Greetings Fellow Lions:
      The month of July always represents the commencement of a new Lions year with all of its challenges, goals and excitement.
        This is the first of our monthly newsletters which will not only be a wrap-up of the month before but as well as a preview of what we have to look forward to.
        First, let us all congratulate IPDG John Diaz and his cabinet for a successful year with a net positive membership gain. John's year will certainly be memorable for his enthusiasm and Lionistic Service!
        As the summer months take place we Lions face the challenge of retaining those members who may otherwise discontinue their membership. Retention is vital to our goal of membership gains.
     2nd VDG Sharon will be focusing on Retention this year. Please contact her with any of your questions concerning this issue!
       The MERL team, chaired by 1st VDG Stephen Dean, will be having an organizational meeting on July 26th. Thereafter, we will be addressing club strength, extension and membership initiatives. Throughout the year there will be MERL meetings for all interested Lions.
     Many of the clubs are having fund-raising events during the summer! Please view the website for scheduled events so that we can all participate!
        This time of the year is also a time for excitement! The Installation of Officers and Summer Social is being held on Wednesday, August 11th. Please review the web page and make your plans to join us that evening.
       I look forward to seeing everyone at our Lions' events throughout the year.

        Thanking you with "Liberty Through Service"!
    DG Ed Lieberman