Socials, Meetings, & Events:

Giro Bello – June 27, 2026

May 9, 2026 – Arundo Donax Removal – See Kris Anderson for details
May 14, 2026 – 7:00 pm – Rotary International’s Club Meeting  @ Jim Green’s house (Mtgs are 2nd Thursday of the month)
May 16, 2026 – 4:00 – 6:30 – RYE Celebration of Peace & Epic Day of Service – Polly Klass Theater (See Flyer)
June 2, 2026 – 4:00 pm – 5:30 pm – Rotary Board Meeting @YMCA (Mtgs are 1st Tuesday the month)
June 8, 2026 – 3:15 pm – (NOTE: Special Consolidated May/June date) Foundation Board Meeting @ Andersen, Zeigler (Mtgs are 4th Monday the month) – 
June 27, 2026 – Giro Bello – Register or Volunteer now (See Flyer)

More socials, projects, & events coming soon!

Rotaract Fund Raiser
If anyone would like to donate money to GRA (Global Rotaract Alumni Club) they can donate the money on the GOSC site and include a note that it is for GRA. This would help us tremendously to continue growing as a club and be able to conduct larger scale projects. Here is the donation link: Donate Now – Global Offsite Care

Rotary Club of Santa Rosa
May 6, 2026

President Julia

Opening The Meeting:

President Julia greeted us and our many guests today. Today we had a of visitors, mostly students, so we really are all about “The Kids” today.

.

President Elect Peter Holewinski led us in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance and the Four-Way Test. His Reflection was “advice” from some famous individuals for our visiting students:

“Talent is cheaper than table salt. What separates the talented individual from the successful one is a lot of hard work.”- Stephen King

“Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work.” – Thomas Edison

“The way to get started is to quit talking and begin doing.” – Walt Disney

President-elect Peter Holewinski

“Just believe in yourself. Even if you don’t, pretend that you do, and at some point, you will.” – Venus Williams

“Your time is limited, so don’t waste it living someone else’s life.” – Steve Jobs

“It does not matter how slowly you go as long as you do not stop.” – Confucius

“Great things are done by a series of small things brought together.” –   Vincent Van Gogh

“I find television very educating. Every time someone turns on the set, I go into the other room and read a book.”- Groucho Marx

Nothing is impossible, the word itself says I’m possible.”- Audrey Hepburn

Visiting Rotarians:

Chris L’Orange of the Healdsburg Sunrise club.

Guests:

Ann Gospe introduced Sabrina and Sara Tristano

Sabrina Tristano, our outgoing exchange student this year; either to Argentina or Paraguay. Sara Tristano, Mary and Danny Miyano

 Sunshine Report:

Sadly, Wes Daniel’s’ grandson of 15 months died on April 21. On a positive note, Sam McMillan is back after a scary hospital visit due to a sepsis infection.

50/50 Drawing:

Only 8 marbles today. Ann Gospe had the right ticket, but she pulled out a yellow marble.

Michael Moore and the Joke of the Week:

A drug enforcement officer stopped at a ranch in Montana and talked with an old rancher. He said, “I need to inspect your ranch for illegally grown drugs.”

Michael Moore

The old rancher said, “Okay, but don’t go in the field over there.” pointing out the location.

The agent exploded, saying, “Mister, I have the authority of the federal government with me.” Reaching into his rear pants pocket, he removed his badge and proudly displayed it to the farmer. “See this badge? This badge means I am allowed to go wherever I wish, on any land. No questions asked or answers given. Have I made myself clear? Do you understand?”

The old rancher nodded politely, apologized, and went about his chores. A short time later, the old rancher heard loud screams and saw the DEA officer running for his life, chased by the rancher’s prized bull. With every step, the bull was gaining ground on the officer, and it seemed likely that he would get “horned” before he could reach safety. The officer was clearly terrified.

The old rancher threw down his tools, ran to the fence, and yelled at the top of his lungs, “Your badge! Show him your badge!”

May Birthdays:

No club members in attendance had a May birthday. However, looking at an old roster and DACdb, your bulletin editor found: Curt Groninga on 5/30, Wes Daniels 5/19

Santa Rosa Junior College Scholarship Awards 2026:

Ann Gospe

Ann Gospe was our emcee this year.  All total, the Club Foundation is giving out $55,500 in scholarships this year to 15 SRJC students.  Here is the list of students, their award and their future plans:

.

 

The Rotary Health and Medical Scholarship is going to Kaylah Pardini.  This is a renewable scholarship for a total of $5000. She has completed her associate’s degree in nursing and will be going on to receive her bachelor’s degree in nursing. She has been very involved at SRJC, volunteering at Sutter Hospital, and other events/locations. She is also on the SRJC softball team. She is self-supporting  and self-funding her education.

Norm and Beverly Owen Legal Studies Scholarship: This is a $2500 one-time scholarship for someone going into the legal profession.   Teresa Daly is this year’s recipient. She plans on a legal career in family law, giving voice to children…potentially opening her own firm someday.  She is a single mom and participates on the SRJC cross country and track and field teams.

Thylin Family Business Scholarship: This is a $2500 one-time scholarship for a student going into business. Freddy Zarco is this year’s recipient. Freddy’s ties to our club go way back to third grade when he got a dictionary from us (he still has it). Freddy is transferring to Cal Poly San Luis Obispo in the fall with a goal of becoming a CPA. He is a member of the Phi Theta Kappa Fraternity. He does community volunteering for breast cancer, race awareness, and Russian River Cleanup.

Sorenson-Chase Families Scholarship: This is a one-time scholarship for $3000, and it was awarded to Isabella Molina who could not be here today. She will come to a future meeting.

 Larry Miyano Memorial Engineering Scholarship: This is a one-time award for $3000 for a student going into engineering.          Sophia Omiple is majoring in civil engineering and will be attending Cal Poly Pomona in the fall.  Her goal is to be a civil engineer designing sustainable roadways and urban city plans. Ultimately, she will also get a master’s degree. She does a lot of volunteer work in the area of engineering.

John Brown Memorial Veteran’s Scholarship: This is a one-time scholarship for $3000 to a student that has served our country                        in the armed services. This year the award goes to Jonathan Garcia. Jonathan is studying dental hygiene. He spent six years in the Air Force as a surgical technician. He speaks Spanish, Punjabi, Portuguese as well as English. He is the class president.  He is self-supporting his education. He plans to pursue a master’s degree and return to SRJC to teach.

USEFUL LINKS