Conventions and Children
It is February and time to start that trek around the state to the various district conventions and yes these are all in-person conventions, Yay! As you read this you are probably getting ready to attend the District R convention in Corvallis set for Saturday, February 5, at the OSU CH2M Hill Alumni Center. That will be followed later on this month by the District O convention set for Saturday, February 26, at the Charlene Larsen Center for the Performing Arts in Astoria.
As March rolls around District G will hold its convention set for March 4 and 5 at Sunridge Inn in Baker City. Remember that the Council of Governors meeting will be that Friday, March 4, at 1:30 p.m. We will try and provide a Zoom meeting but that is not a given. At the end of the month we will wrap up the district conventions with District E’s, which is set for March 26 at Yesterday’s Plaza in Klamath Falls.
I am really looking forward to convention season. It’s a time that is needed and looked forward to, especially now as we emerge from the shroud of the pandemic. At convention you not only have the opportunity for training but for networking with your fellow Lions and renewing friendships with Lions. I thoroughly enjoy and look forward to all the conventions because it revitalizes my Lions spirit. It rejuvenates my soul and I love to see all of the friends that I have made over the years and, yes, I look forward to seeing Vince, so I look forward to seeing all of you and having the opportunity to interact once again.
On a serious note this month is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month within Lions and I would like to offer a few items from Lions Clubs International on how we as Lions can get involved in doing something to help:
*Raise club awareness about childhood cancer by holding an educational talk with a healthcare professional or public health official at your club or district meeting or related events.
*Collaborate with a local childhood cancer hospital or support home staff to learn about the needs of their patients and families. Brainstorm ways your club can address key challenges and gaps.
*Research and develop a list of local childhood cancer organizations in your community to support future projects.
*Identify local advocacy events related to childhood cancer and explore ways to get involved.
*Identify nearby childhood cancer centers and support homes to request a wish or needs list. Conduct a drive to donate the requested items.
*Prepare healthy meals for families with children undergoing treatment. This can be done in collaboration with other community members to ensure the family receives food on a regular basis.
*Collect recyclable materials and donate the profits to a childhood cancer organization.
*Write cards full of well-wishes and share them with a local cancer center.
*Donate financial support or gift cards to identified families in need or a nearby childhood cancer center. This could cover expenses like gasoline, parking, food, medical expenses, etc.
*Make or buy new hats, caps, head scarves or blankets to donate to childhood cancer centers.
*Volunteer at a local childhood cancer organization fundraising event.
*Organize a community drive to assemble a toy library for the enjoyment of patients.
*Participate in a blood donation or bone marrow registry event to benefit cancer treatment.
These are just some beginning ways to get involved in this fight.
Finally, on a sad note. Most of you are probably already aware that at the beginning of this year we lost one of our longtime Lions and family members in the passing of PCC Don Adams. He severed as District Governor for District O in 1989-90 and as Council Chair in 1996-97. He was involved with the pin trading for a number of years and was a charter member of the Gresham Breakfast Club. Our condolences go out to his wife Nancy and the family. He will certainly be missed.
Yours in Lions, CC Bob Chaney