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| This
Week |
Meeting
Date and Place
May 8, 2008 at 12:15p.m. ..........Cameron Park Country Club |
Words
of Wisdom
Words of Wisdom: Chuck LePere; Greeter Art Cort; |
Program
Rob Rohwer - California State Railroad Museum |
Last
Week
 The El Dorado High School District is something special as attested by their California Academic Performance Index and their standings in the top 10% of all high school districts in California. It is undisputedly the highest ranked district in the Greater Sacramento area. All four of the comprehensive high schools in the District, El Dorado, Oakridge, Ponderosa and Union Mine, are designated as “California Distinguished Schools” - the highest possible state honor. Two schools are National Blue Ribbon School nominees and all four are accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges. Miraculously, this district achieved such honors when pay for their teachers lagged comparable districts by as much as 7%. There has not been a bond issue for the district since the creation of Union Mine High School in 1999. With aging campus facilities that lack state of the art technology, Measure Q will be on the June 3, 2008 ballot to provide much needed funds to renovate and modernize classrooms for El Dorado’s children.
Sherry Smith. Superintendent of the EDHS District, was on hand not to tout the District’s accomplishments, as she has every right to do, but to explain why Measure Q is so important to the future of our schools. Sherry showed pictures of aging and antiquated facilities that must be repaired and renovated to educate children in a safe and modern environment. Measure Q provides $66.3 million in general obligation school bonds to renovate and modernize District facilities. Passage of this measure will secure an additional $10 million in State funds that would otherwise be lost to the District. It is estimated that this measure will cost the average home owner less than $4.00 per month, about the price of two cups of coffee.
A significant portion of the funds is needed to modernize facilities simply to meet current fire and safety codes. Without these improvements, the schools do not meet standards already required by law. They pose a hazard to the children in these schools and, ultimately, pose a serious potential liability to the District and the tax payers. Four of the high schools are in dire need of roof repairs or replacements. Old boilers, plumbing, wiring and HVAC units will also be replaced.
In addition to the essential repairs to current facilities, there is a need for new job training facilities and equipment. Over half the students in the District qualify for admission to the University of California and even more are eligible for admission to the California State University. That still leaves a considerable number of students who must prepare for careers that do not require a university education. In recognition of those needs, new facilities proposed include a children education center, a natural resources learning center, a culinary arts center, an animal health science lab, outdoor covered areas for construction courses and auto shops, and construction programs equipment and storage. Current vocational training facilities will be renovated. New programs in engineering, technology, drafting and diesel mechanics will be introduced.
All of the planned expenditures under Measure Q are essential to continue delivery of a quality education in a safe and comfortable environment. Understandably, Measure Q has widespread support from informed citizens and officials alike throughout the district. No funds from Measure Q will be spent on salaries. These funds can only be spent on the promised school improvement projects. A legally required oversight committee will guarantee funds are spent only on the described school improvements. For additional information about this important Measure, go to the “Yes on Measure Q” web site at: http://www.voteyesonmeasureq.com/index.html
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Presidents
Corner
 PRESIDENTIAL CITATIONS:
President Gary Reynolds presented Presidential Citations to Dave Bunje for the extraordinary work that he is doing for the RI Foundations; to Dennis Hamilton for his hard work and good humor in presenting the Area Student Speech contest; and to Norm Headley for his many contributions over the years to the Rotary Club of Cameron Park.
WINE AT TOWN CENTER:
The Rotary Club of Cameron Park funds scholarships, community projects, international projects and supports several important local non-profit organizations. The single biggest source of funding for these good causes is Wine at Town Center which takes place this year on June 14. Julie Sandberg reminds us that, if we want to fund our projects, we must make Wine at Town Center a success. That means making sure that all tickets are sold. There are still 150 tickets available. Members who have not already done so should contact Debra Miller to get tickets.
Volunteers are needed to set up Wine at Town Center at noon on June 14, 2008. The El Dorado Hills club always has a good turn out to set up and pick up after the event. Cameron Park needs to do its share. There is always a festive atmosphere in anticipation of the event set up assignments are actually a lot of fun. Please let Julie know if you will be available to help.
PHILIPPINE BOAT PROJECT:
The Rotary Club of El Dorado Hills is now a supporting partner in the Philippine Boat Project, contributing a check for one-thousand dollars. Bob Dorr presented the check to Treasurer Doug Bisbee to be used for equipping and staffing the boat. As of April 28, 2008, the two hulls for the catamaran boat were finish and construction was underway for the superstructure. The boat is scheduled to launch before the end of this month.
TEACHER OF THE YEAR AWARD:
Steve Long reports that the Teacher of the Year Award and a check for one-thousand dollars went to Arlene Dugan at the Miller Hill School in Latrobe. Schools in this area provide a high quality education for our children and that requires high quality teachers. It’s difficult to single out any one outstanding teacher, but by all measures, Arlene Duggan is most deserving.
INTERACT CLUB OF PONDEROSA HIGH SCHOOL:
Doug Bisbee read a thank you note from the students of the Interact Club for the $200 contributed by the CP Rotary for the St. Jude Hospital. In all these Interact students raised $1,200 for St. Jude. They have also sent $400 to Nothing but Nets and $200 to the Community Service District for scholarships for needy youths to attend summer programs. Chuck LePere reports that the Interact students have done a great job raising money and that they are open to recommendations on the best use of their funds.
POLLOCK PINES/CAMINO ROTARY GOLF TOURNAMENT:
President Gary announced that the major fund raiser for the Pollock Pine/Camino Rotary will be a golf tournament at Apple Mountain on May 13, 2008. This is one club that knows how to have fun. Combined with a beautiful golf course, it’s an event that assures a great time for all who participate. Contact President Gary for further information.
40 YEAR ANNIVERSARY FOR FOLSOM LAKE COLLEGE - EL DORADO CENTER:
The Folsom Lake College El Dorado Center`s 40th Anniversary celebration will culminate in a Saturday, May 10, 2008, community event from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Center (located at 6699 Campus Drive in Placerville). It will feature a community festival atmosphere with local bands and musicians and a variety of community presentations. Mike Collom reports that CP Rotary will have a table at this event to give general information about the club and to publicize the Scholarship Endowment Fund. In addition, the Cameron Park Community Observatory will be open in the evening from 7:30 to 10:30pm.
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Noted
Rotarians
HAPPY BUCKS:
Super Bell Ringer Chris Moore contributed $10 to recognize Congressional candidate Doug Ose who was present as a guest. When Chris was working in Woodland and Ose was serving in Congress, Chris invited the Congressman to school to talk with students and Ose was most generous with his time and thoughts.
Julie Sandberg must be special. She is getting a personalized private tour of the construction site for the new Red Hawk Casino. She even gave ten dollars for the privilege of gloating.
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Birthdays
in May
Bob Dorr
Tom Keating
Steve Long
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Anniversaries
in May
Mike & Chris Reeg Collom
Verne & Chris Sanders
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Upcoming
Calendar
May 8, 2008 - Rob Rohwer - California State Railroad Museum
May 15, 2008 - Tim Ruffin - Rotary membership recruitment
May 22, 2008 - Kati Farquhar - Grace Foundation/Pony Town
May 29, 2008 - Mike Sproull from the Red Hawk Casino - Meeting at Elks Lodge (tentative) |
Upcoming
Words of Wisdom/Greeter Assignments
Words of Wisdom - Chuck LePere after a greeting from Art Cort
Words of Wisdom - Norm Headley after a greeting from Ulla Petersen
Words of Wisdom - Terry Wilson after a greeting from Coy Baugh
Words of Wisdom - Carol Hodgson after a greeting from Gary Gall
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The
Last Word
CAMERON PARK ROTARY ENDOWMENT FUND:
Mike Collom reports that contributions to the Endowment fund exceed $22,000. We are over 20% of the way to securing the entire $100,000 pledged by Darol Rasmussent to build this fund for scholarships. Have you written a check lately?
DATES TO REMEMBER:
May 6, 2008 - Board Meeting at noon at Kobe`s Restaurant in Burke`s Junction.
May 10, 2008 - El Dorado Center`s 40th anniversary celebration from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m..
June 14, 2008 - Wine at Town Center
June 15 - 18, 2008 - Rotary International Convention in Los Angeles
Gear Up is written by Jim Buckley and Art Cort. Photography and artwork through the talents of Mike Neal.
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/ The Russian Engineer`s team from Vladivostock Photographs