Inspiration:
Leighanne Alford inspired each member with a cupcake to celebrate our club’s 35th birthday, April 4, 1989. John Carroll, Mark Korb andTom Welsh were honored as charter members. Incoming president, Leighanne thanked outgoing club board members and welcomed new board members.
Guests:
- Tanya Alcaraz – Fossil Ridge High School
- Bill Brayden - Foothills Rotary
- Jephta Bernstein – New member applicant
- Erin LaRue - Assistant Principal at Kinard Middle School
- Ella Maroni - Student of the month
- Jennifer Maroni – Mother of Ella Maroni
- Peter Maroni – Father of Ella Maroni
- Jenny McLean - Ryan McLean’s wife
- Kelli McPhee - Fossil Ridge High School Counselor
- Rathna Murthy – Krishna Murthy’s wife
- David Perricone – Husband of Melissa Perricone
- Melissa Perricone - Teacher of the month
- Mike Ring - Father of Melissa Perricone
- Jackie Ring – Mother of Melissa Perricone
- Chris Woodruff - District Foundation Chair and Past District Governor - Centennial Rotary Club
- Karoline Woodruff – Past President of Centennial Rotary Club
IDEA (Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Awareness) Quote: “Provided that societies stay mindful of the challenges that capitalism creates and never forget the paramount importance of inclusion and equal opportunity, we can and should celebrate the miracle of free enterprise-and the billions of souls it has helped free from desperate poverty.” -Dalai Lama
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 McCarthy has a Global Grant project in El Salvador that is in partnership with CSU’s Rams Without Borders (CSU’s chapter of Engineers Without Borders). Four CSU students went in November 2023, and ten in March of this year. They are also doing a sustainable agriculture project in Guatemala. Rams Without Borders is having a Cabernet fundraiser on April 21, from 6:00-9:00 at the Hillside Vinyard. Click to order tickets HERE.
- Krishna Murtha was presented with the Rotary Foundation Citation for Meritorious Service for District 5440 by Chris Woodruff, District Foundation Chair and Past District Governor. Krishna and his wife, Rathna accepted the citation.
- Chris Woodruff encouraged Rotarians to register for the May 4, District 5440 Foundation Recognition Dinner featuring keynote speaker Wyn Spiller. Register HERE before April 28.
- Dave Marvin introduced the 2nd of this year’s fundraisers, the 4th Annual Field of Honor (FOH).
- Kathy Miner revealed the 2024 FOH medallion and marketing plans
- Teres Lambert (as Diane Knight) explained the concept of Community Supporters and encouraged Rotarians to ask the businesses who supported the FOH last year to contact the same businesses this year when the Community Support levels are communicated and the FOH website are ready next week.
- Teres Lambert (as herself) explained how 3rd and 4th graders in the Poudre School District will have an opportunity to submit a less than 250-word essay about “My Hero.” The essays will be awarded 1st, 2nd, 3rd place and 20 honorable mention awards. Volunteers will be needed to read and evaluate essays.
- Teres Lambert announced that there will be a Civil War Living History encampment near the FOH to attract visitors to the Veterans Plaza on Memorial Day weekend.
Vocational Talk: Ryan McLean
- Ryan is a lifelong resident of Fort Collins, he and his wife, Jenny have two adult children.
- He is an alum of Colorado State University (B.S.) and of Gonzaga University (M.A.).
- Ryan had careers as an EMT, firefighter and has been Division Chief of Support Operations for Poudre Fire Authority and Senior Director of Pre-Hospital Care at UCHealth.
- Ryan is the founder and President of the Leadership Engagement Opportunity (LEO) Fund. For more information concerning LEO click HERE.
- Ryan is passionate about learning Spanish – Welcome Ryan!
Teacher of the Month:
- Dan St. John introduced Erin LaRue, Assistant Principal at Kinard Middle School who introduced our Teacher of the Month, Melissa Perricone.
- Melissa teaches 7th Grade Science, Science Adventures and Environmental Leadership.
- She fires up the students at assembles and is a “kid magnet”.
- She appreciated the educational support she received as a youth and that has carried over into her teaching career.
Student of the Month:
- Dan St. John introduced Tanya Alcaraz, director, Career & Innovation at Poudre School District who introduced Ella Maroni, senior at Fossil Ridge High School.
- Ella has already received two associate degrees from Front Range Community College.
- Ella started a peer tutoring program for middle and high school students that meets in the new Future Ready Center at The Shops at Foothills Mall.
- She will attend Duke University next year to study Math and Public Health.
Krishna and his wife, Rathna accepting the Rotary Foundation Citation for Meritorious Service for District 5440:
Ryan McLean gives his vocational talk:
Teacher of the Month Melissa Perricone receives a check for $250 from Dan St. John:
Ella Maroni, Student of the Month: