Our speaker this week is Captain John Poimiroo, US Navy-retired and Director Emeritus of the El Dorado County Veterans Monument. He has lived in El Dorado County since 1992. John is a member of the Society of American Travel Writers, Outdoor Writers Association of California, and a member of the Circle of Chiefs selecting inductees to the California Outdoors Hall of Fame. He retired at the rank of Captain in 1996, following 30 years active and reserve service as a Navy Cryptologist.
The topic of this week's presentation will be the El Dorado County Veterans Monument, specifically "Welcome Home" an effort to memorialize the welcome home that every veteran deserves, but that many have never received. I would begin by describing the monument, where it's located, how it came to be and how it honors over 2,000 veterans.
Last Thursday, we held our annual Rotary Speech Contest for Ponderosa High students. We had four students competing, ranging from freshman to juniors. The theme to inspire the speakers was: "Rotary is a volunteer organization. How have you volunteered towards promoting HOPE in the world, and how did you see HEARTS impacted through the experience?" The speeches were as varied as the three young women and one young man speaking.
Sid Bazett, our Youth Chairperson, did a great job of organizing and MCing the contest this year. Members Don Fuller, Dave Sargent, DeBORah Demander and Tom Elken were judges that scored and ranked the participants. Laurie Edwards was timekeeper, and only one contestant was outside the 5-7 minute target length of the talk. The scores were close with several students being ranked #1 by at least one judge. The winner of our contest will go on to compete in Area and then, possibly District level contests. The members (mostly) waited until the end to offer a big round of applause to our inspiring student speakers.
Anne Eckert: You are cordially invited to join President Cathy, your fellow Rotarians, Community Members and Friends for an evening of Fellowship, Food, Fun and Surprises at our 2024 Fireside Chat and Social.
The evening is being sponsored and paid for by the Rotary Club of Cameron Park, at absolutely no cost to you! ** The only thing we ask is that you bring a beverage of choice to share with your fellow attendees**. Food and other Goodies will be provided.
Our Theme this year is “Why Rotary? Rotary From the Heart” Inspiration will be provided by a few of your fellow Rotarians who will speak from their hearts about why they joined Rotary, what Rotary means to them and what keeps them motivated and engaged today.
More Details: Date: Monday, April 1, 2024 (No Fooliin'!) Time: 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM Location: Don and Linda Fuller Residence: 5570 Pyracantha Drive, Shingle Springs, CA
Don Fuller Cell: 530-683-7242
Gary Clarke: Wine & Beer Fest committee meeting: 5 minutes here after the Rotary meeting, and then meet at Boring Rose to taste and select beers for the County Fair.
Joe Ryan: We may have a new community service project. If the CSD Board approves a boat ramp for the Cameron Park Lake next to Rotary Pier, we will partner in the construction.
Steve Long: Upcoming 4th Tuesday is a Teamsters day. Gather at the County MRF to pick up bikes. We will call them ahead of time and call members of the group if we don't need all trucks.
Guests:
Ulla Petersen's guest Yeager.
Our four student speakers and their coach Brock Dyer from Ponderosa High School.
Happy (or Not) Bucks
Bill Ettlich, $20 Happy that his son is one of the two newest (rear) admirals in the US Navy, and will tour and speak at the US Naval Academy at Annapolis.
Sid Bazett is $20 happy that he and his son snow-shoed to their cabin on Fallen Leaf Lake, and despite 150 mph winds in storms last winter, the cabin is still standing.
Dave Sargent: $20 Happy: $10 for the Giants winning one game he viewed in AZ, and $10 for plans to go to a Bruce Springsteen concert in SF next week,
Deborah Demander: $3.77 Happy for being home from a car trip that covered 3,777 miles of the West & SW recently.
Joe Ryan: $13 Happy for his recent birthday. (Hmm, does 7 + 6 = $13 ?)
Don Fuller: $20 Happy: $10 to review applications for the Perseverence Grant and $10 for going to Carmel for 4 days in beautiful weather.
Birthdays in March
Dick Franks
Gary Gall
Tiffany McAchran
Joe Ryan
-----Spouses-----
Annette Gott
Anniversaries in March
Sabrina and Alex Ho
Upcoming Words of Wisdom/Greeter/Front Desk Assignments
Our speaker this week is Captain John Poimiroo, US Navy-retired and Director Emeritus of the El Dorado County Veterans Monument. He has lived in El Dorado County since 1992. John is a member of the Society of American Travel Writers, Outdoor Writers Association of California, and a member of the Circle of Chiefs selecting inductees to the 
Last Thursday, we held our annual Rotary Speech Contest for Ponderosa High students. We had four students competing, ranging from freshman to juniors. The theme to inspire the speakers was: "Rotary is a volunteer organization. How have you volunteered towards promoting HOPE in the world, and how did you see HEARTS impacted through the experience?" The speeches were as varied as the three young women and one young man speaking..png)
