Pulling together, we succeed and prosper!

     December and the year is half over – hard to believe that although 2020 seems to truly drag on with COVID–19 and its problems. Still time marches on!  May we embrace this Holiday Season and let the spirits move us to help make things better for everyone – family, friends, neighbors and the whole world!  The saying “Where there is a Need, there is a Lion” could never be more true than now.  Oregon with its fires has demonstrated needs that the Lions of the districts more than fulfilled.  From seeking and securing grants to continually using portable kitchens to feed those in need – you are to be applauded for your efforts.

     Looking back on 2020 we started the year out with tons of promising activities, with conference planning going great for each district and the Multiple District.  Then along came March and the big shutdown that meant cancellation after cancellation.  Conventions planned and promises of great times with the camaraderie of like-minded Lions came to an abrupt halt as COVID-19 and the impact of this deadly corona-virus spiking and waning left us all in the lurch.  Thus, districts had to create alternate programs to elect new officers, recognize worthy Lions for their efforts and plan opportunities for a new normal that we still find wanting.

     Probably the worst case is that we can no longer operate as we once did, with face-to-face meetings, fundraising activities or community gatherings.  Postponing or canceling things right and left is still the operative action for the day.  Schools essentially crippled in their educational pursuits, school vision clinics and activities done away with, even parades of celebrations in many communities eliminated.  Will we ever come back or is the so-called new normal here to stay?

     There is hope, with using social media coming to the rescue of meetings, either zoom type or even hybrid programs, to keep us informed and involved.  Club meetings have changed – and some would say for the better, as if one does not want to watch or hear – there is an easy off button to hit.  This means that we must alter the way of doing business, making our meetings both more exciting and worthwhile. At the same time, one hopes that we can meet and get more individual participation and commitment from our members.  Even so, we have to look for those opportunities and activities that are meaningful and allow Lions to serve our purposes in new ways, e.g., drive-by food drives or similar activities with most of what we do for fundraising and other activities.  Now we have to imagine what to do, not just do the same old thing repeated for so many years.

     Of course the time of cooking in-house pancakes, sausage and eggs may be a thing of the memorable past, but using our brain power we should be able to create the good via alternative methods to reach out to our communities.  While I doubt virtual meals will ever catch on, serving those in need must continue to be our mission.

     With December coming and then going, we will be in a New Year, hopefully we can make it a better one for all involved and rewarding for those who put in the time and dedication to serve.  Conventions for a while will probably be virtual, selection for officiating our clubs, zones, regions, districts and even international will be a challenge we will overcome successfully as it is with confidence in Lionism we all move forward as one pride!  Let’s take this opportunity to remember those in the past, honor their service and work for inclusion of so many more that we can find who have similar principles of WE SERVE!

     Life gives us both challenges as well as rewards.  Do not let life’s little diversions get in the way of positive progress of mankind.  Pulling together, we succeed and prosper!  Make this Holiday Season one to remember fondly and with grace as well as humility.

Lion Duties Will Continue Year-Round

     November is normally in the middle of Autumn – days may be dreary, weather a bit wet and perhaps even snow piling on at higher elevations.  But – as I write this column we’ve not even had a frost, sunshine has allowed days in the upper 70s and low 80s, and the fires of September seem to still be burning but not threatening anyone at this time.  These fires were devastating for many of our friends and neighbors and the aftermath is in its beginning stages including documenting the financial loss, getting permission for cleaning up the debris and planning for rebuilding homes, places of business and municipal buildings.  FEMA is now on the ground assisting these many folk in evaluating the damages and creating pathways for the future.  May they be expeditious in their attempts and allow our displaced citizens find some normalcy,

     Usually by now here in the Upper Hood River Valley we will have had a killing frost, the last of the tomatoes and squash plants showing signs of past life, grape leaves shrinking and falling, even apples and pears showing fall colors by mid-October.  Nothing of the kind so far.  My pears harvested and several apple trees yet to be pick, final sprays done on the major orchard areas, preparing for winter and time to enjoy the slower lifestyles of winter to come.  Crops were adequate although some frost marking from cool spring weather.  Average crop tonnage all around, not a bumper crop, yet I am sure most will be sold in various markets.  Just to let you all know – orchardists never know at harvest time what they will make – but find out next year – August for the Bartlett pears and by October for the D’Anjous.

     Lion duties will continue year-round, recruiting new members and clubs will always be paramount in what we do, although Covid-19 has definitely placed a damper on activities.  Zoom and other visual meetings have become popular as well as necessary.  Hybrid meetings where video and in-person assemblages are taking place, as are teleconferencing.  Sure wish at least locally we could all go back quickly to in-person meetings as they are more informative and being able to be with friends beats merely seeing visuals! 

     2020 surely has negatively impacted what we can do as Lions.  Not being able to do many of our service projects will potentially cause losses in membership.  Fundraising has, for a great many, halted what we do as well. Through all this Lions International continues to offer a plethora of activities, webinars and assistive programs.  The North American Membership Initiative (NAMI) has roots in each of our districts and with the Global Action Teams (GAT) will do the best to slow down the drop in members, recruit new Lions and clubs and retain those Lions thinking about dropping membership.  We all need to work together and think of new ways for service to make our clubs better, our communities more fulfilling and our lives filled with hope and pleasure. 

     Lions International hosted the USA/Canada Lions Leadership Forum the in September fully via social media.  Some glitches were encountered in connecting, but many good sessions delivered.  It demonstrates that we can survive via this new and demanding process, but I still want in-person meetings, trainings and gatherings to take place.  Perhaps once a Covid-19 inoculation becomes proven and is used widely, we can all come together and welcome each other to another ‘new normal’ seeing each other once again without fear!  In all probability the next Council of Governors and Oregon Lions Sight and Hearing Foundation meetings will be via Social Media, but I hope that in the new year we’ll be able to rub shoulders once again!  Until our next issue – I remain your servant leader – contact me if you need help or wish to converse!

Enhancing Lions and Possibility Thinking

     As I sit here in relative safety from fire or wind, I feel it is time to reflect on a number of things.  Several years ago, with the Columbia River Gorge fire I was placed on a Level 2 Evac Notice – gather your stuff, put it all into your most trusty vehicle and wait for further instructions and, if Level 3 comes, get the heck out of there to a safe place!  This conflagration for many of our friends and neighbors is different – more fires, more populated areas, lots of wind and, I would imagine, even some human caused fires.  Almost seems the whole state is on fire west of the Cascade Summit from north to south.  Let us as Lions not only observe what is happening, but help or donate and assist those in need.  I pray for few losses of life, but hold my breath that little human damage occurs.  Our state will look different once this is over. So, as they say, let the healing begin.  Forested areas can be replanted and lost homes rebuilt. Those suffering losses will need our empathy, help and understanding.  Time will heal the ugly burn scars, but the human toll and needs will be great and long lasting.  May we as Lions be up to the task, ensuring our communities are a better place to live, work and play.

     LCIF, our International Foundation, has a number of grants available to assist disaster areas.  Immediate $10,000 grants are available and additional monies can be used with a match program to help local communities impacted by disasters.  Districts O, R and E are eligible now to take advantage – after all, “Where There is a Need, There is a Lion”.  May we also as individuals and clubs step up and help!

     Every year there is the mantra from Lions Clubs International to increase our numbers as well as ensure the retention of loyal Lions.  All too often we take for granted that Lions will continue to stay without question.  We need to change that paradigm, as often what we as clubs have to offer no longer interests or satisfies the needs.  Whenever a Lion drops membership have you actually found out why??  A myriad of reasons can be given, but essentially all too often clubs do not respond to the times or desires of membership.  Are your activities fulfilling and satisfying – or merely doing it as “we’ve done it the same way for years”.  Do we as leaders involve members in the decision-making process consistently?  Do we as clubs change leadership on a regular basis – including chairmanships of different activities and fundraisers?

     Lions Clubs International has a plethora of programs that will assist clubs in almost every way.  However, we need to encourage our members to use what is available as well as to share the new ideas and skills we may amass when we take the opportunity to learn from others.  Even though the Corona Virus has all too often interrupted our lives and activities, there are ways that we can still progress.  My own club has decided to “blow out 2020” with a New Year’s Eve Fireworks extravaganza.  I guess we feel that even with COVID-19, we want to serve our community and move it forward!  Snow and rain will not stop us and we are now in the planning stage after receiving permission from the Port to proceed!

     Enhancing Lions and Possibility Thinking have been my mottoes of late, the ideas of we can, we must and we serve are all akin to what Lions can accomplish when pulling together.  So – continue to recycle those eye glasses and hearing aids, screen for vision and hearing in school and community events and really make your places of living places anyone would be happy to live in.  Think of those less privileged and work to improve their lives, whether they are your neighbors, relatives or from a foreign country.  Continue that sense of volunteerism that we are known for, as it warms our hearts and minds when we see the appreciation it brings!  Until next month – stay safe and work your Lions Heart to its fullest.

May we all reach a star or two this year!

I hope that this issue finds all of our Lions in MD-36 well and working to make our communities better places to work, live and play in. These are challenging times where we must take the opportunity to change due to COVID 19 and other factors. Perhaps no longer can we always meet face-to-face, but instead will need to look at some hybrid programs to accomplish things we’ve taken for granted. My own club has not met face- to-face since early March, but we have discovered that Zoom meetings actually work – especially if one has an agenda from which to work. Of course, service planning and activities may need to broaden our options but, with imagination, we can get things done and become more relevant and valuable to our members and friends.

Lions Clubs International has embarked on targeted programs for member recruitment and retention. Clubs, zones, districts and multiple districts in LCI Constitutional Area 1 – US and North America in general have embraced NAMI – the North American Membership Initiative, with the goals of stopping our member losses and increasing membership. We have already investigated any number of programs that LCI has available, from the using the Healthy Club survey, interviewing members in person who have dropped, changing leadership of our clubs periodically as well as other systems any club can request, review and initiate at the local level. Each of our districts has a “NAMI Champion” with PDG and GAT Membership Chair Judith Poage as our MD Champ! Clubs are encouraged to get involved in the program for growth by encouraging each member to seek new members – after all, more members mean we can serve more and do a better job. At one time in the not too distant past, the Hood River Clubs and zone were truly designated as a group ‘that can’ – that works well together, supports each other and involves themselves in activities, programs and service projects, leading to a real sense of belonging. I often wonder where that feeling went? Did we get so busy in individual club activities we lost sight of the zone? Can we get it back? I know we can with the help of each club working together, with like-minded non-Lions and becoming more visible in our towns and cities.

The PDGA (Past District Governors Association) members in District O are having monthly meetings – both in-person as well as via social media—and Inviting IDs to address the gathering, hosting a picnic at Dan Wolf’s home and social distancing while enjoying food and camaraderie adds to the atmosphere of getting together and discussing Lions goals, and what can be done to assist the District Governor in their success. Remember that PDGs have had the experience of area leadership and can be of great assistance to current Governors, to clubs and zones. Ask them for ideas, for help and assistance as they are here to serve you in your need.

The MD-36 Directory should be in your hands by the time you read this issue of the Oregon Lion. Presidents and other Lions will have their copy – perhaps you can borrow it and see all the information it contains. I have always found it useful, if for no other reason than to find someone’s address, phone number or when and where a club is meeting. As Lions we often think we are alone in our endeavors, that things may have been tried before and were wanting, but always remember that if it doesn’t work – it does not mean it was wrong – perhaps just not the right time. So – if you fall – get back up, with a smile and try again. Success is based on work, togetherness, and aiming for the sky! May we all reach a star or two this year.

Enhancing Friendships

July/August 2020

What a way to finish a Lions year and start a new one – canceling both the District E and G conventions as well as the MD 36 Convention at the state level, the Lions Clubs International Convention in Singapore and who knows how many local, Zone and Cabinet meetings? How many service projects have been cast aside or postponed? COVID-19 has created havoc worldwide and forced us into a ‘new way of doing business’.  Instead of meeting in person, now it’s via some sort of electronic media, often by either Zoom or Go to Meeting! This method at least forces us to maintain safe distances from each other. I want the old and accepted method to return as soon as possible, as electronic media does not capture the true ambiance of being together in person!

However, we have to adjust to the here and now creating new methods to solve old opportunities and to recognize that with ingenuity there can be new successful solutions. The need for Lions Service has increased while our numbers have continued to dwindle. The human animal does their best to make the environment change to what is desired, however this time it is WE who have to adjust to Mother Nature’s whims.

There is much good that has been started throughout MD 36 which can continue, either with slight adjustments or perhaps via rethinking and new applications of time and effort. Things like Lions Quest are still available, the Oregon Lions Sight and Hearing Foundations is revamping school screening to ensure our students get the best visual evaluations possible and the myriad service programs at more local levels will be completed with the imagination of creative Lions worldwide! I ask that you give like you have never given before – dedicate anew your efforts to make our communities better places of live work and play, make a difference in the lives of the needy and reap those rewards of being the best you can be.

My motto for the year is Enhancing Friendships, meaning that we must reach out to others, perhaps even to those we have not thought about being necessarily our friends. Working with other community-oriented groups like Rotary or Kiwanis, seeing how we can access Chambers of Commerce, even working with the Faith Communities will help get Lions principles into the communities as a whole. Volunteering where we can be of assistance, both in the present as well as when COVID-19 lessens social distancing, helps us be the true voice for the communities in which we live. Always remember that service projects need not mean we are fundraising, but working for those impacted by homelessness, physical injury or malady, even illnesses we can’t imagine. It’s up to us to make this planet better for all of us! Make this the year of Lionistic ideals, of progress for the least that the best may thrive!

Let’s start the year off right, make it memorable, fun and let us share in the bounty that is before us. Lions all, for each other to enhance us each to the fullest.  ‘Til next month, your faithful servant CC Paul.