In the first of our Rotary Peace Month series, February 3rd, RCFC will hear from Richard Knight, professor of wildlife conservation at CSU, on what is probably the most critical social issue in our country. Following an introduction by Bill Timpson, our speaker will address the polarization we see between what are called “the Red-Blue Tribes,” suggesting people who are either Republicans or Democrats.
Knight works at the intersection of land use and land health in the American West. He offers to, “present evidence and conclude with the suggestion that building bridges is more productive than digging moats.” Timely.
Details about upcoming special programs can be found in a separate article below.
Thanks to all for who participated in our annual Quad Clubs Purple Pins for Polio. Thanks especially to Ruth Lutes and Sharyn Salmen who organized and ran this virtual event. Rotary Club of FC collected $4145 in donations or a $12,435 with the Gates Foundation 2-for-1 Match.
The Community Service Committee is planning a food drive for the Larimer County Food Bank from February 5th - 15th. Committee members will be dropping off bags on Feb 3rd & 4th with a list of needed items so members can fill the bag and put back on their porch for pickup by 10am on Tuesday February 16th. Committee members will be around that day for pickup.
There will also be additional lists in the bag to distribute to friends and neighbors asking them to participate, if possible, and to return to the members porch for pick up.
On Wednesday, February 17th at 5:30 pm, there will be an event at SpeedPro to sort the items for delivery to the Food Bank. An Eventbrite signup will be sent out on the 4th - limited participation is 20 members due to Covid restrictions.
We are happy to report that the Rotary Foundation has approved $20,000 in matching funds for the Columbia Water project which our club is a partner. We raised $6,000 to support this project during the recent Good & Lucky Fundraiser. 456 families living in rural hamlets in Puerto Escondido & San Pelayo will benefit from this project. Assess to clean water and proper hygiene are essential to good health. Some 1.8 million people die every year of diarrheal diseases like cholera. You are making a difference in the world! Thanks for your support :)
February 10, nationally acclaimed author Dr. Melba Pattillo Beals, will visit RCFC, via Zoom. In 1957, Beals, then 14 years old, was one of nine high school students chosen to integrate Little Rock (Arkansas) Central High. Her experience is chronicled in her best-selling book, “Warriors Don’t Cry”. For her work, she has been awarded the Congressional Gold Medal.
The nine students quickly became known as “The Little Rock Nine,” for their bravery and perseverance in the face of death threats, personal harassment and the blocking of the school entrance by a mob incited by Governor Orval Faubus. President Dwight Eisenhower sent in troops from the 101st Airborne to escort the students into and around the school.
In a year when substitute teachers are in short supply, Rotary’s own designated hitter, Bob Meroney , “stepped up to the plate” at the very last minute and hit a home run (not many Neanderthal traits in this polymath). After warning that the presentation is a historical review and may not be suitable for all audiences, Bob took us through the history of American humor from Benjamin Franklin, emphasized the impact of Thomas Nast’s cartoons on evolving American culture and finally, animated cartoons - all the way to “The Simpsons”. Excerpts from Franklin’s published stories, Nast’s cartoons and videos of early animations kept us “glued” to the Zoom screen (Click Here to watch the video of this presentation.)
During his first meeting as President, Del Benson outlined his priorities and thoughts for RY 2020-21. 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" that raised $79,000 for charitable causes so far.
Now we need to work on the U+2 membership growth. Del asks that we focus on membership recruitment, retention, and reactivation with objectives to include young and old, female and male, persons of color and other diversity, and persons of progressive interests to make Rotary better and more inclusive in our community and world.
The Sustainable Peace Builder Fellowship follows immediately after the Wednesday noon meeting, using the same Zoom link. Topic this week is TRANSFORMING CONFLICT WITH STUDY, COMMITMENT AND ENERGY. All are welcome.
The Community Grants Committee seeking grant applications focused on Arts and Culture. Please contact Kathy Nicol for details.
The Peace Builder Newsletter featuring writer and blog facilitator, Lindsey Pointer, has just been published. Contact Bill Timpson if you did not get a copy.
Older Announcements Still Relevant:
President Del Benson announced a $10,000 donation to the RCFC Legacy Fund from David Everitt and the Everitt family, in support of the Good and Lucky Non-Event! This brings the total raised to $70,000, plus a $19,000 matching grant for the United Way Fire Relief fund! Total raised was $89,000!!Thank you Rotarians for your generous support of our community.
Marty Bachman and Sally Lee report that just 35 families shopping at King Soopers earned $524.87 last quarter - just for shopping! That's a $525 donation that goes directly into our charitable budget. If you haven’t signed up yet, see Sally or Marty.
The next Rotary Book Fellowship discussion will be February 11, reviewing the book Warriors Don't Cry, by Dr. Melba Pattillo Beals, a memoir of her experience as one of the Little Rock Nine. Dr. Beals will be our noon speaker on February 10. Contact Dave Stewart for details.
First Pres church has indicated they are not comfortable hosting Rotary any time soon. For now, all meetings will continue to be via Zoom.
General reminder of our Fellowships schedule. First Wednesday: Peace. Second Wednesday: History. Third Wednesday: Investments. Fourth Wednesdays: Science. All meet immediately following the Wednesday noon Zoom meeting, using the same login.
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.
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.
In the first of our Rotary Peace Month series, February 3rd, RCFC will hear from Richard Knight, professor of wildlife conservation at CSU, on what is probably the most critical social issue in our country. Following an introduction by Bill Timpson, our speaker will address the polarization we see between what are called “the Red-Blue Tribes,” suggesting people who are either Republicans or Democrats. 
February 10, nationally acclaimed author Dr. Melba Pattillo Beals, will visit RCFC, via Zoom. In 1957, Beals, then 14 years old, was one of nine high school students chosen to integrate Little Rock (Arkansas) Central High. Her experience is chronicled in her best-selling book, “Warriors Don’t Cry”. For her work, she has been awarded the Congressional Gold Medal. 
During his first meeting as President, Del Benson outlined his priorities and thoughts for RY 2020-21. 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: