What a tour we had last week! Our visit to Community Roots left us with full hearts (and a serious appreciation for what it takes to feed a county). Since forming in 2022, this powerhouse organization 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. Seeing that operation up close was a great reminder of how much good work happens right here in our own backyard.
Speaking of good work coming up: mark your calendars for our pumpkin painting parties in September! We'll be getting the patch ready for Pumpkins Palooza on October 15th, and we'd love as many hands (and paintbrushes) as possible. Painting parties are Friday, September 18, 5:30-8:00pm and Saturday, September 19, 11:30am-2:00pm (bring your own snack). Go ahead and pencil in "get a little messy for a good cause and the fun of creative painting.” Invite friends and family too!
On September 10th, we're excited to welcome Hilary Hodge to our lunch meeting. Hilary is with Foothills Compassionate Care, the nonprofit that's been serving Western Nevada County for more than 45 years — offering hospice care, palliative care, grief support, and caregiver resources to over 500 patients and families each year. It's the kind of organization most of us hope we'll never need but are deeply grateful exists when we do. Come hear more about the work they do and the difference it makes locally.
As always, wishing you all a wonderful week ahead — full of good food, good company, and a little pep in your step for the activities ahead.
SAVE THE DATE ~ OCTOBER 15, 2026 2nd ANNUAL PUMPKINS PALOOZA
Taste of the Town Restaurant Raffle
New this year, we are bringing back our popular Taste of the Town Restaurant Raffle! Chances to win just multiplied! Grand prize is 10 local $100 restaurant certificates ~ a $1,000 value! Plus, drawings for smaller packages offer more chances to win!
The Palooza team is continuing to collect $100 certificates from favorite local restaurants. 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!
Let your creative spirit shine ~ invite friends and family
Free Painting Parties are scheduled for Friday, September 18, 5:30pm-8:00pm and Saturday September 19, 11:30pm-2:00pm. Never painted a pumpkin! Join in the fun of expressing your creativity with friends and family and we’ll teach you the techniques. We provide pumpkins, paints, and decorative supplies.
Work party alert ~ many Saturday mornings 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!
Check out pumpkins on the vine in our 2026 Pumpkins Album! Harvest at BakBraken Acres and the Haunted Pumpkin Patch then painting begins in mid-September.
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.
What a tour we had last week! Our visit to Community Roots left us with full hearts (and a serious appreciation for what it takes to feed a county). Since forming in 2022, this powerhouse organization 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. Seeing that operation up close was a great reminder of how much good work happens right here in our own backyard.
Speaking of good work coming up: mark your calendars for our pumpkin painting parties in September! We'll be getting the patch ready for Pumpkins Palooza 
An added thought — bring along something to share.
Bodhi-Hive
