July 2020 KINDNESS MATTERS This was going to be the theme for the Presidenal Year of the late Haynes Townsend. Since District Governor Larry was planning to serve with Haynes, he decided on his theme of Be Kind. Kindness truly did maer to Haynes. We know Lions perform acts of kindness every day in all parts of the world. We plan to perform some random acts of kindness in memory of our friend. And remember, kindness doesn’t have to cost you anything – kindness is free. Compliment someone. Hold open doors and help carry packages. Offer to babysit for a single parent so they can prepare for the holiday. Set a place at your table for a lonely neighbor. Visit elderly clients in nursing homes. Write an appreciaon note to that teacher who goes up and beyond their duty. The list is endless. We may not have been able to keep VP Haynes here with us, but his leadership and his kind, servant heart will forever be in us. Love each other. Hug each other. Be kind to each other. Haynes Townsend spent more than 40 years as a Lion. The influence that he had on others was reflected in the love they gave back. He truly cared about every single person that was a Lion. He knew that people came to Lions from all walks of life, and that made the organizaon stronger. He said “I think that’s the best thing that we can do—be willing to accept what they are willing to give may not be 100% full of Lionism. But if it’s 50% full, we need to drink of that.” The fact that Haynes Townsend is gone doesn’t diminish the impact that he has made, and can connue to have, through others who follow the example that he set.
Transcript
July 2020
KINDNESS MATTERS
This was going to be the theme for the Presidential Year of the late Haynes Townsend. Since District
Governor Larry was planning to serve with Haynes, he decided on his theme of Be Kind. Kindness truly did
matter to Haynes. We know Lions perform acts of kindness every day in all parts of the world. We plan to
perform some random acts of kindness in memory of our friend. And remember, kindness doesn’t have to
cost you anything – kindness is free. Compliment someone. Hold open doors and help carry packages. Offer
to babysit for a single parent so they can prepare for the holiday. Set a place at your table for a lonely
neighbor. Visit elderly clients in nursing homes. Write an appreciation note to that teacher who goes up and
beyond their duty. The list is endless.
We may not have been able to keep VP Haynes here with us, but his leadership and his kind, servant heart
will forever be in us. Love each other. Hug each other. Be kind to each other.
Haynes Townsend spent more than 40 years as a Lion. The influence that he had on others was reflected in
the love they gave back. He truly cared about every single person that was a Lion. He knew that people
came to Lions from all walks of life, and that made the organization stronger. He said “I think that’s the best
thing that we can do—be willing to accept what they are willing to give may not be 100% full of Lionism.
But if it’s 50% full, we need to drink of that.”
The fact that Haynes Townsend is gone doesn’t diminish the impact that he has made, and can continue to
have, through others who follow the example that he set.
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Governor's Message
Welcome to a new and challenging Lions year!! So many obstacles are facing the world today that it seems
impossible to know what to do. Our local, state and federal governments are in a quandary of what to do,
when to do it and how to do it. The same goes for our Lions Clubs: how do we conduct the business of our
State, District and individual Lions Clubs? Some clubs have been dormant for 3-4 months; others have
conducted Lions business by phone, email, etc. There have been numerous opportunities for Lions to assist
the needy in their community and most have responded as Lions do. I sincerely hope all Lions and their
families have been staying home and staying safe these past three months.
While some guidelines are being less restrictive and certain businesses being allowed to reopen now is not
the time to let our guard down and take unnecessary risks to put ourselves and our families at risk. As most
everyone knows the Lions International Convention, scheduled for Singapore was cancelled--the decision
was made that the International Officers, including the International Directors, will remain the same for 2020
-2021. The North Carolina Lions, Inc. General Membership meeting, where the Corporation Leadership
is elected, had been rescheduled for late June and there will be a mail in vote to elect the Officers for
2020-2021 in late June. The results were not available at the time of this submission. Congratulations and
best wishes for the NCLI officers for 2020-2021. We need to stay positive that this will end sooner or later,
hopefully sooner.
The District membership continues to gradually go downhill. The total District L membership numbers are not
known at this time, however we will start the new Lions year with around 1000 members and 57 Lions Clubs.
Available records indicate that we gained over 80 members and lost over 140 members and 1 club. As
everyone knows, the major challenge for Lions Clubs worldwide is recruiting and retaining members. Lions
Clubs International is offering the following incentive from July 1 thru Dec. 31st: the new member fee and
the Charter member fee, for new clubs, will be waived. The more members, the easier service projects and
fundraisers are and the more individuals your club can serve.
I have completed the District Cabinet for 2020-2021. As I stated earlier, I plan on realigning some Zones;
most Zones will remain the same, but a different Zone number. I have split a couple of Zones to make it
easier for Zone Chairs to visit and possibly assist their clubs. I would like to thank the Lions that have stepped
up to serve in the District this year and for the ones that chose to not take a leadership position, I sincerely
hope that next year or whenever the next opportunity you have, you will decide to serve.
With the local, state and federal guidelines on people gathering, most or all Lions Clubs meetings have been
cancelled. I would ask that Clubs make a decision, using whatever means possible, to identify their clubs
leadership for next year. I would like to thank Lion Frances Coates and her staff at the McCune Center for
the outstanding job they are doing to keep themselves and the residents safe. Please continue to keep Lion
Frances and her staff in your prayers. Thanks to Lion Dr. Mary Sedgwick for providing updates on the status
of the WNC Lions, Inc. and the McCune Center. I would like to thank Lion Debbie Hicks for arranging the
President, Secretary, Treasurer, Zone Chair and Region Chair training via Zoom. By the time this newsletter
is published, the final decision will have been made as to whether the District Installation will be in person or
Virtual. Let us join together, pray, show patience and kindness that this too shall pass.
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IMPORTANT
PLEASE NOTE CHANGE
Due to the Covid-19 guidelines set by the NC Governor and recommendations
by other health care officials (and a little common sense) concerning crowd lim-
its, social distancing, etc. the Pisgah Forest Lions Club has decided to not have
an in person District Cabinet Installation for DGE Larry Gasperson.
Tentative plans are to still have an installation on July 11, 2020,
however it will be a Virtual Installation.
PDG Debbie Hicks, the 2020-2021 Virtual Technology Chair, will be setting this
up in the next few weeks. Any questions or concerns, please contact
Pisgah Forest Lions Club President PCC Dave Butler or
Club Secretary DGE Larry Gasperson.
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How Do We Connect?
How Do We Connect?
Lions and Leos are discovering new ways to connect and serve safely. How have digital tools helped you
continue to make an impact in your community?
There are many resources to choose from that are available. The popularity of certain platforms have
increased because of the COVIDS-19 lock down the world has been placed under. There are those to say,
the ways of our social society have been changed forever. As Lions, we need to continue to connect with
each other in ways that was not even considered a few months ago.
A few platforms such as Linked In, Face Book, Instagram, have been around for a while. Go To Meeting is
another thought. I had never heard of Zoom before this crisis. These platforms are actually easy to use and to
sign up. The easiest way to sign up is with a Gmail account. Most platforms allow meetings with out cost as
long as you conform to their guidelines. Costs of these services are minimum. The benefits can be unex-
pected as sometimes it can enable members to attend who otherwise are unable to attend.
Most platforms allow participants to share audio and video. These platforms also allow the recording of the
meetings which could be shared with members who was not able to attend.
Several clubs District 31 L have recently conducted their meetings, including new member inductions, using
some of these platforms. All it takes is your interest in participation in these meetings. Another plus is
Travel. Imagine siting at your computer and joining a meeting with fellow Lions located throughout the
District, all without travel to a meeting site. When the meeting is complete, you simply return to what you
was doing before the meeting, all without having to travel back home.
I for one am still looking to a time when we will be meeting face to face again. Meanwhile there is a need to
keep our Lions Clubs active and working for the causes that we hold dear, WE SERVE!
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From the 1st VDG
Who of us, in our wildest dreams, could have thought up, our current situation in this world? This pandemic
has reached into every big city and into each village. It has required we as LIONS to rethink how we can still
operate in our communities.
From the telephone, or on a computer we still can be effective as Lions in our communities’. I recently have
been learning to use Zoom to be in a virtual meeting. Emails also are being used to vote on different projects.
Even though Covid-19 is preventing us from having meetings together, we can still work as Lions on many of
the projects that our communities have come to expect from us. Now that we are in phase two, we can once
again provide eye exams and glasses.
The Weaverville Lions discovered a new way to help others. Many elderly as well as younger families have
really been finding it hard to buy enough groceries to feed themselves, due to the pandemic. A project was
discussed by club members via email.
Once it was ready to be voted upon, emails and phone calls were made to tally a vote. The out come is that
the manager of our local Ingles Food Market, has $25.00 gift cards to present as he sees fit to folks who need
a little help with the grocery. As he gives them out, he mentions that they are a gift from the LIONS Club.
The Western North Carolina Lions, in taking care of the Marjorie McCune Center, has had to operate totally
phone calls and emails. In dealing with so many health issues on a daily basis, they have been able to operate
with few if any glitches caused by the pandemic.
So, perhaps it is time for your Lions Club to restart your projects. Even if you are unable to “meet and eat”,
your club can remain active and fulfill the needs of your community.
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31-L News
5 Ways to Stay Ready To Serve
All around the world, Lions are stepping up to safely serve their communities
as the coronavirus (COVID-19) crisis continues to impact the lives of millions.
If there were ever a time that demonstrated how much Lions are needed, that time is now. You matter.
Without Lions, many people would not get the help they need to survive and thrive during this pandemic.
But while you’re caring for and serving others, don’t neglect your own physical and mental well-being. You
won’t be able to help your neighbors, or your community, if you don’t take care of yourself. So here are five
ways for you to practice self-care and stay healthy:
1. Focus on your physical health You probably know by now that you should wash your hands frequently
throughout the day, avoid touching your face and cover your mouth if you sneeze or cough. It’s also
important to get some exercise, especially since many workout facilities are closed. Slip on your sneakers
and take a brisk walk. The fresh air will do you good! Dust off those workout videos and take time to
stretch during the day. Exercise is a great way to boost your immune system and energy level.
2. Eat healthy While you’re sheltering at home, it’s easy to overeat, especially unhealthy snacks. There are
many reasons for this—boredom, stress and the fact that your refrigerator is just a few steps away.
Take this time to try out some new, healthy recipes, and keep plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables on
hand. Eating nutritiously will go a long way toward maintaining your health.
3. Your mental health is just as important. Because we’re social creatures, social distancing can be diffi-
cult for many of us, especially for those who live alone. Call a friend you haven’t spoken to in a while. Find
a pen pal. Set up a video chat with friends online. Stay in touch with neighbors through emails, texts, or
phone calls. Social distancing doesn’t have to mean social isolation. There are many ways to keep in touch
with others.
4. Set a routine and time to recharge. Having everyone home at the same time can be chaotic as we figure
out how to work remotely, take classes from home and balance family time. It’s important to find and
stick to a routine that works for your family. It is also important to take some time out of each day to
recharge so you’re rested and ready to face the next day’s challenges.
5. Take a break from the news it might help to minimize the time you spend watching, reading or listening
to news about COVID-19. A constant barrage of bad news can make you feel anxious or depressed. Try to
get information from trusted sources, and take practical steps to protect yourself and your loved ones.
You are vital to your family, to your Lions family, to your community and to this organization. You are the
heart and soul of Lions International, and we care about you and your well-being. So take care of yourself,
stay healthy, and together, we’ll get through the storm.
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North Carolina Lions Hall of Fame
Two of the inductees for this year’s North Carolina Lions Hall of Fame came from District L. The first of these is Neal Alexander from the Lincolnton Lions Club. He has been a member of Lions for 52 years. He has held numerous offices at the club level including club President for 2 years. At the District level, he served as Zone Chairman, Region Chairman, District Committee Chairman of a number of committees, and as a District Governor. At the state level, Neal was the General Chairman of the Promotions Committee, a member of the NCLI Board of Directors, Secretary of the Board, 2nd Vice President, 1st Vice President, and President in 1986-87. In the early 1980’s, Neal led members from all nine districts in developing a Long Range Plan for the North Carolina Association for the Blind. Part of that plan approved by the Lions of North Carolina during the State Convention included the name change from the North Carolina Association for the Blind to the North Carolina Lions Foundation and the relocation of the office from Raleigh to Camp Dogwood at Sherrill’s Ford. Neal was the first president of the new North Carolina Lions Foundation in 1986 and led the implementation of the Long Range Plan. He is currently, again, serving as a member of the NCLI Board. For his service, Neal has received numerous awards including a Melvin Jones Fellowship, a Jack Stickley award, a William L. Wollard Partner-in-Service award, and 2 International President’s Certificates of Appreciation. While he has an impressive record of service as a Lion, Neal’s accomplishments outside of Lionism really showcase his abilities. He is a graduate of Gardner Webb University. Alexander’s journey with the University began as an undergraduate student in the mid-1960s before he was called away to active duty with the South Carolina National Guard. When his service ended, Alexander’s one year of college credit helped him land a position with a field surveying engineering group, launching a career with Duke Energy that spanned four decades. He began climbing the ranks until a mentor at Duke encouraged him to think about completing his education. “I will never forget when he pulled me aside and told me, ‘Neal, you’re doing really good work, but you should think about going back and finishing your college degree,’” Alexander recalled. “He knew the degree would open new doors and opportunities for me, and to this day I am grateful for his encouragement.” After completing his degree at GWU, Alexander continued to receive promotions at Duke, eventually retiring as Vice President for Human Resources, US Franchised Electric and Gas Group. Governor Pat McCrory called him out of retirement to the position of director of the N.C. State Office of Human Resources. He continued his association with GWU by serving on the Board of Trustees for six terms from 1990-2016, serving as Chairman of the Board for 6 years. From 9/2016 to 5/2017, Neal served as Interim Dean of the Godbold School of Business. From 10/2016 to 1/2018 he also served as Vice President and Chief of Staff to the President. He received a Doctor of Humanities degree from Gardner Webb University in 2015. Neal and his wife, Shirley, are members of the First Baptist Church in Lincolnton where he has served as a Deacon, Deacon Chair, Building Committee Chair, Personnel Committee Chair, and as a member of the Long Range Planning Committee. He has also served as a Board Member (and often as Chair) of the following organizations: Carolina’s Specialty Hospital; Foundation for a Healthy Carolina; Carolinas Health System—Lincolnton; The Employers Association (HR Services); Center for Energy Workforce Development, Utility Industry Workforce Initiative; National Association of Personnel Executives; United Way of Lincoln County. He has received the following awards: Order of The Longleaf Pine; Rooney Award for HR Leadership from The National Association for State Personnel Executives; Duke Power William S. Lee Leadership Award; Bab-cock Award for HR Excellence from The Employers Association; and Alumnus of the Year from Gardner Webb
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University. Neal and Shirley have two daughters, Stacey and Kayla and two grandsons, Jordan and Luke. We are pleased that C. Neal Alexander has been included in this year’s class of inductees into the North Carolina Lions Hall of Fame.
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Our second nominee will be inducted posthumously. Dr. Charles O. Van Gorder was a member of the
Andrews Lions Club. He was born in Chattanooga, Tennessee and graduated from medical school at the
University of Tennessee in 1939. He worked his way through medical school by working with the local prison
system. A car and driver and a room at the prison were provided as he took care of the prisoners. In return,
he also received free meals and laundry. His hobby was boxing and at one point had a match against Jack
Dempsey.
He married Helen Sylvia Lockerby in 1940 and joined the Army Medical Corps in 1941. In May of 1942,
Captain Charles Van Gorder was named the Commanding Officer of the Company E, 134th Medical Regiment
in Fort Bragg, NC. During 1944, he was involved in an invasion and landed behind the German lines in a
glider. When they landed, the glider had been hit 94 times with enemy fire in the tail. He was sent in with
2 other surgeons to help with the wounded. In 1945, his MASH Unit was overrun by Nazi troops during the
Battle of the Bulge, and he became a Prisoner of War at German Stalag VI B. He was able to escape in
January of 1945. During 1945/1946, he returned to Andrews with fellow POW, Dr. Rodda, and they opened
the first hospital in Andrews: The Rodda-Van Gorder Hospital. He later moved to District Memorial Hospital
with Dr. Rodda and Dr. F. E. Blaylock.
He started his Lions career in 1951 as a charter member of the Andrews Lions Club along with Dr. Blaylock
and Joe El Koury. During 1956, loans were received from Raleigh that allowed Dr. Van Gorder and Dr. Rodda
to build a state of the art hospital in Andrews. Ten years later, in 1966, he opened the Valley River Clinic. In
1989, the Maternity Ward was dedicated to Dr. Rodda and Dr. Van Gorder at the District Memorial Hospital.
His community activities in Andrews included the following: Past President of the Andrews Lions Club; a
member of the VFW and Disabled American Veterans; Past President of the Tri-County Medical Society; Past
Vice President of the 10th District of the NC State Medical Society; 1979 Potentate of the Oasis Temple; a
member of the Wachovia Bank Board of Directors; and a member of the Andrews First Baptist Church.
It is our pleasure the Dr. Charles O. Van Gorder has been included in this year’s class of inductees into the
North Carolina Lions Hall of Fame.
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From the 2nd VDG
Dearest Lions,
First and foremost, I wish to express how honored I am to serve as your 2nd Vice District Governor for 2020-2021. Please feel free to email me at [email protected], text or call my cell 704-214-2267 with your suggestions, concerns or just to say hello. Quite often, it crosses my mind as to how lucky I am to have found the Lions Club. If I consider all the dear
friends I have made, in addition to the opportunities presented to me for volunteering and service, I am one
lucky gal.
Did you ever consider the fact that when you approach a person and ask if he or she is interested in joining
the Lions Club that you are giving that person a gift? What is the gift, you ask? Stop for a moment and think
about how serving makes you feel. It’s a good feeling isn’t it. No, even better than that, it’s a great feeling!
To give to another brings you to the rightful experience of who you really are, a thoughtful, loving, caring
person. Can you think of a better gift to give another? A chance to experience that part of he or she that is
thoughtful, loving and caring. Just a thought....
I look forward to working with all of you, and a year filled with service and volunteer experiences that will
31 L 1088 82 163 1007 -81 31 I 1138 89 154 1073 -66 31 O 1193 70 166 1097 -96 31 N 1139 70 163 1046 -93 31 S 1055 111 150 1016 -39
Why should we be concerned about membership? This is from the Lions International Constitution and By Laws: Section 2. MINIMUM DISTRICT REQUIREMENTS. On formation, a district shall consist of Thirty-five (35) clubs in good standing and a total membership of at least one thousand two hundred and fifty (1,250) Lions clubs members in good standing unless otherwise approved by a 2/3 vote of the International Board of Directors. So, as you can see from the numbers, none of the Districts in North Carolina is as the minimum threshold as described above. More importantly, In addition to just the numbers, it means that we have fewer people available to provide service to their communities. This is the primary reason for NAMI---the North American Membership Initiative. Membership decline is not a new phenomenon, it is something that has been hap-pening since the mid-1980s. You will hear more about NAMI in the coming months.
Total 5613 422 796 5239 -374
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As you can see from the numbers, we, as Lions, have to stop the membership trend of the last almost 40 years. District Governor Larry has appointed PDG Alan Lake to be our District NAMI Champion.
This is not a 1 or 2 man task. It will take everyone in the District pitching in. As you will hear and see, it is about rejuvenating clubs through service.
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As you can see, the membership issue extends to other Constitutional Areas as well.
The North America Membership Initiative is not the responsibility of a few. As we expand, it will be the re-sponsibility of every Lion leader.
Working together as a team, from the club level through the board of directors, we can rejuvenate districts with new clubs, revitalize clubs with new members and re-motivate members with new fellowships and ex-
citing service.
Who is up for the challenge? What will you do to help?
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Lion’s Clubs Join Forces
Recently the Lion’s Clubs of Bethlehem and Longview joined forces to purchase and deliver over 4,000
pounds of food to local food pantries and the Salvation Army. Donations were made to the Mt. Pisgah Good
Samaritan Food Pantry, Hiddenite Community Helper Food Pantry and the Salvation Army, Hickory Campus
at a time when so many of our local food pantries are being tasked beyond their normal expectations. This is
only one of the projects of the local Lion’s Clubs whose mission is helping others. Along with donating to lo-
cal food pantries the Lion’s assist in helping the Blind of our Community in their daily life’s quality of life, as-
sist with securing glasses for the visually impaired, Sight for Kids Program and families in need.
As a Lion our reward is the satisfaction we have in knowing that helping our fellow man is the true reward of
life. Come join us a club member or sponsor to help in our mission of helping others. If you are willing to
serve or would like to donate you can reach us at our websites or at the phone numbers below.
Bethlehem 571 241 4180 Long View 704 418 9357
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Past International President Wayne Madden
AUBURN - Wayne A. Madden, 73, of Auburn died Saturday May 30, 2020, at Parkview Regional Medical
Center in Fort Wayne. He was born October 28, 1946, in Auburn to Loren and Chris (Doub) Madden and they
have both passed away. Wayne was a 1964 graduate of Auburn High School, earned his Bachelor's Degree
from Manchester College in 1968 and received his Master's Degree in Business Education from Indiana
University in 1973.He taught in the Peru Public School System and the DeKalb Eastern Public School System,
then changed careers and became an Insurance Agent for Prudential Insurance. In 1984 he opened the
Wayne Madden Insurance Agency in Auburn and operated the agency until 2010. He was a former DeKalb
County Councilman and was currently serving his 2nd term as an Auburn City Councilman. He was a member
of the Auburn First United Methodist Church, Auburn Masonic Lodge, Scottish Rite, Cedar Creek Shrine Club
and the Shrine Corvette Club. In 1984 he joined the Auburn Lions Club and held many offices within the
association including club president, district governor, state council chairperson, and International Director in
1999-2001. In 2010 he became an executive officer of Lions Club International (LCI) serving as President in
2012–2013 and as Chairperson of the LCI Foundation in 2013-2014. Lions Club International serves those in
need in over 200 countries. As executive officer, he and his wife, Linda, traveled over 300 days a year to 94
countries tasked with furthering the mission of Lions around the world. During his Presidential year, Wayne
and Linda introduced a literacy initiative called the Reading Action Program (RAP) which he was very proud
of. In recognition of his service to the association, Past President Madden has received many awards,
including the 100% Club President Award, four Extension Awards, an International President's Leadership
Medal, nine International President's Medals and the Ambassador of Good Will Award, the highest honor the
association bestows upon its members. He is a Charter W.P. Woods Fellow, a Helen Keller Fellow and a
Progressive Melvin Jones Fellow. In 2008, he was recognized for his humanitarian service by the governor of
Indiana as a Sagamore of the Wabash, the highest honor the governor can bestow. He enjoyed and was very
proud of his work with the Lions Club and also enjoyed playing golf, IU Basketball, the Indy 500 which he
attended from 1960 to the 100th running in 2016, missing only a few years while he was traveling with the
Lions Club, driving his Corvette and spending time with his family. Wayne married Linda Sebert on September
14, 1968, in the chapel on the campus of Manchester College and she survives. He is also survived by 2
daughters and sons-in-law, Jennifer and Michael O'Hear of Milwaukee, WI and Julia and Timothy Babcock of
Bluffton; 5 grandchildren, Lauren O'Hear, Daniel O'Hear, Owen O'Hear, Miles Babcock and Max Babcock;
2 sisters and brothers-in-law, Diane and Roger Jernigan of Auburn and Debra and Greg Carnahan of Auburn.
A private family service will be held with a celebration of Life service to be held at a later date. Feller and
Clark Funeral Home of Auburn is assisting the family with arrangements. Memorials may be made to the
'Madden Reading Action Fund' to continue the fight against illiteracy in Indiana. To leave a condolence visit
