NOVEMBER NEWSLETTER

“November Newsletter”

    As the time draws near for me to submit my article for this magazine, I start stressing over it.  I never have been at ease writing, so I procrastinate to the last possible moment, which I have done again. However, things are different this month; I have several things to write about.
    First, PCC Joyce Anderson sent me an e-mail regarding the USA/Canada Forum to be held next year in Portland.  Her committee has almost everything ready to go.  The one thing she really needs now is people to volunteer.  She could use at least 300 volunteers to fill the various jobs at the Forum.  So, please put this on your calendars right away and e-mail PCC Joyce when you can work.  Thanks in advance.
    Second, PDG Wes King called with a special request.  He is putting together a grant request to Lions Club International for $85,000 to help fund a $2.5 million expansion at their facility south of Eugene.  Dogs for the Deaf not only provides dogs for the hearing impaired but also trains and provides dogs for autistic children.  It is remarkable how these dogs help autistic children.  PDG Wes needs to raise $42,000 in matching fund.  If you would like to donate individually or as a Lions club, make your checks out to Dogs for the Deaf, 10175 Wheeler Road, Central Point, OR 97520.  Let’s all get on board and help this worthy cause.  PDG Wes has to submit his grant application sometime mid-December.
    Third, International President Corlew sent out an e-mail regarding Lions-sponsored parades.  Recently, a Lion’s club in Indiana received some very negative publicity regarding controversial floats in their parade.  So if your club sponsors a parade, please check out the float entries prior to giving them permission to participate. This will save a lot of embarrassment for Lions here in Oregon.  If your club is submitting a float in a non-Lion sponsored parade, it is ok, just try to stay away from any controversial or negative float if you can.  If you need more information, check out President Corlew’s website.
    Remember the holidays are coming up so please help your local food banks. Thank you.  WE SERVE

Three months have come and gone since our new Lions year started. What have you done for the Lions of Oregon and Northern California?  I know the Lions who are working on the Centennial Celebration have done a lot already and are continuing to work to make Multiple District 36's Centennial Celebration extremely memorable.

Those Lions working on the USA/Canada Forum are also working hard. Both groups could use additional help.

How many of you have asked someone to join your Lions Club this past three months?  I know it isn't always easy as none of us like rejection, but go ahead and try.  You will be surprised at the responses you get.  Invite them to come to one of your projects.  Many join when they see the good they can do for their communities.

Now to change the focus a little. Two years ago we asked Lions to reach out and help 100 million people prior to our Centennial Celebration. We've already reached that goal and then some. Don't stop now just because we have surpassed our goal.

Our International President Corlew has asked Lions to join him in a worldwide week of service in Sight, to end preventable blindness and visual impairment in our communities during the week of October 10-16.  Each club that has a service project such as a vision screening or White Cane donation will receive special recognition. We can change lives this October.

October 1 was the deadline to get the peace poster kits. I hope that each club got their kits and distributed them to the schools.

As I finish this column, I urge each of you to register for the Centennial Convention in Chicago.  Be a part of Lions history.

“Commodo cursus magna, vel scelerisque nisl consectetur et. Donec id elit non mi porta gravida at eget metus.”

— Hope K.

SEPTEMBER NEWSLETTER

    There is an old adage that says “Time flies when you are having fun”.  I must be having a lot of fun as it seems like I just submitted my first article to the magazine.  In fact I am having fun, with all the activities of my own Club as well as helping the La Grande Lions Club (my old Club), in their food booth at the Union County Fair.  If people only realized how much fun we Lions do have, they would be beating down our doors to join.  Somehow we need to get the word out.
    Our International President Bob Corlew has issued a call to all Lions everywhere to join together with him and his theme of New Mountains to Climb, by helping those who are less fortunate, promoting peace and understanding around the world and taking us Lions to new heights.  We Lions have a rich history over the last 100 years of changing lives.  We can continue to achieve this and even more when we work together.
    What can we do to help our president Bob Corlew climb these new mountains? He has set three main goals.  First: Lead through service by hosting youth, vision, hunger and environmental projects as part of Centennial Service Challenge.  Club secretaries have the criteria for each project.  We all do these.  It is just a matter of reporting to International.
    The second is:  inviting family, friends and neighbors to join us in a service.  We have friends or family who aren’t Lions.  We just need to be persistent in asking them to join us.
    The third: connect with the community you serve by doing a Centennial/ Legacy Project.  Your club secretary has the information you will need to complete one of these.
    Remember!!! WE SERVE

JULY/AUGUST NEWSLETTER

As we start this 2016-17 Lions year, I would like to borrow and paraphrase a quote that PCC Rod Bach uses on all his Lions e-mails, “It is a great (day) year to be a Lion”.  The District Governors are back from Japan and have hit the ground running.  I know each Council Chair claimed that they had the best District Governors, but I know that I have the best.  They had most of their work done back in March including the theme for the year, “Soaring Up The Mountain”, the cover showing Mt. Hood with a Lion/Eagle soaring up the mountain, and most of their appointees.  What a group. 

This year is going to be exciting as we begin the 100 year celebration and the preparation for the 2017 USA/Canada Forum to be held in Portland.  The committees are working hard for both events.  I encourage each club to start their plans to make this 100 year celebration a huge success.  We are having signs made to hang on a truck. There will be a set for each District to use in parades or other events that clubs have.  Be sure to check with your District Governor to get your name on the list.  Remember:  first come first served.  We are planning for the events to be held at the May State Convention in Pendleton.  If you have any ideas, please pass them on. The more exposure we get the better chance we have in getting new members to join Lions.  We need each and every one to get involved.  Our District Governors are already starting their visitations.  You will hear more when they come to your club meeting.  Please support them.  We want the 2016-17 year to be the best year ever with membership growth and new clubs started.  We must stop the decline.  Failure to do this is not an option we can afford.  Yogi Berra said it best, “Failure is just another opportunity to start over”.  Many clubs have failed lately so as you work in your Districts use them as an opportunity to start over.

June Newsletter

Last month I identified how a healthy body is similar to a healthy Lions club.

Attitude is also an essential ingredient in a Lions club being able to be of service.  A positive outlook towards our club projects and our members will produce positive results.

The more our members are appreciated for their volunteer work, and acknowledged by other Lions in the club and the District, the more they will want to serve the community.  One of the best things the District leaders can do is to thank the Lions for what they do.

At the MD36 Convention this year, Lions were appreciated and recognized for their volunteer work.  I was impressed with our Governors and their clear and substantial “thanks” for the Lions in their respective District’s.

Our International Director Rod Wright delivered an impressive speech at the Saturday night banquet emphasizing how Lions are there to support each other in times of stress and need.  I was personally appreciative of his message because of the help provided by the Council of Governors, particularly Vice Council Chair Brad King for his chairing the COG meeting while I was at a doctor’s appointment.  Thank you, Brad.  The Governors also did an exemplary job while fulfilling their assigned sessions.  Thank you, Wes, Chuck, Hank and Paul.

This last article as Council Chair gives me an opportunity to personally thank each of the Committee chairs for fulfilling their requested responsibilities throughout the year.  Thank you. 

“Where There’s a Need There’s a Lion “; our MD36 Lions were all in this year.