Official Minutes of the Lions of District 38-N
Mid-Winter Convention Cabinet Meeting
Saturday, March 7, 2026
The third meeting of Lions Clubs of District 38-N was called to order by Lion John Braisted, District Governor, at 10:35 am, Saturday, March 7, 2026. Ten (10) District 38-N Lions Clubs were represented by 33 members. In addition, International Director Debbie Dawson and her husband Lion Don Bridge attended the meeting.
Second Vice District Governor Lin Hughes provided the invocation.
District Governor John Braisted welcomed those in attendance, thanked them for attending the 2026 District 38-N & 38-O Mid-Winter Convention.
Cabinet Secretary PCC Allen Darell read the roll call of clubs. These are the clubs in attendance with their number of
members: Aurora (1); Beatrice (3); Bellevue (2); Lincoln 21st Century (2); Lincoln Bethany (5); Lincoln Star City (6); Millard(5); Papillion (4); Plattsmouth (4) and York (1). Ten Lions clubs represented and 34 Lions members in attendance. One guest in attendance with Lincoln Bethany Lions.
Cabinet Secretary Darell provided minutes of the November 8, 2025, Fall Rally Cabinet Meeting to all attending, in an information packet, along with the meeting agenda. Motion to Approve the minutes made by Lion Misty Harris, seconded by Lion Tony Oberly and simultaneously by several other Lions, motion to approve carried.
Treasurer's Report was presented by Lion Donna Darell, Cabinet Treasurer. No questions or discussion. Lion Donna reported the balance at US Bank is $26,708.00, which included convention receipts. The balance of the Individual Assistance fund is $3,694.56. Only one assistance grant payment has been requested and approved for $500.00 for the Utica Lions Club. Motion by Lion Kyle Leonard to accept the treasurer’s report, seconded by FVDG Roxanne Chandler, motion to accept carried.
LEADERSHIP REPORTS
Message from DG John Braisted included his visitations, with only three clubs remaining to be visited. club, Lincoln Hartley House Lions, has been established in Lincoln with the Lincoin Bethany Lions Club. A new branch
DG John is challenging all Lions clubs of District 38-N to work toward adding two or more new members, toward the completion of Mission 1.5.
Vice District Governor reports were submitted prior to the meeting by FVDG Roxanne Chandler and SVDG Lin Hughes.
SVDG Hughes did add comments about two of the Lions clubs visited. The Davenport Lions has amazing service activity with its support of youth sports and Fire – Rescue – Hospital. The Humboldt Lions are very active especially with the operation of a community thrift shop, upkeep of a nature trail and Bob Butcher fishing program.
First Vice District Governor Roxanne Chandler summarized her written report, included in the handout packets.
Second Vice District Governor Lin Hughes summarized her written report, included in the handout packets.
Zone Reports were given by Zone Chairs Lion Kyle Leonard (Zone A-1) and Lion George Fischer (Zone B-2)
Committee reports were presented as follows:
• Environment – Nickie McGee, updated her submitted report
• Global Leadership Team – PCC Mavis Hall presented information on club officers training and zone chairperson
training. Also added at MD 38 LCIF Coordinator mentioned how pleased she is with District 38-N.
• District LCIF Coordinator – Lion Ellen Olson reported that District 38-N’s LCIF goal for the year has already been met 100%. Please continue to finish this year strong for LCIF.
• Global Extension Team – PDG Dennis Hughes submitted report online and added that extension efforts are still in progress in Ralston and Syracuse.
Old Business – NONE
New Business:
• Remember your support of the Nebraska Lions All-Star Golf is essential for its continued success. In a message from PCC Tom Vitamvas (absent) please continue supporting this project, which needs Lions clubs to support the Nebraska Lions Foundation for these golf donations.
• No other new business was offered.
Elections of Officers (District Governor, Vice District Governor’s and Nebraska Lions Foundation Trustee): Nominations – Elections committee, PCC Mike Hall, Lions Darla Bolln and Crystal Hood will distribute, collect and count the ballots. Nominations were initially taken during the November 8, 2025 district cabinet meeting at the Fall Rally.
• District Governor candidate, FVDG Roxanne Chandler, Lincoln Star City Lions Club was presented. Requests for other nominations requested three times. No other candidates, motion by PDG Randy Luthy to close nomiations for District Governor 2026-2028, seconded by Lion Misty Harris, motion to close nominations for District Governor carried.
• First Vice District Governor candidate, SVDG Lin Hughes, Papillion Area Lions Club was presented. Requests for other nominations requested three times. No other candidates, motion by Lion Misty Harris, seconded by FVDG Roxanne Chandler, motion to close nominations for First Vice District Governor, motion carried.
• Second Vice District Governor candidate, Zone Chair Kyle Leonard, Millard Lions Club was presented. Requests for other nominations requested three times. No other candidates, motion by PDG Dennis Hughes, seconded by Lion Misty Harris to close nominations for Second Vice District Governor, motion carried.
• Nebraska Lions Foundation Trustee, for term of July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2029. Previously nominated at the Fall Rally cabinet meeting was PDG Jason Reineke Millard Lions Club. Request for other nominations was made. From the floor Lion Darla Bolln, Lincoln Star City Lions Club. Lion Darla Bolln recused herself from the election committee, replaced at DG Braisted authority with Lion Connie Plettner of Lincoln 21st Century Lions Club. Motion to close nominations for NLF Trustee by Lion Kyle Leonard, seconded by FVDG Roxanne, motion carried.
Ballots were distributed to attendees, following the Lions Clubs International District 38-N eligibility listing, provided on February 19, 2026 and updated on February 28, 2026.
During the counting and tabulations of ballot District 38-N held a drawing for seven donated boxes of Girl Scout Cookies.
Nominations/Election Committee Report – PCC Mike Hall & Lion Darla Bolln reported election results as follows:
• District Governor – Elect Lion Roxanne Chandler, Lincoln Star City Lions Club
• First Vice District Governor-Elect Lion Lin Hughes, Papillion Area Lions Club
• Second Vice District Governor-Elect Lion Kyle Leonard, Millard Lions Club
• Nebraska Lions Foundation Trustee Lion Jason Reineke, Millard Lions Club
Upcoming Meetings and Events:
• March 19 - Plattsmouth Lions Club Soup Supper at Messiah Lutheran Church, 4:30-6:30pm
• March 28 – Nebraska Lions Foundation & Council of Governor’s meetings in Kearney, NE
• April 14-16 – Midwest Lions Pin Swap, Rock Island, IL
• May 12 - Bellevue Lions Club – 50th Year Anniversary
• May 29 - Special Olympics/Opening Eyes, Creighton University
• June 3 - Papillion Lions Club – Hops for Harmony at Werner Park (Omaha Storm Chasers)
• June 5-7 - State Convention, Holiday Inn, Kearney, NE
• July 3-7 108th International Association of Lions Club Convention, Hong Kong, China
• July 16 - Papillion Lions Club – 50th Year Anniversary
• July 17-19 - Baker University, Baldwin City, KS
Meeting adjourned at 11:45am on a motion by DG-E Roxanne Chandler, seconded by many, meeting adjourned.
Respectfully Submitted,
Allen C. Darell, PCC
38-N Cabinet Secretary
Official Minutes of the Lions of District 38-N
Fall Rally Cabinet Meeting
Saturday, November 8, 2025
The second meeting of Lions Clubs of District 38-N was called to order by Lion John Braisted, District Governor, at 10:15 am. Ten District 38-N Lions Clubs were represented 30 members. In addition, one guest, Global Action Team Area 1G Leader PCC Lori Langley of Pittsburg, Kansas,
Second Vice District Governor Lin Hughes provided the invocation.
Zone Chair, B-2 George Fischer led the Pledge of Allegiance and the Lions pledge.
District Governor John Braisted welcomed those in attendance, thanked them for attending the Fall Rally and called the meeting to order.
PCC Allen Darell, Cabinet Secretary had provided minutes of the August 3 Cabinet Meeting to all attending, in an information packet. They were presented. Motion to Approve made by PDG Idajane Martinez, was seconded by Lion Cheryl “CJ” Franko, motion carried.
Treasurer's Report was presented by Lion Donna Darell, Cabinet Treasurer. No questions or discussion. Lion Donna reported the balance at US Bank is $12,695.24. So far this year no requests for Individual Assistance have been made.
Motion by Lion Kyle Leonard to accept the treasurer’s report, seconded by PCC Tom Vitamvas, motion to accept carried.
Message from DG John Braisted included a recap of his club visits, his attendance at the USA-Canada Lions Leadership Forum in Atlantic City, NE. DG John stressed that work is underway on the Mid-Winter Convention in Lincoln, March 6 &
7 in Lincoln. He noted that registration form and agenda are included in the information packets on each chair. Lion John also attended the West Point Lions Club Charter Night in District 38-O, assisted during the Weeping Water Public Schools NLF MSU screenings and assisted in bringing the new Hartley House Lions Club Branch into the fold.
First Vice District Governor Roxanne Chandler summarized her written report, included in the handout packets.
Second Vice District Governor Lin Hughes summarized her written report, included in the handout packets.
Zone Reports were given by Zone Chairs Lion Kyle Leonard (Zone A-1) and Lion George Fischer (Zone B-2)
Committee reports were presented as follows:
Diabetes Committee, PDG Evelyn Springer;
Mid-Winter Convention, Lion Donna Darell;
Elections/Nominations Committee, PCC Mike Hall and Lion Darla Bolln,
• PDG Jason Reineke,USA-Canada Lions Leadership Forum;
• LCIF. Lion Ellen Olson recapped busy October club visits month and announced a Flag Raffle to benefit LCIF.
• PCC Mavis Hall, MD 38 LCIF Coordinator recognized the Lions of District 38-N, Lion Ellen Olson, PCC Merlin
Olson and PDG Jason Reineke for District 38-N achieving over 200% of goal in LCIF donations totaling over
$41,000.00.
• Peace Poster, FVDG Roxanne, no peace posters this year.
• Lion Donna Darell reported Public Relations includes the new District 38-N Website at www.e-
district.org/sites/district_38_n
• PDG Springer provided a brief Service Dog report.
• Reporting continued with Global Action Team Reports as follows. GLT Mavis Hall, GMT Idajane Martinez, GET
Dennis Hughes provided their activity reports. Key notes were Zone Chair Training, Mission 1.5 and 650
members in the district and extension efforts in Ralson and Syracuse.
Old Business: None
New Business:
Nominations for Lions Clubs International District Governor and Vice District Governor Offices 2026-2027:
• District Governor: Letter of Nomination read by Lincoln Star City Lions Club President Lonnie Miller,
presenting 1st Vice District Governor Roxanne Chandler for the Office of District Governor 2026-27. All ten clubs in attendance seconded the nomination.
/Users/adarell/LIONS/District 38N/2025-2026 BRAISTED/Minutes-Agendas-Reports/Minutes_FRally_Cabinet_11082025.docxOfficial Minutes of the Lions of District 38-N
• First Vice District Governor: Letter of Nomiaton read by PCC Tom Vitamvas, Papillion Area Lions Club nominating Second Vice District Governor Lin Hughes for the Office of First Vice District Governor 2026-27. All ten Lions Clubs in attendance seconded the nomination.
• Second Vice District Governor: Letter of Nomination was read by Millard Lions Club President Cheryl Franko, nominating Lion Kyle Leonard for the office of Second Vice District Governor, seconded by all ten Lions Clubs in attendance.
• Nominations of Nebraska Lions Foundation Trustee, 2026-2029 were opened. PDG Jason Reineke was nominated from the floor by Lion Idajane Martinez, seconded by PCC Tom Vitamvas.
Nominations remain open until the Mid Winter Convention on Saturday, March 7, 2026 District Cabinet Meeting.
Other reports and announcements:
• Nebraska Lions High School All-Star Golf Tournament was announced by PCC Tom Vitamvas, dates are June 29-30, 2026. This will be the event’s 24th year.
DG Braisted provided an explanation of all aspects of the Great Plains Lions Leadership Institute.
Past International Director, Debra Wasserman, of Faribault, MN (2008-2010) dropped in and provide an inspiring message.
Past Council Chair, Lori Langley of Pittsburg, Kansas explained “Wear it Wednesday” membership promotion, announce the GPLLI dates of July 17-19, 2006.
Individual Assistance Fund raffle results were announced by SVDG Lin Hughes. 3,597 tickets sold, income including donations totaled $3,766, after expenses (tickets and postage) the net profit was $3,184.80. Drawing were then held for the 12 prizes as follows:
Steins & Future Hops Tickets:: John Braisted Husker BBQ and Grill Cover: Jordan Gallaway
$200 Walmart Gift Card:: Bob Kelley Melvin Jones / LCI Proof Silver Coin: Marcia Adams
Huskers Blanket:: Kara Kennedy Lions Whiskey Set:: Mike Freyer
Remington Rifle/Scope:: Val Hunt Wine & Cheese Basket:: Jordan Gallaway
$50 Amazon Gift Card: Dave Scarf 4 Tickets – Cook Lions Melodrama: Leon Sweigard
Afhgan:: Rhone Schaeffer
Meeting adjourned at 11:45am on a motion by FVDG Roxanne Chandler, seconded by many, meeting adjourned.
Respectfully Submitted,
Allen C. Darell, PCC
38-N Cabinet Secretary
The meeting of Lions Clubs of District 38-N was called to order by Lion John Braisted, District Governor, at 2pm. Twelve District 38-N Lions Clubs were represented with 45 members. In addition, four guests were in attendance, Jeanne Grantzinger, Broken Bow, MD 38 Council Chair; Karen Jackson, Tekamah, 38-O District Governor, Mark Jackson, Tekamah, 38-O, MD 38 Council Secretary, and Phil Dobesh, Chadron, 38-L, MD 38 GET.
Lion Allen Darell, PCC, provided the invocation.
Lion Tom Vitamvas, PCC led the Pledge of Allegiance and the Lions pledge.
District Governor John Braisted welcomed those in attendance, thanked them for attending on a beautiful Sunday afternoon.
DG Braisted introduced Dignitaries and Guests
Council Chair, Lions of Nebraska MD38, Jeanne Grantziner was introduced.
International Director David Wentworth and Lion Valerie were introduced.
DG Karen Jackson, 38-O & Lion Mark Jackson, MD 38 Council Secretary, 2VDG Phil Dobesh, 38-L
Comments by International Director David Wentworth. ID David expressed his gratitude to the Lions of District 38-N for their belief in and support of him. Lion David promised to represent the Lions of District; 38-N to the best of his ability. He acknowledged he will be representing and serving Lions worldwide. ID David spoke of his journey beginning in 1991 until today. ID David pointed out the Lions who brought him along to district and state meetings when he was a new Lion and those who mentored and developed him into the Leader he has become. He pointed out the first Lions friendship pin he received. ID David concluded with, “Today is ‘A Great Day to Be a Lion!’”
Roll Call of District 38-N Lions Clubs, Lion Allen Darell, Cabinet Secretary: The following Lions clubs of District 38-N were in attendance ( #): Aurora Lions (3), Beatrice Lions (3), Bellevue Lions (2), Hebron Lions (2), Hordville Lions (1), Lincoln Bethany Lions (4), Lincoln Star City Lions (7), Millard Lions (9), Papillion Area Lions (4), Plattsmouth Lions (4), Wilber Lions (1) and York Lions (5). Twelve Lions Clubs – 45 District Lions in attendance.
Cabinet Secretary Darell had distributed the minutes of the June 7 meeting to all attending. The minutes were briefly discussed, followed by a motion to approve the minutes made by Lion Idajane Martinez, PDG, seconded Lion Evelyn Springer, PDG and Lion Paul Savick, PDG, motion to approve carried.
Treasurer's Report and Adoption of Budget presented by Lion Donna Darell, Cabinet Treasurer. Lion Steve Steward, PDG, moved to accept the final financial report for 2024-25 and to adopt and approve the 2025-2026 budget, seconded by Lion Paul Savick, PDG, motion carried.
Lion Treasurer Donna asked for approval of the banking institution, U S Bank, where the district checking account has been held for several years. Motion to approve U S Bank was made by Lion Idajane Martinez, PDG, it was seconded, motion carried.
Correspondence received: None
Message from DG John Braisted – Lead to Succeed, spoke of his message that was sent out to club officers, PDG’s and district cabinet earlier in July. He expressed his goals and his wanting to assist and strengthen our weaker clubs and any that need help, at any time. DG John also shared his experiences in Orlando attending the International Association of Lions Clubs Convention.
DG John introduced the International President, A. P. Singh via four videos: Introduction of International President’s Theme and “Share the Light”, “We Step Up” and music video “Lead to Serve.”
Reports of Vice District Governors:
Report of 1st Vice District Governor Roxanne Chandler, attended LCICON in Orlando, got 1st assignment from
1st VP Mark Lyon and completed Guiding Lion requirements. Have a visit Leader Dogs coming up in August.
Report of 2nd Vice District Governor Lyn Hughes, received, on file, attending USA-Canada Lions Leadership Forum in Atlantic City. Assistance fund raffle. 5,000 raffle tickets, printed by Cornhusker Press. They are in folders for you clubs to pick up, packets of 50. Will bring them to the NLF meeting next week also. Drawing will be at the Fall Rally. Winners do not have to be present to win. PDG Idajane Martinez advised it is ok to sell these raffle tickets to the public.
Zone Chairperson Introductions / Reports: Lion George Fischer, Zone Chair, B-2, is planning his zone meetings and club visits. Lion Kyle Leonard, Zone Chair, A-1. Lion Kyle will be on the Leo Voices Panel at USA-Canada Lions Leadership Forum. Lion Kyle is a Leo-to-Lion member. Both Lions George and Kyle received their zone chair lapel pins.
District Chairperson Introductions / Reports, and passing out the lapel pins for their roles.
Dennis Hughes – GET – canvasing the town of Ralston, attended city council and chamber of commerce. Have a lunch and learn at the Ralston Public Library August 21, 12-1pm. Also working a possible Syracuse club build, helping with restoring the Clarks Lions and hoping to start up a new club in Deshler, for women.
Lion Michael Hall, PCC – read PCC Mavis Hall’s GLT report.
Lion Idajane Martinez, PDG, report for GMT. Attended Mission 1.5 in Las Vegas. Partnering to start a cyber club, www.uslions.org for membership growth. Will continue having a table at the Veterans Administration in Lincoln, “Heros Wear Vests” in Lincoln. While she was at her appointment all the flyers were taken by veterans. Report is on file.
Lion Marilyn Chilvers, PDG, I am available to assist with learning and using the Lions Portal. If you are having problems with the Lions Portal, please give Lion Marilyn a call.
Constitution & By-Laws – Tom Vitamvas, PCC, we need to update our district Constitution & By-Laws. PCC Tom and PCC Allen will meet to discuss. Recommended by PID Rick Myers.
DG John announced several of his committee chairs, who were in attendance:
Diabetes Awareness – PDG Evelyn Springer, Lincoln Bethany Lions Club
District Administrator – PDG Marilyn Chilvers, Millard Lions Club
Mid-Winter Convention Chair – Lion Donna Darell, Millard Lions Club
Nomination-Elections – PCC Mike Hall, Plattsmouth Lions Club & Lion Darla Bolln, Lincoln Star City Lions Club
Immediate Past District Governor – Jason Reineke, Millard Lions Club
KidSight Nebraska – PCC Mike Hall, Plattsmouth Lions Club
LCIF – PDG Merlin & Lion Ellen Olson, Plattsmouth Lions Club. Note in 2024-2025 achieved 206% of our goal.
Long Range Planning – PDG Steve Steward & PDG Idajane Martinez, both Lincoln Star City Lions Club, gave a brief report, leadership accountability and Mission 1.5 are key Long Range Planning objectives.
Environment – Lion Nickie McGee, Beatrice Lions Club. Crayon Initiative – working with them to recycle crayons.
ID David Wentworth – reminder about nominations for District Governor, 1st VDG, 2nd VDG and new NLF Trustee. These are submitted to the District Governor, Cabinet Secretary and the Election (& Nomination) Committee. These can be nominated with the first presentation of nominees at the Fall Rally. Additional nominees and elections at the Mid-Winter Convention. Offices of District Governor, 1st & 2nd Vice District Governors are offices under the nomination and election rules set by the Lions International Board Policy Manual. Any candidate for these offices must first be placed into nomination with letter of endorsement from their Lions Club with which they hold full membership. A record of that endorsement must be recorded in the nominating Lions club meeting minutes at the time of endorsement.
District Awards –
- DG John Braisted presented District Governor plaque to IPDG Jason Reineke.
- IPDG Reineke presented to PDG Evelyn Springer her District Governor Plaque (working on braille hanger)
- International President’s Certificate – Lion Kyle Leonard, from 2024-25, presented by IPDG Reineke.
Old Business - none
New Business – Cabinet Secretary Allen introduced the new District website, e-district.org/sites/district_38_n
Lion Jason Reineke, IPDG, Distribution of 2025-2026 40th Annual Who’s Who Multiple District 38.
Announcements
- Sept. 18-20, 2025 - USA/Canada Forum, Atlantic City, NJ
- Nov. 7 – 9, 2025 - Fall Rally, Grand Island, NE
- Lion Debbie Grimes, Beatrice Lions, Project New Hope, September 26-28, have room for more. Two fund raising events coming up, Pizza Hut, Beatrice and Pizza Ranch in Lincoln.
IPDG Jason presented gifts, portfolios, to those who served on his District Cabinet in 2024-2025.
Adjourn – motion to adjourn, PDG Paul Savick, motion to adjourn, seconded Lion Kyle, adjourned 3:39 pm.
Respectfully Submitted,
Allen C. Darell, PCC
38-N Cabinet Secretary
