November 2019 President’s Message
Aloha Lions!
Well, it doesn’t seem like 4 months have gone by. And, holiday season are coming soon, so not much time left in the year. We are reminded earlier and earlier by commercials and Macy’s Christmas decorations already on display.
At the October 3 meeting, during the New Member Orientation Refresher, I was asked what my responsibilities as President was and the eBook definition of the President is to “preside over meetings and coordinate efforts of the board and chairs to implement activities of the club in both fellowship and service”. While this is true, what I’ve learned is that a president needs to listen to its members and board and guide the club to operate in a way to satisfy the membership. At times, it may mean that decisions are made with the intent to benefit the club and majority and that not all the members will be satisfied. Since we are a voluntary organization, priorities and resources play an important determinant of what and when things get done. Listening also means accepting what the member want as a Lion, to be a worker-bee, project chair, board member, etc. I also feel that as times change, the club needs to be forward-thinking and start looking in to ways to attract new members and possibly, new projects that will satisfy both existing and/or new members. Of course, the board and I are always available if you would like to propose a new project or voice an opinion.
We will be opening up the 2020-2021 elections in January so please let us know if you’re interest in one of board position.
Thank you to Roy Aoki and Merv Wee for inducting and installing the new Kaiser High School Leo officers and Leos at the October 17 Lions meeting. Thanks also to Alvin Hayashibara who printed and provided the installation program and Cynthia Chun who prepared the delicious dinner as several Leos and Lions went up for seconds.
Thank you to Kendrick Chang and David Iwana for delivering the new member orientation refresher presentation at the October 3 business meeting. Hope you learned something new, I did. The Board is looking at addressing privacy concerns of Lion project photos on social media and how to prevent cliques or supposition of cliques in the club.
Thank you to Allen Umeda for chairing the Haihaione drain cleaning project, Delwin Ching for chairing the Kamiloiki Elementary school Keiki carnival, Jeanne Alices for chairing the Ho’opono & D50 Lions White Cane Walk, and Cynthia Chun for chairing 6 Hawaii Kai area school vision screenings this month.
The Hawaii Kai Holiday parade will be on Saturday, November 30th. Lion Eric Kimura is serving as Manpower Chair and Parade Chair Ken Nishibun reported that Lion Richard Okamoto will be our Grand Marshal this year!
VP Stan Ito and Ed Lee are finalizing plans for the Christmas party which will be on December 19. Announcements will be made soon.
Have Fun while we Serve!
Ells.