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.