October, 2025:
What a Wonderful September!
I had the privilege of visiting six clubs in our amazing District this month, bringing my total to nineteen visits so far. The common theme at every stop has been clear – fellowship and service. I am deeply grateful for the warm hospitality and humbled to witness the meaningful impact each club is making in its community.
Lion Dorothy and I also had the pleasure of attending the USA/Canada Leadership Forum in Atlantic City. The three days were filled with outstanding leadership training and truly motivational speakers. A highlight was seeing GET Chair Mark Larsen and Lion Jer-Lyn Thomas awarded their bachelor’s degrees from Lions University. These degrees, and the training they represent, are open to ALL Lions, and I strongly encourage you to explore this opportunity for your own growth. If you ever have the chance to attend this Forum, take it—you will leave inspired and energized!
Our Fall Conference was also a resounding success, thanks to the tremendous efforts of Co-Chairs Lion Jane Stoll and Zone Chair Joe Miller, along with the Lions of Aquia Harbour Host, Aquia Evening, and Greater Falls Run. This year was full of exciting “firsts”: our very first one-day conference—affordable, casual, and engaging—complete with speed-learning sessions and an afternoon of powerful motivational speakers.
We were especially honored to hear an inspiring message from International Director David Wentworth during lunch and to celebrate the generosity of our District with more than $6,500 in donations and “Bed in a Bags” for those in need. The evening closed with a truly memorable Dinner in the Dark and the moving testimony of a Leader Dog recipient—an experience none of us will soon forget.
For those who attended, I hope you had a wonderful time, discovered new resources available in our District, felt your heart touched by the impact of Lions service, and made a few new friends along the way.
Special thanks to St. Peter’s Lutheran Church for hosting, to International Director David Wentworth and his partner in service Lion Valerie Wentworth, to Lion Joey Johnson and his Leader Dog Tucker, to the seven Lions who presented during Speed Learning, and to our community partners—Empowerhouse, Fairy Godmother Project, Louisann’s Hope House, and the Listen Up program. I also want to thank Lion Carol Byers for capturing photos and Lion Sally Cooney-Anderson for her outstanding work on the program.
Lastly, please remember that October 4-12 is Mental Health and Well Being Service Week. We are asking that every club perform some type of service in this global focus area and report it in the portal during this period. The Lions International Club Excellence award has this as a requirement.
It is truly a GREAT day to be a Lion!
Yours in Lionism,
DG Dan