MD21 Leadership Messages
CC Ken Leja
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It’s the first of August, and there are two HOT DATES ahead. August 2 is the 21-North Kickoff, and it’s the date and site for our first MD21 Council meeting of the year. August 9 is the 21-South Kickoff.
I’m going to all three… taking my wife Karen with me… and expecting to have a GREAT TIME. Have you registered to attend? Let’s do it… and have a chat!
Since last month’s Canyon State Lion, we’ve been hard-at-it implementing our expanded vision for Lions in Arizona. First and foremost, the digital membership directory is now online, as well as the club leadership directory (presidents, secretaries, treasurers).
Don’t tell me you can’t get to the directories – even though both are password protected – as required by Lions International and by YOU to protect your privacy. Yet, the password is simple and the spreadsheet is SUPER FAST.
Try using our multiple district number followed by MD21. Ask your club secretary or look on the Lions Portal – and make note of the MD21 number. Check it out.
Next we’ve three websites available for review under the lionsarizona.org domain:
https://chandler.lionsarizona.org/
https://santan.lionsarizona.org/
https://sample.lionsarizona.org/
These serve as sample templates to illustrate the power, creativity and flexibility available for the FREE Lions club websites.
The Chandler club had an old e-Clubhouse site. They built this as a complete site – several pages, several features, rather extensive in content, which means they are committed to updating the site regularly.
The San Tan site is a clean and simple, with an enhanced digital presence for the club. It does not require regular maintenance, but remains content-rich. It still provides details at a higher level than the old e-Clubhouse site, and does not require so many edits or updates.
The Sample site is for those clubs who don’t have a digital presence at all, but would like to get started with a landing page to help build their modern digital footprint. Because of the simplicity of this site, required edits would be few and far between.
BEST OF ALL – these templates and the club sites are FREE to each and every club in MD21. No domain registry… not hosting costs… no nameserver fees… just a clean, modern-looking website presence. And if you have ‘em, we can have you, or your kids, or your grandkids show you how to put the site together.
Last month we promised you CHANGE. And we promised you ACTION. A membership directory? DONE and online! Upgraded websites? Let’s keep it going.
At the Council meeting on Saturday afternoon, we’ll be introducing the America250 efforts that you and your club can do. And we’ll be setting up a special committee to create our own Multiple District Foundation – where you can apply your Arizona State Tax Credit to support all Lions, that will be able to fund grant projects at the club level serving those in greatest need in our communities.
At your district Kickoff, look me up… come over and introduce yourself. Let’s talk about how we can improve our Lions communications. And while supplies last, I’ll give you one of my leadership pins.
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Let’s Make our Net.Work!
In Service,
CC Ken Leja
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Governor’s Report – District 21-N
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Dear Fellow Lions,
Welcome to a brand new Lionistic year filled with hope, purpose, and opportunity! As we begin this journey together, I invite each of you to recommit to our shared mission of service because together, we are unstoppable.
This year, I’ve chosen two global causes to guide our district’s impact:
Childhood Cancer – Let us be a light of hope to brave young warriors and their families, offering care, compassion, and resources.
Humanitarian Service – From disaster relief to feeding the hungry, we will continue to show up where help is needed most.
In alignment with Lions International President A. P. Singh’s new global initiative on Mental Health, which is a timely and vital cause. Whether it’s providing safe spaces, emotional support, or simply listening, let’s be champions of kindness and well-being in our communities.
As well as, how do we multiply our impact? By growing more helping hands. Let’s live by this simple yet powerful motto:
“Just ask one. Take care of one.”
Ask one person to join us and then take care of them like family. That’s how we grow, sustain, and thrive.
Let’s get together this August for our District 21 North Fun Kickoff!
Come connect, celebrate, and spark the energy we need to fuel a powerful year of service.
Let this year be one of bold service, deep compassion, and growing fellowship.
I’m honored to serve alongside you all.
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Yours in Lionistic Service,
Maryjane “MJ” Barjose
21-N District Governor
mjane1670@yahoo.com
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Governor’s Report – District 21-S
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COMMUNICATION,
Will You Meet Us Halfway?
You told us that communication is the number one challenge in our district—so we’re doing something about it.
There’s no single way to reach every Lion, so we’re embracing a strategy of “Over-Communicating.” That means using every tool, every platform, and every opportunity available.
Here’s the truth: we cannot serve you if we are not communicating….BUT to truly succeed, we need your help.
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Here’s how you can make a big difference:
• Make sure your email and phone number are correct in the Portal
• Open and read your emails
• Join our Zoom meetings
• Follow and engage on the Arizona Lions Forum Facebook page, just click this link:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/665317450572592
• Visit the MD-21 website regularly at https://lionsarizona.org/
• Open and read the Canyon State Lion newsletter
• Attend District and MD events—in person or online
• Attend your Zone meetings
• Invite District Leadership to your club meetings
• Take part in MD-21 trainings and Lions Learning Center classes
Communication is not just a task—it’s a team effort. Let’s strengthen our connection and move forward together. Your feedback and engagement are critical!
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Speaking of which—the District Kickoff is coming up on August 9 (registration form below). and our New Member/Veteran Lion Update Orientation is on on August 20 on Zoom,
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/l2PBi3t1R5y634fYS_I8DA#/registration
Have you registered yet? Do it today and reignite you passion and comradery with your fellow Lions!
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Thank you for being a Lion!
Richard Stevenson
21-S District Governor
ki6baq@me.com
BIG FUN from the
Birthplace of
Melvin Jones
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NEW CALENDAR & DIRECTORY – Now LIVE!
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As shared last month the New Lions Google Calendar is available on lionsarizona.org (Under a navigation tab called Calendar) You can see all MD/District Events, Global Causes for the Month, Clubs special events & Projects and so much more! Want your Club activity listed send it the editor!
CLUBS – Make your Project Plans now with complete insight on key dates! And now our new DIRECTORY is also available on lionsarizona.org! See details later in this issue!
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Register for Upcoming Events Now!
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US/Canada LEO Leadership Forum
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Registration for the 7th USA/Canada Leo Leadership Forum is now OPEN! LEOs sign-up to attend August 6 – 10! Clubs – support your LEOs to ensure they experience this wonderful event!
While ONLINE REGISTRATION is preferred, they can accept paper registration if needed.
All links and documents for registrations can be found at: http://www.leosforum.org and http://www.leosleadership.org
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21 – North Kick-Off the New Lion Year
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LAST CALL FOR 21-N REGISTRATION!
The 21-N District Kick-off will be held on August 2, 2025!
DGE MJ Bajose welcomes all Lions to start our year off TOGETHER!
Bring out your BEST TABLE DISPLAY!
There will be recognition for:
- BEST Visual Display/Project
- Best Innovative Project
- Best Innovative
- Best Interactive Display
- Best Documentary
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21 – South Kick-Off the New Lion Year
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DG Richard Stevenson invites all Lions to enjoy
BIG FUN at the 21-S Kick-Off!
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At this year’s Kickoff Event, we want to see you at your most casual… and most creative!
 Dress comfy.
Wear a hat — the funnier, the better!
 Bonus points if your hat makes someone laugh, scratch their head, or say, “What on earth is that?!”
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21-S Cabinet Meeting ONLINE
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21-S held their first Cabinet Meeting online and all members were present. Not only was it quick and efficient, we saved the cost of milage paid by our Lions members. We are willing to challenge the status quo to explore creative ways to best serve the District and we are off to a winning start! By handing the administration concerns, including Cabinet Induction by PIP Joe Preston – we can now provide more value added content for the August 9th Kick-Off.
Next time join in, it is open to all and the video is available for all to see.
Join us at the 21-S Kick-Off for Big Fun at the Birthplace of Melvin Jones!
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In support of our MD & District Kick-Offs, Conferences & Conventions we need individuals to assist with Audio Visual Support and Marketing! Please contact PDG Fred Garmeson for more details and share what skills you are willing to share to make our events a huge success!
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USA/Canada Forum – Don’t Miss Out!
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The largest and best Lions Club Leadership training event in the world.
With over 70 seminar training sessions related to developing quality Lions Clubs
and thousands of Lions Leaders share their experiences,
the USA/Canada Lions Leadership Forum is for you!
NOTE: Rates as of August 1st willl be $375
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Club Sponsored Fliers for Upcoming Events
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SUPPORT these Clubs with ATTENDANCE or DONATIONS
as they serve their Communities and WE support each other!
Events are listed on the Lion Calendar on https://lionsarizona.org/
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Safford P.O.W.W.O.W
August 2nd 7:00 AM – 10:00 AM
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Peace Poster
CLUBS – get your Peace Poster kits and work with your Schools, Boys & Girls Clubs, LEO Club, etc to get our youth’s creativity sparked! Such a marvelous theme of hope! Be the catalyst to help ensure young students can express their vision for “Together As One – A Vision of Peace”
Clubs need help? Our Peace Poster Chair are noted below!
- 21-N Peace Poster Chair is Charnielyn Silfavan – csilfavan8@gmail.com
- 21-S Peace Poster Chair is Sharon Rodriguez – rodriguezsharon1997@gmail.com
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Candlelighters – 21-S Childhood Cancer
August 9th at the 21-S Kick-Off
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Florence Monthly Food Bank
August 29
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Mental Health & Well-Being Week of Service
ALL CLUBS!
October 4 – 12, 2025
This is a WORLD-WIDE Service Opportunity!
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Giggles & Ghouls Comedy Show
Florence Lions – Save the Oct 19th Date
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EAC/Safford Mental Health Awareness 5K/10K Run and Ride
October 25
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Eastern Arizona College Lion’s Club and Safford Lions Club Proudly presents Lion’s Club Mental Health Awareness Run and Ride.
The mission of the Lion’s Club Mental Health Awareness 5K/10K Bike Run is to raise awareness of mental health issues and raise funds that improve access to care.
The annual Eastern Arizona College Lions and Safford Lions 5K and 10K Community Mental Health Awareness Run will be held Saturday, Oct. 25, at the EAC Discovery Park Campus. Bring your family and friends to run, walk, jog or race around the groomed path circling Discovery Park. We are proud to present the proceeds of this event to local entities that help maintain community outreach in providing mental health plans and awareness.
For the Bike Race only BMX or Non Motorized Mountain Bikes are permitted. Bikes with any type of Motor will not be permitted.
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Mistletoe Madness Craft & Vendor Boutique
December 5 & 6
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One Small Step for Man… One Giant Leap for Lions!
Did you know the first man on the moon was also a Lions Club member?
That’s right — Neil Armstrong wasn’t just a space pioneer… he was also part of a worldwide movement making a difference here on Earth.
From the Moon to your community, Lions serve wherever we’re needed — no rocket required.
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Lion DIRECTORY is now LIVE
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As mentioned in CC Ken Leja’s Leadership article, the Directory is now LIVE on our lionsarizona.org. How exciting! This has been a big request from members so we are pleased to have this ready now!
More enhancements will be introduced but for now we have
- Clubs & Officers
- Lion Members of Arizona
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Under lionsarizona.org, you will see the navigation bar. See the red arrow above? If you click on Members Only you will see the Clubs & Officers. If you hover over the Members Only, you’ll see a drop down which says MD21 Directory which houses the full list of all Arizona Lions contact information. This password protected using the MD Number from the Portal, followed by MD21.
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Above you can see what the Club/Officer report will look like; however, I did remove the personal contact information. You can also see where you can search! The speed is fabulous, so being able to quickly find the Club, Officer information will be at your finger tips! We will establish a process to routinely update the information. Now we’ll look to all of you to provide additional enhancement requests or feedback!
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Lions Calendar on lionsarizona.org
This is our Lions’ Calendar of Events, Club Activities, Key Deadlines, etc! Want something added? Just let us know! We are commitment to ensuring all pertinent information is readily available for our members!
Meet us Halfway so we can continue to improve!
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Share your feedback on our Calendar and Directory
so we can continue to improve meeting your needs!
Sheila Palazzolo – Editor
sdpalazzolo@yahoo.com
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Info from your 2025-2026
Global Action Team
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Lions Clubs International Foundation (LCIF)
Although Financial goals have not been established yet from Lions International….we do have our MD/District LCIF Coordination Chairs identified! These individuals will be available to assist Clubs in meeting our State goals in support of “OUR” Foundation.
MD-21 LCIF Chair – PDG Bobbie Ravenkamp
District 21-N – PCC Rosemarie Gabriel
District 21-S – PDG Jack Mauller
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If you’ve donated US$1,000 to LCIF, you can receive a Melvin Jones Fellowship!
Melvin Jones Fellows receive a special lapel pin, an engraved plaque, and a congratulatory letter.
To apply for an MJF, for you or someone else, visit https://bit.ly/3TeYr2f #LCIFLions #MelvinJonesFellow
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Global Action Team – Extension
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Great information and ideas for MD-21 to address Growth
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Multiple District 21
Global Action Team –Leadership
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MD-21 GLT – Su-Lin Trepanitis
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Mid-Year Conference & Leadership Forum
November 7 & 8, 2025
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Mark your Calendars NOW! We expanded training opportunities last year at the Mid-Year Forum and with online virtual classes. We will continue to expand those learning opportunities at the next Mid-Year Forum and Leadership Conference (November 7-8) at the Hilton Phoenix Airport.
Check back to the website link below and website page to see the list of sessions that will be presented. Download the registration form (that will be posted later this month) or register online for the classes and workshops that will include multi-session topics on becoming a Guiding Lion, becoming a district officer, and an immersive, in-depth orientation on the new Lions Portal (website). These will be multi-hour sessions and plan to participate!
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Emerging Leaders Leadership Institute (ELLI)
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We plan to conduct an Emerging Lions Leadership Institute program in our multiple district this January. It’s an intense, three-day leadership course that will be held conveniently local and will focus on developing “young” Lions (regardless of age) to attend this Lions International certified training.
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Global Action Team – Membership
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MD-21 GMT – PDG Ken Myers
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For the health and strength of our Multiple District & Districts, we must focus on Growth!. Our Leadership team is completely dedicated to supporting the Clubs and Membership to achieve GROWTH & RETENTION!
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Maui Membership Contest
21-N & 21-S
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GST MD 21 – PDG Bruce Bushey
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New Global Initiative: Mental Health & Well-being
October 4 – 12
Global Service Week
October is coming up quickly! Clubs – Please review the information below and determine how best your Club can address special needs within the communities you support!
Zone Chairs please encourage partnerships where it makes sense and encourage all Clubs to participate or support others for this important initiative. We anticipate this becoming a future Global Cause, so assessing our community needs will be key for the highest effectiveness!
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Cottonwood Lions Hunger Project
Twice a week, the Cottonwood Lions were busy packaging two large portable coolers of super-fresh lettuce right off our inside grow-towers and delivering them to a local food bank. This is a small scale operation emanating from Lion Joe Jamison’s garage at present.
The Verde Village Specialty Club Branch is in the process of being formed (supported by the Cottonwood Club) to focus exclusively on expanding this; eventually to quite possibly include other hunger-related service projects as well.
The below photos shows how we are packaging the lettuce for transport to the local food bank.
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DG MJ Barjose shared how Cottonwood Lions rolled up their sleeves and packed fresh, tower-grown lettuce for delivery to the New Hope Food Bank in Cottonwood.
What an incredible way to serve our community, bringing healthy, homegrown produce directly to those who need it most! DG MJ shared her thanks and recognized the club for their dedication, heart, and hands-on service. The impact you’re making is real, green, and growing!
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New Lions, Sponsors & Club Report
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Reporting as of July 31, 2025
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New Members for 21-N & 21-S = 62
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Our Pride is Growing
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Club Charter Celebrations
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Congratulations Sun City Host Lions on your 65th Charter Anniversary!
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AZ Lions Vision & Hearing Foundation
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Vision & Hearing Certification Training
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DID YOU ATTEND???
The Vision and Hearing Certification training will be held on Thursday, July 31, 2025, from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm at the AZ Lions Vision and Hearing Foundation, located at 2720 E Thomas Rd., A190, Phoenix. Lunch was provided. Certification was granted upon the full-day’s attendance. Morgan Scadden, Sensory Screening Program Manager at the Arizona Department of Health Services, will be the trainer. Capacity was limited to 10 attendees due to the limited availability of Spot and hearing machines.
Certified Lions will provide vision and hearing screenings for the upcoming school year at KinderCare’s six Phoenix area locations and two in Tucson. There will be another certification class offered for Tucson Lions. The KinderCare children, aged three to six, will be screened by a team of 3-4 Lions once to twice per school year. Each location will have 50-60 children. Screening will start at the end of August through the end of the school year.
This initiative offers Lions the opportunity to continue their commitment to vision and hearing for children, especially since many elementary and middle schools only screen the grades required by the state.
If interested, please contact Lion Donna Harris at 602-617-8051 or liondonna.harris@gmail.com
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Camp Tatiyee
BIG ANNOUNCEMENT
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Lions Camp Tatiyee receives funds from generous benefactor to
fully purchase land from Lions Foundation of Arizona
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.Lions Camp Tatiyee is proud to announce the generous donation from a valued benefactor to complete the purchase of the 40 acres that the camp resides on from the Lions Foundation of Arizona. The process has begun to purchase the land and permanently place the title in the name of Lions Camp Tatiyee.
This generous person has been a longtime friend of Camp Tatiyee and wanted to ensure the Camp’s continued success and autonomy for generations to come. The introduction to our camp came with the friendship they have developed over the years with Camp Tatiyee Board 21S VP PCC Bill Menard. Through their friendship, they learned about Camp Tatiyee. A visit to the camp helped solidify the decision to make this donation.
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Their legacy will be providing this donation including specific directions that the money’s sole purpose is to open escrow and purchase the land.
Camp Tatiyee is thrilled for this new chapter in our story. We can now focus on operating funds and fundraising to do what we do best; provide the best experience for our campers.
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Lions Foundation of Arizona
VRATE Expo
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Visual Rehabilitation and Assistive Technology Expo (VRATE) is a free educational and informational expo focused on the visually impaired, blind and the deafblind communities here in the greater Phoenix area and throughout the Southwest. They are seeking both Volunteers to assist during the Conference and/or Sponsors/Exhibitors.
Summary of the event:
- November 14, 2025
- Ability 360 Sports & Fitness Center, Phoenix
- Keynote starts at 8:00 am
- Exhibit Hall opens at 9:00 am
VRATE invite you to become a catalyst for change by exhibiting or sponsoring at the upcoming Vision Rehabilitation and Assistive Technology Expo (VRATE) Conference for individuals who are Blind, have low vision or combined vision/hearing loss taking place on November 14, 2025 at Ability 360 Sports and Fitness Center.
This is more than a conference—it’s a powerful platform to connect, collaborate, and create lasting impact.
As an exhibitor or sponsor, you will:
🔹 Showcase your solutions to a highly engaged audience of professionals, educators, advocates, and individuals with vision loss seeking transformative technologies and services.
🔹 Position your brand as a leader in accessibility, innovation, and inclusion—values that resonate deeply in today’s conscious marketplace.
🔹 Network with key decision-makers in rehabilitation, healthcare, education, and advocacy who are actively looking for tools to enhance independence and quality of life.
🔹 Demonstrate your commitment to social impact and community empowerment while gaining meaningful exposure and media attention.
We believe that progress is powered by partnerships—and your support can help shape a future where barriers are broken, and opportunities are boundless.
Sponsorship packages:
🔹 Diamond Sponsorship $5,000.00
🔹 Platinum Sponsorship $2,500.00
🔹Gold Sponsorship $1,000.00
🔹 Silver Sponsorship $750.00
👉 Secure your sponsorship or exhibit space today and be seen as a driving force for accessibility and innovation: www.vrate.org
Let’s build this future—together.
Click below to review the Letter outlining the functions the Volunteers will fill! It’s a great Service opportunity with Lion’s dedication to Vision!
WE SERVE!
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Melvin Jones Lions International Memorial
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Birthplace of our
Lions International founder Melvin Jones.
The Memorial is a recognized Historical Landmark — right in our backyard — created by Lions of Arizona as a state project to support the Melvin Jones Lions International Memorial Foundation.
We need YOUR support to maintain and expand this important site!
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On January 10th, we’ll be celebrating our 57th Annual Celebration of Lionism, honoring the vision of Lions and the legacy of Melvin Jones!
Featured guest speaker will be Robert “Ski” Marcinkowski, current international director from Alaska.
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Events of the weekend include:
- Friday morning MJLIM Board Meeting at the Hotel commencing at 10 a.m.
- An “Open Forum” discussion on vision and plans for the Memorial at 2 p.m. at the Memorial
- A social gathering and dinner will be Friday evening beginning at 6:30 p.m. at the Branding Iron Steakhouse in Safford (cost on your own).
- Saturday activities commence with an informal visitation to the Memorial and Archives beginning at 9 a.m. with morning refreshments.
- The “Celebrating Lionism” program with special presentations at the Memorial starting at 10 a.m.
- The Saturday luncheon and special program featuring ID Marcinkowski will be from 12 noon to 3 p.m. at the Eastern Arizona College, 615 No. Stadium Avenue, Thatcher.
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Cost for the luncheon is $35 per person with registration in advance until 12/14/25, then ticket prices go up to $50.
Plan Ahead to Save!
Use the QR Code or send your check for the buffet meal to: MJLIM c/o Lion Dolly Harvey, 642 Skyline Blvd., Clarkdale, AZ 86324 for the 2026 Lions Celebration Banquet or to donate in support of the MJLIM Foundation.
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Overnight accommodations are available at the Springhill Suites Marriott, 2855 W. US-70 in Thatcher.
For the special Lions rate of $134/night, call the hotel direct at 928-428-6900 and note code: Lions2026.
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Melvin Jones Lions International Memorial |
15756 West US-70 | Fort Thomas, Arizona 85536-0163
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ALERT – AZ Lions Eyeglass
Recycling Terminal
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AZ Youth Exchange- C Kirby Smithe
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Our Club Highlights of Service activities can be found on our Arizona Lions Forum Facebook Page! Very soon, we’ll introduce a gallery, where more pictures can be shared on our lionsarizona.org/ website!
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My apologies to this wonderful club! I missed submitting an article and pictures for them. Each of our clubs are important and do such incredible work for our communities! Maricopa is unique for their dedication to the therapy/support dog program.
Lion Cherie and her therapy dog Lexi were highlighted in our February 2025 issue, when they helped out in Los Angeles providing support during the disaster. Here is their formal article on their ongoing activities. THANK YOU for being Lions and for providing services needed for the community.
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The Maricopa Lions Club has 5 therapy dog teams who are nationally certified by the Alliance of Therapy Dogs. The Lions Club therapy dog program has a contract in place with the city of Maricopa to provide services to first responder dispatchers, police officers, firefighters, and the library reading programs. They also work in local schools to assist students and teachers dealing with emotional & behavioral issues affecting their ability to function scholastically.
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As highlighted in the February CSL, one of our teams is also a nationally certified animal-assisted crisis response team with HOPE-Animal Assistance Crisis Response (AACR). Handler Cherie and her canine partner Lexi spent 9 days providing their comfort & encouragement services to folks affected by the LA fires this past Jan/ Feb.
Thank you Maricopa Lions for all that you do!
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We are changing our approach to the Spotlight Clubs. We will continue to share Club Service activites on our Arizona Lions Forum Facebook page, which updated far more frequently! Additionally, we will create a Gallery for the Websites to share the service activities of all our Clubs.
Keep those photos coming and remember to SMILE! We want to support how FUN it is to SERVE our communities, so like-minded people will join us!
This should help address concerns over the length of Canyon State!
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Lions Word Find from a New Zealand Club!
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