April 7, 2026, Rotary Lunch Meeting (Apr. 12, 2026)

April 7, 2026

Rotary Club of Arden Arcade

Lunch Meeting

President Matt Ross Presiding

President Matt Ross rang the newly shined bell to welcome everyone to the

best gosh darn Rotary Club in Arden Arcade.

We have a shiny bell, thanks to "Brasso" Lewis

Pledge: Jason Borg

President Ross asked Jason Borg to lead the pledge to our flag, and he did just that.

He then asked Al Cady to provide the thought of the day... he gladly complied.

Invocation: Al Cady

President Ross led the recitation of the Four-Way test

with the aid of the slide... and the members appreciated it!

... and Guests!

Visiting Rotarian - John Gabriel

Sergeant at Arms, Al Cady, introduced long time Arden Arcade Rotary Club member John Gabriel as a visiting Rotarian. This was Al's way of letting John know he has been missed.

Tim Hayes

Tom Goode introduced Visiting Rotarians from the American River

Rotary Club,

Tim and Sue Hayes, were attending in honor

of the Rotary Youth Exchange students...

and they wanted to see what a real Rotary Club looks like.

Sue Hayes

Visiting Rotarian - Tracy Polmerius

Tracy is from the Point West Rotary Club and is the current Host Mother for RYE student, Sofia Del Rio Souto.

Guest & Future Rotarian - Linda Abdelbaki

Heather Wulfert once again introduced Linda to the club, announcing that Linda has submitted an application to become a club member.

Guest - Sofia Del Rio Souto

Bruce Stimson introduced Sofia, RYE student from Spain. Sofia is hosted by the Rotary Club of Point West. Point West is not as good as our club, or the American River club... but it is a close third.

Show Me the Money!

Bell Ringer - Prez Matt Ross

The Prez rang the bell in honor of the fine job Past President Cahill did running the meeting last week. "Looking at the notes of the meeting, it was an amazing meeting, and he should consider running the meeting the rest of the year. Additionally, we had an amazing poker tournament. We raised over $75,000. After expenses and donating $10,000 to the Firefighter's Burn Institute, we will net over $41,000. This money goes to our foundation, which helps fund our youth exchange students, our scholarship program and so many other things. You did a great job with the tournament."

Bell Ringer - Bruce Stimson

Bruce was ringing the bell because he was so happy to have three of our exchange students present. He noted that he gets to see our two students frequently but does not get to see Sofia as often as he would like to. He noted that the three of them joined him in going to a basketball game.

Bell Ringer - John Gabriel

John was ringing the bell because he felt the need to make up for being away and because he had a nice trip to Florida and the Caribbean. At some point he fell down and hurt himself. He looked like he lost ten rounds with Mike Tyson... like he could last one round! John still has his ear though.

He went on to maximize his Bell and reminded the club that the Youth Scholarship Lunch is coming up on April 28th. He passed along the sign-up sheet for the selection of the meals.

Bell Ringer - Tim Cahill

Tim thanked the club for allowing him to run last week's meeting. The club was very kind. he went on to say "I know Matt Ross. I knew Matt Ross. I know Matt Ross and Tim Cahill is not Matt Ross." Tim went up to ring the bell and paused to see if he could now read the anniversary date showing 1955 and not 1954 which he had somehow thought was the founding year for the club. After closer inspection of the bell, Tim could not see the date.

Happy Bucks - Ryan Driffell

Ryan was happy to share that he attended the Kings game on Friday, taking someone to their first game, and a miracle happened... the Kings won!.

Happy Bucks - Richard Goore

Richard was happy to share that he went to see his son in his last collegiate track meet. He was happy to be at his alma mater and see his son jump one more time.

Happy Bucks - Joe Green

Joe was pleased to report that Caleb is playing ARC Ruby. The team is playing this Saturday for the national title at 1:00 pm. He played at Stanford while he represented ARC. "They sent a freshman team to play against all the seniors in the 70s and got the opening try of the tournament. I hope they take the national shot this weekend."

Happy Bucks - Carroll Cook

Carroll was happy to donate bucks to be able to join in on the sports theme. He shared that his 17-year-old granddaughter is a Junior at a high school in Roseville and she has been rowing with the Capital Group, a rowing club. She has been recruited by 15 of the country's top universities. She eliminated Princton, Penn, Harvard, Columbia and a few others. She has announced that she has committed to Stanford.

Happy Bucks - Emmett Swarat

Emmett was happy to share that a couple of weeks ago he went to New Orleans and it was a wild time. He saw things he will never forget, good and bad. He also got to attend a lovely baby shower for Rachel this past weekend. So, for surviving it all, especially the baby shower, he is donating Happy Bucks.

Happy Bucks - Rolundia Mitchell

Rolundia was happy to announce that she leaves for a three-week trip in a couple of days. The cruise starts off in Miami and ends in Seattle.

Happy Bucks - John Gabriel

John was happy to share that his granddaughter is graduating from Minnesota State University Morehead in early May. She has been accepted into a very elite International Studies program at the University of Edinburgh. Only thirty students are accepted each year. It includes six weeks in Belgium at the European Union headquarters. She will be taken care of by his Rotary Exchange daughter, Madeline, who lives in Brussels.

Christine Jensen

You have on the wrong Pin!

Christine started the tradition of fining the new pin recipient and it is only fitting that she be fined as she receives her new Paul Harris Fellow pin.

Ryan Driffill

Ryan knew

"Brasso"

was the Secret Word.

Ryan chose a shirt from the few Al Cady brought from his garage after doing some spring cleaning.

Dad Joke

The Prez asked if anyone had read the joke at the end of last week 's newsletter. It was dedicated to PDG Steve Turner. He then asked the Editor, Mike, to tell the joke. "Did you hear there was a kidnapping at school? It's okay... he woke up."

The Prez went on to say, this is just a warning. If necessary, we might have to weaponize the power of a bad dad joke to help us raise money. Keep those Bell Ringers and Happy Bucks coming.

April 14, 2026

Guest Speaker, William Chu

William is the Chair of the Arden manor Recreation and Park District Board and will be sharing their new Master Plan with the club.

April 21, 2026

Guest Speaker, Rob Tucker

Rob is a Supervisor for Nevada County.

April 28, 2026

Scholarship Luncheon at Del Paso Country Club, Sponsored by Morgan Stanley

This is our annual check-in with our scholarship students. Thanks to Tom Goode, Morgan Stanly is offering up to $2,000, in matching dollars, towards the cost of the event. The secret word is Match. We not only pay for the kids but also for their parents... and the cost have increased for the meals. Donate early and often.

District Conference

This year's District conference is being held May 1 through May 3 at Lake Tahoe. Please mark your calendar and plan on attending. This is a great opportunity to find out things you never knew about Rotary and things that can help you perform with competence in the positions you are responsible for.

Fireside Chats

This year the Fireside Chats will be held in the month of April. Every member is required to attend at least one of the three meetings, every member except the Prez. These meetings help the incoming president Debbie Hudson to plan her year. The meetings will be held April 15th at Steve Turner's bachelor pad, April 23 at Richard Goore's abode, and April 30th at Linda Bigler's bunker. All of the meetings start at 6:00 pm... the drinking may start earlier. A signup sheet was passed around.

Demotion Date

June 27th will be the date we say a fond farewell to Matt, and finally be able to tell him what we really think of him. Mark your calendar and postpone your vacation. You won't want to miss this one.

Aspire's Annual College Fair

Christine Jensen shared that Aspire will be holding their annual College Carrer Fair on April 24th. They are looking for individuals willing to share aspects of their profession with impressionable minds looking for future careers. For more information contact Marisol or Rachel.

Rotary Van

We have finally purchased the new Rotary Van. We hope to take possession of it in the next few days. Then we have to get it cleaned and wrapped. We can use some help getting this done. As soon as it is ready we will be unveiling it. In addition to having it available for use by the park district's, it will be used to help students learn about vehicle maintenance. We are looking for a couple of Rotarians that know something about that, to teach the students about basic vehicle maintenance... not how to do a valve job.

Diane Pawolski

Come on Down!

Ryan Driffill

is Diane's sponsor

PDG Steve Turner

is Inducting Diane

Diane, responding to

PDG Turner's questions

PDG Turners claimed it a privilege to induct Diane Pawlowski as a member of the Rotary Club of Art and Arcade. He asked Chris to place the Rotary pin on Diane. Steve continued, "Diane, you'll now receive your Rotary pen, your badge and a folder material about Rotary. I'm sure you'll spend most of the evening reading it over from cover to cover. You'll notice the badge is red. Many years ago, this used to come with a really ugly, uncomfortable red coat and new members were called red coaters. Luckily, those coats have been thrown away. You now only get a red badge, and you are called a Red Badger. I'd like to officially introduce you to our club Sergeant at Arms, Al Cady, meet Al. He is drill sergeant of the Red Badgers, and he will help you complete all the requirements of the badge. Once completed, you will earn your permanent blue club badge. So, fellow Rotarians, I present to you Rotarian Diane. Please come forward and welcome her." Heavy congratulations were expressed by the entire club as the members came forward to shake her hand and warmly welcome her to the club.

The Prez thanked Steve for the induction.

This transcript captures presentations and conversations involving international exchange students sharing their personal backgrounds, cultural experiences, and reflections on their time in the United States through a Rotary Youth Exchange program. Two main students, one from Italy and one from Denmark, describe their family life, educational systems in their home countries compared to the U.S., and their extracurricular activities. They discuss the challenges and growth they have experienced, including adapting to new cultures, gaining independence, and forming friendships. The Italian student highlights differences in school structure, family, and community involvement, while the Danish student shares aspirations of becoming a trauma surgeon and the impact of Rotary on her development. Both emphasize gratitude towards their host families, Rotary clubs, and the opportunities provided. The dialogue also touches on the supportive role of Rotary in community service and global health initiatives like polio vaccination. Overall, the transcript reflects themes of cultural exchange, personal development, education, and community engagement.

Bruce Stimson

RYE Program Chair

Sofia Del Rio Souto

RYE Student from Spain

Tracy Polmerius

Sofia's Host Mom

## Introduction of Sophia (Student from Spain)

### Background

- From Galicia, Spain (near Portugal).

- Attends El Camino High School.

- Host family: Point West Club.

### Studies and Activities

- Taking four periods.

- Member of student government.

- Involved in prom planning.

### Experiences in the USA

- Enjoys relationship with host family and friends.

- Favorite American food: Mac and cheese.

- Finds American food simple but likes it.

- Misses Spanish tortilla and croquetas.

### Personal Details

- Misses friends and family from Spain.

- Notes cultural differences in transportation (car dependency in the US).

### Future Plans

- Plans to attend University of Salamanca.

- Interested in psychology or marketing.

- University has historical significance (Columbus and Queen Isabella).

Eleanora "Ellie" Zanin

RYE Student from Italy

Michelle and Ellie

with their Speakers Certificates

Michelle Pakula

RYE Student from Denmark

Ellie and Michell's parents joined the meeting via Zoom

## Presentation by Eleanora (Student from Italy)

### Personal Information

- 18 years old, senior (12th grade).

- Described as mature, fun, smart, empathetic.

- Lives in Garo, Piedmont, Italy (small village of ~2,000 people).

### Family

- Sister Georgia (20, works in ice cream shop, enjoys nature and nails).

- Mother Eloisa (50, secretary in shoe shop, enjoys gardening and choir).

- Father Davide (53, electrician, hobbies: motorbikes, cars, cooking).

- Grandparents Antoniette (72) and Dan Piero (78), retired, enjoy gardening, cooking, and crosswords.

- Dog (12 years old) can say "ciao".

### Education

- Will complete one more year of high school in Italy (5-year system).

- Plans to study psychology at university.

- Interested in Erasmus exchange program.

- Currently studying psychology and forensic science.

- Enjoys true crime stories.

### Lifestyle

- Typical school day: busy and stressful.

- Difference between Italian and American high school:

- Italy: 14 classes, one classroom, 5 years, schedule varies weekly.

- US: 8 classes, students move classrooms, 4 years, daily schedule consistent.

- No lunch at school in Italy; go home for lunch.

- Same classmates for 5 years in Italy.

- More social opportunities in US.

### Host Families

- First: Myers family (Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Girl Scouts, trips to LA and Disneyland).

- Current: Leonard family (enjoy nature, cooking, baking).

### Cultural Observations

- Noted size differences in US (streets, stores, buildings, fridges).

- Air conditioning is a novelty.

- People are friendly and polite.

### Rotary Involvement

- Rotary described as community service and humanitarian organization.

- Offers opportunities like Youth Exchange, volunteer projects, speech contests.

- Rotary Club feels like a big family.

### Personal Growth

- Gained independence and learned to appreciate solitude.

- Improved English despite accent.

- Grateful for support from family and Rotary.

- Values patience and personal growth.

---

## Presentation by Michelle Pakula (Student from Denmark)

### Personal Information

- 16 years old, junior at El Camino High School.

- From Denmark, specifically South Denmark region, city of Alar.

- Family includes mother Natalia (engineer), father (environmental officer and care assistant), two brothers (electrician and building designer), grandmother (76), grandfather (70).

- Has a French Bulldog named Coco.

### Family and Hobbies

- Mother enjoys walking, biking, gym, and reading.

- Father enjoys working out, movies, and FIFA.

- Brothers involved in electrician work, building design, boxing, and have children.

- Grandparents enjoy gardening, building/fixing, biking.

### Education

- Attends El Camino High School.

- Classes include math, physics, mixed media (art), anatomy & physiology, AP Language and Composition, student government, chemistry, theater.

- Enjoys theater and AP Language.

### School System Comparison

- Denmark: grades 0-9 in one classroom, teacher moves; language classes include Danish, English, German.

- No after-school activities or sports at school.

- Smaller school size (~400 students).

### Host Families

- First: Matthews family (church involvement, foster kittens, music).

- Second: Myers family (Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Girl Scouts).

- Current: Steven Tim Hayes family (involved in Rotary and RYE).

### Cultural Observations

- Religion plays a bigger role in the US compared to Denmark.

- Diversity in religion and culture is notable.

- Car dependency is a challenge.

- School pride and spirit are strong at El Camino.

### Rotary Involvement

- Rotary described as a worldwide philanthropic organization.

- Appreciates Rotary's community service and support.

### Personal Growth and Experiences

- Gained independence and resilience.

- Learned to solve problems independently.

- Grateful for support from Rotary and host families.

- Enjoyed travel experiences (San Francisco, Sacramento, New York, Hawaii).

- Developed new interests in sports, arts, and social activities.

President Ross thanked both students for their presentations and handed each of them certificates dedicating $25 towards Ending Polio Now through the Polio Plus program. Each certificate represents 25 individuals who will be vaccinated against the disease.

The Prez thanked everyone for coming and adjourned the meeting by ringing the shiny new bell and closing the meeting at 1:30 P.M.

Dad Joke of the Day

Dedicated to Steve Turner

When does a joke become a Dad Joke?

When the punchline becomes apparent!

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.