Fort Collins Lions Club

We have updated the “Eyeglasses and Hearing Aids, Drop Off Sites” page on our website, http://fortcollinslions.org/services/eye-glasses-drop-off-sites/

You can now sort by zip code to find sites in your area and you can search by name or street.

 Volume 2, Number 3                                          March, 2011

 PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE                                 Aida Raider

     Every so often a real life story goes unnoticed.  The following is the true story of one woman who truly cares.

     I received this from my former missionary roommate who now lives in Singapore.   I am happy to share it with you.

 A Garbage Collector with a Heart of Gold!

     Sixty-four year-old sanitary worker and garbage collector Li Yukun has long passed her retirement age of 50 in China but she begged the Wendeng environmental protection department to let her keep her job because she has more than 10 students to support. Since 1998, Li has helped 15 students from poor families…

     Kang Yujing, a senior at Qufu Normal University in East China’s Shandong Province, is one of the 15 students helped by Li. She had been receiving 1,000 yuan yearly over the past four years from the kindhearted grandmother.  But she never imagined her “Rich Uncle Li” would turn out to be a sanitary worker and garbage collector, or even a 64- year-old woman, before meeting her in April.  After finding out the identity of her “angel”, the year four undergraduate of Qufu Normal University decided to visit her.  When she saw Li sweeping the Wendeng Street, Kang ran towards her and held her tightly.   At their meeting on April 19, 2010, Kang burst into tears in Li Yukun’s arms after learning it is this 64-year old grandmother who has been giving her 1,000 yuan each year.   She had never imagined that the money given to her was from such a humble old woman doing such hard work.  “I had always thought that the philanthropist was a rich man called ‘Uncle Li’.”

Before their meeting on April 19, in her thank-you letters Kang addressed her as “Uncle Li”.  Li, whose colleagues call her “Iron Feet Li”, has always spent all her money helping the poor and the underprivileged. She leads a very simple life and lives in a crude home with an old donated TV set as the only appliance.  Wendeng’s construction bureau has given Li 50,000 yuan for living expenses, but she has donated all of the money, against the advice of her colleagues.   She also decided, after discussing it with her two married daughters, to donate her organs after her death.

     Li has also donated 100,000 yuan to victims of the 2008 Wenchuan earthquake and to other charitable causes.  Li may be just a poor garbage collector but she has a heart of gold!

      It is people like her that make our world a much better place.

 * * * *  * * *  * * * *

God, it seems that there is so much to be done and so little time to do it.  Let me step back and decide what I really need to do.    Amen

 * * * *  * * *  * * * *

 BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND FOUNDATION TRUSTEES MEETING

 A  Meeting of the Fort Collins Board of Directors and the Foundation Trustees was held on March 17, 2011 after the Regular Club Meeting at Café Columbine.

 PURPOSE:  The purpose of the meeting was to allocate funds to the Japan Disaster.

 A Motion was made by Carole Kitchell to donate $5000 to the Japan Disaster with $2000 ear marked for Japan and $3000 going to the General Fund.  It was seconded by Aida Raider.  The Motion passed.

 Irene Toliver, Secretary

April Programs

4/7  -  Fred Kaehler       Mary Beth Solano- “The Many Ways To Learn English in the Poudre School District”

4/14 – Ted Blevins         John Hafnor, Author “Strange But True, Colorado”
 
4/21 – Bob Kitchell         TBA—Either a CSU fish biologist or a forest service Specialist

4/28 - Lois Atwood        Tanya Thyfault-”First Person Report on the Kidney Transplant Program

                                    *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *

Volume 2, Number 2                                      February, 2011

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE                                 Aida Raider

    Every once in a while something I read impacts my life enough, to not only put it into practice, but share it proudly.  Following is a gem from one of my favorite writers.

 ATTITUDE

By Charles Swindoll

    The longer I live, the more I realize the impact of attitude on life.  Attitude, to me, is more important than facts.  It is more important than the past, than education, than money, than circumstances, than failures, than successes, than what other people think of me or say or do.  It is more important than appearance, giftedness, or skill.  It will make or break a company…a church…a home.

    The remarkable thing is we have a choice every day regarding the attitude we will embrace for that day.  We cannot change our past…we cannot change the fact that people will act in a certain way.  We cannot change the inevitable.  The only thing we can do is play on the one string we have, and that is our attitude…I am convinced that life is 10% what happens to me and 90% how I react to it.

    And so it is with you…we are in charge of our attitudes.

 **********************************

   Thanks to Doug Max and his committee members for a most enjoyable Valentine’s Day celebration.

 **********************************

DISTRICT CONVENTION

    The Lions of District 6NE will be gathering in Estes Park on May 13 – 14, 2011, for the annual District Convention. The festivities will begin Friday at 3:30 PM with Lion District Governor Ron Lockner’s last cabinet meeting. Dinner will follow. The theme of the evening is “Working on the Railroad.” All who attend are encouraged to dress appropriate to the theme.

     On Saturday, May 14^th, the day’s events will begin at 8:30 AM. The full agenda for the day will be published in the March District Newsletter. Time has been planned in the afternoon’s schedule to allow you to shop or visit the sights of Estes Park. A reception for Guest Speaker International Director Richard Sawyer and his wife, Fay, is planned beginning at 5:30 PM. Our own Funke Trio will provide the music for this event. The District Banquet follows at 6:30 PM.  Dress for the banquet is Formal/semi-formal.

     Lions Tobey Yadon, Irene Toliver and DG Ron Lockner have the Registration forms. As in past years the Fort Collins Lions plan to supplement its member’s convention cost by paying $40. Please submit your completed registration forms to Lion Tobey Yadon who will forward them to the convention chairman and bill you in the next billing cycle.

     Register now and plan to come to Estes Park and celebrate Lion Ron Lockner’s year as our District Governor.

***************************************

      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.

 ***************************************

 EDITOR’S NOTE

    Currently we’re thinking of including photos of such things as new members, presentation of awards, projects such as pancake breakfasts, etc. in future Lions Tales.  I’d very much appreciate hearing your ideas regarding other “copy” for “your” newsletter! 

    If you have anything you’d like to see in the Lions Tales, please contact me.

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

Leaving behind the opportunities missed, we look forward to the opportunities before us this new year. There are projects we can participate in our community which 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.

FORT COLLINS BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING

1-13-11 After the Regular Meeting

PRESENT:

[one_half]Ted Blevins
Bob Kitchell
David Lambertson
Ron Lockner[/one_half]

Vic Meline
Robin Mitchell
Irene Toliver

TREASURER’S REPORT, BINGO REPORT AND ACTIVITY SHEET, MMR REPORT

Information was handed out to those members present.

MEMBERSHIP

1. Bill Brenner and Wayne Crownhart have requested MAL Status from 1-11 until 3-31-11. Irene made the motion to grant their request. Ted Blevins seconded the Motion and the Motion passed.
2. Paul Gillett requested to be dropped from membership. His request was granted.

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)

FORT COLLINS LIONS CLUB BOARD OFDIRECTORS MEETING

PRESENT: Flash Alexander, Ted Blevins, Jack Freshwaters, Harold Hartman, Bob Kitchell, Bill Lentz, Ron Lockner, Vic Meline, Robin Mitchell, Margaret Spiller, Irene Toliver, and Tobey Yadon.

The Meeting was called to order at 6:00 PM by Vice President Ted Blevins.

MINUTES: The Minutes of November 10, 2010 were approved with correction.  A Motion was made by Ron Lockner and seconded by Jack Freshwaters to accept the Minutes.  The Motion passed.

TREASURER’S REPORT: Tobey Yadon gave the Treasurers Report dated November, 2010.  YTD Income is: $13,108.42, YTD Expenses are: $8,334.01 and Net Income is: $4,774.41.  Balance in Checking is: $6,884.10.  A Motion was made by Robin Mitchell and Seconded by Bob Kitchell to accept the Treasurer’s Report.  The Motion passed.

BINGO REPORT: Harold Hartman gave the Bingo Report.  There were 344 hours given by 28 Volunteers.  The profit for November was: $4,635.25.The number of Players is down but we are still making money.

SIGHT REPORT: Irene stated that 20 pair of glasses was given out at a total of $1300.

MEMBERSHIP: A Motion was made by Tobey Yadon to accept the Transfer of Adam Taghavi as a member of our Club.  He is transferring from Beltsville, MD. It was seconded by Bob Kitchell.  The Motion passed.

OLD BUSINESS:

1.       Bill Lentz gave the History that led to the Cochlear Implant received by Daniella Hernandez.  He told how the funds were raised for the surgery and  how the funds have been spent for surgery and treatment afterwards.  It was brought to our attention that she will need a new processor.  After discussion, Bill stated he will check with Cochlear on a price before we go any further

2.      Vic Meline will give the Anne Sullivan plaque (that has been long in coming) to Heidi Hall on Dec. 16 or at the first Meeting in Jan.

NEW BUSINESS: Ted Blevins announced that there will be a 5K Run on May 21^st as a fund raiser for the Veterans Plaza.  He asked if our Club would have a Pancake Breakfast that day.  It was a consensus that our Club could do that.

Meeting adjourned at 6”45 PM

[box type="info"]Irene Toliver, Secretary[/box]

Champion Fiddler Vi Wickam regaled the club with all manor of fiddlin around. From the classic Orange Blossom Special, to rock, celtic and more.

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.