Link to 5M-9 website-->: Click Here

The 2026 5M9 Mid-Winter Convention took place at Grand Casino Mille Lacs January 9-11, 2026.  The Service of Remembrance was held on Saturday afternoon. It is a cherished tradition at the 5M9 Mid-Winter offering an opportunity to say goodbye to members who have passed away in the past year.  Remembered this year were three Vergas Lions members:  David Asleson, Judy Meyer, and Henry Ditterich.

"In the hearts they served and hands they gave, they built a legacy, strong and brave. Their deed of kindness, their acts of care, still ripple onward, everywhere.

We honor them now, their memory bright, their eforts, their love, their guiding light. Though they are missed, their work lives on. A legacy of Lions' service that will never be gone."

The Vergas Lions Club received an Outstanding Club Award and Lion Jake Jacoby was a runner-up in receiving the Bruce Beck Award. Lion Jay Norby received the Extension Award for starting 3 new clubs in his career. Congratulations, Lions!  

Pictured directly below is Lion Jay with District Governor Cathe Picek and International Director Dr. Mark Mansell of Ocean Park, Washington, invited convention guest and featured speaker at the Saturday evening banquet.

Saturday Night's entertainment featured the Sheltered Realtiy Drumline. The drumline combined music and real-life stories to inspire the audience to take action and stand up for those in need in our communities, especially those who are bullied, overlooked, or disappear in the cracks of life.  Pictured is Lion Laurie joking with the drumline MC Steve Schlosser and the drumline in action.