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!