Quota Club of Northern Colorado

Quota member Debra H. (and member of the American Legion) introduced out March 2024 quest speaker Karen Boehler, the founder of Post 1879 of the American Legion and twenty-nine year, member of the unit. Karen became interested in the organization as a younger person because her father was a WWII veteran. Karen has fond memories of her father showing poignant pictures of his time as a veteran. The pictures had a tremendous impact on her life and how she would eventually give back to her community. Karen stated she “loves supporting vets”.Did you know when the American Legion was founded and by whom?  During Karen’s presentation we learned President Theodore Roosevelt founded the organization in 1919 and Congress chartered the Legion during that time too. As of 2024 the American Legion has 600,000 members nationwide.

Karen then shared the Mission they follow which she explained has four pillars: Rehabilitation, National Security, Americanism, and Children & Youth. Post 1879 of Fort Collins, Colorado, meets monthly at CSU and they are very proud that they have raised significant funds allowing members of the Post to support students at CSU as well as many, many organizations in the community. An example of how they raise funds is by selling their famous cookbooks.  Both Karen and Debra stated they believe the earliest cookbook they found was published in 1919. The most current cookbook highlights the 100-year history of the organization honors the American veterans who served in the wars and conflicts.  Another important part of what they strive to do is to provide a safe place for the veterans who are attending CSU.

As you can see the pictures below, Karen is so proud and excited when Post 1879 was awarded the “National Presidents Award for Excellence for SerWe” which is a HUGE honor for all they do for the veterans and those they “serve”. Congratulations!

For additional information on the American Legion Post 1879, visit their Facebook page at:
https://www.facebook.com/LegionPost1879co/

Quota gals and pals rocked it when they volunteered with the Slammin’ Famine organization to pack food for malnourished children around the world. Completed meals were given to the non-profit group Feed My Starving Children, a nonprofit hunger relief organization who then distributes nutritionally complete meals to save individuals lives.

Slammin’ Famine reported that “over the past 9 years, Slammin’ Famine together with volunteers in northern Colorado packed 4.5 million meals.”

For additional information about Slammin’ Famine check out their website at: https://www.slamminfamine.org/about.html

Soup…did someone say it’s soup time?

Quota gals continue to stay busy supporting local agencies in Northern Colorado. In the month of February for many years, Quota volunteers have stepped up to help support the Larimer county Food Bank at the annual Empty Bowls event. Special thanks to the 20 Quota members who helped at this year’s event.

BINGO… fun February continues for Quota!

Our very own member Sue P. brought us to our knees laughing as she introduced us to “Moital” in a comedic presentation. Sue, we are still talking and laughing from your routine! Thank you, thank you! 

Following Sue’s presentation, we all played 5 fun filled games of Bingo! Jane, you are the ultimate Bingo caller! Members donated winnings to Quota allowing us to help support our mission this year.

Quota NOCO kicked off 2024 in a very inspiring way!Quota member Sue P. introduced this month’s guest presenters from the SNAPP organization. Alison Biggs the founder of SNAPP and Andrea Boncore Campbell, VP and Board Member. Ms. Biggs shared SNAPP is the acronym for Strength, Navigate, Advocate, Persevere and Purpose is an amazing organization providing empowerment for teens through resources, mentorship, teen-driven curriculum, group activities, and peer-to-peer programs designed to create community, build relationships, and strengthen the sense of self needed to navigate today’s culture and process their lives. Since its inception in 2017, SNAPP has “helped over 100 teens (tier 1) find empowerment and connection”.

The SNAPP program focuses on middle school teens in the 7^th and 8^th grade who are paired with high school mentors and professionals. Together, they participate in weekly group discussions over 12 weeks with topics such as:

• Self-love, Friendships, Avoiding Drama
• Internet safety and cyberbullying
• Loneliness & depression
• Stress, Anxiety, Sex, and Drugs

The Fall and Spring sessions are run by CSU and UNC graduate students and are held once a week. This 12-week course creates a bond and community rooted in safety focused on topics that meet the participants’ needs.

Allison and Andrea shared how SNAPP creates a supportive and inclusive environment helping teens recognize the trials they encounter and how to face them head-on while developing the mental grit to overcome them. The SNAPP team helps participants develop effective coping skills and a strong sense of self to aid in successfully conquering obstacles they face as teens.

For additional information about SNAPP check out their website at www.snapp4teens.org/

BONUS: As a bonus to the month of January, two new members were introduced and inducted into Quota NOCO by Linda H. Join us in welcoming Diana & Kristi to the Quota family.

Shhhh…special announcement…keep on the lookout for an upcoming announcement about an estate sale in February! Keep your eyes open…

Quota NOCO gathered in December to celebrate the hard work everyone helped to accomplish throughout 2023 and to celebrate the joyous holiday season. Special thanks to Liv and her team who made our celebration not only beautiful, but a huge success. In addition to the festivities, members collected and donated items that were delivered to participants who are being assisted from Family Housing Network (FHN) an organization Quota has supported over the years. Items collected included baby shampoo, infant and adult blankets, hairbrushes, lip balm, diapers, soap, detergent, paper towels, baby wipes, toys, and much, much more. New member Kristi even made small cloth bags for the children. Two of the pictures below only show a small portion of what was donated. Also, special thanks to John S. for delivering all the items to FHN, the car was packed full!. Quota family, you rocked it with your kindness and generous donations!!!

Thank you, Quota members and friends, happy holidays and a very, very happy and healthy New Year!!

Quota NOCO’s fiscal year runs from October through September. So, September proves to be a very busy month for our volunteer organization. During our September 2023 dinner meeting we had the opportunity to thank our outgoing board members who graciously served a two year term (or more) helping to guide and manage Quota NOCO. Thank you for your hard work and dedication to the organization. During this month’s meeting Past President of Quota, Kim M. presided over this year’s induction ceremonies of the 2023-2024 officers.

Join us in welcoming Quota’s 2023-2024 newly installed Officers. Pictured above (from left to right) Secretary, Karen R., V.P Judy D. President, Barb L. and Treasurer Kimber H. Additionally at our October business meeting, Judy W. was inducted as a Director and will serve a one year term.

Special thanks to our officers and directors for all you do!

Quota NOCO would like to welcome our two newest members.

Dianna was installed during our August dinner meeting, and we welcomed Phyllis in September. Both women have already become actively involved and we look forward to many more years of both dynamic women being a part of Quota NOCO.

Welcome Diana & Phyllis!

Meghan Abraham Au.D.
Doctor of Audiology

HAVE YOU HEARD???

Dr. Abraham, Audiologist with the Audiology Group of Northern Colorado was Quota NOCO September’s guest speaker and shared with us that hearing loss is a “public health concern affecting 466 million people worldwide, with over 40 million individuals in the US alone”.  And hearing loss isn’t just an older person’s concern.

Important facts and research Dr. Abraham shared with us:

• Loss of hearing can begin at around 35 years of age.
• 10% of individuals between the ages of 40-49 years have some form of hearing loss and 30% of people over 65 years of age are impacted by hearing loss as well and hearing impairment can be increased due to medical conditions. In a study conducted by John Hopkins’ Frank Lin, M.D., PH.D. and his colleagues, found people with severe hearing impairment were five times more likely to develop dementia.
• Hearing Aids and devices used in middle aged or older adults may help reduce risks of dementia.
• People impacted by a hearing impairment are also prone to becoming socially isolated, and may experience cognitive decline and may experience additional stress, depression and possibly high blood pressure.

What we can do…

• Regularly have your hearing checked,
• Maintain a healthy diet,
• Exercise regularly,
• Keep your mind active, read, take classes, socialize with others,
• Be cautious of medications that can directly impact your hearing health,
• Be aware of excessive wax build up in your ears,
• Limit or avoid time around loud noises.
• Be open with family and friends if they notice your inability to hear as you have in the past.

Dr. Abraham encouraged everyone to be proactive and have a hearing test as soon as possible.

Quota of Northern Colorado’s mission is to improve the quality of life for disadvantaged women and children to assist individuals who are deaf and hard of hearing. Through fundraising and service activities, members seek to develop and support programs throughout our community.

Once again Quota NOCO rocked it over this past year! We not only met our budgeted goal, but we also exceeded our fundraising efforts. As our current fiscal year ends at the end of September, were awarded and allocated totaling $35,550 earned through our estate sales held throughout the year.

2022-2023 Annual Allocations

Special Projects: 

• Rist Canyon Volunteer Fire Department-Fire mitigation Preventative Services
• Mobile Laundry Truck
• Loveland Youth Gardeners
• Ft. Collins Children’s Theater

Scholarships:

Scholarships were awarded to students attending a variety of colleges who are working towards degrees and certificates to assist individuals who are hearing impaired after graduation.

Women and Children:

• Project Self Sufficiency
• Alternatives to Violence-Loveland
• Partners Program
• Crossroads Safehouse
• Family Housing Network
• Poudre School System Scholarship Fund

Deaf and Hard of Hearing:

• Host Day-regional get together for elementary students in Northern Colorado
• Poudre School District D/HH program-specialized literacy program
• Individuals in need of hearing aids (don’t need to also list this under Women and Children)
• Colorado Hands and Voices-support for parents of Deaf & Hard of Hearing children

Quota members continue to work hard to keep supporting those in need, always check back for upcoming Estate Sale news…

Members, spouses, partners, as well as guests gathered for our annual picnic to celebrate the amazing accomplishments the members and “quotations” did this year. And boy what a year it was! Special thanks to picnic chairperson Judi D & the incredible committee Judy W. Linda J, Nan W. Barb L Kim M. and Carol B. for all the arrangements and hard work to make the evening a great success!

We also had two special celebrations during the picnic. The first one was to welcome our newest member Diana C. to Quota, and the second one was to wish Lenny a very happy special birthday.

Quota members who shared your special recipes and provided all the sides and desserts, you too outdid yourselves. Everything was delicious. And as usual, getting together and enjoying one another was the icing on the cake. Thanks everyone for an incredible year!

Every month Quota NOCO members are excited to learn more about programs and services within our community that benefit those in need. And July 2023 was no exception…

Our guest speaker this month was Vanessa Lewis representing Partners Mentoring Youth (Partners) who is the Resource Development Director. Vanessa shared with us the important and valuable services that the organization has been providing over the last 45 years.  The mission of this incredibly organization is to “empower youth and community members to achieve their full potential through mentoring, prevention education, and strategic partnership.”  

Programs Vanessa highlighted and discussed also focused on how volunteers can get involved;  

Mentoring: Partners provides high quality youth mentoring services to participants who are between the ages of 7-17.  For about 45 years they have served more than 500 youth every year! through community based and school based mentoring programs. The Mentoring program aims to reach and empower youth with the help of volunteers who provide thousands of hours each year building strong relationships and supporting at risk youth. The focus is ensuring services that are research-based that follow best practices through mentorship. After only one year in the program data collected found that the youth gain relationship and interpersonal skills, have increased confidence, and improved attitudes about substance abuse and a more positive outlook related to their future. Get involved!

Prevention Education: The Prevention Education program is one of the newest programs Partners has recently developed. This program provides resources and skills to the youths and families in northern Colorado.  The aim for this program is to address the challenges and risk-factors that lead youth to poor decision making, specifically related to substance misuse through group activities, presentations based on an” evidence-based social-emotional curriculum.” Get involved!

Vanessa also stressed how the Partners program takes pride in being a trusted organization that has developed effective programming and innovative strategies to impactfully serve local youth, families, and communities. By growing their involvement with dependable, forward-thinking people and programs, they are able to make a greater impact to help the children and their families. 

For more information and to volunteer visit their website at:  https://poweredbypartners.org/