Our guest speaker for the RCFC Zoom meeting on November 25th, Robert M. Lawrence, PhD., has agreed to outline some of the highlights and lowlights of the recently completed state, local and federal elections. Both Republicans and Democrats characterized the election as historically consequential, with Pres. Trump claiming he would save the nation from Socialism and rampant crime, and Pres. Elect Biden saying it was a fight for the soul of America. A fellow Rotarian, Bob will take the screen after his introduction by Bill West.
Rotarians Warren Wilson and Kip Turain had the pleasure of recognizing Cadet Reiss Mika as the Army CSU ROTC Cadet of the Month! Reiss hails from Eaton, CO and is pursuing his Psychology degree. During Fall semester, he holds the cadet rank of Staff Sergeant while serving in the position of Class Leader for the Junior class of 38 cadets. Furthermore, he serves outside CSU and ROTC as a member of the Larimer County Dive and Rescue team. He attained his Dive Rescue Specialist rating with them and provides valuable training-related feedback within the dive and rescue community. Upon entering the Army, he would like to be assigned in the Infantry Branch.
Past President Rob Marschke inducted RCFC's newest member, Stephen Smith, sponsored by Dave Stewart. Smith is a water engineer and businessman having designed and built water projects worldwide. All Disneyland irrigation projects worldwide were designed and built by Smith's company. Please welcome Stephen Smith!
Rotary Club of Fort Collins purchased and collected toiletry items for Homeward Alliance to distribute at their next Family Resource Fair. This week, we filled 200 bags! We had 12 people and were able to spread out on 4 large work stations. Toiletry items are especially needed because these items are not eligible for food stamp redemption nor are they regularly donated to the Food Bank. Kathy Nicol led the project effort and many Rotarians were involved in donating products/funds and packing the bags, truly a team effort. Great work team.
Past RCFC President and current Rotary Foundation Committee chair Melanie Chamberlain started the November 18 Zoom program by summarizing the goals of the Rotary Foundation and listed the various levels of recognition for contributions. Robin Steele, Chairman of the International Projects and Grants Committee, followed up with a summary of the Committee activities of her committee, including summaries of some of their international grants. The full program can be viewed by clicking here.
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...
The Science and Engineering Fellowship will meet immediately following this week's noon meeting, via the same Zoom link. The speaker will be Jeffrey Wilusz, PhD, Associate Dept Head for Research and Editor-in-Chief, WIREs RNA, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Pathology at CSU. Topic will be the mRNA technology associated with the Moderna and Pfizer vaccines plus an overview of the other technologies in late stage trials.
RCFC's Holiday Party this year is via Zoom, starting at 6:00, December 16. Music, Stories, Gifts, Santa Claus and small group fellowship are all being planned. Dress up/Dress down; Dress Pajamas are encouraged. Door prizes and a special prize for best attire ("costume", PJ's, Ugliest Sweater, etc.), will be awarded. Save the Date!
Due to the pandemic, RCFC will not be bell ringing for the Salvation Army this year. Donations may be made directly to the Salvation Army.
Once again, Ralph Smith is offering a calendar of his photos for $15. Rotarian purchases generate a contribution to the Legacy Fund. Contact ralph.smith@colostate.edu or 970-214-2322.
The Good and Lucky Non-Event raised $54,000 for the various charitable causes! President Del reminded all that have not made a pledge/donation to please get "a round tuit". Deadline for donations is Colorado Gives Day, December 8.
Older Announcements Still Relevant:
Member Applicant Kacie Mach announced that Ent Credit Union is partnering with the United Way of Larimer County for the local wildfire relief efforts. Ent is matching all donations made to the UWLC fire relief fund up to $50,000. More Information at [impact.uwaylc.org] Matching is available through November 30.
Bart Kingham is in special care and leaving Rotary. Millie would appreciate if you reach out to Bart, at 900 Arbor Ave. #1 FC 80526
SAVE THE DATE. The Service Above Self Awards 2019-20 Celebration Event will be December 16th 2020 from Noon to 1pm via Zoom. Past President and host Steve Laine is hoping for a "tremendous turn-out supporting and recognizing people who help make our Club, our Community and the World a better place to be and live."
The Nominations Committee has released the slate of officers and Director Candidates. Please see Past President Rob Marschke's announcement and vote electronically.
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.
The next Rotary Book Fellowship discussion is December 10, reviewing the book 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.
Our guest speaker for the RCFC Zoom meeting on November 25th, Robert M. Lawrence, PhD., has agreed to outline some of the highlights and lowlights of the recently completed state, local and federal elections. Both Republicans and Democrats characterized the election as historically consequential, with Pres. Trump claiming he would save the nation from Socialism and rampant crime, and Pres. Elect Biden saying it was a fight for the soul of America. A fellow Rotarian, Bob will take the screen after his introduction by Bill West.
Rotarians Warren Wilson and Kip Turain had the pleasure of recognizing Cadet Reiss Mika as the Army CSU ROTC Cadet of the Month! Reiss hails from Eaton, CO and is pursuing his Psychology degree. During Fall semester, he holds the cadet rank of Staff Sergeant while serving in the position of Class Leader for the Junior class of 38 cadets. Furthermore, he serves outside CSU and ROTC as a member of the Larimer County Dive and Rescue team. He attained his Dive Rescue Specialist rating with them and provides valuable training-related feedback within the dive and rescue community. Upon entering the Army, he would like to be assigned in the Infantry Branch.
Rotary Club of Fort Collins purchased and collected toiletry items for Homeward Alliance to distribute at their next Family Resource Fair. This week, we filled 200 bags! We had 12 people and were able to spread out on 4 large work stations. Toiletry items are especially needed because these items are not eligible for food stamp redemption nor are they regularly donated to the Food Bank. Kathy Nicol led the project effort and many Rotarians were involved in donating products/funds and packing the bags, truly a team effort. Great work team. 
Past RCFC President and current Rotary Foundation Committee chair Melanie Chamberlain started the November 18 Zoom program by summarizing the goals of the Rotary Foundation and listed the various levels of recognition for contributions. Robin Steele, Chairman of the International Projects and Grants Committee, followed up with a summary of the Committee activities of her committee, including summaries of some of their international grants. 
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: