President’s Message
Fellow Lions,
As I near the end of my time as your president, I must admit, I am humbled by your support and dedication to our club. Our membership has faced many challenges this past year from a declining roster to moving venues and everything that came with that move. I want to thank everyone who helped to make that transition as smooth as possible. A big thank you to Lions Tobey and Sue for all your work, even while you were supposed to be relaxing on vacation! Lion Denise, this club is in excellent hands with your coming leadership. My presidency was only made possible because of the outstanding leadership that so many of you display. For that, I am grateful.
I want to take a minute to discuss membership. It is a painful thing. Every club ever created seems to be dealing with membership woes. What will work to recruit? Who should we recruit? How shall we get the word out? When is the right time to approach new members? Where can we find them? These questions have many answers. I want you all to remember that by simply sharing your passion for service and Lions, people will listen. The right time is now, the right place is where ever we are. The right person is whoever you are talking to. My years as a development director have taught me that the worst someone can say is NO! Share your stories with friends and family. Share a service project with someone at a work meeting. Tell your children and grandchildren how many people have benefitted from our clubs philanthropy and community projects. Don’t give up Lions. We are a part of the largest service organization in the world!! We are awesome! So let our community hear us ROAR!
It has been an honor to serve my club. Until 2020 when I can serve again as your president, I anxiously await Lion Denise and Lion Dale’s terms. I have no doubt that you will guide them to be wonderful leaders.
Sincerely,
Your Fort Collins Lions Club president,
Melody Bettenhausen
Valentine Party
Lions Speech Contest “What Social Issue Presents the Greatest Challenge to Future of the USA?”
The three Poudre School District speech contest participants presented their views on the topic of this year’s speech contest topic. Our club winner, Bernard Lacey, advanced to the District 6NE Convention where he placed third. District speech contest participants in order of placing and monetary awards received:
1st–Andrew Littlefield, New Raymer Prairie Lions Club, $300
2nd–Quinton Draegert, Brush Lions Club, $250
3rd–Bernard Lacey, Fort Collins Lions Club, $200
4th–Ashwini Strestha, Gill Lions Club, $150
5th–Michelle Morgan, Longmont Columbine Lions Club, $100
6th–Sudikshya Bhatt, Longmont Himalayan Lions Club, $100
7th–Jadin Schiers, Fort Lupton Lions Club, $100
Melvin Jones Fellows Recipients
The fellowship, which was created in 1973, takes its name from the founder of Lions Clubs International (LCI), Melvin Jones. It is an honor – not an award. The fellowship was established as LCIF’s highest form of recognition to acknowledge an individual’s dedication to humanitarian service. $1000 has been donated to LCIF in each recipient’s name.
New Member
Lions attend the District 6NE Convention on Saturday, April 7, 2018
Speech Contestant Bernard Lacey, Irene Toliver, Bob Kitchell, Tom Toliver
It’s Pancake Breakfast Time!
Each year the Fort Collins Lions Club reaches out to the Fort Collins vicinity to assist many non-profit agencies and organizations in their fund raising activities with our Pancake Breakfasts. Working with Bill Funke, as a co-coordinator for the Breakfast, we have the following groups scheduled for the next coming months:
May 5 – Lopez Elementary School – Special Needs Playground Project
June 2 – O’Dea Elementary – Children’s Triathlon
August 25 – Poudre Library District – Fort Collins Comic Con
We will be looking to schedule breakfasts in July and September, will let you all know the dates.
Please sign up for helping at these events. All setups for the breakfast start at 7:00 a.m.!
The Pancake Breakfasts are a great way to say “WE SERVE.”
Thank you,
Lion Dale Edwards
