During this week's RCFC meeting (via ZOOM), Dr. Gregg A. Dean, Professor and Department Head, Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Pathology at CSU's College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences will share current status and plans for a potential Covid19 vaccine. Propelled by the COVID-19 pandemic, Dean's research team is pursuing a vaccine that would thwart the novel coronavirus using a genetically modified form of the well-known probiotic Lactobacillus acidophilus, a bacterium commonly ingested in yogurt and other foods for gut health.
President Rob Marschke will send a ZOOM link via email to all active members.
ADOPT A NEIGHBOR: The city of Fort Collins has announced an expanded Adopt A Neighbor program to help take care of a neighbors in need during the COVID crisis. Rotarians can sign up to help get groceries, prescriptions, or walk dogs on-line at https://www.fcgov.com/volunteer/ or call the volunteer help line at 970-416-8000 (970-416-8001 for Spanish).
BLOOD: The UCHealth Garth Englund Blood Center has put out an urgent request for blood donors. There is a critical shortage because many public blood drives have been cancelled. Those interested in making a donation can call 970-495-8965 to schedule an appointment.
FOOD BANK: Volunteers are needed to fill food bags at Food Bank Warehouse, two shifts per day of 3 hours each: 9-12; 1-4. Sign up (or cancel a shift previously accepted) via the Volunteer Portal: https://www.volgistics.com/ex2/vicnet.dll/?from=30791 Read details by clicking below.
HOMEWARD ALLIANCE/MURPHY CENTER needs the following donations:
Cleaning supplies: disposable protective gloves; surgical masks, bleach; any wipes w/bleach or alcohol; large black trash bags; Lysol spray, hand sanitizer (all sizes); trowels of any size
In the midst of the Corona Pandemic and the associated social distancing and ban on meetings of more than 5 or 10 people, Rob Marschke and John Trone led us through our first virtual meeting using the ZOOM app. The meeting was an "all announcements" format, with no program. Some 72 of our members logged on from their various isolation chambers and, in spite of a few technical glitches, the meeting was quite successful.
Larry Salmen provided an inspirational moment including an expression of thanks for all of the individuals who are the front line for maintaining society during the Corona Virus pandemic. Larry Kunter, noting that it is commonly beneficial to have something humorous to help provide scale to what otherwise might be overwhelming problems, gave us several short humorous stories.
As reported, a Quad Clubs Presidents/Peach Festival Committee decision has been made to canceled the 8/22/20 Peach Festival. The cancellation will generate a loss of about $22,400.00 that has been/will be paid to vendors including $22,000.00 to the Jolly Event Planning Company. RCFC's participation in a 2021 Peach Festival has not yet been decided, and our RCFC Board of Directors will seek member input regarding any proposed 2021 Peach Festival. Thanks Mara Johnson, Annette Geiselman and Rob Marschke for their work to date, and for their leadership in making the difficult decision.
From the March 26 Board of Directors meeting, President Rob reports the following.
1. Dues/Meals billing for the 4th quarter of this Rotary year will be delayed until mid-May when more information regarding costs/expenses will be available.
2. The move to the First Presbyterian venue is progressing. Two remaining issues are: 1) can we serve alcohol at some special event evening meetings, and 2) the cost of projector and lens upgrades needed and how expenses will shared.
3. Indications are the Drake Centre costs will increase to $650.00 per week effective 7/1/20 and will probably increase to $900.00 effective 7/1/21. This increases pressure to move from the Drake Centre.
John Roberts has been discharged from the hospital, and he is recovering from pneumonia still in isolation at a rehabilitation center. He would appreciate any cards to his home address, 224 Canyon Avenue #628, Fort Collins, CO 80521
Betty Brown is recovering at home from knee surgery and is in rehab.
Kip Turain volunteered that Warren Wilson is recovering from knee replacement (his third). (Yes, he only has two knees...)
Older Announcements Still Relevant:
Per Committee Chair Lloyd Thomas, the RYLA Board has decided to postpone the 2020 conferences until 2021. This affects RYLA, Young RYLA, and RYLA Plus. This extraordinary time requires thoughtful, decisive leadership and primary concern for the health and safety of all concerned.
John Trone summarized the Evening Group projects, club activities and committees. They are active across the board!
Kathy Hawkins announced we now have a credit card charge device. Member charges and contributions can now be handled at our weekly meetings.
Bob Lawrence reported that Lucy Castro, our recent Ambassadorial Scholar, has established a Global Rotary Club in D.C. made up mostly of women under 45.
Martin Limbird announced the new theme for RI: Rotary Opens Opportunity (chosen by the new president because it “sounds good in German”!).
Sally Lee reported King Soopers rebate of $532.00 that goes directly into our charitable budget. If you haven’t signed up yet, see Sally.
Mara Johnson needs host families for our incoming youth exchange student (2020-21 school year). She also thanked Club for the $4000 budget.
The Finance Committee meets on the 2nd Thursday, and the Board Meeting is the 4th Thursday each month. Updated meeting logistics will be published before the next meeting. All are invited.
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 requests fun fundraising ideas. She also needs volunteers for her committee.
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.
President Rob announced that for those wishing to apply for the new "Noon Membership Without Meals" category, a form needs to be completed and submitted to the Membership Committee.
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.
During this week's RCFC meeting (via ZOOM), Dr. Gregg A. Dean, Professor and Department Head, Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Pathology at CSU's College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences will share current status and plans for a potential Covid19 vaccine. Propelled by the COVID-19 pandemic, Dean's research team is pursuing a vaccine that would thwart the novel coronavirus using a genetically modified form of the well-known probiotic Lactobacillus acidophilus, a bacterium commonly ingested in yogurt and other foods for gut health.
As reported, a Quad Clubs Presidents/Peach Festival Committee decision has been made to canceled the 8/22/20 Peach Festival. The cancellation will generate a loss of about $22,400.00 that has been/will be paid to vendors including $22,000.00 to the Jolly Event Planning Company. RCFC's participation in a 2021 Peach Festival has not yet been decided, and our RCFC Board of Directors will seek member input regarding any proposed 2021 Peach Festival. Thanks Mara Johnson, Annette Geiselman and Rob Marschke for their work to date, and for their leadership in making the difficult decision.