There's a special kind of magic that happens when you hand a room full of Rotarians a few conversation prompts and a plate of pizza. Thursday night's social at Round Table Pizza turned into exactly that, thanks to our Round Robin Table Talk activity — turns out we've been sitting next to hidden talents, surprising histories, and a few plot twists this whole time, and the stories that came out of that rotation reminded us just how much depth is packed into this club.
That's the real value of nights like this — it's not just fun (though it absolutely was), it's connection. Rotary works because we show up for our community, but it works even better when we actually know the people standing next to us while we do it. Round Robin Table Talk gave us a reason to slow down, ask a real question, and actually listen to the answer. If you missed Thursday's social, there will be more chances to pull up a chair, get a new prompt, and discover that the person you've been nodding hello to for years has a story you never knew.
Photo credit: Nevada County Resource Conservation District FB
Speaking of good conversation, don't miss this week's lunch meeting at Bodhi Hive, where we'll welcome Briana Bacon, Executive Director from the Nevada County Resource Conservation District. If you've never dug into what an RCD actually does, think wildfire fuel reduction and prescribed fire planning, forest and soil health, water quality protection, and hands-on technical help for local landowners figuring out how to manage their land well. It's part of the vital work that shapes how our foothills survive fire season and thrive the rest of the year. So come with your questions — you might just leave seeing the land we call home a little differently.
Membership update: We are very happy to announce that in the coming weeks, we look forward to welcoming Susan Chalpin as a Nevada City Rotarian.
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. 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
Cathy spreading ladybugs to control the aphids feeding on our pumpkins. Over the past week we have released 9,000 ladybugs and they are being very well fed. All hands on deck for Pumpkins Palooza! Work party alert ~ Saturdays morning at 7:30am at Bakbraken Acres! Let Tom Ryan or Cathy know if you are coming to join the fun and enjoy special harvest treats from the farm! Ladybugs are being released to protect our pumpkins.
Lots of farming opportunities throughout the summer.
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.
An added thought — bring along something to share.
Bodhi-Hive
Cathy spreading ladybugs to control the aphids feeding on our pumpkins. Over the past week we have released 9,000 ladybugs and they are being very well fed. All hands on deck for Pumpkins Palooza! Work party alert ~ Saturdays morning at 7:30am at Bakbraken Acres! Let Tom Ryan or Cathy know if you are coming to join the fun and enjoy special harvest treats from the farm! Ladybugs are being released to protect our pumpkins. 