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Living Like a Lion….
C2- Zone Chair Bill Zidel
During a recent District 19C cabinet meeting, attendees were given an explanation of the current “Live Like a Lion” marketing program. As an old marketing major, I think it is a good idea and one of the bumpers stickers has made it to both my wall and bumper.
This was not the first time I was exposed to the program. I have had a few months to think it through, and each time it comes back to what I said when I first heard the concept. The words mean more than just a clever approach to garnering new quality Lions.
Let me explain. For those who have visited any Disney Park, besides the cleanliness and the consistency, what else is it that catches your eye? It is the characters that walk the park. They are not merely people that are dressed as Mickey, Snow White or even Chip and Dale. They are the characters, and I had an opportunity to understand how and why. Under the entire park are tunnels, and I had a chance to go underground and see how things happen. Before anyone who is a Disney character leaves the tunnel for their service, they are in character. They are whom they represent, and even when they return underground they maintain character until they are safely out of the view of the public.
For myself as a banker for 30 years, I represent a bank and, therefore, public trust and confidence. People know who I am, and when I am in public the expectation is that I behave in such a way as to maintain the respect of the public, who has placed not only faith in me, but also the bank that I represent. So in hearing the phrase, “Live Like a Lion,” I take it to heart. Why not get in character and live like one? Our watchwords are, “We Serve” so how many of us, in the role of Lions, are already in character? I have been to countless meetings this year and at every one, if asked, I could point out those people who typify the words, “Live Like a Lion.” What are the qualities? Is it the first to raise a hand, recognize a need for help, leadership, compassion, teamwork, or mentoring? Is it providing resources be it monetary or whatever? I don’t know, however, you just know who they are because they are always in character. Not the facade, not a costume, not playing a role, no, it’s that someone in their own quite way exudes the presence that says, I am “Living Like a Lion.”
I was fortunate in that my parents set me in the right direction and my religion calls upon me to continue what they started by requiring that I do Mitzvahs everyday. Literally translated, Mitzvahs means doing good deeds. I have also fallen in with a wonderful group of Lions who demonstrate the best of Lionism. I promise that I will continue on my quest to “Live Like a Lion.” I can only liken it to playing an instrument. The more you practice, the more the proficiency.
So for the New Year, may I suggest a quest for all Lions. No matter what you hear, the recession is not over. Unemployment is about 18 % and more and more families are going hungry and homeless.
District Governor Dave wants his 10% solution. Let’s show him we can do better. There is help needed everywhere and while the Lions are faced with finite resources, let’s do what we can. Let’s show everyone what “Living Like a Lion” really means.
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New Kid in Town
By Zone Chair Bill Zidel
Ok, so I am not really new. I am 61 years old, so hardly new. My name is Bill Zidel and I have been a member of the Capitol City Lions for the past 9 years. I have been a Vice President and the president, 3 times.
For those who have met me, you can detect a very heavy eastern accent. I have been out for Jersey since 1983, yet you can take the boy out of Jersey, can’t take the Jersey out of the by.
By point of full disclosure, I have no relationship with any of the Soprano’s. I am married and live in Olympia for the past 11 years.
In taking over the position of Zone Chairman C-2, I am filling some big shoes, those of Art Weatherly. We continue to remember him in our prayers and wish him a speedy recovery.
Unfortunately, my transition time was cut short due to Art’s accident however as always there are Lions who have stepped up to provide guidance as to what I should be doing. I appreciate that and special thanks to Mary Jo.
I have four people who will be helping me this year. My associate is Bonnie Beatty of Shelton Morning Star. Carolyn Graden who has been gracious enough to continue as the Bulletin editor. Roger Bryant, the current Secretary of the Capitol City Lions will be my secretary also, and John Umino, also of the Capitol City Lions and a PZC, will help me with all other issues. Please welcome them.
I am currently planning three Zone meetings and I am writing emails to the Presidents of those Clubs to establish dates for the meetings. I will have that information to post, in next months letter. I would like as many Lions as possible to attend because it makes for a great forum for ideas.
I have been told that the year that one spends as Zone Chairman is one of the most fun years you will have as a Lion. Quite frankly, I have always had a fun time as a Lion. Now I get to visit many different clubs and get to know that many more Lions, as part of my job.
There fore, by default, a great enjoyment in itself. I am looking forward to this year and we should all plan to have some fun Recognizing that our primary directive is We Serve, no one ever said you can’t have fun doing it.
How did I become and Why I am a Lion
Bill Zidel, Zone Chair 19C-2
The How……As long as I can remember, I would see several metal signs as I walked into local restaurants. Since my business has taken me many places, the signs are visible wherever I go. Typically it has been signs for either the Rotary or Lions Club or both. The majority of the time, it has been the Lions Club.
I had passing thoughts about joining, however, I did not know the process. One evening I was talking to my late father-in-law, Stub Williams, and out of the blue, he said he was a member of the Lions Club. I came to find out he was a member of the Capitol City Lions Club of Bismarck, North Dakota. To make a long story short, he was a very active Lion and had served in the following capacities: President of his Club, Zone Chairman, and District Governor. He was a Melvin Jones recipient and is in the North Dakota Lions Hall of Fame. My wife wears the Hall of Fame ring. During the discussion, he said I would make a good Lion.
Not too long after that discussion I was approached by one of my neighbors, Lee James. His approach was simple, in that he was a Lion and he felt I would make a good Lion. OK, so two people think you will be a good Lion. He invited me to one of the meetings and I was hooked. Oddly enough, the Lion’s Club that I joined is called the Capitol City Lions, same as my father-in-law’s. My father-in-law was very proud that I joined the Lion’s Club, and whenever I had the opportunity to visit him, we went to Lions together.
It is worthy to note that both Stub and Lee approached me the same way. A good fit for Lions and then Lee took me to a meeting and let the venue take over. Can’t help but get caught up in the atmosphere. Most important was, it worked and here is the result.
The Why….There are many reasons to join and serve with your fellow Lions; however, I will keep it to just a few.
Someone once asked me over coffee, if you had one wish, what would it be? I said, “I would give sight to those that can’t see.” I know we could talk about world peace, however that is pipe dream because of basic human nature. Would it be riches, maybe so if you discount that someone with his health, family, respect, reputation and buck in his pocket is already rich beyond all imagination?
How about looks or station in life which tend to be both shallow and vain? If I somehow can contribute to someone having, maintaining, prolonging or reclaiming their sight so they can see a sunset, look into their lover’s face and eyes or see the smiling face of a child, then I am in the right place.
It has always been a struggle to balance the three aspects of my life, which are work, family and civic obligation. Sometimes they get out of proportion however in the long run, they should equalize themselves. I had a void in my life in that there was an unhealthy balance with my civic obligation being ignored. When I joined Lions, initially it was a struggle, however, I was able to bring my life back in balance. Lions gave me that ability to serve my community, which I find so important to my life.
Serving in Lions also provides me the opportunity to fulfill my religious obligations. I am commanded in the Old Testament to do Mitzvah’s, which are meritorious and charitable deeds. They are to be performed on a daily basis, and I am judged on how I respond. The work I do with Lions provides that avenue by which I may do what I am commanded. What better way then serving with fellow Lions as they go about their wonderful work of helping others?
And finally, the Lions afford me the opportunity to give back. I am a very fortunate individual, who is blessed to have many things. While I have worked hard, I am someone who is grateful for the opportunities and wants to give something back. Men are not known for the quantity of things they leave on this earth, it is the quality that they imparted to others while they had their brief stay. I am one who is grateful and I regard it as a gift that I may return something back to society. That ability is afforded to me by working and serving side by side with my fellow Lions.
Page 10 – Dist. 19C Newsletter – August 2009
A SHAMELESS PLUG
By Zone Chair Bill Zidel
By way of introduction, my father’s side of the family had a history of diabetes. As a child, I was painfully aware of the affects of diabetes.While adults take great pains to spare their children of grim news, it was easy to pick up from conversations what debilitating affect diabetes had on my father's mother, father, brothers, sisters and their offspring.
The affects of diabetes, to include loss of sight, stroke, hypertension, heart problems, loss of limbs as well early death were very visual. It was the 50's and 60's and the advances in diagnosis and medication were years away. Fortunately, it skipped our family until I had my own children. My son at the age of 11 became a Type I and I, at the age of 57, a Type II. I wasn't aware that I had diabetes until a friend of mine, who is an EMT, was working with me on a project and after a week suggested I see a doctor to be tested for diabetes. The day after the test results arrived, my life changed and it was in a hurry. My life now includes more exercise, balance and moderation in what I eat and while extreme, the absence of alcohol (the forever designated driver). I lost weight (could lose more), I stay away from processed foods, my fingers all carry a day of the week and I faithfully stay on my medication regiment. I keep the sugar at about 100 unless it dips, which I need to watch. The shakes are the first indication that it is a little too low.
My doctor indicated the best approach to eating is to keep meals balanced and small and as he says everything in moderation. Sounds like the old Greeks. He said if I am on the road and the three meals are the pattern, remember in the morning eat like a King, at lunch eat like a Prince and at dinner, eat like a pauper.
So why the dissertation on diabetes? Because it is a shameless plug for PZC Joe Morales who is the District C Diabetes Awareness Chairman for 2009-2010. If you look at the statistics on both adult-onset and childhood diabetes they are on the rise and it is a problem that will not go away, and will only add to our future heath woes. Awareness is what will help you, your loved ones and friends to either fix what they already have or stay way from diabetes entirely.
Contact Joe at
joemm@centurytel.net and ask him, how do we become aware and when can you come and tell us about it?
The second Shameless Plug is for the Annual Apple Sale. One of the best snacks that a diabetic can have is a Fuji. Remember what your Mother said, "An Apple a Day Keeps the Doctor Away." She was right so get out there a support our Lions Annual Apple Sale.
From the Members of The Olympia Capitol City Lions
Bill Zidel is an exceptional and energetic member of the Olympia Capitol City Lions. When I say exceptional, I mean that Bill has an exceptional character.
As a Lion, with a daunting professional schedule, unstoppable should be his middle name. Challenge this Lion, and he will meet the challenge…..each and every time.
Among his many activities, Bill, along with other Lions Club members, helps to educate elementary school children by distributing dictionaries. He has a special knack for making learning fun and interesting for kids.
He has also taken over our most complex fundraising project, the annual Train Show/Swap Meet. Bill’s enthusiasm and energy add a great deal to its ongoing success.
Bill is a long time model railroad enthusiast, as illustrated in this article in “Lacey Today.” As I’ve gotten to know Bill better, his statement, “The thing about a model railroad layout is, it is never done,” reminds us that the need for community service is never done.”
I think all Lions carry this thought with them every day; thinking about what else they can do to serve others in a meaningful way.
The Olympia Capitol City Lions recently received news that Bill has accepted the position of our 2009/2010 Zone Chairperson. What an honor for Bill – and for us!
If you should bump into Bill on his ventures as our newest ZC, make sure to congratulate him. Stop and take notice. This is one Lion you will be better for knowing!
Olympia Capitol City Lions
Michelle's Costumes to end 32-year run
ROLF BOONE; Staff writer
OLYMPIA - Michelle's Costumes, a longtime South Sound shop known for outfitting children for school projects and adults for Halloween parties, will close at the end of the year. Owners Bob and Michelle McKillip plan to retire.
“It’s been a good business for us,” said Bob McKillip as he walked through the store Tuesday. “It bought us a new house and a new car.”
But after 32 years of business, Bob, 75, and Michelle, 64, have decided to head off into the sunset, wanting more time to play music, play golf and visit their children in Alaska. Michelle called the costume shop a viable business, but she doesn’t want to be working when she turns 90.
“I don’t want to be walking around with a walker helping people,” she said.
As part of winding down the business, everything in the store will be on sale after Sept. 1, ranging from 99 cents for accessories to $300 for a costume. Until then, costumes still are available for rent, she said.
Michelle’s Costumes operates out of a 2,000-square-foot location in the Hawks Prairie area, at 6835 Condor Loop N.E. For years, the business offered bridal wear and costumes, but the store phased out its bridal business in 1998. The store is filled with an estimated 3,500 costumes, including outfits for the French Revolution, superheroes, politicians, fairy-tale characters, and celebrities such as Elvis Presley and Johnny Depp in his “Pirates of the Caribbean” movie role. It also has its Halloween staples, such as costumes or accessories to be vampires, devils and witches.
Halloween always was busy for the store, a time when it would run out of parking and a line of customers would be at the door, Bob McKillip said. The store also will have to dispose of 400 Styrofoam heads for wigs and hats.
“It’s going to be sad because it has been there for a long time,” part-time employee Leah Flinn said about the business, “but sometimes you have to move on.”
Customer Bill Zidel of Lacey shopped at the store Tuesday to buy two fedoras similar to those worn by actors John Belushi and Dan Aykroyd in their “Blues Brothers” roles.
As soon as he tried on the hat, Zidel, originally from New Jersey, was transformed into an actor.
First he impersonated a gangster, then actors Peter Lorre, Sydney Greenstreet and Humphrey Bogart. This was followed by an impersonation of President Richard Nixon and one of President John F. Kennedy. He ended his spur-of-the moment routine with an impersonation of comedian Jimmy Durante, and then he bought his hats and was out the door.
“You can’t come here and not have fun,” Zidel said about the store. “If you want something, you gotta come here.”
Other popular looks over the years were “Fat Elvis,” an Elvis Presley suit worn over a sumo wrestler’s belly, and often men would come to the store wanting to cross-dress as a belly dancer or as a fairy godmother.
Both Bob and Michelle acknowledged they will miss the store and its customers when it’s gone.
“They’ve been coming to us for the last 30 years,” Bob said. “They’ve been good to us, and we’ve been good to them.”
Stopping by for two fedora's to complete his Blues Brothers' attire for Lions Club event Bill Zidel transforms into his Bogie impression for Michelle's Costumes' co-owner Michelle McKillip.Steve Bloom/staff photographer
Stopping by Michelle's Costumes for two fedora's to complete his Blues Brothers' attire for Lions Club event Tuesday Bill Zidel dons the mask of our 37th President and is compelled immediately to shout "I am not a crook!".After a 32 year run with the shop Bob and Michelle
Who Was That Masked Man?
By Zone Chair Art Weatherly
At Fun Night at the Spring Conference, an appearance was made at the microphone by a bearded man in a long black overcoat. Who was that masked man? He introduced all the dignitaries, and roasted them gently (over a bright wit) at the same time.
Please allow me to present your Zone C-2 Chairman for 2009 – 10, Bill Zidel, of Olympia Capitol City Lions. Bill has been President of his club multiple times and is looking forward to being Zone Chair next year.
Bill is presently working hard installing a new WIC system for the State of Nevada, in Carson City, so will be out of town frequently early in his term.
AZC Bonnie Beatty and I have assured him we will cover for him until this project is complete and he has more time to devote.
Anyone who doesn't know Bill by now is in for a real treat. He has all the energy in he world and a sense of humor as big as all outdoors. If you thought we had fun this year, just you wait.
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