Insight, Connections and Inspiring

Written by Mary Stephenson 4-24-2017

Our second convention and this was better than the first one. Last year we started out rather apprehensive about the whole affair, but soon became comfortable after the first day.

Now that we know more Lions our conversations are a pickup from the last time we met. Also understanding who is who and the protocol for how things are supposed to be and when, really helps. The Food Fair was again a big hit, with this year’s theme “Earth Day”.

Once a year we have the opportunity to grab a few crayons and try our hand at the lost art of coloring! (Maybe next year I should bring a box of 64 colors, it would make for a little more creative time.)

After the eating and contests we were treated to some great music and fun by Mike Ferrier.

Lined up for the Parade of Banners on Saturday morning. It was a bit like trying to line-up kindergarten students in alphabetical order by last name. The convention started somewhere around the scheduled time of 9am.

DG Rob Manning gave an interesting presentation on “Friends in Sight” program.

IPDG Aron Whealy posed a good question: “Have you asked everybody you know to come to a Lion’s meeting?” He then proceeded to tell us about how he was new to an area and invited 3 people. When they entered the meeting they were greeted by others that knew them well. So to his guests he asked why they had not come before. Their answer was: “Because we were never asked.” We all laughed, but it also made us think.

PID Sunny Pulley from Portland, Oregon spoke about USA/Canada Lions Leadership Forum. A very big event that will be held in Portland, Oregon this year. She gave an inspiring speech. With the words “Be the change you want to see.” and “What are you passionate about?”

On the schedule was 4 students speakers. They were very good and had an ease about them. Well acquired by the time they have reached this level. When they finally were allowed to introduce themselves, the winner made us chuckle. He told us he knew at 4 years old he wanted to be…the “president of the United States”. I can’t remember how he put it but with a big smile he said “2036”! And I wondered, were we really sitting in the presence of a future president. And why not…they have to come from somewhere, why not here? They were all children at sometime before they became leaders.

Not sure which speaker told us the story. He said one of his Lion friends was in a store and when he came out there was a woman hanging around his vehicle. He was wondering if she was canvasing it for robbery or what was up. So he proceeded to his vehicle with caution. She asked him if that was his vehicle and he said yes. She said “oh good, I seen your Lion sticker on the vehicle and knew that if I just hung around I would get some help.” The take away from this was, Lions are known for their giving nature and she believed and trusted that she would get the help if she waited.

We were given many stories of hope, laughter and a few tearful moments. You cannot walk away from the convention without it forever changing how you view things. The comradery between the Lions is inspiring. Although many of us have different objectives, goals and opinions we can all find a common ground.

There were 132 registered for the convention and I believe those that came had a good time.

Next year the event will again be held at Gaia in Anderson. The date is April 27 – 29, so you have a year to plan ahead. Hope that some more Lions will join us for a fun weekend next year.

A year with 3 females in the top positions of the 4C-1 District and will again be the same thing.

District Governor – Marianne Keesee

First Vice District Governor – Sue Kerr

Second Vice District Governor – Elisa Coyle