DISTRICT 14P NEWSLETTER

FAMOUS LIONS

Greetings fellow Lions,

It is hard to believe that it is May already. I was admitted to the hospital for a week the day after our District Convention (April 12th through the 19th). I had really sharp pain in my abdomen and back. I found out that I had Pancreatitis. I also had Pneumonia. My hemoglobin levels still remain consistently low, so they gave me two transfusions which gives me 13 total. I am under a number of Doctors' care, and I hope that they can figure out what is going on.

This came up recently in a post. I thought it was interesting and I would like to share. Why Lions Wear the Yellow Vest — A Tradition Worth Knowing If you’ve ever wondered why Lions around the world proudly wear the yellow (gold) service vest, the story goes deeper than just a uniform — it’s a symbol of identity, visibility, and unity.

From the earliest days of Lions Clubs International, the official colors were purple and gold, chosen in 1917 to represent loyalty, integrity, sincerity, and generosity. Over time, Lions’ branding materials shifted toward blue and gold for a more modern, consistent look — but the meaning behind the colors never changed. Gold naturally became the color most associated with service, and the gold vest emerged as the universal identifier for Lions at projects, fundraisers, and community events. Members often describe it as something that instantly tells the public: “A Lion is here to help.” As Lions Clubs grew worldwide, the vest became a practical way to create a consistent, recognizable look across thousands of clubs. It also evolved into a walking scrapbook, with pins representing years of service, conventions, achievements, and club pride.

Whether your vest is simple or covered in decades of memories, it stands for the same thing:

Service. Community. Pride. And the shared mission of Lions everywhere — We Serve.

I would like to thank everyone for making our District Convention a success. We had a great time Friday night at Olive Garden with International Director Bert Nelson from Minnesota. Saturday was an enjoyable day. I got to learn more about the Organizations who had tables at the event. We had an informative Keynote Address from International Director Bert Nelson. I also had the chance to speak to many of you throughout the day. Congratulations to our DG Elect, FVDG Elect, and SVDG Elect. I know they will all do an excellent job serving our District.

Please note the location change for our fourth District Cabinet Meeting being held on May 30th. It will be held at the Honey Brook Lions Club Center at 14 Mt. Pleasant Road, Honey Brook, PA 19344, 9:00 AM. Please dress casual in your favorite team's jersey / shirt. I am planning on having some type of lunch after the meeting.

Clubs, if you are not already doing so, please post your service activities and hours in the portal or send the information to Lion Barry Marteny (aglionbarry@gmail.com)

District Governor's upcoming visits and events

May 9th. Rehrersberg

May 14th. State Council Meeting - Indiana, PA

May 15th to 17th. State Convention - Indiana, PA

May 19th. Avon Grove Charter Night

May 29th. Owen J. Roberts Middle School Leo Induction

May 30th. District Cabinet Meeting - Honey Brook

Again, any thoughts and suggestions are encouraged and welcome. Please feel free to contact me anytime.

Yours in service, DG Mike

Fellow Lions,

This past month has been filled with meaningful visits, important milestones, and moments of

both joy and reflection.

I had the pleasure of visiting the Strausstown Lions Club alongside DG Mike. It is always

uplifting to spend time with fellow Lions and see firsthand the dedication and service happening

in our communities. Thank you to the Strausstown Lions for your hospitality and for all that you

do to make a difference.

On April 11, we gathered for our District Convention—a wonderful day of fellowship, reflection,

and looking ahead to the future of our district. I am pleased to share that we now have both a

First and Second Vice District Governor in place. Please join me in congratulating Demetrios

Thermenos as our 1VDG and Matt Hensinger as our 2VDG. I am truly looking forward to

working alongside both of them in the coming year as we continue to grow and strengthen our

district.

It is hard to believe that May is just around the corner. Spring is one of my favorite times of the

year—it brings a sense of renewal and excitement as we see flowers blooming and communities

coming back to life. In many ways, it mirrors the work we do as Lions—planting seeds of

service that grow into meaningful impact.

Looking ahead, I will be attending the State Convention from May 15–17 in Indiana, PA. I look

forward to connecting with Lions from across Pennsylvania, sharing ideas, and bringing back

inspiration to continue our work here in the district.

While this month has brought many positive moments, it has also brought sadness. It is with a

heavy heart that I share the unexpected passing of DGE Craig Merkey of District 14-D. Our

thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends, and fellow Lions. This loss is a reminder of

how precious life is and how important it is to continue serving with compassion, kindness, and

purpose.

As we move into the final months of this Lions year, let us continue to support one another, stay

engaged, and finish strong in our service to others.

We Serve.

DGE Paula Hilbert

Lions Eyes Article for May 2026

2VDG-Elect – Matt Hensinger, Global Membership Coordinator for District 14-P

Growing Together Through Service: The Power of Lions International Membership

District Membership Growth is our No. 1 priority!! I ask each club and member in the District to

renew their membership growth efforts today! Here’s some information you can use in your

membership campaigns.

Becoming part of Lions Clubs International means joining a global network of individuals

committed to making a real difference. With over a century of service and millions of members

worldwide, Lions International continues to be a driving force for positive change in

communities both large and small.

A Global Network with Local Impact

Membership in Lions International connects you to a worldwide community, but the heart of the

organization lies in local clubs. Each club focuses on the unique needs of its

community—whether that’s supporting vision care initiatives, addressing food insecurity,

promoting youth development, or responding to disasters. Lions don’t just talk about

change—they lead it.

Opportunities for Personal and Professional Growth

Joining a Lions club isn’t just about giving back—it’s also about growing forward. Members

develop leadership skills, build lasting friendships, and gain valuable experience through

organizing projects and events. Whether you’re a student, a young professional, or a retiree,

Lions offers opportunities to learn, lead, and connect.

Diversity, Inclusion, and Shared Purpose

One of the strengths of Lions International is its diversity. Members come from all walks of life,

united by a shared commitment to service. This inclusive environment fosters collaboration,

understanding, and a broader perspective on global challenges.

Flexible Ways to Get Involved

Modern Lions clubs are evolving to meet the needs of today’s volunteers. With flexible meeting

formats, project-based involvement, and even virtual clubs, it’s easier than ever to participate in a

way that fits your lifestyle.

Why Join Now?

Communities need dedicated volunteers more than ever. By becoming a Lion, you’re not just

joining a club—you’re becoming part of a legacy of service that spans generations. Every new

member brings fresh ideas, energy, and the potential to create lasting change.

If you’re looking for a meaningful way to give back, build connections, and grow as a leader,

Lions International offers a path worth exploring. Together, we can serve, support, and

strengthen the communities we call home.

We Serve. Thanks for all you do to promote Lions in your community!!

Action: Remembering

Departed Members In Our Clubs

In the natural course of events, every Lions Club is confronted with the

passing on of one of its members. Anxious to honor the deceased and

express the sympathy of the Club to the immediate family, the Club is

often at a loss as to the proper things to do. Your Chaplain has created a

resource for your Club to use when necessary.

The resource contains suggestions about –

 Reaching out to the family following a death with a note, contribution, or other

remembrance.

 Visiting the family and offering assistance, when appropriate.

 Attending the service as a Club to show respect for the departed member and express

sympathy to the family. The resource describes several options.

You can download and view the complete document at Lions Procedure when a Member Dies 4

26.pdf

Rev. Karl Jones, Lions District 14P Chaplain, kjones275@comcast.net

District 14-P Service Program – Food Donations

Hello Fellow Lions

Thanks so much to all of our clubs who were able to provide food donations which were collected at our District Convention on April 11. There was an impressive and substantial amount donated!

I found out that our Convention host, Trinity Bible Fellowship Church in Blandon, has an impressive food pantry and meal program themselves! Therefore, we provided some of the donated products supporting their program and in appreciation to them for working with our District.

The remaining bulk of our collected donations went to two food clearinghouse agencies. These agencies filter donated products to multiple food pantries among their service area.

· In Chester County – food was delivered to the Chester County Food Bank in Exton, PA

· In Berks County – food was delivered to Helping Harvest Food Bank in Reading, PA

Special thanks to our Lion volunteer who helped with the Exton delivery!

Lions continue to make a great impact on our communities! Great work everyone!

Doug Yingling

District 14-P Global Service Team Coordinator

April 2026

DISTRICT POSITIONS

THANKS TO THE LIONS WHO MANNED THE REGISTRATION TABLES

HEAD TABLE

MEMORIAL SERVICE

FANTASTIC DISPLAYS

THANKS TO ALL THE CLUBS FOR THE FANTASTIC RAFFLE BASKETS

FIRST PLACE PEACE POSTER CONTEST WINNER SPONSORED by the AVON GROVE LIONS

LION DOUG YINGLING INTRODUCED THE MENTAL HEALTH PROGRAM SPEAKER

LION TINA HALL INTRODUCED THE ROYER GRAVES SCHOOL for the BLIND SPEAKER

LION BARRY MARTENY WITH THE HELP OF AVON GROVE HS LEO PRESIDENT NATALIE MILLER AND VICE PRESENT LAUREN BOLLACKER PRESENTED A PROGRAM ON LEOS

LION NELSON MULLER INTRODUCED THE SPEAKER FROM ALTRU VISION

AWARDS BY DG MICHAEL HELPNER AND ID BRENT NELSON

KEYNOTE SPEAKER ID BRENT NELSON

Sharing this virtual opportunity:

April 30, 2026 - 09:00 AM
International Leo Club Advisor Day
Leo Club Advisors, join us for the first-ever International Leo Club Advisor Day virtual event! Lions International will share announcements, followed by networking time in breakout rooms. This registration is for the 8:00 am central time session. (9 am ET)

Register here:

https://lionsclubs-org.zoom.us/meeting/register/GP6ly8_7TomFkiADWV8SbQ#/registration

Dr. Linda Zaneski

papageantmom@hotmail.com

570-709-9519

LION JAMES E. "BING" MILLER CHARITABLE FOUNDATION

Past International Director James E. "Bing" Miller (1974-1976)

Pennsylvania State Council Chairperson (1968-1969)

District Governor (1967-1968)

Member of the Paoli-Berwyn-Malvern Lions Club

click on application below to view

Updated application for Grant (2025)

Updated application for Fellowship (2023)

Updated application for Knight Fellow (2023)

LION JAMES E BING MILLER CHARTIABLE FOUNDATION

2026 CALENDAR PAYMENTS SENT TO YOU FASTER

If you want your winnings faster and directly into your checking account,

instantly, we are offering payments through ZELLE. Set up your account

through your bank website or the Zelle app. Once set up contact me with

your cell number and email address attached to your current or new Zelle

account. pennoak@gmail.com text 484-631-8932. PDG Rich Taylor, Treas.

Zelle in 2026: Fast, Free, and Focused on Safety

In the world of digital finance, speed is king. Whether you’re splitting a dinner bill, paying the

babysitter, or sending emergency funds to a family member, Zelle® has become the go-to standard

for instant, bank-to-bank transfers.

But as the platform continues to grow—now integrated into over 2,200 financial institutions—it’s more

important than ever to understand how to use it efficiently and, most importantly, safely.

What is Zelle?

Zelle is a peer-to-peer (P2P) payment network that moves money directly between U.S. bank

accounts in minutes. Unlike apps like Venmo or PayPal, Zelle doesn’t hold your money in a "digital

wallet." Instead, the funds go straight from your checking account into the recipient’s, often with no

fees attached.

How It Works (The 2026 Update)

The beauty of Zelle is its simplicity. You don't need to share your bank account number or routing

information. All you need is:

An Enrolled Account: Most major banks and credit unions have Zelle built directly into their mobile

apps.

The Recipient’s Identifier: A U.S. mobile number or email address is all it takes to find them.

QR Codes: For even faster transactions, you can now simply scan a recipient’s unique Zelle QR

code to ensure you’re sending money to the right person without manual typing.

The "Golden Rule" of Zelle Safety

Because Zelle transfers are instant and irreversible, they are essentially the digital equivalent of

handing someone cash. Once you hit "Send," the money is gone. To stay protected in 2026, follow

these three rules:

Only Pay People You Know: Never use Zelle to buy items from strangers on marketplaces like

Facebook or Craigslist. If the item never arrives, Zelle does not offer "Buyer Protection."

Beware of "Bank Impersonation" Scams: Scammers may call or text pretending to be your

bank, claiming there’s "fraud" on your account and asking you to "Zelle yourself" to fix it. Your

bank will never ask you to do this.

The $1 Test: If you are sending a large amount of money to someone for the first time, send $1

first. Have them confirm they received it before sending the rest of the balance.

Final Thoughts

Zelle is an incredibly powerful tool for managing daily life. It’s fast, free, and convenient. By treating

it like cash and only using it with people you truly trust, you can enjoy the benefits of instant banking

while keeping your hard-earned money secure.

Disclaimer: Zelle and the Zelle related marks are wholly owned by Early Warning Services, LLC and

are used herein

Click on Logo for link to information about the State Convention

REGISTRATION and Hotels

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE STATE CONVENTION.

Dear Leo Club Program Leader,

Your hard work guiding and assisting Leos is critical to ensuring their continued service. Leos in your area may be aging up or reaching the end of their eligibility as a Leo, and you have the opportunity to continue to guide them in their next steps. Members beyond the eligible age for their respective Leo programs (Alpha Leos age 19 and Omega Leos age 31) will have their records automatically closed by Lions International on June 30, 2026. Communications will be going out shortly to your affected Leos.

Now is a great time for you to collaboratively develop a plan. Be proactive and reach out to Leos about their next steps in their service journey!

Steps to help your Leos continue their service journey

• Utilize resources and identify impacted Leos: Review the resources on the Encourage Leos to become Lions webpage to equip you with tools to support the Leo to Lion transition, including the Leos Aging Up report to find clubs with impacted Leos. Leo advisors can use the Lion Portal to access the list of Leos whose recorded birthdates reflect current or approaching ineligibility.

• Work as a team: Work with your GMT, GET and Leo leadership to help your Leos find their fit as a Lion. Your GMT may be able to assist in a smooth transition to existing Lions clubs, and your GET may be able to provide guidance for Leos interested in chartering their own Lions or Leo-Lion club.

• Involve Leo-Lions: Collect stories and experiences from Leo-Lions in your area to share what awaits Leos when they become Lions. Consider the best methods to share these stories, whether it be a social media post, a discussion with a Leo-Lion or something else. Here’s an example!

• Reach out to Leos: Share the What comes Next for Leos webpage with Leos to remind them of Lion membership options, including the Leo-Lion program and its benefits. Omega Leos is another great option for Alpha Leos.

• Learn how to transfer Leo memberships: Share this video and document how to transfer Leos to Lions membership with Lion leaders, including Lions club secretaries and presidents.

• Celebrate Leos:

  • April is Leo awareness month! Celebrate the Leos in your district and the Leo club advisors on the first-ever International Leo Club Advisor Day on April 30.

  • Did the Leos in your district take part in the Leo recruitment pitch competition this month? If so, make sure to submit the one winning video from your district by March 15.

Leos may also have questions regarding discounted international dues. Leo-Lions wishing to count towards the club’s total delegate entitlement can waive their international dues discount. Lions clubs secretaries can do this for them in the Lion Portal. In areas not using the Lion Portal, please contact your council chairperson and district/multiple district office staff administrators.

Yours in service,

The Young Lions and Leos Department
Leo@lionsclubs.org

CLICK ON LOGO FOR MORE INFORMATION

ABOUT BEACON LODGE

Attached is a flyer promoting the rental possibilities at PA Lions Beacon Lodge
Camp. Our goal is to have Beason Lodge become a year-round facility. There is an
exerted effort made to generate interest in leasing the camp during the off season
from September to April. During those months, the primary source of income
is from rentals.
We ask that you include the attached rental flyer in your District Newsletters.
To make rental arrangements and to include specific services, please contact Lion Kelly McMullen, Programs Director at 814-542-2511or Kellym@beaconlodge.org.
The camp can be leased for Lions and business retreats, family gatherings, business conferences, weddings, etc. and our chef is on site if meals are desired in the rental package.
Thank you, best regards,

Thank you,

LINK FOR INFORMATION ABOUT LOPF AWARDS AND GRANTS

CLICK ON LOGO FOR INFORMATION ABOUT GRANTS

PEACE POSTER CONTEST

It's not too early to start thinking which schools you can contact about the PEACE POSTER CONTEST.

September to Deadline in October is a very short time for the students to work on their posters.

For last year's contest the District only received 2 posters. The Poster doesn't have to come from a Leo; any student can enter. Please think about reaching out to schools in your area and encourage them to do a poster.

Our Peace Poster Contest Brings Your Community Together

The Peace Poster Contest invites young people around the world to express their creativity while sharing their unique vision of peace. This special blog shows the powerful impact the contest has on our clubs, our youth and our communities.

FREERICE ACTIVITY

Lion Cubs had worked on the "Freerice Activity". Freerice is an educational trivia game owned by the UN World Food Programme (WFP). Private sponsors match the rice grain donations generated within Freerice, triggering a financial payment to WFP. This money goes into the pot of "greatest needs" to support the organization's ongoing emergencies. 100% of all funds generated via Freerice go to the World Food Programme. Freerice does not earn or keep any money it raises. The students put their knowledge to work today and had fun!

WORDS OF ENCOURAGEMENT

They created bright, colorful inspirational posters to motivate their peers as we approach the upcoming infamous PSSAs. Their messages of perseverance, confidence, and determination will surely bring smiles and boost morale in the hallways during testing season.

HELPING HAND

French Creek Lion Cubs once again demonstrated what it means to be leaders in our school community.

The Cubs spent the afternoon lending a helping hand to our very own FC Coach, assisting with organizing and distributing important papers throughout the building. Their teamwork, responsibility, and willingness to serve others made a big difference and kept things running smoothly for our staff and students.

LIONS BOOK BARN

The Cubs from the Charter School visited the Lions Book Barn.

PENN TOWNSHIP PARK ENVIROMENT DAY EVENT

On April 18th, the Lions Cub Pack completed a service project at Penn Township Park. They were able to learn the value of service to the community by completing some tasks. Lion Barry, from the AG Lions, joined AGCS students and families to plant flowers, clean and organize the Book Nook and create art that aligned with Penn's theme for this year. A big thank you to the Lanni family for helping our students enjoy this service opportunity!

4/16, during our monthly meeting 14 cubs and 2 advisors organized and created 10 Basket Bingo Prizes and snacks to be used during Bingo at the Whitehall Inn on Friday 5/1. The cubs will be volunteering after school to help with Bingo.

This is our first event that takes place in the community. The cubs are very excited.

BINGO AT LUTHER HOUSE

12 ELC Leo Cubs Played Bingo provided snack and played an ice breaker game with the residents.

9 Leos helped with the egg hunt.

HIGHWAY CLEANUP

CINDERELLA'S CLOSET

4 Leos helped 14 Coatesville High School ladies choose a free dress for Prom

The 4 Leos spent 7 hours each setting up and helping the ladies pick a dress

NORTH COVENTRY ELEMENTRY SCHOOL SPRING FUN FAIR

26 OJRMS Leos provided assistance at the North Coventry Elementary School's Spring Fun Fair. Leos worked in two-hour shifts of their choice to help with set-up, running of game stations, and clean-up. They all reported that they had so much fun helping their much younger, grade school friends enjoy their time at this well-attended, annual event.

EARTH DAY TOWN CLEANUP

A huge thank you to all of our volunteers today for our Earth Day Activity.

We have listed them below
We collected 156 pounds of trash, got a great deal of weeding completed and all of the black pots planted in downtown Oxford.
-Helping Hands: Macie Smith, Abi Gehm, Madison Rebhorn, Emily Rodriquez, Lucia Contreras, Tessa Williston, Sean Latsch, Owen Giraf, Abby Asmus, and Evan Lester.
-Mary Baringer
-Philip Sapp
-Judy Menzel
-Omar Sanchez

BINGO AT LUTHER HOUSE

8 HS LEOs played Bingo provided snack and played an ice breaker game with them.

SPECIAL OLYMPICS

Leos helped at the Special Olympics event.

BINGO

DIABETIC SERVICE DOG

Zone Chair Lion Tina Hall is spear heading a service project to help raise funds to attain a much-needed diabetic service dog for a local a 5-year-old boy. Clubs were invited to the West Goshen Lion’s Cub meeting on Saturday, 3/28/26 to learn about Leam’s needs and provide help. Guests at the meeting included Ally, Sophia and Liam Mitchel with Sugar, (Lion’s service dog of 4 days) Zone Chair Lions Tina Hall, DG Mike Hepner, Jim Hepner, Leah Kinzinger, Natanya Sortland, Mark Sweeney from Paoli Berwyn, Malvern Lions and Lion Leagh Lizenberger from Coventry Lions

NIGHT AT THE RACES

EGG HUNT

HOPPY EASTER everyone! Thank you for your egg-cellent support. You make our local events like the Easter Egg Hunt possible.

HIGHWAY CLEANUP

Saturday morning saw our Lions Club members engaging in a community clean-up initiative,

removing litter from the sides of Longswamp Road.

EASTER EVENT AT THE LIONS BOOK BARN

GETTING READY FOR EGG HUNT

Colored 90 dozen eggs for egg hunt!

DOWINGTOWN MIDDLE SCHOOL

The Lionville Lions Club members contributed useful items and gift cards for

Downingtown Middle School English as a Second Language Family Night.

EGG HUNT

Thank you to everyone who. Came out on Saturday to our annual Egg Hunt.

We put out over 1100 hard-boiled eggs for the kids to find. Job well done by all our volunteers.

SENIOR STUDENT OF THE MONTH PROGRAM

POUR HOUSE FUNDRAISER

Thank You to everyone who showed up to Honor 2 Great men. We also want to Thank the Pour House for helping us. The Blandon Lions Club are proud and honored to give our ALL of our proceeds from the fundraiser to the families of Chief Jeff Buck and Asst Chief Robert Shick.

RIP and know we are here for you if needed.

THANK YOU AVON GROVE HIGH SCHOOL INDUSTRIAL CASS

Picked up 30 new blue bird houses this morning and took this photo of students in the wood shop class under Matt Ricketts

SPRING CHICKEN BBQ

We sold 500 dinners and raised $3,000

GETTING FAIR STAND READY

It’s that time of year. Getting our Fair Stand ready. Replacing the kitchen ceiling tiles. First even is Sausage Fest on May 23. Looking forward to seeing everyone. Dutch Fries!!!!

Kutztown Fair Kutztown Fairgrounds

EASTER BREAKFAH

Held an Easter breakfast fundraiser. Raised $365.

COMMUNITY DIABETES SENIMAR

Eagle-Glenmoore Lions Club Arranged Community Diabetes Seminar

SENIOR AWARDS CEREMONY

VP Mike Baker presented the Oxford Lions Club scholarship with the following message:

You are about to enter uncertain times in your life. You are here because you are receiving well deserved recognition. And I have the distinct honor of awarding this financial gift.

STOCKING SHELVES AT FRIENDS INC.

LIGHTHOUSE WOMANS AND CHILDREN CENTER

Huge thanks to the incredible Kate Alley from Lighthouse Women and Children Center for inspiring us at our meeting! She shared their remarkable mission to empower homeless women and children to rise above and claim their independence

HIGHWAY CLEANUP

CRIMES VICTIM CENTER OF CHESTER COUNTY INC.

Thank you to Christine Zaccarelli from The Crime Victims’ Center of Chester County, Inc. for joining us at our meeting last night and delivering such an insightful and meaningful program

MUSIC MAKERS MARKET

ROAR INTO FALL

BINGO

SASUSAGE FEST

Kutztown Lions Club will be there!

Working on additions to our regular menu!

Get ready for a full day of flavor, fun, and fest vibes!

CAR SHOW

GOLF OUTTING

Join Us for the 6th Annual Curtis R. Mimm Memorial Golf Outing!

Date: Monday, June 1st

All proceeds to benefit the Honey Brook Lions Club with a portion going to Suicide awareness.

POOL

BLUES FESTIVAL AND BBQ

You may wonder what happens to your money when you shell out 20 large for the best little blues festival in the South-west corner of North East Warwick township. Every cent of the profits supports the Coventry Lions Club - we don't blow it on funny hats, brown liquor and clown cars. One of our major projects is testing preschool kids for early vision problems through our KidSight program. We're out almost every week, testing at local preschools. This is just one of the reasons you should feel good about attending the Chester County Blues Barbecue on June 6th at Wyindsor Farm. Get your tickets now, supply is limited and they are selling like virtual hotcakes.

GOLF TOURNAMENT

CONGRATULATIONS

Happy 30th Anniversary to the Kutztown Leo Club!!!

Lion Stephen Craig’s swearing in as a new Lion for the West Goshen Lion’s Club was continued at the meeting and DG Hepner was present. Thank you Lion LeRoy for being his sponsor.