EL CAJON VALLEY HOSTS LION’S NEWSLETTER
May 3, 2026, Members: __25__ Guests: __1_
Facebook: El Cajon Valley Host Lions Club
Volume 2026 _______________________________________Issue 11
CALL TO ORDER: ___Ron Nevels___________________________________
Invocation: __Mark Clifton____________
Pledge of Allegiance: ___Van Wilsey ______
Patriotic Song: __Kat Zeman__________________ Song: God Bless America___________
HELEN KELLER QUOTE BY: __Don Antony________________
GUESTS:
_Jesus Edwards__
GOOD TO SEE: _Bills Sturgeon__________________________
CALENDAR OF UPCOMING EVENTS:
Flag Day, May 22, Johnson Elementary
Day at the races, July 22, Del Mar Race Track
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU
PHIL SMITH (5-28-50) KEITH MacArthur (5-05-76)
ROGER STEBLETON (5-08-42) BILL STURGEON (5-04-48)
May EXEMPT BADGE: Grant Thiem Jr. $200
VICE PRESIDENT REPORTS:
1st VP Grant Thiem III: (Not Here)
____________________________________________________________________________
2nd VP Kat Zeman: __Progress__________________________________________________
3rd Dyna Jones:__
Upcoming Flag Day: Flag Day at Johnson Elementary is scheduled for May 22nd, 8:30 AM, with the distribution of 838 flags, continuing a 14-year tradition led by Paul Walters
Volunteers were encouraged to arrive before 7:40 AM or after 8:10 AM to ease parking challenges.
The event features second graders performing patriotic songs and typically lasts about 45 minutes.
Gary Robinson confirmed his attendance, and sign-up sheets were available to recruit more volunteers.
Day at the Races event set for July 24th at 2 PM, marking another key social occasion
The event promises fun and a relaxed Friday afternoon atmosphere.
MEMBERSHIP: Grant Thiem III: ___(Sick)__________________________________________
LCIF: PP Yvonne Paris: _District Report from Yuma_
District Marketing Lead Choice Certificate: El Cajon Valley High School Leo Club recognized for marketing excellence, boosting community awareness in the Lion Year 25/26. The award underlined the club’s creativity, dedication, and measurable positive impact on local community service.
Dyna Jones is acknowledged as the point person to accept the award on behalf of the club.
Lions Club of the Year: El Cajon Valley Lions Club received Club of the Year for outstanding service, leadership, and commitment throughout Lion Year 25/26
The club served over 25,633 people, engaged 2,514 volunteers, contributed 5,085 service hours, and donated $15,565 to critical causes, including vision, diabetes, hunger relief, and youth development.
Achieving 100% service reporting, compliance, and mentoring of the 50-member El Cajon Valley High School Leo’s Club demonstrated exceptional stewardship.
The club was awarded a $75 check to their foundation as part of the recognition
.HAPPY DOLLARS/FINES: TT : Bob Acker_____________________________
| Gary Robinson | $25 | Had a wonderful trip to Yuma. Wonderful. |
| Bill Strurgeon | $100 | I have semi-retired from my business. I sold my book of business to another CPA firm, Koala Financial, down in Bonita. They’re really good guys. Bigger staff than I had with them. But I’m still doing estates and trusts.Probates, that kind of stuff. So, before you pass away. I have a lot of lawyers involved. I saw this car. and went ahead and bought it. So I got used Mercedes.But I got a good deal on it, so I’m happy about that. |
| Mike Raney | $10 | Leo Speaker visit |
| Ron Nevels | $5 | Padres Visit |
PROGRAM:
Jesus Edwards, Class of 2016, from El Cajon Valley High School.
He shared a detailed personal journey from LEO member to public service professional, illustrating the transformative power of community involvement
He credited Lions’ support for critical health services like eye exams and for fostering personal growth and leadership during high school.
James graduated with a 3.6 GPA, earned an associate degree, and completed a Bachelor’s in Public Administration while working multiple jobs.
His career progressed through government roles, including Health and Human Services and California State pension aid, highlighting the impact of early mentoring on his life trajectory.
He emphasized the importance of empathy, community service, and balancing life with volunteer commitments.
Discussion on engaging former LEOs as future Lions club members focused on retention challenges as youth transition to adult responsibilities and professional life
Suggestions included creating events that spotlight LEO leadership growth and explicitly communicating membership benefits and personal development.
Collaboration with existing college prep programs and mentorship opportunities was proposed as a way to sustain engagement.
James expressed willingness to co-chair mentoring initiatives, highlighting collaboration as a key growth strategy.
Barriers to younger members joining full Lions membership were acknowledged, including time commitments and fear of over-committing
Alternatives to full membership, such as flexible volunteering programs, were raised as potential solutions to lower entry barriers.
The generational divide was addressed, with a focus on bridging gaps through shared service and mutual respect.
Community Service Impact and Nonprofit Involvement
The meeting underscored the broad community impact of Lions and affiliated nonprofit activities through personal stories and ongoing initiatives.
Christmas boxes and food distribution events remain core to community service, providing essential support to families and students
James recounted how the Lions’ Christmas box program personally supported his family, deepening his connection to the mission.
The memorial wreath program for veterans and City of Hope trips were highlighted as meaningful service activities that unite members across clubs.
Active involvement in nonprofit organizations such as San Diego Gaming Chorus and Mama’s Kitchen was detailed as an extension of Lions’ community service ethos
The chorus performs at major local events, including San Diego Padres games and Del Mar Fair, with 90% volunteer participation.
Mama’s Kitchen provides medically tailored meals for over 200 clients free of charge across multiple regions, reflecting a large-scale volunteer effort.
These engagements provide members with a balanced lifestyle integrating service, arts, and social connection.
James emphasized the importance of serving others with dignity and respect, reflecting values instilled during his time with the LEOs and Lions.
He recognized the ongoing influence of Lions mentorship on his professional and personal growth.
The meeting encouraged sharing such personal stories with current LEO members to inspire continued engagement.
UPCOMING PROGRAMS: Dick Nasif announces he is looking for Lions to visit Cannie Companions on May 15th
ATTENDANCE DRAWING: _Walt Simmons _________ $__$10 (donated to City of Hope) _
50/50 OPPORTUNITY DRAWING: __Yvonne Paris__________$___53_____
TODAY’S RIB TICKLER
Lead to serve and serve to lead
Together in service
AP Singh, International Lions President