As reported by Linda Geery
President John welcomed members to the 23rd meeting of the 104th term of the Rotary Club of Sacramento. President John thanked Ed Wright (Martensen Wright PC) for pouring during the wine reception and greeters from Tri County Bank. In addition, he offered a special welcome back to Judy Payne (Real Estate Forum) and Dick Ryder.
Mik Miklaus (Integrity Mortgage) offered the thought for the day, which was an excerpt from Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The thought conveyed among other things, “that in order to have Peace on Earth we must have ecumenical loyalties” and that “we must learn to live as brothers or perish as foes.”
Sergeant-At-Arms Callee Setzer (Setzer Forest Products) introduced guests and prospective members.
President John introduced the head table, Dr. Forrest Junod, guest speaker Anthony Wright, new member Jim Raney (Raney Real Estate), Past President Skip Lawrence and Laurie Rood (Benefits Done Right Insurance Agency).
The Meeting Sponsor was Laurie Rood. Laurie offered a presentation on the importance of employee benefit packages and proper compliance.
New member Jim Raney, sponsored by Jim Phillips and Past President Skip Lawrence, was introduced to our Club. During the introduction, Past President Skip Lawrence thanked members for their cards and calls of well wishes during his absence.
Past President Skip then introduced Jim Raney. Jim was born and raised in Sacramento. His work is in land development, with an emphasis in suburban and easements. Jim is a fourth generation Cal graduate; his hobbies include tennis and college football.
President John welcomed Jim to the Club and encouraged him to become involved with the Club and its many committees and activities.
Announcements:
Jack Anderson (Dick James & Associates) announced that on February 13th we’ll have a special Valentine program, including a mimosa bar, live music and other Valentine fun. He asked members to submit photos of a first date, or some funny occasion, for the special program. Be on the lookout for an email with further details. Past President Diane Mizell announced our next Fireside will be at the home of Jim Craig on February 8th from 5:30-7:30pm.
Let’s Build Something Together:
Jim Phillips made a contribution of $50 because he was the only gentleman at a table of six beautiful women.
President John emphasized that what we do matters and recognized Leo McFarland for his good work with Volunteers of America and the tremendous beneficial impact VOA makes in our community. Leo has been with VOA for 39 years and counting. He thanked the Club for their support and donated $500.
Dave DeRoos (Citygate Associates, LLC) contributed $500 to his next Eddie Mulligan and an additional $500 to his next Paul Harris. Dave also reported on his work in Kathmandu (five trips to date), a World Community Service project in partnership with Young Life. He presented President John with a Rotary flag from Kathmandu and indicated the next trip is scheduled for October 2018. Contact Dave for more information if you are interested in going.
Dr. Forrest Junod introduced our guest speaker, Anthony Wright, the Executive Director of Health Access California. Mr. Wright grew up in the Bronx and graduated from Elmhurst College. He’s been in Sacramento since 2002.
The mission of Health Access California is as follows:
- Preserving access to care – Health Access has been a leader in the budget battles of the last decade, working to protect public health coverage programs like Medicaid (Medi-Cal), and Medicare, and our safety net institutions. Health Access works to improve and strengthen these programs and services, making sure they have the funding they need to survive and thrive.
- Protecting consumers – Health Access is committed to making sure that every Californian can get the care they need when and where they need it, without financial or administrative barriers. Health Access advocates for patient protections so consumers can have confidence in their care and coverage and to stop insurers or providers from denying care or overcharging for it
- Expanding coverage and winning comprehensive health reform –Health Access has worked health reform at the state and federal level, and is committed to implementing and improving upon the Affordable Care Act.
According to Mr. Wright, 93 percent of Californians are insured, but much still needs to be done to bring access to the remaining uninsured.
Next week we will again meet at the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church and our speakers will be our own Clayton Lee (C.K.L. Trust), Wes Yee (Yee Dental Care) and Becki Roberts (Central Valley Community Bank). The topic will be Our Club’s Involvement In World Community Service.