PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE David Lambertson
Hello fellow Lions!
We are nearing the end of 2012, and Christmas is coming. I believe that Lions embody the meaning of Christmas in many ways: selflessly and lovingly giving to help others all year. I am happy and hopeful and thankful!
Happy, that we have seen new members join, and that our Bingo operation is successful!
Hopeful, that these trends will continue, and that we will take on new projects with great energy!
Thankful, that we have the people and the will to complete our work, that we come together as a club when we need to, and that we are so blessed to live where and when and how we do!
Recently we voted to support Ensight with a pledge of $10,000 contingent upon the grant from LCIF for $200,000 and other clubs’ participation, as well. If Ensight receives the grant, they will buy what they need to put their show on the road, servicing the whole state and improving the lives of many, many people with low vision that otherwise would not be able to go to the store to be helped. This is fantastic, and for Fort Collins it is even better, because we will see the greatest benefit right here, locally. Thanks especially to Lion Doug Hutchinson for doing much of the liaison work between the Club Board, the Foundation, and Ensight. Thanks also to everyone who discussed it and eventually supported the idea.
Our Christmas Party was fantastic, again! Thank you personally for the Melvin Jones recognition. I am humbled. Also, congratulations to the others who won awards and recognition, including Faye, Carole, and Tobey. Thanks to Vic Meline and his help for putting the whole thing together. Thanks to all who spoke, and to those who helped whom I failed to name. The food was great, the entertainment was great, and we all had a good time.
Last year we saw several members join, and we are still hunting for new ones. Our “Just invite someone to lunch” idea seems to be working fairly well, with roadblocks to inviting removed as we find them. I believe that the Lions Club is the best place for community-minded people to volunteer, so let’s welcome them with open arms and let them decide to join, or not! The first step is inviting them to lunch!
I have also been talking with leaders in other service clubs, and hope that with joint effort we can have an even stronger voice in the community. One particular project is the road sign with our logo that we want on major roads coming into Fort Collins. I have renewed hope that we can accomplish this goal.
Social media is a way to increase membership, and broadening our scope of projects in the community can also attract new members. I have a couple of initiatives in this direction that I need help starting in the new year. I will relay these in the club meetings, and hope that we can all think a bit out of the box to help secure the club’s membership future. I have also been talking to Tobey and others in the club about a voluntary program to help some club members who need it, more to come later on all of these issues.
Lastly, for our family it is a bittersweet time, as we just lost Marina’s father to cancer in Saint Petersburg, Russia. He was 74. We are so thankful that we visited Russia last summer, and left with him feeling vigorous and in great spirits after a joyful visit and reunification of family. I will miss my father-in-law, and Marina and her mother will miss him more. The Lions have been very supportive during this difficult time, and really are a second family. It is an honor to be part of the club.
Merry Christmas and God bless all of you,
David Lambertson, President
Christmas Blessings
Here is a picture of Daniela and Lion Bill Lentz. For those of you who don’t know, our Lions Club helped to raise over $100,000 to provide Daniela with a cochlear implant over 10 years ago. She has really grown up.
May the spirit of Christmas bring you peace,
the gladness of Christmas give you hope,
and the warmth of Christmas grant you love.
Spotlight on …
Gordon Michel
Spotlight on …
Richard L. Corl (Dick)
To learn more about these Lions, see the printed edition of Lions Tales
The Colorado Youth Chorale has asked Ensight to be their performance partner for the upcoming winter show. This means that CYC will be giving Ensight a portion of the proceeds from the evening’s performance. We would like to invite you all to come on out and enjoy some holiday cheer with the Colorado Youth Chorale and the staff from Ensight.
Sunday, December 16, 7:00 PM – Reception for all to follow, Saint John’s Lutheran Church, 305 E. Elizabeth, Fort Collins
*Donations accepted at the door
We hope to see you there!
The staff at Ensight and Curtis Strong Center.
