District MD27D1

27-D1 District Governor
John Jenson
jhjenson@gmail.com
(608) 770-2991

It is with mixed emotions that I write this last article as District Governor. I am thankful to have served this year and grateful to have been witness to so many miracles in our District. It has been an honor to represent the Lions of District 27-D1 and the Lions of Wisconsin. You truly make miracles happen through your service, and you are all my "Everyday Heroes." I want to thank you, the individual Lions, once more for your service, and remember to continue to Celebrate Service.

Lion Alice and I appreciate the warmth with which you have welcomed us into your clubs and shared your amazing stories with us. We entered this last year with anticipation and were not disappointed by what we encountered. The friends we have made throughout the District and State will last beyond this year.

Yes, there have been some disappointments. We did lose the Janesville Evening and Belleville clubs and as of this writing, we are down in membership. But I believe we will rebound and become a stronger District. We are already working on two new clubs that should be operating before the end of 2009.

Your District leadership has a better understanding of the needs of new clubs and will work diligently to fill those needs and guarantee their success. I guess the old adage is true that you start to figure out the job just before you are done!

I would be remiss if I did not thank my cabinet for their hard work and dedication. We instituted a lot of changes this year, and I believe they will improve the administration of the District. I hope we did not step on too many toes in making the changes.

Please consider going to the International Convention in Minneapolis, Minnesota, July 6-10. It is a wonderful chance to see Lionism from a worldwide perspective.

One last shot across the bow. I never relished the thought of becoming a PDG, so I think I will invent a new term and take the title of RDG (Retired District Governor) or FDG (Former District Governor) instead, and wish Lions Rick and Peggy Daluge smooth sailing over the next twelve months.

Last but not least, I would like to thank Lion Alice for being my constant companion on our visits throughout the District and the State. She has truly lived up to the title of partner in service. I know there were a lot of late nights, but having her along with me made them not seem so long.

Thank you Lions for a great year. Keep serving the needs of your members and your communities and don't forget to celebrate your Everyday Heroes.