February 2026 • Vol. 400, No. 8 DIGITAL CANYON STATE LION
Official Publication of the Lions of Arizona, Multiple District 21Celebrating over 100 years of Lions service to the people of Arizonawww.lionsarizona.org
What’s in this February issue:District Conventions, Election Information and Must know Information for all Lions
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!
February is here and we kick-start with Arizona’s statehood birthday (the 14th) with the America250-AZ celebration in Prescott. Local Lions will be providing hosting assistance as the traveling Museum kicks off its two-month tour of Arizona. Check out details in this edition of Canyon State Lion.
Additional News You Need to Know
STATE CONVENTION IN JUNE – Don’t forget to save-the-date, June 12-14 for the state MD21 Convention, as well as plan to attend district conventions later in THIS month. The 21-South Convention in Chandler is February 21, and the 21-North Convention in Sun City is February 28. More info is in this issue of Canyon State Lion and on the website: LionsArizona.org.
NEXT COUNCIL MEETING ONLINE – On Wednesday, February 19, the MD21 Council meeting will be held online beginning promptly at 7pm. The link to participate is posted on the website and published here: Meeting ID: 841 6807 7072; passcode: 574091.
COUNCIL MEETING AGENDA – A Council meeting agenda will be posted to the website prior to the Zoom, and will include GAT and state project reports, updates on district elections, Lions involvement with America250 and the Diamondbacks baseball game, status on MD finances and MidYear close-out, and state convention planning.
REBATE, LIONS INITIATION FEE – Your Council of Governors announced last month it will reimburse clubs the Lions Int’l. “new member initiation fee” for new members who have joined our association beginning January 1 of this year. That’s a $35 per NEW member savings and we expect to continue this rebate until we reach our financial limit or the end of this Lions year (June 30). It’s up to next year’s Council to continue beyond that date, particularly should the International Board vote to increase international dues further in the new year.
SPRING LEADERSHIP TRAINING – In March, April and May, club leadership should be preparing for the new year, and making sure all the new leaders have an opportunity to learn about next year’s challenges. Anticipate an aggressive leadership development calendar during these months to help all clubs have a great start for the next year. Remember, every Lion deserves a trained leader.
Last month, we participated in the “Celebration of Lionism” at the birthplace of our founder, the Melvin Jones Lions International Memorial in Fort Thomas. Kudos to Lion Sheila Palazzolo for publishing the Canyon State Lion special edition.
You shoulda been there as guest ID ‘Ski’ Marcinkowski and wife PDG Jenna were delightful guests and keynote speakers. Plan to attend next year’s event scheduled for January 16, 2027 – that’ll be the MLK holiday weekend.
Until we can meet in-person at one of the district conventions, please continue strengthening you club’s impact in your community. Our motto for the year remains, Continue to Make your Net.Work! Council Chair Ken Leja and Lion Karen
Your Servant Leader
CC Ken Leja
Governor’s Report – District 21-N
Dear Fellow Lions,
As we welcome the month of February, I invite each of you to stay strong, stay united, and continue serving as one helping hand. Our strength as Lions is found in our compassion, our teamwork, and our genuine care for one another. Let us always remember to take care of each other, just as we care for those we serve.
February is an exciting and meaningful month for our district! There is so much to look forward to leadership succession, where we prepare and inspire the next generation of Lion leaders; our District Convention, a time to connect, celebrate, and grow together; and Lions International Environmental Week of Service, where we proudly show our commitment to protecting and preserving our environment.
And of course, the excitement continues with the most awaited Arizona Lions Service Carnival, a chance to come together, serve with joy, and unleash the Lions’ best-kept secret! Let’s show our communities who Lions truly are: passionate, fun, and service-driven.
Finally, we eagerly look ahead to the State Convention, where we will proudly welcome our incoming International Lions President, Lion Mark Lyon. What an incredible opportunity to unite as Arizona Lions and be inspired at the international level.
Let us move forward with enthusiasm, purpose, and heart. Together, we can accomplish so much more.
In Lionism and Service
(MJ) Maryjane Barjose 21N District Governor (623) 337-0231
Governor’s Report – District 21-S
People join their local Lions club to serve their community, make friends, have fun and be part of something that matters. But across the country, many Lions are also quitting, and most of the time it is not because of age, health, or moving away. About 80% of voluntary quits happen because people are unhappy with how their club operates, and trying to change it is harder than just leaving. This is a culture problem. We learned this from surveying more than 500 Lions and ex-Lions nationally. Conflict, cliques, outdated meetings, poor leadership, lack of respect, and an unwillingness to update your club for the 21st century drive good people away.
The hard question is simple: which kind of club is yours? We will be talking about what we discovered and how to overcome it openly at the Roar Room Zoom meeting on February 12 at 6:30 pm.
Join us here: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85105587935
Thank you for being a Lion!
Richard Stevenson
21-S District Governor
ki6baq@me.com
BIG FUN from the
Birthplace of
Melvin Jones
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!
The 3rd Council Meeting will be an online, virtual meeting on Thursday, February 19, 2026.
The Zoom link below will become active 30-minutes prior the gavel at 7pm, and the agenda will be listed on the lionsarizona.org under the MD21 Council navigation tab.
Click here to join the meeting
Meeting ID: 841 6807 7072
Passcode: 574091
Phoenix Lions Without Borders
February 7 through April 12
See Schedule below
Bullhead City Lions
Valentine’s Dinner & DanceFebruary 13
Peoria Sunset Lions Club
Fundraiser Alert!
Buy a Square on our Super Bowl Fundraiser Grid for only $20 each. We have 32 spaces to sell – $500 for final score, $250 halftime score and $100 for the 1st and 3rd quarters.
Help raise funds with us to support hunger, military and Title 1 efforts in our community!
Zelle $20/square to Colleen at 631.848.9049. We would truly appreciate it! Go Lions!
Tucson Downtown RODEO DAYSFebruary 21,22 & 26 – March
Tucson Downtown Lions
1st Annual Chili Cook Off CHALLENGE
March 21
The Challenge has been given! Who doesn’t love a good chili?!?!
Find your Chili Chef and challenge another Club!!!
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!
Global Environment Service InitiativeApril 18 – 26
Arizona Lions Day at the DiamondbacksApril 19
Chino Valley Lioness Lions Vendor EventMay 1 + 2
District 21-N Lions Club CARNIVALMay 16
America 250-AZ Traveling Van Museum
The Road to 250: Arizona Traveling Museum, will see Arizona’s replica Liberty Bell travel to all 15 counties before returning to the Arizona State Capitol for permanent installation. The museum will feature engaging, interactive exhibits on American history and Arizona: past, present, and future.
We, Lions of Arizona, have been asked to provide support for this event! This is a great SERVICE opportunity for local clubs – simple activities that provide support and Lions visibility at locations throughout the state. Please remember, we are being asked to support the traveling Museum team; this is NOT a service carnival intended to recruit new members.
Clubs wanting to participate should contact me directly – either by phone or text (928-830-8236) or email (lionken@lejafamily.net). Typical hosting service involves ‘guiding’ visitors through the Museum, ‘managing’ crowds (trailer holds 25-30 at a time), ‘assisting’ as needed (picture taking in front of Liberty Bell replica, ADA access, inquiries), ‘monitoring’ postcard activity and interactive exhibits (possible pop-up tent nearby), and working with local staff to make visiting the America250-AZ traveling Museum a great learning experience.
The Museum will typically be ‘open’ from 10AM to 6PM, so please see the attached forms below for details on Volunteer role descriptions and how many volunteers are needed per shift PLUS the printable calendar of all site visits across the state! It is a fantastic opportunity for Lions across Arizona to provide a visible community service in celebration of our journey to America250!
Site Date Location Name
Feb 13 Phoenix – Polly Rosenbaum Archives
Feb 14-15 Prescott Chamber of Commerce
Feb 16 Parker – Western Park
Feb 19 Wickenburg Public Library
Feb 20 Glendale Public Library
Feb 22 Cave Creek Frontier (Town) Village
Feb 24 Yuma Crossing National Heritage Area
Feb 27 Phoenix – Colangelo Museum, GCU Campus
Feb 28 Mesa – Red Mountain Library
March 1 Florence Community Center
March 2 Casa Grande – Dorothy Powell Senior Center
March 5 Marana – Town Hall
March 6 Nogales – City center
March 7 Patagonia Museum
March 9 Tucson – Fort Lowell Museum
March 12 Sierra Vista Public Library
March 13 Tombstone – Downtown Visitor Center
March 15 Willcox – City center
March 16 Safford City Hall Lawn
March 18 Clifton – American Legion Post #28
March 20 Thatcher – EAC Hoopes Activity Center
March 22 Miami – Bullion Plaza Cultural Center
March 25 Eagar – Ramsey Park
March 27 Snowflake-Taylor Public Library
March 29 Window Rock – Navajo Nation Veterans Park
March 30 Chinle – Navajo Technical University
April 2 Page Public Library
April 4 Fredonia Fire Department
April 6 Flagstaff Visitor Center
April 9 Bullhead City Community Park Farmer’s Market
Attention to ALL Lions Clubs – ACT QUICKLY to receive FREE Postcard Kits for Schools you support! You MUST ORDER by FEBRUARY 9th!
Peace Poster Contest
2026-2027 Theme: Harmony in Humanity
For nearly four decades, the Lions International Peace Poster Contest has given children ages 11-13 the opportunity to share what peace means to them through art.
Each year, Lions clubs around the world sponsor the contest in schools and organized youth groups, giving young people the opportunity to be recognized at local and international levels — and awarded a grand prize of US$5,000 — for their creativity in sharing their vision of the current year’s theme.
Important deadlines
If you’re planning to sponsor a contest, keep the following dates top of mind so you don’t miss any submission deadlines.
Club
Kits are on sale in the Lions Shop online for 11.95/kit. You can order physical kits OR to save on shipping you can order digital version of the kit. For Digital Go to: https://lionsclubsinternational.myshopify.com/products/ppk1
Want to know what’s in the physical kit? Watch the YouTube video
below to view an unboxing!
October 1: Deadline to purchase kits from the Lions Shop online.
November 15: Postmark deadline for a club to send one winning poster (per contest sponsored) to the district governor.
December 1: Postmark deadline for a club not belonging to a district to send one winning entry to the Brand & Creative Department at Lions International Headquarters.
February 1, 2027: Club presidents of international winners will be notified on or before this date.
View the UNBOXING video to see what is all included in the kit!
You may be surprised at how many calls, emails and text messages that I receive on where can I find or I need an email, phone number or perhaps a registration form! Each conversation, the Lion is appreciative and often I hear “we really NEED someplace where we can easily find this information”.
This entire Lion year, we’ve worked hard to provide improved communication and resources available in many different formats or locations to fit individual needs or desire. So here is a refresher on resources available to all Lions! Officers, Leadership, Tail Twisters…..all of you can use this information as “reminders” during your Club Meetings!
Lion Portal – Official Lions International portal which provides every Lion access to key personal information plus access required dependent on the Lion’s role within the Club, District or MD.
Lions of Arizona Internal website: https://lionsarizona.org/Recommend Bookmarking this link for easy access! Created and dedicated to expansion of quality content is our own Council Chair Ken Leja! But he cannot do it alone. There are several key Lions behind the scenes helping this take form. Within this website lives many items to make your like easier!
Calendar – where all District & MD events are listed on the Calendar plus any Club events, fliers or information shared will be listed! Fundraisers, Food Banks, Tree planting, etc!
Member Only Section
Directory – Access to every member listed in the Portal for Districts North & South. Password protected with the multiple district number followed by MD21. Ask your club secretary or look on the Lions Portal under My District/MD/CA.
Club Officers – Access to all Clubs & Officers – password protected with same password as noted above.
Club Resources – Links to all e-Books for Officers and Lion Portal Quick Guides such as Adding or Dropping Members, new Membership cards, viewing reports, etc.
Club Websites – Currently those Clubs who have completed or are partnering with free website development. Templates and information for clubs interested in website development.
Canyon State Lions Newsletter (CSL) – Provided on a monthly basis. Considered the primary venue for sharing information with all Lions in Digital format. In 2026, everyone should have email and provided to the Lions Portal. I’ve heard concerns over privacy as a reason not to share the email or “I don’t DO email”. This is our primary, consistent mode of communication. Currently, we have 25 – 35% Open rate and even fewer actual CLICKS on the buttons enabling you to print a single calendar summary of all primary Lion events, or a registration form for a kick-off, conference, District & State conventions, Club Service ideas, key District or State Project information, etc.
Social Media – Key method to connect your Club Service & Growth with the broader community.
AZ Lions Forum – Facebook Private Group. Perfect place to SHARE your great service with all your other Lions. We LEARN from each other PLUS it is used for reminders for upcoming events!
Lions Global Forum – This is a Facebook Page where Lions around the globe come together, pose questions, learn from each other and provides the catalyst for Clubs/Districts/MDs to change for the future!
Lions USA – A independent group of Lions from the United States and its affiliates, dedicated to recapturing the fun, pride, and unity that define our organization and working together to grow our service through membership growth. An opportunity to learn how best to GROW our Clubs within the USA.
District Level – Our Governor’s this Lion’s Year have been phenomenal with Communication! Direct emails, Special Online opportunities to discuss key topic for Growth, Expansion and Learning, Creative use of Facebook Messenger for Group Chats.
What’s missing? Questions? Concerns? Ideas? Insights? Feedback would be greatly appreciated! Contact me!
Sheila Palazzolo – Editor
Canyon State Lion Newsletter
sdpalazzolo@yahoo.com
Groundhog Day – February 2
Info from your 2025-2026
Global Action Team
LCIF
Melvin Jones Fellowship Recognition
The Melvin Jones Fellowship Award is a prestigious recognition given by Lions Clubs International to individuals who demonstrate outstanding humanitarian service.
Purpose and Criteria
Honors individuals for their commitment to community service.
Recognizes contributions that align with the Lions’ mission of serving others.
Eligibility
Open to Lions Club members and non-members.
Nominees should have a proven record of service and leadership.
Benefits
Recipients receive a certificate and a pin.
The award supports the Lions Clubs’ charitable initiatives through a donation made in the recipient’s name.
Application Process
Nominations can be submitted by Lions Clubs or members.
Specific guidelines and forms are available on the Lions Clubs International website.
History
Named after Melvin Jones, the founder of Lions Clubs International, who emphasized the importance of community service.
For more detailed information, including nomination forms and specific criteria, visit the official Lions Clubs International website.
Multiple District 21
Global Action Team –Leadership
MD-21 GLT – Su-Lin Trepanitis
Emerging Lion Leaders Institute
Incredible Opportunity
April 10-12, 2026
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, April 10 – 12, 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.
Here are just a few of the HUNGER SERVICE that occurred in January!
Well Done Arizona!
Through Call Christina Now and Langar Group, the Phoenix Rainbow Lions held our first Global Service dedicated to HUNGER. 10 PRLC volunteers were there. I appreciate your dedication we fed and clothed 150 homeless individuals. This is not just a Lions International Initiative, this is also a teaching of Christ, and all global religions. Thank you all for being good humans.
Downtown Lions, as part of The Lot’s effort to overcome nutritional obstacles, Lions Jessie, Steve, and Su-Lin are preparing meals-to-go for those in need.
Below Phoenix Rainbow & LEOs + Lions Without Boarders Lions
Today we and our Leos volunteered alongside The Phx Rainbow Lions & The Lions Without Borders Lions Club in Downtown Phoenix. Our club served 150 people hot soup and homemade cookies and donated several boxes and bags of gently used clothing. We even gave away several jackets as soon as we arrived before the event started due to the very cold weather.
CLUBS – Start planning for how YOU will achieve the next
Global Initiative for Environment
Deadlines Impact Ability to VOTE
For our DG positions and District Projects Board Positions, Clubs MUST BE in Good Standing. This means the Clubs must have paid ALL DUES for LCI & MD/District
21-South Election Deadline is THURSDAY, February 5th
21-North Election Deadline is THURSDAY, February 12th
Below is the “Elections Need to Know 101” detailed document you can read or print for your files.
CONGRATULATIONS to Prescott Sunrise Lions
celebrating their 65th Charter Anniversary!
As we prepare for the 65th Anniversary of the Prescott Sunrise Lions Club I invite current and past members to search around for any pictures you might have. We’ll be creating a fun power point for our celebration on May 2nd.
These pictures are from 1986. Lion JR Williams coordinated our club receiving retiring medical equipment from YRMC. We hauled a 3 ton truck load of needed equipment to the border at Lukeville where the Rocky Point Lions took delivery. Prescott Sunrise Lions Club has always rocked our far reaching service projects.
Sincerely, Jim Myers
Please join with me to offer sincere condolences to the family of Mathew Vinco, a student member of the Surprise Sunshine Lions Club.Service is February 13 Cards can be sent to the family at:14874 N. 136th DriveSurprise, 85379 Respectfully,21N CST Linda FinleyMD21/21N Chaplain MD21/21N Memorial / Necrology
602-999-5797
DO WE WANT THE MELVIN JONES MEMORIAL TO REMAIN THE BEST KEPT SECRET?
An Editorial by DG Richard Stevenson
For more than 60 years, the Melvin Jones Lions International Memorial in Fort Thomas has been preserved to honor the birthplace of Melvin Jones. Despite that long stewardship, awareness of the memorial remains limited. Very few people know it exists or will ever see it, and engagement is largely confined to Lions within Arizona and a few special guests, who gather there once a year. For a site of significance to 1.4 million Lions, its reach is constrained by geography that will not change.
Melvin Jones was innovative, forward-looking, and committed to using the tools of his time to bring people together in service. It is reasonable to believe he would have embraced modern technology to share his story, connect Lions globally, and expand service to humanity. A memorial tied solely to a location in rural Arizona, does not fully reflect the worldwide vision of Melvin Jones.
Today, we have the opportunity to expand how the memorial is shared and supported. We can think beyond geography and use modern technology to create a global presence for the one place on earth uniquely tied to the founding of our organization. By broadening awareness beyond Arizona, Lions everywhere can connect to the birthplace of Melvin Jones, support its preservation, and help ensure his legacy continues to inspire service worldwide.
The question before us is not whether the memorial matters, but how we allow it to matter. Do we embrace the tools available to extend its reach to all 1.4 million Lions, or do we continue to limit its impact to those who can travel to Fort Thomas? Please support the MJLIM Board to expand our message to reach the Lions of the world.
Join the Melvin Jones Memorial Board
Only in Arizona do we have the birthplace of Melvin Jones! YOU could help us develop this site to have more far reaching impact! Next Month, we’ll have the Nomination Forms to join the Melvin Jones Lions International Board!
Board Positions are open! Did your Club miss the submission deadline?
SEND to Linda Finley ASAP!
Let us know of your interest in case appointments are needed!
AZ Youth Exchange – C Kirby Smithe
Applications can now be submitted. Clubs who sponsor schools, have LEO Club Members or perhaps an outstanding youth in your community – MAKE A DIFFERENCE NOW!
Remember, each applicant can choose up to three camps for their priority. The sooner they submit, the better the chances of getting their first choice.
WATCH the VIDEO BELOWto SEE the personal impact of this sponsorship can bring!
LION ANTHONY LUICK
CLICK the picture of the flags! Aaron was our first Lion scholarship student sent to Estonia last summer. Hear his story & the impact you can make in a youth’s life!
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.
