Meeting Recap for September 15, 2015
It’s not a matter of “if” but when Sacramento gets a franchise for a major league soccer team, said Warren Smith, president of the Sacramento Republic Football Club. It will be this year or next, he predicted. “We have everything in place,” said Smith of the plans for a new downtown stadium and sold-out games. “We know we’re going to make it, it’s just a matter of time.”
He said Sacramento is now first in line for the 25th franchise after Minneapolis and Miami. Also in competition are San Antonio, St. Louis and San Diego. The minor-league Republic FC has wowed major league officials by winning the U.S. Open club championship its first year in existence in 2014. This year, it’s now in third place but could be back in first place after scoring a win at Saturday’s game, Smith said.
Sacramento is one of the most underserved cities of its size for major league sports with only the Sacramento Kings. Yet, 130,000 people here play soccer and millions more want to attend or watch soccer games. “We play at a very high level and we watch at a very high level,” he said. “We deserve more.”
The flag of the Republic FC is derived from the California State Flag, but the team added the original motto of the city of Sacramento, “Urbs Indomita,” which means “The Indomitable City,” in Latin. He said the city adopted the slogan in 1850 because residents had survived floods and fires. Although the motto was dropped from the flag in the 1950s, Smith said, city officials are considering adding it again.
Smith praised Sacramento city officials for getting the new arena built for the Kings and supporting the Sacramento River Cats and the Republic FC. “Isn’t it awesome what’s happening in this town right now,” he said.
President Dave Cohen opened the meeting which was followed by the Thought for the Day by Mik Miklaus (Integrity Mortage). Music was provided by Kevin Williams (KVIE). President Dave thanked Aaron French (Zanker Road Resources Mgmt) and Clarence Lee (9th Medical Group Clinic) for being greeters. Seated at the head table were PP Brian Van Camp (ADR Services), chair of the day, Warren Smith, (Library Foundation Director) April Butcher, who was the meeting sponsor, new member Cheryl Marcell, executive director of the (California State Railroad Foundation) and Dick Noonan (CA State Railroad Museum), her sponsor. Butcher encouraged everyone to join the 2nd Annual Walk4Literacy on Oct. 17 to support literacy programs for children.
Frank Poelman gave a eulogy for John Nunan, a Rotary club member from 1975 to his death at age 90 on July 24. Mr. Nunan was an avid snow skier into his 80s, a pianist who played with the Rotary Rooters and raised and showed cutting and racehorses.
Club announcements included the need for more volunteers to work at Loaves & Fishes and the Sacramento Food Bank; sign up for Rotary Brown Bag on Sept. 29; Networking night is on Sept. 30; and get tickets early for dinner and the theater, “The Book of Mormon,” on Nov. 14th.
Sac Century Oktoberfest Volunteers Needed! You will have an opportunity to sign up for shifts at the Tuesday meetings. Volunteers receive a volunteer t-shirt and water bottle. If you prefer to sign up online, go to our user-friendly program at http://www.signupgenius.com/go/20f0d49a8a923a7fd0-sacramento1
Also, event t-shirts will be offered for sale at all Tuesday meetings.