Greetings fellow Lions of Single District 10,
Well, I thing Spring is here, but I won’t really acknowledge this until sometime around Memorial Day. With the onset of Spring, this brings not only May showers and flowers, and Mother’s Day, but also brings on our 96thAnnual Lions Convention, which means this is my last District Cabinet meeting of the 2017 – 2018 Lions year. I cannot believe that this is my last official District Cabinet meeting for this Lions year. Yeah, I know there is another meeting in July, but that is the change-over meeting, where I ceremoniously pass the gavel to our incoming District Governor Mike Kobasic. That Cabinet meeting will come with mixed emotions for myself and Jennifer.
At my first District Cabinet meeting back in July 2017, I presented my goals and expectations of how I wanted my year to progress, and for the most part, it has been a successful year. As of the writing of this letter, our District is down only 14 members since July 2017. Our District didn’t grow in regards toward new Club development, but on the other hand, we didn’t lose any Clubs either. Our overall support with the projects in our District and with the Michigan Lions is quite remarkable. Often times I forget that this is a volunteer organization, and I have to say that the Lions in our District are truly remarkable with their commitment and steadfast determination in ensuring that our support, whether through volunteering of time, materials or financial assistance is given without regard to recognition. I am sincerely proud to serve as your District Governor these last months. It truly was a most enjoyable experience that I will keep with me and reflect upon often.
Now with a new year fast approaching, there are still responsibilities that have to be met in regards to administrative requirements set forth by the District, and with Lions Clubs International. Club Presidents should follow up with their Club Secretary to ensure that proper reports and tax filings occur on time. Recommend that Zone Chairs follow up with the Club Presidents in reminding them and providing guidance if they should require additional information. A new year brings new ideas and a change of leadership not only to the District, but to the Lions Clubs as well. Take advantage of the time now, and meet your administrative requirements. There were too many Lions Clubs left out of the roster book last year. Let’s not allow that to happen this year. Get your PU101’s submitted on time, and continue to report your monthly membership reports to Lions Clubs International on time.
Before I close, I just want to thank you for allowing me to serve as your District Governor. I cannot say it enough. This was truly an honor to represent all of you this last year, and I will continue to serve until I officially hand over the gavel in July 2018. Thank you all for your hard work, and your countless hours of volunteering in order to meet the needs of those less fortunate than us. I speak with people every day who thank the LIONS for their support and fulfilling their needs. Whether it was only yesterday, or 20 or 30 years ago, they still remember, they are still very grateful and thankful that a Lions Club was there to reach out and help them. Whatever we are doing for our communities, is working, and we should continue to serve, and by all means, encourage others to join.
With my warmest regards.
Jim Whalen
District Governor
PDGGary Klop challenged the District to raise $5000 to be divided between Leader Dogs and Eversight. If they did, the club/person who donated the most could cut his hair. Bark River was the largest donor. The total raised was $7500!
