We are excited to take a field trip to Many Oaks Lavender Farm, 3684 Lily Lane, Shingle Springs. It is just a 6-mile drive from our regular meeting location. Owners Colleen and Geoff Revill, fellow members of the Chamber of Commerce, will serve as our hosts and presenters for the program. Our caterer, Diane, will provide gourmet box lunches. This promises to be a fun and enjoyable meeting you won't want to miss.
Member Laurie Edwards 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. They traveled during a period of heighted solar activity, nearing the solar maximum- the peak of the sun's approximate 11-year cycle in which auroras occur more frequently with greater intensity.
Laurie shared not only photographs, but also the stories, challenges, and memorable moments from this unforgettable journey. Iceland reminded them that the most powerful journeys are rarely the easiest, but the ones remembered most. The island tested them with wind, snow, black ice, and constant change, yet rewarded them with extraordinary beauty at every turn.
On May 14, the Rotary Club of Cameron Park proudly recognized Jacob Jones, an eighth grade student at Camerado Springs Middle School, as its Student of the Quarter.
Jacob was selected for this honor by his school based on his outstanding leadership, academic achievement, character, and service to the school community. As Student Body President, Jacob serves as a daily role model for his peers, helping lead the school in the Pledge of Allegiance while representing the values and expectations of Camerado Springs Middle School.
Academically, Jacob excels in the classroom and is currently taking Geometry as an eighth grader, demonstrating his strong work ethic and commitment to learning. Beyond academics, he is actively involved in school athletics as a member of both the basketball and volleyball teams.
Jacob is also known throughout campus for his willingness to help others. Whether assisting staff members, supporting school events, helping with the elementary basketball jamboree, or serving behind the scenes at activities, Jacob consistently volunteers his time to make Camerado Springs a better place.
In addition to his leadership on campus, Jacob regularly represents Camerado Springs at Buckeye Union School District Board Meetings, where he confidently shares school updates with professionalism and maturity. He has also served as Master of Ceremonies for the school’s annual talent show and will be speaking during this year’s promotion ceremony.
“Jacob represents everything we hope for in a Camerado Springs student,” said Principal Doug Shupe. “He is a scholar, leader, athlete, role model, and an outstanding young man with wisdom well beyond his years.”
In recognition of his outstanding achievements, Jacob received a Certificate of Achievement and a Barnes & Noble gift card from Rotary, and a gaming gift card from the Parents Club.
The Rotary club and school extends its sincere congratulations to Jacob on this well-deserved honor.
Jacob Jones, Student of the Quarter, with his parents, Adam and Candace, and sister.
Winston Pingrey, long-time BUSD board member.
Annette Gott, spouse of President-Elect Dan.
Words of Wisdom:
None this week.
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. (Please see JoEllen's email to sign up.)
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) 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 county fair.
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.
Gary Clarke: Beer and Wine Fest Committee meeting: May 28 @ 1:30 PM (after regular meeting). The next Teamster's bike pick up is May 26 at 10:00. We are going to have a lot to pick up so please get your trucks ready!
Don Fuller: One of our former RYLA candidates, Bella, is now a hairstylist at the Morgan Taylor salon in El Dorado Hills. She is having a blow-out special sale that goes through Saturday, which is really a good deal and a way to support her. To make an appointment, please see Don for her phone number.
Dave Sargent: He reminded us to electronically to sign up for the Wine/Beer both at the County Fair. Dave jokingly reminded us that he, Gary, and Gary know where we live if we don't sign up to help.
Happy (or Not) Bucks
Don Fuller: $20 Happy for the success of our youth programs, especially to Kathy Thompson for her work on the dictionary program and Dave Sargent for all his work in the Interact Program.
Adam Marshall: $10 Happy for the outstanding job Chair Don Fuller has done this year for Youth Services, especially with REGL and Student of the Quarter.
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 21 Joe Ryan
May 28 Dave Sargent
June 04 DARK at noon - Observatory's 20th Anniversary Party in Evening
