This Wednesday, April 7th at noon, we are honored to host former Mayor of Fort Collins (and former RCFC Member), Douglas P. Hutchinson. After some introductory remarks from Dave Stewart, our speaker will share a bit of history from his college years, when he worked for the US Forest Service as a White Pine Fire Tower watchman with his wife, Cathy (now, of blessed memory).
April 7th, at 5:30, the Evening Fellowship welcomes Julie Phillips. Julie is going to speak about all that they do at CASA of Larimer County, including the rates of child abuse and neglect in our community, and ways to help. CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) is an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to advocating for children who have experienced abuse and neglect. CASA recruits, trains, and screens community volunteers to be the voice for children in the courtroom.
The RCFC Community Grants Committee recently awarded $2000 to Larimer County Search & Rescue, a volunteer-based organization dedicated to saving lives and educating the public on wilderness safety. Their objective is to find and rescue lost or injured people and to recover the deceased. They will use our $2,000 grant to repair equipment as well as to improve their training, computer, and communication operations to enhance their field operations. Your Charitable Contributions at work!
Rotarian Dan Mackey presents our check to Stan McMahon, Treasurer.
During February, the RCFC Community Grants Committee awarded the Food Bank for Larimer County (FBLC) a $7500 grant. FBLCprovides food to all in need through community partnerships and hunger-relief programs. When COVID closed the schools, FBLC created an emergency feeding plan to serve schools, housing authority complexes and mobile home parks with free and reduced meals.
Rotarians Dan Mackey and Kathy Nicol present the check to Amy Pezzani, Chief Executive Officer.
Last week, water attorney James Eklund (please see his extensive resume and experience in last week’s Rotogear) interrupted his vacation to Crested Butte (the wonder of Zoom!) to share with us the current status of Water in the West, especially the Colorado River. He began with an adaptation of Rotary’s 4 Way Test, from the “truth” about water in the West to making water policy “beneficial to all concerned”.
During his first meeting as President, Del Benson outlined his priorities and thoughts for RY 2020-21. He touched on the challenges of declining noon membership and the resultant reduction in income and charitable pledges to support our service mission. Del then outlined his priorities and a "U+2" Time, Talent and Treasure Challenge for every member:
Bring in two new members
Double contributions to Rotary funding needs
Help on two funding initiatives
Give time to two additional service projects
Organize new projects and outcomes
Attend two more meetings every quarter
Combine categories engaging U+2 and have twice the fun and accomplishments
RCFC's Peace Fellowship meets immediately following this Wednesday's noon meeting... honest. (same Zoom link). All are welcome!
Older Announcements Still Relevant:
The Community Grants committee is now accepting grant applications under the Youth Programs category. Details may be found on our Club website. Application deadline is Friday, May 21st, with grants awarded in June.
Bill Timpson will receive the Innovations in Service Learning Award from CSU. Congratulations Bill!
President Del Benson announced a $10,000 donation to the RCFC Legacy Fund from David Everitt and the Everitt family, in support of the Good and Lucky Non-Event! This brings the total raised to $70,000, plus a $19,000 matching grant for the United Way Fire Relief fund! Total raised was $89,000!!Thank you Rotarians for your generous support of our community.
Marty Bachman and Sally Lee report that just 35 families shopping at King Soopers earned $524.87 last quarter - just for shopping! That's a $525 donation that goes directly into our charitable budget. If you haven’t signed up yet, see Sally or Marty.
General reminder of our Fellowships schedule. First Wednesday: Peace. Second Wednesday: History. Third Wednesday: Investments. Fourth Wednesdays: Science. All meet immediately following the Wednesday noon Zoom meeting, using the same login.
Reminder that RCFC has a 'one-stop' Finances email - treasurer@fortcollinsrotary.org. President Del reminds members that 'the buck stops here' and asked that any complaints or concerns also be directed to him.
Marty Bachman reminds all to report special occasions/events/illness that the Care and Recognition Committee should acknowledge. Call Marty, Susan Brand, Melanie Chamberlain, or JeanneFangman.