Our new Rotarian, Jamil (Jim) Maroun, is an author, writing coach, and founder of Aspiring Authors Hub, where he helps aspiring writers transform ideas and experiences into finished books.
Jim is also a Human-AI Collaboration Specialist who has spent thousands of hours exploring how artificial intelligence can enhance creativity, writing, problem-solving, and productivity while preserving human judgment and authorship. His work focuses not only how to use AI, but also on how people can collaborate with it effectively.
Join us for an informative and timely presentation as Jim shares practical ways AI can enhance our creativity, improve productivity and make every day tasks easier.
Last week, members were treated to a special performance by the Claim Jumpers, a barbershop quartet made up of members of the Gold Rush Chorus. Pictured from the left are Howard Wolf, baritone; Dave Ely, bass; Kent Miller, lead; and Marleen Whelden, tenor.
The group entertained us for approximately 30 minutes while we enjoyed lunch, performing a variety of patriotic songs, romantic favorites and traditional barbershop-style tunes.
The Claim Jumpers are the 2026 Far Western District Northeast Division Senior Quartet Champions and enjoy performing throughout the Western Slope.
The Gold Rush Chorus rehearses every Tuesday from 6:45 to approximately 9 p.m. at the Veterans Memorial Building, 130 Placerville Drive in Placerville. Visitors are welcome to stop by, listen and learn more about barbershop harmony.
Special thanks to Rotarian Sid Bazett for arranging the performance and bringing the Claim Jumpers to our club.
Keenan Mayfield, Speaker, and his mother, Melissa Mayfield.
Annette Gott, spouse of President Dan.
Claim Jumpers:Howard Wolf, Kent Miller, Marleen Whelden and Dave Ely
John and Roberta Bailey, Guests of Club
Daisy Colvin, Guest of Club
Words of Wisdom:
Ben Foulk - wanted to pay tribute to the late Dolly Parton and, in keeping with the day’s musical program featuring the Claim Jumpers, shared several of her inspiring thoughts on courage, dreams and overcoming hardship.
“The way I see it, if you want the rainbow, you gotta put up with the rain.”
“You’ll never do a whole lot unless you’re brave enough to try.”
“If you don’t like the road you’re walking, start paving another one.”
“Storms make trees take deeper roots.”
“Dreams are of no value if they’re not equipped with wings.”
Ben concluded with Dolly’s reminder that dreaming alone is not enough — we have to put “wings” on our dreams, get out and make things happen.
Announcements:
Dan Gott:
Update - PHS Electronic Scoreboard and Dug Out Benches.The new brightly lit scoreboard that we helped sponsor looks great and we will be installing the new dugout benches for the baseball team tomorrow.In addition, we will have a sponsor logo on a video spot.
El Dorado Veteran Stand Down is September 11 and 12 from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM at the Veteran’s Memorial Building in Placerville.The annual event brings together a variety of free services and resources for local veterans, including meals, medical care, dental and vision services, haircuts and grooming, legal assistance, VA health and benefits information, and veterinary services. Volunteer sign up list circulated.
Next Week’s Speaker and Sergeant of Arms –Next week’s speaker will be Jamel Maroun, our new Rotarian, author, writing coach and human-AI Collaborator.Sergeant at Arms will be Don Fuller.
Save the Date:The club’s Christmas Party is December 10th at the Cameron Park Country Club.
Dave Sargent: Interact and Academic Scholarship Recipient - shared the exciting news that more than 50 students have signed up for the PHS Interact Club.He also announced that we will have the opportunity to meet Tyler Bays, one of this year’s Rotary academic scholarship recipients, at our next meeting.
Tom Elken:Rotary Polo Shirts – Circulated an order sheet for members interested in purchasing club polo shirts and reviewed pricing and availability.He noted that bulk-order discounts are available, so the more shirts ordered, the greater the savings for members.
Gary Clarke: Promoted the upcoming RI Convention in Barcelona, providing details on registration and costs.Gary plans to attend and encouraged other members to join him.
Happy (or Not) Bucks
Bill Smyth $10 Happy (cash) on receiving a touching letter from a former student that his family had hosted at their home and winery for a few years.The student thanked them and the Rotary Club for their support, and credited that encouragement with helping him achieve success in his careerwhere he now operates the largest winery in Hungary.
Birthdays in September
Dick Marshall
Gina Posey
Don Fuller
Sabrina Ho
Dennis Hamilton
-----Spouse/Partners----
Les Thompson, spouse of Kathy.
Anniversaries in September
Adam and Sally Marshall
Dave and Carol Sargent
Dave and Gina Crofut
Rotary Join Date in September
Jim Mog: 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.
