Our Guest speaker for July 24th is Mikaela Zimmerman. Mikaela Zimmerman is the Community School Coordinator and Homeless/Foster Liaison for Western Placer Unified School District, where she is dedicated to supporting students and families through comprehensive, community-driven initiatives. Prior to her current role, she served as the school counselor at Phoenix High School for five years, providing guidance and advocacy for students in alternative education.
President Kerry's member survey is a HUGE step forward in getting member input and organizing committees. It was sent to members on June 24th. Please make sure you have done the survey! It's important.
President Kerry opened the meeting with music from the 20's, a reminder of the Club's upcoming 100th Celebration. She welcomed to the meeting 31 members and 4 guests: Guest Speaker Vivian Leida and Lucy Laird, Janet Osterhout (Clark), and Rachel Ugarte. The Flag Salute was led by Frank N. and the 4 Way Test was led by Jerry J. Kerry passed out printed Membership Challenge Groups - 100 Members for 100 Years. This will be discussed in future meetings.
Membership Chair, Bryan Ludwig, presented Gail Gentile, with her Blue Badge and her Rotarians at Work shirt. The Red Badge is a series of activities that new members need to fulfill, such as serving as the Club Greeter, serving as Attendance recorder, attending a meeting at a different Rotary Club to name a few requirements, that are intended to help meet members and learn more about Rotary and this club in particular.
Rachel Ugarte, visiting from Guatemala, reported on the many programs that have proved successful, in part because of the support from the Club of Lincoln. Joann reported on the deluxe BBQ the Kiwanians provided for volunteers that helped with the See's Candy Sales and other projects. Carol, Jan and Joann were able to attend. Claire mentioned that the 5th week social will be reported to members by email. Treasurer Clark spoke about the rising cost of food. The BOD approved the need to change the quarterly fee for meals to $225 for pre-paid members. The fee for those paying weekly will be $15.00 at the door. The change in the fees will be effective on the next quarter, October 1st. Clark is able to facilitate charge card payments for all events, dues, donations-including Happy Bucks at meetings. Jerry Johnson announced that Rich Cochran has been accepted as a member of the Foundation BOD. A positive vote of the members followed. Kerry explained that the Budget for Club programs was discussed by the BOD. 2024-2025 was an unusual year due to the decisions made from the Dart Bequest. For 2025-2026 the budget has been established. However, the 2026-2027 will be dependent on the results of this year's Fundraisers. The goal must be $40,000 this year. Kris said the Hub Fair needs bar tenders and that it's fun!
Vivian Leida, guest speaker from Vitalant Healthcare company, began by mentioning that this club normally holds 4 Blood Drives per year and how much help the Blood Drives provide to the community. Vitalant is active in 28 states and provides 1.6 Million donations per year. She stressed the need for blood donation and said that less than 1% of the Lincoln population donate blood. She noted how blood helps patients in so many ways and she shared Vera's Story. Vera is a little girl with leukemia and when first diagnosed required 6 transfusions in one day for her to improve her strength. She continued to require frequent transfusions for two years as she was treated for her cancer, until she was declared cured of her cancer. Vivian encouraged members to donate and suggested ways to prepare for donating. She asked everyone to promote blood donation to friends, family, and other local clubs etc. There is indeed a great need for this life saving blood.
President Kerry opened the meeting with music from the 20's, a reminder of the Club's upcoming 100th Celebration. She welcomed to the meeting 31 members and 4 guests: Guest Speaker Vivian Leida and Lucy Laird, Janet Osterhout (Clark), and Rachel Ugarte. The Flag Salute was led by Frank N. and the 4 Way Test was led by Jerry J. Kerry passed out printed Membership Challenge Groups - 100 Members for 100 Years. This will be discussed in future meetings.
Membership Chair, Bryan Ludwig, presented Gail Gentile, with her Blue Badge and her Rotarians at Work shirt. The Red Badge is a series of activities that new members need to fulfill, such as serving as the Club Greeter, serving as Attendance recorder, attending a meeting at a different Rotary Club to name a few requirements, that are intended to help meet members and learn more about Rotary and this club in particular.
Rachel Ugarte, visiting from Guatemala, reported on the many programs that have proved successful, in part because of the support from the Club of Lincoln. Joann reported on the deluxe BBQ the Kiwanians provided for volunteers that helped with the See's Candy Sales and other projects. Carol, Jan and Joann were able to attend. Claire mentioned that the 5th week social will be reported to members by email. 
Treasurer Clark spoke about the rising cost of food. The BOD approved the need to change the quarterly fee for meals to $225 for pre-paid members. The fee for those paying weekly will be $15.00 at the door. The change in the fees will be effective on the next quarter, October 1st. Clark is able to facilitate charge card payments for all events, dues, donations-including Happy Bucks at meetings. Jerry Johnson announced that Rich Cochran has been accepted as a member of the Foundation BOD. A positive vote of the members followed. Kerry explained that the Budget for Club programs was discussed by the BOD. 2024-2025 was an unusual year due to the decisions made from the Dart Bequest. For 2025-2026 the budget has been established. However, the 2026-2027 will be dependent on the results of this year's Fundraisers. The goal must be $40,000 this year. Kris said the Hub Fair needs bar tenders and that it's fun! 
Vivian Leida, guest speaker from Vitalant Healthcare company, began by mentioning that this club normally holds 4 Blood Drives per year and how much help the Blood Drives provide to the community. Vitalant is active in 28 states and provides 1.6 Million donations per year. She stressed the need for blood donation and said that less than 1% of the Lincoln population donate blood. She noted how blood helps patients in so many ways and she shared Vera's Story. Vera is a little girl with leukemia and when first diagnosed required 6 transfusions in one day for her to improve her strength. She continued to require frequent transfusions for two years as she was treated for her cancer, until she was declared cured of her cancer. Vivian encouraged members to donate and suggested ways to prepare for donating. She asked everyone to promote blood donation to friends, family, and other local clubs etc. There is indeed a great need for this life saving blood.
