It was Halloween Week at the Rotary Club of Sacramento, and among the colorful costumes were Wonder Woman, Miss Piggy, The Grinch, a chocolate bar, football and hockey players, and a dalmatian in the person of President Bobby Reed.
President Bobby gave awards to some costumed attendees. Worst costume: PP John Frisch (commercial real estate agent). Best costume: Steve Brandenburger (Grinch). Best “eras” costume: Elfrena Foord (poodle skirt sock hopper).
Ann Ryan Solomon presented a lighthearted Halloween poem as her Thought for the Day.
Chris Bruno of meeting sponsor Capital Public Radio outlined the station’s robust local journalism, with special mention of the burgeoning SacramenKnow online newsletter. He also outlined financial controls and oversight newly in place so supporters can feel certain their donations are well spent on CapRadio’s outstanding journalism for our region.
Club Announcements
- Loaves and Fishes – Virginia Wade reported all slots are full for our next Loaves and Fishes service day. There will be another chance to volunteer later in the year.
- Habitat for Humanity – Justino Santana needs 14 more helpers for Habitat for Humanity Build on Friday, November 15 from 8am to 2pm. Click here to sign up.
- Meeting fees – President Bobby announced the club board had reviewed the fee structure and affirmed the meeting fee is $30 regardless of meal service.
- Rotary International Conference – PE Kerry Wood is planning a side trip alongside the upcoming RI conference in Calgary. The conference runs June 22-25, 2025 and Kerry’s adjacent trip for club members will visit Lake Louise, Kamloops and Vancouver from June 25-28. Contact Kerry for details.
- On behalf of our area’s Rotary Youth Exchange students, Paul Keefer thanked the club for supporting an RYE cultural trip to San Francisco. He also saluted the club’s sponsorship of our Interact Club (based at Heritage Peak Charter School and Sutter Peak Charter Academy) as these high school students undertake community service efforts in the Rotary spirit.
- Clayton Lee, chair of the club’s International Service Committee, presented on his recent North Carolina trip on the club’s behalf to a conference on bringing clean water to communities around the world.
The Trick or Treat bucket overflowed with generosity! Jamie Furlong was recently recognized as a 40 under 40 honoree by the Sacramento Business Journal. Eric Solis was photographed at a Habitat for Humanity event. Justino Santana was spotted at the Tower Bridge Dinner. President Bobby celebrated a triumphant tie achieved by his daughter’s soccer team. Surender Singal celebrated his grandchild’s new black belt in martial arts. John Swentowsky’s son got married in Georgia. Virginia Wade recently eloped to wine country with longtime partner and now husband Ed. Brad Schmidt thanked David Brandenburger for brokering a recent building purchase, and David in turn thanked Brad and Ruth Tesar for the same transaction. Ann Ryan Solomon celebrated her younger brother’s 50th birthday. PP Jim Leet’s granddaughter Isabelle, a freshman, went undefeated in varsity tennis at Christian Brothers High School!
John Frisch introduced Christi Black-Davis, now a communication consultant after a long tenure as a managing director for the global public affairs firm Edelman. Christi discussed the Trust Barometer, which measures confidence between partners, customers, clients and extends to governments, businesses, politicians and media figures. Christi described forces that lead to polarization. She noted that businesses, nonprofits, and media outlets are trusted presently by about only 60 percent of Americans.
Many Rotarians helped make the meeting successful. Greeters included Steve Brandenburger, Craig Brown and John Wood. Jim Culleton served as Pulse reporter. Virginia Wade provided photography, and Jim Henderson hosted our wine reception.
