This week, Frank Cunha will provide a short slide presentation on the history and mission of the Knight Foundry, followed by a Q&A session. Frank will share the Foundry’s long and fascinating history, highlighting its impact on local industry and its current preservation efforts.
The Knight Foundry, located in Sutter Creek, California, was founded in 1873 to serve the region’s gold mining and timber industries. In 2017, Frank and his partners assumed operational leadership. He is a founding board member and current vice chair of the Knight Foundry Alliance, a 501(c)(3) non-profit, and also helped establish the Sutter Creek Community Benefit Foundation in 2012.
Prior to moving to Sutter Creek in 2003, Frank lived with his wife in Monterey County and operated a business there. He previously served 16 years on the Sutter Creek Planning Commission.
Those planning to attend Danno Raffetto's 60th Rotary Anniversary Celebration at Smith Flat House on Thursday, May 15, are reminded to pay $30 at the door. Social hour begins at 5:30 PM, followed by dinner at 6:15 PM. Currently signed up are the Dugans, Don Fuller, JoEllen Brooks, and Laurie Edwards. If you wish to attend, please inform President Cathy by Wednesday. Let's have a great showing from our club! Danno is the father of Kurt Raffetto, our Area Governor and incoming District Governor.
Our guest speaker was Sean Murphy, a Peace Corps member and recruiter. A 2007 history graduate from CSU San Marcos in 2007, Sean served as a volunteer in Azerbaijan from 2009 to 2011, focusing on youth development. Since its founding in 1961, over 240,000 volunteers have served around the world. The organization’s mission is threefold: provide volunteers to requesting countries, promote a better understanding of America abroad, and foster Americans’ understanding of other nations and cultures.
Peace Corps volunteers range in age from 18 to over 80, with 95% holding a undergraduate degree or relevant work experiences. Service terms range from three months to two years, depending on role and training. Volunteers are currently active in 60 countries, working in areas such as Education, Agriculture, Youth Development, Environment, Health, and Economic Development.
During their service, volunteers receive housing (usually in a local home), a living stipend, medical coverage, language training, and round trip airfare. Post-service benefits include support for continuing education and a lifetime scholarship program. Sean also briefly spoke about Sid Bazett’s Peace Corp stint in the Republic of Tonga.
Don Fuller and Marlyn Pino-Jones: Don Fuller revisited the outreach strategy developed by the focus group. Members had previously signed up to visit local Chamber businesses and invite them to a Rotary lunch.
Marlyn was the first to report and while she has not seen much success in recruiting new members yet, she shared a few valuable takeaways. It helps to lead with a project- such as when she highlighted the Burke Junction Jamboree during a visit to Forklift- and to have a brochure with the correct meeting time and location. Persistence is key, but if there’s no response after five or six attempts, it may be best to move on.
Don Fuller & Dave Sargent shared the exciting news of things moving forward for an Interact Club at Ponderosa High School. Thanks to Dave’s connections, a faculty advisor has already been identified and now we need a Rotary member to step up and be the counterpart. A sophomore student at Pondo is already getting club sign-ups.
Sid Bazett said that the Summer Spectacular was moving forward for June 28, and that the fees would be less than last year.
Adam Marshall reminded Board members of Board Retreat at Gary Clark’s on Saturday, May 10, from 10:00 -3:00 PM, with lunch, work and fun.
Joe Ryan reported on the latest bicycle giveaway at Marshall School- in support of their bike rodeo- a fun and educational obstacle course designed to teach bike safety. When it was discovered 15 first graders didn’t have bikes, our club stepped in to help. We provided bikes equipped with training wheels from the prison program, along with helmets.
Happy (or Not) Buck
Dave Sargent gave $10 in honor of an event this afternoon related to a celebration of a former student and his friends.
Sid Bazett gave $25 to share the wonderful experience he had with People to People El Dorado and the Japanese visitors including his house guest, and told of their tremendous excursions through the area.
Marlyn Pino-Jones gave $20 expressing gratitude for the wonderful meal provided by Diane Wilkinson that she obtained in the Christmas Dinner/Auction. She also said Diane would donate it again.
Bill Ettlich- gave $20 in honor of his wife of 66 years who recently passed away and invited everyone to the Celebration of Life on May 31 at the Federated Church in Placerville.
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
This week, Frank Cunha will provide a short slide presentation on the history and mission of the Knight Foundry, followed by a Q&A session. Frank will share the Foundry’s long and fascinating history, highlighting its impact on local industry and its current preservation efforts..png)
