EL CAJON VALLEY HOSTS LIONS’ NEWSLETTER
August 10, 2026, Members: __23__ Guests: _2__
Facebook: El Cajon Valley Host Lions Club
Volume 2026/27 _______________________________________Issue 6
CALL TO ORDER: __Grant Thiem III____________________________________
Invocation: Mark Clifton_______________ Pledge of Allegiance: _Bob Moreau____________
Patriotic Song: _”Kat” Zeman___________________ Song: America the Beautiful_____
HELEN KELLER QUOTE BY: _Don Anthony____________
“Death is no more than passing from one room into another. But there’s a difference for me, you know. Because in that other room I shall be able to see”
GUESTS:
| Jeremy Sherman | Ken Brassell |
__________________________________________________________________
GOOD TO SEE: _Bill Sturgeon__________________________
COMMUNICATIONS/ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Member Engagement: Zoom calls introduced to track service hours accurately; aims to boost transparency, awards eligibility, and countywide reporting. See District Website View as Webpage
Dolores Galkowski Shared
The club continues to support local recycling efforts as a part of its community service portfolio.
Recycling Glasses Collection Boxes were distributed to various community locations, like libraries, churches, and medical offices, to aid vision-impaired individuals
These boxes require minimal maintenance and reporting and are available on request to members for placement at new locations.
Dolores reported successful long-term utilization of a box at the library, indicating sustained community benefit.
This initiative adds tangible value to the club’s service image and outreach.
CALENDAR OF UPCOMING EVENTS:
Lions Board Meeting November 13th, 6:00 pm Elks Lodge
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU
TOM NORMANDIE (8-15-47)
RON NEVELS (8-19-54) CANDICE THIEM (8-02-86)
GOOD NEWS: _________________________________________________________
Jeff Smith’s health update showed a positive prognosis after blood clot treatment
Sad News :
PP Mike Raney will be traveling to Australia because of a death in his family.
Lion Susie Cline: Fell and hurt her leg. Susie Klein’s injury and recovery plans were communicated to keep the club informed and supportive.
VICE PRESIDENT REPORTS:
1st: Kat Zeman: none
2nd: Madelyne Nation: none______________________________________________________
3rd : Dyna Jones:__not _here today________________________________________________
AUGUST EXEMPT BADGE: Keith MacArthur
HAPPY DOLLARS/FINES: TT ___Bob Moreau__
| Yvonne Paris | $5 | Her y 16 year old poodle had a seizure last Tuesday. I never did an emergency, but she’s having all the blood tests and everything done this week. |
| Paul Tremblay | $5 | Grandson playing JV football against Bob Moreau’s great-grandson provided a narrative to connect members |
| Gary Sims | $20 + $5 | I had to go have my stitches.Checked on my melanoma just because it looked weird.I have $5 more. For going to the Bliss Foundation and Dinah’s Bliss Foundation and the community service in La Mesa. And Kiley Grunstad did the live auction for her, and he thought he was going to be MC for the whole program, so he got there early and found out they had another person being the emcee. |
| Mark Clifton | $5 | I got to play golf with mySon and nephew and the other guys on Saturday. |
| Tom Normandie | $5 | My daughter was in town.She came to training for her karate. She’s got a dojo in Fort Morgan, and she was elevated to 33 Plato. |
| Don Anthony | $5 | Padre win over weekend |
| Bill Strugeon | $20 | Well, I went to the hospital. Six staples out of my knee. It’s almost straight. It feels better. I got some exercises. So I just got back and saw my doctor today. I need a pink slip for this one here. |
| Madelyne Nation | $20 | I want you to know I had a little girls’ night with one of my girlfriends. And we had wine, and then we had a big steak dinner. Awesome. |
| Coleen Nation | $5 | I’m only doing $5 because Carol and I went to the losing Padres game on Friday night, but yesterday I went to the winning Padres game with my granddaughter; it was a fabulous game. |
| Grant Thiem III | $100 | The weekly challenge |
PROGRAM: Bob Brassell
_The meeting featured an in-depth presentation by Ken Brassell explaining the origin, mission, and activities of the Patriot Guard Riders, emphasizing honor for veterans and community respect.
The historical background and Mission of the Patriot Guard Riders was presented with a focus on protecting veterans’ funerals from disruptive protests, establishing a strong community service role.
Originated in 2005 after protests by Westboro Baptist Church at military funerals, prompting motorcyclist veterans to form protective escort groups.
The group now counts about 450,000 members nationwide, with active presences in every US state and city.
Their motto, “We stand for those who stood for us,” reflects the cultural and symbolic importance of honoring military service.
Description of Funeral Escort and Honor Protocols detailed, showing how the group supports military and first responder families during difficult times
They provide flag lines at funerals, escort services from homes to cemeteries, and welcome troops deploying overseas with flag ceremonies.
Ken shared a personal story about distributing folded flags to departing Marines, underscoring the emotional resonance and importance of their work.
The group operates without dues or meetings, mobilizing only for specific missions, highlighting a grassroots, volunteer-driven structure.
Challenges and Adaptations in Flag Burning Practices explained, including environmental regulations and finding compliant facilities
Ken burns about 1,500 to 1,800 American flags monthly, sourcing them from multiple local organizations such as VFW and Elks lodges.
Due to EPA restrictions on burning nylon/acrylic materials, he uses a designated concrete pit with fire department approval in the Barona Indian Reservation for safe flag disposal.
This process preserves respect for the flag while adhering to environmental and legal constraints, reflecting operational adaptability.
Community Engagement and Invitation to Join: The Patriot Guard extended invitations to club members for participation in Patriot Guard missions
Open invitations are extended for members to attend weekly Tuesday morning ceremonies honoring veterans without family, enhancing community involvement.
The website patriotguardriders.org provides access for new volunteers, offering a no-cost, mission-focused volunteering model.
This outreach supports broader veteran support goals aligned with the club’s community service values.
Ken said he would participate in a December club event featuring Ken Brassell in a Santa suit for photo opportunities to enhance holiday community engagement.
UPCOMING PROGRAMS:
ATTENDANCE DRAWING: _Grant Thiem III _________________ $__20______
50/50 OPPORTUNITY DRAWING: _Kat Zeman _________ __$__35______
TODAY’S RIB TICKLER
Lions are at their best when we unite in service and leadership to strengthen our communities and support people in need
International President Mark S. Lyon