This Wednesday, September 16th, RCFC hosts Gerard Dalziel, a registered civil engineer now working with Engineers Without Borders – USA. Gerard will speak via Zoom on the collaboration between Rotary and EWB-USA, bringing together the complementary expertise of the two organizations. Please join the Noon meeting and presentation September 16, at https://zoom.us/j/494943309pwd=SmtTUDYzTlZrcVBhblVLRmdvbVh6dz09.
RCFC's third Civility Seminar, held September 14 via Zoom, was very insightful . Our guest speaker was Chaz Miles and the title was Being Native American, Hispanic, Black, Educated, Athlete, Believer, Musician, Celebrity, Concerned, Optimistic, and Normal…in One Body…in Our Times!, Chaz started the seminar saying "It's not about you. But it is." He went on to note that a key problem is the 'either/or' mentality failing to empathize and understand. The full seminar can be reviewed at https://zoom.us/rec/share/OViw3kDzqlptJlv3l1tOtEiwsWmrwzN0K45YaecDCWu0PyEy3DU_ElWRzvaVh-Ho.pjQqMlPLijvgQzk7
During the Peace Fellowship discussions September 2, Del Benson shared lessons from a fun little book by Robert Fulghum, All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten, which simplifies very complex reasons to be just, mannerly, and civil with others. If only the world could live by a range of simple ideas like: Share everything; Play fair; Don't hit people; Put things back where you found them; and CLEAN UP YOUR OWN MESS! Discussion, as always, was lively, and civil...
For our September 9 Zoom meeting, Jane Wiltshire of RhinoAlive.com, speaking remotely from South Africa, gave us her insight into the impact of ongoing killing of rhinoceros for their horns for the illegal international rhino horn trade. Dr. Wiltshire, in love with rhinos since the age of five, did her Doctoral research on the international trade in rhino horn and the potential for reducing that trade. View Jane's presentation recording at
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!!
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...
Our Rotary Investment Fellowship will meet immediately after the regular Noon Zoom meeting this Wednesday, September 16, 2020. Stay on the Zoom call, or connect via the Noon meeting link. Discussion topic: “The Great Investment Reset of 2019--2024.” Major resets in investment values and trends usually occur or accelerate during times of substantial social and economic upheaval. Many experts believe that the current COVID pandemic is triggering the next big investment reset. It will bring opportunities for large profits and losses. All are welcome to attend.
Older Announcements Still Relevant:
The PR Committee is looking for volunteers to post Rotary happenings on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc. To volunteer contact John Trone.
First Pres church has indicated they are not comfortable hosting Rotary any time soon. For now, all meetings will continue to be via Zoom.
President Del asked that in this time of deep political divisions, Rotarians think and act with civility and peace towards the many perspectives.
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.
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.
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.