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I have been missing in action for several weeks and missed the District Governors visit and the Red Cross blood drive. Forgive me for being late with the Newsletter.

BLOOD DRIVE: Thank you lions who helped setup, take down, donating blood and putting up signs. The new system devised by Red Cross needs a little refining it seems as donor numbers were down with only 64 pints. Past drives have provided over 100 pints.

PANCAKE BREAKFAST Sunday March 4th: There are some changes with an increase of ticket prices to $8 for adults, $4 children 5-12 years of age, children under 5 free. The packaged sausage will also see an increase to $4 per pound. Everyone should have their work schedule and advance tickets. Please find your own substitute if you are unable to work your shift. Posters or questions contact Lion Tom Schwartz. 443-0152

MEMBERSHIP: The Victoria Lions Club continues to grow and membership currently stands at 88.

MIDWINTER CONVENTION February 10-12, 2012: The convention started Friday Evening with a Parade of Banners representing the clubs followed by the opening session. Thirty four lions from the district passed away in the past year and were honored at the Necrology Service that included two Victoria Lions. Lion Kelly Hanson joined the Victoria club in 1974 and served as President in 1976-77 and as Secretary for 4 years.  Lion Bud Vogel was a Charter Member of the Victoria Club, a past board member and Treasurer for 2 years.  The Friday Night Mixer with music by City Mouse. A Family TV Show costume contest with a number of lions participating rounded out the evening.  Saturday started with Diabetes screening followed by seminars on Membership- Lions Diabetes Foundation- Lions Children Hearing Clinic-The Path of Eye Glasses, explaining how donated glasses are prepared for use and distributed. This was followed by the High School Write off Contest finalists reading their essays on "Service", the announcement and presentation of a check to the winner. Luncheon Speaker was Humorist Al Batt who had everybody in stitches. Business Session: There will be an International Dues increase of $2, and .25 per member District Dues increase to send a H.S. Band to the International Lions Convention instead of soliciting the clubs every year.  Officers elected for the coming year July 1, 2012-13: District Governor - Lion Ron Dahlke. 1st Vice District Governor - Lion Joan Blank 2nd Vice District Governor - Lion Harry Klenke.  The Governors Banquet Saturday evening was addressed by International Director Lion Dr. Gary Anderson from Grand Rapids, MI. Director Gary and his wife Cheryl were convention guests for the weekend.

INTER CLUB VISIT: The Victoria Lions will visit the Waconia Lions Club at their Tuesday March 27th meeting, 6:30 at Island View Golf Club. It would be nice to have a good turnout.

NOMINATIONS: Nomination of officers for the coming fiscal year July 1, 2012 through June 30, 2013 will take place at the March 28th meeting.