Lions of MD 36, well howdy

Lions of MD 36, well howdy. I begin by letting Y’all (that means You ALL) know that I am half Texan, so some of my phraseology might seem a little different. But I did “grow up” in Ashland and always considered my-self an Oregonian.

I will soon be stepping into the role of 36-E District Governor, behind those whom I follow and admire greatly, Gail Black, Steve Brewster and Paul Novak. I had not planned to be a DG, but they encouraged me (drafted me actually). They have provided me inspiration for the 5 years I have been a Lion in this

District. I transferred to the Ashland Lions Club from the Poulsbo (Washington) Club, moving back HOME when the Covid-19 mis-adventure started. My years living away were spent as a civilian Naval Submarine Systems mechanical engineer/naval architect, so sometimes my thought patterns may be a little unique.

I love being a Lion. My first Global Cause is Vision. I am very happy when I am sorting and cleaning glasses at the Southern Oregon Sight and Hearing Center in Medford, when handing out readers and sunglasses at the homeless / low-income County Resource Center, when helping with the School Vision Screening Program. I was once in the situation of possibly losing functional vision, so it is natural that would be my passion. I hope to ensure that preschool children also will benefit from Vision Screening, as some conditions, like “Lazy-eye” must be treated very early to ensure their best vision possible.

After experiencing the Almeda Fire a few years ago, my second Global Cause is Disaster Recovery. The incredible project that Linda Stent implemented and shared; the preparation of 2-day survival buckets, is something we should try to duplicate in order to ease the hardships after wildfires, flooding, earthquake.

My theme is “Kindness begins with You.” Kindness and Generosity are themes my family always engendered. “Random acts of Kindness” is my guiding path. It is vital on so many levels and can make your life the best it can be.

So, I would like for y’all to work with me, be patient with me, support me, educate me, and hopefully share in an excellent Lions Year.