LIONS CLUB
OF
WHEELING
Wheeling,
West Virginia
History
Lions Charities of Wheeling
Constitution
and
By-Laws
2006
History
of the
Lions Club of Wheeling
The Lions Club of Wheeling was chartered by Lions Clubs International on January 6, 1922, making it the second oldest Lions Club in Multiple District 29, State of West Virginia. Charles H. Watkins, who was active in the formation of the Club, was chosen as its first President.
Charter Members
J.P. Altmeyer A.O. Anderson Edward A. Arkle J.E. Armstrong Roy M. Ayers Royal L. Barrows Melville Blum Marcus O. Bond Robert E. Bowie William J. Braddock William L. Bradshaw J. J. Brockhardt Hal W. Campbell Edgar Charnock Harry T. Clouse Max Crone M.J. CullinanJoseph Curl Edwin M. Dawson John W. Dean W.A.Dorsey W.B. Downs Dr. R.U. Drinkard Rev. W.H. Fields Stanley Floyd Fred H. Fraizer M. F. Giesay E. A. Graham W.H. Green H.P. Hauman J. N. Hendrix Dr. A. W. Higgins N. L. Hogo |
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Otto Jeager H.L. King L.C. Knee Russel L. Law R.I. McKelvey Dr. J.E. Marshner D.K. Matheny Dr. W.F. Maury J. R. Mess Wilbert S. Miller Arthur J. Mills R. L. Plummer T. Harvey Pollack Albert B. Powell E. R. Metzner Dr. O. L. Richmond James B. Riley George W. Row Walter G. Sadler B. Howard Schlain J. M. Shepherd G. O. Smith Dr. R. J. Snider T .J. Straight E. W. Sullivan H.L. Trussell C.H. Watkins, Jr. Marsh Watkins John H. Welty E.C. Whitehead F.M. Williamson W.C. Yates |
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Since the organization of the Club, it has had on its roster many of the leading and outstanding citizens of the community. It has been credited with many firsts in its charity organization. Notably, it was the first in Lions International to collect old eyeglass frames and use their salvage value to purchase new glasses. Later, this broadened to include the collection of any old gold or other precious metals for their salvage value. This is still one of the active projects of the Club.
The Lions Club of Wheeling was the first service club in the city of Wheeling to sponsor the manning of the Salvation Army Christmas Kettles and was instrumental in having this project spread to other service clubs. Over the years this Club has continued to maintain its leadership role in obtaining contributions for this worthy project.
For many years the Club sponsored a West Virginia-Ohio All-star Basketball Game as its main fund raising project. This has been discontinued. In its place and as the major project, the distribution of Lions Sight Saving Seals has been undertaken. The Club has been able to continue its sight saving work as a result of the generous contributions received from the Seal Campaign. In 1969, the Wheeling Lions Club, at a time when the country was showing disrespect for law and order, sponsored a Testimonial Dinner in honor of the law enforcement officers of the city. This event has continued annually to this day and has been recognized by the International Association for its unique character.
In 1959, Multiple District 29 of the State of West Virginia organized the West Virginia Lions Sight Conservation Foundation, Inc., which supplements the work in sight saving by financing large medical expenses beyond the capability of the local Lions Clubs. It can now be said that no person in West Virginia should be denied medical care to save or improve sight because of financial inability to pay. The Wheeling Lions Club and other Lions Clubs stand ready to make good on this statement.
Wheeling Lions Club has been honored by having eight of its members chosen as District Governor of West Virginia, District 29. These men are: James N. Hendrix, 1926-27; William H. Mader, 1934-35; Ray P. Harold, 1945-46; C B Montgomery, 1949-50; Frederick G. Weimer, 1957-58; Robert L. Jefferson, 1966-67; William J. McCurdy, 1971-72; and Edwin Van Lynn, 2000-01. In addition, the Club was singularly honored by having Roy P. Harold elected as a member of the Board of Directors of Lions International for the term 1947-49.
The Club has had the privilege of sponsoring the formation and organization of Lion Clubs in Warwood, Elm Grove, Moundsville, Wellsburg, Follansbee, McMecheon Valley Grove, and South Wheeling.
Much of the success of the Club has been due to the interest and activity of its Presidents. All gave freely of their time and talents. Many are still available and willing to give the benefit of their advice and experience.
Presidents
Charles H. Watkins 1922
H. L. Trussell 1923
T. Harvey Pollock 1924
J. N. Hendrix 1925
H. L. King 1926
R. E. Bowie 1927
George A. Hastings 1928
Joseph R. Curl 1929
William H. Mader 1930
A. B. Powell 1931
William H. Mader 1932
Harry B. McCune 1933
Charles L. Long 1934
Charles B. Ahrens 1935
C. Loring Van Camp 1936
Dr. A. C. E. Gotke 1937
M. W. Bodey 1938
Lee Roy Cook 1939
William L. Rawlings 1940
Roy P. Harold 1941
Hugo F. Blumenburg 1942
Frank W Remick 1942
Frank J. Hediger 1943
Wilbert S. Miller 1943
Vincent E. Dailer 1944
Charles Montgomery 1945
William M. Ayers 1946
Hiram C. Miller 1947
Charles C Hamel 1948
Rev Roy J Meyer 1949
A E McIntosh 1950
Adelbert J Schroeder 1951
Dan O Hile 1952
Frederick G Weimer 1953
J Clarence Hill 1954
J Willard McGuire 1955
Martin J Jones 1956
Morton Sonneborn 1957
Joseph E McCutcheon 1958
George M Joseph 1959
Rev Hubert L Barnett 1960
Harold M Ault 1961
Robert L Jefferson 1962
David R DeProspero 1963
George K Mooney 1964
Charles C Woods, Jr 1965
Hubert Hefner 1966
Paul A Hughes 1967
William J McCurdy 1968
Norman Marks 1969
David A McCauley 1970
Curtis N Wayne 1971
Rev Andrew G Slade 1972
Joseph R Front 1973
Stanley A Beisner 1974
James A Repep 1974
Harry L Scammell 1974
Fred Frieberthauser 1975
Rev Joseph H Casey 1976
Paul D Bissett, Sr 1977
Joseph R Holoski 1978
Archibald A Hill 1979
P Douglas Bissett, Jr 1980
James H Lewellen 1981
Rev Terry C Music 1982
Elmer O Parks 1983
Robert B Hiser 1983
James B Davis 1984
James D Roberts 1985
Timothy Murphy 1986
Michael W Harvill 1987
Ronnie L Marling 1988
Drew R Seabright 1989
William R Shoaf 1990
Michael J Altmeyer 1991
William G Fisher 1992
Michael E Hooper 1993
Edwin B Van Lynn 1994
John R Wensyel 1995
Michael D Klug 1996
Eric A Schramm 1997
Bryan Minor 1998
John J Lane 1999
James W Klages 2000
Keith D Wright 2001
Nicholas T Bedway 2002
Michael T Blackwell 2003
Thomas R. Gaudino 2004
Brenda L. Miller 2005
James W Klages 2006
LIONS CHARITIES OF WHEELING, INC
In 1939, it was brought to the attention of the Club members that if the Club was to continue to engage in projects where personal liability to the respective members of the Club might become involved , it would be advisable to incorporate. As a result of the action of the Club at that time, application was made to the Secretary of State by five of the members of the local Club, and a chapter issued creating the A Lions Charities of Wheeling, Inc@. The charter was issued on March 30, 1939. The original incorporators being Charles B Abrens, Vincent E Dailer, N A Synder, Casper B Lawrence and William V Fisher, Jr. Charles B Ahrens was subsequently elected as the first President of the corporation.
Originally, the corporation was set up for the purpose of indemnification of the club members and was controlled by a separate Board of Directors. The corporation obtained a club house on Big Wheeling Creek where club meetings, picnics, and unique fund-raising events were held, particularly during World War II. Lion Al Wagner was the chief custodian of the property for many years and spent many hours of work in keeping it functional. Later, the International Association assumed the responsibility for the indemnification of all clubs and the need for a separate corporation ceased to exist. However, due to legal complications, the Charter and the name, ALions Charities of Wheeling@ still exist, but the funds are raised and disbursed under the authority of the Board of Directors of the Club. The clubhouse was sold in the 1970's and the proceeds were deposited in an endowment account.
OUR NAME
AND
WHAT IT STANDS FOR
L - Loyalty to country, community and home.
I - Individual integrity in thought, word and deed.
O - Our flag, our language.
N - New ideals, new hopes, new ambitions in business and profession.
S - Service that is founded on the Golden Rule.
OUR SLOGAN
L - Liberty
I - Intelligence
O - Our
N - Nation=s
S - Safety
OUR MOTTO
AWe Serve@
CONSTITUTION
ARTICLE I
Name
The name of this organization shall be the Lions Club of Wheeling, chartered by and under the jurisdiction of, AThe International Association of Lions Clubs, hereinafter referred to as the AAssociation@.
ARTICLE II
Objects
The objects of this club shall be:
A. To create and foster a spirit of understanding among the peoples of the world.
B. To promote the principles of good government and good citizenship.
C. To take an active interest in the civic, cultural, social and moral welfare of the community.
D. To unite the members in the bonds of friendship, good fellowship and mutual understanding.
E. To provide a forum for the open discussion of all matters of public interest; provided however, that partisan politics and sectarian religion shall not be debated by club members.
F. To encourage service-minded persons to serve their community without personal financial reward, and to encourage efficiency and promote high ethical standards in commerce, industry, profession, public works and private endeavors.
ARTICLE III
Membership
Section A. Subject to the provisions of Section B hereinafter, any person of legal majority and good moral character and good standing in his community or her community, may be granted membership in this Lions Club.
Section B. Membership in this Lions Club shall be as follows:
(1) ACTIVE: A member entitled to all the rights and privileges and subject to all obligations which membership in a Lions Club confers or implies. Without limiting such rights and obligations, such rights shall include to seek, if otherwise qualified , any office in this Club, District or Association and the right to vote on all matters requiring a vote of the membership; and such obligations shall include regular attendance, prompt payment of dues, participation in club activities and conduct reflecting a favorable image of this Lions Club in the community.
(2) MEMBER-AT-LARGE: A member of this club who has moved from the community, or because of health or other legitimate reason, is unable to regularly attend club meetings and desire to retain membership in this club, and upon whom the Board of Directors of this club desire to confer this status. This status shall be reviewed each six months by the Board of Directors of this club. A Member-At-Large shall not be eligible to hold office or to vote in District or International meetings or conventions but shall pay such dues as the local club may charge, which dues shall include District and International dues.
(3) HONORARY: An individual not a member of this Lions Club, having performed outstanding service for the community or this Lions Club, upon whom this club desires to confer special distinction. This shall pay entrance fees and International and District dues on such a member, who may attend meetings but shall not be entitled to any privileges of active membership.
(4) PRIVILEGED: A member of this club who has been a Lion fifteen or more years, and who, because of illness, infirmities, advanced age or other legitimate reason, as determined by the Board of Directors of this club, must relinquish Active status. A Privileged Member shall pay such dues as the local club may charge, which dues shall include District and International dues. Such member shall have the right to vote and be entitled to all other rights and privileges of membership except the right to hold club, District or International office.
(5) LIFE MEMBER: Any member of this club who has maintained continuous Active Membership as a Lion for 25 or more years and has rendered outstanding service to this club, his or her community, or the Association; or nay member of this club who has maintained such continuous Active Membership for 15 or more years and is at least 70 years of age; or any member who has maintained such continuous Active Membership for 20 or more years and has served as an Officer of the Association, may be granted Life Membership in this club upon:
(1) recommendation by this club to the Association.
(2) payment to the Association of $300.00 by this club in lieu of all future dues to the Association, and
(3) approval by the International Board of Directors. Nothing herein shall prevent this club from charging a Life Member such dues as it shall deem proper.
A Life Member shall have all the privileges of Active Membership so long as said member fulfills the obligations thereof. A Life Member who desires to relocate and receive an invitation to join another Lions Club shall automatically become a Life Member of said club.
(6) ASSOCIATE: A member who performs a service for the club and is exempt from the payment of regular dues. Associate Members shall not hold office or have any voting privileges. Designation of Associate Membership shall be at the discretion of the club Board of Directors as hereinafter provided.
Section C. In the event the membership of this Lions Club elects to grant and maintain membership on a classification basis, the following rules shall apply:
(1) Classification shall be defined as any major phase of, or interest in, a business or profession.
(2) Not more than 2 Active Memberships shall be granted in any classifications.
(3) Classifications may be established for Associates. Proprietors, Partners, Officers, Managers, and any such other categories as this club may determine.
Section D. No person shall simultaneously hold membership, other than Life or Honorary, in this and any other Lions Club; and no person shall simultaneously hold membership, other than Honorary, in this Lions Club and any other service club of like character.
Section E. Membership in this Lions Club shall be by invitation only. Nominations shall be made on forms provided by the International Office, and shall be signed by a member in good standing who shall act as sponsor. No prospective new member shall be invited to join this club until after his or her nomination has been approved by the Board. Any member of this club who desires to sponsor a new member shall submit the name, address, occupation and any other pertinent information to one of the Membership Committee or to the club Secretary, whose duty it will be to investigate such prospective member and report the results of the investigation to the Board of Directors. It shall require a three-fourths affirmative vote of the Directors present at a stated meeting for election to membership. The completed membership form and applicable fees must be submitted to the Secretary before a new member can be officially inducted into the club.
Section F. Reinstatement of Membership: Any member dropped from membership in this club may be reinstated within six(6) months from the date of termination of his or her membership by a majority vote of the Board of Directors. In the event that more than six months have elapsed between such termination and reinstatement application, it will be necessary to follow the procedures set forth in Section E of this Article III.
Section G. Transfer of Membership: This club may grant membership on a transfer basis to one who has terminated membership in another Lions Club, provided that (1) a completed transfer member form is received by the secretary of this club within six months following termination of membership in the former club, or if the form is not available, the member=s current membership card; (2) such termination was in good standing; and (3) such transfer member form or membership card is approved by the Board of Directors. If more than six months have elapsed between termination and submittal of transfer application, it will be necessary to follow the procedures set forth in Section E of this Article III.
ARTICLE IV
Fees and Dues
Section A. Each new, reinstated, or transfer member shall pay an entrance fee of $25.00, which fee shall include the current Association entrance fee, to be collected before the secretary may report said member to Lions Clubs International; provided, however, that the Board of Directors may elect to waive all or part of the club portion of said entrance fee for any member granted membership by transfer or reinstatement within six months of termination of his or her Lions Club membership. The Board of Directors may also elect to waive the club portion of the entrance fee where one member is substituted for another from the same firm.
Section B. Each member of this club shall pay the following indicated quarterly dues, which amount may changed from time to time upon a three-fourths majority vote of the Board of Directors , and which dues shall include an amount to cover current International and District dues (to defray the subscription price of the Lions Magazine, administrative and annual convention costs of the Association and similar District costs), and shall be paid in advance at such times as the Board of Directors shall determine:
Membership Current
1. Active $63.00
2. Member-at-Large $25.00
3. Honorary $0
4. Privileged $15.00
5. Life $41.25
6. Associate $0
No dues, fees or assessments, other than those set forth herein, may be levied on or required of, any member by the Board of Directors, Officers or members of this club.
ARTICLE V
Resignations
Any member may resign from this club, and said resignation shall become effective upon acceptance thereof by the Board of Directors. The Board may withhold acceptance, however, until all indebtedness has been paid, all club funds and property have been returned, and all right to the use of the name ALIONS@, the emblem and other insignia of this club and this Association have been surrender.
ARTICLE VI
Forfeiture of Membership
Section A. The secretary shall submit to the Board of Directors the name of any member who fails to pay indebtedness due this club within 60 days after receipt from the secretary of written notice thereof. The Board shall thereafter decide whether the member shall be dropped or retained on the roster.
Section B. Any member may be expelled from the club for cause by a two-thirds vote of the entire Board of Directors.
Section C. The name of any active member who shall absent himself or herself from four consecutive regular meetings of the club, without acceptable cause being given to the attendance committee chairman or the club secretary, shall be submitted to the Board of Directors by the secretary at the Board meeting following the fourth such absences, and the Board of Directors shall direct the attendance committee to investigate the reason for the absences and report its findings to the Board.
ARTICLE VII
Officers
Wherever, in this Article and all other Articles, the masculine gender of pronouns is used, the same shall apply to the feminine gender.
Section A. The officers of this club shall be a President, Immediate Past President, First Vice-President, Second Vice-President, Third Vice-President, Secretary, Treasurer, Lion Tamer, Assistant Lion Tamer, Tail Twister, Assistant Tail Twister, Seal Fund Treasurer, and all Directors.
Section B. No person shall be able to hold office in this club unless he is an Active member in good standing.
Section C. No officer shall receive any compensation for any services rendered to this club in his official capacity with the exception of the Secretary, whose compensation, if any, shall be fixed by the Board of Directors.
Section D. Duties of officers:
(1) PRESIDENT: He shall be the chief executive officer of this club; preside at all the meetings of the Board of Directors and this club; issue the call for regular and special meetings of the Board of the club; appoint the Standing and Special committees; and cooperate with chairpersons thereof to effect regular functioning and reporting of such committees; see that regular elections are duly called, noticed and held; and cooperate with, and be an active member of, the District Governor=s Advisory Committee of the Zone in which this club is located. He shall also appoint a Chaplain, who shall serve for a period of one year.
(2) IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT: He and other Past Presidents shall officially great members and their guests at club meetings, and shall represent this club in welcoming all new service-minded men in the community served by this club.
(3) VICE-PRESIDENTS: If the President is unable to preform the duties of his office for any reason, the Vice-President next in rank shall occupy his position and perform his duties with the same authority as the President. Each Vice-President shall, under the direction of the President, oversee the functioning of such committees as the President shall delegate.
(4) SECRETARY: The Board of Directors may elect to combine the offices of Secretary and Treasurer, in which case the person so elected shall assume the duties and obligations of both positions as hereafter set forth. As Secretary he shall be under the supervision and direction of the President and the Board of Directors and shall act as the liaison officer between the club and the District in which this club is located, and the Association. In fulfillment of this, he shall:
(a) Submit regular monthly and other reports to the International Office of the Association on blanks provided by it, containing such information as may be called for therein, and otherwise by the Board of Directors of the Association;
(b) Submit to the District Governor=s Cabinet such reports as it may require, including copies of regular Membership and Activities reports;
(c) Cooperate with and be an active member of the District Governor=s Advisory Committee of the Zone in which this club is located;
(d) Keep, maintain, and have custody of the general records of this club, including records of the minutes of club and Board meetings, attendance, committee appointments, elections, classifications (if any), addresses and telephone numbers of members, and members club accounts;
(e) Issue quarterly statements to each member for dues and other financial obligations owed to this club, collect and turn the same over to the club Treasurer and obtain a receipt therefore;
(f) Give bond for the faithful discharge of the duties of said office in such sum and with such surety as required by the Board of Directors.
(5) TREASURER: He shall:
(a) Receive all monies from the Secretary and other sources. He shall deposit the same in a bank or banks recommended by the Finance Committee and approved by the Board of Directors;
(b) Pay out monies in payment of club obligations only on authority given by the Board of Directors. Unless otherwise directed, all checks and vouchers shall be signed by the Treasurer and countersigned by one other officer as designated by the Board;
(c) Keep, maintain, and have custody of club receipts and disbursements;
(d) Prepare and submit monthly and semi-annual financial reports to the International Office and the Board of Directors of this club;
(e) Give bond for the faithful discharge of the duties of said office in such sum and with such surety as determined by the Board.
(6) LION TAMER: The Lion Tamer shall have charge of and be responsible for the property and paraphernalia of the club, including flags, banners, gong, gavel, books and button board. He shall put each in its proper place before each meeting and return the same to storage after the meeting. He shall act as sergeant-at-arms at meetings, see that those present are properly seated, distribute bulletins, favors and literature as required. He shall give special attention to assure that each new member sits with a different group at each meeting so that he can become better acquainted.
(7) TAIL TWISTER: He shall promote harmony, good fellowship, life and enthusiasm in the meetings through appropriate stunts, games and the judicious impassion of fines on club members. There shall be no ruling from his decision in imposing a fine; provided, however, that no fine shall exceed 25 cents, and no member shall be fined more than twice in any one meeting. The Tail Twister may not be fined except by the unanimous vote of all members present. All monies collected by the Tail Twister shall be immediately turned over to the Treasurer and a receipt issued thereafter.
(8) MEMBERSHIP DIRECTOR: He shall be the Chairman of the Membership Committee.
ARTICLE VIII
Board of Directors
Section A. The members of the Board of Directors shall be the President, Immediate Past President, the Vice-Presidents, Secretary, Treasurer, Seal Fund Treasurer, Lion Tamer, Assistant Lion Tamer, Tail Twister, Assistant Tail Twister, and seven (7) elected Directors. In addition, any member of the club who has attained the rank of International officer shall be a member of the Board of Directors for the duration of his membership in this club.
Section A1. Notwithstanding the provisions of Section A above and Section D below, in order to accomplish routine business of the club in the absence of a quorum at a Regular meeting of the Board of Directors, the attending six (6) or seven (7) Directors may elect one (1) or two (2) Directors Pro-Tempore to serve for the duration of said Regular Meeting. Such election shall not be obligatory and no more than two (2) Directors Pro-Tem shall serve at any one meeting.
Section B. Regular meetings of the Board of Directors shall be held not less frequently than monthly at such time and place as the Board shall determine.
Section C. Special meetings of the Board of Directors shall be held when called by the President, or when requested by five (5) or more members of the Board, at such time and place as the President shall determine.
Section D. The presence in person of eight (8) of its members shall constitute a quorum at any meeting of the Board of Directors. Except as otherwise specifically provided, the act of a majority of the Directors present at any meeting of the Board shall be the act and decision of the entire Board of Directors.
Section E. Duties and Powers: In addition to those duties and powers, expressed and implies, set forth elsewhere in this Constitution and By-Laws, the Board of Directors shall have the following duties and powers:
(1) It shall constitute the Executive Board of this club and be responsible for the execution, through the club officers, of the policies approved by this club. All new business and policy of the club shall be considered and shaped first by the Board of Directors for presentation to and approval by the club members at a regular or special club meeting.
(2) It shall authorize all expenditures and shall not create any indebtedness beyond the current income of this club, nor authorize disbursal of club funds for purposes inconsistent with the business and policy authorized by the club membership.
(3) It shall have the power to notify, override or rescind the action of any officer of this club.
(4) It shall have the books, accounts and operations of this club audited annually or, in its discretion more frequently, and may require an accounting or have an audit made of the handling of any club funds by any officer, committee or club member. Any member of this club in good standing may inspect such audit or accounting upon request at a reasonable time or place.
(5) It shall appoint, on recommendation of the Finance Committee, a bank. or banks for the deposit of the funds of this club.
(6) It shall appoint the surety for the bonding of any officer of this club.
(7) It shall not authorize or permit the expenditure for any administrative purpose, of the net income of projects or activities of this club by which funds are raised from the public.
(8) It shall submit all matters of new business and policy to the respective Standing and Special club committee for study and recommendation to the Board.
(9) It shall name and appoint, subject to approval of the club membership, the delegates and alternates of this club to the District and International Conventions.
ARTICLE IX
Elections
The officers of this club, excluding the Immediate Past President, shall be elected as follows:
Section A. A nominating meeting shall be held in March of each year, with the date and place of such meeting to be determined by the Board of Directors and notice thereof mailed to each member of this club at least ten days prior to the time of the holding thereof.
Section B. The President shall appoint a nominating committee which shall submit the names of candidates for the various club offices to the club at the nominating meeting. At this meeting nominations for all club offices to be filled may also be made from the floor. No person who shall have served as a member of the six-member Board of Directors shall be eligible to be nominated or elected until at least one year has expired since the date he last served as a Director. However, such person may be nominated and elected to other offices.
Section C. If in the interim between the nominating meeting and the election meeting any nominee is unable for any reason to serve in the office to which he was nominated and for which office there was no other nominee, the nominating committee shall submit, at the election meeting, names of additional nominees for that office.
Section D. An election meeting shall be held no later than April 15 of each year, at a time and place determined by the Board of Directors, and two weeks prior written notice thereof shall be given to each member of the club by the Secretary, by mail or personal delivery. Such notice shall include the names of all nominees approved at the proceeding nominating meeting and, subject to Section C above, a statement that these nominees will be voted upon at the election meeting. No nominations may be made from the floor at the election meeting.
Section E. Subject to the provisions oh Section H of this Article IX, all officers, other than Directors, shall be elected annually and shall take office on July 1st, and shall hold office for one year that date, or until their successors shall have been elected and qualified.
Section F. With the exception of the Membership Director as provided in Section F1, one-half of the directors shall be elected annually and shall take office on the July 1st next following their election, and shall hold office for two years from that time, or until their successors shall have been elected and qualified, with the exception that at the first election held after the adoption of this Constitution and By-Laws, one-half of the Directors shall be elected for one year shall be elected for one year terms.
Section F1. A membership committee shall be composed of three (3) elected members for a three (3) year term. Initially, one (1) member shall serve for one (1) year, the second member for two (2) years, and a third member for three (3) years. Each year thereafter a new member will be elected. Each member will serve for three (3) years on a rotation system. Thus the first year member shall be a member of the committee, the second year member shall be its vice-chairman, and the third year member shall serve as the committee chairman and the Membership Director on the Board of Directors of the club.
Section G. The election shall be by ballot by those present and qualified to vote. A plurality vote shall be necessary to elect.
Section H. Removal: Any officer of this club may be removed from office for good cause by two-thirds (2/3) vote of the entire club membership.
ARTICLE X
Qualifications of Officers
The election of the nominating committee of a nominee for any office shall be based on worthiness and qualification for the duties of such office, rather than by succession or advancement according to rank. Officers shall be advanced by rank only when they are considered worthy and qualified.
ARTICLE XI
Vacancies
Section A. If the office of President or of any Vice-President shall become vacant for any reason, the Vice-Presidents shall advance in office, according to their rank. In the event such provision for advancement shall fail to fill the office of President, or First or Second Vice-President, the Board of Directors shall thereon call a special election, giving each member in good standing prior two (2) weeks notice of the time and place thereof, which time and place shall be determined by said Board, and such office shall be filled at the said election meeting.
In the event of a vacancy in the office of Third Vice-President, the Board of Directors may appoint a member to fill the unexpired term.
In the event vacancies shall be of such number as to reduce the number of Directors to less than the number required for a quorum, the membership of the Club shall have the power to fill such vacancies by an election held at any regular meeting of the club upon prior notice, and in a manner specified in Section B hereinafter. Such notice may be given by any remaining Officer or Director, but if none, by any member.
Section B. In the event any officer-elect, before his term of office commences, is unable or refuses for any reason to serve therein, the President may call a special nomination and election meeting to elect a replacement for such officer-elect. Two (2) weeks prior notice of such meeting, shall be given to each member, by mail or personal delivery. The election shall be held immediately after nominations have been closed and a plurality vote shall be necessary for election.
ARTICLE XII
Meetings
Section A. Regular meetings of this club shall be held no less than twice each month, at a time and place recommended by the Board of Directors and approved by the club. All meetings shall begin and end promptly at the regular set times. Except as otherwise specifically provided in this Constitution and By-Laws, notice of regular meetings shall be given in such manner as the Board of Directors deems proper.
Section B. Special meetings of this club may be called by the President when requested by the Board of Directors, at a time and place determined by the person and body requesting the same. Notice of special meetings set forth the purpose, time and place thereof shall be given to each member of this club, by mail or personal delivery, at least ten days prior to the date thereof.
Section C. A Charter Night anniversary meeting of this club may be held each year, at which time special attention shall be devoted to the objects and ethics of Lionism, and the history of this club.
Section D. An Annual Meeting of this club shall be held in June of each year at a time and place determined by the Board of Directors, at which meeting the final reports of the retiring officers shall be read and newly elected officers shall be installed.
Section E. The presence in person of a majority of the members in good standing shall be necessary for a quorum at any meeting of this club.
Section F, Any member who fails to pay any indebtedness due this club within 60 days after receipt from the secretary of written notice thereof shall thereon forfeit his good standing and shall so remain until such indebtedness is paid in full. Only members in good standing may exercise the voting privilege and hold office in this club.
Section G. Except as otherwise specifically provided, the act of the majority of the members present at any meeting shall be the act and decision of the entire club.