Woodland Rotary - The Rotary Club of Woodland Website

President Bob Nakken welcomes District Governor Dan Geraldi, District 5160 (center), and Assistant District Governor Keith Rode (Woodland Sunrise Rotary) to our meeting today. District Governor Dan met with our Club Board of Directors prior to the Club's meeting today.

Karl Diekman introduced his guest Kamolrat “Lek” Walsh. Mike Chandler got an early warning for his 28th wedding anniversary with wife Randi, his best friend, on Oct 26 (in their backyard). With the pot at more than $400 and 19 cards remaining, Blair Voelz found a free lunch. Don Huff III will be celebrating his 72nd birthday on Oct 23 (Woodland).

Club Polio Plus Warrior Mark Ullrich recognized World Polio Day on October 24th with a report on Rotary's continuing efforts to eradicate polio around the world. Rotary is very close to achieving its goal, but more effort is needed. Mark also invited Club members who have joined the Polio Plus Society (pledging to make a $100 donation, or more, to Polio Plus annually) to come up and receive the thanks of District Governor Dan Geraldi and the Club. Those present include (from the left) Tom Schwarzgruber, Lisa Dunham, David Pinto, Nick Roncoroni, Dan Stroski, District Governor Geraldi, Jim Nolan, Mark Ullrich, President Bob Nakken, Karl Diekman, Marie Galbo, Eric Zane, Mike Chandler & Tabb Randolph.

District 5160 Governor Dan Geraldi is currently visiting each of District 5160's 68 clubs and he paid us his official visit today. DG Dan gave us a broad look at what Rotary is doing, including a review of RI President Stephanie Urchick's Goals and Priorities, future District leadership, a report on our Club's contributions to the Rotary Foundation, and important events on the District's calendar. DG Dan also recognized Jayne Williams and Blair Voelz for their work on behalf of Interact and the Club's Grants and Services Committee. DG Dan then described the District's Wheelchair Foundation Project and his personal goal for all District clubs to work together to raise the necessary funds to purchase 10 containers of wheelchairs that District Rotarians will then provide to countries in need as part of an international service project. So far, funding for 3 containers of wheelchairs has been raised. In an auction held near the end of his presentation Marie Galbo won a gift basket with a bid of $500 which will go to the Project. Additional donations came from from Lori McGrath and Karl Diekman. The Club is also expecting to supplement these funds with another donation later this week. More about District 5160 can be found on its website at https://rotary5160.org

President Bob Nakken told us today the Club will conduct its own Christmas Party this year at our normal lunch meeting on Tuesday, Dec 17. President Bob also gave himself an early warning for his 46th wedding anniversary with wife Gaye on Oct 21 (Pacific Grove). Stalwarts Dan Stroski and Steve Venables led us in Rotary Grace to get our meeting today started.

Ernie Hodges introduced his friend and visiting Rotarian Rosemary Yoshikawa (Luna Vista). Our regular visiting Rotarian Don Sharp (Woodland Sunrise) was also onhand with good news that his partner Byron MacConnell was continuing to mend from his recent stroke. Tom Schwarzgruber celebrated his 74th birthday on Oct 11 (Woodland). Clyde Brooker fessed up to another birthday on Sep 29 (Southern California) while he and wife Krim were traveling in Scotland. Mark Ullrich got an early warning on his 18th wedding anniversary (Woodland) with wife Audre on Oct 21 (Woodland). As usual Mark was also happy about the SF 49ers latest win.

Jayne Williams raised a lot of money with today's Recognition (yes, she gets it!!) by asking questions about Halloween and other scary things. Chris Stamm 'rang the bell' for his University of Texas Longhorns (his alma matter) football team which is currently undefeated and leading the nation in the polls. Dan Stroski was happy about a recent visit to Chicago to see his grandson. Jim Nolan was happy to see Kevin Haarberg has returned to our meetings.

Mayra Vega, City Council Member, District 5, City of Woodland, was our guest speaker today giving us her thoughts on the 'State of Hispanics in the Region'. Thank you to Program Coordinator Wendy Casas-Raviotta for arranging for and introducing our speaker today.

The Club's Senior BBQ for 2024 was held on Tuesday, September 24 at the Rotary Park picnic area of the Yolo Fairgrounds. Once again Aniek Pflager did a great job of organizing the effort. Club members were out dipping, grilling and serving over 300 guests who attended.

The Club especially thanks Cracchiolo's Market and Catering, who partnered with us once again to help prepare the meal. Their dedication and support over the years have been instrumental in making this event successful. We truly appreciate their involvement in serving our community's seniors.

Rotary has contributed $500,000 toward the purchase of the polio vaccine for the Gaza vaccination initiative. This could not happen with our contribution and that of the Gates Foundation!

More information about Rotary's End Polio Now can be found at its website: https://www.endpolio.org/

Lori McGrath, sponsored by Yvette Roy, was installed as a new member of the Club on September 3, 2024 by President Bob Nakken. At our request, Lori provided us with the following bio. If you haven't already done so, please take a moment to introduce yourself to Lori when you meet and welcome her to the Club.

I am a Bay Area native who happily moved to Woodland in 2015. I have always thought that serving my community is important, both in my professional and private life. I was in law enforcement for over thirty years, first as a Correctional Officer and then as a Deputy Sheriff for the San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office. In 1979 I graduated from Mount Diablo High School in Concord CA and attended City College of San Francisco. I am a member of the International Police Association.

Since moving to Woodland after my retirement, I have been active in this wonderful community. I belong to the Yolo County Retired Peace Officers’ Association. I am a member of the Vacaville Lodge of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, where I chair the Drug Awareness Program. We participate in educational and community events to inform young people about issues related to drugs and alcohol. I was grateful to be named the Elk of the Year for 2024-2025, by the Vacaville Elks. I am an associated member of the Woodland Elks. I am also a member of the Native Daughters of the Golden West, Woodland Parlor No. 90. I have especially enjoyed being a part of their program to provide scholarship assistance to deserving young women.

I also enjoy hiking, walking and touring and photographing lighthouses. I learned about the great work of Rotary Clubs from my cousin, who recently became a member of the San Mateo Rotary Club. I look forward to meeting all of you and working with you for the benefit of our community.