Congratulations go out to everyone who has been screening and training. So far we have screened over 16,000 and trained over 600, nice job Lions! As we move closer to our State Convention and then the end of the lionistic year, I would like to see us go out in style. The teams have gotten into a pattern of screening in many areas including community centers, libraries, and other areas of interest.
The teams are conducting monthly screenings, and doing more and more at each one. Every team is being looked to for guidance and networking of information, as well as the latest on diabetes. We have had two very big classes at Southeastern Guide Dogs as well as Freeport in the Bahamas. Additional classes will be scheduled at both locations so keep your eyes and ears open. The good news is we have already screened as many this year as we did the entire previous year.
Many lions are attending classes to review what they have already learned and are always welcome, 60 screeners have attended so far. Consider attending a training class thinking of it as a refresher course for those who have already been certified. This also allows you to become up to date on the new procedure manual and supplies.
We are working on a poster presentation for the International Convention which this year will reflect how you feel as lions doing the training and the screening. It is important as a pilot program we share all aspects of our project so others can decide if they want to get involved or not. Therefore if you would like to write something up or have pictures please email Lion Norma Callahan as soon as possible.
It is important to get your forms returned as soon as possible. We are currently purchasing some of the supplies and use the returned forms to get a better idea of what supplies are being used.
The Florida Diabetic Camp is in need of scholarships. This year they expect more requests then in the past (last year they had over 600 diabetic children attending). You can honor someone by making a donation in their name. It only takes $500 to donate a full scholarship but every donation helps. While some students may only need a partial scholarship others are in need of full scholarships. The Florida Diabetic Camp will have representatives at both the Spring Council of Governors Conference in Boca Raton and the State Convention in Daytona Beach. Some of the campers will also be visiting the State Convention. Representatives will also make themselves available to talk at your club meetings.
In order for the Diabetes Awareness Program to get the last installment on the grant we need to have matching funds in the bank by the next report (summer). If you have collected donations or are planning on making a donation please send them in as soon as possible so the checks can be cashed in a timely manner. In order to continue to fund the Diabetes Awareness Program after our current grant comes to an end next year we formed a foundation that will allow us to continue the work we are doing. We will be looking thru our foundation for other grants available, if you hear of any possible grants send the information to us and we will look into it. I would like to have us ready to submit applications as soon as the Foundation is complete. Remember, in this last year we still need to get those donations in as we need to have funds available to match the grants. For every dollar raised we will match it 3 to 1.
THANKS FOR ALL YOU DO FOR LIONS AND YOUR COMMUNITY.
Here is the latest training schedule.
March 20 MD Offices
March 27 Frank’s Lombrino place!!! (Tampa area)
April 10 = Crystal River
April 17 Gulf Port
April 24 University of Miami
May 8 Ormond Beach