President Matt Ross rang the bell and welcomed everyone to
the best damn Rotary club in all the world.
Pledge: Past District Governor Steve Turner
The President asked PDG Steve Turner to lead the pledge to our flag.
He then asked Sgt. At Arms Al Cady to provide the thought of the day.
Invocation: Sgt. At Arms
Al Cady
President Ross lead the recitation of the Four-Way test.
... and Guests!
Leroy (aka: Larry) Ellinghouse Megan Ellinghouse John Price
First Husband District 5180 Governor Assistant District Governor
Passport 1 Club Passport 1 Club Point West Rotary Club
Rotary Youth Exchange Student - Michelle Pakula
Michelle arrived from from Denmark in August. This is her second time visiting our club lunch meeting. Last time she brought treats, chocolate and black liquorish.
Elli arrived from Italy. This is also her second time with us and she is brining treats she made that represents her culture.
Show Me the Money!
Lisa Asperger- Bell Ringer
Lisa was ringing the bell in honor of her time away from Rotary in an attempt to stimulate the economy of Greenland and Canada. The best part of her trip was going up the west side of Greenland and up the Northwest Passage in the Canadian High Artic. It was spectacular... they even saw polar bears.
Chris Figueroa - Bell Ringer
Chris is ringing the bell because it is a "rain-day." In landscape maintenance a rain-day is like a snow day and you get to take it off and not do anything.
Debbie Hudson - Bell Ringer
Debbie too likes the rain. She likes it soo much that she is willing to ring the bell in an effort to show her appreciation for it. Now that is putting your money where the moisture is.
Tom Goode - Bell Ringer
Tom was ringing the bell in honor of his sixth wedding anniversary. For the newer members and guests, Tom shared that he met his wife while in Canada at the Rotary Convention. He had some down-time and visited a little bar across from the convention. That is where he met Angie. Talk about a one of a kind souvenir. He also made note that all of the bell ringers were seated at his table and they were in the bell-ringing lead.
Lydia Wytrzes - Bell Ringer Guilt Bucks
Lydia, realizing that her 33rd wedding anniversary had come and gone and she had not thought to share the occasion with the club, until Tom shared is 6 year anniversary. She suddenly felt the need to correct the oversight. She shared she has been married a bit longer than 6 years.
Rolundia Mitchell - Happy Bucks
Rolundia is happy that she shared her story last week, urging everyone to get tested for lipoprotein level A. Brian Weis took her message to heart and texted her to let her know he got tested. For this, and everyone of the club members that gets tested between now and Thanksgiving, she is donating $10.
Heather Wulfert - Happy Bucks
Heather is donating Happy Bucks in honor of Rolundia being back at the club meetings. Heather was not in attendance last week and she wanted to let Rolundia know that she really missed her.
Rob Olmstead - Happy Bucks
Rob enjoys painting so much, he couldn't wait to share just how much fun he had at Al Cady's house, painting planks for benches for the upcoming workday on the American River.
Matt Ross - Happy Bucks
Matt also had an enjoyable day at Al Cady's house, painting planks for benches.
Mike Grace - Happy Bucks
Mike was not quite as happy as Rob and Matt, but did participate in the spreading of paint on planks and felt compelled to join in on the donation for the privilege of helping the cause.
Leroy (aka: Larry) Ellinghouse- Happy Bucks
Leroy is donating Happy Bucks in honor of their making it through 50% of the club meetings they have to attend this year as part of the District 5180 Governor's duties.
Megan Ellinghouse - Happy Bucks
Megan is also happy to be halfway through the meetings but is happier to see that her name is first on the Bell Ringer Board for her donation at the Prez's first meeting.
Emmett Swarat - Happy Bucks
Emmett is happy to have been at Disneyland a couple of weeks ago. He ran into our Prez while at the airport.
PDG Steve Turner - Sad Bucks
PDG Steve is sad that his mental faculties momentarily failed him while introducing the Visiting Rotarians at his table, renaming Leroy, Larry.
PDG Steve Turner's wrong guess
"Talladega"
This week's secret word is Talladega.
"Award"
Emmett's "Award" winning answer earned him wine.
That's Fine With Me!
The Prez selected PDG Turner for playing the Fine Game for blurting out Talladega as the answer to the Secret Word question. Not only was his answer wrong but he did not raise his hand. He was given a choice of Paying $10 or answer a trivia question. He took the question in the government category.
Question: What is the number of the California constitutional amendment that will be on the November election?
Steve's Answer: Proposition 50. Of course, it was the right answer and he was not fined.
They say timing is everything and Greg Cotta happened to walk in during the Fine Game session, so he naturally became the second contestant. He selected sports as his category.
Question: The NHL season started last week. When was the last time an American team won Lord Stanley's Cup?
Greg's answer: I think it was Vegas, 4 years ago.
Prez: Clarification question, are you saying 2021?
Greg: Yes, 2021
Prez: Pay us $21. America has won the last one, every one, since 1993. The last one was Florida last year.
Someone shouted out that they rank hocky below volleyball... no one disagreed.
News You Should Use!
Pizza & Pints for Polio
The Prez brought particular attention to our next meeting as Pizza and Pints for Polio is happening on World Polio Day. The hat will be passed around to collect funds to help eradicate polio. You can also donate through our treasurer, who ever that may be for the day. Please come prepared to participate in the effort to eradicate polio next Tuesday. There will be pizza, and beer, as we have a bar sponsor.
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. 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.
We are inviting other clubs to join us... many hands make light work and make it a lot more fun. Our Interact members will 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.
An Evening 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 two tables again this year for the District's foundation dinner on November 8th. There is still room as we are trying to get a third table and beat the Downtown club in attendance. 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. More information to follow.
RYE Student - Ellie Zanin
Ellie shared that she brought some biscuits from Italy an they are made with almonds. They are from where I live in Italy.
RYE Student - Michelle Pakula
Michelle shared that she brought treats last time and is empty handed this time... sorry.
There was an unsolicited comment made by Linda Bigler "It was the best black liquorish she has ever had."
They were both asked how they liked San Francisco? They both agreed that the bike ride was the best part. Downhill was much better than the uphill portions. They highly recommended getting an electric bike. They also enjoyed China Town where they had the pleasure of meeting with the Rotary Club of China Town.
They are looking forward to experiencing Christmas in Old Town Sacramento. They may get to go skiing with District 5190 this winter. After that, maybe Tahoe and/or possibly Hawaii, if they can afford it. They have the opportunity to visit the east coast too depending on their parents funding them. They will get to visit Yosemite in the spring.
What About Our Outbound Students?
In November, our two outbound students will Zoom into our meeting for about 5 minutes to share their experiences with us. The young man is in Brazil and the young lady is in Switzerland. (Bruce plans on telling us their names at the next meeting.)
As seen through of the Editor and Stenote.AI
Rotary District 5180: Expanding Visibility and Unity
for Greater Community Impact
The Prez introduced Assistant District Governor John Price from an "OK" Rotary Club, Point West. John Price appreciated the invitation and the opportunity to introduce District Governor Megan Ellen House. Megan From Loomis, entered insurance industry at age 15. She had a long career in insurance, including management roles at Albano Insurance in Orangevale. She moved to Folsom, raised two children, engaged as a classroom volunteer. She joined Rotary in 2015; served as Folsom Lake Rotary Club president in 2016-2017. She moved to Sacramento in 2017, joined Rotary Passport 1 club, served as club president in 2021-2022. She has been very
active in district roles: assistant governor, district insurance rep, crisis management team, conference chair, Rotary Pearls graduate and facilitator. She attended the 2022 Zone Institute and Emerging Rotary Leaders program. She now lives in Sacramento with husband Larry... No, it's Leroy. They have hey have four children and enjoy traveling.
Megan asked how many Rotarians had:
- Visited another Rotary club in last 6 months.
- Invited someone to Rotary meeting in last 12 months.
- Shared a Rotary message on personal social media.
- Participated in and chairing public service projects.
- Felt frustrated that Rotary's good work is not widely known.
She knows that our club is trying to get the word out, especially with our Rotary van and plans for a new one.
- Emphasizes unity and collaboration.
- Motto: "Many hands make light work."
- Encourages collaboration with other clubs and organizations to increase impact and visibility.
- Focus on educating, serving, and inspiring through expansion.
- Importance of expanding Rotary's visibility to increase impact and awareness.
Expanding Rotary's visibility through signage, branded public spaces, and apparel is critical to increasing public awareness and engagement.
- Use of signs indicating "Rotary meets here" or directional signs.
- Permanent public displays with Rotary branding:
- Elk Grove Rotary Grove park with large Rotary wheel and plaques.
- Oak Park Rotary House with visible Rotary wheel in residential neighborhood.
- Rotary clock in Gridley with Rotary wheel face and explanatory plaque.
- Park in Banff, Canada, branded with Rotary.
- Wearing Rotary shirts and branded apparel at public events (brew fests, pizza nights).
- Use of Rotary branded vests, trailers, and upcoming van branding.
- Amplify existing efforts to make Rotary highly visible and spark public curiosity.
- Use both the Rotary name and wheel in branding (rebranded about six years ago).
- Club name should appear under the word "Rotary".
- Maintain brand compliance for consistent recognition, akin to Nike's consistent swoosh.
Shirts make a statement.
This may look like a bowling team... but it is not.
It is our Rotary Leadership Team.
District provides extensive resources and support to clubs via a website and committee members to assist with growth, membership, and public image. Rotary branding guidelines require use of both the Rotary name and wheel logo to maintain consistency and recognition, myrotary.org Brand Center offers customizable marketing materials to clubs for promotion and outreach. Wearing Rotary apparel and using branded items during events enhances public recognition and represents both club and district. Media involvement is encouraged for major projects to increase visibility and message amplification. Rotary's Four Way Test promotes ethics in business and professions, a core value for members. Recognition awards such as the Paul Harris Fellow honor significant contributions to the Rotary Foundation. Social media and personal platforms are valuable tools for amplifying Rotary's message and engaging wider audiences. District membership chair Tom Good is actively involved in public image and membership campaigns. District conference aims to foster fun, unity, and engagement among members with affordable room rates and exciting activities. Rotary's public image efforts include a district-wide campaign planned for rollout early next year. Encouragement to clubs to think creatively about permanent visual impacts in their communities to promote Rotary. The club emphasizes the importance of community leadership, service, and global impact through Rotary membership. - Clubs responsible for promoting themselves and engaging news media.
- A district-wide public image and membership campaign planned for early next year.
- Members encouraged to use personal social media to amplify Rotary messages.
- Examples of media engagement include AED project coverage and youth car care workshops.
- District helps clubs grow, sustain, and expand.
- District represents 1,500 members vs club's 50 members.
- District website offers resources and contacts for assistance.
District Conference will be held May 1-3, 2026, at Caesars Republic in South Lake Tahoe with activities including a poker run, polio plunge, comedy night, speech contest, and awards. - Location: Caesars Republic (formerly Harvey's), South Lake Tahoe.
- Dates: May 1-3, 2026.
- Features:
- Poker run with stops and prizes.
- Polio plunge in Lake Tahoe.
- Live bands, comedy show, speech contest, RYE kids skit, awards ceremony.
- Bell Award for Club of the Year.
- Registration details to be emailed; room rates: $135 (Fri) and $195 (Sat) plus tax.
Fundraising for polio eradication includes a challenge for club presidents to participate in a cold-water plunge based on club fundraising success. - Clubs encouraged to raise funds for polio eradication.
- Incentive: Club presidents encouraged to participate in the cold water plunge; possibility to buy out or alternative fun penalties.
Megan asked questions covering Rotary colors, history, inclusion of women, global health initiatives, and recognition awards.
- Example answers:
- Colors: Blue and Gold.
- First weekly meeting club: Chicago.
- Women allowed: 1987.
- Global health initiative: Polio eradication.
- Recognition: Paul Harris Fellow.
The Rotarians that answered the questions correctly were given:
- "Unite for Good" pins and stickers.
- Window decals for public display.
- Luggage tags for easy identification.
Meghan was asked to give her 30 second elevator pitch for Rotary. She stated the following important points:
- Rotary is a leadership organization.
- Members are community leaders.
- Rotary does good locally and globally.
- Major projects include polio eradication.
- Community impact is visible.
- Invitation to join and make a difference.
The Prez thanked Megan for an inspiring presentation. He then presented her with a Certificate showing that $25 donation was made in his name to End Polio now.
He 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 1:02 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
