Meeting Recap for August 1, 2011
President Ken called the meeting to order at 12:15 after our wine (and beer) reception hosted by Jon Snyder was enjoyed by many and complimented by the musical talents of Dick Wertz on the piano.
After a few announcements from the Pres including the recognition of our two women Past Presidents (Diane Mizell and Beverly Brautigam) both gracing the head table, the meeting quickly took on an aviation theme with the lighter side of a Thought for the Day innovatively presented by Diane with the “Don’t call me Shirley” clip from the film “Airplane” which truly brought down the house.
Guests and visiting Rotarians were introduced by Sergeant at Arms Robyn Delong with the gift basket of Sacramento Valley agricultural products going to a visiting Rotarian from Arden Arcade (not so far away this week).
New member Nancy Michell was introduced and inducted to a standing ovation as our 5th new member this Rotary year.
Two thank you letters from Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) camp students were read to the club by President Ken. The letters reflected upon their appreciation and life changing experiences the camp provided each of them.
Several minutes of fellowship were enjoyed by the membership before our Sponsor of the Day Past President Beverly Brautigam provided an articulate summary of her professional services in the field of Financial Services and Divorce Tax consulting.
Announcements ensued including an upcoming Yosemite hike on August 13th and a Brown Bag on August 29th.
Recognitions and Celebrations included John Kelly becoming an Explorer in honor of his new Sacramento Bee column “Ask the Experts”, John Swentowsky contributing to his Eddie Mulligan in recognition of the recent softball victory, Ken Noack, Jr. in celebration of summiting the Matterhorn this day at this hour a year ago, Rita Gibson in celebration of also being in Switzerland on this day a year ago (Swiss National Day), Eric Solis in recognition of one of today’s featured RYLA students who was also a YIP student and Diana Borroel with a contribution to the Foundation, requesting “older men” (and women) to be extra’s for her sons film shoot this weekend.(Contact Diana directly for your moment in Hollywood). Thank you all for your generous contributions to the Club this week!
Continuing in the theme of aviation, retired Director of the Airport, Club Rotarian, Tom Engle recited some history leading up to the development of the airport including community objection and questioning the need for a new airport (citing 9 million passenger trips in 2010)
Chair of the Day Allison Otto then provided a comprehensive introduction of our current Director of the Airport and program speaker, Hardy Acree.
Hardy greeted the club, commenting on his past membership in our club and recognizing so many friends and colleagues in the audience. He proceeded to present a comprehensive power point of The Big Build of terminal B, a 12 year in the making, 1.03 billion dollar project which will come in under budget and ahead of schedule ready to accommodate the first flight on October 6, 2011.
The new facility will include two terminal components (landside and airside); connected by a people mover train, providing 19 new gates (expandable to 27) and a pedestrian bridge to the Terminal A parking structure. The funding source is through the Enterprise Fund and does not rely on tax support. The economic impact to the region will be significant with 11,000 new jobs.
Amenities to the new terminal will include local and nationally branded food court vendors, a spacious and airy esthetic feel including a tree canopy like architectural flair (questioned by the audience) in conjunction with the “City of Trees” theme of Sacramento, lots of local, national and international art including the Red Rabbit. Hardy remarked that Sac International will now serve 12 carriers and 132 flights daily.
The presentation was concluded with a conceptual aerial video overview of the Big Build.
Hardy announced that there will be an invitational opening reception limited to 500 people at $75 / person. Details and registration at www.experienceBparty.com and an open to the public free preview of the facility at www.previewB.eventbrite.com. For more updates on the Big Build go to www.BigBuild.org.
President Ken thanked Hardy for an educational and enlightening presentation adjourning the meeting at 1:30 pm.