EL CAJON VALLEY HOSTS LION’S NEWSLETTER
March 9, 2026, Members: _32___ Guests: _1__
Facebook: El Cajon Valley Host Lions Club
Volume 2026 _______________________________________Issue 7
CALL TO ORDER: Ron Nevels ______________________________________
Invocation:Mark Clifton
Pledge of Allegiance: Pennie McMahon
Patriotic Song: __Kat Zeman & Chris Bramwell _Song: God Bless America ___
HELEN KELLER QUOTE BY: Don Anthony______
“We could never learn to be brave and patient if there were only joy in the world.”
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GUESTS: Greg Schebewerk____________________________
GOOD TO SEE: Candice Thiem___________________
COMMUNICATIONS/ANNOUNCEMENTS:
CALENDAR OF UPCOMING EVENTS:
March 12th – ECVH LC Board Meeting 6 PM, Elks Conference Room. Open to all members.
April 16th – ECV Lions Foundation Board Meeting. All are invited to attend.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU
CHRISTIAN WILLE (3-03-55) GRANT THIEM III (3-08-91)
GOOD CHEER: _Sad News_____________________________________________________
Yvonne has been informed that our beloved PP Carl Ruiz passed away recently. We are saddened by this news and pray for the repose of his soul. Please keep Carl’s wife, Carol, in your prayers.
Services:
Please note the following dates for PP Carl Ruiz:
March 20, 2026, 4-8 PM at El Cajon Mortuary
March 23, 2026, 11:15 AM at Miramar for military burial services (yes, this is a meeting date; however, this is the only date for which the carriage is available for the procession, and the carriage was one of Carl’s wishes).
For Lenny Blottin Jr:
April 11, 2026, memorial service at 11 AM St Luke’s Catholic Church 1950 Hillsdale Rd, El Cajon 92019
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
March EXEMPT BADGE: PP Tom Normandie, PP Mark Clifton, PP Don Anthony, PP Tom Hoban, PP Chris Bramwell
VICE PRESIDENT REPORTS:
- Gunsmoke Fundraiser Planning (Goal: sell tickets, finalize logistics for upcoming fundraiser ~5 weeks out)
- Event date target: April 18th; need ticket sales push to balance sponsorships vs net proceeds. Check-in process: printed backup list + phone QR check-in + hard-ticket list for sponsors/complimentary tickets
- Silent auction status: 0 donated items so far; target to match prior years (39 baskets last year).
- Suggested items include themed baskets, gift certificates, and unique offerings like real estate discounts.
- Members are urged to bring donations or create baskets to enhance auction appeal.
- Boosting auction items will increase net proceeds and event engagement.
- Sponsorship handling: sponsors should receive hard tickets or set up comp tickets via Eventbrite (preferred: hard tickets)
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2nd VP Grant Thiem III: Eye Care Program Maintains Consistent Monthly Service
- Tom Normandy and Chris co-chair the program, with steady volunteer support.
- Billing is managed monthly, targeting 10-12 students per month for sustainability.
- The program links directly to local partner offices, ensuring smooth operations.
- Maintaining this level sustains community impact and program visibility.
- Eyeglass/eye-care program: ongoing clinic 12–15 students/month via Sam Patel’s office___________________________________________________________
3rd VP Kat Zeman: Organize preparations for the picnic event planned for later in the year______________________________________________________________________
- LCIF: PP Yvonne Paris: 3rd Quarter Membership Meeting in El Centro
- Upcoming Vote on Youth Protection Policy will happen in May to officially include it in the policy manual
- International bodies require this policy, but not all U.S. states have yet adopted it.
- The policy aims to prevent lawsuits like those faced by USD, which nearly lost billions due to non-compliance.
- The club interacts with youth through the LEO club, which has qualified advisors ensuring compliance.
- Adopting the policy will protect the club legally and enhance safety during youth activities.
- Implementation of Electronic Voting at Convention improves voting efficiency and participation
- Delegates can vote remotely by phone after credentialing, reducing the need for physical presence.
- This change modernizes procedures and encourages higher engagement during conventions.
- The system will be tested and implemented at the upcoming May convention.
- It streamlines decision-making and reduces operational complexity. Ensure ballot inclusion: confirm youth protection policy language included on May ballot and verify secretary has official ballot by next meeting (urgent prep)
- Prepare a brief for members summarizing policy impact (liability examples, club LEO interactions) for the May vote
Funds donation to the Foundation in memory of PP Carl Ruiz $837
- Coordinate with LEO advisor (Dinah Jones) to confirm compliance procedures for joint events
HAPPY DOLLARS/FINES: TT ____Bob Acker_________________________
PROGRAM:
_Greg Schenewerk Shared coin-show flyers and volunteer sign-ups for May 2 and Oct 7–8 shows
ATTENDANCE DRAWING: ____Dave Schwab ______________ $__Not Here______
50/50 OPPORTUNITY DRAWING: ___Mike Raney ______$__60______
TODAY’S RIB TICKLER
Lead to serve and serve to lead
Together in service
AP Singh, International Lions President