The Last One……………

What a whirlwind of a Lions year and just like that we are at the end.

Let’s 1st talk about the convention……it was GREAT,because of you the Lions of Illinois who took the time to attend. But we all know that these events don’t happen without a lot of good Lions working hard behind the scenes. A big thank you to PDG Barb Stewart and her convention team who made the convention appear to happen all by itself, which it didn’t. A good time was had by all, and we even increased attendance from last year.

Then there was membership, our numbers continue to soar, thanks to all the Lions of MD-1 who worked hard to increase membership. As of this writing we are in 2nd place in membership in the US & Canada. We are almost to the finish line Lions, keep up the good work.

As always there are bumps in the road………our beloved SST Mary decided to retire, and the Council of Governors had their work cut out for them. They prevailed and quickly placed ads for a new SST and they found Carla Metcalf to be the new SST. She is currently in training with SST Mary and will be ready to go in July.

My favorite Council of Governors were busy with storage lockers and policy changes and where able to eliminate the storage locker and make some changes to the “Policy Manual”. Neither were an easy task. They worked very hard this year. And as I have said numerous times, it was a pleasure to work for them. And I know we will keep in touch because we have become a Lion family. Wishing you all nothing but the best in the future.

For me, this year has been filled with working with the Lions from all over the state, which has been an eye opener. I learned so much from all of you, especially the CST’s & PCC’s. If you don’t already realize your District Cabinet Secretary keeps your district afloat, you can imagine what 10 District Secretaries can do for MD-1? They keep the CC honest especially when you are talking about delegate forms at a state convention. I will be forever in your debt, especially CS Dawn & CS Brad.

We also elected an endorsed candidate for International Director at our State convention to represent MD-1, PDG Austin D’Souza. We wish him and PDG Terry well on their journey.

I have been asked if I needed some time off after this exciting year. My answer is, leaders never rest. I will be working with the LIF foundation as the Vision State Chair along with being a Director of the charitable arm of District 1-A Voices organization, Service Chair of my Club and a champion for my passion, Leadership. If you “Rest you Rust”. I will be volunteering at the LIF Golf Outing………maybe you would like to sponsor a hole for Low Vision……JUST ASKING.

I also enjoyed working with the DGE’s & FVDG’s they all participated in group sessions called “POTLUCK”. The point of these sessions was to answer questions the upcoming Governors may have about being a Governor, because they didn’t know what they didn’t know, and we tried to fix that. I wish all of them the best as they move up the Governor ladder.

My last thank you goes to PCC Steve. All year I always said how does a CC & PCC live together. I always said we live in a 2-story house, but actually the answer is simple, PCC Steve is my soul mate. Thank you for your wisdom and understanding and knowing I had to do it my way.

Thank You MD-1 for a great year that I will never forget because of all the kind Lions in Illinois.

You still have work to do…….Work on keeping your Lions from leaving your clubs in June!!!!

Have a great summer!

For the last time………

CC Gail -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------