Wishing you Happy Holidays!

Whether you and your family celebrate Christmas or some other holiday this month, both Lion Karen and I extend our best wishes for the season.

Last month, we completed a successful MidYear Conference and Leadership Forum. It was a distinct pleasure hosting International Director Nadine Bushell and her companion to the Valley of the Sun from her home in Trinidad. While attendance was less than expected, Lions attending the sessions were overwhelmingly favorable about the sessions, the learning, and the sharing of information. Good job, MD-GLT Su-Lin Trepanitis for setting up the training.

Also, KUDOS to SVDG Ed Lopez and his leadership with the Globe-Miami disaster relief effort that was shared at the Forum. If you missed it, click here to download the slide show of the relief effort.

The Council meeting that preceded the Forum was business-like and productive. The Council approved two added sections to the Procedures Manual and directed two proposed changes to the MD Constitution to the CBL Committee for procedural review. Click here to read details of (A) the proposed change in dues for the districts and multiple district, and (B) the proposed change to the allocation of revenues and expenses as outlined in Article VII – Multiple District Funding.

We’ve already begun planning the MD21 state Convention that will be held June 12-14, 2026, at the Doubletree in Phoenix/Mesa. More details coming, but mark the date as we will be hosting International First Vice President Mark Lyons of Connecticut. Lion Mark will be inducted a few weeks after our convention as the International President in Hong Kong.

Look elsewhere in this issue of Canyon State Lion for more information about the state Convention. With Flag Day on Sunday of the event, we’re inviting everyone to wear red-white-and-blue, as we’ll be only weeks before our America250 AZ celebration. Convention plans include the parade of club banners for Saturday at the luncheon, as well as several learning workshops that morning and afternoon.

Focus will be on “Meet the Next Prez” with many opportunities to go one-on-one with the incoming Lions International President. We’re talking about a “Town Hall” event during the convention, where you may have an opportunity to ask FVP Mark a question.

The third council meeting will be an online, virtual meeting on Thursday, February 19, 2026, two days prior the 21-South district convention. The zoom link will become active 30-minutes prior the gavel at 7pm, and the agenda will be published in the February CSL. Click here to join the meeting
Meeting ID: 841 6807 7072
Passcode: 574091

On your list of things to attend, plan a trip to Fort Thomas in January, as the Melvin Jones Lions International Memorial conducts its “Celebration of Lionism” on the weekend nearest the birthday of our founder, Melvin Jones, who was born near there in 1879. ID Rabinowitz from Alaska will be the keynote presenter during the celebration Saturday, January 9. Click here for more details about the 57th Annual Memorial Celebration..

Look for the new Memorial pin, available only at the Celebration event, for commemorating the impact of Melvin Jones on the world and his commitment to “We Serve a World in Need.” And about pin trading, PCC Phil Castrovinci could use your help. Call him at (480) 258-9049..

And don’t forget to have your club submit a nominee for the Lions Youth Exchange program. The 21-South C. Kirby Smythe Youth Exchange is seeking candidates to attend a multi-week youth camp in Europe – perhaps Italy, Germany or Estonia – as part of the international youth program. Almost every Lions club is involved with scholarships to our youth; consider gifting them a life-altering experience by attending a Lions Youth Camp. For mor information, contact Tony Luick at tonyhl@comcast.net or (520) 850-6725.

In closing, again thank you for making 2025 a successful Lions year in Multiple District 21. Enjoy your holiday season and we’ll look forward to seeing you at the district conventions in February. Should you have any questions, please reach out by text to phone: (928) 830-8236.