On April 23rd, we gathered to commemorate the memory of Jean Runyon, who made history as the first female member of the Sacramento Rotary. Reflecting on her groundbreaking induction on September 29, 1987, we celebrated the enduring impact of her inclusion. Over time, our club's demographic evolved, with women eventually constituting 30% of our membership. Their invaluable contributions have played a pivotal role in fostering a brighter and stronger community.
PP Thom Gilbert opened our meeting with an insightful thought of the day, setting the tone for what turned out to be a day filled with action and purpose. Among the highlights was the presence of special guests from the Sacramento State Transition Program, enriching our gathering with their presence.
With Golf4Kids swiftly approaching on May 10th at the William Land Park Golf Course, anticipation is building. Importantly, a portion of the proceeds raised will directly benefit the students in the transition program. This program plays a crucial role in nurturing independence, job skills, and overall life skills among its participants. Throughout the week, students engage at various job sites, honing a diverse range of skills. Additionally, they learn essential life skills such as navigating public transportation and fostering social connections with peers.
This year, the students are setting their sights on a new adventure: Disneyland. For many, this journey will mark their maiden flight, adding an extra layer of excitement to the experience.
In addition, we joyously welcomed a new addition to our Rotary family, Michael Mui. Michael serves as Chief Technology Officer at MSC Integration, a company specializing in cloud service security solutions. Notably, MSC Integration served as a key sponsor for Sac Century in 2024, rallying 10 riders to participate in the event.
Michael's induction into Rotary was made possible through the sponsorship of Kathe Nathan and David Brandenburger.
"Todd's Tuesday Trivia" lived up to its reputation, delivering another evening of memorable moments. Among the anecdotes shared, some of our members recounted interactions with renowned celebrities, while others showcased their passion for art. Surprisingly, a recurring theme emerged—many of our members share the same name! We boast three Megans (four if we count our esteemed speaker of the day), two Dianes, two Virginias, and two Dees!
We ask that you keep Dave Higdon in your thoughts as he bravely battles kidney cancer. Your support and well wishes mean a great deal to him and his loved ones during this challenging time.
Additionally, a reminder to sign up for volunteering or donating to Golf4Kids. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of the children benefiting from this event.
During our "Let's go Skiing" segment of the meeting, we were blessed with a flurry of joyous moments worth celebrating:
- Jim Henderson proudly shared the news of his son obtaining his driver's license, marking a significant milestone in his life journey.
- Elfrena Foord delighted in commemorating her historic achievement as the 5th woman ever inducted into the Sacramento Rotary, a testament to her enduring commitment and dedication. She holds the distinction of being the longest-standing female member.
- Jim Culleton took a moment to recognize Elfrena's invaluable contributions to "Todd's Tuesday Trivia" and her remarkable 36-year tenure within Rotary, honoring her steadfast dedication and impact.
- Peter Dannenfelser fondly recounted a cherished memory of meeting Jean at the tender age of 7, crediting her with a serendipitous role in matching him with his beloved wife, a testament to Jean's enduring influence.
- Dan paid tribute to Jean Runyon's legacy and congratulated Jim's son for his recent success, underscoring the spirit of support and celebration within our Rotary community.
- Barbara joined in honoring Jean's lasting effects, highlighting the profound impact of her pioneering leadership and vision.
- Rick Davis bestowed well-deserved recognition upon Diane Mizell as Rotary's first female president, acknowledging her trailblazing leadership and dedication to our shared mission.
- Paul Keefer's generosity shone through as he donated to various causes and individuals, embodying the spirit of giving and compassion that defines our Rotary family.
The Jean Runyon award, a prestigious recognition within our Rotary community, was postponed during this meeting as the recipient was unable to attend. We invite you to join us again in June when we will unveil the deserving individual who will be honored with this esteemed accolade. Stay tuned for this exciting announcement as we continue to celebrate the spirit of Jean Runyon's legacy and the exemplary contributions of our members.
Maggie introduced our speaker of the day, Megan Morgan, an equity advocate for the California Arts Council. Megan holds an MFA in photography from the San Francisco Art Institute and is the author of her debut book, "The End of Me," published in 2019.
During her presentation, Megan shared a deeply personal journey of her encounters with death, revealing how each experience profoundly impacted her life. At the tender age of 19, she faced drowning in Lake Heron, where she encountered her deceased mother urging her to be strong and continue her journey.
Her second encounter occurred at 25 during an unplanned home birth, where she connected with her departed grandfather, who guided her to pursue her desires upon returning to Earth.
The third encounter, at 28, happened during a harrowing snowstorm collision. Elevated above the wreckage, Megan was presented with a choice: to depart or to embrace life. Fueled by love for her husband and children, she opted to continue her earthly journey.
Reflecting on these profound experiences, Megan underscored the transformative power of choice, encapsulating it with the poignant quote, "Between stimulus and response, there is space, and where there is space, there is choice."
Furthermore, Megan highlighted the significance of community, emphasizing how the act of improving one person's life invariably enriches our own.
Paul Keefer closed the meeting by reminding us of next week's speaker, Devin Strecker, Executive Director for the River District.
A big thank you to this week's contributors: Guiliano Kornberg, Norm Marshall, and PP Diane Mizell for greeting, Virginia Wade for photography, and Jim Henderson for sponsoring the wine.
Photos Courtesy of Virginia Wade
