Events

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.

Grant LaCosse, RYLA and former REGL student, will be our speaker. Many of you met Grant when he organized a team of Future Business Leaders of America from Ghidotti to volunteer with us at Paws and a Cause.

Following up on Mike The Bee Guy, aka Monarch Milkweed expert's talk in December, Bear Yuba Land Trust will share plans for creating Monarch Meadows around Nevada County.  More at BYLT Monarch Meadow Project

Annette Muller Communications Manager 

Annette joined BYLT with over 10 years of experience in the performing arts sector where she honed her skills as a grant writer and marketing manager. Having spent most of her career championing small community-based nonprofits, her aim has always been to support and make space for those around her in the actualization of the organization’s mission. Annette enjoys getting out from behind her computer screen and into the world as much as possible, traveling the crooked path wherever it takes her.

Julia Lakes| Development Manager 

Julia grew up in the Bay Area and escaped to the outdoors as much as possible. She has over fifteen years’ experience at community-based nonprofits, including as Conservation Director at Wallowa Land Trust in northeast Oregon and Director of Development at Beyond Emancipation in Oakland, California. Julia stumbled into fundraising because of her passion for helping people make a difference in their own community. In her spare time Julia can be found weeding in her veggie garden, cooking up a feast, exploring local trails, and dabbling in the arts. 

https://www.bylt.org/monarch-meadow-project/

Nicole McNeely has served as the Executive Director of Child Advocates of Nevada County (CANC) since the fall of 2022, where she leads the organization’s strategic vision, fundraising, and community partnerships. During her tenure, she has strengthened board governance, guided long-term planning, and increased the organization’s budget through expanded donor engagement and government contract support.

Melinda Douros graduated from Stanford University with a degree in English Literature and an abiding interest in mentoring, nurturing, and educating young people. She has been active in various youth and educational organizations while raising five children, both biological and adopted, with her husband of 45 years. Acquainted with the challenges of trauma, loss, and grief in the lives of children, Melinda has pursued training opportunities in related fields of knowledge for over 25 years. Melinda served on the Board of Directors for Heartsent Adoptions, Inc. for 16 years and in 2010 joined the staff of Child Advocates of Nevada County. After directing the Child Safety Puppeteers program for two years, she moved to the position of Program Manager for CASA where she has served since. Her focus remains on providing a well-trained, supported, effective, and committed CASA for every child who needs one. Melinda also serves as chair of the Juvenile Justice/ Delinquency Prevention Commission for Nevada County and is a member of the Critical Incidents Citizen's Review Panel for the state of CA.

Anne Greco trained to become a CASA volunteer 14  years ago and has served 8 foster youth, aged 3 to 18, as a volunteer.  In 2015 she joined the staff of Child Advocates as a CASA Case Manager, where she supervised foster youth advocacy in dependency court.  In 2019, Nevada County joined one of the few programs in California to serve delinquency youth, which Anne developed with local judges, the DA’s office and probation.  Today, she is the Youth Justice Program Manager.  In addition to managing and continuing to build the delinquency side of the CASA program, Anne oversees a new program, called One 2 One, which focuses on prevention and serves at-risk youth who are referred by schools and community partners.

Celine Negrete is the General Manager of the Onyx Theatre in Nevada City, where she has led operations for the past 16 years. With a background in arts management and hospitality, she has helped shape the Onyx into a beloved cultural hub for film lovers.

She also serves on the Nevada City Chamber of Commerce board, the Nevada City Public Arts Commission, and the Rüdiger Foundation board, and previously served for more than ten years on two local school boards. She and her husband moved from San Francisco to Grass Valley in 2004, where they raised their two sons.

Mike Bratton, long-time State Farm Insurance Agenda will speak on "the Future of Insurance in California."

Mike has been a local State Farm Agent since 1984. A graduate from Chico State University with a BA in communications/marketing, Mike is a highly recognized State Farm agent and generous community member.  Over the years his agency has qualified for State Farm Awards including State Farm Legion of Honor, State Farm Ambassador for Life, State Farm Life Honor Club, State Farm SVP Club, and State Farm President’s Club.

He is a member of the Chamber of Commerce and an Active Rotarian with the Nevada City 49er Breakfast Club. MIke and is family sponsored founded A New Day and the annual MEB2 Turkey Trot Race at Thanksgiving in memory of his son Michael E. Bratton, II.

Earth Fest Street Fair

Join us for our 5th Annual Earth Fest Celebration in Nevada City on Sunday, April 19, 2026 from 11am-3:30pm.

This event is sure to inform and inspire all who attend and will include live music, special performances, interactive booths and demos, kid’s activities, earth-friendly vendors, organic foods, and more.

Chris will share highlights of Lynda and Chris's February visit with our student Wendy and our partners with Amigos de Guatemala. Join us for a wonderful update on our Menstrual Hygiene project, the work of Amigos de Guatemala, and the students Lynda and Nevada City Rotary are sponsoring!

Abbie Crews is one of the few female firefighting air tanker pilots. Before she was hired to pilot CAL FIRE’s S-2Ts out of Grass Valley, California she graduated from the Air Force Academy and flew MC12s and C-17s.

The School Ranch 

Program include a report out of NC Rotary's Carbon Footprint Survey.

Nevada County Youth Commission

Rotarians are invited to attend and support the Nevada County Youth Commission as they present their annual report and policy recommendations to the Nevada County Board of Supervisors. Come watch government in action and show your support for these students, our future leaders and Rotarians. A reception in the lobby will follow the presentation.

Grant, Graham and other RYLA, REGL, Youth Speech and Music winners will be presenting their recommendations for County Action. 

June 2, 2026
3:30–4:30 PM
Nevada County Board Chambers
950 Maidu Avenue
Nevada City, CA

End of Year Concert permalink

6/4/2026, 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM

Seven Hills Middle School, 700 Hoover Ln, Nevada City, CA 95959, USA

Dr. Scott Kellermann, a fellow Rotarian and California-based physician specializing in tropical medicine, and  his wife Carol, an educator, founded the Kellermann Foundation in 2004. Dr. Kellermann is the recipient of several awards, including Unsung Heroes of Compassion award by the Dalai Lama and the American Medical Association’s Dr. Nathan Davis International Award in Medicine. Both Scott and Carol received the Nashotah House Theological Seminary’s Michael Ramsey Award in recognition of their distinguished ministry in Uganda.

The Kellermann Foundation is dedicated to supporting the displaced Batwa pygmies in all areas of development and to provide high-quality healthcare to the Batwa and their neighbors in southwest Uganda.

Scott and Carol Kellermann arrived in Uganda in 2000 to conduct a medical survey of the Batwa pygmies. Their findings were alarming, but through their vision and your support, a region is being transformed.

Health Care: The 155-bed full-service hospital is ranked among the best in Uganda. Its services include medical and surgical care, a colorful pediatric ward, a neonatal unit for premature or sick infants, demonstration gardens, a Waiting Mothers’ Hostel where expectant mothers can stay before giving birth safely at the hospital, and much more.

Community health programs bring mobile clinics to remote settlements, treat local residents, and educate all local citizens about the value of good nutrition, prenatal care, and how to prevent diseases, including malaria and HIV/AIDS.

Batwa Community Development: From building schools and homes and providing farming support to encouraging spiritual growth and economic development, we partner with the Batwa to help them help themselves sustainably.From building schools and homes and providing farming support to encouraging spiritual growth and economic development, we partner with the Batwa to help them help themselves sustainably.

Nursing Education: With an annual enrollment approaching 400 students, we provide the only RN-level three year degree in the region empowering Ugandans to improve rural healthcare.

Home of Giudita Soldavini and George Roberts