This week we are pleased to welcome Jennifer Bassett, founder and executive director of Hands4Hope – Youth Making a Difference.
Since launching the organization in 2008 with just 12 participants, Jennifer has guided Hands4Hope’s growth into a respected, award-winning non-profit that empowers youth in El Dorado and Sacramento counties to design and lead impactful service-learning projects addressing real community needs. With a strong focus on civic engagement and leadership development, the organization now supports hundreds of young people each year.
In recognition of her outstanding leadership and community impact, Jennifer was named one of the Sacramento Business Journal ‘s 2023 “Women Who Mean Business” honorees.
Last week, President Adam Marshall delivered a thoughtful State of the Club address, inspired by the start of the new Rotary year and his recent trip with his father to the Rotary International Convention in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. Adam described our club as a “Smedium club”—a healthy, vibrant organization that sits between the small and medium benchmarks set by RI.
This year’s RI theme, “Unite for Good,” calls on members to collaborate in creating positive change both locally and globally. Adam emphasized that our club will ‘Unite for Good’ through a focus on youth, community, and grants. As part of this focus, Adam introduced a new feature: a “Unite for Good Rotarian Moment” at each meeting to help members connect and get to know one another better. The first spotlight featured Bill Ettlich, who shared entertaining and insightful answers to five “get-to-know-you” questions posed by Adam.
Adam encouraged members to help grow and strengthen our club by sharing their Rotary experience with others, inviting prospective members to lunch, and signing up for service projects. He reminded us, “All you can do is all you can do — and that’s enough.”
The club is currently seeking volunteers to take on key roles, including bulletin editor and club president for the 2027–2028 term. If you’re interested in stepping up, please reach out to Adam.
Membership Chair Anne Eckert proudly presents “blue” badges to Gina Posey and Liam Roddy in recognition of their quick and dedicated efforts to complete the requirements for this important achievement. Congratulations, Gina and Liam- and thank you both for your enthusiasm, commitment, and hard work!
Membership chair Anne Eckert warmly welcomed our newest member, Kathy Thompson, and introduced her husband, Les. Kathy is a retired special education teacher who recently relocated from Sebastopol to be closer to family. Looking for ways to get involved in her new community, she discovered our club through the website and attended a meeting at the invitation of Past President Cathy Dugan. Impressed by the club's energy and service, she was eager to join.
Kathy becomes our fist new member of the 2025-2026 Rotary year, and she brings a passion for education, fundraising, and international service - particularly in Nicaragua.
Welcome, Kathy! We are excited to have you on board!
Past President Cathy Dugan recognized last year's board members - who were unable to attend her final meeting as club president- Adam Marshall, Anne Eckert, Don Fuller, Tom Elken, and Mike Dugan for their outstanding service. A heartfelt thank you to all who had served.
Past President Cathy Dugan honored Membership Chair Anne Eckert, Youth Chair Don Fuller and Publicity Chair Tom Elken as Inspirational Champions for their devoted contributions to our club this past Rotary year. Thank you and congratulations Anne, Don and Tom!
Jo Ellen Brooks, Gary Clarke, Mike & Cathy Dugan, Anne Eckert, Laurie Edwards, Tom Elken, Bill Ettlich, Ben Foulk, Don Fuller, Gary Gall, Dan Gott, Richard Grieco, Maurice "Mo" Johnson, Adam Marshall, Marlyn Pino-Jones, Gina Posey, Liam Roddy, Joe Ryan, Dave Sargent, and Kathy Thompson.
Guests:
Les Thompson, spouse and guest of Kathy Thompson.
Mary Chan, guest of Gina Posey.
Sal, our RYLA candidate and UMHS student, guest of Club.
Harley Cantrell, professional chef and guest of Jo Ellen Brooks.
Announcements:
Adam Marshall
Reminded members that volunteers are needed for Club Bulletin Editor and President Nominee. If interested, please contact him.
Introduced Mo Johnson, the new CSD manager, who playfully photo-bombed Adam during the announcement. A fellow El Dorado Hills Rotarian and corporate member of our club, Mo enthusiastically welcomed us to our new meeting location and expressed excitement about hosting our group.
Marlyn Pino-Jones: Rotary Social at her home honoring immediate past President Cathy Dugan on July 31 at 5:00 PM.
Gary Clarke: Margaritaville committee meeting following today's club meeting.
Don Fuller: Introduced our RYLA candidate from UMHS, Sal, who spoke about his life changing experiences during the 1-week leadership camp at Grizzly Creek Ranch in Portola.
Jim Mog: Volunteers are needed for the Architectural Review
Committee at the CPCSD. Applicants must live in the jurisdiction of the CSD. For further information, please contact the Cameron Park Community Services District Compliance Officer at (530) 350-4654.
Joe Ryan: Our club is listed as one of the sponsors for the Annual Community Backpack Distribution, Resource Fair & Car Show scheduled for August 2nd at the Brookfield Recreation Center in Oakland, CA, due to our Bicycle Giveaway Program.
Happy (or Not) Bucks
Adam Marshall: $20 happy for silent efforts by Laurie Edwards and Jo Ellen Brooks on behalf of the Club.
Don Fuller: $30 happy for his 27th wedding anniversary with Linda, her garden being featured in the annual Assistance League Garden Tour, and their grandchildren from Singapore visiting during June.
Tom Elken:$30 happy to honor wife Sandy's birthday and for the fun vacation in southwest Utah with all of their children and grandchildren.
Liam Roddy: $36 happy and thankful for 24 months of President Cathy's leadership, and 12 months (hopefully) of President Adam.
Mike Dugan: $76 happy for being done with his final grant, which had only a 76 cent rounding error on it.
Bill Ettlich: $50 happy for Tom Elken taking over the secretary's job.
Jo Ellen Brooks: $20 happy for the success of Rotaryville.
Gary Gall: $25 happy for the purchase of a a new golf cart and clubs while wife Sheilah was away.
Gary Clarke: $20 happy to thank volunteers and for the success of Margaritaville booth during the Cameron Park Spectacular.
Laurie Edwards: $10 happy for Marlyn and Jo Ellen being featured in the Mountain Democrat for the successful and Margaritaville booth.
Dave Sargent: $20 happy for Laurie's nicely written and thoughtful press release submitted to the Mountain Democrat.
Gina Posey $20 happy (cash, not to be billed) - for positive health news.
Birthdays in July
Gary Clarke
Bill Hughes
Kellee Sellwood
Suzy O'Neal
-----Spouses-----
Chris Sanders
Sandy Elken
Anniversaries in July
Don and Linda Fuller
Janelle and Dale Horne
Ben and Lacey Young
Past President Cathy Dugan recognized last year's board members - who were unable to attend her final meeting as club president- Adam Marshall, Anne Eckert, Don Fuller, Tom Elken, and Mike Dugan for their outstanding service. A heartfelt thank you to all who had served.
Past President Cathy Dugan honored Membership Chair Anne Eckert, Youth Chair Don Fuller and Publicity Chair Tom Elken as Inspirational Champions for their devoted contributions to our club this past Rotary year. Thank you and congratulations Anne, Don and Tom!
Reminded members that volunteers are needed for Club Bulletin Editor and President Nominee. If interested, please contact him.
Committee at the CPCSD. Applicants must live in the jurisdiction of the CSD. For further information, please contact t