Two Generations One Mission

In 1954, Dr. Jack Weber, a first-year Lion, attended the Lions International Convention in New York City where a crowd gathered around an elderly gentleman in a wheelchair. The man was Melvin Jones.

Weber waited his turn, then bent down to shake hands with the founder of Lions Clubs International. Upon learning Weber was new to the association, Jones offered him the advice that has inspired Lions for more than 100 years: “You can’t get very far until you start doing something for somebody else.”

Weber took those words to heart and over the course of his 71-year Lions career, which includes serving on the Lions Clubs International Board of Directors from 1984 to 1986, he has passed on quite a bit of wisdom of his own.

Now 100 years old and a resident of Westhampton Beach, New York, Weber recently sat down with Leo-Lion Hilary Wickenhauser, 26, of Waconia, Minnesota, to share some stories, advice and even a few laughs.

Wickenhauser began her service journey at age 12 as an Alpha Leo and at 18, she joined her parents as a member of the Cologne Lions Club. The 2013-2014 Constitutional Area I Leo of the Year is also a Leo club advisor, the Leo chairperson for her district and serves on the board of directors for the Minnesota Lions Vision Foundation — and that’s in addition to holding a full-time job while finishing her college degree in education.

The accomplished Leo-Lion was eager to discuss all things Lions with the living Lion legend.

Hilary:
First and foremost, you’ve always been known as an energetic, busy man with your dedication to Lions, your dental practice, your family and your passion for golf. How have you kept up the enthusiasm and motivation as a Lion for so many years?

Jack:
Well, it’s not difficult for me. I’m an enthusiastic person to begin with. As Lions, we have so much to offer, and for an individual to try to help their community be a better place to live, work and play is very, very important. There are so many things Lions clubs can do to benefit their communities, and I’m very proud of that.

Hilary:
In your memoir (“Jack Weber, Here!”), you talk about the moment you first felt like a Lion. Can you tell me about that?

Jack:
I was only a Lion for one year when we were all paired up with a senior member to deliver food to families around Thanksgiving time. I knocked on my first door and a young woman with two young children pulling at her apron strings answered. As I handed her the basket of food, tears rolled down her cheeks as she thanked me profusely. I knew then that I was in the right organization. They were doing things for people, important things.

Hilary:
You’ve seen Lions International evolve quite a bit over the past several decades, and during your time as an international director, you even campaigned some of the biggest changes to happen in the association. Which one would you say is most important?

Jack:
Welcoming women into Lions has by far been the most positive change I’ve seen in my years as a Lion. Where would we be today without the inclusion of women and all they bring to the association? As an international director, I supported and promoted it because I believed in it. Women have so much to offer, and we have benefited immensely from their involvement and leadership.

Hilary:
Over the years, we’ve seen Lions International expand its number of global causes to eight. Each is important and different in how we are called to serve. Is there a particular global cause closest to your heart?

Jack:
The environment has always been important to me. I know that if we don’t take action to protect it, my grandchildren, my great-grandchildren and their great-grandchildren will bear the effects. I also believe the environment cause is a great way we can recruit new Lions because it’s such visible, hands-on service. Most people care about saving the earth but need to be reminded of ways they can help. If they see Lions out in their yellow vests planting a tree, the very least it can do is inspire them to get more involved. But hopefully it’ll also encourage them to learn more about the club and what being a Lion is all about.

Hilary:
Every club and every service project needs a leader. You’ve said that you recognize the importance of members’ experience over age and seniority. What advice do you have for a younger Lion looking to take on a leadership role?

Jack:
I don’t think young Lions should ever be fearful they’re going to step on the toes of a more senior member and let that be a deterrent. If they are right for the role, they should pursue it. Senior members will still be there as advisors. At the end of the day, everyone has to work together.

Hilary:
And for those who do step into leadership roles, what advice can you offer them?

Jack:
First of all, I think it’s important for new leaders to learn the art of listening and truly listen to what others have to say. I would also encourage them to do what they believe is right. Give thought to what you want to do and don’t rush into it. And if you truly think it’s the right thing to do, don’t let anyone talk you out of it.

Hilary:
Well, no one has talked you out of dedicating your time to Lions, that’s for sure. Shortly before turning 100 (on May 5, 2024) you became president of the Riverhead Lions Club in New York, a club you had just joined, and you keep up with what’s happening with the organization at the international level. Not to mention you drive yourself to your frequent golf outings. What is the secret to your longevity?

Jack:
Good genes and “Don’t let the old man in.”

Jack’s Tips For Making The Most of Your Lion Experience

1. Don’t just have a drink at the bar, have dinner and go home. Get involved.
2. Climb the ladder of leadership in your club. If time permits, become chair of a committee. That may lead to becoming a club officer.
3. Perform hands-on service instead of just making a financial contribution.
4. Expand beyond your club by attending district and multiple district (MD) meetings. If you can, go to your MD convention and try to attend an international convention.
5. Volunteer to chair an important committee at the district and MD levels.

Hilary’s Tips For Making the Most of Your Lion Experience

1. Don’t be afraid to speak up. Offer suggestions, propose new ideas and projects, and make your voice heard.
2. Find mentors. Young and more senior Lions are full of ideas and knowledge that can help you further your journey.
3. Remember that age is just a number. We are all equally valuable as members and volunteers whether we are 26 or 86.
4. Ask for help! Trying new things can be a challenge. Turn to your fellow Lions and even non-Lions for support.
5. Keep service at the heart of all you do.