Submitted by Myrla Holland
‘Carlyle Has It’ is the motto and if convention evaluation sheets can be believed - Carlyle certainly had it November 2 -4, 2018 at the 5SKS Lions Convention. “The best convention I have ever been to”, “ [Can you put 5 stars and a happy face in here??] “, “DO IT AGAIN!” and “All conventions should follow what Carlyle did – there would be more clubs attending” are all direct quotes from the evaluation sheets left behind. There were a few suggestions for improvements but not even one negative comment!
Our focus for the Convention was ‘the Lion at the club level’ and ‘local content’ for speakers and entertainment. We asked clubs to volunteer to do short 10 minute presentations on the SERVICE they do or have done in their community – Broadview, Estevan, Regina Central and Carlyle stepped up. The delegates were in whole hearted support of this concept. New ideas to take back to their own clubs, increased pride in being a Lion and recognition of the work clubs do were all positive remarks.
Diabetes is the next big challenge that LCI is taking on so we asked local nurse and Diabetes Coordinator, Auldene Craig to speak about healthy food choices. Her contribution was later commented on favourably as being a talk that held audience interest to the end. PDG Terry McAleese explained LCI’s new Campaign 100 initiative promoting diabetes prevention.
Dog Guide stories are not new but Autistic Dog Guides are relatively new and the Lethbridge family from Gainsborough attended to tell their story. Mom Gail in her first speaking engagement before a large crowd explained about the dire need for the dog, the process of being trained with the dog and about the peace and comfort the dog has brought to all members of the family. This riveting and heartwarming story conveyed their passion for spreading the good news story of the Lions dog guide program. Our own Saskatchewan ‘Ride for Dog Guides’ motorcycle group told of their exploits and passion for the program as well.
The heart and soul of Lionism is the desire and need to ‘volunteer’ and the President of the Saskatchewan Volunteer Firefighters, Doug Lapchuk reinforced that with a witty and entertaining presentation about why volunteers are a necessary part of the success of every community.
In rural Saskatchewan STARS has been and is a vital service. The first flight when STARS came to Saskatchewan was to our neighboring town of Arcola and many Lions Clubs in small town Saskatchewan make annual contributions to keep them in the air. Their Community Coordinator, Shari Lemon gave an interesting and insightful look at how things happen when a call comes in.
A video presentation by our local Olympian, Carter Morrison with help from Dad Trevor and Mom Lisa, – participant in the Opening Ceremonies at Rio and multiple medal winner at the World Dwarf Games – was really interesting. Circumstances preventing them from attending in person but we were grateful they took the time and effort to make a video presentation for us.
Our guest speaker was Past International President Wayne Madden from Auburn, Indiana, USA, accompanied by his wife Linda. He spoke about some of his Lions experiences and presented some friendship banners. Our other international attendee was MD5 Council Chair Keith Zeutschel from Horace, North Dakota, USA. We would welcome them all back at any time!
The Memorial Service honoured 22 departed Lions from 17 clubs. Too many lost in one year.
We honoured their years of Lions service and read personal comments about each during a video presentation of their pictures. This followed a short but very relevant service emphasizing the Lions motto “We Serve” conducted by Rev. Michelle Moore.
Although we were a bit cramped during the meal times, the logistical plan to get people fed worked very well and the quality of food from our five different local groups and caterers more than made up for the slight inconvenience.
Local fiddle group, led by Michelle Amy, who has been instrumental in bringing back a nearly lost fiddle tradition, had toes tapping and people dancing on Friday evening. Saturday evening, Cornerstone Theater did a series of short skits that had the delegates roaring with side splitting laughter. There were many positive comments about both.
The Carlyle District Lions Club put a lot of work both before and during, into hosting this Convention and we are more than pleased that it was met with such positive responses. We had support from the local area – Bear Claw Casino, Town of Carlyle, Food Bank, Legion, The Observer, Quilt Club, King’s, Michael’s, Second Chance Store, the Chamber of Commerce and several individuals – for which we are ever grateful.
NOTE: District 5SKS takes in the southern portion of the province from border to border. There are 83 Lions and Lioness Clubs and 34 sent 120 delegates to the convention.
