From the Boeing 737 Max Aircraft debacle to the Covid-19 pandemic, 2020 has already proven to be the most devastating year in the history of aviation. This week fellow Rotarian and Southwest Airlines Captain Holly Petitt joins us electronically to share her perspective on the airline industry's response to the viral pandemic. Holly, a pilot for Southwest Airlines, speaks from personal experience on the recent changes she has seen and been part of, and the probable future adjustments the industry must consider.
August 5, via Zoom Past President Rob Marschke inducted RCFC's newest member, Andy Kovaks. Andy is Deputy Fire Chief for the Brighton Fire & Rescue District and lives with his wife Caroline in the Masonville area. Their children are students in Fort Collins. As a public service professional for more than 30 years, he is anxious to become involved and give back to the community as a member of the Evening Fellowship.
On August 5th, Dr Beth Walker, Dean of the CSU College of Business, shared the college's Strategic Plan 2025: “Business for a Better World”. The formulation of Mission, Vision, and Goals was derived from all constituents, including students, faculty and community. Key questions raised were, "Where does the College want to be in five years?", and "What do “we” want to be known for?" These questions were framed in CSU's unique foundational context - a Land Grant University, a Research level 1 institution (Carnegie Foundation designation) and its’ unique location in the Rocky Mountain west.
Monday, August 3, RCFC President Del Benson hosted and moderated the second in a series of seminars on Community Civility. This session, titled How Police and University Promote Civility, heard from Fort Collins Police Services Assistant Chief John Feyen, and CSU's Warner College Director of Diversity and Inclusion, Dr. Rickey Frierson. To hear an excellent definition of the difference between "racism" and "racist", and why the statement "I don't see color" is offensive, please check out the recorded seminar at https://zoom.us/rec/share/xpZOILbvz0pLQdLw9mXefbQQI6DXeaa8gCQX-_IIy0inSo6aX50CvQuM4A2NuEV1
On Wednesday July 29, President Del Benson highlighted his U+2 Challenge, asking members to step up their Rotary Engagement and help grow RCFC's membership and service mission during RY 2020-21.
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 You+Two and have twice the fun and accomplishments
Monday, July 6, RCFC President Del Benson hosted and moderated the first in a series of seminars on Community Civility. This session, titled Civil Behavior with Community and Police, heard from a panel consisting of Fort Collins Police Services Chief Jeff Swoboda, and CSU's Warner College Director of Diversity and Inclusion, Dr. Rickey Frierson. The recorded seminar can be viewed at:
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...
President Del announced the passing of Alan Bennett, and of Bill Moellenholf's sister. Details of Alan's memorial service will follow. Our thoughts and prayers are with both families.
August is Membership Development Month. Invite friends, neighbors, and workers to Open Opportunities with RCFC: U+2 is a reasonable membership goal!
Phyllis Abt is leading the revision/development of an RCFC Policies and Procedures manual.
In the first ever real-time, on-line poll of RCFC members, President Del learned that 57.1% felt that meetings could return to 1.5 hours, and 75% supported moving Programs to immediately after the opening remarks. Another benefit of Zoom meetings!
Older Announcements Still Relevant:
The Community Grants committee is now accepting applications from local agencies under the “Education” category. Please encourage agencies to apply. The application process and grant eligibility criteria are listed on our website, under the Community Grants tab. Questions? Contact Kathy Nicol
Kathy Nicol reminded members to pick up your pre-ordered Rotary gear at Sport About.
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.
Member invoices had been released by our accounting firm without review. If you have any question or issue with the invoice, please contact John Trone.
RCFC's intended move to the First Presbyterian Church and face-to-face meetings are on hold due to a campus shut down.
President Del, noting the recent spike in Covid cases, cautioned that face-to-face meetings are unlikely any time soon.
Quarterly dues have increased 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.
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.
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.