RIPPLES OF SERVICE

Over the past 40 plus years as a Lion, I never believed that I would be given such a high honor as that of your District Governor.   I have known many District Governors and as a rule, they were folks who caused ripples in their communities, ripples of hope, growth, and betterment.  I hope that we can continue this tradition and if I can assist you, let me know.  I’ll do what I can whether it is from here in Klamath Falls or a visit to or about your project.  I want to be like many who preceded me.  They were people who weren’t satisfied with the status quo, instead they found ways to make their communities better.  They were willing to spend their time improving parks, feeding folks who were hungry, getting swimming pools built and all sorts of things that make things easier, and life more enjoyable for people.  Sometimes it’s hard work, like driving a Sight and Hearing Bus around the State, sometimes, it is silly fun, like being a clown in a parade.  Ripples, created by Lions have changed lives of children and adults adding to the base of productive citizens.  So often we do not know what that change is, but for many the change can be astronomical.  Perhaps it’s only being able to read a bedtime story to a child or grandchild, or maybe it means being able to keep-up and respond in a college class.  Glasses so often are the major stepping stone to productivity.

I am proud of the many service projects I have heard about, as I’ve been here and there in the state of Orgon visiting with Lions.  Together in service we can make amazing ripples in our communities, in our State and throughout the world we live in. 

I believe strongly in ripples.  We don’t need tidal waves to do good.  Let’s look for the smaller, impactful projects that maybe don’t change the whole world, but make a whole world of difference for one or a few individuals.   

Yours in Service,

Barbara S. “Barb” Dehlinger