President Matt Ross rang the bell and welcomed everyone to
the best damn Rotary club in all the world.
Pizza, and a drink of your choice, was being served in honor of the 40th anniversary of Polio Plus.
Editor's Note:
It was brought to the Editor's attention by Rolundia Mitchell that there was an inaccuracy in one of his stories. The Editor replied with a hint of astonishment in his voice "Only one?" Rolundia replied "Only one she was concerned with." She wanted to make sure the record was made straight, that she did NOT suffer a heart attack as was erroneously reported. She emphasized that this is one of the reasons it is important to get tested for lipoprotein a, to avoid heart attacks. Once again... Rolundia is not a heart attack survivor, she is a proactive advocate for heart health, especially her own... but yours is important too. Get tested! If you are an attorney, Big Al says you may ignore this advice, "as everyone knows attorneys don't have hearts." This is true for Al because Lisa stole his.
Pledge: Tom Goode
The President asked Tom Goode to lead the pledge to our flag.
He then asked Bob Mutchler to provide the thought of the day.
Invocation: Bob Mutchler
sporting his scepter.
Bob's thought for the day was in keeping with the theme of the meeting, focusing on Rotary's 40-year anniversary to eradicate polio. Bob noted that there are only two countries remaining with polio cases, Afghanistan and Pakistan. There are only 36 cases reported so far this year. He encouraged the club to continue its efforts to help eradicate polio. If we don't, Bob has his scepter and is not afraid to use it.
World Polio Day is this Friday, October 17th.
Part-time playwright and Rotarian, Tim Cahill, took this opportunity to get Bob to sign his copy of Bob's book From Iron Lung to Iron Butt. Bob has been a tireless supporter of Rotary's Polio Plus program.
A sheet was passed around to take donations for Polio Plus. It was reported later in the meeting that over $1,000 was raised for the cause.
President Ross lead the recitation of the Four-Way test.
... and Guests!
Linda Vogel - Guest of Roy Vogel
Frequent visitor, Linda Vogel accompanied her husband Roy to today's meeting to help celebrate 40 years of Pollio Plus.
Katie Markham - Guest of Daniel Martin
Katie is also accompanying her husband Daniel to enjoy Piatti's and the special guest speaker.
Show Me the Money!
Big Al Frumkin- Happy Bucks
Big Al was happy to report that he and his lovely bride, Lisa, traveled to Mexico and visited a home for 32 foster kids. They painted and repaired a school for underprivileged children. Nature was not on their side as right after they finished painting, it rained and the paint was washed off. They also delivered over 3,300 wheelchairs. The assembly of the chairs was very efficient. They did 300 chair assemblies in one hour. They compared that to the three hours it took them in India to assemble fifty wheelchairs, that is impressive. Someone suggested that alcohol may have been provided in India and not in Mexico. Al had high praise for the local Rotarians and community in Oaxaca.
Tim Cahill - Happy Bucks
Tim, sporting a new tan, shared that he and his wife, Laurel, just returned from a road trip throughout the southwest. They had a great time. Tim could have waxed on poetically, ala Robert Frost, about the trip, but he chose to channel Ernest Hemmingway in his description of it, short and sweet, "It was beautiful." There is little to no truth to the rumor that Tim's next play is titled "Travels with Laurel, In Search of America."
Bill Hambrick - Happy Bucks
Bill (Bigfoot Hunter) Hambrick announced that he too took his wife on a trip, but for purely selfish reasons. He was attempting to check off one of his long-standing goals of seeing Bigfoot. Try as he may, that bucket list item is still unchecked, despite going to the Willow Creek, Oregon, the self-professed Bigfoot capital of the world. What did you expect Bill? The government is shut down, and nothing is happening in any capital. He took a break from his Bigfoot hunt and attended his nephew's wedding. He thought he caught a glimpse of Bigfoot at the wedding, but it was just the bride's mother. One last attempt was his visit to Sasquatch Tavern, but alas, nothing but beer & wine, a few of the locals looked strange, but no Bigfoot.
Dapper Al Cady - Happy Bucks
Bill noted that since he is out of wives, he got to hug other Rotarian's wives today, two of them, Katie and Linda, so he is giving $20 for that.
Matt Ross - Sad Bucks
Matt is starting to feel really old. His youngest child just recently became old enough to legally purchase alcohol in California, not like in one of those liberal countries like Sweden where they can drink at 16. Yes, she is 21 and she can now legally buy him a beer. Matt is officially old. He donated $21 in Sad Bucks in honor of the occasion.
Bob Mutchler - Not Happy or Sad Bucks
Bob went to his 60th class reunion last Saturday. He said he was disappointed, there was nothing but old people in attendance.
The Prez:
Judge and Jury
It's a Trivial Matter!
Trivia for those wishing to avoid
a $10 fine for the wrong answer.
Question:
Which of the Rotarians in this room has a podcast and a YouTube channel?
Joe guessed Rob Olmstead... Wrong, $10 please!
It was Emmet Swarat
The Subject of Justice:
Joe Green
Emmett Swarat
So much more than a Trivia Question Answer!
Emmet has his own podcast and his own YouTube show,
The Rational Football League.
As you can see by the color of his badge, Emmett is a new member. He joined our club in April of this year. He is a Program Analyst for Western States Information Net... where he analyzes programs... maybe his own.
Linda Bigler had her motor running and was first off-the-line with her hand and answer.
"Talladega"
Oh Steve!
Where for art thou Steve?
She won wine, again and dedicated her win to
PDG Steve Turner.
News You Should Use!
American River, Riverbend Park, Work Day
The Prez reminded everyone that we are going to be working at Riverbend Park on Saturday, October 25th at 8:00 am. People have been calling concerned about the rain forecasted for the day. Bill reminded everyone that they are 90% water and a little more won't hurt them. Skilled and non-skilled volunteers are needed to help with repairs and general clean-up at the park. We are going to be clearing weeds and debris and possibly spreading wood chips. Bill suggested that everyone wear clothes... he said you might get way with short pants but shirt are mandatory, not optional. He further specified that closed toe shoes and gloves should be worn. Umbrella hats are optional.
We are inviting other clubs to join us... many hands make light work and make it a lot more fun. Our Interact members are also be invited. There will be a barbecue after the work is completed featuring burgers, dogs, veggie burgers, etc. It will be a good day of community service and Rotarian fellowship.
Pints and Previews at the B Street Theater
Lydia Wytrzes has arranged for an evening at the B Street Theater, Pints and Previews at the Sofia. We will be seeing a brand-new play, Dog Mom. It won a nationwide competition for the best comedy of the year in 2024. Rotary has the night of November 6th. The doors open at 6:30 and the play starts at 7:00. The evening is sold out. A complementary beer or non-alcoholic beverage is included in the price but you must stay after the play concludes to provide feedback to get it. This should be a great evening for our club.
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.
Rotary House Clean-up Party
Lisa noted that we have an event competing with the American River project. Rotary House is being cleaned up in preparation for a new guest. This is part of our obligation to keep Rotary House operating, and it is not optional. Lisa Asperger and Tim Cahill will be fulfilling the club's obligation and will not be able to participate in the park clean-up. Anyone looking for an excuse not to work on the parkway is welcome to help with the Rotary House project. Next month is our turn to do the yardwork at the house.
Holiday Party
Please place the Holiday party on your calendar for December 13th at 6:00 pm. More information to follow.
Editorial Comment from an Aggrieved Rotarian
Bruce Stimson wanted to go on record to defend his honor as it was impugned by inference in the latest newsletter. He reported that our two outbound Rotary exchange students were doing well and will soon be reporting in via a Zoom call, he did not specifically name the said students, as he said "everyone know their names to be Jude Kershaw and Kiera Matthews." He then went on to spell each name individually, carefully enunciating each letter... J-u-d-e K-e-r-s-h-a-w & K-i-e-r-a M-a-t-t-h-e-w-s.
Editor's note in response: Thank God! Finally, names have been specified in a manner that leaves no question as to their correct spelling. The editor is not furnished with names on paper, and the pronunciation of many names is often unintelligible due to background noise and/or mumbled speech. It is a pleasure to Finally have names, and spelling, so adeptly stated... Good Job Bruce! Keep it up!
By the way... not everyone has stellar memories. Unless the names of the students are provided in the Blue Book, which they are not, or the web site, which they are not, where can one go to get these names without having to search back through past publications of the archived newsletters? Stating them in context saves the editor a lot of time and effort trying to find them. This will help avoid embarrassing misnaming's, which the Editor is very capable of doing, all by himself, without the aid of the club members. Thank you, Brice, for bringing this to my attention.
The Prez invited one of our most shy, reclusive members in all the clubs. She never speaks up and never sticks out in a crowd. You never hear her voice at all... Someone from the crowd said "Sounds like Linda Bigler." They were right!
Linda decided to share a little about herself... well, actually... a lot about herself.
Linda is involved with Sacramento Golf Council. She was on the ski patrol and a host for Sierra at Tahoe for 9 years. She was a snow skiing instructor at Northstar for 4 years. She was active in the SVP - mentoring for nonprofit organizations and the Fast Pitch program for 10 years. She mentored foster youth for 9 years and exchange students for 2 years.
-She is a self-proclaimed adrenaline junkie with many adventurous experiences:
- Skydived at 18,000 ft. jump in Monterey
- Adrenaline is the secret word
- Bobsled on Olympic track in Park City Utah 76 mph, 5 Gs, 15 turns and took second place.
- Luge on Olympic track in Canada. two times
- Aerobatic flying with Chuck Lesher.
- Helicopter rides in various locations.
-Small planes, Gliders, Home built planes
- Attended Farnborough International Air Show.
- Boat racing in Tahoe and Rogue River.
- Balloons rides, zip lines in Costa Rica and South Africa,
- Trapeze at Tahoe
- Whitewater rafting, 10 days on the Colorado River and Sara Pique in Costa Rica.
- Scuba diving with Sperm Whales, dolphins Manta rays, garden eels and sea slugs.
- Other activities:
- Water skiing since age 5.
- Kayaking in the Eppies Great Race for 16 years
- Roller skating competitively.
- Golf, hole in one! 134 yards, with an 8-iron at Del Paso Country Club
- Met famous personalities (Elvis, Cher, Bob Hope, Huey Lewis).
- Motorcycle cross-country trips.
- Pet lions in South Africa.
- Gymnastics, balance beam, 2nd place LA County 1972).
- Performed on stage at Hollywood Bowl 2 years in a row for a sing along competition and took third place
- Traveled to 43 countries and 49 US states.
- Shared humorous story about inexpensive wine in North Dakota.
She asked the club what they though was her scariest experience. She shared that it was doing the trapeze in Tahoe City despite many other adrenaline activities.
Editor's note: This account does not do Linda justice. You really needed to be present to truly understand the breadth of her experience. We were all impressed with how much she has crammed into her 39 years of life.
As seen through of the Editor and Stenote.AI
Danny O'Neel
Co-founder and Chairman of Warfighter Overwatch
Danny was born in Stockton, California. He was one of a large family including seven sisters and two brothers from different marriages. He owns multiple businesses, including a tattoo shop. Danny has a mixed heritage: he has a Mexican mother and an Irish/Italian father. He grew up as a sports enthusiast. In high school he was the captain of football and baseball teams. Danny comes from a family with a long tradition of military service across multiple wars. His father was a Vietnam veteran with PTSD and a Purple Heart recipient. His grandfather served in World War II, committed suicide at 44. His ancestor, Major William O'Neel, fought in the Revolutionary War.
Danny graduated high school in 2000 and joined the Army shortly after 9/11 attacks. He distinguished himself in basic training where he learned the values of leadership and teamwork, demonstrating a natural leadership ability.
He served as a Forward Observer (Fire Support Specialist) in an armor unit. This involved coordinating artillery and air strikes. During this time, he experienced multiple combat injuries and witnessed loss of comrades.
He encountered the harsh realities of war including loss, trauma, and survivor's guilt. He lost nine men in one year of service.
He experienced the death of close friends and leaders and faced mental health challenges including PTSD and survivor's guilt. At the completion of his service, he experienced isolation, fear of crowds, and depression. He struggled with substance abuse and suicidal thoughts. He felt abandoned by society and military support systems.
Danny realized he needed help and began therapy and physical exercise. He took up surfing and golf for mental health. These activities emphasized discipline as key to recovery. Danny recognized the importance of connection and community in preventing suicide.
After struggling with mental health issues, including a suicide attempt, he embraced therapy, discipline, and community support to heal. Through Warfighter Overwatch, Danny now provides resources like mental health treatment, therapy dogs, and outdoor activities to veterans, first responders, and their families to aid recovery and prevent suicide. He emphasizes the importance of connection, leadership, and resilience, sharing stories of comrades lost to war and suicide. Danny also highlights his ongoing efforts to raise awareness, fundraise, and foster community healing, underscoring that no one has to face adversity alone.
## Mission and Programs
- Founded by Danny and his wife Fawn.
- Supports veterans, first responders, police officers, firefighters, and their families.
- Provides mental health treatment funding beyond what agencies cover.
- Offers activities like hiking (Valhalla Hike), fly fishing, and therapy dog programs.
### Support for First Responders
- Bridge program fills gaps between agency insurance and actual needs.
- Covers therapy costs, mortgage payments during treatment, and specialized care for families.
### Therapy Dogs
- Atlas Project: provides therapy dogs to fire departments, police, and chaplain services.
- Dogs help reduce stress and provide comfort.
### Fundraising and Recognition
- Nearly $1 million raised in five years, all volunteer-driven.
- Named Nonprofit of the Year in California in 2022.
- Hosts golf tournaments and other fundraisers.
## Personal Reflections and Messages
- Advocates for veterans and first responders to seek help and not suffer in silence.
- Emphasizes the importance of sharing stories to educate America about veterans' experiences.
- Leads by example in asking for help and promoting mental health awareness.
- Highlights the importance of connection as the number one deterrent to suicide.
## Additional Information
- Danny is working on a book about his experiences, expected completion in 6-8 months.
Danny expresses gratitude for the opportunity to speak. He encouraged attendees to refer struggling veterans to Warfighter Overwatch. He emphasizes community support and ongoing mission to save lives.
The Prez thanked Danny for an inspiring presentation. He then presented him with a Certificate showing that $25 donation was made in his name to End Polio now.
Matt then thanked everyone for coming to the best damn Rotary Club in the world, if not the universe, and adjourned the meeting by ringing the bell and closing the meeting at 1:16 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 part 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
