Newsletter
OF THE
SAN ANTONIO FOUNDER LIONS CLUB
The Oldest Lions Club in the World
Volume 93, No. 9
San Antonio, Texas
April 2017
LIONS LUNCHEON MEETING – First and Third Wednesdays, 11:45 a.m.
Petroleum Club, Energy Building, 8620 N. New Braunfels Avenue, Suite 700
April 5, 2017 Speaker
April 19, 2017 Speaker
Kevin Sibson
San Antonio Beep Baseball Team
Carlton Quick
Landry’s Restaurants, Inc.
Kevin Sibson is the pitcher and head coach of the
San Antonio Beep Baseball Team. He was an
assistant coach, pitcher and one of the founding
members of the Austin Blackhawks beep baseball
team formed in 1986. Kevin helped the Austin
Blackhawks to 9 World Championships in 30 years
with the team.
Carl Quick is the Property General Manager of
the Tower of the Americas which is operated by
Landry’s Restaurants, Inc. In 2004, Landry’s
won the bid for a 15-year lease to manage and
operate the property for its owner, the City of San
Antonio. In September 2007, Landry's converted
the Eyes Over Texas Restaurant into one of its
Chart House outlets.
He has traveled to Canada, Puerto Rico,
Dominican Republic, Taiwan and dozens of U.S.
cities to teach the sport of beep baseball. Kevin is
now a resident of San Antonio and one of the
founding members of the San Antonio Jets Beep
Baseball Team.
Kevin’s goal is to build the San Antonio Jets into a
championship contender and assist in the
development of the visually impaired athletes
wanting to play the sport of beep baseball.
To learn more, go to http://sajets.org/
Mr. Quick began his career with the Pappas
Restaurant chain in the Dallas - Fort Worth area
from 1991-1996. After this period of time, Carl
owned his own company called Quick
Restaurants until 2002. Then Carl began his
career with the Landry’s Restaurant chain.
He is a graduate of the University of North Texas.
Our Club operates the telescopes on the Tower
of the Americas and therefore has a close
relationship with Landry’s.
April 2017
San Antonio Founder Lions Club Newsletter
Page 2
We Serve!
Community Service in the Month of February 2017
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Lion Arthur Browne volunteered 6 hours with collecting/depositing monies and
working on the telescopes located at the top of the Tower of the Americas
Lion George Harvey volunteered 7 hours collecting eyeglasses
Lion Daniel Espinosa volunteered 10 hours collecting eyeglasses
Lion Brenda Smith volunteered 6 hours working on TLC summer camp
Lion Rick Newburg volunteered 12 hours with Meals on Wheels
Lion Gladys Vidal volunteered 8 hours collecting eyeglasses
Lion Earl McPeek volunteered 9 hours with Habitat for Humanity (Holy Trinity
Catholic Church) and 6 hours with Mobile Loaves & Fishes
Lion Nancy Richter volunteered 6 hours with the Low Vision Resource Center
helping with mail out and 3 hours collecting eyeglasses
Lion Michael Brazytis volunteered 2 hours collecting/depositing monies and working
on the telescopes located at the top of the Tower of the Americas
Lions Donovan Fikes volunteered 8 hours working at the Sunshine Cottage School
of Deaf Children
Lion Paula Blacklock volunteered 2 hours working on the poinsettia letter for
previous customers and members
Lion Mary Jane Chisholm volunteered 8 hours with Meals on Wheels
Lion Faith Porras volunteered 20 hours with parade ticket sales
Stride for Sight Annual 5K Run/Walk
Saturday, March 18, 2017 marked the annual Stride
for Sight 5K Run/Walk sponsored by the Lions Sight
Research Foundation’s at Comanche Park. The
opening ceremony began at 8:15 a.m. and included
the balloon release. Lion David Splitik came in
first in his category. Congratulations David! Also
participating were Lions Rod Chisholm, Mary Jane
Chisholm, Arthur Browne, Tracy Wiggins, and
Tracy’s son Kirin.
Balloon Release
Lion David Splitek warming up for the big race!
April 2017
San Antonio Founder Lions Club Newsletter
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Lions Arthur, David, & Rod relaxing
Fun times at Stride for Sight –
Lion Tracy, Kirin, Lion Art, and
Lion Mary Jane
Mobile screening unit on hand for the
big race
Opportunities to Serve
Sign-up Now to Work Fiesta Parades
 Battle of Flowers Parade – Friday April 28, 2017 (be there at 9
a.m.) – Honors the heroic spirit of the patriots of the Alamo, commemorates the
victory of San Jacinto and celebrates the diversity and heritage of Texas and our
nation. As the second largest day parade in the U.S., the Battle of Flowers® Parade
April 2017
San Antonio Founder Lions Club Newsletter
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supports the educational, artistic, social and philanthropic achievements of our
community’s youth. Theme of the 2017 Battle of Flowers® Parade is “Blazing Trails.”
The parade will salute the many trailblazing people, events and ideas that have
made our city, state and nation great.
 Fiesta Flambeau Parade – Saturday April 29, 2017 (be there at
3:45 p.m.) – Largest illuminated night parade in the nation. Viewed by
approximately 700,000 people in the streets of downtown San Antonio and another
1.5 million on television, the theme for this year is “City Lights and Celebrations.” It
will be led by the University of Texas Longhorn Band followed by local and out of
town bands, marching units, equestrian units and spectacular floats and other
attractions to delight and create a night of spectacular illumination!
SAFLC sets up and takes down 800 chairs before and
after each parade and Lions usher before each parade.
The location is Broadway between 10th and Jones
directly across the street from the local television
broadcast operation. We will have food, drinks, a portopotty and a shady place to rest for all our Lion volunteers.
Minutes of March Meetings with Just a ‘Touch’ of Humor
March 1, 2017
By Lion Dick Porter
Swinging a mean mallet, Lion President Tammy Swann clanged the opening bell at 11:45
a.m., welcoming all and reminding attendees to “put your phones on STUN’ for the next
hour. As usual, the sonorous tones of PP/PDG Rod Chisholm led us in singing “God Bless
America” and “The Eyes of Texas,” after which Lion Chaplain Marie Senter delivered our
Invocation, truly worthy of a . . . maybe a thoughtful book author, I guess.
Lion Prez Tammy then introduced today’s guests: District Governor John Lee of Kerrville;
Lions 1st Vice District Governor Donald Kirchhoff of Comfort (both guests of Lion Mary Jane
Chisholm); Tommy V. Marshall, retired, guest of Lion Jimmy Iaia; and Yolanda C. Ortiz, also
retired), guest of Lion Rick Newburg.
March Lions’ Anniversary: Lion Gary Woods, for 22 years of service.
Recognized for having a Lions Birthday in March: Lions Gary Woods, Jerry Kelfer, George
Cowden and Faith Porras. Only Lion Faith had to endure the howling of the “Happy
Birthday” song from the assembled Lions and guests.
FIESTA PARADES: Lion Prez Tammy reminded all that the Battle of Flower Parade and
Fiesta Flambeau Parade will be on Friday and Saturday, April 28th and 29th. She noted that
we have sold out on 1st and 2nd row seats for the Flambeau night parade, as well as the 1st
row of the day parade on Friday. She asked for more volunteers to work both parades,
April 2017
San Antonio Founder Lions Club Newsletter
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dangling the prospect of free food and drink, and exclusive access to our very own Port-APotty as an incentive. Tempting.
Lion Roger Rigal announced that the Birdies for Charity drive has now reached $1,022, and
that time is running out for those Lions wishing to take part, a call echoed by Lion Lions
Tammy and Rod.
Lion Tammy also announced that the club has marked a $5,098.34 profit from the sale of
poinsettias, despite the issues with plant size and quality.
Lion David Splitek, never at a loss for words, spoke about the Stride For Sight 5K Run/Walk
set for Saturday, March 18th, calling for club volunteers to participate, and noting that the
Founder Club has donated $1,000 to the event.
Lion Tammy spoke to the upcoming Membership Drive for Texas Public Radio on Friday,
April 7th, and the need for club volunteers for this worthwhile event, as well.
(SOAPBOX) This is why we all signed up to become a Lion, in the first place. Here are four
great events needing our help. So stand up and sign up, people. If an 83-year-old (that we
know of) can turn out to heft chairs and help people find their parade seats, we all have no
excuses to stay home. (Besides, Port-A-Potties are available for at least two of these
events. What else could you ask for?)
It was unavoidable, but Lion Rod wrestled the mike away from Lion Tammy for “Today In
History”: something about former President John Quincy Adams…mutiny aboard a Spanish
galleon off our shores…Spain demanding the return of ship, crew and African slaves…the
issue ending up before the Supreme Court…and the high court ruling that those slaves
were to be freed and returned to Africa…all in 1841. (You’ll have to ask Lion George Harvey
to tie all these bits and pieces together, since rumor has it that he was there at the time.)
While he still refused to relinquish the microphone, Lion Hizzonor Rod the Third spoke to
details of the upcoming District 2A-2 Convention April 7-8 in Kerrville, and the May 18-21
State Convention here in River City, noting that Lions could access further details and
registration information on the latter via on-line links or hard-copy forms available here
today.
Lion Rod then exercised his authority (whatever that is) to induct two new Founder Club
members: Rene Perez, sponsored by Lion Daniel Espinosa. And Charles “Pat” Kuether,
sponsored by Lion Rod
himself. Following a brief
swearing-in ceremony, new
Lions Rene and Pat were
welcomed into the club.
SAFLC welcomes new
members Daniel Perez and
Charles “Pat” Kuether
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Lion Mary Jane then introduced today’s guest speaker, Lion District Governor John Lee,
who lauded the Founder Club for its 102 years of service to Lionism. He then thanked the
club for adding two new members, and presented special certificates to Lions Tammy
Swann, Rod Chisholm, David Splitek, Daniel Espinosa and Earl McPeek for sponsoring new
Lions.
Lion District Governor John
Lee presents pins to Lions
Rod Chisholm, Tammy
Swann, Daniel Espinosa,
Earl McPeek, and David
Splitik for sponsoring new
Lions in SAFLC
A number of other FLC members were cited for their long years of service to Lionism, led by
Lion George (40 years).
Lions George Harvey, Myra Fischer, Dick Porter, Edgar Morales, and Irene Guzman
(clockwise) presented certificates for years of dedicated service
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San Antonio Founder Lions Club Newsletter
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Lion DG Lee then spoke to details of the two conventions coming up shortly and their
importance, noting that the addition of the two new FLC members today puts the district
back into the “plus” category in terms of membership gains, thus far. He then spoke to the
importance of putting new members to work in service areas, then held a brief questionand-answer session. Lion Prez Tammy then presented DG Lee with a Lions Sight Research
Foundation plaque to mark his presentation today.
Lion Mike Brazytis held the right ticket, but not the correct playing card, settling for a tenspot in lieu of the grand prize, then graciously donated it back to the kitty. Better luck next
time.
Lion Tammy reminded all of our next meeting: March 15th, at which time to program will be
“Know Your Club: Past, Present and future”.
The singing of our traditional closing song, “Til We Meet Again,’ closed the meeting.
March 15, 2017
By Lion David Splitek, Special to the San Antonio Founder Lions Club from Rome, Italy
“There is a tide in the affairs of men
Which, taken at the flood, leads on to fortune;
Omitted, all the voyage of their life
Is bound in shallows and in miseries.
On such a full sea are we now afloat;
And we must take the current when it serves,
Or lose our ventures.”
“Beware the ides of March.”
― William Shakespeare, Julius Caesar
Well, it was another all-timer, a real stem-winder as it were, and the soothsayer was
absolutely right – “Beware the Ides of March.”
Lion Jan Wolf tried to brace each guest as they arrived but she lost her voice cheering at
the last Spurs home game and could only whisper today. Our Tail-twister, Lion Rick
Newberg, was AWOL so Tail-twister emeritus, Lion Arthur Browne Jr., stepped in to provide
neck massages and, in keeping with the current tail-twister rulebook, was woefully out of
step with the great jokes being told throughout the meeting as he levied several egregious
fines.
Lion Tamer Gladys Vidal, fresh from lifting weights at Gold’s Gym, was on hand, along with
Lion Mike Brazytis, to set up our room with all manner of Lion banners, symbols and our
historic bell so the meeting could proceed.
And proceed it did as Lion Tammy hammered the bell to jar us all to our feet for our opening
formalities. Once again she did not heed the Soothsayer’s admonition and called on PDG,
PP, NYPD, FBI, CIA, DJI, SP 500, NASDAC, NATO, NAFTA, “The Ol’ Hay Shaker Himself”
Rod Chisholm who led us in an a cappella rendition of “God Bless America” and “The Eyes
April 2017
San Antonio Founder Lions Club Newsletter
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of Texas.” Once again the terrible maroon towel made its appearance during “The Eyes of
Texas” flapped by Lion Aggie-Patty Browne. At least the gravy stain was not to be found.
PDG Lion Rod didn’t miss a step and led us in the Pledge of Allegiance. As he finished, our
substitute Lion Chaplin Reverend George Harvey led us in a well-delivered invocation.
Lion President Tammy introduced our guests for the day including: Ms. Judith Curtis from
Galena, Ohio, guest and niece of Lion Jan Wolf; and Mr. David Becker from Boise, Idaho,
guest and son of Lion Bill Becker. We were pleased that our guests joined us, gave them a
warm welcome and urged them to come back and see us again.
Lion President Tammy announced our March Lion Birthdays:
March 18 - Lion Bob Rice
March 22 - Lion Mary Jay Meyers
March 25 – Lion Paul Geiger
March 26 – Lion Arthur Browne
We sang happy birthday with verve and Lion Arthur was so visible flustered that he fined
himself.
Lion President Tammy then reviewed several timely announcements of great importance:
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Battle of Flowers Parade – Friday April 28, 2017 (be there at 9am) SAFLC sets up and
takes down 800 parade chairs and ushers before the parade. Broadway between 10th
and Jones). Note: We’ll have food, drinks, a porta-potty and a shady place to rest
for all our Lion volunteers – sign up now!
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Fiesta Flambeau Parade – Saturday April 29, 2017 (be there at 3:45pm) SAFLC sets up
and takes down 900 parade chairs and ushers before the parade). Same note as
above applies.
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Service hours – Please turn in your monthly service hours so we can send them on to
Lions International. Find forms at Faith’s table every meeting.
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Stride for Sight – Our club has donated $1000 to the Stride for Sight, the Lions Sight
Research Foundation’s major annual fund raising event. This means that our team of 5
walkers or runners need only sign up since the registration fee is paid. The event takes
place on Saturday March 18, 2017 at Comanche County Park, Pavilion #2, 2600 Rigsby
Avenue here in San Antonio. The opening ceremony is at 8:15am and the run/walk is at
9:15am. Please see Faith and sign up for our team.
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Birdies for Charity Campaign – The Valero Texas Open is closing in. Get your pledge in
ASAP. See former PGA Tour Pro Lion Roger Rigal for your pledge form.
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District 2A2Convention – April 7-8, 2017 in Kerrville, TX
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State Lions Convention – May 18-21, 2017 in San Antonio
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San Antonio Founder Lions Club Newsletter
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After the announcements, Lion
President Tammy presented a
Silver Centennial Award Pin to
Lion Tracy Wiggins for
recruiting a new Lion during our
centennial year (Photo at right).
The audience was cowering
under their tables when Lion
President Tammy ruefully
announced “This Day in History”
presented by “The Ol’ Hay
Shaker Himself”, PDG, PP, Rod Chisholm who rose to deliver another suspect lesson
regarding inventor Eli Whitney, who on March 15, 1794 invented the cotton gin that
revolutionized the cotton industry. Even more amazing was that Lion Rod claimed that Eli
invented cotton vodka as well. There were several requests for samples and many shot
glasses were produced, but alas, no sign of cotton vodka. Several Lions wanted to
immediately leave on a search and rescue mission to find said vodka and avoid the rest of
the history lesson. Fortunately our tail twister emeritus blocked the door with his body and
the exit stampede was averted (much to the chagrin of Lion George’s table).
In lieu of a guest speaker several Founder Lions presented information about the history of
our Club, our major fund raising and charity projects and our goals for the future.
Lions and guests listen intently as fellow Lions present the full range of activities of
the San Antonio Founder Lions Club
Lion President Tammy introduced PDG Rod who reviewed the history of the San Antonio
Founder Lions, and an illustrious history it is, so illustrious that Lion Rod went into a state of
transcendental meditation and levitated for 35 minutes. This put us a little behind so Lion
David explained our Fiesta parade fundraiser in two minutes, followed by Lion Arthur
throwing around 50 pound bags of quarters from our Tower of the Americas telescopes,
which luckily only broke one table and did not go through the floor when they hit.
April 2017
San Antonio Founder Lions Club Newsletter
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Lion Mary Jane flashed her sign for the Big Give and will remind us to get ready for it during
the next four meetings. Then Lion Roger balanced a golf ball on his forehead while
explaining Birdies for Charity (every dollar we give comes back to the club plus bonuses
from the Valero Texas Open). Lion Bill Becker talked about our Bingo charity. We’ve earned
close to $1M over the years we’ve been involved with it. Lion David took us to Lions Camp
where we’re replacing the roof of the chapel that our club funded and finally Lion Tammy
spoke for Lion Nancy who is in charge of finding service projects as Lion Nancy had gone
out to try to find that cotton vodka. We have another service opportunity with the Texas
Public Radio membership drive during the first week in April.
The hour was late so the future had to wait.
Next we had the nominating committee report with the proposed slate of officers for 20172018. Nominations were opened and no new nominations came from the floor. The slate
that we will vote on during our April 5th meeting is as follows:
PRESIDENT
FIRST VICE PRESIDENT
SECOND VICE PRESIDENT
SECRETARY
TREASURER
TAIL TWISTER
LION TAMER
TWO-YEAR DIRECTORS:
Mary Jane Chisholm
David Splitek
Eric Flores
Patty Browne
Irene Guzman
Rick Newburg
Gladys Vidal
Michael Brazytis
Donavan Fikes
Tracy Wiggins
Lion Donavan Fikes had the lucky ticket for our Tail Twister drawing and drew a picture of
cotton vodka. Better luck next time!
After the drawing Lion Tammy announced that our next meeting takes place on April 5th
when our speaker will be Kevin Sibson from the San Antonio Jets, a blind baseball team.
We adjourned our meeting by standing, joining hands and singing our traditional closing
song “Til We Meet Again” led by tireless cotton vodka inventor PDG Lion Rod Chisholm.
Lion Arthur Browne unlocks a
telescope at the Tower of the
Americas as Lion Mike Brazytis
prepares to receive the
motherlode of quarters. Spring
Break always yields a bumper
crop for SAFLC and Landry’s.
April 2017
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Page 11
Snippets
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On Monday, March 27, 2017, Patrick Porras, sponsored by
Lion Faith Porras, was inducted into the San Antonio Founder
Lions Club. PDG Rod Chisholm pinned our newest member
at his office as Lion Faith and Lion President Tammy Swann
observed. Welcome Lion Patrick!
Lion Patrick Porras
Register for the Texas Lions State Convention scheduled for May 18-21,
2017, at the Menger Hotel, 204 Alamo Plaza, San Antonio, TX 78207. This is a
great opportunity to meet and fellowship with Texas Lions right here in our
hometown. If you have not already registered, take this opportunity now and go
to http://convention.texaslions.org/2015-college-station/registration/
34 vouchers (28 for adults and 6 for children) for eyeglasses issued in the
month of February 2017
Thanks to Lions who contributed to this newsletter writing articles,
contributing photos, reviewing text, etc. We especially enjoy the humor provided
by Lion Dick and Lion David in the meeting minutes!
Check out our SAFLC web site!
http://www.e-clubhouse.org/sites/sanantoniofounder/
~ Save the Date ~
 Texas Public Radio Spring Pledge Drive: April 7, 2017
 Lions District 2A2Convention in Kerrville, TX: April 7-8, 2017
 Fiesta Battle of Flowers Parade: Friday, April 28, 2017
 Fiesta Flambeau Parade: Saturday, April 29, 2017
 The Big Give: Thursday, May 4, 2017
 Texas Lions State Convention in San Antonio:rMay 18 - 21, 2017
 KLRN Blazing Gavels Auction: June 7 - 17, 2017
 Annual Texas Folklife Festival at Institute of Texan Cultures: June 9 11, 2017
 Texas Lions Camp Picnic: Friday, July 14, 2017
April 2017
San Antonio Founder Lions Club Newsletter
Page 12
SAN ANTONIO FOUNDER LIONS CLUB
OFFICERS
Tammy L. Swann . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . President
David Splitek
. . . . . . Immediate Past President
Paula Blacklock . . . . . . . . . . . First Vice President
Mary Jane Chisholm . . . . . . Second Vice President
Patty Browne
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Secretary
Irene Guzman . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Treasurer
Bill Becker . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bingo Chair
Gladys Vidal . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lion Tamer
Rick Newburg . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Tail Twister
DIRECTORS (1 year)
Daniel Espinosa
Eric Flores
Tracy Wiggins
DIRECTORS (2 year)
Nancy Richter
Roger Rigal
Earl McPeek
ADVISORY DIRECTORS
Chaplain – Marie Senter
Membership – Rod Chisholm III
Parliamentarian – Dick Porter
Club Meetings: Petroleum Club
8620 N. New Braunfels
Suite 700 of the Energy Building
San Antonio, Texas 78217
Club Office:
P. O. Box 593008
San Antonio, Texas 78259
Phone: 210 225-1164
Office Hours:
9:00 - 2:00 Monday - Thursday
Faith Porras – Executive Director
e-mail address: [email protected]
Board Meeting: Third Monday at 11:30 a.m.
BBVA Compass Building
1100 NE Loop 410-2nd flr conference room
San Antonio, Texas 78209
Newsletter Editor – Earl McPeek
e-mail address: [email protected]
Newsletter Assistant Editors – Dick Porter, Dave Spilitek,
and Myra Fischer
District 2-A2 website: www.texaslions2a2.org