The Pulse for the Week of December 9th, 2025

The club’s annual meeting covered a lot of ground – from ocean swims to Yosemite flights to the Rose Bowl.
But the biggest news of all was the revelation of our new President-Elect Nominee!

In PP Peter Dannenfelser’s Thought for the Day about rebuilding estranged relationships, he encouraged Rotarians to “choose love over hurt feelings” and reach out to foster healing during this holiday season.

The Sacramento Rotary Fellow is our club’s highest award, and PP Bob Miller extolled the many professional and Rotary achievements of the awardee: Dan Fenocchio. Several family members and friends surprised Dan, whose club works have included Sac Century leadership roles and service as the club’s youth protection officer.

Club election results were announced by President Kerry Wood. Elected for the 2026-27 Rotary year were: President-Elect Paul Keefer, Sergeant-at-Arms Maggie Hopkins, Treasurer Kathy Herrfeldt, and new board members Liz McClatchy, Michael Mui, Jarrett Osborne-Revis, Josh Pelz, and Megan Wygant.

And then, the biggest news of all. PP Jim Leet announced our President-Elect Nominee to serve as club president in 2027-28………Jamie Furlong!

Jim highlighted a raft of Jamie’s accomplishments professionally and in Rotary including highlights of her international service projects and receiving the Jean Runyon Community Service Award. PEN Jamie promised to “serve next to you and lead with you.”

Our house band, The Roadies, marked the occasion with a couple of songs.

The whirlwind pace continued with the happy occasion of a new member induction. Shelby Katkic of Atlassian Software was sponsored by PPs Diane Woodruff and Bobby Reed.
Birthday nods by President Kerry went to Lee McBay and Judy Kjelstrom.

Club Announcements.

Our annual Daughters & Family holiday celebration will be a dinner this year, held Tuesday, December 16 at 5PM. It will feature a program led by the daughters and granddaughters of Rotarians and feature a magician! Rotarians should RSVP by Thursday, December 11.
Salvation Army holiday drive. PP Jim Leet also shared opportunities to donate money, toys and volunteer time to support Christmas efforts by the Salvation Army.
Joe Quilici encouraged all club members to boost our collective game on social media posts for club goings-on.

Making Beautiful Music.

So much generosity! Among the many contributors to Eddie Mulligans and Paul Harris’s was PP John Frisch, who acknowledged the recent passing of two longtime club stalwarts, Jim Phillips and Dr. Harold Strauch. Lev Kaganovich gave in honor of Jim Phillips and Jim’s legendary trips to Yosemite. Guest Chuck Cunningham donated in honor of his business partner Dan Fenocchio. Dennis Smith celebrated his new role as drummer of The Roadies. New member William Hodges paid it forward with a donation toward even newer member Shelby Katkic’s Eddie Mulligan. Dave McKie celebrated 30 years in the club with a donation. Hoosier homegirl Nancy Teichert gave in honor of her beloved Indiana University’s football victory in the Big 10 championship. PE Paul Keefer gave in honor of PEN Jamie. PP Diane Mizell gave to her Eddie Mulligan and recounted a story of flying over Yosemite with Jim Phillips.

Get to Know Your Fellow Rotarians.

Elfrena Foord shared Bill Wygant’s humorous story of naively preparing for a debut ocean swim with way too much body vaseline, like he was told “real swimmers do,” and then sand sticking to him.

Midyear Report.

President Kerry delivered a midyear report on the club’s progress and shared the continued focus on strengthening our membership experience and attracting new members; expanding our visibility and community impact; supporting our giving and fundraising efforts, especially during a time of rising costs; building even more opportunities for fellowship, creativity, and fun; continuing to invest in youth programs and international service; and above all—uniting for good, in big ways and small.

Club treasurer Jim Henderson updated the group on the financial stability of the club (all is well, but accounts receivables are behind due to tardy payments for dues and meals).

Tina Roberts sponsored the wine reception. Pulse duties were handled by Peter Coyl, and the photographer was John Swentowsky. Greeters were David Brandenburger, Amin Elmallah, PP John Frisch and Elfrena Foord.

Next week’s meeting is Daughters & Family Day, a postwork holiday dinner celebration open to all Rotarians and their families. Members are encouraged to bring family partners, spouses, and others. Just remember to RSVP!