Ringing the Bell for the Salvation Army

For several years, South Sacramento Rotarians have rung the bell for the Salvation Army during the Christmas season. Saturday, December 1 was the first of four Saturdays when Rotarians "manned the bucket" in front of Raleys Supermarket on Freeport Boulevard. Pictured above from left to right are Jim Tracy, Ed Trujillo, Jocelyn Yap, and Dave Lambros.

The History of the Foundation

At a recent meeting Past District Governor Clarence Parkins shared some of the history of The Rotary Foundation. Even those who have been Rotarians for many years learned something new about The Foundation which funds humanitarian projects throughout the world. Thanks, Clarence!

Giving Krysia a Paul Harris

Foundation Chair Dave Lambros (left) presented Krysia Falltrick with her second Paul Harris Award at the November 5 meeting.

Supporting Students' Good Works

South Sacramento Rotary provided students at Laetaata Floyd Elementary School (formerly Jed Smith Elementary) with more than a dozen rakes so they could prepare the ground for their new organic garden. With the support of school staff, they have chosen an area behind the school for their new garden which promises not only to be a great learning experience but also a way for students to work together on a goal.

Recognizing Deserving Students

At a recent meeting, South Sacramento Rotary recognized Amanda Lee, a senior at Luther Burbank High School, for her academic success and contributions to the school. Amanda is captain of the cheer team, serves on the student council, and works at the student snack bar. She plans to attend UCSB and major in computer science. Pictured with her above are her counselor, Alex Corona (left), and Andrea Meisner (center), South Sacramento Rotary's student recognition chair.

Welcoming New and Future Members

South Sacramento Rotary has added to its membership this year. Christy Moore (left) of Farmers and Merchants Bank joined the club in March. Jocelyn Yap (center), who is a realtor with Cook Realty, came aboard in August, and Corky Mau, recently retired from recycling management, will join the club on October 8.  

Helping "Paint the Town"

South Sacramento Rotary members joined other service organizations in the area to "paint the town" on Saturday, September 15. Our club was responsible for landscaping yards in the Oak Park part of town. One resident who had benefitted from the program the past year joined the group to show her appreciation.

RYLA Speaks

South Sacramento Rotarians always look forward to hearing from those they have sponsored at RYLA (Rotary Youth Leadership Awards) in June. Imani Richards (left in photo) and Annie Nguyen shared how RYLA made a difference in their lives at South Sac's regular meeting on August 20. Both are looking forward to their senior year in high school and are ready to use what they learned at RYLA in their work at their schools. Imani attends Country Day High School, and Annie attends Luther Burbank High School.

Welcoming Jocelyn

South Sacramento Rotary welcomed Jocelyn Yap into its membership on August 13. On hand to induct her was District Governor Bob Deering. Jocelyn has been very active in the club even before becoming a member, and she is looking forward to further involvement now that she is a member. She is a realtor with Cook Realty. Pictured above form left to right are DG Bob Deering, Jocelyn, her sponsor Frank Cook, and President JR Springer.

Thanking Frank (aka Uncle Sam)

2012-13 President JR Springer (left) recently thanked Frank Cook for serving as Uncle Sam and drawing potential buyers to our fireworks stand. For years, Frank has donned an Uncle Sam outfit in VERY warm weather and stood on Freeport Boulevard enthusiastically pointing people to Rotary's fireworks stand. Thank you, Frank, for literally sweating it out!

Need Some Fireworks for the 4th?

South Sacramento Rotarians are manning a fireworks booth near Raley's on Freeport Blvd. At the left from left to right, Nancy Coben, Frank Cook, Dwight Norris, and Dave Lambros pose in front of the booth. Frank Cook (aka Uncle Sam) fills the center frame, encouraging passers-by to stop and make a purchase. At the right from left to right, Michael DiGrazia, Krysai Falltrick, and Jim Simmons show off some of the products for sale.

Rotarians Have Fun Too!

South Sacramento Rotary celebrated the year at its annual "demotion" party on June 25. Members and guests enjoy the evening in the picture at the left. In the center picture, demoted President Dave demonstrates his Hawaiian "talents." At the right, Past President Jim Tracy thanks Dave for his year of service. Dave recognized Michael DiGrazia and Barbara Tracy for their contributions with Paul Harris awards and welcomed JR Springer into his new role as President.

More Paul Harris Awards

Both Al Franks (second from left) and Dwight Norris (second from right) received their 5th Paul Harris Awards on Monday, June 18. Congratulating them are Foundation Chair Craig Stevenson (left) and Club President Dave Lambros (right).

Awards, Awards, Awards

South Sacramento Rotary gave away more dollars on Monday, June 11 to the Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts. In the picture on the left, President Dave Lambros (left) poses with the recipients. In the picture at the right, Dave is seen again, this time with Craig Stevenson, Rotary Foundation Chair, and Jim Tracy, who received his third Paul Harris.

Supporting Those Who Help Improve Our Community

A very special annual meeting for South Sacramento Rotary was held on June 4. On this day, the club handed out checks totaling more than $13,000 to non-profit organizations in the Sacramento community. Those receiving gifts included the South Sacramento Interfaith Partnership Food Closet, NotCal Camp Grizzly Camp for the Deaf, Sacramento City College for scholarships, the Y, St. John's Shelter for Women and Children, the Moral Values Program, Luther Burbank High School for scholarships, the Boy Scouts, the Girl Scouts, Loaves and Fishes, "I Can Do That" Very Special Arts, the Sacramento Guitar Society, the Transition Program from the Sacramento Children's Home, Smile Train through the Girl Scout Cadettes, Shelter Box, and the Camellia Juniors String Program. Pictured above are some of the guests who received checks.

Dwight Wins the Money

After 41 weeks of waiting with only 11 cards left, Dwight Norris had reason to smile after drawing the Ace of Hearts at South Sacramento Rotary's May 14 meeting. Dwight walked away with the $1,000 prize and congratulations from other members. Next week, the contest begins anew again with a brand new deck.

Cleaning Up Florin Road

On Saturday, May 12, South Sacramento Rotary joined with members of Luther Burbank High School's Naval Junior ROTC Program to clean up the Florin Road area in South Sacramento. After meeting at the school, Rotarians and students split into three groups to cover the area between Highway 99 and 24th Street. They returned to the school to enjoy pizza and soft drinks. 

Dave Receives His 4th PH

It's always a special day when someone receives a Paul Harris award. Craig Stevenson (left) pins a 4th Paul Harris pin on 2011-12 President Dave Lambros.

A Nice Opportunity

Mark Hoffman (left), co-host of KFBK's "The Travel Guys" and founder of Sports Leisure Travel, presents a $777 donation check to Roy Alexander, Executive Director of the Sacramento Children's Home, at the April 9 meeting of South Sacramento Rotary. Mark served as the speaker at South Sac's regular meeting so it was a nice opportunity for him to share the presentation with those in attendance.

Another Paul Harris Fellow

President Dave Lambros left pins Jim Connick with his newest Paul Harris Fellow at a recent meeting.

Six Talented Speakers

South Sacramento Rotary held its annual speech contest on Monday, March 12. This year's theme was "Reach Out to Embrace Humanity." Students from both Luther Burbank High School and Inderkum High School competed for three places with prizes of $200, $100, and $50 with the winner going on to semifinal competition where more dollars are at stake. Pictured above from left to right are Kyle Grant (Burbank), Lang Thao (Burbank), first place winner Shivani Patel (Inderkum), 2nd place winner RJ Haymer (Inderkum), Brandon Vergara (Inderkum), and third place winner Sandra Barrett (Burbank).

A Busy, Busy Meeting

South Sacramento's first meeting of the month turned out to be a very busy one! Michael DiGrazia (shown placing pin in picture on left) helped induct South Sac's newest member, Christy Moore. In the second picture, Luther Burbank counselor Carol Mills (left) poses with Natalia Ramos, our Student of the Month (center), and Student of the Month Chair, Andrea Meisner. Our speaker Albert Balingit (third picture), hmself a Luther Burbank graduate many years ago, shared information about small claims court. Finally, three of South Sac's members--(left ot right) Jim Simmons, Dave Wilson, and Ed Trujillo--all celebrated their March birthdays.

South Sac Support Transitioning Teens

Chritina Airola expressed appreciation to South Sacramento Rotary for its financial support of the Transition Adjustment Program. Part of the Sacramento Children's Home, this project assists those who have reached the age of emancipation in transitioning from the Home to independent living.

South Sac Recognizes More Students

On Monday, February 6, South Sacramento Rotary recognized two Luther Burbank High School Students of the Month, one for January and one for February. Pictured above from left to right are Andrea Meisner, Club Student of the Month Chair; honoree Alvaro Gomez; honoree Fineasi Polaulu; counselor Juanita Saldana; counselor Lisa Noma; and Club President David Lambros. Both young men are seniors who have attained excellent grades and been active in school activities.

January 30 Meeting

Our January 30 meeting will be held at The Y. Please bring your lunch and be prepared to put together baskets and take care of other duties for the crab feed. Enter through the front of The Y, not the V Street entrance as in the past.

Giving Dictionaries to Third Graders

Once again this year, South Sacramento Rotary is happy to provide third graders at seven schools with their own dictionaries. Members always enjoy going into classrooms and sharing in the excitement as students thumb through their books and become acquainted with all the gifts inside. Pictures above with students are Anne Hasbrook (left), Aniceto Balingit (center), and Liz Long. On January 23, Rotarians visited four schools. They will do the remaining three next week.

Al Franks Earns Another Paul Harris

Al Franks received another Paul Harris pin at a recent meeting. Al has been a member of South Sacramento Rotary for over 34 years.