Our speaker this week is Randy Hodges, chief docent at the Cameron Park Rotary Community Observatory. A retired astronomy professor and lifelong enthusiast of the night sky, Randy will share insights to the stars, planets, and celestial wonders we can expect to see during our social on October 19.
We'll also take time to recognize the Student of the Quarter from Pleasant Grove Middle School and hear updates from our REGL students.
Since 2009, Sean McCartney has led the Boys & Girls Club of El Dorado County Western Slope as its CEO, guiding a passionate team of 66 staff members who serve more than 600 kids every day across five local sites. Under Sean’s leadership, the Club has grown into a cornerstone of youth development in our community. In 2016, his team celebrated a major milestone with the completion of a $5 million capital campaign and the opening of their new Placerville clubhouse—a dream years in the making.
At our meeting, Sean shared an inspiring update on the Club’s programs and the tremendous impact they continue to have on local families. He also unveiled details about the Club’s bold next chapter: the Landing Project—a 40-acre sports and recreation complex designed to bring even more opportunities to El Dorado County youth. Plans include four baseball/softball fields, two soccer fields, pickleball courts, walking trails, a double gym, and a teen center complete with a kitchen in Diamond Springs behind Charles Brown School and near Union Mine High School.
Sean outlined the project’s two major phases: a $10 million first phase focused on developing the athletic fields, scheduled to launch in 2026 and finish by 2028, followed by construction of the gym and teen center. He also shared the Club’s creative fundraising strategy, including an upcoming golf tournament in partnership with the Community Foundation.
Throughout his talk, Sean emphasized the power of community support and the lasting legacy this project will create for local youth and families. He closed by fielding thoughtful questions from members about transportation, land ownership, and long-term maintenance, leaving us all inspired by the vision and momentum behind this transformative effort.
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.
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. A signup sheet will be available at our next meeting. Deadline is October 10th.
Backup date (in case of poor weather): October 26.
Dick Marshall, Adam's father and visiting Rotarian from West Sacramento.
Sean McCartney, Speaker, guest of club.
Hillary Mulligan, El Dorado Community Foundation, guest of club.
Jim French, Gary Gall's friend and neighbor.
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 on strike!
Shared highlights from heartfelt thank-you letters written by our five REGL campers (eight grade leadership course) from Camerado Middle School. The students expressed how much they learned and grew though their camp experience. They will join us at our next meeting to briefly share their inspiring journeys firsthand.
We will honor our first student of the quarter from Pleasant Grove Middle School at our next meeting.
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 volunteers for the Community Clean-Up day on October 4, and volunteers and participants at the Trunk or Treat event on October 17.
The Shingle Springs Community Center is having bunco night on Friday, October 17 with a Halloween theme. Thanks club for donation of refurbished bicycle for the event.
Rotary and Friends Night at the Observatory is October 19. Please sign up. Menu is pizza and salad.
Provided quarterly update on our annual club goals- we are making a lot of progress in important areas: net gain 1 member (33% of goal), 12 members participate in a community service project (43% of goal), $75 annual fund contributions (8% of goal), $1,000 Polio Plus contributions (20% of goal), 1 social activity (9% of goal), Online presence and website updates (100% of goal), Interact Club (50% of goal), updated Bylaws (50% of goal).
Congratulated Gary Clarke for his 27th anniversary this week with Dede, and to Suzy O'Neal on her 6 year Rotary anniversary also this week.
Dan Gott: Annual Christmas Party and Auction is December 4 at the Country Club. We need gift cards for the cookie jar, along with raffle and live auction items. Committee meeting following club meeting.
Don Fuller: Shared his fun and rewarding experiences as a mentor at the REGL camp. It was amazing watching how much the students changed going through the exercises between Friday and Sunday. Congratulated club for our tremendous support.
Laurie Edwards:
Nice article in the Mountain Democrat and Village Life about our REGL students.
Spoke to former member Steve Long who misses us and says hello to all. Last week, he was busy with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren visiting.
Kathy Thompson: Distribution of dictionaries starts next week; still have a few slots open. She thanked members who have volunteered and will send them more information.
Cathy Dugan: Announced EDCOE is once again leading their annual new coat drive to keep EDC students warm this winter. Our club will support the effort through cash donations, which will be used to purchase new jackets for local children in need. (If you would like to join Gary Gall, Tom Elken, Don Fuller, Anne Eckert, Kathy Thompson, Laurie Edwards, Mike and Cathy Dugan, Marlyn Pino-Jones, Sid Bazett, Gary Clarke, Joe Ryan, Bill Ettlich, Adam and Richard Marshall, and Gina Posey, who collectively donated $415 at our meeting - please kindly email our treasurer at shayankhales@gmail.com and cc: our president at adam.marshall.08@gmail.com so the contribution can be billed to your account.)
Hillary Mulligan:
Expressed her heartfelt thanks to Rotary for sponsoring her as a youth exchange student in the 1980's, and later, for sponsoring each of her three children through the same life-changing program. She also extended appreciation for our bicycle program, to which she recently donated bikes.
Shared that a countywide community survey is now being conducted by the El Dorado Community Foundation to assist with long-term strategic planning for El Dorado County. Members are encouraged to participate by completing the survey just outside our meeting room or online. The Foundation's goal is to gather 1,000 completed surveys to help shape the county's future priorities.
Happy (or Not) Bucks
Sid Bazett - $25 happy getting married last Saturday.
Gary Clarke: $27 happy to be celebrating his 27th wedding anniversary with Dede in Tahoe.
Tom Elken: $25 happy for his birthday this week.
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 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.
