On Sunday May 20th, the Central Ohio Lions Eye Bank is hosting all Lions and Lions Supporters at the Columbus Clippers. First pitch will be 1:05pm so join us for an afternoon of baseball, its for a good cause!

Spring hit Columbus, Ohio in unique fashion with 4 straight days over 80 degrees in March for the first time ever setting a record for high temperature. Spring also marked another kick off to the service projects for the Downtown Columbus Lions. This past week, a group of Lions gathered at the Huckleberry House on Hamlet Street to lend a hand with rennovations. With the kitchen construction progressing nicely, it was time to revamp the Living Room with a fresh coat of paint. Who did they call for help? That’s right the Downtown Lions. Last Summer, the Downtown Lions painted offices and provided landscaping services for the not for profit organization that provides a safe haven for youth. Chrissy Scott, Develoment Coordinator, knew she could depend on the Downtown Lions to help again with this project, afterall the Lions motto is “We Serve”.

In exchange for the painting services, all the Downtown Lions required was a quick Q&A from Chrissy for this blog post. See her responses below.

Q: Why did you think to call the Downtown Lions to Help with the painting project?A: There are several reasons why I call the Lions. We feel like we have developed a relationship with you based on sincerity. It is apparent to all us that you actually want to participate and make a difference in your community. You care about the job you do for us and it shows because you always respond when I ask for support, you are open to any task and you do a good job!

Q: How important is getting help from volunteers for your organization? A: Non-profits like Huckleberry House operate on very small budgets. Every dollar we spend we try to be sure that it goes directly to supporting our youth and their families. As with any old house, the shelter is always in need of upkeep. We simply cannot afford to pay folks to come out and paint, clean, do yard work. We believe very strongly that our kids and families deserve a nice place to spend their time when they are here getting help from us. When volunteers come out and do work for us that is money we can spend directly working with our kids. It also shows the kids that people in their community car about them! I am sure you have noticed when you come out, the kids are always curious!

Q: How did you pick the Yellow Color? A: It is funny you should ask this! For a few reasons. Yellow to us represents sunshine and light. There have been many studies over the years on how colors affect mood. You may notice similar colors when you are in hospital settings. Blues, greens and yellows are colors that lighten mood. Also, we had a group of volunteers from the Limited’s design team come out and put together a color scheme for the rooms in the shelter based on this idea.

Q: What are your plans for the room?A: Well, we always have an IDEAL plan and then work back from there. We feel strongly that when kids are in the shelter it should feel like a home not an institution. We want the room to feel like a family room. We are in search of donations of a sectional couch, two side chairs, a coffee table and some book shelves. (That actually match!) We will see what comes our way and do the best with what we have like we have for over 40 years now!

If you would like to make a tax deductible donation to the “Huck House” you can do so with this link!

Also a special thank you to Kason, from the Tri-Village Lions who also came out to help with the painting!

Tuesday January 31st, the Downtown Columbus Lions Club welcomed a visitor from the Yedikule Lions Kuluku in Istanbul, Turkey. As this was not a regular meeting date, President Tyler Schleich met Huma Sen, the club Secretary of the Yedikule Lions for lunch at the Eddie George Grill 27 on the Ohio State Campus. Huma was in Columbus visiting her brother who attends Ohio State and wanted to meet with a local Lions club while in town. The focus of the conversation was on Lionism and how each club contributed to their respective communities, albeit 6,000 miles apart. Huma shared that there are 5 Lions Districts within Turkey and 3 inside Instanbul alone. Istanbul, known to some as Constantinople, has in its history served as the capital of the Roman Empire (330–395), the Eastern Roman (Byzantine) Empire (395–1204 and 1261–1453), the Latin Empire (1204–1261), and the Ottoman Empire (1453–1922). The city currently has more than 13 Million residents within its metropolitan area, and has many Lions Clubs serving the massive city, including coming together to build a Hospital which was donated to the City. The Yedikule Lions have a diverse range of activities which include sponsoring a local school, hosting Movie Nights, Dinners, and frequently volunteering at retirement homes in the area. Huma, who is an English teacher at a primary school in Istanbul, brought with her a club flag to present to the Downtown Columbus Lions, as well as a box of Turkish Delight Chocolates. President Schleich in turn gave Huma two pins, one of current District 13-F Governor Dave Risen which features the outline of America with the stars and stripes, and also a pin from the Sao Paulo Lions Club “Clube Alto Dos Pinheiros” which he obtained while in Brazil visiting their club.

On December 20th, the Downtown Columbus Lions Club hosted a Letter Writing Campaign for its members and guests. The Letters were written to show appreciation and thanks to those currently serving in the United States Armed Forces. There were more than 20 people in attendance at the event which was held at the Buckeye Hall of Fame Grill located in Grandview Yard. Former Club President Tony Ruberg helped organize the event by contacting the local USO office and dropping off the letters.

Tony, whose younger brother Andy recently returned home from Afghanistan, said “The event shows that even a small number of people can make a big difference in letting the troops know exactly how thankful we are, especially around the Holidays.” Other members shared stories of loved ones that have served or are currently serving. The event lasted just over an hour and resulted in over 100 letters being written!

Last Tuesday, October 25th, Tyler D. Schleich, the current President of the Downtown Columbus Lions Club, had the opportunity to see how a Lion’s club works 5,000 miles away from home. Participating in a Corporate Responsibility Fellowship Program offered by his employer, Ernst & Young, Tyler is spending two months in Sao Paulo, Brazil performing free business consulting services to a high impact Entrepreneur in the area. Tyler has written a short story about his experiences with the club and Lionism.

Last week, I had the opportunity to meet and speak to a local Sao Paulo Lions Club “Clube Alto Dos Pinheiros”. It was a great experience to see how far reaching the Lions truly are, in an area of the world where the Lion’s cause is spreading so rapidly. Despite recent membership declines in the U.S. (most due to an aging membership base) many clubs located in countries around the emerging markets are exploding in numbers. Lions have been in Brazil for over 55 years and many clubs consist of community leaders, professors, businessmen, and young professionals.

I was able to locate a listing of local Lions clubs here in Sao Paulo, including Clube Alto Dos Pinheiros, via the the Lions Club International Club Finder page on their website. Past District Governor, Barry Brandt provided me with a welcome letter that I sent to the contact listed on the website for the club. I traded a few emails with Sandra Unti, who was very welcoming, and provided me the meeting information (and also a big hug upon arrival). Her husband, Mario Unti Jr. is the local club President, who despite not speaking English (or me being able to speak Portuguese), I was able to hold many conversations with the help of a few members that spoke English such as Samuel Vieira Anselmo and Joao Carlos Belda. I also had the great opportunity to meet with the local Sao Paulo District (LC-2) Governor, Daniel Cubas and 2nd Vice Governor Jose Carlos R. Stipp.

From each of the members, (who ranged from community leaders, professors, and local businessmen) I was able to learn about their club, one that was well established over 32 years ago. I also gained some insight into many of the activities they are involved in around the community. This was a great example of how people, including community leaders, can come together to make a difference. The club meetings are held at a very nice country club located in the Alto de Pinheiros area of Sao Paulo. I was very impressed with both the location and the members of the club, (It does help when your club President is a Director at the Country Club!)

Thanks to our current Ohio District 13-F Governor, Dave Risen, and Past District Governor, Barry Brandt, I came to Brazil bearing gifts. I brought with me two bags of Ohio Lions club pins, enough for each member of the Clube Alto Dos Pinheiros. After a great Brazilian dinner, a meeting, and some conversation, I was surprised with a few tokens of Brazilian hospitality. District Governor Daniel Cubas presented me with a pin and a tie clip to remember the Sao Paulo Lions. Joao Carlos Belda, who works at city hall, presented me with a bag of Sao Paulo books and pictures to remember the city. And finally, the club’s President, Mario Unti Jr (and his wife Sandra) presented me with the official Clube Alto Dos Pinheiros pin (and enough for each member of the Downtown Columbus Lions Club). After the meeting adjournment, we exchanged pleasantries and I was given a ride back to the hotel by Sandra and Mario. I was there for just over 3 hours but I took with me strong images of service and purpose 5,000 miles away from home.

Downtown Lions President, Tyler Schleich, with Clube Altos Dos Pinheiros in Sao Paulo, Brazil

On Saturday October 22, 2011, The Lions Clubs of District 13-F and Nationwide Insurance sponsored an Honor Flight trip for World War II veterans. If you are not familiar with Honor Flight, it is an organization that helps fly veterans to Washington D.C. to visit the World War II monument and other sites around the nations’s capital. The idea was generated from the thought that “Since America felt it was important to build a memorial to the service and the ultimate sacrifice of her veterans, the Honor Flight Network believes it’s equally important that they actually get to visit and experience THEIR memorial”. Many Lions from District 13-F also participated as guardians for the flight to help organize, assist, and enjoy the day with the veterans. Below is a brief video of still images from the trip.

“We can’t all be heroes. Some of us have to stand on the curb and clap as they go by.” – Will Rogers

Throughout the Downtown Columbus Lions Club’s revival over nearly the past two years, it has been noted that our club is “Not your father’s lions club”. This is due to our young membership base founded in the business community of Downtown Columbus. Lions have big hearts regardless the age, shape, size, or profession. One thing that is true, Lions Clubs are becoming more popular and “trendy” as giving back spreads across globe. You want proof, the old folks (which contrary to the misconception, arent all old) wearing the yellow or red vests are cool? Check out the video below!

On Tuesday August 16th, the Downtown Columbus Lions hosted a membership event with a special guest speaker, Clark Kellogg. The event was held at the downtown Max and Erma’s on Nationwide Blvd adjacent to the Crowne Plaza Hotel. A total of 62 people attended the event, which helped raise money for a local charity, the Huckleberry House.

The Huckleberry House is an organization which the Downtown Lions are very familiar with as there have been several service events over the past year. These events have included the painting of offices, landscaping, and helping to host an awards night for personal success for teens who have overcome obstacles along the way to graduating high school. The Huck House’s representative in attendance, Chrissy Scott, was unaware she would be pulled up to give a 2 minute overview of her organization and how the Downtown Lions have helped her organization. She was also unaware she would be leaving with a check in hand, to help purchase kitchen supplies for their upcoming $100,000 building/kitchen renovation, thanks to Nationwide.

Prior to the presentation to Ms. Scott, Past President Tony Ruberg talked about the formation of the Downtown Lions club and the progress that has been made over the last 18 months as an organization. He was followed by Programs Chair Chaz Hixen discussing the service projects and monetary donations made by the group during that same time span, as well as discussing the goals of the organization in the coming months. Next, Lion Jeff Danziger introduced the guest speaker whom all guests in attendance came to hear, former Buckeye basketball star and current CBS Broadcaster Clark Kellogg. Kellogg spoke about his upbringing in Cleveland, Ohio and how his journey throughout college and the pro’s shaped his life not only from a basketball perspective, but also helping to shape his faith and inner strength through the ability to help others. The crowd gave Kellogg a standing ovation and was eager to ask questions for several minutes following the humble and reflective remarks. Many of the questions were focused around service and time management (“How do you find time to give back to the community”, “How has faith played a role in his career”, etc) but toward the end almost without uncertainty turned to sports (“Did you make up the word spurtability“, “Do you think College Football will have a playoff”, and “Who was the best player you ever played against”). Kellogg’s humility and candid demeanor were on display for those in attendance who received far more than the $20 they paid for the luncheon. Many guests were so captivated, they were taking notes, scribbling down the quotes Kellogg shared from his readings, and many approached him afterwards to shake his hand. After Kellogg was done with Q&A, he was presented as an “Honorary Member” by President Tyler Schleich. For this distinction, Kellogg received a wooden gift box inscribed with the Lions Club International and the Downtown Columbus Lions Logos and the words “Clark Kellogg, Honorary Downtown Columbus Lion”. Inside the gift box also included the trademark Lions Club International lapel pin.

Kellogg also drew the winners of the raffle which included gift certificates and a signed Ohio State Basketball, which was won by Treasurer Brian Taylor. Overall, it was a truly great event which reflected the spirit of a great Columbus Community Leader as well as the organization putting on the event, the Downtown Columbus Lions.

There is a Happy Hour upcoming for current members and also those interested in learning more about the Downtown Columbus Lions, on Monday August 22nd, at the Buckeye Hall of Fame Grill located in the new Grandview Yard (900 Goodale Blvd, Columbus, Ohio 43212). The event will be from 530pm until 730pm with food and drink specials.

Teaming up with the Faith Mission Kitchen, a group of the Downtown Columbus Lions Club stopped by on their way home from work to help in the clean up and harvest of a community garden. The Garden (along with other food assistance programs from Faith Mission) helps feed scores of people in the Columbus area who are in need of a nutritious meal. The Lions pulled weeds, harvested basil, tomatos, peppers, and lettuce, while also helping devise a scheme to keep out a pesky ground hog in the area. Through a tour of the grounds and an in depth discussion with Development Officer Terri Rowe, the Downtown Lions were able to see that Faith Mission is unwavering in its mission to serve those without food or shelter. If you would like to get involved in the community, please use the contact us page in this website or email our Membership Chair Kristen Salvatore.

This past week a group of the Downtown Columbus Lions got together at the Huckleberry House (http://www.huckhouse.org) to help with landscaping at the Not-for-profit organization that provides a safe house for troubled teens. The Huck House is receiving a new kitchen expansion as part of a grant received from Nationwide. In an effort to make room for the expansion, the Downtown Lions moved flowers, shrubs, and spread mulch around the property to help with the beautification of the grounds before the big dig starts. The event went smoothly despite the hot weather here in Columbus, and once again the Huck House and the Downtown Lions proved service is #1.