Dear Fellow Lions,
Our District Convention is quickly approaching. I hope you’ll join us November 13–14 at Camp Dogwood. A great deal of thought and effort has gone into planning a convention that will be both informative and enjoyable.
This year, we’re trying some new things to put the FUN back into Fun Night. We’ll kick off the evening with a well-known radio personality, followed by a trivia contest that should bring plenty of friendly competition and laughter.
We’ll also continue some of our favorite service activities. Once again, we’ll decorate and fill stockings for the McCune residents. Please bring nonperishable food donations as well; these will be donated to a food pantry in Catawba.
We are also offering several local tours that may be of interest to spouses, family members, and friends who are not Lions. We want everyone who comes to Camp Dogwood to have an enjoyable weekend.
Please keep these important deadlines in mind:
• October 1: Deadline for ads in the convention program booklet
• November 1: Deadline to receive the reduced meal rate
• November 7: Final deadline for all food orders; no orders can be accepted after this date
Room reservations should be made directly through Camp Dogwood at 828-478-2135, ext. 250.
I hope you’ll make plans to attend, enjoy the fellowship, participate in our service projects, and help us make this a convention to remember. I look forward to seeing you at Camp Dogwood!
In friendship and service -
Dick Wilcox
DG31L
REMINDER: bring canned food for the food drive, stocking stuffer items for the service project and proceeds from the Saturday auction will go to our McCune Center.
You should go to support your fellow Lions and learn new ideas you can take back to your club and try. You also get to see people you have not seen in a while and catch up. Why do we have one. It is primarily a call annually for the Lions of the district to vote on next years Lion leadership and other administrative matters that takes a delegate vote to achieve. It is an annual requirement according to t he Constitution and Bylaws of our organization and it must take place prior to the state convention which in turn must take place prior to the International Convention. Three events constitutionally bound to happen. Please support them all.
A long time Lion reminded me at a Zone meeting that I have to remind everyone, If you are going to the convention just to attend the Cabinet meeting Please still register. This gets the registration packets to you. And it lets people know how many people are attending that will more than likely take advantage of the hospitality room. Nothing like trying to plan food purchasing not knowing a ball-park figure on how many to plan for. So please register.
MISSION 1.5’s final year is not a count-down — it is a call to finish strong. Constitutional Area 1 has the talent, the heart and the leadership to do it.
This year, let’s commit to:
• Service that is visible, needed and meaningful
• Growth that is intentional, personal and sustainable
• Leadership that advocates, mentors and empowers
• LCIF support that strengthens every district’s impact
District and Multiple District Global Action Teams — your collaboration is the difference maker. Your unity is the multiplier. Your leader-ship is the spark.
Together, we will nurture growth. Together, we will strengthen CA 1. Together, we will finish MISSION 1.5 with pride, purpose and momentum.
Let’s make this Lion year unforgettable — for our clubs, our communities and the future of Constitutional Area I.
In Service and Friendship,
Lion Pat
You're Invited to the 50th Annual USA/Canada Lions Leadership Forum!
Congratulations on your election as a 2026-2027 Lions Club Officer! Your leadership journey is just beginning, and there's no better way to prepare for a successful year than by attending the 50th Annual USA/Canada Lions Leadership Forum in Memphis, Tennessee, Sep-tember 3-5, 2026.
Whether you're a first-time officer or a seasoned Lion leader, the Forum offers an incredible opportunity to:
- Gain practical leadership skills you can immediately put to use.
- Discover innovative service project ideas from across North America.
- Learn from outstanding keynote speakers and inter-active workshops.
- Network with thousands of Lions who share your passion for serving others.
- Return home energized, inspired, and ready to lead your club to new heights.
Don't wait to register! Invest in yourself. Invest in your club. Invest in the future of Lions.
Join us in Memphis this September and be part of the Forum's historic 50th Anniversary celebration!
We look forward to seeing you there!
Lion Ardie Klemish
2026 Forum Chairperson
International President Mark S. Lyon is a husband, father, musician, corporate executive, leader – and in many ways, just a regular Lion. President Lyon believes that service is the cornerstone of our organization and that every act of service, whether big or small, has the power to create a ripple effect of positive action.
Like a mighty oak, Lions are rooted in purpose and service. Our strength comes not from standing alone, but from the help, hope and care we provide others. For more than 100 years, Lions have supported communities in moments of need, changing lives through compassion and action. Service is the soil in which we grow — our roots run deep, our impact endures and our work is built to last for generations.
Each moment of service strengthens the foundation of our clubs and communities. Here’s how we can grow and thrive together.
Get back to our roots.
Our commitment to service makes
us who we are. When we focus on acts of service, both big and small, we strengthen our communities, our clubs and the bonds we share. Embrace the joy of service and the purpose it brings.
Plant the seed.
Every Lion holds the power to grow their club. With each new member, our service, our impact and our potential grow, allowing us to do more and be more for our communities. Invite a new member and plant the seed for growth.
Let our leadership shine.
We change lives through our service, but we are also advocates for the people and causes we serve. We can expand our reach by connecting with key community stakeholders and partners who share our passion. Let’s start big conversations, and even greater change.
Lean on your global foundation.
Lions Clubs International Foundation (LCIF) offers more than funding — it’s a lifeline of compassion and hope. The transformative work that Lions and LCIF bring to life is made possible by you. So support LCIF and let LCIF support you.
Be the ripple.
Clubs have the potential to create change that is felt throughout the community. It all starts with that moment of purpose, that act of kindness. It starts with you. Be the ripple that travels far and wide, touching lives along the way.
Stay connected.
For Lions, connection is about people — the people who serve, and the people we serve. Embrace the personal connections we make through the Lion experience to create a culture of gratitude, positivity and fun.
Branch out.
We get better and our future gets brighter when we engage the next generation in our mission of service. Young people are ready to serve and lead, so give them a chance to do it as Lions and Leos.
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