President Scott Bailey opened the meeting with the Pledge of Allegiance at 7 pm and Bob Mange gave the Invocation.
Secretary Jim Padgett introduced guests including PDG Desiree Wilson, John and Lesley Kemp, Interactors from Folsom High and Vista Del Lago High, Chuck Thompson's neighbors, spouses, and visiting Rotarians.
President Scott and PDG Desiree inducted two new members into the club, Samantha Alvina and Albert Solano.
PDG Desiree, Samantha, Albert, and President Scott
President Scott thanked the members of the club for working on the Castle Park project. He shared the following slides showing the fantastic participation by our club.
President Scott said that the Frey Ranch Uncut Barrrel Strength Whiskey is now available.
President Scott said that we are going for a second table at the following Granite Bay Rotary fund-raiser:
President Scott reminded the members that there are two Folsom Rotary Foundation Board Trustee positions open. If you are interested in being a Trustee, contact Doug Burton for details. There will be an election of the Trustees at the last club meeting in May.
Rich Rider talked about Rotary Youth Exchange as our club is hosting a female student starting this August. We will need 3 families to host during the year and we need a host family to step forward NOW to be the first family. We need the first family now so they can go through the vetting process and we can let the student know who the family is so she can get her visa. RYE is a wonderful program and hosting a student is a wonderful experience. If you can host for the first three months, call Rich. You do not have to have children for you to host.
President Scott reminded the members that our goal this year is to be an EREY club. Every Rotarian, Every Year means giving to the Rotary Foundation, minimum $25. Donate by going to rotary.org and making a donation or giving a check to Len Hundshamer.
President Scott introduced the presidents of the Folsom High and Vista Del Lago Interact Clubs. Siddhran Kumer, President of Folsom High Interact told us that his club has 144 registered members with 55 to 60 regularly participating in club activities. He shared a slide show of their activities for this year (including photos) and, believe me, they have been very busy. Listed below are some of their activities:
- Girl Scout Mego Drop - helped distribute cases of cookies to the troops.
- ASE - a program where they teamed with special education students and taught them art. The main goal was to foster socialization and make new friends through art.
- Lakeview Fall Festival - worked as needed at game booths, food court, and auction.
- Break Free Run - setup and manage the water stands for a race to end human trafficking.
- Family Fun Expo - provide assistance as needed'
- Sutter Street Lighting - install Holiday lights along Sutter Street.
- Christmas Zoo Lighting - install Holiday lights for Wild Nights and Holiday Lights.
- Festival of Eggs - stuff candy and prize slips into eggs and assist at the egg hunt.
- Mitchell Middle School Science Fair - handle event logistics and judge entries to the fair.
- Castle Park Rebuilding - helped move equipment and materials. Used tools under guidance.
Tyler Hoekstra, President of Vista Del Lago High Interact told us that his club has 80 registered members with about 25 regularly participating in club activities. He also shared a slide show of their activities for this year (including photos) and they were also very active. Listed below are some of their activities:
- Homecoming Parade - marched to promote Interact Club and Service Above Self. Gained several new members.
- Dictionary Labeling - worked with the Folsom Rotary Club to label dictionaries for third grader
- Castle Park Rebuild - several members volunteered on April 8 with some members volunteering for additional shifts. Said it was fun to rebuild the park that they enjoyed playing at when they were young.
- Oktoberfest - distributed 1,000 promotional flyers to homes in Castle Park area, worked in the kitchen and bussed tables, helped setup and cleanup.
- CIM - helped setup starting at 3:50 am and worked cleanup as well
- Veterans Day Parade - marched with the Rotary float and handed out candy to kids along the route.
Siddhran and Tyler concluded the presentation with a slide that said "Thank you, Rotary!".
Rich Pepin thanked the Presidents and the other 5 Interactors who came to the meeting.
Jim Ortega asked the members again to volunteer at the Folsom High School Sober Grad Night. If you can help with setup, help during the event, or cleanup, click on the QR code below or contact Jim.
Jim then levied fines.
Bill Hutto introduced our speaker.
After giving us a lesson on how to fly a helicopter and how a helicopter flies, Chuck talked about his experiences as a pilot. He not only flew helicopters for SMUD and Sacramento news channels, he was also a flight instructor. He gave a very interesting talk about an interesting topic. At the end of his talk, President Scott presented Chuck with a box of Snook's chocolates including a chocolate Rotary Wheel.
