Fort Collins Lions Club

Entries for the ‘Lions Tales’ Category

Volume 2, Number 1  Jan, 2011

Leaving behind the opportunities missed, we look forward to the opportunities before us in this New Year.   There are projects in our community which we can participate in that will give us a chance to educate the public as to what the Fort Collins Lions Club does and what we are passionate about. I will do everything within my power to keep you informed as these opportunities arise and ask that we as a club plan to participate whenever able.
The Rocky Mountain Lions Eye Bank is giving us the opportunity to help them with the Circle of Light Photo Project showing in Fort Collins during each weekend in February. I thank each FCLC member who has signed up.
However, if we each take a three hour slot, we can all participate with the least amount of hardship falling on just a few.  This is a great way to start a new year of service.
Please remember those in our club who are recovering from surgery or an illness by calling, visiting or sending them a card.   It is great to be remembered with kindness and prayer.

TREASURE EVERY MOMENT

To realize the value of ONE YEAR, ask a student who has failed his final exam.

To realize the value of ONE MONTH, ask a mother who has given birth to a premature baby.

To realize the value of ONE WEEK, ask the editor of a weekly newspaper.

To realize the value of ONE HOUR, ask the lovers who are waiting to meet.

To realize the value of ONE MINUTE, ask the person who has missed the train.

To realize the value of ONE SECOND, ask the person who has survived an accident.

To realize the value of ONE MILLI-SECOND, ask the person who won a gold medal at the Olympics.

Treasure every moment that you have. Time is a coin you can spend only once.

Use it, invest it, make it count, and treasure it more because you shared it with someone special.

= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =

“How wonderful it is that nobody
need wait a single minute
before starting to improve the world.”

–Anne Frank

ed 9Health Fair – 2011

Dates for the Fort Collins version of the 9Health Fair will be Friday, April 15 and Saturday, April 16.  As in recent years, the Fair will be held at Christ Center Community Church, 2700 South Lemay.

A multitude of free screenings including vision, bone density, dental and hearing, will be available to participants.  In addition to the low-cost blood count and blood chemistry testing usually offered, two additional blood tests will be available – AT ADDITIONAL COST.

1. The 9HealthFair will test for levels of Vitamin D in a person’s blood.  Vitamin D helps maintain normal blood levels of calcium and phosphorous.  It aids in the absorption of calcium, helping to form and maintain strong bones.
2. Hemoglobin A1C tests help diabetics monitor their average blood sugar control for the past 2-3 months and helps others screen for diabetes.

Dick

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

On behalf of all who attended our annual Christmas party, I want to extend a very special ‘thank you’ to Vic Meline and his committee for a job excellently done.

The story below is one that touched my heart and I share it with you, with the thought of a new year about to begin, when we make resolutions leaving behind the old and starting anew.

- Sand & Stone –

“Be kinder than necessary, for everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle.”

Two friends were walking through the desert.  At some point in the journey, they had an argument and one friend slapped the other one in the face.  The one who got slapped was hurt, but without saying anything, wrote in the sand;

“Today my best friend slapped me in the face.”

They kept on walking until they found an oasis, where they decided to take a bath.  The one who had been slapped got stuck in the mire and started drowning, but the friend saved him.  After he recovered from near drowning, he wrote on a stone;

“Today my best friend saved my life.”

The one who had slapped and then saved his best friend asked

“After I hurt you, you wrote in the sand and now you write on a stone; why?”

The friend replied,

“When someone hurts us we should write in the sand, where winds of forgiveness can erase it away, but when someone does something good for us, we must engrave it where no wind can ever erase it!”

Meet Our Newest Member

Lion Adam Taghavi (tag-have-e) or (tag-av-e) or (Tag)

I honor Fort Collins as my new hometown and the Fort Collins Lions Club as my new second family.  I moved from Maryland/Washington D.C area in November 2010 to help out my family and finish my education here.

I was born in the Middle East and immigrated with my family to the great United States in 1999.  I graduated from Agoura High School in Los Angeles and entered the United States Navy in September of 2001.

Following my passion for science, medicine, and service to others, I served nine successful years as Pharmacy Technician, Military Police Officer, and Aviation Crew Chief.

Striving to serve with more competence, I decided to leave the military for a few years in pursuit of a degree and plan on re-joining the military again.

I was first introduced to Lionism in October 2009 and joined the Beltsville Lions Club in Maryland.   Determined to improve, I served as Treasurer of that club, participated in most of the club fundraisers, was active with vision screenings, and became involved with Lions Vision Research Foundation at Wilmer Eye Institute of Johns Hopkins Hospital.

I look forward to meeting all the members of the Fort Collins Lions Club.  I’m very happy to be a part of your Lions family, and look forward to serving alongside of you.

“The trouble with quotes on the Internet is that You never know if they are genuine.”

–Abraham Lincoln

The simple shepherds heard the voice of an angel and found their Lamb. The wise men saw the light of a star and found their Wisdom.

–Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen (1895 – 1979)

Presidents Message
Aida Raider

“Sight preservation and service to the blind are among our oldest commitments to our home communities and to the world community. These commitments are also among our most important and our dedication must never waver. I hope that you will join me in October to write a new chapter in Lions legacy of leadership.”

Above is a quote from LCI President Scruggs. It is a reminder of our commitment to the Fort Collins community. I have been discouraged several times in the past few months for lack of help for our sight program. In speaking to one of our newest FC Lions Club members, I realize where our club has failed to properly inform exactly what each committee does. I am encouraging every committee chairman to submit in writing what is required of their committee members so that new members, when asked, are clear what they are committing to.

I have been involved with our Eye Glass program for many years. This year, as chairman, I have tried to recruit your help many times. If this helps to clear any questions about what this program requires, this is my input: 3 Lions per month to assist in interviewing the applicants, a total of 3 hours each month; one Lion to call back the applicant and give them a time to come in for an interview and submit a typed schedule to the sight chairman. This is not an easy task as it requires patience and perseverance when dealing with the public. Our team meets at the First United Methodist church the third Thursday of each month right after our regular meeting.

In addition to the monthly interviews we have eyeglass collection which requires visits to places where there is an Eye Glass collection box, making sure these are emptied at least once per month. These eyeglasses then are given to Lion Reid Jacob for processing and recycling where needed. This is only one aspect of the whole picture. We are knights of the blind and there are other Sight committees where a member may SERVE. We are always ready to help you decide where you feel your abilities are best put to use. A full list of committees is listed in the first couple of pages of our directory.

These eyeglasses then are given to Lion Reid Jacob for processing and recycling where needed. This is only one aspect of the whole picture. We are knights of the blind and there are other Sight committees where a member may SERVE. We are always ready to help you decide where you feel your abilities are best put to use. A full list of committees is listed in the first couple of pages of our directory.

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

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 – 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

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.