WE SERVE!
A Message from District Governor Bijoy Mahanti
Hello Beautiful Lions,
Our District Social is over. Our Guest of Honor ID Judge Anthony Paradiso graciously spent the weekend with us attending various activities and was inspiring. PDG Carol Schoonover’s District Social team consisting of PDG Vic Lowe, IPDG Kathy Crockett, FVDG Beth Whitelock, CS Donna Shelton, Lions Shelly Holland, Melanie Donophan, Crystal Sipes, Donna DiGiacomo, Sharon Brannock and others assisting them did an awesome job making the event memorable for everyone.
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All of you 182 some who came to share your “Being the Light” energy at the Social lifted me up. It made me reinforce how much being engaged with others, communicating with others, being in a community with others is so uplifting.​ We just had two superb Leader Dogs for the blind programs in Salisbury and Greensboro. We raised $16,493.00. We appreciate all your generosity and support. Special thanks to Lion Shelly Holland and her team coordinating the events.
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It is April now. I am reflective of the quote, “We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence is then not an act but a habit.” We discuss being a Lion and our functions during our time together during the visits. This quote aligns with the criteria for the Club Excellence Award, the recognition of the work that happens when clubs embrace their potential to serve (our motto), grow (membership). and lead (leadership). How far away is your club to achieve club excellence?​
Service Impact: Main purpose of being a Lion. Starting a new service project or doing a project in a different manner aligns with our mission. Please celebrate and report on your service activities, no project is complete until it is reported.
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Membership Growth: Excellence begins with growth. Membership is the foundation of everything we do; every new Lion brings fresh ideas and hands to serve. It is every Lion’s priority to invite someone new to experience the joy of service in our Lions family. How well are we growing or sustaining members?
Leadership: Strong clubs are led by trained, capable officers and operate with accountability and transparency and develop leaders. Reporting your club officers, ensuring your club is in good standing, and encouraging member participation in training are critical components of excellence. Together, we can strengthen leadership across the district.
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LCIF Support: Our financial commitment to our foundation Lions Clubs International Foundation (LCIF) is a commitment to our global causes of service. Our club and individual contributions support our service activities. Donations also support our communities through District and Community Impact Grants. Any amount impacts on changing someone’s life stories.
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It is our hope that many more clubs will qualify for Club Excellence or other awards as described in the Roster Book. Please reflect on whether we are starting a new project, growing our membership, improving our leadership, and contributing to our LCIF.
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I wholeheartedly appreciate you for all that you do Being A Light moving our District forward. The district strives because of your dedication and commitment.​ We are at a pivotal moment in our country now. How the environment has changed during the last two months and changing day by day. The choices we make today will determine whether we move forward toward the future we envision for us to continue our growth as Being a Human or stay stuck.
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Being a Human is totally different than Human Doing. Being a Human is, remembrance of where we came from, love, serving others and Being a Light. I recollect a phrase, “Not everything that is faced can be changed but nothing can be changed until it is faced". We are facing circumstances never dreamt of in human growth process, seems like Nation has lost its heart and soul. It is a type of evolution process for us. It is not happening to us; it is happening for us. The darkest moment is the seed of transformation.
Everything happens for a reason. Can we accept, recognize the reality and see the truth? When we resist the truth, we suffer. Hidden lessons are there for us. Everything is impermanence. Nothing remains the same. What can we learn for the highest good? We have so many opportunities to serve for highest and common good. Growth is challenging and there is no comfort. We must swim against the current. The obstacle is the path. Are we up to this challenge? Being a Light, serve, love, and remember.
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I recall a little story; one disciple asked his master; how do we transform ourselves. The Master after a pause replied, go outside and observe a fruit tree; the beautiful blossom disappears as the fruit grows. Similarly, we must let go of many things we identify with as we transform ourselves. What a beautiful observation and lesson! This whole universe is an awesome school we are blessed with; what can we learn every day. The teachings are all around all the time, are the students ready to learn.
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What a wonderful season now to reflect now, flowers blossoming, just observed the one of the equinoxes, patron Saint Patrick’s birthday. So many holidays in April. Easter, Resurrection and many others. So many lessons are hidden. The choice is ours. I wish you and your family a Joyous Holiday Season and spring and be safe and healthy.
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May we keep shining our light, and keep our hearts open in the days to come
With much Gratitude and Love,
Bijoy Mahanti
2024-2025 22B District Governor
Lions are individuals who volunteer their time to humanitarian causes in their local and world communities. By conducting service projects and raising funds, Lions strive to help those in need, wherever the need exists. The Lion’s motto is "We Serve".
Lions aim to improve health and well-being, strengthen communities, support those in need through humanitarian aid, and encourage peace and international understanding.
The Lions of Maryland feed the hungry, assist after disasters, clean up in neighborhoods, raise funds for the visually impaired, orphans, and other causes, and run a variety of youth programs, mentoring youth as they pursue positive activities and carry out service projects.
There is a Lion! When caring people join together, roll up their sleeves, and take action to make their community better, it’s a beautiful thing—and an incredible feeling for everyone involved. That’s Lions. Being a Lion is about leading by example, building relationships, and improving the world through kindness. It’s 1.4 million caring individuals serving together so they can make a lasting impact and change more lives.