THE LIONS OF MD36 ARE TRULY AMAZING!

Dear Lions of MD36,

     As our 2022-2023 term comes to a close, we reflect on our accomplishments and the activities we wished we had more time for.  Incoming District Governors and Club Presidents are busy putting together their cabinet of officers for the 2023-24 term.  We extend our sincerest gratitude to each and every Lion in MD36 for their unwavering energy, determination, and service. The work of Lions never ends, and we are proud to serve alongside you.

     During this term, I had the honor of serving alongside four exceptional District Governors. Together, we traveled to the International Convention in Montreal, Canada, where we became acquainted with each other's unique styles, desires, and energy for MD36. Our four District Governors were tasked with guiding Lions clubs over a vast area of 98,380 square miles. Among the five of us, two are retired (which does not mean less responsibilities and activities) and three who are working one or two jobs still.  My role was to facilitate their goals and needs, and I must say it was a privilege to do so.

     DG Kerith Vance from District O led with her theme of "Paws for Service," encouraging new members to get involved by pursuing their interests, whether it be the environment, hunger, vision, guide dogs, or Robert's Rules of Order. Although weather conditions forced her to reschedule her convention, she remained gracious and unstoppable, even scheduling an International Director from Hawaii, Bob Lee, and his wife Pam.  District O also has a new club in Tillamook and will soon be scheduling a Charter Party!

     DG David O'Kelley from District R, worked under the theme "Together we will" and led by example. When the Mohawk Valley Lions Club considered turning in their charter, Governor O'Kelly encouraged them to recruit new members with the help of neighboring club leaders, resulting in the induction of seven new members. Governor O'Kelley recognized that smaller clubs with under 20 members can still make a significant impact in their communities and he emphasized the importance of filling zone chair positions to nurture potential leaders.

     DG Gail Black from District E (a PDG and PCC), is a tireless leader who steps forward whenever leadership is needed. Under the theme "Service from the Heart," Governor Black motivated Lions to continue serving, resulting in a positive member yield to date. However, she noted that some clubs inducted new members but failed to report it, emphasizing the importance of submitting MMRs and double-checking that they have been entered.  Gail receives a gold star for her District E Convention.  I am always motivated by the words of SOLSHC CEO Jae Lamar who is a young, dynamic voice.  And by Gail’s words:  We serve from the heart because we do believe in ourselves and what we stand for.

     DG Cheri Jackson from District G, brought a positive attitude and unstoppable enthusiasm for service through Lions, covering a vast area ranging from mountains to flatlands, from the largest pear producing area in the world to extensive wheat farming. Cheri goes to work in the wee hours of the morning and lives with her husband and their nearby children, grandchildren, horses (I believe there are eight) and dogs (don’t know the count).  Her personal motto, "We care, we share, and we serve," embodies her commitment to service. With an average 2 1/2-hour drive between Lions clubs, Governor Jackson's dedication is admirable.  She too has only 31% of her 29 clubs reporting their service.

     I would also like to thank Vice Council Chair, PDG Stephen Brewster from Klamath Falls, who served as the holdover from the 2021-2022 District Governor slate. He attended our Council of Governor's meetings and District Conventions, accepting all of my phone calls, even when he was working in his garden. PDG Stephen's wisdom and help were invaluable, and we are grateful for his dedication and service to the Lions Club.

     Lastly, I am grateful for the Oregon Lions Sight & Hearing Foundation, led by Doug Thompson and his team, who provided us with the ability to vision test students throughout Oregon, serving 160,000 students to date. I had the privilege of attending the "Lions at the Capitol" event, organized by OLSHF, which was very interesting and included the surprise events of a fire drill and a walkout during legislation.

     In closing, I want to reiterate that the Lions of MD36 are truly amazing, and we are humbled to be a part of such a dedicated and committed organization. You serve your District, your community, and your neighbors with unwavering dedication and passion.  Thank you.  “Together We Serve.”