award to present. On behalf of the LSRF Board and the LSRF membership, he informed the Cabinet that a Lions Sight Research Fellowship has been awarded to Lion Kay Biggar of the Oak Hills Lions Club. Lion Kaye is a former member of the LSRF Board and a long time supporter of the work of the LSRF. Lion Kaye was unable to attend due to a personal illness so Lion Margie Furr accepted the award on his behalf and offered remarks about Lion Biggar and the circumstances leading up to this award.  Lion Johnny concluded his remarks by calling on Lion Victor Ortiz of the Del Rio San Felipe Lions Club to come forward and be recognized with the award of the Low Vision Fellowship plaque for his many years of support and work to help people with vision problems.

VDG Manny reporting on CampaignSightFirst II, reported that the World Wide Goal had been met. He then reported on Stride for Sight, as of July donations received 16,327.00 to day. $18,000.00 short of goal of $35,000.00 for this year. He is making a one time offer, approved by the LSRF Board meeting today, each $1,000.00 donation can honor a member with LLVC Fellow. Offer only good for those who pledge today. Central Park, West Side, China Grove, Helotes, Del Rio Host already have pledged up to $1,000.00. Northwest Lions $4,000.00 paid. Kerrville Heart of the Hills, $1,000.00 paid and pledged additional $1,000 Pending Board Approval. North Side Lions $2500.00, with more to come, at least $500.00 more. San Felipe Lions $2,000.00 paid with additional pledge of $3,000.0; Edgewood Lions $1,000.00 Paid. Oak Hills Lions $1,000.00 pledged Pending Board Approval; Founders Lions $1,000.00 PBA; Kerrville sunrise $1,000.00 PBA; Kerrville Host $1,000.00 PBA; San Felipe Amistad $1,000.00 paid; and Buffalo Valley $1,000.00 PBA.

PDG T.J. Tijerina gave the Extension/Retention Report. Announced the formation of an all Korean Club in San Antonio. Contact PDG Saul Lopez on any information on forming another club as one more needed before June 30th. Announced the decline in several clubs in our district and recognized the Northwest Lions Club for all their members will have received the LVC Fellow and was model club in CSF II program.

PDG T.J. Tijerina introduced special guest International Director Steven Sherer and his wife, Lion Mary Ellen, from Ohio. ID Sherer spoke to the hospitality they enjoyed at the International Directors Meeting in San Antonio last year and discussed various positive changes to look forward to this next year, including an option to have a 2nd Vice District Governor which will be on the ballot in Bangkok this year. He will be guest speaker at the Governor's Banquet this evening.

At this point the Tail Twisters began "Twisting" and a good time was had by all and all were fined.

Lion Howie Marbach gave a report on the winners' of the Youth Scholarship Contests and they were as follows:
Young Women's Pageant: Queen - Sara Hendricks of Converse and Princess - Luisa Benavides of Del Rio San Felipe
Diabetic Awareness Essay: lst Place - Julianne Hayes of Sabinal and Runner up - Victoria Luna of Del Rio San Felipe.
Drug Awareness Speech: lst Place - Haylie Treme of Utopia and Runner up - Amanda Loysoya of Del Rio San Felipe; and
Outstanding Youth: lst Place - Danielle Rucker of Sabinal and Runner up - Luisa Benavides of Del Rio San Felipe.

At this point DG Warren announced that he was saddened to learn that Lucy Morris, wife of PDG Herb Morris, had passed away last evening. This kind and gentle lady will be greatly missed.

Texas Lions Camp Report was given by PDG Pat Carroll. The Board hired Trish Wilson as Development Director. She recognized Lion Rick Luna and PDG Cal Lawson as elected officers to the Board. Recalled the joy of the Camper of the Year, "Marcely" and what a wonderful year the Camp has had Marcely's picture was on the Golf Tournament Applications to be found in each chair at the convention. PDG Mike Rourke then began the challenges for "Hole Sponsors" for the tournament and they are listed hereto on attachment marked "Exhibit A" to these minutes.

PDG John Seale gave the Texas Lions Foundation Report. A Texas Lions Fellow was awarded to Lion Elmer Herbert of Fredericksburg. He described the Cornerstone Award and for those who join before June 30th, can become a Charter Member for $200.00. PDG mentioned that donations have been very light this year and his dream, a goal, would be to see sixteen Lions Fellows of $1,000.00 each this year, particularly in light of what a can of possum brought last meeting!

In the absence of Lion Marshall Mundorff there was no report from the Human Needs Board at this meeting.

Lion Glenn Burns, Chairman of the Hearing Board, reported that they had turned no one down for help this year. They have tested 13,000 children this year from Pre-K to 12th Grade. Eight new people have become certified to give tests this next year. Helen Keller Fellowship Awards were made to Lion Judy Rhone and PDG Johnny Olivares. A newly designed plaque was awarded to Lion Joyce Lawson, accepted by her husband, PDG Cal Lawson, in her absence due to illness. A Special Award was also given to Lion Alice Lopez by Lion Glen Burns for all the great work she does behind the scenes.

Certification report was given by PDG Rey Costa and at this time there are thirty-eight clubs in attendance, seventeen PDG, ninety-eight delegates, with additional eight delegates coming in with check for club's dues, for a total of one hundred and twenty-three voting today.

Lion Mac McCain came forward for Nomination and Election Update to explain the ballots. A copy of which is attached hereto and marked as "Exhibit  B".  After all candidates were introduced and asked to stand to be recognized, a motion was duly made, seconded and passed that nominations cease.
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Candidates Nomination and Secondary Speeches for the following offices were made:

VDG: 
Lion Carol Spillman nominated by Lion Margie Furr, second by Lion Sabrina Brent; 
Lion Glenn Burns nominated by Lion Jim Weed, second by Lion Mary Thomas; 

DG: 
Lion Manny Carrillo nominated by PDG John Seale, second by Lion Wendy Van Winkle; 
Lion McCain discussed the proposed changes to By Law and Constitution on the Ballot.

Nominations for International Director:
PID Beverly Stebbins, nominated by PDG John Kimbrough second by Lion Fred Stokes;
Lion Hal Griffin.. No nomination.
PCC Michael Rourke, nominated by PDG T. J. Tijerina, second by PDG John Seale.

Elections to be held from 2 to 4 pm today in the Partagas Room.
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Lion Mac McCain reported that the eye glass trailer would be found in the parking lot after the luncheon for donations of any used eyeglasses brought by the clubs. 

After the Parade of Checks from various clubs, DG Warren Weir again declared his appreciation for all of the leadership and help in making the convention a success to PDG T.J. Tijerina, PDG Saul Lopez, his home club, Founders Club, and Lion Judy Hall.

The meeting was adjourned.
Respectfully submitted.
LaJuana Newnam-Leus
Cabinet Secretary
 
 

Candidate for District Governor 
___ Amado "Manny" Carrillo 

Candidate for Vice District Governor Candidate for Texas Lions
___ Glenn Burns Camp (Vote for one) 
___ Carol Spillman 

Candidates for Human Needs Board (vote for three)
___ Sabrina Barendt 
____Henry Alvarado
___ M.D. "Mac"McCain
____Marshall Mundorff
____Stacy Lewis
 

CANDIDATES FOR TEXAS LIONS CAMP (Vote for one)
___Wendy Van Winkle
___Durene McCain

Candidates for Lions Sight Research Foundation  Board  (Vote for Three)
___John Cole
___Jim Weed
___LaJuana Newnam-Leus
___Margaraet Blankenship
___Joseph P. Scholwinski, JR.

Candidates for Hearing Board (Vote for three)
 ___ Mike Gonzales
___ Sylvia Gonzales
 ___ Maria "Lulu" Garcia
 

Proposed Change to Human Needs Board Constitution & By-Laws
___ For
___ Against