This week's meeting was the last for our outgoing club president, Nancy Bender. We were asked to wear hiking attire to the meeting to celebrate Nancy and her love of hiking.
Carolyn Metzker eulogized Jeff Mikles, our club member who recently passed away. Carolyn brought Jeff into the club. In honor of Jeff, Carolyn then asked members to talk to the others at their table today and tell them why you like them and what your connection is to them.
Recitation of the 4-way test.
Pledge: Eric Byer
Song: Happy Trails by Roy Rogers, led by Phil Booker and Cindy Eklund.
Thought for the Day: In keeping with the trail theme of today's meeting, John Donlevy read The Road Not Taken by Robert Frost
Other Meeting Duties:
Greeter: Michael Montafi
Front Desk: Eric Byer
Sgt. At Arms: Nick Willick
Raffle: Patty Park
Bulletin: Bobbi Allen
Set Up/Clean Up: Terry Cooney
AV: Kim McClintock
Visiting Rotarians:
Steve Bender, Nancy's husband, from the Roseville club
Guests of Rotarians:
Cyrus, a friend for 15+ years, was introduced by Jorge Maldonado
Grace, our exchange student, was introduced by Betty Bennett
Announcements:
Nancy Bender asked members to please take their baby pictures home.
Nick Willick – on 7/6, 8, 9 and 10 needs help scraping and spraying primer on the outside of the 15 windows we put in last year at the Carnegie library.
Bridget Powers – thanked everyone who committed to bringing finger foods to the celebration of life this Thursday for Bud and Laurie Richardson, at the Elk's Club at 10 am.
Scott Christensen – sent proposed bylaw revisions to the members. Next week will solicit a vote on them.
James Lindsay – blood drive this Saturday. Has a gift today for first-time donors. Can donate at a Vitalant location this coming week of not available Saturday. Just mention Auburn Rotary Battle of the Rotaries and say you want Rotary Club of Auburn to get the credit.
Lori McIntosh – she and Jennifer will be teaching a Facebook class for those who want to contribute to our FB page. Look for an email about time and place. Bring your laptop.
Jeff Ambrosia – next Brewfest meeting is next Tuesday 6/30 at 5:30 at Canyon View community Center.
Birthdays:
Happy Birthday today to John Donlevy!
Peter Konrad's birthday is next week; not here today to spin.
Wedding Anniversaries:
Kahl Muscott, June 21, 1996, 30 years.
Steve and Jane Grundmeier, June 23, 1973, 53 years.
Patty Park, Jun 24, 1978, 48 years.
No Rotary Anniversaries this week.
Happy/Sad Bucks:
Nancy Bender had $1 happy buck, thanking Bridget for coordinating the Rotary Peace Park event yesterday.
John Donlevy – Happy bucks for Western States 100-mile race this weekend. This Sunday is the finish. John will be serving pancake breakfast between 8-9.
Dan Gustavson - $4 happy bucks for previous exchange student Jade, who asked 4 different people for her “host dad” at Sugar Bowl when he took her up skiing and her phone did not work. She could not remember Dan's last name.
Brandee Ambrosia - $20 happy bucks for the phenomenal time she and Jeff had at the Rotary International Convention in Taiwan, sponsored by our club.
Steve Grundmeier – Today is he and Jane's anniversary. Gave $53 because he is “the luckiest man in the world” to have Jane for 53 years.
Nancy Nittler - $20 grateful bucks for the opportunity to meet and know Jeff Mikles. He had similar views on life to Nancy and was a great member of the Club Runner team. She will miss Jeff.
Raffle: $28. No winner.
Nancy Bender had a contest regarding hiking. Winner was Bob Dunston, Bridget in second place and Don Chesney third place.
Nancy reviewed this past year's many club accomplishments.
Each member of Nancy's board was recognized and given a gift.
Nancy read a poem that she wrote for the Rotarian of the Year:
There are those that quietly answer the call,
Never seeking attention yet giving their all.
With hands that build and a heart that cares,
They lift up others and willingly share.
Through projects completed and challenges met,
A legacy of service we will not forget.
With kindness as a compass and generosity as a guide,
They strengthen our club and fill us with pride.
A champion of community, steadfast and true,
Always ready to help, turning old things into new.
Their dedication inspires us day after day,
Showing the Rotary spirit in every way.
For countless hours given, for leadership shown,
for friendships nurtured and seeds that were sown,
We honor a Rotarian whose impact is clear,
And proudly celebrate our Rotarian of the Year.
Nick Willick is the 2025-26 Rotarian of the Year.
Nancy thanked all the club members and adjourned the meeting.
Presentation by Grace on her time here in Auburn
Fines: Linda Maeding, Kim McClintock, Jolie Huston and Rod Borges all had to spin the wheel for their recent trips/vacations.
