November 2025 • Vol. 400, No. 5 DIGITAL CANYON STATE LION
Official Publication of the Lions of Arizona, Multiple District 21 Celebrating over 100 years of Lions service to the people of Arizona www.lionsarizona.org
What’s in this November issue:
Amazing Globe/Miami Support from Floods, MID-YEAR LEADERSHIP FORUM Registration, Early Bird Tickets for Celebration of Lionism – Act Now and MUCH MUCH MORE
21S LCIF Grant & Support for Globe/Miami
21S LCIF Chair Jack Mauller handing FRY’S Store Manager Matt Van Soest the $15,000Check for Non-Perishables. “WE SERVE”
LCIF Grant in Motion for Globe / Miami Flood. Buying Non-Perishables for Globe / Miami Families. Thank you FRY’S
We received 10 pallets of food and broke down the load, creating 150 – 200 Food Boxes.
Picture above: L-R Asst Store Manager Heather Pate, Asst Store Manager Ray Dexter, Store Manager Mike Van Soest, PDG Jack Mauller, Melvin Jones President Lion Marion Hastings, Miami Lions Fernando Shipley(Globe Councilman), PCC Norm Messier and FVDG 21S Edmund Lopez
Lions coming together to do the WORK! These wonderful Lions stepped up to create the boxes ready for families impacted by the devastating floods that hit Globe & Miami. THANK YOU, FVDG Ed Lopez for taking lead on this effort!
Use the hotlinks to directly “jump” to a subject of interest and USE the “Print Buttons” or “Read More” or “Video”
for easy to print/read/watch additional information! It is our way to help reduce the scrolling, while still providing Information!
I came across an interesting letter the other day, while cleaning out an old file in my desk .
It was a response letter addressed to Marc Paquette, the council chair at the time, from a marketing guru in Scottsdale stating, “Lions are the best-kept secret to most of those 40 and under.”
The letter was dated June 5, 2017. Not much has changed in a decade. The writer was describing a few techniques Lions (and our Multiple District) could do that were (A) simple, (B) cost-effective, and (C) manageable. With a little effort, he wrote, we would gain better visibility in our communities, help grow membership, and work to eliminate that “best-kept secret” label – specifically, “(with techniques) that really engage with people under age 50!”
Ten years later, we’re still talking about Communications – not necessarily doing something WITH it. The expert suggested we “…design Facebook ads to reach our different target niches.” Have these be targeted, he wrote, “as mobile phone injection ads to persons who volunteer for charities.” He suggested eight different “injection ads” directed toward four website landing pages.
Each of these four website landing pages would be targeted (or niched) to specific age ranges and interests. “Great landing pages with dynamic, niched images would be hosted on the Lions of Arizona website,” he added, “and would include a contact us form with strong promotional language. All of it would include spot-videos” (a concept suggested long before today’s ‘Reels’ and Tik-Tok messaging became popular).
According to the expert, these are proven tactics and strategies “…I’ve used to sell over $561 million of goods and services, including memberships, for myself and my clients.” (That’s about $1.2 million in today’s value.)
Ten years ago, MD21 had more than 4,500 members in three districts – now, we’re about 2,500 members in two districts. Imagine where we might be today if we’d taken advantage of the expert’s suggestions and grown our membership to the 6,000-member level Marc was saying we could achieve with a little effort.
We need to Build a Team – of Lions who want to shout, “We Serve!” Then, we need to Build a Vision of “WWWWHW” we want to be in one, two or three years. We can Build a Plan to achieve that vision and implement it, and then Build for Success moving forward.
Has anyone in Arizona “got game!”? We’re already Lions… let’s pull a Nike and “Just Do it!”
See you at the MidYear Forum
We look forward to seeing you at the November 7 council meeting and the November 8 MidYear Forum and Leadership Conference. More than 36 different learning opportunities on a wide range of topics will be presented throughout the day.
At the Council meeting, we’ll be addressing the challenges facing the Multiple District and the association of Lions in Arizona. That includes our sharing of resources, administrative issues associated with our Constitution, By-Laws and Procedures, as well as initiatives in developing a new, five-year strategic plan and a MD21 Foundation.
With one-third of the year concluded, we are all deeply encouraged by the support of all Arizona Lions in our districts and MD efforts to build clubs, by the growth in membership, and with the many great service activities in-the-works. Keep up the GREAT work.
Your Servant Leader CC Ken Leja
Governor’s Report – District 21-N
🌟Dear Lions Family🌟
As we enter this season of Thanksgiving, I want to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude to each and every one of you. Your dedication, compassion, and giving hearts continue to make a lasting difference in the lives of those we serve near and far.
Thanksgiving reminds us to be thankful not just for what we have, but for the opportunity to serve others. Let us continue to embrace our Lions’ motto, “We Serve,” by reaching out to those who are less fortunate during this special time of year.
Look around your communities, there are food drives, clothing collections, and countless opportunities to lend a helping hand. Let’s make an effort to participate and inspire others to do the same.
Remember, it all begins when we “Just Ask One.” One friend, one neighbor, one co-worker inviting just one person to join us in service can multiply the good we do together.
May this season fill your hearts with gratitude, joy, and renewed commitment to our mission of service. Thank you for being the shining light in your communities and for sharing your blessings with others.
With gratitude and pride in your service, Maryjane “MJ” Barjose
21-N District Governor
mjane1670@yahoo.com
Governor’s Report – District 21-S
GREETINGS LIONS OF DISTRICT 21-S
It’s great to see everyone back from vacation and our clubs actively serving again! I want to welcome you all back and share some ideas for speakers and service projects that might inspire your clubs to start something new.
Each of these projects is already happening within District 21-S — led by our own 21-S Lions and trusted partners who understand who we are and how we serve. I’ve grouped them by our Lions Clubs International Global Causes.
VISION
ALERT – Arizona Lions Eyeglass Recycling Terminal
ALERT collects, cleans, reads, and distributes used prescription glasses and readers free of charge to mission projects — including some led by our own 21-S Lions.
Clubs can help by collecting used glasses or volunteering to process them.
Contact:Lion Sue Gill, Cochise Stronghold Lions Club, and President of ALERT
Email: azbsp1@gmail.com
Phone: (480) 236-9870
These are two children from our recent mission to Cananea, Mexico wearing their new ALERT glasses!
We are dedicated to
“Putting Glasses on Faces”
SAAVI Services for the Blind
SAAVI offers outstanding vision-related education and community programs. They’re happy to provide guest speakers for club meetings.
The Arizona Lions International Youth Exchange hosts international youth and sends Arizona students abroad for life-changing Lions camps. This year, the focus is exclusively on sending Arizona youth to camps around the world. Clubs can sponsor a young person to participate.
Candlelighters Childhood Cancer Foundation of Southern Arizona
Lion Beverly Tidwell of the Tucson Breakfast Lions Club is our District Pediatric Cancer Chair and Program Director for the Candlelighters Childhood Cancer Foundation of Southern Arizona. Connect with her for volunteer opportunities or to schedule a speaker for your club.
Lion Natecia Daniel of the Tucson Rincon Lions Club is our District Hunger Chair and serves as Community Events Manager for the Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona. She can connect your club to volunteer sites, food drives, or speakers to discuss hunger challenges in your area.
Richard Stevenson
21-S District Governor
ki6baq@me.com
BIG FUN from the
Birthplace of
Melvin Jones
CALENDAR & DIRECTORY – Now LIVE!
Our new Lions Google Calendar & Directory available on lionsarizona.org . Want your Club activity listed? Simply send it to the editor! CLUBS – Make your Project Plans nowwith complete full year insight on key dates!
CALLING ALL CLUBS!!! The South Tucson Lions Club is coordinating the raffle baskets for the Mid Year Leadership Conference and are seeking a raffle basket from each club! Let’s make then an impressive Raffle collection!
Commemorative polos for the 50th anniversary Forum in Memphis are available to pre-order. Guarantee you have your shirt in your chosen size ready for pickup at the Memphis Forum Sept. 3-5, 2026. You must pick up at the Forum, or have your designee pick up. These WILL NOT be shipped. Keep in mind only a few shirts will be available for purchase onsite for $5 more than pre-order.
District 21-S needs new leadership. If you’ve ever thought, “I wish things would change,” this is your moment to make it happen. Your ideas, your energy, and your voice are exactly what our district needs to move forward.
Leadership in 21-S isn’t just about becoming a District Governor—it’s about stepping up where your passion meets purpose. Maybe that’s leading a project, serving as a Zone Chair, mentoring new members, or managing our social media. However you lead, you’ll make a difference. You will expand your leadership skills and sharpen them through real experience—learning, growing, and connecting with Lions across Arizona and beyond.
If you are ready to connect beyond your club level, join us Wednesdays at 6:30PM on Zoom to learn about what we are doing and how you can make a difference
Richard Stevenson
District Governor, District 21-S
PDGA’s PROUD LION Program
Club Sponsored Fliers for Upcoming Events
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/
Safford P.O.W.W.O.W
November 1
Chino Valley Lioness Lions – Food GiveAway November 8th
Catalina Oro Valley Lions
November 9th
Peoria Sunset Lions Diabetes Awareness
November 13
If you are, know any one who is or is someone no longer with us
that has suffers with or suffering with diabetes, please join us in celebration of them and help raise money and awareness for Diabetes.
Tucson Rincon Lions – Dinner Supporting SAAVI November 15
Marana Host Inter-Lion Picnic
November 16
Phoenix Rainbow Lions & CCN 2nd Annual Gala
November 16
Florence Food Bank Dates
November 21
The next monthly food bank distribution in Florence in the parking lot at Jason Lopez Memorial Park (formerly Heritage Park) will be Friday, November 21, at 8 AM. Please share this news with those in need in our community this fall. The Florence Lions Club is proud to join together with other local community groups and volunteers to help our neighbors in need through this monthly food bank.
Please note: We are now starting at 8 AM due to our change to winter hours. Also, please note that November and December’s dates have moved from the last Friday of the month due to the holidays.
Phoenix Phil AM & LFA Diabetes Awareness/Walk for a Cause
November 22
The World Diabetes Day is coming up on November 15, 2025, as proclaimed by the International Diabetes Federation (IDF). Last year, in November 2024, the Arizona Lions celebrated their first Lions Diabetes Walk. Once again, on November 22, let’s commemorate this worthy event to raise awareness and everybody’s well-being.
21-N Veterans Outreach
November 22
Our Veterans Outreach team will be delivering care packages to homeless veterans staying at MANA house on November 22 @1200 noon and have a pizza lunch at the facility.
Let’s give back to those who gave it all! Just $10 sends a care package to a veteran in need. A gift that makes a BIG impact!
Safford Cowboy Christmas
November 29 & 29
Chino Valley Lioness Lions Craft Boutique
December 5 & 6
Arizona Jr & High School Club Pickleball Tournament December 5 & 6
Pinetop President Lion Kenny Cail is also the National High School Club Pickleball Director. Below are fliers for the upcoming Tournament being held at the Arizona Athletic Grounds!
VOLUTEERS NEEDED: There is a need for Umpires, Desk Support and Court Runners!
Contact Lion Kenny at kencail77@gmail.com if you or any club members can help!
Phx Saguaro Cyber Lions & The 2000 Project by EQZ Fundraiser
By Tickets Now – Drawing December 24th
Chandler Lions Taste & Tunes
January 31, 2026
Tucson Downtown Lions
1st Annual Chili Cook Off CHALLENGE
March 21
Lion Becky Fassett of Tucson Downtown Lions Club would like to challenge Lion Amy Sawyer of Safford Lions Club to participate in a friendly “Chili Dual”. Lion Amy Sawyer, are you up for the challenge?
Who’s “spicy” enough to make the second challenge?
We will be posting rules in the coming weeks. Our hope is 4hr simmer before tasting.
Come on Lions, let’s have some fun and really see just what club/member has the best chili!
Bring on the next Challenge!
Marine Corp 250th Anniversary
On November 10, 2025, Leon the Lion will join U.S. Marines around the globe as they celebrate 250 years of success on the battlefield and a legacy defined by honor, courage and commitment. We extend our respect and appreciation for all the Marines who have served over the years and a very special place of honor for those within MD21.
Marine Celebration Message from General Eric Smith & SGT Major Carlos Ruiz
Veterans Day History
Honoring ALL Who have Served
Info from your 2025-2026
Global Action Team
MD21 Lions have been huge supporters of LCIF and once again, it shows how it IS “OUR FOUNDATION”. As highlighted in this issues, 21-S obtained a grant to aid in creation of relief boxes and Clubs have responded with water, food, supplies and money donations. In 21-N, Clubs have come together to provide direct mission and disaster support to the Philippines after the devastating earthquake.
REMEMBER: 100% of money given to LCIF goes directly back to communities both LOCAL and World-wide. Ensure you and your clubs make LCIF a priority!
Global Action Team – Extension
Rebuilding & Reactivating Clubs Rebuilding and reactivating struggling and cancelled clubs helps
grow not only the impact in our communities, but also helps boost our membership — giving us more hands for more service.
Multiple District 21
Global Action Team –Leadership
MD-21 GLT – Su-Lin Trepanitis
Mid-Year Conference & Leadership Forum
November 7 & 8, 2025
As noted earlier in this issue – all forms for Registration, Hotel Info and Class Schedule Registration are available. TRAINING is important for our personal and club growth! An extensive schedule of courses will be available at the Mid-Year Leadership Forum with a variety of great instructors!
Of Course ….. It’s YOU!!
There’s still time and we need Lion engagement to ensure the event is a success! Come to learn AND enjoy valuable camaraderie with fellow Lions!
See you there!
Join us for a Chat
on 21-S Leadership Opportunities
Emerging Lion Leaders Institute
Incredible Opportunity
An intense, three-day leadership course that will be held
conveniently local and will focus on
developing “young” Lions (regardless of age)
Lions and Leos who wish to pursue leadership roles within their club will benefit from attending the Emerging Lions Leadership Institute (ELLI) that will be hosted by Multiple District 21.
At ELLI, you will learn the history and goals of Lions International and Lions Clubs International Foundation (LCIF), develop strategies for becoming an effective leader, and collaborate with a diverse group of fellow Lions and Leos.
Eligibility Requirements: Eligible Lions and Leos should have successfully served on a club committee, have not yet attained the position of club president, and have not previously attended ELLI. Club first vice presidents are strongly encouraged to attend.
Attend ELLI near you, January 23-25, 2026, at one of three venues:
Phoenix/Tempe (east valley),
Tucson, or
Phoenix/Glendale (west valley).
This will be a special, hybrid edition of ELLI, authorized by the Lions Leadership Development division, whereby three venues of 24 Lions/Leos (max.) will participate both in-person and via telecommunications to the other venues. Leadership sessions will be presented via digital technology by a faculty member to all three venues; related activities reinforcing the learning activity will be moderated locally by other faculty members.
Participants will be expected to work within their group to make a presentation to all attendees on the final day. This could be FREE if you complete successfully! Read More Below.
Year to Date Actuals as of 10/23/25 Recruiting goal for the year 230, We are doing great, keep up the good work
21-S GMT Message – Share the News
We are doing good as a District but we could be doing so much better. How many of you have asked anyone to become a member of your Lions Club?
You all have friends, family or business associates that don’t really know what Lions clubs do. (Remember… we are that best kept secret)
All it takes is totalk about what Lions are doing!
We have had the perfect opportunity here in 21 S….the Globe/Miami flood. Everyone has seen the pictures of the devastation but….how many have seen what the Lions have been doing?
FVDG Ed Lopez and many Lions Club members from all over the District have been instrumental in procuring a LCIF grant for food. There have been monetary donations from many of the clubs and food donations delivered from other clubs.
What a chance this is to tell people about the good that Lions do right here in our own communities. Remember….all it takes is “just ask”. GMT 21-S Sandi Sterker
Women4Women completed packaging feminine products today sponsored with Sun City Host Lions Club and Hart Pantry. Thank you all for your donation in products and cash. Especially your presence was much appreciated
21-S Clubs Support Globe & Miami Communities After Flood
Mesa Thunderbird Lions dropped off 700 pounds of food to help feed the victims of the recent flooding in Globe/Miami to Fernando Shipley of the Miami Lions Club. This was the initial response from the Arizona Lions and LCIF. The Safford Lions brought enough food to feed 150 families for a month! MANY of the 21S Clubs provided water, food, supplies or donations in support of the affected flooded communities. As listed at the beginning of this publication, FVDG Ed Lopez has done a marvelous job coordinating with LCIF grant funding and local execution! WE SERVE!
A big thank you to everyone involved in this project
Sandi Sterker from the Chandler Lions, Fernando Shipley from the Miami Lions, and Joni and Joe Preston from the Mesa Thunderbird Lions Club delivered 14 boxes of food to the Cobre Valley Youth Club, the delivery point for food distribution to the victims of the flood in Globe and Miami.
Emergency Food Box Program
ASA – Advocacy, Support and Assistance
COMMUNITY CALL TO ACTION
With the federal shutdown, many foster, kinship, and guardianship families who rely on WIC and SNAP may face interruptions to the benefits they receive for the children in their care—putting infants and children at risk of going without basic nutrition, including formula.
Our ASA Now Emergency Food Box Program will fill the gap for families in crisis.
We’re asking our community to come together. If you’re able, please consider:
Holding a small food drive with your friends, workplace, or church group
Purchasing a few extra non-perishable items when you shop this week
Even one item makes a difference!
Suggested Items:
• Infant formula and baby food
• Peanut butter & jelly
• Cereal, granola or breakfast bars
• Mac & cheese, canned soup, or ramen
• Canned veggies, beans, rice, and pasta
• Applesauce, crackers, pretzels
Extra Support:
Through our Life Skills Program, we offer budget-friendly meal ideas that cost under $5 and feed a family of four. We also keep a resource list of local nonprofits providing food boxes and a directory of dining rooms for hot meals.
If your family needs these resources, message us or email Hope@asanow.org—we’ll share the lists right away.
Donation Drop-Off
Jacob’s Mission Community Center
7830 E. University Dr., Mesa, AZ 85207
Monday–Friday, 9 AM–5 PM
For drop offs outside of this time, call our 24/7 number.
Together, we can ensure that no child goes hungry—not now, not ever.
New Lions, Sponsors & Club Report
Reporting as of October 31, 2025
New Members for 21-N & 21-S = 57
Our Pride is Growing
Club Charter Celebrations
Congratulations to Safford Lions Celebrating their 75th Charter Anniversary! Charter Date: October 10, 1950
The Benson Lions Club actually closed for a brief period but is now being actively worked to gain members and re-establish this incredible legacy of 75 years of Service!
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!
PLAN AHEAD and SAVE
Tickets Only $35 until 12/15/25 We are SO privileged to have our
Founder’s Birthplace in our backyard!
ENGAGE & be a part of special celebration
It is SO easy to secure tickets! Register NOW to save $
NOTE: When using the QR Code – please be aware of an OPTIONAL donation to Zeffy! You have the option to choose OTHER and place any amount, including $0.00.
Zeffy is an application similar to PayPal created for Non-Profits.
Melvin Jones Lions International Memorial |
15756 West US-70 | Fort Thomas, Arizona 85536-0163
21-S District Projects
ALERT – AZ Lions Eyeglass
Recycling Terminal
AZ Youth Exchange – C Kirby Smithe
Calling all Clubs!
Exciting opportunity for your Club to sponsor a Youth for an International Camp!
Oh….Poor Leon the Lion – look at those sad eyes! Leon is our personal Cheerleader! He pops up periodically in our issues of the Canyon State. The CONTEST to accurately FIND Leon and respond to Editor Sheila Palazzolo with his location(s)! Get it right….you are entered into our drawing! Be the first to respond and you get an extra drawing ticket. So easy! He’s waiting!
Submit your answers to Sheila Palazzolo at sdpalazzolo@yahoo.com
This digital Canyon State Lion is one of YOUR
primary communication tools. We are expanding the
Communication Tool Box to ensure a variety of options
for Lions to receive information.
Please submit your articles and photos via email to:
sdpalazzolo@yahoo.com
for publication in the digital Canyon State Lion
by the 25th of the month preceding publication date.
