On Wednesday, February 13th, RCFC welcomes Paul K. Chappell, an international peace educator who now serves as the Peace Literacy Director of the Nuclear Age Peace Foundation, Santa Barbara, California. Bill Timpson, who graduated from West Point and was deployed to Iraq before leaving active duty as a Captain, will introduce our speaker.
Mr. Chappell is the author of the seven-book Road to Peace series about ending war, waging peace, the art of living, and our shared humanity. The first six published books in this series are Will War Ever End?, The End of War, Peaceful Revolution, The Art of Waging Peace, The Cosmic Ocean, and Soldiers of Peace. Lecturing across the United States and internationally, he also teaches courses and workshops on Peace Leadership and Peace Literacy.
Our speaker grew up in Alabama, the son of a multi-racial father who fought in the Korean and Vietnam wars, and a Korean mother. He grew up in a violent household, and has arrived at a new understanding of war and peace, rage and trauma, and has forged a new vision, purpose, and hope. His website is www.peacefulrevolution.com.
As our country emerges from a century of almost continuous warfare, this discussion is much needed, and is a compelling topic for U.S. citizens, and Rotary members in particular, considering the Rotary Foundation’s long-standing commitment to promoting peace, and this current year’s focus on literacy.
February 4, committee member Larry Salmen presented RCFC's latest STEM grant to the Gardens on Spring Creek. The $920 grant will help defray development costs for Pollinator Kits, to be used by all Poudre Schools grades. This grant continues a long history of RCFC-Gardens on Spring Creek partnerships, including sponsorship of the Children's Garden, and joint sponsorship with Bob and Joyce Everitt of the Great Lawn and Everitt Pavilion.
February 4, Rotarian Jan Bertholf introduced Captain Brandon Schwartz, who in turn introduced RCFC Cadet of the Month, Emma Lerch. A sophomore in Army ROTC, Emma has a 3.568 GPA in Biology, 4.0 in ROTC , and scored 294 out of 300 in PT - almost perfect! She is ranked #1 in her class, and plans to become a veterinarian in the Army.
Last week we were updated on a truly amazing, impactful NOCO program. The speaker was Tamara Merritt, Associate Executive Director of Hearts and Horses. When asked if members were familiar with the program, a large number of hands were raised. Many testimonials proved this therapeutic riding program provides “more than just a pony ride”.
The Therapeutic Riding Center was established in 1997 near Loveland on 23 acres. Two hundred fifty volunteers per week assist approximately 195 clients with (currently) 30 horses.
Four programs exist.
1. "Therapeutic Riding" for clients with all disabilities-physical, cognitive, social and emotional.
2. "Changing Leads" which is aimed at “at risk youth”, working closely with local schools.
3. "Horses for Heroes" - successful with veterans.
4. "Riding in the Moment" - the newest for clients with dementia.
The physics of a horses’ gait (similar to human gait) and the communication/relationship with the animal seem to lead to magical benefits. An example, Emma’s story, was moving. Finally, research collaborations, past and future were described including work with CSU, Children’s Hospital and a pilot study with Columbia University. As always, FCRC members had great questions for our speaker.
Rotary Club of Fort Collins was chartered August 1, 1918, and this year celebrates 100 Years of Rotary In Fort Collins.
Club Information
Welcome to our Club!
Meetings: Wednesday Noon
Drake Center (Lunch)
802 West Drake Road
Fort Collins,
CO 80526 United States
The Board of Directors has approved the membership application of Jason Paiz. He has met successfully with a Membership Committee representative, and is sponsored by Andrew Stewart. He is a commercial banker for Versa Bank of Commerce. Any comments regarding Jason's membership eligibility should be directed to the club secretary, Rod Morrison, or to his sponsor in writing by February 20th 2019, one week after this notification appears in the February 13th, 2019 print Rotogear.
The Rotary History Fellowship will meet immediately after the regular meeting in the foyer. Our topic will be: 'Immigration: The Big Picture.' We shall discuss the historic patterns of immigration in the past and what we think immigration policy should be in the future.' Everyone and all opinions are always welcome.
Past Announcements still valid:
John Roberts announced the Global Village Museum‘s new exhibit, “Russia in Retrospect”, opening Friday, February 1. Six special programs are scheduled during the 3-5 month run.
Michael Stradt announced a planned Fellowship Committee outing to see “Wicked” in Denver sometime before Memorial Day. Interested, see Mike.
Rotaract's annual Breakfast Bingo is coming Feb 16th from 9 am to 12 pm at the Northside Aztlan Center. They are raising money for Africa Pads, an organization working to empower and support women in Malawi Africa. Tickets are $30. To buy tickets, donate to Africa Pads, or donate to the event (anything monetary or items for silent auction) please contact focorotaract@gmail.com.
Rotaract is trying to establish a community club for those between school and Satellite age, sponsored by all four Rotary clubs. Suggest names to Del Benson.
Dick Dunn is not doing well. Don Eversoll asked that we keep him in your thoughts and prayers.
Kelly Kessler fell and broke a hip. He is at Centre Rehab facility just around the corner from Rotary.
The Rotary Clubs of Fort Collins are sponsoring a Peace Initiative Speaker Series. The first is a special presentation on race relations at CSU’s Lory Student Center Grand Ballroom on Tuesday, April 9, from 6-8 p.m. See Peace Committee members for details.
Rob Marschke asked members to support the 2019 Peach Festival by becoming a Sponsor. Forms were distributed.
Don Eversoll asked interested members to join the newly established Peace Fellowship. Remember—peace leads to solutions.
Sally Lee urged members to give King Soopers cards as gifts. Talk to her if interested.
Bill Schaffter urges participation in Fort Collins Read Aloud. For information, go to Fortcollinsreadaloud.org.
Marty Bachman reminded all to report special occasions/events/illness that the Care and Recognition Committee should acknowledge. Call Marty, Melanie Chamberlain, or JeanneFangman.