Meeting Recap for May 12, 2015

Posted by Steve Heath 
on May 14, 2015
 
 
Mailboxes and pansies aren’t the kinds of expenses for which you’d normally expect cattle ranchers to budget. But Tim Erickson is no ordinary cattle rancher and for him, they’re just part of the annual cost of doing business.
Erickson, scion of the Erickson Cattle Company, was Rotary Club of Sacramento’s guest speaker Tuesday at the Red Lion Woodlake Hotel.
Introduced by Chair of the Day and cousin Jim Phillips, Erickson recounted the history of the far-flung family business he inherited. The company, which has operations in Colorado and Oregon as well as California, is probably best-known for its annual Yosemite cattle drive.
Every year since the 1890s, Erickson’s family has trailed cattle about 50 miles up Highways 132 and 120 from the La Grange/Merced Falls area up to summer pasture near Groveland. Then in October, they reverse the process and tail the 470 to 500 head back down to LaGrange.
Some of the cattle have been known to veer slightly off course during the six to eight-day trek and wander through residential neighborhoods, knocking down mailboxes and chewing up flower beds. Erickson pays to replace the damage and doesn’t charge residents for the fertilizer left behind.
Accompanied by his wife of 45 years, Bette, Erickson gave Rotarians a glimpse into some of the more mundane aspects of ranching—like having to clean off manure and re-balance scales frequently while the cattle are being weighed for auction.
But he also provided a spectacular video presentation with photos of past cattle drives. For those of you unable to attend Tuesday’s meeting, some of the photos can be seen at http://www.golubphoto.com/blog/?p=257.
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Kathy Herrfeldt owner of Home Care Assistance was the meeting sponsor. Kathy gave her three minutes to Jody Jones, executive director of Homeward Bound Golden Retriever Rescue.  Kathy also brought her own rescuee, Sammy, to the meeting.
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Allison Cagley announced that Becki Roberts was the April winner of the membership contest. Becki, who also was the wine sponsor for Tuesday’s meeting, received a dining gift card for bringing the most prospective members to meetings in April. The contest is continuing.
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President Susan Sheridan led off announcements with thanks on behalf of Past-President Brian Van Camp and the Van Camp family for all the expressions of support following the recent loss of their daughter, Lauren.  All are welcome to attend a Celebration of Life for Lauren on June 6th at 4 pm at the North Tahoe Event Center.
President Susan also invited members to sign up for the May 20 Fireside at the home of Karen Diepenbrock.
Jim Phillips announced that the next Yosemite outing, a ranger-guided hike to Sentinel Dome and Glacier Point, will be on Saturday, June 6.
Ken Cross reminded Rotarians that the Habitat for Humanity project is still under way in South Sacramento with volunteers needed.
Bob Miller told the club that the 93rd annual Golf for Kids event will be held August 10 at Northridge Country Club and that the committee is looking for golfers and sponsors.
John Phair revealed that the club has really stepped up and will provide 15 shelter boxes to the victims of the earthquakes in Nepal at a cost of $1,000 apiece.
Steve Ruland and President Susan announced that there will be an art sale at next week’s meeting—the art being things from the former Rotary office for which there is no room at the new office.
Luann Richardson invited members to participate in the New Member Reception at 5:30 p.m. May 26 at Cafeteria 15L.
And Dick Noonan introduced guest Cheryl Marcell, new president of the California State Railroad Museum Foundation. Dick made a contribution to his next  Paul Harris in her honor.
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Also seated at the head table were Past President John Hamlyn, celebrating his 30th year as a club member, and President Elect Dave Cohen, who provided the invocation. Kathe Nathan and Luann Richardson were greeters.
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Next week’s speaker will be Mike Ziegler, President & CEO of PRIDE Industries.