Events

Cindy Zuelsdorf is a marketing strategist, author, and founder of Kokoro Marketing, where she helps small businesses, high-tech companies, and nonprofits take the overwhelm out of marketing and automation. She led sales, marketing, and service for a high-tech company, selling video equipment to clients like NBC, NASA, and Netflix. After years of working in broadcast media and high-pressure sales environments, Cindy discovered the power of marketing automation and never looked back. Long before AI became a buzzword, she was using tools that quietly integrated intelligent automation into everyday marketing—from lead follow-up to customer engagement. What she loves most is helping people get the word out about their business and set themselves up for real success. That insight led to the launch of her agency and the creation of her book and course, 7 Marketing Basics: Do Less and Sell More, which hit #1 on Amazon in the marketing for small business category. Her company’s name, Kokoro—a Japanese word meaning heart, mind, and spirit—reflects her commitment to marketing that connects on a human level. Her latest initiative, Kokoro Connect AI, helps small businesses use AI-powered phone and chat tools to scale with ease and show up like a bigger business—without the burnout. Cindy's non-profit work includes being on the board of the local SMPTE chapter, on the board of Veterans-TV, and the membership and marketing director for AMWA.tv. When she’s not working, you’ll find her skiing in the Sierra Nevada or hanging out with family and friends at the Yuba River.

See Leadership Retreat email for address and directions to Miles and Susi's home and information about the Retreat.

Nevada City Rotary and First 5 Nevada County are launching our Dolly Parton's Imagination Library at the Fair August 6-10!  Rotarians are encouraged to help staff the booth for as long as you like -- at whatever time you want!  A fabulous opportunity to promote this wonderful program and sign kiddos up to receive books!  First 5 Nevada County booth is between the Administration Blding and the Railroad Exhibit building by Entrance 1 at the Fair! 

Past President Louise is a trained Ayurveda specialist.  In her craft talk she will share insights about her Ayureda practice.

NCRotary Board meeting with DG Larry in advance of Club meeting.

An introduction to a global nonprofit called Kiva which has worked for over 20 years to facilitate micro-lending to people without easy access to credit. There are over a billion unbanked people around the world. That’s a billion people who have very little chance of getting a loan for emergencies, for entrepreneurial activities, for schooling, or to rebuild their lives after war or displacement. Kiva is an international nonprofit that tackles this inequality. By connecting people through crowdfunded loans, Kiva has so far supported over 5 million people borrowing over 2 billion dollars in 95 countries! For as little as $25, supporters like you and I can open financial opportunities and make a one-to-one impact for women, refugees, small businesses, and communities around the world, paving the way to economic and social stability.

Scott Young

Scott Young currently teaches English at the Sierra Academy of Expeditionary Learning, a public charter high school in Nevada City. For the last 26 years he has lived in Nevada County, raising 5 children, teaching in a variety of schools, writing and reading poetry, directing and volunteering for nonprofits, and appearing on stage from time to time.

About our Speakers

The Nevada County Historical Archive

The Nevada County Historical Archive is a regional digital repository of original records, documents, maps, photographs, books, and other materials related to the history of Nevada County, California. These treasures are primarily housed in the Searls Historical Library, the Doris Foley Library for Historical Research, both in Nevada City, California. Its purpose is to digitally preserve and celebrate Nevada County's nearly two-century history by providing public access to this immense and amazing wealth of resources.

The Archive is a collaboration between the Searls Library, part of the Nevada County Historical Society, and the Doris Foley Library, part of the Nevada County Library system and other partners including the Truckee-Donner Historical Society, the Donner Summit Historical Society, the Grass Valley Museum and Cultural Center and Nevada County Historical Landmarks Commission.

With Winnie Superette, Anne Han has created a vibrant store that celebrates all things Asian. Mainly groceries but branching out to home goods, Winnie (named after Han’s dog) can provide ingredients that are not likely to be found elsewhere.

2025 Nevada City Chamber: New Business of the Year: Winnie Superette
Winnie Superette has quickly become more than just a food store—it is a cultural hub for Asian food and traditions. Owner Anne Han opened the market to provide access to both traditional staples and modern specialty goods, filling a gap in the local culinary scene. Looking ahead, Han plans to expand the Superette’s offerings to include cooking classes, pop-ups, and workshops, further fostering connection and accessibility through food and culture

Winnie Superette is at 315 Commercial Street in downtown Nevada City. For more information please visit www.winniesuperette.com 

Join us as Dr Chris Newsom takes us on a journey of a life time to Bhutan where she served as a volunteer doctor with a medical team for a month a number of years ago.

Have an artistic flare and intention to paint Pumpkins for Polio and More?

What: Pumpkins for Polio and More Painting workshop

Join Giudita Soldavini and fellow artists who have mastered the art of pumpkin painting for our Pumpkins for Polio Auctions over the last few years. 

• Paints and supplies provided by the Nevada City Arts Council.
• Bring ideas and/or photos of what you want to paint on pumpkins

Location: 425 Nimrok Street, Pioneer Park, Nevada City, CA 

• In the Rec Center House next to Memorial Garden across the drive from Seaman's Lodge 

Time:  2:30pm - 5:30pm 

• Please arrive for the start of the workshop.  Stay until you feel complete or are prepared to take pumpkin to complete at home. 

Please come and celebrate the graduation of our 8^th graders from throughout District 5190 on Sunday, September 14th, beginning at 3 pm.

We have 19 schools participating with 3-5 students from each school; that means an expected 85 students participating in the program! What a gathering this will be!

The purpose of the project remains - to provide high quality leadership training, with a strong emphasis on ethics, to selected 8th grade students who have demonstrated leadership skills.

Our aim is to provide these selected students with tools for the difficult choices they face as they move into high school. 

Our Theme for 2025 is UNITE FOR GOOD – Make Dreams Come True!

Please let us know if you plan to attend graduation.

Have an artistic flare and intention to paint Pumpkins for Polio and More?

What: Pumpkins for Polio and More Painting workshop

Join Giudita Soldavini and fellow artists who have mastered the art of pumpkin painting for our Pumpkins for Polio Auctions over the last few years. 

• Paints and supplies provided by the Nevada City Arts Council.
• Bring ideas and/or photos of what you want to paint on pumpkins

Location: 425 Nimrok Street, Pioneer Park, Nevada City, CA 

• In the Rec Center House next to Memorial Garden across the drive from Seaman's Lodge 

Time:  5:30pm - 8:30pm 

• Please arrive for the start of the workshop.  Stay until you feel complete or are prepared to take pumpkin to complete at home. 

Join the fun as Nevada City Rotary marches in the Constitution Day parade promoting our Dolly Parton Imagination Library Nevada County, Pumpkins Palooza Family Celebration, and Paws and A Cause along with Dolly Parton, Lassie and Timmy too!

Parade begins at 2:00pm. Line up starts around noon.  

Pioneer Park - 1-4:00pm plus setup and teardown

Nevada City Rotary will host our 3rd Annual Pumpkins for Polio and More Auction in partnership with the City of Nevada City, Chamber of Commerce and Nevada City.

Join us for silent and live auctions at Miners Foundry.

This year in partnership with the City and the Nevada City Chamber, we are expanding our Pumpkins for Polio project to include displays at shops and businesses in Nevada City.  Local merchants will be hosting pumpkins in their shop windows leading up to our Annual Pumpkins for Polio and More auction. Proceeds will go to support Rotary's End Polio Now campaign and local Club projects (aka "and More").

We are also expanding our base of painters to support the larger number of pumpkins in this year's project See information on Pumpkin Painting Workshops #1 on Saturday September 13, 2:30-5:30pm. and  #2 on Thursday, September 18, 5:30- 8:30pm.

Join Melissa and Kristen of Pawnie’s Home Care for aninformative presentation on the different types of non-medical in-home care available, services provided and the benefits for both the recipient and their families. Learn how these services support independence, safety, and quality of life for older adults and their families.

Melissa Jamison and Kristen Bardwell: 

When Co-Founders of Pawnie’s Home Care Kristen and Melissa met, they instantly bonded over their common profession of in-home caregiving. They had each started their journey years ago working in local skilled nursing facilities.  This led them to their shared passion and realization of the need to make it possible for everyone to have the opportunity to remain independent and safe in their own homes as they age.

Kristen, having started her own in-home care company (Advanced Home Care) in 2006, joined forces with Melissa to use their combined 35 years of experience to build the company known today as Pawnie’s Home Care.

Together, Kristen and Melissa have cared for hundreds of clients in Nevada and Placer counties. They have spent years perfecting their team building and caregiving skills to bring high quality home care to our senior and disabled community.

Here the latest plans for Nevada City Chamber of Commerce by Lynn, Nevada City Rotarian and Executive Director of Nevada City Chamber.

Besides being a Mortgage Broker, Noel loves "biking, going to the ocean, backpacking, and traveling. Everything I do is for my two amazing children, who give my life purpose every day.”  And whatelse?  Join us Thursday to find out!

Join your fellow Rotarians to share Holiday Cheer
with good food, fun games, and a gift exchange

When: 5:30pm, Thursday, December 11, 2025

Our annual Bellringing with the Salvation Army at SPD Nevada City.

Four shifts of  2-4 people:

• 9-11am 
• 11-1pm
• 1-3pm
• 3-5pm

See Walt for signup!

Mike Wallace, aka MikeTheBeeGuy, is a pollinator enthusiast living in Grass Valley CA.  He became interested in supporting pollinator species while living in Santa Clara County. In the Spring of 2015, he became aware of a complete absence of honeybees in his yard.  

With some research, Mike learned that honeybee and monarch butterfly populations were dwindling at alarming rates. Monarchs were on the verge of extinction.  Mike took this as a call to action.    

Since then he has not only become a hobbyist beekeeper, he is also a staunch advocate for the support of the monarch butterfly. With study and experimentation he devised a process for successful germination of milkweed, the plant which monarch’s rely upon for reproduction, and without which they will become extinct. Mike has a large following on Facebook with his Nevada County Monarchs and Milkweed group page.

He hosts hands-on workshops every winter to teach others how to successfully propagate milkweed, providing everything needed including all (4) varieties of Nevada County Native Milkweed, trays, 6-pack inserts & even the special soil & sand his techniques require. Mike enjoys mentoring and being a resource to the community.

🍯🐝 MikeTheBeeGuy 👨‍🚀
Mike T Wallace
MikeTheBeeGuy@yahoo.com

Learn more at Nevada County Monarchs and Milkweed.Facebook Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/748091220014992/. 

In just over two decades, support of the Kellermann Foundation has helped create a wider network of programs now offering new possibilities to the Batwa and their neighbors. Their first open-air clinic has blossomed into one of the most successful hospitals in Uganda and an advanced-level nursing school. The Batwa of this region now have access to educational support at all levels, permanent homes, gardens, spiritual outreach, literacy, economic development, and more.

Over the years, our Club has been honored to participate in projects in support of the Batwa people of Uganda and have watched the phenomenal expansion of medical, community development, and education services and facilities launched through the leadership of Dr Scott Kellermann and the Kellermann Foundation.  A fellow local Rotarian with 49er Breakfast Rotary, Scott will share latest updates and vision. 

Walt Disney Imagineering is the “think tank of the Magic Kingdom” and is responsible for the creation, design and construction of Disney Theme Parks worldwide.

My creations have brought a few smiles to people’s faces over the years, which actually brings a big smile to my own face. Often, my carvings and signs are the very first thing you see when you enter your favorite Disney attraction. I can’t take all the credit, of course – I’ve had the distinct honor of working alongside some of the very best.

In addition to many years as a woodcarver/sculptor for Disney, Ray creates beautiful family heirlooms and custom commissions for collectors.

Raymond and his wife, Marisa also host weekend retreats for beginning woodcarvers in his Northern California studio.

January is bulb planting season!  Join us as we again add to the bulbs at Penzance Park for Spring - Summer Blooms.

When:  9am - until complete (estimated a couple hours)

            Saturday, January 10, 2026

Where: Penzance Park - corner of Sacramento St and Prospect, across from the Chevron Station

Bring gardening, weeding, and general cleanup tools (hand trowls, rakes, gloves, knee pads if preferred.)

Cathy has the bulbs, bone meal, and possibly cookies. 

We will reschedule if it is too rainy.