April 2024 Notes

Written by Mary Stephenson

#1 Lion Charlie requested we take the left over packets of goodies from the Basketball game to Sycamore School.

Arrived at the awkward time of dodging the school homeward bound kids. With school buses, parents in cars, and numerous kids lined up waiting for their transportation rescues from their day of learning.

Found a parking spot and hoped by the time we left the office it would be thinned out, and it was.

There was a school nurse in the office. She relayed to us about a student that was feeling badly. She did what she could for the situation and asked him if there was anything else she could do for him. He said he would like some water and food. It broke her heart. She happened to have some popcorn as a snack for her day and gave it to him.

The plans of the packets were she would take a few items to have as an emergency and the rest would be distributed to the bags that go home. We told her to do what she felt was the best. She said a big thank you to the Lions Club.

#2 As you probably know it was District 4C-1 convention on April 19 to 21.

PDGs Steve & Maggie Robeson

It was nice seeing people we hadn’t seen since last year. And striking up conversations with people we had not met in the past.

There were 92 registered for the convention and 89 attended.

The food fair was great as usual. Some extroverts dressed up for the theme of theater. Putting on the “Ritz”. Like how many ways can you serve a Ritz cracker?

Elisa’s dog Sedona didn’t win this year. But she was a good sport for wearing a costume… BUT did she even have an opportunity to protest!

Keynote Address – “Developing Great Leaders”, was given by Past International Director Pat Vannett. She did mention how nice it was to get up in the morning to Redding weather. As it was 31 degrees in Bismark, N.D.

Nor-Cal Children’s Diabetes Club – Lion Tim Garman and his daughter Lion Hannah Garman gave some personal speeches and how Camp McCumber forever changed their lives. (Very heart-warming.)

PDG Jamie Hart wore many hats over the weekend… and yes she did have a number of hats that she put on when she changed roles.

Melanie in costume

Of course our wonderful Lion Melanie was doing numerous roles.

Melanie’s Title

Leo clubs were there and involved on Saturday. And wow! an over-achiever from the Burney Leo club was awarded. I wonder how she ever had time to sleep with all the things she is involved in and high grades in school, volunteering, and working at a job. Definitely a role model for any youth that is bored silly.

There was 2 female student speakers. There was a young man that showed up, but was too sick to be able to speak. That was sad, as we would have liked to hear his speech.

The Magic Yarn Project

There was a hands on demonstration called “The Magic Yarn Project”. Hats are created for cancer kids. A crocheted cap that is adorned with an attached braid that goes around and hangs down. Very cute. They give it with a card that the child can color. All finished hats are given to the hospitals to distribute to the children.

When District Governor Elisa visited our club she was growing her hair for the purpose to raise funds for LCIF at the convention. Actually I think her new hair looked awesome. The goal was to raise $2000. As that goal was met, they started setting new goals for each level. Eventually the final goal was to reach $10,000. Another Lion said he would also have his head shaved if there was another $1000 raised. Well, we got to watch 2 head shavings. Elisa canceled her hair appointment the other day and brought a hat to avoid being chilled or sunburned.

The shaved heads

Gary and I were your elected delegates this year. Okay, new experience. And yes, I do remember being advised to vote for beer! But alas, there was no spot on the ballot or any place to write in that request.

So for next year… do you want a new location? Would you attend if there was a new location?

Well there will be a new location for 2025 and 2026. It will be at the Rolling Hills Casino in Corning. That would be interesting. I have passed by there many times but never stopped. Hopefully the new location will bring more Lions to the event.