MONTHLY NEWSLETTER
May 2026
Good afternoon Servant Heroes!
I hope you are all doing well and enjoying the ups and downs of our April weather. Mother Nature has certainly thrown awrench inputting away winter clothes and keeping our warmer weather clothes at bay from coming out.
April celebrated another
opportunity for our clubs to participate in Weeks of Service. This month heralded Environment. It’s been wonderful to see many of our clubs out in the field taking care of cleanupsatparks tocollect sneakers for LIF (Lions of Illinois Foundation) and planting trees or flowers. Your recognition of the needs in our environment has been impeccable so please give yourselves a nice round of applies and high fives for your efforts.
Membership has continued to be a thorn in our sides. As we head into
the remaining months of this Lions year, it’s paramount that we spend time with our members in empowering their hearts of service. Support them with what they need to be great Lions. Listen to their journey to date. Ask what may be missing from them. Having casual open-ended conversations with our family can help to identify what’s missing and what should be celebrated. Membership and Retention are very important metrics that we all should be mindful of. We have had great success over this last year; we brought in over 200 new hearts of service to our family. That’s an incredible foot for your sponsors, your clubs and our district. Now we need to take that door stopper out and close it with our members leaving ourgreat association. Iknow we can do this together.
This month we also participated in Worldwide Induction Day. A very first for our District andMD. It wasa great day to have our newest members and their sponsors celebrated by a special induction
presided over by our International President, Lion AP Singh and his partner in service PID (Past International Director) Sangeeta Jatia. I want to welcome and congratulate the following new members and their sponsors that were in attendance on this special day.
Bridgeview Lions Club:
Mary Bilek and Sponsor Lion Crystal Skoczylas
Calumet City Lions Club:
LilaLabahn andSponsor SVDGE Leo Valencia
Tinley Park Lions Club:
Sharon Negri and Sponsor Lion Carolyn Bartolotta
Willow Springs Lions Club:
Terrance Carr and Sponsor Lion
Keith Grantland
Terrance Carr Sr. and Sponsor Lion
Keith Grantland
Governor Richard Moy’s Newsletter 2
Ronald B. Litland and Sponsor Lion
Keith Grantland
Willow Springs Lioness Club:
Karen Battiato and Sponsor Lion
Sue Grantland
Courtney Brabec and Sponsor Lion
Tammi Phelan
Chicago Windy City Lions Club:
Eva Morales and Sponsor Lion
Yajaira Vera
Oak Lawn Lions Club:
Kelly Pavloski and PCC Lion Dennis McMillan
Todd Pavloski and Sponsor PCC
Lions Dennis McMillan
Chicago Healthcare Alliance Lions Club:
Suzette Apao and Sponsor Lion
Alma Palonpon
Abigail Caskey and Sponsor Lion
John David Biacan
Rhoda Masingi (Associate Member) and Sponsor Lion Lea Agaton
Congratulations to all our newest lions’ family and their sponsors. We also want to recognize our new Lions and their sponsors that have joined our association throughout this year.
Lastly, I want to thank all our Lions and volunteers that helped make our annual Helen Keller 5K Run/Walk event a very successful and fun event. Thank you to Lion Chris Coleman and Frank Kirar, the chairs of this great event every year. Thank you to LIF (Lions of Illinois Foundation) for providing the bus to test vision and hearing for all our guests as well as our vendors that assisted in making this a great event. We will see you all next year!
Aswe move forward into the month of May, we are heading towards the final convention for all our MD1 (Multiple District). This year’s theme is Honk Kong Lights in MD1. The planning committee has done a remarkable job to ensure the state of Illinoisiswellrepresented andwill enjoy a weekend of fun. And if you aren’t aware already, but our guest
Governor Richard Moy’s Newsletter 3
speaker for the weekend is PIP(Past International President) Lion Brian Sheehan or “Just Brian” and his lovely wife Lions Lori Sheehan. Let me tell you that Brian truly BRINGS IT. His energy and enthusiasm is always monumental and memorable. Ilook forward to seeing all my family there to support our incoming Governor and Governor Elects, Lion Ben Zoleta, Lion Karl Schulz and Leo Valencia. These gentlemen are the continued heartbeat of our District. Please recognize and support them asthey enter the Lions Thunderdome.
Dear Fellow Lions,
Warm greetings.
Have a great start to your month of May and I’ll see you all soon.
Yours in Love and Service -
VCC (Vice Council Chair) and Governor Richard Alexander Moy
Richard A. Moy
VCC/District Governor
District 1-A moyrick@me.com
708-504-9070
“They sayitonly takesalittle faithto move a mountain, good thing a lot of faith is what I have”
We respectfully invite you to support a meaningful initiative that advances both our local impact and our global mission through Lions Clubs International Foundation (LCIF). We have organized a raffle to raise funds in support of LCIF, while also helping your club with its eligibility for the Club Excellence Award for 2025–2026.
This raffle offers participants a special opportunity to win the Melvin Jones Fellow Award, one of the highest honors in Lionism, which recognizes dedication to humanitarian service.
Governor Richard Moy’s Newsletter 4
We kindly ask for your participation:
• Select araffle number of your choice
• Please let usknow thenumber you have selected
• Send your$10 contribution via Zelle to: Lea Agaton – (847) 912-3354. Please send me aprivate message with your chosen number and confirmation of payment. Your support directly contributes to life-changing programs led by LCIF and reinforces your club’s commitment to service excellence. Every contribution, regardless of size, helps extend our reach and impact on those most in need both locally and globally. You could claim your donations when you file your income taxes. LCIF is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Please feel free to share the MJF board with your club members so we can all support LCIF.
We deeply appreciate your generosity, continued support, and belief in our mission. Together, we can achieve more, serve more, and make a lasting difference.
Should you have any questions or need further details, please feel free to reach out.
Thank you once again for your kindness and commitment.
Here's the link to the Melvin Jones Fellow Board:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1v5VvWZcKImAsERTBgT3UrGq4 IF8QdlpAWqTlLMi_b90/edit?usp=sharing
Lion Lea Agaton, District 1A LCIF Coordinator. ===============================================
Governor Richard Moy’s Newsletter 5
Membership Drive Going into the Future
Our district is going to continue working to have all clubs in the district add new members to their clubs. By adding new members will give our clubs the opportunity to serve more people in need. Training plans and other opportunities will be offered to help us learn better ways to attract new members to our ranks. Let’s work hard to have all clubs add new members this year!
Sponsors of April 2026 New Members
The following table details the sponsors, their respective clubs, and the number of members they brought into the organization during this period:
District 1 A New Member Sponsors
April 2026
• Total New Members Reported: 11
• Total Unique Sponsors: 10
District 1 A Drops Information for April 2026
This report shows the total number of members who left each club, categorized by their specific reason for dropping.
District 1 A
Dropped Members
Member DropsApril 2026
Seven clubs dropped by 45 members during April 2026. Consider reaching out to some of the members that left your clubs to see if we might be able to reinstate them.
Clubs with Net Increase in Membership
MD-1 Membership Report byDistrict Clubs With Plus in Membership Through April 2026
The above list shows the details of the clubs in District 1 A that have a net Gain in membership during April 2026. Congratulations to the 22 clubs!
The District had 23 clubs ending the month of April with a decrease in membership.
Clubs with No Change in Net Membership
District 1 A has 30 clubs without a net change in membership for April 2026!
MD-1 Illinois Membership as of 05/01/2026
The Multiple District lost 36 members in April 2026. One new member was added on 05/01/26.
MD-1 Club Information
Cumulative Club Summary Report As of 04/31/2026
MD-1 Membership Information
MD-1 Cumulative Report As of 04/31/2026
The Multiple District has a goal of 12 clubs for the year.
District MD-1 Cancelled Clubs 07/01/2025 – 05/01/2026
Tips for Improving Membership in Your Clubs
Here are 10 ways to jumpstart your club’s recruiting efforts.
This is taken from LCI’s Mission 1.5 Website resources:
1. Do amember satisfaction check. Before going out to recruit, look inside. How’s your club doing? Are your members happy? Do you have a positive club culture? Happy members who enjoy being a Lion are more likely to successfully recruit friends, family and others to your club.
Tools forsuccess: Membership Satisfaction Guide
2. Connect your club membership and marketing chairpersons. Does your club have a membership chairperson? How about a marketing chairperson? If not, you’ll want to fill these roles because marketing and membership growth go hand in hand. If you already have these chairpersons in place, make sure they’re working together to promote your club and recruit new members.
Tools forsuccess: Marketing Matters webpage, Club Membership Chairperson webpage
3. Get social.
social media is one of the most powerful tools you have for recruiting members. The more you promote your club’s incredible work, the more visible you’ll be and the more opportunities you’ll have to connect with people looking to serve. So, use social media to invite people to join your club for a service project or attend one of your events, and be sure everyone in your club is sharing, tagging and reposting stories about your club.
4. Don't forget traditional media.
Social media isn’t the only way to get your club noticed. Local newspapers, magazines and newsletters are also great ways to promote your club. Make connections with your local media and other organizations and community groups to discover opportunities to get the word out.
Tools forsuccess: Lions Press Center, Brand Advance Kit
5. Apply for theLionsInternational Marketing Award. Marketing is critical for recruitment, but it’s also a fun way to collaborate with your club and be creative. So why not embrace a little friendly competition by taking your shot at global recognition and great prizes? Your club can apply for the Lions International Marketing Award by creating a marketing campaign focused on member recruitment. Gather your team, plan your marketing campaign, and go out and get some new members.
Tools forsuccess: Lions International Marketing Award webpage, Marketing Matters webpage
6. Recruit whileyou serve.
One of the best ways to recruit is by doing what you do best serving. So invite people to serve you and see what it’s like to be a Lion. Wear Lions-branded clothing to your service projects for visibility and bring promotional materials to hand out to people you meet while out in the community.
Tools forsuccess: Brand Advance Kit, Lions Shop
7. Host amember recruitment event.
Service is our focus, but bonding and having a good time is also a big part of the Lion experience so don’t be afraid to show off that
side to potential members! Consider hosting a member recruitment event that’s more of a social gathering. It could be a happy hour, picnic, ice cream social, game night or whatever works for your club. Promote the event on social media and encourage everyone in your club to invite at least five people.
Tools forsuccess: Social Media Kit, Brand Advance Kit
8. Write and share your Lion stories.
Every Lion has a story to tell about their member experience. But is every Lion in your club ready to share theirs? Consider a club activity where everyone writes their story. It doesn’t have to be long — it can be as simple as jotting down why you joined or why you love being a Lion. Once your stories are ready, find creative ways to share them on social media or your club’s website. Or simply use them while talking with prospective members.
Tools forsuccess: Lions Get Social webinar, Lions Blog
9. Make connections in your community.
It's not always what you know, but who you know. Consider ways you can expand your network, like meeting local business owners or getting involved in community events. Participate in a golf outing, volunteer at a hospital or school, or even attend another group’s pancake breakfast. The more you’re out and about, the more people you’ll meet so think of creative ways to make new connections. These connections just may become new partners, supporters or even new members.
Tools forsuccess: Developing Local Partnerships 10. Just Ask!
There are lots of different ways to find new members. But at the end
of the day, one of the easiest and most effective ways to recruit is to simply ask people to join. Imagine if every Lion brought one new member to your club — think of how many more people you could serve. All it takes is asking one family member, friend or neighbor.
Tools forsuccess: Just Ask Guide
Take some time to look over some of the resources we have available to us that will help us serve more of our friends in need!
Application for Membership
An application for membership can be downloaded using the link shown below. It is a fillable pdf file that can be either printed to be given to prospective new members or sent electronically for a new member to fillin online and email back to you.
The file can be accessed using the following link: https://www.lionsclubs.org/resources/79863797
Pre-printed Applications are available from Lions International. If your club would like some assistance with getting new members or updating your social media platforms, please to not hesitate to reach out for assistance
Going Forward
A detailed program to help revive/reinvigorate clubs struggling is available to all clubs willing to commit to evaluating and attempting to improve those clubs with retention issues and attracting new members.
The program attempts to evaluate the current clubs, mission, demographics, opportunities, nd impediments in its path to improving the club. We also have a rejuvenation plan utilizing Asset Based Community Planning as discussed at the last Growth Workshop Series held recently. We would like to help any club in our district by scheduling a meeting to discuss how we might be able to help your club. Our GAT team would love to help you out.
Respectfully Submitted,
Tom Elsey
District 1A Global Membership Team (GMT) Chairperson thomas.elsey@gmail.com
Westchester Lions Club
Hello District 1-A Lions, Greetings from the VOICES team, the Charitable Arm of District 1-A.
We have elected our new directors at the District Convention inMarch. They will be installed at our Installation of Officers on June 7, 2026
Our new 2026-2027 Directors are as follows:
IPDG Brenda Stevens – Chicago Philippine Lions Club, Lion Cindy Meyer – Chicago Ridge Lions Club, PDG Joan McMillan – Oak Lawn Lions Club, PCC Gail Anton – Orland Park Lions Club
Each director brings a great tool kit of Lions skills to keep our Foundation moving forward. I am excited to work with these wonderful Lions.
Sadly, theRunfortheRoses fundraiser hasbeen cancelleddue to extremely poor advanced ticket sales which were below our expectations. The team will reevaluate our future fundraisers and move forward. All monies collected by VOICES is 100% used to help those in need in our open areas for hearing aids and glasses.
VOICES is looking for committee members to help us find more Day Cay Centers so thatwe cando vision testing. Especially on the north side of our District. If interested, please reach out to me for more information.
We currently have 9 hearing requests in our queue, of which four are waiting for their first appointment to hear aid fittings.
We continue to help those in need in the “OPEN AREAS” community with hearing aids and glasses with the support of our Clubs and Donors. We cannot do it without your help. Please accept sincere thanks from our Directors and Consultants for your continued support.
Happy May!
PCC Gail Anton, VOICES President
District 1A Services:
Annual Hawaaiin Governors Luncheon by Fil USA Lions Club held on May 3, 2026
Governor RichMoy isdifferent! He hashis own ways and hisown style
Chicago Healthcare Alliance Lionsin an LCI Video Clip.
Despite the biting wind and cold, the members of Chicago
Healthcare Alliance Lions Club stood united, driven not by comfort, but by purpose. With unwavering commitment, they worked hand in hand to plant fruit trees, vegetables, and flowers in laying the foundation for a more sustainable and compassionate future.
This initiative goes beyond environmental stewardship. It is a living testament to service by providing fresh air, nourishing organic produce, and a sense of renewal for nursing home staff, residents, and their families. Every seed planted reflects hope; every effort made embodies care.
Using both our hands and our hearts, we are cultivating more
than greenery, we are growing impact. The time, energy, and love poured into this service project are immeasurable, and the difference it creates is enduring. We are not only responding to today’s needs, but we are also shaping a greener, healthier tomorrow.
At the weekly Orland Park Lions Club Queen of hearts drawing, we supported the Organization Christmas without Cancer a 501c3 by donating 40% of the ticket sales. This organization came out to support our efforts. If you are interested in joining the Orland Park Lions, pm me. It was a good night to be a Orland Park Lion.
The newest Lions in our Oak Lawn Lions family, our District family.
Community connections make Willow Springs stronger.
Mayor Melissa Neddermeyer recently sat down with the Willow Springs Lions Club for a great conversation about the incredible work they do in our community. From supporting local causes to serving those in need, the Lions Club continues to make a meaningful impact in so many ways.
We’re proud to spotlight the people andorganizations thathelp make Willow Springs suchaspecial place to live.
The Orland Park Lions presented a check to Christmas Without Cancer from proceeds from the Queen of Hearts.
75 and still hot! Happy Birthday to my wonderful husband. They say that 75 is the new 50, and you prove it every day!
A wonderful evening at the Spectrios Gala celebrating their 40th anniversary with some wonderful Lionfriends! A big thank you to Lion Ralph for the gifts.
Orland Park Lions Club donating gift cards to the Toy Box
connection in Orland Park.
Thank you to everyone who came out today to make our 2026 Pancake and French Toast
Breakfast such a success. Especially, thank you to the representatives from the Villages of Stickney and Forest View, and our fellow Lions from around District 1-A. And congratulations to Lion Thomas Cass on being named a Melvin Jones Fellow.
District 1A Region 4 Meeting.
Only at our park does a Walk turn into a Dance Party!
Chicago Healthcare Alliance Lions Club joined Strides for Diabetes Walk Awareness Walk of the Stickney-Forest View Lions Club.
Bellwood LionsClub clean up the environmental Hillside Bellwood Prairie path.
Chicago Healthcare Alliance Lions Club members came together at the Chicago Behavioral Hospital’s picnic
New members induction, birthday celebration and lecture on Recycling at the Skokie Library on Lions World Induction DayonApril 25th by Chicago Healthcare Alliance LionsClub.
Chicago Healthcare Alliance Lions Club is caring for the environment! Thank you too all those who made this project a huge success!
Chicago Global LionsClub’s Fund raiser with dance and dinner.
Englewood Lions participated in a recycling project by collecting and giving to the Lions of Illinois Foundation (2) thirty-gallon kitchen garbagebags ofaluminum topsand popcantabsattheRegion4Meeting at Lions Clubs International Headquarters,April 24,2026.
Hurricane Helene is currently impacting the southeastern coastline of the United States, particularly affecting Florida. Many homes have been damaged, and numerous families are displaced. In the face of this humanitarian crisis, we, as Lions, are prepared to step in and help. Your generous donation to LCIF enables us to continue our vital work in these challenging times. Please consider donating to our Disaster Relief Fund: bit.ly/3XFfxrP #LCIFLions
When the Desplaines River flooded our community, the Village of Forest View back in 2013. LCIF was there for us,
