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Rotary Theme 2025-26

100 Acts of Service

Campaign

We’re on a mission! For our Centennial Year the Rotary Club of Woodland is taking on the challenge of completing 100 Acts of Service!

What qualifies as an Act of Service? Simply ask yourself: Does it pass the Rotary Four-Way Test? We’re tracking every project, big or small, and celebrating as we go. Follow along as we work toward 100 and beyond!

Got questions, an idea or want to join in? Click here for more information or email Angela Lynn at angela@lynn-capital.com.

President Aniek shares some upcoming ways to get in some Holiday Acts of Service:

Contact President Aniek Pflager to respond.

Rotary Centennial - Suggestions Needed

SEND US YOUR SUGGESTION BY DEC 1, 2025

Woodland Holiday Parade

President Aniek offers more Holiday Acts of Service options:

Contact President Aniek Pflager to respond.

November 18th Meeting

With President Aniek Pflager away, President-elect Nick Roncoroni stepped in to lead today's session, his first occasion to do so. We enjoyed a good turnout today, our last one prior to Thanksgiving. We will be dark next Tuesday for the holiday.

Blair Voelz introduced his wife Jan as his guest today. Woodland Sunrise Rotarian Byron MacConnell was also with us. With some help from Tom Schwarzgruber and against some long odds, Mike Chandler found the joker among 25 cards, and won a modest 50/50 raffle pot of $113 today.

Gary Wegener was in today's Century Spotlight. He joined the Club in 1995 with Gary Wirth as his sponsor. Gary was drawn to the Club's community Involvement and as he became more familiar with the scope of Rotary International, came to appreciate all the good Rotary does in the world. ?We also learned the 'Splinter' nickname of our weekly newsletter was selected in 1960 inspired by the City of Woodland's 'City of Trees' motto.

Dan Stroski led today's Recognition with a variety of trivia questions about Thanksgiving. Blair Voelz was happy he completed his olive harvest before the rains could make it difficult. Linda Walsh 'rang the bell' in happiness over selling a few of her paintings when she openned her home to the Stroll Thru History in September. Tom Schwarzgruber enjoyed a great vacation to Rome with wife Gail to hobnob with Pope Leo. Jim Nolan announced there would be a Thanksgiving Service held at the Woodland Mosque on November 23.

Our guest speaker today was Gabriel 'Jack' Chin, a Distinguished Professor of Law at UC Davis School of Law, who provided us a look at the long history of Woodland's Chicago Cafe (located at 411 Main Street) which, until its closer earlier this year, was considered the oldest continuously operating Chinese restaurant in the United States. Jack also outlined the history of anti-Chinese sentiment and immigration policies that prevailed locally and nationally during many decades of its operation. Owners Nancy and Paul Fong made the difficult decision to close the facility this year when no family members were willing to take over as they retired. Thanks to Club Program Coordinator Jim Nolan who arranged for and introduced our speaker today. For more about this story visit: https://www.ucdavis.edu/curiosity/news/chicago-cafe-is-oldest-chinese-restaurant-in-california

November 11th Meeting - Veterans Day

President Aniek Pflager welcomed a good crowd to our meeting on Veterans Day. She asked all veterans to stand to be acknowledged and thanked for their service. President Aniek also welcomed Carl Rodegerdts back after a brief medical leave of absence.

Today's Century Spotlight was on George Burger, Mark Ullrich and Steve Venables. George Burger became a member for 40 years this month. Previously he was a member of the Rotary of Club of Paradise CA for 10 years prior to moving to Woodland. George's son Jeff and grandson Ryan, have also joined the Club in recent years. Mark Ullrich is also celebrating 40 years of Rotary membership. After being sponsored into the Club by Gary Wirth, Mark has subsequently many new members to the Club. Mark also celebrated his 76th birthday on November 10 (Woodland). Steve Venebles was sponsored into the Club by Donald L Smith in 1982. All three said they joined to build business relationships; many of which also became personal friendships. They have thoroughly enjoyed their time in the club.

Christian Sherrill took charge of Recognition today, seeking thoughts about Club leadership. Don Huff was happy about his recent hunting trip to Roswell, New Mexico which included bagging a large buck. Bob Nakken 'rang the bell' for surviving spinal meningitis and returning home after long post operative care. Chuck Maltese returned after caring for his wife Joyce the past two months following her back surgery. Chuck said he learned a few things about how their house operates. Jayne Williams was happy about the success of the All Leaders Must Serve Annual Dinner on November 5 celebrating its 10th Anniversary of helping local young people develop workplace skills; and thanked the Club for its support. Christian then asked some past and present Club leaders what they learned on the job, and how they inspired others: Shawn Seyk (Club President 2022-23), encouraged others to serve as President as its not as hard as it looks and the club will still be here after you’re done. Current Club President Aniek Pflager was a member for over 20 years before she was ready for the job. She was thankful club members step up when asked and are really the ones doing the work. President-elect Nick Roncoroni (2026-27) was glad Bob Nakken and Karl Diekman agreed to serve as President which allowed him some time to better prepare for his term. Kevin Haarberg (2003-04) thought it important to lead by example.

We are seeking suggestions for our Centennial Project during this month. Help spread the word! There are several opportunities coming up to add to the 100 Acts of Service, including donating to Omega Nu's Coat Drive this month. We will have a Holiday Social on December 16th at Morgan's Mill. Bring your spouse!

Becky Heard, Director of Development and Community Relations with Yolo Crisis Nursery, was our guest speaker today, giving us an extensive look at the organization and the local families they serve. Our Club donated $10,000 to the Yolo Crisis Nursery from proceeds of the 2023 Dinner Auction, in support their move into a new facility in Davis. More about Yolo Crisis Nursery can be viewed on their website: https://yolocrisisnursery.org/

Rotary Youth Exchange - Fleet Week '25

Dan Stroski provided us with photos of Rotary Youth Exchange students from Rotary Districts 5160, 5180 and 5190 going on a group trip to Fleet Week in San Francisco. They stayed at the Fort Mason Hostel and visited the Rotary Club in China Town.

Senior BBQ 2025

A pleasant, warm Fall day greeted an estimated 250 local seniors who came to Rotary Park at the Yolo Fairgrounds on Tuesday, September 23, for a BBQ chicken lunch with potato salad, watermelon, roll and ice cream for dessert provided by the Rotary Club of Woodland, and served by its members under the leadership of President Aniek Pflager. Thanks to Cracciolos for the food they provided. Leftovers went to first responders at local fire stations, and to the Fourth and Hope shelter. View story in Daily Democrat. View a full array of photos from this event in the Photo Gallery.

News From Club Polio Warrior Mark Ullrich:

Polio Update (August 5, 2025)

Paralytic polio cases continue to occur in Pakistan and Afganistan, sadly 20 children have been diagnosed with wild polio virus in 2025. In addition, 100 variant-caused polio cases have been reported this year.

Funds raised by Rotary helps fight this terrible virus. Here is a link to the Global Polio Eradication Initiative Update.

And you can find many resources about Rotary's fight against polio at www.endpolio.org

Thank you for doing your part to stop polio forever! Together, we are making history.

Sincerely,

Karin Lightfood, RN, PhD

District 5160 PolioPlus Chair 2025-26

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

Here you can make a donation and sign up to receive the End Polio Now newsletter.

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