It’s only a handful of days when we’ll be gathering to celebrate “America 250: Celebrating Service, Legacy & Leadership” at our Multiple District 21 state convention. Our honored guests will be Mark S. Lyon, international first vice president of our association and his wife Lyn.  Wow!

If you haven’t registered, do so now before it’s too late.  We need you to be a part of the celebration… the awards and recognitions, the Town Hall, and so much more.

Celebrate at State Convention. The Convention will include our recognition of Lions who have passed this past year, aw well as voting for directors of state and district projects, and a controversial Constitutional ballot measure to rebate dues from the MD to the districts.  Please ask your club officers to share with your the ballot measure. It includes the pro and con arguments, and the repercussions on services currently provided by the Multiple District that would go away if these funds are rebated. The actual ballot and pros and costs is shared within this issue under the Election information section.

At the Convention (click here), you’ll be able to meet Mark Lyon, International First Vice President, and his wife Lion Lyn as they join us at the keynote luncheon highlight Saturday. Workshops will be presented, including one on actually creating a club website at no cost to clubs. Another workshop will be an interactive tour through the Lion Portal. Other workshops will address the changing club culture we share in almost all clubs, reactivating Lions Quest in our schools, Eversight Vision, Bioness Medical, all four state and two district projects, as well as identifying the next adventure in Lionism.

In June, let’s close out the year very strong as we share in this celebration of accomplishment. This year-end month is a turning point. “Lions of Arizona” enters a new era of growth, innovation, and expanded community impact — much like that being experienced globally with Lions International. Think about what’s ahead…

We celebrate our country’s semiquincentennial (that’s 250 years) and the new Lions year…

Under the leadership of Lion Mark, our next international president, there is renewed focus on strengthening clubs, increasing membership, and empowering Lions to serve in ways that are both meaningful and sustainable for the future…

His vision challenges us to think beyond tradition, to embrace new ideas, reach new audiences, and build clubs that reflect the evolving needs of our communities….

Arizona is uniquely positioned to lead in this next chapter of Lionism. MD21 has long been a model of dedication and service, and today we can become a model for growth. With vibrant communities, diverse populations, and a strong foundation of committed Lions, we can expand our reach, welcome new members, develop emerging leaders, and launch innovative service projects that create lasting impact.

The future of Lions in Arizona is bright! It depends on all of us. Together, let us lead with purpose, grow with intent, and serve in ways that will shape the NEXT 250 years.

As a final postscript, allow me to thank DG Richard and DG Maryjane for their diligence and hard work on the council, as well as in their respective districts. Let me also acknowledge the trio of Sandi Sterker, Linda Finley, and Ellen Yopps who served this year as council secretary, treasurer, and admin, respectively. Together and collectively, they have helped me as your Council Chair in so many I cannot thank them enough!

Finally, my congratulations to next year’s MD officers. May your time at the helm chart a continuing course.