ALF's
Community Partners
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Two-Star Partners  One-Star Partners  
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2012 ALF-MV
Star Club Members | Star Club Members support ALF-MV with a gift of $1200 or $100/month
Doni Blumenstock, Class I
Roy Brewer, Class IX
Matt Kelly, Class XI
Martha Lofgren, Class IX
Garry Maisel, Class IX
Dennis Mangers, Class I
Kris Martin, Class II
Cyril Shah, Class XII
Tom Stallard, Class VII
Pam Stewart, Class VIII
Stephen Tse, Class VII
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| 2012 ALF-MV Boosters | ALF Boosters support ALF-MV with a gift of $600 or $50/month
Joe Coomes, Class III Lina Fat, Class III Susan Frazier, Class VI
Ed Glavis, Class VI
Jose Hermocillo, Class III
Bill Kennedy, Class IX
Ken Larson, Class V
Laura Mason-Smith, Class III
Randy Reynoso, Class V
Babs Sandeen, Class XII
Bev Scott, Class IX
Gary Strong, Class XI
Fred Teichert, Class III
Carlos Urrutia, Class IX
Michele Wong, Class VIII
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Like Us!
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| | | Dear ,
 I am so excited about activities of the ALF Fellowship in the region and as Class XVI launches into their year together, I find my enthusiasm for our organization growing with each passing day.
Our Board of Directors and Committees continue to look for ways for our Fellows and Sr. Fellows to engage in the community or to amplify what already is happening. As always, I am interested in your feedback as you discover opportunities or find examples of our Fellows working together in projects large and small.
Engagement is the key -- ALF is a network and though we have a fantastic staff, this organization thrives and succeeds because of you and your interaction with other ALFers through ALF events, committee work, and individual connections.
I hope you have a few minutes to read this newsletter in full - we are proud of the accomplishments of our Fellows and the activities we have planned. And please get in touch if our staff or I can be of service to you.
Bonnie Ferreira
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| Board Chair's Message | |  Susan Frazier, Chair, 2012 ALF-MVC Board
At this time last week I was in Minnesota, standing in front of a large crowd of friends from years ago. I was eulogizing a woman, very dear to me, who died at age 59. We had all been college buddies so the time at the memorial and afterwards was particularly sweet - we each cherished the great memories and felt the weight of our deep connection with each other. We talked about the importance of living life as though each day mattered.
Just two days before leaving town the ALF Board met and as usual began with a check-in. Several members had come straight from a very moving service for another woman who died too young and person after person shared a desire to hold this reminder: We are more than our jobs, time with loved ones is precious, we need to rearrange our to-do list to reflect that, at the end of the day, it is just relationships that matter.
So now it is summer - a traditional time for kicking back, being with friends and playing with family. It is also a great time to remember that you are fortunate enough to be a part of another very unique family - ALF. As members we have many opportunities to make meaningful connections - whether it is your original class friends or the many opportunities provided by the senior fellows programming.
We are all busy and we will all have choices this summer - deciding if we can take time off to be with family, spend time with a special friend, or attend ALF activities like the Taking Stock Retreat or the summer party. I have three (borrowed) words for you - Just Do It! I think the two women who will be so missed by so many would agree.
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Sr. Fellows' Taking Stock Retreat, July 25-27
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Just a month away -- Join in for an opportunity to reflect and connect
 Join us for the inaugural summer Sr. Fellows' Taking Stock retreat! This is the only retreat for Senior Fellows in 2012 -- the traditional Sr. Fellows' Retreat has moved to February, 2013, so we hope you will join us for this different kind of retreat experience. Also note, this does not conflict with the Youth Leadership Development Camp at CSUS, which is 7/31 through 8/2 (see article below).
Do you love:
- The times we can share deeply with each other?
- Learning and planning together with ALF Sr. Fellows?
- Being in a beautiful place with opportunities to be outdoors?
If you agree then this is the retreat for you! This may be the only time we do this, so don't miss your chance!
Our retreat will be facilitated by Kevin McCarthy, one of ALF's three curriculum facilitators. Kevin is terrific and this promises to be a very special time. Our time together will focus on:
- The dynamics of personal change;
- Dialogue in community;
- Systemic change.
We have received enough advance registrations that we are able to move forward in planning this first-ever event. Join in by registering today!
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Affect Change Through the Youth Leadership Development Camp, July 31-August 2
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 Class VI's Jay Schenirer invites you to make a difference for the youth of our region
Editor's Note: Below is an abridged letter from Jay. For the full letter and program description, click here.
As our class project, Class VI envisioned and created an adaptation of ALF for Sacramento youth called Teen ALF. In our first year, we hosted 16 high school students at Grizzly Camp in Portola for four days. Over the years, this program has evolved, by expanding the number of young people and community organizations with whom we partnered, and also by providing venues for the students to apply the leadership skills they learned at camp.
Last year, Sacramento City Unified Superintendent Jonathan Raymond joined the program and we created a partnership with the school district to scale the program: We will provide leadership training for 500 incoming freshman representing six comprehensive high schools! The program will shift from the mountains to 3 days/2 nights at CSUS and link in content to other initiatives of the school district. This will occur July 31-August 2.
One of the significant factors that makes our project unique among youth leadership programs is the participation of (non-youth provider professional) adults as role models. We need 50 adults who are willing to spend three days and two nights with us at Sacramento State. I promise an experience you will never forget. If you are interested in finding out more, please contact me directly - jay@capimpactllc.com, 916.752.2609.
Jay Schenirer, Class VI
Sacramento City Councilmember
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ALF National's Book Project
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Can you help us tell ALF's story?
Many Fellows feel that ALF remains a well-kept secret, even in the Houston area where our sister chapter has thrived for 30 years! There are now nine ALF chapters scattered across the United States and the ALF-National Board decided that it was time to tell our story so people in other communities might learn from what we have learned over the years. The board has contracted with Jeff Golden, a Senior Fellow from ALF-Oregon, to do just that. His first step is to get input from Senior Fellows throughout the country.
Interested in participating? Contact the ALF Office to get started.
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First Encore Fellows Placed
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Encore Fellow Joan Wyatt and ALF's Karen Nelson at Center for Fathers and Families' "Salute to Fatherhood"
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Program leverages the experience of executives to improve local nonprofits
The Encore Fellows Program has successfully placed two Encore Fellows into nonprofit organizations. One of the placements was with Rick Jennings' (Class II) Center for Father and Families (CFF) and the other with Foothills Habitat for Humanity. We are working on matching 5 additional Fellow applicants in the coming months.
ALF and the Nonprofit Resource Center are in the process of finalizing the program curriculum for the first round of Encore Fellows. Class V's Ken Larson has helped in also securing as a host the Sierra Business Council, which is where he completed his Encore fellowship. We are still in the process of engaging Regional Council of Rural Counties (RCRC) and Tuolomne County to participate in the program.
Our first Encore Fellow, Joan Wyatt (above), is finishing her first major project at CFF as their Marketing Fellow. Joan is creating and implementing a strategic, multifaceted marketing plan designed to strengthen the CFF's role and visibility in the community.
A third Encore Fellow has recently been matched with Gail Johnson Vaughan's (Class X) organization. Her Encore Fellow will be helping her with Strategic Planning and Expansion.
The Sacramento/Sierra Encore Fellows Program matches highly experienced professionals with nonprofit organizations where they can perform high impact work and help those organizations build capacity. The Encore Fellows Program is locally operated by ALF-MVC in partnership with the Nonprofit Resource Center.
If you have an interest in becoming an Encore Fellow or have a nonprofit organization in mind for the program, please contact Karen at the ALF office, Karen@alf-mvc.org.
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| ALF Members Connect Through
Tables of Eight, Affinity Groups
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Pick a restaurant and a date for a Table of Eight or make a reservation to join a table; Join or start an Affinity Group
Tables of Eight
No agenda, no topic, no facilitators -- the Tables of Eight program is a low-key yet fun opportunity to meet and mingle with a small group of ALFers. You pick the restaurant and the date, the ALF office sends out and tracks the invitations and everyone pays for their own meals. Contact the ALF office any time to get started!
The ALF Eagles (Golf Affinity Group) Next at Empire Ranch, 7/20
Chair Michele McCormick (XI) has lined up a season of golfing experiences for the group, the next of which is eighteen holes at Empire Ranch in Folsom on July 20, 8:30 am start: email Michele if you'd like to join in. Would you like to enjoy a day on the links with other ALFers with the same passion? Contact the ALF office to get on the group's listserv for announcements.
Women's Affinity Group Next Meets 7/27
Chaired by Susan Frazier (VI), the group, after a number of discussions, has identified that their sessions focused on sharing are a really important part of this group. The next gathering, July 27, 5:30 pm at Valley Vision's office, will feature Gordon Fowler of 3Fold Communications, taking an entertaining look at "Generational Dynamics in Marketing." Email Susan to attend or to get on the group's e-mailing lists for announcements.
Interested in joining or want to start an new affinity group? Email Scot at the ALF office to be added to a listserv or to get a new group started.
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Dinner Sponsors & Auction Items Needed
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 Proceeds benefit the ALF First-Year Fellows Program scholarship fund
Over the past 15 years, ALF has given over $1 million to support participants in the First-Year Fellows Program -- were you one of the recipients of this scholarship money? Or, perhaps your experience was made richer because of the presence of someone who received a scholarship?
We need your help!
Dinner committee chairs Nancy Brodovsky (XIII) and Len McCandliss (III) and the entire Fellowship Committee are looking to make this year's Exemplary Leaders Award Dinner a huge success and need your help to raise funds for the First-Year Fellows Program Scholarship Fund. Here's how you can help:
1) Sponsor the dinner. If you are a part of an organization able to support the dinner at levels from $1,500 for a table of eight to $12,500 for a high-profile sponsorship, contact the ALF office to discuss the opportunities.
2) Donate to the auction. Auction Chairs Mike Kobus (XV) and Stella Premo (XIII) are working hard to develop an auction of unforgettable experiences. Do you have access to a unique experience, or have a vacation home where you could donate a week stay? We'd love to hear from you!
3) Attend the dinner. Invitations will follow in early fall, but be sure to put October 3rd on your calendar. Tickets are $150 and partial scholarships will be available. Stay tuned!
Every little bit helps. As the primary fundraiser for the year, the Exemplary Leaders Award Dinner succeeds because of the participation of our members. Thank you for your support over the years! |
| SAVE THE DATE!! | | |
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Nominate for Class XVII
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The success of the First-Year Fellows Program and development of the ALF Network depends on your nomination of potential Fellows
 The selection process for Class XVII, starting in May, 2013, begins now. Soon, the Nominating Committee, chaired by Babs Sandeen (XII) will start sifting through the nearly 300 nominations we will receive and already have on file. Through committee meetings and focus groups around the region this summer, the committee will determine a list for board approval and initial invitation beginning this fall.
Nominations are accepted year round. However, to have your nomination receive its full consideration through this process, you should submit a completed nomination form, available on the ALF web site, by Friday, July 13. Nominations are kept in the database for up to three years.
We look forward to receiving your nomination!
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| Have You Sent Your Sr. Fellows' Dues? | | 
Consider an additional gift to celebrate 15 years of ALF-MV
Many thanks to those who have responded so far - your support is critical to the operation of our chapter and providing services to our 350 (and growing) members!
Over the past fifteen years, our chapter has awarded a cash value of nearly $1.1 million in scholarships for participants in our First Year Fellows Program, a program that costs us $12,500 per Fellow to provide. This commitment to our community supports the widest possible representation of diversity in our ever-expanding network. Scholarship funds are raised from the Exemplary Leader Awards Dinner and through Senior Fellows' gifts and contributions.
With dues at just $20/month, we hope all members will be able to participate in this level of support for ALF, but also ask you to consider giving more in celebration of 15 years of ALF in the Greater Sacramento region. We value your membership -- if there are conditions that prevent you from contributing your dues, scholarships are available. Please contact the ALF office to request a full or partial scholarship.
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Checking In with ALFers on the Move
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Here's a look at what some of your fellow Fellows are doing over the past month. Wanna share your news? Email it to scot@alf-mvc.org
EVENT PHOTOS
Thanks to Azizza Davis-Goines for her pictures from May's Class XV Commencement Dinner.
CLASS II
Joe Genshlea has gone "Of Counsel" with his law firm, Weintraub Genshlea Chediak, in order to devote full time to conducting mediations. "I am now 'Joe the Mediator!'"
Felicienne Ramey has been invited to have her photography exhibit of Elder/Senior African Americans, "We Stand on Their Shoulders," at the California State Fair this summer from July 12-29th. Fel photographed these folks in their homes and talked to them about what attributed to their longevity. The exhibit will be displayed in the California State Fair, California Building Counties Exhibits, located in Area I. Fel says, "I am thrilled about the State Fair's Acceptance of the exhibit. I hope that many of you will be able to attend."
Mike Ziegler's PRIDE Industries will be unveiling its new Electronics manufacturing plant at an Open House on June 21, 2012. With the purchase of new dual state-of-the-art Surface Mount Technology (SMT) lines, a cutting edge X-ray inspection machine, and added flex soldering capabilities, PRIDE now offers the Sacramento Valley's only state-of-the-art electronics manufacturing facility. PRIDE added the electronics division nearly 20 years ago as part of its commitment to build business enterprises which create employment opportunity at all skill levels for individuals with disabilities. The division has grown significantly in recent years. ISO-registered and California State licensed for medical device manufacturing, PRIDE's electronics division offers high-tech jobs to individuals with a wide range of disabilities and other obstacles to employment.
CLASS III Araminta Blackwelder recently received a Living Legacy Award from the Senior Coalition of Solano County. The recipients of this honor are selected for their outstanding contributions to their community: In 1985, Araminta spearheaded a grassroots effort to found Rio Vista CARE, Inc., a Counseling and Family Resource Center. The non-profit agency continues today to serve the children and families of Rio Vista and the surrounding Sacramento County communities of Isleton and Walnut Grove. During her 26 years of leadership, first as President, then as Executive Director, Araminta developed a collaborative relationship with River Delta Unified School District giving Rio Vista CARE access to students in the five lower Delta schools where they receive on-site counseling as well as mental health and substance abuse prevention programs. "I am personally grateful for the wisdom and encouragement I received from my Class III colleagues during the years," she says. She retired from the Executive Director position in October, 2011.
Lina Fat is being honored at a VIP reception on Friday, September 14 (moved from June 14th) from 5:00 - 6:00pm at the Sacramento History Museum, featuring Masters of Ceremony Dave Walker and Lois Hart. Then it's all aboard the Empress Hornblower from 6:00 - 8:30pm for a cruise along the Sacramento River and to toast the anniversary of one of Sacramento's beloved landmarks, the "I" Street Bridge. Proceeds benefit the educational programs of the Historic Old Sacramento Foundation. For more information, click here.
Rick Fowler was recently confirmed as a Trustee of the $6.2 Billion Sacramento County Employee Retirement System by the Board of Supervisors. Also, as a CalChamber board member, he was named to Chair it's Workers Compensation Committee. He continues to serve as CEO of The Community College Foundation, Chair of the UC Davis School of Education Advisory Board and Vice Chairman of Golden Pacific Bancorp.
CLASS IV Monsignor James Kidder spent the first ten days of May on pilgrimage to Lourdes.
CLASS VII
 Bill Camp, Executive Secretary of the Sacramento Labor Council, was arrested by Sacramento Police May 31, 2012 after blocking 3rd Street and Capitol Ave during a protest by janitors represented by the Service Employees International Union protesting demands by office employers that they accept contract concessions, such as paying more for health care. The protest began about 11 a.m. as marchers took over the intersection. At about noon, police peacefully arrested seven protesters who sat in the middle of Capitol Mall at Third Street and refused to move. Organizers said the seven, including union leaders and members of local Occupy movements, volunteered to be arrested. The janitors' contract expired on April 30. Read more here. Additionally, the May 11th issue of Sacramento's Business Journal featured Bill in their "Newsmaker" column and also wrote about the work of the Central Labor Council's work toward a Northern California Taxi Union. Lastly, Bill is working on a conference of medical professionals from around Central America, coming together at the Medical Center in Honduras on August 11, 12, and 13. "Keep tuned, this will be a big event for medicine in Central America!" he says.
Having completed his appointment as Interim Vice Chancellor for Development and Alumni Relations at UC Merced, David Hosley is now the executive director of the university's Sierra Nevada Research Institute, which does climate change, ecology, and parks and open space management research and public policy work from the Yuba River to the Tehachipi Mountains and the adjacent valleys. David's wife, gayle yamada, is writing her Ph.D. dissertation at UC Merced on political and economic power shifts involving communities of color in California, and their daughter Heather is a June graduate of UC Santa Cruz. David is serving on the boards of the California Asian Pacific Chamber of Commerce, ALF National, and the Great Valley ALF Chapter. CLASS IX Maggie Mejia, has taken on the role of co-director of the Stanford ELL Leadership Network. The network is focused on providing resources for small districts in the central valley and in northern California in their support and engagement of immigrant communities through the education of their children. CLASS X Cathie Anderson has succeeded the retired Bob Shallit as the Sacramento Bee's Business Columnist. CLASS XI
Another reason to watch more television: Michele McCormick was on the set shooting a spot for Roseville Hyundai in May when she was bumped up from "extra" to a speaking role. She says they will produce a number of spots that will be broadcast in a heavy Sacramento rotation beginning in June.
Jenine Windeshausen, Placer County treasurer-tax collector, won a Sierra Business Council award for running mPOWER Placer, a countywide program to promote more efficient use of water and energy, enabling businesses to reduce energy costs. The program finances energy efficiency and energy generation systems such as solar power for property owners with no upfront costs. The financed amount is added to the annual property tax bill until paid in full.
CLASS XII Paul Curtis has accepted a position as the Operations Director for the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Sacramento. His last day at the Food Bank was last Thursday, then hit the ground running on Monday. "I owe a huge thank you to my classmate Kathy McKim, who helped make the connection with the CEO, Maureen Price. ALF pays off yet again!" says Paul.
Christina Kazhe joined The California Endowment's board of directors in May, 2012.
The Los Rios Community College District has named Babs Sandeen as vice chancellor of resource and economic development, which includes fundraising for the college district's foundation and grants. Babs has been chief regional and community engagement officer at the University of California Davis since 2011 and vice chancellor for university relations before that. Babs starts her new job on July 2.
CLASS XIV
Nancy Bui Thompson was one of one hundred Americans (six from Calif.) selected as a Marshall Memorial Fellow for 2012. Founded in 1982, the Marshall Memorial Fellowship (MMF) was created to introduce a new generation of European leaders to the United States with a companion program launched in 1999 to expose future U.S. leaders to a changing and expanding Europe. The Marshall Memorial Fellowship provides a unique opportunity for emerging leaders from the United States and Europe to explore institutions, politics, and culture on the other side of the Atlantic. American and European Fellows each visit five cities during the 24-day program.  They meet formally and informally with a range of policymakers, prominent community members, and local MMF alumni.
Basim Elkarra and wife Sarah welcomed Ibrahim Basim Elkarra to the world on May 17, checking in at 6 pounds, 9 ounces.
Mindy Jackson, Executive Director of El Dorado Transit, was recognized as the CalACT 2012 Transportation Manager of the Year. CalACT is the largest state transit association in the United States, with nearly 300 members dedicated to promoting professional excellence, stimulating ideas and advocating for effective community transportation.
CLASS XV
 Rosa Escutia married Dr. Paul Braaton during Mother's Day weekend in beautiful Carmel. Rosa reports that the celebration included a traditional Catholic Ceremony held at the stunning Carmel Mission Basilica, followed by reception at Clint Eastwood's picturesque Carmel Mission Ranch. "The whole event was magical!" Mrs. and Dr. Braaton will reside in Modesto, California.
Larry Greene is again riding in the Breathe California Bike Trek ("maybe the 12th year," he says) and asks for support from those who can do so. Any funds you provide will go 100% into the Breathe California mission elements - check those out at www.sacbreathe.org. To support Larry, click the Bike Trek link and type his name into the "find a participant" search box. "Basically Breathe supports local asthma programs, programs to reduce smoking...especially in youth, and clean air related programs," says Larry. "We at the Sacramento Metropolitan Air Quality District work with Breathe closely so I know that your dollars go a long way with this organization."
Mary Kimball's Center for Land-Based Learning is holding their "Summer Dinner on the Farm" on August 4th, 5-9pm. Sponsored by Nugget Markets (and Class XIV's Kate Stille), tickets are on sale June 22nd. This summertime dinner created and prepared by Nugget Markets Executive Chef Michael Cross, with Nugget Markets chefs du cuisine Stephanie Doyle and Stazi Dulman. "It's summer on The Farm at Putah Creek, and Chef Cross is creating and preparing a fresh, exciting summer meal outdoors for us!" Mary says. "Michael and his team are delighted to cook with the season's best, using ingredients from our local farms and producers, with proceeds benefiting the Center for Land-Based Learning." Is that the dinner bell I hear?
CLASS XVI
Christopher Johnson's company was named Small Business of the Year by Senate President Pro Tem Darrell Steinberg (V) and the Small Business Association. Christopher was also named Father of the Year by The Father's Day Council and American Diabetes Association.
Tim Murphy was on the race organizing committee for the Aerojet Wounded Veterans 10K and 5K Run that took place in Folsom on Memorial Day. The race has grown from 80 participants in 2011 to over 1,100 participants in 2012. Proceeds of the race benefit the Wounded Warrior Project, a national non-profit that provides assistance and support to wounded veterans and their families. Tim urges ALF runners to put Monday, May 27, 2013 (Memorial Day) on their calendars, and field an ALF team to honor members of the armed services who have been wounded in the course of promoting freedom and liberty around the world.
******** THESE WOMEN MEAN BUSINESS (but then we knew that) Congratulations to Faith Whitmore (II), Martha Lofgren (IX) and Jenine Windeshausen (XI) who received the "Women Who Mean Business" award from the Sacramento Business Journal at a luncheon at the Hyatt on June 15th. All three were also featured in a publication supplement in the June 15th issue of the paper. LIGHTS, CAMERA... EMMY! On Saturday June 9th, the documentary "Collision Course: Teen Addiction Epidemic" was honored with an Emmy. The film was spearheaded by Kim Box (XI) and produced by Joyce Mitchell (V). The film has been shown on KVIE (David Lowe, XIII) and has been chosen to air on PBS across the nation.  The idea for the film came from Kim and a group of moms in the Greater Sacramento area who saw first-hand what substance abuse was doing in our community. The group decided to take action by raising funds to produce a documentary to drive awareness and education in order to reduce teen addiction from drugs and alcohol. The project has been enabled by many supporters in ALF who have united; from sponsorships at events, sponsorships of the film, and individual donations along the way. It is an exciting project that is changing lives, not only in the Sacramento region but now will go beyond to make an impact for our youth! Please join us in CONGRATULATING Kim Box, Joyce Mitchell and David Lowe for their incredible contribution to youth around the country. IF YOU WERE A TREE, WHAT TREE WOULD YOU BE? The Sacramento Tree Foundation (William Ishmael [XII], President; John Webre [VIII], board member; Della Gilleran [XV], executive committee) and Greenwise (Julia Burrows [XII], Executive Director) issued a challenge to the community to plant or pledge to plant 30,000 trees in 30 days to commemorate the Tree Foundation's 30th year anniversary. Says William, "Guess what? It happened!" WE'LL ALWAYS HAVE PARIS Randy Sater and Kathy Waste discovered at a recent Class X breakfast that they and their spouses (Mary Sater and Bob Waste, Class VII) would be in Paris at the same time, celebrating their wedding anniversaries. WHERE IN THE WORLD IS TIM SKAGGS? Many people asked how to stay in touch with former ALF Program Manager and facilitator Tim Skaggs as he set off for Southeast Asia. Tim will keep his ALF email address (timothy@alfhouston.com) and he has started a travel blog where you can follow his adventures, view posted photos, and make comments. If you are interested, click here. |
| SAVE THE DATES | |
 Sr. Fellows Taking Stock Retreat
July 25-27
Join together at Westerbeke Lodge in Sonoma for a few days of ALF contemplation and reflection in a beautiful outdoor setting. Register
Youth Leadership Development Camp
July 31-August 2
Class VI's Jay Schenirer invites you to participate in this opportunity at CSUS to affect the lives of 500 teens, a program born from Class VI's service component. More info.
ALF Summer Party
Sunday, August 19
Class XII's Sonbol Aliabadi opens her home to ALF members and their families for this annual event.
ALF Exemplary Leaders Award DinnerWednesday, October 3Presented by Nehemiah, join us in honoring Vicki Barber, Joe Coomes & Tom Stallard with the Exemplary Leader Award and celebrating ALF-MVC's 15th year. |
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