Travis Streck, Celeste Johnston and A.J. Sheridan, Program Committee Chair
Why are policyholders having their homeowners insurance cancelled in deemed high-risk fire locations, and what can they do about it? These were the key questions our club's Program Committee asked Celeste Johnston, local agent for Farm Bureau Financial Services, to come and answer. Rather than give her local perspective on our questions, she brought with her Travis Streck, her District Manager, to addess them from his years of experience in the industry, giving us a high-level overview of what has been happening in recent years with the insurance companies.
Streck explained to us that the insurance companies operate on a 3% margin. They expect to pay out in claims a maximum 97% of the premiums they charge and collect. However, in recent years, with catostrophic wildfires, some of the companies have been having to pay out 130% or more. Even with a sizeable float, which they try to maintain, no companies can continue to exist more that a few years with that pay-out rate. Consequently, he said that all of the insurance companies are having to re-evaluate how many policies for their customers in high-risk fire areas they can realistically cover with their float, without going out of business. That has required them to refuse to renew many of their policies in high fire risk locations, and to cease writing any new policies in those areas.
There are companies which will issue policies in these areas, usually at a higher cost. However, Streck warned that it is increasingly necessary today, when shopping for a replacement policy, to look beyond the policy premium to assess the financial streength of the insurance company, before purchasing the policy.
Rotary awards up to 170 funded fellowships a year for dedicated leaders from around the world to study at one of eight peace centers —University of Bradford in the UK, Uppsala University in Sweden, International Christian University in Japan, University of Queensland in Australia, and Duke University and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Certification programs are available at Bahcessehir University in Turkey, the University of Uganda and at Symbiosis International University in India.
Since the program began in 2002, Rotary Peace Centers have trained more than 1,800 fellows who now work in over 140 countries. Fellows may earn a master’s degree or a professional development certificate. Candidates for the Rotary Peace Fellowship must have relevant professional experience in peacebuilding and/or community or international development prior to application, as well as potential for future growth and impact resulting from their participation in the fellowship. Relevant experience includes professional work, as well as impactful volunteer experience, that involves leading, planning, implementation, or evaluation of peacebuilding or development initiatives in numerous categories including but not limited to government, non-government organizations, economic development, research and education and public health.
Rotary Peace Fellows use their training to amplify their work at the local, regional, or global level. As Rotarians, be on the look out for candidates who might make a great candidate for the Rotary Peace Fellowship program. Applications for the 2027 Rotary Peace Fellowships are now available and open until May 15. [Thanks to PDG Wilma Basnett-Emerson for this article, borrowed from her West Side Story, the excellent weekly newsletter of the Phoenix West Rotary Club.]
ROTARY FOUNDATION
Watch for your personal Lets Make A Deal offer in your mailbox this week.
COMMUNITY SERVICE
Marsha Says:
We are continuing this week our blanket and fan drive for the Yarnell Community Center. This community has been identified as lower income with a large population of seniors. We are hoping to help them get through the severe weather months (the heat of summer and the cold of winter).
Please bring your blankets and fans to our Wednesday meetings. They will be taking barely used blankets, so go through your cupboards and do a little “ spring cleaning”. You can also purchase a blanket online and send to Marsha Teller at 6849 Golden Tree Drive, Prescott , 86305, for your convenience. Fans, due to a possible fire hazard, must be new and also can be sent to the above address or bring to our meetings.
REMEMBER ALSO: Judy, (soon to be our new member) will be selling tickets to their Biscuit and Gravy breakfast fundraiser on Feb. 14th at the YarnellCommunity Center at our meeting tomorrow. Tickets are $ 10.00 or two for $ 16.00. Please let her know if you will actually be attending or just donating in that space in the center is limited. Proceeds go directly to blanket and fan purchases.
Both ways of donating above will make the summer and winter months easier for the people of Yarnell.
As always, Sunup Rotarians, thank you for your continued generosity.
YOUTH SERVICE
CONGRATULATIONS to our Silver Wings Rotaract Club at Embry Riddle Aeronautical University! Their Rotaract Induction Ceremony was held last Sunday at ERAU. On the right side of the picture are Col. Russ Davis, Rotary Assistant Governor Katheryn Tuberty and Rotarian Advisor A.J. Sheridan, who were present for the occasion. Sunup Rotary is so very proud to sponsor this Rotaract Club !
DISTRICT NEWS
A sailor came into our pharmacy and asked for something that could help his wife, when she was feeling depressed.
I sold him a packet of Crayola, to let her color-in his tattoos.
I told him all she needs is a shoulder to crayon.
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I know a guy who's addicted to drinking brake fluid,
But he says he can stop any time.
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A thief who stole a calendar got twelve months.
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When the smog lifts in Las Angeles
U.C.L.A.
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I got some batteries that were given out free of charge.
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A dentist and a manicurist married.
They fought tooth and nail.
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My Mom used to feed me alphabet soup when I was a kid.
She insisted on me telling everyone that I loved it.
I didn't really, she was just putting words in my mouth.
With the Super Bowl happening this weekend, it’s a fun reminder of how much can be accomplished through teamwork, dedication, and a shared purpose. While the game brings people together in spirit and community, Rotary does the same through service by working side by side to make a real difference locally and beyond.
I wanted to let everyone know that I won’t be at our Wednesday meeting, as I’ll be spending time with family who are visiting. I look forward to being back with you all the following week.
In the meantime, we are still collecting gently used or new blankets, along with new fans, for Yarnell. Thank you for continuing to support this effort and for all you do to serve our community.
Wishing everyone a great week and an enjoyable Super Bowl weekend!
Help Spread Sunshine: If you currently know any Rotary members who are going through challenging times or if you'd like to volunteer to make calls and send cards to members and their families during sickness, hospitalization or loss, contact Laura Vanderberg <laura@newtonservicesconsulting.com>
