Welcome New Lions
North Liberty, Palo, Maquoketa, Earlham and Newton. Charter Night was held on May 9th for Maquoketa and on May 30th the Charter Presentation ceremony for Palo will begin at 3:00 PM. Make plans now to attend. Charter Night activities for Newton and Earlham will be announced soon. Let us know if you know of a sight for a new or additional Lions Club.
IOWA LIONS FOUNDATION UPDATE
We as Iowa Lions have an opportunity to help meet the needs of our Iowa Lions Foundation by making an individual donation. For a donation of $20 or more you receive an "I Gave" pin. This year's pin is gold and red. A new pin is issued each year with this being the third year. Contact your Iowa Lions Foundation Trustee or the State Office to become a donor to support the Foundation.
As we end the year and if you are looking for a non-profit charity to donate money, have you thought about donating to the Iowa Lions Foundation? The Iowa Lions Foundation is a 501c3 tax exempt non for profit corporation. Donations are tax deductible. For donations amounting to $1000 in a three year period, Warren Coleman Honorary Awards, can be awarded. If you are already a Wareen Coleman recipient a progressive program now exists. For additional donations in $1000 increments pins showing your level can be obtained. For more information contacy us at the State Office.
NEED A NEW SOURCE TO RAISE FUNDS? TRY LION MINTS
The State Office is the official distributor of Lion Mints for the State. If you need mints please let us know. Mints can be picked up in Ames or shipped directly to you for a $5 shipping charge. Lion Clubs of Iowa receives money to help meet the budget from the sale of these mints. For more information contact us at iowalions@aol.com or 515-232-2215.
IRS and FORM 990 (Club Secretaries)
The IRS has a new requirement that each Lions, Lioness and LEO club must now file a Form 990 each year. If your club does not file a regular 990 they can file a Form 990N epostcard. This form must be filed electronically and was due as of Novemer 15, 2008. If you are having troubles the latest information is available by going to the Lions clubs International website (www.lionsclubs.org) and then clicking on to "Resources", Forms, Legal, and then the particular 990 Form that you need.
FAMILY DUES BREAKS AT STATE AND INTERNATIONAL
There still seems to be some confusion on the Family Dues issue. At the International Convention in Boston in 2006, the delegates passed an amendment to the International Constitution. This amendment provided for a family dues structure. Up to five Lions in the same family, living at the same address and belonging to the same Lions Club are eligible. One member of the family is designated as the head of household and up to four more can be listed as members in the same household. The dues for the first member is currently $39 per year and for the other members of the family it is currently $19.50 per member. The “Family Dues” rules apply also to State of Iowa dues for 2008-2009 will be $15 per year for the first member and $8 for additional family members. To qualify at the State level the Club secretary must send the names of family members to the State Office in Ames. Failure to do so will mean no family discount on State Dues. Most of our Districts have adopted a District dues of $5 per year. If you have any questions please contact us at your State Office.
STUDENT MEMBERSHIPS AVAILABLE AT A COST SAVINGS
At the International Convention in Chicago an amendment was passed that could be a big help in recruiting younger members. Any person 18 years of age or older and enrolled in an educational institution can join a Lions club and pay only ½ of the regular International dues of $39 per year. This applies to students in Campus Clubs, but also applies to students in all clubs as long as they are a student. We have started our first Campus club in Iowa and hopefully we will have more campus clubs to report soon. This also would be a way to keep our graduating LEOs in Lions while the pursue their higher education.
COME SEE US!!!!
Tours of your State Office are available upon request. While here you can see how your State Office functions and also tour the Iowa Lions Eye Bank Ames office. We do have a conference room where you could hold a meeting. If your Club is looking for a "road trip" meeting come visit us.
MEMBERSHIP
by PDG Donna Austin Schultz
Building a strong membership involves the successful recruitment, timely induction, proper orientation of new members and immediate involvement in community service. Here are some brochures every club should have.
Use these at all of your fund raisers, and projects. i.e. When screening children for KidSight, include a brochure with the permission forms and consider a letter in follow-up asking they join Lions to be able to help with this project!
Carry these in your coat pocket, purse, briefcase, or vehicle glove compartment.
Discover Lions in Iowa brochure. {PDF Download)
Lions Make a Difference (ME-40) This recruiting brochure provides details about who Lions are and what they do and is designed to give prospective members an idea of what they can accomplish as a Lion. It offers a detachable reply card that can be completed by the prospective member and mailed to your club.
Student Member Flyer (STU-1)
This flyer outlines the Student Member Program components and offers answers to frequently asked questions. This program encourages student participation in both Campus and Traditional Lions clubs by making membership more affordable for college-age students.
Family Membership Brochure (MPFM8) The brochure explains how family can be involved in a Lions club and how your family can make a difference in the community.
Membership Application (ME-6B) Compact and visually appealing, this membership application is sure to make a strong impact on potential new members.
Lions Pocket Card (ME-33)
A companion piece to the membership application, this publication folds into a compact size of 2 3/4" X 4 1/4." It is packed with information about the association's mission, purpose, ethics and history.
I Am A Lion (ME-37) An innovative publication targeting potential women members. Answers common questions such as time commitments and what Lions clubs do.
Other Brochures to consider:
Meaningful New Member Induction Ceremonies (ME-22) Induction ceremonies are the symbolic beginning of a Lion's club membership. The brochure includes suggestions for planning the event as well as suggested ceremony wording. Every club should have a copy of this essential publication!
Orientation Series (ME-13 & ME-13 B-F) The Orientation Series offers a comprehensive guide designed for clubs planning an orientation as well as a five part serial (ME13 B-F) for both new & established members' use during an orientation.
Leo to Lion Flyer (STU-6)
This flyer outlines the Leo to Lion Program components and offers answers to frequently asked questions. This program encourages graduating Leos to join existing Lions clubs and charter new young adult-based Lions club.
For questions about membership resources from Lions Clubs International contact:
memberops@lionsclubs.org
or call 630-571-5466 x322 or visit the web site at http://www.lionsclubs.org/EN/content/programs_mem.shtml
Lions, You Can Spread the Word: Help for People with Severe Hearing Loss
by Marla Ross, Adult Patient Coordinator, UIHC
You probably know that the Iowa Lions have provided funding to the University of Iowa Cochlear Implant and Hearing Programs for many years. You also probably know that the University of Iowa Cochlear Implant Program has provided cochlear implants to nearly 1,000 adults and children to treat severe-to-profound hearing loss. What you may not know is that you, an Iowa Lion, are a very important source of information to your community. Many people, those with hearing loss as well as healthcare providers such a local doctors, audiologists, and hearing aid dispensers, may have limited knowledge of cochlear implants: how they work, who can benefit from a cochlear implant, or how to get an evaluation with the Cochlear Implant Team at the University of Iowa. The following information may help you to assist someone in your community with a severe hearing loss in finding the treatment they need.
Hearing Loss
Several types of hearing loss exist. Sensorineural Hearing Loss (SNHL) is the most common. Facts about SNHL:
·The hair cells in the inner ear are damaged or absent, therefore the hearing nerve is unable to receive the signal properly.
·The severity of loss can range from mild to profound.
·This type of hearing loss is normally permanent.
Treatments: SNHL cannot be treated by surgery. Medication rarely helps. SNHL can often be helped with hearing aids. If the loss is so severe that hearing aids provide little or no benefit, then a cochlear implant may be a treatment option.
What is a Cochlear Implant?
A cochlear implant is a surgical option for people with a severe to profound hearing loss in both ears who receive little or no benefit from hearing aids. A cochlear implant has two main parts: 1) The internal device and 2) The external device.
1. The external speech processor (worn behind the ear) picks up sounds and converts them into a special code. This code is transmitted across the skin to the internal device via the headpiece.
2. The surgically implanted internal device interprets the code and sends electrical pulses to the electrode array in the inner ear (cochlea).
3. The electrode array directly stimulates hearing nerve fibers, bypassing the damaged hair cells in the inner ear.
4. The signal is sent to the brain and is recognized as sound.
Who Might Be a Cochlear Implant Candidate?
This is influenced by many factors, including but not limited to: Hearing loss history; amount of hearing loss; ability to understand speech
A cochlear implant might be appropriate if:
· You receive little or no benefit from hearing aids.
· You cannot follow conversations without lipreading.
· You have difficulty or are no longer able to understand movies, television, lectures or sermons.
· You can no longer use the telephone interactively.
A complete evaluation by a team of hearing health professionals will help determine if you are a candidate for a cochlear implant.
The Cochlear Implant Evaluation
Hearing evaluation: A complete hearing test will be performed.
Exam by hearing aid audiologist: If you currently wear hearing aids, an audiologist will verify that the hearing aids are appropriately set based on your hearing loss. The audiologist may reprogram your hearing aids, if needed. If you do not currently wear hearing aids, you may be fit with loaner aids to use during the cochlear implant evaluation.
Exam by cochlear implant audiologist: The ability to understand speech will be tested. Hearing aids are generally required for this portion of testing. An audiologist will provide counseling on what to expect from a cochlear implant. An audiologist will demonstrate the cochlear implant equipment.
Medical evaluation: A surgeon will review medical and hearing history to determine if you are medically a candidate for an implant.
Computerized Tomography (CT) Scan: A CT scan is done to examine the inner ear anatomy and determine if it is adequate for placement of a cochlear implant.
Surgery
Surgery is required to place the internal device. The surgery is an out-patient procedure performed in an operating room under general anesthesia. The operation takes approximately 3 hours. Most patients go home the same day of the surgery or spend only one night in the hospital. The hair around the back of the ear will be shaved but grows back in its normal manner. Once healing takes place, the patient’s appearance is the same as before the surgery. Any residual hearing in the ear to be implanted will be lost.
The Cochlear Implant Connection
The patient returns approximately 4 weeks after surgery for activation of the implant and to receive the external device. This device is programmed through a computer.
What will the cochlear implant sound like when it is first turned on?
§ Every patient’s experience is different.
§ Sound initially may seem strange or it may sound different than you remember or expect.
§ Some patients report hearing the following during their cochlear implant connection:
“The sound is mechanical.”
“I hear noise – like I’m listening to a radio station that isn’t coming in clearly.”
“Everything sounds high-pitched.”
“I can’t hear the difference between people’s voices.”
Will the implant always sound like it does when it is first turned on?
§ Patients report that sound changes over time as they get used to using their cochlear implant.
§ Obtaining optimal benefit from a cochlear implant takes both patience and practice.
§ It may take up to 12 months or more to achieve maximal benefit from the cochlear implant.
§ How well a patient will hear can vary dramatically from patient to patient.
Performance with a cochlear implant varies greatly. The degree of benefit patients receive is related to many different factors, including previous experience with sound, family support, and the rehabilitation process.
Follow-up Visits
Follow-up visits are recommended at these intervals: 2 weeks after connection; 1, 3, 6 and 12 months after connection; routine annual visits.
The cochlear implant recipient’s hearing may change rapidly during the first year, requiring frequent “tune-ups”. Many patients report that they can hear better after these “tune-ups”.
Cost and Insurance
Before scheduling a cochlear implant evaluation, patients should check with their insurance providers to determine if the evaluation will be covered. Once a person is evaluated and determined to be a cochlear implant candidate, the insurance company should again be contacted to acquire a predetermination or prior approval of benefit coverage for the procedure. Total costs of the cochlear implant procedure including device, hospital and surgery fees average about $75,000. In our experience, most adults with private health insurance receive benefits covering a majority of the costs for the cochlear implant program. Medicare recipients who meet the criteria for cochlear implant candidacy and have supplemental insurance are responsible for very limited out-of-pocket costs. Other health care plans may cover less or require prior approval.
For more information or to schedule an evaluation, contact:
Marla Ross, Adult Patient Coordinator, Iowa Cochlear Implant Program
University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, 319-356-7384, Email: marla-ross@uiowa.edu
You may contact GARY FRY via email at garyfry@iowalions.org
