  Last week Centennial Chair Lynne Baker led a talented troupe of RCFC members in a reenactment of a 10th anniversary FCRC meeting. Fine acting and period dress effectively took us back to 1928. 1928 President Arthur Johnson (Stacy Plemmons) spoke first; reviewing the many accomplishments during the club's first 10 years. Highlights included the Committee to Investigate Vice's recommendation to control venereal disease in our fair city and their success "keeping Ft Collins dry". The club had raised dues from $1 to $12 per month, and used funds to adopt a French orphan from the War to End All Wars, help build the Armory Building, support the YMCA and a boys camp at Red Feather, provide milk and a Christmas program for indigent school children and provide interest free loans to students at the Agricultural College. The next speaker was Rotary's "5th Founder", Harry Ruggles (Martin Limbird) who is credited with introducing singing and the Rotary songbook. We sang 2 songs from that era. Should we be concerned that everyone seemed to know the words to "Let Me Call You Sweetheart"? Sylvester Sheely (Eric Peterson), visiting from Chicago, described how he and Paul Harris started Rotary in 1905 as a group where local businessmen could communicate and support one another, subsequently adding "service" to the mission. He then introduced the keynote speaker, Founder Paul Harris (Guy Kelly) who reviewed the origins of Rotary, his time in Colorado, and his travel abroad, plus Rotary's role in building peace. "Paul" also announced that a real 1928 issue, "the Rotary Gearwheel controversy" was resolved (how many cogs, plus the key slot that allowed the wheel to go from passive to active), establishing today's Rotary symbol. The presentation ending with the speculation of what the club might look like at it's 100th anniversary. Special program "credits" were given to Guy Kelley for his writing, acting and (I suspect) directing this presentation which got us all in the mood for our centennial celebration. |
Last week, Professor (University of Colorado) and author Dr Patty Limerick shared her insights into the Bear Ears National Monument controversy which is now being debated through the US court system. The 1906 Antiquities Act gave a US president the power to create national monuments, but it is not clear whether the law grants Presidents the power to reduce. In 2016 President Barack Obama created this monument but a year later Donald Trump has attempted to dramatically (85%) reduce the size of Bears Ear. 
Past President Glenn Schmidt inducted RCFC's newest member, Debora Bernagozzi, sponsored by Martin Limbird. Debora is primarily a video, photography, media and fiber artist. 
RYLA Chair 
Lloyd Thomas introduced two RYLA students joining us for lunch. Isha Agarwal and Nehal Patel are both incoming Seniors at Liberty Common H.S. Both are excellent academic students and athletes as well as community volunteers. Nehal maintains a GPA of 3.9 and Isha keeps a 4.2 GPA. .jpg)
President-Elect Steve Laine announced the start of RCFC's annual Financial Commitment Drive, noting that "We have always been generous with our time and talent. It’s time think about what you can do in the ‘treasure’ department for next year". Steve set a goal to increase support for Community Grants, Scholarships and all of the things RCFC does to impact people and our community by 10% this year. Financial Commitment forms are due to Assistant Treasurer Bonnie Titley no later than May 9.
