President’s Message
The Fort Collins Lions Club had a very good year in 2013.
We were faithful to our motto “We Serve” in so many ways, including helping with flood relief, continuing our KidSight program (in partnership with Project Smile), leading the 9 Health Fair, conducting the eyeglass program, closing the loop on years of supporting Daniela and her cochlear implant, participating in the activities of the Rocky Mountain Lions Eye Bank and the Eye Institute, supporting Ensight’s efforts, and many more.
Further, the jewel of our fundraising efforts—Bingo—continued to produce phenomenal results.
These remarkable achievements are only possible because of the time and effort that you, our members, give so willingly and unselfishly. I am so proud of all of you and your accomplishments.
We are a remarkable Club—in my humble opinion, the finest Lions Club in Colorado. As we look towards 2014, we are doing yet another remarkable thing. We are looking at ways to make our Club even better and to sustain and grow our membership.
On November 25th, we sent to each of you (by email or regular mail) a copy of the draft “Membership Action Plan” created by an expanded Membership Committee. We have received some comments, and welcome more.
The draft plan, and your inputs, will be the basis of a special Thursday meeting on January 9th. In place of a regular program, that meeting will be dedicated to an all-member discussion to finalize a version for the Board to approve at its January 15th meeting. Please take a look at the ideas in the draft plan and bring your opinions and ideas to this important Club conversation.
As this year ends, I would like to thank you all for your service and involvement in Lions. I wish you and your families a blessed and meaningful holiday season. Merry Christmas, and Happy New Year—and may 2014 be your best year ever!
Doug Hutchinson
New Member’s Inducted
Arnold Price, Jr. and Jim Martin
HEARING—DANIELA HERNANDEZ
and the Culmination of a Long Journey
by Robert P. Kitchell
1VDG, District 6-NE
At age 19 months, Daniela Hernandez, the youngest daughter of Santiago and Elizabeth Hernandez of Loveland, developed meningitis, and as a result suffered a total hearing loss. At age 5, it was learned that hearing aids would be of no benefit. The channel in her temporal bone that houses the cochlea had completely closed in the left ear and was rapidly closing in the right ear; a cochlear implant was the only solution. Doctors at the CU Health Sciences Center made the urgency of the situation known to their colleagues and others who might be able to help with the substantial costs of the surgery.
Elizabeth, Daniela, and Santiago Hernandez and
Lions Bob Kitchell and Dr. Bill Lentz
The Fort Collins Lions Foundation has been the custodian of funds for Daniela’s hearing care over the years. Daniela is now a bright, attractive 18-year old student. At a meeting of the Fort Collins Lions Club on November 14th, a check for the remaining funds in her account was presented to Daniela. The program was anchored by Dr. Bill Lentz, who provided a moving account of the history of Daniela’s quest for hearing. Daniela, now still in high school, has begun taking courses at Front Range Community College. She has identified a career in law enforcement as her chosen path and has indicated that the remaining funds will be used to assist in her educational endeavors.
and Key Participants, Kieran and Charlotte Nicholsen
Lion Dr. Bill Lenz
Dr. Bill Lentz, an audiologist in private practice at the time and a member of the Fort Collins Lions Club, was made aware this need, and with the help of the late Lion Charles Lee, mounted a campaign to raise funds for the surgery. As a part of the campaign, Charles enlisted the assistance of his son-in-law, Kieran Nicholsen, a reporter for The Denver Post. Keiran publicized Daniella’s need for surgery and requested donations. As a result, over $127,000 in cash and “in-kind” services was raised from individuals and groups world-wide. The surgery was then performed, and Daniella underwent several years of therapy with Mark Guiberson in order that her brain would learn to properly interpret the electrical impulses received from the cochlear processor as recognizable sounds.
Christmas Party Highlights and Awards
Anne Sullivan Award
Steve and Deb Vessy
Monarch Awards
Denny Moyer
Paul Telleen
Humanitarian Award
Faye Lockner
Progressive Humanitarian Award
Bill Lentz
Denny Moyer
Melvin Jones Award
Sue Yadon
Doug Hutchinson
Progressive Melvin Jones
Carole Kitchel
Ron Lockner
Some of the smiling faces at the party!
