Joy in Kindergarten

On December 23, members of South Sacramento Rotary preented all the kindergarteners at three schools their very own copy of Mercer Mayer's I Just Forgot. The excitement was catching as the children talked about the pictures and pondered over what might have been forgotten.

A Special Monday!

On Monday, December 5, South Sacramento honored education by not only recognizing its Luther Burbank December Student of the Month, Yovanna Aguilera, but also hearing about Ambassadorial Scholar Aashika Damodar's experiences at Cambridge and her future plans. Pictured above in the picture on the left are (left to right) South Sacramento President Dave Lambros, Luther Burbank counselor Leticia Gallardo, our winner Yovanna Aguilera, and Student of the Month Chair JR Springer. On the right, Dave once again poses with Ambassadorial Scholar Aashika Damodar.

More Bell Ringing

Dave Lambros (right) and his son Mark were another duo that helped ring bells for the Salvation Army.

Ringing the Bell for the Salvation Army

South Sacramento Rotary members have been helping the Salvation Army at Raley's on Freeport Boulevard on Saturdays between Thanksgiving and Christmas. Pictured above and helping out on Saturday, December 3, were (from left to right) Jim Tracy, Ed Trujillo, Bill Hoover, and Barbara Tracy.

Delivering Thanksgiving Baskets

The Rotary Slub of South Sacramento helped make families from local schools have a brighter Thanksgiving by providing all the items needed for a full dinner to five families. In the picture on the left, Past Presidents (left to right) Jim Tracy, Barbara Tracy, and Michael DiGrazia pose with happy recipients. More recipients on the right pose with Jim and Principal Charlotte Chadwick.

South Sac Celebrates Veterans' Day

Our special speaker on November 14 was Brigadier General Matthew Beevers from the National Guard who expanded our vision of the National Guard by sharing its vast involvement not only in security but in rescue and recovery. He is shown in the picture on the left with South Sac President Dave Lambros. In the picture on the right, Keiko Wong (far left), President of the Rotary Club of Pcoket-Greenhaven, and Past President Judy Foote present Michael DiGrazia (third from left) and President Lambros with a check thanking the club for its support of their recent fundraising project.

Motorcycle Bob Shares with Club

Bob Mutchler, better known as Motorcycle Bob, was the special speaker at South Sac Rotary's club meeting on Monday, November 7. Bob contracted polio at a very young age and is a living example of someone who has been able to rise above his disabilities. Since in those days people did not know how polio was contracted, Bob was isolated as a teenager. When he decided to ride a motorcycle, he was told he couldn't do it. In the last 25+ years, Bob has ridden many thousands of  miles, much of it in pursuit of funds to support Polio Plus. When he was younger, he participated in extreme rides, at one time covering 1,000 miles a day for 11 straight days. Today, Bob still rides and takes every opportunity to share his passion--Polio Plus.

Honoring Another Great Student

South Sacramento Rotary always enjoys recognizing deserving students, and this month's winner is Vera Goncharuk. A senior, Vera says she aims for straight "A's" and is planning on attending CSU Sacramento in the fall. She wants to be an elementary school teacher because she loves school and enjoys working with young children. Pictured with Vera are JR Springer (left), Student of the Month chair, and 2011-12 Club President Dave Lambros.

A Look at South Sacramento's RYLA Students

Since we failed to take a picture when they visited our club on October 3, we visited our two 2011 RYLA participants on Thursday, October 13. Teddy Chang and Kayza Lao decided on an American flag to use as a background. What you can't see are the two underclassmen that they asked to hold the flag for them! These are two young people with bright futures, and South Sacramento Rotary is proud to have had the opportunity to sponsor them at RYLA.

Recognizing Exemplary Students

South Sacramento Rotary recognized Allanique James, a senior at Luther Burbank High School, as it Student of the Month at its October 10 meeting. Allanique hopes to become a social worker or serve in another capacity with children. Pictured with her (third from left) from left to right are Dave Lambros, South Sacramento Rotary President; Emily Catlett, Luther Burbank High School counselor; and Andrea Meisner, club Student of the Month chair.

Serving at Curtis Park's First Friday

South Sacramento Rotary helped out at the Curtis Park First Friday dinner on October 7. Serving dinner and providing drinks gave members the opportunity to share about Rotary and tell interested persons how they could become a part of the organization. There was also plenty of time just to socialize and meet old and new friends.

RYLA Students Share Experience

Teddy Chang and Kaysa Lao visited with South Sacramento Rotary members at their meeting on October 3. They shared the highlights of their experience and talked about how their thinking has changed as a result of RYLA. Look for a picture of Teddy and Kayza as part of this post soon.

Playmakers Coach "Roz"

South Sacramento Rotary welcomed Greg "Coach Roz" Roeszler (pictured above right with President Dave Lambros) of Playmakers to its meeting on September 19. Greg outlined Playmakers, a program with character-building at its heart. Four Rotary clubs--South Sac, Natomas, Arden-Arcade, and Point West--are proud to have joined together in a grant to support the program.

South Sac Participates in "Paint the Town"

On Saturday, September 17, ten members of South Sacramento Rotary joined with representatives of other organizations to "Paint the Town." They spent the day painting homes, landscaping, and doing general clean-up in Oak Park. The event was sponsored by NeighborWorks and had the support of The Home Depot Foundation, Bank of America, Holt of California, CAT, US Bank, Glidden Paints, and Councilmember Jay Schenirer. Pictured in the group picture above are (top row from left to right): JR Springer, Aniceto Balingit, Michael DiGrazia, Jim Tracy, and Laura Reich and (front row from left to right) Barbara Tracy, Leslie Springer, Kim Williams, and Anne Hasbrook-Smith. Not pictured is Titus Thomas. The picture on the right shows Kim Williams and JR Springer prepping a house for painting.

South Sac Rotary Greets DG Jack Taylor

District Governor Jack Taylor spent his morning and lunch with South Sacramento Rotary on September 12. Jack met with the Board before addressing those attending South Sac's regular club meeting. He shared his vision for the year as well as critical dates/events for 2011-12. Pictured above on the right are Jack (left), his wife Dianne, and South Sac President Dave Lambros.

Jack also had the privilege of presenting Paul Harris awards to two members of the club. Pictured with Jack above on the right are Frank Cook (middle) who received his seventh Paul Harris and Jim Simmons who received his third.

Awarding a Paul Harris

Barbara Tracy was surprised to learn that she had earned her 4th Paul Harris Award. The presentation was made by club president Dave Lambros on Monday, August 29.

Let's Hear It from RYE!

Naomi Endsley (right) just returned from a yearlong Rotary Youth Exchange (RYE) experience in Sweden. She shared some of her thoughts with us at our lunch meeting on August 1. Pictured with Naomi is her mother, Susan Laird, a member of the Rotary Club of Folsom.

South Sacramento Welcomes RYE Student

Pocket-Greenhaven Past President Judy Foote (left) introduced South Sacramento members to Erin Perez, a recent St. Francis graduate who is headed for Peru at the end of August. Erin shared a little about herself and invited members to assist with the cost of the exchange by purchasing raffle tickets for contest the West Sacramento Club is holding.

Our Fireworks Booth

For the third year in a row, South Sacramento Rotary, in partnership with the Land Park Lions, manned a TNT fireworks booth near Raley's on Freeport Boulevard. With encouragement from Uncle Sam (aka Frank Cook), Rotarians offerred a variety of safe and sane fireworks to the public for a week. Dollars earned go towards providing dictionaries to 3rd graders in schools in South Sacramento, supporting non-profit organizations that serve others, and club operations.

Pictured above on the left are (from left to right) Craig Stevenson, Liz Long, Jim Simmons, and Dave Lambros. Frank Cook is pictured as Uncle Same on the right.

Congratulations!

At the left, President Elect Dave Lambros congratulates JR Springer with a $2,000 check to help replace or repair the commercial stove at the Y's camp in the mountains. Members donated dollars and the South Sacramento Rotary Foundation provided additional funds to support the effort. At the right, Craig Stevenson (right), Rotary International Foundation Chair for our club, pins a 6th Paul Harris Award on Frank Cook. 

Celebrating 2010-11

At his final meeting of 2010-11, President Jim Tracy thanked members of his Board for their support throughout the year by giving each of them one of the awards presented to the club at the Annual Awards Night. Pictured above from left to right are (standing) Jjim Simmons, Dave Lambros, Craig Stevenson, Frank Cook, Jim Tracy, Ed Trujillo, and JR Srpinger and (seated) Barbara Tracy and Michael DiGrazia.  

The Demotion of Jim Enjoyed by All!

Ib keeping with Rotary tradition, 2010-11 President Jim Tracy was demoted in early June. The party was enjoyed by all...of all ages! Pictured on the left from left to right are Craig Stevenson, Pat Wochnick, John Wochnick, JR Springer (in background), Helen Travis, and Jim Simmons. The youngest to attend was Olivia Meisner who kep her parents busy.

Jim recognized Michael DiGrazia as the outstanding Rotarian of the Year with a Paul Harris. He also recognized Jim Connick with a Paul Harris and presented Jim with another Paul Harris in memory of his wife and club member, Alana Connick. John Wochnick was recognized for 42 years of perfect attendance.

Supporting the Boy Scouts

South Sacramento Rotary President Jim Tracy presents a check to Ricci Dula, District Executive for the Boy Scouts of America.

Supporting Those Helping Others

South Sacramento Rotary presented checks to several organizations at its May 16 meeting. Representatives from the Drowning Accident Rescue Team, the Girl Scouts, Loaves and Fishes, Luther Burbank High School (scholarships), the Moral Values Program, NorCal Camp Grizzly, St. John's Shelter for Women and Children, Sacramento City College (scholarships), Sacramento Recovery House, the South Sacramento Interfaith Partnership Food Closet, The Sacramento Children's Home, Toys for the Troops' Kids, VSA Arts of California, and the YMCA of Superior California. The Boy Scouts and the Interact/AFS Club at Luther Burbank High School will receive their checks at another time.

Congratulating Two Students of the Month

South Sacramento Rotary recognized two Luther Burbank High School Students of the Month on May 2: Penny Her (front left, April) and Mai Choua Vang (front right, May). Behind them is LBHS counselor James McGee (left) and JR Springer, club Student of the Month coordinator. Both Penny and Mai Choua are seniors who are planning to attend UC, Santa Cruz, next year. Bot indicated that they had worked hard to get this far and planned to continue their efforts in college.

Welcome Back, Jim Connick!

President Jim Tracy (left) welcomed Jim Connick back into the club on Monday, April 11. Everyone was glad to see him back and wanting to be involved.

Recognizing Our Own

Recently, Gloria Ferry (left side of right picture) and Dave Lambros (center) received Paul Harris Awards from Craig Stevenson, RI Foundation Chair. Craig also got very lucky and drew the magic card--the ace of hearts--and picked up a check for over $800. Congratulations to all!

South Sacramento Welcomes Aniceto Balingit

Michael DiGrazia (right), Membership Chair, welcomed Aniceto Balingit into the membership of South Sacramento Rotary on Monday, March 28. Aniceto was excited about being in Rotary because of what it stands for and because several family members have been Rotarians. Welcome, Aniceto!

Another Top Student

South Sacramento Rotary congratulated Lucia Escobar for being selected as March's Student of the Month from Luther Burbank High School.

Congratulations, Lisa Tran

South Sacramento Rotary congratulated Lisa Tran, a Luther Burbank High School senior, on her selection as February's Student of the Month. Lisa received a certificate and a check and shared a little about how she has been serving and her plans for the future.

Annual Speech Contest

South Sacramento Rotary held its annual speech contest on Monday, February 7. Four speakers representing two different high schools spoke on the topic "Dare Mighty Things." Picture above with JR Spring (far left) are from left to right Katheryn Contreras, Country Day School, 4th place; Rizelle Murallon, Inderkum High School; 3rd place; LaRantxa Ross, Inderkum High School, 2nd place; and Amari Nixon, Inderkum High School, 1st place. Amari now moves to the zone level in competition on March 16.

2011 Dictionary Deliveries

One of the joys that South Sacramento Rotarians have each year is delivering dictionaries to 3rd graders in seven South Sacramento schools. All 3rd graders at John Bidwell, Susan B. Anthony, Freeport, Fruitridge, Ethel Phillips, Bret Harte, and Hollywood Park Elementary Schools received their very own dictionary. Rotarians visit the classrooms to distribute books and help students explore their new resource.