President Hudson rang the bell and welcomed everyone to
the Rotary Club of Arden Arcade!
Pledge -
Bruce Stimson
President Hudson asked Bruce Stimson to lead the club in the pledge to our nation's flag.
She then asked Bob Mutchler to provide the invocation.
Both members were happy to comply.
Invocation -
Bob Mutchler
President Hudson led the club in the 4-Way Test off without visual aid.
& Visiting Rotarians!
Visiting Rotarian - Past President, Jeri Petersen
Sergeant at Arms, Al Cady was pleased to introduce a visiting Rotarian with 30 odd years in Rotary. Past President Jeri Petersen.
Visiting Rotarian - Dean Henricks
Bruce Stimson was pleased to introduce Dean Henricks from the Rotary Club of Citrus Heights. He has been a member for about 405 years. He has been on the Rotary youth Exchange Committee for about the same amount of time.
Guest - Keira Matthews
Bruce Stimson was excited to introduce recently returning Rotary Youth Exchange Student, Keira Matthews. She will be sharing some of her story about her time in Switzerland last year later in the meeting.
Guests - Justin and Rosalind Hock
Rachel Hock was proud to introduce her husband, Justin, and daughter, Rosalind (our newest and youngest honorary member of the club.)
Guest Speaker - Dan Simon
Dan is the Chief Executive Officer for the Sacramento Zoo. He will be providing much more information later in the meeting.
Bells, Boasts, and Bitches
"$100 Bell"
SHOW ME THE MONEY...
That B!^%# never cleans her doghouse?
I know... it's probably because she is a Hoarder Collie.
Bell Ringer - Bob Mutchler
Bob noted that he has been AOL for too long and will ring the bell. He shared that he has three more months of chemo to go. He should be clear of everything, including money.
Bell Ringer - Past President Matt Ross
Matt is ringing the bell in honor of all the people that are coming back. His daughter just came back after three weeks in Europe, visiting nine countries. She is now back in Colorado where she is presently living full time. He also rang the bell because Bob Mutchler is back, which is nice to have. We have missed him. He also rang the bell for the return of Jeri Petersen. It has been forever since we saw her. She was the Foundation Chair when he first started with the club. We're glad to have you back."
Happy Bucks - Emily Ballus
Emily was happy to report that they received a grant in the amount of $93,000 to take resettled Afghan refugee girls to local and regional state parks over a five-month period. It sounds like a great opportunity for the girls to further their integration into our society.
Happy Bucks - Bruce Stimson
Bruce was happy that one of his Rotary Youth Exchange Students, Keira Matthews, had returned to share her story with the club later in the meeting.
Happy Bucks - Christine Jensen
Jenny was happy to share she just returned from Scotland; it wasn't bell-worthy, just happy bucks.
Happy Bucks - Bill Hambrick
Bill was happy to have Jeri Petersen back with the club, if only for a day. She was better than the best president we've ever had. She and her husband brought a lot to this club. (A lot of beer!) Jeri was president in 2011.
Bell Ringer - Way Past President, Jeri Petersen
Jeri rang the bell just to say it's great to be back in Sacramento. It has been 10 years since she pulled up stakes and moved back to Washington State where she was raised and live on Widby Island with a fantastic view of Puget Sound and sunsets every night. She finds it lovely to be there. Her local Rotary club is small, just like the island. "It is a fun club, maybe a bit too much fun and partying for her taste. She was more into the vibe our club gives with foundation work and supporting the community. Doing good things and also being there for a great lunch with friends. She is back in Sac
because of a reunion of the Sacramento Brewing Company." She sold it 20 years ago. Some people flew in; others drove from who knows where. She said "we had a big turnout, and it was fun to see so many employees and customers. It was very nostalgic to be back." She figured she might as well stay a couple of extra days to attend our meeting. "It is great to be back."
Picture of the club at the Off-site meeting held at
St. John's Program for Real Change
Personal Notes from the Prez:
1. She shared that the off-site meeting held at St. John's Program for Real Change was a great success and we will be discussing opportunities to partner with them in the future.
2. She was very happy to have Bob and Patty Mutchler back with us today.
3. Michael Caplan is in rehab right now... no it is not for alcohol or drug addiction. He is recovering from a pylon tibia crush. His ankle is not functioning well at this time. The Prez spoke with him on Sunday, and he didn't sound like himself. Please keep him in your thoughts and prayers.
4. Linda Bigler is in Brazil visiting Luana, our RYE student. She is visiting Luann and her family, and the picture below is looking out from their apartment in Sao Paulo, Brazil
5. Empowerment Park's grand Opening is Saturday, August 29th.
6. Peace Pole dedication is Friday, September 25th at Aspire School
Sao Paulo, Brazil from Luann's apartment
First Social Event of President Hudson's New Year
Lydia Wytrzes announced the first social event of President Elect's term is scheduled to take place on Thursday, September 3rd at the B Street Theater. The play is the very successful 80 Days Around the World. It has a history of selling out and can be difficult to get seats. This will be a regular show as the preview shows were all sold out. Drinks are still available but do not come with the ticket. However, the drinks are reasonably priced. Lydia will be in the lobby handing out tickets for all that signed up.
World Polio Day
Bob Mutchler reminded everyone that World Polio Day is October 24th. Bob is once again hosting a fundraising event at BJ's Brew Pub. Last year's event was superb, this year's will be too. The donation is $175 per person and includes a four-course meal paired with beer. It is a really good time. Sponsorships are only $500 and that includes two tickets for the event. This year's event lands on World Polio Day and it will be a great way to help a very good cause.
It's Golf Tournament Time
John Gabriel reminded the club that our golf tournament is one month out. We need players. It is great to have the sponsors and volunteers but if the players don't show up it is not a successful event. Having said that, we still need sponsors but we need players even more. Get your foursomes in ASAP, even if you plan to pay later. We need to know how many players we have.
Let's help Linda Bigler and Michelle Pakula
I think we can all agree that Linda needs help in many ways. However, this time she needs specific help as she was tasked with shipping a large, very heavy, box via FedEx to Michelle in Denmark. Did I mention it was very heavy? (The secret word is heavy) To help cover the cost of shipping, a donation will be taken to help cover the cost as this should not be the responsibility of Linda Bigler. She has better things to do with her money, like flying to Brazil to visit with RYE students.
Lisa Asperger
was the only one that knew the Secret Word...
Stuff
was the secret word.
It was in reference to Linda Bigler's need to have a lot of her things, "stuff" loaded and unloaded by Al Cady for which she fed him. Al will work for food.
Lisa has all the beer and wine she needs, so the fact that there was no prize for knowing "stuff" didn't phase her in the least.
John Gabriel had the pleasure of welcoming Milad Parsa to the club as its newest member
after providing welcoming comments.
Milad Parsa
Inductee
John Gabriel
Inductioner
Debbie Hudson
Button Pusher
Paul Harris Fellow Status was conferred on Rosalind and Rachel Hock.
Rosalind's was donated by Bob Mutchler and Rachel's was donated by Chris Lewis.
John Gabriel announced that he was donating $100 in Milad Parsa's
name to help him on his way towards being a Paul Harris Fellow.
Keira Matthews
RYE Student
"My name is Kiera Matthews and I'm super excited to be back. But I will always miss Switzerland. I want to say thank you because you guys gave me such a great opportunity to go and explore different culture, meet so many new people and find so many new things about myself too. And I think it's really changed me to be a better person. It was such a great time. I Got to travel all of Switzerland and also all the surrounding countries, plus some a little outside. And so it was a really eye opening experience to get to see so much."
Questions and answers provided with the aid of Stenote.AI
Q: Switzerland has, is a country that has three, I think, three dominant languages. When you were there, did you learn any of those languages? Did you on a daily basis speak them?
A: No, I was very much on the French side, but if I traveled an hour, it would be French and German and I traveled a lot to the east side and so I heard a lot of German and a lot of people would like teach me some phrases and I didn't see much Italian because it's really concentrated in the south. I spoke French there.
Q: What was your biggest fear about going over if you had anything and how did you overcome it?
A: My biggest fear was probably that it would be harder to like, come out of my shell than I expected it to be because I kind of viewed it as my chance to, you know, be a little butterfly and talk to new people and stuff. And so I think it would have been really scary if it was a lot harder and I didn't get to do that. And so I really made sure to talk, talk to a lot of people and make as many friends as I could.
Q: I'm curious to know if there was like a specific Swiss type of food.
A: That you acquired a palate for when you were out over there and you would like to, you know, became your go to. One of my favorites was Raclette, which is a bunch of like Swiss cheeses. And you put it like it heats up and then you put it over like potatoes and they have like little pickles. And that was one of my favorite things to eat, especially with the spices they had. Although chocolate, they. My family got it in their head that I really liked chocolate and so they were always giving me chocolate. So now that I'm home, I'm like, oh, yay, chocolate.
Q: Did you go to the Lenders chocolate factory?
A: I did. My family came to visit me in April and so we got to go on the first day to the chocolate factory, which was fun.
Q: My daughter had the experience of doing a short term in Switzerland and the thing that impressed her the most was the cows and the cow bells. Did you run into that when you were over there?
A: I have maybe about half my pictures are of cows.
Q: How did you break your injury?
A: Oh, I Did break my collarbone bobsledding. So that ended my skiing career. Short retire while you're good. And so I got to experience the hospital system and use that very expensive insurance. But it's been okay. It was easier because I broke this side about two and a half years ago, so healing this side was, like, easy because it was on zero break. And so now on Thursday, I'm actually going to get surgery to take some pins out of here because I had to move my back to this side. So now I have issues on this side. It's been pretty good. But I was able to stay the whole year, which is outstanding. Once I realized it was broken, I was crying because I thought I'd have to go home.
Q: What is something while you were there that you missed from the US Aside from family and friends? And what is something you now miss from Switzerland now that you're here?
A: Once I was there, I really started missing Taco Bell. Like, most parents knew about it. Like, they didn't speak much English. But when my family came, they'd be like, oh, oh, Taco Bell. She likes Taco Bell. But then once I'm here, I'm like. Like, it's okay now that it's, like, right there. And now that I'm here, I actually really miss, like, the apero. Like, the, like, having, like, little snacks and wine and drinks before we eat. It was such, like, an ambiance before you eat to talk. And it was really nice, and I kind of missed that here.
Q: Were there any differences you can pinpoint between, say, your American friends here and your Swiss friends there in terms of anything, outlook, what was important?
A: When I went to school there, the biggest difference I noticed is that they are all, It is just education. There are no clubs or sports attached, so you have to go out and find those separately. And so all of my friends were very into studying, so I'd be like, oh, do you want to go hang out on, like, a school night? And they'd be like, no, I have to study. So that was the biggest difference I noticed.
Q: So anything you learned about yourself that will change or direct you into your future as far as a career or personal life?
A: Something I did notice. I can't remember exactly what it was, but I had this moment where I realized that once you're in a new spot, your habits don't really change. And so it kind of pointed those out. Like, when I tend to stay home or if I'm staying home, that's when I tend to stop talking to my friends as much. So things like that that I'm now so aware of that I can work on them now and get better at them. That is good?
Bruce Stimson noted that we do have one other student. Unfortunately, he was not able to join us. He started school already, and on Tuesdays he's in School from 12 to 2:45 or something like that. So either he gets a break or after. Or after the semester's over. Jude Quichon, who is in Brazil, will bring him here as well. So I want to thank you, Kiara. Kiara is now involved in Rotoract with which is the returning Rotary Youth Exchange students. And she participated with our orientation for the inbound students that we. We have four here. Unfortunately, our club does not have any. We got one boy and three girls. And then 5160, which we partner with has three boys and one girl. So there's four and four. So hopefully you'll get to see some of them throughout the year.
This portion of the newsletter has been prepared with the aid of Stenote.AI
Dan Simon
Chief Executive Office
Sacramento Zoo
Dan Simon has 20 years of experience working in zoos across the U.S.
His previous roles include Fossil Rim Wildlife Center (Texas), Zoo Tampa (Florida), Great Plains Zoo (South Dakota).
Dan is originally from South Dakota where he worked in state parks before zoos. Dan is excited to lead Sacramento Zoo and its future.
Summary of the talk:
This transcript features an in-depth discussion led by Dan Simon, the CEO of the Sacramento Zoo, highlighting the evolution, current operations, and future plans of the zoo as it approaches its 100th anniversary. Simon shares his extensive background in zoo management and explains that the Sacramento Zoo is a private nonprofit organization operating on city land with limited city funding, relying heavily on admissions, donations, and memberships. The zoo houses over 300 animals representing 96 species and is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), which ensures high standards of animal care, finance, and security. The zoo attracts over 500,000 visitors annually from across the U.S. and internationally. Simon emphasizes the transformation of zoos from mere menageries to mission-driven institutions focused on education, conservation, and animal welfare. The zoo runs robust education programs, including field trips, camps, and volunteer docent initiatives, and supports over 17 conservation partners globally. Key conservation efforts include breeding programs for endangered species like the thick-billed parrot and local species such as the Western pond turtle. Recent zoo additions include successful breeding of flamingos, okapis, capybaras, and the introduction of unique species like naked mole rats and African giant pouched 'hero' rats trained to detect landmines and wildlife trafficking. The zoo faces challenges due to limited space, having not expanded since 1968, and is actively working with the city to expand by adding approximately 5.4 acres to its current 14-acre site to improve visitor experience and animal habitats. The expansion plan includes relocating education activities and creating new loops for better circulation, all while maintaining zoo operations during construction. The transcript also covers the rigorous AZA accreditation process, the importance of genetic diversity in breeding programs, and why some zoos choose not to pursue accreditation. The discussion concludes with details about the upcoming Twilight Safari fundraising event and opportunities for behind-the-scenes tours. Overall, the conversation showcases the zoo's commitment to animal welfare, education, conservation, and community engagement as it plans for a sustainable future.
# Sacramento Zoo Overview
- Located in William Land Park on city land.
- Operated by the Zoological Society of Sacramento, a private nonprofit (501c3).
- Receives minimal city support; majority of funding from admissions, concessions, memberships, donations.
- Complex organization managing over 300 animals representing 96 species.
- Runs a veterinary hospital, food and gift services, security, and facilities management.
- Accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), the gold standard in the industry.
- AZA accreditation involves rigorous peer review every 5 years covering finances, security, animal care, health, etc.
- About 225 AZA-accredited zoos in the U.S.; others meet USDA minimum standards.
## Visitor Statistics
- Over 500,000 visitors annually.
- Comparable attendance to Sacramento Railroad Museum and Sacramento Kings games.
- Visitors represent 1,300 California zip codes, 48 states, and international locations
## Mission and Evolution of Zoos
- 100 years ago, zoos were menageries with animals in cages for viewing.
- Modern zoos are mission-driven focusing on education, conservation, and animal welfare.
- Sacramento Zoo pioneered zoo education programs since 1947.
## Education Programs
- Serve 50,000 children annually through field trips, zoo camps, classes.
- Programs include:
- Field trips
- Zoomobiles (outreach)
- Little Peeps (early childhood education)
- Zoo Academy
- Nature Explorers
- Volunteer docents who enhance visitor experience
- Scout and family overnights
- Species in the spotlight initiatives
- New inclusion specialist added to support children with diverse needs.
## Conservation Efforts
- Partnerships with over 17 conservation organizations working in the field.
- Zoo animals serve as ambassadors to educate visitors about wild animal challenges.
- Support includes financial aid and spreading partner missions.
### Specific Conservation Programs
- **Thick-billed Parrots**
- One of two North American native parrot species; the other is extinct.
- Found in northern Mexico, Arizona, New Mexico.
- Sacramento Zoo has the largest captive breeding flock in North America.
- Collaboration with San Diego Zoo.
- **Western Pond Turtles**
- Native local species threatened by invasive exotic turtles introduced via pet releases.
- Zoo works on local conservation efforts.
## Recent Zoo Additions and Highlights
- Newborns and breeding successes:
- Moki, an okapi (related to giraffe).
- Two litters of capybaras, popular on social media.
- Eight flamingo chicks, with improved hatching techniques for survivability.
- Sumi, a young Maasai giraffe approximately 10 feet tall.
- New exhibits:
- Naked mole rats with underground tunnels visible to guests.
- Redesigned orangutan habitat with vertical space, artificial trees, and vines to mimic natural behavior.
## Unique Species and Programs
- **Hero Rats (African Giant Pouched Rats)**
- Trained to detect landmines without triggering them due to light weight.
- Used to detect tuberculosis by scent, speeding up diagnosis in low-resource countries.
- Trained to sniff out illegal wildlife trafficking products (ivory, rhino horn, pangolin scales, giraffe hide).
- Three rats at Sacramento Zoo from the organization APOPO; rigorous training required.
- Educational story for visitors about wildlife trafficking.
## Zoo Expansion Plans
- Original zoo size: 4-5 acres (early 1900s).
- Expanded to 14 acres by 1968; no significant growth since.
- Compared to other similar metro zoos with minimum 55 acres.
- Space constraints have led to loss of large species like elephants, hippos, bears, tigers.
- Need for more space to meet increasing AZA standards and animal welfare.
### Proposed Expansion
- Identified 5.4 adjacent acres (pony ride area and north side parcels) to add to existing 14 acres.
- Total approximately 20 acres if expansion approved.
- Plans include:
- Moving education activities to expanded area with classrooms, camps, outdoor spaces.
- Small animal exhibits to support education, no large animals planned in new area.
- Preserve Swanston Memorial statue with sidewalks.
- Create new exhibit loops to improve visitor circulation and habitat space.
- Phased construction to keep zoo operational and revenue flowing during development.
### Process and Timeline
- City council vote scheduled for September 1 to amend operating agreement for expansion.
- Environmental reviews and design phases to follow.
- Expansion would allow reinvestment and improvements on main zoo campus.
## Events and Visitor Engagement
- **Twilight Safari**
- Annual fundraising gala held at the zoo.
- Scheduled for Saturday, September 26.
- Features animals and zoo environment as part of the event.
- Tickets available on the Sacramento Zoo website.
## Accreditation Insights
- AZA accreditation requires more resources and staff than USDA minimum standards.
- Accreditation ensures high standards in animal care, education, and welfare.
- Some zoos avoid accreditation due to cost or desire for operational freedom.
- AZA inspections involve detailed reviews and peer evaluations.
- Failure to meet standards can result in loss of accreditation until improvements made.
## Behind the Scenes and Special Tours
- Sacramento Zoo offers behind-the-scenes tours.
- Opportunities to feed and interact with animals like giraffes and rhinos.
- Tours can be booked via the zoo's website.
## Animal Management and Breeding
- Accredited zoos manage genetics through breeding programs.
- Animals are rarely taken from the wild; focus on genetic diversity and healthy populations.
- Animals may be transferred between accredited zoos or trusted non-accredited facilities (e.g., ranches).
- Family trees and genetic records are maintained for species like Siamang gibbons.
## Species Not Currently at Sacramento Zoo
- No plans to bring back chimpanzees due to space and social group requirements.
- Focus remains on orangutans, siamangs, and other primates suitable for current space.
- Flamingos relocated to former chimp area, resulting in a popular exhibit.
## Additional Notes
- Joe Exotic's zoo was not AZA accredited.
- The zoo continues to evolve with a focus on animal welfare, education, and conservation.
- Community involvement and neighborhood outreach are part of expansion planning.
The Prez thanked everyone for coming and adjourned the meeting at 1:08 PM.
Dad Joke of the Day
Dedicated to PDG Steve Turner
"What's the difference between a hippo and a zippo?
One's really heavy, and one is a little lighter."
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
