Jan Bertholf introduced Colonel USAF Kip Turain, Commander Detachment 90, Colorado State University, who introduced Cadet Erik Kaminen, a senior Mechanical Engineering student as our Cadet of the Month. Afterwards he told Colonel Turain, “ I was extremely impressed by the Rotary Club…and a bit shocked at receiving the honor.”
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Last Wednesday, PSD Superintendent and RCFC member, Dr. Sandra Smyser gave a short "State of our School System" update. Saying she would discuss the questions most asked, she first discussed the status of the ongoing litigation holding up school buildings. She then went onto the nature of, and factors affecting school funding, and the 'pendulum swing' back toward more technical-focused education preparing students for trades, vs. academic tracks focused on college preparation. 
Between May 27 and June 13, 2016, Tom Chapel and a team of 3 other Colorado climbers tackled the highest peak in North America: Denali (formerly Mt. McKinley). Tom, husband of RCFC member Donna Chapel, risked the sudden storms and unpredictable weather for which Denali is famous. The climbers, as Team Orion, ultimately reached the summit on the evening of June 10, returning to Denver on June 14. This week, Tom will share photographs of the stunning Alaska mountains, describe some highlights of the trip and their amazing experiences, and provide a glimpse into the world of high altitude expedition-style mountaineering.
Chapel has previously climbed all of Colorado’s 14 thousand foot peaks, as well as the high points of Mexico (18,500’ Pico De Orizaba) and Australia (7,310’ Mt. Kosciuszko), 23 of the state high points in the US, and more than 100 of the named or ranked peaks in Rocky Mountain National Park (to date). He is a civil engineer, managing Fort Collins operations for an international environmental consulting engineering firm based in Pasadena, California. He and Donna have two grown children, Jessica – a teacher in California, and Josh – a former Marine now living in Loveland. Tom and Donna recently welcomed their first grandchildren into the family, twins born last December.
Last Wednesday, District Governor, Bill Emslie and Tracey, helped RCFC host the crew of the recently commissioned USS Colorado submarine, who shared their mission, responsibilities, and pride in serving on the Colorado. Crewmen in attendance were LTjG Anthony Mathus (Radiological Control), ITS2 Nicholas Sylvia (IT Specialist) and ETN2 John Warren (Reactor Operator). The last "USS Colorado" was a battleship (BB-45), commissioned in 1923. Mayor Wade Troxell also attended and proclaimed October 11, USS Colorado Day. 
Last week a large crowd heard RCFC member and 14th president of Colorado State University, Dr. Anthony A. Frank, deliver his annual "State of the University" address. After noting the many achievements of CSU (record enrollment and fund raising; high engagement and 'satisfaction' ratings etc.), Dr. Frank chose to spend most of his address on the sanctity of free speech, the problems of hate speech, and the role of the university in developing personal responsibility.
Noting that he is a fan of the current student generation, he observed they are willing to challenge the status quo, show empathy for others, and walk in other's shoes. Frank recounted 3 disturbing instances of religious/racial intimidation since classes started, including the story of an Islamic student being verbally attacked by a community member, fellow bus riders getting between the young woman and her attacker, and getting off with and walking the young lady safely to her destination. He then reminded us of what that young woman may have felt the next morning when she had to go back out into the community. He commented that we musts have free speech to solve the big issues not solved so far, and asked "Is speech speech, if no one listens?" Asking that we all listen more and talk less, he suggested we visibly stand with anyone targeted by hate speech, and teach by example.
On September 20, the National Western Stock Show named Frank the "2018 Citizen of the West", an award that recognizes "those who embody the spirit and determination of the Western pioneer and perpetuate the West’s agriculture heritage and ideals". Dr. Frank joins fellow RCFC member Dr. Johnny Matsushima in this honor, placing RCFC in a unique category.
Colorado State University is one of the nation’s leading public land-grant research universities with nearly 35,000 students and more than $332 million in annual research activity. Since his appointment to the presidency in 2008, he has overseen a period of record fund-raising and enrollment, rising graduation rates, increased diversity, improved campus infrastructure, and unprecedented research support. He was named Chancellor of the Colorado State University System on June 1, 2015.
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This past Wednesday, RCFC joined the Breakfast and Foothills Rotary Clubs to celebrate our annual PSD Teacher of the Year. RCFC's Teacher of the Year for the 2016-17 school year was Becca Wren, Seventh Grade Science Teacher at Lincoln Middle School. She received a standing ovation from RCFC when she spoke last year and a warm reception from the 100+ Rotarians and guests gathered. Becca was joined by her Principal and friends, plus a very special student, who Becca connected with as a 7th grader, struggling with life and school. She spoke warmly of their initial (difficult) interaction, the student's accomplishments since, and friendship that developed.
In addition, Rotary Breakfast celebrated Jennifer McCoy, First Grade Teacher at Riffenburgh Elementary IB School , and Foothills Rotary celebrated Rhonda Ewan, Speech Language specialist at Shepardson STEM Elementary School.
Last Wednesday, September 27, District 5440 Governor Bill Emslie, updated RCFC members on his priorities and thoughts for 2017-18, including background on the People of Action citation new this year. DG Emslie encouraged all Rotarians to submit a nomination, for themselves, or others. The citation calls for sharing one’s Rotary story or experience, and DG Emslie started his presentation by citing his own experience working in Nepal.
Bill’s interests in international Rotary activities includes work on 40 projects in Nepal as well as projects in Haiti, Africa and India. DG Emslie's wife Tracey shared developments in the Polio Eradication Program, reminding us how close we are the historical eradication of the disease. Since 1979, Rotarians have helped immunize more than 2.5 billion children against polio in 122 countries.
Emslie, a retired US Navy captain, and former CEO of Platte River Power Authority, has been a Rotarian since 1986. He has been a strong supporter of the Youth Services programs, and has served as chair for RYLA, Young RYLA, and Summer Youth Exchange. His outside community service now includes serving on the Big T (Northern Colorado Water Conservancy District) Board, and the Longs Peak Council of Boy Scouts.
Sexual Assault Victim Advocacy Center - Community Grant Award
Native wildflower plantings support wild bee abundance and diversity in agricultural landscapes, according to a recent NIH study. Global trends in bee-dependent crops point toward increasing need to expand the use of wildflowers in the US. Wildflower botanist and 10-year member of RCFC, Don Eversoll will present a slide program on COLORADO WILDFLOWERS, along with a story line about how his former company, BEAUTY BEYOND BELIEF, came to life.
Don has lectured extensively for 30 years in eight western states on the role of wildflowers and native plants in domestic gardens, in public parks, and on U.S. golf courses. He is trained in golf course design, and won an award for his work on Los Pinos Golf Course in 1989 for MOST POPULAR PUBLIC COURSE IN THE U.S. He is also a frequent lecturer at CSU'S OSHER Lifelong Learning Institute. "SO YOU WOULD LIKE TO BE AN ENTREPRENEUR?" will be his next presentation. Don is the author of "Secrets From My Grandma's Garden", and is working on a new book, "The Lonely Clock That Kept Losing Time".Don is a former RCFC board member, the founder of our club's Investing Fellowship, and has been involved over the years in the Four-Way Test, Children's Garden, CSU Athletic Program, Peach Festival, Highway Cleanup, Merit Badge University, High School Exit Interviews, New West Music Festival, and Junior Achievement. He and his wife Terri will celebrate their 50th anniversary in October. They are the parents of Steve, Chris, and Katie. A native of Kearney, and graduate of the University of Nebraska, Don is also a former president and chairman of the board of the Nebraska Business Communicators. He served as the Director of Public Relations for two large companies in Omaha prior to moving to the Fort in 1956. He says he enjoys coming to Rotary because 'a lot of my heroes and role models are here'.
Speaker Steve Brown, CEO of Pacific Coast Bankers’ Bank delivered a very interesting and entertaining presentation about where we are, relative to a cashless society, and where we may be headed. By a show of hands, most Rotarians at our meeting think we are getting close to being a cashless society. Steve says though cash won’t go away, its use is likely to diminish significantly. He says you can access the Federal Reserve website to get statistics and other metrics that relate to this subject.
Cash usage, from 2012 to 2015, has decreased from 40% to 32% for payments made in our economic system. The use of checks is down from 7% to 6%. Checks are not significant as a payment transfer mechanism today. However, debit and credit cards are used for 70% of payments. Mr. Brown emphasized using credit cards as they have a limit when it comes to fraudulent activity of $50 whereas debit cards are unlimited until you discover the unauthorized use and close down the card.
Younger folks are carrying less cash than the generation before them and older citizens are carrying more cash than in the past. This will likely diminish as our society ages. Yes, demographics and technology are the primary drivers behind this shifting usage of payment behaviors and whether or not we choose to carry cash.
Digital currencies, such as bitcoin, and its virtual “ledger” blockchain, was discussed briefly and the point was made that, though it is in its infancy, it could be a sign of things to come as it relates to society’s norm for making payments between individuals and businesses. Stay tuned. The Internet of Things was also discussed briefly. It will allow appliances (refrigerators and stoves, etc.) and things like your shirt and other articles of clothing to “hear” you speak and will be able to act on instructions you give these “devices”.Questions from the audience included:
Can I start my own currency?
Will chips be imbedded in humans?
Is Europe ahead of us as it relates to credit card use in restaurants as the cards never leave your hands during the payment process?
What are the newly-emerging security issues today as it relates to hackers?
How will the older population, many of which do not use cell phones, react to, and deal with, these advances in technology?
All in all, the Cashless Society presentation left our club members more knowledgeable than they were before the meeting! Several club members approached our speaker with questions and comments afterward.
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Please support the BBBrew Annual Fundraiser put on by our Satellite Group. There are multiple ways to help!1. Attend the Pre-Concert on 9/22 or the event on 9/23, tickets on sale at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/
2. Sponsor the event personally or through your business: $250-$1500 sponsorships available and can be customized to meet your marketing/PR needs, Contact Kerrie atkerrie@oldtownmediainc.com
3. Volunteer for the event, sign up at https://docs.google.com/
As a reminder to all members, Rotary is a very diverse non-political, non-religious international service organization with members from all nationalities and all faiths. The basis of that structure is contained in our Constitution, Article 13: Community, National, and International Affairs, posted on ClubRunner. Members are reminded that it is not appropriate to distribute literature of a political or religious nature at Rotary, either to or from speakers or to the club in general, or to request members sign political petitions, or to promote any political or religious position from the podium. Private conversations among members are just that – private.
“Rotary is an organization of business and professional people pledged to up-holding the highest professional standards. Rotarians believe that worldwide fellowship and international peace can be achieved when members unite under the banner of service.”
Merit Badge University Chair Randy Kurtz introduced Mohamad Haroon Abasy, from Afghanistan and Naif Jamaan of Saudi Arabia, representatives from CSU’s Muslim Student Association, who shared a bit about the organization, why they joined, and their personal experiences as Muslim students on campus.According to Abasy and Jamaan, the MSA has students of all races and from all backgrounds, including women and men, and even some non-Muslims just wanting to know someone from another culture. Both Naif and Haroon came to CSU to learn about themselves, their homeland from another perspective, and
about the USA. They stressed our universal commonality, with similar hopes and dreams, and our common wish for love and respect.
Naif Jamaan, from Khobar, Saudi Arabia, is studying Sociology with a concentration in Criminal Justice at CSU. His family includes 4 brothers in various professions, and a sister who is studying to be an astronaut. He was optimistic about changes taking place in Saudi Arabia, but said change makers always make those in power nervous. He also stated that religion is only an excuse; culture and existing (threatened), power structures are what cause conflict. He stressed the need for education to help all see a shared future.
Mohamad Haroon Abasy is a Fulbright scholar from Afghanistan working towards an MBA. He first suggested we pay less attention to the media, who divide us for their own economic reasons. His goal is to provide employment opportunities for the world’s marginalized through entrepreneurship. He has worked with BBC and been involved with several social, educational and entrepreneurship projects. He believes studying at CSU, volunteering at events, and joining the community of Fulbright students are great opportunities to improve his knowledge, skills and life experiences.
Mohamad Haroon Abasy is a Fulbright scholar from Afghanistan working towards an MBA. He first suggested we pay less attention to the media, who divide us for their own economic reasons. His goal is to provide employment opportunities for the world’s marginalized through entrepreneurship. He has worked with BBC and been involved with several social, educational and entrepreneurship projects. He believes studying at CSU, volunteering at events, and joining the community of Fulbright students are great opportunities to improve his knowledge, skills and life experiences.
According to the Mayo Clinic, dementia isn't a specific disease, but instead, describes a group of symptoms affecting memory, thinking and social abilities severely enough to interfere with daily functioning. This week retired clinical psychologist Ross Lane introduces Cyndy Luzinski, an advanced practice nurse and dementia practitioner to share her own experience as a catalyst for building and sustaining "Dementia-Friendly Communities of Northern Colorado."Cyndy's interest in dementia care escalated when her own dad developed dementia symptoms. This led her to discovering the Contented Dementia approach, a simple method which makes remarkable differences in the lives of those who use it. Cyndy’s Dementia-Friendly Community initiative is now 21 months old.
Cyndy Luzinski, MS, RN, CDP completed her undergraduate nursing degree at St. Olaf College in Northfield, MN, and her graduate nursing degree at University of Wisconsin in Madison. Along with another advanced practice nurse and social worker, she developed and implemented what is still now, 20 years later, the UC Health Community Case Management program.
The Board of Directors has approved the membership application of Ginny Owen.
She has met successfully with a Membership Committee representative.
Ginny is sponsored by Jean Lamm. She is a retired public school administrator.
If there are any comments about eitherGinny as a new member, or to Jean, they should be directed to the club secretary, Rod Morrison, in writing by August 2nd, 2017, one week after this notification appears in the July 26th, 2017 print Rotogear.
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Foothills Gateway has been serving Fort Collins since 1972. This week, Carl Maxey will introduce Nathan Scott, Foothills Gateway Community Relations Specialist, who will share background, mission and current programs with us. Foothills Gateway is a local non-profit organization that provides services and support programs for individuals with cognitive disabilities and their families in Larimer County. These programs include training, supported employment, housing, habilitation, transportation, family support services, adult respite, early childhood intervention and case management for both children and adults.
Foothills Gateway’s mission is to advocate for and empower individuals with disabilities to lead lives of their choice. Their vision is: “We believe in a life of opportunity, of choice, and of dignity for every individual, regardless of age or ability”.
Nathan Scott is a US Navy Veteran (1991-95), and lives in Fort Collins with his wife and son. Nathan is an active member of the Overland SERTOMA Club.
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This past weekend, the NPR radio program “This America Life” highlighted a contentious immigration debate in tiny Homer, Alaska, (pop. 5631) a town with no recent immigrants, and very small chance of any in the future. https://www.thisamericanlife.org/radio-archives/episode/621/fear-and-loathing-in-homer-and-rockvilleThis week RCFC hears from an attorney ‘in the trenches’, when our own Dr. Henry Weisser introduces Robert McCormick, an experienced criminal defense lawyer for cases that have immigration consequences. McCormick will share actual case experience to discuss the nature of immigration, the challenges and potential solutions.
Robert Stuart McCormick was born in Durango, and graduated from CU before obtaining his J.D. from Texas Tech and finishing at the University of Denver Law School. He is a decorated Viet Nam veteran, having served with the Navy’s riverine forces in the Mekong Delta, which has also been known as the ‘brown water Navy.” He was in the Navy from 1969-72.
He has practiced in the fields of oil, gas and water law, white collar crime, criminal defense and asylum cases. He is married with one adult child.
As a reminder, the RI and RCFC Constitution contain the following:
Article 13 Community, National, and International Affairs
Section 1 — Proper Subjects. The merits of any public question involving the general welfare of the community, the nation, and the world are of concern to the members of this club and shall be proper subjects of fair and informed study and discussion at a club meeting for the enlightenment of its members in forming their individual opinions. However, this club shall not express an opinion on any pending controversial public measure.
Section 3 — Non-Political.
(a) Resolutions and Opinions. This club shall neither adopt nor circulate resolutions or opinions, and shall not take action dealing with world affairs or international policies of a political nature.
(b) Appeals. This club shall not direct appeals to clubs, peoples, or governments, or circulate letters, speeches, or proposed plans for the solution of specific international problems of a political nature.
This past week former FBI agent and City of Fort Collins Master Naturalist, Brian Carroll presented the homesteading history of the Soapstone Prairie area. According to Carroll, the first ‘homesteaders’ were Ice Age PaleoIndians more than 12,000 years ago. More recently the Homestead Act of 1862 allowed settlers in good standing with the US Government to claim 160 acres for their own. Carroll was introduced by his brother-in-law, RCFC Programs Co-Chair Dave Stewart.
Of the many who claimed land at Soapstone, Carroll asserts that only two succeeded. The rest either abandoned their claim or sold it to others. Life was harsh due to winds, dry-land conditions, and distance to any town or supplies. When homesteaders left, neighbors often claimed windows, doors, or any other useful materials. Later ranchers would destroy any remaining buildings to minimize any taxes.
Today the Soapstone Prairie Natural Area is bordered on the north by the Wyoming state line, and is home to a purebred American Bison herd.
Carroll has also been actively involved with several Fort Collins Boards and Commissions, including twelve years as an active Volunteer with Fort Collins Natural Areas Program. There he has focused on the relationship of human culture with the natural environment.
This Wednesday, Fort Collins Museum of Art Executive Director Lisa Hatchadoorian, will give us a brief history, and share details of the museum’s current exhibit, the art of Nancy Judd. The exhibit includes a glamorous dress made of crushed glass and salvaged upholstery fabric. Programs Co-Chair Dave Stewart will introduce Hatchadoorian. Can a beautifully made garment also carry an environmental message? Artist Nancy Judd thinks so! At first glance, her creations are stunning and dramatic, appearing as fine couture and refined garments. A closer look takes us deeper into her message. An elegant dress is constructed from drycleaner, grocery and newspaper plastic bags. Titled “The Jellyfish Dress”, it tells us to be mindful of marine life when discarding plastic as they can be fatal to sea creatures. Why fashion? Judd loves the challenge of making cast-offs elegant and inspiring people to look differently at waste.
The Fort Collins Museum of Art was originally incorporated in 1983, and moved into its permanent home in the Old Post Office building in January 1991. Built in 1911 for $89,000, the Old Post Office building is a three-story Second Renaissance Revival structure designed by James Knox Taylor, the US Treasury’s Supervising Architect. Described at the time as the “finest building in the city,” the Post Office building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is a designated Fort Collins local landmark.Hatchadoorian received a B.A. in Art History and Music from the University of Virginia and an MA in Curatorial Studies of Contemporary Art from Bard College. Her experience in arts administration, curating, public art projects and fundraising has ranged from the corporate to academic, municipal and non-profit venues. She has over a decade and a half of experience in curating, conceiving, and writing about contemporary art exhibitions and artists. She has been a visiting lecturer at Casper College, Casper, WY, and the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute in Fort Collins, and has taught art appreciation at Rowan University in Glassboro, NJ. Lisa was originally born and raised in Wilmington, DE and has lived in New York City, Charlottesville, VA, Wyoming, Illinois and Colorado. She and husband Steve Keim live in Fort Collins.
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Hello Rotarians and Friends!!
We are in the home stretch run! We need volunteers for the Peach Festival, NOW!!!!
In total, we need 153 more volunteer shifts to cover. 142 of the 153 are in the afternoon, so if we don’t fill those shifts there is a real risk that the revenue that our club will get for our projects is less, since we will have to shut down some of the revenue-generating booths (e.g., beer, wine, pie, cobbler, entrance admission, margaritas, etc.) or hire people to work the booths which will reduce or eliminate our revenue.
So, if you have already signed up for a shift, please consider staying another 3 hours and cover another shift. If you have friends or family who can help, sign them up or send them the link shown below for them to register themselves.
Please don't plan on sticking around without signing up and expecting the volunteer tent to “tell you where to go”, though. We need to know that the shifts are covered before the event in order to avoid either one of the above scenarios, which must be planned before the event.
So, don’t delay! Use this link and register to volunteer! http://signup.com/go/FYzUvoH
Thanks for your help in making this Peach Festival the best yet!!!!
2. Enter your email address: (You will NOT need to register an account on SignUp.com)
3. Sign up! Choose your spots - SignUp.com will send you an automated confirmation and reminders. Easy!
Notes:
1. All the volunteer slots are all on August 19.
2. Some of the positions are similar to past years, but many are different, so be sure to read the position description provided with each slot to make sure that you know you’re in for if you volunteer.
3. Once you sign up, not only will you receive an email confirmation of your registration, you will receive a reminder of what your slots are two days before the Peach Festival!
4. SignUp.com does not share your email address with anyone. If you prefer not to use your email address, please contact Gary Turner at geeturn@comcast.net or 970-217-1232 and he can sign you up manually. However, if you don’t use your email address, you won’t receive any of the notifications from SignUp.com.
5. You can sign up friends and family. It's a fun day for all! Everyone will receive a Peach Festival Volunteer t-shirt if they don't already have one! (It’s best if you use their email addresses so that they get the email notifications.)
Thanks in advance for your support this year! Please register soon, as we only have a short time until the festival!!!!!
Tuesday, August 1 from 10-12 AM Brian Carroll will interpret about bison, homesteads, and early peoples living on Soapstone Natural Area (http://www.fcgov.com/naturalareas/finder/soapstone). Brian was our most recent Rotary Speaker about homestead days in the area. You should arrive by 9:45 with water, sunscreen, closed-toed shoes, and a lunch to eat after we finish. About 1/4 mile is extent of the walk. Let Del Benson know of your interest and total numbers in your party (delwin.benson@gmail.com, 227-8286, or sign in at Rotary). If you want to carpool, meet no later than 8:30 behind Jax on North College Avenue. This is your Fellowship Committee at work connecting you with nature. A total of 20 persons may be accommodated.See the site link above for more detailed driving directions if you plan to self drive. Soapstone Prairie is 25 miles north of Fort Collins, allow about an hour travel time. From Fort Collins, take Hwy 1/ Terry Lake Road to County Road 15 north (towards Waverly). From CR 15, turn north onto Rawhide Flats Road and continue north to the entrance station. There are nine miles of gravel road that can be dusty, rough and bumpy. Please respect our neighbors and be safe by observing the speed limit.
The dates have been set for TIPS training for this year. They are as follows:
- Thursday July 20th 4:30 - 7:30 pm
- Tuesday July 27th 3:00 - 6:00 pm
Both sessions will be held at First Bank on Mountain Ave & College Ave in the lower level conference room.
Just a reminder that if you have been trained in the past two years, you do not need to go through training this year. All training is valid for three years.
I will pass around a sign-up sheet at next weeks Rotary meeting for those interested.
If you have questions, please don't hesitate to contact me.
Chuck Rutenberg
