Roar Lions,

It has been an exciting and busy beginning. Since the first of July I have attended the International Convention in Milan, installed 2 sets of officers, inducted 2 new members, held my first cabinet meeting (Organizational meeting) and Multi District Organizational meeting. I visited 12 clubs; Fountain City, Knoxville East, Oak Ridge, Dandridge, Kingsport and Greenville in July. Johnson City, West Knox, Maryville, Knoxville County North, Campbell County and Hamblin in August. I have 6 more clubs to visit this month, Union County, Clinton, Rutledge, Elizabethton, Kingston and Sevier County. I even visited 1 club before it’s actual scheduled meeting. Had a great lunch that day.

Presidents, if you haven’t scheduled my visit yet please contact me at 423-907-2429 or 2430. I don’t want to miss spending time with you.

I can’t begin to tell you how much I enjoyed visiting these clubs. Meeting new friends and old. Having a chance to learn about the great activities each club has done and is going to do. I always thought our District was mostly focused on sight projects, but I’ve learned that they do so much more. One club maintains a park and club house for their community. That’s a full-time job. Another tutors students and helps the homeless with haircuts. A small club sponsors a basketball tournament. Two clubs are working together, along with other non profits, to build an all-inclusive playground. Some are planning fundraising projects like White Cane. You roar Lions!

We are a busy district and we do so much more than just sight focused projects. It would be nice if every club reported their projects. Now with the MyLion app any Board member can make the report right after it’s finished. Perhaps the Committee Chair should do it.
We do have a few problems though. Getting 990’s and State filings done on time. Getting our reports in on time. Losing valuable Lions faster than we can get new ones. These are just a few, but an important few. I can’t prioritize them because they are equally important. Perhaps this year we could work on seeing that these things are goals for each club.

We have lots of things to look forward to this year. I would especially like to remind you about the District 12N Convention at Best Western Plus at Morristown on Feb 21-22. The registration form is included in this News and Views.

See the “Dates to Remember” on Page 3 of the News and Views or the Calendar on the web site for more events this year.

Carol McDonald, District Governor