Lions Information:
A Guide for Lacey Sunrise Lions
Lacey Sunrise LionsClub
Serving with FUN since 1975!
Table of Contents
Introduction
Page 3
What Can We Look Forward To As A Lion?
Page 4
Goal of Lionism
Page 4
What Is Expected of Us As Lions?
Page 5
A Brief History of Lions
Page 6
The Story of Melvin Jones
Page 7
Frequently Asked Questions
Page 10
Lions Code of Ethics
Page 12
The Objects of Lions Clubs International
Page 13
A Little Piece of Metal – the Lions Emblem
Page 14
Membership
Page 16
Knights of The Blind
Page 17
History of Lacey Sunrise Lions Club
Page 18
Our Committee and Project List
Page 19
Lacey Sunrise Board of Directors 2009-2010
Page 21
Zone C-6 2009-2010
Page 22
Zone C-6 Cabinet
Page 22
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Duties of MD19, District, Zone and Club Officers
Page 23
Multiple District Map
Page 25
The History of Multiple District 19
Page 26
District 19C Cabinet
Page 28
How to be a Well Informed Lion
Page 30
Conventions & Leadership Seminars to Attend
Page 31
Acronyms to Remember
Page 32
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Introduction
Welcome to Lacey Sunrise Lions Club. Lions are dedicated to service to our club,
community, nation and the world. Lacey Sunrise Lions are a happy, fun loving, service-minded
group of people who are ready to assist you in finding a rewarding experience in Lionism.
We meet every Thursday morning at the Hawk’s Prairie Inn, 8214 Quinault Drive NE,
Lacey, located in the southeast quadrant of the intersection of Marvin Road and I-5, at Exit 111.
The meeting starts promptly at 7:30 AM and is over no later than 8:30 AM. The meeting
consists of Lionism and fellowship, information on completed and upcoming activities and
projects, and ends with a program of interest to all.
The highly efficient staff at Hawks Prairie Inn serves a fine breakfast from the menu.
The business activities of the club are handled by the Board at scheduled monthly
evening meetings. There are NO secrets in our club or organization. Any member is welcome
at our board meetings, budget meetings or committee meetings. Like many things in life, you
will find that the more time and effort you invest, the greater your reward. Get involved! Our
goal is for you to progress from being a member to being a Lion!
We are aware that not everyone has the time to jump right in and become heavily
involved from the very beginning. Each of us has commitments to family and work. Time for
family and work should always come first! But one of the beauties of the Lacey Sunrise Lions
is that we have a large number of activities for you to choose.
Along your path to becoming a “Lion” you will have opportunities to develop
organizational skills, leadership skills, communication skills and to better understand your
fellow man. These skills can be helpful in your career and personal life. We will assist you in
reaching your goals. But the journey, and the decision to travel, is entirely yours.
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What Can We Look Forward To As A Lion?
- Opportunity to participate in community service projects
- Opportunity for fellowship with other service minded men and women
- Opportunity to network with key members of the community
- Opportunity to make business contacts
- Opportunity to develop and improve leadership skills
- Opportunity to develop and improve public speaking skills
- Opportunity to cross religious, political and social boundaries in the common cause of service
The Goal of Lionism
Lions throughout the world are always prepared to render unselfish service to their
communities.
Their goal is to do whatever possible to relieve the miseries of poverty, disease, hunger,
ignorance and fear.
What they do is embodied in the association’s motto,
“We Serve.”
For it is service above all else that sets Lions apart, whether that service is provided at the club
or international level.
Service Is the Goal and Definition of Lionism
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What Is Expected of Us As Lions?
- Attend meetings
- Get involved, become a self-starter
- Actively participate in Service projects
- Actively participate in fundraisers
- Attend club social events and visitations
- Offer ideas and suggestions
- Assist in maintaining, building and strengthening membership
- Prepare to assume future club leadership positions
- Consider becoming involved above the club level
- Become a role model by maintaining high moral and ethical standards
Be a Proud Lion
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A Brief History Of Lions
Chicago insurance man Melvin Jones is credited as being the man who started the
International Association of Lions Clubs. From his own club, the Business Circle of Chicago,
he convinced other community leaders to form a national club that would be dedicated not only
to networking for business and social reasons, but to better the communities all over.
At a local hotel on June 7, 1917, 12 men gathered and voted the Association of Lions
Clubs into existence. A call for a national convention led to one held in Dallas, Texas, USA in
October of the same year. Thirty-six delegates from nine states heeded the call, approved the
Lions Clubs designation. Guiding force and founder Melvin Jones was named acting secretary.
That first convention also began to define what Lionism was to become. One of the main
tenets of Lionism ever since reads " No Club shall hold out the financial betterment of its
members as its object."
Community leaders soon began to organize clubs throughout the United States, and the
association became international with the formation of the Windsor, Ontario, Canada Lions
Club in 1920. Expansion continued with the addition of clubs in China (1926), Mexico and
Cuba (1927), Central America (starting with Panama in 1935), South America (starting with
Columbia in 1936), Europe (1948) and Japan (1952).
The first Leo Club (youth) was organized in 1957. Women were admitted to Lions in
1987 (for the second time). And the “Sight First” program was launched in 1990.
Now Lions is the world’s largest and most active service organization, with nearly 1.3
million members in more than 46,000 clubs covering 198 countries and geographical areas.
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The Story of Melvin Jones
The Founder of Lions International was born at Fort Thomas, Arizona on January 13,
1879. His father was Captain Calvin Jones of the United States Army, commanding a troop of
scouts under General Nelson Miles - the famed Indian fighter. His mother was the former Lydia
M. Gibler, who bore and nurtured her infant son under the constant threat of Indian raids.
Fort Thomas was an outpost on the Gila River between the Santa Teresa and Gila
Mountains, a short forty miles from the Apache stronghold. Only three years before Melvin's
birth, a band of Sioux Indians had surrounded and massacred General Custer's band of scouts in
Montana. The Apaches were making their last stand against the white mans encroachment.
Under Cochise - a great war leader, and later Chief Geronimo - a cruel and brilliant fighter, they
slashed viciously at the white mans expanding frontiers. There were frequent massacres of both
whites and Indians.
Melvin's father was in the thick of fighting until 1886, when Melvin was a lad of seven.
Then Geronimo was captured and banished to an Indian reservation in Oklahoma, and the last
vestige of the Indian’s resistance collapsed. Melvin's boyhood memories were a melange of
horses and blue-clad troopers, bugles and war cries, wagon trains, gaunt settlers and dust. Most
modern kids, thrilled by the fake cowboys-and-Indians fare on television, would consider it a
life of glamour. Not Melvin - he vaguely remembered being boyishly happy when his father
was transferred to a new post in the North, and his mother cried tears of happiness when she
heard the news.
The Jones family made stops at St Louis and Quincy Illinois, and Melvin attended public
schools in both cities. It was a sort of Army life, catch-as-catch-can education. As he grew to
young manhood, Melvin filled it out with a course in the Union Business College and a
smattering of law at Chaddock College in Quincy. The excitement and confusion of his early
boyhood was reflected in his indecision - "I couldn't decide whether to be a lawyer or a tenor,
my voice had made me pretty popular in school". But when he moved to Chicago in his
twenties, he gave up both law and music, and took a position in the insurance agency of
Johnson and Higgins.
One day, when Melvin Jones was sitting in his insurance office, contemplating life as a
successful insurance salesman at the age of 33, a business acquaintance invited him to lunch,
"to meet some of the boys." The "boys" turned out to be members of the Business Circle of
Chicago, holding their weekly luncheon in the old Boston Oyster House. They welcomed this
"go-getting" young man and made him feel at home.
Young Jones was invited to join, and he did. It was quite a privilege to belong, but to this
enthusiastic young man it was also a challenge. He used his salesmanship to vitalize and
increase the Business Circle's membership and he introduced new ideas into the club's
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operation. In 1915, when one of the older members was nominated for the presidency, he
declined to run unless Melvin Jones was elected secretary. They both got the positions.
In his work as secretary of the Circle, young Jones began to get the vague feeling that
something was wrong with the picture. Here were almost two hundred successful, influential
business men joined in a club, which if its potential were realized, could have a great group
influence for good in its community. Instead, they met, dined and patted each other on the back,
counting it a good day when they exchanged profitable orders. In many other cities and in
Chicago too, other groups of men were doing the same thing. Why, asked Melvin Jones,
couldn't this selfish group power be directed to unselfish service in other areas of community
life?
Finally, with a background of information and encouragement gleaned from
correspondence, visits to other clubs and long conferences with associates, Melvin Jones
broached the idea of affiliation with membership of the Business Circle. At the end of the year
the Circle's directors approved the idea, leaving the mechanics of the plan up their secretary.
Represented were Optimists, Reciprocity Clubs, the Wheels, the Concordia Club of
Omaha, the Business and Professional Men of St. Paul, the Cirgonians of Los Angeles, the
Vortex group from St. Louis and Detroit, and the Lions Clubs of Indiana...and they were not
about to become stepchildren without a struggle.
Melvin Jones had anticipated this, and had done some cloakroom campaigning, aided by
members of the Business Circle, who were backing their secretary's favorite...the Lions. Melvin
had done considerable research into legend, heraldry and zoology, and was convinced that the
Lion stood for courage, strength, fidelity and vital action. On a secret ballot it was tentatively
decided to call the new group the "Association of Lions Clubs," and after the Optimists walked
out in a pessimistic huff, the meeting adjourned.
Certainly the nucleus of Lionism was born at this meeting, and the groundwork laid for
an organization that was to become the largest and most effective fellowship of service-minded
men in the history of the world. Much of the organization remained to be perfected at the first
convention to be held in Dallas Texas on 8-9-10 October 1917, and at the second convention at
St. Louis in August of 1918. No attempt is made here to record the details of the childhood of
Lions International. The adoption of an emblem, the official colors, the Code of Ethics and
Objects and a strong Constitution came later. But one fact stands out like a beacon light in the
haze of history ... Melvin Jones was the Founder of Lions International, the parent of its plans
and purposes, the guide to its great future.
In 1950, when Lion membership had passed the 400,000 mark, the International Board of
Directors conferred upon Melvin Jones the title of Secretary-General of Lions International for
life. In 1958 the Board changed his official title to Founder and Secretary-General. But perhaps
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his greatest thrill and reward came in 1953, when after 32 years in cramped quarters in
Chicago's McCormick building, he stood on the stage of the International convention and took
part in the dedication of his Association's own magnificent building, on Michigan Avenue in
Chicago. It is a living symbol of the world's largest service club organization, but more than that
- a living monument to the Founder.
Melvin Jones attended a Washington conference for preliminary planning of the United
Nations, and in April of that year he was in San Francisco representing Lions International, as a
consultant at the historic organization of the United Nations.
Tragedy came to Melvin Jones in 1954 when Rose Amanda, his wife and helpmate for 45
happy years, passed away. In a letter written shortly after her death he pleaded: "Hurry, hurry,
southern breeze, bring back spring, bring back summer. Bring back the flowers, the bird’s, my
wife...the place I thought was mine is lifeless without them".
In November 1959, while enroute to address an anniversary celebration of the Edmonton
Canada, Lions Club he suffered the first of several slight strokes. Despite the attack, which
would have put other 80-year-olds to bed, Melvin donned his dinner clothes and acknowledged
a standing ovation from a wheel chair.
His stubborn refusal to accept the infirmities of old age constantly amazed his associates
at International Headquarters. He appeared regularly at his desk, commuting alone from his
suburban home. He missed none of the important events on the hectic schedule of the 1960
International Convention, where cheers for the greatest Lion of them all frequently shook the
rafters.
So when death came to Melvin Jones, it came not as an intruder, or the winner of a
violent struggle, but as an invited guest. The sturdy frame and eager mind, which had inspired
and guided a worldwide brotherhood of kindly men to the very pinnacle of world prestige and
influence, finally became tired. As the darkness gathered, Melvin took the hand of his beloved
wife Lillian, and found eternal peace. Melvin passed away at his home on June 1st 1961, at the
age of 82 years.
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Frequently Asked Questions
When was Lions Clubs International founded?
June 7, 1917 in Chicago, Illinois, USA
Who was the founder of Lions Clubs International?
Melvin Jones (1879-1961)
What is the emblem of Lions Clubs International?
The emblem consists of a gold letter "L" on a circular purple field. Bordering this is a circular
gold area with two lion profiles facing away from the center. The word "Lion" and
"International" appear at the top and bottom. The Lions are meant to face both a proud past and
confident future.
What is the motto of Lions Clubs International?
The association's motto, "We Serve," precisely explains its mission.
What is the slogan of Lions Clubs International?
"Liberty, Intelligence, Our Nation's Safety" (LIONS).
What are the colors of Lions Clubs International?
The official colors are purple and gold -- purple for loyalty and integrity; gold for sincerity,
liberality, purity, and generosity.
What are the official membership figures?
As of July 1, 2009, there were nearly 1.3 million Lions in more than 46,000 clubs in 204
countries and geographical areas.
What are the official requirements for membership?
Membership is open to men and women of legal majority and good reputation in the
community, and is by invitation only. Those interested should contact their local Lions club.
What does it cost to be a Lacey Sunrise Lion?
Before a potential new member’s name can be submitted to the Board for approval, an initiation
fee of $30.00 and up to $36.00 for dues must be included with the new member’s application
form. Dues notices are sent out bi-annually in the amount of $36.00. If a new member joins in
the middle of the six-month period, the dues amount is prorated in the amount of $6.00 per
month. A subscription of THE LION is included in your dues.
10
Can I deduct donations I make to Lacey Sunrise Lions Club?
In May of 2002 Lacey Sunrise Lions Club established a 501© (3) foundation. The mission of
the foundation is to assist youth in our community. All donations made to the Lacey Sunrise
Lions Foundation are tax deductible.
How do I get my name tag?
Complete the new member checklist, have your sponsor sign it and turn it into the secretary.
Where do I get my vest and/or polo shirt?
Ask our secretary to order a vest and emblems and ask our treasurer to place an order for your
polo shirt.
What are the official languages of Lions Clubs International?
Lions Clubs International conducts its official business in the following 11 languages: English,
Chinese, Finnish, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese, Spanish and Swedish.
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Lions Code of Ethics
To Show my faith in the worthiness of my vocation by industrious application to the end
that I may merit a reputation for quality of service.
To Seek success and to demand all fair remuneration or profit as my just due, but to
accept no profit or success at the price of my own self-respect lost because of unfair advantage
taken or because of questionable acts on my part.
To Remember that in building up my business it is not necessary to tear down another's;
to be loyal to my clients or customers and true to myself.
Whenever a doubt arises as to the right or ethics of my position or action towards others,
to resolve such doubts against myself.
To Hold friendship as an end and not a means. To hold that true friendship exists not on
account of the service performed by one another, but that true friendship demands nothing but
accepts service in the spirit in which it is given.
Always to bear in mind my obligations as a citizen to my nation, my state, and my
community, as to give them my unswerving loyalty in word, act, and deed. To give them freely
of my time, labor and means.
To Aid others by giving my sympathy to those in distress, my aid to the weak, and my
substance to the needy.
To Be Careful with my criticism and liberal with my praise; to build up and not destroy.
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The Objects and Ethics of Lions Clubs International
To Create and foster a spirit of understanding among the peoples of the world.
To Promote the principle of good government and good citizenship.
To Take an active interest in the civic, cultural, social and moral welfare of the community.
To Unite the clubs in the bonds of friendship, good fellowship and mutual understanding.
To Provide a forum for the open discussion of all matters of public interest; provided, however,
that club members shall not debate partisan politics and sectarian religion.
To Encourage service-minded people to serve their community without personal financial
reward, and to encourage efficiency and promote high ethical standards in commerce, industry,
professions, public works and private endeavors.
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A Little Piece of Metal - The Lions Emblem
What is this badge each Lion wears? What does it symbolize?
How did it come about? When was it designed? When should
it be worn? Who wears this distinctive little badge? What's is
that little badge on your lapel? Why do you wear it?
Our present badge was in fact a compromise. One group favored a simple "L" in color, on
a gold background, and the other was Rosa Bonheur's painting of a Lion's head. The final
design was a compromise of the two. A gold letter "L" centered on a royal blue background
between two Lion head profiles, with the words "Lions" centered on top of the badge and the
words "International" centered at the bottom.
In those days " L I O N S " stood for:
L Loyalty to country, community, and home.
I Individual integrity in thought, word, and deed.
O One Flag and One Language.
New ideals, new hopes, new ambitions in business and
N
profession.
Service founded on the Golden Rule. (First Lions Objects).
S
This design was formally approved by The International Board, and became our official
new emblem on December 31st, 1921.
Today that emblem is the most widely worn symbol of service in the world. It appears on
the lapels of men and women on every continent, in every Nation of this world. Men and
women of all classes, colors and creeds wear this simple badge - from leaders of nations to
leaders of industry, to leaders of communities. These are the men and women who proudly wear
the Lions emblem. This simple badge bridges all. It knows no boundaries. All combine together
under this badge to form Lions Clubs International - all who believe in the spirit of Lionism,
and our Objects and Ethics. It is our belief that it is possible for men and women of this world
to combine under the one badge, to collectively do things that individually would be impossible,
to forge together in friendship, and make this world a better place for mankind.
Millions of homeless, suffering, underprivileged, handicapped and impoverished people
are grateful for the men and women who wear the Lions Emblem. And now Lions International
has made the pledge to eradicate world preventable blindness through the "Sight First"
campaign. We set a goal, that by the year 2001, world preventable blindness will be under
control, and from that date forward no person or child shall by lack of medication or sanitation
be forced into a life of darkness.
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Lions, wear your emblem with pride. It means that you are an honored member of a
world fellowship, which has joined hands and hearts in the service of humanity. By wearing this
simple badge, YOU are charged with the care of humanity, to put something into life, rather
than taking something out of it.
A Little Story from Our Administration Manual
The dead and wounded lay strewn across the battlefield - young men cut down during a
bloody engagement in the recent war between El Salvador and Honduras.
A lone medic, a member of the Honduran Red Cross, hurried from man to man, giving
what aid he could to the wounded. The sound of gunfire still filled the air, and the all too
familiar smoke of war hung over the field. The medic paid no attention to the battle raging close
by, but continued to try and save the lives of the men who surrounded him.
Suddenly, a young soldier of the El Salvador army bounded out of the mist, his rifle at
the ready. The medic, though wearing Red Cross identification, was still a member of the
Honduran forces. For a moment they stood silently face-to-face, enemies in a bitter struggle.
But the soldier's expression quickly changed and he slowly lowered his rifle. His eyes were
trained on the medic's lapel, which bore the pin of Lions Clubs International. The medic, Dr.
Jorge Gomez Andino, was a member of the Tegucilalpa Lions Club. Instead of assaulting his
"enemy", tears welled in the eyes of the young soldier. He grasped the hand of the doctor and
told him that he was a member of a Lions Club in El Salvador. Silently the two embraced, and
just as silently the soldier wended his way back to the El Salvador lines to rejoin his unit. The
small drama had lasted less than a minute.
Dr. Gomez was president of the Honduras Red Cross National Council, and he related
this experience at a meeting of the Miami (Sunshine) Florida Lions Club, where he was a guest.
His voice shook with emotion, as he said how he returned to treating the casualties, and with the
flash of gunfire coming from both ranks, "gave thanks for the dominant spirit of Lionism" that
had just scored a victory over war.
Such is the power of a simple piece of metal, painted purple and gold that is worn by over
1.4 million men and women representing 171 countries around the world.
Lions, Please Wear Your Badge with the Pride It Deserves
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MEMBERSHIP
Membership in a Lions Club is by invitation only. A prospective member must be
sponsored by a Lion in good standing. The sponsoring Lion fills in a Proposal for Membership
form and submits it to the Membership Committee. The Membership Committee then considers
the eligibility of the prospective member and submits its recommendation to the Board of
Directors.
If the Board approves the prospect, then the sponsoring Lion is advised to formally invite
the prospect by obtaining a signed Membership Invitation and the prescribed fee. The prospect
is then eligible for induction into the Club. Transferred and reinstated members are approved in
the same manner.
Any adult resident of the community, man or woman, who is of good moral character and
who has good standing in the community is eligible for membership.
Lions should consider friends, neighbors, coworkers, and anyone we come into contact
with on a regular basis. It is part of our duty as a Lion to ask people to join, who we think would
be an active member of our Club.
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Knights of the Blind
Shortly after Lions International was first formed, Helen Keller, who was both blind and
deaf, spoke to the Lions and asked them to become the KNIGHTS OF THE BLIND. From
that time on, the Lions have supported projects to aid those with sight problems.
Over the years, Lacey Sunrise Lions have accomplished this goal in many ways. There
have been hundreds of pairs of glasses purchased, and eye exams provided for young children,
senior citizens and handicapped.
Each year on the first weekend in May, members of the Lacey Sunrise Lions Club man
stands at various locations around town to accept donations for White Cane Days. Money raised
on this weekend along with other donations goes to support the Northwest Lions Foundation for
Sight & Hearing serving Washington and Northern Idaho (with an eye bank that serves a much
wider area!). The major activity of the Foundation is the Lions Eye Bank. Since the Eye Bank
started in 1969, over 12,000 corneas have been provided for transplant. That means over 12,000
people can see again. Other programs supported by the Foundation are Low Vision Clinics in
Seattle, Spokane and Vancouver, WA, research grants, equipment grants, Patient Care grants
and the Mobile Health Screening Unit, a truck full of health testing equipment.
Patient care grants have assisted the club in providing special care to individuals, such as
cataract operations. This type of grant can be used to help provide a corneal transplant, or other
needed eye operations, it the patient does not have the means to pay for one.
The Howard Grimm Mobile Health Screening Unit has visited the area providing free
screenings for glaucoma, diabetes, visual acuity, and hearing. During free, local screenings,
individuals have been found to have extremely high sugar counts or dangerously high blood
pressure and were referred to a doctor immediately.
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History of Lacey Sunrise Lions Club
Lacey Sunrise Lions Club was chartered in 1975; our sponsoring club was the Olympia Host
Lions. In November 2005, Olympia Host Lions and Lacey Sunrise Lions held a joint
celebration called “100 Years of Community Service.” Olympia Host was celebrating 70
years as a Lions club while Lacey Sunrise celebrated our 30th year as a Lions club. It was a
grand celebration held at the Indian Summer Golf and Country Club. Many local dignitaries
spoke about our combined service to our communities. It is regrettable that we lost our last
charter member in 2005.
Lacey Sunrise has sponsored two new Lions clubs. The Lacey Lamplighters Club was
sponsored in 1981 and the Lacey Mid Day Lions club was sponsored in 1997. In May 2002 the
Lacey Sunrise Foundation was established as a 501 © (3) corporation.
Lacey Sunrise Lion is a strong club, a leader in our community, district and multiple district.
Over the years many of our presidents have gone on to be leaders as Zone Chairmen or were
appointed as a committee chairman in our District “C.” Two members became District “C”
Governors. Lacey Sunrise members can be proud of our accomplishments and the leadership
role we have taken beyond the club level.
Over the years, Lacey Sunrise membership has averaged 57-70 members. We feel our quality
of leadership has made us a strong club and the fact we meet weekly, every Thursday morning,
keeping up to date with information, fun and fellowship is easily obtainable.
Lacey Sunrise has been involved in many outreach projects over the years. In 1977, we
sponsored a Health Fair. This event was held at the Lacey Mall, the same area where Target
and Sears are located today. In 1995 we transferred this event to Capital Mall. Unfortunately,
changes in the Mall necessitated the end of 21 years of providing health information.
Our most visible project is posting flags on the streets of Lacey. This project started in 1987;
today we post over 200 flags. When the events of 9/11 occurred, Lacey city officials called
their service department and stated, “fly the flags on our streets”…
The reply, “What flags? We don’t put up any flags.” After many phone calls, city officials
discovered that Lacey Sunrise Lions were posting the colors. To this day we have a strong
bond with the City of Lacey.
Lacey Sunrise members volunteer for many outreach projects like Meals on Wheels, building
wheelchair ramps, collecting for the Food Bank, volunteering at Camp Leo and the Lions
Eyeglass Recycling Center. Lacey Sunrise members are involved, adhering to the Lions motto,
“We Serve.”
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Our Committees and Projects List
MEMBERSHIP - Promote membership growth; Review all new membership applications.
PROGRAM - Provides weekly programs of interest to the membership.
PUBLICITY - Promote community awareness of Club activities via a variety of media outlets
(press releases, community service messages, etc.)
CONSTITUTION - Review our Constitution & Bylaws to insure that we remain current and in
compliance with Lions International.
BULLETIN - Produce and publish monthly club bulletin.
VISITATION - Organize/attend regular visitations to other Lions Clubs and events.
CONVENTION - Inform membership of future conventions and organize group of members to
attend.
SIGHT - Support programs, both local and through the Northwest Lions Foundation for Sight
& Hearing, to assist the vision impaired (collect used glasses; eye surgery for those in need;
White Cane days; etc).
NWLERC – Volunteer as site managers, Lensometer technicians and workers for the North
West Lions Eyeglass Recycling Center one of only seven Lions Eyeglass Recycling Centers in
the U.S., located just outside of Lacey’s city limits.
CAMP LEO – Volunteer to work at the camp for children with diabetes, located in Shelton.
RECYCLING - Collect newspapers and ink cartridges from Lions, or Lions contacts, to raise
money.
HEARING – Screen and submit applications to the board for hearing aids.
BOYS & GIRLS -Support programs of benefit to the youth of our community.
BOY SCOUTS- Provide support for Troops 101 and 222.
CIVIC IMPROVEMENT - Support local efforts to improve the livability of our community.
Events include Lacey Fun Fair, End of Summer Car Show. Flower bed @ Amtrak Station.
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FLAGS – Raise and take down flags for holidays on city streets
ADOPT-A-ROAD – Join club members as we pick up litter.
WHEELCHAIR RAMPS – Join our crew of “measure once, cut twice” volunteers to build
wheelchair ramps for needy patients.
FISHING DERBY – Organize and support our annual Fishing Derby.
RELAY FOR LIFE TEAM – Join the team to walk at a local high school.
SPECIAL SALES - Raise funds via sale of a variety of items throughout the year (i.e. Apple
Sales for Camp Leo, Lions Mints; etc.)
WORLD SERVICE DAY – Collect groceries and funds for the Thurston County Food Bank
and the YWCA Other Bank.
DAY OF CARING – Volunteer one day in conjunction with United Way to improve a service
providing, non-profit organization’s property.
PANCAKE BREAKFAST AND CAR SHOW – Join the rest of the club planning, cooking
and serving at our annual breakfast.
REST STOPS – Join volunteers twice a year to man rest stops at Maytown and Scattercreek to
hand out coffee and cookies to weary travelers.
SALVATION ARMY – Assist the Salvation Army by ringing bells at Christmas.
LIONS MINTS – Place containers of mints at local businesses.
LACEY FUN FAIR- provide a game booth, introduce children to Braille with a copy of their
names, written in Braille.
NEW IDEAS – Actively seek out new concepts and suggestions for service and fundraising
activities.
PLUS other task forces or committees as needs arise.
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Lacey Sunrise Lions Board– 2009-2010
President
Bob Wilson
Immediate Past President
Sugar Murphy
Secretary
Judy Ann Bergvall
Treasurer
Sean St. Clair
1st Vice President (Administrative Committees)
Jack Ford
2nd Vice President (Service Committees)
Beth Davis
3rd Vice President (Banquets and Fundraising)
Terry Warren
Directors (1 yr):
Roberta Pinson
Lyell Clark
Directors (2 yr):
Bob Kelley
Donna Fincke
Lion Tamer:
Pat Bucknell
Tail Twister:
Terry Storey
Membership Chair
Randy Harris
Bulletin Editor:
Randy Harris
Bulletin Printer:
Claude Hinman
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Zone C-6 2009-2010
The voting body of the Zone Advisory Committee consists of the president and secretary
(or their previously designated alternate) of each club within the zone. All Lions are welcome
though only the official delegates are entitled to vote on zone business. There are typically three
regular Zone Advisory meetings during the year plus one “officer training session” (training is
usually held in June; club officers are expected to attend but other Lions are welcome). The
clubs in the zone take turns hosting the Zone Advisory meetings.
The Lions Clubs of Zone C-6
Lacey Mid Day Lions Club
Rainier Lions Club
Lacey Sunrise Lions Club
Tenino Lions Club
Lacey Lamplighters Lions Club
Yelm Lions Club
Roy Community Lions
Yelm Club Branch
Zone C-6 Cabinet
Zone Chairperson – Nick Murphy
Lacey Sunrise Lions
CARE –
LCIF PUBLIC RELATIONS
Secretary – Bill Miller
Lacey Lamplighters
Associate Zone Chairperson –Mike O’Byrne
Lacey Mid Day
Sight & NWLERC – PZC Bob Pinson
Lacey Sunrise
Camp Leo – PDG Jim LaBelle
Lacey Sunrise
Youth Exchange – Bob Kelley
Lacey Sunrise
Youth Essay Contest – Dorrie Carr
Lacey Lamplighters
Immed. Past Zone Chair
Ron Smircich
Membership- Dennis Reed
`
Contest/Awards – Chris Beck
Rainier
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Duties of Md19, District, Zone and Club Officers
Council Chair - Chairs the three Council of Governors meetings held each year at the Fall
Forum, the Winter Council Meeting and at the Annual Convention. Appoints MD19 Committee
Chairs and members for his/her year in office. The selections must receive final approval of the
Council of Governors. Chairs the General Plenary Sessions at the Fall Forum and Annual
Convention.
MD 19 Office - serves as the central administrative point for Multiple District 19. It exists to
provide service to the multiple district, district, zone, club officers and the Lion, Lioness and
Leo members of MD19. It maintains the membership and financial records for each district and
MD19. The MD 19 Office is the networking link of the Multiple District. Under the MD19
Constitution & Bylaws, the office plans the two major MD19 conventions each year, prepares
and mails bulletins to all clubs, publishes an MD19 Roster which is mailed to each club, and
publishes the Contest and Awards Booklet.
District Governor - is the official Lions Clubs International representative within the District and
as such visits each of his/her clubs at least once during his/her term of office. He/she sends a
monthly newsletter to each club within the District to share vital information about the District.
Each year the Governor hosts a District Spring Conference, working with the Conference Chair to
insure that all processes are in place for voting, panels, Contest & Awards and a Memorial Service
giving the Lions, Lioness and Leos the opportunity for fun, fellowship and learning.
Vice District Governor - assists the District Governor. He/she works with clubs, following up
on problems within the clubs as well as filling the role as Facilitator of the District’s
Leadership, Extension, Membership and Public Relations Team.
Zone Chairperson - is the liaison between the District Governor and the clubs within the Zone.
He/She closely associates with the clubs and holds three Zone Meetings yearly to provide an
opportunity for the clubs to share ideas and information. The Zone Chairperson produces a
monthly newsletter to keep clubs informed. He/She visits each club within the Zone prior to the
District Governor’s visit to inform the clubs of protocol required for the District Governor’s visit
and accompanies the District Governor on his/her official visit.
Club President - is the Chief Executive Officer of the club and chairs all regular and board
meetings. With the assistance of the Board of Directors, appoints committees. The Club President
is an active, voting member of the Zone Advisory Committee in which the club is located. The
Club President is familiar with standard parliamentary procedures and conducts meetings
according to these procedures. The President inspires, motivates and facilitates.
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Immediate Past President - Assists the President in any way possible without infringing on the
position of President. He/she should be available to offer advice and support to the President when
asked.
Vice Presidents - are available to step in to conduct a meeting if the President is unable to
perform this duty. In the Lacey Sunrise Lions Club the Vice Presidents oversee selected
Committees. The 1st Vice President is in charge of “Administrative Committees”, such as
Constitution & Bylaws, Convention, Visitation and Lions Information. The 2nd Vice President
watches over the Service Committees. The 3rd Vice President oversees Fundraising Projects and
Banquets.
Secretary - keeps all records pertaining to the operation of the club, and the status of the members.
Submit required membership and activities reports to MD19, Lions Clubs International, the
District Governor, Vice District Governor, and Zone Chair. The Secretary is responsible for all
club correspondence and should act on instructions from the Board of Directors. The Secretary is
responsible for ordering all club supplies. The Secretary is responsible for issuing statements to
members for club dues. The Club Secretary, together with the club president, is an active, voting
member of the Zone Advisory Committee.
Treasurer - is the banker for the club and is responsible for the distribution of any funds within
the club. He/she is required to set up accounts as directed by the Board of Directors and to insure
regular financial reports are available to the Board of Directors and members of the club. At the
direction of the Board of Directors, the Treasurer pays all bills. The Treasurer shall insure that any
checks issued by the club have two signatures on them and are properly recorded.
Lion Tamer - is the caretaker of the club’s paraphernalia and is responsible for having all
equipment in place before the meeting starts.
Tail Twister – Creates fun at the regular club by playing pranks, imposes fines (in good taste) for
various reasons and running contests. Lacey Sunrise use of Tail Twisting funds is for the club
convention fund and is used to assist members financially to attend district conferences and
multiple district conventions.
Director - Assists the President in the formation of the policies and procedures of the club and
insures that these are followed.
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Multiple District Map (Districts in MD 19)
26
The History of Multiple District 19
(As Gleaned from the Archives of Multiple District 19)
When Lions first came to the Pacific Northwest, Washington, Idaho, Oregon, California
and Nevada was all one big District with no clubs in what we now know as Multiple District 19.
In March of 1920, the Seattle Club was organized (canceled in February 1921 and
reorganized in August of 1921), while the Everett Club was organized in May of 1920, but the
Everett Club was somehow chartered before Seattle-Central, their sponsoring club, so they Everett-Central- lay claim to being the first club in this area. However, from this point we can
keep things pretty well is sequence! Vancouver, B.C. was organized in February of 1921,
followed by Tacoma in November 1921.
On March 2, 1922, Spokane-Central and Wenatchee (March 22, 1922) were organized.
Bellingham-Central was organized in October of 1922, Yakima in December of 1922, and
Longview-Pioneer on November of 1923, giving us the required 8 or more clubs for full District
status. Wenatchee only lasted 5 years and then canceled in June of 1927 and not reorganized
until March of 1930.
International developed a new plan of organization in 1927, dividing Districts into Zones.
Each District elected a District Governor, who in turn appointed his Cabinet Secretary,
Deputies, and Zone Chairman.
On a ferry from Victoria to Vancouver, then District Governor Jack Peddycord,
Bellingham-Central; Immediate Past District Governor Don Wike, Walla Walla-Downtown;
and District Secretary Virgil Warren, Spokane-Central worked out the original organizational
plan, which we basically follow today.
The goal of the authors of our Multiple District organizational plan, mentioned in the
paragraph above, was to take the best parts of all plans and come up with the best Multiple
District organizational plan in the International Organization. Zone Chairmen took on more
importance in our organization, and unlike the International plan, they continued to be elected.
Today, many Lions feel we have the best District Organization in Lions International.
Many officers from other Districts have written for our organizational plans. The advantages are
many! We have preserved a single District operation; yet have individual sub-districts operating
as one unit, with mutual interests and problems. We have one Executive Secretary, with the
advantage of continuity in office, instead of a one appointed each year. We have one Council,
with representation from all Districts, giving us strength and unity of purpose.
In 1958 C.A.R.E. was adopted as a Multiple District project, and has been given strong
support ever since. In 1968, the Multiple District adopted a second Multiple District project 27
the Sight Conservation and Eye Bank Program. This has become an outstanding activity in
Multiple District 19.
In 1970, the British Colombia Lions Society for Crippled Children was established at the
convention in Penticton and has gained wide acclaim throughout the world because of the
magnitude of the project. In 1980, the Multiple District Hearing Program was approved and it is
another outstanding Multiple District 19 project.
In 2006 both the North West Lions Eyeglass Recycling Center and Camp Leo, a camp for
children with diabetes were approved as Multiple District 19 projects.
The steps of progressing in leadership in our organization are straightforward.
1. A Lion must first work up to Secretary or President of his club.
2. Outstanding and experienced Presidents, or Secretaries, are elected Zone Chairmen.
3. The best Zone Chairmen become District Governors.
4. From the best Past District Governors, we elect our Chairmen of the Council of Governors.
5. Chairmen of the Council are then experienced and qualified to run for International Director.
This means that our officers are thoroughly trained and experienced in Lionism. It means a
more sound, better organization.
There are currently (as of February 2008) 14,464 members in MD 19.
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DISTRICT 19C CABINET
District Governor
Dave Pratt
Yelm Lions
Extension
Iris Young
North Mason Lions
Vice District Governor
Dan Comsia
Lakewood Lions
Cabinet Secretary
Jacqueline Pratt
Enumclaw Lions
District Advisor
IPDG Ida Malone
Bremerton Central Lions
Cabinet Treasurer
PZC Marvin Keizur
Key Peninsula Lions
Honorary
PCC Bud Dunlap
Eatonville Lions
Club Branch
PDG Bob Wagers
Gig Harbor Lions
Leadership
PDG Bill Ellis
Federal Way Lions
Convention Chair
ZC Marilynn Danby
Tacoma Downtown Lions
Bulletin Editor
Sandy Johnson
Shelton Lions
District Roster
Carolyn Graden
Olympia Hosts Lions
Camp Leo
Jan Norman
Olympia Hosts Lions
Contest & Awards Co-Chair
Karl Ostheller,
Poulsbo Lions
Andi Lanxon
Kent Lions
Membership
Jack Ford
Lacey Sunrise Lions
Public Relations/Lions Info
Ed Kane
Lakewood First Lions
Retention
PZC Jan McCaffrey
Lakewood First Lions
Environment
Judy Ann Bergvall
Lacey Sunrise Lions
NWLERC
PZC Bob Pinson
Lacey Sunrise Lions
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C.A.R.E.
PDG Carl Freeland
North Mason Lions
Lions Quest
Cheryl Comsia
Lakewood Lions
Diabetes Advisor
Joe Morales
Gig Harbor Lions
Sight
PZC Jeannie Phillips
Gig Harbor Lions
LCIF
PZC Charley Russell
Enumclaw Lions
Campus Chair
PZC Marc Eriksen
Tumwater Lions
Leader Dogs
Sugar Murphy
Lacey Sunrise Lions
MD19C Spring Conference Advisor
& MD19C Roster Advisor
PDG John Bergvall
Olympia Host Lions
Leo Clubs
Joyce Smith
Poulsbo Noon Lions
Peace Poster
Parlimentarian
PDG John Bergvall
Olympia Host Lions
Hearing
Lynn Byrne
Bremerton Central Lions
Youth Exchange
PZC Bob Kelley
Lacey Sunrise Lions
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How to Be a Well-Informed Lion:
There are a variety of ways Lions can keep up to date with what is happening in their Club,
Zone, District, Multiple District and Lions International:
Attend:
Your own Club Meetings
District Cabinet Meetings
Visitations to other Clubs
MD 19 Council Meetings
Zone Meetings
District & Multiple District Conventions
Read (and/or help produce):
Lacey Sunrise Lions monthly bulletin – The Sunriser
Zone Chair’s Monthly Newsletter (sent to club presidents & secretaries)
District Governor’s Monthly Newsletter (sent to clubs and email list)
MD 19 Bi-monthly Newsletter – The Border Crossing
International Magazine – The Lion
(magazine received by every Lion)
NW Lions Foundation For Sight and Hearing publication - Sights & Sounds
Web Sites
Lacey Sunrise Lions Club
www.laceysunriselions.org
Multiple District 19
www.lionsmd19.com
Lions Clubs International
www.lionsclubs.org
Addresses
Lacey Sunrise Lions Club
P.O. Box 3629
Lacey, WA 98509
Multiple District 19
Patty Allen, Executive Secretary/Treasurer
PO Box 66
Bellingham, WA 98227
Lions Clubs International
300 22nd Street
Oak Brook, IL 60521
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Conventions & Leadership Seminars to Attend
USA/Canada Forum: October 2009
Memphis, TN
A 3-day leadership forum for Canadian and US Lions held in either Canada or the US during
September each year. Great speakers and leadership panels are offered at this forum.
M.D. 19 Fall Forum: Oct. 23 – 24, 2009
Spokane, WA
A 2-day MD19 conference held within the boundaries of MD19 each fall.
Lions Leadership Institute: Feb. 5 - 8, 2010
Wenachee, WA
These leadership enhancement sessions are a great investment in the leadership of a club,
district or multiple district.
District MD-19C Spring Conference: Mar. 5 -6, 2010
Tacoma, WA
A one or two-day event held annually within each District. Election of District Officers, voting
on District Constitution & By-Law amendments, panels, and social events are activities of this
Conference. LaQuinta Inn
M.D. 19 Annual Convention: May 14 – 15, 2010
Olympia, WA
A 3-day convention attended by MD19 Lions. It is held each May at various locations within
the boundaries of MD19. Voting for Multiple District Officers and amendments to the MD19
Constitution & By-Laws, Contests & Awards competitions, and panels are some of the
activities of this convention.
International Convention: July 2010
A 5-day convention attended by Lions from around the world. It is held in various locations in
late June or early July. Voting for International Officers and amendments to the International
Constitution & By-Laws, exchange of ideas between Lions from around the world and panels are
some of the activities of this convention.
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Acronyms and Terms
PKL or PP – past king lion or past president
ZC – zone chairman
PZC – past zone chairman
VDG – vice district governor
DG – district governor
PDG – past district governor
PCC – past council chairman
PID – past international director
MJF – Melvin Jones Fellow
LCI – Lions Clubs International
LCIF – Lions Clubs International Foundation
C-6 – refers to the zone in which we are located
19C – refers to the district in which we are located
MD19 – Multiple District 19 (an association of the 9 districts in WA, BC and ID)
Lion-of-the-Year – given for exemplary service during the previous year (given our clubs size
and activity level, it is a high honor to even be nominated for this)
Rookie-Lion-of-the-Year – outstanding service by a Lion who has been a member for 18
months or less
Jess Garland Award – special recognition for community service by a non-Lion
Melvin Jones Award – Melvin Jones Fellows in the Lacey Sunrise Lions Club determine who
will receive the next Melvin Jones Fellowship Award – the highest award in Lionism. The
award is given to a club member who has been a member for at least 5 years and has performed
outstanding service at both the club and above the club levels.
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