I had no idea how much my wife and I would learn!

I told you I would come back from the International Convention knowing much more about Lionism. Wow - I had no idea how much my wife and I would learn! For us, the Conference started with District Governor Elect (DGE) training on July 2. My wife got her first taste of Hong Kong/Kowloon with Lion DGE spouses we had met. We participated at the many Convention events through July 8th. We had excellent Sheraton accommodations, wonderful meals at Asia World Expo and restaurants at, or near, our hotel.

But the best part was the fellowship we experienced at the Convention. Lions from more than 200 countries were represented, most countries with matching outfits. Pin trading provided an ice breaker removing language barriers. So many Lions (18,000+)–all we met were friendly. Some of the many takeaways: You are a member of the largest service organization in the world with over 1.4 million members –and growing. We are in year three of a membership drive to get to 1.5 million members.

Other countries are increasing their membership, but the United States, where Lions began, is lagging. To continue to serve our communities, we need continued focus to add new members. Please make an effort to do the same for your Club and our District! We listened to presentations from our outgoing International President (IP), AP Singh from India and our incoming IP Mark Lyon (appropriately named!) from Brookfield Connecticut-both very personable and impressive. Yes as Lions WE SERVE. Mark went one step further establishing a motto for this year “Rooted in Service”. I intend to learn of the many service projects that 36G Clubs provide and, from a District perspective, if we can “cross pollinate”. Our outgoing IP moved this year to chair Lions Club International Foundation (LCIF) which provides grant funding for Clubs and Districts throughout the world. Our District just secured a $15,000 Disaster Relief grant to help firefighting efforts in our District. Personal and Club donations to LCIF can result in many fold returns. Please consider donating! The three additional days we stayed added to our exhilarating Hong Kong Convention experience! Our upcoming Convention is in Washington DC. I highly recommend you consider a Convention experience!

Hello fellow Lions of District 36G

Hello fellow Lions of District 36G. I would like to introduce myself to you. I have been a member of the Hermiston Lions Club since 1979. My wife Carol and I have been married for 48 years and 1 day. We celebrated our anniversary yesterday with family in Quebec City with a wonderful steak and frittes dinner.

My wife has supported my Lions activities since the very beginning. Ten years ago, she finally took the plunge and formally joined the club after participating in more activities than many members. We have two daughters and one granddaughter and one grandson.

Our daughters were raised with our Lion service activities and participated with the Hermiston Club's largest fundraiser, a concessions booth at the Umatilla County Fair. Our youngest daughter learned to make change at an early age and when her teacher in fourth grade starting teaching the class how to make change, she found our daughter already knew how to do that from her booth experiences and had her demonstrate to her classmates.

My background includes being raised in Butte Montana and graduating from Montana State University with a BS in Industrial and Management Engineering. I moved to Oregon to begin a management career with Lamb Weston, a potato processor, and never left. I retired in 2018 after a career spanning 40 years in various management positions. My last job was the Energy and Environmental Manager for three processing facilities which make more than one billion pounds of potato products each year.

Since I retired, I continued my Lions service. In 2023, I was honored to receive the Melvin Jones Fellow award at the Hermiston Club's 50th anniversary celebration. I found my wife was capable of keeping secrets since she found a way to invite friends and family to the celebration and my award without any suspicion by me.

I have also been committed to other service activities in Hermiston. I continue to serve on the Board of Directors for Umatilla Morrow Head Start for over twenty-five years. Most recently, I was the Chairman during a period of leadership transition. We will be returning to Seattle from our family trip this coming Sunday, and then flying on to the Lions International Convention in Hong Kong on June 30th. We will know much more about Lionism after our return in July. We are looking forward to meeting and learning more about each of you. As we say at Hermiston meetings, ROAR! 

District 36G Has Long Stood As A Model Of What Lionism Looks Like At Its Best

From the banks of the Columbia River to communities across our region, District 36G has long stood as a model of what Lionism looks like at its best—service-driven, community-focused, and powered by dedicated members who care deeply about their neighbors.

Today, that legacy continues—but it also depends on what we do next.  District 36G is at a pivotal moment. As we look ahead, we are actively seeking the next generation of leaders to step forward and help guide our district into the future. The role of District Governor and other leadership positions are not just vacancies to fill—they are opportunities to shape the direction, energy, and impact of Lions across our communities.

Clubs are navigating changes in membership, evolving community needs, and new opportunities for service. Communication across clubs, coordination of projects, and leadership development are more important now than ever. The decisions made in the next year will influence the trajectory of District 36G for years to come.  That’s why your leadership matters-right now.

Leadership here isn’t about having all the answers. It’s about:  Bringing people together.  Supporting clubs so they can thrive.  Encouraging new ideas while honoring tradition. District 36G has always been filled with individuals who quietly lead through action. Now, we are asking those individuals to take the next step.

If you’ve ever wanted to see your club or district grow stronger, had ideas for improving communication or service, felt pride in what Lions accomplish in our communities, believed you could make a difference with a broader platform.  Then you are exactly who we need.

One of the greatest strengths of District 36G is its people.  Leaders are supported by fellow Lions, past district leaders, and a network of members who want to see you succeed. Mentorship, guidance, and teamwork are built into the fabric of our district.  Stepping into leadership doesn’t mean standing alone—it means standing with others.  If you have ever thought about taking on a greater role within Lions, this is your moment. Talk with your club. Reach out to current district leadership. Ask questions. Explore what the role looks like. Most importantly—consider saying yes.

Spring Is Here, And With It Comes Renewed Energy For Service And Fellowship

Fellow Lions,

Spring is here, and with it comes renewed energy for service and fellowship. Our club is honored to host this year’s District 36-G Convention, and we are excited to welcome Lions from across the region to The Dalles. This is a wonderful opportunity to showcase your community, strengthen friendships, and share ideas that will help us grow and serve even better.  Our goal of increasing membership by 10% may seem aggressive, but if you think about it, a club of 30 members is only 3 new members.  Let’s make this a priority across out state.

🌍 Lions Clubs International Updates

Global Membership Growth Initiative: Lions Clubs International continues to focus on expanding membership worldwide, with new tools to help clubs recruit and retain members.

Service Focus Areas: Clubs are encouraged to increase impact in key areas—vision, hunger, environment, childhood cancer, diabetes, and disaster relief.

Lions International Convention 2026: Preparations are underway for the 108th international Lion’s Convention in Hong Kong, China.  Hong Kong will  welcome Lions and Leos from around the world with its rich cultural history and unforgettable experiences at every turn.  Hong Kong is a top global destination and an exciting site for our biggest event of the year.

Regional Projects:

District 36-G Convention – Hosted in The Dalles

Spring Community Clean-Up Day  (Great way to connect with the community and serve)

Vision Screening Week at Local Schools

Summer Fundraising BBQ

Did You Know?

Lions Clubs International is the largest service organization in the world, with over 1.4 million members in more than 200 countries.

Get Involved:

Interested in taking on a leadership role or joining a committee? Reach out to a board member—we’d love your participation.

🤝 Closing Thought

“Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.”

Thank you for being part of a global network committed to service, compassion, and community.

DG Tim McGlothlin  “We Serve”

Fun in the Sun-36G Convention

Lions from across Oregon will gather April 10–11, 2026, at the historic Granada Theater in The Dalles, Oregon for the Oregon Lions District 36G Convention, themed “Stronger Together: Building Our Clubs, One Member at a Time.” The two-day event will bring together Lions leaders and members from throughout the district for training, collaboration, service inspiration and celebration. The convention will also highlight the 100-year legacy of the Lions in The Dalles, incorporating a lighthearted nod to The Wizard of Oz in recognition of Judy Garland’s historic performance at the Granada Theater.

The featured keynote speaker is Melissa Washburn, International Director of Lions Clubs International. Director Washburn, of Carlsbad, New Mexico, was elected to serve a two-year term as International Director at the association’s 107th International Convention in Orlando, Florida, in July 2025. A member of the Carlsbad Downtown Lions Club since 2001, she has served in numerous leadership roles, including district governor, past council chair and

Global Leadership Team multiple-district coordinator.

Before retiring from county government, Washburn worked as chief deputy assessor for Eddy County.  Her keynote address will focus on strengthening local clubs, empowering

leaders and expanding Lions’ impact in communities across Oregon.

The convention will include leadership and membership development sessions, marketing and social media workshops, and a collaborative forum for sharing successful service initiatives. The program will also feature an awards and recognition ceremony, a guided downtown tour highlighting The Dalles’ history and murals, and a fun wrap up event at The Granada with a sock hop.

To register and find out more about accommodations, and program, go to:

https://www.thedalleslions.org/district-36g-convention.

Or call:  Tim McGlothlin (541) 90-4051

“Be there or be square”

Serving with Purpose: How Lions Clubs Strengthen Their Communities

Lions Clubs have long been known for their simple but powerful motto: “We Serve.” Those two words define who we are and why we exist. Across towns and cities of every size, Lions Clubs are often the quiet force behind meaningful change-helping neighbors in need, supporting youth, and building stronger communities through service and fellowship.

At the heart of Lions service is local impact. Each club is uniquely positioned to understand the needs of its own community. Whether it is providing eyeglasses to a child who cannot see the classroom board, helping a senior with home repairs, or supporting a local food pantry, Lions respond where the need is real and immediate. This local focus makes service personal and visible, reinforcing trust between the club and the community it serves.

One of the most recognized areas of Lions service is vision care. From free vision screenings to collecting and redistributing used eyeglasses, Lions have become synonymous with helping people see better. The Dalles Lions Club just finished this year’s vision screening with over two thousand students screened.  Twenty-Seven Lion members took part in the screening resulting in several students being identified with significant vision loss.  If a student can’t see, they can’t learn.  Lions make a difference.

For Lions Clubs to remain effective, service must also be visible and inviting. Sharing stories through newsletters, social media, and local newspapers helps the public understand what Lions do and why it matters. Visibility not only celebrates accomplishments; it encourages others to join and serve. Every project is an opportunity to inspire the next Lion.  This is why our focus of the 2026 36-G Convention will focus on “Building a stronger Lion Club, one person at a time.”

In the end, Lions Clubs serve their communities not by grand gestures alone, but through consistent, compassionate action. One pair of glasses. One scholarship. One food basket. One helping hand. Over time, these acts weave a fabric of care that makes communities stronger, kinder, and more resilient.

Timothy J. McGlothlin - District Governor 36-G

36-G convention

It is with great excitement and gratitude that I welcome in another new year.  We are planning a spectacular 36-G convention that you will not want to miss.  Our focus this convention is: “Building a Stronger Lion’s Club, one member at a time.”

We will begin our convention with the housekeeping necessary to meet our obligations to Lions International.  Once that concludes, we will gather at the historic Granada Theater in downtown The Dalles.  Judy Garland (Gumm) once performed with her sisters on stage at the Granada.  Cab Calloway, Louis Armstrong and many celebrates walked onto the stage.  The theater has been brought back to life by owners Chuck and Debra Gomez with much love and elbow grease.  Plans include a walking tour (we will also have Link transportation) to selected locations.  Klindt's bookseller, Civic Auditorium, Shannon’s Ice Cream Parlor, Carnegy Art Center, Historic city hall with fire department museum and yes ladies…shopping along the way.  Dinner will be served at 6:00 followed by our guest speaker, Melissa Washburn from Carlsbad, New Mexico.  Her inspirational speech will be all about building new clubs and growing membership.  She will fit right in to our convention.

Saturday will be focused on learning new ways to increase the fun factor for regular lion meetings.  We will also build strategies to grow our clubs.  Most of you know that I am a retired educator, and the flavor of this convention will be on learning.  I am going to work all of you before we head to the National Neon Sign Museum where you will be guided through a hundred years of neon sign history.  If you choose to stay, a sock hop will happen in the turn of the century city that is built on the second floor of the museum.    Expect to return to your home filled with new strategies to try, a new outlook on Lionism, and you will have a ton of fun in the process.  If you think this is a convention that you might consider joining.  All Lions are invited.  Call Tim McGlothlin for details (541) 980-4051

When many Lions step forward together, a community is transformed.

Every day, in ways both big and small, we prove that service is more than something we do-it’s who we are. When one Lion steps forward, a life is touched. When many Lions step forward together, a community is transformed.

As we move into this holiday season of service, let us remember what sets Lions apart: compassion in action, strength in unity, and the courage to lead where help is needed. Each new project, each new idea, and each new member strengthens our ability to make a lasting difference.

Let us continue to inspire one another, to welcome new hands into our work, and to lift our communities with the same dedication that has guided Lions for generations. May our service be a light-and may that light spread farther than we can imagine.

The theme for this year’s 36-G district convention is “Building a Stronger Lions Club, One Member at a Time.”  During the convention, we will be working to discover new techniques to grow our clubs and ways to make the meeting time a fun experience.  It is my goal to see at least a 10% increase in our club membership by July 1st, 2026.  Can we do it?  Let’s grow big.

I believe we can by working together.  You will be hearing more about supporting a city-wide membership drive in the spring.

Together, We Serve.

Together, We Grow.

Together, we make the impossible possible.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year,

DG Timothy J. McGlothlin

Message from District Governor Timothy J. McGlothlin

Due to unforeseen medical circumstances, District Governor Lion Risa Riggins has stepped down from her position. I was asked to consider filling the remainder of her term, which concludes in July, and I have agreed to do so. It is an honor to step into this role and serve as your District Governor for Eastern Oregon, Multiple District G.

One of my first thoughts was about our District Convention, held each spring. Where will we meet? How will the conference be organized? What will our theme be? These questions came quickly to mind.

After discussing this with my home club, The Dalles Lions, I announced my intentions and asked for their support in preparing for this year’s District Convention. True to form, our club enthusiastically affirmed their willingness to roll up their sleeves and help make it a success.

The 2025 District 36G Convention is scheduled for April 10–11, 2025, right here in The Dalles. We’ll spend two days together in business sessions and learning opportunities.

Having worked in education for 43 years, I plan to bring an outcome-based learning approach to this year’s event. While we’ll still include our traditional business and ceremonial activities, our primary focus will be on growth and recruitment of new Lions.

As details come together, I will share an early draft of the program so you can decide how you’d like to participate. You can count on an event filled with fellowship, learning, and fun—plus practical strategies you can take home to help your club grow.

I will do my very best to uphold the values of Lionism and provide the leadership our district needs to continue moving forward. I invite each of you to join me in this effort.

Yours in Service,

Lion Timothy J. McGlothlin

November Roundup

I hoped that everyone enjoyed their week of service for Mental Health and Well-being. In Pendleton we looked around at what we were already doing and the mental health aspects of our activities.  October is Domestic Violence Month. We make a collection of what they request, add cash to it and present it at their facility. We generally have a speaker from DVS.  This year the DVS representative talked about the mental health aspects of what they do. Do you have a food drive or help with a school lunch program (that may be the only reason   the child gets anything to eat over the weekend.) Do you help with a summer reading program? Almost everything we Lions do has a positive effect on someone’s mental health and well-being. Get creative!

What I did not realize is that there is a video contest that goes along with each week of service. The deadline for the mental health and well-being week is October 24, hunger is January 23 and environmental is May 8. Maybe some of your Leos or younger members would like to take this project on as a challenge. See LCI for details A few years ago the Pendleton club put together a video contest for junior high kids. We did scoring sheets to look at several aspects of a presentation. If someone would like a copy, just ask. An Air Force retiree and I put it together and his spouse did all the proofing.

A bit about service reporting: When I checked in August our percentage of clubs reporting service was at 34%. This month it was up to 40%. That may be related to the club that turned their first service report in 1 ½ years. Let’s give a Big Lions ROAR to the Enterprise/Joseph Club, who reported their first service in over 1.5 years.

A brief word to clubs about putting people, Lions and clubs up for awards. You should have just received a packet containing District Awards and contests. Please look at that packet carefully and consider what people, businesses, Lions, or newsletters that you are most proud of and would like to enter them for an award. The winners will be announced at our 36G convention on April 11, 2026.

Risa Riggen, DG

District 36G

Weeks of Service

Lions International is going to have three weeks of service in hopes of getting Lions Clubs all over the world to be involved in the weeks of service at the same time. The first week is October 4 through 12, 2025. The goal of ensuring healthy lives and promote well-being for people of all ages is a goal that we share with the United Nations. Statistics from the World Health organization include: 700,000 people die every year from suicide, people who are exposed to adverse circumstances like poverty, violence, disability and inequality are at a much higher risk of developing a mental illness and depression is the leading cause of disability globally, affectively more than 300 people world-wide. We also are aware that Veterans in our country who have been exposed to violence and often have PTSD are not receiving adequate care when they return home.

There are many things that we can do to help the mental health and well being of others. The first and probably the most important is to accept them for who they are and not look down on them. Other thing we can do are promote awareness and advocate for tools and treatment to help these people. Lions has many resources to help with this: Lions Advocacy Tool Kit, work with the suicide help line or just help a local shelter or group home with supplies and or money. Since October is Domestic Violence Month the Pendleton Lions Club has donated supplies and money to our local Domestic Violence shelter. Lions Quest or any activity that works with kids homelessness or having food on a regular basis will help prevent problems for our youth. Look around and see what you are already doing to support mental health but did not recognize it. And see what your club may want to add. Our club works with Altrusa to provide weekend meals for kids that get free lunches during the week. Almost every Service Club in Pendleton help to work on this project with Altrusa.

Keep up the good work in providing good service to your community.

Let’s give everyone a good Lions ROAR for their good work!    

It Is Important It Is to Reach Out And “Just Ask” How Others Are Doing

Michael Phelps was a speaker at the International Convention. He talked about his career as an Olympic swimmer. I didn’t know about his eight gold medals and sever world records at one Olympics. Or his comeback. Or how his mental health affected everything he did during his life. He talked about how he overcame his mental health issues and how important it is to reach out and “Just Ask” how others are doing. If we don’t ask, we cannot begin to help others.

Lions International has adopted some of causes that the United Nations has identified as being critical to all of the world’s people. These causes include the Environment, Hunger and Mental Health. Michael Phelps was our introduction to how we can help with mental health. Ideas that were given for activities that could help were attending Veterans Stand Downs (for newly released Vets), community events and meetings where the elderly are likely to be. make sure they understand that they can get help with hearing aids and glasses from the Lions Clubs and explain how to access the resource. Confusion increases when people cannot hear or see the world properly. This makes any beginnings of dementia far more debilitating.

If your club is looking for a service activity for childhood cancer ask about ‘Magic Yarn,’ an activity that uses the softest yarn that has been found to make the caps to cover the little bald heads of babies undergoing treatment for cancer.

DID YOU KNOW?:

• The LaPine Lions Club and the Elgin Lions Club have each reported Services for the month of July, 2025.

• The Pendleton and Bend Lions Clubs are each ready to report on a service.

• Lions Clubs in Hood River, Halfway, and Crooked River Ranch all have service projects planned, in the computer and ready to report when the activity is completed.

• In the month of July 2025 District 36G had 183 volunteers donate 694 hours to serve 1,100 people. Our District raised $2,650 and donated $2,200 to help others in our communities.

I am back from vacation, have my first visit scheduled for August 12, and will start calling other clubs to start scheduling visits.

Risa Riggen, DG, 36G

Hello fellow Lions!

My name is Risa Riggen, and I am your District 36G District Governor. I have been a Lion for six years and I am pleased to have been chosen for this job.

I have always been interested in how things work so when I visit your club, I will probably ask about your favorite service activities and fundraisers. Any information I get I will gladly share with another club if it might help them, as I would share theirs with you.

My club in Pendleton has a foundation (a 501C3). People can give money to the foundation and then deduct it from their taxes. Foundations often give money to other foundations to help them with specific projects. When we donate money to other groups, we are careful to make sure that they make good use of our/their money. Other groups do the same thing when they consider giving money to the Lions. They know that money we raise for the community goes to the community, and we spend our money wisely. When we report our service and fundraising, we show that we are good stewards for our and their money.

For this reason, I want to help clubs improve service reporting. My club has a form we use to simplify collecting this information. We also have a Service Coordinator who inputs all of these reports. This takes a load of computer work off our secretary.

I also want to highlight more of what Lions Club International Foundation does for the world and, more specifically, for our little corner of the world. I know I wanted to know more about what they did before I started making regular donations, which I now do. I may not give a lot of money, but I do give every month, so LCIF knows that they can count on my money.

When I come for my visits, I will explain what Mission 1.5 is about and show the “Round Up Your Friends” western t-shirts that I am selling as a fund raiser.

See you soon,

Lion Risa

Well, 2 years have gone by in a flash!

Greetings Lions of District 36G,

Well, 2 years have gone by in a flash! This will be my last article serving as your District Governor for two years running. I have many memories, new friends and a true appreciation for all you do as Lion’s in your communities. I only wish I could have got in a visit to all of your respective clubs. I missed a few and I sincerely apologize for that.

I want to recognize LCIF, our foundation, in this final article for a need I never expected I would find myself in …… requesting a grant for an emergency. You see,

my community of Burns was hit by flooding from snow melt that affected the north and east side of town with standing water in some homes up to 4’ or better. Only to be coupled with the city sewer system failing on top of that because of overcapacity with all the extra water. So, the Burns Lions Club applied to LCIF for an Emergency Grant of $15,000. We put in another $5000 from our club plus an additional $1000 from Crooked River Ranch Lions. We teamed up with Parr Lumber who was procuring at drastically reduced prices drywall, insulation and sub-flooring, disinfectants, and lime along other things to help people rid their homes of possible mold, e-coli and coliform bacteria and begin the rebuilding process as soon as possible. Some 100 homes had severe damage.

Our foundation. LCIF, received, approved and disbursed funds to our District treasurer in less than 96 hours …. Absolutely amazing to me. The total funds of over $21,000 was allocated out at $350 per address. This combined with the near cost prices covered substantial costs in a very urgent time of need. All funds were spent within a seven-day period. We helped 69 households. The speed of this motivated homeowners and renters to get on the damages very fast! So many community members, churches and others came together to help muck out those folks in dire need.

Our club donated to LCIF last year after missing a few years … and it came back in multitudes to this community. You never know what disasters can hit your community in the wink of an eye. But I now know firsthand who can be there to assist in a matter of hours. Please consider having your club donate to LCIF, it just may be you next. We always hear of LCIF mobilizing quickly on big disasters …. I’m here to tell you from the smallest of communities that ‘Where there is a need, there is a Lion …. Immediately.

Quoting Helen Keller while recognizing our 100 year commitment ….. “So long as the memory of certain beloved friends lives in my heart, I shall say that life is good.”

Thank you for the honor of serving our great District 36G as your District Governor these past two years. With retirement in my near future …. I hope to ‘crash’ a meeting unexpectedly and share in the life of other Lions clubs!  Until we meet again ….

Pete Runnels                           

District Governor 36G

“Be Instrumental in Service”        

Reporting On the Fun and Learning at The Past Conventions!

Hello Lions of MD 36G …. Here I go again, reporting on the fun and learning at the past conventions! Fresh off of our 36G Convention in Hood River, there were some good takeaways from the weekend.

First, it was just great seeing everyone socialize and talk about Lionism in a beautiful setting with Mt. Hood as our backdrop. Group pictures, good fun, great food and smiles galore as we learned and laughed together. We scrambled the last two days prior to convention as our guest PIP speaker ended up in the emergency room. CC Lynn, PCC Phyllis and LCI worked their tails off to get PID Don Shove lined up to cover our convention. PID Shove led a Q and A session responding to a variety of questions from those in attendance. Later in the day he showed us ways to access materials that are literally at our fingertips through the LCI website. Many publications are there for our benefit. Such as - ‘Just Ask!’ - Fostering a Culture of Recruitment, ‘Your Club, Your Way! - Customizing Your Club Meeting, ‘New Member Orientation Training Guide’ - An Introduction to Lions’, ‘Plan You Club’s Success! ‘New Club Development Guide’, and a very important one … Membership Satisfaction Guide - How to Keep Members Happy and Coming Back!’ There’s so much there for us to utilize and strengthen our clubs. Look for them on the LCI website and put them to use!

We also had the joy of a Tail Twister at the convention. Always a fun part of our club meetings, but seldom seen at conventions. Lion Carolyn did a great job working the room (yours truly came away a few dollars lighter because she didn’t appreciate a good joke .. or two!) All in good fun though as the money collected - $100 - went to a great cause … Lion Phyllis’ ID campaign!

We have one convention to go … the 101st Multi District Convention in Pendleton. May 16th and 17th, 2025. Come listen, learn and socialize. You will take back new ideas for your club! 

Honoring the 100 year commitment to Helen Keller  …

“The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched. They must be felt with the heart.”                                                                             - Helen Keller

Pete Runnels - District Governor 36G

‘Be Instrumental in Service’             

Conventions Are Such a Good Time and Experience

Hello Lions of MD 36G …. I found it interesting after reading the March edition of the Oregon Lion Magazine how our Council Chair Lynn and District Governor’s Linda and Paul, respectfully, along with myself all touched on our experience and takeaways from the District ‘R’ Convention. The point being made on how conventions are such a good time and experience that … ‘you will always come away’  with a renewed drive to take back energy and new ideas to your club and communities. There is still one opportunity to attend a convention following this publication, that being the Multi District Convention in Pendleton, Oregon - May 15-17, 2025. Get your registration and reservations in today, it’s not too late.

Community outreach is always a good time for our clubs to be seen out doing all the good things we do. As we come into spring one event that can have a lasting impression on our youth are ‘Flags for 1st Graders’. Many times over when my club hands out scholarships to our graduating seniors have we heard ....”I remember when the Lions came to my 1st grade classroom and presented us with flags … I still have that flag!” It makes a lasting impression they carry for a lifetime. Future Lions? … Hey, they just may be! If your club doesn’t present flags to 1st graders in your schools … I highly suggest considering it. An easy, impactful function!

We are also at that time of year when we consider nominations for our club officers. Take a good look at your fellow club members and consider who will make great club officers and also who will be willing to go a step above the club duties and step up for 1st and 2nd Vice District Governor’s to lead 36G. We again are lacking in upcoming members to carry on. It really is a fulfilling opportunity to be a part of all the Lions Clubs of Central and Eastern Oregon.

Honoring the 100 year commitment to Helen Keller  …

“When one door of happiness closes, another opens; but often we look so long at the closed door that we do not see the one which has been opened for us.” …………… - Helen Keller

Has a door been opened for you through Lion’s?  It has for me as your District Governor, next?

Pete Runnels - District Governor 36G

‘Be Instrumental in Service’            

What 'Legacy' Has Your Club Already Set, What 'Legacy' Will Your Club Leave Behind

Hello Lions of MD36 G -

I hope this finds you all well and staying warm and dry this winter. Lots of snow and now bitter cold as of this writing here in Burns ... we met today for our club meeting with only a high of 15 degrees outside at noon. Forecast to hit -15 tonight here in the high desert! But that didn't stop us from carrying on with business as usual!

I just returned from the first District convention of the year, traveling to Corvallis for District R's annual gathering. There were over a hundred in attendance and some good information was shared during the time. International Director Anthony Paradiso was the featured speaker and delivered a very nice message that we all can take to our clubs and build upon. That message was regarding 'Legacy' ... what 'legacy' has your club already set, what 'legacy' will your club leave behind that you are part of now, and what 'legacy' will new members bring to your club that will become part of 'their legacy' in the future? That one stuck with me ... when we bring in new members we need to listen and hear what they have to say, take to heart their willingness 'to serve', and to try something new or tweak an existing project. They joined to be part of something great - that being THE Lion's Club of your respective community. They joined your club because they saw or heard something that struck a chord with them that they would like to be a part of. Welcome them and help them bring their ideas to fruition. That is how we can continue to grow our Lion families. The other point I came away with was his comment to 'listen'

... listen to our communities, listen to what the needs are and then bring it up for discussion at your meetings. There may be other ways we can help out there that we haven't thought about.

And in closing ... my salute to Helen Keller and the Lions Club commitment to be 'Knights of the Blind' 100 years ago ... "Faith is the strength by which a shattered world shall emerge into the light" - Helen Keller.

Plan now for our District Convention, April 4th and 5th, 2025 in Hood River, Oregon!

Pete Runnels

District Governor 36G

'Be Instrumental in Service'

Milestones Reached by Fellow Lions

Hello Lions of MD 36G …. Again, this year I write about milestones reached by fellow Lions in District 36G. Chevron Awards have been sent out to the District Governor's to hand out and recognize each and every one of you great Lions!

We have a total of 81 recipients receiving Chevron awards this year representing 20 clubs in the District. These awards range from 10 years to 50-year Charter members.  That is a lot of dedication to our communities across 36G. A mere thank you seems like a mediocre way to show appreciation to all of you. We need to have a big celebration for the unselfish giving of time you have all given. One way we could get close to a celebration is through our annual convention. Each recipient this year will be recognized at our convention in Hood River and I sincerely hope you all make an effort to attend. I would like to recognize here, those with 40 years or more of service…. 40 years - Tony White, Hood River, John C. Taylor - Pendleton, and Jim Broehl and Richard A. Miller - The Dalles. 45 years - George Sahlberg - Burns, Rev. John R. Nesbitt - The Dalles, David Nevin - Hermiston and Richard A. Smith - Three Sisters.

50 years of service … James Tomlinson - Baker City and Ralph Patterson - Union. Super Congratulations to all of you and all of our other members who will be receiving 10, 15, 20-, 25-, 30- and 35-years awards!!

Just around two months away and we will assemble for our convention, April 4th and 5th, 2025 and then the district convention culminating in Pendleton, Oregon for the MD36 Convention in May. This will be the 101st MD36 Convention and we are proud to host all of you from the Multi District here in Eastern Oregon! 

Along with my District Governor goals I am the secretary for the Burns club. I always include a quote from Helen Keller at the end of our meeting minutes. I really find this appropriate as we celebrate the 100-year commitment the Lions made to her.

I feel this is also an appropriate place to quote her and will close all of my articles with a quote from her through June here in the Oregon Lion magazine. Here is one reflecting on the New Year we have begun …

“Resolve to keep happy, and your joy and you shall form an invincible host against difficulties.”                                                                                                - Helen Keller

Pete Runnels - District Governor 36G

‘Be Instrumental in Service’            

Cheryl And I Wish You All a Happy New Year!

Hello Lions of MD 36G …. Well, here we are in the year 2025! Just 500 years short of a very popular song “In the Year 2525 ... If Man is Still Alive, If Woman can Survive …” by Zager and Evans (1969). Cheryl and I wish you all a Happy New Year!  And alive we are as Lions! Building the ranks for the future of Lions to the year 2026 and beyond!

Just a month away and we will begin the run of our four respective district conventions culminating in Pendleton, Oregon for the MD36 Convention in May. This will be the 101st MD36 Convention and we are proud to host all of you from the Multi District here in Eastern Oregon! 

Conventions are a great way to build excitement and return to your home clubs, recruit new members and share new ideas for your community. I encourage all of you to plan now to attend your respective district conventions. Can you imagine where the Lions Clubs will be in 500 years? With an ever growing population there will be so many candidates for our Lions to recruit and continue the promise made to Helen Keller 100 years ago this year. But our focus is only on 2025 now. What a promise made to her 100 years ago and what a great feeling it is today to be able to carry that on. Just look at the success we are part of through OLSHF … screening the 1000’s upon 1000’s of students here in Oregon alone. Let’s continue that promise stronger than ever this coming year 2025.

I came across a quote recently from Mother Teresa that shines brightly on what you can do alone as an individual Lion …. “I alone cannot change the world, but I can cast a stone across the water to create many ripples.”  Yes, your efforts to Lionism, no matter how small or large may create a lasting rippling effect. Go ahead …. Cast that stone today!

Happy New Year 36G!

Pete Runnels - District Governor 36G

‘Be Instrumental in Service’            

Wishing You All a VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS

Hello Lions of Multi District 36G … let me start by wishing you all a VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS from my house to yours! Cheryl and I hope it is filled with the best possible memories made with family and friends!

Family and friends make me think of our clubs also! We become ‘family’ in a way and friends for sure. Many friendships are made for a lifetime. How can we ‘grow’ our family? That question seems to be one many of us have a hard time with. We can answer it verbally in so many ways… but we seem to have a difficult time actually putting the words into action. I openly admit that I am one that lacks in action. And it’s not that I don’t have names in mind or folks that I have thought of that would make a good Lion …. It seems to me that it comes down to our busy lives and schedules. So many times, I have seen a friend or acquaintance at a business, restaurant, sporting event or store and got home later and slapped myself for not taking the opportunity to simply mention Lions and open the door for a future conversation. Yes, there will be quick rejections and there will also be acknowledgements. That is our opportunity to follow up and recruit a new Lion. As our clubs age out, we find many clubs with great Lions that are unable to physically help with our projects. Their spirit, wisdom and knowledge are there for the handing down to new members … It is our duty to provide that new Lion.  Let’s not let the ‘lore’ … the memories and stories, the history, fade away.

My challenge to myself and to you is to simply ‘Ask’ and then to follow up! Don’t leave them wondering or hanging … Follow up! If we could each recruit just one new member wouldn’t that be a great Christmas present to our clubs and each other? One new member equals two more helping hands at your next function or activity.

 Merry Christmas 36G!

Pete Runnels - District Governor 36G

‘Be Instrumental in Service’