Greetings from the Governor's desk (from August Newsletter)
It's two months into my year and it is about time I got a news letter out. It has been a very busy two months with travel for Lions and my own personal business.
It started with District Governor training in Chicago with over 750 District Governor's Elect at the Downtown Marriott. We were divided into groups of 24 with governors from Alberta, Kansas, New Mexico, Nevada, Colorado, Arizona and Utah. Our group leader was PID Ed McCormack of Kansas. Ed was a great leader. There was great interaction between the Governors Elect since at each session you had to sit in a different assigned seat; .Then came the 90th International Convention with over 15,000 participants. I found it very interesting because a large convention to me is 200 people. A big highlight of the convention was the election of (Dr.) Patti Hill (from Dist. 37) as International Director. She will be a tremendous asset to our organization. I really enjoyed handing out her campaign information.
There was always a lot going on--from entertainment to speakers and seminars. Dee and I tried to take it all in but it wasn't always possible. I didn't make it to the White Sox baseball game but I did enjoy the Glen Campbell Concert. The speakers were all inspirational from Jimmy Ross, Past International President, to former President Jimmy Carter as well as International President, Mahendra Amasuriya.
The new theme being promoted by Mahendra is "Challenge to Change." The idea is to create an atmosphere where new and younger people will want to join Lions Clubs.
The final act of the convention was the formal swearing in of all the new District Governors. Ben Apeland officially passed the gavel to me and I felt the power sweep over me. (Ha, ha) It was in inspiring moment. I hope I am up to the challenge.
We got home on July 8 and I had two short weeks of long days working on the ranch and a construction project.
On July 20th we flew to Rochester, Michigan to Leader Dog School for the Blind where we had a weekend tour of the training facilities. I was very impressed with the school. They surely deserve continued support from Lions.
A council meeting was held the last weekend of July at Lethbridge, Alberta. It was a good meeting and a great deal was accomplished.
On August 4, I had my first cabinet meeting in Big Timber. I wish to thank everyone who attended. It was a good meeting even if I did let Gary Tschache be the tail twister. I also wish to thank all of you for accepting the cabinet positions. With your help I'm sure we will have a successful year.
On August 8, Dee and I were in Three Forks for the Townsend/Broadwater County 25th Annual Charter Night. This was my first visitation as governor which we enjoyed very much.
Until next time,
Happy trails to you!
Governor Jim
