District 18D Governor Edward Hashbarger made his official visit to the Dawsonville Lions Club on July 18. As district governor, he is required to make an official visit to each of the 37 clubs in the northeast Gerogia district. The Lions Year began on July 1 and Hashbarger chose to make his first official visit with the Dawsonville Lions Club, home club of the outgoing District Governor Ronald Bennetti. Hashbargers primary goal for the district deals with membership. His plan calls for a net gain in membership in each of the existing clubs and establishment of at least one new Lions Club and at least one new Leo Club (in the high school/middle school). Emphasis was on the importance of youth to the future of lionism. Lions sponsor a program in elementary schools to raise money for the Leader Dog program. Involvement with the program is designed to get youth thinking about Lion Projects and in their future possible membership in or formation of a Leo Club in middle or high school. Hashbarger said: The youth of today will be the Lions of tomorrow and their involvement with Lionism should start as early as possible. Hashbarger also discussed International President Win-Kun Tams theme for this year I Believe. Tam is asking Lions to believe in the value of giving back. His message is: Believe that one person can make a difference, believe that the entire world can be changed when we come together as Lions, and believe that changing a life or the world starts with each of us. Tam also believes the world can be improved by beautifying it with the planting of trees. He has asked Lions around the world to come together and plant 1 million trees this year. Hashbarger has previously served as district governor 10 years ago, so with his experience, District 18D should excel under his leadership, according to the local club. He brings experience from his membership in many clubs. He joined Lions International in 1969 while he was in the Marine Corps and transferred to other clubs when transferred by the service. Included were clubs in Okinawa, Japan, Virginia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Ohio and Georgia. He was active in all of them and held office in most of them. His major awards include: 100 percent District Governor (first term), a number of International President Certificates of Appreciation, Leadership Medal and Presidential Medal.