President’s Message
Hello Friends,
You are my friends so that is why I am going to do my best to bring you and our newer members up to speed as I learn about the purpose of the Lions organization.
I’m humbled and honored to be your new President. Right up front I have to tell you I am not the person to author inspirational messages in the Lions Tale or at the Christmas party, etc.
The club itself and all our members are my INSPIRATION. The motto all around the world is, “We Serve.”
This summer I attended the International Lions Convention where I had the privilege to experience how 20,000 members were fired up about the service projects they provided to their communities. In the parade, Waikiki streets were filled with excited and cheering members dressed in their native clothes and chanted their “Pride” in Lionism. I stood in awe.
“Volunteering” is the message I feel we need to get out our community. Somehow we must NOT be the best kept secret in Fort Collins. I find it is so fulfilling and young people should WANT to join us.
Rusty Holsten,
Club President
LIONS ARE …
LIONS ARE members of the world’s largest and most active service club organization.
LIONS ARE people who have decided to give something back to their communities, who are dedicated to finding people in need, and who meet those needs in an efficient but caring way.
LIONS ARE men and women who believe that by working with other dedicated Lions, they will accomplish far more for their communities than would be possible alone.
LIONS ARE also committed to solving major, worldwide health and social problems, and realize that solutions are possible when every Lions Club does its share.
LIONS ARE people who cherish the friendship and fellowship of their own Club, but who also feel a close kinship with fellow Lions in more than 160 countries and areas throughout the world.
LIONS ARE patriotic, giving allegiance to their county, while recognizing that all peoples must one day learn to live at peace.
LIONS ARE dedicated to maintaining the highest ethical and moral standards in their Club – and in their personal lives.
LIONS ARE serious about their commitment to humanitarian service, but don’t mind having a little fun along the way.
LIONS ARE … or could be … someone just like you.
– Taken from Lions Club International
Effective October 2015, David Lambertson has stepped down from his position as Club President because of health issues. Rusty Holsten moved up to serve as the President of the Fort Collins Lions and Wayne Crownhart became the 1st Vice President. Melody Glinsman was elected 2nd Vice President.
KIDSIGHT VISION SCREENINGS
KidSight vision screenings are underway! Carole Kitchell has full line-up of preschools and elementary schools on the schedule through the end of 2015 and into 2016. If you are interested in helping with this great service project, please let Carole know.
November 5 meeting
Sandra Smyser, the Poudre School District Superintendent will be our speaker at our November 5th meeting. Invite your friends, neighbors and prospective members to attend. Let Tobey know how many guests you have coming.
MEMBERSHIP CHALLENGE
by Robert Kitchell
Last October, then-President of the Sterling Lions Club, Lion David Conley, issued a membership challenge to the Fort Collins Lions Club. Also included was a challenge between the New Raymer Prairie Lions Club and the Fort Collins Poudre Valley Lions Club. This was the latest in a series of membership challenges between the Clubs and was delivered during a visitation by Sterling Lions Club members. The basis of the challenge was an increase in membership, as of May 1st, as opposed to total numbers of members. The losing Club was obligated to provide a $100.00 check to the winning Club, to be used to support the winner’s charity of choice.
By the end of the challenge period, the Fort Collins Lions Club had increased its membership and the Sterling Lions had lost members; thus the Sterling Lions conceded. In the companion challenge, the New Raymer Prairie Lions Club increased its membership, while the Poudre Valley Lions membership stayed at the same level.
The celebration of the membership challenge was at a dinner at Dewey’s in Stoneham, held on October 14th. This was also the location of the previous membership challenge celebration. About 50 Lions and guests from the four Clubs were in attendance, to include 13 from the Fort Collins Lions Club; the fellowship, as well as the food, was present in abundance. The culmination of the celebration was the presentation of a $100.00 check by Lion David Conley from the Sterling Lions Club to Lion Rusty Holsten, President of the Fort Collins Lions Club. The funds have been applied to our Foundation’s Permanent Endowment Fund.
Back Row: PDG Bob Kitchell, PDG Ron Lockner, PDG Alan Beatty, PID Ken Schwols, PID Tom Toliver, PDG Dave Mendenhall and PDG Mike Reager.
Front Row: PDG Irene Toliver, PDG Gerald Jeffries and DG Carol Lambert
REMINDER:
The Lions Camp was very busy this summer. They hosted over 350 campers and a lot of them were first timers to the camp. Rembember to save Campbell’s labels and the pull tabs from cans. If anyone needs a list of which items have the labels on them, let me know or go in on the Campbell label website for the current list. Campbell label website http://www.labelsforeducation.com/Earn-Points/Participating-Products
PANCAKE BREAKFAST
The Fort Collins Library summer reading program participants were the lucky beneficiaries of our last pancake breakfast of the summer which was held on August 29. Thanks to all the Lion volunteers for making it possible to provide this great community service!
Yummy pancakes were enjoyed by the children and their parents. We hope you will consider coming out and helping with one of the events in the 2016 season!
Tail Twister Fun
Tail twister Reid Jacob challenged us to wear our “classy” hats to club on October 22. Here are some of our classiest!
The Halloween Eye Ball
The costume gala and fundraiser hosted by the Ensight Skills Center was held on Friday, October 23 at the Agave Room located in Old Town Fort Collins. About 140 people attended the Ball and while the final numbers aren’t in yet, it looks like over $10,000 was raised for Ensight! Thank you to everyone in attendance.
Fun Times at the Eye Ball – Next year make plans to attend!
