By Alfie D'Souza
Pics by Violet Pereira
Team Mangalorean
 
Mangalore: " You can't get very far until you start doing something else " was the personal code of Melvin Jones, the founder of Lions Club International. The motto of the Lions Club is " We Serve " and their number one premise is to serve the world. It is the world's largest and most active service club organization with approximately 1.50 million members. The Lions emblem is purple and gold, with two lions--they stand for a proud past and confident future. The purple represents loyalty and integrity; the gold stands for sincerity, liberality, purity and generosity. The main focus of their volunteer and charity is for sight and hearing.

The Lions Club Valencia, a local affiliate of Lions Club International is dedicated in helping to meet the needs of the community. The Installation Ceremony of the Office Bearers of Lions Club Valencia was at Suma Sadan Banquet Hall, Kadri on July 8, 2012. The Chief Guest for the ceremony was Ln Dr. Udaya Shanker Shet, Past Lions District Governor 2006-2007. Ln Leslie D'Souza, the golden and dynamic outgoing president , who led the Lions Club Valencia for 377 days during the year 2011-12 with sincerity, commitment, truthfulness and compassion said that, today was a sad day for him to step down as president of a great club, a club with hard working, cooperative and sincere members. He briefed the audience about the history of the club, and also the various community projects undertaken during his tenure as president. He thanked his fellow Lions, well-wishers, and friends who helped Valencia Lions Club to sustain for the past 25 years, and also for their unflinching support and blessings during his presidential tenure. The audience gave Ln Leslie a standing ovation for his love and sacrifice towards Lionism.

Chief Guest Ln Dr. Udaya Shanker Shet in his speech commended Lions Club Valencia for their outstanding work in community service. He praised Ln Leslie for his selfless and utmost dedication to Lionism, and advised the future Lion Office Bearers to follow in the footsteps of Ln Leslie D'Souza. Ln Shet also quoted Ln Joseph Rego the outgoing Secretary, as ' Vijaya Mallya' of this Club--the audience burst into laughs hearing this comment. Ln Shet also stressed that Lions members should be service oriented, because it is the most important part of Lionism. Although there are mean minded people in this world, as Lions, he said, we should be selfless and help those in need. Ln Shet then administered the oath to the new Office Bearers of Lions Club Valencia for 2012-2013.

Office Bearers of Lions Club of Valencia for the forthcoming year are: Ln Queenie Rego ( President ); Ln Viola D'Souza ( Secretary ); Ln Jagdish D ( Jt. Secretary ); Ln Lani Pinto ( Treasurer ); Ln John Vas Prabhu ( Jt. Treasurer); Ln Sumalatha Suvarna ( 1st Vice President); Ln Aliston D'Cunha (2nd Vice President); Ln Leslie D'Souza & Ln Richard Monteiro (Membership Committee Chairmen); Ln Joseph Pereira ( Public Relations Officer); Ln Pratap Alva (Lion Tamer); Ln Padmanabha Shetty (Tail Twister); and the Board of Directors are Lions Naveenchandra Suvarna, Sushil Noronha, Lawrence Serrao, Alwyn Saldanha, Francis Pinto and Laxman Shenoy.

Behind Every Successful Man (Ln Joseph Rego) is a Woman--and this Mumbai damsel Queenie Rego, who has come a long way in her career to be a successful woman has now taken up the task to lead Lions Club of Valencia for the next 365 days. In her acceptance speech, Ln Rego said that she believes in three major facts in life - Faith, Trust and Hope. She assured the Club members that she will make no promises, but her actions will speak more than words. " I will walk a million miles to reach this Club to greater heights and make it successful ". said Ln Queenie.

After felicitations by various Lions, and memento presentations, the vote of thanks was delivered by Ln Viola D'Souza.

As a visiting guest Lion member belonging to Marseilles Lions Club in Chicago Suburbs, USA I have attended two meetings and a community project of Lions Club of Valencia. All I can say is that this Club is one heckuva superb club with enthusiastic and dedicated Office Bearers and members. When it comes to meeting challenges, Lions response is simple: "We Serve". Lions volunteer work is unconditional and we have no restrictions -- we help the community in need wherever, whenever and however we can. We make a difference in peoples life through our caring and sharing projects. But we don't keep our score, instead we make sure that every effort of ours counts. So I request the readers of mangalorean.com to get inspired--then get pointers on how to recreate these successful and doable projects led by energetic Lions around the globe. Meet one of the Lion members in your area and get the necessary information as to how you too can become a Lion member.

Lions Club of Valencia, where under the guidance of their dynamic presidents during the past 25 years have done a great job and have been the talk of the town. As I have noticed it's always the smaller clubs that are beaming with pride and enthusiasm because the members interact with each other, help and communicate with each other, share their news and views, plan and dedicate themselves towards the success of the club. One such club that I can proudly say for their commendable job is Lions Club of Valencia, Mangalore. The members of this club come from various parts of the community, they are solid citizens having good reputation in the community, who care about the community and are always willing to proactively contribute to it's improvement. As members they not only help those in need, but also have the opportunity to develop friendships, gain leadership skills and, off course, have lots of fun. So what are you waiting for? If serving others is your motto, and also your 'cup of tea', then you should consider in joining Lions Club of Valencia, where you will not regret for being a member of that Club. For more information as to how to join the Club, call Ln Queenie Rego at 9343390240 or Ln Leslie D'Souza at 08242453955 or you can contact any other members if you know.