Thought of the Day, "According to most studies, people's number one fear is public speaking. Number two is death. Death is number two. Does that sound right? This means to the average person, if you go to a funeral, you're better off in the casket than doing the eulogy."  Also, FDR said, "Be sincere. Be brief. Be seated."

Speakers: Today was our 2024 Rotary Speech Contest with the theme of "Create Hope in the World."  Judges were Chris, Keith, and Bill.  Bob was the teller, and Jack was the timekeeper.  Winners were: 1) Stephanie Olivado, 2) Kaitlyn Roshwan, and 3) Angeline Gonzales.  The next competition will be April 16th at the Greer School in Sacramento.

Tim presented the draft roster for next year's board members and directors. Membership will hold the legally required vote on the merger with Carmichael's club in two weeks at our Club Assembly March 13th. We will keep the Carmichael charter, the East Sacramento ByLaws, and the East Sacramento Foundation. The combined club will have a new name: American River.

Tax & Accounting Minute by Jim: Nonprofits do make money, but they use it to further their cause, not to pay investors. The YMCA in San Francisco was sued by neighboring gyms because the Y offered such a low-cost option. The Y prevailed because it followed its chartered purpose.

Happy Dollars - Keith was a $100 bellringer, giving his compliments to the speakers. Carroll put in $10 to celebrate the successful crab feed and told the group that he bought a Taylor Swift guitar at the auction for his granddaughter.

Raffle was won by Carroll, who donated the Xocolotl Happiness Bar for the speakers to share.

Concluded at 1:11 pm

Attendance (23): Maria Mengotti, Carroll Dudley, Betsy Gade, Bill Watson, Lewie Donhost, Kipp Johnson, Charley Rea, Jack Kimmel, Randy Smith, Allison Hamaker, Keith McBride, Dick Hall, Hanns Haesslein, Tim Hayes, Bob Deering, Chris Deering, Jim Fritzsche, Dave Jones, our three speakers, and their two chaperones.