The Pulse
As our fully engaged club prepares for this week’s Sacramento Century cycling event benefiting the Crisis Nursery, we took a bit of time to celebrate the arts.
But first, President Todd thanked our greeters for the day, Steve Brandenburger, Kerry Wood, and Bhavnesh Makin.
Nancy Teichert’s thought for the day stressed the importance that arts play in our community – reducing social isolation and loneliness, fostering a shared sense of success, inspiring volunteering and charitable giving, and enhancing social consciousness. She quoted Thornton Wilder: “I regard the theatre as the greatest of all art forms, the most immediate way in which a human being can share with another the sense of what it is to be a human being.”
The club welcomed a new Rotarian, Todd Aquilina. Sponsored by David Brandenburger and President Todd, Todd Aquilina is the VP Trust Market Manager for Columbia Trust Company, an affiliate of Umpqua Bank. He is a former board member of the Sacramento Children’s Home and incoming chair of the Railroad Museum. Please reach out and introduce yourself!
This week President Todd highlighted a Rotarian who has given his time, talent and passion to Rotary and the community. John Swentowsky is celebrating his 30th year in our club. During this time he has chaired the Loaves and Fishes meal service for many years, is the longstanding club photographer, and led our beloved softball team to numerous championships. Thank you, John, for living our values.
Past President Susan Sheridan announced that we have surpassed 1,000 riders registered for the Sacramento Century cycling event, and she anticipates another 100 riders by Saturday’s ride. Special thanks were given to the many club members volunteering and to volunteer coordinators Past President Diane Woodruff and Megan Laurie. PP Diane reminded everyone the finish line celebration will feature music from our own Rotary Roadies (formerly Rockers) who will be performing for our riders and volunteers – yet another example of the talent and fellowship that makes ours the best Rotary club in the region.
Club Announcements –
- Wine reception sponsors needed! Please reach out to Surender Singal to support this long tradition of fellowship over a glass of wine before the start of our meeting
- Upcoming Fireside. Mik Miklaus hyped the next Fireside gathering on October 19 at Bob Daly’s notorious backyard cantina! Sign up fast as there will be limited space.
Let’s Go Skiing!
Jim Phillips celebrated his son’s article in Comstock magazine by donating $100 toward the Sac Century Ride. PP President Walter Dahl recognized John Swentowsky’s commitment to the club by donating $50 toward John’s next Eddie Mulligan. Mik Miklaus touted his 44th anniversary in the club; he started at the same age as Past President Bob Cole (now a centenarian) and looks forward to serving just as many years as PP Bob. Mik made a gift of $100 to his next Eddie Mulligan.
Chair of the Day Robyn DeLong introduced our guest speaker Scott Klier, Director and President/CEO of Broadway Sacramento. Scott, a graduate of Jesuit High School, was introduced to drama in high school – never realizing how it would shape his future.
Scott shared the evolution of the theatrical arts in Sacramento, saluting the vision of Eleanor McClatchy who in 1951 inspired Sacramento to embrace the musical theatre-in-the-round – the first of its kind west of the Mississippi and only fourth in the country. Experiencing the magic of a professional musical in a circus tent without padded seats or air conditioning became a Sacramento tradition with memories that will never fade. From those beginnings, the Music Circus blossomed, with the Broadway Series launching in 1993 and a big move in 2003 into the UCD Health Pavilion.
The Music Circus runs six summer productions they produce specifically for Sacramento, whereas the Broadway On Tour shows are national touring productions. Broadway Sacramento also provides a thriving education component that introduces the arts to youth and those from diverse communities who otherwise not have the opportunity to experience this form of art. And through jobs, hotel rooms, and restaurants, our jewel here in Sacramento bolsters the local economy by $50 million a year! As Scott reminded us, “You don’t have to understand the inner workings of arts to enjoy Broadway.”
Looking ahead, we will be dark on October 3, following a busy weekend at Sac Century and raising big money for the Crisis Nursery program of Sacramento Children’s Home.
Submitted by Christie Holderegger
Photos Courtesy of John Swentowsky
