“Our Home Town”, by Lion Claude Edwards
Home to the North Park Lions for >95 years, the basis for the community of North Park depends on who one asks, how far back one goes in time and whether one lives there or not. It is safe to say it is one of many suburbs in the City of San Diego and at least in part comprised of Zip Code 92104. A historic landmark literally standing in the middle of University Avenue just west of 30th Street proudly proclaims to all who drive by just where they are! Said to have been founded back in 1910 for the purpose of citrus-production, its current boundaries can be more or less defined as El Cajon Boulevard to the north, Florida Canyon to the west, Juniper Canyon to the south and the 805 Freeway to the east, taking into account a bit of quibbling. Although changing land use including residential and business development have imposed significant influence on what we know as North Park today and where all it extends, it is a cherished community with a lot going for it.
“The Sum of Our Experience”, by Lion Claude Edwards
The sum of our experience is not a measure of the days and hours we as North Park Lions invest in merely showing up, but the impact we have in representing our club elsewhere in our lives. Taking attendance and recognizing regular involvement is important, but imagine the unspoken value of sharing what we do as Lions at other times; and many of us do! All of us accumulate experience whenever we get together, greet and interact with one another, which serves as the foundation for participating in identified projects and activities benefitting those we serve, whether in or out of North Park. In a survey of 10 longtime North Park Lions, it was determined they had been active for an average of >30 years! That means 30 years of attending regular meetings, serving on committees and joining on work teams, for the explicit goal of doing good for others. So remember, the value of being a Lion is not limited to meeting in our clubhouse.
“An Effective Leader”, by Lion Claude Edwards
President’s Day is a U.S. Federal holiday celebrated for more than 220 years in honor of America’s first President, George Washington, falling on the third Monday in February. In time it was expanded to include President Abraham Lincoln, who was also born in February. By nature of the position, Presidents are imbued with such qualities as authority, discernment, responsibility and not the least, leadership. Fortunately for the North Park Lions Club, President Carmellino embodies those same attributes among others, which he executes with wisdom, discernment, even-handedness and good humor. With an easy-going manner reflecting his years of experience, President Carmellino presides over club business with the respect of all North Park Lions, actively-engaged in planning, prioritizing and decision-making of club activities and service projects. He achieves identified goals by assuming certain tasks while delegating others, qualities of a truly effective leader.
“In Service: Lions on a Mission”, by Lion Claude Edwards
The thought of Lions on a mission always means willing spirits and the satisfaction of helping people. In this case that meant ±60 individuals, namely members, friends and supporters of the Blind Community Center. The need involved maintaining contact as they were homebound as a result of COVID-19. The opportunity to serve came from North Park Lion Christie, who with Center volunteers met on a monthly basis to fill bags of pantry staples and fresh produce comprising a program known as “In This Together”. In mid-May 2021 I had the pleasure of joining North Park Lions Steve and Denny as they conducted an In This Together delivery. Assigned to a pre-determined route, we went from downtown San Diego east into City Heights and back to the Center via North Park. Steve was at the wheel while Denny navigated from a roster of recipients. It was an enjoyable experience and we certainly fulfilled our mission!
“An Ode To My Club”, by Lion Claude Edwards
There is a certain group in town with open hearts that care to make a difference through the year in all they do and share. They occupy a clubhouse space alongside Utah Street where members, guests and friends alike can gather every week. Their cohort acts with one accord to see their projects through, a special quality they use with everything they do. A namesake sign is hard to miss a couple blocks away, greeting all who travel past on University. Which is this group you ask that sets such fine a standard? The North Park Lions Club of course is the only answer! This Club has been around as all its members know ... since 19 and 26 and still is going strong. They aim to practice service in many different ways by offering support and help on any given day. Situated where they are they welcome your acquaintance so test that you might feel the same and give them half a chance!
“Joy”, by Lion Claude Edwards
At the close of the year we are reminded of the concept of Joy, whether in song, on cards or on gift wrapping. It is good to be joyful and to express joyfulness, in the things we do, how we treat and interact with one another, and in celebrating the familiar themes of the holiday season. Joy is an emotion related to happiness, enjoyment, pleasure and delight. That is what members of the North Park Lions Club experience in all that they do, in service to others. What Lions do has a purpose, a meaning, adding value to the lives of their neighbors, offering help that improves the circumstances of those in their community. Joy is evoked by the gladness they bring, the gratitude others express, and the responses they receive from their actions. The North Park Lions Club finds pleasure, and indeed delights in the well-being of others. That is the mission of the North Park Lions Club.
Newcomers Always Welcome, by Lion Claude Edwards
To keep our organization thriving, the North Park Lions Club (NPLC) welcomes all newcomers. That is not a novel concept, since any organization grows and is strengthened as new members are added to its ranks. NPLC boasts many longtime, dedicated members, but we are always open to anyone interested in joining with us, adding their particular talents and experiences to those we already have. Aiming to make a positive difference in our community, whether in North Park or further afield, NPLC accomplishes identified goals, agreed-upon as a group, by helping deserving others in-person, or in-deed, or by other means; fulfilling our overall purpose, which is to serve. NPLC is lucky to have its own meeting place, and the option to gather there, or virtually, for the convenience of all. You, as a newcomer, could do much to help the North Park Lions Club. Our work is ongoing, throughout the year, so there are opportunities a-plenty to help, as a newcomer!
In Service: Past Presidents Among Us, by Lion Claude Edwards
Rare is the case when an organization benefits from the continuing contributions of its past presidents, individuals who answered the call to serve, not only for its members but for those the organization sponsors and supports. The North Park Lions Club is fortunately one such organization. In addition to embodying a faith and trust in what the club does and stands for, referred to as “Lionism”, the North Park Lions Board of Directors includes several individuals who have previously served as President, staying on to perform a host of other roles and responsibilities as, and whenever, needed. In so doing, they provide a wealth of insight and experience that proves valuable by their mere and continuing presence, to accomplish the club’s ongoing goals and activities. Club members who have served in this capacity include Doctor Knott, James, Jeff, Joseph and Lee. We honor and recognize all of these generous individuals.
“Melvin Jones Would Be Proud”, by Lion Claude Edwards
Anyone who spends even a little time with the North Park Lions Club can readily pick out two of the most dynamic individuals in the group, not from what they look like or where they sit during a meeting, but by how they contribute to club business. It is not surprising they have both been longtime Lions, and that they have both played significant roles in the organization over many years, including serving as Past Presidents, or even that they are related --- with the same names to boot. For those in the know these can only be father and son James Knott, Senior and Junior! Their passion and dedication to Lionism is undeniable, typically among the first to arrive and offer a hand to help, and to volunteer at a wide range of community projects. But each has their own style and personality, their own way of doing things, and a big heart, too. I think you would agree, that Lions Club founder Melvin Jones would be proud of these dynamic gentlemen.
“Your First Three Meals Are Free”, by Lion Claude Edwards
There is a group here in town where they say “Your First Three Meals Are Free”. Three free meals is for real, free lunches in fact. You get something when you do something. The free meal is enticement for sure, to get you in the door. Do you like to help people? Does the prospect of community service pique your interest? Have you ever done something that made a difference, even a little bit, in someone else’s life? Behind the slogan is a fine group of folks who do great things for others. For nearly 100 years the North Park Lions Club has made a difference, providing aid to students, encouraging youngsters battling infirmity, supporting the blind and visually-impaired, distributing toys and planting trees, all under their motto “We Serve”. By saying your first three meals are free we invite you, to join and get to know us, and lend yourself to our purpose and efforts.
In Service: At December Nights 2022, by Lion Claude Edwards
Returning to Balboa Park in 2022 after a 2-year hiatus, the beloved “December Nights” event drew thousands of people, eager to herald and celebrate the holiday season. Among the many groups and organizations on hand to mark the occasion, concentrated along ‘El Prado’, was the Blind Community Center, or BCC. In her familiar role as master organizer and lead cheer leader, longtime North Park Lions Club member Christie Greene was thrilled to be back, not only to meet and greet passersby but to display and promote the artistic output of Blind Center members and friends. December Nights is the BCC’s most-significant fundraiser of the year, and some of the creative items available to interested revelers for a donation were beaded tree ornaments, crocheted and knitted gloves, hats, scarves and slippers ... in a rainbow of colors, as well as holiday wreaths and beaded animals. Thank you Christie!
“The Essence of Lionism”, by Lion Claude Edwards
In many of his stirring speeches, Lions Club founder Melvin Jones explained why he chose lions as the inspiration for naming the organization. Calling out particular qualities that he himself lived by, and which were expressed among other successful people he knew, he sought to bring together those who embodied “Courage, Activity, Strength and Fidelity”, which became the platform on which Lionism was established. While achieving success in his own professional and personal pursuits, Mr. Jones observed that there were many in society who faced difficulties and misfortune. Motivated to marshal the potential in those who accomplished much in their own careers and activities, he was sure there was much they could do to better the lives of their fellow citizens. That spirit continues to this day, through what the North Park Lions Club does, still living up to those founding principles, having a positive impact on others.
“Thankfulness”, by Lion Claude Edwards
It’s that time of year again, when we take stock in what we are thankful for. But what does that mean? It depends, on who you are, your point of view and your state in life. We can say thanks, we can give thanks, and we can demonstrate thanks. Thankfulness is the condition of being thankful, when we have and take the opportunity to notice, respect and care about others --- as and when we can. That is what the North Park Lions Club does! Its members express thankfulness in different ways, with qualities that include “appreciation, generosity, gratitude, kindness, selflessness, and the term that best defines all Lions, “service”. These traits inspire the North Park Lions Club to make a difference, a positive impact, and bring thankfulness to those who need it. This ethic is not limited to a single day, or a season or a particular reason, but is demonstrated throughout the year. Happy Thanksgiving.
LION VETERAN OF THE YEAR - The North Park Lions Club Salutes San Marcos Lion Norm MacKenzie, 2022-2023 District 4L6 "Lion Veteran Of The Year." At a gala luncheon Sunday November 13 at the La Mesa American Leigion Post, Lion Norm MacKenzie, USMC veteran was named District 4L6 Lion of the Year. Congratulations Lion Norm. Our own nominee for the honor, North Park Lion, Steve Haselhorst, was one of 5 distinguished runner ups. Steve is a U.S. Army Vietnam Vet, active duty, and was awarded a Bronze Star for his service. According to Medals Of America; “The Bronze Star Medal, or BSM, dates back to World War II. Today, it is the fourth-highest ranking award a service member can receive for a heroic and meritorious deed performed in an armed conflict. For those who receive the BSM, it is a signal of their sacrifice, bravery and honor while serving their country.” The most telling sign vouching for the quality of Steve’s charcter is the fact that while he has been a member of our Club since 1998, it was only this year that we found out, quite accidentally, that a Bronze Star veteran was one of our Lions. Steve's service to the community while a Lion is unparalleled. Steve has been our Club Secretary since 2001, is a Past President, and has served in various District offices. Steve is a Progressive Melvin Jones Awardee, and a recipient of the Donald Snyder Fellowship, Student Speaker Contest. Lion Steve is always among the first to volunteer to participate in Club activities, and for years has chauffeured two of our blind members from their homes to our Weekly meeting. Steve was also instrumental in establishing our twinning with the Playas de Tijuana Lions Club, and the Mexicali Lions Club, and is one of the regulars from our Club visiting our fellow Lions south of the boarder to participate in their service activities. The San Diego North Park Lions thank all our Veterans and active duty military for their service to our country.
WHO IS THE "MYSTERY GREETER"? - There are many long-held traditions that members of the North Park Lions Club engage in, such as being a “Mystery Greeter”. Typically someone is invited, discretely, so nobody knows who they are untill it is time to be revealed! It is all in good fun, encouraging all who attend our weekly, midday Wednesday, meetings to make a point of greeting everyone before the bell is struck, indicating Call to Order. Anyone who forgets, or fails to make the effort, or arrives late is called upon to ‘pay the penalty’, a $1 donation to the club! Visitors, guests and new members get a pass, since they don’t know better. But for longtime club members, this is something they should remember to do. Handshakes have long served this function, but fist-bumps and elbow-bumps have gained favor recently. Come to a North Park Lions Club meeting and ‘you’ could be a Mystery Greeter. Written by Lion Claude Edwards, Nov. 1, 2022.
NORTH PARK LIONS SORT & PREPARE USED EYEGLASSES, AND START THEM ON THEIR JOURNEY AROUND THE WORLD - Saturday, October 8th, members of the North Park Lions Club sorted eyeglasses collected throughout the year and set them on their way to Lions International for distribution to people in need wherever the need exists. Thank you North Park residents for your care and genorisity in donating your used glasses to this cause. In San Diego County, anyone needing eyeglasses can access an eye examination and free or low cost glasses at the Lions Optometric Vision Clinic, 1805 Upas Street, Tel.: (619) 298-5273.
Blind Community Center Hosts a Visit by Lions Club International Members - Organized as a fundraiser benefitting the Blind Community Center of San Diego, a multi-national group from Lions Club International were treated to a memorable tour and visit of the Center in late-October 2021, during a convention held in downtown San Diego. Arriving by bus at 8:30 a.m., 40+ enthusiastic Lions were first led into the auditorium where tables were set out with an impressive assortment of handmade crafts, knitted scarves, hats, woven blankets, holiday wreaths and more, each remarkable in an array of colors, textures and sizes. Though all were given an opportunity to explore the Center, many lingered in the auditorium to admire, choose and purchase some of these items, painstakingly made by BCCSD members and supporters. Among them were Diane, Dora, Lyn, Maryanne and Nena. Excited by their visit, they were on their way again at 10 a.m. Handmade craft items continue to be available for anyone interested on the BCCSD’s website (link).
WAYS NORTH PARK LIONS SERVE - Have you ever wondered what Lions Clubs do? Are you interested in helping others? The North Park Lions Club (NPLC) is driven by its motto, "We Serve," a powerful statement at the heart of our community service activities. Long a supporter of blind and visually-impaired individuals, NPLC has done much to provide resources for those with poor or no vision in and around North Park. But we also contribute in various ways in support of other groups and causes. Recent club activities have included: collecting used glasses at our Utah Street clubhouse that are refurbished and eventually made available back to those needing them, planting shade trees that enhance and beautify our neighborhoods, and providing holiday season food boxes to families associated with four North Park elementary schools. Further afield, we have traveled to Tijuana in support of a local Lions Club there that touches the lives of our Mexican neighbors. Would you like to help? Then join us!
CRIME VICTIMS MEMORIAL OAK GARDEN - Sunday, September 18, 2022, The North Park Lions with help from our fellow San Diego Majestic Lions, Active Duty Service Members/Armed Services YMCA, and Community Volunteers, spent the morning honoring the lives so tragically lost by sprucing up the garden grounds, and restoring the Stone Circle remembering the 17 Sailors lost in the 2002 attack on the USS Cole. Once the work was done all gathered around the Gazebo and enjoyed a brunch in the park hosted by North Park Lions featuring incredibly delicious breakfast burritos made by the Clients, Staff, and Volunteers of the San Diego Blind Community Center.
MEMORIAL DAY 2022 - Monday, May 30, 2022. Thank you Veterans for your service. We remember you and honor you today, Memorial Day, and every day.
NORTH PARK LITTLE LEAGUE – The North Park Lions Club is proud to be Hall Of Fame sponsor for five Coach Pitch teams in the 2022 NP Little League season. All Coach Pitch games are being played in the “Lions Den,” i.e. Fields #5 and #6. On Saturday, May 14, the League presented the Lions with a plaque recognizing the Clubs’ long association with the League, and celebrating the first place finish of the Lions’ 2020 Championship team, The Blue Wave. Click on the Club Projects tab for a video link to the event.
NORTH PARK LIONS CLUB CELEBRATES ARBOR DAY - Over the weekend of May 14-15, the NP Lions Club and community volunteers planted 19 trees in our neighborhood. The trees were purchased by the Lions Club and given to their new owners for free. Prior to the planting, the Lions hosted a public seminar on the care and maintenance of trees conducted by a Certified Arborist at the NP Lions Clubhouse. Click on Photo Gallery or Club Projects to see pictures, or visit us on FaceBook or Instagram. Trees beautify and improve our physical environment, and are a key element to our City’s climate action goals. The North Park Lions will be repeating this event in the fall. So if you or anyone you know wants to plant a tree contact the North Park Lions Club.
NORTH PARK LIONS BRING CHEER AND DELIGHT - In the spirit of “In This Together,” North Park Lions Club members Dr. Denny Coughlin, Claude Edwards and Steve Hazelhorst met on Saturday, 15 May 2021 to help pack and deliver bags of pantry staples and fresh produce to a dozen+ homebound members of the Blind Community Center of San Diego. Loading up at the Center, they worked from a roster compiled by Center volunteer and fellow Lion Christie Greene. Click on the Club Projects tab to see photo(s). Following a pre-determined route, Lions Denny, Claude, and Steve went from downtown San Diego to City Heights, then back through North Park before returning to the Center in Balboa Park! Calling everyone ahead of their arrival, they brought cheer and delight to all. This is an ongoing activity, taking place monthly. Contact The North Park Lions Club for volunteer opportunities like this.
NORTH PARK MUSIC FAIR - May 21-22. Thank you Lions Knott Jr., Coughlin. Nguyen and Carmellino. Picked up ticket sales for Main Street.
WILLING HANDS ARE ALWAYS WELCOME - The North Park Lions Club, in partnership with the Blind Community Center of San Diego (BCCSD), has provided wholesome and healthy food to more than 60 homebound BCCSD members, program participants and volunteers ... on a monthly basis since mid-2020. A team of dedicated volunteers have met at the BCCSD to fill 1, 2, or more plastic bags with an ever-changing selection of fresh and non-perishable food, received from the San Diego Food Bank. Lions Club members who have provided ‘welcome hands’ have included Doctor Coughlin, Claude Edwards, Doctor Knott, James Knott and Steve Hazelhorst, while Lions Christie Green, Joseph Carmellino, and volunteers Theresa and Kevin Bagg have facilitated activities at the Food Bank. These efforts have been greatly appreciated. The next food distribution will be the week of June 13th. Contact the North Park Lions Club if you want to be involved.
ALWAYS WITH A POSITIVE WORD - One of the special things about attending a North Park Lions Club meeting is hearing the positive words said by longtime member Vernetta Burgeon at the start and end of each meeting. Part benediction and part cheer leading, she shares thoughtful words meant to stimulate our hearts and minds, to focus on ways all of us can be better, not only when among our friends but when we meet anyone in our everyday lives. Being a Lion means living by the Golden Rule, “Do unto others ...”, as one never knows how a simple kindness can touch another person in a special way, just as it would if someone showed kindness to us. Meet Vernetta for yourself, and all the other North Park Lions Club members, at an upcoming weekly meeting at our Clubhouse, located at 3927 Utah Street (just north of University Ave.)
YOU CAN MAKE A BIG DIFFERENCE - It can be satisfying when a small act on your part has a direct, significant and positive impact on someone else. When was the last time that happened? One such act is donating used and unwanted glasses to the North Park Lions Club, be they prescription, reading or shaded glasses. Think about it, do you have one or more old pairs of glasses gathering dust on a bookshelf somewhere? Or maybe stashed away out-of-sight and out-of-mind in a desk drawer? Or even long-forgotten within one or more glass cases, in an old box, office desk or glove box? The North Park Lions Club will gladly accept any used and unwanted glasses, which they ensure will find a new home and purpose! Feel free to donate any used glasses you may have to a Lions Club member, whether during the North Park Farmers Market, at our Utah Street Clubhouse, or during one of our weekly meetings, open to those interested. “You can make a real difference.”
CAMP JACK - How many of us have fond childhood memories of days at Summer Camp? Unfortunately, many children will never experience the wonders of Nature due to their families' circumstances. Well Lions have done something about it! Since 1996 Lions Clubs in San Diego and Imperial Counties have sponsored Camp Jack, a free one-week Summer Camp in the Cuyamacas for 9-12 year olds. Kids attending Camp Jack enjoy hiking, arts & crafts, archery, aquatics, fishing, and the pure joy of being outdoors. The North Park Lions Club is proud to support Camp Jack, and this year The North Park Lions' donation will send two youngsters to camp in 2023. For more information about Camp Jack, contact your local Lions Club chapter, or go to: https://www.sandiegolions.org/community-service/lions-camp-jack/
