Newly appointed Cameron Park Community Services District General Manager Mark Hornstra will discuss his new role and share his vision and future plans for the district, along with insights into the challenges and opportunities ahead.
Hornstra assumes the permanent position following service by interim general manager Maurice Johnson. He most recently served as parks and facilities supervisor for the district after previously leading the El Dorado Hills Community Services District as general manager.
Describing himself as a problem solver, Hornstra acknowledges the challenges ahead, including budget constraints, deferred maintenance, and increasing community demands. He expressed appreciation for Johnson’s steady leadership and intends to build on that foundation.
Hornstra brings extensive experience in both public agency leadership and the private sector, including managing a public agency with a budget exceeding $20 million and prior leadership roles within a $3.8 billion global organization, with a focus on fiscal stewardship, operational excellence, and community service.
(Pictured from left: PHS Speech and Debate Coach Brock Dyer, Club President Adam Marshall, Contestants Elysia and Jaimee, and Area 6 Governor Don Fuller)
Two students from Ponderosa High School competed in the annual Rotary Club of Cameron Park Speech Contest- a highlight each year. The students are: Elysia, a nineth grader who plans to study cosmetology and style design, and Jaimee, a senior who will pursue microbiology at the University of California, Santa Barbara. Both delivered five- to seven-minute speeches based on this year’s theme, “Unite for Good: Together We Make Dreams Come True.” Jaimee received the $250 first-place prize and will advance to the Area 6 competition at El Dorado High School on April 12. Elysia earned $150 as the second-place finisher. Congratulations to both!
(Pictured from the left: RUSD Superintendent Jim Shoemake, Pleasant Grove Middle School Counselor Lauren Todoroff, Club President Adam Marshall, Darren Nelson, Brendan Nelson, Daylene Nelson, Jean Dodge (grandmother), and Area 6 Governor Don Fuller.)
The Rotary Club of Cameron Park proudly recognized Brendan Nelson, an eighth-grade student at Pleasant Grove Middle School, as Student of the Quarter.
During the presentation, Rescue Union School District Superintendent Jim Shoemake praisedBrendan for his positive character and contributions to both his school and community. School counselor Lauren Todoroff noted that Brendanconsistently demonstrates the qualities valued in every student, including positivity, inclusiveness, diligence, and active engagement. “He is a friend to all and well-liked by students and staff alike,” she said.
Brendan’s strong work ethic and willingness to help extend beyond the classroom. At home, he assists his parents and often volunteers to complete chores, sometimes needing to be reminded to let others finish their assigned tasks. In his neighborhood, he is a dependable and trusted helper, frequently caring for pets, watering plants, and assisting neighbors—especially seniors—with physically demanding tasks such as moving heavy items or shoveling gravel.
Known for his kindness and initiative, Brendan offers help without expecting anything in return. He is even quick to assist in searching for lost pets, dropping what he is doing to help others in need.
"Brendan's kind and generous spirit truly sets him apart," Todoroff added. "He leads by example and consistently strives to do the right thing."
In recognition of his achievements, Brendan received a certificate of achievement and a Barnes & Noble gift card.
Congratulations toBrendan on this well-deserved honor.
(Pictured from left: Area 6 Governor Don Fuller, Lilia Olson, Lucas Dapremont, Grant Raffetto, and Tucker Hoel)
On April 12, Rotary District 5190, Area 6- comprising the Rotary Clubs of Placerville, Cameron Park, Georgetown, and Pollock Pines/Camino- held its annual music and speech contest at El Dorado High School.
Lucas Dapremont, a ninth grader at Ponderosa High School and sponsored by the Rotary Club of Cameron Park, earned first place in the music contest and received a $250 prize. He performed a piano piece adapted from “The Flight of the Bumblebee,” arranged by Jack Fina.
The speech contest, held separately, was based on this year’s Rotary International theme, “Unite for Good: Together We Make Dreams Come True.” Tucker Hoel, a junior at American River Charter School and sponsored by the Georgetown Rotary Club, captured first place and a $250 award. Lilia Olson, a junior at Mountainside Middle College High School and sponsored by the Placerville Rotary Club, earned $150 for her second-place finish. Grant Raffetto, a senior at El Dorado High School and also sponsored by the Placerville Rotary Club, received $100 for placing third.
First-place winners Lucas and Tucker will advance to the district competition on May 2 at the Grand Sierra Resort in Reno, Nevada, where they will compete for a $1,000 grand prize, with $750 awarded for second place and $500 for third.
Area 6 Governor Don Fuller commended the students on their performances. “These students represented their schools and clubs well and showed a high level of preparation and talent. We appreciate their hard work and look forward to seeing our first-place winners compete at the district level,” Fuller said.
Jim Shoemake, Rescue Union School District Superintendent and EDH Rotarian
Lauren Todoroff, Pleasant Grove Middle School Counselor
Brendan Nelson with parents Darren and Daylene and Grandmother Jean from Georgia.
Brock Dyer, PHS Speech and Debate Coach with students Elysia and Jaimee.
Mark Hornestra, Manager at the CPCSD
Words of Wisdom:
Adam Marshall: "I always believed that kindness and compassion could change the world.” Gene Autry.
Rich Grieco: “I always tried to maintain a sense of humility no matter how successful I became.” Unattributed.
Featured Rotarian:
None this week.
Announcements:
Adam Marshall:
1) CASA Box Lunch Day- will be served at our April 23 meeting, one of their primary fund raisers. Sign up street distributed. Thanked Marlyn for coordinating signups for our club. (pinojones@yahoo.com 916-933-8205).
2)Area 6 Speech and Music Contest - Please attend on April 12 @ 2:00 PM at the Music Room at El Dorado High School. Thanks Don Fuller for organizing.
3)The 2026 Rotary Multi-District Conference (Far West Fest) will take place May 1-3 in Reno, Nevada, at the Grand Sierra Resort;still time to sign up.
4) Congratulations - to Rich Grieco on celebrating his 11th year as a Rotarian.
5) Sergeant at Arms - Clarify who currently holds the Sergeant-at-Arms role and will email the relevant information to the appropriate person(s) to resolve the confusion in the schedule.
6) Sign Committee - Thanks committee for their great work on billboards that are clearly visible now on Highway 50.
Dave Sargent:
Interact Service Project - This Saturday at Animal Outreach Shelter (Diamond Springs),
10–1 or 1–4. Students collected pet food and will organize supplies for the shelter’s upcoming move. Volunteers welcome.
Happy (or Not) Bucks
Dave Sargent: $96 Happy to celebrate his wife’s birthday and granddaughter's 16th birthday.
Sid Bazett: $10 Happy for his positive experience at the DMV.
Bill Smyth: $5 Happy (cash) to be back.
Birthdays in April
Shiva Frentzen
Dan Gott
Sara Matley
Renee Villanueva
Terry Wilson
-----Spouse/Partners----
Jeff Frentzen
Carol Sargent
Anniversaries in April
Tom and Sandy Elken
Rotary Join Date in April
Rich Grieco: 11 years
Hal Young: 8 years
Upcoming Sergeant at Arms Assignments
Please arrive early, serve as greeter, take attendance via the sign-in roster at the front desk, lead the pledge, introduce guests, provide words of wisdom, and other duties as requested. If you are unable to serve, it is your responsibility to find a replacement and notify President Adam.
Apr 16 Rich Grieco
Apr 23 Shawn Khales
Apr 30 DARK at noon - 5th Thursday Social in Evening
May 07 Gina Posey
May 14 Liam Roddy
May 21 Joe Ryan
May 28 Dave Sargent
June 04 DARK at noon - 20th Anniversary Observatory Party in Evening