For the first meeting of the new Rotary year, we welcome local author Margaret Mizushima. After her introduction by Betty Brown, RCFC will hear about the Timber Creek K-9 Mystery series launched in December, 2015, and published internationally. The first episode, KILLING TRAIL, has been followed, to date, by another four novels, all featuring Deputy Mattie Cobb, her K-9 partner Robo, and veterinarian Cole Walker.
Last week, past president Steve Laine hosted the annual Changing of the Guard event. Following a short technical challenge the meeting proceeded quickly with an early dismissal time. After 2020-21 Officer and Director inductions, (now Past-) President Rob Marschke summarized the accomplishments of this past year, and President Del Benson provided a glimpse into his focus for the coming year - Increasing membership in RCFC - the “You Plus 2” idea, improved communication between our club and community leaders, new funding proposals, fellowship options in the COVID (Zoom) era, and promotion of civility in our local relationships as a starting point for improved race relationships and promotion of local and world peace.
RCFC is now using Zoom for all meetings, and recordings of the Wednesday noon meeting are available to members and guests. Here are the most recent program recording links.
Changing of the Guard: Password: 4w$o8*L5https://us02web.zoom.us/rec/share/zuh_Jb7W2XhLH4X26lzSVP8OIbW6eaa8gShL8vJYzCBIEbyOjeoKz6UKGlO982g
President Rob Marschke and Treasurer Kathy Hawkins reported on RCFC's finances. A new bookkeeper, Dyane Rogelstad has been retained, and recruitment of a new Treasurer is ongoing. Three potential new members of the Finance Committee attended the June Finance Committee meeting. Operational finances remain strong, but Charities is 'running on fumes'. Kathy recommended, and the Board approved, delaying Charities Disbursements until the end of first quarter, when more will be known. Kathy has resigned as Treasurer and Bonnie Titley has resigned as Assistant Treasurer both effective July 1. Kathy and Bonnie are both thanked for their service to RCFC.
In the third of a series on RCFC's Charitable mission, Chair Eric Peterson (via Rob) reported on the Legacy Fund's recent activity and current status. The Legacy Fund was created to develop and provide a permanent source of supplemental support for RCFC's charitable and humanitarian mission in the Fort Collins area. At the end of December 2019 our Fund had a value of about $604,000. During the most recent annual giving, 69 members of our club donated $13,500.
In the second of a series, Chair Kathy Nicol updated RCFC on recent Community Grants, reviewed the past year's grants and made a plea for increased charitable contributions to RCFC's local Charities funding. Community Grants recently awarded a $2,000 Youth Program grant to Foundation Music School, to be used to purchase instruments for student's use at home until in-person classes resume. The instruments will then become school property to be used by all students.
Outgoing Treasurer Kathy Hawkins was awarded a Paul Harris Fellow in recognition of her service to RCFC.
President Del Benson invited everyone to join the community seminar on 7/6 on race relations, civil behavior, and community outreach (watch for more information to come).
Older Announcements Still Relevant:
Jim Harper visited the Rotary Club of Boquete in Panama, a small club with 15-20 members attending. Jim observed the Rotary Club’s first $5,000.00 food delivery to 120 needy families in the Boquete community and surrounding areas. The project is sponsored by generous people in the Boquete area.
RCFC's intended move to the First Presbyterian Church and face-to-face meetings are on hold due to a campus shut down, until at least after an August 24 meeting of the church leadership.
President Rob reported that for 2020-21, overall quarterly dues will increase by $8.00 (to $83), due to reduced membership and associated income, and increased expenses and corrections to expense calculations. Our unrestricted cash reserves are in the 5–7 months of expenses range, and the quarterly reserve charge will be reduced from $11 to $2 per member per quarter. Meals and Facilities charges will be announced when in-person meetings are ready to resume.
From Kevin Unger via President Rob: drive up COVID testing may be covered by Medicare. Consult your insurance to be sure. Set appointments through My Health Connection.UCHealth.org. You can donate to this effort; however, we ask you give priority RCFC charities.
Fourth quarter invoices for the Operations (Club) Budget have been distributed, anticipating no meals or facilities for the quarter. Members are encouraged to consider donating cost savings ($220) to our RCFC Charities.
Wednesday Noon member who wish to switch from “With Meals” to “Without Meals” need to submit (only once) a signed, written request form available from the Membership Committee or downloaded from our ClubRunner website.
Mara Johnson announced that the Rotary exchange program has been cancelled for the 2020-21 school year. RCFC outbound student Natalie may still be able to spend the 2021-22 school year in Germany.
Annette Geiselman announced that the Blood Bank is looking for anyone who has experienced and recovered from the Covid19 virus. Contact the Blood Center.
The RYLA Board has decided to postpone the 2020 RYLA, Young RYLA, and RYLA Plus conferences until 2021. Those 11th graders who applied to RYLA and graduated from PSD this year will be eligible to apply for RYLA 2021. However, this year's Seniors are no longer eligible to attend RYLA 2021.
Kathy Hawkins announced we now have a credit card charge device. Member charges and contributions can now be handled at our weekly meetings.
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.
SPECIAL NOTE: Kathy Hawkins cautioned members not to pay dues AND charities with a single checks. For charities contributions to be tax-deductible, you must write a separate check.
PDG Mike Forney invited retired professionals to join SCORE (Senior Corps Of Retired Executives). Volunteers work with small business personnel to enhance their business. Counselors are needed in Ft. Collins. If interested, contact Mike Forney.
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 the first meeting of the new Rotary year, we welcome local author Margaret Mizushima. After her introduction by Betty Brown, RCFC will hear about the Timber Creek K-9 Mystery series launched in December, 2015, and published internationally. The first episode, KILLING TRAIL, has been followed, to date, by another four novels, all featuring Deputy Mattie Cobb, her K-9 partner Robo, and veterinarian Cole Walker.
Last week, past president Steve Laine hosted the annual Changing of the Guard event. Following a short technical challenge the meeting proceeded quickly with an early dismissal time. After 2020-21 Officer and Director inductions, (now Past-) President Rob Marschke summarized the accomplishments of this past year, and President Del Benson provided a glimpse into his focus for the coming year - Increasing membership in RCFC - the “You Plus 2” idea, improved communication between our club and community leaders, new funding proposals, fellowship options in the COVID (Zoom) era, and promotion of civility in our local relationships as a starting point for improved race relationships and promotion of local and world peace.
In the third of a series on RCFC's Charitable mission, Chair Eric Peterson (via Rob) reported on the Legacy Fund's recent activity and current status. The Legacy Fund was created to develop and provide a permanent source of supplemental support for RCFC's charitable and humanitarian mission in the Fort Collins area. At the end of December 2019 our Fund had a value of about $604,000. During the most recent annual giving, 69 members of our club donated $13,500.