Have you ever wanted to climb a “fourteener”? This Wednesday our own ever-entertaining Bill “The Voice” Moellenhoff will share his passion for peaks and share experiences and tips for doing your own fourteener. Bill will be introduced by Dr. Bob Meroney.
Colorado has 54 peaks at least fourteen thousand feet above sea level. Most are just hikes at altitude, not technical, requiring climbing gear and “protection pieces”, and have well-marked routes to the summit. The keys to a successful summit hike are relatively simple; one must have a good level of aerobic conditioning, a good degree of knowledge of Colorado weather and common sense. Proper clothing and footwear are essential. Bill will note a few exceptions to this formula.
Bill Moellenhoff grew up in St. Louis, MO, graduated from the University of Missouri, and accidently climbed Longs Peak at age 16 for his first fourteener. He recently retired as a Financial Representative for Northwestern Mutual Financial Network, and joined RCFC in 1981, becoming club President 1991-92. Bill has been honored by RCFC for “Five Avenues of Service” (2007-08), The Max Getts 4 Way Test award (along with wife Gentry, 2013-14), and was District Rotarian of the year in 2015. He has been active in the District Youth Exchange program, and he and Gentry were sponsors of the yearly exchange student bus trip for 31 years. Bill and Gentry completed all Colorado fourteeners in 1998.
A Memorial Service for Karen Schaffter is scheduled on Tuesday, June 27th, at 10:30 a.m. at the First Presbyterian Church located at 531 S. College, Fort Collins, CO, 80524. Please join me in sending prayers to Bill and his family. You can read more here.
This past Wednesday, Past President Lee Jeffrey shared stories and photos from their travels in Melanesia, including the Papua New Guinea highlands, Solomon Islands, Guadalcanal, Vanuatu and Fiji.
In the 16th century European explorers discovered and exploited many of these communities on the thousands of islands accessible by sea. However, little was known about the PNG Highlands tribes until the early 20th century.
The primary focus of the talk was on the Wontok tribes of Papua New Guinea, which comes from the Pidgin term for “One Talk” and refers to the societies that developed when you could only depend on those who spoke your language for sustenance and protection. According to Jeffries, Wontok men are the warriors and hunters, while women do the ‘domestic’ work and most of the farming. In these communal societies, the practice of giving gifts, called Moka, assures more power to the gift-giver, especially if the receiver is unable to suitably reciprocate. Most marriages are arranged, with the bride price being negotiated to compensate the bride’s family for loss of her services. Historically their systems of justice was focused on restorative justice, although in recent years the use of retributive justice is growing.
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ANNOUNCEMENTS
The Investment Fellowship will meet immediately after the regular Rotary meeting onWednesday, June 21. Topic: “International Investments: Yes, No, and How Much?” Experts are advising individual Investors to expand their international investment portfolios—Is this good advice? The session includes a real-world case study of a local investor’s investments. Everyone is welcome to attend.
Bonnie Titley announced a two-week trip to Morocco in September 2018. Because travel to Morocco is hot right now, we must file reservations by June 30 or we will lose our slots. Deposit: $350 per person. Basic cost: $4145, including airfare from Denver. Pre- and Post-extensions are available. Travel insurance strongly encouraged at $499 per person for basic trip (additional for extensions).
Call Bonnie if you have questions, or of you are interested and get our assigned group number. Additional info online at oat.com. Look for Morocco Saharan Odysset. "WE ARE CLOSE TO THE MINIMUM 10 WE NEED FOR A SIGNIFICANT FINANCIAL REBATE. IF YOU ARE AT ALL INTERESTED, PLEASE HELP HOLD OUR GROUP'S DATE BY MAKING A RESERVATION WITH INITIAL DEPOSIT."
Martin Nelson urged members to sign up for the July 12 evening picnic, 5:30-7:30.
Don Eversoll reported that Dick Dunn had a stroke and is doing better. He will have a stint inserted to relieve 85% blockage in a carotid artery. Keep Dick and his family in your thoughts and prayers.
Sally Lee reminded members of the tour of CSU's 3D printing lab on June 25 at noon.
Chuck Rutenberg participated in the Rose ceremony at District Conference in memory of Max Getts, Essi Shahmardian, and Gene Markley. Because Chuck rarely, if ever, carries any coins in his pockets, he was astonished to find a Four-Way coin in his pockets. He attributed it to "Max smiling down on us".
Science Fellowship - June 28 - Retired (rewired) botanist/ecologist Don Eversoll will lead a discussion about the implications of the imminent invasion of the emerald ash borer. Our city is host to thousands of Ash trees and the aesthetic and economic affect of losing these trees will be widespread and devastating to many properties. A special guest, Ralph Zentz, Assistant City Forester, will identify possible steps of intervention and offer advice on replacement species.
The online Rotogear is in dire need of an additional editor. Erin Mounsey's availability is changing. Basic comfort with a computer and about 2-3 hours of availability between Sunday evening and Tuesday midday is all that is needed. Training provided. Please let Erin know if you would be willing to be trained to help compile the online Rotogear.
Dawn T-Baumgartner has volunteered to summarize program contents for the third Wednesday each month. Individual volunteers are needed for the other weeks. "If I can do it, you can do it", Dawn asserts.
Our club provides many thousands of hours of volunteer service in addition to annual giving to charitable projects. Our giving to charitable projects has not grown to keep up with inflation and growing community needs. The RCFC Legacy Fund has established as an endowment that will provide supplemental funds into the foreseeable future for humanitarian and educational programs in and around Fort Collins. Your contributions to the Legacy Fund are tax deductible and will assure “Service in Action Forever”.