With the arrival of the 2025/26 Lions year, the Lake Oswego Lions Club had the honor of welcoming 36-O District Governor, Brian Sauer, and his wife, Lion Judy Sauer, following their return from the 107th Lions International Convention in Orlando, Florida. As Lions, we not only serve the world but also lead it in service. Every act of service is a gift to humanity and an inspiration for others to join us in making a difference.

 

DG Brian spoke about his theme for the year, "Serving Together," which coincidentally aligns with Lion Bonnie’s theme as well. He emphasized the importance of involving non-Lions in service projects as a way to attract new members. Additionally, he encouraged donations to LCIF disaster relief efforts, which support communities affected by disasters such as the flooding in Burns and the fires in Rowena. DG Brian also highlighted the significance of contributing to OLSHF, as the Foundation's school vision screening program is projected to screen 200,000 children this year, with an estimated 20% referral rate. This amounts to 40,000 students who may fall behind in their education due to vision issues if left unaddressed.

 

Throughout his speech, DG Brian acknowledged that he was "preaching to the choir" but emphasized the importance of assisting other Lions clubs and service organizations in need. Lake Oswego Lions and our VisionEnvoy Club Branch enjoy serving together with many entities including other Lions clubs including the West Linn and Oregon City Lions and others who pitch in on the 4^th of July Pancake Breakfast and other events, the Lake Oswego schools with the Peace Poster Contest and Flags for First Graders, the National League of Young Men with philanthropic volunteer opportunities, the Down Syndrome Network of Oregon with the Buddy Walk lunch service and LOLC and VisionEnvoy Buddy Team, Hunger Fighters and Bethlehem House of Bread with food drives and a Winter Clothing Drive, OLSHF with Vision Screenings, eyeglass and hearing aids collections and sorting, a ‘Galloween’ table sponsorship by one of our club members and the participation of several other club members, monetary support and processing of applications for glasses and other work, the National Alliance on mental Illness, Clackamas with Bonnie’s Brigade of Stigma Busters at the NAMI Walk and a table sponsorship by one of our club members and participation of several members at the NAMI Party with a purpose, the LO Chamber of Commerce and many local business owners with sponsorship, speaking engagements, and volunteer opportunities, and the list goes on!

 

When Lions serve with passion and purpose, putting the needs of others first and collaborating under the "SERVING TOGETHER" theme, we bolster our communities, strengthen our organization, and enrich the lives of those we serve.

 

Submitted by LOLC President, Bonnie Roeder