Nearly everyone turns to the arts for entertainment, but the arts can provide much more intellectual and emotional nourishment if we seek it out. On February 5th, please join composer and educator Bruce Adolphe for a talk about what the arts offer and how they work wonders. Following his introduction by Jephtha Bernstein, our speaker shares what he has learned from a lifetime of personal experiences, anecdotally from others, and from recent neuroscience research: participating in the arts is transformative and profoundly beneficial.
Chair Kathy Nicol and Committee Member Dan Mackey presented a check for $2,000 to the Larimer County Catholic Charities to help them create a laundry facility for the homeless in Fort Collins. The grant will provide washers and dryers for the facility.
Chair Jack Vogt announced RCFC's Student of the Month for January, Katie Bastian. Katie was introduced by her School Counselor, Kelly Madden and accompanied by her mother, Susan Bastian. Katie thanked Rotary for the recognition and listed some of her many activities: peer counselor, music and theater, National Honor Society, Music Honor Society. A senior, she is taking a gap year abroad before deciding which college to attend.
January 29, three additional Paul Harris Fellow recognitions were announced. Dan Mackey is now a PHF +8, Mike Sollenberger is also PHF +8 and Rajiv Mehta is a PHF +4. Thanks to these three PHF's and all Rotarians who support Rotary's international service.
Thank you to all who participated in the FC Rotary Quad Clubs Purple Pins for Polio Bowling Tournament Fundraiser. There was FUN,FOOD, FELLOWSHIP to FIGHT POLIO. The RCFC Evening Club Team (Captain - Robin Steele) won the Highest Score after the 1st game, Score 777. Preliminary estimated RCFC earnings: $3665 for TRF, plus Bill and Melinda Gates foundation $6000 = $ 9665. RCFC's Sharyn Salmen and Foothill's Ruth Lutes did an amazing job organizing and running our annual event January 26th. Thanks to all!
After reaching a worldwide low in 2017 of only 22 'wild' polio virus cases, infections increased 6-fold in 2019 to 125 cases. Still only two countries saw infections - Afghanistan and Pakistan - although we are all only one plane ride away from exposure. We still have work to do!
Last week, Angela Myers, Larimer County Clerk and Recorder gave a presentation entitled “Upcoming Elections and New Voting Laws”. Her informal/interactive style was evident when she immediately left the podium and began by asking questions. Myers has worked in the Clerk’s office since May 2003 and was appointed to her current office in May 2013. She was elected in November 2014 and reelected in 2018.
Jennifer "Jenn" Holm as been approved by the Board of Directors and Oriented for Membership in the Rotary Club of Fort Collins. Jenn will attend the Evening Fellowship, is a Realtor/Broker with Cobblestone Realty and is sponsored by Kelly Kettler. She has already participated in several Community Service projects with the Evening Fellowship & is anxious to set an example for her three boys to make collective impacts for good. Any concerns about Jenn's proposed membership should notify her sponsor or the Club Secretary in writing by February 12, one week after this announcement appears in the print Rotogear.
The December 31, 2019 Club Financial Statements have been published on ClubRunner. To access, sign in and then go into Member Area. Select My ClubRunner. Below select Documents. Scroll to area 7 and the Financials are there at the bottom. If you don’t have ClubRunner account, please contact John Trone, john.trone@hotmail.com.
President Rob read thank you notes from Children’s Theater, The Beattie Teacher of the Month, and the STEM Committee for recent financial awards.
Susan Walker and Brad Abrahamson received their blue badges. Congratulations Susan and Brad!
Thanks to John Trone for supporting the Ecoschool in Jalapa, Guatemala. They now have clean water.,
The next evening Rotary meeting is Feb. 5 at 5:30 at Red Truck Brewing.
The Board Of Directors are reviewing processes for charities invoices.
The test run at First Presbyterian Church was considered generally good. Negotiations are going forward.
RCFC's strategic planning process is moving ahead. March 4 will include club discussions.
Steve Laine urged members to make nominations for the Service Above Self awards.
Martin Limbird announced the new theme for RI: Rotary Opens Opportunity (chosen by the new president because it “sounds good in German”!).
Bill Timpson brought greetings from Ngozi. He announced the opening of a seventh Peace Center in Uganda.
All Rotary committees should give Rob their budget needs for the rest of this Rotary year.
Older Announcements Still Relevant:
Mara Johnson solicited sponsors and volunteers for the Peach Festival. This year’s beneficiary is Habitat for Humanity. Our representatives on the central committee are Mara, Rob Marschke, and Annette Geisleman.
Sally Lee reported King Soopers rebate of $532.00 that goes directly into our charitable budget. If you haven’t signed up yet, see Sally.
Harry Mueller needs weekly Greeters - especially Red Badge members. Please see Harry to sign up.
Mara Johnson needs host families for our incoming youth exchange student (2020-21 school year). She also thanked Club for the $4000 budget.
Henry Weisser brought OLLI (formerly OSHER) catalogs for the winter/spring semester. See Henry if you need one.
The Finance Committee meet on the 2nd Thursday, and the Board Meeting is the 4th Thursday each month. Both meetings are from 3:30 to 5:00 in the Markley Motors Conference room. All are invited.
Martin Limbird invited club members to join President-elect Del Benson and Jeannie in Honolulu June 6-10, 2020 for the Rotary International convention.
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 requests fun fundraising ideas. She also needs volunteers for her committee.
Ralph Smith has 2020 calendars for sale for $15. $5 comes back to the Legacy Fund.
The Board Of Directors approved participation in the 2020 Peach Festival. The beneficiary will be Habitat for Humanity. President Rob summarized the discussion and outlined the factors to be watched closely. Peach Festival financial report update will be emailed to members.
SPECIAL NOTE: Kathy Hawkins cautioned members not to pay dues AND charities with a single checks. For charities contributions to be tax-deductible, you must write a separate check.
President Rob announced that for those wishing to apply for the new "Noon Membership Without Meals" category, a form needs to be completed and submitted to the Membership Committee.
PDG Mike Forney invited retired professionals to join SCORE (Senior Corps Of Retired Executives). Volunteers work with small business personnel to enhance their business. Counselors are needed in Ft. Collins. If interested, contact Mike Forney.
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.