This year four members of the District Governor Team are making the club visits, rather than the District Governor. This Wednesday District Governor Representative DGE Shurie Scheel is scheduled to make her official visit and share an update from District. The International Rotary theme for the year is Rotary Opens Opportunities! Join the meeting and program at https://zoom.us/j/494943309pwd=SmtTUDYzTlZrcVBhblVLRmdvbVh6dz09
For the Science Fellowship on September 23, Holly Stein and Judy Hannah of CSU and University of Oslo, Norway, told us about their use of the elements rhenium and osmium in dating ancient geological formations, and particularly the formations deposited at about the time of the greatest extinction event in the history of the earth, some 252 million years ago.
For our meeting September 23, Fulgence Twizermana (Ngozi Rotary Club, Burundi) joined us from Burundi via ZOOM to talk about his efforts to use peace studies in English (where French is the dominant non-African language; a project supported by a Rotary Global Grant) to promote literacy, to help bridge the gaps between antagonistic ethnic groups, and to improve communication with the surrounding countries where English is the dominant non-African language. His focus on English reflects the fact that he has a degree in English pedagogy. Review the recorded meeting and presentation at https://us02web.zoom.us/rec/share/DhavX2pIBkd5TdrZU_Xs3vtcGD5D9ymR2UKs0q7eoLDOmCt3u4ut2Xbnf03yuXzL.vqEghakCLdfp3K_R
A group of volunteers from RCFC participated in a Habitat Handmade project where they built hanging bookshelves (made from recycled materials from the Habitat ReStore!) to be sold at the ReStore during a Back-to-School sale. Funds from this sale will go towards building homes in partnership with hardworking local families. Thanks Rotarians!
Johnny Matsushima, a pillar of Rotary and RCFC was recently given the Feeding Quality Forum's Industry Achievement Award. His work changed the cattle feeding industry by developing flaked and pressed corn that feeds bacteria in the gut better, improving digestion and meat production. Matsushima was officially honored on September 12, in Fort Collins. A complete write up is found in the Angus Journal August 2020 edition. In accepting the award, this 99-year-old man of honor gave advice to "Learn the good things, forget the bad things."
The Finance Committee announced two changes to our accounting systems. Members will see the difference as of the Q2 (Oct-Dec) billing cycle. First, instead of using an outside accounting firm, we are now using an independent bookkeeper. Dyane Rogelstad started in July and has been doing well. Second, RCFC has changed accounting software from Xero back to Quickbooks.
How does this change affect members? As of October 1, all recurring credit card charges and bank transfers have been cancelled. The Club will no longer be retaining members’ credit card or banking information. What does this mean for you? Starting with the Q2 invoices, members who pay by credit or bank transfer (ACH) will pay their own invoices online. Member credit card charges will not happen automatically. No change for members paying by check. More details to follow!
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...
The next Community Civility Seminar will be October 5, 12:00 Noon. Topic is “Wolves in Colorado: Ecological and Social Civility Implications”, with Drs. John Sanderson, CSU Center for Collaborative Conservation, and Rebecca Niemiec, CSU Human Dimensions in Natural Resources.
Reverend Larry Kunter, long time Rotarian passed away suddenly September 24. A retired Presbyterian minister, Larry was our Inspiration and Pledge (and Humor) Committee Chair. Larry was also active as Director of Club Service, World Community Service Committee, Programs Committee, Community Grants Committee, Community Needs Committee, and Salvation Army Bell Ringer Co-Chair. Cards can be sent to Marti and Family at 1419 Sanford Drive, Fort Collins, CO 80526. A memorial service is being planned when the pandemic allows. Larry was a friend to all, and will be missed.
The Community Grants Committee is now accepting applications in the Health and Wellness category. For full details see the RCFC website. Grant deadline is November 20.
The Community Service Committee is collecting toiletry items for the Homeward Alliance. Full details will be sent via a Clubrunner email. Donations are also being accepted to help fill 200 bags.
The Nominations Committee was announced in preparation for the December 2, 2020 election of future club officers. Nominations are encouraged - please send to Chair Rob Marschke.
Older Announcements Still Relevant:
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.
President Del asked that in this time of deep political divisions, Rotarians think and act with civility and peace towards the many perspectives.
The Rotary Book Fellowship and discussion dates are, Oct. 8, The Perfect Horse by Elizabeth Letts, and Dec. 10, Doc by Mary Doria Russell. Contact Dave Stewart for details.
Phyllis Abt is leading the revision/development of an RCFC Policies and Procedures manual. Let her know if you have items to contribute.
General reminder of our Fellowships schedule. All follow immediately after the Wednesday noon Zoom meeting, using the same login. First Wednesday: Peace. Second Wednesday: History. Third Wednesday: Investments. Fourth Wednesdays: Science.
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.
This year four members of the District Governor Team are making the club visits, rather than the District Governor. This Wednesday District Governor Representative DGE Shurie Scheel is scheduled to make her official visit and share an update from District. The International Rotary theme for the year is Rotary Opens Opportunities! Join the meeting and program at 
For the Science Fellowship on September 23, Holly Stein and Judy Hannah of CSU and University of Oslo, Norway, told us about their use of the elements rhenium and osmium in dating ancient geological formations, and particularly the formations deposited at about the time of the greatest extinction event in the history of the earth, some 252 million years ago. 
For our meeting September 23, Fulgence Twizermana (Ngozi Rotary Club, Burundi) joined us from Burundi via ZOOM to talk about his efforts to use peace studies in English (where French is the dominant non-African language; a project supported by a Rotary Global Grant) to promote literacy, to help bridge the gaps between antagonistic ethnic groups, and to improve communication with the surrounding countries where English is the dominant non-African language. His focus on English reflects the fact that he has a degree in English pedagogy. Review the recorded meeting and presentation at https://us02web.zoom.us/rec/share/DhavX2pIBkd5TdrZU_Xs3vtcGD5D9ymR2UKs0q7eoLDOmCt3u4ut2Xbnf03yuXzL.vqEghakCLdfp3K_R
A group of volunteers from RCFC participated in a Habitat Handmade project where they built hanging bookshelves (made from recycled materials from the Habitat ReStore!) to be sold at the ReStore during a Back-to-School sale. Funds from this sale will go towards building homes in partnership with hardworking local families. Thanks Rotarians!
Johnny Matsushima, a pillar of Rotary and RCFC was recently given the Feeding Quality Forum's Industry Achievement Award. His work changed the cattle feeding industry by developing flaked and pressed corn that feeds bacteria in the gut better, improving digestion and meat production. Matsushima was officially honored on September 12, in Fort Collins. A complete write up is found in the Angus Journal August 2020 edition. In accepting the award, this 99-year-old man of honor gave advice to "Learn the good things, forget the bad things."
The Finance Committee announced two changes to our accounting systems. Members will see the difference as of the Q2 (Oct-Dec) billing cycle. First, instead of using an outside accounting firm, we are now using an independent bookkeeper. Dyane Rogelstad started in July and has been doing well. Second, RCFC has changed accounting software from Xero back to Quickbooks.
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: