February Member Spotlight

February 10, 2024

MEMBER SPOTLIGHT

Today, we shine the spotlight on Lion, Mike Gordon. Alongside his wonderful wife, Linda, Mike has been an active member of the Lions for two decades, deeply engaged not just within the organization but also in their local community. They consistently step up to serve wherever there’s a need. Explore Mike’s perspective on the Mineral Lake Lions Club.

  • What motivated you to start volunteering with the Mineral Lake Lions Club?

After moving to Mineral in 2004, I met Ed and Ann Brown who were active in Mineral as well as being Lions members. They invited me to join the Mineral Lake Lions. I wanted to be more involved with our community. I learned what the Lions had done to help the community. Because we are a small community and started going to Mineral Neighborhood Christian Center and seeing some of the same people. Being I was a retired Chief Warrant Officer with 24 years of experience in serving it was a great fit.

  • Can you share a memorable experience from your volunteer work with the Lions?

My best memory was volunteering to work at Lions Camp Leo Diabetic Camp for Children grades 3 thru 12, which I was the medic on duty from 10 PM until 6 AM during the camp, which required me to provide assistance as needed during the sleeping hours.

  • How do you balance volunteering with other aspects of your life?

Balancing my time was difficult at best, with projects at home being put on hold. I was also volunteering with Mineral Fire as a Fire Fighter and Emergency Medical Technician, Assistant Chief and Acting Fire Chief. Plus I became a Commissioner for Mineral Cemetery District 10 and Post Commander for the Storm King Post 171. At times sleep was nonexistent. But somehow things seemed to work out. On top of all this I became Zone Chair for our Lion’s Zone 19C, which involved visiting 8 clubs at least twice and hold 4 Zone Chair meetings and attend MD19 conferences/conventions.

  • What skills or qualities do you think make a successful volunteer?

Working with people and my training as a Firefighter/EMT.

  • Is there a specific Lions project or initiative you’ve been particularly passionate about?

My involvement with Camp Leo for 12 years.

  • How has volunteering impacted you personally or professionally?

I enjoy serving my community at whatever level I can provide. There is a rewarding,
satisfaction in doing things for the community, whether it is a small or large project.

  • What advice do you have for others who are considering joining the Lions?

Learn what Lions actually do both locally and abroad. We aren’t good at letting people know what Lions are or do for others.

  • Are there any upcoming events or projects you’re excited to be a part of?

Yes! The 31st Annual Fishing Derby! Helping our community wherever we can!

  • How do you envision the future of the Mineral Lake Lions Club, and what role do you see yourself playing in it?

Actually, I am living part of my vision of where our Lions Club is headed. We are involving our whole community by all that out Club is involved with. We are living our Moto, “We Serve”. I intend to be involved wherever and whenever I can.

  • Is there anyone you’d like to thank or recognize for their support during your Lions journey?

There are several people, Linda for putting up with me never being home or finishing projects around the house, the Mineral Lake Lions as a whole who supported me while I was Zone Chair, President of our club x4. For the members who stepped up and help reshape what our Lions Club is about, and our Board of Directors!!

Mike really it the mark – Being a Lion means actively engaging, stepping up wherever and whenever possible to uplift our communities.

Interested in joining Mike and becoming a part of the Mineral Lake Lions? Reach out to us via email at info@minerallakelions.com or send us a message here, and we’ll make sure to get you connected!

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