Sam Steele shared his "Why?" with the members and guests of the Minden Rotary Club during his first meeting on July 11, 2024.  Sam grew up with a mom who volunteered in the schools and a Dad who worked for Boy Scouts of America since returning from his service in WWII.  Sam was deeply involved in Boy Scouts as well - firmly establishing a life full of community service.

 

Sam met the girl next door 52 years ago.  He and Debbie have two children - Lucy and Lucas.  Lucy is a Ski Race Official and mother of 4 of his grandkids the youngest of which just graduated from high school.  Lucas manages the Reno Airport retail stores and is the father of 2 of Sam's grandkids - ages 7 and 9 years old.

 

Sam received his AA from Chabot Junior College, his BS from San Jose State and his teaching credential in 2003.  Prior to teaching, Sam spent 30 years in retail after a newspaper route career which started at age 10.  His retail career included a ski shop he owned in Tracy for 3 years.  Sam shared that his retail experience taught him perseverance and adaptability which helped prepare him for his Rotary Presidencies.

 

Sam has been a member of the Rotary Clubs of Tracy, Livermore and Minden.  He was President of the Livermore Club in 2017/18.  He especially enjoys community service projects.  Past projects he is especially proud of include Barbeques, Golf Tournaments, replumbing senior houses, installing fire alarms for seniors, Annual Rodeo/Parade and a Fun Run.

 

He is looking forward to a productive year involving every member of the club.