Thursday, September 25, 2014

Still recovering...

I had so much fun at the Buchanan Lioness Club DG visitation on Tuesday evening.  I have always been impressed with the dedication and work ethic of our Lioness.
A fantastic meeting and then group pictures afterwards.  Hopefully the pictures that PDG Joann took didn't show the fat lip that DG Elizabeth gave to me.  I was only trying to stay out of pictures when she sucker punched me!!!  The things I do for her!  :-)
Last evening, we had our first Zone meeting of Regions I and II.  ZCs Mike and John did an excellent job!  You would never know this was their first year.  Well done...Lions...well done.  And I can't say enough about seeing King Lion Frank from the Susquehanna Twp Lions Club.  It still warms my heart to know that I actually met Lion Frank when I was, let's just say, young!  I'll never forget Grace United Methodist Church in Penbrook.
Which brings me to how Lion Frank made it to the Zone Meeting.  ZC Mike Stephens took International President Joe Preston's theme to heart.  "Ask 1" took on a whole new meaning, when he personally called to invite KL Frank to the Zone meeting.  KL Frank explained to ZC Mike that he was going out of town yesterday, BUT he postponed his trip by a day so that he could attend the meeting.  So really folks, that's all it takes...a personal invitation to "ASK 1".
Until next time,
VDG Salli

Tuesday, September 23, 2014

My wish...

Oh, how I wish someone would comment on this blog!!!  :-)

Monday, September 22, 2014

Pictures

OK...so for some reason the pictures that I was trying to post to my last entry didn't show up.  I'm going to try again...let's see if this works.

So...this is PDG Pete telling the Lions of District 14-T where our next District Convention will be held...


And this is PDG Pete...again...with his cohort in crime, ZC John.
Until next time...after I'm done thawing out!
VDG Salli

This past weekend...

I was so exhausted last evening upon returning from District 14-T's 1st Cabinet meeting of the 2014-2015 Lions year. But I folded some laundry, made Eric's sandwich for lunch, chatted with Emily and DG Elizabeth via email and fell right to sleep.
So here I am this morning...bright eyed and bushy-tailed!  Ready to tell you about my weekend.
The Lower Paxton Twp Lions had a very successful Chicken BBQ on Saturday. Selling out is always a good thing when it comes to chicken bbqs.  Lion John asked us to be there to set up at 9:00 a.m. To start selling at 10:30. So here I come at 9:05 (I had to get my iced tea...needed the caffeine) and everything was set up already. Now I love Lion John dearly, but when he tells us to be somewhere at a particular time from now on...I'm arriving an hour later. :-)
What a great event on Saturday though. Teamwork, FUN, fellowship...the Lower Paxton Lions are an awesome group of volunteers that support their community and HAVE FUN DOING IT!  What more can you ask for?!
After the BBQ, Lion Eric and I stopped to pick up his green jacket. Had to have it for Sunday's cabinet meeting. This was the man who adamantly refused to wear a green jacket when he found out he had to.  It's the only time in the years I've known him that he drew a line and said NO.  Well, as my Partner In Service, and because he knew how much it meant to me, he did.  And I must say, he looked SHARP!
Then we collected our eyeglasses from our eyeglass collection at the Colonial Park Mall.
By this time...I needed my chicken BBQ meal and I wasn't doing another thing until I had it!
So the rest of the day consisted of watching Michigan football LOSE (not happy...Lion Eric and I will be in Michigan to see them play Penn State...hoping for a miracle), completing my report for the Calendar project and counting eye glasses.
Then Sunday...I was installed as the 1st VDG of District 14-T as the rest of the Cabinet was installed as well. Announcement we made from numerous committees...including our very own PDG Pete who gave us some more information about our District 14-T Convention. We are trying something new...going from a 3 day event to a 1 day event. Looking forward to it...Shippensburg University...where...



And the highlight of the day...not mine...was that pesky PDG Pete AGAIN and his cohort in crime, ZC John Mallonee...was this...


Friday, September 19, 2014

Chicken BBQ


Gearing up for the Lower Paxton Twp Lions Club Chicken BBQ tomorrow.  We will be serving from 10:30 a.m. until we are sold out.  Come early to ensure you get one!  Or ten!!!
For a donation of only $8, you will get a 1/2 Rotisserie Baked Chicken (and it's the famous Kauffman's Chicken to boot!!), a baked potato, apple sauce, a roll and butter.  YOU CAN'T BEAT THAT!!!
We will be in front of Gander Mountain on Route 22 in Harrisburg.  We'd love to see you!
Also, the Lower Paxton Lioness Club will also be selling baked goods.  I have to say that my favorite is their peanut butter fudge.  mmmmmmmm...
See you tomorrow!!!
VDG Salli

Millerstown DG Visit

It is really awesome how I'm getting to meet other Lions within our District...and quite frankly...beyond our District as well.  Millerstown was very easy to get to as well.  KL Wayne and the rest of the Lions were having a blast last night.  I sure do love how easy it is that the laughs just kept coming.  KL Wayne's wife is adamant that he has ADD.  She even bought a book to prove to him he has some classic signs of it.  And the members just backed her up!  Too funny!
I was kind of put on the spot last evening too.  I just had to wing it.  KL Wayne asked if I could tell the group about my history of Lions.  I did tell him that last night wasn't about me...it was about DG Elizabeth and her plans.  Well...it seems that DG Elizabeth needed no introduction because they all knew her, so it was up to me to talk about myself and my history with Lions.  In addition, DG Elizabeth asked me to talk a little about the Calendar project for them.  So I did wing it...and I must say, I came away unscathed.  Rest assured, Millerstown Lions, I will be back!!!  I absolutely loved meeting all of you and felt completely at home.  I didn't get a chance to hear about their Rubber Duckie Regatta so I just have to go back!  I'm sure there are lots of hilarious stories in addition to the raised money for community needs.
VDG Salli

Wednesday, September 17, 2014

Newport Lions DG visit

Last evening I had the pleasure of meeting the members of the Newport Lions Club.  For once, I actually knew how to get to a meeting and didn't have to worry about directions (that much).  Emily's grandparents live in Newport so I kinda knew where I was headed, even though it's been a long time since I've been up there.  And I have to say, for one who really is petrified of bridges, I still really don't like that iron bridge.  There's something about being able to see the water right underneath you through the openings.
OK...moving on.  The Newport Lions are extremely busy, especially this time of year.  They have Canal Days coming up on October 4, they have their annual Halloween parade next month and they are building a jail!  Wait...a what???  If you want to know about the jail the Newport Lions Club is building, ASK.  I'm sure they would be happy to invite you to a meeting and explain.  :-)
Also, their newest member, Lion Scott will be riding his bike on his own (no, he's not running away) to raise awareness for Autism.   I'll try to get more specifics since for some reason I didn't type them into my phone like I normally do.  I must have been so interested in what he had to say.  But Lion Scott is getting ready and will be leaving for his trip next week.  Best of luck, Lion Scott.  Don't forget to post on Facebook!!!
Until next time...
VDG Salli

Tuesday, September 16, 2014

Shermans Dale DG visit...

So for this VDG that doesn't like to drive where she doesn't know she's going, I must say I'm not doing half bad.  For most of these longer trips, I just crank up the music and sing along.  I'm sure those other drivers think I'm crazy.  (Don't even say it...I know what you're thinking!!)
Now yesterday was a different story...there was no way I was singing with Zone Chair Steve Copp riding shotgun.  I'm glad for some company every now and then.  Of course, I find myself talking to myself if I don't know the words to a song that comes on the iPod.
THANK YOU, Shermans Dale Lions for the welcome DG Elizabeth and I received last evening.  I think these clubs talk to each other to see what food was prepared at a previous DG visit.  And I really think it's a conspiracy!!  Temptation...that's all I've got to say.
It was great to meet KL Jim (not James) and the rest of the Lions.  And I got to put a face to a name when I met Secretary Lion Diane.  I know how hard it is to move outside one's own comfort zone and I was so very proud of Lion Diane when she submitted the club reports electronically to LCI.
Lion Sherry...I'll say it again...I really miss seeing you at the District Cabinet Meetings.  But as DG Elizabeth and I say, family does come first.  And I know that beautiful granddaughter of yours is too precious to pass up!!!  I don't blame you.  But my heart swelled last evening when I got to see you!!
Up next...Newport Lions...tonight!!!  Looking forward to it!!

VDG Salli

Monday, September 15, 2014

New Lions Learning Center course

Extra!!!  Extra!!!  Read all about it!!!
The Lions Learning Center now has a new course added.  "Time Management" is now available.  And it really is worth your time to schedule a chunk of time to complete this course.  I thought that I was relatively good at managing my time.  This course did prove that I was, but there were also things I learned that I believe I can put to good use when it comes to managing my time.
With being 1VDG, I prided myself on being able to multi-task.  After taking this course, I have a new perspective on multi-tasking.  It's not a bad thing...but it's not always a good thing either.
Of course, I'm not going to tell you any more about the course, because I don't want to give all the information away.  Even if you are a "seasoned" Lion Leader, this course will have something you can relate to.  I highly recommend it.
VDG Salli

P.S.  Speaking of time management, I better go start getting prepared for the DG visit this evening with the Shermans Dale Lions Club!!!

Friday, September 12, 2014

Mt. Parnell visit

I'm not sure if I have ever driven as much as I have the past two months.  And it's only the tip of the iceberg.  I knew I was in for a long ride yesterday and when one of my favorite songs came on my iPod, I hit the repeat button.  I think I listed to that song for about 3/4 of the way down to the meeting.
DG Elizabeth and I had so much fun last evening.  What a great group of Lions.  I met some Lions with names I have never heard before or it's been a long time since I've heard them.  Lion Tex...I think he's got a heart the size of Tex...as.  (even if he is an Orioles fan)  And Lion Leroy...reminds me of my daddy.  And there is no way I can forget Lion Grover HESS...that H.E.S.S.  It's been a long time since I have laughed that hard.
Lion Herb gave us an absolutely beautiful tribute in remembrance of 9/11.  Very touching, Lion Herb.  Thank you.
And the very nice gift that both DG Elizabeth and I were presented.  Thank you to the members of the Mt. Parnell club for the Mt. Parnell Lions crock.  I will display it proudly on my bookcase in my living room.
And thank you for all you do for your community.  It was terrible what happened to your local youth soccer team.  You've shown that "Where There Is A Need, There Is A LION".  Your efforts do not go unnoticed.
Until next time...
VDG Salli

Thursday, September 11, 2014

Path Valley - The "Country" Club

I have never considered myself the adventurous type...until recently.  I knew I had to be since this position was going to get me to travel outside of my own comfort zone.  And yesterday, we traveled.  And traveled.  And traveled.
I must say I am extremely thankful to King Lion Dean for meeting DG Elizabeth and I at the PA Turnpike Exit.  I'm not sure I would have made it to the Path Valley meeting on time.  As a matter of fact, I'm wondering if I would still be trying to find it.  The Path Valley Lions Club is the true version of COUNTRY Club.
In all honesty, I had so much fun traveling over the mountain.  I felt like I was back home on the Sidewinder at HersheyPark.  If I wasn't so nervous, I wanted to put my hands up and scream like a little kid.  You could really catch some air coming down the mountain.
I'm always amazed at the dedication of each of our clubs in District 14-T.  I love to hear the stories of what each club does to help the community. Congrats to the Path Valley Club for their successful soda and ice cream stand.
AND...I really think these club visits are a conspiracy!!!  I've been so proud of the 50 pounds of weightless I've achieved over the past year or so.  And now these visits are making me actually consider exercising.  My fridge is calling me right now with the leftovers I got to sneak home last night.  There is no better comfort food like a good home-cooked meal.  And the ham popeye last night was OUT OF THIS WORLD!!!  Yum...
My thanks to the Path Valley Lions Club for their hospitality in welcoming DG Elizabeth and I.
PDG Grady, have a wonderful time hunting!
Until next time...
VDG Salli

Tuesday, September 9, 2014

Harrisburg Lions - Never a Dull Moment

In my travels, I really should 'expect the unexpected'!
DG Elizabeth and I met before heading into downtown Harrisburg today.  With parking prices is the city, it was easier and CHEAPER to take one vehicle.  Although I must say that the automated parking meters are pretty nice.  But I just got my PA Lions license plate and I don't know what my plate number is by heart yet.  It's a good thing DG Elizabeth drove.
We visited the 'home of the one hour meeting' today.  NO PRESSURE, right DG?  The bell was rung precisely at 12:00 by King Lion Ken.  We sang, said the Pledge, prayed and toasted.  We starting eating and out of NOWHERE alarms started going off.  And an automated voice comes over the hotel intercom system..."Attention...Attention...Attention...Attention" (Really...you've got my attention with the very loud alarms), "An emergency has been reported, etc...etc...etc)  Well, Lions being Lions...we just kept eating.  One of the members said the employees would let us know if we really needed to leave.  If we were going to keep this a one hour meeting, we needed to finish our lunch.  But sure enough, in came a hotel employee who very nicely said we all must use the emergency exits (no elevators) and walk calmly down the stairs and wait outside.  Now I know DG Elizabeth did not want to be the cause of making history at the Harrisburg Lions Club meeting by running over on her time OR actually have someone with the hooked cane come up behind her and drag her away.  :-)
So you know what she suggested.  Out in front of the Hilton in downtown Harrisburg at Market Square, DG Elizabeth wanted to hold the induction ceremony of the 2 newest members to join their club RIGHT THERE!!!!  What a fabulous and creative idea.  That's how you wing it, folks.  But sure enough as soon as it was being possibly considered, we were permitted to go back inside.  At least no one stole our desserts while we were gone.  Priorities...right?
So...moral of the story...as the Boyscouts say, "BE PREPARED".
Those Harrisburg Lions sure know how to have a good time.  They brought the fire trucks out for us and everything.  They don't hold anything back from their guests.  We do get the VIP treatment.

Anyway...welcome to Lions Jennifer and Ben.  (And I really can't believe that Tail Twister Lion Jim Handshaw actually made her pay a fine of 25 cents at her very first official meeting.)  LOL!!!

Thank you for the awesome hospitality, Harrisburg Lions!!!!

VDG Salli

Monday, September 8, 2014

New week...time is flying by

I'm not even sure where last week went...it really flew by.
I'm really gearing up for my classes to start...which isn't until October 6th, BUT books went on sale last week so I just had to get all my books for my classes on the FIRST day.  I guess you could say I'm out to be the teacher's pet.
The Mercersburg DG visit last week was simply delightful.  Since I had hurt my foot last Sunday, I wasn't able to wear any kind of dress shoes.  I had to wear a pair of sandals anytime I went out.  So unfortunately, as per PDG Jim's dress code, I was not able to wear stilettos!  Thank goodness it was a picnic style meeting and we were asked to dress casually.  DG Elizabeth and I heard so many great things about the recent carnival and how the community pulled together to volunteer hours to make it a huge success.  That's what team is all about.  And DG Elizabeth was presented with a nice, heavy box of donated glasses (I'm surprised her car isn't weighed down yet with all the glasses she keeps getting) and she was also presented with a donation to the District projects.
Thank you Mercersburg Lions for a spectacular evening!!
So this week is crazy busy!!!  Today is my day "off".  I've been busy gathering paperwork for a job application I am putting in.  Not saying where because I don't want to get my hopes up.
Tomorrow I will be attending the Harrisburg Lions meeting with DG Elizabeth at noon.  Then my own Lions, the Lower Paxton Twp Lions, start their meetings back up tomorrow evening.  Wednesday DG Elizabeth and I will be in Path Valley.  Thursday, it's off to Mt. Parnell.
I received the agenda for the next State Council weekend.  So Friday I will prepare for that, although it is a month away.  But there is training for 1VDGs that weekend so there is a lot of prep work (according to me)
I must be more diligent in posting!!!  I know how anxiously you wait for my posts.  :-)
Until tomorrow...
1VDG Salli

Wednesday, September 3, 2014

Penbrook Leos

WOW!!!  That is all I can say about last evening's Penbrook Leo Club meeting.  I was only there in a "parent" role since my daughter, Emily, is Club President.  But I was invited to attend, as every parent was.  One of their Leos was doing a presentation on anti-bullying and suicide.  Leo Katherine's presentation blew me away.  I know that as these kids continue to discuss this world-wide problem, they will come up with a great campaign that can be used in the community...and who knows, maybe go viral!!!  Very impressive, Leo Katherine.  I'm proud of you!!!
When we got home from the Leo meeting last evening, I discovered that our central air went KAPUT.      Go figure.  It's the hottest it's been all year and my air conditioning decides to play tricks on me.  Needless to say, I wasn't really comfortable trying to sleep last night, even with the fans.
BUT GREAT NEWS...guy was able to come out and repair the compressor and motor TODAY.  I feel better!!
Tonight is the DG visit in Mercersburg. Pretty excited to meet all the club members and guests they will have this evening.  I'll tell you all about it tomorrow!!!
I'm going to go relax in the air conditioning until I have to leave for Mercersburg.    Ahhhhhhhhhhh...
1VDG Salli

Tuesday, September 2, 2014

Short, but busy week

I hope everyone enjoyed their holiday.  It looks like Fall is just around the corner.  I don't know if I'm ready for it or not...with the exception of it being that much closer to hockey season.
Eric and I visited his daughter this weekend at Widener University in Chester (near Philly).  She moved in two weeks ago and classes started last week.  This is her first semester so we wanted to check it out.  I think she's going to do well.  We rode the Septa into Philly and had lunch at the Hard Rock.  For those of you who don't know, I collect their Hurricane glasses.  And Philly was the closest that I didn't have yet.  My collection is looking really nice.  Eric is going to get me a Boston one when he goes to the Frozen Four this year.  I'm unable to travel with him as this is the District 14-T convention weekend also.  And it looks like we will be able to get 2 when we travel to Hawaii next year.
So enough about this past weekend...what is on the books for this week?  Unfortunately, this afternoon we must say goodbye to Lion Warren Ely from the New Bloomfield Lions.  A Lions Service of Remembrance will be performed by PDG Sam Wagner.  This evening I will be attending the Penbrook Leos meeting.  The guest speaker is one of their very own Leos doing a presentation on Bullying and Suicide.
Tomorrow is the Mercersburg Lions DG visit.  I'm pretty excited about this visit.  We've been instructed to wear casual clothing as this will be picnic  to show appreciation for the many volunteers who help out during their Fair.  I always love a good picnic.  And the directions PDG Jim provided seem pretty straight forward.  I should be ok.  :-)
Thursday is another Lower Paxton Twp Leo Informational meeting at the East Shore Library at 6:15. If anyone knows any 12-18 year old who is interested in making a difference in their community, please have them stop buy to learn more!!!
And Friday...wait for it...wait for it...
Our family...mom, dad, sister, brother-in-law, nephew, Eric, Emily and I are ALL going out to dinner. Believe it or not, this Friday was the only day that all of us are available the entire month of September.  We will be celebrating everyone's 2014 birthdays.  Too funny, huh?  I'm just happy we get to celebrate them.
Saturday is LP Park Clean up.  I will try my best to get there as I have another appointment at 9:00, but I am trying to reschedule.
Have a great day!
VDG Salli