For our RCFC Zoom meeting December 2nd, Rotarians will hear insights from David Mayhew about severe weather forecasting and photography techniques. Following our speaker’s introduction by Bob Meroney, he will give us a look into what scenarios create severe weather, and what makes Colorado a good place for storm chasing. Plan on learning photography tips on shooting severe weather, including lightning, and capturing the night skies. David will share some examples of his Fine Art photography on “Skyscapes” as well as some storm stories. To join this week's meeting CLICK HERE after 11:30 Wednesday.
November 25, the Science and Engineering Fellowship heard from Dr. Jeff Wilusz of the Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Pathology at Colorado State University. Twenty-seven members listened as Dr. Wilusz summarized the technology, including both tried-and-true and ground-breaking approaches, that are being used in the search for a vaccine for Covid-19.
Rotarians Warren Wilson and Kip Turain had the pleasure of recognizing Cadet Jacob Olson as the Air Force CSU ROTC November Cadet of the Month! Jacob is a junior from Littleton, CO. He is currently serving as the Cadet Logistics Readiness Officer at Detachment 90 and is planning on graduating/commissioning in May 2022. Upon graduation, he hopes to enter a flying career. He is currently studying Architecture at CSU. This semester, he has guided his team in re-organizing the uniform supply warehouse and the distribution of uniform items for 154 cadets.
Last week Professor Emeritus Bob Lawrence shared his insights on the recent national election. Bob, a self-described Democrat, started with a disclaimer regarding his possible speaker bias. The results of the election may be disturbing based on your party affiliation but should be disturbing to all Americans as they reveal the deep polarization currently in our country. A recent report states that 78% of Republicans believe Biden “stole” the election and many believe in (sometimes absurd) conspiracy theories to support this claim. This level of distrust could be a factor in Biden’s ability to govern. CLICK HERE to view Dr. Lawrence's presentation.
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.
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...
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, plus a $19,000 matching grant for the United Way Fire Relief fund! 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:
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 is tabulating votes and will announce results December 2. If you haven't already, 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.
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 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.
For our RCFC Zoom meeting December 2nd, Rotarians will hear insights from David Mayhew about severe weather forecasting and photography techniques. Following our speaker’s introduction by Bob Meroney, he will give us a look into what scenarios create severe weather, and what makes Colorado a good place for storm chasing. Plan on learning photography tips on shooting severe weather, including lightning, and capturing the night skies. David will share some examples of his Fine Art photography on “Skyscapes” as well as some storm stories. To join this week's meeting 
November 25, the Science and Engineering Fellowship heard from Dr. Jeff Wilusz of the Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Pathology at Colorado State University. Twenty-seven members listened as Dr. Wilusz summarized the technology, including both tried-and-true and ground-breaking approaches, that are being used in the search for a vaccine for Covid-19.
Rotarians Warren Wilson and Kip Turain had the pleasure of recognizing Cadet Jacob Olson as the Air Force CSU ROTC November Cadet of the Month! Jacob is a junior from Littleton, CO. He is currently serving as the Cadet Logistics Readiness Officer at Detachment 90 and is planning on graduating/commissioning in May 2022. Upon graduation, he hopes to enter a flying career. He is currently studying Architecture at CSU. This semester, he has guided his team in re-organizing the uniform supply warehouse and the distribution of uniform items for 154 cadets.
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. 
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: