East Tennessee Lions District 12N Convention

The Maryville Lions Club recently attended the East TN Lions District 12N Convention held March 27-28th at the Farragut Community Center. District Governor Nathanael Hughes presided over the convention that was attended by some 20 Lions Clubs from East TN, some guests from other Districts across the state, as well as International Director Dr. Mark Mansell and wife, Debbie from Ocean Park, Washington.

Convention Highlights

On Friday evening the East TN Lions Eye Bank held their Annual meeting with the election of new Directors for the following Lions year. Visiting Lions International Director Dr. Mark Mansell gave a brief talk about "Serve, Connect and Learn". The entertainment for the evening was a casino night. A good time was held by all.

On Saturday, prior to the presentation of various committee reports, DG Nate presided over the convention business holding a brief necrology service honoring those Lions who passed away the previous year. ID Mansell gave a talk on "Ready, Set Grow" and his wife, Debbie, gave a talk on "The Set Method".

The election of the District Governor Team for the 2026-2027 Lions year took place with Lion Wayne Garland elected as District Governor, Lion Connie Emmons elected as 1st Vice District Governor and Lion Doris Kaifa elected as 2nd Vice District Governor. Congratulations to all of these Lions dedicated to serving others.

Awards Presented by District Governor Nathanael Hughes

District Governor Nathanael Hughes distributed awards to Past District Governor Rich Wilson from the Sevier County Lions Club for Lion of the Year and Lion Carol Bowling from the Kingsport Lions Club for Lion of the Decade. Congratulations to these outstanding Lions for serving their communities and District.

Other Awards presented by International Director Dr. Mark Mansell

ID Mansell presented the International President's Award to Lion Yolanda Vestal of the Elizabethton Lions Club and the International Leadership Award to Lion Jacob Ball of the Greeneville Lions Club and Immediate Past District Governor Keltie Kearney of the Kingsport Lions Club. These are among the highest awards distributed by Lions International.

ID Mansell also presented some International President Certificates to Lion Kathi Hofstad from the Sevierville Lions Club and Lion Debra Sylvia-Garden from the Union County Lions Club.

Disaster Preparedness Packets

While the convention was going on, 400 disaster preparedness packs were put together for distribution to the 20 clubs in attendance. Many of the clubs had purchased items for the packs or donated funds to help purchase the items.

Following the disasterous flooding of Hurricane Helene, the District decided it was important that different parts of the District have packs available to give to individuals in need should they be forced out of their homes. Each of the 20 clubs received 20 packs. Each pack contained various items such as a hand-crank radio, flashlights, batteries, socks, plastic bags, tissues, lighters among many other items. The pack itself serves as a backpack to hold all of the items and make it easy for the individual to pick up and go. The clubs were to decide what to do with the packs in their communities; perhaps give to the local fire department or Emergency Management office.

The convention concluded at approximately 2:00 PM.