A Celebration of 101 Years of NY & Bermuda Lions

WELCOME PARTY: Cataract Room Thursday, May 15, 2025 8:00 to 11:00 PM
1st Night Party ... Sponsored by the Niagara Falls Convention Bureau 
ALL ARE INVITED TO MEET FELLOW LIONS FROM ACROSS THE MULTIPLE FREE LIGHT SNACKS & ENTERTAINMENT

CONVENTION PROGRAM

Delegate Certification: Tubman Room
Friday, May 16, 2025 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Noon to 3:00 PM
Saturday, May 17, 2025 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9:00 AM to 11:30 AM
Sunday, May 18, 2025 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7:30 AM to 9:00 AM

Convention Registration: Convention Center Registration Lobby
Thursday, May 15, 2025. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Friday, May 16, 2025 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8:00 AM to 3:30 PM
Saturday, May 17, 2025 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8:30 AM to Noon
Sunday, May 18, 2025 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7:30 AM to 8:30 AM

Delegate Voting: Olmsted Room
Sunday, May 18, 2025 ONLY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7:00 to 10:15 AM ONLY

MD-20 Office Hours: LaSalle Room
Friday, May 16, 2025 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM
Saturday, May 17, 2025 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8:00 AM to Noon
Sunday, May 18, 2025 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6:30 AM to 10:30 AM

Lions Goods Store: Porter DeVeaux Room
Friday, May 16, 2025 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Saturday, May 17, 2025 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM


Lions Exhibit Booths: Grand Foyer
Friday, May 16, 2025 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Saturday, May 17, 2025 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM

NIAGARA FALLS SERVICE PROJECT: Convention Center Foyer
LEGO Kits - small Lego kits usually have between 20-100 pieces and 
cost approximately $10-$20 for Children at Roswell Park Cancer Hospital
Friday, May 16, 2025 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Saturday, May 17, 2025 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM

FRIDAY, MAY 16, 2025

Good Morning Breakfast with the Council of Governors: Cascades Ballroom I
Friday, May 16, 2025 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8:30 AM to 9:30 AM
Open Microphone, All are invited

NO TICKETS WILL BE SOLD AT THE CONVENTION

Friday Committee Meetings:
10:30 A.M. Credentials: PDG Barry Haywood, 20-E1, Chair . . . . . . . . Tubman Room
11:00 A.M. Sergeant-at-Arms: PDG Milledge Smith, 20-W, Chair . . . . Olmsted Room
1:30 P.M. Voting and Elections: PCC Mark Whitney, 20-W, Chair . . . Olmsted Room
2:00 P.M. Nominations: PCC Kenneth Butkowski, 20-N, Chair . . . . . Olmsted Room
12:00 P.M. Flag Ceremony: 
PDG Tim Bush, 20-Y, Chair ......... Convention Center Exhibit Hall

Lions Clubs International Foundation Lunch: Cascades Ballroom I
Friday, May 16, 2025 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12:00 Noon to 1:30 PM
PDG Lorrie Reiger, MD-20 Chair:
Speaker: International Second Vice-President Mark Lyon

NO TICKETS WILL BE SOLD AT THE CONVENTION

Welcome Lions Luncheon: Cascades Ballroom II
Friday, May 16, 2025 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12:00 Noon to 1:30 PM
Lion Debbie Scott, Chair and Partners of the Council of Governors

NO TICKETS WILL BE SOLD AT THE CONVENTION

First Time Attendees: Whitney Room
Friday, May 16, 2025 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1:30 PM to 3:30 PM
Presented by: PID Steve Tremaroli and PID Ed Cordes
All lions who are attending the MD20 convention for the first time will learn
the ins and outs of the convention and how to get the most out of it and
have a learning experience and having fun.

Alert Foundation Annual Meeting: Executive Boardroom
Friday, May 16, 2025 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3:10 PM - 4:00 PM

Friday Session Program: Event Center
Concert . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3:30 PM to 4:00 PM
Kenmore High School

Opening Convention Session: Event Center . . . . . . . . . . . . 4:00 PM

Call To Order: PDG Barry Scott, Council Chair, MD-20

Introduction of Council of Governors and Lion Dignitaries: PDG Barry Scott

Flag Ceremony: PDG Tim Bush, 20-Y Announcer: Lion Bill Weisbeck, 20-N

Music: Kenmore High School

Presiding: PDG Barry Scott, Council Chair, MD-20

Welcome: DG Bette Stonebraker, 20-N

Preliminary Report of Credentials: PDG Barry Haywood, 20-E1, Credentials Chair

Adoption of Rules: PDG Barry Haywood, 20-E1,

MD-20 Constitution & By-Laws Committee
MD-20 Constitution & By-Laws Report: PDG Barry Haywood, 20-E1,
MD-20 Constitution & By-Laws Committee

MD-20 Financial Report: PCC Timothy Jachlewski, MD-20 Secretary/Treasurer

Announce MD-20 PDG Organization Leadership Awards:
PDG Stuart Wizwer, President, MD-20, PDG Organization

Announce Brandel Murphy Foundation Miracle in Service Award Winners:

2nd VP Kelly Clark

Introduction of Featured Speaker: Past International President Douglas X. Alexander

Convention Speaker: International 2nd Vice President Mark Lyon, Lions Club International

Response and Appreciation: PDG Barry Scott, Council Chair, MD-20

International Presidential Awards:

Past International President Douglas X. Alexander

Past International President Al Brandel

International 2nd Vice President Mark Lyon

Report and Nominations of District Governors and Vice District Governors:

PCC Ken Butkowski, 20-N, Chair MD-20, Nominations Committee

7:30 PM -- Close First Convention Sessions

DURING ALL CONVENTION SESSIONS PLEASE TURN OFF CELL PHONES OR PLACE ON VIBRATE. THANK YOU

SATURDAY, MAY 17, 2025 (No Business Session)

PDG Organization Meeting: Cascades I
Saturday, May 17, 2025
PDG Stuart Wizwer, President, PDG Organization
Speaker: International Second Vice President Mark Lyon

Good Morning Breakfast: Cascades II
Saturday, May 17, 2025 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8:30 AM to 9:30 AM
Conversations with your Vice District Governor, All are invited

NO TICKETS WILL BE SOLD AT THE CONVENTION

SATURDAY WORKSHOPS

TO AVOID DISRUPTIONS NO ONE WILL BE ADMITTED AFTER WORKSHOP BEGINS.

Saturday Morning Session One Workshops 9:30 AM until 10:20 AM

ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE: Red Jacket
Presenter: PDG Daniel Elkins Moderator: DG Caryn Krauss Feldman
Artificial Intelligence (AI) can revolutionize Lions. This session will help you understand how AI can streamline your projects, communications, enhance member engagement, supercharge your marketing and create more impact in your club’s service.

CONVENTION PROGRAM

LEGAL - ARE WE AT RISK? HOW DO WE PROTECT OURSELVES?: Whitney
Presenters: PCC Ed Lieberman, Esq. and PDG Jackie Williams, Esq.
Moderator: VDG Jeanne Mulry, Esq. Join this unique and innovative “Law Class” panel discussion focusing on the many and varied legal issues facing Lions every day. This seminar will focus on identifying issues and appropriate responses to our legal obligations and common risks as Lions. Discussion will include topics such as fiduciary, financial, and governmental obligations. Also, topics will include our Lions Constitution & By-Laws, Roberts Rules of Order, issues of Insurance, Bonding, proper IRS and NYS filings and the use of Foundations. “You won’t want to cut this class!”

RETENTION – WHY MEMBERS LEAVE AND HOW WE CAN FIX IT: Hennepin Presenter: PID Robert Libin Moderator: DG Eric Rosencrans
Lions have never had a problem getting in new members, but a key part of our success will be holding on to the Lions we have. This seminar will be a discussion of the factors on why members leave and what things we can do to help prevent that from happening.

LIONS SHARK TANK – BACK IN THE TANK: Schoellkopf
Presenters: Brandel Murphy Foundation Lion Tom Witkowski, LCIF Foundation PDG Lorri Reiger, New York Bermuda Foundation PDG Ricky Laurin, Lions SEE PDG Mike Lawkowski
Moderator: VDG Fran Beringer
Be a part of this Interactive session where Lions will pitch their projects to the sharks from various foundations and learn how the foundations can work together to provide financial assistance.

Saturday Morning Session Two Workshops 10:40 AM until 11:30 AM

MARKETING AND WEB PRESENCE: Red Jacket
Presenter: PDG Daniel Elkins Moderator: VDG Jennifer Seymour-Wright
Discover How to Unleash Your Club’s Potential: Join us to learn strategies that will help you use Marketing and the Web to expand your club’s reach and enhance its impact within the community.

AWARDS AND RECOGNITIONS FOR LIONS AND COMMUNITY MEMBERS: Whitney
Presenters: PDG Lorri Reiger Moderator: VDG Tom Roberts

There are many ways to recognize the contributions of our Lions and community members. In this seminar we will explore the different awards and recognitions that are available, and ways to create your own awards.

GUERILLA MARKETING – THE POWER OF EFFECTIVE MARKETING: Hennepin
Presenter: Lion Dimple Willabus Moderator: DG Romeo Hitlall 
Discover the secrets to successfully promoting your club with simple, budget-friendly strategies. In today’s crowded marketplace, visibility alone is not enough–you need to be SEEN, and remembered!

UPPING YOUR SERVICE GAME 

COMMUNITY SERVICE: LEARN, DISCOVER, ACT AND CELEBRATE: Schoellkopf 
Presenter: PDG Milledge Smith - Smitty Moderator: DG Holly McConchie 
We Serve – Service is the backbone of Lionism. In this seminar learn ways we can expand our service to our communities through service project planning, see the benefits of reporting, share your service success story and explore what are your club/district signature service projects. 

CONVENTION LUNCH: Cascades Ballroom All are invited

NO TICKETS WILL BE SOLD AT THE CONVENTION ...... 12:00 Noon to 2:00 PM

SATURDAY AFTERNOON WORKSHOPS - 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM

Saturday Afternoon Session Three Workshops 2:00 PM until 2:50 PM

MEMBERSHIP AND MISSION 1.5: Red Jacket 
Presenter: PDG Daniel Elkins Moderator: DG Terry Paladini-Baumgarten
Explore ways to grow your Lions Club, support Mission 1.5, and increase your club’s capacity to serve their community. Included will be strategies for small rural clubs to get folks involved, and building or rebuilding small clubs to improve recruitment and retention.

PARTNERSHIPS – HIGH LEVEL AND LOCAL: Whitney 
Presenter: PID Gary Brown Moderator: VDG Barbara Bentley 
We can expand the reach of our Lions Service through partnerships with other local, regional, and national organizations. In this seminar, we will review the power of relationships, how to create valuable connections, and discuss successful partnerships that have been established.

DISASTER RESPONSE – WORLDWIDE / MD-20 / ALERT TEAM: Hennepin Presenter: PDG Sue Piccolo Moderator: DG Maria Leitao What do we do when disaster strikes? In this seminar we’ll review the ways to respond to a disaster, and the many resources from LCI and MD-20 that are available.

LIONS SHARK TANK – BACK IN THE TANK: Schoellkopf Presenters: Brandel Murphy Foundation Lion Tom Witkowski, LCIF Foundation PDG Lorri Reiger, New York Bermuda Foundation PDG Ricky Laurin Lions SEE PDG Mike Lawkowski Moderator: VDG Fran Beringer.  Be a part of this Interactive session where Lions will pitch their projects to the sharks from various foundations and learn how the foundations can work together to provide financial assistance.         

Saturday Afternoon Session Four Workshops 3:10 PM until 4:00 PM 

ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE: Red Jacket Presenter: PDG Daniel Elkins Moderator: DG Caryn Krauss Feldman Artificial Intelligence (AI) can revolutionize Lions. This session will help you understand how AI can streamline your projects, communications, enhance member engagement, supercharge your marketing and create more impact in your club’s service.

LIONS QUEST: Whitney

Presenter: PDG Dave Hubman Moderator: DG Jill Skinner
For over 40 years, Lions Quest has been a pioneering force in the field of Social and Emotional Learning (SEL). Our commitment to fostering social and emotional development, preventing drug and alcohol use, and promoting service learning has earned us recognition from leading experts and organizations around the world. The Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (CASEL) has honored Lions Quest as a SEL Select program, affirming our dedication to delivering high-quality, evidence-based curriculum. This session will provide an overview of our mission, our programs, and how to develop a relationship with schools and other organizations in your community.

SPECIALTY CLUBS:
HennepinPresenter: PDG Michele O’Hare Moderator: DG/CCE Steve Jennison
Learn what Specialty Clubs are and how they are a great way to grow Lions. A panel of repre-sentatives from several successful Specialty Clubs will share how their clubs were formed and serve their communities.

ENVIRONMENT – ALL ABOUT THE BEES: Schoellkopf

Presenters: Tara and Jeff Hahn Moderator: DG Jim Poulin

Back by popular demand! Real Talk about Bees: Both native and honey bees are facing

unprecedented challenges on all levels, only together can we solve the issues before us.

LIONS CAMP BADGER ANNUAL MEETING: Hennepin Room

ALL LIONS ARE WELCOME TO ATTEND . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM

NYS & BERMUDA LIONS FOUNDATION ANNUAL MEETING: Olmsted Room

ALL LIONS ARE WELCOME TO ATTEND . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM

BRANDEL MURPHY YOUTH FOUNDATION ALLUAL MEETING: Ex. Board Room

ALL LIONS ARE WELCOME TO ATTEND . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM

CONVENTION GALA --- Cascades Ballroom Convention Center

Beach Party Theme - 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM, ALL ARE INVITED

Doors Open at 6:00 PM ... Dinner Served at 7:00 PM Sharp

NO TICKETS WILL BE SOLD AT THE CONVENTION

SUNDAY, MAY 18, 2025

Delegate Voting 7:00 AM to 10:15 AM Olmsted Room

Convention Certification 7:30 AM to 9:00 AM Tubman Room

Convention Registration 7:30 AM to 8:30 AM Main Registration

Sunday Session ... Event Center

Memorial Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9:00 AM

Rabbi Ellen Franke of Niagara Falls, NY and Reverend Dr. Lion Charles Searcy, Third Presbyterian Church of North Tonawanda, NY

Convene Business Session . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10:10 AM

PDG Barry Scott, MD-20 Council Chair, Presiding

Report of District Governors : Council of Governors, MD-20 CC PDG Barry Scott

Brandel Murphy Foundation Annual Report: PDG Tom Witkowski

Brandel Murphy Foundation Super Drawing: Treasurer Terri Oser

MD-20 Alert Foundation Annual Report: PCC Kelly Clark, President

Lions Camp Badger Annual Report: PDG Rena Haigh, President

Lions SEE Annual Report: Lion Jay Singer, President

New York State Bermuda Foundation Annual Report: PDG Kerry Brown, President

Presentation of MD-20 Past Presidents Trophy: PIP Douglas X. Alexander

Multiple District 20 Past Districts Award: PID Gary Brown

MD-20 Foundation Raffle Drawing: PDG Kerry Brown, President

Final Report of Credentials: PDG Barry Haywood, 20-E1, Chair, Credentials Committee

Report of Resolutions Committee: PDG Barry Haywood, 20-E1, Resolutions

Presentation of President, MD-20 PDG Organization: Stuart Wizwer, 20-O, 2024-25 President

Report of Elections and Voting: PCC Mark Whitney, 20-W, Chair, Voting & Elections Committee

Presentation of: MD-20 VDGs Elect and DGs Elect, 2025-2026: CC PDG Barry Scott

Benediction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12:15 AM

Adjourn 101st Annual MD-20, Lions Clubs of NYS and Bermuda, Inc., Convention

See You in Syracuse, NY in 2026!