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2007-2008 Officers & Directors of the Kent
Lions

President
  Mike Lanxon


1st Vice President
  Steve Crowell


2nd Vice President
  Charlene Shaw


3rd Vice President
  Andi Lanxon


Secretary
 
Eva Kupper

Treasurer
  Everett Womack


Lion Tamer
  Dee Mihok


Tail Twister
  Ralph Bowen


Immediate Past

President
 Terry Haddenham

At Large (1 yr)
 Pete Gomes


At Large (1 yr)
  Gary Atwood


At Large (2 yr)
 
Sue Madsen

At Large (2 yr)
 
Donnarae Joseph

Membership

Director
 
Joey Gomes

Cornucopia Days

Director
  Bill Westcott


KCD color logo web.gif (9061 bytes)


2007-2008 Officers & Directors of the Kent
Lions Foundation


President
  Jim Miller


Vice President
  
Bruce Weissich

Secretary/Treasurer
 Randi Shartin


Director
 
Gary Atwood

Director
 
Mike Lanxon



 


 

LIONS INTERNATIONAL HISTORY

The International Association of Lions Clubs began as the dream of Chicago insurance man
Melvin Jones, who wondered why local business clubs -- he was an active member of one --
could not expand their horizons from purely business concerns to the betterment of their
communities and the world at large.

Jones' idea struck a chord within his own group, the Business Circle of Chicago, and they
authorized him to explore his concept with similar organizations from around the United States.
His efforts resulted in an organizational meeting at a local hotel on June 7, 1917.

The 12 men who gathered there overcame a natural sense of loyalty to their parent clubs, voted
the "Association of Lions Clubs" into existence, and issued a call for a national convention to be
held in Dallas, Texas, USA in October of the same year.

Thirty-six delegates representing 22 clubs from nine states heeded the call, approved the "Lions
Clubs" designation, and elected Dr. William P. Woods of Indiana as their first president.
Guiding force and founder Melvin Jones named acting secretary, thus began an association with
Lionism that only ended with his death in 1961.

That first convention also began to define what Lionism was to become. A constitution and
by-laws were adopted, the colors of purple and gold approved, and a start made on Lionism's
Objectives and Code of Ethics.

One of the objects was startling for an era that prided itself on mercenary individualism, and has
remained one of the main tenets of Lionism ever since. "No Club," it read, "shall
hold out the financial betterment of its members as its object."

Community leaders soon began to organize clubs throughout the United States, and the
association became "international" with the formation of the Windsor, Ontario, Canada Lions
Club in 1920. Clubs were later organized in China, Mexico, and Cuba. By 1927, membership
stood at 60,000 in 1,183 clubs.

In 1935, Panama became home to the first Central American club, with the first South American
club being organized in Columbia the following year. Lionism reached Europe in 1948, as clubs
were chartered in Sweden, Switxerland, and France. In 1952, the first club was chartered in
Japan. Since then, the association has become truly global, with clubs in more than 170
countries and geographical areas worldwide.

 


 

1925 Lions International Convention
Cedar Point, Ohio USA June 30, 1925

 

 

Dear Lions and Ladies:

I suppose you have heard the legend that represents opportunity as a capricious lady, who knocks at every door but once, and if the door isn't opened quickly, she passes on, never to return. And that is as it should be. Lovely, desirable ladies won't wait. You have to go out and grab 'em.

I am your opportunity. I am knocking at your door. I want to be adopted. The legend doesn't say what you are to do when several beautiful opportunities present themselves at the same door. I guess you have to choose the one you love best. I hope you will adopt me. I am the youngest here, and what I offer you is full of splendid opportunities for service.

The American Foundation for the Blind is only four years old. It grew out of the imperative needs of the blind, and was called into existence by the sightless themselves. It is national and international in scope and in importance. It represents the best and most enlightened thought on our subject that has been reached so far. Its object is to make the lives of the blind more worthwhile everywhere by increasing their economic value and giving them the joy of normal activity.

Try to imagine how you would feel if you were suddenly stricken blind today. Picture yourself stumbling and groping at noonday as in the night; your work, your independence, gone. In that dark world wouldn't you be glad if a friend took you by the hand and said, "Come with me and I will teach you how to do some of the things you used to do when you could see"? That is just the kind of friend the American Foundation is going to be to all the blind in this country if seeing people will give it the support it must have.

You have heard how through a little word dropped from the fingers of another, a ray of light from another soul touched the darkness of my mind and I found myself, found the world, found God. It is because my teacher learned about me and broke through the dark, silent imprisonment which held me that I am able to work for myself and for others. It is the caring we want more than money. The gift without the sympathy and interest of the giver is empty. If you care, if we can make the people of this great country care, the blind will indeed triumph over blindness.

The opportunity I bring to you, Lions, is this: To foster and sponsor the work of the American Foundation for the Blind. Will you not help me hasten the day when there shall be no preventable blindness; no little deaf, blind child untaught; no blind man or woman unaided? I appeal to you Lions, you who have your sight, your hearing, you who are strong and brave and kind. Will you not constitute yourselves Knights of the Blind in this crusade against darkness?

I thank you.


 

OUR NAME

The proper name of the association is "The International Association of Lions Clubs." Many
Lions, however, prefer the use of the shorter form of "Lions Clubs International."


 

OUR EMBLEM

Throughout the world, Lions are recognized by the emblem they wear on their lapels. It
consists of a gold letter "L" on a circular purple field. Bordering this is a circular gold area
with two lion profiles at either side facing away from the center. The word "Lions" appears at
the top, and "International" at the bottom. Symbolically, the lions face both past and future --
proud of the past and confident of the future. Lions wear their emblem with pride.


 

OUR MOTTO

The motto of every Lion is simply "We Serve." What better way to express the true mission of
Lionism?


 

OUR SLOGAN

The slogan of the association is "Liberty, Intelligence, Our Nation's Safety (LIONS).


 

OFFICAL COLORS

The royal colors of purple and gold were selected as the official colors when the association was
organized in 1917. Purple stands for loyalty to friends and to one's self, and for integrity of mind
and heart. Gold symbolizes sincerity of purpose, liberality in judgement, purity in life and generosity in mind, heart and purpose toward humanity.


For history of our Family Festival "Kent Cornucopia Days", go to our web site at www.kcdays.com

 

 

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Last modified: January 17, 2008