Woodland Rotary - Photos - Annual

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).

August 11th Meeting

With President Nick Roncoroni away attending business meetings, Immediate Past President (IPP) Aniek Pflager stepped in to welcome us on a warm August day. The usual team of Dan Stroski and Steve Venables got the right tones working for Rotary Grace. David Pinto introduced our guest speakers today, Lou Enge and Jordyn Alexis.

A dapper Brian Dywer took the lead on today’s Recognition. He asked trivia questions about the National Football League as a new (pre) season begins this week. Byron MacConnell, Preston Sharp, Bob Nakken, Ryan Burger, Yvette Roy, Angela Lynn, George Burger, Jayne Williams, Rob Beggs and Clyde Brooker were the victims and only a few offered correct answers. Shawn Seyk ‘rang the bell’ announcing he has been hired as the new Woodland Branch Manager for Tri Counties Bank. Don Huff was happy to attend the annual Concours d’ Elegance at Obexer’s Marina in Homewood on Lake Tahoe over the weekend. He as especially pleased to see a "stunning" $1.7 million, 30-foot Riva custom speedboat from Italy. Blair Voelz ‘rang the bell’ in happiness over finishing his grape harvest for the season. Now, Blair says he must find a new contract to sell his grapes next year. Not an easy task. Tom Hall recently enjoyed a 10-night family reunion in Washington State with cool weather and great seafood.

Our guest speakers today were Lou Enge, Executive Director, and Jordyn Alexis, Administrative Coordinator of NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) of Yolo County who provided us an extended look at the NAMI organization and its services to help many families handle mental health issues in their lives. David Pinto arranged for our speakers to be with us and introduced them. He became involved with NAMI Yolo County several years ago after one of his daughters tried to commit suicide. The experience had a devasting impact on their entire family. They have found valuable help from NAMI, and David has since become a member of the NAMI Yolo County Board. The NAMI WALKS annual fundraising event for NAMI Yolo County is coming up on Saturday morning, September 26 at Woodland Community College. Use the QR code to register for the event. More information about NAMI Yolo County can be found on its website: https://namiyolo.org/. Information about NAMI nationally is available at: https://www.nami.org/

Act of Service - Woodland Rotary

at Salvation Army's Child Spree

In another Act of Service, President Nick Roncoroni, Immediate Past President Aniek Pflager, Lori McGrath, Barbara Sonin, Yvette Roy, Gregg Kowes and his wife Kimberly, and our Youth Exchange student Joy volunteered in Salvation Army's Back to School Child Spree at Woodland's JC Penneys on August 8 assisting qualified local children in doing some back to school shopping. Even Woodland Sunrise Rotary President Don Easton came along. Read more about the event in this Daily Democrat article.

Kevin Haarberg Honored by Alma Mater

Our own Kevin Haarberg, graduate of South Dakota State University (SDSU), was recently selected for the 2026 Class of Distinguished Alumni by the SDSU Alumni & Foundation. Read more about this honor in the Daily Democrat's August 7th article.

August 4th Meeting

On a hot summer's day, President Nick Roncoroni welcomes a large group attending today's meeting. The Hotel's air conditioner couldn't keep up!!

Lori McGrath introduced us to Joy, our Rotary Youth Exchange student from Taiwan who arrived last Sunday. Joy will attending Woodland High School this year and staying first with Lori and later, Ann Taylor. Shawn Seyk introduced guest Kathy Imwalle. Rob Beggs introduced guest Lucy Brazil, Congressman Thompson's District Representative in his Woodland Office. Also joining us today were Woodland Sunrise Rotarians John Beatty and Byron MacConnell. John gave us plans for the Sunrise Salmon BBQ on Oct 3 (see details on this page in 'Announcement').

President Nick and sponsor Bob Nakken inducted John Murphy as a new member to the Club today. John is retired from the State of California, a Woodland resident for over 30 years and active in the community as a member of the Tree Foundation and the City Planning Commission. Steve Venables showed off his Club Historian skills today by showing off a hardcopy of a Club Splinter edition from July 13, 1993; 33 years ago when our Club had more than 100 members. View the 1993 Splinter here: front page and back page

Tony Delevati shared that he and wife Margie celebrated their 49th wedding anniversary on July 18 (Woodland). Jim Nolan and wife Barbara are celebrating their anniversary today. Jim explained they were initially married on a visit to Turkey, but worried about whether the union would be officially recognized elsewhere they were married once again back home.

Immediate Past President Aniek Pflager gave us a close look at the Impact Center, our new and improved Welcome Center at the back of the room. She shared the key changes going on there and asked for volunteers to work at the Center on a rotational basis. If interested, contact Aniek.

President-elect Gena Bravo made her debut in leading Recognition today. Shawn Seyk was happy about traveling to Modoc County this past weekend to attend a reunion of the Florenoy clan, which included former Club member Roger Dorris. Mark Ullrich is getting psyched up for the SF 49ers new football season.

We were honored today to have United States Congressman Mike Thompson, from California' Fourth District, as our guest speaker. Congressman Thompson, talked extensively about a variety of issues affecting people throughout the district which covers Lake, Napa and Yolo Counties, plus portions of Sonoma and Solano Counties. Thanks to Rob Beggs for arranging for and introducing our speaker today. More about Congressman Thompson can be found on his website: https://mikethompson.house.gov/

July 28th Meeting -

District Governor's Visit

Governor Woody Fridae, 2026-27 Rotary District 5160, and his wife Rebecca were welcomed by President Nick Roncoroni and the Club to our meeting today. Woody, a past President of the Winters Rotary Club, is a friend and frequent visitor to our meetings.

Assistant Govenor, District 5160 (and immediate Past President of Woodland Luna Vista Rotary) Brad Miller, and Woodland Sunrise Rotarian Byron MacConnell also joined us today.

Today was Eric Zane's 47th birthday (Woodland), so we sang 'Happy Birthday' to him. Kevin Haarberg 'rang the bell' 10 times after donating $1,000 to Rotary Youth Exchange today. 50/50 Winner last week Mike Chandler donated his $497 winnings today to an account to help offset expenses for the Rotary Youth Exchange student from Taiwan, Joy, who is coming to stay and study in Woodland next month.

President Nick offered an abbreviated Happy Time. David Pinto happily announced his daughter Leah is engaged to be married next Spring. Christian Sherrill said his family had an amazing trip to Pacific Grove over the weekend, running in the 'Wharf to Wharf' 6 mile race from Santa Cruz to Capitola. With 16,000 runners competing, Christian's son Cohen (15 years old) finished 318th, son Lucas (18 years old) finished 1100th, and wife Holli finished 1800th. Christian himself came in 1200th. Brian Dwyer was happy to sleep in his own bed after an extended road trip to watch his son play baseball. Gary Bunch is anxious to see some 'real football' soon, not this soccer stuff!

District 5160 Governor Woody Fridae, our friend from Winters Rotary, was our program speaker today, giving us a look at the District's organization and goals for the year. After holding a meeting with the Club's Officers and Board of Directors prior to today's meeting, he was introduced warmly by Immediate Past President Aniek Pflager and welcomed by President Nick Roncoroni and a full house in attendance. Some highlights are noted below.

District Governor Woody presented his 'Quiet Leadership Award' to Club Secretary Angela Lynn. He highlighted his support for the District's LN4 Hand 2.0 Project to supply a useful prosthetic hand to the many victims of amputations from land mine explosions around the world. (President Nick will soon share his thoughts on how our Club can participate in the LN4 Hand 2.0 Project.) And the Governor identified key leaders from around the District available to assist our Club on a wide range of Rotary business.

District Governor Woody then presented Don Huff with his 6th Paul Harris Fellowship pin, in honor of Don's significant financial support to the Rotary Foundation. Lastly, the Governor Woody gave us a short, animated video with the Governor's voice encouraging us to attend the District 5160 2027 Convention to be held in Redding from April 30 to May 2. More information about the convention is available from the QR code shown above.

July 21st Meeting

President Nick Roncoroni opened today's meeting with good attendance on hand. President Nick highlighted two Rotary District 5160 Wheelchair Distribution Adventures in Central America coming up soon for interested members: Aug 11-16, 2026 Panama City, Panama and Sep 14-19, 2026 San Jose, Costa Rica.Click on the city names for more information about each trip. President Nick also reminded us Club dues are payable this month, and will be considered deliquent on August 1st. He also highlighted the Club's 2026-27 goals.

Jayne Williams and Shawn Seyk were in today's Century Spotlight, a chance to recognize members on the anniversary of their induction into the Club. Shawn joined the Club in 2013 and served as Club President in 2022-23. Shawn thinks its important to give back to the community we live in. He's been to other club meetings in the area and says they're just not as fun as our club. Jayne Williams joined in 2020 just as the COVID pandemic was having all of us 'stuck' at home. Joining the Club was a way meet all these members which she loves to do. Jayne's favorite Rotary activity has been Interact.' Rotary has been really special in my life', says Jayne.

Clyde Brooker took the lead on today's Recognition, asking questions about favorite and least favority vacation trips and destinations. Immediate Past President Aniek Pflager 'rang the bell' and beamed with the news she became a grandma for the first time last Thursday morning as her daughter Elysse gave birth to Eve Smith - perfect in every way! Tom Schwarzgruber enjoyed a family trip to Stinson Beach where they learned their daughter got engaged! Eric Zane said his favorite destination has been Coeur d'Alene, and least favorite destination is Disneyland, where, he says,' his favorite ride is the ride home'. With just 8 cards to chose from Mike Chandler managed to win the $497 50/50 jackpot!!

Our own Craig Perrin was our program speaker today, giving us a look, with his 30 years of experience in the IT business, at 'Information Security in the Age of Artificial Intellegence (AI)' and what we can do to protect ourselves. Questions? Contact Craig directly at 418 218-7806.

President Nick reminded us our visit from District 5160 Governor Woody Fridae (Winters Rotary) will take place next Tuesday, July 28. A meeting of the Club Board with the DG (members welcome) will take place at 11am (members welcome) and the regular meeting will begin at the usual time.

July 14th Meeting

Immediate Past President Aniek Pflager was filled with pride for our Club's selection as Club of the Year by District 5160 at last Saturday's Installation & Awards Dinner in Winters. She emphasized this extraordinary honor was due to the contributions of every member. This was our Club's such award, and only the second received by a Yolo County Rotary Club since 2013-14 when the award was first made. Aniek brought back and displayed the Cliff Dochterman 'Spirit of Rotary Award' banner which our Club will retain all this year for the honor.

2026 Woodland Rotary Academic Scholarship winners Camilla Perez, the valedictorian of Pioneer High School (joined by parents Guillermina & Alonzo Perez; top photo), and Isha Kahn, the valedictoran of Woodland High School (joined by parents Rose & Isaac Kahn) were guests of the Club today. Both women thanked the Club and told us a little about their educational plans. Each will receive a $12,000 award, payable over four years. Last fall the Woodland Rotary Endowment Board doubled the amount of the award and this was the first year the new amount was awarded.

With the 50/50 pot at $475 and 9 cards remaining Lori McGrath found herself a free lunch. New member Craig Perrin provided a Act of Service Opportunity for us.The Woodland Tree Foundation is mulching newly planted trees at Ferns Park (Ashley Ave @ W Southwood Dr) on Friday, July 31 starting at 7:30am and need volunteers. Interested members and guests should plan on wearing garden work attire, bring a rake and work gloves. Contact Craig Perrin at 415-218-7806 or craig@climateaction4all.com to sign up and ask questions.

Yvette Roy was in charge of today's Recognition, asking questions about what members have done after they retired (Yvette is looking at retiring herself at the end of next year!). Dan Stroski had a great time on a recent trip back to Cooperstown NY to watch one of his grandchildren play in the Little League World Series. Dan also received an early warning on his 50th wedding anniversary coming up with wife Ginny on July 18. Lori McGrath enjoyed a recent week in Chicago where she attended two baseball games and endured lots of emergency vehicle sirens. Jim Nolan enjoyed a recent visit from family including grandchildren. Gregg Kowes and family had a fun trip to Sun River OR mostly to fish and ride ATVs.

Rose Cholewinski, long time owner of SwimAmerica Davis, current president of the United States Swim Schools Association, and member of Davis Sunrise Rotary, was our guest speaker today, providing us with a sobering program on 'Water Safety is EVERYONE'S Responsibility'. Thanks to Ryan Burger for arranging for and introducing our speaker today. Read Ryan's Splinter edition for today for a close look at what Rose had to say.

Welcome Our New Member - Tom Hall

Tom Hall, sponsored by Jim Nolan, was installed as a new member of the Club on July 7, 2026 by President Nick Roncoroni. At our request, Tom provided the following bio. If you haven't already done so, please take a moment to introduce yourself to Tom when you meet and welcome him to the Club.

I grew up on the Monterey Peninsula where I met my wife, Melissa, in the 1980s. We both attended UCSB and married in 1987 in Monterey.

Professionally, I worked in outside sales for consumer brands, such as Bayer Aspirin and Kinetic Concepts Medical Device sales. Personal interests include spending time with family and friends traveling and road cycling.

After 31 years living in Southern California we retired to Woodland to be closer to our two daughters and our grandson. We both love the family feeling of Woodland and look forward to being with 'The best darn Club in the World.'

Club Honored by Rotary District 5160!

Our Rotary Club of Woodland received the coveted Cliff Dochterman 'Spirit of Rotary' Award as Club of the Year for 2025-26 by District 5160 during the District's Awards and Installation Dinner held July 11 at the Hotel Winters. 2025-26 ClubPresident Aniek Pflager was presented the honor by Joy Alaidarous, 2025-26 District Governor. Earlier in the evening, the Club was also recognized as one of the District's top contributors to the Shelter Box Campaign.

July 7th Meeting - President Nick

Starts the Year!

Whisked ('Out with the old; In with the new; Clean Sweep!') into the room by Dan Stroski, given an ear of corn by Steve Venables, and shaking the hand of every member, President Nick Roncoroni started the Club's new year today. We learned this year's Rotary theme is 'Creating Lasting Impact'.

Four members of the Woodland Sunrise Club visited us today: Wayne Ginsburg, President Don Easton, John Roncoroni, and Byron MacConnell. Bob Nakken introduced his guest and neighbor John Murphy who is a prospective new club member.

In one of his first acts, President Nick welcomed new member Tom Hall to the Club. Tom has recently moved to Woodland from the Temecula CA where he previously was a member of the local Rotary club. Treasurer Tom Schwarzgruber handed Tom his first bill. Tom received a standing ovation from members. If you haven't already done so, introduce yourself to Tom and welcome him to the Club.

New Club Secretary Angela Lynn announced the start of a new year for the 101 Acts of Service project. We also learned the Salvation Army Child Spree, a great Acts of Service activity which several of our members tried for the first time last year, is set to take place on again on Saturday morning, August 8, at JC Penneys in County Fair Mall. Rotary Youth Exchange Coordinator Dan Stroski told us more about the inbound student ('Joy') coming to Woodland from Taiwan this August to stay with members Ann Taylor and Lori McGrath.

President Nick held a short 'Happy Time' session. Shawn Seyk wasn't surprised by the U.S. team's exit from the World Cup in this round, and thinks America needs to change the way we finance youth sports development here to produce more and better players. Ernie Hodges felt there were some pretty bad referees in the World Cup matches. Jim McGibbon was proud one of his granddaughters was the valedictorian for her high school class in upstate New York this year, just as her father was Woodland High School's valedictorian during his years. Gary Bunch enjoyed the fireworks on display in Ardmore OK this year; no safe & sane restrictions there!! Don Huff relayed a message from Dave Molinaro wishing President Nick a great year. John Roncoroni was very happy his nephew Nick has become a Rotary Club President.

President Nick gave us a look at the Club's leadership roster, organizational structure, and Focus Areas for our work this year. He also described the experience of attending the 2026 Rotary International Convention in Taiwan with his wife Ellen, son Adam and daughter Elizabeth.