Happy Valentine’s Day

Service from the Heart is one of my favorite themes that have come down the last few years and it is so fitting for the month of February.  We as Lions know it is from our hearts, and we need to share it with others.  We are putting the finishing touches on School Eye, something to be very proud of, and should be shared with our communities through Radio, TV and our local newspapers. We Lions have an excellent source to go to, Oregon Lions Sight and Hearing Foundation (OLSHF). They can workup facts and figures of your local area so your club can put together information and a script for the media.  With this information you should be able to arrange an interview, article with pictures, and of course invite people to join Lions. I am so proud of my fellow Lions and encourage you to share.

Coming up soon will be our 36E Conventions, mark your calendar for March 21 – 22. The convention will be in Central Point, hosted by the Rouge Valley Lions with the surrounding communities helping. For this year’s convention I have the privilege to announce our guest speaker will be Past International President Brian Sheehan and his wife Lori.  Last June while I was at the International Convention in Melbourne Australia, I ran into Brian and asked if he and his wife would like to come to the beautiful state of Oregon for our convention. He checked his calendar and said YES! He has not been to Oregon and would love to come - the rest is history. Oregon MD36 Officers are very excited to have a speaker the caliber of Brian to come to Oregon. Brian is a dynamic speaker and if there is any way you can take in the convention, do so.

The Convention Committee has worked hard to make this a one-day event for most of the district. Central Point should be easy drive for all to make the start of the convention at 9:00AM, take in our Great Programs have lunch and be back on the road by 4:00PM. For those that want to spend the night, we have a program for you; Friday we will have our Cabinet meeting from 1:00PM – 3:00PM and all are invited to see what’s going on in the District. At 4:00 we have a meet and greet with food and Question & Answer with PIP Brian Sheehan.  The reservation for this is in the Lions Magazine. See you there.

Paul Novak    District Governor 36E

HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL

It’s the time of year to reflect on what we have done in our Lions Clubs in 2024 and what we will be doing this next year.  It is a time to consider what worked and what didn’t. This is where our new members can help with their enthusiasm and ideas. They can help our clubs grow and prosper.  It’s important to remember Lions Clubs International has many ideas and programs to help us as Lions. A very easy way to get to these areas is to use Google search with ‘Lions International’ as the lead word.  Remember, that I, and others in our District, are here to help, just call me.

New Year resolutions are on the minds of many, and as Lions, you can make a point of asking at least one person a month to join us in projects or our club meeting. Better yet come up with your own resolution.

Important dates coming up for District 36E:  Third Cabinet Meeting on Zoom, Saturday January 18, starting at 10:00 am. I will have the link out to all officers and they can share with you, their members.  Our District 36E Convention will be centrally located in Central Point. It could be a long day trip for a large part of the District, or a great weekend for those who choose to stay over.  More information to follow soon.

I wish to thank all the Lions for all the good work you did last year and the support you have given me. BEEing a Lion and giving Service from the Heart allows us all to make our Mark for Lionism.  Trudy and I wish you the very best for 2025.

Paul Novak DG

The Holiday Season Is Rapidly Approaching

The holiday season is rapidly approaching, and I want to wish you and your family the very best.  It’s a time of giving and sharing with Food Baskets, Food Drives, Gift Trees, Toys for Tots, and seeing those without families. It is a time for helping others. That is what we Lions do, Service from the Heart.   I may not know the recipients, but when I help with these projects, my heart swells with pride. I FEEL good.

 The end of the year mail is full of organizations asking for donations, but you will not see LCIF or OLSHF requesting donations - but do remember them, they do so much good for all.  It’s also a time for family; at home or with our family of Lions. When your club has a Christmas party try to have other clubs in your area join in. It is another way of making a visitation which we are not doing enough of these days.  Also, invite prospective members to these parties, it’s a good way for them to learn more about Lionism and to get them to join.

Merry Christmas to all, wishing you and your family the best of the Holidays. DG Paul & Trudy 

We as LIONS have lots to be thankful for.

November is the month of giving thanks with 4th Thursday in November being Thanksgiving.  We as LIONS have lots to be thankful for.  Since the time Melvon Jones started the Lion Clubs in 1917, the Lions have been SERVING others, and we are thankful for this great organization.  We Lions are making a difference (and our MARK) in our communities, with our food drives, youth vision screening, and other youth projects; such as giving scholarships to students giving them the opportunity to a better education.  We have sponsored community parks and help build them, and much, much, more.  As Lions we sell See’s Candies, have food booths, wine walks, crab feeds, steaks fry’s, organized runs and festivals to make money for our charitable causes and we very thankful to the communities for their support.

When we are engaged with our Lions projects, we should have fun.  This is also a time to get new members to join our clubs, which you have been telling me you’re doing.  It’s important to ask again and again for those prospective new members to join.  Part of the fun of being a Lion is helping on projects, and this should also be helping other clubs with their projects.

On another note, I have been checking my Lions MD36 Directory and noted that some meeting places have changed, please have your Secretary or Club Administrator update your information on the Lions Portal.  Some emails and phone numbers have changed, please update these also.  In MD 36E, Lion Steve Brewster PDG is the District Administrator and can make the changes for you, if you can’t.  Just call him.

Our Lions Clubs are all volunteers and we do what we can, I would like to thank you all for what you do!

“Make you Mark” “From your HEART” “And BEE a Lion”

DG Lion Paul Novak 36E

Lions Keeping Busy

As Lions our motto is WE SERVE, and we are all located in Southern Oregon and Northen California. As I am reaching out to the Clubs in 36E, I have found out how busy we all are, reports from the Clubs and the Zone and Region Chairpersons show the projects that are going in 36E, from Crescent City, California up the coast to Coos Bay our Western Boundary, Ashland to Sutherland our Central Area, and Dorris California to Lakeview our Eastern Area.  Projects include Food Booths, Street Fairs, Wine Walks, Plant Sales, Garage Sales, Can Drives, Highway Clean-ups, Candy Sales, Eye Glass drives, Lions Information Booths and much, much more. We need these activities to raise money so we can continue funding the Service Projects we have and getting the Lions name out there.  And I am happy to see more and more clubs are helping each other and supporting these projects.

We are just starting our Eye Screening program, while screening our youth, we get a good feeling knowing those needing attention can go to an Eye Clinic and the Lions will defray the cost if needed. 

Coming up, many of the clubs have “Flags for 1st graders, another project that warms my heart. That is what our Service is all about.  But let’s share these good feeling we get and invite other to join in our projects as Lions or volunteers.  You know we may have to ask 1, 2, 3 or more times, and once they join, we need to get them involved.  Remember we must be open to the ideas they have.

I want to thank all of you for you dedication to serving others. Let’s make our MARK with service from the HEART and BEE a true Lion.    Paul Novak District Governor

“Make Your Mark From the Heart”

The Lions Internatinal Convention in Melbourn Australia was something else. Lions from every country in the world. And we all spoking our native languages. But one thing stood out other in this friendly group, was that we all wanted to make the world a better place through SERVICE.  Like our new International President Fabricio Oliveria said “Make your Mark” and we, in Oregon Say “Make you Mark from the Heart” and we will.  Part of the Convention included our final day of training to be District Governors. The last day of training reminded me of a quote from John F. Kennedy.  “Leadership and Learning are indispensable to each other.”  The training I received emphasized how important it is to take advantage of the online and in personal training that we have in our District. Each of the Districts have a Global Action Team that is setting up training to help all the officers.  All are invited to join and with the online training on the LCI Portal anybody can learn.

At our first Cabinet meeting held in Myrtle Creek on August 3rd, your Zone and Region Chairpersons reported on the many diverse projects going on and being planned in 36E. I have just started my visits and looking forward to seeing all the clubs in the district. In the meantime, the Zone Chairpersons are my eyes and ears. A big thank you to them.  Club Secretaries, it is important that you report your Clubs projects. To help I have asked Past District Governor Steve Brewster if he would be Administrator for the District.  This means that if you call him, he can help you report the projects of the Club, add members or update officers.  

This is going to be a great year for the Lions of Oregon. Working together “We can make our Mark, and it will be from the Heart”!

PAUL NOVAK, District E Governor

Encourage Visiting Other Clubs In Your Local Area And Beyond

     I am excited to begin my year as your District Governor.  During my year as Vice-Governor I had the opportunity to see and talk to other clubs both large and small.  What I have seen are some VERY GOOD clubs doing a lot of good for their communities and that gives me high hopes for our District.  I will be starting my visitations soon to meet with all of you and be available to install those new members.

     Something that I would like to encourage is visiting other clubs in your local area and beyond.  These visits will build comradery, help with sharing ideas and help other clubs with activities if needed.  Sharing ideas is so important:  that’s why we must communicate through our reports. We now have a District Administrator that can help our club Presidents and Secretaries prepare reports and can also give instruction on reporting when needed.  Did you know a club can have its own Club Administrator to assist the Secretary to report on club activities?

     It’s important to learn something to progress in our lives and it’s also true in Lions.  I hope to have some training sessions in your local areas and will have more on this later.  Lions International has many short learning videos that can be viewed and they are easy to get to.  How to get to Training - log onto:  LionsClub.org   then choose Members Resource Center > Training > Club Officers Training

     There is so much more that can be seen on this website for all members, not just officers.  I encourage you to go there and just see what’s available.

     My theme is “BEE a Lion” besides being environmentally friendly, it has a two-fold meaning:  Getting new Lion members, current Lions becoming involved in our clubs, and have fun BEEing a better Lion.

     I look forward seeing and serving District 36E, Southern Oregon and Northern California.

PAUL NOVAK, District E Governor

It’s Time To Move Forward, Start Your Lion’s Year

     The Lions Year ends and the New Lions Year begins.  We need to thank our leaders at all levels who enriched and led our clubs to do great things.  We need to welcome our leaders for the next year who will bring a new perspective and direction for your clubs.

     As Club leaders you will join with new district leaders, multiple district, and international leaders in plotting the future of lions’ clubs internationally.   You will be part of the district governor’s advisory committee:   serving your local community, but also serving the world and changing the world one step at a time.

     The resources are available from your leaders to make your job easier and enable you to serve your club to the best of your ability.   You have many levels of knowledge and leadership available to you to help you achieve your goals this year.   You have the district governor and his knowledgeable cabinet who stand ready to lend assistance any time they are asked.  The Lions Clubs International web page has a membership resource page with helpful links to member resources for all of the officers of your club.

     It’s time to move forward, start your lion’s year.  Get satisfaction from a job well done.   Have fun, make your club meetings fun.   There is a whole new world out there.   You are changing the world.

Steve Brewster

District 36E

We Can Help You Grow Your Clubs

     We all know what assume means and how much trouble you can get in by assuming and not verifying.  It seems that I assumed that because club officers told me they know how to be a club secretary or president, I didn’t verify.  It seems that even the most seasoned club officers are not aware of some of their duties and responsibilities.

     Club officers know how to do the basics, they know how to run a meeting, they know how to take minutes and how to enter information required by Lions International.  But they are not aware of their responsibilities at the zone, region and district level.

     Club Presidents and Secretary are part of the District Governor’s advisory committee. Their responsibility is to file a report quarterly before each cabinet meeting. This report should contain information on what your club is doing and any support or concerns that your club has.

     This report should be sent to your zone or region chairman. Their responsibility is to put all the reports together and send them to the District Governor and the cabinet. When these reports are received, they can be evaluated, and they can provide the support your club needs.

     This is how we can help you grow your clubs.

Stephen Brewster

District Governor MD36E

Ways We Can Be Of Service To Our Community And Change The World

     Spring is here and it’s a time for renewal.  Let’s use our club elections to reinvigorate our clubs.  Leaders that have been in these positions forever tend to get set in their ways of doing the same things over and over with nothing new sparking interest in your clubs.  New officers bring new ideas and new ways of doing things.

     Take a look at what you are doing.  Is it the same thing year after year?  Does it still reflect your communities’ needs?  Over time the needs of a community change and we need to change with them or our clubs die. We need to be doing things that attract new members. Looking toward the future LCI has given us a list of global causes. They are Childhood Cancer, Diabetes, Disaster relief, Environment, Humanitarian, Hunger, Vision and Youth. On their web page LCI provides suggestions of ways we can be of service to our community and change the world.

We Can Only Build Stronger Communities By Learning From Each Other

     The District 36-E convention is fast approaching:  March 22-23 in Bandon, Oregon. We encourage all Lions to register and attend.  It is a time for Lions to renew friendships and find new friends within our Lions’ community.  We as Lions can get together and network with each other, compare notes, learn from other clubs how they succeed.

     We will have ID Marie Cunning to give us an update on what is happening at Lions Clubs International.  She will also answer our Questions and give us guidance on how we can improve our own clubs and help them build stronger communities.

     We can only build stronger communities by learning from each other.  We change the world through our actions within our local communities.  We change the world by working with our larger community, we are Lions from all over the world with one common goal:  To improve the world, we live in.   We are changing the world!

Respectfully,

Stephen Brewster

District Governor MD36E

MD36E Convention on March 22-23 and the MD36 Convention on May 17-18, both in Bandon

     It’s convention time again.  You might wonder why do I want to attend a Lions Convention?  I only care about what is going on in my local club. I don’t care about what Lions outside of my town are doing. It is easy to get into the mindset that we are doing great by ourselves. We don’t need anyone else.

     Lions conventions are a great place to network with other clubs and to exchange ideas. To possibly learn new and better ways to serve your communities.  They may have ideas on how to make your meetings more enjoyable. You may learn how other clubs attract new members.  It is a good place to expand your network of friends beyond your local club.

     Conventions are also a great place to meet your international leaders, to communicate your concerns and learn what Lions International has to offer you and  your club. These people are leaders that started just like you as a member of a club somewhere, sitting in the back row of a meeting just learning how to be a Lion and how to best serve their communities.

     I encourage all of you to sign up and attend one or two of the upcoming conventions to expand your horizons. We have the MD36E convention on March 22-23 and the MD36 convention on May 17-18, both in Bandon. Join me at both conventions for great fellowship and a great learning experience.

Stephen Brewster, District Governor MD36E

IT'S TIME TO SET GOALS FOR THE FUTURE OF YOUR CLUBS!

     January is the time to set New Year’s resolutions and the time to set goals for the future of your clubs.  As district officers, it is incumbent upon us to establish and articulate goals for our district, charting a course for their achievement. Our focus is on fostering growth within the district and enhancing the overall quality of Lions Clubs within our district.

     Clubs in our district are encouraged to define their unique goals, encompassing objectives such as membership expansion, heightened community visibility, and proactive engagement in addressing local needs.  To meet these goals, we need to determine the needs of the community and how these needs can be met by our club.  Identifying prospective Lions to join our ranks is equally crucial, necessitating thoughtful approaches to attract and integrate them into our clubs.

     Lions International offers valuable programs designed to assist clubs in assessing their strengths and weaknesses.  They can also provide insights on effective member recruitment strategies. Additionally, our dedicated Lions within the district cabinet stand ready to offer guidance, ensuring your club realizes its full potential. As your District Governor I am also at your disposal and ready to be called upon for support as you strive to elevate your club to new heights.

Steve Brewster, DG MD36-E

LET'S ENGAGE OTHERS TO HELP WITH OUR CAUSES

     How do we keep and attract new members?  We do this by Serving our communities in multiple ways.  We have 8 global causes that we have taken up.  These causes attract a wide range of potential and current members with varied interests.  As a club you can do small service projects each month focusing on one cause a month, or several major projects over a longer period of time.

     People are more likely to join you If they relate to your community service.  Many people only see us out there when we are fundraising.  We need to show them what we are doing for our communities and engage others to help with our causes.

     Only by seeking out our community needs and working to fulfill those needs will we be able to attract and retain members.

Stephen Brewster

District Governor MD36E

We Must Demonstrate Our Commitment To Providing Meaningful Services

     Frequently, I hear concerns about clubs losing members or becoming inactive in their pursuits.  Why would anyone want to be part of a club that isn't actively contributing?  As Lions, we champion five global causes, each with a range of projects that clubs, regardless of size, can engage in.  We have the flexibility to select projects and organize fundraisers that align with our capacities and resources.  Lions Clubs International equips us with innovative suggestions and resources to think beyond conventional approaches.

     Do we, as Lions, aspire to leave a lasting impact on our communities?  To attract the younger generation, we must demonstrate our commitment to providing meaningful services.  It's imperative that we promote and publicize what we do, showcasing the remarkable contributions of Lions.  Surprisingly, many clubs are not sharing (and reporting) their accomplishments with fellow Lions or with Lions Clubs International.  The broader community remains unaware of our efforts.

     It's time we stand up and declare, "We are Lions, We Serve, and We will Change the world."  The transformation may not happen in one monumental stride, but through a series of small, significant steps.  Consider when we conduct vision screenings; by identifying one child with vision issues, we alter their world, unlocking new possibilities. In doing so, we've already changed the world.

     Let's collectively commit to expanding our clubs and welcoming new members.  This will ensure that we carry forward our legacy of service to our communities.  Together, we can change the world.

Warm regards,

Steve Brewster, District Governor, MD36-E

Changing the World: A Blueprint for Long-lasting Impact.

     To embark on the journey of changing the world, we must first embark on a journey of self-transformation. Each of us holds a unique role within our clubs, and though our time here may be limited, the legacy of our clubs need not be. Do we allow our clubs to fade away with our departure, or do we invest in nurturing successors? Is our position within the club shrouded in secrecy, or are we actively mentoring others to step into our shoes? Let's envision a club that stands strong a century from now, continuing to serve and inspire change in our communities and beyond.

     Lions Club International equips us with an array of invaluable resources to create the best possible club. These tools are tailored to foster membership growth and streamline our leadership responsibilities. Within our clubs, there are officer roles that remain untapped or neglected. A wealth of online resources await us, ready to simplify our tasks—all we need to do is seize them.

     At the district level, seasoned officers stand ready to extend their expertise, either individually or in groups, to guide you through your leadership journey. This united front is known as the Global Action Team, comprising your District Governor, Global Leadership Team, Global Membership Team, and The Global Service Team. Together, we're committed to lightening your load.

     Allow me to introduce the underutilized club-level officer positions that promise to enhance your experience:

·        The Club Service Officer, tasked with overseeing and coordinating service initiatives.

·        The Membership Chairman, responsible for spearheading membership events and aiding in club growth and retention.

·        The Marketing Chairman, dedicated to publicizing your club's activities and ensuring your communities stay well-informed about your service and endeavors.

·        The Club Administrator, equipped with comprehensive access to club reporting and prepared to step in for the secretary and president in administrative capacities if necessary.

     Remember, your district leadership is not only at your disposal but is eager to support you. We are your partners in progress, always here to offer guidance and assistance whenever you need it."

Extend A Helping Hand To Other Organizations

     Our international Presidents Theme is “Change the World.”  We as Lions can do this by our service to our communities. We can accomplish this through our club projects, by being there when our community needs us, by collaborating with our neighboring clubs, our District and our international organization and by forging relationships with other organizations in our area.

     Most clubs in our District are small.  We cannot accomplish meeting all the needs of our communities by our self.  This reality necessitates a collaborative approach, wherein we extend a helping hand to other organizations, donning our emblematic club vest and actively participating in their endeavors.  By engaging with diverse groups, our club’s prominence is amplified, thus drawing more like-minded individuals into our fold.

     Another thing we can do is to help neighboring clubs with their projects and fundraisers.  Asking for help with yours. Only by working together can we change the world one act at a time.

LET US PRIORITIZE THE SEARCH FOR OUR SUCCESSORS, ACTIVELY LISTEN TO THEM AND PROVIDE MENTORSHIP

     I am eagerly anticipating the upcoming Lions year and the opportunity to connect with Lions in MD36E.  I am excited to learn from each of you about the successful strategies you employ to benefit both your club members and the community.  It has been rightly said that wherever a Lions club exists, friendships are formed.  As a former District Governor, my purpose here is not to dictate or prescribe methods.  Rather, I am here to support you in identifying and implementing the most effective path for your club.

     It is crucial for us to consider who will lead our clubs in the future.  Will our clubs cease to exist simply because there is no one willing to step up as a leader?  We must remember that we are all replaceable.  Although our successors may not execute tasks in the exact same way as we do, they can still accomplish them, perhaps even more effectively.  Our primary responsibility as Lion leaders should be to identify and mentor our replacements, ensuring that when the time comes, they are prepared and confident to assume leadership roles and successfully carry out their responsibilities.  This principle applies to every position within the Lion club, from committee chairpersons to district governors.

     This year, let us prioritize the search for our successors, actively listen to their ideas, and provide mentorship.  By doing so, we can elevate our clubs and district to reach its highest potential.

Warm regards, Steve Brewster District Governor MD36-E

GOOD DONE ANYWHERE IS GOOD DONE EVERYWHERE!

Dear Lions,

     As my term as District Governor draws to a close, I'm filled with gratitude for the opportunity to serve alongside you. It's hard to believe that this is the final article I'll be submitting in this role. When I took on the position for the second time, I couldn't have imagined the incredible journey that lay ahead. While much has changed since my first term in 2014, one thing remains constant - the unwavering dedication of Lions like you.

     It's been heartening to witness clubs come back to life despite the challenges imposed by Covid. I've seen firsthand how Lions across District E have continued to make a profound impact in their communities. I've also had the pleasure of forging new friendships and rekindling old ones. Through my interactions with Lions, I've observed leaders emerge, and I've encouraged them to take advantage of the vast opportunities available to them through Lions Clubs International.

     Over the years, I've become increasingly involved in our District, and I've relished being able to work with clubs at the grassroots level while emphasizing the importance of considering the bigger picture. As I step down, I urge each club in the District to take stock of their members and identify potential leaders who can step up and take on a district office. It may require a significant time and financial commitment, but the experience is invaluable. Until you take on a leadership role in Lions, there is so much you don't know. However, once you embark on this journey, you'll discover a wealth of resources available at every level - from District to Multiple District to LCI. You'll have access to mentors, training, and backup, as well as a vast network of like-minded individuals committed to serving their communities.

     As Lions, we're united in our belief that good done anywhere is good done everywhere. Together, we can continue to make a positive impact wherever we are. I wholeheartedly encourage you to consider taking on a leadership role in Lions. It's a decision you won't regret, and one that will enrich your life in countless ways.

With gratitude and admiration,

DG Gail Black – 36E

Remember to Share your Club's Service with LCI

Greetings to all,

     As I was reviewing the activities reports from the clubs in District E, for some reason, I did not find activities reported that I know about.  Not sure of course, but my thinking is that the Governors of District O, R, & G, are finding the same thing to be true in their districts.  All of our clubs throughout the state need to be reporting all of its activities to share around the world.  LCI needs to know that we here in Oregon are working as a team for President Brian’s theme “Together We Can” and “Together We Are” serving the needs of our communities.

     Our membership in District E for this year at the end of March shows we have gained 63 members and lost 68 members.  But in my review of our statistics, I also discovered that some clubs that I know for certain have inducted new members have not reported so.  Again, I urge all club secretaries to get their MMR’s in and report these new members.  Our goal this year is to have a plus in membership, so once again, I ask that all members ramp up their efforts to gain new members. Long time members are the lifeblood of our clubs, but new members bring in new ideas.  We all know that we need more members to truly accomplish the goals we set forth as Lions, so let’s keep asking our friends and neighbors to be a part of a project in our community and once you have them hooked on serving, ask them to join.  It really does work!!!

     By now I am sure a large number of members have submitted their registration forms for the Multiple District Convention being held in Seaside on May 18-20.  We have a few more coming this year from District E, and I thank all of you for your commitment to the district and the state.   As for myself, I am looking forward to renewing old friendships, making new friends, and gaining new knowledge from the seminars.

     Helen Keller once said “Life is either a daring adventure or nothing at all.”  As Lions We Serve, and the more we Serve the more our lives becomes a daring adventure.