We hope this message finds you well. As we navigate through the new year, we are excited to share some highlights and updates on our recent and planned South Placer Rotary Club activities.

 

1. Community Outreach:

 

Our recent community outreach activities, the "Annual Christmas Basket Program” and the 2023 Diaper and Formula Drive for the Sierra College Basic Needs Center were tremendously successful. With generous giving from our members and the community, we were able to provide nearly 30 cases of diapers and formula to the college for distribution to students through the Basic Needs Center.  Additionally, we partnered with the Rocklin Unified School District to spread holiday cheer and support those facing financial challenges during the holidays by providing gifts for children, warm clothing and essential supplies to numerous families in need. The heartfelt gratitude from the recipients and the positive impact on the community were truly inspiring.

 

2. Educational Initiatives:

 

Our ongoing collaboration with local schools continues to thrive. In November, South Placer Rotary Club members joined STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts & Math) students from Granite Oaks and Spring View Middle School for docent led tours, lunch and a talk with retired Commanding Officer and Navy F/A 18 pilot and current FedEx pilot Andy Hoekstra for hands-on learning experiences, student interaction with exhibits, and demonstrations related to aerospace and STEAM subjects. The day concluded with an engaging discussion regarding the various career paths within the aerospace industry.  Additionally, we are also currently finalizing plans for our annual speech contest with our local high school students.  The topic this year is “Create Hope in the World” and we look forward to the speeches presented by our local students which will take place on Wednesday, March 6^th.

 

3. Environmental Stewardship:

 

In line with Rotary International's focus on environmental sustainability, our club organized a creek clean up project in October 2023 with the City of Rocklin . Together, we hauled 18 bags of debris out of the open space (not including two additional bags we located behind one of the containers at Twin Oaks), a car fender and a hot tub cover.  The actions of the individuals involved help foster a sense of environmental responsibility among our residents.  We are planning another creek clean up this Spring.

 

4. Upcoming Events:

 

Looking ahead, mark your calendars for the 16^th Annual Brewfest event which will take place on Saturday, June 1^st at Johnson Springview Park in Rocklin.  This event will serves as a major fundraising platform for the South Placer Rotary Clubs upcoming projects and initiatives.

 

5. Membership Drive:

 

We are thrilled to welcome several new members who have joined our Rotary family. Dave Butler, Krishna Bachina and Matt Heinz are all recent additions to our club.  Their passion and commitment to service will undoubtedly strengthen our club's ability to create positive change. If you are interested in joining Rotary, please contact us or simply join us at one of our weekly Wednesday lunches which are currently held at Bennett’s Westside Grill in Rocklin.