Lion Carole and I would like to thank the 500+ Lions that registered for our 2006 MD-26 Convention. We know that Past International President J. Frank Moore III and his wife, Lion Rita were very much impressed with the number of Lions in attendance as well as the warm reception they received from everyone.

We would like to congratulate PCC Howard Hawkins and PDG Bob Crump for the outstanding effort they put forth as convention co-host chairpersons. Also, to the Lions District 26-H for the job they did as the host district. Everything went very smoothly from the Thursday night ball game to the closing of the Council of Governors meeting on Sunday. The special 'eye opening' ceremony on Saturday was an extra touch of class that was most impressive.

There should also be special recognition to the MD-26 Leadership Committee for the outstanding seminars that were scheduled on Saturday morning.

The gracious manner in which the two candidates for endorsement for International Director conducted their campaigns, demonstrations, and presentations was quite noticeable, and they are to be commended. It is sad that there has to be a loser as well as a winner.

Most importantly, it was the team effort that was put forth by each and every Lion in attendance for making the commitment for belonging to the largest and best service organization in world. We can be so proud to say that we are Lions!

God Bless,

Lion PID W. R. & Lion Carole O'Riley

I would like to thank all of our committee for all of the extra effort put forth over the last couple of years. Every member of District 26H should be proud of the job well done. Lion Bob and I were never turned down when a Lion was asked to do a little extra. The Staff at University Plaza is the best I have ever had the pleasure to work with. The Convention & Visitors Bureau were there whenever we needed them.

But it really took all of the great LIONS of MD 26 to make all of our work look good. The Lions of Missouri should applaud themselves for the Great Convention we all had. Our State Council Chairman Steve Wise did an out standing job.  We thank him for all of his hard work for working with the Committee.

THANKS LIONS FOR A GREAT CONVENTION

PCC Howard Hawkins Co-Chairman

It was a lot of hard work but a true pleasure to work with such great Lions on the committee, the staff at University Plaza, Springfield Convention and  Visitors Bureau, and the Springfield Cardinals. To see and hear all the  positive comments from those attending the convention made all the work  worth it. A lot can be accomplished when you use teamwork and we had a  great team. Thanks for attending.

PDG Bob Crump

Co-Chairman

Even though we have attended many conventions and seminars in the past, this was the first Lions State Convention that my husband and I attended.  We were quite impressed.  The convention committee did such a wonderful job bringing everything together.  Congratulations to the Co-Chairmen PDG Bob Crump and PCC Howard Hawkins; and to their Host Committee: DG Jerry Young; Lion Jim Wright; PDG Jim Wilson; VDG Jim Tesreau; PDG Sarah McCormick; Lion Phil Krebs; PCC Jerry Hendrickson; PDG Ernie Schlichting; PDG Cliff Curtis; PDG Lane Blackwell; PDG Lee Binley; Lion Elaine Crump; Lion Judy Young; and the District 26H Lions.

It was great to see the hundreds of people that have donated so much of their time to make this Multiple District such a success.  The state committee reports given at this convention were a remarkable testimonial to all of the hard work the Lions of this Multiple District 26 have contributed to make the world a better place to live.

We had the opportunity to meet many Lions at this convention, each person had an impact on us.  Attending this convention widen our perspective of the power each Lion has when we are all brought together for a common purpose.  As Helen Keller said, "The world is moved not only by the mighty shoves of the heroes, but also by the aggregate of the tiny pushes of each honest worker."

- Lion Laura Hughes, Web Master

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Past International President, J. Frank Moore III throws the first pitch at the Springfield Cardinals Baseball game on Thursday night