President Matt Ross rang the bell and welcomed everyone to
the best gosh darn (children present) Rotary club in all the world.
Pledge: Tim Cahill
The President asked Tim Cahill to lead the pledge to our flag,. and so he did.
He then asked Al Cady for the invocation and he delivered.
Invocation: Al Cady
President Ross lead the recitation of the Four-Way test.
... and Guests!
Elllie Zanin
Italy
Linda Bigler introduced our inbound Rotary Youth
Exchange Students:
Ellie Zanin
and
Michelle Pakula
Michelle Pakula
Denmark
Show Me the Money!
All monies donated today will be used for our annual
Coats-For-Kids program.
Al Frumkin - Sad Bucks
Al donated Sad Bucks in honor of Chris Figueroa's recent loss of his father the day before Thanksgiving. He went on to assure Chris that the club will do anything he might need to lessen the pain. On a happier note, he shared that this Thursday, in San Francisco, they will be commemorating the anniversary of the founding of the United Nations. He noted that 80% of the signers of the UN Charter were Rotarians. The Rotary Brass will all be there and he and Chris will be in attendance too.
Chris Figueroa - Sad Bucks
Chris confirmed that his dad did pass away prior to Thanksgiving. It was not bad, but actually a very blessed Thanksgiving. His sad bucks were for his dog that passed away sudden and unexpectedly. It was heart wrenching.
Bruce Stimson - Angry Bucks
Bruce was expressing his anger at the Notre Dame being cheated, once again, out of a win. Miami should not have won.
Tim Cahill - Happy Bucks
Tim is happy because finally, after a little over 50 years of hosting the annual Christmas party, the duty has been taken over by one of Laurell's cousins and they do not have to do it this year.
Bill Hambrick - Happy Bucks
On Sunday, we put on the California International marathon, managed 11,000 athletes. It came off really well. The first woman approaching the finish line collapsed on her way there.She got up and wandered her way down, started running, crossed the finish line and broke the women's record for this race, which was pretty doggone amazing. Especially, since it was her first marathon race.
We had some of the top athletes in the U.S. qualified 100 something, 100, 510 athletes for the U.S. Olympic trials.So, it's quite an exciting day.Joelle handed out, I don't know, 9,000 towels or whatever it was.
John Gabriel
(First of its kind) Bell Ringer over 2 meetings (it's a new thing)
John acknowledged that he has not kept up with the giving for coats so he his ringing the bell. $60 for this week and $40 for next week's coat collection.
Lydia Wytrzes - Happy Bucks
I was incredibly grateful as our RV was coming up the grapevine coming back from their Thanksgiving in Southern California, and a turbo something rocket blew. They did make it over the grapevine in their little RV Sprinter... thank God for duct tape.
Debbie Hudson - Bell Ringer
Debbie decided that she would join John and ring the Bell, with 100% of the Bell being donated at this meeting and not divided up over two meetings, as the funds were going to provide coats for the kids at Dyer Kelly and Aspire.
Matt Ross - Bell Ringer
Matt agreed with John and Debbie, and he too would ring the Bell to provide coats for the kids at Dyer Kelly and Aspire.
Mike Grace - Bell Ringer
Mike also agreed with John, Debbie and Matt, and he too would ring the Bell to provide coats for the kids at Dyer Kelly and Aspire.
Roy Vogel - Bell Ringer
Roy also agreed with John, Debbie, Matt and Mike and he too would ring the Bell to provide coats for the kids at Dyer Kelly and Aspire.
Linda Bigler - Bell Ringer
Linda also agreed with John, Debbie, Matt, Mike and Roy and she too would ring the Bell to provide coats for the kids at Dyer Kelly and Aspire.
Emmett Swarat - Happy Bucks
Emmet was donating Happy Bucks as he was not Sad that Miami won, fair and square, over Notre Dame. Pretty strong talk from a Red Badger.
Emmett Swarat's bold endorsement of Miami evidently did not deter the Prez from turning his badge to Blue.
The Prez conferred Blue Badges to the former Red Badge Members, in spite of inflammatory Happy Bucks declarations from one of the conferees.
Ryan Driffell,
a confirmed "Ducks" fan,
chose to stay away from making inflammatory remarks and
was happy to be Blue.
Lisa was once again
quick at hand raising
and knew that the secret word was two meetings old.
"Grandpa"
Lisa was awarded beer for her diligence in knowing the word and being quick on the draw.
Next week's meeting will feature the annual Holiday Eggnog celebration.
Carroll Cook noted that he picked up more coats after the Laurell Ruff holiday party. That brought the coat count up to 122 representing $3,000 worth of coats donated to date. That is an average of about $24 per coat. On December 16th, after the Rotary Meeting, Rotarians will be going to Dyer Kelly to help fit the kids with coats at 1:30 PM.
The pass-the-hat and Bell-Ringing-Happy-Bucks effort netted $970 for coats this meeting.
Coats for the Aspire School Student
Marisol Cabrera shared that they handed out all their coats last week at Aspire. It was so great to see just how excited the students were about them. You all have no real idea of what they mean to them. They were all so happy. Some were a little embarrassed. One student was so excited he went out and recruited kids that he knew needed coats. Unfortunately, the coats were pre-assigned. Marisol presented the club some cards the students signed expressing their gratitude.
Michelle and Elli shared they changed their host families this month. They had fun too, going to Old Sac, ice skating and enjoying really good barbecue food. They spent Thanksgiving together.
The Prez was pleased to call up Ellie and Michelle to present them with their stipend for the month and hear about their stay.
They went to the Run to Feed the Hungry event. They also shared they experienced a White Elephant gift exchange. One enjoyed giving a dog toy, a rubber chicken that squeaked when squeezed, as a gift.
!!! NEWS YOU SHOULD USE !!!
Polio Plus: This has been a good year as there have only been 39 polio cases documented this year.
Rotary Foundation: Joe Green has stepped up and stood in for Matt Ross this year as the Foundation Chair. He announced that there are now matching points for Paul Harris donations. For each dollar donated towards your next Paul Harris level you will get matching points e.g. a $500 donation will yield a $1,000 Paul Harris Fellow pin. This does not apply to existing Major Doners.
Polio Plus Fund Raiser: Bob Mutchler announced that January 21st is the date for their annual beer pairing dinner at BJ's Brew Pub. This year the price is only $175. All the proceeds from the dinner will go towards the Polio Plus project.
Encina High School Track and Cross Country Shoes: Bill Hambrick picked up 30 to 40 shoes for the Encina track and Cross-Country program, each shoe costs an average of $130. That equals up to $5,200.
Rotarian of the Month
Lydia Wytrezs
Dog Mom
It's My Year
and I get to Choose
(Good Choice!)
Rotarian of the Month
Organized the B Street Social Outing
Prez Ross was very pleased with the Dog Mom Rotary outing as was Ryan Driffell. The preview show, the Dog Mom was amazing. For those who weren't able to attend, we had some 50 Rotarians and guests there, and it was an amazing show.
Member Minute
Mike Grace started off his minute + , by asking how many people liked receiving Christmas letters? There are a few of you.He continued, I hate them...Or I should say, I hated them.Way back in 96, I did an anti-Christmas letter.I sent out a Thanksgiving letter asI wasn't going to send out a Christmas letter. Afterwards, I decided I kind of liked it and I have sent one every year since. I've put each letter for every year in a binder for each of my kids.They have them and add the new letters to them each year. And I've got many comments from my friends that they look forward to these letters... because they're not your usual Christmas letters. These are not the glowing...My kids, the top of the class, wewent to Europe all is wonderful
type letters. This format gave me a little bit of opportunity for creative writing. He read one paragraph from one letter as an example from 1996: "Ann Elizabeth Frances Grace, my daughter, born May 8, 1982, took her first steps in 2-12-83, started talking on June 25, 1983, and hasn't stopped since. I have the phone bills to prove it.
He had two reasons for bringing this up, first it's a great opportunity to do a little creative writing. Second, I now have 30 years of highlights to look back on. I strongly suggest, whether you send out Christmas letters or not, at the end of the year you sit down and summarize the year on one page of paper. Over time you will have a great reminder of your time with your family and a list of some of the most memorable moments from each year. I strongly encourage you, whether you send out a Christmas letter or not,take some time, maybe right after Christmas, maybe with some eggnog, to sit down, write some thoughts, and be consistent.Do it yearly. Those of you that have young kids especially need to do this.I started this when my daughter was 14. I wish I'd started it when she was 14 months, or earlier.
Joy Jar
Linda Bigler, our own bundle of Joy, chimed in sharing another way to stay present with your yearly memories as shared with her by one of her many happy clients. The use of a Joy Jar. The Secret Word is Joy. Instead of waiting till the end of the year and trying to remember, she does it next to her chair at night.She has a jar, and strips of paper.And if something brought her joy that day, something she did, she just writes it on the strip of paper and stick it in the jar. So you're doing it as you go daily.
Then on New Year's, you can do eggnog or champagne or whatever and then dump all the joy jar strips of paper into a bowl. Then on New Year's, you read them and remember all the great things that brought you joy throughout the year. She is telling us all because it is worthwhile, especially if you have kids, it's really good to do with your kids.
As seen through of the eye of the Editor & Stenote.AI
Keaton's Child Cancer Alliance
Jessica Alonso's, Executive Director
Linda Bigler was pleased to be able to introduce the Executive Director for the Keaton's Child Cancer Alliance, Jessica Alonso. She is here to share the program that Robin Keaton put together and has been carried forward. Linda helped Robin develop a succession plan. Robin has since implemented that plan and has moved on to concentrate on other activities. Linda has stayed connected with it because it is near and dear to her heart. One year they had a fashion show and she met one of the cancer patients in the show that summer. At the Christmas party a few months later Linda asked about the little model, and she was informed the girl had passed away. That news
was devastating to Linda.
Jessica has been with Keaton's for over 11 years and is dedicated to the mission. She began as a family navigator in 2014 and is presently the Executive Director.
## The Impact of Pediatric Cancer
- Hearing the diagnosis "Your child has cancer" brings fear, loneliness, and heartbreak.
- Thousands of children diagnosed annually in the region.
- 1 in 5 children with cancer do not survive.
## History of Keaton Raphael Memorial Foundation
- Founded by Robin and Kyle Raphael after their son Keaton's diagnosis and passing from Stage 4 Neuroblastoma.
- Over 2,800 children served since inception.
## Summary:
The transcript features Jessica Alonso, Executive Director of Keaton's Child Cancer Alliance, discussing the organization's mission and impact in supporting families affected by pediatric cancer. The foundation was established 28 years ago by Robin and Kyle Raphael after their son Keaton passed away from Neuroblastoma Stage 4. Since then, the alliance has supported over 2,800 children and their families in Northern California through tailored financial, emotional, and educational assistance. Key programs include family navigators who provide continuous support from diagnosis through treatment and survivorship, personalized care packages called Hope Chests for children and siblings, financial grants to alleviate economic burdens, and various community partnerships. The alliance also offers a newly opened Family Wellness Center with therapeutic and recreational spaces to aid healing and community connection. Jessica shares personal reflections on her own cancer journey, emphasizing the deep commitment to the cause. The transcript also highlights ongoing events, volunteer opportunities, and the importance of community involvement in sustaining the foundation's work. Questions from attendees reveal the complexity of pediatric cancer treatments and the alliance's role in coaching families through these challenges. The conversation ends with appreciation for the community's support and encouragement to participate in upcoming events and drives.
Hospitals treat disease; Keaton's treats the human impact.
Provides "Hope Chest" care packages for diagnosed children and their siblings.
Care packages include comfort items, resources, books, and support for caregivers.
### Unique Approach
- Hospitals treat disease; Keaton's treats the human impact.
- Provides "Hope Chest" care packages for diagnosed children and their siblings.
- Care packages include comfort items, resources, books (e.g., "When A Kid Like Me Fights Cancer"), and support for caregivers.
- Financial grants assist families when caregivers cannot work.
### Outcomes
- Over 90% of families avoid utility shutoffs or evictions.
- 95% of caregivers report reduced stress and anxiety.
## Examples of Support
- Vehicle repair and support for a single mom to continue treatment visits.
- Celebrations for end of therapy milestones, including bell ringing.
- Scholarships to help children pursue dreams beyond cancer.
- Delivery of food, groceries, and clothing to families.
- Partnerships with organizations like Build a Bear to create childhood memories.
## Family Wellness Center
- New facility opened after moving office space in February.
- First and only pediatric cancer community wellness center in Roseville.
- Features:
- Imagination Garden: child art and play therapy area.
- Tree of Hope: honors Keaton and family, engages donors.
- Friendship Nook: cozy gathering space for youth and families.
- Healing Haven: on-site therapist available weekly for families and navigators.
- Hosts monthly events like Team Paint Nights and bereavement activities.
- Located at 2150 Douglas Blvd.
## Volunteer and Sponsorship Opportunities
- Various ways to get involved:
- Events, activities, item drives for Hope Chest.
- Holiday Adopt a Family program (currently supporting over 60 families).
- Upcoming 2026 events: golf tournament, gala, new walk at William Land Park.
## Story Highlight: Kacen's Journey
- Diagnosed at age 3 with acute myeloid leukemia.
- Spent 278 days in hospital.
- Underwent multiple bone marrow transplants, including a life-saving transplant from Italy.
- Now 12 years old, enjoys swimming and anime.
- Continues involvement with the organization.
## Personal Note from Jessica Alonso
- Navigating her own cancer journey.
- Finishing radiation treatment soon and will ring the bell.
- The mission is deeply personal.
## Q&A Highlights
### Golf Tournament
- 29th annual tournament at The Ridge in Auburn.
### Support for Bone Marrow Transplant Families
- Connect families with others who have undergone similar experiences.
- Provide resources and peer support beyond medical teams.
- Currently receiving about one new referral per day.
### Holiday Support Programs
- Toy drives and Holiday Adopt a Family program with custom wish lists.
- Aim to relieve financial and emotional burdens during holidays.
- Plans to add a coat drive next year.
- Over 90% of families served are extremely low income.
## Closing Remarks
- Thanks to supporters for belief in mission and vision.
- Acknowledgment of personal growth and community impact.
*For more information or to get involved, visit Keaton's Child Cancer Alliance or contact their Family Wellness Center at 2150 Douglas Blvd.*
## Notes:
- Keaton's Child Cancer Alliance provides tailored financial, emotional, and educational support to families from diagnosis through survivorship or bereavement.
- Family navigators support families, helping 90% avoid utility shutoffs/evictions and 95% report reduced stress.
- Hope Chest care packages are customized for children in treatment, siblings, and caregivers with comfort items and resources.
- The organization recently opened a family wellness center with therapy, art/play areas, and monthly events to support families.
- Holiday Adopt a Family program supports 60+ families with tailored wish lists during the holiday season.
- Upcoming 2026 events include a golf tournament, gala, and a new walk to raise awareness and funds.
- Families receive help with transportation and practical needs, e.g., vehicle repairs through community partnerships.
- Support includes connecting families undergoing bone marrow transplants with others for coaching and resources.
- Leukemias are the most prevalent childhood cancers; other types include brain tumors, liver, ovarian, and germ cell cancers.
- The program serves families at seven pediatric oncology centers in Northern California including UC Davis, Kaiser Roseville, and Sutter Sacramento.
- Over 2,800 children have been supported by the organization since its founding by Robin and Kyle Raphael in memory of their son Keaton.
- The organization is seeking volunteers, donations, and community involvement to sustain and expand support.
- Jessica Alonso, executive director, shared her personal cancer journey, highlighting the mission's personal significance.
- A bereavement drop-in event is held monthly for families to create memorial ornaments and snow globes.
- The organization plans to add a coat drive to address winter clothing needs for low-income families.
- Community donations help provide toys year-round for children in treatment.
- The organization emphasizes treating the human impact of cancer beyond medical treatment.
- The golf tournament will be held at The Ridge in Auburn and is the foundation’s 29th annual event.
- The wellness center includes a therapist on-site weekly to support families and staff with secondary trauma.
- The organization is receiving about one new referral per day, indicating growing demand for services.
The Prez thanked Jessica for an informative presentation. He then presented her with a Certificate showing that $25 donation was made in this name to End Polio now.
President Matt thanked everyone for coming and adjourned the meeting by ringing the bell and closing the meeting at 1:00 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
