This week, we welcome Jim Abercrombie, General Manager of the El Dorado Irrigation District (EID), as our guest speaker. This year marks EID’s 100th anniversary of delivering essential services to our region. Jim will share how EID has helped keep our communities safe, healthy, and sustainable over the past century, and how the organization is planning for continued success in the next 100 years. This centennial is not only a celebration—it’s a moment of reflection on the critical infrastructure investments made over time, and those still to come.
Jim brings more than 48 years of utility management experience, including 11 years as General Manager of Amador Water Agency and 20 years with Pacific Gas and Electric Company. Before joining EID, he served as PG&E’s El Dorado County District Manager from 1987 to 1998. A registered civil engineer, Jim holds an engineering degree and an MBA from Santa Clara University.
Jim is a past president of the Placerville Rotary Club, the El Dorado County Chamber of Commerce, the El Dorado County Development Corporation, and the United Way of El Dorado County. He also previously chaired the El Dorado Leadership Program. His current affiliations include the Association of California Water Agencies (ACWA), the El Dorado County Chamber of Commerce, Placerville Rotary, the El Dorado County Sheriff’s Posse, and SAGE (Surveyors, Architects, Geologists, and Engineers). He also served 10 years on the Marshall Medical Board, including two years as president.
Last week, we heard from Frank Cunha, who moved to Sutter Creek in 2003 and is a founding board member of the Knight Foundry Alliance. The foundry, originally built in 1873 to serve the region’s mining and timber industries, once produced iron equipment for two deep mines—each over a mile deep. Today, the foundry continues to be revitalized through hands-on classes in blacksmithing and other restoration efforts aimed at preserving this important piece of history.
Congratulations to JoEllen Brooks, on the left, as our Rotarian of the Month!
JoEllen has been a dedicated member of our Rotary Club for about two and a half years, and this month, we’re proud to recognize her for her outstanding service. She played a key role in organizing the CASA El Dorado Box Lunch Program—one of the county’s largest fundraising events supporting advocacy for abused, neglected, and at-risk youth.
In addition to leading our club’s involvement, JoEllen went above and beyond by personally donating $150 worth of lunches to the El Dorado County Fire Department. Her commitment to CASA’s mission was recognized by Executive Director Natalie Moore, who described her as a “champion friend of CASA” during her visit to our club in April.
JoEllen’s dedication doesn’t stop there—she regularly hosts charitable events in our community, always looking for ways to give back and make a difference.
We are proud to honor JoEllen for her ongoing service, leadership, and unwavering commitment to creating a better community.
(Pictured left to right: BUSD Superintendent Dr. David Roth, Don Fuller, Camerado Springs Middle School Principal Doug Shupe, Sadi, and her parents, Adam and Nawal.)
We are proud to recognize Sadi as the first-ever recipient of the Cameron Park Rotary Student of the Quarter Award! A true standout at Camerado Springs Middle School, Sadi has demonstrated excellence across the board. She has maintained a perfect 4.0 GPA throughout all three years of middle school, serves as student body president, and competes as a nationally ranked long-distance runner.
Sadi leads with heart, dedication, and an inspiring level of commitment- truly embodying courage, character, and what it means to be fearless. Congratulations, Sadi, on this well-deserved honor!
Membership chair Anne Eckert welcomes our newest member, Liam Roddy! Liam joins our club with a meaningful connection- he is the nephew of the late Jim Buckley, a beloved and respected member of our Rotary family. Liam is married to Natasha and works as an independent financial advisor with Merrill Lynch.
With a strong desire to give back, Liam is eager to contribute to the work that we do. We’re confident he will be a valuable asset to our club, our community, and the broader mission of Rotary. Welcome, Liam!
Placerville Mayor Clerici (left) honored Danno Raffetto (right) with a proclamation last night, recognizing his exceptional service to both our community and Rotary. We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Danno on an incredible milestone- 60 years of Rotary service. What an achievement! Thank you to Placerville Rotary for inviting us to be part of this special celebration in honor of Danno's remarkable contributions!
Don Fuller, Dave Sargent, Anne Eckert, Joe Ryan, Cathy Dugan, Mike Dugan, Dan Gott, Laurie Edwards, Marlyn Pino-Jones, Adam Marshall, Gary Gall, Sid Bazett, Liam Roddy, Gary Clarke, Ben Foulke, Rich Grieco, Stuart Warner, JoEllen Brooks.
Guests:
Sadi and her parents, Adam and Nawal, guests of club.
Superintendent David Roth and Administrative Assistant Kellee Sellwood, BUSD, guests of club.
Principal Doug Shupe and Assistant Principal Sara Matley, Camerado Middle School, guests of club.
Shawn Khales, guest of club.
Frank Cunha, Speaker, guest of club.
Announcements:
Cathy Dugan - Upcoming events:
Seven members have signed up to attend Danno Raffetto’s 60th Rotary anniversary celebration at Placerville Rotary on May 15.
Rotary Social at Boring Rose Brewery in EDH honoring long-term member Bill Hughes becoming our newest Major RI Donor on May 29 @ 5:00 PM.
Summer Spectacular at the CSD Lake – June 28
Summer Jamboree at Brooks Junction – September 14
Adam Marshall shared highlights from the new board retreat on May 10 at the Clarke’s home. The new Rotary theme is, “Unite for Good.” Three major goals were identified for the coming year: Youth engagement, Community partnerships, and expanding all types of grant opportunities
Dave Sargent announced a Wine & Beer Fest committee meeting after today’s lunch, chaired by Gary Gall.
Joe Ryan reported that 15 bikes, along with helmets and training wheels, were delivered to Sutter Mill School in Placerville. Gary Clark added that another bike haul to the prison is coming soon.
Anne Eckert announced that the Buckeye Union School District has applied for Corporate Membership with Kellie Sellwood as the active member and Doug Shupe, Sara Matley and Dr. David Roth as honorary members.
Happy (or Not) Buck
JoEllen Brooks: $20 happy for her new award.
Adam Marshall: $13 happy to celebrate his son Jesse’s 13th birthday.
Gary Gall: $10 happy for winning the golf tournament at the Angel’s Camp fundraiser.
Birthdays in May
Janelle Horne
Cathy Dugan
Mike Dugan
-----Spouses-----
Sharon Franks
Anniversaries in May
JoEllen and Geoff Brooks
Gary and Sheilah Gall
Verne and Chris Sanders
Upcoming Words of Wisdom/Greeter/Front Desk Assignments
Last week, we heard from Frank Cunha, who moved to Sutter Creek in 2003 and is a founding board member of the Knight Foundry Alliance. The foundry, originally built in 1873 to serve the region’s mining and timber industries, once produced iron equipment for two deep mines—each over a mile deep. Today, the foundry continues to be revitalized through hands-on classes in blacksmithing and other restoration efforts aimed at preserving this important piece of history.
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