Hello fellow Lions,
I am writing this message about commitment the day after my 4th wedding anniversary; quite a milestone for me, and one that reminded me of our service as Lions.
Recently, we gave out the awards from LCIF for some of our members who had served for more years than I have been alive. That is commitment. Many of our members have, in recent years, taken on additional responsibilities in the club. That is commitment. Some of our members served the club, literally, until they passed away. That is commitment.
I am asking that the club take on a new commitment. Yes, another one.
We already take care of children (KidSight, Read Aloud), and disabled children (Lions camp), the deaf (Hearing Committee), the sight impaired (Sight Program, Eyeglass recycling), the poor with Diabetes (Diabetes Program), the poor with eye problems needing surgery (Rocky Mountain Lions Eye Bank), those who are beyond medical help and losing vision (Ensight) and all manner of other needy people through donations to other charities and pancake breakfasts and individual effort in building ramps and just saying yes when others might say no. Oh, and let’s not forget out relief efforts during the High Park Fire, and hurricanes, earthquakes and tsunamis. Whew…that’s a mouthful. That doesn’t even count what we do for each other!
We also cover for each other in our club responsibilities, support each other through hard times, donate money, make phone calls, do paperwork, show up, take care of our Foundation, and generally help each other as we help seemingly everyone else! That’s a lot!
Those who read this, who don’t know us, might think that we are overwhelmed. Hopefully, what they read is that what we do is so important and fulfilling that we are willing to keep doing it. Willing to commit to keep doing it for our whole lives. Voluntarily, even if the press doesn’t recognize it. Just because it is good, and because being around others so inclined, satisfies us on a deep level, and because, very simply, our community needs us.
If you are a member, this is all what you have heard before and what you do. Nothing new here. If you were reading this for the first time though…..wouldn’t you be curious? Wouldn’t you want to know more? Might you want to meet the people who do this? Might you want to be a part of it?
I was invited to our club only a few short years ago by Alan Beatty, who told me that it was a great group of people that I should meet. I believed him, and am so grateful for that invitation. I did meet the group, and they were (and still are) great people that I admire and respect. I also saw an interesting speaker and ate lunch, both good.
Back to the commitment.
I am asking each one of you to invite two people to our club before April 15. When you do, tell them that they will see an interesting program and have lunch on the club. Tell them that they will enjoy meeting your friends there, and even drop the big names, the famous and somewhat famous members that we have.
When they ask about the club, refer to the long-winded paragraph above about all of the good we do, or just say, “Come see for yourself, and have lunch, it will be fun!” After they agree to come “sometime,” call them the next Wednesday to remind them. If they need a ride, call me, or anyone else in the club who drives.
The people we know in the community, our churches, our neighborhoods, and at other clubs and groups…these are the people to invite. They will enjoy themselves, and some may come back. Some will think it over. Some will decide to help out. Some will commit.
Let’s give them the opportunity.
–David Lambertson, President
Youth Exchange Program
Consider hosting an international student this summer. Carole Kitchell, District chair for this program, has a list of available students who are anxious to spend a few weeks in Colorado. Students arrive between July 27- 30 and spend a few weeks with you and your family before they go to camp August 11-17. They will be with you a few more days after their camp experience and return home between August 18 – 21. 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
BIG THANKS
to Carrie Graves for organizing our entry in the St. Patrick’s Parade on March 16. Lions Wayne Crownhart, Vic Meline, Tobey Yadon, Alan Beatty, David Lambertson, and Carrie Graves, along with Carrie’s son, Mitch Graves, and his friend, Patrick, walked the route, juggling, giving out candy and cards promoting Lions Club. Thanks also to all the Lions who donated candy for the cause! Way to go!
New Members
Please add these members to your directory. Check your email or contact Lions Irene Toliver for phone numbers, addresses and emails.
The 9 Health Fair will be Friday and Saturday, April 26 and 27 from 7AM until 12:00. Put it on your calendar to volunteer! Contact Lion Carole (484-9012) for more information.
The Project Smile luncheon will be held Friday, 4/19, 11:30-1:00 at the Prospect St. Hilton. The luncheon is free but it IS a fund raiser. (Donations) If you can attend, please let Lion Carole (484-9012) know so she can make reservations.