Meeting Recap - Feb. 28, 2011

Posted by John McIntyre 
on Mar 2, 2011
 

Invocation

Karen Diepenbrock provided the Thought for the Day capturing thoughts on the approach of spring.

 

Sacramento Rotary Fellows

At this meeting we celebrated our newest Sacramento Rotary Fellow (and Mr. Double-bass in the Rotary Rooters) Jeff Stone.

 

New Members

Three new members were welcomed at this meeting:

Christopher Johnson, CEO of The Johnson group, Inc.

Larry Knapp, CEO of Lyon Real Estate

Seifu Ibssa of the Sacramento Bee (and an accordionist forbidden to ply his art at meetings or in any proximity to President Scot)

 

Meeting Sponsor

Dr. Barbara Arnold shared with us why she loves her ophthalmological practice.

 

Recognition

Thom Gilbert took the opportunity to honor the memory of long-time Rotary stalwart Ludy Langer who passed away suddenly last year. Tom invested $150 toward a memorial Eddie Mulligan in Ludy’s name.  His gesture was matched by three other members, nearing the goal before the meeting was even half over. There’s still room to contribute – let’s remember a great Rotarian!

 

Announcements and Events

  • Powerhouse Telethon on March 5th on channels 13 and 31. We’ve been challenged to raise $1,500 and to try to get other clubs to match us.
  • President’s Breakfast on March 9th.
  • Fireside at Eric Solis’ home on March 9th.
  • KVIE volunteering on March 30th.
  • Rotary Day at the River Cats is April 10th – you can still sign up!
  • Bids for Kids on May 14th – bust out those auction items!

 Speaker Introduction

Chair of the Day, PP Dan Cole, a long-time friend and colleague of our speaker, introduced Mayor Kevin Johnson.

 

Speaker Kevin Johnson, Mayor, City of Sacramento

Mayor Johnson set forth three challenges to our Rotary Club – and to citizens of the City of Sacramento.

  1. The Mayor recounted that he established Volunteer Sacramento when he first took office and each year volunteer hours had exceeded his goals – last year contributing 3.1 million hours to volunteer service.  His goal this year – and his challenge to Rotary – was to help get 33% of citizens to volunteer. If we succeed, Sacramento will move into the list of the nation’s “Top 10 Caring Cities.”
  2. Mayor Johnson wants us all to focus on ensuring every third grader in Sacramento can read at grade level. Currently, we’re at 39%. He wants Rotarians to partner with him – retirees to volunteer, businesses to adopt a school, etc. The United Way and Boys & Girls Clubs are already partnering with him on this effort.
  3. Lastly, Mayor Johnson wants us to make our opinions heard regarding the Kings and their potential departure – write op-eds, send letters to legislators and other officials, take the Maloofs out for coffee… He wants the Kings to stay, but he refuses to let the City be used as leverage to sweeten the Kings deal in Anaheim, should they choose to go.  Irrespective of the Kings’ status, he will continue to work on bringing a new arena/entertainment complex to the City.

The Mayor also took several questions and handled them deftly – although he suggested that next time he visits we call the event “Roast the Mayor” rather than a regular meeting, so that he can send volleys back at us…

Mayor Johnson received a standing ovation as he concluded his comments.

 

Conclusion

President Scot ended the meeting at 1:30pm with encouragement to each of us to be good Rotarians.

 

Next Meeting

Our next meeting is on Monday, March 7th and will feature speaker and radio personality Kitty O’Neal.