Prior to the start of the Rotary Club of Folsom October 24th meeting, there was a ceremonial passing of a Chevrolet van from the Rotary Club of Arden Arcade to the Rotary Club of Folsom to the Flying Samaritans Mother Lode Chapter. The van will be used in Mexico when the Mother Lode and Gold Coast Chapters of Flying Samaritans are on their missions to provide medical services to those in need in Baja California. The new van will replace a very rusted 25 year old Ford van.  2013 11 seat Chevrolet 1500 van going to Baja California, Mexico. |
The donation process started when Rotarian John Messner returned from a trip to Baja and talked to the Rotary Club of Folsom board about donating a newer van. According to John, the old Ford was so bad that the windshield was taped on with duct tape. The board agreed to spend up to $12,000 for a van. The Rotary Club of Arden Arcade and another partner had a van they planned to replace. Although the van being replaced was worth more than $12,000, they agreed to sell it for that amount.  John Messner, Peter Le Lievre, President of Mother Lode Chapter Flying Samaritans, President Ramesh Dontha, President Christine Jensen of Rotary Club of Arden Arcade, and District Governor Steve Turner. President Christine passed the keys and pink slip to President Ramesh.  President Ramesh passed the keys and pink slip to Peter.  Peter with Rotarians who have been on volunteer trips with Flying Samaritans. This event was covered by the Folsom Times and the Folsom Telegraph. |