Fort Collins Lions Club

Following are the scheduled programs for the next few weeks. I will see you and your guests there.

–Lion Ted

Date Host Program Speaker

Sept 23    Flash Alexander        “Vi” the Fiddler                                 “Vi”

Sept 30    Neal Hopkins             Cardiac Rehab Regimen                    To be announced

Oct 7       Harold Einarsen         Wildlife Expert and Writer                  Kevin Cook

Oct 14     Dick Corl                   Larimer Co. Mental Health Info           Emily Dawson Peterson

Oct  21    Tobey Yadon             Boy Scouts 100th Year Anniversary     To be announced

Oct 28     Ted Blevins               Community Foundation No. Colo.         Ray Caraway

BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING

Date: September 8, 2010
Location: Ensight Skills Center
Time: 6:00 PM

PRESENT:
Flash Alexander, Ted Blevins, Harold Hartman, Carole Kitchell, Bob Kitchell, Vic Meline, Aida Raider, Irene Toliver and Tobey Yadon.

MINUTES:
The Minutes of August 11, 2010 were approved as printed.  A Motion was made by Tobey Yadon and Seconded by Ted Blevins.  The Motion passed.

TREASURER’S REPORT:
Tobey Yadon gave the Treasurer’s Report.  Total Income for July-Aug was $6, 344.29.  Total Expenses were 4,805.03 with a Net income of $1,539.26.  A balance in the checking account is: $3,791.60.  A Motion was made by Bob Kitchell and seconded by Vic Meline to accept the Treasurer’s Report.  The Motion passed.

BINGO REPORT:
Harold Hartman gave the Bingo Report.  There were 30 volunteers that worked 352 hours.  The profit for August was $4,923.90.

SIGHT REPORT:
The Sight Report was given by Aida Raider.  We gave out 26 pair of glasses.  Aida spoke of an incident that happened with a client and a doctor regarding being fitted with glasses.  As a result, the Doctor will no longer be with our program.  The Doctor sent a letter of regret that he could no longer partner with our program.  Aida did call on him personally and also sent cards to each of the other doctors that we partner with and thanked them for their services.

Carole Kitchell reported that working with North Fort Collins Business Association. They checked 208 kids and had 34 referrals at Irish Elementary School.  This was not part of the Kids Sight program but we had committed to help 30 children.

COMMITTEE REPORTS:
Membership:  Tobey made a motion we put Wayne Cook on the Affiliate list and it was seconded by Ted Blevins.  The Motion Passed.

NEW BUSINESS:
1.    Committee Descriptions were discussed and it was decided each Committee Chairman get a Job Description to Irene on what their committee does.  This will be valuable to new members.
2.    Vic Meline made a Motion we get an Anne Sullivan Plaque for Heidi Hall for her work on AutoCad at the 9-Health Fair.  It was seconded by Carole Kitchell.  The Motion passed.
3.    Tobey presented the idea that we do not eliminate the Thursday Meeting after Labor Day next year.  The Budget Committee will work with this.
4.    Tobey had suggestions for reaching new members.  One was to place extra Lions Magazines in Doctors offices with labels on them for contact.  Tobey will make the labels.
5.    Tobey suggested we find places to display Bingo Flyers that he has made up.
6.    Flash asked that we form a Web Site Committee and he would be chairman.

Meeting Adjourned at 6:59

International Hearing Dog, Inc.

“Paws for silence”

A non-profit organization, tax exempt#84-0779444

Lions, get your dog’s costume ready…and the humans can dress up, too!

Your Lions Club is invited to join International Hearing Dog on Saturday, October 30, 2010 from 11am-2pm at the Highlands Ranch Petco in the parking lot, for our first “Dog-o-Ween and Tailgate!”

International Hearing Dog (IHDI) is a Colorado based non-profit organization dedicated to training dogs to assist persons who are deaf or hard-of-hearing, with and without multiple disabilities, at no cost to the recipient. Each Hearing Dog is not only provided free of charge, but placed nationwide, including Canada. This year, we are celebrating 31 years of service and the placement of our 1,100th Hearing Dog. Each Hearing Dog is rescued from local shelters and trained to respond to sounds such as the door, phone, baby cry, alarms, etc. In return for a loving home, the Hearing Dog restores awareness, independence, and provides a sense of security to those who previously depended on family, friends or electronic devices to alert them to sounds in the home.

To celebrate 31 years of service to the hearing impaired community and to animal shelter dogs, our highlight of the year is IHDI’s “Dog-o-Ween and Tailgate!” To make this event as special as it should, I am asking for your Lions Club’s help today. Would you consider becoming a sponsor to make this event successful? IHDI is currently seeking Lions Sponsors. You may be a Food, Beverage, Dessert, or Prize Sponsor for as little as $100!

By being a sponsor, you will help cover costs to host the event. By doing so, we can ensure all donations will be directly put to use for adopting more dogs, caring for, training, and placing more Hearing Dogs for free, nationwide, with deaf and hard of hearing persons in need.

It is important to us that our sponsors are recognized for support and because of that, there will be many media and social outlets that we will access to highlight your contribution or club’s gift. Please see the attachment to for Sponsorship Opportunities. Whether you decide a sponsorship is right for your club, please save the date for IHDI’s pet and family-friendly, “Dog-o-Ween and Tailgate!” We hope to see all the Lions there! Compete in the dog costume contest or decorate the back of your vehicle in your favorite Halloween theme and hand out pet and human friendly trick-or-treats. Celebrity judges will pick the winners, and the top three dog costumes and best decorated tailgate will be named and awarded. Pictures of the winners will be highlighted on our Web site, Facebook, and quarterly “Paws for Silence” Newsletter. The event is free to the public although donations are greatly appreciated. To compete in the Dog-o-Ween costume or tailgate contest is $15 each or $25 for both. Please email or call Lisa at or 303.287.3277 to sign up!

IHDI is completely funded by donations from individuals, foundation grants, and Lions Clubs like yours! Even though IHDI has trained and placed more than 1,100 Hearing Dogs since 1979, including more than 250 in Colorado, the demand for these special helpers continues to increase. Every year IHDI receives hundreds of requests for applications from people from all walks of life. It costs approximately $7,000 to care for, train, and place one Hearing Dog, which requires the help of all our supporters and many new ones. We ask you for your sponsorship in bringing these special animals together with people who will give them a loving home in return for awareness and independence.

For more information about IHDI, visit our Web site at www.pawsforsilence.org, email for literature, or become a “FAN” of IHDI on Facebook. Commitment and dedication in International Hearing Dog is an investment in the lives of others. Your clubs support and assistance will allow us to continue to improve the lives of those individuals living in a silent world and their canine pair of “ears.” Thank you for your support, IHDI looks forward to your sponsorship, and seeing you at this spook-tacular event!

Sincerely,

Valerie Foss-Brugger

Executive Director & President

Following is information for the upcoming fundraiser for the Ensight Skills Center.  If you have known me long you may know I was diagnosed with glaucoma about 25 years ago and have been a supporter of this wonderful (small and rather unknown) not for profit for several years now.  Many of you have supported me and Ensight at the breakfasts held the last few years.

This year we have something new, “Sit 4 Sight” will be held at Moby Arena on Saturday, September 18, 2010, 5:00 – 11:00 PM.

Please check out the website www.sit4sight.org .  Any support would be appreciated!  I do have a team set up and would love to have anyone join us.

There are opportunities for sponsors if any of you or your businesses are interested in supporting this wonderful organization.  The website has a “PayPal” option or you can send any donation directly to me (I would be glad to meet for coffee or drop by and pick up any donations!)

Thanks!

Margaret Spiller

2908 Spacious Skies Drive
Fort Collins CO 80528

970.218.3395

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.

Date: 8/19

Jim Condon and friends

Nuff said-Annual Outing

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?

When: August 11, 2010
Where: Ensight Skills Center
Time: 6:00 PM

Agenda

MINUTES: Minutes of the July 14, 2010 Meeting

TREASURER’S REPORT:

BINGO REPORT:

SIGHT REPORT:

COMMITTEE REPORTS:

OLD BUSINESS:

1. Cabinet Meeting needs

NEW BUSINESS:

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