UPCOMING SOCIALS & PROJECTS & EVENTS  

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

Opening The Meeting

Welcome!

In a moment that can only be described as “Vintage Rotary,” Past President Kris Anderson opened the meeting because Casey was off… chasing rhinos in Africa? Or maybe just attending a niece’s wedding? Honestly, it’s hard to tell. One minute it’s The Lion King, the next it’s Father of the Bride.

Pledge, Four-Way Test & Opening Thought

Nobody signed up to do the Pledge or Opening Thought, so Kris had to channel her inner improv artist. She cracked open her book and hit us with this gem:

“Courage is what you need to stand up and speak. Courage is also needed to listen.”

(Which, coincidentally, is also good advice for anyone trying to survive a family dinner.)

Guests & Visiting Rotarians

Honestly, I was confused about who actually showed up. The confirmed roll call includes:

• Kris’s “Honey Bunch” Jim (which we’re now all required to call him).
• Tiffany, president of the SRJC Rotaract Club and representing the Global Rotaract Alums Club. Overachiever much? (We love it.)

Sunshine Report

Kris updated us that Peggy Sobrantis sent some kind words about Jeannie Levin and Jeff Gospe, and Ginny informed us that Jeff Kolin is recovering from pneumonia.

Meanwhile, Julia Parranto shared a harrowing tale:

• Rose fell seriously ill in Munich (because, of course, a vacation needs some drama) and spent a week in the hospital.
• Rose, ever the trooper, still managed to meet her Rotary scholarship duties from her hospital bed. (If that doesn’t earn you “Rotarian of the Year,” I don’t know what does.)
• Julia suspects Rose is trying to scare her to death. Honestly, same.
• Rose is doing better and we’re all happy to hear that!

Opportunity Drawing

Pete Lescure once again lost track of how many marbles are left, making this the Schrödinger’s Marble raffle.

Anne Gospe had her number called but didn’t pick the blue marble. She graciously donated her $10 to the Polio Pail while mumbling something about “rigged systems” under her breath. (Probably.)

Announcements Blitz

• Next Week: Rotary is dark. But we’re gathering for a social at Shone Farm instead. Wine tasting is involved. Steve Olsen will be there, looking smug because he basically owns the street it’s on. (When you’re Steve, streets are named after you.)
• RUP and RCP Portfolio Days: They still need listeners to pretend we’re wise and mentor-y. Sign up!
• Giro Bello: Robert reminded everyone to volunteer because the bikes don’t ride themselves. (Yet.)
• Wine Country Century: Richard said the Santa Rosa Cycling Club needs volunteers. They help us, so this is our karmic payback.
• SRJC Rotaract Update: Tiffany thanked us for our financial support, shared some updates on their projects, and casually dropped that she’s headed to UC Berkeley’s Haas School of Business. (NBD.)
• Veterans Day Committee: Ray Giampaoli was “volun-told” to help by Fred Levin. Jim Green, perhaps feeling charitable (or trapped?), volunteered too.
• Casey’s Debunking Party: Anne is forming a committee to plan Casey’s official takedown celebration. Expect roasting, laughter, and probably questionable PowerPoints.

Africa Donations

We raised $650 on the spot to help fund school supplies for kids in Africa, teaming up with the Redding Rotary Club who is sending lap desks.

Combined with the $400 already pledged by our International Service Committee, this brings the total to $1,050.

Proof that even without Casey, we can still change the world—and buy a ridiculous number of lap desks.

Guest Speaker: Leslie Lukacs – Executive Director of Zero Waste Sonoma

(Notes courtesy Kris who did everything this meeting. Thank you, brave soul.)

Leslie gave us a masterclass in why your garbage can is about to feel very judged.

• She’s spent 25+ years leading zero waste initiatives across Sonoma County and beyond.
• We got our own Sonoma County Zero Waste Guide 2025. If you didn’t snag a copy, call the Eco-Desk at (707) 565-3375 before it ends up in the recycling bin ironically.
• Leslie walked us through the global journey of a humble Coca-Cola can. (Spoiler: It travels more than we do.)
• Zero Waste Sonoma is on a mission to help the county hit climate neutral by 2030.
• She recapped history on local bans: single-use plastic bags, styrofoam, and now construction waste.
• Cool stuff they’re doing:
  • Fix-it Fairs: Bring your broken junk; leave with slightly less broken junk!
  • Petaluma Coffee Cup Experiment: They tried reusable coffee cups at cafes. Results? Some were reused, some mysteriously vanished into the Bermuda Triangle of Coffee Culture.
  • Emergency Flare Disposal: Co-sponsoring a bill (SB561) so you can finally

 

CREDITS