This last week, we paused. On August 25th, the world lost Dolly Parton — a songwriter, philanthropist, and quiet force for good who spent decades making sure no child grew up without a book of their own. Her passing has been felt far beyond Nashville, but here in Nevada County, her legacy isn't just something we mourn from a distance. It's something we carry forward, month after month, as the proud local partner of Dolly Parton's Imagination Library through the Dollywood Foundation. In conjunction with our other local Rotary clubs and partners, every book we help place in a child's hands is a small continuation of the work she started, and we're honored to keep that thread alive here at home. You'll find more on her legacy, and on our role in it, later in this newsletter.
In that same spirit of caring for our community's children, we're looking forward to Thursday night's field trip to Community Roots — the organization transforming school food across Nevada County. Since forming in 2022, Community Roots has partnered with nine local school districts to bring fresh, scratch-made meals to as many as 10,000 students, and this past summer alone they distributed over 5,800 meal bags, more than 80,000 meals, to kids who might otherwise have gone without during the break. It's the kind of work that happens largely out of sight, and Thursday's visit is our chance to see it firsthand. Learn more at communityrootsnc.org and please feel free to join us.
Thursday 5:30 Social Field Trip
Community Roots 972 Golden Gate Terrace (Google Map) Grass Valley, CA
Between honoring a legacy built on getting books into small hands and standing beside an organization that makes sure those same hands aren't reaching for an empty plate, this week is a reminder of something simple: the health of a community can be measured in how well it cares for its children. Local organizations like these don't make headlines every day, but they are the quiet infrastructure of a child's chance at a good start — and every bit of support we give them, whether it's a book, a meal, or an afternoon of our time, is an investment in the kind of community we want Nevada County to remain.
It is with heavy hearts that we mourn the passing of Dolly Parton on August 25, 2026. Dolly was a devoted champion for children and literacy, inspired by her own father’s inability to read and write — the same inspiration behind the Imagination Library she launched in 1995, now touching millions of children and families, including thousands right here in Nevada County.
In Memory of Dolly Parton
1946 — 2026
One year ago, our community came together around the simple but powerful idea Dolly held dear: every child deserves the joy of receiving books of their very own. Thanks to the generosity of supporters like you, Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library is now changing lives across Nevada County – we have over 1,100 children enrolled and over 10,000 books have been mailed to local families – bringing stories, imagination, and opportunities to learn into homes every month.
Today, the Imagination Library mails more than three million free, age-appropriate books each month to children worldwide. Thanks to the Nevada City Rotary Club Foundation, First 5 Nevada County, and countless community supporters, Nevada County joined this movement one year ago — and now carries the responsibility of honoring Dolly’s legacy by making sure it lives on for generations of local children to come.
One Year of Impact
Over 10,000 books delivered to children across Nevada County
Free, high-quality books mailed each month to children from birth to age five
Bilingual books available for Spanish-speaking families
Personalized books addressed directly to each child, helping build excitement around reading
A program that is available to every eligible child, regardless of income or background
SAVE THE DATE ~ OCTOBER 15, 2026 2nd ANNUAL PUMPKINS PALOOZA
Restaurant Raffle New this year, we are bringing back our popularRestaurant Raffle Bonanza! Odds are 1 in a 100 to win the grand prize packagewinner-take-all raffle for 12 local $100 restaurant certificates ~ a $1,200 value and more! The Palooza team has identified over 20 restaurants to solicit for $100 certificates. We have at least 10 committed with more coming in! Restaurant solicitations are continuing and we need your help. Contact Tom Ryan to signup for for specific restaurants if you can help solicit. The Rotarian who comes up with the most $100 certificates wins a free raffle ticket!
Farm Parties and Envisioning our Painted Pumpkins
Work party alert ~ many Saturdays morning at 7:30am at Bakbraken Acres! Check with Tom Ryan or Cathy to confirm you are coming to join the fun and enjoy special harvest treats from the farm!
Pumpkins are on the vine! Harvest at BakBraken Acres and the Haunted Pumpkin Patch then painting begins in mid-September. All hands on deck for Pumpkin
Nevada City Zero Waste Summit September 12, 2026 at The Alpha Building
Schedule of Events: 8am-1pm Coffee and Art Show 8am-4pm-Clothing and Plant Swap 2pm-4pm Repair Cafe Nevada County
5pm-8:30pm-Evening Keynote Speakers Featuring Presentations by: Bea Johnson | Bestselling Author of Zero Waste Home Shawn Donnille | President & Owner of Mountain Rose Herb Jesse Hicks | Founder of ROTN Industries Stephanie Barger | Director of TRUE Zero Waste Certification (USGBC)
Join us for an inspiring evening of exploring what a truly sustainable future can look like. We will talk about strategies for reducing waste from our homes, businesses, and community organizations.
Admission is free, and seating for the evening program is limited, so please arrive early.
Board Meetings are held on the second Monday of the month. Our next Board meeting is September 14 at 5:30pm via Zoom with President Andrea leading us.
Not a Board member but want to join us? Contact Robin or reply to this Rotario for instructions. All club members are encouraged to attend a meeting. Location/schedule is subject to change, please ask.
This last week, we paused. On August 25th, the world lost Dolly Parton — a songwriter, philanthropist, and quiet force for good who spent decades making sure no child grew up without a book of their own. Her passing has been felt far beyond Nashville, but here in Nevada County, her legacy isn't just something we mourn from a distance. It's something we carry forward, month after month, as the proud local partner of Dolly Parton's Imagination Library through the Dollywood Foundation. In conjunction with our other local Rotary clubs and partners, every book we help place in a child's hands is a small continuation of the work she started, and we're honored to keep that thread alive here at home. You'll find more on her legacy, and on our role in it, later in this newsletter. 
In that same spirit of caring for our community's children, we're looking forward to Thursday night's field trip to Community Roots — the organization transforming school food across Nevada County. Since forming in 2022, Community Roots has partnered with nine local school districts to bring fresh, scratch-made meals to as many as 10,000 students, and this past summer alone they distributed over 5,800 meal bags, more than 80,000 meals, to kids who might otherwise have gone without during the break. It's the kind of work that happens largely out of sight, and Thursday's visit is our chance to see it firsthand. Learn more at 
