Fort Collins Lions Club

Entries for the ‘News’ Category

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.

AUGUST 11, 2010
ENSIGHT CENTER
6:00 PM

PRESENT:

• Ted Blevins
• Bill Brenner
• Lee Brown
• Jack Freshwaters
• Harold Hartman
• Ron Lockner
• Vic Meline
• Robin Mitchell
• Aida Rader
• Margaret Spiller
• Irene Toliver
• Tobey Yadon

The Meeting was called to order at 6:00 PM by President Aida Raider.

MINUTES:  A Motion was made by Jack Freshwaters and Seconded by Ted Blevins to accept the Minutes of July 14, 2010 as printed.  The Motion passed.

TREASURER’S REPORT:  The report was given by Tobey Yadon.  Total net income is: -1072.00 and balance in Checking is: 1173.34.  A Motion was made by Bill Brenner and Seconded by Jack Freshwaters to accept the Treasurer’s Report.  The Motion passed.  NOTE:  Tobey has been on vacation so this was an abbreviated report.

BINGO REPORT:  Harold Hartman gave the Report.  The Income for July was: 8,022.72.  There were 31 volunteers that worked 348 hours.  Harold reported he had an e-mail from the State Advisory Board concerning an item on the November Ballot.  The item would change the Bingo and Raffle from the Sec. of State to the Revenue Office.  It is recommended we vote against Referendum “P” that will be on the Ballot in November.

SIGHT REPORT:  Aida stated there were 20 pair of glasses given out.

OLD BUSINESS:

1. Cabinet Meeting:  Ron announced that if you would like to help you would be welcome.  He is planning on 30 for attendance.

1. Vic Meline asked that we present a plaque to Heather for the Nine Health Fair.  He will check on the type of plaque and get back to the board

NEW BUSINESS:

1. Andy McKean contacted Bill Brenner and Aida Raider asking for help to present the The Declaration of Independence and The Constitution of the United States booklet to the Fifth Graders in Fort Collins.  A Motion was made by Bill Brenner we give $250.00 for the program “Liberty Days”.  It was seconded by Tobey Yadon.  The Motion passed. Aida will send Andy the check.

1. It was encouraged we have a team representing the Fort Collins Lions Club to compete in the Ensight Sit In Fund Raiser.

1. The Club Format was discussed because Harold Hartman was concerned that we are not being respectful to people presenting the program when we do not give the speaker the allotted time.  After discussion, A motion was made by Ron Lockner we start the Meetings at 12:00 instead of 12:10.  It was seconded by Vic Meline.  The Motion passed.

Meeting adjourned at 6:45

Irene Toliver, Secretary

Ensight is…

A group of low-vision rehabilitation centers providing services for the blind and visually impaired in Colorado. Our focus is to provide individuals with aid, support and assistance necessary to achieve optimal health, safety, and independence.

Visual impairment affects individuals of all ages, races, gender and socio-economic status. As a result, Ensight has specific programs for the elderly, children, disabled, economically disadvantaged and rural Colorado residents. Even in a faulting economy Ensight has continued to support the self-sufficiency of individuals with low-vision. We help individuals remain independent, provide preventative care, and focus on access to low-vision services. Ensight is committed to providing services to everyone, turning no one away because of an inability to pay.

The ultimate goal of Ensight is to empower each individual, regardless of their vision-loss, to live healthy, safe, and independent lives. We can achieve this through fulfilling our mission of providing our clients with the opportunity to enhance their life skills and self-confidence in a safe environment through adaptive technology and training.

Information about the fundraiser…

Where: Moby Arena, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado
When: September 18, 2010
Time: 5:30 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.
More Info Website: http://www.sit4sight.org

Visual impairment does not discriminate. It can affect all types of individuals regardless of their age, gender, race, or socio-economic status. As a result, Ensight has specific programs designed to assist and educate the numerous types of people with visual impairment. Who are these individuals? A Grandmother who cannot see the faces of her grandchildren or read a recipe, a mom who cannot drive her children to school or check their homework, A child who should have the same opportunities as his or her sighted classmates.

The funds will be used to provide education and services to individuals living with the struggles of vision loss. The Sit 4 Sight fundraiser is a pledge based fundraiser that allows individuals to pledge seats in Moby Arena for a particular team to sit in.

Ready to get started?

FORT COLLINS LIONS CLUB BORD OF DIRECTORS MEETING

JULY 14, 2010 AT ENSIGHT CENTER AT 6:00 PM

PRESENT:  Ted Blevins, Bill Brenner, Jack Freshwaters, Harold Hartman, Bob Kitchell, Carole Kitchell, Ron Lockner, Vic Meline, Robin Mitchell, Aida Raider and Irene Toliver.

The Meeting was called to order at 6:00 PM by President Aida Raider.

MINUTES:  A Motion was made by Carole Kitchell and Seconded by Ted Blevins to accept the Minutes of May 12, 2010 and Special Minutes of May 27, 2010.  The Motion passed.

TREASURER’S REPORT:  Irene passed out the printed Treasurer’s Report that was made by Treasurer Tobey Yadon.  A Motion to accept the Treasurer’s report as printed was made by Ron Lockner and Seconded by Bob Kitchell.  The Motion passed.

BINGO REPORT:  Harold Hartman gave the Bingo Report.  There were 30 volunteers that worked 364 hours.  The Profit for June was 7,109.41.  There was discussion concerning the new location.  A Motion was made by Ted Blevins and Seconded by Jack Freshwaters to accept the Bingo Report.  The Motion passed.

SIGHT REPORT:  The Sight Report was given by Aida Raider.  She stated that she needs help on the third Thursday.  There were 23 pairs of glasses purchased for the amount of $1495.00.  Three people were interviewed for Cataract Surgery.  Irene gave Bob a check for $4000 in payment from the RMLEB Surgery fund for one of the patients who have concluded her surgery.

HEARING REPORT:  Bob Kitchell reported he will be doing the interviews for people who need hearing aids and working with Bill Lentz.

COMMITTEE REPORTS:

MEMBERSHIP:   A Motion was made by Ron Lockner and Seconded by Jack Freshwaters to accept Bob Myers and Mary Vandenberg as new members of our Club.

OLD BUSINESS:

CABINET MEETING:  DG Ron stated he needed a decision on information for his newsletter on the Cabinet Meeting.  It was decided to order large Sub Sandwiches, potato chips for the Cabinet Meeting and have cakes or cookies donated.  It was also decided that a free will offering will be taken to pay for the cost of the meal.  Ron will let us know how many will be attending.

SYDNEY AUSTRALIA Reports from Ron informed us that Colorado is being looked at for a Video Presentation at Int. Convention in Seattle.  Service Projects being considered are:  Sight Program, Health Fair and Ensight.  This will be in conjunction with Int. President Sid Scruggs program.

NEW BUSINESS:  Tobey Yadon had a request abut how long the Treasurer’s records should be kept?  A Motion was made by Bob Kitchell and seconded by Ted Blevins: The Financial Records be retained for seven (7) years and the rest be destroyed.  The Motion passed.

EYE GLASSES REQUEST:  Aida read a letter from an Eye Doctor at the Eye Center of Northern Colorado that a person needed special glasses even though the Lions Club had purchased a pair for her last year.  A Motion was made by Ron Lockner and Seconded by Bob Kitchell we purchase the glasses with an understanding we cannot do this each year.  The Motion passed.

–Irene Toliver, Secretary

Here is the June Mane Lioner in case you have not received it. There is a form in it to subscribe to the email version which will save the State postage.

http://www.colions.org/June%20Mane%202010.CV02.pdf

In this issue:

Mission Statement Contest
CC Dr. Ron Smith
District 6C
Leadership Institute
District 6NE
District 6SE
District 6W
The Eye Ball
2010 State Convention
Colorado Lions Camp
State Office
KidSight
Blind Services
Youth Camp/Exchange
Youth Speech Contest
Life Choices
Membership
Tom’s Trivia

This just in from Lion Ted Blevins, the next few meetings for the Fort Collins Lions Club are as follows:

June 24  Joe Skelton–The Colorado Trail

July 1    No Meeting

July 8   Committee reports

July 15  Annual Meeting

July 22  Bill Brenner–Leader Dogs

July 29  Phyllis Wagner–Center For Disease Control

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

Win $4000! This is a “must go” Bingo Jackpot.

• Date: Tuesday, April 20th, 2010
• Time: 7:00pm.

Four Thousand Dollars will be on top of the $1500 in normal prizes. Somebody could go home with $5,500.00 American Dollars!!!

If you know anyone who enjoys Bingo, you should let them know about our $4000 Jackpot.

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

Photo: Flash Alexander

The regional (or equivalent-level) speech contest was held at the Berthoud Lions Club Sunday, March 21, 2010. Devon Tivona bested a polished field of five gab gifted speech experts to take home top honors.

Devon was the winner of the Fort Collins Lions club speech contest on January 28th. We are proud to sponsor Devon and will be solidly behind him and he confidently goes forth into the next competition. Look for Devon to go the distance at the Lions District Convention on April 10th.

It is time for us to stand and cheer for the doer, the achiever, the one who recognizes the challenge and does something about it.
–Vince Lombardi