Fort Collins Lions Club

Entries for the ‘Lions Tales’ Category

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE Aida Raider

WHILE LOOKING OVER THE SERVICE COMMITMENT PLEDGE FROM PRESIDENT SCRUGGS I REALIZE HOW COMMITTED WE AT THE FORT COLLINS LIONS CLUB ARE. ALL WE NEED IS TO READ THE COMMITTEE REPORTS TO LEARN THE WORK WE DO. THERE IS STILL MUCH WORK TO BE DONE AND THAT IS WHY I ENCOURAGE EACH ONE OF OUR MEMBERS TO BECOME ACTIVELY INVOLVED AND TAKE THE TIME TO SERVE WHERE NEEDED.
OUR VERY OWN ‘TAIL TWISTER’ LION REID JACOB, HANDED ME HIS MID YEAR REPORT RECENTLY. HE IS A ONE MAN COMMITTEE IN CHARGE OF RECYCLING EYEGLASSES. HE SHIPPED 4,000 PAIRS OF USEABLE EYEGLASSES TO STERLING, COLORADO FOR PROCESSING SO FAR THIS YEAR. I BRING THIS TO YOUR ATTENTION AS AN EXAMPLE OF THE DIFFERENCE WE MAKE IN OUR COMMUNITY. MANY OF OUR COMMITTEE CHAIRMEN ARE IN NEED OF HELP. IF YOU ARE NOT ALREADY SERVING IN SOME CAPACITY, WE NEED YOUR HELP; PLEASE GET INVOLVED!

Service Commitment Pledge Campaign

Declare your commitment to Lions ideal of service and invite fellow Lions to do the same! Join President Scruggs in pledging to “support and participate in your Lions club’s service activities and to make a difference in someone’s life this year.” Add your name to the growing list of members who know that their personal efforts can bring light where there is darkness and despair, and that by working together, Lions can have a huge impact on the entire world. Go to lionsclubs.org/EN/member-center/membership-and-new-clubs/strengthen-membership/global-membership-team/presidents-theme/service-commitment-pledge.php

“LIFE IS NOT A MATTER OF HOLDING GOOD CARDS, IT’S PLAYING A POOR HAND WELL.”
–Robert Louis Stevenson

Birthdays & Bio’s

Try to match the Birthday Lion with their Bio:

• Wayne Crownhart 9/3/1942
• Harold Einarsen 9/12/1927
• Gordon Michel 9/27/1931
• Denny Moyer 9/19/1958
• Margaret Spiller 9/14/1953

1. Born in New Kensington, PA.. Two years active duty U.S. Navy…B.S Grove City College, MBA PITT… Been married to college sweetheart 54 years…Worked 35 years in the Navy & commercial nuclear energy field. ..Moved to Fort Collins in 1998…Past President & Old Monarch..35+ years…Two Daughters & 3 Granddaughters

2. I was born in Blue Island, IL in 1958…Worked as a personal trainer and ran my own cleaning business while going to school…Graduated from So. Suburban College with a degree in Occupational Therapy in 1993…Moved to Fort Collins in 1995. I have run a small business in Ft Collins since 2001…received a degree in business in 2007 from the University of Phoenix…Moved to Loveland , CO in 2009… Will become a grandmother for the first time in January 2011!

3. Born in a small town in northern Wisconsin… moved to Colorado in 1966, after graduating from South Dakota State University, to work for Robinson Warfield Co…Joined Lions shortly after…Edited yearbook in college…Former Boy Scout leader…two sons…Former competitor, and friend, of the late Lion Lee Effner.

4. Born in Denver, Colorado…Received a B.S. from Colorado A. & M. (Now CSU)…Worked for Mesa College in Montrose, Colorado…Was County Agricultural Agent in Delta, Montrose and San Miguel Counties…Farmed for 16 years at Fort Collins…Worked 30 years in Real Estate…Joined Lions in 1952…Life Member of Lions with 56 years membership…4 Children, 10 Grandchildren and 5 Great Grandchildren.

Campbell Labels

REMINDER :: Next Thursday, September 2nd, I will be collecting any Campbell Labels that you have for the Lions Camp. I will take them anytime, but thought a designated day would help. If you need a copy of the products which have the labels, just let me know and I’ll see that you get one. Remember every label help the Camp! Thanks for your help with this.

Your Choices

Nothing will have a greater impact on your future than the choices you make today…not the state of society, the condition of the government, the health of the economy or anything else.

Those things are outside of your control. What IS under your control is what you choose to do…or not to do.
Each time you make a choice, you move a little farther in a particular direction, for good or for ill. Choose wisely, and the bridge you build will take you to the future you desire.

Quote

Cowardice asks the question: Is it safe?
Consensus asks the question: Is it popular?
Conscience asks: Is it right?

Lions Club Bingo Operation

Since our Lions Club fiscal year just came to an end on June 30, 2010, and for the benefit of our newer members, a review of our Bingo Operations may be useful.
Bingo became our major fund raising program in 1994, and has considerably increased the funds available to support our charitable programs and activities. Through these sixteen plus years, many past and present Lions have worked Bingo. They have had interaction with fellow Lions and the Bingo players who come back every week to play Bingo.

Our Lions Club operates two Bingo sessions each week – Tuesday at 7:00 PM and Friday at 11:30 AM. Each session lasts about two hours but the 11-12 Lion volunteers spend additional time setting up, selling Bingo packets, specials and pull-tabs (called pickles) and completing the records required by the Secretary of State.

Bingo Chairman, Harold Hartman, tries hard to rotate the Lion volunteers, but some feel so strongly about the value of this contribution to our Club’s fund raising, they volunteer every week.

Harold has been Bingo Chairman for over 10 years. Besides scheduling volunteers, he makes sure our Bingo operations conform to the State of Colorado gaming regulations, completing required paperwork, paying state gaming fees, picking up and depositing Bingo receipts at the bank, paying Bingo Hall and equipment rentals, purchasing all supplies and, of course, paying Bingo player’s winnings!

Colorado State Gaming Regulations require that 100% of any Bingo profits must be distributed to our charitable programs and activities.

Lion volunteers work in the following assigned areas. New volunteers get “hands on” help from other experienced Lions.

1. Callers – call the numbers and verify winners of each Bingo game.

2. Cashiers – cash checks, sell Bingo packets, verify all income and payouts and reconcile their data with the computerized allowable tolerance.

3. Floor persons – sell extra Bingo sheets (Specials) to players and help the Caller verify Bingo winners.

4. Special Sales Person – Maintains the records of all the floor sales.

5. “Pickle” Sales Person – Sells “pickles” to the players and maintains sales records, makes preliminary count of cash and “playbacks” for each of the different “pickles” offered for sale.

Thanks to our Lions Bingo volunteers, we have the reputation of the friendliest Bingo operation! There’s work involved with Bingo, but it’s enjoyable work and the fellowship with other Lions is something you don’t get by attending the weekly

Lions Club Meeting. We are always looking for more workers, so if you want more information, call Harold at 226-1864.

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE – Aida Raider

90th Anniversary Celebration: A heartfelt “thank you” to all who worked so diligently to make this celebration a huge success. The food was delicious and the service was outstanding. The entertainment could have gone on longer and no one would have minded. PCC Paul Barbour, our keynote speaker, made me realize how we all need to share proudly with others what we stand for as Lions Club members.

Many thanks also to past President Bob Kitchell for a job well done. As your new president I know I cannot do it without your support. I am always willing to learn from those who have been there before me.

There are many committees, within our club, needing help. Let me encourage all who have not signed up to search your heart and see where your help is needed. If we all give a couple of hours per week to a cause, the work will not fall on just a few. We can all share the pride of our contribution to our community.

My goal this year is for the Fort Collins Lions Club to be recognized within the community for the many services we provide.

Take a lesson from the mosquito: He never waits for an opening — he makes one!

Answers to Questions at the June 4th Presentations

“Resourcing Our Future”

Q What’s the difference between Community Service Officers and sworn officers?

A Community Service Officer (CSO) is a specially commissioned peace officer with the primary difference in that they do not carry weapons. CSO’s handle the bulk of motor vehicle accidents in the city, take criminal reports where there are no obvious suspects, enforce parking complaints and laws, notice, ticket, and tow abandoned vehicles, and other tasks. As a result, CSO’s increase the overall efficiency of sworn officers by assuming these duties, allowing sworn officers to respond to higher priority calls like disturbances, crimes involving suspects, DUIs, etc. CSO’s are not paid as much as police officers because they don’t have full law enforcement commissions.

Q Is there a difference in needed resources when CSU is in session versus when they are not?

A Years ago, it used to be the case that police saw a decrease in activity level in the summer months when most of the students were gone. However, that no longer holds true. Summer time is very busy with all the typical activities as well as all the special events occurring city-wide.

Q What percentage of our sales tax revenue comes from people outside of Fort Collins?

A 25% of our sales tax revenue comes from people outside Fort Collins.

Q How much do Fort Collins residents spend outside of the city?

A Retail leakage is about 15%, or $.016 of every dollar.

“Ask not what your club can do for you, but what you can do for your Club”
-(Paraphrase)

LONESOME TRAVELER IS COMING!

Who (or what) is Lonesome Traveler, you ask! It’s Lion Lee Brown’s bluegrass band! Lion Lee Is related to four of the six band members, so…it must be his band! They will be playing for us right here on August 12th!
Lonesome Traveler Bluegrass Band is playing as part of the Summer Streetmosphere in Old Town Fort Collins. Come on out for great street entertainment!

ALL LOCAL VENUES

• Fri Jul 2, 4:00 PM in Old Town
• Sat Jul 10, 8:00 PM, 3501 S Shields St.
• Wed Jul 14, 8:00 PM, Bar SS, 3311 County Road 54G, Laporte,
• Sat Jul 17, Noon in Old Town
• Wed Aug 11, 8:00 PM, Bar SS, 3311 County Road 54G, LaPorte
• Wed Aug 18, 4:00 PM at Odell Brewery
• Sat Sep 11 , 4:00 PM in Old Town
• Fri Oct 8, 4:00 PM in Old Town
• Sun Oct 17, 1:00 PM in Old Town
• Wed Oct 27, 4:00 PM at Odell Brewery
• Wed Nov 17, 4:00 PM at Odell Brewery

Birthdays & Bio’s

Try to match the birthday Lion to the Bio!

1. Bill Lent, July 22, 1940
2. Joe Skelton, July 8, 1945
3. Tobey Yadon, July 29, 1953

a. This Lion does not know alphabetical sequence or right from left. Was advised to learn a trade. Told by Mary Raitt that, “For some people a “B” is a good grade. You are capable of much better than that.”

b. I am a third generation Lion; my father was a District Governor. I was born in Texas, grew up in Webster Groves, MO and lived in Iowa and Minnesota before I realized I was going the wrong direction, climate wise. I am an Engineer by training, my son has an Engineering degree and I thought he was going to be the engineer I never was.

c. Born in Amarillo, Texas…Father was a private pilot…I was a private pilot with my instrument rating…Father’s love for fly fishing introduced me to Colorado and the mountains…Favorite sport is baseball…Attended opening day at Fenway Park in Boston and saw Sandy Koufax, Hank Aaron and Don Drysdale play the game…Member of Chi Epsilon Civil Engineering Honor Society… Married my high school sweetheart…Lived in San Francisco and Thousand Oaks California; Waltham, Massachusetts; Smyrna & Decatur, Georgia; Amarillo, Arlington and Spring, Texas…Worked for Dole in Costa Rica and the Philippines

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE – Bob Kitchell

90th Anniversary Celebration and Farewell: By the time you read this, the 90th Anniversary Celebration will be history. It is well to take a moment to reflect upon the long and proud history of community service that our Club has provided. This is our legacy, and it is up to us to continue the fine traditions of the Club. However, we can only survive by attracting new members who share our vision. Please do your part in ensuring that our Club has a bright future.

This is my last President’s message; it’s been my privilege to serve our Club as its President. In discussions last night among a group of Lions, I was asked what was the best aspect of the past year. Upon reflection, the answer is clear. It’s the tremendous dedication of our Club members and their willingness to put in many hours of volunteer labor, as well as generously sharing their tremendous talents. This speaks to the noble qualities of our shared cause. Many thanks to all of the Club members for sharing this vision; it bodes well for the future. Finally, please support our new leaders, as you have supported me and the rest of our leaders over the past year.

Bingo: Once again, Lion Harold Hartman and his volunteers did an outstanding job, with very favorable results for April. Bingo, as our primary source of charitable funds, continues to exceed expectations. If you’re not already working with the Bingo Committee, please volunteer to support this effort.

9Health Fair

The 9Health Fair is a major event in the Club’s year, and this year’s Fair was no exception. Club members and other volunteers put a great deal of effort into set-up, conduct of the Fair, and tear-down. All went well, although attendance by participants was down this year, and Lion Carole Kitchell and all others involved are due a great deal of credit and thanks.

Lions Tales: Thanks to Lion Dick Corl for his enthusiastic and entertaining approach to the Lions Tales. It’s now a fun read, as well as providing information for Club members. Please support Lion Dick in his efforts to continually improve the Lions Tales.

Mark Your Calendars

May 20-22, State Convention, Holiday Inn, Lakewood

August 14, Cabinet Meeting, Wellington (sponsored by the Fort Collins Lions Club)

Notes From the Board Meeting

BUDGET: Tobey presented the proposed Budget for July 2010 through June 2011 for the Fort Collins Lions Club. This budget reflects a $2.00 per quarter increase. A Motion to Accept the Budget was made by Margaret Spiller and seconded by Carole Kitchell. The Motion passed

Warren William, because of health reasons, sent a letter of resignation. It is with regret that we accepted his resignation. The Motion passed.

New Member – Meet Him and Greet Him!

Paul Gillett – Born in South London, UK – Graduated University of Bristol 1965. Moved to Miami, FL in 1980, California in 1996, and Colorado in 2009. Retired from a career in computer systems, banks and insurance companies.

Fort Collins Lions Club celebrates its 90th Anniversary

The Fort Collins Lions Club celebrated its 90th Anniversary on Saturday, May 15 at the Drake Center in Fort Collins. Eighty five Lions and guests were present for the celebration. PCC Paul Barbour gave the keynote address.

PCC Barbour reminded those present that the Club has a history of community service benefiting those in the Fort Collins community including: arranging for hearing exams and hearing aids for members of the community; the screening of 1200 children annually through the Kidsight program; providing of eye exams and glasses; and the founding of the Ensight Skills Center.

The club has a history of leadership development. Eight Fort Collins Lions have served as District Governor and one member, Lion Tom Toliver, has served as an International Director.

To top off a great evening, Larry Lashley and his fiddle provided the entertainment

Birthdays & Bio’s

Try to match the Lion to the Bio:

Dan Fahrlander, June 1, 1931
Rozella Friedrich, June 30
Wanda Groenendale, June 14, 1930
Reid Jacob, June 22, 1938
Fred Kaehler, June 20, 1927
Bob Kitchell, June 8, 1940
David Lambertson, June 20, 1966
Aida Raider, June 23, 1935

1. This Lion was born in Denville, N.J….Moved to Arizona in 1956…Moved to Colorado and joined Lions in 1980…This Lion is a collector, but not a hoarder.

2. This Lion came to Fort Collins in l985 and was Director of the Larimer County Voc-Tech Center until 1991…A direct descendant of the courageous Cornhuskers who brought culture and civilization to the primitive peoples of the Colorado Territory.

3. Born in Des Moines, Iowa…Graduated HS and never looked back…Lived, worked, and traveled in 22 foreign countries – all on other people’s money…Lived overseas for 7 years…Traveled around the world for $125…Lived and worked in Alaska…Lived and worked in Hawaii…Worked for 48 years and still at it…Has 11 grand-children, 3 dogs, and 3 cats.

4. Born in Rochester, NY…Came to Fort Collins in 1975…Business Degree from University of Rochester…Chartered a 41 foot sail boat and cruised the Grenadines…Three children, two adopted…Children in Fort Collins, Colorado Springs and Prosser, WA.

5. Born in Iowa, raised in Minnesota…Completed Dale Carnegie course…Traveled in Germany, Hawaii, Scandinavia and the Panama Canal…Moved to Fort Collins from MN…Four each children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

6. Born in Chicago, Ill…Grew up in a small town on the Mississippi River…Played the Sousaphone …Worked on uncle’s farm…Served in Coast Guard…Present in Time Square, N.Y. City on V.J. night…Paid for engagement/wedding rings by raising/selling a litter of pigs…Moved to Colorado in 1962…Employed at CSU…Have two sons, two daughters, five granddaughters, and one great-granddaughter.

7. Grew up in Arvada, CO with three brothers…Graduated Arvada HS in 1984 and on to CSU in 1984…Three kids: Katie, 18; Ben, 16; and Max, 11…Greatly admires spouse…Favorite book is “1984″…Toastmaster…Passion is Lionism…Make contact at 691-1984!…Favorite number…84!!!!

8. This Lion has lived on 2 continents, worked in 11 countries, speaks 3 languages plus 1 (not fluent)…A refugee in a foreign country during a war…Have 4 children, 5 grands & 6 greats!

District Convention

This past weekend, the MD-6NE Convention was held at the Embassy Suites in Loveland. The convention was well-planned and executed, and fifteen of our members attended. Of considerable significance, our own Lion Ron Lockner was  elected as District Governor. Lion Ron has provided excellent leadership in his role as 1^st Vice District Governor, and Lions Ron and Faye have visited each of the 49 clubs in the District, which is quite an achievement. Also, Lions Ron and Faye celebrated their 45^th Wedding Anniversary. Congratulations to Lions Ron and Faye! In addition, Lion Mike Reager was elected as 1^st Vice District Governor and Lion Steve Leroux was elected as 2^nd Vice District Governor. Each of the speech contestants did an excellent job, and the only disappointment was that our speech contestant, Devon Tivona, did not win.

9Health Fair

The 9Health Fair is a major community service activity for our Club and it provides about 2,400 people with a variety of health services. The 2010 9Health Fair is fast approaching – Friday, April 23^rd, and Saturday, April 24^th. Planning is now near-complete. Volunteers are needed for set-up on Thursday and take-down on Saturday afternoon. Also, Lion Warren Mauk needs volunteers to transport supplies to Christ Center Community Church on Wednesday, April 22^nd.

Membership Meeting

Our meeting of Thursday, May 6^th, will be devoted to prospective new members. We’ll provide an overview of Lions, as well as a presentation of specific community service activities of our Club. Please plan to bring a prospective new member. In addition, Lion Carole Kitchell will provide a report on the 9Health Fair.

Mark Your Calendars:

• April 23–24, 9Health Fair
• May 6, Membership Meeting – Bring a Prospective New Member
• May 15, 90^th Anniversary Party – Drake Center, doors open at 5:30, dinner at 6:30
• May 20-22, State Convention, Holiday Inn, Lakewood
• August 14, Cabinet Meeting, Wellington (sponsored by the Fort Collins Lions Club)

Download President’s Message April 2010

Download PDF ↓

Book Donations: Local author Teresa Funke provided a very interesting and inspirational presentation to our Club last January. Ms. Funke specializes in topics related to World War II, particularly encouraging readers to relate to the level of effort and sacrifice involved, both in battle and on the home front. Over the past year, our Club has supported Ms. Funke with donations to purchase books to be given to local schools as a part of her educational outreach. So far, our Club has donated books to Putnam, Irish, and Harris Bilingual Elementary Schools. The book presentations have also provided an opportunity to acquaint the students with Lions community service activities. Thanks to Lion Bill Funke (no relation) for bringing our Club into contact with Ms. Funke.

Photo: Flash Alexander

New Member: We were pleased to induct Joe Gorman as our newest Lion on January 7th. Joe works for Wells Fargo, and he and his wife, Nancy, live in Fort Collins. Please take opportunity to introduce yourself to Joe and make him feel welcome to our Club and to Lionism.

Membership: According to LCI President Eberhard J. Wirfs, Lions membership worldwide has increased by a net of more than 12,500 members this year, to include the addition of 610 clubs. This is very good news. However, we are falling short in our efforts to increase the membership of our Club. Each member is encouraged to seek out prospective members, acquaint them with our community service activities, and invite them to a Club luncheon. Our Program Chair will distribute a listing of the programs for the following month, in order to assist you selecting a program of interest to the invitee. Also, one of the most important aspects of our Club is the atmosphere of fellowship provided, in the context of our support to the community.

On Thursday, February 18^th, our meeting will be focused on prospective new members for our Club. I encourage each of you to invite a friend, relative (spouses are particularly encouraged), or business associate to attend the meeting.

Mark Your Calendars:

• February 11, Valentine’s Day Party.
• February 18, Membership – Plan to bring a prospective new member.
• April 9-10, 6NE District Convention, Embassy Suites, Loveland.
• April 23–24, 9Health Fair.
• May 15, 90^th Anniversary Party.
• May 20-22, State Convention, Holiday Inn, Lakewood.

Bingo – Harold Hartman, Chair
Just a reminder, that Bingo is the way we raise the funds for our Service Projects which help those in need locally, and through Lions Clubs International Foundation (LCIF).  Donating to LCIF has permitted us to recognize over fifty of our members as Melvin Jones Fellows.