At our March 19 meeting, we will welcome talented students from Ponderosa High School who will compete in the Rotary Club of Cameron Park’s Annual Youth Instrumental Music Contest—always a crowd favorite.
Students will perform musical selections lasting between three and eight minutes as they compete for cash prizes:
First Place – $250
Second Place – $150
Third Place – $100
The winner of our club competition will advance to the Area 6 Music Contest. The Area winner will then move on to compete at the District 5190 contest, which will be held during the District Conference on May 2, 2026, in Reno, Nevada, where the first-place winner receives $1,000.
This program reflects Rotary’s commitment to encouraging young people and supporting the arts in our community.
Join us for what promises to be an enjoyable meeting showcasing the musical talents of local students.
Due to unforeseen circumstances, our club’s annual speech contest had to be postponed. Stepping in on short notice, club member Mary Chan provided an engaging and informative presentation about the work of the El Dorado County Grand Jury.
Mary began with a bit of local history. The first Grand Jury report in El Dorado County was published in August 1854 in the Mountain Democrat—just four months after Placerville was incorporated. That early jury included 18 members, among them the county sheriff, a state assembly member, and several local business owners. Their report focused on issues such as jail conditions, road maintenance, and oversight of government spending.
Today, the Civil Grand Jury continues to serve as an independent watchdog over local government operations. Jurors are selected under the supervision of the El Dorado County Superior Court and review activities involving county departments, city governments, school districts, and special districts. Their mission is to help improve public services, identify inefficiencies, and ensure responsible use of taxpayer dollars. By law, the jury also conducts annual inspections of local jails.
Serving on the Civil Grand Jury provides residents with a meaningful opportunity to contribute to their community. Jurors serve from July 1 through June 30 and typically devote about eight hours each week to meetings, research, and investigations. Many investigations begin with citizen complaints or issues identified by jurors themselves.
Mary also emphasized that confidentiality is essential to the process. Jurors must permanently keep secret any testimony, evidence, or voting related to investigations. These protections help safeguard whistleblowers and ensure the integrity of the process.
Mary concluded by encouraging community members to stay informed, read Grand Jury reports, and consider applying for service. Those interested can contact the El Dorado County Superior Court at 530-621-7414 or visit www.edcgov.us/grandjury for more information.
President Adam Marshall thanked Mary for stepping in at the last minute and sharing an insightful presentation on the important work of the Civil Grand Jury. He also congratulated her on her recent recognition as Senate 4’s Veteran Woman of the Year for her extraordinary service to our nation and community.
Our Area 6 Rotary Foundation Dinner is rapidly approaching and will be held Thursday, March 26, at the Shakespeare Club in Placerville. This special evening brings together Rotarians from the Cameron Park, Placerville, Georgetown, and Pollock Pines/Camino Rotary Clubs in support of the Rotary Foundation.
Event Details
Date: Thursday, March 26
Location: Shakespeare Club, Placerville
Cocktails & Appetizers: 5:30 p.m.
Dinner, Raffle & Program: 6:15 p.m.
Cost: $65 per person
RSVP Deadline: Monday
To reserve your seat, email klmmyth3275@gmail.com with the names in your group and their dinner choice of beef or pasta.
Don Fuller will be serving as emcee for the evening and would be delighted to see strong participation from the Rotary Club of Cameron Park.
Attending the dinner is a wonderful way to show your support for the Rotary Foundation and PolioPlus, while also enjoying great food, fun, and fellowship with members of our club and other Rotary clubs in the area.
The evening’s guest speaker will be Gordon Smith, who served more than 40 years in law enforcement. During his career, he was diagnosed with chronic post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Now retired, Smith serves as a board member of the Code 9 Project, an organization dedicated to supporting the mental health of first responders and veterans, with a focus on identifying and treating PTSD and preventing suicide.
Last week, the Rotary Club of Cameron Park recognized Austin Coyne, an eighth-grade student at Camerado Springs Middle School, as Student of the Quarter for his dedication to academics, leadership, and community service.
“Austin represents the very best of what we hope to see in our students,” said Principal Doug Shupe. “He excels academically, gives back to his community, participates fully in school life, and consistently demonstrates kindness and leadership. We are extremely proud of him.”
Austin has maintained straight A’s throughout his three years at Camerado Springs and is a member of the California Junior Scholarship Federation (CJSF), which recognizes students who demonstrate high levels of scholarship and character.
Beyond the classroom, Austin has been active in both volleyball and soccer and also plays competitively for the San Juan Soccer Club. He has shown leadership at school events as well, serving as master of ceremonies for this year’s Camerado Springs talent show.
Austin’s commitment to service includes helping organize the school’s Elementary Basketball Jamboree and leading a shoe drive that collected 172 pairs of shoes for the nonprofit Soles4Souls, providing footwear to people in need.
In recognition of his achievements, Austin received a Certificate of Achievement and a Barnes & Noble gift card from the Rotary Club of Cameron Park, along with a sporting goods gift card from the school’s Parents’ Club.
The Rotary Club of Cameron Park’s Student of the Quarter program recognizes middle school students who demonstrate strong character, academic dedication, leadership, and service to their school and community.
Congratulations to Austin on this well-deserved honor.
Following last week’s Rotary meeting, members Laurie Edwards, Ben Foulk, Tom Elken, Bill Ettlich, and Don Fuller visited longtime Rotarian Bob Dorr at his residence, where they also enjoyed spending time with Bob’s son, Dan Dorr.
The visit provided a wonderful opportunity to reminisce about many of the impactful projects Bob helped lead during his more than four decades with the Rotary Club of Cameron Park. Among them were international efforts such as an immunization initiative benefiting children in Russia, the Philippines Medical Library boat project, and work refurbishing a building and adding a section to a facility in Cartago, Costa Rica. The group also reflected on Bob’s leadership in overcoming the many permitting challenges involved in establishing the club’s signature project at the Community Observatory.
During the visit, Bob was presented with the Lion of Rotary Award in recognition of his 44 years of dedicated service and his steadfast advocacy for Rotary and its mission of service.
Congratulations to Past District Governor Bob Dorr on this well-deserved honor. His dedication, leadership, and passion for Rotary have left a lasting legacy in our club and community.
Ponderosa Little League has asked for our help in painting two small storage sheds at Rasmussen Park. Our club will provide both the paint and the volunteer labor (4-5 members). If you are available to lend a hand on Sunday, March 22, from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM - please contact Gary Clarke by email for additional details. This will be a great opportunity to roll up our sleeves and support youth sports in our community.
Austin Coyne, Student of the Quarter, with family members: Brian and Amanda (parents); Colton Coyne (brother); Dave and Mary Coyne (grandparents); and Chris and Suzy Mansfield (grandparents), guests of club.
Mo Johnson and Mark Hornstra, outgoing and incoming general manager of Cameron Park CSD, guests of club.
Words of Wisdom:
Ben Foulk - Standing beside the Rotary Four-Way Test banner, Ben reflected on the first question: “Is it the truth?” With🍀St. Patrick’s Day approaching, he noted that many holidays are celebrated in ways that don’t always reflect their original meaning. Ben shared a few interesting facts from his research:
St. Patrick was actually a missionary from Roman-occupied Britain, not Ireland, and the well-known corned beef and cabbage tradition developed later among Irish immigrants in New York. He also mentioned Chicago’s tradition of dyeing the Chicago River green, which began when plumbers used green dye to detect illegal sewage leaks.“
And of course, there are the legendary leprechauns, which may explain the tradition of wearing green—or risking a friendly pinch if you forget!
His message served as a lighthearted reminder that the Four-Way Test encourages us to look a little deeper at the truth behind the stories we celebrate.
Featured Rotarian:
None this week.
Announcements:
Adam Marshall:
1) Ethics and Leadership Conference - Session 2 is March 16 at Green Valley Church in Placerville. If you would like to sign up as a mentor or need more info, please contact Don Fuller.
2)Area 6 Foundation Dinner is Thursday evening, March 26. We will be dark at noon. Placerville Rotary is hosting it at the Shakespeare Club in Placerville. Social begins at 5:30 PM, followed by dinner at 6:15 PM. See article below for signup instructions.
3)The 2026 Rotary Multi-District Conference, called the "Far West Fest," will take place May 1-3 in Reno, Nevada, at the Grand Sierra Resort, bringing together Districts 5190, 5220, 5170, and 5240 for a joint event focusing on fellowship, project showcases (House of Friendship), and collaborative ideas, with early bird registration available. Attending so far from the club: Adam and Sally Marshall, Dan Gott and Gary Clarke.
4)Bob Dorr Visit - Following today's meeting, a small contingent of club members will visit Bob to present him with the "Lion of Rotary Award" in recognition of his more than 40 years of exemplary service to Rotary.
5) Congratulations - to Joe Ryan on his birthday. Also noted that he (Adam) and Dan Gott -Rotary brothers- celebrated their third annivesaries on March 16.
Don Fuller:
1) PELS (President-Elect Leadership Seminar) - he attended as Area Governor and was able to spend a lot of time with the President-Elects from our area. It was a lot of fun. Dan Gott added that the training was very meaningful, it was wonderful to get to know the other President-Elects, and the RIP (Rotary International President) gave an address.
2) Area 6 Foundation Dinner - is Thursday evening, March 26. Encouraged members to attend, especially since he is the emcee.
Tom Elken:
Scholarship Committee Update- The scholarship committee comprising of Gary Clarke, Dave Sargent, Anne Eckert, Kathy Thompson and he (Tom Elken) has selected six scholarship recipients and three alternates. All of the students were outstanding and the committee is looking forward to the upcoming presentations.
Sid Bazett:
Defensible Space Town Hall - The CSD is hosting a Town Hall on defensible space tonight from 6:00-8:00 PM. The event will include a simulation demonstrating what a wildfire might look like in Cameron Park, along with presentations from fire personnel, insurance agents and vendors offering services and equipment to help protect homes.
David Roth, PhD:
Appreciation from Buckeye Union School District - Appreciation expressed to our club- especially President Adam Marshall- for the club's support of school staff following two recent tragedies. Rotarians served lunch to teachers on their first days back, providing comfort and encouragement during a difficult time.
Gary Clarke:
1) Wine and Beer Fest - The next meeting will be after our next club meeting at 1:30 PM. Looking for new volunteers to help plan and assist with this fun fund raiser.
2) Teamsters - The next haul is Tuesday, March 24, at 10:00 AM.
Happy (or Not) Bucks
David Roth PhD: $100 Happy 🔔 (Bell Ringer) to celebrate Camerado Springs Middle School being recognized this week as a California Distinguished School. The award is presented every two years, and this marks the second consecutive time the school has received the honor. David noted that the recognition is well deserved and a reflection of the outstanding principal and team at the school.
Kathy Thompson: $20 Happy to celebrate for the birth of her third grandchild.
Tom Elken: $10 Happy for the scholarship committee's hard work screening all of the incredible applicants- a difficult job!
Gary Clarke: $10 Happy to match Tom's $10 Happy Bucks for the scholarship committee and to be done reading the numerous applications.
Birthdays in March
Gary Gall
Joe Ryan
-----Spouse/Partners----
Sabrina and Alex Ho
Anniversaries in March
Vickie Christensen and Perry McLain
Rotary Join Date in March
Anne Eckert: 22 years
Bill Hughes: 16 years
Dan Gott: 3 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.
Mar 19 Don Fuller
Mar 26 DARK at noon - Rotary Foundation Dinner in Evening
Apr 02 Dan Gott
Apr 09 Rich Grieco
Apr 16 Shawn Khales
Apr 23 Cheryl Motassian
Apr 30 DARK at noon - 5th Tuesday Social in Evening
