Lion Robert Littlefield's "Service from the Heart" Blog

It was “all systems go” as we headed out to Manhattan, Kansas, site of the MD 17 Midwinter Rally. Council Chair Beverly Greenwood and her husband Lion Maurice “Mo” were our official hosts;

Mo Greenwood leads the cast of Penguins and Peacocks.

but, we also enjoyed the company of ID Bill and Lion Vickie Phillipi, first year directors from Kansas.

ID Bill and Vickie Phillips join us before the banquet.

The Midwinter Rally is an opportunity for the three District Governors (K – Fran Smith; A – Carleen Rajala; and N – Dwayne Willis) from Kansas and all of the Lions committees and foundations in the state to come together and report on the progress being made across the Multiple District. The schedule was full and we attended most every meeting.

ID Bill, DG Fran, DG Carleen, CC Bev, DG Dwayne, and ID Robert

Kathy and I were impressed with the high level of commitment shown by past international and multiple district officers. Three Past International Directors were present to support and participate in the meetings: PID Ed and Lion Linda McCormick; PID Ernest Young, Jr.; and PID Gene Vogel. Kathy and I are so honored to be included in the international family of directors with them. They are one impressive group!

ID Bill, PID Ed, ID Robert, PID Ernie, and PID Gene

I was pleased to be able to induct a new member—Meredith Johanning—sponsored by PID Ed McCormick, keeping my tradition alive of inducting at least one new member at every official visitation thus far during my term on the board.

I also enjoyed presenting Blue Valley West Leo Club with the prestigious Leo Club Excellence Award—the 13^th time the club has received this award. Advisors Jennifer Wolford and Cheryl Kerns brought several members of the club to the rally to participate in events and be present at the banquet. They were introduced and I fully expect to see them honored again next year.

Blue Valley West Leo Club

We also had an opportunity to get involved in some of the fun, as Kathy and I took roles in the production of Peacocks in the Land of Penguins. I’m sure Elvis was rolling in his grave when I sang out some of his tunes, but everyone seemed to enjoy the performance.

ID Robert joins the cast as an Elvis impersonator.

Kathy (left) plays a “wise owl” in the skit.

District Governors played many roles in the rally, but DG Carleen Rajala (District A) really stole the show as Perry–the Peacock.

The hospitality room was a great place to meet people during the convention, and Kathy had time to meet and get to know the Lions who were the overall coordinators of the room, Lions Mickey and Al Keithley.

ID Robert holds a “Q & A” to promote the Membership 2.0 program, LCI Centennial planning, and the LCI Forward Strategic Plan.

The Past District Governors conducted their meeting on Sunday morning following a prayer service, and the Multiple District business meeting completed the conference.

After the meetings concluded, CC Bev and “Mo” took us on a tour of Manhattan, KS, and the campus of Kansas State University.

They are proud supporters of the University and well-versed on the history and plans for the future of K-State. Coming from NDSU—also a land grant university—we appreciated the commitment of the university to serve as a role model for other institutions in the region.

Thank you, Lions of Kansas, for a great conference and the opportunity to make new friends in Lionism.

Best wishes to all who serve!

–ID Robert and Kathy Littlefield