Reporting On the Fun and Learning at The Past Conventions!

Hello Lions of MD 36G …. Here I go again, reporting on the fun and learning at the past conventions! Fresh off of our 36G Convention in Hood River, there were some good takeaways from the weekend.

First, it was just great seeing everyone socialize and talk about Lionism in a beautiful setting with Mt. Hood as our backdrop. Group pictures, good fun, great food and smiles galore as we learned and laughed together. We scrambled the last two days prior to convention as our guest PIP speaker ended up in the emergency room. CC Lynn, PCC Phyllis and LCI worked their tails off to get PID Don Shove lined up to cover our convention. PID Shove led a Q and A session responding to a variety of questions from those in attendance. Later in the day he showed us ways to access materials that are literally at our fingertips through the LCI website. Many publications are there for our benefit. Such as - ‘Just Ask!’ - Fostering a Culture of Recruitment, ‘Your Club, Your Way! - Customizing Your Club Meeting, ‘New Member Orientation Training Guide’ - An Introduction to Lions’, ‘Plan You Club’s Success! ‘New Club Development Guide’, and a very important one … Membership Satisfaction Guide - How to Keep Members Happy and Coming Back!’ There’s so much there for us to utilize and strengthen our clubs. Look for them on the LCI website and put them to use!

We also had the joy of a Tail Twister at the convention. Always a fun part of our club meetings, but seldom seen at conventions. Lion Carolyn did a great job working the room (yours truly came away a few dollars lighter because she didn’t appreciate a good joke .. or two!) All in good fun though as the money collected - $100 - went to a great cause … Lion Phyllis’ ID campaign!

We have one convention to go … the 101st Multi District Convention in Pendleton. May 16th and 17th, 2025. Come listen, learn and socialize. You will take back new ideas for your club! 

Honoring the 100 year commitment to Helen Keller  …

“The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched. They must be felt with the heart.”                                                                             - Helen Keller

Pete Runnels - District Governor 36G

‘Be Instrumental in Service’             

Conventions Are Such a Good Time and Experience

Hello Lions of MD 36G …. I found it interesting after reading the March edition of the Oregon Lion Magazine how our Council Chair Lynn and District Governor’s Linda and Paul, respectfully, along with myself all touched on our experience and takeaways from the District ‘R’ Convention. The point being made on how conventions are such a good time and experience that … ‘you will always come away’  with a renewed drive to take back energy and new ideas to your club and communities. There is still one opportunity to attend a convention following this publication, that being the Multi District Convention in Pendleton, Oregon - May 15-17, 2025. Get your registration and reservations in today, it’s not too late.

Community outreach is always a good time for our clubs to be seen out doing all the good things we do. As we come into spring one event that can have a lasting impression on our youth are ‘Flags for 1st Graders’. Many times over when my club hands out scholarships to our graduating seniors have we heard ....”I remember when the Lions came to my 1st grade classroom and presented us with flags … I still have that flag!” It makes a lasting impression they carry for a lifetime. Future Lions? … Hey, they just may be! If your club doesn’t present flags to 1st graders in your schools … I highly suggest considering it. An easy, impactful function!

We are also at that time of year when we consider nominations for our club officers. Take a good look at your fellow club members and consider who will make great club officers and also who will be willing to go a step above the club duties and step up for 1st and 2nd Vice District Governor’s to lead 36G. We again are lacking in upcoming members to carry on. It really is a fulfilling opportunity to be a part of all the Lions Clubs of Central and Eastern Oregon.

Honoring the 100 year commitment to Helen Keller  …

“When one door of happiness closes, another opens; but often we look so long at the closed door that we do not see the one which has been opened for us.” …………… - Helen Keller

Has a door been opened for you through Lion’s?  It has for me as your District Governor, next?

Pete Runnels - District Governor 36G

‘Be Instrumental in Service’            

What 'Legacy' Has Your Club Already Set, What 'Legacy' Will Your Club Leave Behind

Hello Lions of MD36 G -

I hope this finds you all well and staying warm and dry this winter. Lots of snow and now bitter cold as of this writing here in Burns ... we met today for our club meeting with only a high of 15 degrees outside at noon. Forecast to hit -15 tonight here in the high desert! But that didn't stop us from carrying on with business as usual!

I just returned from the first District convention of the year, traveling to Corvallis for District R's annual gathering. There were over a hundred in attendance and some good information was shared during the time. International Director Anthony Paradiso was the featured speaker and delivered a very nice message that we all can take to our clubs and build upon. That message was regarding 'Legacy' ... what 'legacy' has your club already set, what 'legacy' will your club leave behind that you are part of now, and what 'legacy' will new members bring to your club that will become part of 'their legacy' in the future? That one stuck with me ... when we bring in new members we need to listen and hear what they have to say, take to heart their willingness 'to serve', and to try something new or tweak an existing project. They joined to be part of something great - that being THE Lion's Club of your respective community. They joined your club because they saw or heard something that struck a chord with them that they would like to be a part of. Welcome them and help them bring their ideas to fruition. That is how we can continue to grow our Lion families. The other point I came away with was his comment to 'listen'

... listen to our communities, listen to what the needs are and then bring it up for discussion at your meetings. There may be other ways we can help out there that we haven't thought about.

And in closing ... my salute to Helen Keller and the Lions Club commitment to be 'Knights of the Blind' 100 years ago ... "Faith is the strength by which a shattered world shall emerge into the light" - Helen Keller.

Plan now for our District Convention, April 4th and 5th, 2025 in Hood River, Oregon!

Pete Runnels

District Governor 36G

'Be Instrumental in Service'

Milestones Reached by Fellow Lions

Hello Lions of MD 36G …. Again, this year I write about milestones reached by fellow Lions in District 36G. Chevron Awards have been sent out to the District Governor's to hand out and recognize each and every one of you great Lions!

We have a total of 81 recipients receiving Chevron awards this year representing 20 clubs in the District. These awards range from 10 years to 50-year Charter members.  That is a lot of dedication to our communities across 36G. A mere thank you seems like a mediocre way to show appreciation to all of you. We need to have a big celebration for the unselfish giving of time you have all given. One way we could get close to a celebration is through our annual convention. Each recipient this year will be recognized at our convention in Hood River and I sincerely hope you all make an effort to attend. I would like to recognize here, those with 40 years or more of service…. 40 years - Tony White, Hood River, John C. Taylor - Pendleton, and Jim Broehl and Richard A. Miller - The Dalles. 45 years - George Sahlberg - Burns, Rev. John R. Nesbitt - The Dalles, David Nevin - Hermiston and Richard A. Smith - Three Sisters.

50 years of service … James Tomlinson - Baker City and Ralph Patterson - Union. Super Congratulations to all of you and all of our other members who will be receiving 10, 15, 20-, 25-, 30- and 35-years awards!!

Just around two months away and we will assemble for our convention, April 4th and 5th, 2025 and then the district convention culminating in Pendleton, Oregon for the MD36 Convention in May. This will be the 101st MD36 Convention and we are proud to host all of you from the Multi District here in Eastern Oregon! 

Along with my District Governor goals I am the secretary for the Burns club. I always include a quote from Helen Keller at the end of our meeting minutes. I really find this appropriate as we celebrate the 100-year commitment the Lions made to her.

I feel this is also an appropriate place to quote her and will close all of my articles with a quote from her through June here in the Oregon Lion magazine. Here is one reflecting on the New Year we have begun …

“Resolve to keep happy, and your joy and you shall form an invincible host against difficulties.”                                                                                                - Helen Keller

Pete Runnels - District Governor 36G

‘Be Instrumental in Service’            

Cheryl And I Wish You All a Happy New Year!

Hello Lions of MD 36G …. Well, here we are in the year 2025! Just 500 years short of a very popular song “In the Year 2525 ... If Man is Still Alive, If Woman can Survive …” by Zager and Evans (1969). Cheryl and I wish you all a Happy New Year!  And alive we are as Lions! Building the ranks for the future of Lions to the year 2026 and beyond!

Just a month away and we will begin the run of our four respective district conventions culminating in Pendleton, Oregon for the MD36 Convention in May. This will be the 101st MD36 Convention and we are proud to host all of you from the Multi District here in Eastern Oregon! 

Conventions are a great way to build excitement and return to your home clubs, recruit new members and share new ideas for your community. I encourage all of you to plan now to attend your respective district conventions. Can you imagine where the Lions Clubs will be in 500 years? With an ever growing population there will be so many candidates for our Lions to recruit and continue the promise made to Helen Keller 100 years ago this year. But our focus is only on 2025 now. What a promise made to her 100 years ago and what a great feeling it is today to be able to carry that on. Just look at the success we are part of through OLSHF … screening the 1000’s upon 1000’s of students here in Oregon alone. Let’s continue that promise stronger than ever this coming year 2025.

I came across a quote recently from Mother Teresa that shines brightly on what you can do alone as an individual Lion …. “I alone cannot change the world, but I can cast a stone across the water to create many ripples.”  Yes, your efforts to Lionism, no matter how small or large may create a lasting rippling effect. Go ahead …. Cast that stone today!

Happy New Year 36G!

Pete Runnels - District Governor 36G

‘Be Instrumental in Service’            

Wishing You All a VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS

Hello Lions of Multi District 36G … let me start by wishing you all a VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS from my house to yours! Cheryl and I hope it is filled with the best possible memories made with family and friends!

Family and friends make me think of our clubs also! We become ‘family’ in a way and friends for sure. Many friendships are made for a lifetime. How can we ‘grow’ our family? That question seems to be one many of us have a hard time with. We can answer it verbally in so many ways… but we seem to have a difficult time actually putting the words into action. I openly admit that I am one that lacks in action. And it’s not that I don’t have names in mind or folks that I have thought of that would make a good Lion …. It seems to me that it comes down to our busy lives and schedules. So many times, I have seen a friend or acquaintance at a business, restaurant, sporting event or store and got home later and slapped myself for not taking the opportunity to simply mention Lions and open the door for a future conversation. Yes, there will be quick rejections and there will also be acknowledgements. That is our opportunity to follow up and recruit a new Lion. As our clubs age out, we find many clubs with great Lions that are unable to physically help with our projects. Their spirit, wisdom and knowledge are there for the handing down to new members … It is our duty to provide that new Lion.  Let’s not let the ‘lore’ … the memories and stories, the history, fade away.

My challenge to myself and to you is to simply ‘Ask’ and then to follow up! Don’t leave them wondering or hanging … Follow up! If we could each recruit just one new member wouldn’t that be a great Christmas present to our clubs and each other? One new member equals two more helping hands at your next function or activity.

 Merry Christmas 36G!

Pete Runnels - District Governor 36G

‘Be Instrumental in Service’            

This is the time of the year that our clubs really show that we care through SERVICE

Hello Lions of the ‘Greater’ District 36G … here we are in November and the holidays are on us!  This is the time of the year that our clubs really show that we care through SERVICE. And as our Council Chair so proudly promotes ….’Service from the Heart’!  This is when our hearts pour out to the communities, we serve in so many ways. For many of us new to our clubs in the district we see the ‘why’, and the reasons we raise funds to help in so many ways. It could be food baskets, gift cards, purchasing turkeys, gifts for those less fortunate in our communities, providing coats for children, or socks, gloves and wool caps for all. Non-monetary services may include spreading cheer to folks in care facilities, visiting those that can’t leave their home and long for a visit, caroling at Christmas, joining with other organizations by simply providing man power to deliver or assist in assembling food boxes. I am sure there are many other ways you all help out with that I am missing. To me, there are no bad functions or activities that show WE CARE. If your club is in need of an activity, steal one of these ideas and discuss it at an upcoming meeting. Events like these may even bring some members who haven’t been active back to assist. Our presence in and around communities no matter the size or population is one of our best avenues to attract new members. Wear your club shirts or Lion’s vests proudly on these occasions for everyone to see. I smile as I write this as I can see many of you with your club attire, smiling, and singing while wearing a Santa hat!   

I wish all of you a Happy Thanksgiving with the wish that you are together with family and friends and making many memorable memories!

Pete Runnels - District Governor 36G

‘Be Instrumental in Service’             

We do it because WE CARE

As a new year of Lionism settles in, many clubs have varied awards ceremonies or informal gatherings such as BBQs, banquets, dinners, etc. It is a fun and rewarding time to look back at our accomplishments from the past year and honor those in our clubs who took an office or led an event that their club holds in their communities.  Our events are special and unique to each community for various reasons and go back a few years or many decades in some cases. We don’t want to let our communities down or disappoint younger kids growing up and beginning to experience these fun times. Yes, it’s fun for the public and work for us Lions. We put in many long hours during some of these events following many planning and coordinating meetings. We do it because WE CARE, we understand the meaning of ‘community’ and we enjoy the smiles and fun it brings to many generations … past, current and future.

Is your club in danger of no longer being able to carry on these events or functions because it is falling on just a few of the active or able Lions in your club? Many of our clubs have aging members who can no longer help like they used to. And I know they feel bad when a request goes out for help needed at this or that event. Remember, they have served for many years and earned the rest. They should have no feeling of guilt when they can't answer the call to serve. I don’t want any long time Lion feeling that way. If your club has that aura then there is no better time than now to go out and ask an individual if they would like to be a Lion. So many times, I have heard the following statement when the question is asked of a prospective Lion … Why are you not a Lion?  … the answer … Because I’ve never been asked!  Yes, it’s that simple, they are just waiting to be asked! Many future Lions are in our communities and they live next to you, work daily beside you, wait on you at your favorite grocery store or restaurant or are just a casual acquaintance. There is no better time than starting today to ask the question of them … Why aren’t you a Lion? Every new member is another set of helping hands, another anchor to carrying on our traditions and another opportunity for a new idea!  Go get ‘em Lions! … ROAR!

Pete Runnels - District Governor 36G

‘Be Instrumental in Service’

Mission - 1.5 Million Lions by 2027

Hello Orlando!  Mission - 1.5 million Lions by 2027. A weekend of training, brain storming and coming together with Lions from all over the United Sates, Puerto Rico and others to increase membership. Let’s think outside the box for a minute, or a weekend as we did …where can we, and how can we create new clubs in District 36G. There are some good thoughts and opportunities to be had. Can we create a branch club that knits hats for a pediatric cancer center, can we create a garden club that grows food for a community food bank, can we create a club that _______________________. (You fill in the blank.) These branch clubs would only need 5 members to start. Can we combine with a 501C3 non-profit organization that continues to work on their specific mission? Again, with just 20 members they qualify and can come under the Lion’s International umbrella.

With community needs so great these days there are many areas we can and do help in. Childhood Cancer, Diabetes, Disaster Relief (local level), Environment, Humanitarian, Hunger, Vision and Youth. Where there’s a need, there’s a Lion!  Can we increase our membership to meet the need? That’s the challenge!

Lions were once a club of mostly businessmen doing the right thing for the community and serving in many traditional ways that continue to the day. Pancake breakfasts, fair booths, orange sales to name a few. Women were allowed into the clubs in 1987. Without their assistance … many clubs may not exist today. Times have changed, how to be a traditional club still exists, but opportunities abound to be a Lion in a different fashion. Dream up an idea and bring it to your local lion’s club or GET Chairperson.

Pete Runnels                                                                                                                                    District Governor 36G                                                                                                     

“Be Instrumental in Service”                                                          

Be Instrumental in Service

     Greeting Oregon Lions of 36G!   Unusual for the ‘new’ Past District Governor to be writing this first article of the new Lion year, but here I am!  Following the District Convention where we had no candidates for the office and hopes someone would step up, it hasn’t happened.  So, following Lions policy, we have to go through a process to place me or a past DG back in for another year.  At the time of writing and submitting this letter … that process has just started as it couldn’t begin until after the International Convention.  In the meantime, as I finished up my year I agreed to set up the cabinet and schedule dates for the cabinet meetings and our district convention.

     We really need to look at filling our cabinet positions around the District.  I have said before that starting there is a good place to see what goes on away from your club at the next level.  It really helps and is an office you must have held to become a District Governor (along with Club President).

     Another goal we have discussed and already garnered a grant for is training.  We will be holding one and hopefully two trainings for Club Presidents, Secretaries and Treasurers and anyone else with interest is more than welcome.  Watch for some dates for these trainings … our intent is to hold one in the Central Oregon area on the Hwy 97 corridor and another in the northeast corner along I-84 somewhere.  We hope to minimize travel as much as possible so as many that want to can attend.  It will be for a few hours on a Saturday.  Please watch for dates on this.

     I’m sure you are all busy with club activities and working hard in your communities this time of year.  Keep up the good work LIONS, you’re the BEST!

Pete Runnels

District Governor 36G  “Be Instrumental in Service”          

Seeing A Club In Action Within Their Community Is Where It's At

     Well Lions, here we are …. the year has come to an end! To say it has gone by rather quickly is an understatement.  At the beginning you feel like you have a daunting task ahead of you but then the COG meetings begin, your district Cabinet meetings begin and to me, the most enjoyable .. the individual club visitations begin.  At every one of these gatherings you find support, friendships, fun, energy and the resulting motivation moves you on to the next one.  Attending the meetings is enjoyable as I have mentioned before … We are so similar, yet different in the service we provide to our communities.

     That brings up a piece of what I felt I missed out on … being able to attend the different events, fundraisers, community service projects, etc. that all clubs do.  With the distance and cost of fuel on a limited budget it makes visiting clubs twice impractical out here on the east side. I think seeing a club in action within their community is where it's at. To me that is one of the best places to recruit and visit with folks, where they see the good we are doing, the fun we are having and the service we are providing!

     Our vests stand out, our emblem is easily recognized, our pancakes are delicious! From the Opera House in Elgin to The Follies in Hood River, catfishing derby in Huntington, golf tournament at Crooked River Ranch, building birdhouses in Burns, Holiday gift store in Sisters, and car shows to eye screenings everywhere … our SERVICE is AMAZING!

     Keep it up MD36 Lions, it has been a pleasure to meet you and assist where I can. Thank you for allowing me into your meetings and the welcome gifts.  You have given me fond memories!

Pete Runnels - District Governor 36G

‘Be Instrumental in Service’

Slice of Cake, For All!

     It’s hard to compare one club to another, as it is comparing your grandma’s top prize winning cake recipe at the fair to your best friend’s grandma’s top prize winning cake recipe at the next county fair over.  Are the ingredients the same?  Did all of the ingredients get added this time the cake was made?  Or did we miss adding the vanilla, or the baking soda and half the flour?

     Leaving the vanilla out could leave the taste off a bit, yet it’s still a decent cake.  But leaving the baking powder out and half the flour … you aren’t left with much of a cake and it doesn’t look very tasty either.

     Are we seeing this in our clubs … are all of the ingredients there to make everything run smoothly?  The meetings go as planned … Lion tamer gets there in time to set the room up, greeters are there welcoming members, especially the new ones, the agendas are prepared and kept on schedule, members step up and take a lead role in a project or assist with another.  Membership is bringing in new members, program chair keeps interesting topics coming forward, etc. etc. That’s a recipe for a good meeting and you leave with a good taste of accomplishment.

     Or do you see some of the ingredients in place and others missing or short in commitment?  When we were sworn into our clubs, we vowed to help and assist for the betterment of the club.  Some clubs are short on ingredients and the results can be like a fallen cake.  It might be that we need to look at our members and see what ingredients might be missing from having the best club ever.  We need to get them back in the mix!  It doesn’t matter if it’s from scratch with lots of ingredients or a jiffy mix with just a few, when all ingredients are present the taste left in our hearts and minds brings us back for another slice.

Pete Runnels  -  District Governor 36G

‘Be Instrumental in Service’

Have You Ever Wondered If What We Do Makes A Difference?

     I recently had the opportunity to hear and read about how and what Lion’s do can affect the lives of so many, in ways you and I never would have thought of.  I was attending District O’s Convention, and we had the pleasure of listening to a presentation from Canine Companion’s and Guide Dogs for the Blind. These are amazing organizations that train dogs for the blind but also for other disabled needs. The handlers train their dogs in a variety of ways for all the interactions that they will come across and succeed in, to be that ‘top dog’.  Some dogs don’t always reach the ultimate high mark to go on and guide or aid a need we humans may have, but they always have a place in the system to utilize their talents.

     But what really caught my attention was the telling of a true-life story of a dog (companion) that was trained out of the San Rafael Guide Dogs for the Blind location in California. The base that the dogs which come to Oregon are from. The receiver of funds our clubs donate to when we choose to donate to them. My club or your club may have had a financial part in the training of a dog that was in the World Trade Center Tower #1 when it was flown into on 9/11.

     The handler of this certain dog was employed in the tower when the jet was intentionally flown into the building. It is a remarkable story of a calm handler, his well-trained companion and an outcome of that horrific morning. I encourage you to read this book, ‘Thunder Dog – A True Story …’,  you will enjoy it from start to finish.

     Then when requests come before your club, for whatever purpose it may be, take time to think just how it could benefit folks down the road. We don’t always know the results of our generosity … as witnessed in the aforementioned book … but we do know that nobody benefits when we don’t.  WE SERVE … so we can help, in many unknown ways.

‘Be Instrumental in Service’

DG Pete Runnels

Sharing Of Ideas

     Hello again Lions of 36G and all Oregon Lions.  The convention season is on us and by the time this issue comes out two will be complete and there will be two to go. They have been well attended with well over 100 Lion’s attending each one and with good friendship and sharing of ideas expanding to all.  There are still 3 opportunities to attend a convention if you wish. District E and District G are still ahead and then the Multi District 36 Convention in Bandon where we will be celebrating the 100th MD36 Convention … promises of exciting times for this one!

     Speaking of ‘sharing of ideas’ I want to share with you ideas for activities or public relations. PDG Lion Gerald Hopkins - 50 year member from the Elgin Lions Club and our PR chair for 36G recently mailed all club presidents in 36G a list of ideas.  I want to share some of these with all of MD36 as we can always consider doing something new in our clubs.  IDEAS for SERVICE - Sponsor an exchange student, collect tabs for Ronald McDonald house, BINGO, can and bottle recycling, purchase supplies for school children, set up a student video contest, recognize a ‘student of the month’, photo contests, collect dime for diabetes, quilt shows, car shows, help at local parks and museums, walk-a-thons, community picnic or fly-in breakfasts, firework sales, Christmas tree pick-up and help serve community meals to seniors or shut ins. IDEAS for CLUB building - promote Lions through improved communications within the club, develop three member teams to bring in new members, club activities that encourage younger member participation, mentor program to work with less tenured Lions, have FUN at meetings, raise/grow our own through Leo clubs, mix and mingle at you meetings (don’t always sit by the same Lions), listen and learn from other clubs by visitations and when it comes to membership use the “Lose One, Gain One” philosophy - for every member you lose, the club adds one.

     You may be doing some or most of these already and maybe not. This is just meant to be a guide and source for new ideas. There was more Lion PDG Gerald shared with us that we appreciate and thank him dearly for.

DG Pete Runnels ‘Be Instrumental in Service’

Mark the date … April 5th and 6th, 2024

     What is Mission 1.5? You may have heard the term, and maybe not! The thought process behind Mission 1.5 is definite. A definite goal for membership in Lions Clubs worldwide. 1.5 million members by 2025. It is a pledge that we continue to serve our communities and people for the growing needs world-wide. It helps continue the promise made to Helen Keller to be the Knights of the Blind - continuing her work is aiding and assisting those with that specific need.  And there are so many more needs in our communities that we help with. So many new unknowns with which we are dealing with.

     One need in communities that are seldom talked about on a smaller scale is the needs of those kids whose families cannot afford park and recreation fees, or fees for an extracurricular activity. There are organizations out there that have the proper protocols in place that do a good job of screening those in need. With the cooperation of another entity, you know your clubs’ donations will be used properly. There’s another way that WE SERVE!

     Doing our part for Mission 1.5, do not forget our ongoing club challenge to win a registration fee to our District 36G convention. It is shaping up to be a fun-filled weekend in Sisters, Oregon. Mark the date … April 5th and 6th, 2024. Registration fees have been held down the best we could at only $95 per person for all activities. Friday night there will be a hosted BBQ for your enjoyment. All you are responsible for is your beverage of choice. Registration form is in this issue of the Oregon Lion – do not delay, register today!

‘Be Instrumental in Service’                                                                                         DG Pete Runnels

WE'RE REACHING MILESTONES... LET'S CONTINUE RECRUITING NEW MEMBERS AND INITIATING NEW PROJECTS

HAPPY NEW YEAR - 2024! 

     Hello and Happy New Year Lions of Oregon’s MD36-G!  I hope it’s off to a great start for you personally and for your clubs. It is a good time of year to plan ahead and maybe initiate that new project you’ve talked about in the past.

     Also a good time to work on that membership challenge we have going throughout 36-G. Two free registrations to our District 36G Convention to be held in Sisters, Or. are up for grabs! Save that date in April … the 5th and 6th.

     I was really challenged this month on what I should write about and then I received a small package in the mail from Lion’s International. Not knowing what was inside I carefully broke into it and found 78 award letters for years of service and I had my story!

     1,870 combined years of service from 78 dedicated Lions is well worth celebrating! I will give a quick breakdown of the awards here and call out a few Lions for the milestones they have reached serving their club and communities. Here we go:  19  10-year awards; 17 15-year awards; 12 20-year awards; 8 25-year awards; 1 30-year Charter award; 3 35-year awards; 5 40-year awards; and 4 45-year awards!

     I wish I had room here to list all of you by name.  Congratulations and thank you from myself and the clubs and communities you serve. Geez, I feel like a rookie amongst all of that Lionism!

     And here are some shout outs by name for those 50 years and above!  2 50-year Charter Monarch awards:  PCC Al Starns (Burns) and Kenneth Beeman (Island City).  6 50-year Chevrons:  Martin Vavra (LaGrande), Michael Brown (Madras), Frederick Jette (formerly Odell Lions), Elton Fadness (The Dalles), John Duckworth (Wallowa) and PDG Gerald Hopkins (Elgin). Last but not least and hats off to John Byers of The Dalles Lions for 70 years of service! THANK YOU!

     A year from now there will be another whole new group reaching milestones for their respective years of service. We just need to keep it going, a new recruit today is celebrating their year achievements before you know it. And it continues into the future for all to see - WE SERVE - it is clear for all to see!

‘Be Instrumental In Service’

Lion Pete Runnels, District Governor MD36-G

WHEN OUT SERVING ON A PROJECT -- IT COULD BE A GREAT TIME TO RECRUIT A NEW MEMBER

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

     First of all, let me wish you all heartfelt holiday greetings to you and your families! The stress only builds this time of year … manage it your way, and enjoy the memories that can and will be made this holiday season.  Renew old traditions, continue family traditions, or try something that could become a new tradition for years to come!

     Many of our clubs have community service projects that help folks in so many different ways during the holidays. Kudos to all of you for working on a project that benefits those less fortunate in our communities. This is where ‘We Serve’ really becomes obvious to our communities and is a great time to recruit a new member. Many people offer to help with this type of community project - non-Lions a plenty to tap on the shoulder and invite to a meeting.

     As mentioned in my article last month, the 36G Club Membership challenge is on!  The two clubs that recruit the most members by 1) percentage gained and 2) total individuals will win a free registration fee to the district convention!  Again, I remind you to look ahead and plan now to attend the 36G Convention which will be held in Sisters Oregon. Registration information will be out soon. Reserve April 5th and 6th, 2024 on your calendars now for a memorable weekend!  We encourage families to come join in the fun. Teaser … the first 30 people to register will win something for their ‘soles’!

I wish you all A Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

‘Be Instrumental In Service’

Lion Pete Runnels

District Governor MD36-G

So Far Apart … Yet So Similar in Service!

     Hello again Lions of 36G and the Multiple District as well. As I step into my fifth month as District Governor, I find myself traversing the expanse of our District, having visited nearly half of our vibrant clubs, spanning from Hood River to Jordan Valley.  And it has been a joy! There is truly some ‘PRIDE’ out there, whether it’s in the form of dedicated clubhouses and parks, those looking to build a clubhouse, and those that opt to meet at local establishments, supporting our local businesses.  I truly enjoy attending your club meetings and hearing about the variety of projects enriching our communities. It is always remarkable to hear about the fundraisers we have in common. And those that are unique to a club and very cherished by the respective communities.

     There is also the ‘behind the scenes’ work that goes on with many events -- coordinating venues, navigating legalities, and ensuring our dates don’t conflict with other local happenings. Then ‘hope’ that we get a good response, particularly as some projects re-emerge following the COVID pandemic.

     Then comes the ‘reality’ part some of our clubs are facing. We are aging out and with that comes the decision to give up an event to another organization or let it dissolve completely. Sometimes these decisions come from new laws or legal issues or reasons beyond our control and we just have to move on. But one way to keep that special event going is to recruit new members. Ask a friend, relative or neighbor!   We have a membership challenge underway in District 36G. The two clubs that excel in recruiting, by (1) percentage gained and (2) total individuals will win a free registration for the district convention! The details of our district’s convention are being finalized and it will be one you do not want to miss. Reserve April 5-6, 2024, and prepare for a memorable weekend! We encourage families to come join in the fun.

     If you’re curious about Lions Club on a broader scale, seize the opportunity to become a Zone Chair. At this level, you will see and hear more about Lions above the club level. The time commitment is minimal and the rewards can be great. Send me an email if you're interested or ask me when I visit your club.

‘Be Instrumental In Service’

Lion Pete Runnels

District Governor MD36-G

TRADITIONS, HERITAGE and FAMILY

     Well, it has been a busy month and also a time to recall many old traditions, think of the heritage within our clubs and family ties to carry on what are or may become new traditions today or into tomorrow. We just came off our biggest fund raiser of the year here at the Burns Lions Club…operation of our hamburger stand at the local fair and rodeo. The music was playing, we Lions were singing and a good time was had by all. Of course we didn’t miss “Cheeseburger in Paradise’ in tribute. The most famous item we sell at our stand is what has been infamously named ‘Lion Balls’. How proud would the Lions who have left us be, knowing we continue to the day to carry forward this whimsical sweet treat that has put smiles on faces of our youth, now grown adults and senior citizens without fail. How many unique things does your club do that have been carried on for years that has become a local tradition? Be proud of that, what you are doing now may become one of those 50+ year old traditions that will be inherited for future Lion’s use in your club?

     We are fortunate here to have had assistance from our local Boy Scout Troop in selling at the stand. We couldn’t do it without their assistance and our communities helping hands. This is a very big event for a small community and small club. The support of our community is evidenced year after year in our results. We can never say enough thank-yous to express our sheer gratitude.

     And family…How grateful are we to our families to allow us to be gone while we volunteer for our clubs! This year especially hit home for me as I was able to allow my 9 year old granddaughter to assist in the booth. Maybe a future Leo or Lion, yet the seed has been planted for future community service.

‘Be Instrumental In Service’

Lion Pete Runnels

District Governor MD36-G

The Year Begins In Earnest

     It was a heck of a convention! The Lions International Convention held in Boston did not disappoint.  The enthusiasm and exuberance were on full display.  A time when nationality didn’t matter and all came together to show that ‘We Care’ world-wide. The ‘Parade of Nations’ had every country dressed in traditional wear - it was flamboyant and a sight to see!  And it was ‘HOT’ walking that route that seemed to go on and on.

     The Leo’s from Oregon walked earlier than our Oregon contingent and they came back around and walked some with us. It was an honor to represent Oregon along with the rest of Oregon’s contingent.  In my previous article I mentioned family in Spain and would I meet someone … Well, no relatives but I did meet the Spanish contingent who knew of the area my family is from. They however were from the south of Spain and my family is more northern from the Basque region.  Even with broken communication we laughed and communicated like old friends!

     So now the year begins in earnest. I will be scheduling club visitations, carrying my message on to all. I touched on it last month a bit - all the extra stress now in our lives and how I like to deal with it through music. Anxiety, stress, pent up emotions … We all deal with it. The new name for stress syndrome or burn out is Adrenal Fatigue.  Let’s find ways to deal with it for the betterment of Lions everywhere.  If we take care of ourselves first, we have more to give to others for a great cause. The cause of course is what you do locally through your club activities.  And recruiting new members for the cause only helps reduce the pull on each and every one of us.

     MY challenge to you is for each of us to try and recruit just ‘one’ new member … just think of the extra helping hands and sharing of activities reducing your anxiety or stress of an upcoming project.  “In the jungle, the mighty jungle .. the Lion sleeps tonight ……”

‘Be Instrumental In Service’

Lion Pete Runnels

District Governor MD36-G