Desiree “Tiger” Wilson opened the meeting, welcoming all. The Pledge was led by Drew Houghton and Lee Holmes provided us a song - Pretty Woman. I’m not sure that was of his choosing, but it was fun. Mark Copeland gave the invocation—a great joke about a Senator hit by a truck who had the choice of heaven or hell. He got to spend a day in both places. Heaven presented a nice, pleasant environment, while hell had beautifully manicured golf courses, and every other embellishment you could desire. He chose hell. When he arrived back, none of these wonderments were there-it looked like most of us think of hell. The moral: Yesterday was a campaign, today is reality.
Sunshine Committee
Doug Weill is at home, resting. He is not ready for lots of people, but will enjoy if you call first. Cards and calls are welcome. Our best thoughts are with Doug and Marcia and their family.
Donation
The Point West Rotary Club Foundation received a check from Cecily Hastings for $400.00-her donation for books sold during her recent visit. Thanks very much. She also donated one of her books to Festa!
Fireside Chats
President Elect Rick Bixler invited us all to the fireside chats indicating we need to let our hosts know if we will be there or not. This is just common courtesy. Please let them know NOW…
International Projects
Carol Van Bruggen updated us on happenings in Zambia. The school has grown from 200 kids and two classrooms to over 1000 kids and 7 classrooms. She spoke about the need for bore holes for the people to drink from. There were two villages without water. Thanks to funding from the club and two generous Point West Rotarians, 2 bore holes were drilled. Each one serves about 1500 people and costs $6000. There is always a need for more and she is writing a grant request to drill additional bore holes. Sincere thanks to the club and those who donated anonymously.
Festa di Vino
Planning is moving along. Cheryl Queral, Festa restaurant committee chair, reports we are up to 20 eateries, all of which PROMISE to bring adequate food this year. Don’t forget to buy your tickets! 2 is all we ask, but I know there are lots of overachievers in this club! 3/25/17 is coming quickly!
New Member
Brent Ward was inducted to our club with Sandy Thompson and Gary Hardesty as his sponsors. He is a great friend to them both, an avid golfer, and graduated from Sac State. He started in the home loan arena, then decided to do financial planning. He has been married since 2004 and has a son, Colton, who is 9. Brent has decided his son will be a golfer too, buying his first set of clubs the day he was born. He lives in Elk Grove and seems very happy to be a member.
Capital Public Radio
Our program was with Capital Public Radio and their multimedia documentary platform,
The View from Here. I was a little taken back at the thought of video for the radio, but the presentation offered some amazing insight.
Catherine Stifter and
Andrew Nixon were the presenters. They spoke and showed us a project they are working on with
Encina High School. They are indicating some innate opportunities with Encina staff, and students. They pointed out over 20 languages are spoken there by 1100 students with 54 teachers - all in grades 6-12. They have interviewed several staff and students for this production. A trailer is available online. A grant has been awarded to CPR and an entire exhibit will be featured at the California Museum later this year about Encina. Catherine stated this will be the first time many of these students will visit a museum. An excellent presentation.
Gino’s Opportunity
$10 - "The Reverend" Bruce Levering
$10 and a chance at the Jackpot - This reporter. I pulled the 8 of spades.
Fireside Chats are in progress! What a great opportunity to meet other members, share ideas and have FUN! This is your opportunity to have your voice heard about the direction of our club. For newer members, it's your opportunity to learn more about our club and for longer-term members, it's your opportunity to share your all of your knowledge and wisdom. 
