Stories

Meetings for April

Posted by Ken Macy on Apr 01, 2025

In general, we meet the second and fourth Thursday evenings of the month at 7:00pm, Scopazzi's restaurant, Boulder Creek; and the first and third Wednesday mornings of each month at 8:00am at the SLV USD District Office Multi-Purpose Room at 325 Marion Ave, Ben Lomond. However, there are exceptions, especially in the months with major holidays (I'm looking at you Christmas, Thanksgiving, New Year's & Fourth-of-July), so be sure to check the Club meeting calendar via the link above if there's any doubt. I try to keep the calendar accurate for the current Rotary year. Of course you can always contact our club secretary, Beth Gemeny Thaxton, for more information. Also, there is usually an informal social time amongst members & guests for 20 to 30 minutes before the bell.

Thursday, April 10, 7:00pm Scopazzi's, Speaker Patrizia Materassi, Rotary of Scotts Valley
Wednesday April 16, 8:00am SLV USD Offices, Speaker Bill Rush, Flying Doctors
Thursday, April 24, 7:00pm Scopazzi's, Speaker Anne Stephens, End-of-Life Doula
Wednesday April 30, 8:00am SLV USD Offices, Speaker TBA

January 2025 Meetings

Posted by Kenneth Macy on Feb 03, 2025

January 8

This morning our speaker was Rotarian Alan Leventhal who is an archeologist/ethno-historian. He is a professor at San Francisco State University studying the indigenous people of the SF Bay Area. He's participated in excavations at various locations in our region including Scotts Valley.

January 22

Our speaker this morning was Rotarian Sue McKinney of the San Jose Silicon Valley club. She is the main force behind the District 5170 Rotary Viet Nam Project. She moved to Viet Nam early in 1994 to pursue this Rotary project that fights human trafficking. Sue is a lawyer and ex-DA for Alameda County and served as Chief Assistant California Secretary of State under March Fong Eu.

January 30

Jeanette Kornher started the Kitten Kornher Rescue in 2015 and has quickly risen to fame hosting a bunch of kittens in the corner window of the Odd Fellows building in Boulder Creek. Originally from Pennsylvania, Jeanette and her husband John have a blended family of 9 children. She has rescued and placed hundreds of cats to date, some coming from as far away as Los Angeles. Two were adopted today. She has recently added 501(c)3 status to the operation and is looking for donations and sponsors who can help with the monthly expenses of the Rescue.

The club also hosted PDG Ron Sekkel swearing in three new members. Filomena Milburn, active member of the Grey Bears weekly food distribution network; Paige Morehead, current president of the Bracken Brae HOA; and Jonathan Mauk, who is very busy with the Easter Seals organization and their campground north of Boulder Creek. Sponsors Linda Deal, Scott Tucker and Scott Deal were also present for the short ceremony.

Jonathan Filomena Paige

New Photo Album

Posted by Kenneth Macy on Nov 07, 2024

Last month October 12, the club provided a number of members as volunteers for the annual Mountain Parks Foundation fundraiser. It didn't happen last year, but it's back again this year in a big way. Checkout the several photos of the event featuring our volunteers. Just click on the link in the window labelled Photo Albums near the bottom of this Home page over on the right "MPF Lobster Feed 2024".

Speakers in July

Posted by Kenneth Macy on Aug 21, 2024

Kathryn Pagliaro

7/17

Registered Nurse Kathryn Pagliaro is the speaker today. Katy is from the Katz Cancer Resource Center, which was founded in 2000 to serve Santa Cruz County residents.

There are 13 separate building surrounding Dominican Hospital which house Oncology facilities or other offices of Katz. The Bennett & Suzy Katz Cancer Resource Center at Dominican Hospital offers patients and their loved ones a place to get the support they need while providing access to information and services related to all aspects of cancer care. The Katz staff includes oncology certified nurses and patient navigators to help answer questions, coordinate care, and provide references to support services. Every program and service offered is free of charge.

Julie Horner

7/11

The speaker today was Julie Horner, editor and publisher of the San Lorenzo Valley Post newspaper. For about ten years now, Julie has been putting out the Post, an independent, local women-led, community supported online news and event resource for the San Lorenzo Valley and the Santa Cruz Mountains.

Considered and curated content, balanced local reporting, robust community calendaring, dedicated information sharing. Co-founded by Julie and Mary Andersen with support from a team of writers, editors, graphic designers, and community advocates in the Santa Cruz Mountains in collaboration with the people and organizations of the San Lorenzo Valley, we are “The Valley’s Voice.” The Post is currently recruiting volunteers for the Board of Directors in order to qualify as a 501(c)3 non-profit entity. Julie also now has a weekly half-hour program on KBCZ featuring Celtic music and culture.

Dues for 2024/2025

Posted by Ken Macy

DUES are Due

The new Rotary Year has officially begun with new President Michelle and new District 5170 Governor Jill Duerig. Also it's that time of year when our Club Dues are due.

Treasurer Ed has appealed to all members to promptly submit your dues payment. Ed can accept all forms of payment ranging from cash, personal check, credit card, Paypal, even electronic funds transfer (EFT) is possible. To use cash, check or card please contact Ed directly in person at a meeting to arrange. To set up for EFT, also contact Ed, he will get you the details of how to arrange this. For Paypal, just use the yellow button over on the left side of this Home Page and follow the directions, give the amount $300 when prompted. Note there is a service charge associated with the Paypal method and Ed will appreciate if you "gross up" your payment to $315, if possible.

Guest Speakers in May & June 2024

Posted by Kenneth Macy on Jul 09, 2024

Liz Taylor-Selling

May 8

Liz has been active with the SLV Emergency Network (SLVEN) almost since its inception in 1987 as the Valley Emergency Preparedness Network. She and her husband moved to Felton Grove in time for the 1982 storms which caused severe flooding in her neighborhood.

She currently serves on the SLVEN Board of Directors. In 2008 Liz, acting as the Mountain Community Resource (MCR) organization's Emergency Preparedness coordinator, combined the Mountain Neighbor Network and our local CERT program to form SLV Emergency Network. SLVEN was established in the San Lorenzo Valley in order to offer some coordination of CERT and neighborhoods and establish a relationship with the county’s emergency first responders. This was in collaboration with the Mountain Neighbors Network, a non-profit organization created by Mountain Community Resources and its parent organization of Community Bridges. SLVEN was incorporated October 14, 2015, as an independent 501c3 organization to allow fund raising and grants to support SLVEN activities within the scope of its mission.

New Club Inductees

May 30

This evening, with the help of PDG Ron Sekkel, two new members were inducted, sponsored by Scott Tucker. They are Harry Max and Tina Noland.

Charles Pasternak

June 5

This morning our speaker was Charles Pasternak. He is currently Artistic Director of Santa Cruz Shakespeare.

He began his remarks with a dramatic recitation of the famous soliloquy from Hamlet "To be or not to be...". Hamlet is currently in production there and will debut July 31, a thrilling tale of murder, revenge, madness, and betrayal, with Charles playing Hamlet and former Artistic Director Mike Ryan as Claudius. Don't miss it!

Andrea Hart

June 13

This evening, Andrea Hart, Artistic Director at Crocker Theater, Cabrillo College spoke about the upcoming production there of In The Heights. A new play from Lin-Manuel Miranda, creator of Hamilton.

Andrea was our guest last July 2023 when Disney's musical version of The Hunchback of Notre Dame was put on at Cabrillo under her. She earned an MFA degree at the University of Texas at Austin. Before graduate school, she lived in the Berkeley area for 20 years, where she was co-founder and member of several small theater companies. Hart is the first woman to lead Cabrillo Stage in its 40-year history. Her first project at Cabrillo was The Hunchback of Notre Dame. Now she is about to open In The Heights.

Harry Max

June 27

Harry Max is one of the club's newest members. And he agreed to pitch in as guest speaker due to a last minute unavoidable cancellation of the scheduled speaker. Harry is an executive coach by profession and has recently published a book on the importance of prioritization in business and life in general. It is titled Managing Priorities: How to Create Better Plans and Make Smarter Decisions.

Harry is an executive player-coach who helps leaders realize their visions, build great teams, and zero in on pragmatic solutions to complex challenges. His experience includes having been a founder/CEO, operational leader, and consultant with start-ups, innovators, and global brands, including Apple, Adobe, DreamWorks, Google, Hewlett-Packard, Informatica, ITHAKA, Microsoft, PayPal, Rackspace, SGI, and others. He has been an invited speaker at over 20 major conferences/meetings including TEDx, SXSW, AARP & COMDEX.

Guest Speakers In April 2024

Posted by Kenneth Macy on May 04, 2024

Beth Thaxton Gemeny

4/25

Club member Beth Gemeny holds the CISSP certification in Cyber Security, administered by the ISC2 organization. Beth started out in the cyber security field at Hewlett-Packard Company where she worked on several Public Key Infrastructure projects implemented in HP computing systems. She moved from there through several other tech companies in Silicon Valley and is now an independent consultant in this area. Tonight she led a discussion on the various types of online scams, security threats and personal information threats that all of us face today.

Heather Goode

4/17

Heather Goode is the Co-Founder, Executive Director and Pastor at the Arukah Project. The Arukah Project is dedicated to Restore, Renew and Rebuild the lives of survivors of sex trafficking in Santa Cruz County and beyond. Arukah's integrated approach engages and empowers the local church, businesses, government agencies, and community stakeholders to collaborate to bring wholeness and freedom to survivors.

Scot Smithee

4/11

Scot Smithee, Rotary Club of Gilroy and former Police Chief of Gilroy updated the club on Youth Protection Guidelines. Rotary District 5170 is committed to doing the hard work necessary to keep our young people, volunteers, and members safe. For us this includes Club Certification for every club, individual certification for all volunteers who have more than casual contact with youth, training for all volunteers, and the Rotary Statement of Conduct for Working with Youth.

In order to make compliance as simple as possible, a roadmap has been for each type of volunteer in Rotary Youth Protection Programs.

Club President
Club Youth Protection Officer / Youth Services Chair
Any Rotarian requiring Full Youth Protection Certification

The Livescan protocol is key to all volunteer types and is available at numerous locales now in addition to the Santa Cruz Sheriff's department for 5170. This is not the case for all Rotary Districts though.

Banners Re-united With Club

Posted on Apr 04, 2024

After a 5-year absence and after several attempts at finding the club’s Trading Banners collection, along with several binders of photos, news clippings and documents from the 80s, 90s & 2000s and our Flags of Nations centerpiece, they were all discovered earlier this month (March). The banners were last seen at Gil Gunn’s 100^th birthday party celebration in 2019 at Mount Hermon.

February 2024 Meetings

Posted by Kenneth Macy on Mar 02, 2024

Kate Clark

Feb 7

Tucked into a forested hillside adjacent to Harvey West Park, the atmospheric cemetery was founded in 1850 making it one of the first cemeteries in the state (California became a state a few months after its founding).

It’s owned and managed by the Santa Cruz Museum of Art & History (MAH) and tended to by an active committee of volunteers. They have a wonderful vision to restore the grounds and create a virtual historical sculpture garden — each ornate grave marker a meaningful art piece — where residents and visitors can learn about Santa Cruz’s history in a setting that literally holds the town’s former residents and their stories. On of the volunteers for MAH, Kate Clark has been researching and docenting for this piece of Santa Cruz history for the past 12 years. She had several interesting stories to tell about it. Until the '80s it had become overgrown and "worn out". Thanks to Kate and the other volunteers Evergreen is in much better condition now.

Amber Rowland

Feb 15

Amber Rowland is the new General Manager of the Santa Cruz Animal Shelter. There are lots of animals available for adoption. There is a spay & neuter service, licensing & help with lost pets.

Adoptions are first come, first served! Please view available animals here on their website and then visit the Shelter at 1001 Rodriguez St. in Santa Cruz to turn in your application. All adoptions require proof of home ownership or landlord approval. Please have this information prepared. If an animal is in Foster Care, please bring in your adoption application and schedule an appointment to meet the animal.

Speech Contest

Feb 29

The club's annual speech contest was held this morning. This year our interact chairman Aaron Brandt organized an SLV Middle-School level event, in addition to the High School. There were three contestants from the Middle School and one twelfth grader from SLV High. They all spoke with the Rotary theme of Create Hope.

Middle School

High School

Tim Robinson

Feb 29

Tim Robinson is a docent at the Computer History Museum in Mountain View. He spoke on the inventions of Charles Babbage.

Charles Babbage invented the first mechanical computer, the Difference Engine. He went on to develop the more complex Analytical Engine, though also mechanical, it has all the characteristics and capabilities of modern general purpose computers. Some of the primary differences between these devices and modern day computers being storage capacity, speed and I/O devices like keyboards, displays and printers. Tim himself has built a couple of models of Babbages machines from "Meccano" sets, the British version of our Erector Sets. Tim lives here in Boulder Creek with his wife Lisa who is current president of the SLV Museum.

January 2024 Meetings

Posted by Kenneth Macy on Feb 05, 2024

Bruce McPherson

1/25

Fifth District Supervisor Bruce McPherson was our speaker this evening. Bruce is retiring from public service now and wanted to recount some of the things that stood out during his tenure.

There were seven state-declared natural disasters involving the SLV during that time including the CZU wild fire, rain & flood emergencies, road outages, power outages & ... . One important item in the process of mitigation is the Big Basin Water Company infrastructure failures and bankruptcy. BBWC is now being operated by a receiver while discussions are ongoing for a long-term "fix". There has also been a recent $850,000 grant from the state to begin improvements. Two other items in the early stages of discussion are an "escape" route for the Lompico neighborhoods and a sewer line for the densely built-up areas along highway 236. Bruce is looking forward to his retirement and becoming a private citizen again.

Carol Weisenstein

1/17

Carol Weisenstein is a Puppy Raiser with the Canine Companion organization. She became interested in this after the 9/11 disaster and knew her daughter had a friend who worked there. This is a nation-wide group who raise & train then gift companion dogs to "those in need".

They were founded in 1975 and now have offices and training facilities (6 of these in all) across the U.S. Carol is associated with the Training Center in Santa Rosa. There are currently 270 employees raising 800 puppies per year, over 90% of which are 50/50 mixes of Labrador and Golden Retriever. The dog she is raising now is Dexter and he came with Carol to the meeting today.

Rachael Brown

1/11

The author of the book "For Fork's Sake", Rachael Brown is a proponent of diets structured around whole foods, plant based and no oil. She went on this diet herself several years ago as a defense against Alzheimer's disease.

During a DNA analysis, she discovered she had the gene associated with this disease; there is also a family history. She found "The China Study" which recommended this regimen. Rachael is associated with the Bay Area Institute for Plant Studies. 50% of the proceeds from sale of her book go to charity.

December Meetings

Posted by Kenneth Macy on Jan 09, 2024

Kellie Rice

12/14

Kellie Rice was our speaker earlier this year talking about how to get your book published. This time during the Christmas Holidays she related various legends and fables surrounding the celebration of Christmas and other holidays and festivals at the height of winter season. She herself enjoys writing fantasy fiction and uses these legends as bases for her stories. Kellie also "dives deep" into non-fiction subjects.

Keith Collins & Charlie Brown

12/20

Keith Collins is the Veterans Village Director of Programming & Operations. He was the speaker today along with Charlie Brown the Onsite Manager for the organization. It's been a year since we heard from Keith and the Veterans Village is up and running. The next big objective is to utilize the Santa Cruz County Grant recently awarded them for several refurbishment projects to modernize the property. They are particularly focused on issues around septic, housing and educational initiatives. They expect to be busy with these throughout 2024.

Keith Collins Charlie Brown

November Meetings

Posted by Kenneth Macy on Dec 03, 2023

November - The Rotary Foundation

November is Rotary Foundation Month. As Cameron, Chair of Rotary Foundation for our Club always says: EREY, Every Rotarian, Every Year donates to the Rotary Foundation. By far the easiest way to do this is via My dot Rotary. Or just chat up Cameron to work it out.

Scott Tucker, History of Boulder Creek

11/9

New member Scott Tucker was our speaker this evening. He has become quite the expert in the history of Boulder Creek. He has collected a significant number of vintage photographs and is always taking advantage of the Santa Cruz area newspaper archives at MAH and UCSC. Beginning next January 2024, he will begin a series of historical talks at the SLV Museum. He already has a weekly 15 slot on historical topics every Thursday on KBCZ.

Cully Gruczelak, Damians Ladder

11/15

Cully is with the Damian's Ladder organization. The group works to support Seniors and the disabled that have lived in their homes in the Scotts/San Lorenzo Valley area for many years and may have limited incomes. They are often not able to afford small repairs and updates to their property. This could include anything from fixing a leaky faucet to installing an access ram. Volunteers at Damians Ladder are ready to fill the void for these basic needs.

Today was our annual dictionary distribution for SLV 4th graders. A group of clubmembers went to both SLV Elementary and Boulder Creek Elementary 4th grade classes with new dictionaries for each student.

Andrew Lucia, Jeanne & Terry Howard, Cindy Sekkel, Scott & Linda Deal

Orrin Mahoney, Rotary Foundation

11/30

Orrin is the District 5170 Chair for The Rotary Foundation. November is Foundation month and the call is out to all members to make a contribution to the Foundation. It's easy to make a contribution online at My.Rotary. The charitable Foundation has three major areas of emphasis: The Annual Fund, Polio Plus and the Endowment. Please look up information on the Foundation on the RI website.

September & October Meetings 2023

Posted by Kenneth Macy on Nov 02, 2023

Sylvia Whitlock

9/14/2023

Ron Sekkel introduced speaker Sylvia Whitlock presenting via zoom. In 1987, Sylvia Whitlock became president of the Rotary Club of Duarte California making her the first woman to hold such a position within Rotary International. The chapter's charter had previously been revoked in 1978 after they violated Rotary International policy by admitting women. The Duarte club filed suit and the revocation was overturned. Rotary International appealed the decision to the US Supreme Court. The Court confirmed the Californian decision supporting women, in the case of Board of Directors, Rotary International v. Rotary Club of Duarte. After the ruling, Rotary International ended their policy of gender restrictions.

Bonny Hawley

9/20/2023

Our speaker today was Bonny Hawley, a long-time resident of SLV. She has been very active in the community working for Joe Cucciara and Fred Keeley in the past, associated with the state Assembly for 12 years. She has contributed to various Town Plans and Quail Hollow Park plans. She is active in the Friends of Santa Cruz County parks working together with the state and Mountain Parks Foundation. One of the most recent parks she has been working on is the Castro Adobe State Historic Park. This is the newest State Historic Park and is recently opened for visitors after extensive restoration work after damage done by the earthquake in the '80s. The Friends are now turning their attention to Sea Cliff which suffered much damage in the recent storms last winter.

Kristin Praly

9/28/2023

The speaker this evening was Kristin Praly from Horse Sense & Advocacy. This non-profit group helps horse owners learn the proper feel, timing, and awareness necessary for the effective communication their horses. Kristin will help you sort out issues causing confusion between you and your equine. Horse Sense Educators will help you to become a clear confident partner and rider.

Mike Humenik

10/18/2023

Mike Humenik of the Santa Cruz Mineral & Gem Society talked to the club this morning on gems and minerals and where to find them. Here he is holding a big chunk of calcite crystal. He talked mainly of caving (spelunking is the term) and gave some details of the caves on the UCSC property, two of which are named Empire and IXL.

Kevin Foster

10/26/2023

Kevin Foster is with the Native Animal Rescue (NAR). He brought two friends: Zeus the owl and a red-tail hawk I didn't get the name of! NAR is a small, local non-profit licensed by both the California and Federal Departments of Fish & Wildlife to rescue and rehabilitate the sick, injured or orphaned wildlife of Santa Cruz county and surrounding areas. Their goal is to rehabilitate to release back into the wild. They have 5 paid staff and more than 60 volunteers, handling more than 3,000 animals per year. Here he is with both birds with president Andrew assisting.

Environmental Town Hall

Posted by Kenneth Macy on Oct 25, 2023

After a two-year hiatus, the 22nd Annual Environmental Town Hall, brought to you by the Valley Women’s Club Environmental Committee, returns on Saturday, October 28th, from 1 to 3 PM at Felton Community Hall. This year the featured speaker is Gail Pellerin, our California state Assembly member.

August 2023 Meetings

Posted by Kenneth Macy on Sep 02, 2023

Rotarian Harbir K. Bhatia

Thursday August 31

Harbir is a member of the Santa Clara Rotary Club and she presented the work she is doing with the Ukraine Aid and Needs Mission. For all the assistance she has given and organized for the beleaguered people of Ukraine during this war on them from Russia Harbir has been awarded a Ukraine Medal of Honor. One of the group's projects is taking in repairable generators, repairing them and re-distributing them to the population. The group also provides physical and emotional therapy for the people, yoga sessions, childcare, hospitals and more.

Member Ed Titus

Wednesday August 23

Ed and his wife Patsy have recently returned from a 14-day vacation they took to Tahiti. They were with a tour group that sailed on a two-masted ship among all the islands in the group. A couple of interesting points: the island group has been inhabited since about 100CE, but no European visitors until the 1700s; the highest point is 7,000 feet. Ed displayed lots of photos taken by Patsy and him.

Newest Member Scott Tucker

Thursday August 17

Our newest member, Scott Tucker, was inducted Thursday night by Member Chairperson Mike Holton and new District Governor Hung Wei. Scott lives up 236 in the community of Bracken Brae, one of the first "subdivisions" of combination vacation homes and permanent residences in the San Lorenzo Valley. Scott is very interested in the history of SLV and manages a Facebook Group called Boulder Creek History Only which collects and discusses items of SLV and Boulder Creek history.

District Governor Hung Wei

Thursday August 17

Hung Wei is the new District Governor for 5170. Our Rotary District stretches from Piedmont-Montclair/Oakland to San Juan Bautista/Watsonville and Palo Alto to Pleasanton/Livermore Valley. Yes that includes us, SLV, in addition to 60 other clubs in the district. She was introduced by the new Assistant Governor for Area 7, Kristin Fabos of Watsonville. Hung Wei is currently Mayor of Cupertino and Past-president of Rotary Cupertino. Hung Wei was born and raised in Taiwan, graduating from University there and moving with her family to the US in 1979. She earned an MA degree in teaching English at UCLA, then moved to the Bay Area in 1981. Hung made note of our club's meeting flexibility in the face of the Covid Pandemic, not only utilizing Zoom, but also multiple venues and times. Hung likes to say the main job of the Governor is to act as Cheer Leader for the clubs in her district. She announced the 2024 District Conference, to be held April 26-28, 2024 at the Hayes Mansion in San Jose. She encouraged member participation in the upcoming Avenues of Service Conference at West Valley College September 30.

Zach Brown

Wednesday August 9

Zach was our speaker this morning subbing for wife Rachael who couldn't be with us. Rachael earned a plant-based nutrition certificate and food and sustainability certificate from T. Colin Campbell Center for Nutrition Studies and eCornell. After being diagnosed with high cholesterol, she discovered The China Study and transitioned her family to the whole-food, plant-based, no-oil (WFPBNO) lifestyle. Her cholesterol counts dropped 50 points immediately. Some of Zach's comments included: eat this to cure type-2 diabetes, to "shut-off" cancer growth. The details are in her book For Fork's Sake.

Member Beth Thaxton

Thursday August 4

Club member Beth works as a security engineer for tech firms over the hill in Silicon Valley. She went over some of the major issues with ordinary home computer usage and how to avoid problems caused by malicious actors. Our hyper-connected digital world offers possibilities for people and societies to thrive. However, those same possibilities create opportunities for bad guys to threaten our data, our resources, our identities and even our democratic processes. Beth is ISC2 certified to be able to safeguard the way we live. She is especially concerned about the seniors in our community, they are specifically targeted.

July 2023 Meetings

Posted by Kenneth Macy on Aug 21, 2023

Andrea Hart

Wednesday July 19

Andrea is the newly appointed Artistic Director at Cabrillo College. She earned an MFA degree University of Texas at Austin. Before graduate school, she lived in the Berkeley area for 20 years, where she was co-founder and member of several small theater companies. Hart is the first woman to lead Cabrillo Stage in its 40-year history. Her first project at Cabrillo is a production of Hunchback of Notre Dame.

Jim Lee

Thursday July 13

Now retired, Jim Lee had a long career operating a Real Estate office in Boulder Creek, Carl Connelly. He reminisced about the early 1960s Rock 'n Roll era when he was in the record and popular music business. He wrote a song that was made a hit by Chris Montez, Let's Dance, that still gets some airplay today. He was involved in promoting records, performances and tours by such popular acts as Kathy Young (A Thousand Stars), Tommy Roe and others. He was fortunate in meeting the Beatles on their last tour of the US.

Presidents' Meeting 7/8/2023

Posted by Kenneth Macy on Jul 13, 2023

The afternoon of July 8 at Scott & Linda Deal's residence, the club held its debunking of outgoing president Cameron Haste and honoring its incoming president Andrew Lucia. The baton was passed with the help of PDG Ron Sekkel and Membership Chair Mike Holton. Linda and Scott arranged a very nice barbeque dinner of ribs, sausages, vegan and all the trimmings. Lots of spouses accompanied the members.

Cameron Andrew

Dues for Rotary Year 2023 - 2024

Posted by Kenneth Macy on Jul 01, 2023

Use Convenient Paypal or Credit Card

It's that time, beginning the Rotary Year, when we all pay our dues for membership in the Rotary Club of San Lorenzo Valley. It's $300 for individuals and non-profit organizations and twice that for our corporate members.

February March & April Meetings

Posted by Kenneth Macy

February & March Were Challenging Times for SLV

Here are speakers at some of the meetings we held

February 9, Ann Lopez, Executive Director of the Center for Farmworker Families, spoke on the impact of the NAFTA on the farms of west central Mexico.

Alan Leventhal, February 23

Alan Leventhal , archaeologist, discussed the Ohlone Indians of the central California area.

Ryan Okrant, March 16

Ryan Okrant was born and raised north of Bear Creek Road in Boulder Creek. When he heard that his parents had been evacuated from the CZU fire, he hopped on the first plane he could get. He had seen on social media that pet owners were agonizing over not being able to collect frightened animals that bolted during the evacuation. He arrived ready to employ animal advocacy skills he felt were unique and necessary for helping displaced pets reunite with their owners. Ryan founded the ASSERT organization to assist families with pets and livestock in peril due to natual disasters.

Roger Knacke, March 30

For 18 years, Knacke has served as the chief academic and administrative officer of the Penn State University School of Science as well as a professor of physics and astronomy. He presented a fascinating discussion of the new James Webb telescope and some cosmology in general.

Karen Gosling, April 5

Karen is past-president and a long-time member of the Santa Cruz Sunrise Rotary Club. She is Director of Rehad at Dominican Hospital. "As a therapist, your goal is to get people to the point where they enjoy life again after they've had something tragic happen".

Rod Caborn, April 13

Another past-president and long-time member of the Santa Cruz Sunrise Club. In 1993 Rod founded First Class Fundraising, which from its inception specialized in large, motivational community-building events. From Pebble Beach to The San Francisco Giants’ AT&T Park, and from Tehama to Tesla Motors, he has been inspiring and delighting audiences ever since.

Caroline Mann, April 19

Caroline is Executive Director of the Wings Homeless Advocacy organization. Working with professional case managers, they volunteer time and talent to help homeless participants complete tasks and obtain resources needed to become housed and self-sufficient.

Redwood Mountain Faire

Posted by Kenneth Macy on Apr 21, 2023

The REDWOOD MOUNTAIN FAIRE is coming June 3 and June 4.

Enjoy the Redwood Mountain Faire --- for FREE.

Be a volunteer with the SLV Rotary Club, and enjoy music, crafts, food fun and family in the delightful setting of our own Roaring Camp in Felton.

This helps earn money toward our largest fundraiser of the year.

We need volunteers for Thursday, Friday, Saturday & Sunday June 1, 2, 3, 4

Ken and Mike are coordinating our schedules again this year for shifts working at Parking and Internal Traffic Control (mainly Crafts Vendors, Food Vendors and Musicians)

Here is the website for the Faire: https://www.redwoodmountainfaire.com/

Meeting 2/15/2023

Posted by Kenneth Macy on Feb 26, 2023

The meeting this morning featured speaker Susan Willats, Executive Director of the Community Music School. Susan is both an alum and former staff member of UC Santa Cruz, having worked there for 32 years before retiring in 2018 and she served on the board of Community Music School (CMS) for seven years before stepping into the role of Executive Director shortly after her retirement. She is pleased that CMS has just returned to in-person meetings and programming after the shutdowns of the covid pandemic. She noted that the recent passing of Proposition 28 in the 2022 election (providing additional funding for arts and music education in public schools) and that CMS has been able to take advantage of this.

Susan Willats

Meeting 2/1/2023

Posted by Kenneth Macy on Feb 26, 2023

Our speaker this morning was Dan Walters, Chief of Zayante Fire Department. After 33 years serving in Santa Cruz and Felton fire districts, longtime local resident Dan Walters was persuaded to come out of retirement to oversee the Zayante Fire Protection District. He succeeded outgoing chief John Stipes at the end of July 2021. The Zayante Fire District has a long history going back to its founding in 1942. It encompasses over 5,500 residents and extends from Graham Hill Road to Summit road; three fire stations and a $442,000 annual budget.

Dan Walters

Meeting 1/12/2023

Posted by Kenneth Macy on Jan 29, 2023

Tonight's speaker was Sherry Heaney, Sherry became interested in home hardening and wildfire mitigation strategies in 2021, after Andrew Clark, a Cal Fire representative, visited her property and shared recommendations to reduce her risks in the event of a wildfire. Cal Fire returned the following year and suggested she develop a community plan for her neighbors. After the CZU complex hit the Santa Cruz Mountains, Sherry started working with neighbors to gather and chip downed debris through the bi annual, free chipping program through Santa Cruz Resource Conservation District. In June of this year, she became the FireWise leader for her community on Quail Ridge Road in Scotts Valley.

The club also inducted a new/returning member tonight - Brenda Holmes Executive Director of Mountain Parks Foundation, membership chair Mike Holton did the honors. Welcome Brenda.

Mike Holton & Brenda Holmes

Meeting 12/7/2022

Posted by Kenneth Macy on Jan 29, 2023

This morning's speakers were Jacob Martinez and Tara Thomas from the Digital NEST. The NEST was founded by Jacob in 2014 to foster high-demand technology skills in youth and to provide mentoring and hands-on experiences so they can secure well-paying jobs. He is the current CEO. Tara Thomas is currently the Digital NEST Grants Manager. She handles all corporate, governmental and regional foundation grants. Tara received their Ph.D. and M.A. in English and Latin Literature from UC Santa Cruz and their B.A. in English Education and Spanish from Southern Oregon University.

Tara Thomas & Jacob Martinez

Meeting 1/26/2023

Posted by Kenneth Macy on Jan 29, 2023

This evening's speaker was Monica Martinez, CEO of the Encompass Organization. Encompass is a nonprofit organization with about 40 programs county-wide providing services in behavioral health, family and social well-being, early childhood education, housing, and more. This year they are celebrating their 50th anniversary, and the group is starting a project to refurbish/rebuild the facility in Watsonville called Si Se Puede Behavioral Health Center.

Accompanying Monica tonight is Lisa Russell, Chief Programs Officer of the organization.

Monica Martinez Lisa Russell

Meeting 11/10/2022

Posted by Kenneth Macy on Nov 15, 2022

Tonight's speaker was Arthur Dover, MD. Dr Dover specializes in medicine related to international travel, especially vaccinations for travelers. There was lots of detail in his presentation, his practice is located in Aptos and can be contacted at 831 818-5632 for any pre or post-travel services. The number one malady striking travelers is diarrhea (actually a symptom of many assorted causes) brought on by poor food preparation. He says bananas are always safe to eat if one peels and eats oneself without setting it down!

Arthur Dover, MD

Meeting 11/2/2022

Posted by Kenneth Macy on Nov 15, 2022

Four presenters today: Jeanie Kegebein presenting the Holiday Lights program under planning now for the Fair Grounds in Watsonville. This event will start November 25 and run through the weekends until December 25. She is looking for volunteer helpers for setup, maintenance and take down.

Michele Mosher and Nancy Gerdt gave a comprehensive update on the Felton Library Friends activities and projects. They are working to improve the teen room and to launch a community-led learning program for adults. This has three areas of focus: Environmental Sciences, Local History & The Arts.

Then member Terry presented his Red/Blue badge autobiographical pitch: he hails from Hollywood, California; travelled extensively across the US, Asia and Europe. He retired from Lockheed Missiles & Space in 2017 after 31 years. He and Jeannie raised three sons, are now empty nesters doing community service projects around the SLV.

Jeanie Kegebein Michele Mosher

Nancy Gerdt Terry Howard

Meeting 10/27/2022

Posted on Nov 15, 2022

Two speakers today, Jeff Calden, SLV High Principal and Chris Schiermeyer SLV USD Superintendent. Member Jeff gave his Red/Blue badge autographical talk about himself to the group: he went to SLV Schools, then San Diego State to major in English; teacher over the hill in Cupertino, then SLV High; SLV High football coach 1992 - 2020; now principal. He confessed to being a comics and sports card collector to the present!

Then Superintendent Chris Schiermeyer gave the club an overview of where we're spending the Measure S bond funds that were approved several years ago. Among the projects: swimming pool refurbishment, new bus lanes at the High school, new cafeteria freezer for the tri-campus, music room, extensive roof repairs, drama room,... the list goes on.

Jeff Calden Chris Schiermeyer

Meeting 10/5/2022

Posted by Kenneth Macy on Oct 25, 2022

Santa Cruz Libraries

Yolande Wilburn was the speaker today. She is Director of the Santa Cruz Public Libraries. She gave a general update of the state of the library system. There are 10 branches including 2 under construction/remodel. She has held leadership positions in library systems all over California and also Dubai and Chicago! In 1996 a joint powers board was formed to oversee the city and county library branches, Watsonville is not part of this.

Meeting 6/15/2022

Posted by Kenneth Macy on Sep 19, 2022

This morning the club tried out a new venue with buffet breakfast at the Empire Grill in Felton, with Zoom for those not attending in person. It seemed to work out well and we'll continue to use it on a trial basis during July & August. There were three speakers today: Jordan King introduced by Joe Griffin, good friend of the club Brenda Holmes, Mountain Parks Foundation Executive Director and Will Fourt, Senior Project Planner, Reimagining Big Basin.

Jordan King & Joe Griffin

Joe introduced Jordan King who is the club's second 4-year scholarship student. Jordan is entering his sophomore year at UC Davis majoring in mechanical engineering. Joe and Linda Fawcett initiated and support this 4-year scholarship using the club as the vehicle for conveying the yearly funds. Here is Jordan with Joe.

Guest Brenda Holmes

Brenda Holmes, Mountain Parks Foundation is on the Advisory Committee for the Reimagining Big Basin Project, one of the drivers of the project to begin helping mother nature recover from the CZU complex fire that burned over 97% of the oldest state park in California. Brenda related some of her experiences and knowledge of Big Basin and then introduced Will Fourt, Senior Project Planner for Reimagining Big Basin. Will presented a video overview of Big Basin and the Project that the Club contributed to producing.

Will Fourt, Reimagining Big Basin

Will Fourt is the California State Parks Senior Project Planner, Reimagining Big Basin Project. This is a multi-year project to recover the oldest state park in California after the devastating CZU Complex fire, August 2020.

The Reimagining Big Basin project will engage the public and stakeholders in defining a renewed vision for Big Basin. Although the Big Basin General Plan was updated in 2013 and defines a vision for the park based on significant stakeholder and public input, the devastation caused by the CZU Complex Fire in 2020 has prompted the need to revisit this shared vision with consideration to resources and infrastructure conditions as well as to the changing climatic conditions.

Please visit the website for complete information: REIMAGININGBIGBASIN

Meeting 7/14/2022

Posted by Kenneth Macy on Jul 19, 2022

Our speaker today was Anahita Dalmia, co-founder and CEO of a company called Alterea. The company is working on a game for young people which will help in finding accurate information amidst all the mis-information and fake news. Their goal is to equip the upcoming generation with the tools needed for responsible decision making - one classroom at a time.

Anahita Dalmia

The Club's RYLA camper, Sadie Bell, also came to the meeting tonight with some great stories about her couple days experience at RYLA. She made several good friends there. She even brought pictures.

Sadie Bell

Two Speakers for 6/9/2022

Posted by Kenneth Macy on Jun 21, 2022

PDG & founding member Ron Sekkel spoke to the group on the role that Rotary plays on Civility in the world.

Members Steve Edmonds and wife Wendy are making a major change in their lives - moving to Mexico. In particular the Lake Chapala ex-pat community near Guadalajara. We wish them well and hope to see them in the future on visits to the USA.

Induction At Bret Harte Hall

Posted by Kenneth Macy on May 26, 2022

Wednesday Morning Meeting at Roaring Camp

The club utilized the cavernous Bret Harte Hall at Roaring Camp in Felton for our meeting today. This is the venue for the annual Redwood Mountain Faire and we're considering using it for our twice-monthly morning meetings. The speaker today was Melanie Clark, CEO of Roaring Camp. We also inducted Roaring Camp as the first corporate member of our club. Representing Roaring Camp for the induction ceremony were Melanie Clark, Leatha Brown and Jeanette Guire.

Building Community Through Laughter, 3/2/2022

Posted by Kenneth Macy on Mar 27, 2022

DNA, Speaker Today

Entertainer and Comedy Lab impresario, DNA works to build community through laughter

Vax The Valley, Revised

Posted by Kenneth Macy on Mar 05, 2022

Vax the Valley Ending

Wednesday, March 9 will be the final Vax the Valley Covid-19 Clinic at Felton Community Hall.

CLICK HERE FOR COMPLETE INFORMATION.

Veterans Village in SLV, 2/10/2022

Evan Morrison, Today's Speaker

Evan Morrison is Executive Director of The Free Guide a homeless services provider in startup phase.

Big Basin Redwood Forest, 2/16/2022

Posted by Kenneth Macy on Feb 19, 2022

Traci Bliss, Today's Speaker

Traci Bliss is a third-generation member of Santa Cruz Rotary

Challenges Facing SLV Water District

Posted by Kenneth Macy on Feb 02, 2022

Jim Mosher - Friends of San Lorenzo Valley Water

Jim Mosher, today's speaker presented Challenges Facing San Lorenzo Valley Water District

Current Topics in Cyber Security

Posted by Kenneth Macy on Jan 13, 2022

Dani Derrick, Cyber Security Professional

Dani is a technologist and account manager in the cybersecurity industry.

Gil Gunn, The Interview

Posted by Kenneth Macy on Dec 02, 2021

SLV Rotary Club Charter Member Gil Gunn was interviewed by fellow SLV Rotary founding member (now with Scotts Valley) Ron Sekkel on the occasion of Gil's 102nd birthday.

Rotary Foundation 11/3/2021

Posted by Kenneth Macy on Nov 04, 2021

Today's speaker was Beth Garrow, Rotary Foundation.

Meeting 10/14/2021

Posted by Kenneth Macy on Nov 01, 2021

Two speakers tonight: Sesh Ramaswami past-president at Saratoga Rotary and Darlene De La Cerna from the Scotts Valley Rotary Club. Sesh's wife who is the current Saratoga club president was also a guest tonight. Sesh spoke on his current area of focus: Enabling Future Leaders at the high school level. Darlene talked to the group about the ongoing Rotary Exchange Student Program.

We inducted three new members tonight bringing our total membership to 47. Jeff Calden, SLV High School principle and Eugenio Grapa and his wife Michelle Peters.

Sesh Ramaswami

Darlene De La Cerna

Eugenio Grapa, Michelle Peters, Jeff Calden

Meeting 10/28/2021

Posted by Kenneth Macy on Nov 01, 2021

Our speaker/guest tonight was District 5170 Governor Richard Flanders, his third Rotary club meeting of the day. Richard was introduced by his good friend and ours Ron Sekkel. Other distinguished guests included Camilla Boolootian, District Community Service Chair and Hung Wei, District Governor Nominee. Flanders reviewed the recent accomplishments of the district clubs and stated his goals for his term as district governor. One key goal of his this term is increased focus on the Public Image of Rotary.

Richard Flanders

Ron Sekkel, Richard Flanders, Camilla Boolootian

The whole group

Meeting 9/23/2021

Posted by Ken Macy on Sep 27, 2021

This meeting included the red/blue badge autobiographical presentation from member Ginia Klemner. She shared family photos along with details of her passion for jewelry-making, for selling at craft fairs and for elderberry syrup. She lost her home in the CZU fire and is spending a lot of time and energy now in rebuilding.

Ginia Klamner

Our guest speaker tonight was Heather Schomaker, Director of Community Outreach for the Wheelchair Foundation. The Wheelchair Foundation is a nonprofit organization leading an international effort to create awareness of the needs and abilities of people with physical disabilities, to promote the joy of giving, create global friendship, and to deliver a wheelchair to every child, teen and adult in the world who needs one, but cannot afford one. For these people, the Wheelchair Foundation delivers Hope, Mobility and Independence.

Heather Schomaker

President Justin Acton reviewed upcoming events, meetings and other activities in the near future:

Sunday, September 26th: Valley Women’s Club Silver Linings online event. Starts at 11am. This is the VWC's 43th annual General Meeting.
Should the event end in time, there is the British Car Show in Boulder Creek from 10am-2pm, along HWY 9.
Wednesday, September 29th at 8:30am at SLV Elementary School, is our Rotary Club’s Dictionary Distribution. Please meet Burgundi at the school at the picnic tables for an outdoor distribution. She needs 3 helpers. More details on BCE and Charter School Distribution to come. For more info, kindly email Burgundi.
Thursday, September 30th, from 9am-2pm is Vax the Valley 2.0, taking place at Felton Community Hall. All three vaccines will be available and volunteers are needed. Please help get the word out! Facebook event is here: https://fb.me/e/1fMdrSOrf Please email Scott for more information.
Thursday, September 30th, from 5pm to 8pm. Club Social. Graciously hosted at Ed Titus’s home at 8580 Glen Arbor Road. BYOB, snacks to share, and a lawn chair. Parking is limited and responsible carpooling is always encouraged. Please park snugly in Ed’s driveway. Directions or questions, call Ed at 212-0533.
Saturday, October 2nd, from 9am-11am is the Felton Discovery Park Cleanup, at Felton Library. Please bring clippers, broom, shovel and weeding tools to help the Friends of Felton Library spruce the place up.
Saturday, October 2nd, from 10:30am-3pm, is the District 5170 Avenues of Service Event. Live and Online. Featuring a fantastic guest speaker, who was the 1st female President of Rotary Honolulu and first Female District Governor of District 5000. Free for 5 people in our club to attend in-person. For more information, please check out https://rotarydistrict5170.org For more information, please contact herb@ritterclan.com

Meeting 9/15/2021

Posted by Kenneth Macy on Sep 17, 2021

This meeting we had the red/blue badge autobiographical presentation from Andrew Lucia who recently transferred to this club from Santa Clara.

Andrew Lucia

New members Jeanie and Terry Howard were introduced and inducted into Rotary today.

And the speaker today was Cecelia Babkirk who is an English teacher with the Peace Corps. She was in Ethiopia when Covid-91 struck and was evacuated. She is currently planning her return. Cecelia has been a Rotarian since 1994.

Cecelia Babkirk

Today co-president Justin had a consolidated list of upcoming service activities. He is looking for volunteers to staff these:

River/Road Cleanup
Discovery Park Yard Work
MPF Lobster Feed Fundraiser
Shred Fest
Halloween Town Trick or Treat Traffic Control

Other announcements:

Justin also announced that the Community Tool Shed is now open only Saturdays now due to lack of adequate volunteers to staff it, so guess what? Club members are asked to signup for volunteering at the Tool Shed.
Judi updated the club on the total DDF given to the Oakland club's Guatemala project
Cameron is coordinating the club's donations to the Rotary Foundation
There will be no meeting September 30, but rather a Club Social Assembly at Quail Hollow Park at 5pm
District 5170 Avenues of Service this year will be at the Alameda County Fairgrounds and online September 30 & October 2

Meeting 9/9/2021

Posted by ken macy on Sep 17, 2021

Today's speaker was Emerson Murray, the SLV author of Murder Capital of the World, the stories of mass murderers Frazier, Mullin & Kemper. Three separate killers who went on separate murder sprees in Santa Cruz county in the early 70s. New members Jeanie and Terry Howard were in attendance tonight.

Emerson Murray

Meeting 8/26/2021

Posted by Kenneth Macy on Aug 28, 2021

Speaker today was David Waller of Ibis Education & Media. David presented his recent micro-documentary video on the Vax the Valley pop-up Covid-19 vaccination clinics. These were sponsored and executed by the Santa Cruz County Department of Public Health, the Boulder Creek Business Association, Liberty Bank and our own Rotary Club of San Lorenzo Valley. David did a great job with this video and in tonight's meeting he described the process of producing this micro-documentary. The video is linked right below this picture of David at the meeting.

David Waller

Meeting 8/12/2021

Posted by Kenneth Macy on Aug 17, 2021

Our speaker this evening was new member Chris Schiermeyer, the new superintendent of SLV Schools. He gave a concise "state of the district" presentation along with his major goals for his tenure as superintendent. He stated a theme for the coming school year as "Do the Right Thing". The district now has about 2400 students with 450 at Boulder Creek Elementary and 550 at SLV Elementary. Also, the district is actively hiring now with several key positions still needing to be filled.

Chris Schiermeyer

Dues for Rotary Year 2021 - 2022

Posted by Ken Macy on Aug 16, 2021

Your Rotary Club Dues for 2021-2022 are due as of July 1, 2021. All members have received invoices and some have received reminders after 30-days. The "Pay Dues" button in the left panel of our Home Page is a quick/easy way to pay your dues for the full year. If you need to spread out your dues payment over the year, then please use another payment method: check via mail, check at a meeting, credit card at a meeting, cash at a meeting, etc. Then the club will carry a balance due for you to work off during the year.

Meeting 8/4/2021

Posted by Kenneth Macy on Aug 08, 2021

Today we inducted three new members into the club: Jacqui Rice representing the Valley Women's Club, Chris Schiermeyer SLV USD Superintendent & Andrew Lucia SLV USD Chief Human Resources Officer. Our speaker was Liz Taylor-Selling of Felton area CERT. She and her husband Dan have lived in Felton Grove for 36 years. She retired from Dominican Hospital and became a full-time community volunteer primarily in CERT. She spoke on the various disaster call-out responses she has assisted with CERT over the years. And how CERT is organized into the county first responders organizations.

Co-president Justin Acton, Jacqui Rice, Chris Schiermeyer, Andrew Lucia

Liz Taylor-Selling

Meeting 7/21/2021

Posted by Kenneth Macy on Jul 22, 2021

Today at Felton Community Hall our speaker was Captain Audrey Dawson, manager of the headquarters of the Felton Fire Protection District. She spoke to and answered questions on making your home "Firewise". Here is a very informative video on the topic: Creating Defensible Space for your home.

Captain Audrey Dawson

Meeting 7/15/2021

Posted by Kenneth Macy on Jul 17, 2021

Our first in-person evening meeting at Scopazzi's, Joe introduced the recent SLV grad who won the 4-year Fawcett-Griffin scholarship, Jordan King. He will be going to UC Davis in the fall.

Jordan King

Clinica de Vacunas Covid-19

Posted by Justin Acton on Jul 10, 2021

Vax The Valley

Posted by Justin Acton on Jul 09, 2021

The Rotary Club of San Lorenzo Valley is partnering with the Santa Cruz County Department of Public Health in four upcoming Covid-19 Vaccine Pop-Ups.

Update: Listen to member Ginia interviewed by Tina Davey on KBCZ: VAX the VALLEY

Community Tool Shed 6/19/2021

Posted by Ken Macy on Jul 09, 2021

The High Council Foundation is a non-profit established in February 2020 to enrich our community through collaboration and collective acts of kindness. The group is headed by Dawn Roh and they are currently organizing the construction and outfitting of the Community Tool Shed in Boulder Creek. It is a lending resource of new tools and quality used tools available free of charge to local families rebuilding their homes and lives following the devastating CZU Complex Fire. Over 70 local businesses and organization and working together on this. Construction began April 9, 2021 at the Boulder Creek Recreation Center and Pool on Bear Creek Road. Much more information and photos can be found on their Facebook.

The Rotary Club of San Lorenzo Valley together with the Rotary Club of San Jose and Rotary District 5170 teamed up to make a donation of $10,000 to the Foundation. San Jose Rotary President Fernando Zazueta and member Elizabeth Manley joined our president and other members in presenting the check to Dawn Roh on Saturday June 19.

Dawn Roh

Cameron Haste, Elizabeth Manley, Dawn Roh, Fernando Zazueta

The whole group

Meeting 7/7/2021

Posted by Ken Macy on Jul 09, 2021

This morning's meeting was our first since March 2020. We'll continue the alternation between morning and evening meetings. Today was at the Felton Community Hall with breakfast catering headed by member Linda Deal. This is an interim arrangement while we continue to explore restaurants in the valley that have enough staff following the pandemic to support our group for breakfast meetings. Linda's Eggs Benedict and fruit hit the spot - Thanks Linda.

Today we were fortunate to have PDG Ron Sekkel preside with the swearing-in of 2021-2022 officers and two new members. The officers for 2021-2022 are listed over to the right on the web site home page. The three new members are Alisan Andrews (Valley Women's Club) & Ginia Klamner (Liberty Bank).

Co-President Mike Holton, Member Alisan Andrews, Member Ginia Klamner, Co-president Justin Acton

Presidents Justin Acton, Mike Holton, Bob Frobish, PDG Ron Sekkel

Meeting 6/16/2021

Posted by Ken Macy on Jun 17, 2021

Bebo White was our speaker today. The topic was Bitcoin and other blockchain currencies, also non-fungible tokens. A non-fungible token (NFT) is a unit of data stored on a digital ledger (blockchain), that certifies a digital asset to be unique and therefore not interchangeable. Bebo White is currently Department Associate (Emeritus) at SLAC in Palo Alto. He is also affiliated with the University of Hong Kong. Back in the day he was around CERN near the founding of the Web. Last but not least he performs with the Sada Spring Jug Band.

Bebo White

Finally, un-related to this meeting, I want to draw you attention to the Photo Album link at the bottom of the right hand panel here. I've posted the thank you notes from the SLV HS Rotary scholarship students: Mylie Bluhm, Jordan King, Cadence Peters & Angelo Reis.

District 5170 Annual Conference

Posted by Ken Macy on Jun 16, 2021

Rotary District 5170 is excited to host its first major in-person event in over a year! Join Rotarians, Rotaractors, guests, and their families at our combined District Conference and Roast N’ Toast event happening live at Gilroy Gardens!

When: Saturday, July 17, 2021 from 9 AM to 8 PM
Where: Gilroy Gardens, 3050 Hecker Pass Hwy, Gilroy, CA 95020 (map)
Who: All Rotarians, Rotaractors, their families, and any guests of Rotary
Price: See the Event Web Site for Details: https://dc.rotarydistrict5170.org/

Meeting 5/19/2021

Posted by Ken Macy on May 30, 2021

Today's speaker was Dawn Roh. Dawn is President and co-founder of High Council Foundation, a local Santa Cruz non-profit organization established on February 20, 2020. High Council Foundation was established to enrich our community through collaboration and collective acts of kindness. Currently she is organizing the construction of the Community Tool Shed, a lending library of new tools free of charge to the many families rebuilding their homes and rebuilding their lives following the devastating CZU Complex Fire. Over 30 local companies and organizations are working together to build the Community Tool Shed located at the Bear Creek Community Center in Boulder Creek.

The construction of the Tool Shed is nearing completion and they expect a Grand Opening at the end of June. Ways to support the work include direct donation to the High Council Foundation or buying a new construction tool at Scarborough Hardware, tagging it and placing in the designated barrel. Dawn can be reached at (831) 600-8426.

Dawn Roh

Shred-Fest Fundraiser

Posted by Mike Holton on Apr 26, 2021

This was a nice success for the club.

Thank you to everyone who helped on Saturday to make it a successful fundraiser. Over 50 community members stopped by to shred everything from a small bag of papers, up to 30 boxes from one business. The club made $1880 for a four hour event, and those funds will be going toward the club’s Youth projects. But even more important, the club members got to see and chat with each other and that was priceless to us all.

Thank you to our sponsors, Bay Federal, BC Pizza & Pub, North Glass and especially Liberty Bank. Liberty Bank in Boulder Creek allowed for the event to happen in their drive thru area, provided a cashbox for us to use, and also provided all the printing of the flyers and the thank you’s that went out to everyone who participated. Thank you to Ginia Klamner, the manager at Boulder Creek Liberty Bank!

Thank you to Justin, Janet, Erin, Bob, Tracy, Mary, Cameron, Mike, Charlie, Don L., Ken, Karen, Carol, Liz, Cindy & Ron, Judi, Franziska and Ed. Our wonderful SLV Rotary volunteers!

Meeting 4/7/2021

Posted by Ken Macy on Apr 10, 2021

Today's speaker was Greg Rauch, N6CK, an amateur radio operator here in SLV. He covered several topics around ham radio including public service, Summits on the Air (combining ham radio with hiking and making contacts from mountain peaks), building and maintaining equipment. He was joined by Janene Forsyth, N6CKJ who also enjoys the hobby. We were also joined by Alisan Andrews, current president of the Valley Women's Club. That organization will be joining our club as a community organization member; Roger Wapner will be the first representative to the group.

Greg Rauch, N6CK

Meeting 3/11/2021

Posted by Ken Macy on Mar 17, 2021

Today's speaker was Brenda Holmes, Executive Director of the Mountain Parks Foundation. Founded in 1973, Mountain Parks Foundation invests in supporting ongoing educational experiences and programs such as field trips for school children, beautiful and informative park signage, naturalist-guided backpacking trips, native plant gardens and interpreter-led programs. Brenda's comments mainly focused on the damage to Big Basin State park by the "CZU complex" of August 2020. 97% of the Park was impacted by the fire and the historic visitors' core of the park is leveled and it will be years before it can resume accepting visitors.

Brenda Holmes

Meeting 3/17/2021

Posted by Ken Macy on Mar 17, 2021

The speaker at our Zoom meeting this morning was Claudia Llamas-Padilla of the Sexual Assault Response Team in the Santa Cruz County Sheriff's Department. Claudia is the Program Coordinator for SART. There are a couple of her slides reproduced below.

Claudia Llamas-Padilla

Zoom Meeting 2/17/2021

Posted by Ken Macy on Feb 17, 2021

The speaker today was UCSC Chancellor Cynthia Larive; we also had as guest Kieran Kelly who is Assistant Director, Government & Community Relations for UCSC. An accomplished bioanalytical chemist, Larive came to UCSC from UC Riverside where she was serving as provost and executive vice chancellor. She also has led programs for undergraduate research and curricular innovation. Larive has also been active in encouraging the participation and success of women and others who have been underrepresented in STEM fields.

Larive touched on the UCSC Long Range Development Plan which is available at this URL: https://lrdp.ucsc.edu/ . She also mentioned that a new economic analysis found that more than 18,000 jobs in the Monterey Bay Area can be linked to UCSC, generating $892 million in labor income.

Cynthia Larive

Kieran Kelly

2020 Rotary Foundation Giving

Posted by Kenneth Macy on Nov 13, 2020

Our Club Foundation Chair, Bob Frobish, introduces the 2020 TRF Giving season. "This year I want to focus on EREY, Every Rotarian Every Year. I would like every member to donate at least $25 and for those fortunate enough, a higher donation would be awesome."

If we achieve EREY (100% member participation) our club has the chance of winning a significant monetary prize to be used in our Global Grants! An even larger prize is possible in a second drawing based on the total amount our club gives! In both cases all donations must be made by 12/31/20.

No Pledge Cards this year, just three easy ways to give - right now:

Pay by credit card through the Donate button on the SLV Rotary web Home Page, be sure to indicate in the memo field that this is The Rotary Foundation Annual donation and Bob and I will ensure it's linked to you. Also, please add a little "gross-up" of a couple of bucks to cover our Paypal fees.
Pay by credit card through Rotary Direct. Go to My.Rotary.org, log in and click on Donate. Be sure to select the "Annual Fund". You must log in for you and our club to receive Paul Harris Fellow credit for your donation. Give your full amount all at once or set yourself up for automatic weekly, monthly, quarterly or annual donations. Contact Secretary Janet if you have any problems with signing into My Rotary.
Pay by Mail. If you prefer to make your TRF donation by mail, make your check out to The Rotary Foundation and send it to: Robert Frobish, Rotary Foundation Chair, 245 Meadow Dr, Boulder Creek, CA 95006.

Why We Give and How Much Is Right for Me?

Due to its amazing structure that includes 1.2 million volunteers operating in over 200 countries, TRF is able to direct invaluable help to where it is TRULY needed. The foundation has a 100 year track record of unifying nations through its pursuit of peace, universal education, maternal and child health, disease prevention, water and sanitation provision, economic and community development, and environmental protection.

The Association of Fundraising Professionals named TRF “the most outstanding foundation in the world”. It received a 4-star, 97% rating from Charity Navigator and, astonishingly for a foundation of its size and scope, over 90% of all monies go directly to its recipients.

So your money couldn’t be in better hands, AND, unbelievably, TRF is set up such that approx. 50% of our donations come right back to the club after three years!

No matter which of the above methods you use to give, your gift is tax deductible and it will be acknowledged by The Rotary Foundation

How much should I give?

Every Rotarian is expected to give each year but the amount is up to you.

$100+ makes you a Sustainer

$200+ is the all important Double Sustainer. We hope you can give at least this amount.

$500+ Super Sustainers make us all proud

$1000+ lands you in the exclusive Paul Harris Society.

Even $25 makes a difference. So, give what you can, and give generously if you can!

VOTE VOTE VOTE

Posted by Kenneth Macy on Nov 01, 2020

It's too late now to mail in your ballot, so go in person or drop-off Sunday, Monday or Tuesday>

When? In person or drop-off

Sunday, November 1: 9am to 5pm
Monday, November 2: 8am to 5pm
Tuesday, Election Day, November 3: 7am to 8pm.

Where? In person voting, or drop off your ballot at:

Boulder Creek - Boulder Creek Recreation Hall, 13333 Middleton Ave.

Felton - San Lorenzo Valley High School, 7105 Highway 9

Santa Cruz County Clerk/Elections: 701 Ocean St., Room 310, Santa Cruz

Any voter may go to any voting location. Services will include:

obtaining a replacement ballot - you do not need to bring in the ballot we mailed you. We can void the previously issued ballot when you come in to vote.
voting and turning in the ballot mailed to you,
using the Tablet to vote on an accessible ballot or a ballot in Spanish, and
registering and voting on the same day.

For quick and easy drop off, there are several Santa Cruz County OFFICIAL Ballot Box locations. The boxes will be locked at 8 pm voting day, Tuesday, November 3^rd. They are available 24/7 for drop off until then, and emptied several times a day. They are tough looking, shiny metal with Santa Cruz County Official Ballot Drop Box in big fonts, and bolted to the ground..

Where?... Three places in the SLV (besides the go-inside-live open 9-5 Sunday; 8-5 Monday and 7am to 8 pm on Election Day Tuesday:

Highlands Park, as you enter the parking lot itself.

At the Boulder Creek Library near the steps to the entrance.

Just inside the parking lot of the Felton Covered Bridge Park

Further information at County Elections website called, “Votes Count”... https://www.votescount.us/Home/UpcomingElections/November3,2020Election/Votinglocations1120.aspx

Grey Bears Halloween

Posted by Kenneth Macy on Oct 30, 2020

Just for fun, here are the SLV Rotary Volunteers distributing bags of groceries for seniors in he valley.

Although no one can be certain, I'm told these characters are actually Ed, Lisa, Karen & Cindy.

This is part of Grey Bears' Healthy Food Delivery Program.

Since 1973 Grey Bears has delivered more than 110 million pounds of food to thousands of Santa Cruz County aging adults and other agencies that serve those in need. This year, Grey Bears will distribute the equivalent of 2 million meals to 4,000 seniors, including 1,100 who are homebound.

Each week volunteer drivers deliver bags of vegetables and fruits to 50 sites throughout the county where participants pick up their bags, and another 55 routes delivered door-to-door. If you would like to volunteer you can visit https://www.greybears.org/our-programs/brown-bag-program/ and there is a link there to do that.

The Smithsonian is Coming

Posted by Kenneth Macy on Oct 28, 2020

On Tuesday October 13 several members of the SLV Rotary joined in helping unload the cases holding the travelling Smithsonian exhibition of "Water Ways". SLV Museum President Lisa Robinson and Tim Robinson led the group in getting the heavy cases out of the U-Haul and into the newly repurposed Faye Belardi Gallery in Felton. For the group photo, I failed to get everyone's name, sorry for that.

“Water Ways” explores the endless motion of the water cycle, water’s effect on landscape, settlement and migration, and its impact on culture and spirituality. It looks at how political and economic planning have long been affected by access to water and control of water resources. Human creativity and resourcefulness provide new ways of protecting water resources and renewing respect for the natural environment. The exhibit will be there until November 29.

For Thursday reservations or an appointment please call (831) 594-3805.

Faye Belardi Gallery

Linda & Scott Deal

Lisa & Tim leaning into it!

Janet, Linda, Scott, ? , Donna Zeal, ??, Tim, Lisa, ?

San Lorenzo Valley Fire Relief

Posted by Mike Holton on Aug 31, 2020

The Rotary Club of San Lorenzo Valley is prepared to assist victims of the CZU Lightning Complex Fire with monetary contributions from you.

We are using the District 5170 Foundation to enable donors to make contributions to the fund that will be tax deductible.

If you would like to contribute toward this fund, you can make your check out to:

Rotary District 5170 Foundation

Memo: #3187 SLV Fire Relief Fund

And mail to:

Rotary District 5170 Foundation

2570 N. First St. #200

San Jose, CA 95131

Meeting 7/23/2020

Today's speaker was Past RI Director Brad Howard. Brad Howard is a second generation Rotarian and a charter member of the Rotary Club of Oakland Sunrise. He has served Rotary in many leadership roles including his term as District Governor in the area of California’s Silicon Valley in 2002-2003. In 2011-14 Brad served as the North American Chair of Rotary International’s Membership Development and Retention Committee and the Zone 26 End Polio Now Coordinator.

Meeting 7/9/2020

Posted by Ken Macy on Jul 16, 2020

Today's meeting featured Don Lillard and Anne Stephens Blue Badge biographical chats to the club. These are always informative and entertaining, thank you Anne and Don.

Anne Stephens

Don Lillard

Belardi Building Cleanup 6/27/2020

Posted on Jul 16, 2020

The building in Felton known as the Faye Belardi Memorial is destined to become the Felton branch of the SLV Historical Society.

(Santa Cruz Sentinel photo)

Built in 1893, the Faye G. Belardi Memorial Library in Felton was still a Presbyterian Church when the photo above was taken in the 1930s or 1940s. The building was purchased by Nick and Faye Belardi in 1955 after the church moved. Mr. Belardi donated it for use as a library following the untimely death of his wife in August, 1955. The library opened the following year. Now it will become exhibit space for the SLV Historical Society.

On Saturday, June 27, this group of eight SLV Rotarians worked to clean and wash the walls and other surfaces in preparation for painting.

Eric Brown, Mike Holton, Janet Coit, Cindy Sekkel, Ed Titus, Judi Sherman, Tracy Goyette & Eagle Scout Candidate Wyatt Berridge

Meetings are Zooming

Posted by Kenneth Macy on Jul 06, 2020

IMPORTANT

The new normal for our meetings in the time of Covid-19 will be via internet interactive service. We are using Zoom, because it is so simple and easy. Details such as meeting ID and Password will be emailed prior to each meeting and I also attempt to keep up with those details for the Calendar and web site.

ALSO IMPORTANT

Dues for July, August and September are due now. Please click the Paypal button on the left panel, mail a $50 check to our PO Box 294, Felton, 95018 or arrange a bank transfer (contact Ken for details).

May is Membership Retention Month

Posted by Mike Holton on Apr 30, 2020

Our club membership chairman, Mike, has received a communication from District Membership chair Hung Wei about this initiative for membership retention. Mike will say more tonight.

May is Member Retention Month. Our District is kicking off a Club Phone-A-Thon Fellowship Drive in the month of May – we encourage each Club President to organize a reach out to every member in your Club, with a phone chain, just a courtesy call and be in a listening mode, especially to members who are not attending Club ZOOM meetings or have not participated in any Club online activities during this unusual and challenging Shelter in Place situation. Rotary has always supported people in need in our community – now is the time that we extend a supporting hand to our fellow Rotarians. Shelter in Place can be a lonely and uncertain time for many – a warm “hello” and “how are you doing” can mean a lot to your fellow Rotarians. Attached please find a Phone-A-Thon poster for you to post on your Club website or via any online communication channels. You can customize your Phone-A-Thon to include a fun ice breaker, a phone tree game, a collation of favorite pastimes at home, or any topic of your choice. Your Area AG can lead a brainstorming discussion on how to organize a fun and effective Club Phone-A-Thon. A personal contact by a friendly and motivated fellow Rotarian will contribute positively to Member Retention.

3/4/2020 Meeting (Casa Nostra)

Posted by Janet Coit on Mar 09, 2020

Today's meeting was a monthly Club Assembly. Here are some of the highlights from that meeting:

Felton Branch Library Opens

Posted by Ken Macy on Feb 23, 2020

On Thursday, February 20, the Friends of Felton Library hosted an open house for major donors to the project. The Rotary Club of San Lorenzo Valley contributed funds to go toward the upper pedestrian bridge over Bull Creek in the adjoining Discovery Park. Although there is more work to be done on the Park, the bridge is complete and has its plaque dedicating it to Club founder Gil Gunn. Gil and Marge and pictured here on the Bridge and there are more photos from this open house in the photo album here named Felton Branch Library located on the website page "Club Pages".

Marge and Gil Gunn

2/19/2020 Meeting (Casa Nostra)

Posted by Ken Macy on Feb 23, 2020

Our speakers today were from Operation Surf, Laura Miller and Penny Lopez. Operation Surf channels the healing powers of the ocean to restore hope, renew purpose and revitalize community. Surfing is a form of healing that promotes wellnes through nature-based therapy. Each year 20 veterans (mostly disabled) from all over the US participate; 15 world-class instructors teach adaptive surfing, build trust, provide mentorship and share the surfer life-style.

Laura Miller

Speech Contest, 2/13/2020 (Scopazzi's)

Posted by Ken Macy on Feb 14, 2020

The Thursday evening meeting was the annual Speech Contest for SLV High School students. We had seven speakers who did a great job speaking in a room full of strangers. Jeff Calden, SLV High principal, presided and managed the process. First place winner was Lukas Hager, Lukas will go on to the Area 7 contest in March.

The contestants

Lukas Hager

Test

Posted by Ken Macy on Jan 20, 2020

Meeting 1/15/2020 (Casa Nostra)

Today's speakers at breakfast were Santa Cruz County sheriffs Sgt. Jason Dunn and Deputy Adam Roberts. It was very good to get an update from the Sheriff's department about law enforcement activities in and around the valley. We spent a few minutes talking with them about the abandoned vehicles problem that seems to be as much trouble as ever.

Sgt Dunn & Deputy Roberts

Meeting 1/9/2020 (Scopazzi's)

Bill Rush of the Communidad organization gave an update on their recent activities to the group. Among various northern Mexican villages, they maintain dental & medical clinics. They've undertaken sewage projects as well. The BECA part of the organization provides educational scholarships enabling kids to stay in school.

Bill Rush

Meeting 12-18-2019 (Casa Nostra)

Posted by Kenneth Macy on Dec 19, 2019

Today was a Club Assembly combined with Annual Meeting. Several announcements were made and general business was conducted, minutes will be forthcoming from Secretary Janet. I will mention two of the topics here.

ELECTION OF OFFICERS

First, Janet went over the process for the upcoming election of officers. Use the "Read More" link below to read the details.

DUES

Secondly, Ken announced minor changes to dues invoices and collection. With the addition and changes made to accommodate the evening meetings at Scopazzi's which do not include pre-arranged meals, the Board has agreed to cease the option of including prepaying for breakfast meals at Casa Nostra in the quarterly dues invoices. Beginning with the January/February/March 2020 dues invoice, it will include just the $50 dues assessment. Only a few members are still using the breakfast prepayment option, so this shouldn't be a problem. Also, Ken is looking into an electronic payment scheme through our Clubrunner-based website for members to pay their dues online. Further, we're proposing to support in-meeting payments to the club via credit card, probably using "Square"; dues could also be remitted this way.

The meeting continued with the Red/Blue Badge autobiography talk from Burgundi Thure. Burgundi has lived in the SLV for 31 years, her two children went through the SLV school system and she operates the Sew Rose business in Ben Lomond (sewing is one of her life-long interests & hobbies).

Burgundi

Judi Sherman and her daughter Rachel Bickert regaled the group with stories of Hanukkah, the legends & histories surrounding the holiday. Along with some family stories of Hanukkah celebrations of the past.

Judi Rachel

Meeting 12/11/2019 (Casa Nostra)

Posted by Ken Macy on Dec 16, 2019

Our speaker today was Coco Raner-Walter promoting the upcoming Civics Summit. This year it will be held January 24 at the main auditorium at Cabrillo College. This is a chance for students to get familiar with "down-ballot" candidates in the election. Last year they had 455 students attend.

Also, Saturday 12/14 was the Club's Kids Holiday Shop event at K-Mart in Scotts Valley. Scott took a few pictures, be sure to take a look at the Kids Holiday Shop photo album; the link to it is on the Club Pages Link top-left of the home page

Coco Raner-Walter.

Meeting 12/4/2019 (Casa Nostra)

Posted by Ken Macy on Dec 09, 2019

Today the speaker was Jay Topping of the Scotts Valley Historical Society. He displayed interesting vintage photos of Santa's Village.

Jay Topping

SLV Chamber of Commerce Awards

Posted by Ken Macy on Dec 09, 2019

Sunday evening at Scopazzi's, the SLV Chamber of Commerce held its annual awards banquet. The restaurant was filled to capacity! The organization recognized the SLV Rotary Club as "Community Organization of the Year" with certificates from Mark Stone, Bill Monning and Bruce McPherson. Steve Edmonds and Beth Hollenbeck presided.

The awardees:

Les Gardner - Man of the Year

Linda Skeff - Woman of the Year

Rob Lahey - Educator of the Year

Mount Hermon Adventures - Business of the Year

SLV Rotary Club - Community Organization of the Year

The a capella group Gold Standard Quartet provided a pleasant musical interlude for the attendees. Our past-president and current Area 7 AG, Karen McNamara accepted the certificates for the club. SLV USD Superintendent Laurie Bruton along with SLV USD Board member George Wylie presented the Educator Award to teacher Rob Lahey. Beth also recognized several past Men & Women of the Year: Bud Tomlinson, Nancy Macy, Nick Pagnini, Annette Marcum, Robin Musitelli.

Rachel Bickert, Bryan Chambers, Bruce McPherson, Karen McNamara, Mark Stone

George Wylie & Laurie Bruton

Meeting 11/20/2019 (Casa Nostra)

Posted by Ken Macy on Nov 20, 2019

Today's speaker was Jon Winston, the Chair of the Grants Sub-Committee of the District Rotary Foundation Committee. The grants process has undergone some modification and is now more flexible in how DDF funds may be used, even though it's complicated. Jon and his staff are ready and willing to help clubs in the District through the various phases.

Jon Winston

Past-president Linda Fawcett accepted the Presidential Citation award given to the club for our accomplishments during her year as president, 2018 - 2019.

Linda with acting-president Mike Holton

Meeting 11/13/2019 (Casa Nostra)

Posted by Ken Macy on Nov 14, 2019

We learned this week that the San Lorenzo Valley Chamber of Commerce has named the Rotary Club of San Lorenzo Valley as the "San Lorenzo Valley Community Service Organization of the Year for 2019". There will be an awards banquet at Scopazzi's on December 8!

Today's speaker was Dean Kaufman of the Santa Cruz County office of Veterans Services, which in turn is part of the Human Services Department. He was joined by Kim Monack of the Vets 4 Vets group introducing their Warm Embrace Operation. It was a good overview of the Veterans Services office and we plan to invite them back next year.

Dean Kaufman Kim Monack

The Rotary Foundation

Posted by Ken Macy on Nov 02, 2019

Our Rotary Foundation Chair, Past-President Linda Fawcett reminds the club - November is the kick-off month of our Rotary Foundation campaign. We hope that we can count on every Rotarian, every year to make a donation. Instructions for making your annual Rotary Foundation donation via Rotary Direct with either a one-time or automatic recurring payment by credit card is on the main Rotary website.

Here is the process, step-by-step:

Go to MyRotary.org
Click on the Sign In link at the top right of the window. If you’ve never logged into Rotary.org or forgot your credentials, hit the forgot password link and it’ll get you set up.
Click on the DONATE link at the top right of the window.
Make sure Annual Fund is selected (very important!)
Scroll down and select Recurring Donation and click on either one-time or recurring then enter the frequency and amount
Scroll down and provide payment info.
Submit & your donation is done.- Return your completed pledge card to Linda or email Linda (lindafawcett45@att.net) so we can ensure you’re getting credit for the donation.

Of course, Linda will also accept checks. But she still needs the pledge cards!

Bulletin Meeting Information

Posted by Ken Macy

Service Above Self

We meet First & Third Wednesdays at 7:15AM

Ristorante Casa Nostra

9217 Highway 9

Ben Lomond, CA 95005

Venue Map

We meet Second & Fourth Thursdays at 6:15 PM

Scopazzi's Restaurant

13300 Big Basin Way

Boulder Creek, CA 95006

Venue Map

Meetings 10/16, 10/23 & 10/24/2019

Posted by Ken Macy on Oct 25, 2019

10/16/2019, Casa Nostra

The speaker at the Wednesday 10/16 meeting was Marc Adato, Manager of Community Relations for the Monterey Bay Community Power organization (MBCP). Committed to providing cleaner energy at a lower cost, MBCP replaces PG&E's role in determining how and where our electricity is generated; MBCP sources electricity exclusively from carbon-free and renewable energy sources. PG&E continues to deliver electricity and maintain electric infrastructure and billing.

Marc Adato

Dictionary Distribution

Following the meeting, a small group of the club did the annual distribution of dictionaries to the fourth graders at Boulder Creek and SLV Elementary Schools. There is a new photo album of 18 pictures of the dictionary distribution. The link to the photo album is on the web site page "Club Pages" over on the left side of this home page.

10/23/2019, Casa Nostra

Due to miscommunication we had no speaker today, so Charlie presided over a sing-along of Mills Brothers favorites of his, followed by Club Assembly.

10/23/2019, Bear Creek Park

The monthly Board meeting took place, Club Secretary Janet presiding. Several key items were discussed and the minutes will be posted as soon as they are available from Secretary Janet

10/24/2019, Scopazzi's

The speaker tonight was Tami Trayce of the San Lorenzo Valley Emergency Network. The San Lorenzo Valley Emergency Network (SLVEN) educates, organizes, and coordinates our community to help prepare for and respond to emergencies, particularly natural disasters and other threats to life and property.

Tami Trayce

Gil Gunn Birthday Party

Posted by Kenneth Macy on Sep 26, 2019

We celebrated Club Founder Gil Gunn's 100th birthday with a party with his friends, family and SLV Rotary Club on Tuesday, 9/24 at Mount Hermon. Julie Haff contributed a lot of photographs and you can see them in the Photo Album on the Club Pages link. I'm cribbing from the photo caption in the Sentinel (credit Dan Coyro): Gil Gunn with his wife Marge at his side, celebrates his 100th birthday surrounded by family, friends and fellow Rotary members. Granddaughter Tasma traveled from Amsterdam, sons Greg and Gary and daughter Katy also traveled to be here. Gil is a charter member of the SLV Rotary Club and mayor of Sunnyvale in the 70's. Ron Sekkel (also a founder of SLV Rotary) presided at the ceremony with Joe Griffin announcing that the club will dedicate the footbridge over Bull Creek at the new Felton Library in honor of Gil as the "Gil Gunn Bridge to Nature".

Gil Gunn

Gil's Chocolate Cake and his favorite Rotary decoration - the flags of the nations of the world

Meeting 9/18/2019 (Casa Nostra)

Posted by Ken Macy on Sep 20, 2019

Today our speaker was Tim Brattan of Grey Bears. Grey Bears was started in 1973 by two UCSC students who recognized nutrition requirements for the elderly poor in Santa Cruz county were not being met. Today Grey Bears distributes about 1.7 million pounds of produce and 685,000 pounds of day-old bread annually. In addition they provide 40,000 hot meals per year, both breakfast and lunch. They're about the only recycling operation left in the county with facilities at the Ben Lomond transfer station and their headquarters on Chanticleer. Tim said that volunteers contribute 85,000 hours per year. Their thrift shop operation maintains 2nd Saturday Half-off days.

Tim Brattan

Meetings 9/11 & 9/12/2019

Posted on Sep 16, 2019

Wednesday morning Charlie reviewed the history of Mount Hermon Conference Center with the group. His family has been involved with Mount Hermon since its founding.

Thursday night, Mountain Community Theater President Peter Gelblum and playwright Jeffrey Scharf talked about the challenge of putting on a musical, their latest is Mama Mia.

Charlie Johnson

Peter Gelblum and Jeffrey Scharf

Meeting 8/28/2019 (Casa Nostra)

Posted by Kenneth Macy on Aug 28, 2019

The speaker today was past-president Jeanne Kegebein, CEO of the Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds Foundation. The Fairgrounds are home to two non-profit organizations: The Foundation and the Ag History Project which is headed by husband John Kegebein. There are about 350 separate events held there each year. There is no money from the state to help support the Fairgrounds, hence the need for the Foundation to raise funds for it; since 2002, about $2.5 million has been provided by the Foundation for the Fair. Some of the improvements by the Foundation have been outdoor lighting, new benches, various renovations of buildings and water storage tanks.

Jeanne Kegebein

Teachers Breakfast 8/12/2019

Posted by Ken Macy on Aug 12, 2019

Today was the club's annual New Teachers Breakfast. We recognized the school administrators of the SLV USD as they introduced the new teachers for the upcoming year. The new Middle School principal, Terry Redfern, noticed the Rotary banner with the Four-Way test and was quite impressed, saying that these were excellent values for his middle schoolers to learn and practice. Our president Bob Frobish said a few words in praise of the school district and then Superintendent Laurie Bruton introduced each principal with new teachers this year: Terry Redfern, SLV Middle School; Jeff Calden, SLV High School; Rhonda Schlosser, SLV Charter; Denise Fosburgh, Boulder Creek Elementary; and Jan Lahey, SLV Elementary.

This event is the favorite of member Sue Seeger, she is the key person in putting this together.

Laurie gave me 8 more photos of the teachers and Rotarians at the breakfast. All the pictures are collected into a photo album on the Club Pages Site Page; find the link in the second box on the left of this Home Page.

Laurie Bruton

Terry Redfern

Jeff Calden

Denise Fosburgh

Jan Lahey

Area 7 AG Karen McNamara introducing Sue Seeger

Meeting 8/8/2019 (Scopazzi's)

Posted by Ken Macy on Aug 10, 2019

Arnold Leff, MD was the speaker at the evening meeting at Scopazzi's. Dr Leff spoke on Substance Use Disorder. He is recently retired as Santa Cruz County Health Director and Environmental Health Director.

Dr Arnold Leff

Volunteer Work Day at Park Hall

Steve Edmonds, a member of the Park Hall Board of Trustees, distributed a detailed task list for the Park Hall Work Day, 8/10/2019, please check your e-mail for this document describing the scope of work this Saturday.

Here is the group of the club who spent a few hours Saturday sprucing up Park Hall. There was sanding, painting, sweeping, cleaning and re-organizing.

Look for more pictures in the photo album "Park Hall Cleanup August 2019" on the Club Pages sub-page; link at the upper left here on the home page.

Meeting 7/31/2019 (Casa Nostra)

This morning's speaker was Sheila DeLany, president of the Valley Women's Club. The Valley Women’s Club is dedicated to community action, awareness and leadership in environmental, educational, social, and political concerns that affect the health and welfare of the San Lorenzo Valley and our community. Sheila has been a business owner in Boulder Creek (Blind Pilot) for 40 years and active participant of many environmental initiatives and organizations over the years.

Sheila at the Blind Pilot shortly before retirement

Sheila DeLany

Meetings 7/10 & 7/11

At each of the breakfast and evening meetings this week, Bob Frobish was sworn in as the club's 36th president. Past president and Past District Governor Ron Sekkel did the honors.

Ron and Bob in the morning

New Board member Teresa Bice with Ron and Bob in the evening

Meeting 7/24/2019 (Casa Nostra)

Today's speakers were Christine Horvath and Mary Ann Lobalbo from the Santa Cruz Public Works Department. They went over the upcoming major rules revisions for plastic and other single-use containers in Santa Cruz County and recycling overall.

Christine and Mary Ann

Meeting 7/17/2019 (Casa Nostra)

Gine Johnson was our speaker today on the Homeless situation in Santa Cruz County. Joe Griffin presented this year's Griffin/Fawcett scholarship award to Katie Lamb.

Gine Johnson

Katie & Joe

Meeting 6/26/2019 (Casa Nostra)

Posted by Kenneth Macy on Jun 27, 2019

Scott Deal related some of his meetings at this month's Rotary International Convention in Hamburg, Germany. He brought the banner of the Hamburg Rotary Club to add to our collection.

Hamburg Club Banner

Today's speaker was Rick Flores of the UCSC Arboretum. He is working with the Amah Mutsun Tribal Band, helping them to relearn land stewardship that was abandoned generations ago during the Spanish occupation of California in the 18th century. Ecology, timing for planting, hunting and firing are some of the key topics. Rick introduced the group to the term "coppicing" the process of cutting vegetation to the ground and allowing resprouting.

Rick Flores

Thursday July 11 Meeting Announcement

Posted by Kenneth Macy on Jun 25, 2019

The next of the evening series of meetings of the Rotary Club of San Lorenzo Valley is set for 6:15pm July 11 at Scopazzi's restaurant in Boulder Creek.

Be sure to check the Club Calendar at the link at the top of the website home page for the meeting and event schedule.

Meeting Duties for July

Four Way Test: Duane

Greeter: Steve

Thought: Liz

Detective: Rachel

Raffle: Teresa

Meeting 6/12/2019 (Casa Nostra)

Posted by Julie Haff on Jun 25, 2019

Today was club assembly. See the notes from Julie at the link below.

Meeting 6/5/2019 (Casa Nostra)

Posted by Kenneth Macy on Jun 09, 2019

Today our speaker was Jenn Hooker, Santa Cruz Library. Jenn is based at the Scotts Valley branch where she assists in patrons' use of the 3-D printer they have. This is about a $1,000 equipment and is available for public use.

Jenn Hooker demonstrates the 3-D printer

Meeting 5/22/2019 & 5/23/2019

Posted by Kenneth Macy on May 25, 2019

5/22/2019

The speakers this morning from the "Derby Girls" Roller Derby team entertained the group with stories of their time on the Roller Derby Tour. There was Sharon D. Pain (Eileen Hill), Mad For Gravy, and Bunny FuFu. The "Read More" link below has more information about this morning meeting.

Bunny FuFu

Sharon D. Pain & Mad For Gravy

5/23/2019

Thursday evening the group had brief introductions from our two RYLA campers for this year. Ralph made the introductions.

Brianna Wright

Katherine McCormick

Meeting 5/15/2019

Posted by Kenneth Macy on May 15, 2019

Today's speaker was Rosemary Menard, returned from last January for all the questions we had. President Linda reminded the group about Fred McPherson's memorial June 23, 12noon, Henry Cowell picnic area.

Rosemary Menard

Meeting 5/8/2019

Posted by Julie Haff on May 09, 2019

Today was the Club Assembly meeting for April.

Member Laurie Bruton brought the student-designed banner that will be used at the District Conference to represent our club.

Laurie Bruton and Linda Fawcett display our new banner

Meeting 5/2/2019

Posted by Kenneth Macy on May 03, 2019

New Members!

Here they are, the talented and lovely new members of the SLV Rotary Club. Inducted by District Governor Tim Lundell.

Justin Acton, Duane & Teresa Bice, Rachel Bickert, Elizabeth North, Steve Edmonds

Karen McNamara, Elizabeth North, DG Tim Lundell

Meeting 5/1/2019

Posted by Kenneth Macy on May 02, 2019

Today's speaker was Sam Bishop, member of the Rotary Club of Santa Cruz. He showed beautiful slides of the fishing trip he took into the South American country of Guyana. He used just a fly rod to catch and release some giant river fish, some over 100 pounds. Most of the fish he caught had lots of large and sharp teeth.

Sam Bishop

A few of the announcements today:

Member Cindy Sekkel is looking for more volunteers to help with Rotacare.
Linda reminded the group that the Felton Remembers parade is this month on the 25th.
Linda and Karen also reminded the club of the District Conference this month, the 17th, 18th and 19th.
And Ken is looking for a couple more volunteers to work Redwood Mountain Faire Internal Traffic Control.

Rotary District 5170 Annual Conference

Posted by Karen McNamara on May 02, 2019

Please plan to attend the District Conference May 17 through May 19. There are lots of options and events available, you will find them here at the 5170 Web Page: https://rotarydistrict5170.org/. The special keynote speaker is Astronaut Scott Kelley at the Conference Banquet Saturday Night. This is an excellent opportunity for all our new "Red Badge" members to check-the-box for attending a District 5170 event.

Meeting 4/17/2019

Posted by Kenneth Macy on Apr 19, 2019

Today Judi Sherman presented a brief autobiographical sketch as part of her earning the Club Blue Badge. Our guest speaker was Patizia Materassi presenting the latest update on the crisis of plastics pollution in the planet's oceans. It's a huge problem, very detrimental to the environment and a direct threat to wildlife in the oceans. Patrizia is a member of the Scotts Valley Rotary.

Patrizia Materassi

Meeting 4/10/2019

Posted by Kenneth Macy on Apr 10, 2019

Today was club assembly and among the topics were the upcoming Lacy J Dalton fundraiser, End Polio Now campaign, Redwood Mountain Faire.

Meeting 4/3/2019

Posted by Kenneth Macy on Apr 07, 2019

Rotarian Sue McKinney was our speaker today, introduced by member Cindy Sekkel. Sue spoke about her Rotary-related activities in Viet Nam. There is no official Rotary presence there, but she and others have been able to carry on Rotary linked projects by partnering with established local charities. She discussed human trafficking in the world today and the group she works with provides scholarships for Vietnamese girls. She brought with her one of the indestructible soccer balls that her group provides to kids in Viet Nam; it seems that regular inflatable balls have a very limited life span.

Sue McKinney

Meeting 3/27/2019

Posted by Kenneth Macy on Mar 28, 2019

The speakers today were Janet Gluch and Jim Zenner from the Rotary Water Warriors. The group has recently undertaken water purification projects in India, in the area called Shamshabad-Agra. They use solar powered filtration machines (Sun Spring) that produce pure water from the contaminated water available. The cost comes to about one-tenth cent per liter which is a tiny fraction of the price that Nestle extracts from the Indians for bottled water. Jim explained that they have tried and failed to get communities in the US with poor quality water to use this equipment, describing blocks due to bureaucracy and entrenched retail bottled water suppliers.

Janet also participated in polio immunization clinics on the recent trip.

Our club is supporting their efforts with our DDF.

Janet Jim

Meeting 3/20/2019

Posted by Kenneth Macy on Mar 25, 2019

Ken updated the group on the End Polio Flash campaign and presented another of the 2 minute Rotary videos. Ron Sekkel spent a few minutes in support of the Flash Campaign recounting some personal experiences he has had with friends and acquaintances over the years with polio. We are asking that each member contribute $50 to the campaign.

Ron Sekkel

The speakers today were Laurie Bruton and Chris Schiermeyer of the SLV Unified School District. They reviewed the proposal for converting the Redwood Elementart School campus to SLV USD teacher housing. All over the county and most coastal counties of California retaining teachers is an issue with the high cost of housing. This should contribute to helping with that problem.

Chris Schiermeyer Laurie Bruton

Meeting 3/13/2019

Posted by Julie Haff on Mar 15, 2019

Today was club assembly, several topics were discussed, see the "Read More" link below.

One of the announcements from Linda was that our member Assistant Governor Karen McNamara had received the District 5170 Karl Stucki award at the PETS conference over the weekend. This is named for the PDG Karl Stucki and is awarded each year to the Rotarian in the District who "best exemplifies Rotary ideals".

Karen McNamara

Meeting 3/6/2019

Posted by Kenneth Macy on Mar 11, 2019

Jim Coffis of the GreenTrade Santa Cruz coalition spoke to the group today. GreenTrade is a coalition of local cannabis related businesses and organizations. Santa Cruz is home to hundreds of small and medium sized cannabis growers and businesses who, for years, have been the innovators in the industry and significant contributors to the economy. Working together, we will elevate and amplify the conversation around the social, therapeutic and economic benefits of cannabis in our community and raise awareness of the unique and unduplicated quality of the Santa Cruz “brand”.

Jim Coffis

There was a board meeting of the club following the regular meeting. Members are invited to look over the minutes of the meeting: log into the Member Area and under the Admin tab click the link to View Club Documents. All of our recent Board meeting minutes are there.

This afternoon the Area 7 Rotary Clubs held their speech contest in the second tier toward the national contest. This photo has the contestants, Karen McNamara, Area 7 AG, Dr Laurie Bruton SLVUSD Supervisor and a Rotary District official working on the District 5170 roll-up of these high school competitions. He is attending all these second tier contests, but your correspondent forgot to jot his name for you!

Contest First Place is Terry Cole in the center

End Polio Now Flash March/April

Posted by Kenneth Macy on Mar 03, 2019

The fight is not over and your help is needed now. District 5170 is conducting a
"Flash Campaign" (60 days) which started March 1 and will run until April 30.
Every Rotarian in our district is being asked to "join the team" and contribute a
one-time $50.00 donation to The Rotary Foundation, in support of the End Polio
Now campaign. Your $50.00 donation will be matched 2 to 1 by the Bill and
Melinda Gates Foundation thus bringing your contribution to $150. This 2 for 1 match is scheduled to end at the end of April.

Your HELP is needed today...

The Children of the World are counting
on you!

Meeting 2/28/2019

Posted by Kenneth Macy on Mar 03, 2019

This was our first and experimental evening meeting. The purpose is to attract some potential club members who for various reasons cannot come to our weekly breakfast meetings. Several of the officers and committee chairpersons spoke this evening.

Bob Frobish Janet Coit

Karen McNamara

President Linda Fawcett Mike Holton (membership)

Meeting 2/27/2019

Posted by Janet Coit on Feb 28, 2019

Today's speaker was Tom Helman with a presentation on his observations of modern-day West Bank peoples and villages. He went as part of the group Rebuilding Alliance from San Mateo county.

Tom Helman

Meeting 2/20/2019

Posted by Kenneth Macy on Feb 26, 2019

Today's speaker was Tina Davey. Tina is the general manager of the radio station KBCZ, the non-commercial, educational, 100 watt radio service of the Boulder Creek Recreation and Parks Department. This community radio station is at 90.1 FM, but currently heard on the air in the SLV only between Boulder Creek and Ben Lomond; they are working toward re-locating the antenna and transmitter at a site that will extend the signal all the way down the valley into Felton. The station can be heard anywhere in the world via the internet at https://www.kbcz.org/. Among several other radio services on the net where you can find KBCZ, Tina mentioned Radio Garden which lets one browse world-wide radio stations via and interface that looks like Google Earth.

Tina Davey

Meeting 2/13/2017

Posted by Kenneth Macy on Feb 13, 2019

Today was the annual club speech contest. There were 5 contestants and three cash prize winners: Malakai Lawton, Paris Shewfelt and Skylar Berggren.

Speech contest participants

Meeting 2/6/2019

Posted by Janet Coit on Feb 09, 2019

Member Ralph Miljanich was our presenter today. He made a trip to Thailand recently, connected with two Rotary Clubs and showed us lots of pictures of the visit.

Ralph Miljanich

Chiang Mai and Lanna Chiang Mai Rotary Club banners

Meeting 1/30/2019

Posted by Karen McNamara on Feb 03, 2019

Today's speaker was Rosemary Menard of the Santa Cruz Water Department. Part of her comments were on the current issue of modifying Santa Cruz City's water rights in connection with the San Lorenzo Valley.

Rosemary Menard

Meeting 1/23/2019

Posted by Julie Haff on Jan 24, 2019

Today, it was member Ed Titus showing us pictures of his various trips to Burning Man.

Ed Titus

Meeting 1/16/2019

Posted by Julie Haff on Jan 19, 2019

Today's speaker was Dorothy Wise, president of the Santa Cruz Symphony.

Dorothy Wise

Meeting 1/9/2019

Posted by Julie Haff on Jan 11, 2019

Club Assembly today!

Meeting 12/12/2018

Posted by Janet Coit on Dec 16, 2018

Today was club assembly for December. Lots of topics and announcements, including partnering with Scotts Valley Rotary for the proposed Lacy J. Dalton show in April.

Meeting 12/5/2018

Posted by Janet Coit on Dec 08, 2018

Today's speaker was Brenna Ewing of the Santa Cruz SPCA.

Brenna Ewing

Meeting 11/28/2018

Posted by Julie Haff on Nov 28, 2018

Today we installed new member Judy Sherman, sworn in by Mike Holton and attested to by Mary and Linda. The speaker was the Director of Development of the CASA program of Santa Cruz Lyndsey Marks.

Linda Fawcett, Judi Sherman, Mary Hammer

Lyndsey Marks

Meeting 11/14/2018

Posted by Julie Haff on Nov 28, 2018

Today was club Assembly for the month of November.

Meeting 10/31/2018

Posted by Kenneth Macy on Nov 12, 2018

Today's speaker was Visiting Rotarian Dave Wilson, presenting his experience in the Rotary Group Study Exchange, and his involvement in curbing Global terrorism.

Dave Wilson

Meeting 11/7/2018

Posted by Kenneth Macy on Nov 12, 2018

Today's speakers were Fred and Roberta McPherson. They presented their new video on the Turkey Foot confluence of the San Lorenzo River, Bear Creek and Boulder Creek. Fred also met later in the day with the Henry Cowell docents delivering a lecture on that topic.

I am sad to report that Fred died Thursday morning in his home. He had been so filled with passion and joy and concern during the recent Water Board Election, and when sharing their new video with our club on Wednesday, and remaining connected with people in every way.... friend, educator, mentor, father, grandfather. He loved this Valley and worked hard to protect and preserve it. He was an amazing photographer and videographer. He and Roberta produced some wonderful videos about our watershed. I will try to keep the club informed about plans regarding honoring him. Roberta has loving family and dear friends supporting her and is doing OK for now. Look around you and share your love and work for peace...Fred would like that.

Fred McPherson

Meeting 10/24/2018

Posted by Julie Haff on Oct 26, 2018

Today we had our own Bob Frobish narrate a few of the pictures he and Cindy made on their recent Rhine River cruise. He also included a couple of photos of long-time member Carol Miller who was being honored later that day by the Community Volunteer Center for her wonderful volunteerism with Mountain Parks Foundation, Felton Community Center and others. The group recognized Carol for her tireless efforts.

Bob Frobish

Carol Miller

Meeting 10/17/2018

Posted by Julie Haff on Oct 17, 2018

Today's speaker was Lisa Robinson, President of the SLV Museum. She went over the planning that is taking place for the use of the Faye Belardi Memorial building in Felton by the Museum after the Library is re-established in its new building next year,

Lisa Robinson

Meeting 10/3/2018

Posted by Kenneth Macy on Oct 03, 2018

Today Nancy Gerdt and Michelle Mosher gave us a thorough update on the new Felton Library and Discovery Park. They announced that construction machinery was on the site and at work! They expect completion/opening in early 2020.

Nancy Gerdt

Michelle Mosher

Meeting 9/26/2018

Posted by Julie Haff on Sep 26, 2018

Today's speaker and special guest is District 5170 Governor for 2018/2019, Tim Lundell.

Tim Lundell

Meeting 9/19/2018

Posted by Julie Haff on Sep 26, 2018

Speaker today was Carmel Jud, Founder and Executive Director of Rising International.

Carmel Jud

Community Project at Quail Hollow Park

Posted by Kenneth Macy on Sep 17, 2018

On Sunday, 9/16/2018, the Club got together to clean, sand and seal-coat the large picnic tables at Quail Hollow County park. Cindy arranged for the group picture. Charlie got there just in time to put a coat of sealer on a table _and_ for the photo!

Meeting 9/12/2018

Posted by Julie Haff on Sep 15, 2018

Our speaker today was 5th District County Supervisor Bruce McPherson. Updates on lots of topics.

Bruce McPherson

Meeting 9/5/2018

Posted by Charles Johnson on Sep 15, 2018

Today's speaker was Don Boys of the invention Convention.

Don Boys

Felton Library Groundbreaking

Posted by Kenneth Macy on Sep 14, 2018

Although not specifically a Rotary Club Event, this is something a lot of our members have been working on along with others in the community. Nancy Gerdt and Michelle Mosher will be speakers at the October 3 meeting.

Groundbreaking!

The celebratory groundbreaking for the new Felton Branch Library is Friday, September 21, at 4 pm on the new library site next to the Post Office on Gushee Street. The brief ceremony will be followed by refreshments, music, and mingling.

Felton Library Friends is deeply grateful to you and to all who have supported and continue to support the library/park project.

Please plan now to join your friends and neighbors in celebration of this wonderful new community resource. We hope to see you there!

Let's Celebrate!

Nancy Gerdt

Meeting 8/29/2018

Posted by Julie Haff on Aug 29, 2018

Christina Krem was the speaker today, Director of Camp Krem, a camp for all sorts of disabled people of all ages. Her father was our guest today from Downtown Auckland, NZ Rotary.

Christina Krem

Meeting 8/22/2018

Posted by Janet Coit on Aug 26, 2018

Today's speaker was Ray Gorski of the Scotts Valley Theater Guild.

Ray Gorski

Meeting 8/8/2018

Posted by Julie Haff on Aug 08, 2018

Club Assembly today.

Meeting 8/1/18

Posted by Kenneth Macy on Aug 01, 2018

Our speaker today was Kristin Praly, Horse Sense, working with youth.

Kristin Praly

Meeting 7/25/2018

Posted by Julie Haff on Jul 29, 2018

Bob Frobish and Cindy Sekkel were awarded Blue badges today. Ed Titus gave us his biographical talk toward earning the Blue badge. Finally, our four-year scholarship student Katie Lamb received her 2nd award of the $1,000 per year Fawcett/Griffin scholarship. Joe Griffin did the honors. Linda and Joe established this scholarship to honor their parents.

Ed Titus

Katie Lamb

Meeting 7/18/2018

Posted by Kenneth Macy on Jul 19, 2018

Today's meeting was very busy. Our RYLA campers Kaylo Koenig and Julia Potzinger were introduced by member Ralph and they talked a bit about their experience at the camp.

Kaylo, Julia and Ralph

Nancy Macy of the Redwood Mountain Faire presented President Linda with the proceeds of being one of the top Grant Groups providing volunteers at the Faire. Overall parking management was added this year on top of the Internal Traffic Control that we have provided over the past few years and this yielded a huge boost to our fund raising for the year.

President Linda with Nancy

Our speaker was Claire Campbell who operates the Ishara House organization in Congo, a safe-house for women and children there. She owns and operates a store in Felton selling crafts produced by the people who use Ishara in Congo.

Claire Campbell

Meeting 6/27/2018

Posted by Kenneth Macy on Jul 03, 2018

Today we hosted Jeff Gaffney, Director of Santa Cruz County Parks.

Jeff Gaffney

Meeting 6/20/2018

Posted by Kenneth Macy on Jun 20, 2018

Today Lauren Donnelly-Crocker addressed the Club about the Seymour Marine Discovery Center. Lauren is the Development Director there.

Lauren Donnelly-Crocker

Meeting 6/13/2018

Posted by Kenneth Macy on Jun 19, 2018

Today was Club Assembly. Several topics were discussed in addition to putting on a small baby shower for member Jessica. Bob Frobish regaled the club with pictures of his recent train trip with wife Cindy.

Bob

Jessica

Meeting 6/6/2018

Posted by Julie Haff on Jun 06, 2018

Today our speaker was Kevin McClish, Chief of the Boulder Creek fire Department.

Kevin McClish

Meeting 5/23/2018

Posted by Julie Haff on May 23, 2018

Our speaker today was Roxanne Moore of the Mountain Community Resources organization.

Roxanne Moore

Meeting 5/9/2018

Posted by Julie Haff on May 11, 2018

Today was club assembly for May.

Meeting 5/2/2018

Posted by Julie Haff on May 06, 2018

The meeting began with member Ralph Miljanich introducing the two RYLA campers from SLV HS for this year: Kaylo Zubey and Julia Poetzinger.

Ralph with Kaylo Zubey and Julia Poetzinger

Our guest speaker today was Dylan Skybrook, manager of Santa Cruz Stewardship Network.

Dylan Skybrook

Meeting 4/25/2018

Posted by Julie Haff on Apr 30, 2018

Our speaker today was Jessica Locatelli, presenting her Red Badge autobiographical talk.

Jessica

Redwood Mountain Faire 2018

Posted by Kenneth Macy on Apr 30, 2018

The Redwood Mountain Faire is coming SOON! Dance the day away to live music with your friends and family while enjoying tasty locally made food, cold beer, cider, and wine in an open field surrounded by redwoods in the Santa Cruz Mountains. Join us for a weekend-long music festival and arts & crafts fair that benefits local service organizations, including SLV Rotary and celebrates community. Everyone who attended the 2017 Faire helped to raise $47,000 for local non-profits and service organizations. Since the Faire's return in 2010, we have raised over $285,000 total.

Please be sure to sign up for a volunteer slot for the Internal Traffic Control (what we're been doing for several years) or the new one this year - Parking Coordination.

Meeting 4/18/2018

Posted by Julie Haff on Apr 18, 2018

Today's speaker was Carlos Palacios, Santa Cruz County Chief Administrative Officer. Fifth District Supervisor Bruce McPherson was here to introduce Mr Palacios.

Bruce McPherson

Carlos Palacios

The Group

Meeting 4/11/2018

Posted by Julie Haff on Apr 15, 2018

Club Assembly today!

Meeting 4/4/2018

Posted by Janet Coit on Apr 05, 2018

Today we had Dave Kuty as our guest speaker. He is a long-time docent at Henry Cowell State Park. He didn't talk about our redwood state parks in the area, but a recent trip to France where he and his wife paid a visit to the impressionist artist Claude Monet's garden. The French government has preserved Monet's residence and garden as a museum.

Dave Kuty

Monet's Lilies

Meeting 3/28/2018

Posted by Janet Coit on Mar 30, 2018

Today's speaker was Libby Leyden, editor of the Press Banner.

Libby Leyden

Meeting 3/21/2018

Posted by Julie Haff on Mar 27, 2018

Today the speaker was member Bob Frobish giving us his Red Badge autobiography, he pitched-in in place of the missing-in-action scheduled speaker, thanks Bob!

The minutes of the March 2018 Board meeting is posted in the under the View Club Documents link in the Member Area of this web site.

Bob Frobish

Meeting 3/7/2018

Posted by Julie Haff on Mar 09, 2018

There were lots of visitors today, including two officers from the Santa Cruz County Sheriff's Office - Jordan Brownlee and Adam Roberts. Since our scheduled speaker had an unexpected emergency arise and couldn't make it, we prevailed on the Officers to give an update on policing the county these days.

Adam Roberts

Jordan Brownlee

Speech Contest - Area 7

Posted by Kenneth Macy on Mar 05, 2018

The annual Rotary Area 7 Speech Contest is this week, March 6, 3:30 - 5:30. The venue is the Performing Arts Center at the San Lorenzo Valley High School in Felton.

Here are the participants in the speech contest:

Meeting 2/28/2018

Posted on Feb 28, 2018

Our speaker today was Dan Lazarus of Quail Hollow Park. Dan is a very knowledgeable Park interpreter and environmental educator.

Dan Lazarus

Meeting 2/21/2018

Posted by Julie Haff on Feb 21, 2018

Multiple guests were in attendance today, including County Supervisor Bruce McPherson who introduced the speaker George Dondero, Executive Director of the Regional Transportation Commission. George and his assistant Brianna gave an overview of Measure D and Senate Bill 1, both of which directly impact the improved situation of the roads in the county and especially the SLV.

Bruce McPherson

George Dondero

Meeting 2/14/2018

Posted by Kenneth Macy on Feb 17, 2018

Today we held our meeting in the Multi-Purpose room at the SLV High School. The occasion was our annual Speech Contest. There were 7 excellent presenters competing for the top 3 monetary awards. Here are some photos of the students. The follow-up Area 7 Contest will be held also at the High school, in the Performing Arts Center, March 6.

Valley Churches United Clean Up

Posted by Kenneth Macy on Feb 13, 2018

On Saturday February 10, a core group of the club spent about 4 hours assisting Valley Churches United in a general clean up and organizing. Karen was there admiring how clean the storm drain out front now looks.

There are more pictures on the web site page "Club Pages" under the Photo Album category.

Click Here: sitepage/club-pages/welcome

Meeting 2/7/2018

Posted by Julie Haff on Feb 09, 2018

Today we were able to present Bill Rush with a contribution for the Comunidad organization. Our speaker was Michael Tierra highlighting his acupuncture practice in Santa Cruz.

Bill Rush

Michael Tierra

Meeting 1/31/2018

Posted by Julie Haff on Feb 01, 2018

Today's speaker was Rachel Bickert from State Senator Bill Monning's office.

Rachel Bickert

Meeting 1/24/2018

Posted by Julie Haff on Jan 29, 2018

Today's speakers were Kate Teague and Joy Anderson, California Youth Connection.

Kate Teague

Joy Anderson

Meeting 1/17/2017

Posted by Julie Haff on Jan 17, 2018

Today's speaker was Susan True of the Community Foundation.

Susan True

Meeting 1/10/2018

Posted by Julie Haff on Jan 13, 2018

Monthly club assembly for January was the program for today.

Meeting 1/3/2018

Posted by Janet Coit on Jan 03, 2018

Today's speaker was Lauren Lozier. Lauren is a very active member of the SLV High School Interact Club and her family is hosting an exchange student from Spain. Lauren was able to take advantage of an opportunity to visit Spain last year and she related that experience today.

Lauren Lozier

Meeting 12/13/2017

Posted by Janet Coit on Dec 19, 2017

Today was December Club Assembly. Main topics were Homeless Service Center project and the Redwood Mountain Faire.

Meeting 12/6/2017

Posted by Janet Coit on Dec 08, 2017

Today Scott Webb gave his blue badge talk. His background includes numerous stints in managing group camps around California. He is currently CEO of Easterseals which owns and operates Camp Harmon here in Boulder Creek. He and his wife Tammie have a blended family with 8 children and they live at Camp Harmon. In the early days of the SLV Rotary Club Scott had been President-elect before a job opportunity required a move to southern California.

Scott Webb

Meeting 11/29/2017

Posted by Julie Haff on Dec 02, 2017

We inducted new member Jessica Locatelli today and then heard speaker Phil Kramer, executive director of the Santa Cruz Homeless Services Center.

Janet Coit, Jessica Locatelli, Karen McNamara

Phil Kramer

Meeting 11/15/2017

Posted by Julie Haff on Nov 17, 2017

Our speaker today was Emily Muscatel, daughter of member Julie Haff. Emily has lived all over the world and she talked today about a recent trip to India.

Emily Muscatel

Meeting 11/8/2017

Posted by Janet Coit on Nov 10, 2017

Club Assembly today.

Meeting 10/25/2017

Posted by Julie Haff on Nov 02, 2017

Today's guest speaker was Jason Borgen, Director of Learning and Innovation, Portola Valley School District. Topic was Maker Spaces that he is implementing at his school district.

Jason Borgen

Meeting 11/1/2017

Posted by Julie Haff on Nov 02, 2017

No guest speaker today. The Rotarians put labels in dictionaries.

Meeting 10/18/2017

Posted by Janet Coit on Oct 19, 2017

Today's speaker was Christine Chopra, Executive Director of the S4C. The goal of S4C is to increase post-secondary access and attainment for students in Santa Cruz County.

Meeting 10/11/2017

Posted by Julie Haff on Oct 19, 2017

Today was the monthly Club Assembly!

Meeting 10/4/2017

Posted by Julie Haff on Oct 05, 2017

Today's speaker was Chris Schiermeyer SLV USD Assistant Superintendent for Business. He is currently leading an investigation into how the District can help with the current housing crisis that our teachers are facing.

Chris Scheirmeyer

Meeting 9/27/2017

Posted by Janet Coit on Sep 28, 2017

Our surprise substitute speaker today was Cameron Haste. He presented a nice set of photos from his recent trip to Tonga, working off his list of the "least visited countries in the world." The slide that I happened to capture here is where he explains how he figured out how to eat a meal without utensils.

Cameron Haste

Meeting 9/20/2017

Posted by Kenneth Macy on Sep 25, 2017

Today was a visit from Nancy Macy of the Redwood Mountain Faire Steering Committee. She presented a check to President Karen MacNamara for our club's participation in this years Redwood Mountain Faire as a "grant group".

Karen and Nancy

Today's speaker was Hallie Greene, also of the Redwood Mountain Faire Steering committee. She is Director of the Boulder Creek Recreation District and gave the group on update on the activities of the district.

Hallie Greene

Meeting 9/6/2017

Posted by Julie Haff on Sep 18, 2017

Our guest speaker today was 5170 DG Orrin Mahoney. We prevailed on Orrin to do the induction honors of our new members Scott and Tammie Webb.

Scott, Tammie, DG Orrin Mahoney

Meeting 9/13/2017

Posted by Julie Haff on Sep 16, 2017

Today was our monthly Club Assembly. Among other topics, Member Ralph discussed the Felton Library Friends.

Artist's conception of the new Felton Library

Meeting 8/30/2017

Posted by Julie Haff on Aug 31, 2017

Today's speaker was Sibley Simon, presenting his group's successful approaches to homelessness in Santa Cruz.

Sibley Simon

Meeting 8/2/2017

Posted by Julie Haff on Aug 06, 2017

The speakers today were Bill Rush and Teresa Todd of the Communidad Group.

Teresa and Bill

7/26/2017 Meeting

Posted by Janet Coit on Jul 27, 2017

Today's speaker was Susan Goldstein of the Waldorf Education organization.

Susan Goldstein

Meeting 7/19/2017

Posted by Janet Coit on Jul 19, 2017

Today we heard from our RYLA camper Kayla on her experiences.

Kayla

Meeting 6/28/2017

Posted by Julie Haff on Jul 19, 2017

Meeting of June 28, 2017

Meeting June 21, 2017

Posted by Julie Haff on Jun 22, 2017

The speaker today was Shannon Calden, Principle of the SLV Middle School.

Shannon Calden

Meeting May 31, 2017

Posted by Julie Haff on Jun 07, 2017

Today's speaker was Linda Skeff. Topics were invasive plant species, restoration of native species and the Americorps team that was here working on these issues in local parks in our area.

Linda Skeff

Meeting June 7, 2017

Posted by Janet Coit on Jun 07, 2017

Our guest today was Peter Gelblum who spoke about the ACLU, especially the Northern California affiliate. The Northern California affiliate is the largest by membership in the nation.

Peter Gelblum

Meeting 5/24/2017

Posted by Julie Haff on May 28, 2017

Today's Speaker was Norm Crandell, Felton Chiropractor, presenting the Orphanage in Baja that he supports. President Karen related the presentation of our scholarship grants to SLV High grads.

Norm Crandall

Karen & Joe at the SLV High Awards program

Recent & Upcoming

District 5170 Conference

President Karen McNamara reported at our last meeting on the great attendance figures of our club at the recent District Conference, our club outdoing all the other clubs in the district! Karen, President-elect Cameron Haste and Secretary Julie Haff enjoyed the banquet.

Karen, Julie & Cameron

2017 Redwood Mountain Faire - June 3 & 4

Follow the link to get all the information you need to know about this year's Redwood Mountain Faire: http://www.redwoodmountainfaire.com/. From local musicians to Grammy award winning players and bands to beautiful arts & crafts vendors, it's all at the Faire. Our club is fortunate to be a grant group volunteering 13 of our members helping with vehicle traffic and parking.

Meeting May 17, 2017

Posted by Julie Haff on May 17, 2017

Today President Karen swore in new member Scott Deal, with his wife Linda attending as guest of the club. Our speaker today was Jen Michelsen, SLV Water District Environmental Program Manager.

Scott and Karen

Jen Michelsen

Meeting May 10, 2017

Posted by Janet Coit on May 11, 2017

This was the May Club Assembly meeting.

Meeting 5/3/17

Posted by Julie Haff on May 05, 2017

The speaker today was Michelle Serna discussing the TEDx session she is putting together for the Salinas Valley.

Michelle Serna

Meeting April 26, 2017

Today's speaker was Scott Deal, talking about his podcast and video production enterprise. This featured a number of Cowboy & Western musicians.

Scott Deal

Meeting 4/19/2017

Today the speaker was Michael Becker of the Mountain Community Resources.

Mike Becker

Meeting 4/12/17

Posted by Julie Haff on Apr 14, 2017

Today was Club Assembly for April.

Meeting 3/22/2017

Posted by Julie Haff on Apr 08, 2017

Today's speaker was Chris Hennessy presenting his video Touched by Hannah. We also hosted District 5170 DG Jeff Orth for the presentation of the year's laptop computer to a Boulder Creek Elementary student. Along with DG Orth, Bob Gretch of the District computer grant program was here to give the laptop to 5th grader Billy Eaton. Before we got underwas, Karen presented our Casa Nostra host Mario with new-baby gifts from the club.

Mario and Karen

Chris Hennessy

5170 DG Jeff Orth

Billy Eaton and Bob Gretch

Meeting 4/5/2017

Posted by Julie Haff on Apr 08, 2017

The speaker today was Santa Cruz Sheriff Sergeant Brian Cleveland.

Sgt. Brian Cleveland

Meeting 3/29/2017

Posted by Kenneth Macy on Mar 30, 2017

Our speaker today was Nancy Gerdt, Co-Chair of the Felton Library Friends. She gave an overview of the project which is on track for completion in 2019.

Nancy has lived in Felton since 1982. She has been a business owner, teacher, and community activist. Beginning with the issue of locally owned water in Felton in 2003, she then became interested in libraries and in their power to transform lives. In 2005 she became one of the founding members of Felton Library Friends. She served for eight years on the Santa Cruz Library Joint Powers Board from 2006 to 2013 advocating for a better facility in the SLV. In 2016 she along with many other community members successfully worked on the county wide library Measure S campaign. She is currently working with other community members on various projects that will enhance the new Felton branch and serves on the new county-wide Library Advisory Commission.

Nancy Gerdt

Meeting March 8, 2017

Posted by Julie Haff on Mar 20, 2017

Minutes of Rotary Club of SLV

Mar 8, 2017

Members in attendance: Judy, Don, Laurie, Linda, Joe, Julie, Mary, Heather, Brenda, Charlie, Steve, Ken, Karen, Ralph, Carol, Sue, Franziska. Guests: Larry Donatelle from SJ Rotary

President Karen opened the meeting with the flag salute, introductions and Thought for the Day.

Meeting 3/15/2017

Posted by Julie Haff on Mar 15, 2017

Today member Sue Seeger delivered her autobiographical speech to the other members of the group, earning her Blue Badge!

Sue Seeger

Meeting 3/1/2017

Posted by Julie Haff on Mar 05, 2017

Today's speaker is Joe Eckhardt of the SLV Alano Club. Karen also announced the SLV Rotary Social March 6 at Casa Nostra. Also announced is the upcoming District 5170 Conference at the Boardwalk, May 6 & 7.

Joe Eckhardt

Meeting February 22, 2017

The guest speaker today was Jacqui Rice of the SLV Education Foundation.

Jacqui Rice

Meeting 2/8/2017

Posted by Julie Haff on Feb 12, 2017

Cameron received the Paul Harris Fellow award today. Today was our monthly club assembly to catch up on business and other topics for the club. See the attached minutes.

Cameron Haste

Meeting February 1, 2017

Posted by Julie Haff on Feb 04, 2017

Peter and Michelle Gelblum talked to the group about their passion, Mountain Community Theater. Also member Judy Anderson was named a Paul Harris Fellow.

Judy Anderson with Mike Holton

Michelle Gelblum

Peter Gelblum

Meeting 1/25/2017

Posted by Kenneth Macy on Jan 26, 2017

The featured speaker today was member Mary Hammer, who gave a reprise of her Blue Badge biographical presentation.

Mary Hammer

We hosted 6 members of the Rotaract Club of UCSC today: Jana Eisner, Millie Angulo, Alyssa Adams, Bonnie Baichen, Will Knudson, Cari Calabi. They made several fundraiser announcements including "Individual Skills" offering assistance in various areas of their expertise (computer repair, gardening, office management, pet care, car maintenance, ...); and an upcoming dinner and auction in support of Jacob's Heart and Feed the Children, April 29 or May 6.

Meeting 1/18/2017

Posted by Julie Haff on Jan 26, 2017

We have a new Rotary sign posted at the Bear statue near the north end of Boulder Creek on Highway 9. Thanks Mike, Charlie and Steve.

Today's speakers were Brenda Payne and Ann Cawley of the California Invention Convention.

Brenda Payne

Ann Cawley

Meeting 1/4/2017

Posted by Julie Haff on Jan 13, 2017

Fred and Reberta McPherson presented their new video on the Fall Creek Watershed. The highlight of the meeting for me today was receiving the Paul Harris Fellow award. Thank you Mike and the group.

Meeting 12/14/2016

Posted by Kenneth Macy on Dec 31, 2016

The Christmas Holiday Shop event was the main topic today. Big fun all around.

Meeting 12/7/2016

Posted by Julie Haff on Dec 10, 2016

Today we had a very well-attended meeting to recognize the Rotary Vocational community member of the quarter, Tom Shreve, engineer at Roaring Camp in Felton. Owner Melani Clark gave some background on Roaring Camp and also Tom's contributions there. Roaring Camp has been a fixture of the San Lorenzo Valley for 52 years there have been over 4 million passengers over the years. The Club's vocational chairperson Carol Miller presented the certificate of appreciation to Tom.

Today the Club also presented a contribution to the BECA project, Bill Rush and Teresa Todd were here for that.

Bill Rush, Karen McNamara & Teresa Todd

Melani Clark, Roaring Camp

Tom Shreve, Engineer at Roaring Camp

Raffaele (Casa Nostra), Ty Armstrong, Melani Clark (Roaring Camp), Carol Miller, Nate Goodman (Roaring Camp), Karen McNamara, Tom Shreve

Meeting 11/30/2016

Posted by Kenneth Macy on Dec 03, 2016

Today's speaker cancelled so we had another club assembly meeting. Ralph returned from his travels to Ecuador where he did a make-up with the Cuenca Rotary club and we have another banner to add to our collection. To see the interesting list of all the club's banners click on the Banners link over on the right of our home page. The collection was begun in 1985 and maintained most of the last 4 decades by Founder Gil Gunn.

Karen, Ralph and our new banner from Cuenca, Ecuador

Meeting 11/16/2016

Posted by Julie Haff on Nov 15, 2016

Today's speaker was Vicky Martinez of the Communidad Para Baja organization, introduced by Teresa Todd.

Vicky

Teresa

Meeting 11/9/2016

Posted by Janet Coit on Nov 10, 2016

Today was the club's monthly Assembly meeting. Topics discussed were numerous and wide-ranging.

Meeting 11/2/2016

Posted by Julie Haff on Nov 03, 2016

Our speaker today was Peggy Pollard from the Santa Cruz Sunrise club. Presenting that club's International project, Clean Water & Economi Development in Kasese Uganda.

Peggy

Meeting 10/26/2016

Posted by Julie Haff on Oct 26, 2016

Today's guests and speakers were 5170 District Governor Jeff Orth and Barbara Orth. Barbara presented this year's DG Partner's Project "Read Me a Picture". The mission of the project is to promote visual literacy, vocabulary development and art appreciation, as well as opportunity to exercise a child's imagination - through book ownership.

Member Cameron made quite an impression on our District Governor with his impeccable sense of style.

Jeff Orth

Barbara Orth

Cameron Haste

Meeting 10/19/2016

Posted by Julie Haff on Oct 18, 2016

Today's presenter is Ron Sekkel. He went over some of the processes of the 2016 Rotary International Council on Legislation for the group.

Meeting 10/12/2016

Posted by Julie Haff on Oct 15, 2016

Today was the monthly Club Assembly for October.

Meeting 10/5/2016

Posted by Julie Haff on Oct 15, 2016

Today's presenter was Charlie Johnson who did a reprise of his Blue Badge talk.

Barrel Wrap

Posted by Franziska Sievers on Sep 30, 2016

At the Second Harvest Barrel Wrap today. Mike, Karen and Carol. Looks like fun for all.

Meeting 9/28/2016

Posted by Janet Coit

Today's speaker was Jeff Calden, SLV High School Principle. Jeff is a native SLV resident, growing up in Boulder Creek.

Meeting 9/21/2016

Posted by Janet Coit on Sep 24, 2016

Finally we had a winner of the largest Raffle Prize in the history of this club - I feel fairly secure in making that claim! Member Cameron Haste found the Joker in the deck and he has a very good place to spend the prize.

Cameron Haste

Our guest speakers today were Debbie Brooks and Tara Ireland of the Santa Cruz Volunteer Center.

Tara Ireland

Meeting 9/14/2016

Posted by Julie Haff on Sep 15, 2016

Today was our monthly Club Assembly meeting, but we had a short presentation from Jim LeBlanc, Saratoga Rotary Club and Regional Director for the Internation Foundation Giving Program.

Jim LeBlanc

Avenues of Service 2016

Posted by Karen McNamara on Sep 14, 2016

Meeting 8/31/2016

Posted by Julie Haff on Sep 14, 2016

Today's guest speakers were Ron Sekkel and John Fisher.

Meeting 9/7/2016

Posted by Julie Haff on Sep 14, 2016

The speaker today was Patricia Potts from Leo's Haven.

Meeting 8/24/2016

Posted by Julie Haff on Aug 26, 2016

We hosted two visiting Rotarians today - Michele Robins from Moraga and Robin Wells from Tehachapi (a great fan of the Dodgers). Today's speaker was our own Carol Miller who updated her Blue Badge biography talk for the club.

Michele & Robin

Carol Miller

Meeting 8/10/2016

Posted by Julie Haff on Aug 11, 2016

Welcome Francizska Sievers, the newest member of the Rotary Club of San Lorenzo Valley. She gave us a brief autobiography.

Francizska Sievers

Meeting 7/20/2016

Posted by Julie Haff on Jul 21, 2016

Karen led the club assembly meeting today with various announcement and updates from the monthly Area 7 presidents' meeting, including the Area 7 Mixer scheduled for August 29, 6pm at Bruno's in Scotts Valley.

Bruno's BBQ Restaurant

Meeting 7/13/2016

Posted by Janet Coit on Jul 19, 2016

Today was Karen's first full meeting as President for 2016/2017. We were addressed by the RYLA attendees Logan and Lauren. And Eric Hammer received his Blue badge!

Eric Hammer and Family

Meeting 7/6/2016

Posted by Janet Coit on Jul 10, 2016

7/6/2016

Today's featured guest was Donna Maurillo, the new District 7 Assistant Governor. She spoke about her involvement with Rotary and then inducted the key officers of our club for 2016/2017. There was a good group of us at President Karen's home for the debunking of outgoing President Mike. Mike has been calling for Yo-Yos since he first arrived here in SLV - he got some today.

Karen, Mike, Carol, Steve, Janet, Ken, Judy, Mary, Julie

Meeting 6/29/2016

Posted by Kenneth Macy on Jun 29, 2016

6/29/2016

This was the last meeting of the 2015/2016 Rotary year for the group. Today's guest speaker was Rhonda Schlosser, principal of the SLVUSD Charter School. Dick Scoppettone of the Scotts Valley club visited today to talk about getting together with our club for a monthly community project happening on the second Saturday of each month, 9am - 12noon.

Rhonda Schlosser

Dick Scoppettone

Meeting 6/22/2016

Posted by Julie Haff on Jun 25, 2016

6/22/2016

Our speaker today was introduced by Joe Griffin, a former co-worker of his at the California Conservation Corps (CCC), Brenda Herrmann. She was accompanied by another CCC staff person Eric Tillery.

Brenda Herrmann

Erik Tillery

Meeting 6/15/2016

Posted by Julie Haff on Jun 21, 2016

6/15/2016

Special guests Kristin and Katelyn Praley presented Katelyn's plans to participate in Rotary's Youth Exchange Program. Katelyn will be travelling and staying in Brazil with a family this year and they are looking for a family to host a Rotary Exchange student in the SLV.

Katelyn & Kristin

Then our own member Cameron Haste, fearless arctic explorer, dazzled the group with his pictures from he and his family's recent trip to the Arctic, Lapland, actually, including the Ice Hotel in Kiruna, far north Finland! Another town they visited was Kangos. We have one of his photos here of the Aurora they witnessed.

Cameron Haste

Aurora (Northern Lights) over Lapland

Meeting 6/8/2016

Posted by Julie Haff on Jun 08, 2016

Distinguished visitors today included District Governor Susan Valenta, PDG Ron Sekkel and SLV past-president Priscilla Weiss.

Mike inducted Ralph Miljanich to the club and Governor Valenta presented the club with the Rotary President's Presidential Citation Award.

New member Ralph Miljanich with Linda Fawcett and Mike Holton

District Governor Susan Valenta

Governor Valenta presents the Presidential Citation Award to the club

Redwood Mountain Faire

Posted by Kenneth Macy on Jun 08, 2016

Rotary Club of San Lorenzo Valley is excited to have participated in the 2016 Redwood Mountain Faire. Our members worked various shifts of Internal Traffic Control over Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday. On Sunday morning Julie, Larry and Karen provided coffee service to the early rising vendors and stage and sound workers. A large urn of coffee was donated by Steve Taylor of the Mountain Roasting company in Felton.

Hallie with Larry Haff and Karen at the Rotary Coffee Service

Brenda Holmes, Jillian Rose, Linda Fawcett, Ken Macy getting pumped up for our shift

https://www.facebook.com/events/140173706338642/
https://www.facebook.com/events/1667031413548463/

Meeting 5/18/2016

Posted by Julie Haff on May 21, 2016

5/18/2016

The guest speaker today was Lynn Robinson, Executive Director of Valley Churches United Missions.

Lynn Robinson

Meeting 5/11/2016

Posted by Julie Haff on May 11, 2016

Speakers today at the club assembly were: Laurie Bruton (new Blue Badge), Bailey Duarte (UCSC Rotaract Club) and Bill Rush (BECA Project).

Bailey Duarte

Bill Rush

Laurie Bruton, Mike Holton

Meeting 5/4/2016

Posted by Kenneth Macy on May 07, 2016

Today our speaker was Lance Linares of the Community Foundation of Santa Cruz County. In the San Lorenzo Valley, Community Foundation is represented by the Mountain Community Resources organization.

Lance Linares

Meeting 4/20/2016

Posted by Julie Haff on Apr 20, 2016

Minutes of Rotary Club of SLV

April 20, 2016

Members in attendance: Don, Laurie, Janet, Linda, Joe G, Julie, Mary, Cameron, Mike, Charles, Steve, Ken, Karen, Carol, Sue, and Bill. Guests: Scott Webb and Ralph Miljanvoich

Guest Speaker: Scott Weber, Director of Easter Seals Camp Harmon

Scott Weber

Meeting 4/13/2016

Posted by Kenneth Macy on Apr 16, 2016

Instead of Club Assembly, today we were visited by George Wylie and Jim Mosher to update the club on Measure S in the June election, successful passage of which will provide a bond issue to support the county libraries, including building a new library in Felton.

George Wiley and Jim Mosher

President-elect Karen McNamara announced the scheduled memorial for Club founder Joe Busa will be held at Joe's residence in Ben Lomond, Saturday April 30 at 2pm. The Club members are invited.

Meeting 4/5/2016

Posted by Julie Haff on Apr 06, 2016

Today's speaker was Kevin Foster from the Boulder Creek CERT, a part of the overall Santa Cruz County CERT.

Kevin Foster

Meeting 3/30/2016

Posted by Julie Haff on Apr 02, 2016

Today's Guest Speaker was Jim LeBlanc of the Rotary Foundation:

Meeting 3/23/2016

Posted by Julie Haff on Mar 24, 2016

Today's meeting featured the club's Vocational Award presentation. The award was presented by member Joe Griffin to Daniel Williford, California State Parks Interpreter; also here for the presentation was Elizabeth Hammack, California State Parks Interpreter III, Daniel's current supervisor. The photos here are Daniel, Daniel with Elizabeth and Daniel with Joe.

Meeting 3/16/2016

Posted by Julie Haff on Mar 18, 2016

Today's meeting was at the Ben Lomond Bistro. The speakers were Bill Rush and Teresa Todd of Los Medicos Voladores. Bill emphasized that the next trip available for Rotarian "Ride-Alongs" is September 1 - 4 for the BECA Health Fair in northern Mexico.

Bill Rush Teresa Todd

Meeting 3/9/2016

Posted by Janet Coit on Mar 18, 2016

This was our monthly club assembly meeting.

Meeting 3/2/2016 Short

Posted by Janet Coit on Mar 04, 2016

Meeting Recap 3/2/2016

-Mike introduced our Speaker Brian King from Wilderness Skills Institute.

Brian King

Brian first told how his grandfather from Phoenix had met Paul Harris on a train and his grandfather decided he wanted to have the Phoenix 100^th Rotary Club chartered and was able to accomplish that.

The Wilderness Skills Institute is an education outside in nature. It is a 180-day school located in Scotts Valley for students K-12 were they can receive a HS diploma. They also offer summer camps for 3 weeks. They will have 14 students in the Fall. Brian showed a presentation of all the different activities the students are exposed to and answered questions after.

(See the complete minutes on the Stories Link on our home page.)

Meeting 3/2/2016

Posted by Janet Coit on Mar 04, 2016

-Mike introduced our Speaker Brian King from Wilderness Skills Institute.

Brian King

Meeting 2/24/2016

Posted by Janet Coit on Feb 25, 2016

See full text of meeting minutes at: http://portal.clubrunner.ca/6779/SitePage/meeting-summaries/meeting-2-24-2016

Mike introduced our speaker from the Scotts Valley Club, Zeda Dowell. Zeda was born a Muslim but converted to Christianity as an adult. She gave her opinions on Islam.

Zeda Dowell

February 17 Meeting

Posted by Janet Coit on Feb 24, 2016

For the complete recap of the meeting today, see the document at: http://portal.clubrunner.ca/6779/SitePage/meeting-summaries/meeting-2-17-2016

Janet introduced out speakers, Ruben Garcia and Jose Hernandez from Monarch Services. They had an interesting program telling us the services Monarch provides which include domestic violence crisis intervention with children and youth support groups, a sexual assault response team and human trafficking information. Most services are confidential unless a child is involved. They work closely with the police and nursing staffs with sexual assault cases. There are 2 offices, one in Watsonville and one in Santa Cruz and have support groups in English and Spanish. They are the only agency in Santa Cruz County that provides services to women, children, youth and men. They have a 24-hour crisis line and have a confidential shelter for women and children and will provide hotel vouchers for men. They have volunteer training for outreach and an intensive training for crisis line volunteers.

Meeting 2/10/2016

Posted by Janet Coit on Feb 11, 2016

Club Assembly

2-10-16

-Mike rang the bell at 7:30 AM

-Steve led us in the Pledge and 4 Way Test

-Don had the Thought for the Day

-Mike reported on several Rotarians who were not in attendance.

-Charlie led us in singing Happy Birthday to Laurie.

-Mike handed out the Perfect Attendance Awards.

-Mike handed out the previously missing Rotarian of Month Awards to:

Charlie-Sgt. at Arms duties

Laurie-Speech Contest

Ken-stepping in as Treasurer

-Laurie spoke about the Speech Contest and how the 2 young ladies enjoyed the experience. Madeline will have a practice session with a Rotarian audience at the Clubhouse at Bear Creek Park (across from Mike and Janet’s cabin) on Wednesday, Feb. 17^th at 4:00 PM. All Rotarians are welcome to attend.

-Steve reported receiving a letter of thanks from the Dictionary Company for the donation of $486. He reported that over the years there have been 2,160 dictionaries donated in the San Lorenzo Valley schools.

-Mike reported that the RYLA interviews would be next Friday the 19^th. There will be a short meeting for the interviewers after next week’s meeting. So far there are 3 RYLA candidates.

-Mary spoke about the MCR Phone-a-thon. SLV Rotary and Interact members will be volunteering on Sunday, February 21^st from 2-6 PM.

-Karen reported that the SV Trivia Contest on February 27^th has been filled and she was unable to register the SLV Rotary team. Mike will try to get the team registered at the President’s meeting on Friday.

-Brenda reported there is a fundraiser for Mt. Parks Foundation at Shadowbrook Restaurant on Tuesday, March 8^th. If you mention Mt. Parks, 1/3 of the meal and drinks cost will be donated to Mt. Parks.

-The SV / SLV Rotary Social will be March 11^th at the Boulder Creek Pizza & Pub starting at 6:15 PM.

-April 27^th the club will be dark but we will have a field trip to Brookdale Lodge starting at noon for a tour by Pravin Patel.

-Mary reported that the Sam Farr Roast would be May 6^th from 5:30-9 PM at the Aptos Seascape Golf course. $150 per person.

-Charlie reported that the Polio Plus jar was very full so he took it last week to Bay Federal and had the money counted. Charlie presented a check to the club for $108.98.

-Bill was Detective and asked questions about leading men in the movies. Followed by Happy Bucks

-Brenda Holmes presented her Blue Badge talk about herself to fulfill that requirement. It was very entertaining, recalling her volunteerism and lessons learned in each decade of her life.

Brenda Holmes

-Assembly items:

Ken reported that the 3^rd Quarter billing has been sent out.
Next week raffle tickets will be purchased with cash at each meeting.
Each winner of the raffle will receive $5
If the raffle winner is a Rotarian, they will get to pull a card or marble.
$1=1 ticket
$2=3 tickets
$5=10 tickets

-Membership

Mike reported Brittney Overbeck will be leaving the position as District Administrator to work in Santa Cruz. Mike encouraged members to reach out to her to invite her to consider joining SLV Rotary.

-Janet reported that there might be an opportunity for community service helping in construction for the SLV high school Safe and Sober Celebration.

-Karen had the winning raffle ticket and won $5, but didn’t pick the Joker.

-Mike adjourned the meeting at 8:30 AM with our motto Service Above Self.

Respectfully submitted by Janet Coit for Julie Haff.

Meeting 1/27/2016

Posted by Julie Haff

Minutes of Rotary Club of SLV

January 27, 2016

Members in attendance: Judy, Don, Laurie, Janet, Linda, Joe G, Gil, Julie, Mary, Cameron, Mike, Charles, Steve, Ken, Karen, Carol, and Bill. Guests: Pravin Patel, Ralph, Bob Lewis, Jim Anderson, and from UCSC Rotaract: Marcelo, Sarah, Jessie, Bailey Duarte, President.

Guest Speaker: Sheriff Jim Hart

President Mike opened the meeting with the flag salute, introductions and Thought for the Day.

Announcements: Bailey from UCSC’s Rotartact said members of the Rotaract Club will work at your business or home for $10 an hour. They are raising money to support their visit by Interact students.

Bailey Duarte

Pravin Patel updated us on the progress on the Brookdale Lodge. He is hoping to have phase 1 opening up in spring 2016.

Pravin Patel

Detective: Karen tested us on our knowledge of vegetables.

Guest Speaker: Sheriff Jim Hart was raised in Santa Cruz, lives in Scotts Valley and was elected Sheriff in 2014. The Sherriff spoke about the use of excessive force in the country and is implementing 79 recommendations for 21^st Century Plan for law enforcement. Santa Cruz County will be the first agency in California is to adopt these recommendations. There are 3 new laws that went into effect in January: AB 66 - body cameras, AB 953 - reporting of demographics for all officer stops, and AB 71 all injuries when force is used. Crime is actually very low in the county and it is estimated to be at the same level as the early 1960s.

Sheriff Jim Hart

The meeting was adjourned at 8:30.

Minutes respectfully submitted by

Meeting 1/20/2016

Posted by Julie Haff on Jan 23, 2016

Minutes of Rotary Club of SLV

January 20, 2016

Members in attendance: Judy, Don, Laurie, Janet, Linda, Joe G, Julie, Eric, Mary, Mike, Charles, Steve, Ken, Karen, Brenda, and Bill. Guests: Ralph

Guest Speaker: none

President Mike opened the meeting with the flag salute, introductions and Thought for the Day.

Speech Contest

The theme of the contest is Be a Gift to the World. The directions include weaving in the Four Way Test. We had two speakers from SLVHS.

Madeline Peterson was awarded first place in our speech contest and received a certificate and check for $200. She will represent SLV Rotary at the Area 7 speech contest. Jasmine Brack received a check for $100 and a second place certificate.

Jasmine Brack

Madeline Peterson

Announcements: Karen updated us on PETS; Sheriff Jim Hart will be here next week; Feb. 25 is the Area speech contest. It will start at 12:15.

Detective: Karen, New England Trivia

Drawing: Bill did not find the Joker!

The meeting was adjourned at 8:25.

Minutes respectfully submitted by J.Haff

Meeting 1/6/2016

Posted by Julie Haff on Jan 09, 2016

Minutes of Rotary Club of SLV

January 6, 2016

Members in attendance: Judy, Laurie, Janet, Linda, Joe G, Julie, Mary, Heather, Mike, Charles, Karen, Carol, Ken, and Bill. Guests: Lynn from Valley Churches

Guest Speaker: Peggy Flynn

President Mike opened the meeting with the flag salute, introductions and Thought for the Day.

Announcements: We collected over $500 at our Christmas Party. The donation will go to one of our previous members and will be matched by two different individuals and B of A. January Speech Contest will be in the morning on January 20. The area contest will be February 25 at the Aptos club meeting. Board meeting after today’s meeting. MCR has enough socks this year but now needs new underwear for their clients. Please bring them to the next meeting. Redwood Mountain Fair June 2-5 2016. Lynn thanked SLV Rotary for sponsoring five children at Christmas.

Detective: New Year’s trivia—thanks Karen!

Happy Bucks: Thanks all!

Guest Speaker: Peggy Flynn spoke about her service in the Peace Corps in the Botswana. 40% of all Peace Corps workers go to Africa. The average age of a Peace Corps worker has gone from 24 to 28 to 30. The Peace Corp is now looking for “Baby Boomers” to volunteer. Workers volunteer for 27 months and Peggy has just extended her time by one year. Almost all of the work in Botswana is working on the AIDS epidemic. Life expectancy in the late 1980’s dropped to 39. It has since gone back up to 64.

Peggy has been working to develop a teen club in her village (14,000 people in the village) to help youth with emotional problems stemming from being HIV positive. Because of this project, Peggy decided to volunteer for an additional year. Her position is similar to that of a county health worker. She has facilitated gender based violence programs and fundraisers, including a first ever art auction. SLV Rotary Club helped last year by donating seed money for the supplies for the art auction.

The government has money for projects to help reduce poverty. Peggy shared pictures of villagers gardening, raising chickens and cattle, and sewing. She also shared pictures of animals when she was on safari. Peggy lives in government housing and has electricity. About 25% of the population lives in traditional housing made of grasses and not everyone has electricity. She encourages others to consider joining the Peace Corps.

Peggy Flynn

Drawing: Bill’s number was drawn but he did not find the joker!!

The meeting was adjourned at 8:30.

Minutes respectfully submitted by J. Haff

Photos from Holiday Party 2015

Posted by Kenneth Macy on Dec 16, 2015

Larry Haff took some photos at the Party last night, before I post them to SNAPCHAT, take a look (kidding!).

The photo album is on the web site on the About Our Club Page linked on the left hand side of the page.

http://portal.clubrunner.ca/6779/PhotoAlbums/christmas-party-2015

Meeting 12/16/2015

Posted by Julie Haff on Dec 15, 2015

Minutes of Rotary Club of SLV

December 16, 2015

Members in attendance: Judy, Don, Laurie, Janet, Linda, Joe G, Julie, Eric, Mary, Cameron, Heather, Mike, Charles, Steve, Ken, Karen, Carol, Bill, Brenda and Thomas. Guests: Brittany Overbeck, Priscilla Weiss, Francine Lapias, and Jim Anderson.

Guest Speaker: Governor Susan Valenta

President Mike opened the meeting with the flag salute, introductions and Thought for the Day. Charlie led the group in birthday, anniversary and holiday songs.

Perfect attendance (absent last week): Julie, Steve

Announcements:

Don said the Food Drive with Scotts Valley brought in $1200 in cash, cans, and turkeys. Eric will be in charge of Thought for the Day in January. Holiday Party will be at Joe and Linda’s house. Speech contest will be held on Jan. 20, 2016. Children and families enjoyed our first holiday shopping trip and meal. Karen thanked Janet for organizing the Christmas shopping trip. Santa Cruz Noon Club is meeting at the Back 9.

Happy Bucks: lots of happiness in our club! Highlights included: a trip to the Artic and giving a kitty to grandchildren.

Guest Speaker: Governor Susan Valenta retired as the president and CEO of the Gilroy Chamber of Commerce. Governor Susan joined Rotary in 1995 and has received numerous leadership awards including: Hearts of Gilroy Award, 2014 Woman of the Year, the Gilroy Chamber of Commerce named a youth leadership award after her, and she was recognized as one of the 100 Most Influential Woman of Silicon Valley.

Governor Susan inducted two new members into the Rotary Club of SLV: Brenda Holmes and Bill Jurgens.

Bill, Brenda and Susan

District 5170 includes 53 clubs in 4 counties and we are divided into 9 areas. We are a growing district and have the largest Interact Club in the world. Susan spoke about her core belief that Rotarians are the ones who will change the course of humanity. Since 2005, over 1000 children have had the cleft palate surgeries. She honored the work of local Rotarians for their contributions including: 1700 children who received eye exams; the drilling of wells around the world; the eradication of polio; and the delivery of wheel chairs.

She recognized the Rotary Club of SLV for the following: dictionary distribution, painting of fire hydrants, shopping spree, Interact Club, Felton clean-up, scholarships, RYLA, annual speech contest, new welcome signs, food drive, vocation appreciation awards, and the collection of socks for MCR.

Our District has just collected $115,000 to make another distribution of wheel chairs in Monterey, Mexico. Governor Susan invited all of us to attend the conference in April. As she demonstrated, Simple Acts can become Bold Acts and Rotarians make it happen

President Mike presented the Governor with a check for $500 to add to the wheelchair project.

Drawing: Our guest, Francine but did not find the joker!

The meeting was adjourned at 8:30.

Minutes respectfully submitted by J. Haff