Time To Get Back To Business!

     In case you missed the convention, here is the convention report.

     District E virtual convention was held March 27th, with the OLSHF acting as host for the zoom meeting.  We had a great International Director from Connecticut by the name of Mark Lyon.  He hosted a question and answer session during the morning and a very inspiring keynote speech at the end of the convention.  District E is donating $200.00 to LCIF in his name.

     The election for new officers went well: we have Steven Brewster as District Governor Elect, from Klamath Falls and Jan Slusser as the incoming 2nd Vice District Governor from Grants Pass, and a new Trustee Melissa Clinton from Klamath Falls.  We still have a position of 1st Vice District Governor open, please let me know if you are interested in applying.

     We had a raffle for a two week stay at Leavenworth, and two auction items to bid on during the convention.  One was a 30 x 40 picture of a lions head and a lion head bust.  Both were won by District Governor from District R, Linda Stent.  The Leavenworth trip was won by Sean Negherbon, a past president from Myrtle Creek Club.

     I feel that the District E Convention went well and was enjoyed by most.  It was the first attempt on being virtual and I’m sure things will improve with each try, hopefully we will get back to person to person meetings soon.

     We also had two seminars, one was “Why do I have to pay to be a volunteer?” and the other was a presentation on “The importance of Long Term Recovery following a disaster”.

     I want to especially thank OLSHF for all their efforts in making our convention a success and also again thank both PDG Bob Chaney and PCC Gail Black for their contributions.

     With the better weather approaching and most of us having had our COVID shots, we should be getting ready for more meetings and more fundraising.  Most of our clubs have been silent for the winter months, but now is the time to get back to business!  While we are out and about it is also a good time to work on membership.  More members make for more busy hands in our communities.  Remember we are a service organization and WE SERVE.

Remember We Have More Conventions Coming Up

Lion Magazine - April 2021

     I hope everyone enjoyed our virtual 36 E convention!  We were pleased to have Past International Director Mark Lyon join us from the state of Connecticut.  It was a pleasure to meet Mark and his wife Lyn.

     I still have 10 clubs left to visit this year.  Some of the scheduling has been a little tricky.  We are either off or on extreme level.  Some clubs are meeting virtually, while others are not meeting at all.  Those with tech knowledge are meeting monthly virtually, but some areas the internet is not good or there are no persons with a computer, thus no meetings.  I personally prefer to meet in person, to just have the personal connection.  What I prefer doesn’t matter, we must follow the guidelines given to us.

     By the time you get to read this, the elections will be over, so congratulations to the new officers.  I know you will do a great job.

     Don’t forget Campaign 100, your donations make so many services available to fellow Lions everywhere.

     Remember we have more conventions coming up, District G and District R and the Multiple District.  One good thing about virtual conventions is you don’t have to leave your home or get dressed up. Please attend as many as you can, it gives you a chance to see how each district does things and you may get some good ideas from each one.

     Thanks for reading, stay safe, wear your mask, social distance, get your shots, and stay well.

Better Days Are Before Us

Lion Magazine - February 2021

Happy February!

     Hope you got a card or some candy from a friend or family member.  February is the month of LOVE – so share your love with others and show your love of Lions.

     As history repeats itself, Lions membership in 36-E has dropped.  We dropped 32 members, lost 5 members to death leaving us with a total of 37 member losses, we gained 31 new members so we are off by 6.  The year is not over and we should be able to gain 6 new members or more for a plus.  That brings us to the North American Membership Initiative.  Be on the lookout for new members that could be great members.  Try for younger members who can carry on the good work that Lions do.

     I know that the last six months have not been a picnic!  With fires, loss of homes, and jobs.  I think it is especially hard for our older members who have lost everything, they could use our help.  We need to work together to help each other and especially those less fortunate than ourselves.  Some of our members lost all their possessions in one fire or another.  I know that fundraising has been difficult.  I also know that some of the clubs are struggling to keep their heads above water - - please don’t give up-- better days are before us.  If you know of a struggling club, give them a hand.

     With the help of every Lions Club in District E, there is no reason for not being successful in all that we do, we just need to work together to build a successful year.

     Remember to love and help one another and remember MORE HANDS MAKE MORE SERVICE!

The Best Part Of Being A District Governor

     Welcome to 2021!  I pray we are on an upward swing for fighting Covid-19; and getting somewhere near our “past” normal.  Covid-19 has really thrown us for a loop this year and probably into 2121 also.  We have lost that wonderful feeling of seeing each other and our members in person; then throw in some fires of 2020 and the damage that many members experienced.  All and all 2020 has been one heck of a learning experience.

     Hoping you all had a Merry Christmas even with all the restrictions.  Our area here in District E is listed as an Extreme Hazard Area, we have restrictions running out our ears.  Do that, and don’t go there, eat at home, social distance, no more than a certain amount of people to gather together, and wear your mask to make sure you are not spreading the virus to other, hopefully most people are doing this to help slow down the spread of Covid-19.

     My year as District Governor is half over and my visitations are nearly done.  As I tell each club I visit, “This is the best part of being a District Governor, getting to meet the members and hearing about their projects and other fun activities.  I have really enjoyed the visitations.

     Remember that January is Hunger Awareness month.  Please don’t forget about our local Food Banks.  Things run short during the holidays and we have already had the fires and Thanksgiving, thus a hard time for our local Food Banks.

     We will be starting to prepare for convention time, March is not that far away.  We are hoping for a personal convention, but could be forced into virtual.  There goes our personal connections again.  As you know, we lost our 2nd Vice President who had to resign for personal reasons; and he will be greatly missed.  We are looking for a replacement.  Give that some thought - - we need a replacement, let me know if you are interested.

     I hope you had a good Christmas and are ready to move forward into 2021 and the challenges that come with it.  Please remember our motto “we serve” as we head into a new year.

     I wish everyone a “Happy New Year.”

Continue to Support Those in Need

     As Lions our service to our communities is most important at this time of year - - helping those who are less fortunate.  I know that many of our wonderful Lions clubs provide food baskets or make donations to those organizations that do supply food and gifts to those in need.  In addition, I see this as a time for personal involvement as well.  Find that person or family that needs an extra measure of love and kindness in this season and give of yourself.  Adopt a family, pick a child’s name off of a tree with different boys and girls ages and provide a gift, or invite someone who is alone over to dinner.  I know with COVID 19, we are hampered on doing some things; but try your hardest to give of yourself to those in need.

     One club I just visited gave out 62 food baskets last year and they are hoping to increase that amount this year. Another club is purchasing Christmas trees (got a special from the tree seller) and will take them to needy families in their communities. Still another group will furnish tree decorations and attach them to the trees when given out and adding some food baskets where needed.  So, continue to support those in need.  You will be the winner in the long run and everyone will be able to have a wonderful Christmas.  There will be trees, decorations, food, love and kindness; and isn’t that the reason “We Serve” for the season and all year long.

To Give Back And Return The Help They Received

     Since this article will show in the November issue of our Lions magazine, it is time to say thanks.  Thanksgiving is just around the corner- - -Happy Thanksgiving to all our members.  As Lions, this is the perfect time to reach out to those who could use some help in the coming months; it is just one holiday after another.  We had Halloween last month, Thanksgiving this month and Christmas in December.  We must look among our neighbors and friends to find people who need our assistance this time of the year.  We Lions can offer our assistance with food baskets or just bags of groceries full of items to make someone’s Thanksgiving Day a treat like a turkey with all the trimmings and a good feeling that someone cared about them and their needs.  Then we could follow up with a Christmas basket of a ham dinner or we could provide dinners at local shelters.  If every club in District E (or all clubs) could provide such items for the folks who have lost their jobs, lost their homes and are in need of assistance, we could really make a difference in the lives of several families over this period of time.  What do you think?  Can we Lions do this?  Can we pull together to make many happy families over this time period.  Please do your best for needy people.

     While doing my visitations, I was visiting a club that had a couple attending their meeting who was interested in joining their club.  After the meeting I talked with this couple. They told me that they had received a holiday basket from a Lions Club several years ago.  Times were hard and they were having trouble feeding their family; then along came a wonderful basket of food.  This is one of the reasons they wanted to join Lions, to be able to give back and return the help they received.  So, I told them about the plan that District E has for new members between now and the end of the year, and how much they could save by joining.  Maybe this could happen in your club too.

Volunteering is Beneficial

     I have a questions for you?  We, as Lions, will most likely know the answer but maybe it will give us something to think about or to realize the benefits we receive.

     Why is volunteering important?  The obvious reason is "to be able to help others," but what does it do to and for the volunteer?

     Volunteering is beneficial as it connects us to others.  It has been shown to reduce stress, combat depressions and provide a sense of purpose to a person's life.  It builds self-confidence and self-esteem, as doing good for others and the community helps to create a sense of accomplishment.  Working as a volunteer can give a sense of pride, creating a more positive view of our own life and future.  An increasing number of studies suggest that people who give their time to others might have a longer lifespan,  a lower mortality rate, and are less likely to have high blood pressure.

     Volunteering boosts mental health simply because it makes you happier.  Human beings are hard-wired to give to others and, by measuring so-called brain activity and happiness hormones, researchers have found that being helpful to others can deliver great pleasure.  Studies show that the more a person volunteers, the more benefits they'll experience.

     Guess we as Lions have figured this out already, but these are good points to remember when asking someone to join our organization.  When asking a person to join you can mention your AHA moment - - -what happened when you found that special reason why you are a Lion.  Along with joining a group of people who want to help others, you will join a friendly body of volunteers, a family feeling of working together for the betterment of mankind and the fellowship of being involved with those who want to make things better for others.

Through December 2020 - The New Member Fee To LCI Has Been Waived!

I am writing this article today and pretending that I am headed to the Lions International Convention in Singapore.  I am excited and know that I will come home with tons of information to share with my district.  It was exciting to plan to go to another country and meet new people there and see friends I made while in Chicago at the DG Training. But, thanks to the Corona Virus that is taking over our lives, there is no International Convention, and new and wonderful things are not to be told to us. We are in a new world as far as travel and togetherness are concerned.  We are in a learning situation to which we all have to adjust while continuing in the world of Lions and being prepared to help as many as we can of those needing our assistance.

The theme this year for International President Dr Jung-Yul Choi is “United in Kindness and Diversity”   and initiatives will focus on four key elements of Lions International that are essential to our mission of service:  Addressing global causes by serving local needs; Supporting our global foundation, LCIF; Inspiring kindness with our stories of service; and Empowering our clubs to serve safely.

Within our own United States one of our main initiatives that we are focusing on this year is Membership and utilizing NAMI (North American Membership Initiative). Through December 2020, the new member fee to LCI has been waived and here in District E we have set up a dues plan for new members to pay 1/2 of the required club dues for their first year, then 2/3 for the second year and then the full dues on the third year.  The loss in dues to LCI will be covered by the district. This 2/3-year plan constitutes somewhat of a retention plan along with less cost to join the organization. Sometimes funds make a big difference, so hopefully this will be a help in bringing in new members. Then it is up to us in the clubs to make sure that we keep them.

I am looking forward to starting my official duties as District Governor in August with doing the installation of officers for the Canyonville Club on August 1.  Following that my first visitation will be in Powers on the 11th of August. Then I will head over to the east side of the district to the Klamath area.  Our first District Cabinet meeting will be held in Klamath Falls on August 29.  The club has arranged for the location to be such that we will be able to have social distancing, but we are also asking that masks be worn as well.

Lastly, I would like to thank everyone who agreed to fill the District Cabinet positions for this year. I know that you will all do a great job in fulfilling the duties of the position you have accepted.  I also want to give a special thanks to PCC Joyce Anderson, PCC Gail Black and CCE Bob Chaney for all their continued support.

Remember - Family, Friends, and Fellowship for this coming year. In Lionisim we are family, we make new friends but keep the old and fellowship is invaluable to all.  Thanks for reading this and we will talk again next month.

Friends, Family, and Fellowship

July/August 2020

As I am writing this article, I'm wondering what kind of changes we will see this coming year.  I feel it will be a bit different from previous years due to COVID-19.  We will see more technology and less face-to-face contact.  Actually, each has its good points.

With less face-to -ace contact, we will not be traveling as much and we will miss the physical contact of some of our usual meetings--no hugs, no crowded rooms with 10 at a table, and no physical contact.

With tech meetings like Zoom or Go to Meetings, we will be able to talk to each other on our phones back and forth and try not to talk over one another.  This will be a good method for members who are not into the tech world or who don't own a computer.  I have attended some good GAT meetings using the Go to Meeting app.  I have also had some very good Zoom meetings.  With Zoom you can see each other and still try have to try and not talk over each other.  But, yes, you do need a computer!

My theme this year is Friends, Family, and Fellowship.  All Lions are our friends. I'd like to see more family meetings with younger members who will be able to feel free to bring their children if they want and, of course, all Lions include Fellowship.

I'd like to thank Immediate Past District Governor Bob Chaney for his dedication to the members of 36-E and look forward to his input and continued support.

I also look forward to traveling to the clubs in 36-E and meeting with the members of each and every club.   I will make personal visits and try to avoid tech visits as much as possible, after all how can I get to meet and enjoy each of you who will attend the meetings??