The Pulse for the Week of August 26th, 2025

What if Juliet didn’t die? Why did Rachel smack that snotty kid? Who was inside the chipmunk costume? These and a great many other questions were unpacked at this week’s meeting of the Rotary Club of Sacramento.

Ruth Tesar speaking into microphone. — Ruth Tesar’s Thought for the Day aligned with the topic of our lunch speaker: “Medical education is not just about medicine. It’s about humanity, and it belongs to all of us.”

Now two months into her term, President Kerry Wood updated club members on the progress of several ambitious 2025-26 initiatives.

Three-Year Strategic Plan. Under development with PP Bobby Reed and PE Paul Keefer, the plan’s completion is expected by year’s end. Members will have opportunities to provide input.
Collaborations with fellow clubs. Kerry is increasing focus on working with neighboring Rotary clubs on joint efforts.
Service Projects. Kerry noted the recent service morning at ACC Senior Services and pointed us toward the upcoming Discovery Park cleanup on September 20. She noted early planning is underway for a signature large-scale community project — ideas welcome!
Communications Committee. Led by Christie Holderegger, this group is nearly finished with a new communications plan to elevate Rotary’s visibility.
Membership Growth & Retention. Efforts are underway to attract a broader membership and strengthen engagement with existing members.
Fellowship & Fun. Upcoming fellowship opportunities include “Rotary After Dark,” fireside chats, theater nights, and smaller group meetups to deepen connections.

President Kerry offered birthday shoutouts to Bruce Timm and Craig Brown.

Making Great Music! Members shared donations and dedications, honoring family milestones, professional successes, and heartfelt stories about challenges overcome. A happy report came from PP Wes Yee, whose daughter was hired by a top law firm. Kathy Herrfeldt’s donation thanked Ted White for helping her unload a home that had become problematic. PP Walter Dahl celebrated the birth of two grandchildren. David Brandenburger contributed in tribute to Dr. Craig Alpha for excellent care in removing wisdom teeth from David’s daughter.

Know Your Fellow Rotarians

We enjoyed getting to know two members through fun storytelling. A chapter of PP Scot Sorensen’s colorful past was unspooled by Rhonda Poppen. As a teenager, Scot landed a job at Disneyland — as Chip (of the cartoon chipmunks Chip & Dale)! Let’s just say it involved parades, go-karts, and narrowly avoiding getting fired. Then we learned about the fiery justice streak within Rachel Dee Minyard, outlined in a series of episodes told by Maggie Hopkins ranging from schoolgirl Rachel standing up to bullies on the playground to her adult work with the unhoused community.

Club Announcements

Meeting sponsors needed! The empty chair at the head table was visible proof we need some meeting sponsors. For a mere $350, you get three minutes at the mic to promote your business or champion a cause in front of this blue-chip audience, while basking in adoration from your fellow Rotarians. Meeting sponsors are a vital source of club funds.
Point West Rotary brewfest. Visiting Rotarian Tim Maliepaard encouraged club members to attend that club’s signature fundraiser in Discovery Park on September 13, 1-4pm. Food, music, wine, and beer — all for a great cause. Tickets are $25 in advance, $50 at the door.
Sac Century Ride. Volunteers are needed in many areas! Click here to sign up!
Rotary Theater Night. PP Todd Koolakian encouraged signups for a September 25 outing to enjoy the clever musical “& Juliet” at Broadway Sacramento. (Spoiler alert: she didn’t die.)
Fireside gathering on October 16 hosted by Dave McKie. It’s a great chance to connect with fellow Rotarians in smaller groups. Spouses are invited.

Our luncheon speaker, Dr. Alvin Cheung, President & CEO of California Northstate University, provided a fascinating overview of CNU and its role in training the next generation of healthcare professionals. CNU is building a $1.7B, 366-bed teaching hospital in Natomas, which will serve as only the second teaching hospital in Northern California. CNU programs range from pharmacy to medical school, nursing, psychology, and biomedical sciences. His remarks highlighted how education and community accountability go hand in hand.

President Kerry applauded the ever-smiling greeters for the day, Matthew Romsa, Bob Rediger, and Tina Roberts. John Swentowsky captured everyone’s good sides with his trusty camera. Megan Wygant ensured those smiles were a little wider with her generous sponsorship of the wine reception! And Pulse coverage was provided by Matt Page, who is totally not biased but swears this was the best Rotary meeting of the year.

Karen Ross, head of the state’s Department of Food and Agriculture, will speak at our next meeting on Tuesday, September 9 at noon. No meeting on September 2 in observation of Labor Day.

Click here to view our events calendar!