Prescott Noon Lions Club

LION

PRINTS

The Club that has it all and gives its all!

Vol. 68 Issue 1

January 2016

Stock investment advertisements will often state that if you invested in a particular company or mutual fund so many years ago, you would be wealthy by now. Perhaps it was a tech giant IPO or an early buy of Warren Buffet’s Berkshire Hathaway. For the latter stock, an investment of $10,000 in 1980 would have paid reinvestment dividends resulting in a total value of over $6,000,000. Over twenty years ago, our club made an investment that has paid dividends beyond our wildest dreams. In fact, it is still paying dividends and will continue for hopefully many years to come.

President’s Message Well, here we are in January and as of Saturday, January 23rd, the Cardinals are still alive. I can only hope when this is published, it’s still that way. Here it is, Tax the club.

Time again. I hope you all gave consideration to the tax credit donation to

That’s it for January, talk later. Lion President Lou Nemeth

Prescott Noon Lions Club Scholarship Program

The Beginning In 1994 our paper recycling income jumped from the mid $20K to $68,074. 1995 was even better as the value of paper jumped substantially higher earning a total of $148,445. According to the Club History Manual, two Lions, Joe Funke and Reed Grady, saw this as a unique opportunity for a long-term investment. In September, 1995, they proposed to the Board to “establish a permanent scholarship fund at Yavapai College.” Wisely, the Board, under the leadership of President Paul Roseberry, approved and directed the Donations Committee to pursue the proposal with the college. By November, 1995, Lion President Paul Roseberry presented a check for $10,000 to Paul Maffey at Yavapai College for a permanent scholarship. Interest from the principal was intended for students who were visually or hearing impaired.

At far left is a 1996 photograph of Lion Joe Funke receiving the Melvin Jones Fellowship Award. At left is a 1995 photograph of Lion Reed Grady receiving the Melvin Jones Fellowship Award. After serving in several club offices, Reed Grady went on to serve as president of the Lions Foundation of Arizona.

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Prescott Noon Lions Club Scholarship Program Improving the Scholarship Program After a rocky start to the program, Lion Jim Messerschmitt became involved and has remained our representative to Yavapai College. Jim serves on the Yavapai College Foundation Board of Directors and is currently a Board Secretary. Below is a Q&A response from Jim. Lion Prints: Have the type and severity of disabilities of students awarded scholarships varied considerably? Jim Messerschmitt: I became involved when I was chairman of the contributions committee. I found that a scholarship had not been granted from our fund because our requirements were too restrictive (vision disability, full time student, and maintain a high grade average). We have since adjusted this to part-time or full-time, visual or hearing impaired, and this year we added these words - “In the event that there are no, or very few, qualified applicants the Yavapai College Foundation is authorized to give larger sums to individuals or the scholarship may be made available to students who are in ‘extreme’ need, but do not meet the handicap requirement.” LP: How is the selection process determined and who is involved? JM: Selection is under the college scholarship administrator and funds are provided by Yavapai College Foundation. LP: How many scholarships are typically awarded each year and approximately how much is each scholarship? JM: In the early years only one or two scholarships were given and the range has been in the $250 to $350 range. This past year we directed YC Foundation to give a minimum of $500 each for scholarships, to disburse $2,000 currently held in reserve, and permitted the Foundation to make a distribution from the corpus, but only in the event that fund earnings are inadequate to support a scholarship distribution. LP: According to the history manual, $10,000 was the amount of our original investment. Do we have a record of how much we have been able to add to the fund? JM: $10,000 was our initial grant. Later we decided that we needed to do more and gave an additional $10,000 over a 3 year period. Additionally, when the economy tanked in the late 2000’s there were not enough earnings to give any scholarships. The Foundation asked those of us with an endowment if we would donate to the scholarship fund on a one-time basis. We donated $1,000.

Photograph is by Lion Jerry Jackson.

LP: Is investment of the funds handled by the college? JM: The funds are controlled by the Foundation and managed by Vanguard. LP: You have been very active in the program. Would you add some personal observations and comments of the program and your experience? JM: It has been my pleasure to be chairman of the Yavapai College Foundation Scholarship Committee, and watch the funds grow from individuals and corporations to support the needs of these college students. In many instances these scholarships are the difference between attending college or skipping it. I am personally committed to the administration, facility, students of this above average institution which has a proven record of preparing people for productive and profitable work experience. LP: What goals do you have for our Club in terms of the scholarship program? JM: I must admit that my goals have been satisfied by the changes in administration that we have implemented.

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Prescott Noon Lions Club Scholarship Program A Student Perspective Hearing aids were of no help, consequently Venessa could no longer work in her lucrative sales job. At this point most people would just give up. Instead, Venessa decided “Because I could no longer do the only thing I was trained for, I thought about what I wanted to do with my life. I made the choice to spend the rest of my life helping others.”

I believe that I can make a difference in the lives of our youths and inspire and empower them to live a life to their fullest potential.

Last Fall, our club received a very appreciative letter from Venessa Cicchini. Her story is truly inspiring and Prescott Noon Lions can be proud to be a part of it. A few years ago, she had a debilitating experience losing all of the hearing in her left ear, and part of the hearing in the right ear. Compounding the situation was having tinnitus causing a loud highpitched ringing in her ears and head. Venessa also has Chiari Malformation which is a neurological condition. Brain surgery with a laminectomy was done to prevent further damage. Unfortunately, this did not correct the hearing loss and tinnitus.

Follow-up to Venessa’s letter The Lion Prints wanted to get permission from Venessa to include her information and find out how she is doing now. Over the past few weeks she has been corresponding with me by e-mail. Venessa graduated from Yavapai College in December with a 4.0 GPA and is currently enrolled at Arizona State University. She was one of the two students nominated from Yavapai College Verde Campus to represent the college in the ALL-USA Scholarship competition sponsored by USA Today. With this Venessa has won a tuition waiver to ASU. She will receive the scholarship in August, 2016, to pay for 60 credit hours. In her e-mail, Venessa stated “Because I suffered some more health issues including a major heart procedure, my last semester was my toughest. Thanks to your help I was able to succeed and push through the pain! Your scholarship came at the PERFECT time!”

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This momentous decision led Venessa to choose a career as a juvenile probation officer. Her letter continues; with a 4.0 GPA and a member of Phi Theta Kappa, she will graduate from Yavapai College this Spring. She is attending Juvenile Court Institute. After completion, she will volunteer in Prescott and Verde Valley as a mentor. Venessa continued in her letter “I believe that I can make a difference in the lives of our youths and inspire and empower them to live a life to their fullest potential. Thanks to you, I am able to work towards this goal.” Her conclusion stated “My dream is to, one day, be able to pay it forward and donate money to help someone else pursue their dreams. I will achieve this goal, thanks to you.” This is a PNL Club Scholarship dividend that will produce many other dividends for years to come. Photograph above was provided by Venessa Cicchini and was published for the ALL-USA Scholarship competition.

Prescott Noon Lions Club Scholarship Program PNL Club Scholarship by the Numbers 135

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scholarships are offered in addition to the Yavapai College Foundation Scholarships. The Prescott Evening Lions Club also awards scholarships. However, their requirements are very general.

$7,000 is the total amount awarded in scholarships since 2010.

$23,903 is the current value of our scholarship investment fund.

scholarships, including PNL’s are intended for disabled students. The other scholarship program is restricted to students in the music program.

$64,000 is the total amount donated by the Prescott Noon

students have been awarded scholarships since 2010. The student and financial figures were provided by Abby Brio, Donor Relations Manager at Yavapai College.

Lions Club to Yavapai College Foundation for the scholarship program, the Family Enrichment Center at Yavapai College, the Yavapai College Performing Arts Center, and College for Kids, as well as other programs at the college.

Conclusion The decision twenty years ago to establish a scholarship program at Yavapai College was certainly one of the best investments our club has ever made. Formation of the scholarship was a great way to blend service to the college, with help to students/families in financial need and give priority to those with disabilities. Each year the dividends from our investment are used for several scholarships. In turn, these students eventually graduate and earn a career in a variety of fields which serve our community. Whether the field is in nursing, business management or social service, to name just a few, they can become an important part of our community and our investment continues to pay dividends in many other ways. Our scholarship program runs so smoothly that very little is required on the club’s part. We have been fortunate to have Lion Jim Messerschmitt play an important role with Yavapai College Foundation. At our January 20th lunch meeting, Lion Jim addressed our club to bid farewell. At the end of January, Jim will be moving to Texas. Below is a paragraph from Lion Jerry Jackson’s article in the Daily Courier, January 19, 2016.

“Anyway, we're about to lose Jim after almost two decades of living and enjoying Prescott, and vice versa, as Prescott will miss him like all get-out, with the Prescott United Methodist Church, Prescott Noon Lions and Yavapai College Foundation Board, among others, sorely missing his contributions to their well-being over the years. He'll be "heading for home" to Dallas, where all of his kinship resides. You see, he's 79 now, and that commute for family gatherings is beginning to wear thin and he's opting for a heightened grandfatherliness. Just remember, Jim, that our love and respect for you will accompany you from the Prescott crowd of your acquaintance. You're tops!”

Good luck to Jim! He will continue to receive e-mails of notices and the Lion Prints. He can be contacted at: Jim Messerschmitt 4833 W. Lawther Dr. #303 Dallas, TX 75214 Cell: 928-713-9823 [email protected]

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OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS FOR 2015-2016 PRESIDENT 1ST VICE PRESIDENT 2ND VICE PRESIDENT 3RD VICE PRESIDENT 2ND YEAR DIRECTOR 2ND YEAR DIRECTOR 2ND YEAR DIRECTOR 1ST YEAR DIRECTOR 1ST YEAR DIRECTOR 1ST YEAR DIRECTOR

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Lou Nemeth Chuck Matthews Bob Welch Harry Gooding Dick Beers Don Colozze Ray Lee John Baudek Jimmy Duke Mark Leathers

SECRETARY TREASURER TAIL TWISTER LION TAMER PAST PRESIDENT PAPER PROJECT CHAIRMAN MEMBERSHIP CHAIRMAN SIGHT AND HEARING CHAIRMAN

Doug Ruckel Bill Schwabe Steve Hodges Kim Zimmerman Phil Weliky Lynn Boutwell John Schmitt Jim Townsend

BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING MINUTES HIGHLIGHTS: January 13, 2015 (pending BOD approval)

The highlights of Club Board Meetings are removed

The highlights of Club Board Meetings are removed

from this copy of the Lion Prints Newsletter

from this copy of the Lion Prints Newsletter

due to possible coverage of private Club

due to possible coverage of private Club

business at these meetings.

business at these meetings.

LION PRINTS

When it comes to banking, Gooding’s definitely a guy

Lion Member Profile of Harry Gooding by Lion Jerry Jackson

you can bank on! There’s this banker par excellence who I’d like to tell you about. He’s Lion Harry Gooding, who was born and raised in Hackensack, N.J., but would go on as a young man to heed Horace Greeley’s advice to “go west” as he later become a Sooner. Yep, he earned has BBA from Oklahoma University, where during his senior year he met and married his wife of 46 years, Barbara, before doing the “Jersey bounce” eastward and nailing down his graduate degree – an MBA from Rutgers. He would go on to pursue a business career spanning 37 years as either a CFO or controller in the banking industry. His career path was launched in October 1972 after 22 years in the U.S. Navy Reserve and his commissioning as an ensign upon completion of NROTC at OU. Included in that 22-year span was three years on active duty – from August 1969 to October 1972 – with one tour to Vietnam in 1972, and he subsequently retired from the Reserve in 1991 with the rank of captain. Harry detailed his highly successful business career with this rundown: “I started my banking career as a staff accountant for a newly formed bank holding company headquartered in Princeton, N.J., while simultaneously performing the remaining 19 years of my Reserve status. I eventually was promoted to be the corporation’s accounting manager and in 1976 was asked to assume a controller’s position with one of the affiliate banks. This bank was only $100 million in asset size when I arrived in Bridgeton, N.J. When I left the bank in 1991 to assume a CFO slot in California, the bank had grown to over $1.1 billion in assets. This bank was located in El Centro, Calif. I assisted the bank in forming a holding company for acquiring other banks and helped it trade its stock publicly on NASDAQ. I initially retired in June of 2005 after helping the bank in its sale to a large international bank. However, in 2008 I was asked by a good friend to help him salvage a troubled bank in Palm Desert, Calif. It was only supposed to be a hitch as CFO for two years. Well, it lasted for four years, but fortunately the bank was sold and the shareholders received back a portion of their original investment. So, I officially retired in August of 2012.“ Moving right along to the local connection, Harry mused that “Barbara and I visited Prescott many times in the late 1990’s and early 2000’s. In 2003 – although I was still working in El Centro – we decided to purchase the home that we live in today.” The move, I must say, has been fortuitous. In fact, it brings to mind that familiar last line uttered by Humphrey Bogart in the 1942 movie titled “Casablanca”: “Louis, I think this is the beginning of a beautiful friendship.” And a good part of that “beautiful friendship” angle relates to Harry’s association with our Noon Lions. Thirteen is the “lucky number” for Harry and the club, as he was installed as a member – with Bob Welch sponsoring – on March 13, 2013. And looking back on his affiliation as he approaches his third year of club activities, he said that “I loved being the Tail Twister, as it gave me a great opportunity to meet all the membership every Wednesday.” He also has served as the Proud Lion/Proud Sponsor chairman and is a regular paper recycling project worker.

His non-Lion pursuits include service as a 4th Degree Knights of Columbus member – where he currently is the Deputy Grand Knight – along with serving as chairman of the Sacred Heart Church Pastoral Council – and he sits on the board of directors for the Adult Care Services, Inc., which is better known as Margaret T. Morris. He is a Senior Softball participant, enjoys golfing, and his hobbies include collecting sports memorabilia, coins and stamps. Also, he says, “I’m an avid LA Dodger fan and a loyal Oklahoma Sooner supporter.” Lion Harry claims to have had “no great 15-second moments of fame,” but reaching back to Hackensack where he “discovered America” provides a wee bit of fame, if only by association relating to his birthplace. You see, my Googling of Hackensack revealed that during the American Revolutionary War General George Washington “headquartered in the village of Hackensack in November 1776 during the retreat from Fort Lee via New Bridge Landing.” Interestingly, Google also confides that Hackensack is located north of New York City, approximately 12 miles northwest of Midtown Manhattan and some 7 miles from the George Washington Bridge. To me, this placing of New Jersey’s Hackensack is confusing, in that New Jersey is mostly south of New York State. It just doesn’t make sense to me cartographically, but what do I know? (Don’t answer that!) But I seem to have gone off on a tangent regarding the Gooding chronicle, although I’m still wondering if the redcoats ever managed to hack or sack Hackensack. So I’ll return to the “here and now” and close with Harry’s observation that “Prescott is the greatest town to live in.” And his “wish for the future?” Well, it’s that “our country becomes served by people of true integrity, guts to do what is right, and are not selfish.” To that I would offer a hearty “AMEN!”

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Tributes He was revered as a member of the Prescott United Methodist Church, where he was active with a men’s Bible study group that meets on Tuesday Lion Jim Stewart, who passed away at age 83 earlier mornings. Prime movers of the group include Dick Unkenholz, a retired this month following a long illness, was among the Methodist minister, and Roy Row, who had a near-death experience of his gentlest of gentlemen – a man of quiet compassion own in August 2013 when he was struck by lightning during a round of golf whose Christian faith was paramount and exhibited at Prescott’s Antelope Hills course. So the question arose of what to do freely among those with whom he came in contact. when faithful member Jim was incapacitated and unable to attend the sessions at the church. Well, the class of 10 or 12 fellows simply began Jim and his wife Vera moved to Prescott in 1995 from journeying each Tuesday to New Horizon in PV, where the caring and California’s Orange County, and he was ushered in as a accommodating staffers brought in chairs and coffee for the hour-long Noon Lion on August 12, 1997, with longtime member gatherings. Traditionally, the study group put the meetings on hold during Jack McLain serving as his sponsor. Jim and Jack, the summer months, but elected to put the kibosh on that protocol and incidentally, go way back, as they worked at the same continued to huddle with Jim at his “home away from home” throughout the school together – Walker Junior High in Anaheim – for summer. five years. Jim was a counselor at that school over a span of 23 years, whereas Jack was the school’s The weekly visits were “a great picker-upper,” according to Jim, who gave assistant principal while they were colleagues. 100 percent credit to the “man upstairs” for the progress and uplift that he

Lion Jim Stewart

Jim was active in the club’s shredding project for many years at YRMC’s west campus and was a regular at club meetings until his illness took its toll and prevented him from continuing the activities. But during his extended stays at care centers – first at Good Samaritan in Prescott and then for a longer period of time at the New Horizon Adult Care Home in Prescott Valley – his cheerful countenance never missed a beat.

enjoyed while waging his long fight against bone cancer. “He’s taken over my life and Jesus is doing the healing,” he stated during a June 2015 interview. “I told God that I turned everything over to Him” because “all I could do alone would be to just dirty the water!” Yes, Jim’s faith was his strength throughout his life, with his charmingly cheerful and calming demeanor providing inspiration to all those with whom he came in contact. And we Lions and others he has touched through his church and elsewhere are ourselves better off for having known him.

Avery Dear Friends, Guide Dog Avery passed quietly at his home yesterday after a sudden mobility problem he could not overcome. Avery served with distinction as a Guide Dog, providing years of safe mobility and companionship to his owner. In retirement, he joined Delta Dog (aka Pet Partners) as a Therapy Dog at the Yavapai Regional Medical Center in Prescott, Ariz. Avery amazed people in the performance of his skills – spreading joy and happiness with his infectious personality – for 13 years. And he wanted all of his loving friends to know that he will be waiting for them at the Rainbow Bridge. Bless his wonderful soul and spirit. Phil

The loss of a family member always comes as a crushing blow. And Avery – that blessed blond canine who enriched not only the lives of our Noon Lions but all others with whom he came in contact, definitely earned family member status among his close and loving contemporaries in the club. He was a joyful sight following the twice-weekly excursions into the former Blind Center at conclusion of the paper project, as he would come bounding in, dragging Phil behind him, for the camaraderie klatch ahead. He knew instinctively that dog bones awaited him, and when those ran out he would quietly nudge members for any “dessert” offerings in the form of occasional bits of donuts – not chocolate, of course – but his hopes were eternally high for any clandestine offerings that might come his way. Those soulful eyes of his were simply irresistible! Biblically speaking, I think that it would be appropriate to say “well done, good and faithful servant” when it comes to the beautiful way in which he performed as the “keeper” of Phil’s well-being. His physical loss hurts – mightily – not only Phil but others whose lives he touched. However, his legacy of wonderful memories will reside with us forever. Avery was an ever-loving treasure! Jerry

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Bio

Lion Mike Franklin

For someone who confesses “I am a ‘Hillbilly’!!,” Lion Mike Franklin sure has come a long way from his upbringing in the Appalachian country town of Bristol, Virginia. His backyard was the mountainous woods where he camped, fished, hunted and enjoyed nature at its finest. And Boy Scouts of America was the perfect organization for him. Starting out in Cub Scouts, Mike progressed all the way through Boy Scouts, and Explorer Scouts to Assistant Scoutmaster. “Scouting honestly shaped me spiritually and morally,” Mike stated and this is reflected in his achievement of the 5 Palms, Order of the Arrow brotherhood and God and Country award. A highlight was his experience at the National Jamboree at Valley Forge and camp at Philmont Scout Ranch. Mike’s proficiency in math and science earned him 3 scholarships to Virginia Tech. Despite getting a social probation from Party 101 during his freshman year, he knuckled down and graduated Cum Laude in chemical engineering. Even with the scholarships, Mike needed several student loans in addition to working as a dishwasher and disc jockey.

Although Mike has essentially been with one company, ExxonMobil, he has lived in Baton Rouge, Houston, Denver, New York City area and outside of Washington, D.C. A starting position in technical engineering led to a variety of management positions to becoming a director of international business for operations and planning, thus compiling over 4 million miles of frequent flyer miles. Mike confesses “I was a failure at retirement!” Frequent consulting jobs interrupted his bit of “heaven” at Lake Conroe, Texas. This led him to Prescott where Mike and his wife, Georgia, are centrally located to their 5 daughters and 8 grandchildren. Georgia, who was born a Greek Cypriot and grew up in London, also loves it here. Mike added “Her proper English accent and my Texas-Hillbilly twang work together somehow!” Retirement doesn’t mean sitting around. If he isn’t hiking our mountains, he is probably volunteering at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, the homeowners’ association or Lions. Travels take them to their daughters in the L.A. area and Texas or on a cruise visiting one of the 100 countries they have seen. An annual getaway involves multiple flights to land at an “outpost camp near the tundra in Manitoba on the North Seal River lake system.” With just his brother, Mike fishes all day for 2 weeks while moose, bald eagles, wolves, bears and other wildlife watch with interest.

The Way We Were Prescott Noon Lion #16 Date: 1943 Age: 3 years Location: Flagstaff, Arizona Clue: Although he was from the Midwest, he looks the part of a young cowboy. A summer was spent in Flagstaff for his father’s health. Considering this Lion’s preference in cars, at this young age he would have wanted to ride a spirited stallion rather than a trodding trail horse.

Answers are on page 10

#1

#2

#3

Prescott Noon Lion #17 Date: 1965 Age: 18 years Location: This would be too easy. We’ll just say it is near New York City. Clue: The fellow in this high school senior picture is as good looking today as he was back then, except without the slick blond wavy hair. He was probably as nice then as he is now, too.

Prescott Noon Lion #18 Date: #1&2-1975; #3–1983 Age: #1&2– 26 years; #3-34 years Location: #1-Buena Park, CA; #2– Hofs Hut, Garden Grove, CA; #3– on a fishing trip in Bishop, CA Clue: This Lion can be a real puzzle for everyone, and he is good at puzzling everyone all the time. I’ll even tell you the lovely lady is his wife.

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Recognition Lion of the Month: John Schmitt

Lion President Lou Nemeth named Lion John Schmitt as Lion of the Month. John has served as club secretary and is currently membership chairman. However, it is his unofficial position with the mobile eye care that has been most demanding. Tirelessly he has been negotiating with the state board and organizing the work with the RV and related events.

Speakers

Speaker chairman for January was Lion Jack Hoeft. Sharlot Hall Museum Executive Director Fred Veil updated our members on the museum’s improvements as well as activities, both current and future. Last year saw the addition of an admission center. There were also 3 new exhibits including a 150 year history of the Yavapai County Sheriff’s Department. In addition to a Rose Garden Memorial, there will be an exhibit to recognize ‘Women of the Territory.” Very soon there will also be the 1st stage of the final phase of the prehistoric exhibit. On May 21, an exhibit will honor Arizona’s recipients of the Medal of Honor. A one-day exhibit will feature the ‘Working Cowboy’ with demonstrations.

FEBRUARY PROGRAM SCHEDULE Speaker Chairman Lion John Meier February 3: Dr. Bob Carlisi: Connections between dental disease and serious health problems February 10: Board Meeting: No speaker February 17: Doug Rader, CPA, CFP: Taxes, Wealth Management and Retirement February 24: Deb McLane, Granite Mountain Hospice: Hospice care The Way We Were Answer: Lion #16: Dick Beers Lion #17: Harry Gooding Lion #18: Steve Hodges Lion Prints is a monthly newsletter of the Prescott Noon Lions Club District 21C, Arizona P.O. Box 2215, Prescott, AZ 86302-2215 www.prescottnoonlions.org Editor: Lion Ken Gantz All photographs are by the editor unless noted otherwise.

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Lion Jack Hoeft is one of our long time residents of Arizona. Due to a father’s health concerns, Jack’s family moved to our state in 1952. With that history, Jack recalled many athletic events related to both his high school and especially his alma mater, Arizona State University.

Lions’ Prey February 3  Pollo Asado Burrito  Soup with Tortilla  Shredded Beef Taco Salad February 10  Burrito Colorado  Two Chicken Enchiladas  Shrimp Salad February 17  Fish Snapper Veracruz  Chicken Tostada with Rice and Beans  Ham Chef Salad February 24  Macho Burrito Shredded Beef  Ham Sandwich with Soup Albondigas  Chicken Taco Salad