Alex East is a seasoned professional in the cybersecurity industry, bringing decades of experience protecting digital lives and information. Over the years, he has worked with a wide range of clients- from large corporations and government agencies to individuals seeking to safeguard their personal information-giving him a rare, well-rounded perspective on today’s cyber challenges.
Born in the United Kingdom and now residing in California, Alex offers an international viewpoint that enriches his work and his teaching. His career is driven by a genuine passion for creating safer online environments for everyone, as technology evolves at a rapid pace.
With a deep understanding of the ever-evolving digital landscape, Alex has become a trusted advisor and educator, known for his ability to translate complex cybersecurity concepts into clear, practical guidance. His mission is to empower people and organizations to recognize risks, prevent cyber threats, and respond with confidence.
Alex is also a published author, with several well-regarded books available on Amazon, including, Cybersecurity for Seniors Made Easy, The AI Scam Survival Guide, A Parent’s Guide to Online Safety, and The Secure Password Keeper.
We are grateful to have Alex share his expertise with us and help our Rotary community stay informed, empowered, and secure in an increasingly digital world.
Membership is critical to the long-term health of Rotary Clubs, and Dr. Bill Wittich delivered an outstanding presentation designed to help clubs attract new members. He emphasized building a balanced membership that includes younger, middle-aged and older Rotarians.
In his talk, "Stop Recruiting, Start Attracting,” Bill challenged clubs to move away from traditional recruiting—which often feels like chasing people—and instead focus on attraction by becoming a club people naturally want to join. Recruiting means finding someone; attraction means creating an environment where they find you.
Bill encouraged members to ask not only why we want new members, but why potential members would want to join our club. He noted that people are initially drawn first for networking, social connection, learning opportunities, and fun, with service becoming meaningful once they feel engaged. Creating a welcoming atmosphere and exceeding expectations are key.
He shared three principles to attraction: people join organizations that benefit them; clubs should clearly communicate the benefits of Rotary; and prospective members “shop” for clubs that feel like the right fit. He also urged clubs to be intentional about reaching diverse groups, including young professionals, families, women leaders, and retirees seeking purpose and connection. He suggested meeting people where they already are: friends, Chamber events, local businesses, faith communities, nonprofit boards, social media, and even coffee shops.
Bill concluded with practical takeaways: invite people to join you for lunch rather than simply attending a meeting, talk first about Rotary's local impact before global initiatives, and listen closely when someone says they'll "try" to come- sometimes a little encouragement makes all the difference.
Dr. Bill Wittich, Speaker and Past President of Laguna Sunrise Rotary Club, and his wife, Ann.
Ginger Swigart, President of Pollock Pines-Camino Rotary Club.
Tina Shaw, Guest of Club
Featured Rotarian:
None this week.
Announcements:
Adam Marshall :
1) Faith Episcopal is restarting their youth fund raising dinner on January 28. Adam will have a signup sheet in the near future.
2)Area 6 Foundation Dinneris Thursday evening, March 26. We will be dark at noon. Placerville Rotary is hosting it at the Shakespeare Club in Placerville.
3) The 2026 Rotary Multi-District Conference, called the "Far West Fest," will be held in Reno, Nevada, at the Grand Sierra Resort from May 1-3, 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.
Happy (or Not) Bucks
Adam Marshall: $20 Happy to welcome Tina Shaw toour meeting, to recognize ShayanKhales for successfully getting electronic payments up and running (including automatic deposits to designated accounts), and to celebrate Bill Ettlich being back on his feet and joining us again.
Dave Sargent: $10 Happy to report on the recent Interact Club meeting at Ponderosa High School. He discussed their fundraising ideas, and the second service project being planned to help a Cat Sanctuary in Diamond Springs. Two new officers were elected to fill positions of secretary and treasure- vacancies created due to a change in school schedules. They are also designing tassels for graduating seniors to wear on their caps at graduation.
Don Fuller: $10 Happy for our very successful Interact Club, largely due to Dave Sargent's efforts.
Bill Ettlich: $90 Happy (without revealing his age) for his birthday.
Tom Elken: $10 Happy for Shayan Khales for getting electronic payments started. He's hasn't gone through the entire process but assumes he will be happy.
Birthdays in January
Anne Eckert
Liam Roddy
Bill Ettlich
David Roth
JoEllen Brooks
Doug Shupe
-----Spouse/Partners----
Linda Grieco
Kathe Hughes
Anniversaries in January
Bill and Kathe Hughes
Rotary Join Date in January
Joe Ryan: 44 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.
