Last week past president John Trone led us through the annual “changing of the guard”. Our new RI president, Gordan McNally’s theme for 2023-2024 is to Create Hope in the World with particular emphasis on mental health.
John recognized our outgoing president, Marty Bachman, as well as outgoing board members Lucinda K Kerschensteiner, Rajiv Mehta, Jon Land, Phyllis Abt, and John Trone. Thanks to all the officers and members for their work in our Committees, Fellowships, Charitable Projects, Fundraisers, and events.
Outgoing President Marty was described as a “joy to work with”. We saw representative photos of this past year’s Community Service including the Highway cleanup and Food Bank. Service Grants distributed $30,000 for the Club (eg, Coats and boots). During this period the Rotary Club of Fort Collins (RCFC) recognitions returned to the Lincoln Center after their absence because of COVID (Cadet of the Month, Teacher of the Month and Student of the Month). RYLA was filled with students. Our weekly fellowships continued and grew. International Grants and Educational grants were distributed. Money was raised at the Purple Pins for Polio. Fort Collins Habitat for Humanity received over $26,000 through fundraising at the Rotary Golf Classic. The club’s fellowship this past year included the summer picnic, the cornhole league, Sweetwater Brewery tour, CSU Brewery Tour and, of course, our annual holiday party. Special club members were recognized at the Service Above Self awards.Marty tried to focus on women in Rotary. Following some special gifts for our outgoing president, Marty read a poem to tell her story of what the club did for her. She was then joined by a special group of women on the podium. It turns out these past presidents had a get-together for Marty before she started to provide advice and wisdom from their leadership experiences. They had “special” gifts to give Marty.
Our new officers were selected by this past year’s nominating committee. The new officers and board members were inducted and reminded of RI’s 2023-24 theme, “Create Hope in the World.”
Our new president, Randy Kurtz, concluded the meeting with his comments, plans and hopes for the new year. Create Hope is our theme as we come out of the pandemic and all its effects - especially mental health. Members should look after one another starting with the greeting - “how are you doing, really”. Remember our mission statement - We provide service to others, promote integrity, and advance goodwill, and peace through our fellowship of business, professional and community leaders. We were reminded of Rotary’s 7 areas of focus - Peace Building and Conflict Prevention, Disease Prevention and Treatment, Water Sanitation and Hygiene, Maternal and child health, Basic education and Literacy, Community Economic Development and finally Environment.The details of our club
- 140 members
- Board of directors - Randy Kurtz, David Dunne, Kevin Davies, Kerrie Luginbill, Suzie Ewing, Sandra Munger, Kip Turain, Dan Mackey, Marty Bachman, Susan Brand, Jeanne Fangman, Steve Kane
- Charities budget-$90,000
- Operations budget-$80,000
- Legacy Endowment Fund-$675,000-$26,000 for local charities
- Global Grants-over $1.6 million over past 10 years
Our strategic Priorities for 2023-24 are
- Membership
- Member Care
- Local Impact
- International Projects and grants
Finally, you get out of Rotary what you put into it.
- Real friendships
- Better understanding of your community
- Service is rewarding
- Professional Connections
- Leadership training
Marty closed the meeting for the last time with the 4Way Test. Next week Randy will ring the bell.