INSPIRATION: Curt Bear provided historical context of the growth of our nation in 1750-1770. 90% of the population was farmers and the growth in the colonies was exponential. Change was certain during those times like today. Curt challenged us to celebrate interdependence day (instead of Independence Day) and for us all to work together.
GUESTS:
Jennifer Whitacre – repeat guest of Laura Jo
Tim Frye – guest of Carrie Campbell-Broughton
Louise Sempala – Foothills exchange student
FUTURE PROGRAMS: Please see the side panel for upcoming speakers and be sure to invite your friends.
ROTARY CARES: If you are aware of a fellow Rotarian who is going through a challenging time (i.e., personal or family health, family death, etc.) please let Sara Murphy know so we can let them know we are thinking of them and provide whatever support we can. Sara.jane.murphy1@gmail.com
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
• Joe provided a hat to pass to thank the Ginger & Baker staff for all they do for our Club – we raised $500 that Kate Cooper will distribute to her team.
• Bob Williams passed away on Saturday, June 28th. His Celebration of Life will be on July 15th at 2:30 pm at Westminister Presbyterian Church at 1709 W Elizabeth Street. Bob and his wife Jennifer have been long time members of the Breakfast Club. Here is the web link for his obituary for those who knew Bob: https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/name/robert-williams-obituary?id=58767615
• Leighanne shared some additional Pass the Gavel awards with the Club:
o Ann Griffith – a Certificate of Apprecation for stepping up and running a meeting when Leighanne was out
o Connie Sheltren was awarded the Charlie Peterson Service Above Self Award for all that she does with the Rotary Youth Exchange Program, students, district, and Zone).
o Dave Haase was awarded the Rotarian of the Year for all the work he does with the Quad Club/Rotary Club Northern Colorado around the Peach Festival.
OFFICIAL CLUB BUSINESS – called to order
• Joe explained his 2025-2026 slate that he has put together. Per our by-laws, we are required as a club to vote to accept or reject the slate. With 54 members (6 on Zoom) present, a
o Craig Campbell – made a motion to accept the slate as presented
o Tim Cochran seconded the motion
o 100% of the members voted to accept the motion
o Motion carries and slate was accepted as presented
o Andy Chaffin motioned to end the club business portion of the meeting
o Tim Cochran seconded the motion
o Meeting ended
PROGRAM:
• President Joe tee’ed up his year by sharing information with the club
o Fundraising leads and need for funds to make an impact in our community and the world
o Key contributors that make our club run each week and throughout the year
o Joe was touched by the amount of support he has received from the club. He wants to accomplish work that will fully support club members and their goals for Rotary
• Listen to input from members – so the board knows what everyone wants
• Empower members – if they want to try something, he will support them
• Support for the work we do
• Collaboration is an important theme for Joe – we can’t do everything we want alone
o Finally the Rotary International President’s theme of ‘Unite for Good’ will start with FCBR having a Balanced Budget. Joe has put together a Budget Response Action Team (BRAT) – of board members and club members to present to the club options to minimize the financial impact to members while continuing to make an impact. Stay tuned.
• Chuck Rutenberg – Community Service Committee Chair – spoke about the various types of collaboration that occurs in our community, with other Rotary clubs, and within our Club
o Coordination
o Cooperation
o Collaboration – at its core is about creating something new together.
o Co-ownership
o Chuck also spoke about the collaboration we have been doing with the CSU Rotaract Club and opportunities we have to support their work.
o He left us with the thought that Collaboration isn’t extra, it’s essential. So, keep collaborating. Reach out. Stay curious. Because together we really can do more.
• Bob Melrose spoke about work being done at the district level and with our club as well
o Succession planning – 3 years of leadership identified and collaborating
o Expanding committee leadership to have folks who can eventually step into the chair positions
o 1918 leadership program where FCBR is going to sponsor a member to attend
o Awareness of district and zone meetings – many with no or low cost
o Communication levels open to share what you want to get involved in
• Andy Chaffin shared the FCBR Foundation Endowment campaign awards with the club – and we have had many members participate. Prior to our campaign, only 5 people had ever given.