EL CAJON VALLEY HOSTS LION’S NEWSLETTER
November 24, 2025, Members: _34___ Guests: _3__
Facebook: El Cajon Valley Host Lions Club
Volume 2026 _______________________________________Issue 19
CALL TO ORDER: Ron Nevels__
Invocation: _Paul Trembley__
Pledge of Allegiance: __Jim Sing__
Patriotic Song: ___Kat Zeman_________________ Song: ___God bless America___
HELEN KELLER QUOTE BY: ___Van Wilsey _______________
“Hope sees the invisible, feels the intangible, and achieves the impossible.”
GUESTS: _
| August and Grant Thiem III | Ed Rock | Kristen Powers |
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GOOD TO SEE:
| Mike Carleton & Pam Carleton |
CALENDAR OF UPCOMING EVENTS:
Xmas Party December 9th
Board Meeting: DECEMBER 11, 2025, 6 PM, Elks Conference Room.
Christmas Basket December 19th and 20th
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HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU
BOB ACKER (11-14-36) WALT SIMMONS (11-12-44) CHRIS BRAMWELL (11-27-52) CAROL LIVESAY (11-29-46) JOE CRAWFORD (11-02-79)
GOOD CHEER: _________________________________________________________
IF you know of any members who are in distress, sick, or in the hospital, PLEASE notify PP Yvonne so our good wishes can be conveyed to him/her. 619/838-4262
November EXEMPT BADGE: _Chris Bramwell________________
LCIF: PP Yvonne Paris: New Member Induction ____________________________________________________
Membership in the Lions Club is a privilege, joining over 1.4 million members worldwide.
Membership and Service Commitment
The El Cajon Valley Lions Club was founded in 1947 and has been serving the community for 78 years.
Julie Sherman is to mentor the new member, Madeline Nation, by introducing her to club members and providing orientation.
We know you have the talent and ability to contribute to our annual Gunsmoke Casino Night.
Your assistance the past few years has been greatly appreciated.
Your membership in the El Cajon Valley Lions Club will allow us to reach more people in need in both our local and world communities.
The officers and members of this club are thrilled that you have chosen to help us continue the legacy of Lions International by improving the lives of the less fortunate and making our community an even better place to live.
Since you have expressed a desire to affiliate with this club and with Lions International,
Do you accept membership in the El Cajon Valley Lions Club and Lions International, knowing that you are encouraged to participate in the functions of the club
To the best of your ability, will you abide by the Lions Code of Ethics, attend meetings whenever possible, and contribute your share to the programs of our club, district, and Lions International?
Madeline: I will
Mark Clifton: | Last week, 16 pies were sold for $100 each as part of a fundraising effort.
Participants are to consider purchasing pies for auction to support community initiatives.
Pies were sold to Carter Short and Phil Smith.
Christmas Basket Preparation
Participants are to gather on Tuesday, the 16th, at noon to fill Christmas baskets, requiring five or six volunteers with trucks.
HAPPY DOLLARS/FINES: TT __Bob Acker___________________________
| Mike Raney | $5 | Happy to See Mike Carleton |
| Mike Carlton | $20 | Happy to be here |
| Paul Trembley | $5 | Great to see Mike and Nurse Pam here today |
| Yvonne Paris | $5 | Welcome a new member |
| Dyan Jone | $10 | We were able to survive last Saturday.We’ve been delivering many Care packages.And thank seniors living in mobile home parks and subsidized housing.So we have adopted two new communities. |
| Gary Sims | $5 | Because we went to the casino after Tom’s party, and I lost money. |
| Phil Smith | $5 | Got a happy five. I’ve been happy. |
| Gary Robinson | $5 | Mike Carlton is here, and a new member has been inducted |
| Tom Normandie | $10 | I was at the Veterans parade the other day, watching it.Who was walking down the street in the parade , our buddy Carter Short over here.Well done, thank you very much.Thank you for supporting the best.Thank you.What was that about?That was for a group of supporters of Veterans East County Alliance, It’s for local business owners who are helping get college students employed. |
| Ron Nevels | $10 | We’re a good team |
| Grant Thiem III | $20 | For creating or behaving pretty well. |
| Grant Thiem Jr. | $20 | For getting ratted out by Gary Sims. I won some money from the Sycuan Casino |
| Mark Clifton | $5 | for Mike Carlton, being here today |
PROGRAM: Krista Powers from the Mt. Helix Foundation
Mount Helix Park is a private park that does not receive taxpayer funding and is open for free to the community.
Mount Helix began in 1914 and is the second-longest-running park in the U.S.
The Yaki family contributed approximately $100,000 to the amphitheater’s construction.
The amphitheater was created with a trust established in 1925 to ensure a non-denominational sunrise Easter service.
History of Mountain Hills Park
The Mountain Hills Park Foundation was officially formed in 1999 after addressing legal challenges regarding park usage.
In 1999, efforts included removing gangs from the park and securing it with official gates.
Native Plant Initiatives
The habitat team was formed in 2012 to focus on native plants and support local pollinators.
Currently, approximately 90% of the plants in the park are native species, with ongoing efforts to manage invasive species.
Funding and Events at the Park
The park requires about half a million dollars annually to maintain operations, with security costs at five thousand dollars per month.
Membership at the park costs $50 for a whole household, allowing grandparents to bring children.
The foundation has completed a $100,000 restoration on the Cross at Mount Helix, which is 100 years old.
The park is raising money this year to acquire a movie screen for community events.
The park has established an endowment with the CDO Foundation after raising $50,000.
Funding and Legacy Planning
The organization aims to raise $5 million for an endowment to fund the park in perpetuity.
The organization decided to focus on building a legacy for future generations, including children and grandchildren.
The organization raises money through events like Nature Day to support about 30 wildlife-focused nonprofits in San Diego.
Community Safety and Infrastructure Improvements
The project created a safe walking path, funded after initial skepticism from the Department of Public Works.
Participants to identify businesses for sponsorship opportunities to support community events.
Participants are encouraged to volunteer for community events and activities.
UPCOMING PROGRAMS:
Tom Normandie lined up for Dec 1
ATTENDANCE DRAWING: _____Not Here _____________ $__10______
50/50 OPPORTUNITY DRAWING: _Don Anthony ___ __$_ 40_____
TODAY’S RIB TICKLER
Lead to serve and serve to lead
AP Singh, International Lions President