We look forward to an informative and engaging presentation from Harry Hall whose career spans engineering excellence, innovation, and service.
Harry is a professional chemical engineer with more than 50 years of experience in the oil industry, including 33 years with Chevron. Harry retired in 2004 as Manager of Product Engineering, where his department set Chevron’s fuel specifications nationwide and ensured the company met its public fuel-quality claims. Under his leadership, Chevron regularly compared its gasoline against competitors—results Harry summarizes simply as, “no one better.”
Over the course of his career, Harry worked in multiple refineries and chemical plants and collaborated with organizations such as the Environmental Protection Agency, Occupational Safety and Health Administration, environmental groups, and the American Petroleum Institute to help develop cleaner fuels and improve refinery safety. He also served on Chevron’s board to the Coordinating Research Council, a joint automotive and oil-industry research organization focused on improving both fuels and vehicles.
Following his retirement from Chevron, Harry founded HLH Consulting, LLC, where he provided engineering consulting services to oil and chemical companies until fully retiring in 2019. He is also a frequent writer, with short articles published in industry magazines and online outlets, and has become a popular speaker for civic and retirement organizations, including Rotary clubs.
Natalie Moore, Executive Director of CASA El Dorado and a fellow Placerville Rotarian, recently spoke to our club about the vital work of Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA). These dedicated volunteers advocate on behalf of abused, neglected, and at-risk youth in the foster care system.
At the heart of the CASA mission is relationship. Volunteers commit to being a consistent, caring adult presence in a child’s life, visiting weekly—whether at home, at school, in a group home, or in institutional settings such as the Juvenile Treatment Center in South Lake Tahoe. In addition to providing encouragement and stability, CASA volunteers submit independent, fact-based reports to the court, helping judges make informed decisions that serve the best interests of each child.
The need is significant. On any given day, approximately 437,000 children are in foster care in the United States, with more than 60,000 in California alone. For children who remain in foster care longer than two years, 44% will move through more than three different placements. Half of foster youth have experienced four or more Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs). Research shows that children assigned a CASA volunteer are less likely to re-enter foster care and more likely to find a safe, permanent home. They are also more likely to stay connected to loved ones, receive critical services, graduate from high school, and report stronger feelings of stability and resilience.
Locally, El Dorado County CASA currently has 70 advocates serving 122 youth—40% of whom are age five or younger. Yet 27 children remain on the waitlist, highlighting the ongoing need for compassionate volunteers willing to step forward and make a difference.
One of CASA’s largest annual fundraisers, Lunch in a Box, will take place on Thursday, April 23 (our Rotary Club will be participating). For more information about volunteering, donating, or supporting CASA El Dorado, please visit their website: CASA Eldorado link
On February 12, 2026, the Rotary Club of Cameron Park proudly recognized Lilly Plasencia, a 7th grade student at Pleasant Grove Middle School, as its Student of the Quarter.
During the award presentation, Rescue Union School District Superintendent Jim Shoemake commended Lilly and her family for their strong ties to the Rescue Union School community. Her mother, Marisol, along with her cousin, Montserrat Zagal, are district employees- reflecting a meaningful family commitment to education and service.
Pleasant Grove Middle School Counselor Lauren Todoroff shared that Lilly is “the type of student all schools wish they had and the type of friend everyone wants.” Staff members are proud of her many accomplishments and grateful for the positive example she sets on campus each day.
In addition to excelling academically, Lilly participates in the school’s band program and art club. She also serves as a welcoming ambassador for new students and provides translation support for English learners- roles that reflects both her leadership and her compassion.
In recognition of her outstanding achievements, Lilly received flowers, a Certificate of Achievement and a Barnes & Noble gift card.
The Rotary club extends its sincere congratulations to Lilly on this well-deserved honor.
[Pictured from left - RUSD Superintendent Jim Shoemake, President Adam Marshall, PGMS Counselor Lauren Todoroff, PGMS Instructional Aide Montserrat Zagal (cousin), Marisol Plasencia (mother), Student of the Quarter Lilly Plasencia, and Carlos Plasencia (father).]
Our club, in partnership with other local Rotary clubs, Sheriff Jeff Leikauf, and Wally’s Pizza Bar, is proud to co-sponsor the highly successful Third Annual Ethics and Leadership Conference for junior high school students.
As in previous years, the conference will be offered in two sessions:
Session One
March 9 | 8:00 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Students from Oak Ridge, Ponderosa, and John Adams Academy
📍 Bayside Church, 800 White Rock Road, El Dorado Hills
Session Two
March 16 | 8:00 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Students from El Dorado Union Mine, Classical Conversations, Pacific Crest Community, and Community Learning Academy
📍 Green Valley Church, 3500 Missouri Flat Road, Placerville
Rotarians are encouraged to participate as mentors in this outstanding conference and may volunteer for one or both sessions. The first two years were a tremendous success, and we are excited to expand the program even further this year.
Natalie Moore, CASA Executive Director and Placerville Rotary Club, Speaker
Jennifer Yoder and Kristi Sorensen, CASA, Guests of Club
Lilly Plasencia, Student of the Quarter, with parents Carlos and Marisol, and cousin Montserrat Zagal, Guests of Club.
Jim Shoemake, RUSD Superintedent and EDH Rotary Club, Guest of Club
Lauren Todoroff, Pleasant Grove Middle School Counselor, Guest of Club
Words of Wisdom:
Anne Eckert: February Reflections
February may be the shortest month of the year, but it is rich in meaning and significance. It brings Valentine’s Day, Presidents’ Day, Groundhog Day, Lunar New Year, and American Heart Month. Its very name comes from the Latin word februa, meaning purification, linking it to ancient Roman cleansing festivals. February is truly a month of contrast—blending romance, reflection, renewal, and a focus on health and well-being.
For Rotarians, however, February holds even deeper meaning. Rotary International was founded on February 23, 1905. That day is celebrated worldwide as World Understanding and Peace Day, marking the beginning of a global movement dedicated to service above self. February is also designated by Rotary as Peacebuilding and Conflict Prevention Month, reminding us of our shared commitment to fostering goodwill and resolving conflicts through understanding and collaboration.
As we celebrate 121 years of Rotary, we are reminded of the extraordinary impact Rotary has made around the world—leading the global effort to eradicate polio, fighting poverty and hunger, and providing clean water and sanitation to communities in need.
Right here at home, the Rotary Club of Cameron Park continues to live out these ideals. Our bicycle project, led by Joe Ryan and Gary Clarke and supported by many others, keeps us busy year-round refurbishing and distributing bikes to those in need. Each bicycle represents more than transportation—it represents hope. A bike for a refugee child from Ukraine. A bike for a family who lost everything in a wildfire. A bike for a child who might not otherwise have one. A bike for a homeless individual whose only reliable transportation is two wheels. These acts of service make a meaningful difference in our own community.
Globally, under the leadership of Dave Sargent and in collaboration with Hal Young and the World Wide Child Relief Foundation, our club has supported life-changing projects in La Calle Real, Nicaragua. In a community where the water delivery system had not been repaired or expanded in over 25 years, our Rotary members helped spearhead a major water improvement initiative—overhauling electrical systems, pumps, piping, and purification mechanisms to bring reliable, safe water to families in need.
These are just two examples of how our club embodies Rotary’s mission of world understanding and peace through service. Though we may be small in number, we are strong, vibrant, and impactful.
Featured Rotarian:
N/A
Announcements:
Adam Marshall:
1) Faith Episcopal Church is re-starting their youth fund raising dinner on February 28. To purchase or donate, please obtain information from their website.
2) Bob Dorr Visit, a small contingent of members will present a card and "Rotary of Lion Award" recognizing Bob's more than 40 years of Rotary Service, at a future date. Please contact Laurie Edwards, who is coordinating the effort.
3) Chamber Mixer- On Thursday, March 5th at 5:30 PM, our club will be hosting the Chamber Mixer at the CSD. As a result, we will be dark for lunch that day.
4)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.
5)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, Don Fuller, Dan Gott and Gary Clarke.
6) Mentor Volunteers Needed for Tomorrow's Leaders Conference. Please refer to bulletin article for information on how to sign up.
7) Thank you received- Our club received a gracious thank you card from Rose French of the Association Guadalupano in appreciation of our donation and delivery of bicycles to two children in need. It is always rewarding to see our bike project making a direct and meaningful impact in the our community.
8) CASA Fundraiser - April 23. We will support CASA El Dorado's Lunch in a Box fundraiser at our April 23 meeting by participating together as a club. Thank you in advance for helping make a difference in the lives of foster youth in our county.
Dave Sargent:
1) Chamber Mixer - March 5. All members are encouraged to participate in the Chamber Mixer we are hosting on March 5. This is an excellent opportunity to network, strengthen community connections, and share the Rotary story. We plan to elevate our Rotary presence with strong visuals, conversation-starting name tags, and business cards for members to distribute. Please come prepared to answer a simple but powerful question: Please ask me about my favorite Rotary project? Your personal story is one of our best membership tools.
2) Membership Moment- Following the mixer, we will launch a new membership initiative. Teams of 2 or 3 Rotarians will be invited to visit assigned local business to personally extend an invitation to attend one of our lunch meetings. Members will provide business cards and share information about Rotary's impact on our community.
Laurie Edwards:
1) Member Update - Ben Foulk- We are happy to report that Ben is doing well following successful back surgery and is getting stronger each day. He hopes to return to meetings in the next couple of weeks.
Happy (or Not) Bucks
None this week to save time.
Birthdays in February
Sarkis Matossian
David Tavernetti
Shawn Khales
Dave Sargent
-----Spouse/Partners----
Geoff Brooks
Mark Villanueva
Ali Foulk
Anniversaries in February
Vickie Christensen and Perry McLain
Rotary Join Date in February
David Tavernetti: 18 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.
