Last month, I was having some grandfather-time with our 13-year old granddaughter, Annie. We were taking a drive in the mountains, which gave us quality time for conversation.
Our conversation touched on the Lions Club, and Annie asked, “Grandpa, what do the Lions DO?” That was a great question, and as I began explaining Lions to my granddaughter, it struck me that each of us should be telling the Lions story to our friends, relatives, and even acquaintances. It is truly quite a story.
I started by telling Annie that first and foremost, Lions have fun together. I reminded her that her great-grandfather Paul was an avid Lion, that I could remember Lions picnics when I was very young – and the wonderfully humorous banter of Lions when Dad sometimes took me to meetings when I was older.
I told Annie about the amazing money we raise and give through our Bingo effort. About KidSight and how our partnership with Project Smile helps catch eye and dental problems early for kids. About us underpinning the 9 Health Fair. About the eyeglass program. About our efforts for diabetes. About giving a young woman hearing with a cochlear implant. About pancake breakfasts. About the Rocky Mountain Lions Eye Bank and the Eye Institute for their remarkable achievements. About the wonderful things Ensight does for people with low vision. About our meetings and our programs. About the fun of our Tail Twister and our raffles. And I told her about some of our rich traditions, including how we sing Happy Birthday. (She loved that!)
These superb efforts come from you, our members. “We Serve” is not an empty phrase, it is a remarkable reality—all thanks to each and every one of you. Please tell our story whenever you get the chance. It is a great one!
Doug Hutchinson
What: Annual Lions Club Picnic
When: August 15th at 6:00 PM
Where: In the covered Oval Pavilion at Fossil Creek Park, one mile south of Harmony on the west side of Lemay.
What is Provided: Nordy’s BBQ will provide Chopped brisket, pulled pork, BBQ sauces, heated chafers, buns, onions, pickles, lemonade, iced tea, and place settings.
What to bring: Picnic attendees will bring potluck side dishes such as beans, coleslaw, potato salad, and desserts.
How do I let you know I am coming? Two weeks before the picnic a sign-up sheet will be circulated at the club meeting and via e-mail to determine how many will be attending the picnic and to suggest who should bring which potluck dish. As usual, please feel free to bring what you like. Electric outlets will be available to keep hot dishes in
your crock pot hot, but cold dishes need to be in iced serving dishes.
What is the entertainment? The Bill Funke Trio has agreed to lead us in a sing-along. One game of bingo will be played.
The Students are coming!
Basia, a girl from Poland will be staying with the Kitchells and two boys, Leon from Germany, and Michele from Italy will be staying with the Yadons. The students arrive July 27 and will attend Lions Camp August 11-17. Please give them a warm Fort Collins welcome when they attend our meetings!
Spotlight on …
Jack moved to Fort Collins eleven years ago after living in Rice Lake, Michigan for 32 years. He was born in Southeastern Iowa, grew up on a farm, and attended the University of Iowa from 1955 – 1960. Jack retired from the Water Resources Division of the U.S. Geological Survey where he worked from 1961 to 1995.
Jack has one daughter, Jill Smail, and three grandchildren. The twins, a boy and girl, Mason and Owen are nine, and brother, Carson is 12.
Jack likes fishing, hunting, and long-range target shooting. He enjoys going to Arizona, New Mexico, the west coast of Florida, and the hills and mountain of Wyoming and Montana on vacations.
Working Bingo and KidSight are two of Jack’s favorite Lions Club activities. He has served on the Club and Foundation boards.
Did you know???
- Alabama was the first place to have 911 dialing, started in 1968.
- In 1976, Colorado became the only state to turn down hosting the Olympics.
- The Fig Newton is named after Newton, Massachusetts.
- The ice cream sundae was invented in Wisconsin in 1811 to get around Blue Laws prohibiting ice cream from being sold on Sundays.
- Wyoming was the first state to allow women to vote.
Directory Updates, check with Irene for specifics
Ken Burnham has new email address.
Reg Penner has new email address.
Bill Wood has a new home phone and email address.
Adam Taghavi sends his best and has moved to a new address.
Membership – Who are you trying to attract?
We have talked about increasing membership and inviting guests to our meetings. Don’t think you know anyone that might be interested? First of all, remember what it was about Lions that enticed you to join. There are other folks out there that might consider joining for those same reasons. Still stumped? Think about people you come in contact with almost daily.
Here are some ideas to get you thinking …
Your banker
Your realtor
Your barber/hair stylist
Your florist
Your veterinarian
Your insurance agent
Your dog groomer
Your adult children
Your lawn-service manager
Your librarian
Your dry cleaner
Your mechanic
Your dentist
Your doctor
Your physical therapist
Your yoga instructor
Business acquaintances
Furniture store salesperson
Friends from church
Neighbors
Feel uncomfortable about asking them?
Give their name and contact information to David Lambertson or Tobey Yadon and they will be happy to give them a call.