At our May 14 meeting, member Laurie Edwards will present an engaging travel program on Iceland, and we will also honor an outstanding student from Camerado Middle School as our Student of the Quarter.
Laurie and her sister-in-law, Darla, participated in a winter photography workshop in Iceland from January 26 through February 6, 2025- one of the most dramatic times of the year to experience the island. They traveled roughly 800 to 900 miles, beginning in Reykjavik, continuing to the Snaefellsnes Peninsula, and then along the south coast to the Vatnajokull region.
With limited daylight and long winter nights, each day brought new opportunities to capture Iceland’s rugged landscapes, while the darkness provided ideal conditions viewing the Northern Lights. Laurie will not only share their photographs, but also the stories, challenges, and memorable moments from this unforgettable journey.
Jennifer and Zach Pfeifer, along with Rotarian and Interact advisor Dave Sargent, provided an inspiring update on the Interact Club at PHS (Ponderosa High School.) Their presentation, titled "New Beginnings," highlighted the successful relaunch of the club and the momentum it has already created on campus.
Jennifer, a teacher and faculty advisor, and her son, Zach, the club’s outgoing president, shared the story behind reviving the Interact Club and what motivated them to help bring it back. Together with Dave, also narrated a slideshow showcasing the club’s first year, including recruitment, activities and two featured service projects- sorting donated food at the Food Bank in the fall and assisting with Animal Outreach efforts in the spring.
The presenters shared several recent accomplishments by club members. Two officers, including Zach, received scholarships from our club. Zach will attend Oregon State this fall to study environmental science. In addition, another club officers was selected as a Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) candidate for this summer.
They concluded by outlining goals for the incoming year- increasing membership, integrating into the PHS community, expanding fund raising efforts and adding larger-scale service projects. The presentation closed with an invitation for Rotarians to become involved and support the club’s continued growth and success.
The Rotary Club of Cameron Park wishes to thank Willie Bulda, bicycle program coordinator with Folsom State Prison, and Trek for supplying 10 bicycles for our bicycle program.
Today member Gary Clarke delivered the bicycles- including five equipped with training wheels- to Sutter's Mill School in Placerville. The students enjoyed participation in a bike rodeo with their new wheels, bringing plenty of smiles and excitement to the day.
Thank you Gary, Joe Ryan, and everyone involved for helping make a difference in the lives of local children and families.
Jennifer Pfeifer, Speaker, PHS teacher and the school advisor of the Interact Club.
Zach Pfeifer, Speaker, PHS senior-President of the Interact Club (and Jennifer's son).
Words of Wisdom:
Gina Posey shared a thoughtful message about the lasting impact of service. She told the story of a young boy who questioned why an elderly man was planting oak trees he would never live long enough to enjoy. The man replied that he had spent his life benefiting from the shade of trees planted by others.
Gina compared Rotary service to planting trees — giving our time, talents, and compassion today so others may benefit in the future. In a world focused on immediate results, she reminded members that even small acts of kindness can create lasting comfort and hope for generations to come.
Featured Rotarian:
None this week.
Announcements:
Adam Marshall:
1) Bingo- is coming back to Cameron Park CSD on May 28 from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m., and our own JoEllen Brooks is heading it up for the club. We hope it grows into a quarterly even Volunteers are requested.
2)2026-2027 Planning Session for PE Dan Gott's term- on May 23 from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the CSD Community Center for current/future board members and future committee chairs. Lunch is provided.
3) 2026 Rotary Multi-District Conference (Far West Fest)Update- Our club’s music contest winner, Lucas Dapremont took first place with his piano performance, earning a $1,000 award! Our club was also honored with a District RAVE Award recognizing our Community Foundation’s vocational grants program.
4) 5th Thursday Social with EDH Rotary at the Smyth's Home- Thanked Bill and Kelly for their warm hospitality and for providing a wonderful opportunity for fellowship.
5) June Schedule. Note some luncheon meetings are modified due to scheduled service projects and activities-
June 4- we will be DARK at lunch to celebrate the Observatory's 20th Anniversary in the evening. Please save the date.
June 11- Alan Ehrgott is our featured speaker.
June 18- No regular meeting- preparing for Wine/Beer booth at the county fair from June 18-21. Volunteers needed.
June 25- Meeting but no speaker- All hands on deck preparing for Rotaryville at Summer Spectacular on June 27. This will be a BBQ potluck at the CSD.
6) Congratulations to members-Gary Gall for his wedding anniversary with Sheilah and Ben Young for his Rotary anniversary this week.
7)Club Goals and Metrics- The club has completed six of 13 goals and is showing progress on 11.
The club has exceeded its annual fund fundraising by 103%.
Polio Plus fundraising is at 94%, slightly short of the goal.
We are a bit short on membership goals but have met our goals for online presence, launching Interact, and hosting socials.
Gary Clarke: Beer and Wine Fest Committee meeting: May 28 @ 1:30 PM (after regular meeting).
Happy (or Not) Bucks
Sad Bucks: The following members paid sad bucks in honor of a long-term Rotarian who recently passed away and in support of his spouse:
Bill Hughes: $100
Tom Elken: $20
Gary Clarke: $20
Kathy Thompson: $10
Marlyn Pino-Jones: $10
Liam Roddy: $30
Happy Bucks:
Gary Gall: $19 Happy for 19 years of marriage to Shielah
Gary Clarke: $20 Happy for the multi-district conference.
Dick Marshall: $20 Happy (cash) to be pain-free and mostly functioning.
Marlyn Pino-Jones: $10 Happy to see Liam at the meeting
Sid Bazett: $10 Happy for his son passing his first medical board allowing him to progress to third year and work in a hospital.
Liam Roddy: $20 happy for all the work the club does, and looking forward to Dan's presidency.
Gina Posey: $20 Happy Bucks for surviving candidate forums.
Birthdays in May
Janelle Horne
-----Spouse/Partners----
Anniversaries in May
JoEllen and Geoff Brooks
Gary and Sheilah Gall
Verne and Chris Sanders
Rotary Join Date in May
Bill Ettlich: 51 years
Gary Gall: 32 years
Ben Young: 18 years
Liam Roddy: 1 year
Gina Posey: 1 year
Shawn Khales: 1 year
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.
May 14 Liam Roddy
May 21 Joe Ryan
May 28 Dave Sargent
June 04 DARK at noon - Observatory's 20th Anniversary Party in Evening
