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Rotary Theme 2025-26

Construction of FFA/4-H Show/Auction Arena Nearing Completion

Chuck Moore provided us with these photos of the FFA/4-H Show/Auction Arena construction which is nearing completion at the Yolo Fairgrounds. Electrical and concrete work has been completed. Our Club has pledged $25,000 from the 2024 Dinner Auction proceeds and helped obtain $13,400 in District 5160 grant funding for the project. Completion is expected later this month.

August 5th Meeting

President Aniek Pflager welcomes another good size crowd to today's meeting.

Visiting Woodland Sunrise Rotarians today included Kevin Sanchez, Byron MacConnell and Don Sharp who also brought along a guest, Weylin Eng. Dan Stroski introduced his guest, his former Youth Exchange student from China, Andy Sun.

President Aniek and Immediate Past President Bob Nakken presented Kevin Sanchez, Woodland Healthcare Foundation's Chief Philantrophy Officer, with a ceremonial check (we already gave them the money!) for $30,000 representing the Club's contribution toward Woodland Healthcare's purchase of a new C-Arm Imaging Unit. These funds were part of the proceeds from the Club's 2025 Dinner Auction. In thanking the Club Kevin Sanchez said the unit has been received and will be placed in service, primarily assisting in spinal surgeries, within a couple of weeks.

Retired physician Jim McGibbon shared a story from his early days with Woodland Healthcare highlighting the organization's commitment to obtain and use up to date equipment in its services. During today's Recognition Gena Bravo was 'recognized' for Woodland Memorial Hospital recently receiving the 2025 Environmental Excellence Award from Practice Greenhealth for its 'leadership in sustainability, environmental stewardship and climate resillience'. More about Woodland Memorial's award can be found in this Daily Democrat article.

Lucas Frerichs, Supervisor, District 2, Yolo County Supervisors, was our guest speaker today providing us with a program on the 'State of the County'. Thanks to Wendy Casas-Raviotta for arranging for and introducing Supervisor Freriches today. More about Yolo County and its operation can be found on their website: https://www.yolocounty.gov/

District 5160 Wheelchair Distribution and

Community Service Adventure

Rotary District 5160 has organized a Wheelchair Distribution and Community Service Adventure to

Oaxaca, Mexico October 9-14, 2025

Members interested in a powerful service opportunity are encouraged to review the brochure linked below for information. To reserve your space complete and mail the last page application, a photocopy of your passport, and the deposit to Howard Tours, 526 Grand Ave., Oakland, CA 94610. This trip to limited to 30 individuals, so it may go fast. Contact District Governor-elect Woody Fridae at 530 204-8563 or woodyrotary5160@gmail.com for additional information.

Wheeled Adventure Oaxaca 2025

July 29th Meeting

President Aniek Pflager, welcomed a well attended meeting as she completed her first month of office.

Visiting Woodland Sunrise Rotarians Fritz van der Hoek, Byron MacConnell and Don Sharp joined us today, but no other guests.

Immediate Past President Bob Nakken was the subject of today's Century Spotlight. Inducted into the Club in 1989, sponsored by former Daily Democrat publisher Mike Fergusen, Bob can't remember all the reasons he joined the Club. But he went on the say last year as Club President was his best memory. With just 9 cards remaining in this week's 50/50 raffle, Brian Dwyer pulled out the JOKER to win a $496 pot!!

Angela Lynn reminded us Woodland Salvation Army is looking for volunteers to chaperone kids at the Back to School Child Spree at Woodland JC Penney on August 9th; an excellent opportunity to earn an Act of Kindness/Service. Ryan Burger announced he is looking for volunteers to assist in parking and food/beverage at the October 18th 'Walk for Your Angel' fundraiser event at Windmill Vineyards. Gary Wegener says the 2025 Beer Booth schedule is nearly complete. A link to the schedule for Woodland Rotarians who have signed up to participate is available on the Club's website.

Dan Stroski celebrated his 69th birthday on July 23 (San Pablo CA). Eric Zane celebrated his 46th birthday on July 28 (Woodland).

Blair Voelz grabbed the microphone to lead today's Recognition asking the questions about the name of your first school, your high school and your first paying job outside the family. Marie Galbo graduated from a public elementary school in Brooklyn NY, and then Verdugo High school in a suburb of Los Angeles. Yvette Roy went to Holy Rosary School in Woodland, and then Bishop Minogue, an all-girls Catholic high school. Yvette's first job was a boring one in government. Shawn Seyk endured freshman orientation at Chico State recently with his youngest daughter Claire. David Pinto was happy he and wife Rebecca visited Hawaii Volcanoes National Park last week, their 41st on their quest to visit all the National Parks. The Pintos also enjoyed a visit with former Woodland Rotarian Mahlon Whittle and wife Jan at their home on the Big Island. Christian Sherrill was proud of his 14 year old son Cohen finishing 432nd out of more than 16,000 runners in a recent race in Monterey. Steve Venables was happy to recently receive a nice Facebook message from Mari Samoto, the Rotary Youth Exchange student he and wife Lydia hosted in 1984. Tony Delevati was happy he and wife Margie recently completed a move to a new home allowing their daughter and her family to move to Woodland. Tony was also happy about his 44th wedding anniversary on July 18.

Richard Lansburgh, Mayor of the City of Woodland, was our special guest today, providing us with an extensive program on the 'State of the City' including many initiatives and achievements the City has been working on, as well as some of the key challenges for which solutions are more difficult and costly to overcome. The Mayor thanked Rotary for its efforts to address community needs over the years. More about the City's services and projects can be found at their website: https://cityofwoodland.gov/

President Bob Demoted!!

About 60 members and guests braved a very warm Monday evening, June 30, to take in the Club's 2025 Demotion in the beautiful and shaded backyard of our hosts Gail and Tom Schwarzgruber, and enjoy a BBQ dinner by Ludy's and Judy's Catering. Jim Nolan led a program to officially demote and thank outgoing Club President Bob Nakken who was joined by his wife Gaye. This was Bob's second term as President having previously served in 2009-10. Bob endured some roasting about his golf exploits, and his long hair, but he received his retired President's plaque and related badge with the geniune thanks from all attending. In turn Aniek Pflager, joined by husband Curtiss, received her President's badge as she will serve as Club President in 2025-26, our 100th year in service to our community. Also installed was Nick Roncoroni, joined by wife Ellen Martin, who will serve as President-elect in the coming year. Aniek will begin her reign at the Club's next meeting, Tuesday, July 8 at the Hotel Woodland. View all of the Demotion photos in the Photo Gallery.

News From Club Polio Warrior Mark Ullrich:

Polio Update (June 12, 2025)

We are so close!

Let’s finish what we started. Let’s keep our promise to End Polio—for good.

After decades of tireless effort, steadfast commitment, and global collaboration, we stand on the threshold of history: the eradication of polio.
Thanks to your support, Rotary’s PolioPlus program has immunized over 2.5 billion children and reduced polio cases by 99.9%.

But we’re not done yet—and now is not the time to ease up.

As we approach the end of the Rotary year, we're asking every Rotarian to help make one final, determined push toward a polio-free world.

Eradicating the last 0.1% of polio is the hardest part—reaching children in the most remote areas, responding quickly to outbreaks, and fighting persistent misinformation.
But we are making progress, and every contribution brings us closer to our goal.

This is where every dollar counts, and where your donation can truly change the course of history.

Last year at this time everyone in our District gave over $163,000.
Right now we are falling short at $148,200.
Even still, all but 12 clubs have given something.
And over half have either hit the $1,500 goal or are very close.

We’re calling on every Rotarian and Rotaracter in our District - and Rotarians around the world—to rally now. Whether it’s $25 or $250, your contribution helps fund vaccinations, health infrastructure, and surveillance systems that protect the world’s most vulnerable.

Remember - Every dollar is matched 2-to-1 by the Gates Foundation, tripling your impact.

It’s easy to do!
Please go to endpolio.org. (link available below) Click the Donate button, sign in, and make your donation. You can also make a one-time donation in honor or in memory of someone.

Please make your final contribution this Rotary year to PolioPlus today, and encourage others to do the same.
Together, we’ve come this far.
Together, we can cross the finish line.

Your District Leadership, Club Presidents, Foundation Chairs and the PolioPlus Team

More information about Rotary's End Polio Now can be found at its website: https://www.endpolio.org/

Here you can sign up to receive the End Polio Now newsletter.

2025 Dinner Auction -

Very Successful!!

PROGRAM

VIEW THE PROGRAM

BENEFICIARIES

The Woodland Rotary Club/Woodland Rotary Endowment are raising funds this year to assist the efforts of the following local, non-profit organizations:

Yolo Farm to Fork - (https://www.yolofarmtofork.org/) Up to $11,000 for construction of two large instructional gazebos for the outdoor edible gardens at Beamer Elementary and Gibson Elementary schools. Currently the gardens are not shaded and have no seating. Materials will be procured from local suppliers, individuals and firms for the construction. The structures will provide an outdoor classroom (shaded with seating) for teachers, staff, volunteers and students to learn about outdoor gardening. Construction is planned to be completed by August 2025. This is the first priority for Auction proceed funding.

Woodland Healthcare Foundation – (https://www.supportwoodlandhealthcare.org/) The balance of 2025 Dinner Auction proceeds, up to $38,387, would be used to complete the purchase of state-of-the-art surgical tool to assist in orthopedic surgeries. The equipment is radio-graphic camera technology (x-ray machine) called the C-Arm (due to its shape) and is used in spinal, hip, knee and other orthopedic surgeries. Woodland Healthcare already has 4 C-Arms, but with curent demand for use all are in operation creating 30-minute or longer delays in some surgeries. The new machine will have updated technology including the ability to capture precise measurements and a map for surgeons to use. The new machine captures 3-D imaging allowing surgeons to view a multi plane image. The machine allows for precise confirmation and analysis of structures not currently available with the existing machines. The total cost of this C-Arm is $399,467, and the Foundation has assembled all but the requested amount, $38,387.

Amounts awarded will be dependent on proceeds from this Dinner Auction.

A GREAT EVENING OF RAISING FUNDS FOR THE COMMUNITY!

The event brought in over $76,700 in revenues. After expenses, we have a net profit of $44,530. After a $5,000 contribution to the Endowment's Community Fund, $39,530 will be available for beneficiaries.

VIEW AUCTION

FINANCIALS

CHECK OUT EVENT PHOTOS

IN THE PHOTO GALLERY

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