Because real estate fraud and deed crimes threaten both homeowners’ financial security and the integrity of public records, the Rotary Club welcomes the public to this important presentation by El Dorado County Recorder-Clerk Janelle Horne. Janelle was first elected to office in November 2018 and re-elected in June 2022. Lunch is $25.
Janelle will discuss how criminals are targeting homeowners through deed crimes and real estate fraud- and what you can do to protect yourself. She will share real examples of cases seen right here in El Dorado County, clear up common misconceptions about companies claiming to “protect” you from property fraud, and explain who’s most at risk. Attendees will learn simple, practical steps to safeguard their property, and find out what the County is doing to detect, prevent, and respond to these crimes.
Before entering public service, Janelle spent 20 years in the mortgage and banking industry, including as a mortgage loan officer with Land Home Financial. She also operated a successful notary business for eight years.
Deeply involved in her community, Janelle is a proud member of the Cameron Park Rotary Club, the El Dorado County Chamber of Commerce, the Shingle Springs/Cameron Park Chamber of Commerce, and the El Dorado Hills Chamber of Commerce. She is also an active “Big” with the Big Brothers Big Sisters program.
Randy Hodges, chief docent at the Cameron Park Rotary Community Observatory, delivered a fascinating presentation on the importance of astronomy and the wonders of the universe.
He shared the story behind the iconic “Earthrise” photograph, taken on Christmas Eve in 1968 by astronaut William Anders aboard Apollo 8, capturing Earth rising over the Moon’s horizon. Widely regarded as one of the most influential images ever taken, it changed how humanity viewed our planet—small, fragile, and deeply interconnected.
Randy also shared stunning images of the rings of Saturn and breathtaking views from the Hubble Space Telescope, highlighting the vastness and beauty of space. He offered a preview of what members can expect at our upcoming Observatory Social on October 19, including opportunities for stargazing and viewing Saturn and celestial bodies through powerful telescopes.
He concluded with exciting updates on the observatory’s expansion and recent donations, including a telescope gifted by a former shy teenager who discovered a lifelong passion for astronomy through the program. Today, the observatory proudly supports 60 active docents and welcomes more than 12,000 visitors each year.
Join us on Sunday evening, October 19, at 6:30 PM for a private gathering of Rotarians, friends, and neighbors at the Cameron Park Rotary Community Observatory. Enjoy pizza (and salad) and great fellowship before an exciting night of stargazing led by the observatory's talented team of dedicated docents. According to the 10-day weather forecast, the skies should be clear so we shouldn't have to postpone!
We'll also be joined by fellow Rotarians from the West Slope and the American River Rotary Club of Sacramento, making it a wonderful opportunity to connect under the stars.
Cost is $15 per person. Please notify Laurie Edwards immediately if you are attending but have not yet signed up.
(Pictured from left- Area Governor Don Fuller, Debbie Powell (grandmother), President Adam Marshall, Student of the Month Marshall Warner, Justin and Syndie Marshall (parents), RUSD Assistant Superintendent Dustin Haley, RUSD Superintendent Jim Shoemake, PGMS Counselor Lauren Todoroff, and PGMS Assistant Principal Greg Lambrecht.)
At our last meeting, the Rotary Club of Cameron Park proudly recognized Marshall Warner, an 8th grade student at Pleasant Grove Middle School, as Student of the Quarter.
During the award presentation, Rescue Union School District Superintendent Jim Shoemake commended Marshall for making a real impact on his school and community through leadership and dedication. Pleasant Grove Middle School Counselor Lauren Todoroff added that Marshall truly embodies Rotary’s motto of Service Above Self in his daily actions.
Marshall is a talented musician, described as a “rock star” by Todoroff. He has been a valued member of the school’s jazz band for two years, the school band for three years, and this will mark his third year performing in the annual talent show. Last year, he served as part of the school’s WEB (Where Everybody Belongs) mentoring program, helping new students feel welcomed on campus.
In addition, Marshall serves as the founding leader and current president of the Hands4Hope Club on campus, a program that encourages youth leadership and community service. Outside of school, he is a dedicated member of the Aqua Sol Swim Team, practicing two hours each day.
Academically, Marshall continues to excel, maintaining an impressive 3.67 GPA while balancing coursework, community service, and extracurricular activities.
In recognition of his outstanding achievements, Marshall received a Certificate of Achievement and a Barnes & Noble gift card.
Congratulations, Marshall, on this well-deserved honor!
(Pictured from left- Area Governor 6 Don Fuller, President Adam Marshall, Jesse, Mara, Rubie, Principal Doug Shupe, Mallory, and Jade.)
We were delighted to receive an update from our REGL (Rotary Eighth Grade Leadership) students and Principal Doug Shupe of Camerado Springs Middle School.
The students expressed heartfelt appreciation for the opportunity to participate in the life-changing Leadership Weekend Camp, which featured a variety of team- and trust-building activities, including an exhilarating ropes course.
They shared that the experience helped them build new friendships and gain a deeper appreciation for family, friends, and community. Among their key takeaways were the importance of having a positive attitude, approaching challenges with gratitude (“we don’t have to — we get to”), being authentic, and recognizing that “we can survive without a phone for a weekend.” They also emphasized the value of listening to and understanding other people’s perspectives.
We congratulate our REGL students for completing this inspiring leadership journey and thank them for demonstrating Rotary’s motto of Service Above Self through their enthusiasm, teamwork, and commitment to personal growth.
One of our favorite Rotary service projects is providing a dictionary to every third- grade student in the Cameron Park area. By next week, we will have distributed 360 dictionaries to students at eight local schools: Blue Oak, Buckeye, Rescue, Green Valley, Latrobe, Holy Trinity, CACMP and EDCOE.
But it's much more than just a dictionary! Inside, students discover fascinating facts about countries, states, Earth, and the atmosphere- plus a multiplication table, periodic table of elements, and even a sign language chart. What truly captures their imagination is exploring the animal section, where they learn about creatures in their natural habitats- and the surprising fact that the longest word in the English language has 1,909 letters!
It's always a joy to see their smiles as they explore new words, facts, and ideas. This annual literacy project reflects Rotary's commitment to supporting education and empowering young minds in our community.
A heartfelt thank-you Kathy Thompson for her outstanding leadership in chairing and coordinating this project, and to volunteers Adam Marshall, Dave Sargent, Joe Ryan, Dan Gott, Marlyn Pino-Jones, Don Fuller, Sid Bazett, Tom Elken, Gary Clarke, JoEllen Brooks, Gina Posey, and Laurie Edwards for helping deliver the gift of learning. 💙📖
President Adam Marshall presented JoEllen Brooks with the Dream Maker Award for her creative leadership in the Rotaryville fundraiser, including designing the event t-shirt. Unable to attend our meeting with the District Governor, she was recognized at last week’s meeting. Congratulations, JoEllen!
Dick Marshall, Adam's father and visiting Rotarian from West Sacramento.
Randy Hodges, Speaker, guest of club.
Steve Savage and Michael Ling, guests of Sid Bazett.
Bill Smyth, visiting Rotarian from Palm Desert. Jim Shoemake, visiting Rotarian from El Dorado Hills and Rescue Union School District (RUSD) Superintendent. Dustin Haley, RUSD Assistant Superintendent
Greg Lambrecht, Pleasant Grove Middle School Assistant Principal
Lauren Todoroff, Pleasant Grove Middle School Counselor.
Jesse, Mara, Rubie, Mallory, and Jade, REGL students from Camerado Springs Middle School
Marshall Warner, Student of the Quarter from Pleasant Grove Middle School with his parents, Justin and Syndie, and grandmother, Debbie Powell.
Featured Rotarian:
None this week due to time constraints.
Announcements:
Adam Marshall:
Emphasizes need for club bulletin editor. Please volunteer. Laurie will soon be going out of town and on strike!
Rotary and Friends Night at the Observatory is October 19 @ 6:30 PM. Menu is pizza and salad. $15 per person.
Volunteers are needed from October 16-20 for Three’s Strands’ Break Free Run- it raises awareness about Child Human Trafficking.
The Cameron Park CSD is seeking “trunks” and volunteers for the Trunk or Treat event at the CSD on October 17.
The Shingle Springs Community Center is having bunco night on Friday, October 17 with a Halloween theme.
The club’s coat drive for EDCOE has surpassed $1,000. Thanks members for contributions.
A reminder is given about the need for gift cards for the Christmas auction gift.
A Fireside Chat will be at Marlyn’s on October 30. More information will follow.
Congrats Tom Elken on his “21st ” birthday last week.
Joe Ryan: The Mission to Honor Veterans is Friday, October 17, 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM to at the Foothills Church in Cameron Park. Local veterans go on a “virtual trip” to tour the Washington D.C. memorials. Volunteers might still be needed. Contact Visiting Angels at 530/677-4400 for more information.
Sid Bazett: There is a polling drop off location by the Cameron Park library.
Laurie Edwards: We are inviting the public next week for County Recorder Janelle Horne’s presentation on real estate crime and deed theft. Lunch is $25 for guests.
Happy (or Not) Bucks
Bill Smyth: $10 Happy (cash) for being able to return to attend our annual Christmas Party. He also invites us to his “home” club of Palm Desert in the winter.
Birthdays in October
Tom Elken
Don Mai
Marlyn Pino-Jones
Teresa Utterback
-----Spouse/Partners----
Gina Crofut
George Eckert
Michelle Hamilton
Natasha Roddy
Anniversaries in October
Rachel and Joshua Amador
Gary and Dede Clarke
Liam and Natasha Roddy
Rotary Join Date in October
Tom Elken: 8 years
Suzy O'Neal: 6 years
Upcoming Sergeant of 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.
ed from left- Area Governor 6 Don Fuller, President Adam Marshall, Jesse, Mara, Rubie, Principal Doug Shupe, Mallory, and Jade.)
