President Matt Ross rang the bell and welcomed everyone to
the best gosh darn (children present) Rotary club in all the world.
Pledge: Rob Olmstead
The President asked Rob Olmstead to lead the pledge to our flag. Which he did gladly.
He then asked himself to give the thought of the day, fortunately, he had a thought and said yes.
Invocation: Matt Ross
President Ross lead the recitation of the Four-Way test.
... and Guests!
Elizabeth (Izzy) Morales
Bruce Stimson introduced our future outbound Rotary Youth Exchange Student, Elizabeth (Izzy) Morales and her mother, Jena Smith.
Jena Smith
Casandra Keitges
Guest Speakers
Lydia Wytrzes introduced our
Guest Speaker
from the local
County Library System,
Casandra Keitges
Adult Learning and Literacy Supervisor
&
Adult Learning Volunteer
Annette Orella
Annette Orella,
Retired engineer and fabulous violist
Rolundia had first shot at
the Word and failed...
Bruce Stimson
was next in line. He knew the hyphenated word...
"Beer-spa"
This Secret Word was based upon Christine Jensen's
account of one of her favorite activities while on her vacation.
Bruce had a choice of beer
or beer.
As was appropriate per
the Secret Word...
Maybe not enough beer for a "Spa"
but more than enough
for a facial.
Show Me the Money!
Al Frumkin- Bell Ringer
Al shared a bit about his moving experience. Escrow closed this morning on the sale of his "Castle." He felt blessed to have lived there for 20 years but it was time to move on as things were starting to need fixing and it is easier to move than fix everything. He is very happy with the new house as it has an open air look with a lot of glass and, it is a normal sized house without a moat.
Al also wanted to share the he survived another trip to Montana with Chris #1 Lewis and Chris #2 Figueroa. The hunting was good but the elk were safe. He envisioned that this might be his last hunting expedition as his odometer is reading 81. However, he and Chrises 1 & 2 have already started making
plans for next year.
Al, feeling a bit defensive about hunting God's beautiful creatures, assured everyone that the whole time they hunted this year, they killed nothing but time. They did see elk, a herd of about 24 to 58, depending on who was telling the story. The elk were all bunched up on private ranch land where they knew they were safe. Additionally, the female elk, at the prodding of the male elk, encircled the males, keeping them safe from any hunters that did not respect private property. On one outing, elk were seen, and a commotion was had attempting to get all members of the hunting party, the fast and the not-so-fast, in place to effectuate the thinning of the herd. Once in place, with all intent to kill something other than time, the elk in question had the nerve of being all female, not even a male in the center, and Al did not have tags for female elk. Some call female elks does, but that is not right, as everyone knows "doe is a deer, a female deer... and ray is a drop of golden sun." The secret word is doe.
Al shared that Bob Mutchler will be holding his annual foundation fund raiser on January 21st. Details to follow.
PDG Steve Turner - Happy and Sad Bucks
Steve was sad to see Al's castle sold. It had been the site of many special events for Rotary and he had experienced them himself as did many Rotarians from around the world. He will particularly miss swimming laps around the house in the moat.
He had happy bucks for all the help Emily Ballus has provided for the Rotary Van project. She and Fulton-El Camino RPD have been instrumental in making the new van a possibility as was the case in the past with the first van and help of then general manager, Mike Grace.
Bruce Stimson - Happy Bucks
Bruce is happy that we have a RYE student for this coming year. He was starting to get a bit concerned we might not have one but Izzy finally got her application in. This keeps our new tradition alive. We had Launa. This year we have Michelle and Ellie. We are not sure about next year's inbound student yet. But at least we have Izzy as our outbound.
Richard Goore - Happy Bucks X 2
Richard announced that he had been gone for a while, just in case anybody had not missed him. He was down at UCLA having a blast with his son. Richard was quick to point out that he and his wife both went to UCLA. As they walked the campus they reminisced about all the time they spent in this location, and that location, and where they did this, and that, and did what they won't tell their children about. He then shared that he was forced to accompany his wife to a business conference where he had to spend time waiting for her conference to end, while sitting on the beach of Kauai. What a guy, doing the hard things for love.
Chris #2 Figueroa (AKA: Fig) - Happy Bucks
Chris #2 shared that he confided in Chris #1 that he was kind of afraid to go into the woods by himself, "It is freaking scarry going into the forest. Dead, black death." Chris #1 "We got in there and he begged me not to leave." Chris #1 told Al about Chris #2 being a bit concerned about being alone in the dark woods. Al sympathized with Chris #2 and admitted that he too had felt scared a time or two. He has since decided that wearing Elk Antler Hats in the woods is not advisable and that orange vests are much more appropriate attire, despite what the locals tell you.
News You Should Use!
District 5180 Foundation Dinner
The Prez announced that we have paid for three tables, one more than last year, for the District's Foundation Dinner on November 8th. There is room for two more people. It is a fun evening that focuses on the great work Rotary is doing locally and around the world. The event is free for our members and $85 for guests. Please let the Prez know if you are interested in attending.
Holiday Party
Please place the Holiday party on your calendar for December 13th at 6:00 pm. Contact Linda Bigler and let her know you are coming if you have not done so yet. Reservations are needed by Tuesday November 11.
Rotary House Cleanup
Tim Cahill shared that Our day for yard work at the Rotary House is November 8th. The Rotary House is a house that our district, specifically seven of our clubs, got together and built this house to benefit primarily children, who are going through UC Davis or Shrinersand are severely ill. Their families get the place to live in for free while the kids are going through treatment. The number of clubs supporting this house is now up to eight or nine. Each club takes turns working on the house on a rotating basis.
Poker Tournament Meeting
Tom Goode noted that next week after lunch, we'll be having our first of many Rotary Club Poker
Tournament meetings. This coming spring will be the 15th poker tournament that our club has held.
It's a very important fundraiser for us. If you would like to participate in any way, we'd love to have you.
Pints and Previews at the B Street Theater
Lydia Wytrzes arranged a wonderful evening at the B Street Theater, Pints and Previews at the Sofia. Many Rotarians helped fill the theater for the final night of the feedback sessions. What a fun time and a great play. If you were not able to make it to this event, do yourself a favor and go see the play on your own. It was wonderfully funny and touching. This is one of the better plays I have seen at the the B Street Theater. The price for beer is very reasonable. One might consider that the cost of the ticket could easily be underwritten by the savings from the beer, that is, if you put your mind to it and drink enough to actualize the difference. Thank you Lydia, it was a great time.
Rotarian of the month! Bill Hambrick
The Prez called Bill Hambrick to the front of the room noting that this person really went above and beyond.We really could not have done all the work that we did this last month if it wasn't for Mr. Hambrick.
The American River Park clean-up project took a lot of help, a lot of planning and a lot of focus.So, Bill, you are our Rotarian of the month.
The Prez went on, saying "you know what, Bill?You're not the only one this month.I actually kind of missed one last month because it takes a lot of planning to get all the volunteers together.And Bill can attest to that."
But at our golf tournament, we could not have had all the people at all the locations doing all the work they needed to do without somebody organizing them.And I hate to say this, sometimes organizing this group is like herding cats. When you add in other people, it's going all sorts of different directions. This is why I am saying...
Heather Wulfert, Come on Down.
The Prez noted that he liked giving these awards out to our members because they're doing something above and beyond, not just showing up the meetings, not just doing a little bit of volunteer time. They're taking leadership roles to make sure things really work out and happen effectively and that makes our lives easier.When we show up, we just have to do our job and go. I'm awarding this to Heather this month because I just didn't get a chance to get Heather until now.This is, you know, the month of Thanksgiving. And I am thankful for our leadership volunteers and Heather for doing all she did to make sure all the cats were where they were supposed to be.
Dr. Dave, Come on down!
Dr. Dave Ferrera in his own words...
I've got to tell you that I've been anxious and depressed all week since you asked me to speak to this illustrious group. Looking at this group again, I see I was thinking of another group.Anyway.I kept going over my life and what I could talk about that would be interesting.I mean, I've never shot a hole in one.The fact that I don't play golf has something to do with it.You know, I've never hit a home run.I mean, let's face it, I'm no Linda Bigler.
So.My life has been pretty straightforward, traditionally, you might say. You know, I went to school, I got an education, I went to work,started supporting
myself.I got married, had a daughter.Bought a house, and, you know, did all the things you're supposed to do.And I'm sure most of you can relate to what I'm talking about.But there was an episode of my life that I think about now and again, that really centers me.And so I want to share that with you.
In 1971, my wife and I were driving in Europe as students in a little VW Bug.And we sometimes had to sleep in the car because we couldn't afford hotels, especially in Switzerland, which was by far the most expensive country we visited.So, I'm driving in this mountain area of Switzerland, and all of a sudden the traffic stops.And about two minutes later it picks up.And I'm wondering, was there an accident?Construction? What's going on?So the answer soon appears. And off to the right, there's a traffic signal, and it's green and all the cars are going.And about 100 yards up, there's a mountain tunnel.And as I enter the tunnel, I realize it's only wide enough for one vehicle.And so I guess it's a money saving thing.But they take turns.One group of cars goes, and then they stop.And then, you know, much like at a construction site here in town.So instead of being in the pack of cars a little later on, I'm the lead car and I'm watching the scenery, I suppose, and I totally miss the red light.So I'm obliviously approaching a tunnel, and coming at me is a giant tour bus... Now, the brighter among you have probably already figured out I did not die that day.But it was touch and go there for a while.And so when I think about that day, it reminds me to treasure every day that you're given in this life.Someday that bus is going to hit you, hit all of us.So, you know, most of life is very routine.It's repetitive, it's kind of uninteresting.But when you put them all together, you know, you have hopefully a wonderful life.So I always say to myself, be thankful for the singles and the doubles that life gives you. And don't worry about the home runs, because those are going to be fairly rare in your life.Unless, of course, your name is Linda Bigler.
As seen through of the eye of the Editor & Stenote.AI
Casandra Keitges
Adult Learning and Literacy Supervisor
Sacramento County Public Library
Lydia Wytrzes introduced Casandra to the club. Cassandra is the Adult Learning and Literacy supervisor at the Sacramento Public Library and has been conducting their adult literacy program now for over 11 years.She brings her years of experience teaching English as a second language to adults. I'm sure her stint in the Peace Corps in Africa probably helped as well.I think from the standpoint of Rotary, education and literacy is just such an important thing for Rotarians and Rotary clubs.So I'm sure that we are going to learn a lot and be very happy to hear our speaker today.
## Summary of Todays Presentation
This transcript captures a detailed presentation by Cassandra, the Adult Learning and Literacy supervisor at Sacramento Public Library, highlighting the library's adult literacy program which has been running for over 40 years. Cassandra shares her extensive experience, including teaching English as a second language and her Peace Corps service. The program focuses on helping adults with low literacy skills, including English language learners and those with learning disabilities such as dyslexia. It offers one-on-one tutoring, digital learning tools, and support for high school equivalency and basic math skills. The program serves a wide demographic across Sacramento County and addresses significant literacy challenges, with over 28% of the population reading at or below a third-grade level. Cassandra emphasizes the importance of tailored tutoring, volunteer involvement, and community support to meet the high demand, as there is a large waiting list for learners. She discusses the complexities of literacy development, the impact of socio-economic factors, and the need for more equitable educational resources. The presentation also touches on the broader societal impacts of literacy, including economic, health, and family success outcomes. The session concludes with a call for volunteer tutors, funding, and advocacy to expand the program's reach and effectiveness.
## Program Goals and Audience
- Aim: To educate about the adult literacy program and its importance locally in Sacramento and nationally
- Focus on adult learners, especially those with low literacy and ESL learners
- Emphasis on understanding learning disabilities
## Learner Testimonial Highlights
- Learner started at approximately 3rd grade reading level
- Goals included reading mail, newspapers, books, and using a computer
- Progressed to middle school/pre-high school reading level
- Transitioned to adult high school diploma program and graduated
- Gained confidence and motivation through the program
## Program History and Structure
- Operating for over 40 years since 1984
- Sacramento Public Library was one of the first in California to participate
- Serves low-literacy English-speaking adults and ESL learners
- Core program: One-on-one or small group tutoring
- Additional programs:
- Digital learning (e.g., Reading Horizons for structured literacy)
- Career online high school diploma (free, accredited, online for adults 19+)
- English conversation groups (virtual and in-person)
## Funding and Staffing
- Funded primarily by California State Library grants ($50,000-$70,000 annually)
- Funding fluctuates with number of learners served
- Three full-time staff manage program coordination
- Centralized coordination from downtown Sacramento library
- Covers 28 library branches across Sacramento County
## Learner Eligibility and Services
- Grant funding counts learners who can independently complete intake in English
- Program serves lower-level English learners but they are not counted in grant metrics
- Services include:
- Basic literacy tutoring
- ESL-specific tutoring
- High school equivalency (GED/HiSET) preparation
- Basic math and numeracy tutoring (starting around 3rd grade level)
## Dyslexia and Learning Disabilities
- Many learners have dyslexia or similar learning disabilities, often undiagnosed or unsupported in childhood
- Dyslexia defined as unexpected reading difficulty despite normal intelligence
- Common challenges include phonemic awareness and auditory processing
- Estimated prevalence: 15-20% of population
- Different types of dyslexia exist
## Literacy Need in Sacramento County
- Map data shows concentrations of adults without high school completion, especially in southern Sacramento County
- Large numbers of English language learners with low English proficiency
- 28% of county population reads at or below 3rd grade level
- 32% have low basic math skills (numeracy)
- Literacy challenges affect native English speakers and ESL learners alike
## Impact of Literacy
- Literacy affects many life areas including health care (e.g., understanding medication instructions)
- Lack of teacher training on learning disabilities
- Social factors (e.g., passing students for sports)
- Some adults have diplomas but still low literacy
- Impact of texting on literacy debated; generally not seen as improving literacy
- Differences in teaching adults vs children:
- Adults bring more life experience and motivation
- Instruction methods similar but adults may take longer
- Math and practical skills (e.g., reading signs) included in tutoring
- Serving non-English speakers is challenging; limited grant funding for this group
- Partnerships with K-12 schools are limited but exist through regional adult education consortium
- Other counties have similar programs, some discontinued post-pandemic
Our visiting Tutor, Annette Orella
## Additional Notes
- Early literacy intervention critical; falling behind by 4th grade greatly reduces chances of catching up
- Literacy remains a persistent challenge over decades
- Program continues to seek support and volunteers to meet demand
## Notes:
- Sacramento Public Library's Adult Learning and Literacy program has been running for over 40 years, focusing on adults with low literacy and English language learners.
- The program offers personalized, one-on-one or small group tutoring, which is especially effective for learners with learning disabilities such as dyslexia.
- Learners start at low reading levels (around 3rd grade) and can progress to high school equivalency diplomas, building confidence and opening new opportunities.
- The program is funded primarily by a California State Library grant (around $50,000-$70,000), which does not cover all operational costs.
- There is a significant need for volunteer tutors, with over 150 learners currently on the waiting list.
- Tutors require no formal qualifications but must be patient, humble, and creative; all teaching materials are provided free.
- Adult learners served range widely in age (18 to 80+), including native English speakers and English language learners.
- The program also supports digital learning tools like Reading Horizons, which is suitable for learners with learning disabilities.
- Many adult learners have undiagnosed or unsupported learning disabilities due to historical lack of teacher training.
- Literacy challenges impact economic, health, and social outcomes, with 28% of Sacramento County adults reading at or below a 3rd grade level.
- The program collaborates with regional adult education consortia but has limited direct partnerships with K-12 schools.
- The program recently started a jail tutoring initiative to support incarcerated adults.
- Volunteer roles could expand to include regional coordinators and digital learning advocates to reduce learner wait times.
- Adult literacy is a persistent issue with no significant improvement in literacy rates over recent decades.
- Texting does not significantly enhance literacy skills among youth due to incomplete or informal communication styles.
- The program emphasizes the importance of tailored literacy instruction that leverages adult learners' life experiences and motivations.
- Success stories include learners obtaining driver's licenses, passing citizenship tests, and securing better employment.
- There is a need for advocacy and community connections to increase tutor recruitment and funding support.
- The program serves only Sacramento County residents; neighboring counties have faced program discontinuations post-pandemic.
- Rotary supports the program and donated $25 to polio eradication in honor of the speaker.
The Prez thanked Casandra and Annette for an informative presentation. He then presented them with a Certificate showing that $25 donation was made in their names to End Polio now.
President Matt thanked everyone for coming and adjourned the meeting by ringing the bell and closing the meeting at 1:03 P.M.
Respectfully (more or less) submitted by,
Mike Grace
Reporter, Photographer and Editor
Hellen Weight
Ombudsman and Content Supervisor
DISCLAIMER - Some of the information provided in some of the articles and possibly included in some of the "quotes" from club members, may have been a fabrication of a demented mind. It is up to you to determine fact from fiction. Individuals objecting to all or any parts herein, are encouraged to go to Hellen Weight to lodge a formal complaint.
Club Information
Service Above Self
Tuesdays at 12:00 PM
Piatti
571 Pavilions Lane
Arden-Arcade, CA 95825 United States of America
