South Sac Rotary Flexes Muscles

Help was needed on Saturday, December 27 to move a billiards table from Kim and Bobby Williams' storage unit to the Gibbs' house in preparation for the crab feed. Thanks to Markus Dascher, Jim Tracy, Nathan Sibbet, Joe Broadhead, Kim's three sons and her husband Bobby, everything went smoothly, and there were no tired muscles to report.

Schedule for Dictionary Delivery

We will be delivering dictionaries to six schools this year. Please save time after our meetings on January 5, January 12, and January 26 to visit third graders. We will visit two schools each day.

South Sac Delivers First Books

We visited three schools on December 15 to deliver first books to kindergarteners. Everywhere we went, these young students were full of excitement as they received their new books.

Another Week of Help for the Salvation Army

South Sacramento Rotarians helped out once again this past Saturday, collecting donations for the Salvation Army. In the picture, Helen Travis welcomes a generous woman and young man trying to make sure his son learns the importance of giving at a young age.

...and a Good Time was had by All

Everyone had a good time! The singing, fellowship, and gift sharing made for a special evening! South Sacramento Rotarians do have fun!

Ringing the Bell for the Salvation Army

South Sacramento Rotarians rang the bell for the Salvation Army on December 6 and will do so again on Saturday, December 13. Al Franks deserves our kudos because he worked two shifts (4 hours) by himself in the cold to raise money for needy folks! Thanks, Al!

John Morse Orchestra Shares

South Sacramento Rotarians were treated to a concert of Christmas Carols by the John Morse Waldorf School's string orchestra. Under the direction of Felicia Keys, the orchestra played What Child is This?, Jungle Bells, the Carol of the Bells, and other selections.

Brian Moore Shares Awards with South Sac

District Governor Brian attended South Sac's November 24 meeting and presented two certificates to the club's Quiet Rotarian winners, Kim Williams and Markus Dascher. Immediate Past President Barbara Tracy was also presented with a Presidential Citation for the club's achievements in 2007-08.

Making Thanksgiving a Little Brighter for Some

South Sac Rotarians delivered all the makings for a complete Thanksgiving dinner to four families on November 24. One recipient responded, "This is truly a blessing!"

Getting Started on Rotary House

From the pen of Ed Trujillo...

On Saturday morning, November 22, 2008, the Rotary Clubs of South Sacramento, North Sacramento, and Midtown met at the Oak Park Rotary House site and cleared the land of debris and dirt. It was not only a beautiful day to be out working, but it was also a fun-filled day. We got the job done anyway, and with everyone pitching in, we finished by 11:00 AM. I would like to thank Greg VanAcker for taking photos for us and in particular Steve Braford, our general contractor, who put this day together.

Schedule for December

December is always different for South Sacramento Rotary because we do not meet at the Casa. Here is the schedule for the month:

December 5 at noon - Joint Meeting with West Sacramento at the Pheasant Club in West Sacramento
December 8 at 6 p.m. - South Sacramento Rotary's Holiday Celebration at La Rivage
December 15 from 9:50 a.m. - 1 p.m. (approximate) - Meet at John Bidwell School (1730 65th Avenue to deliver first books to kindergarteners at Susan B. Anthony, Freeport, and John Bidwell Schools, dine informally at IHOP
December 22 - dark

Recognizing Top Students from Luther Burbank

South Sacramento Rotary recognized it Luther Burbank Students of the Month for October and November at its November 17 meeting. Berenice Munoz (left in picture) and Shirley Elder (right) attended the meeting with their counselor, Emily Catlett, and each received a certificate along with a $25 check.

A Lot to Celebrate

Our November 10 meeting was full of celebrations. First of all, we welcomed our newest member Nathan Sibbet into our club. Then Elwyn Gibbs won $200 by drawing the Ace of Hearts. Finally, we celebrated Veteran's Day with a special speaker and a salute to all those club members who had served in the military.

November Programs

Craig Stevenson is on the ball! Here are our speakers for the month of November.

November 3: Our own Anne Hasbrook will be talking about her experiences as a RYE student in Australia and Michael DiGrazia will be getting us started on our crab feed.

November 10: Brigadier General Antonetti of the California National Guard will be our speaker as we celebrate Veterans' Day.

November 17: Steve Lemmon will be with us once again, this time focusing on the RI Foundation.

November 24: We will be hosting our annual joint meeting with West Sacramento. We will have some student guests with instruments.

You are also asked to start bringing toys for the Toys for the Troops Program. No stuffed animals please. Jim Simmons will be heading up our drive.

Entertainment Books

Craig wants everyone to know that he will not be able to attend the October 27 meeting because of a hearing out of town for a couple days. Therefore, you will not be able to pick up any Entertainment books that you purchased. He will, however, be back on November 3. If you need your book(s) before then, you can pick them up from him at DMV at 24th-26th and Broadway, but make sure to call him first at 657-4117.

Get to Know South Sac's "Renaissance Man"

A true Renaissance man—at least that’s the way we might describe Dan Thompson’s work history. He’s literally been “all over the board”! Most of us know that Dan currently is the chaplain for the Sacramento County Department of Probation, a position he has held for seven years, but his past work experience is probably unfamiliar. Dan served on the Sacramento City Council from 1978-82, representing the Curtis Park, Tahoe Park, Oak Park, and Hollywood Park areas of the city. For two years beginning in 1980, he owned a skating rink, and then he served for a period of time as the assistant pastor of an interdenominational Church of God. From 1986-96, he worked for Rural California Housing, now called Mercy Housing, assisting migrant and low income families in becoming home owners. Although he had served as a volunteer for many years, Dan’s first formal connection with law enforcement came in 1993 when he became a law enforcement chaplain, running STARS (Students Teaching and Reaching Students). Through STARS, Dan helped at-risk youth at schools develop good character through weekly meetings and school assemblies.

Dan and his wife of 27 years, Karen, have lived in Curtis Park for 20 years. Between them, they have four children and four grandchildren. The two oldest, Pamela at 36, and Curtis, who is a year younger, are married, have children, and live in the area. Daniel, whom many of you met at our barbecue in August, is 23, and the youngest, Jasmine, who is 16 still lives at home while finishing high school.

When they have free time, Dan and Karen enjoy spending time together watching movies, looking for bargains at local yard sales, and bike riding, especially on their tandem bike. Dan says that he would like to travel, especially within the United States. There is so much he hasn’t seen, he says. In his off time, Dan also collects salt and pepper shakers.

Dan is happy to be a Rotarian. His good friend Frank Cook started talking about Rotary one day, and Dan liked what he heard so he decided to check it out. He’s been attending meetings and supporting Rotary efforts ever since. When asked about his impressions of Rotary after nearly a year, Dan said, “I am impressed with the friendliness of club members. They are men and women of character who have a genuine concern for others. Rotary is not just a club, but one with a mission. Its members have a heartfelt desire to help the community.” Dan also like the effort South Sac is making in trying to diversify its membership. Well, Dan it’s easy to see how you fit right in. You too are a man of character with a heart for others. We’re happy to have you among us.

Rotary House Progress

Steve Lemmon, former District 5180 Governor and member of the Rotary Club of North Sacramento, was our special guest at our September 29 meeting. Steve updated those in attendance on the progress on Rotary House.

Curtisfest

Several South Sacramento Rotarians worked a booth at the annual Curtisfest to share what Rotary is all about and invite interested parties to check us out. Dan and Karen Thompson came in went in style on their tandem bike!

Construction on Rotary House Ready to Go

The ground has been leveled and the area fenced in preparation for the start of construction on Rotary House.

Future Speakers

Phil Sherwood will be at our meeting on Monday, September 22 to talk about the Ambassadorial Scholarship Program.

Our speaker for September 29 will be Steve Lemmon. He will update us on the progress of Rotary House.

Rooting the Rivercats to Victory

South Sacramento Rotarians joined others from District 5180 on August 16 to root the Rivercats onto victory. The Rivercats recognized Rotary International on their left field board and donated $3 from every ticket to Polio Plus.

August 25 Barbecue

Make sure you have the evening of August 25 at 6:30 p.m. marked on your calendar for our family barbecue. It will be held at the home of Shirley Pickens-Knight in Elk Grove (maps will be available at our August 18 meeting or call Barbara Tracy for an e-mail version). The cost is $5 per person for adults; children are free. All food will be provided, and everyone is asked to bring a beverage to share. Fold-up tables and cupcakes are also welcome. Any questions can be directed to Anne Hasbrook-Smith. There will be no meeting at the Casa that day.

Sacramento City College Well Represented!

Those who attended the July 28 meeting learned a lot about Sacramento City College and its programs from our guests. Pictured from left to right are Trevor Sparks, winner of one of South Sacramento Rotary's scholarships; Mary Leland, Executive Director, College and Community Relations; Dr. Kathryn Jeffery, SCC President; Donnetta Webb, Dean, Advanced Technology Division; and Paul Cypret, Department Chair, Advanced Transportation.

Getting to Know Kim Williams

She’s only been a Californian since April, 2007, yet Kim Williams seems to have adjusted well to the climate change and city life. Born in the small farm town of Colfax, Washington, Kim spent most of her life in that state, and it was her marriage to Bobby that prompted her move to California. After 16 years of long distance dating and traveling to be together, Kim and Bobby finally tied the knot on March 31, 2007. Kim has three sons from a previous marriage, and she was committed to remaining in Washington until her youngest was through college. Today, Carey who is 27 works in the financial district in New York. Chris, 25, will start medical school at Iowa State University in August, and at 23, Cody is a project manager for Vail Resorts in Colorado.

Kim owned her own travel agency in Colfax, Washington, before moving to Sacramento. She completed her bachelor’s degree once Cody finished high school by going to school nights and weekends. She joined the California State Automobile Association (CSAA) in September, 2007, because of the company’s reputation. Coming to California, she knew she wanted to pursue something in travel and liked what she saw in CSAA. Bobby, who was single until he and Kim were married, works for Merck Pharmaceuticals and had moved several times within the United States before landing in Sacramento.

Although she just recently became a member, Kim’s connection to Rotary started a long time ago. Her first husband was a Rotarian. The current link with Elwyn, however, occurred shortly after she took her job at CSAA. She says she was in a restaurant and eavesdropping on Elwyn’s conversation about his trip to Egypt. Curious to know more, she introduced herself. That began a relationship that led to her becoming Elwyn’s travel agent. The conversation moved to Rotary, and Kim felt becoming part of our Rotary Club would not only be a good fit but would give her the opportunity to meet new people.

In their spare time, Kim and Bobby enjoy traveling. In addition to pleasure trips, Kim has led tours internationally for professional groups seeking continuing education units. One of her fondest memories is spending New Year’s Eve with a witch doctor on the Amazon River. She stayed at the Jungle Tree Hotel and fished for piranha and crocodile. She also goes back to Washington when she can to visit her three sisters who live there. Traveling may be a little more expensive now. Before deciding to go to med school, Chris worked for the airlines so Kim had pass privileges. Sports are a part of Bobby’s life so he and Kim frequently attend sporting events. They recently attended a Yankee-Red Sox game at Yankee Stadium—special because the Yankees will play in a new stadium next year. Kim believes in staying physically fit so she works out regularly and plays golf.

As our newest Rotarian, she is off and running. Serving as our secretary this year, Kim has jumped in with both feet and continues to look for new ways to be involved. Kim, you’re already a great asset to our club, and we are glad you chose South Sacramento as your Rotary home!

July 14 meeting cancelled; Board meeting Wednesday

There will be NO Rotary meeting today, July 14. The refrigeration unit at the Casa went out over the weekend.

There will be a Board meeting this Wednesday evening at 6:30 p.m. at Denny's. Please arrive early so you can order before the meeting begins.

Gloria Ferry Takes Over as South Sac President

On Monday, July 7, Gloria Ferry took the helm as the 2008-09 president of South Sacramento Rotary. In the picture to the left, Gloria talks about the theme for the year. Gloria continued by sharing her goals and guaranteeing that we would "have fun!"

Annual Dues

Just a reminder that it's time to pay your annual dues. Treasurer Jim Tracy will be happy to take your checks at our next meeting.

Barbecue Plans

Anne Hasbrook-Smith wants to make sure you all have the information on the barbecue that was mentioned at today's meeting:

Rotary Club of South Sacramento Family BBQ Monday night Aug 25th 2008, 6:30pm at Shirley Pickens-Knight's House: 8864 Sheldon Oaks Lane, Elk Grove. Bring family and friends. Hot dogs & Hamburgers, fun, $5.00 per head (kids eat for free) BBQ dinner. Shirley has a huge yard and pool. Come for the fellowship! Call Anne Hasbrook @ 916-454-2663 with questions. No Rotary at the Casa on the 25th of August - BBQ instead. Details to follow.

Don't Forget

If you plan to participate in the Wheelchair Project, don't forget to give Jim Tracy a check ASAP. Also Rotary at the Rivercats is coming up and if we want to sit together, we need to submit our ticket request as a package. Jim is collecting dollars for that outing too. Delta Box seats are $13 each.

Keep in Mind

Several members of our Rotary Club are currently struggling with serious medical issues and have been unable to attend meetings: John Wochnick, Bud Ravizza, and Jim Connick. In addition, Liz Long is facing still more surgery on her knee. Please keep all these people in your thoughts and prayers.