Wow, what a great month! The speaker, talking about the early days of computers was very interesting and brought back many memories.

               We had a very successful medical mission to Wise, Va. More about it in a few minutes,

               On Sunday, Zone Chair Brian, Lion Chuck, Betty and I attended the cabinet social and installation at the Fredericksberg country club. It was great to see many friends, Betty and Lion Karen Parker were enjoying their experiences at Wise when our guest, Past International President Clem Kusick joined them. He was impressed with their passion for the mission and they explained the medical importance of the mission. Before he began the installation of the cabinet, he said that he had two special awards. They were for Betty and Karen. Karen and Harry had left the meeting, so he got Betty to come forward and gave her an International President Al Brandel personal pin. Then he gave her the mike and asked her to talk about the experience. I thought that she did a great job. We now have his and hers pins as ID Wayne Davis gave me one at Wise.

               Wise was a great success! More than 1500 volunteers made things go well. There was a lot of media present, 60 minutes newsman Scott Palley brought his wife, thirteen year old daughter and producer to work the entire weekend. Virginia Governor Tim Kaine came to see the best example of government’s failure to care for poor Virginians. We provided about 5400 patient procedures including 1060 pairs of eyeglasses. Eyeglass dispensing is led by Lion Chuck and assisted by Lion Willard. Lion Chuck’s story about Cole is why we drive 420 miles and work long hours. As usual, more than 3800 teeth were pulled. Reading an article in Newsweek.com, I saw part of the reason, the people believe that their teeth will fail and hurt, they want them all out as soon as possible. One touching story that I was involved with concerned a young man named Joe.  PDG Doug Cross works at the patient incoming gate. I rode out to see if he needed anything. He introduced me to Joe. Joe is blind and was looking for a person at the fairgrounds who was supposed to help him get a computer. I learned that she was not there so I took Lion Sharon Hart, state special needs equipment chair, to talk to him. This week, I spoke to PDG Doug and they expect to have a computer and software for him soon. When he was four, Joe’s father shot him with a shotgun and blinded him. PDG Doug related a story about a man who came four years ago with a severe medical problem that no one wanted to deal with. Lion Doug took the man and found someone in the medial staff to care for him. The man was back this year with his wife for other care. They both thanked Doug for his help and described the difference that he had mad. Every one can’t go to Wise but we have a MOM project coming up this spring in Springfield. Our club’s donation paid for most of the fuel needed to take our S & H van to Wise. Thanks. On a happier note, the fellowship with Lions from around the state, RAM people, eye docs, dentists and others was great as usual.

               Upcoming on Aug. 24 is the visitation & awards kickoff at the Parkwest building. Our fall conference is Oct 3 & 4 in Fredericksburg. As always, Melvin Jones birthday is January 13. Our state convention is May 28-30 in Tyson’s. The international convention is July 6-10 in Minneapolis. Please plan to attend as many as possible. Why should I attend? To learn more about Lionism and for the fellowship.  I learned that Lion Sue will be attending USA-Canada in Saskatchwan.

               Last year we lost two great Lions and another resigned. Please ask a friend or someone that you do business with to visit and join. Our club needs 4 – 6 new members to keep us healthy. When I was governor, the district was more than 2000 members, we have slipped below 1800.

               I have not found any deep or witty items to share this month so I will close with two parts of the Lions code of ethics.

               To show my faith in the worthiness of my vocation by industrious application to the end that I may merit a reputation for quality of service.