Inspiration:
Lauren Brainard’s inspiration is Christina Cook, Artimus II astronaut, certified engineer with 340 days in space who participated in the first all-female spacewalk. Christian has earned a Bachelor of Science degrees in electrical engineering and physics and a Master of Science degree in electrical engineering. An inspiration to all.
Curt Bear introduced guests:
- Bill Brayden – Rotary Club of Ft. Collins - Foothills
- Marissa Claeys - Boltz Middle School with 4 students
- Shrirang Deshpande - guest of Krishna Murtha
- Saira Hafeez – CSU Rotaract and future member
- Kenna Hart - Boltz Middle School
- Joe Kiley - application submitted
- Stephanie Matthews - Boltz Middle School
IDEA (Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Awareness) Quote: “Ultimately, America’s answer to the intolerant man is diversity, the very diversity which our heritage of religious freedom has inspired.” - Robert Kennedy
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 Sara.jane.murphy1@gmail.com so we can let them know we are thinking of them and provide whatever support we can.
Announcements:
- Ryan McLean and Tom Strause shared how volunteering at the Field of Honor® can be a meaningful experience when guests share their stories and smile as they have their photos taken with their medallion on a flag. Every member can find a way to contribute to this major fundraiser
- Chuck Rutenberg announced on his last day as a member of our club that the May 30 Camp Hope project will be postponed to a date to be announce and will be a Quad Club project
- Joseph Vander Linde and Joe McCarthy are inviting Rotarians to learn from them at the Rotary District Conference breakout session “Unlocking Synergy: Rotary & Toastmasters”
Rotary’s powerful service mission and Toastmasters’ proven leadership and communication training create a dynamic synergy that transforms members into more confident, effective, and inspiring leaders. Together, they amplify your ability to lead projects, deliver impactful speeches, build stronger clubs, drive meaningful change — and create powerful opportunities to engage and mentor youth in District 5440. Join us for this joint presentation and discover how combining both organizations will accelerate your personal growth and Rotary impact.
- Rotarians are encouraged to Register for the June 5-7 District Conference HERE to be held at the Hilton in Ft Collins before the May 17 price increase
- Phil Murphy encouraged Rotarians to sign up on ClubRunner calendar for volunteer positions and sent an email previously with instructions as well
- Ann Griffith asked Rotarians to save the date Sunday evening, June 28 for the pass the gavel meeting at The Barn at Rigden Farm - 2902 Rigden Pkwy, Fort Collins
- Diane Knight invited Rotarians to attend the Silvertone choir’s Star-Spangled Showcase, an inspired concert celebrating America’s rich musical and cultural legacy May 30 at 2:00 pm at CSU Griffin Concert Hall 1400 Remington St. In person tickets HERE or Live Stream HERE
Fiscal Year 2026-27 Club Operation Budget:
President elect, Bob Melrose shared the budget proposal presentation link HERE
- The dues will increase by $9 per quarter or $.70 per week
- Budget includes a dues subsidy for 2 members for their first year as the members get established
- A motion was made my Phil Murphy that was seconded by Keith White and passed unanimously to approve the budget.
Rotarian Recognition:
Saira Hafeez, outgoing Rotaract president and incoming Breakfast Club member recognized Leighanne Alford, Joe McCarthy and Bob Melrose for their support helping the CSU Rotaract club grow from 5 to 47 members, achieve 700 volunteer hours, 15 service projects and participate in 39 volunteer events this past year
Saira Hafeez presents Joe McCarthy with a water bottle:
Good News:
- Maria Elana Thomas was pleased that 18 Rotarians helped read almost 300 essays last night. The top essays were so good that there will be 2 First place and two second place winers this year
- Krishna Murthy shared that our club was able to sponsor a global grant drip irrigation system for a tribal population on the outskirts of Mumbai with RC of Thana west. Rotarian Shrirang Deshpande was visiting our club and thanked our club and district for the support. His club and district are planning to support a dialysis GG project sponsored by Cindy Cloyd at Madonna Hospital in. Nigeria.
- Cindy Cloyd was thankful for the help Shrirang Deshpande’s Rotary Club provided
- Krishna Murthy is pleased he is the district chair of Global Grants for District 5440
Program:
Joe McCarthy introduced Marissa Claeys, Orchestra Director at Boltz Middle School since 2014
- Marissa was grateful that our club provided a grant to help send 65 students to participate in the prestigious “Nashville Festival of Gold”
- A link to her presentation with two video links of both the Symphonic Band and Chamber Orchestra is HERE
- To get accepted into the Festival of Gold, each group had to submit an audition over the Summer of 2025
- Four members of the orchestra shared their experiences in Nashville
Marissa Claeys, Orchestra Director at Boltz Middle School and four members display their 4-Way Test Coins:
Unite for Good:
Craig Campbell shared that in 1989 after 8 years with Rotary he had been jailed for intoxication. Rotarian, Eva Sue Littleton called him and said “What you did was bad, but you are not a bad person. You are always welcome back at Rotary.” Eva Sue’s phone call changed his life and helped him become the person he is today.
