Welcome to another issue of our newsletter! Find out who our upcoming speakers are, what we covered in this week's meeting and any other scheduled events.
We met in person and on zoom. We had 18 members in house plus 2 on Zoom, and 5 guests. Guests Kathy Simmons and Maria Martell will be inducted as new members at the February 1st meeting!
Club President Tonya Watson called the 11th meeting of the 2021-2022 Rotary year at 12:04pm. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Paul Wagner. Tonya led the club in a moment of silent reflection.
The Rotary Moment was led by Eric Walden discussing RI's January theme of Vocational Service Month as a time to reflect on " How can I use my vocational talents to serve Rotary in 2022?".
This week's program
Mike Williams introduced Kevin Schindler from the Lowell Observatory. Kevin is the Public Service representative and historian for the Observatory. He stressed the importance of Lowell Observatory being a part of the FLagstaff community.
It has been operational in Flagstaff since 1894 connecting people to the universe, through education, exploration and discovery. Their mission is to "pursue the study of astronomy, especially the study of our solar system and its evoluation; to conduct pure research in astronomical phenomena; and to maintain quality public education and outreach programs..."
COVID has greatly impacted visitors to the Observatory; however, it has given the educational staff the space to get remote educational programs up and running. As a result, several new programs such as "Interactive Stargazing", "Cosmic Coffee", "Perseids Meteor Shower", and "Sagas in the sky: Aquila" were created. These programs have brought attention to the Observatory from the NY Times and the BBC and participants worldwide.
In November, they broke ground /exploded rock for a new Astronomy and Discovery visitor center. This building will help provide expanded services for visitors. They are planning for 100-110K visitors annually. this will include improved parking for summer visitors, a snack cafe, and an open planetarium with heated seats to show off the dark skies above Flagstaff.
Tonya closed the program by noting this month's book “100 Things to See in the Night Sky” by Dean Regas will be donated in Kevin's name to the FFFC Reading Room.
President Elect Meredith is looking for additional members to be a part of the Executive Team for the 2022-2023 year. Contact Meredith or Tonya to see how you can serve.
Vocational Service
Meredith Potts is the Executive Director of Flagstaff International Relief Effort (FIRE). She spoke of her life of service starting in grade school through to the present. She is managing, in partnership with FIRE, one of the club's Rotary International grants for hepatitis prevention in Mongolia.
Community Service
The club will once again this year be sponsoring the local Spelling Bee $250 prize.
Rotary Call to actioN
Suggestions for speakers or February and beyond can be sent to Mike Williams.
Suggestion for monthly service and social activities can be sent to Millie Alexander.
Download the ClubRunner App for your phone. It will have a list of membership contacts AND a listing of the club events.
Millie Alexander distributed a request for volunteers from the FFFC. The National Guard is no longer part of the volunteer group and additional hands are needed. They especially need help Tues - Sat mornings with the Food Box Distrubution. You can sign up at https://hotfood.volunteerhub.com
Wrap up Rotary announcements
Our weekly ‘50-50 split the pot’ card game is aka “Hoppy Bucks”. Kathy Simmons won the chance to play. She pulled the 8 of diamonds and so the games go on.
Mark your calendars!
January’s monthly board of directors meeting via Zoom: WED., Jan. 12th at Noon. All welcome to attend.
January’s monthly service project: SAT., Jan. 15th at Flagstaff Family Food Center, 8:45 AM – 1:00 PM
January’s monthly social for JAN: Historic Brewing downtown, WED., Jan. 26th, 5:00 PMish; optional dinner afterwards next door at Ewa’s Thai restaurant.
Following Lunch Meeting – February 1st at Taverna & via Zoom – PDG Alan Havir speaking about some Rock-n-Roll history, focusing on drums
Visioning project is scheduled for the morning of February 26th.
Pencil in working on the Mural in March-April 2022.
Adjornment
The meeting closed with Jeff Ross leading the Four Way test lead. Time adjourned at 12:58 pm.
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