EL CAJON VALLEY HOSTS LION’S NEWSLETTER
February 23, 2026, Members: _32___ Guests: _5__
Facebook: El Cajon Valley Host Lions Club
Volume 2026 _______________________________________Issue 5
CALL TO ORDER: ___Ron Nevels___________________________________
Invocation: ___PP Walt Simmons____ Pledge of Allegiance: Penny Duane
Patriotic Song: Kat Zeman and Chris Bramwell____ Song: The Star-Spangled Banner
HELEN KELLER QUOTE BY: ___Don _Anthony______________
“Never bend your head. Always hold it high. Look the world straight in the eye_”_
GUESTS: __
| Jennifer Petraglia | Meric | The Parents | Mary Moreau |
_________________________________________________________________
GOOD TO SEE: ___Ed Waymire________________
COMMUNICATIONS/ANNOUNCEMENTS:
On your tables, you will find what is called an Amanat. That means membership and activities. We would like you to fill that out on a monthly basis on anything that you’ve done, whether it’s helping somebody across the street or if you work on a question, or somebody like now, when you’re working with the wood shop people. Keep track of your hours once you’ve done the work.
The Garden Grove Lions Club is putting on a Poker tournament. It’s around $75 and will be on Saturday, February 28th.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU
RON BLACK (2-24-38) BOB MOREAU (2-01-44)
MIKE RANEY (2-28-48) JEFF WINTERS (2-19-79)
RAY RIDLON (2-21-51) GEORGE HURST (2-23-35)
GARY ROBINSON (2-08-50) KILEY GRUNSTAD (2-13-75)
PATTY HAMILTON (2-01-48)
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
February EXEMPT BADGE: ___Carter Short______________
VICE PRESIDENT REPORTS:
1st VP Penny Duane:
_____Gunsmoke Report ___________________________________
- Ticket Sales: Only five tickets sold, primarily through personal outreach.
- A link to order tickets is:
- https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2026-gunsmoke-casino-night-tickets-1981622634644?aff=oddtdtcreator
- Paul Tremblay
- The team noted hesitation in using the QR code despite its availability on flyers for easy purchase
- Sales urgency and calendar considerations highlight risks if tickets are not sold soon
- Only a quarter of the tickets have been purchased so far, mostly reserved for sponsors
- Delays risk losing attendees as people’s calendars fill up with other commitments
- The recommendation is to push early sales to avoid last-minute conflicts
- Flyers distribution: Nearly depleted; need more printed flyers to hand out.
2nd VP Grant Thiem III: __Not Here today_______________________
3rd VP Kat Zeman: Organize preparations for the picnic event planned for later in the year___________________________________
HAPPY DOLLARS/FINES: TT ___Bob Acker__________________________
| Ed Waymire | $50 | Thank you so much for everything that you guys do. And as I’ve said, for 26 years, we are the greatest club in the world. |
| Paul Tremblay | $5 | A little bragging about my grandson. He had a good year playing freshman basketball. They had the awards ceremony last week and he was named MVP of the Freshman team. |
| Chris Bramwell | $10 | is for my buddy, Phil Smith. He gave me an album by Herb Albert. |
| warren mckenna | $20 | Trip to Padres Training Camp |
| Dyna Jones | $10 | because I haven’t been here in a while, but yeah, I was so good Skiing. |
| Penny Duane | $20 | For the US hockey team to win the gold |
| Walt Simmons | $10 | I’m just happy to be with all these wonderful, great lions here. |
| Phil Smith | $1 | I’m just happy to be here. |
| Coleen Owens | $5 | Waiting for my son-in-law to stand up. No, he’s reaching for his wallet. My fabulous 21 year old Grandson first home run at University Pacific. |
| Grant Thiem Jr. | $10 | I got text messages for Grant III after all of this because he used to play hockey in Canada, so he was thrilled in the U.S. win over Canada |
| Bob Acker & Chris Bramwell | $50 | Bob challenges Chris to donate |
PROGRAM: TEDxKidsElCajon
The TEDx Kids El Cajon program is a unique, year-round initiative that empowers local students to develop public-speaking and confidence-building skills through TED-style talks.
Program scope and impact on students emphasize empowerment and skill-building beyond academics
Jennifer Bataglia shared that the program has been active for 12 years in the Cajon Valley School District
It serves 27 schools plus one charter high school, reaching over 800 students across grades TK-8
Students develop skills in confidence, idea development, writing, speaking, cultural awareness, and empathy through TED Ed student talks integrated in classrooms
Unique national positioning and community engagement underline the program’s distinction
El Cajon is the only city in the United States running a TEDx Kids event with elementary student speakers
Since 2015, over 300 students have presented on global stages, accumulating over 250,000 YouTube views
The program is volunteer-run and community-focused, with events open and free to families and community members
Annual TEDx event details and goals highlight community involvement and student celebration
The upcoming event on May 30th at Greenfield Middle School will feature 35 student speakers and multiple interactive sessions
The theme “Level Up” focuses on connection, personal growth, and inspiring change relevant to students’ lives
Jennifer aims to increase community attendance beyond families to build broader local support and visibility
Called for community support and partnerships, targeting sponsorships, mentorships, and volunteers
The event is 100% free, but requires funding for stage production, food, badges, and swag to make students feel valued
The program seeks sponsors, mentors/champions for each student speaker, and event volunteers
A major upcoming opportunity is the 2027 TED flagship event in San Diego, where this program will be featured in a documentary
Student Experience and Presentation Highlights
Student talks provide powerful personal stories that build empathy and confidence, impacting both students and audiences.
Student stories foster empathy and self-confidence through real-world sharing
Fourth grader Meric shared a TED-style talk about authenticity and the pressure to fit in
These talks open adult and peer perspectives to youth experiences and challenges, sparking reflection and connection
Diversity and inclusion are core strengths of the program
The program supports students from diverse backgrounds, including refugees and recent immigrants
It helps non-English speakers improve their language skills through public speaking practice
Jennifer noted emotional responses at events due to students’ bravery in sharing difficult stories
Ongoing student growth and public speaking opportunities extend beyond classrooms
Students regularly present at assemblies, conferences, and community events, including a STEM event at Petco Park.
This exposure builds real-world skills that complement academic learning and prepare students for future success
Community Engagement and Future Vision
The program seeks to deepen community ties and leverage upcoming TED events for broader impact.
Stronger community involvement is planned to amplify student support
Jennifer wants more community members from other families to attend and support the event
Flyers were distributed outlining ways local organizations and individuals can contribute as sponsors, mentors, volunteers, or attendees
Strategic alignment with TED’s national expansion offers growth opportunities
San Diego becoming a TED flagship city in 2027 will bring global attention and resources
The TEDx Kids El Cajon event will be part of a documentary shown at this major conference
This visibility could attract more sponsors and partnerships, amplifying the program’s reach and funding
Licensing and program uniqueness sustain quality and exclusivity
The event operates under a free TED license, requiring participation in TED conferences
The program’s focus on elementary-aged speakers differentiates it from other TEDx events in the region
Educators statewide attend to learn about replicating the program, indicating potential for expansion
The May 30 event will run from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM, with breaks and activities to avoid fatigue
The theme “Bridges” centers on belonging and building connections between students and adults
Intentional spaces for interaction will be integrated to foster community during the event
ATTENDANCE DRAWING: _Roger Stebleton (Not Here) _____ $________
50/50 OPPORTUNITY DRAWING: _Tom Hoban ______ _____$___65_____
TODAY’S RIB TICKLER
Lead to serve and serve to lead
Together in service
AP Singh, International Lions President