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NOTE: TO SHOW THE MOST RECENT STORIES ON TOP OF THIS PAGE, STORIES ARE LISTED HERE IN REVERSE CHRONOLOGICAL ORDER (MOST RECENT ON TOP, EARLIER DATES BELOW).
April 7th Meeting
President Aniek Pflager greeted us on a beautiful Spring day with the reminder the Saturday, April 25th Centennial Celebration is a little over two weeks away. She thanked the 47 members who have pledged or purchased their tickets for the event so far. We have sold 135 Winners Choice Raffle tickets so far, with a goal of selling 300 of them to generate $30,000 for the Centennial. We want to Fill the Room that night. We currently anticipate 350 people attending, but we would like to get that total up to around 400 or more. On April 17 we need to give our food preparation team a headcount, so before then each member will be asked to confirm how many tickets they will actually be using.
Steve Venables celebrated his 84th birthday, yesterday, April 6th (Visalia CA). He was the first of his family to be born in a hospital. Gregg Kowes celebrated his 46th birthday on March 25th. He was born in Grass Valley but moved to Woodland a year later and has been here ever since. Chuck Maltese (Detroit) rose to announce tomorrow, April 8th, was ‘an important date in history’, as both he and Roger Kohlmeier (Los Angeles) will celebrate their 86th birthdays. Roger had to point out that he was the younger one of the two. Woodland Sunrise Rotarians Byron MacConnell and Don Sharp visited again today. Our speaker today, Nancy Fischer, is also a Rotarian with Woodland Luna Vista.
Chuck Moore was in today’s Century Spotlight. He said he didn’t know anything about Rotary, but was ‘told’ to join and did so in 1993. He didn’t know the extent of what Rotary did, and the fellowship that was part of the experience. Chuck said his Rotary membership ‘has been a very good thing for me personally’. In Rotary Fun Facts we learned that ‘Youth (New Generations) Services’ became Rotary International’s fifth Avenue of Service in 2010, joining the original four Avenues – Club Service, Vocational Service, Community Service and International Service.
Houston Astros last Friday evening in Sutter Health Park. Ann Taylor was happy about her mare giving birth to a beautiful black stallion fold, though Ann had been wanting another mare. Jeff Burger was happy he and son Ryan recently won a cornhole tournament at Hooby’s in Winters, after coming in second in the same contest for several years. Don Huff ‘rang the bell’ about his recent trip to Maryland to visit his 14-month-old granddaughter.
Nancy Fischer, a member of the Woodland Luna Vista Rotary Club and Co-founder of Yolo for Ukraine, a grassroots organization connecting Yolo County with other organizations and initiatives that provide support Ukraine, was our guest speaker today, providing us with a sobering program about ‘Child Abductions in Ukraine’. Read more about the program in today's Splinter edition. More about Yolo for Ukraine can be found on its website: https://yoloforukraine.org/
March 31st Meeting
In welcoming us to our last meeting of March, President Aniek Pflager reminded us we are now a little more than 3 weeks away from our 100th Anniversary Celebration on April 25. She gave us some information on frequently asked questions (FAQs) on the event, thanked the 45 members who have already purchased their tickets for the event, and announced 120 Winners Choice Raffle tickets (out of 300) have already been sold. President Aniek says arrangements for the event are going well, but we still need volunteers for guest check-in, decorations, as well as set-up and clean-up. Unfortunately we had no guests of members or visiting Rotarians with us today once again.
President-Nominee Gena Bravo was in today's Century Spotlight. Gena joined our Club in March 2022 with Mike Chandler as her sponsor. Gena is committed to volunteering time, talent and treasure in different stages of her life. She has enjoyed meeting members of the Club. Gary Wegener 'rang the bell' today, after remembering to bring the check he had written a few weeks back for his birthday. Joe Cadelago celebrated his 47th birthday on March 19 (Vallejo).
Clyde Brooker was our Recognition guru today, asking a series of population and economic questions about Russia and Ukraine upon unsuspecting members. Both Yvette Roy and Tom Schwarzgruber and their spouses enjoyed a tour of Australia and New Zealand earlier this month. Tom was more partial to New Zealand since there were fewer critters there that can kill you. President-elect Nick Roncoroni was happy Angela Lynn is handling the Club's social media, and has been doing a fantastic job on the Centennial Celebration! David Pinto and his wife Rebecca enjoyed a springbreak trip to Costa Rica and visited/hiked in several of their national parks. Both Christian Sherrill and Lori McGrath attended the SF Giants second game of the season against the NY Yankees at Oracle Park. Christian was proud his 18 year old son and also of his nephew's BMX success. Lori got caught up in the attempted bicycle takeover of the Bay Bridge.
Mike Green of Davis, an active baseball umpire working in the minor leagues of Major League Baseball, was our guest speaker today, giving us an indepth look at 'The Life of an Umpire'. Mike was joined by his girlfriend Alana.
Rotary Centennial Banner on Main Street
A Woodland Rotary Centennial Banner appeared above Main Street in late March to highlight our 100 Year Anniversary and the April 25th Celebration. The banner is located just west of the Second Street/Heritage Plaza intersection and will remain up through April.
Woodland Rotary Centennial Group Photo
A hearty group of about 60 Woodland Rotarians, from all three clubs, braved north winds to assemble on the steps of the old Yolo County Courthouse the morning of March 26 to take a group photo in an effort organized by Visit Woodland. The final product is expected soon.
March 24th Meeting/ Tour of New Holy Rosary Church
After a short lunch meeting at the Hotel, we drove to the new Holy Rosary Church at California & W Cross Streets for a tour led by the Parish's Building Committee Chair Janet Ruggiero. Thanks to Jim Nolan for arranging for the event and introducing our tour leader. Guests today included several spouses Nadine (Tim Pettit), Muffy (Dick Hoppin), Kathy (Kris Kristensen), Terry (Rob Beggs), Barbara (Jim Nolan), and Jan (Blair Voelz). Lori McGrath introduced her guest & cousin Kerry Freitas. Woodland Sunrise Rotarians Byron MacConnell and Don Sharp joined us again. Guests not photographed included Krim (Clyde Brooker), as well as former member Roger Dorris who escorted Helene Dorris (widow of Bob Dorris). Janet Ruggiero led us through the key rooms of the new church which was decades in the making, completed in a two year construction period at a cost of more than $18 million. She shared the many efforts that were taken to preserve, restore and reuse elements of the old church on Walnut Street in the new building, along with numerous improvements. The church will accomodate over 1,000 people plus another Adoration Chapel which seats up to 98 in a more secluded setting. A truly remarkable effort on the parish's part and a wonderful addition to the community.
March 17th Meeting
President Aniek Pflager welcomed a good size group to our St. Patrick's Day session on an unusually warm late winter day. She thanked Don Huff and Clyde Brooker for their work in setting up the room, and she also recognized the 'back table' group of Carl Rodegerdts, Dan Stroski and Secretary Gary Bunch for their work too. President Aniek reports fundraising for the Centennial Project & Event continues to grow. President-elect Nick Roncoroni and Kris Kristensen traveled to Clark Pacific's headquarters in West Sacramento yesterday to meet with and personally thank Co-CEO Don Clark for his company's generous support. Don Clark, a former West Sacramento Rotarian, has agreed to speak at the Celebration. Finally, President Aniek distributed to Winners Choice Raffle tickets to members today, urging those receiving them to complete and turn in the stub to her so they can be included in the drawing.
President-elect Nick Roncoroni thanked the Club for enabling him to attend the PELS (President Elect Leadership) training put on by Rotary District 5160 in San Jose Mar 6-8. Nick enjoyed the experience of talking with many other president-elects from around the District, and heard incoming Rotary International President Olayinka 'Yinka' Babalolo. Rotary Youth leader Dan Stroski urged members to find local young people who might benefit from the Camp Royal Leadership training coming up in June in Lassen County. He has a local young person in mind. The Club Board will be making a decision on who the Club might sponsor at a cost of $1250. Answering President Aniek's request, Lori Ross will be handling decorations for the Centennial Celebration on April 25th and could use some help. Contact Lori directly to assist. She was also happy about the success of the recent Night to Shine event for young special needs folks.
Don Huff and Dan Stroski were in the Century Spotlight today. Don was sponsored into the Club by George Berrettoni almost 40 years ago. Don served as Club President in 2012-13, following his father, Don Huff Jr., and his grandfather Don Huff Sr. in that role. Dan Stroski joined Rotary in Concord in 1989. After returning to Woodland Dan joined our Club in 2007, having been sponsored by Jeff Reisig.
Dan Stroski took charge of today's Recognition (yes, Dan had a lot going on today!). He started by fining everyone who did not wear green today $5, and later asked questions about Rotary involvement in the community. Angela Lynn celebrated her 1979 birthday (Woodland) on March 13 on a trip to Cabo San Lucas Mexico with her husband Mike. Gary Wegener celebrated his March 4 birthday (Detroit MI) with a family outing to Mount Shasta in Siskiyou County. Jim McGibbon happily announced he delivered Angela when she was born. Don Huff 'rang the bell' twice for recent travels to Kona Hawaii, Oregon, and Scottsdale AZ for spring training baseball in honor of the late George Berretoni. Jim Nolan put in $20 to honor sophomore Cohen Dwyer's 3 for 4 plate appearance performace as Woodland High won a recent baseball game Jim attended. Cohen's dad, Brian Dwyer, put in $5 in pride for his son's effort.
Craig Perrin, Founder and CEO, Climate Action & Sustainability Planning, was our guest speaker today giving us a program on 'Woodland's Organics & Green Waste Recycling Program: What Success Looks Like'. More about Climate Action & Sustainability Planning can be found at: https://climateaction4all.com/
March 10th Meeting/ Woodland Opera House Visit
After a short lunch meeting at the Hotel, we walked over to the Woodland Opera House Intermission Garden adjacent to the Opera House and Heritage Plaza. Several Woodland Sunrise and Luna Vista members met us there. Unfortunately, Tom Burmester, WOH Executive Director, was ill and could not join us as planned. In his place Eden Tomich, Executive Assistant, welcomed us and provided an overview of the concept of an outdoor stage within the Garden and related site improvements which Woodland Rotary, all three clubs, have selected for our Centennial Project. A copy of the latest site map showing the location of the stage within the Garden is displayed above. Afterwards many of us went inside the Opera House, upstairs to the lounge, to hear from Andrea St. Clair, WOH Education Director, provide us with a short history of the Opera House and a look at its current programming. The detailed original concept proposal for the outdoor stage in the Intermission Garden is available for review here: Project Concept.
March 3rd Meeting
President Aniek Pflager returned to lead today's meeting. She and President-elect Nick Roncoroni shared the exciting news CLARK PACIFIC will be the Center Stage Sponsor for the Woodland Rotary Centennial! With Yvette Roy's help, we also got a look at the Winners Choice Raffle Ticket and the options it contains for the winner. 300 tickets will be printed, and sold at $100 each. So far, 62 tickets have been purchased through the sponsorship and member packages. Nick will be going to the three day Rotary PELS Training for incoming club presidents in San Jose this weekend.
Tim Pettit and Gary Bunch were in today’s Century Spotlight and fine-free today as a result. Tim joined the Club in 1979 shortly after arriving in Woodland from Roseville, his hometown. Tim says he came to Woodland to take over a dental practice from past Rotary Club President Dr. Dean Jelden, who subsequently sponsored Tim into the Club. After he left the Club in 1992, Tim’s wife Nadine joined local Inner Wheel Club, and subsequently convinced Tim to rejoin Rotary. Tim was pleased to rejoin in 2005 because of the camaraderie he continues to enjoy with fellow members today. After being ‘heavily recruited’ by several local service clubs, Gary Bunch said he chose to join the Rotary Club of Woodland in 1983. Gary says it has ‘been a blast’ and hopes the Club has enjoyed him too. In Rotary Fun Facts we learned about some famous Rotarians.
Christian Sherrill took over today’s Recognition with some interest in the Olympics. Christian said he loved watching recent Winter Olympics, but thinks ‘curling is terrible’. Christian shared he has a 15-year-old nephew, Sam, who is really into BMX freestyle bike riding. Sam has been selected to participate in training to help him compete on future teams. Sam may have a chance to compete for a spot on the US national team for the 2032 Olympics. Christian went on to ask others about their experiences with the Olympics. Jayne Williams shared her brother lives in the Olympic Village housing created for the 1972 Munich Olympic Games in Germany, and she has visited him there. Dave Molinaro shared he attended the 1960 Winter Olympics at Squaw Valley with his father who managed security there. Being so young then, Dave said he doesn’t remember anything from the experience. Chuck Maltese said his grandson has a friend from childhood that remembers attending high school ice hockey practices with an exceptional goalie, Connor Hellebuyck, who became the star goalie on the 2026 United States Gold Medal mens ice hockey team.
Rich Marovich, a member of the Rotary Club of Winters, was our guest speaker today giving us a presentation on the ‘Monarch Waystation Project’. Questions? Rich can be contacted 530 902-1794 or by email at ramarovich@gmail.com and is happy to respond.
February 24th Meeting
With President Aniek Pflager away on business, President-elect Nick Roncoroni led today's meeting. We also were without our any of our regular Rotary Grace singers, so Bob Nakken stepped in to give us an upbeat pace for today's version. President-elect Nick gave us an update on fundraising for the Centennial, including a reminder BUSINESS Sponsorship commitments for the Centennial event are due March 1st. He also reminded us to bring a guest to our future meetings as this is the best way to find prospective new members for the Club.
Woodland Sunrise Rotarians Don Sharp and Byron MacConnell returned for a visit. Don also introduced Lea Burger, Ryan Burger's mom, as his guest. With 18 cards to chose from in the 50/50 raffle Tom Schwarzgruber found the joker to win the $389 pot!
President-elect Nick and Angela Lynn showed off their personal purchases from the Woodland Rotary Centennial Swag Store. They encouraged us to check out what the Swag Store has available to help you show your Rotary support this year. If you have questions, just ask either of them. Angela also reported we already have over 80 Acts of Service completed in our quest to reach 100 during our Centennial year. Angela predicts we will reach our goal by the end of April.
Christian Sherrill was today's Centennial Spotlight. Christian became a member 22 years ago this month, and, until recently, was a solo member of the Club's 'kids table'. He especially likes what the Club does for our local community. In Rotary Fun Facts we learned promoting International service, cultural diplomacy and personal growth and confidence are key goals of Rotary Youth Exchange. We also learned our Club will be hosting a Rotary Youth Exchange student in academic year 2026/27 for the first time in more than a decade.
Jim Nolan took control of today's Recognition asking questions (and generating lots of revenue for the Club) about Black History. Shawn Seyk 'rang the bell' for a great family trip to the coast last week which included a visit by his 89 year old father-in-law who is still certified by the FAA as a Check-Ride Pilot for pilots seeking their annual check review. Peter Holmes also 'rang the bell' with news of the birth of his second grandchild late last week. Mother and baby boy are doing fine.
Don Sharp and our own Ryan Burger, were our program speakers today, providing us with a Yolo County Real Estate Market update. View all the slides in Don and Ryan's visual program.
February 17th Meeting
Despite wind and rain outside, President Aniek Pflager welcomed a good size group to our meeting today. Jim McGibbon and Dan Stroski returned to get us going on Rotary Grace.
President Aniek and President-elect Nick Roncoroni updated us on Centennial Celebration Fundraising efforts which have received in $79,000 in cash or pledges so far.
Les Engelmann celebrated his 80th birthday on Feb 8 (Joliet IL). President Aniek was in today's Century Spotlight. Her first recollections of Rotary came years ago when her office was located in the Hotel Woodland, and she was upset members took up too many parking places in the parking lot on Tuesdays. Former member Bob Frommelt invited her to attend a meeting as his guest, and she liked what the Club did. Frommelt sponsored Aniek as a new Club member 21 years ago. President Aniek says she joined largely to honor her father who had been an active member of the Rotary Club of Yuba City, but she has stayed because of the relationships she developed here.
Blair Voelz led us in today's Recognition, and made a lot of money for the Club asking about quotes by famous and not-so-famous people. President-elect Nick Roncoroni was happy for members support in bringing in business sponsorships for the Centennial. Jim McGibbon 'rang the bell' with pride over his late wife Susie McGibbon's efforts, along with those of the late Polly Van Muyden, in gathering support for the creation of a new pool in the community on the east side of Woodland which was officially openned earlier this month. With the raffle pot at $364 and 19 cards remaining, Shawn Seyk could only find a free lunch.
(APPLICATION FORM AVAILABLE ON THE FRONT PAGE OF THIS WEBSITE UNTIL THE FILING DEADLINE)
February 10th Meeting
President Aniek Pflager welcomed members as preparations for the Club's Centennial Celebration & Project honoring the Club's 100th anniversary of service to the community, are well underway. President Aniek encouraged members to purchase tickets or make a Rotarian pledge for the Celebration on April 25th; help in securing sponsorships; and join a Centennial committee if you haven't already do so. This is an 'All Hands On Deck' moment for all members. Brian Dwyer asked members to go over lists of local businesses provided to identify companies you have a connection with, and sign up to contact them to seek a sponsorship. If you have any questions contact President Aniek or President-elect Nick Roncoroni. Kris Kristensen shared the news that local engineering firm Clark Pacific has offered to provide project management services for the Rotary Stage Project at the Woodland Opera House Intermission Garden, and will donate related architectural and structural services necessary to permit and construct the project. An agreement between Clark Pacific and the Woodland Rotary Endowment is being prepared to start the design work.
Angela Lynn introduced her aunt, Debra Carlson, and her husband Mike Lynn as her guests today. Steve Venables introduced his son David Venables, visiting from his home in Las Vegas, as his guest today. Woodland Sunrise Rotarians Don Sharp, Byron MacConnell and John Roncoroni visited today.
Marie Galbo and Ryan Burger were in today's Century Spotlight. Marie first became a Rotarian in 1995 with the San Ramon club which was a very active and enjoyable Club. She is a past president of the San Ramon club and remembers hosting six delegates from Russia who visited the community. Marie plans to give a program to the Club in April on the trip she and her late husband subsequently took to Russia with a delegation from the San Ramon club. After her husband passed, Marie moved to Woodland to be closer to her son and daughter in law, and she joined our Club in 2020. Rotary continues to be a positive part of Marie's life. Ryan joined the Club just last year after hearing about Rotary from his grandfather George and father Jeff. Ryan says he's inspired about what the Club does for the community. In Rotary Fun Facts we learned more about the book Steve Venables is preparing for the Club's Centennial.
George Burger got an early warning (it sounded like he needed one!) on his 40th wedding anniversary with wife Janet coming up on Valentines Day, Feb 14 (Lake Tahoe). Late arriving Peter Holmes (lost track of time babysitting his 5 month old granddaughter) got a not-so-early warning on his 42nd wedding anniversary with wife Chris on Feb 11 (San Diego). They honeymooned in Aspen CO.
Angela Lynn had double duty today, presiding over Recognition as well as being the Program speaker. Kevin Haarberg had a great visit with former Rotarian Scott Johnston in the sun of Palm Desert. Bob Nakken was happy, but a little sore from taking care of his two year old grandchild over the weekend. With the raffle pot at $359 and 20 cards to choose from Shawn Seyk found himself a free lunch.
Angela Lynn was our program speaker today and gave us a dazzling look at the trip she and husband Mike took last Fall to Sri Lanka and the Maldives which is located on the other side of the world in the Indian Ocean. Use the QR code above to unlock many more photos of Angela and Mike's trip.
APPLICATION (Active link to application available on website's front page until March 15, 2026)
February 3rd Meeting
President-elect Nick Roncoroni gave an update on the Centennial Celebration recognizing financial support already coming in and emphasizing the need for all members to get involved in the effort. If you have any questions about how you can become involved please contact Nick directly.
Mark Ullrich introduced his guest, wife Audrey. David Pinto introduced his guest and prospective new member, Lou Enge, Executive Director of NAMI Yolo County. We were happy to see visiting Sunrise Rotarians Don Sharp and Byron MacConnell again today.
Today's Century Spotlight shined on Les Engelmann and Nick Roncoroni. Les became a member of the Club 36 years ago this month, having been sponsored by the late Don Smith. Nick has been a member for ten years now. Despite the challenges, Nick says he is enjoying the personal growth that comes with leadership working on important efforts for the Club like fundraising for the Centennial Celebration. In Rotary Fun Facts we explored why we do Recognition in the Club. Mike Chandler celebrated his 77th birthday on Feb 1 (Woodland), and Blair Voelz got an early warning on his Feb 5 wedding anniversary (Sacramento; 1971) with wife Jan.
Chuck Maltese took charge of today's Recognition. Tom Schwarzgruber enjoyed a recent two week stay in Hawaii with wife Gail and reported former Club member Mahlon Whittle plans to attend our Centennial Celebration. Shawn Seyk was shared a happy memory as his first daughter, Sarah, was born to wife Brenda 26 years ago today at Kaiser in Sacramento. Mark Ullrich enjoyed the recent Yolo Fliers Club trip to Puerto Vallarta with Audrey, but he was also bummed out for the SF 49ers exit from the NFL playoffs this year. Don Huff was happy to get his limit on the last day of duck season. Gregg Kowes took his son on college tours of Arizona State and Grand Canyon University. Dave Molinaro lost his annual bet with Roger Kohlmeier on SF 49ers versus Las Vegas Raider results, and paid off his $100 debt. Roger turned around and 'rang the bell' for the Rotary Foundation. Gary Bunch had an amazing week at Don Huff's place at Knona that he purchased at the 2025 Dinner Auction.
Robyn Rominger, award winning author, journalist and local historian, was our guest speaker today and discussed her most recent book, 'A Land Filled with Horses', a memior about a horse rescue operation Robyn and husband Bruce Rominger took on after inheriting a neglected herd of 30 wild horses on the 800-acre Yanci Ranch (located at the western end of County Road 27 in western Yolo County) which they had acquired. Bruce Rominger also joined us today. Thanks to Mark Ullrich for arranging for and introducing today's speaker.
January 27th Meeting
President Aniek Pflager kicked off our last meeting of the month with the new Woodland Rotary Centennial Celebration flyer which has a QR code that provides a direct link to tickets to the April 25th event at the Woodlland Community and Senior Center as well as Sponsorship Opportunities. President Aniek also acknowledged our own Ryan Burger for receiving the 'Realtor of the Year' Award from the Yolo County Board of Realtors earlier this week. A proud grandfather, George Burger, 'rang the bell' and father, Jeff Burger, joined in congratulating Ryan.
President-elect Nick Roncoroni reported on recent efforts to raise funds for and pledges received for the Centennial Celebration. He emphasized the need for all members to find interested businesses and individuals who would like to help Woodland with a sponsorship.
Rob Beggs who became a member three years ago, was in today's Century Spotlight. We were reminded in Rotary Fun Facts that Taipea, Taiwan was the site of the Rotary International Convention in 2021 that had to be cancelled and changed to an online format at the last minute due to the pandemic. Taipea is the site of the 2026 Rotary International Convention.
Local football legend Craig Penrose was our guest speaker today, giving us a program called 'Football Then & Football Now', that looked at what pro football was like when he played in the 1970s and what it is today. Thanks to Kevin Haarberg for introducing our speaker today.
January 20th Meeting
President Aniek Pflager welcomed members that we are about 3 months away from our Centennial Celebration on April 25th. Work is underway to make this a once in a lifetime occasion. So he wouldn't be lonely, Jim McGibbon joined Dan Stroski on leading the Rotary Grace today. Chuck Maltese warned we may be at an end for the Rotary Mystery Golf trip because its difficult to find a golf course willing to take us and transportation costs are going up. But Chuck says he and Woodland Sunrise's Chuck Santoni are still trying to put something together.
Joe Cadelago was in today's Century Spotlight. In Rotary Fun Facts we learned the Woodland Opera House was reopened in 1989 after a complete renovation.
With today's 50/50 raffle pot at $226 and 23 cards remaining, Bob Nakken found himself a free lunch. Byron McConnell of the Woodland Sunrise Club visited us again today. While he couldn't quite arrive in time to do it himself, Christian Sherrill's guest today, Craig Perrin, was introduced by President Aniek.
Brian Dwyer took the Recognition helm today with questions about Martin Luther King and the holiday commemorating him. Roger Kohlmeier was sad about the SF 49ers loss last Saturday, and Mark Ullrich was not even here. Ernie Hodges was happy for Indiana University winning the NCAA football championship game last night since he has several friends from Indiana. Don Huff was especially happy at the news the California Parole Board denied parole for the man convicted of his son Brandon Huff's 1982 kidnapping for a 19th time following a hearing last Friday. (For more information about this story read the Daily Democrat's recent article.)
Chip Maxson, President and Chief Operating Officer, Sacramento River Cats, was our guest speaker today giving us a closer look at the 2025 baseball season at Sutter Health Field in West Sacramento where both the River Cats (AAA franchise of the SF Giants), and the Sacramento A's (formerly known as the Oakland A's; temporarily playing at Sutter Health Field for three years before their move to Las Vegas.) played what Chip said was 'A Season Unlike Any Other'. Thanks to Joe Cadelago for arranging for and introducing our speaker today.
January 13th Meeting
Club Foundation Chair Tom Schwarzgruber presented Paul Harris Fellowship pins from the Rotary Foundation to Chuck Moore (+8) and Ann Taylor (her first!) in recognition of their significant financial support of the Foundation.
President-elect Nick Roncoroni updated the Club on the efforts underway and yet to come to make Rotary's Centennial Project a reality. He urged members to sign-up for one of the projects committees and to answer the call when asked to help. View the Project committee structure. President-elect Nick also presented the final version of the member pledge package showing how members can provide financial support for the project at various levels. View the Pledge Form. If you have questions about either of these items please contact President-elect Nick directly.
President Aniek Pflager gave us the sad news that Reggie Powell has resigned from the Club for personal reasons effective immediately. She said he hopes to rejoin the Club sometime soon, and said he would be welcomed back when he does. President Aniek reported the Club's Board of Directors have appointed Jim Nolan to serve out the balance of Reggie's current term on the Board.
Jayne Williams was in charge of today's Recognition. During happy time Jayne was happy to announce she has personally pledged $1,000 toward the Woodland Rotary's Centennial Project. But Jayne also had chocolate on her mind, because she learned that the Davis Odd Fellow's Lodge is holding their annual Chocolate Festival on February 1. She went on to ask a variety of questions about chocolate today. Also under happy time, Linda Walsh had a wonderful holiday season spent with her kids and grand children. Mark Ullrich was happy about the SF 49ers win over the Philadelphia Eagles last weekend.
Our own Joe Cadelago, Public Services Manager with Waste Management, was our program speaker today, providing us with a look at Waste Management's work nationally, as well as here in Woodland and Yolo County. More about Waste Management can be found on their website: https://www.wm.com/us/en/location/ca/sacramento/commercial-trash-service-sacramento-ca
Rotary Helps Veteran's Cemetery
January 6th Meeting
After a three week holiday break President Aniek Pflager welcomed members to the 100th anniversary year of the Rotary Club of Woodland -our Centennial Year.
With the pot at $183 and 25 cards to choose from, Roger Kohlmeier found himself another free lunch. Woodland Sunrise Rotarians Don Sharp, John Roncoroni and Byron MacConnell visited us today. John Roncoroni told us a meeting about local non-profit organizations regaining access to the Yolo County Fair was set for 5:30pm February 17 at the Yolo Fair Museum.
President-elect Nick Roncoroni explained efforts made to find and develop a Centennial Project for the community's benefit during our 100th anniversary. The Club's Grants and Services Committee has selected a Woodland Opera House proposal to develop a Rotary Stage for the Intermission Garden adjacent to both the Opera House and Heritage Plaza as the Club's Centennial Project. The anticipated cost of the project is $100,000-$150,000, with final costs determined through detailed design & engineering. (View the Opera House proposal). The proposal has been reviewed with the representatives of Woodland Sunrise Rotary and Woodland Luna Vista Rotary who have agreed to partner with our Club on this effort. City of Woodland officials have also agreed to work with us on the proposal. The Club's Board of Directors and the Woodland Rotary Endowment Board of Directors have also approved the project proposal. President-elect Nick spoke about the Club's Fund Raising Committee, which he is leading, to find the sponsors and member pledges necessary to fund this project, and outlined draft member pledges being proposed. Club members are encouraged to get involved with the Committee's efforts. (The next Fund Raising Committee meeting is set for 4pm Monday, Jan 12 at the Woodland Soccer Club office). The Woodland Rotary Centennial Celebration has been set for Saturday, April 25, 2026 at the Woodland Community & Senior Center. Celebration details will be announced.
There were several birthdays and an anniversary since we last met. Peter Holmes celebrated his 66th birthday (Fresno) today! We serenaded him with Happy Birthday! President-nominee Gena Bravo couldn't really celebrate her birthday on Dec 10 (Anaheim) because she was at home with the flu. Christian Sherrill celebrated his birthday Dec 13 (San Leandro), by attending the Woodland Holiday Parade. David Pinto celebrated his 63rd birthday on Jan 5 (Old Delhi, India). David and his wife Rebecca celebrated their wedding anniversary on Jan 4 by recently traveling to the U.S. Virgin Islands and visiting the Virgin Islands National Park on the island of St. John. Kris Kristensen (no photo) 'rang the bell' in celebration of his 75th birthday on Dec 21 (Ross CA).
Yvette Roy led today's Recognition with a story about her 9 hour drive up to Tahoe due to weather and heavy traffic. Dick Hoppin announced the news of the birth of his 10th great grandchild. President Aniek shared how happy she was for making it to 2026 and for her gratitude towards her fellow Rotarians. Dan Stroski said he just returned from a vacation to San Pedro, Belize with his daughter and wants to go back some day. Jeff Burger was happy his youngest son Matthew has graduated from Sacramento State with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. Ernie Hodges was sad for the recent passing of his wife Kay's sister, as well the news of the passing of area Congressman Doug LaMalfa.
Hollie Mallamud, Development Manager for the Pence Gallery of Davis, was our guest speaker today, providing an update on the extensive efforts of the Pence Gallery, a non-profit organization, supporting the local arts. More about the Pence Gallery can be found on its website: https://pencegallery.org/ Yvette Roy took charge of today’s Recognition, asking questions about two April 7th holidays: National Beer Day and National No Housework Day (see today's Splinter edition for the story). Lori McGrath enjoyed attending the Sacramento A’s 11-4 win over the |
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Our own David Pinto was our program speaker today, giving us an indepth look at his native country, India, in a presentation called 'My India - its history, culture, opportunities and challenges'. More about India can be found on the Britannica 
On a bright springlike day, President Aniek Pflager welcomed a good sized crowd to today's meeting. Using proceeds from the 2025 Dinner Auction, President Aniek and Immediate Past President Bob Nakken today 
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Immediate Past President Bob Nakken had Recognition duty today, and challenged Dick Hoppin to name each of his ten great grandchildren. Dick made a good try, but had to get bailed out in the end. Shawn Seyk was happy the Woodland City Council finally approved a lease agreement with Shawn's Woodland Soccer Club to develop two soccer fields at the Woodland Sports Park. Shawn says work on the new fields will begin in February. Nick Roncoroni was happy his daughter Elizabeth, a freshman at Woodland High School, has joined the Community Interact Club and will be serving as its Treasurer this year. Nick also shared that he, wife Ellen, and their two children are traveling together to both Japan and to the Rotary International Convention in Taiwan later this year. Dave Molinaro was welcomed back after a few weeks away. With the raffle pot at $245 and 22 cards to choose from, Brian Dwyer drew himself a free lunch. 
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President-elect Nick Roncoroni updated the Club on the efforts underway and yet to come to make Rotary's Centennial Project a reality. He urged members to sign-up for one of the projects committees and to answer the call when asked to help. View the Project committee 
