Posts/Blog - Fort Collins Lions Club

Lions Tales, September 2012

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE David Lambertson

Greetings Fellow Lions,

My theme for the month is gratitude. We have so much to be thankful for.

I was at a public function honoring one of my friends who started a business recently, and became successful. He gave all of the credit to his team, and to God. I know that he, himself, helped to motivate the team, but he certainly maintained his humility. I could definitely relate to the message. You as a group are the most diligent and committed volunteers that I have knowledge of, and everything good that we accomplish is directly the work of each person who chooses to spend time and energy in the hope that those less fortunate will benefit. I am grateful to be one of you.

One of the people I met there is soon to be the president of a service club in Windsor. He related his story to me. The club has 20 members, 10 of whom come to each meeting; 8 of whom do virtually all of the work in the club. The club meets at lunch, and has some difficulty recruiting new members, especially younger ones. As a result they have two fund raisers per year, raising what we do in a couple of weeks with our powerhouse fundraiser, Bingo! As I listened to him, I felt that he needed some encouragement. I invited him to our club. One thing that I told him that piqued his interest was that we had recently experienced an increase in our membership with several people deciding to join.

Why did they decide to join? The reasons vary, I am sure. Each person has a different way of connecting to the Lions.

Why did they decide to join? Well, first they found out about the club and met us, and liked us. Perhaps the program entertained them. Maybe the food was just great.

Why did they decide to join? Because they were given the opportunity, and found a reason to take it. Maybe, like me, they had a grandfather die from diabetes. Maybe, like me, they had a grandmother who was blind for the last 40 years of her life. Or maybe they just need to help children, or the poor, or the sick, as many of us do, and they decided that they could fill that need with us. What was your reason, and how many times did you come as a guest before joining? Who invited you?

I am deeply grateful to all of the members who have invited a guest to lunch. Some accepted the invitation. Some came. Some of those joined, and we know that if they join, they will help. Because of their help, and the help of all of us, we can continue to earn the money that enables us to do the good work we do in our community. Because of our efforts, all of our efforts, we have an impressive resume as an organization! KidSight – record numbers of kids served. Eyeglass program – 45 pairs in one month. Camp, Diabetes, Ensight, charitable gifts, hearing aids, our Foundation etc. We can do it because there are enough of us and we care. We all could not do it as well with even a few less of us. We need new members for the future of all that we do.

Let’s invite someone to lunch.

David Lambertson, President

Welcome New Lions

Lion Ron Lockner welcomes new members to our club. Ron, Carrie Graves and her sponsor, Aida Raider, Gail Barrera, and her sponsor, Alan Beatty.

International Student Experience by Carole Kitchell

Bob and I joined several other “host families” at DIA’s “international arrivals” gate on July 30. The students we’d agreed to host for two weeks through the Lions’ International Student Exchange were due any minute. When they finally arrived, it was hard to tell which group was more nervous and excited. We “host families” had agreed to open up our homes but these kids had flown a long way (for example, from Germany, Estonia, Italy, Mongolia and Japan) to spend this time with families they’d never met and to learn about America!

Those of us without teens at home were particularly concerned that we’d be unable to keep our student busy. We needn’t have worried; many of the host families from Windsor, Fort Collins, Red Feather Lakes and Longmont arranged “group excursions” on several occasions – including shopping, the Denver Museum of Natural History, the Larimer County Fair/Rodeo, shopping, Water World, roller skating, barbeques and shopping.

By the time they left for their week at Lions Camp (August 12-18) friendships had formed and the only anxiety was whether or not they could room together! (They could!) When we picked them up from Camp, they had only 3 days to pack and say goodbye to new friends they would have for a lifetime. Kate, our student, and her “sisters” thought there was no better venue for the last day than – shopping at Foothills Mall. As you can see from the picture it was a successful endeavor. But, it was time to say “goodbye” – email addresses and promises to keep “in touch” accompanied by many hugs and tears closed out the day and their journey.

Consider hosting a student next year. Carole Kitchell is the District chair for this program. You can obtain more information about hosting an international student from Carole at 484-9012 or online at: http://www.lionsdistrict6ne.org/doku.php?id=youth_exchange

Tour de Fat

Lions Dan Fahrlander and Alan Beatty joined the 20,000 participants of the Tour de Fat parade on August 30.

READING ACTION PROGRAM (RAP)

Our International President, Wayne Madden, is introducing this program to increase literacy around the world. A couple ideas in which our Club can participate include:

Reading to school children or adults
Collect books and donate them where needed
Tutoring

I will be getting more information, but in the meantime, be thinking of ways that you might participate. This if one service activity in which our members can participate who might not be able to help in other activities. Please let me know if you are interested in helping with this project.

Lion Irene Toliver

Another Great Way to Support KidSight Colorado!

This information is taken from the September Main Lioner.

Donating your old vehicle to the Colorado Lions KidSight Program, is convenient, easy, and may qualify you for a tax deduction. Colorado KidSight has teamed up with Vehicles for Charity (VFC) who will accept your vehicles – whether they are running or not. Vehicles for Charity will pick up your vehicle anywhere in Colorado. The proceeds from the sale of your vehicle go to KidSight Colorado. You can get more information about the program by going to the KidSight Colorado website (www.kidsightcolorado.org) clicking on the Donate page and then clicking on Cars for Cars for Charity. Complete the simple online donation form or call 1-866-628-2277 and VFC will take care of the rest. They will pick up your vehicle, arrange to have your donation towed, and provide you with a tax-deductible receipt, all at no charge to you. Please feel free to call Lion Holly Rutherford-Allen, Executive Director Colorado Lions

KidSight Program at 720-325-7078 if you have questions.

Lions Tales, August 2012

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE David Lambertson

Hello Fellow Lions!

I just returned from Russia and Sweden, and am filled with gratitude that I live here in Fort Collins! We have such caring people in our club and our community.

I noticed in Russia that there were far fewer charities of any kind. There, the government has traditionally taken care of people, but that is changing, and there are few organizations to fill the gap. The poor often go to the forest and pick mushrooms that they then try to sell in the city to get a little extra cash. Begging is not a part of the culture, and neither is charity, according to my in-laws. A program like ours, where free glasses would be given away, would have hundreds or thousands of callers each month after people knew that it was real.

In Russia, a normal family of three people live in a small apartment with two very small bedrooms, one small living room, one tiny bathroom, and a very small kitchen, somewhere around 450 square feet. Maybe a third, or less, of the families have a car. They eat out very seldom-perhaps once a month or less, not even McDonalds. Therefore, a little money goes a long way, and fewer people have debt. Here in Fort Collins we could learn a bit about living within our means to avoid pressure, foreclosures, debt, and misery. The people I met were not miserable living within their means, nor poor, and assumed that they would live in a small apartment while spending only what they earned. It really made me think about what we value here and what we take for granted.

That said, we are truly rich here, even the so called middle class. Even many unemployed people and people who live on government subsidies have a single family dwelling, at least one car, and lots of stuff such as cell phones, home electronics, plenty of furniture, bicycles, clothes etc. I am not saying all is equal, but I do believe that most of us could give away or sell 2/3 of our things and still live comfortably. That is one reason we feel the need to give back, and that need to give back should motivate us as Lions. Let’s share the opportunity with our friends and neighbors. Many of them want the volunteer opportunity that we have, but they don’t know it yet. Many of them want that meaning in their lives too. Many of them would love a group like ours if given the chance. Let’s invite them to lunch.

Camp Sweet Pea – Lion Wayne Crownhart

Lion Wayne Crownhart works with Camp Sweet Pea

Camp Sweet Pea for young people with Type I diabetes was held August 3-4 at Mountain Gymnastics. Our committee had approved and made a $500 contribution so the camp could purchase large, permanent storage boxes and games to be used at the camp. On Friday morning, before campers arrived, I placed Lions emblems on 4 of the containers (not knowing how many they were going to purchase—we didn’t have enough decals for all). On Saturday, Jan and I went back to get a picture when the kids were all there. Attached is a shot we took with Karen Brueggen, our staff contact at PVHS and one of the directors at the camp.

I have since had Irene order additional decals and will be putting them on the balance of the storage boxes as soon as I can meet with the person storing them.

This is a very good project for us to support. The camp has been held each summer for many years and continues to grow each year. Many of the kids who attended when they were very young are now teen assistants at the camp, and many adult volunteers help with the many games and projects during the two-day event.

Lions Club Picnic 2012

Thanks again to the Picnic Committee for their hard work to make the picnic a success. Lots of good food and fellowship!

Let’s support our neighboring Lions Clubs this upcoming Labor Day weekend.

Sept 2, 2012 Pancake Breakfast – Windsor Lions; Windsor Middle School; 7:00-11:00AM

Sept 2, 2012 Pancake Breakfast – Red Feather Lakes Lions; POA; 7:30 – 10:30AM

Sept 2, 2012 Bingo in the Park – Windsor Lions; Windsor Main Park; 1:00 – 6:00PM

Sept 3, 2012 Miller Farm Pancake and Sausage Breakfast – Five Lions Clubs, Ensight and Hearing Dogs School participating; 8:00 – 11:00AM; Contact Curtis Mork (303-775-5673)

Sept 3, 2012 Bingo in the Park – Windsor Lions – Windsor Main Park; 12:00 – 5:00PM

Lonesome Traveler Band: Chad Fisher, Jodi Boyce, Rick Scott, Evan Neal and Dustin Scott

Lee Brown introduces the incredible bluegrass band, Lonesome Traveler: Chad Fisher, Jodi Boyce, Rick Scott, Evan Neal and Dustin Scott.

Lions Tales, July 2012

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE David Lambertson

Hello fellow Lions!

As my wife and I prepare to leave our home and to travel to Russia, we increasingly think about our freedoms here and what can happen when a few motivated people take action. Our country truly is the greatest the world has seen, and due in no small part to those who served and continue to serve in our military. In addition to that, however, every American who works and strives to accomplish something can and does make a difference.

I believe that we are all created equal, but that some do more than others with the opportunities afforded them by living and working here. Some people decide that it is their job to take on the tough stuff. I have never personally met a more motivated, willing group of people than you, the Fort Collins Lions. Without recompense, we tackle the difficult jobs that all of our committees are focused upon. We volunteer every week so that others can be served. It is inspiring to be a part of our mission.

In addition to our regular business, (which is extensive!) we also rise to meet the challenges of the day. I recall Lion Tonya needing rides, and getting them. We helped victims of the fire with more than $23,000 and tireless effort from Lion Ron Lockner and others. We overcame the challenge of having our main source of funding dramatically change with the bingo hall in Fort Collins shutting down. We very recently lost our meeting location for lunch, and as I write this, there are not one, but several solutions in the works, and we have not missed a beat, not missed a meeting. I appreciate especially Lion Tobey Yadon’s tireless efforts in that direction. There are other examples too numerous to mention.

My point to all of this is that when we put our minds to something, big challenges become manageable, and then small, and then a memory. We overcome. First we decide to do it. Then we do it. Then we look back on it and say, “It looked like a big deal, and it was, but we did it!”

We have another crisis right now. Membership. I have spoken before about it, and will again. It is our responsibility to Fort Collins of 20 years from now. We need to invite people to lunch. We have already taken steps to make it no longer a burden financially. We have changed our language in the meetings to make it comfortable for the guests to come and not feel pressured. We remind every week, so that no Lion will forget to invite. I even got in a little trouble by suggesting that our speakers and programs intentionally appeal to our guests more than our membership. Speaking of the programs, I am encouraging some more timely and perhaps controversial programs as well, that our guests would want to see! Why? So that it will be easier for all of us to invite people and to get a “YES” response from the people we invite!

As I write this, I know that some will invite and some will not. What I fail to understand is the why of it. Please invite someone to share Lions with you, and let them decide for themselves if they like it or not. It is a special gift. Don’t be selfish. When we give this gift we get more of it, with more members. If you know someone and for whatever reason you don’t want to invite them please let me know their name and contact information, and I’ll invite them in a most cordial way. My phone number is 970-691-1984.

You make me proud to be a Lion. Let’s work to make a few more people proud to be new Lions as well.

Your President, David Lambertson

KidSight

If you are not part of the KidSight but would consider joining it, please contact Carole Kitchell. Also, take the time to look at the projectsmilefc.org to learn about our collaboration with the North Fort Collins Business Association. Click on the photo on the left side of the screen that has the “KidSight” logo prominently displayed.

A check for $2500 was presented to John Newman of the Health District for Northern Larimer County, for their Prescription Assistance Program. These funds are used to assist those in need with diabetic medications and supplies. Presenting the check are Lion Mary Lou Blevins of the Diabetes Committee and Club President David Lambertson.

The High Park Wildfire

On Monday, June 11, in a phone conversation with District Governor Mike Reager regarding the seriousness of the High Park Fire, we decided that he would contact LCIF and request an emergency grant that would be used to help those who were victims of the fire. Tuesday, June 12, we were notified that District 6NE had been granted $10,000 by LCIF. That same day I requested a grant from the Colorado Lions Foundation and was given $5,000 to use for fire relief.

Later that week our Foundation committed up to $5,000 for the relief efforts. To date we have received more than $22,000 in grants and gifts from the Lions of our district and state.

Our efforts to reach the fire victims has resulted in a partnership with the Red Cross. Red Cross councilors identify those in need and we, the Lions of District 6NE provide help. We have provided funds for food, clothing, medicine, and gas. Recently, we purchase several thousand dollars in grocery items that we are giving those who have been evacuated to restock their food shelves. Most of the evacuees were away and their homes without power for fourteen or more days. Everyone lost all food that required refrigeration.

Everyone involved in the relief effort of the High Park Fire has put in long and exhausting hours. However, when you see the grateful expressions on the faces of those we help, it’s worth the effort.

As Chairperson of this effort I want to recognize PDG Barb Feit who is our treasurer and PDG David Mendenhall who is my Co-chairperson.

From the fire victims comes a special thanks to the Lions of District 6NE for your generosity and loving care.

PCC Ron Lockner

Lions show up in the most unusual places.

Do you know where this is??

Lions Tales, June 2012

Volume 3, Issue 5 June, 2012

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE David Lambertson

I am honored and humbled by the trust placed in me by the Fort Collins Lions Club. We have a rich history and a club full of people who have given more than I have for many years longer than I have been a member! The full impact of the responsibility became clear when I realized that our club was indeed shrinking year by year, mostly due to age, not due to willingness. I have never met a more dedicated group of people who have accomplished so much for a community.

My fear is that as I age, my club will slowly disappear and the legacy of Lions in Fort Collins will become a written history with no current chapters.

My friends, I just don’t want that to happen, and neither do the poor sight-challenged, the diabetic, the challenged youth, the underprivileged children, and all of the others we serve in Fort Collins.

We can prevent this by allowing (that’s right, Allowing) others to decide whether or not they want to help us! We can allow this by inviting them to lunch.

Let’s change our culture a bit. Not drastically, just a bit.

I was invited to lunch by Alan Beatty a few years ago. Before then I had no idea what Lions were all about. I met some great people (you!), but did not join.

I was invited again by Alan Beatty. I learned more about Lions and discovered the connection that I had…why it should matter to me. My Grandmother was blind as I grew up: a victim of diabetes. I helped her constantly and even took a week-long vacation to New York City with her. I was her “human cane” as we walked the streets of Manhattan. I still did not join.

The third time I was invited to lunch the time was right and I joined! I have contributed now to the club. Of course, I had to join first, and before that I was invited to lunch.

It is really simple, and at the same time, difficult to change. We need to invite our friends, neighbors, and children to lunch. Not to a commitment, but to lunch.

They will not know us as a club if we don’t invite them. If they don’t know what we do, they will not find their connection to us. Without that connection, they will not join. Without them joining, our club will disappear within my lifetime.

Without our club, who will pick up the slack and get glasses to about 400 people each year who desperately need them but cannot afford them? Add to that the hearing services we provide and all of the other good work. Yes, even the pancakes.

Please join me, and invite your friends to lunch. It doesn’t cost you a cent, it is fun, and they always like it. Then they can vote. Then they can decide to join if they want to. Some will, and some will not.

Some will.

Induction of new officers and new members.

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Ted Blevins, 2011-2012 president presents incoming president, Dave Lambertson with the president’s pin[/one-half][one-half last=yes]

Sponsored by Tobey Yadon, two new members, Verna Garcia and Sue Yadon, joined our club.

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We must remember that one determined person can make a significant difference, and that a small group of determined people can change the course of history.

~ Sonia Johnson

[/box] [box color=”blue” icon=”accept”]REMEMBER – Invite a friend to lunch. It can make a difference![/box]

To Advertise or Not?

by Ted Blevins

The four Fort Collins Rotary Clubs ran two full page ads in the Coloradoan on April 25 and 26. I read with interest about all the accomplishments and community service by the 200 plus members of the four clubs. The ad on the second day listed 10 reasons to join Rotary.

After reading these ads, I felt very proud of being a member of the Fort Collins Lions Club, the best kept secret service club in town. Our less than 70 member club does more for this community per capita than any other club I am aware of.

We just finished being the primary sponsor of the 9 Health Fair, which served over 1700 people this year.

We annually take pictures of up to 1200 pre-school and elementary school kids’ eyes to catch early eye disease, with a referral rate near 10 percent.

We subsidize the Ensight office in Fort Collins that provides help that is not available elsewhere to hundreds of adults with failing vision to the tune of $1000/month.

We provide 30-40 pairs of glasses to the needy every month in Fort Collins thru our Sight Committee.

We build ramps and install safety bars for those who need them for the cost of materials only.

And, we are the only service club in Colorado to donate to the Veteran’s Plaza to recognize past, present, and future veterans of our military.

Then there is the Lions Camp, the Lions Eye Bank, the Youth Speech Contests, and the hearing and diabetes committees’ efforts to serve the public.

I know I am preaching to the choir here, but maybe it is time to spread the word beyond our club. Thanks to our Bingo efforts, we can afford to do all of the above, and more. What do you think about advertising in the media?

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CLUB OFFICERS and Committees 2012 – 2013

[one-third last=no]President:

1st VP:

2nd VP:

Secretary:

Ass’t Secretary:

Treasurer:

Ass’t Treasurer:

Tail Twister:

Assistant:

Lion Tamer:

Assistants:

One Year Director:

Two Year Director:

Membership Chair:

Chaplain:

Rafflers:

Lions Tales Editor:

Immediate Past Pres.:

International Pres.:

District Governor:

1st Vice Governor:

2nd Vice Governor:

Zone D Chairman:

Bingo:

Christmas Party:

Valentines Party:

[/one-third] [two-thirds last=yes]David Lambertson

Doug Hutchinson

Doug Max

Irene Toliver

Vic Meline

Tobey Yadon

Ron Lockner

Wayne Crownhart

Dan Fahrlander

Rusty Holsten (Fletcher)

Luke Burhenn, Faye Lockner

Faye Lockner

Doug Max

Robin Mitchell

Luke Burhenn

Alex Chapman

Joe Hamilton

Ted Blevins

Aida Raider

Bill Brenner, Bill Lentz

Sue Yadon

Ted Blevins

Wayne Madden

Steve Leroux

Ken Moore

Robert “Bob” Kitchell

Eunice Michalka

Harold Hartman

Vic Meline

Doug Max
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Lions Tale, May 2012

Volume 3, Issue 5 May, 2012

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE Ted Blevins

Drought or naught. They say April showers bring May flowers, but after the driest March in recorded history, who can say what the effect on May flowers is. Are we headed for another long term draught? We are already an inch and ½ behind normal in moisture. Time will tell.

I do know without doubt where there is a drought. It is in new membership. With all the baby boomers retiring, there should be plenty of people looking for opportunities to be in service clubs. Do we have any contacts with the Newcomers Club in Fort Collins? If so, why aren’t we asking them to come to Lions? Our membership is now below 70 for the first time in years.

Ask Alan Beatty or David Lambertson or Tobey Yadon how they get guests to come so frequently. I have found that asking someone if they have ever been in a service club or would they be interested in a service club can open the door. If there is interest, I’ll tell them I’ll pick them up for next Thursday’s meeting.

The only way we can break this draught on new membership is to get guests to meetings. Yes, I am preaching to the choir because the only choir I have is you, and you, and you, and you. Make it your personal responsibility to bring a guest to our next meeting. Please!

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Harold Einarsen

President of Fort Collins Lions Club

1990-1991

Sixty Years a Lion

I was married to Shirley Einarsen (now deceased) for 48 and 1/2 years. I have four children, 10 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren.

I first became a Lion in 1952 when we lived in Delta, Colorado. Two weeks after joining I was elected to the position of Tail Twister. This turned out great because I got to know the members faster and soon knew every member of the club.

When I became President of the Fort Collins Lions Club there were 100 members. I stressed membership at every Club meeting and when I left office one year later we had a membership of 117.

A fun time was had when we were meeting at Gillette’s Café in the Northern Hotel. The food was not good and the people in the restaurant made no effort to improve it, so one day we all brought our lunch in a brown paper bag! Gillette didn’t like it and we had to pay for the meal anyway, but he got the message.

I’ve made many visitations to other Lion clubs with Tom and Irene Toliver and Ed Marvel. What a great way to meet other Lions and get acquainted. I highly recommend it!

One notable person the Fort Collins Lions Club entertained and he was our speaker that day was baseball great Don Newcombe. He was very enjoyable.

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Two Horses

Author Unknown

Just up the road from my home is a field, with two horses in it.
From a distance, each horse looks like any other horse.
But if you stop your car, or are walking by, you will notice

something quite amazing….

Looking into the eyes of one horse will disclose that he is blind.
His owner has chosen not to have him put down,
but has made a good home for him.

This alone is amazing. If you stand nearby and listen, you will hear
the sound of a bell. Looking around for the source of the sound,
you will see that it comes from the smaller horse in the field.

Attached to the horse’s halter is a small bell. It lets the blind
friend know where the other horse is, so he can follow.

As you stand and watch these two friends, you’ll see that the horse
with the bell is always checking on the blind horse, and that
the blind horse will listen for the bell and then slowly walk to
where the other horse is, trusting that he will not be led astray.

When the horse with the bell returns to the shelter of the barn each
evening, it stops occasionally and looks back, making sure that the blind friend
isn’t too far behind to hear the bell…

Like the owners of these two horses, God does not throw us away just because we are not perfect or because we have problems or challenges.

He watches over us and even brings others into our lives
to help us when we are in need…

Sometimes we are the blind horse being guided by the little ringing bell of those who God places in our lives.
Other times we are the guide horse, helping others to find their way….

Good friends are like that… You may not always see them,
But you know they are always there…

Please listen for my bell and I’ll listen for yours, and remember…

Be kinder than necessary-
Everyone you meet is fighting
Some kind of battle.

Live simply, Love generously, Care deeply, Speak kindly…

FOR WE WALK BY FAITH AND NOT BY SIGHT

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Mad Hatters

The term “mad as a hatter,” made famous by Lewis Carroll’s 1865 novel “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland”, came about because hatters usually acquired a physical disorder after working for too long with the mercury solution used in the felting process. Breathing in the mercury fumes caused damage to the lungs, but it also affected the central nervous system and brain, eventually resulting in paralysis, memory loss, dementia, and death. In the U.S. “mad hatters disease” was known as “Danbury Shakes,” since most top hats were manufactured in that Connecticut town. In 1864, at least one country – the U.K. – decided to relieve the problem by implementing the Factory Act, which mandated ventilation in all workshops.

Induction of new officers and new members.

To Advertise or Not?

*************************************************************************************************** CLUB OFFICERS and Committees 2012 – 2013

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CLUB OFFICERS and Committees 2012 – 2013