February 2026:
Fellow Lions, Lioness-Lions, and Leos,
I hope this message finds you all staying as warm as possible! Being from Buffalo, I am definitely not feeling homesick and I am very much looking forward to warmer weather—so I no longer have to ice skate down my driveway. 😊
I would like to begin this month by extending my deepest gratitude to Second Vice District Governor Greg, the Winchester Host Lions, and everyone who helped make our Winter Conference at the Winchester Moose Lodge such an outstanding success. What a fantastic venue for meetings, with excellent space and food! We enjoyed outstanding speakers, panels, and breakout sessions covering three of Lions International’s Global Causes—Mental Health, Hunger, and Disaster Preparedness—along with leadership development and membership growth. We were also inspired by hearing from our talented Leos.
In true Lions fashion, service was at the heart of the conference. Together, we collected more than 1,200 pounds of food, which was shared between the Highland Food Pantry and the Congregational Community Action Project. With over 160 attendees representing 46 clubs in District 24-L, along with clubs from Districts 24-C and 24-I and Leos from two clubs, the conference was a wonderful example of what happens when fellow Lions, Lioness-Lions, and Leos come together in service, learning, and fellowship.
We also kicked off our state-wide Lions Club International Foundation fundraiser – Virtual Duck Races! We raised over $1,000 already with the goal of every club in the District participating by purchasing ducks that will compete for the ultimate prize of a $1,000 donation to LCIF in your or your club’s name (winner decides). The big Virtual Race will be at our State Convention in Bristol, VA. Please reach out to SVDG Chuck Schwab or IPDG Jim Cech for details. This fundraiser really “quacks me up!” 😊
As we enter February, it is time to begin thinking about succession planning. Strong clubs depend on a steady flow of new ideas, new energy, and new leaders. I encourage every club to educate its members on the roles and responsibilities of officers and to review the recorded training sessions available on this website. Preparing tomorrow’s leaders today ensures that our service continues strong into the future.
On February 4, the District will host a virtual program to discuss the qualifications, commitments, and journey of serving as a District Governor. I encourage you to participate and hear directly from current and past leaders about their experiences and the meaningful impact of this role.
I again ask each of you to take part in our Each One Bring One membership effort. President AP Singh’s theme, Mission 1.5, reminds us that growing our membership is essential to expanding our service. Membership truly is the lifeblood of our clubs—because more Lions means more hands to serve and more lives impacted. I have challenged every club to hold at least one membership drive in the coming months.
From growth workshops across Lions International and conversations with Lions nationwide, several common truths stand out:
- It still starts with simply asking someone to join.
- We should ask prospective members, "What is your passion for service?"
- We must strengthen our onboarding and orientation.
- Inviting prospects to participate in service right away helps them see the immediate impact of Lions.
- Lions is a family—and we need to show that we care.
If your club would like help with membership, please reach out to PCC Glen Logan. The membership breakout session for the Winter Conference is also posted on this website.
Thank you again for the privilege of serving as your District Governor and for all that you do for your communities. Together, as fellow Lions, Lioness-Lions, and Leos, we will continue to grow our membership, strengthen our leadership, and expand our service.
Yours in Lionism,
DG Dan