Make A Positive Difference In The Lives Of Our Communities

     Do April Showers really bring May flowers?  A thousand questions and too many answers that may not truly apply to Multiple District 36!  There are really certainties though – ten months down and two more reports to go!  Although we often use the pandemic woes of Covid - 19 to act as cover for not doing, its new normals have created various opportunities for each of us to embrace and use to our fullest!  Zoom meetings afford us to save time and travel – but the negative is not having the ambiance of in-person contact, as well as often not following closely the agendas created.

     All the while, meeting in person or via Zoom type activities, as Lions Leaders we have to ask ourselves – are we doing our best to serve the needs of our members and communities?  District Governors – are you doing all in your power and interest to seek new members in an organized way, utilizing your GAT and NAMI appointees?  Have you had actual contact with your members throughout your districts?  Are your Zone Chairs meeting and reporting their efforts?  If not – the time left is a must, as the membership numbers continue to show losses multiple district wide. Coordinate your efforts at ensuring there is a remedy to this, so that your legacy can be on a positive uptick for your successor Governors.  Stop the drop, contact those Lions who have dropped membership this year and find out why they have chosen to drop as Lions – that must be done to assist membership improvements for the future.

     District Conventions are about finished with R being held on May 1 and the MD on May 14-15 for the grand finale.  Planning is in the future by next year’s DGs, and hopefully they will have in-person components if not being fully in person.  Vaccines should allow for the vaunted ‘herd immunity’ to allow for much greater personal contact times for Lions – to do activities, serve their communities in fundraising as well as in service projects, conduct meetings and enjoy Lions camaraderie world-wide.  Of course we still must be aware of personal distance and mask up when necessary.

     Did you know the easiest method for supporting our Oregon Lions Sight and Hearing Foundation is through monthly checking account or credit card deductions via a process called PRIDE?  It is a seamless way of assuring your support for those in need of vision assistance and/or hearing improvements.  I am asking that you consider this way of donating – it’s almost totally painless, you get a tax deduction and your money goes to a great cause!  Just lately, Lion Brad King has traveled throughout the state delivering mugs as well as glasses recycling boxes to various local areas to in turn be delivered to those members who currently give to PRIDE, and boxes to collect used eyeglasses to either replace old ones or to new locations.  Will you join us in doing so?  Let us see if every club has at least one PRIDE donor, and those who already donate recruit others to donate as well.

     May often means planting gardens – veggies as well as flowers.  Mowing lawns, ensuring our homes look attractive and even beautifying our surroundings.  We can attempt to do the same with our Lions Clubs and Districts through volunteering our expertise and time assisting elected leadership, becoming a part of making our clubs the best they can be.  Volunteerism is not yet dead – we collectively can make a positive difference in the lives of our communities, making them better places to work, live and play!  All it takes is time dedicated to a cause – working at cleaning up roads, volunteering at a club event, recycling pop and beer cans and bottles, becoming a club board member or officer, attending a Lions District Governor Cabinet meeting, or many other activities that could pique your interest and be fulfilling!  Let’s start making it a priority as WE SERVE in all capacities to make things better for everyone!

Always Remembering To Thank And Appreciate Those Dedicated Lions

     April already – where has the time gone?  Conventions have come and gone and yet more on the way.  Elections for filling offices for next year are in the forefront and training for Officers and Cabinet Positions now become a must.  Our Virtual MD36 Convention is shaping up with ID Justice C. Shea Nickell and his significant other Dr. Carolyn Sue Watson from Kentucky our International Guests.  We’ll have a great time getting to know them and visiting with each other to share ideas, projects and learning some new skills along the way.  Be sure to take advantage of whatever convention you attend and volunteer to share with your clubs and members the new ideas and experiences you have.  WE SERVE being the motto, does not mean that your new knowledge is held within – share these new experiences widely, after all, as Lions we represent the best in our communities – and they deserve our participation in making things better for one and all!

     Every year for the past too many, the Lions of MD36 have decreased in membership. The current year we have lost members in every District.  District O has 42 fewer members than they had in February 2020, District R now with 45 fewer, District E losing 28 and finally District G has suffered a loss of 40.  This means that even without the problems associated with the Pandemic of Covid, with less members we have not the capacity to continue with the regular activity agenda we have been doing!  Less service, money raised, individuals involved, etc, and even more so, less people being served at both the local and international levels. It is now the time for vigorous recruiting – new members as well as trying our best to capture some of our more experienced Lions who have dropped out of our prides!  I hate to bring up California as an example, but there are more clubs, many more members and obviously more people being served than last year!  If they have found success, we should be able to as well.

     Speaking of our money issues – how well have we raised and donated to the two best Foundations associated with Lions?  Oregon Lions Sight and Hearing Foundation needs and deserves our unqualified support both as clubs and individuals.  The OLSHF does much more than screening of school age kids, service to needy is truly a motto they have filled for all the years they have been around.  What a dedicated staff: friendly, efficient and caring, from Executive Director Doug Thompson to those who volunteer in some way to assist them in their work.  Lions Club International Foundation is as dedicated to International efforts to assist those in need throughout the world.  In Oregon we have been the beneficiaries of about $2 million in grants from LCIF, Emergency grants for fires and floods, purchasing needed PPEs and medical needs, assistance in creating eye clinics, food banks, purchasing ambulances, rehabilitating hospital rooms and much, much more,  WE must work at increasing the donations to these excellent Foundations as clubs and individuals.  Let us step up and work on new and innovative fundraisers that will give us the funds so badly needed  for the dedicated Lions and others serving foundations.

     When we reflect on where we are, where we have been and where we want to be, let us determine first what the needs are, then how can we best achieve meeting those needs, and always remembering to thank and appreciate those dedicated Lions ever doing the necessary work to make the whole world a better place to work, live and play.  We can ill afford to sit back and watch, we must step up and play our part!  Thanks to the many who served in the past, who currently give and whose involvement may even increase.  You are needed and I applaud your time and efforts.  Until next time, I remain as your servant leader, CC – Z, awaiting my new Boston Terrier pup – Rhett! (He will be here before this issue is printed!)

We Can Overcome Obstacles

     It’s now March, normally the middle of the time for District Conventions, the elections for District Administrations, the incoming District Governor, First Vice Governor and Second Vice Governor all being chosen, the new Oregon Lions Sight and Hearing Trustees for each Districts elected, and the usual awards ceremonies designating the honors received by deserving Lions for their service in Lionism.  However, since Covid–19 took center stage the normal was thrown out the window.  In-person Conventions replaced by fully media generated ones, or at best with modified in-person and zoom generated experiences will be the normal for this year and perhaps years to come.  The advantages for Zoom type meetings is lower costs, less travel and the ability often to serve with more members being present for learning.  The real disadvantage – the actual loss of being there – lack of ambiance of presence.  What we have experienced in the past may no longer the present and future.  Whatever the mix, we need to embrace the possibilities and make better use of technology with all its uses!

     Now two thirds of our COG year has passed.  Some clubs have embraced the technology of meeting via our computers, phone and tablets.  We’ve even continued service projects as well, although with fewer participants and perhaps less money raised and subsequent less given to various causes.  My own club has somewhat embraced meeting every two weeks with zoom, but our service has essentially gone by the wayside.  We did substitute the lack of doing our traditional Old Fashioned 4th of July Fireworks with a blast our 2020 New Year’s Eve presentation, but no parking cars at the County Fair or Harvest Fest, no Western Antique Automobile and Aeroplane Fly In cooking, and many other opportunities to meet, greet and do things in person.  The need to fund-raise and donate is ever more important and the needs ultimately greater!  Luck was with us in budgeting as we did not spend all of our previous year’s Administrative account.  So we could meet most of what our club saw as annual obligations – so we are spending down the rest of what we have saved.  We will be looking and searching for opportunities to replenish that account with fewer members involved and greater emphasis on efficiency.

     Now is the time as well for all clubs to search for new members, personally interview those past Lions who have dropped out the past two or so years, and actually honestly evaluate where we are as viable Lions Clubs.  We can overcome obstacles put in place when we collectively determine how to overcome them.  Find out why we’ve dropped members, determine how we can recruit new Lions and how each of us get involved in both this recruitment process as well as recognize those who have ‘done the job’ for Lions everywhere in the past.  With determination as well as reality thinking, these problems can be overcome.  Do not use the pandemic as an excuse – let’s collectively get to work with recruiting to truly make our communities great places to live, work and play.  It is up to us, the time is now, and the possibilities for success are actually almost endless.

     My challenge to District leaders – let us as well evaluate where we have been as well as where we want to go.  Fill up those cabinet positions with Lions willing and trained to get the job done.  Create those training programs that will give opportunities for new and varied leadership, look at the unrepresented Lions and ask why they may not have stepped up.  Make opportunities for new members, new leaders and new Lions – it is imperative and necessary that we change what we are doing now and in the past, as with fewer members we can no longer do what we have been doing.  Our successes can be endless if we just do some possibility thinking and action.  It is up to us – individually and collectively.  So – JUST DO IT!   ‘Til next month – I remain your humble servant leader.

What Can We Do as Lions

     A new month, new US President and Administration, new Oregon Legislative Session with requests, bills, etc. all happening at once - - but under the same old “New Normal” Covid–19 issues being paramount!   District and probably Multiple District Conventions will be held via social media – less expensive but the ability to attract more numbers in attendance, different methods in presentations for Lionism to come to you - the various Lions throughout Oregon and Northern California.  Take advantage of this opportunity to learn what is happening in our Districts while staying in your living room in comfort without having to venture to far away locations!  Pajamas may even be worn, and that “cuppa joe” warmed anytime will be the fare!  District Convention Committees are trying to work the miracles of getting good topics together, interesting presentations ready and recruiting Lions to attend.  Takes away the expensive way to participate in Lions at a higher level – and one can even attend all of the district and multi-district events without breaking your bank account.

      What can we do as Lions as far as activities?  Things can be similar to what we normally do with imaginative twists.  My own Eye Opener Lions Club has been putting on the 4th of July Old Fashioned Fireworks since the Jaycees folded around 1980.  For many years the fireworks were set off by fuses – hand lighting each, then even before the tube cooled down, a new explosive was placed in and once again, hand lit.  Neither safe nor well-coordinated. For safety, in the early 2000’s several of us pyros worked on an electrical switching panel, boxes of switches, wiring tube racks and all the rest.  Then came 2020 and Covid-19 – and no way for July 4th Fireworks due to Covid-19.  Undaunted we spoke to each other in late summer/early fall and decided to work the calendar for New Year’s Eve.  Getting permission from the Port of Hood River to set off pyrotechnics, permits from the state fire marshal, raising funds and doing a quick set-up and firing off the shells and boxes at 8 PM.  Some thought it could not be accomplished, but the fireworks were appreciated by thousands who observed! We Blew out 2020 and now look forward to doing the 4th once again.

     Parking cars at local events, cooking breakfasts and lunches at others, have been our main money raisers.  Some clubs have invested in trailers for bottle and can recycling – which has proved profitable but care needs to be taken due to the pandemic when sorting – masks, distance, etc.  So – what are your clubs doing since we can no longer do the usual fundraising activities?  Cyber eats and take-out meals could be considered.   Let us know what your clubs are doing and share the ideas!  Auctions and raffles need to become a greater part of fundraising as there is less personal contact and you still can have fun participating. 

     Serving the needs of the local community and the broader needs all over the world costs money and time.  Luckily we do have several foundations associated with Lions that we can become an integral part of.  Oregon Lions Sight and Hearing Foundation serves us locally with visual screening of school kids and similar localized activities.  Lions Clubs International Foundation serves more broadly – Grants for Disaster Relief, fighting to make the world a safer place with fewer diseases, curbing hunger, becoming better environmental stewards, and more – to make the whole world a better place in which to live, work and play.  These efforts take money, time and effort!   You can help as can your clubs.  Donations made to both Foundations will help fulfill their goals.  Individually, donate to PRIDE via credit card or bank auto withdrawal – it’s easy and you are helping a great cause.  I make automatic $20 per month to Pride and every other year $1,000 goes to LCIF for a Melvin Jones Progressive award, and I also give more to both sporadically.  Makes me feel good that I can assist - can you?  So – go forth, fundraise, donate, give your efforts to help and say HI and HOPE YOU ARE WELL to your friends, neighbors and relatives!  Let everyone know you CARE and WE SERVE!

Where Do We Go From Here?

     The holiday season has now come and gone – Christmas, Kwanzaa and all the other celebrations a mere memory of good times. Of remembrances and of honoring those who have gone before us or at least thinking of what the season truly stands for.  The year has past, may 2021 become a year of promises kept, of better national health, the real vaccine to help eradicate Covid–19, the installation of a new president and – we need – the healing of all from the discord of the past.

     It has been said that time heals all wounds, but it takes an honest person to acknowledge their own foibles.  Although we can never truly take back things we have said in anger or disgust, we can all model the appropriate behavior we all know to be correct.  Let us all as Lions really start the healing from the past.  Half a year has gone by, Oregon’s share of tragedies are being addressed, lost homes, from the conflagrations we suffered in September will be remedied through rebuilding, the forests will be replanted and nature will heal the wounds suffered.

     So, where do we go from here?  Covid still will linger for a period, conventions will be done through the social media of Zoom or some other offering. Some of us will in all probability be able to meet in person, as long as we take proper precautions, masks, safe distances and honoring the edicts from state, medical and national rules and regulations regarding the pandemic.  As Lions we must both adjust and proceed somewhat as usual.  Our collective numbers are dramatically down from last year, so we must strive to increase them.  Some have left the den as we have not addressed their needs.  Others dropped membership because of not having meetings – often either in person or social media.  AS members have you contacted or asked how your fellow Lions are doing?  Have you asked about their health or mental state or even made contact if only to say “Hi”?

     Clubs need to remember that not only have we a responsibility to serve our communities, we need to serve members as well.  Service programs that have been somewhat ignored need to be re-thought as to ensure their successes.  Working with other community organizations should give you at least some satisfaction of doing a great job in service to others.  Using our collective imaginations should lead to innovative activities for fundraising, for making our town and areas better places to live work and play.  Go out and seek new members, create the good in Lions and then make it work for one and all.

     Clubs are said to wither when there is no excitement about what we are doing.  Let’s change that into vitality with action.  Become the leader that can and will take us to the new levels that create success and make more individuals want to join in on the fun of Lionism.  Lions Clubs International is there to assist us in making our clubs better for all of us.  Check their website often, take part in what they have available online, learn and then implement what can be done locally as a club, and regionally as a zone.  Lastly, do not forget that we have several great Foundations – our own Oregon Lions Sight and Hearing Foundation serving the basic vision and hearing needs of our communities (as well as working to combat other tragic maladies), and Lions Clubs International Foundation working to end vision problems, childhood cancer, world-wide hunger, save the environment, make the world a better place for children and truly put the SERVE into Action.  Let’s make a resolution to donate money to both foundations as clubs and individuals – make the world a better place!  Then – be sure to put our motto into active mode – WE SERVE!

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.