How did I become and Why I am a Lion

Bill Zidel, Zone Chair 19C-2

The How……As long as I can remember, I would see several metal signs as I walked into local restaurants. Since my business has taken me many places, the signs are visible wherever I go. Typically it has been signs for either the Rotary or Lions Club or both. The majority of the time, it has been the Lions Club.

  I had passing thoughts about joining, however, I did not know the process. One evening I was talking to my late father-in-law, Stub Williams, and out of the blue, he said he was a member of the Lions Club. I came to find out he was a member of the Capitol City Lions Club of Bismarck, North Dakota. To make a long story short, he was a very active Lion and had served in the following capacities: President of his Club, Zone Chairman, and District Governor. He was a Melvin Jones recipient and is in the North Dakota Lions Hall of Fame. My wife wears the Hall of Fame ring. During the discussion, he said I would make a good Lion.

  Not too long after that discussion I was approached by one of my neighbors, Lee James. His approach was simple, in that he was a Lion and he felt I would make a good Lion. OK, so two people think you will be a good Lion. He invited me to one of the meetings and I was hooked. Oddly enough, the Lion’s Club that I joined is called the Capitol City Lions, same as my father-in-law’s. My father-in-law was very proud that I joined the Lion’s Club, and whenever I had the opportunity to visit him, we went to Lions together.

  It is worthy to note that both Stub and Lee approached me the same way. A good fit for Lions and then Lee took me to a meeting and let the venue take over. Can’t help but get caught up in the atmosphere. Most important was, it worked and here is the result.

 The Why….There are many reasons to join and serve with your fellow Lions; however, I will keep it to just a few.

  Someone once asked me over coffee, if you had one wish, what would it be? I said, “I would give sight to those that can’t see.” I know we could talk about world peace, however that is pipe dream because of basic human nature. Would it be riches, maybe so if you discount that someone with his health, family, respect, reputation and buck in his pocket is already rich beyond all imagination?

  How about looks or station in life which tend to be both shallow and vain? If I somehow can contribute to someone having, maintaining, prolonging or reclaiming their sight so they can see a sunset, look into their lover’s face and eyes or see the smiling face of a child, then I am in the right place.

  It has always been a struggle to balance the three aspects of my life, which are work, family and civic obligation. Sometimes they get out of proportion however in the long run, they should equalize themselves. I had a void in my life in that there was an unhealthy balance with my civic obligation being ignored. When I joined Lions, initially it was a struggle, however, I was able to bring my life back in balance. Lions gave me that ability to serve my community, which I find so important to my life.

  Serving in Lions also provides me the opportunity to fulfill my religious obligations. I am commanded in the Old Testament to do Mitzvah’s, which are meritorious and charitable deeds. They are to be performed on a daily basis, and I am judged on how I respond. The work I do with Lions provides that avenue by which I may do what I am commanded. What better way then serving with fellow Lions as they go about their wonderful work of helping others?

  And finally, the Lions afford me the opportunity to give back. I am a very fortunate individual, who is blessed to have many things. While I have worked hard, I am someone who is grateful for the opportunities and wants to give something back. Men are not known for the quantity of things they leave on this earth, it is the quality that they imparted to others while they had their brief stay. I am one who is grateful and I regard it as a gift that I may return something back to society. That ability is afforded to me by working and serving side by side with my fellow Lions.  

 Page 10 – Dist. 19C Newsletter – August 2009

                                          A SHAMELESS PLUG

                                                                       By Zone Chair Bill Zidel

By way of introduction, my father’s side of the family had a history of diabetes. As a child, I was painfully aware of the affects of diabetes.While adults take great pains to spare their children of grim news, it was easy to pick up from conversations what debilitating affect diabetes had on my father's mother, father, brothers, sisters and their offspring.

The affects of diabetes, to include loss of sight, stroke, hypertension, heart problems, loss of limbs as well early death were very visual. It was the 50's and 60's and the advances in diagnosis and medication were years away. Fortunately, it skipped our family until I had my own children. My son at the age of 11 became a Type I and I, at the age of 57, a Type II. I wasn't aware that I had diabetes until a friend of mine, who is an EMT, was working with me on a project and after a week suggested I see a doctor to be tested for diabetes. The day after the test results arrived, my life changed and it was in a hurry. My life now includes more exercise, balance and moderation in what I eat and while extreme, the absence of alcohol (the forever designated driver). I lost weight (could lose more), I stay away from processed foods, my fingers all carry a day of the week and I faithfully stay on my medication regiment. I keep the sugar at about 100 unless it dips, which I need to watch. The shakes are the first indication that it is a little too low.

My doctor indicated the best approach to eating is to keep meals balanced and small and as he says everything in moderation. Sounds like the old Greeks. He said if I am on the road and the three meals are the pattern, remember in the morning eat like a King, at lunch eat like a Prince and at dinner, eat like a pauper.

 So why the dissertation on diabetes? Because it is a shameless plug for PZC Joe Morales who is the District C Diabetes Awareness Chairman for 2009-2010. If you look at the statistics on both adult-onset and childhood diabetes they are on the rise and it is a problem that will not go away, and will only add to our future heath woes. Awareness is what will help you, your loved ones and friends to either fix what they already have or stay way from diabetes entirely.

 Contact Joe at

joemm@centurytel.net and ask him, how do we become aware and when can you come and tell us about it?

The second Shameless Plug is for the Annual Apple Sale. One of the best snacks that a diabetic can have is a Fuji. Remember what your Mother said, "An Apple a Day Keeps the Doctor Away." She was right so get out there a support our Lions Annual Apple Sale.

From the Members of The Olympia Capitol City Lions

    Bill Zidel is an exceptional and energetic member of the Olympia Capitol City Lions.  When I say exceptional, I mean that Bill has an exceptional character.

     As a Lion, with a daunting professional schedule, unstoppable should be his middle name.  Challenge this Lion, and he will meet the challenge…..each and every time.

     Among his many activities, Bill, along with other Lions Club members, helps to educate elementary school children by distributing dictionaries.  He has a special knack for making learning fun and interesting for kids.

     He has also taken over our most complex fundraising project, the annual Train Show/Swap Meet.  Bill’s enthusiasm and energy add a great deal to its ongoing success.

    Bill is a long time model railroad enthusiast, as illustrated in this article in “Lacey Today.”  As I’ve gotten to know Bill better, his statement, “The thing about a model railroad layout is, it is never done,” reminds us that the need for community service is never done.”

     I think all Lions carry this thought with them every day; thinking about what else they can do to serve others in a meaningful way.

     The Olympia Capitol City Lions recently received news that Bill has accepted the position of our 2009/2010 Zone Chairperson.  What an honor for Bill – and for us!

     If you should bump into Bill on his ventures as our newest ZC, make sure to congratulate him.  Stop and take notice. This is one Lion you will be better for knowing!

Olympia Capitol City Lions