Stories

Rotarians from 8 clubs (including RCI) participated in a work day at North Bay Children's Center in Hamilton. over 40 volunteers turned out to weed, spread garden cloth and mulch, and build flower and vegetable beds for the "Garden of Eaten". Included in that number were several high schoolers from the local Rotaract Club. There will be plenty more work days ahead. But, the group made good progress on Phase 1.

US Congressman Jared Huffman answered questions from the club in a wide ranging discussion of all things political. From tariffs to family farms, he shared his insights and opinions on the state of play in Washington, DC as well as local issues. Always helpful to get the answers from someone who's "in the room where it happens". Thank you, Congressman.

Club member Henry Choi was honored as a Paul Harris Fellow for his contributions to Rotary International. His donations will help Rotary fight disease, provide food for people around the world and address poverty. Congratulations, Henry.

from left: John Marshall, Henry Choi, Ivar Olsen

Past, current and future club presidents help club members put together a plan for the coming Rotary year. We looked at what we HAVE DONE and what we COULD DO do to prioritize what will WILL DO. A very helpful exercise to get member input on the direction of the club.

from left: Charley Vogt (president elect), Ivar Olsen (current president), Andrei Jigalin (immediate past president), Doug Hood (next president elect)

Don Wichman rejoined RCI after a 4 year hiatus. Don is one of the most senior members of the club, having first joined in 1986. He served as president in 2001-2. Unfortunately, for us, he moved to Roseville in 2021. But, fortunately, he's moved back and rejoined the club. Welcome Back, Don!

from left: Ivar Olsen, Charley Vogt, Don Wichman, Jenny Bates

Dick O'Brien was recognized at the most recent club meeting for his significant contributions to Rotary International. Dick was awarded the Paul Harris "Plus 5" pin for reaching a major contribution goal for the fifth year. Thank you for your support, Dick. We all appreciate it!

from left: Ivar Olsen, John Marshall, Dick O'Brien

Charley Vogt was presented to the entire Rotary district at the annual District Assembly on March 22. Most members of the club were there to support him as he was welcomed by Current District Governor Steve Wright and New District Governor Mitone Griffiths. Charley's getting fully briefed on his new duties and will hit the ground running when his term starts July 1. Congratulations Charley. We're 100% behind you.

That's Charley in the middle of the back row

A real "team effort" was recognized at a recent RCI meeting. A project to restore the baseball scoreboard at the South Hamilton Field required the help of the Novato South Little League, the Marin Paint Services and the Thomas Swan Sign Company as well as the management skills of Charley Vogt from the RCI. Plus a healthy contribution from RCI and the Little League. It was two years in the making, but it all came together in time for the start of the season this March. Well done one and all! Play Ball!

from left: Charley Vogt,  Matt Ridley (Novato South Little League), Ivar Olsen, Vicente Martinez (Marin Paint Services), and Bruce Thomas (Thomas Swan Sign Company)

Rick Wells and Matt O'Brien of the Marin Builders Association (which is supported by a grant from RCI) spoke about their program to train young adults in all aspects of the building trade. Their program covers all elements of construction training from carpentry to electrical to plumbing. Because their classes are in the evenings, they are able to attract students who hold down day jobs, but are looking to start careers in this important field. They shared that for every person who joins the construction field, four others leave--underlining the importance of the work they do.

from the left: Rick Wells, Matt O'Brien, Ivar Olsen

RCI (led by president elect Charley Vogt) coordinated the repainting, relettering and overall updating the scoreboard at Dunphy Field in South Hamilton Park. Cleaning, stripping and repainting was done by Vincente Martinez from Marin Paint Inc and the Thomas Swan Company did the overall signage. Support for the project came from Matt Ridley with the Novato South Little League Association and RCI with on-site help from RCI volunteers.

Before

BeforeAfter

 

Catherine Sammis was inducted into the Rotary Club of Ignacio today. She comes to Rotary naturally--her father is a long-time member of the Mill Valley club. Catherine's hobbies include making stained glass art, travel and genealogical research. Catherine was sponsored by Lingling Zhu--a relatively new member herself. Welcome, Catherine. We're happy to have you "aboard".

 

from left: Ivar Olsen, Charley Vogt, Cahterine Sammis, Lingling Zhu, Jenny Bates

 

Bob Hermann, president of the Rotary Club of San Francisco, spoke to the club about RYLA. RYLA is an intense and incredibly challenging program, sponsored by California and Nevada Rotary Districts 5180 of Northern California and 5190 of Northern Nevada, and has been designed to engender passion, resilience, determination, mental toughness, gratitude and compassion. In addition, the program will instill in the participants the value of Service above Self, a core Rotary belief. Our club made a significant donation to this program.

Members of RCI got together in small group dinners to provide input for the next Rotary year (beginning 7/1/25). President Elect Charley Vogt submitted a series of questions for discussion including topics like social events, speakers, service projects, etc. After dinner, the groups set about developing collective points of view on these topics. Charley will take this input to heart as he formulates his administration. A great way to make sure everyone has a chance to be heard and ensure that the club is moving in the right direction. Seen below are pictures from a few of the dinners.

Rotary Club of Ignacio was pleased to welcome Cyndi Moore as a new member. Sponsored by Carrie Lee, Cyndi has an extensive list of nonprofits and community service organizations that she supports. She's the principal in her own investment management and financial planning service and will be a big asset to the club for both Community Service and Vocational Service projects.

from left: Ivar Olsen, Charley Vogt, Chris Moore (son), Cyndi Moore, Carrie Lee, Jenny Bates

 

Claire Richardson, marketing director for Paws for Purple Hearts, shared the scope of their program to provide comfort dogs to veterans experiencing post traumatic stress. With her was Lois, a trained comfort dog and her trainer, Dari. The dogs go through an extensive program to learn how to connect with people in distress and to be a source of support for veterans. While Claire's presentation was informative, Lois stole the show demonstrating how she calms people down by sitting on their laps and other commands. Great work and an important mission.

Bruce Burtch has joined Rotary Club of Ignacio. He had been in other clubs, took a break, and rejoined Rotary with our club. Called the “Father of Cause Marketing” by the Cause Marketing Forum, Bruce is recognized nationally and internationally as a pioneer and leading expert in the field of cross-sector partnerships and cause marketing. Bruce
retired in 2015 from a life-long practice of helping for-profit, nonprofit, education, and government sectors develop highly-effective strategic partnerships focused on creating a greater good..Bruce is Board President of the Book Exchange of Marin, a nonprofit that supplies textbooks and both fiction and nonfiction books to students across the country. Welcome back to Rotary and to the Rotary Club of Ignacio.

from left: Acting president Gary Butler, membership committee co-chairs Daryl Weinroth and Charley Vogt, and Bruce Burtch

A crew from RCI, and some master gardeners, finished the planting of over 600 native plants (including milk weed) in the second plot of the pollinators' garden. The first was planted over 2 years ago and is already attracting butterflies. We have high hopes for the second as well. The was made possible by a grant from the club and the support of Marin County Parks volunteer coordinator Greg Reza.

Lingling Zhu joined Rotary Club of Ignacio on 1/16. She works as an accountant for nonprofits. Her enthusiasm, and Rotary spirit, has been demonstrated already by volunteering at several events. Lingling is sponsored by Henry Choi. Welcome Lingling. We know you'll be a great addition to the club.

 

from left: Ivar Olsen, president, Lingling Zhu, Charley Vogt, membership committee co-chair, Henry Choi, Jenny Bates, membership committee co-chair.

Rotarians Richard Goldstein and Eric Hannah provided the club with an introduction to Ambassadors of Compassion. This program helps teenagers develop emotional resiliency though a series of events and small support groups. They have helped over 100,000 youths from around the country with the support of professional sports teams, colleges and businesses. Their goal is to address the mental health crisis with preventive measures to avoid bad outcomes. They asked for RCI support in finding educational institutions to work with.

from left: Richard Goldstein, Ivar Olsen, Eric Hannah (on the screen)

On Friday, a group of RCI members, and several Master Gardeners, starting planting pollinators in our second plot in Pacheco Valley. The prior work preparing the ground was a big success. So, the actual planting went smoothly Over 250 starters were planted--which is 1/2 of the total to be done. Come join us next Friday (1/17) to finish it off.

Rotary Club of Ignacio provided an assortment of cookies to 8 families living at Gilead House in Novato. Gilead House supports vulnerable low income mothers and their children in a safe environment. On hand were Carrie Scrimshire, Executrie Director of Gilead House and Jayne Hulbert, past president of RCI. The cookies were prepared by club members for Gilead House as well as the club's annual holiday brunch. Each assortment included all types of cookies from chocolate chip to shortbread to "witches hats". Lots of delicious goodies for the holiday season for people that may need an extra treat.

 

At the club's annual holiday party, three members were honored for their contributions towards supporting Rotary International including the fight against polio.

Ivar Olsen, Barbara Hernandez and Chuck Swensen were recognized by past District Governor Gary Chow and current District Governor Stephen Wright. Each of the honorees have contributed over $1,000 in the past year. A fitting tribute to outstanding Rotarians.

from left: Ivar Olsen, Stephen Wright, Gary Chow, Barbara Hernandez, Chuck Swensen

Members of RCI passed out reading glasses at the Canal Alliance (a nonprofit supporting Latino immigrants). Over 100 people were fitted with glasses to help with reading, sewing and computer work.

Rotary Club of Ignacio provided new reading glasses to the Marin Health and Human Services "Seeds of Hope" event. The Rotarians were part of nearly 15 groups which provided services and support to people in need. A steady stream of clients attested to the desire for these glasses and many smiling faces were proof  that a need was being met.

Phase II of the Pacheco Valley Pollinator Garden got underway on Friday with a group from RCI putting down lots of straw to serve as the base for planting later this fall. The success of the first phase is evidenced with healthy plants and even some Monarch Butterflies being observed. Supported by Marin County Parks employees, this new phase will be equal in size to it's predecessor. Weather was perfect and the work was completed just in time for some rain to settle the base level. An excellent project supported by both RCI volunteers and funds from the club.

The Rotary Club of Ignacio presented a check for $14,700 to the City of
Novato for the Parks, Recreation and Community Services Department Youth. Financial Assistance Program at the City Council meeting October 22nd. The Youth Financial Assistance Program provides scholarships to children & youth to make it easier for them to participate in recreational programs that their families are unable to afford. Each participant receives $200.00.

RCI was treated to a real example of the Magic of Rotary when nationally known magician Ken Garr performed for the club. Ken amazed us with card tricks, sleight of hand with ropes and balls and "plain" paper. Also plenty of comedy as well. A good time was had by all.

slygarr99@yahoo.com

Rotary is joining to support disaster relief after the devastation from Hurricane Helene. Money, gift cards and supplies will be rushed to the affected areas.

Once again, Rotary is standing tall to support those in need.

Use the QR code below to donate to the nonprofit Rotary Foundation.

President Ivar Olsen got his new term started with a fun BBQ at his home in Novato. Lots of excellent food--some of it Norwegian, of course. Great opportunity for club members to meet partners and socialize. It's going to be a great year!

Five members of the club fished the Lower Sacramento River for Rainbow Trout. Plenty of good fellowship and a successful catch (and release).

Michele Moser, executive Director (right) for Miss Marin County Scholarship Organization, accepts an Award of $1500 from the Rotary Club of Ignacio. In Miss Marin, teens and young women are provided a forum to express their viewpoints, talents and accomplishments to audiences. Candidates further instill a spirit of Community Service.

Congratulations to Madelyn Mergenthaler a graduate of Archie Williams
High School.

She Plans to attend Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo in the Fall of 2024 with a
major of Public Health. Madelyn is receiving the Rotary Club of Ignacio Scholarship Award for $1500 for her outstanding Service in the Community.

Madelyn attended our meeting with her mother, Jen & Father, Andy.

 

Rotary Club of Ignacio awarded two more college scholarships to local students. Francesca Calle La Bou will attend Sonoma State University with a major in science for her RN degree. She is a graduate from Novato High School and the first in her family to go to college. She received a Medical Assisting Program Certificate while interning at Kaiser Permannente. Brayan Oxlaj Baten has held several jobs with graduating from Marin Oaks High School with honors. Brayan will be attending College of Marin Automotive Mechanics 2 year program. Congratulations to both Francesca and Brayan!

Francesca Calle La Bou with Melissa Rinck (chair of the Scholarship Committee)

Brayan Oxlaj Baten with Charley Vogt (member of the Scholarship Committee)

Two high school graduates who received $1,500 scholarships from the Rotary Club of Ignacio were honored at our meeting last week.

The two recipients are part of our club's program that recognizes outstanding students who are attending a California college.

 

 

Ivar Olsen, club president, Melissa Rinck, scholarship chair, Joshua DeVore, Scholarship Awardrecipient from NHS going to California Lutheran University, Division 3 Basketball, Music, his mother Margaret DeVore and father Doug DeVore.

 

Ivar Olsen, Melissa Rinck, Rhianna Fisher, Scholarship Award recipient from the College of Marin Dental Assisting Program and will continue to complete her 2nd year in the Dental Assisting Program to become a licenced Registered Dental Assistant and Stephanie, Rhianna's mother.

Ivar Olsen (3rd from the left) begins his new term as president of the Rotary Club of Ignacio. Pictured with his new board, Ivar has lots of big plans and a willing team behind him. Congratulations! We're excited to be part of your team.

Jade Alberti is one of the 2024-25 Rotary Club of Ignacio scholarship recipient. She received a grant of $1,500. She is a graduate of Archie Williams High School and will attend Cal Poly this fall majoring in construction management. Pictured with Jade are (left to right) Nina Cuny, Jean Alberti (her father), Jade, Dr. Melissa Rink (Club Scholarship Committee Chair), and Helene Wong (her mother). Congratulations Jade and good luck at Cal Poly.

President Elect Charley Vogt helps repackage eggs for North Marin Community Services food bank on Tuesday. (Egg)citing work and very much appreciated. Over 10 volunteers came to help.

A team from the club built 3 benches for the Girls Softball Dugout at Novato High School. We had previously done one for the Boys Baseball and wanted to balance the account.

Great teamwork made it all come together. Go Hornets!!

 

 

The Rotary Club of Ignacio inducts 2 new members:Jeannemarie Friedel and Tamara Hull. Both new members have over 20+ years of Rotary Service (including past presidencies) and support multiple non profit foundations and local municipal organizations. They will be great assets to our club. Welcome Aboard!

From left: Daryl Weinroth , Tamara Hull, Jeannemarie Friedel, Jayne Hulbert and Andrei Jigalin

Slightly over a year since the pollenator garden was planted, Rotarians and Master Gardeners came out to check the progress. The "good" plants are doing well. And the "bad" ones are being weeded out. A big success for butterflies and bees.

Before                                                                                Now

Rotarian, and head of the Community Service Committee, Wendy Irving, does some weeding.

Some fun photos from our 2024 golf tournament/fundraiser!  Although nobody won the KIA EV at the Hole In One, a great time was had by all! 

 

 

 

 

 

​​​​​​​

Our own Mark Sachs getting a Lifetime Achievement Award for his work in founding Restoring Vision in 2003 with over 28 million people helped to date.  His group got to ring the closing bell on NASDAQ!  

 

 

 

Incoming club President-elect Ivar Olsen is welcomed District Governor-elect Steve Wright and Assistant Governor Stacie Vance at the recent District Assembly. Ivar will take on his official role on July 1. Congratulations and best wishes for a successful year ahead.

Charley Vogt is taking his role as chief publicist of the April 22 Golf Tournament to heart. He wore a sandwich board with the poster to the district assembly on March 23. Pictured with Charley are Doug Hood (left) and Ivar Olsen, the president elect for the 2024/25 year who was honored at the assembly.

Seriously, the golf tournament will be a fun event with all the usual activities including silent auction and a hole in one contest. There's still room for more golfers.

Community Services Committee (led by Wendy Irving and Bill Doughty) did it again. Another outstanding Early Childhood Development classroom painting project that took all of two days and three shifts this weekend. The kids will be very happy with the results.

Rotary Club of Ignacio passed out more than 60 new picture hard-back dictionaries to three classes of 3rd graders at Loma Verde Elementary School. This is part of a 20 year project the Rotary Club of Ignacio along with the other two Rotary Clubs in the city to distribute dictionaries to all 3rd graders in both private and public schools in Novato. Our Club distributes to Novato Charter School and Hamilton Elementary in addition to Loma Verde Elementary School. 

 

Today we welcomed new member, Lisa Byram of Coldwell Banker Residential Real Estate, to the club. Lisa has an extensive CV of much charitable work in the Novato area. She was joined by her daughter, Kathryn. Pictured from left to right, Andrei Jigalin, Club President, Daryl Weinroth, Lisa Byram, Kathryn Dyram and Charley Vogt, Membership Chair. We are very happy to have her join us and know she will made a significant addition to the club. 

A small group of Ignacio Rotarians headed to Angel Island to enjoy the day and watch the Blue Angels (how appropriate!). A good time was had by all and some great shots of the Blue Angels were taken.

Photos of the "Marin Stigma Busters" team (and friends) who participated in a walk to raise funds in support of the National Association on Mental Health. Ignacio Rotary members pictured include Jenny Bates, John Marshall, and Henry Choi.  Our District Governor, Laine Hendricks was also in attendance.  Also note that we all brought our dogs!  It was a beautiful day for the walk which was held at McInnis Park in San Rafael.    

 

 

 

In response to the devastating fires in Maui, The Rotary Club of Ignacio raised more than $13,000 funds for the Hawaii District 5000 Maui Fires Relief Fund.  Our Club members always open their hearts and wallets in times of disasters.  We have raised substantial amount of money responding to hurricanes, Northern California fires, Ukraine and now the fires in Maui.  Mahalo to all who have helped support the emergency response and recovery in Maui.

Congratulations to John Marshall, the District 5150 Rotarian of the Month. A well-deserved honor for his tireless efforts to support our club as well as championing fund-raising events such as the recent Relay for Life. John is the technical support who makes our meetings run smoothly as he brings in videos and visual aids as the situation requires it. He also consults with other clubs who need technical assistance.

Way to go, John.

Pictured is Club President Andrei Jigalin (right) handing John a certificate of recognition.

The Rotary Club of Ignacio sponsored a donation of 500 reading glasses to the Rotary Club of Pujili, Ecuador. The glasses were distributed at four different locations and many people were overjoyed at being able to see up close for the first time in years. "We are glad to be able to partner with this young club in Ecuador", said Carlos Afre, Chairman of the World Community Avenue of Service. "This type of international cooperation is one of the great things about Rotary. Both clubs benefit from the exchange. As well as many people in Ecuador."

Photo and official City of Novato proclamation held on June 13th for outgoing President Michael Spalding!

 

 

Rotary Club of Ignacio continues to support St. Vincent de Paul Society of Marin.  For the past couple of years our Club members have prepared and delivered delicious bag lunches to St. Vincent de Paul in San Rafael.  We have delivered more than 2,500 lunches as of May 2023 which are provided to people in need, including seniors, single mothers, and many more.  In addition, our Rotary club provided 10 turkeys at Christmas in 2022.  We remain committed to our support of St. Vincent Paul Society of Marin.

 

 

The Novato High School (NHS) Hornets baseball team has a new dugout interior to go
along with their new 102,000 sq. ft. synthetic turf playing field thanks to team managerial,
booster, and Rotary Club of Ignacio leaders coordinating the $5,130 community services
project.

President Elect Andrei Jigalin was officially welcomed into his role at the District Assembly on March 25.He will start his term of office on July 1. Pictured are (left to right) Assistant Governor Stacie Vance, President Elect Andrei Jigalin and District Governor 2023-2024 Laine Hendricks. 

Congratulations, Andrei. We are all excited for your leadership.

Rotary Club of Ignacio welcomed two new members at our meeting on March 30. Joining the club were Kevin Parrot and Anthony Moreno. Both have attended a couple of prior meetings to get a "feel" for the club. Members Larry Levy and Jayne Hulbert sponsored the new members. Congratulations and Welcome to you both!

 

 

Pictured (l to r) are Larry Levy, Kevin Parrot, Anthony Moreno and Charley Vogt (standing in for Jayne Hulbert).

For years, Angalia Bianca had slept in abandoned buildings throughout Chicago. She stole. She did drugs. She spent time in and out of jail for forgery, theft, trespassing, and possession of narcotics. But after she landed in prison for the seventh time, something changed -- Bianca knew she wanted a better life. She just didn’t know how to make it happen.

 

After serving her time, Bianca sought help from a local homeless organization, A Safe Haven, and moved to its shelter in the Rogers Park neighborhood. Bianca followed the program closely -- she attended all the required meetings, passed drug tests, and volunteered at every opportunity.

What is it like taking a large team to Africa?  It has probably been one of the most rewarding experiences in my life. In mid February, I began leading Rotary members from all over the East Coast of the United States through Ghana. I’ve tried to give the team a warm Ghanaian welcome like I’ve received on my earlier trips. A large trip is a real blessing because each person sees Ghana and our work in a different way.

A highlight for the team was greeting the chief of Sagadugu. The team got excited about buying goats and food for children in the villages where I support eight churches. It was good to see the pastors of most of the eight churches, and I had to explain that we were just passing through on our way to Bolgatanga.

Throughout India and around the world, Rotary clubs are celebrating a major milestone: India has gone three years without a new case of polio. The last reported case was a two-year-old girl in West Bengal on 13 January 2011. To mark this historic triumph, Rotary clubs illuminated landmarks and iconic structures throughout the country with four simple but powerful words, "India is polio free."

 

The three-year achievement sets the stage for polio-free certification of the entire Southeast Asia region by the World Health Organization. The Indian government also plans to convene a polio summit in February to commemorate this victory in the global effort to eradicate polio.