In a timely presentation September 2nd RCFC welcomes Todd Lambert, Assistant Superintendent of Elementary Schools, and Scott Nielsen, Assistant Superintendent of Secondary Schools. Todd and Scott will update us on the opening of schools in the Poudre R-1 School District, including a look at instruction, transportation, athletics, food service, and student support. They will leave as much time as necessary for questions. Please join the Noon meeting and presentation September 2, at https://zoom.us/j/494943309pwd=SmtTUDYzTlZrcVBhblVLRmdvbVh6dz09
At the August 26, Science and Engineering Fellowship, the guest speaker was Richard (Dick) Bowen, D.V.M., Ph.D. from Colorado State University. Dr. Bowen was recently recognized with a lifetime achievement award for his research. He outlined several of his studies, mostly conducted in the past few years. He described how he created a "barnyard" consisting of mixed animals to study the spread of avian influenza. He told of far-flung travels to study MERS (Middle East Respiratory Syndrome) and studies in camels. He outlined laboratory studies using exotic species such as alligators and snakes to study virus spread and persistence. He concluded with a description of the intense work his team is doing on SARS-CoV-2, including interesting data regarding animals, such as cats, dogs, mice, hamsters, prairie dogs and others as possible reservoirs for this virus. There were 14 people in attendance, and several good questions from the audience.
On August 26, Jeff Swoboda, Chief of Fort Collins Police Services, joined us via Zoom to talk about his department including coming year budgetary impacts, reactions to recent demonstrations and changes in laws, and aspects of the ongoing police training. View the recording of this meeting at https://us02web.zoom.us/rec/share/_8pWMY3ByU9IYJH951zeZZwKEb3GT6a81CcWqfFezUy0sRBhuXACh1z1xespnLCl
September 19, IPG Committee member and Project Sponsor Rajiv Mehta announced that Rotary International has approved an $84,000 Matching Grant for Bhopal, India. The grant, a partnership between RCFC and the Rotary Club of East Bhopal, provides 2-year's funding for a new vocational school, part of the Ma Anandamayee School, operating out of and serving a slum in Bairagarh, Bhopal. The grant will provide equipment, teacher training and classroom materials for the first two years of operation, with expectation that the school will become self-sustaining thereafter. Great work, RCFC!!
Last Wednesday, Denver Rotarian, Debra Fine, “zoomed” us through a talk entitled “Cultivating Connections: Making the Most of Conversation Opportunities in These Changing Times”. Her presentation was informal and interactive, maybe even “conversational”. She began by briefly describing her personal transition from introverted engineer to busy speaker and successful author. Today she gave FCRC simple and useful conversation tips to make the most of our conversation opportunities and to avoid “conversation killers”.
Monday, August 3, RCFC President Del Benson hosted and moderated the second in a series of seminars on Community Civility. This session, titled How Police and University Promote Civility, heard from Fort Collins Police Services Assistant Chief John Feyen, and CSU's Warner College Director of Diversity and Inclusion, Dr. Rickey Frierson. To hear an excellent definition of the difference between "racism" and "racist", and why the statement "I don't see color" is offensive, please check out the recorded seminar at https://zoom.us/rec/share/xpZOILbvz0pLQdLw9mXefbQQI6DXeaa8gCQX-_IIy0inSo6aX50CvQuM4A2NuEV1
On Wednesday July 29, President Del Benson highlighted his U+2 Challenge, asking members to step up their Rotary Engagement and help grow RCFC's membership and service mission during RY 2020-21.
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 You+Two and have twice the fun and accomplishments
Wednesday July 1, 2020-21 President Del Benson outlined his background, priorities and thoughts for this coming year. 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
He closed his remarks with preliminary plans for a "Good and Lucky Non-Event Fundraiser" this fall. Stay tuned for details...
President Del asked that in this time of deep political divisions, Rotarians think and act with civility and peace towards the many perspectives.
August is Membership Development Month. Invite friends, neighbors, and workers to Open Opportunities with RCFC: U+2 is a reasonable membership goal!
Older Announcements Still Relevant:
The Rotary Book Fellowship and discussion dates are, Oct. 8, The Perfect Horse by Elizabeth Letts, and Dec. 10, Doc by Mary Doria Russell. Contact Dave Stewart for details.
Phyllis Abt is leading the revision/development of an RCFC Policies and Procedures manual. Let her know if you have items to contribute.
The Community Grants committee is now accepting applications from local agencies under the “Education” category. Please encourage agencies to apply. The application process and grant eligibility criteria are listed on our website, under the Community Grants tab. Questions? Contact Kathy Nicol
Kathy Nicol reminded members to pick up your pre-ordered Rotary gear at Sport About.
General reminder of our Fellowships schedule. All follow immediately after the Wednesday noon Zoom meeting, using the same login. First Wednesday: Peace. Second Wednesday: History. Third Wednesday: Investments. Fourth Wednesdays: Science.
President Del noted that the board's current focus is on Committees, gaining clarity and structure to achieve RCFC's goals. He reminded all that it is not necessary to be a formal member of a committee to make a contribution, and encouraged all to be engaged.
President Del announced a 'one-stop' Finances email - treasurer@fortcollinsrotary.org. Del also reminded members that 'the buck stops here' and asked that any complaints or concerns also be directed to him.
Member invoices had been released by our accounting firm without review. If you have any question or issue with the invoice, please contact John Trone.
RCFC's intended move to the First Presbyterian Church and face-to-face meetings are on hold due to a campus shut down.
President Del, noting the recent spike in Covid cases, cautioned that face-to-face meetings are unlikely any time soon.
Quarterly dues have increased by $8.00 (to $83), due to reduced membership and associated income, and increased expenses and corrections to expense calculations. Our unrestricted cash reserves are in the 5–7 months of expenses range, and the quarterly reserve charge will be reduced from $11 to $2 per member per quarter. Meals and Facilities charges will be announced when in-person meetings are ready to resume.
Wednesday Noon member who wish to switch from “With Meals” to “Without Meals” need to submit (only once) a signed, written request form available from the Membership Committee or downloaded from our ClubRunner website.
Sally Lee reported King Soopers rebate of $468.00 that goes directly into our charitable budget. If you haven’t signed up yet, see Sally.
Marty Bachman urged members to shop on Amazon Smile. Rebates would be credited to our club at the rate of 0.5%. Look for the Amazon logo on our website.
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.
In a timely presentation September 2nd RCFC welcomes Todd Lambert, Assistant Superintendent of Elementary Schools, and Scott Nielsen, Assistant Superintendent of Secondary Schools. Todd and Scott will update us on the opening of schools in the Poudre R-1 School District, including a look at instruction, transportation, athletics, food service, and student support. They will leave as much time as necessary for questions. Please join the Noon meeting and presentation September 2, at 
At the August 26, Science and Engineering Fellowship, the guest speaker was Richard (Dick) Bowen, D.V.M., Ph.D. from Colorado State University. Dr. Bowen was recently recognized with a lifetime achievement award for his research. He outlined several of his studies, mostly conducted in the past few years. He described how he created a "barnyard" consisting of mixed animals to study the spread of avian influenza. He told of far-flung travels to study MERS (Middle East Respiratory Syndrome) and studies in camels. He outlined laboratory studies using exotic species such as alligators and snakes to study virus spread and persistence. He concluded with a description of the intense work his team is doing on SARS-CoV-2, including interesting data regarding animals, such as cats, dogs, mice, hamsters, prairie dogs and others as possible reservoirs for this virus. There were 14 people in attendance, and several good questions from the audience.
On August 26, Jeff Swoboda, Chief of Fort Collins Police Services, joined us via Zoom to talk about his department including coming year budgetary impacts, reactions to recent demonstrations and changes in laws, and aspects of the ongoing police training. View the recording of this meeting at https://us02web.zoom.us/rec/share/_8pWMY3ByU9IYJH951zeZZwKEb3GT6a81CcWqfFezUy0sRBhuXACh1z1xespnLCl
September 19, IPG Committee member and Project Sponsor Rajiv Mehta announced that Rotary International has approved an $84,000 Matching Grant for Bhopal, India. The grant, a partnership between RCFC and the Rotary Club of East Bhopal, provides 2-year's funding for a new vocational school, part of the Ma Anandamayee School, operating out of and serving a slum in Bairagarh, Bhopal. The grant will provide equipment, teacher training and classroom materials for the first two years of operation, with expectation that the school will become self-sustaining thereafter. Great work, RCFC!!
Last Wednesday, Denver Rotarian, Debra Fine, “zoomed” us through a talk entitled “Cultivating Connections: Making the Most of Conversation Opportunities in These Changing Times”. Her presentation was informal and interactive, maybe even “conversational”. She began by briefly describing her personal transition from introverted engineer to busy speaker and successful author. Today she gave FCRC simple and useful conversation tips to make the most of our conversation opportunities and to avoid “conversation killers”.
Monday, August 3, RCFC President Del Benson hosted and moderated the second in a series of seminars on Community Civility. This session, titled How Police and University Promote Civility, heard from Fort Collins Police Services Assistant Chief John Feyen, and CSU's Warner College Director of Diversity and Inclusion, Dr. Rickey Frierson. To hear an excellent definition of the difference between "racism" and "racist", and why the statement "I don't see color" is offensive, please check out the recorded seminar at 
Wednesday July 1, 2020-21 President Del Benson outlined his background, priorities and thoughts for this coming year. 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: