Randy Van Tassel, District Governor, District 5190
Today’s program was the annual District Governor’s visit and message. Randy Van Tassel used appropriate analogies to describe his concept of the role of the District vs. local clubs. His analogy was that of a tandem bicycle. The district was the rider in the back seat responsible for providing propulsion, assistance and encouragement to individual clubs who sat in the front seat of the tandem bicycle and provided the direction and steering.
Randy also made a great comparison for Rotary as an organization to understand and heed. That comparison was between Apple Corporation and Kodak Corporation. One failed to understand the changes occurring around them and went bankrupt (Kodak) and the other reinvented itself as more than a personal computer company (see: ipads; ipods; iphones) and is one of the world’s largest corporations. Rotary is in the process of responding to changes in society and attitudes. Examples he used were the advent of Corporate memberships, the invention of Satellite clubs, and changes in the attendance rules. Many changes are aimed at allowing Rotary International and local clubs to revitalize and grow memberships and commitments to service.
Randy spent time emphasizing the meaning of Rotary’s motto for this year. It is more than Rotary Connecting the World he said. It is connecting the world to produce lasting change. Of course the best example is the Polio Eradication program which was successful because Rotarians were not intimidated by the enormity of the task.
Two well-deserved honors were presented by Randy to club members. First, Jim Buckley was awarded the “Quiet Rotarian” honor for his many “behind the scenes” contributions to our club.
Next, the “Making a Difference” award was given to Greg Wood for all of the many small and large tasks he always agrees to do for our club.
Lastly, Randy explained the combining of the District Conference and Club Leadership Assembly. The combined meeting called “Rally 2020,” is scheduled April 24-26, 2020 in Sparks at the Sparks Nugget. Finally he offered chocolates for anyone who would immediately volunteer to become a Paul Harris Fellow or make a bequest to R.I. in their trust plan. PDG Roger Hassler met that challenge by becoming a Paul Harris Fellow (again). Thanks to Roger for his generosity and commitment to Rotary and thanks to DG Randy for his meaningful message to us.
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Annual meeting of the Cameron Park Rotary Community Foundation. Dave Sargent will report on the status of the Foundation. The annual meeting also includes an election to fill vacant Board seats..jpg)
Matt Lopez was recognized by Governor Randy with the Blue Badge presentation, signifying his full membership in the Club. Matt, a former Rotarian with the Rotary Club of Portola, shared a few words about how his prior Rotary experiences have shown him the value of Rotary International and the impact it has on this world. Matt's full understanding of the meaning or Rotary assures that he will be an important and valuable member of this club for years to come..jpg)
"ROTARIANS AT WORK" - Bill Gallant, reports that the Sky Theater expansion is substantially complete. Painting was the last major element of the project and a combined effort by Cameron Park Rotarians and Observatory docents completed the work this week. This expansion nearly doubles the capacity of this facility and is already in full operation. An overflow audience last week filled all seats and and had standing room only crowd to hear the docents in action. Bill announced that he does not anticipate calling for volunteers to work on the Sky Theater again. It's done!! 
