Events

Jason Black is the owner and President of MTECH, Inc., a Chico-based manufacturing company that designs and builds a line of fire and rescue equipment called QTAC. Originally a custom plastic fabrication shop, MTECH is now a product-based company that sells QTAC fire “skids” – mobile tank and pump systems – for side x sides and trucks, as well as complete fire and rescue trucks for agencies like Cal Fire and Butte County Search and Rescue.

Black has lived in Chico for 27 years, is married and has two children. His journey started as a motorcycle racer, test rider and magazine editor. After a short stint in the dot com industry in the late 1990s, Black decided to partner with his dad in what was at the time a one-man manufacturing company. His dad retired fully in 2019, and today MTECH employs 54 people and continues to grow. Outside of time with his family, Black enjoys motorcycle riding and mountain biking.

ABOUT THE PRESENTATION:

The presentation discusses MTECH’s beginnings as a small, one-man shop, and some of the hurdles and challenges that occurred along the way to it becoming a respected builder of fire and rescue equipment.

www.qtacfire.com

SUZANNE BRAGDON, BIO

Suzanne Bragdon is a retired city manager, aspiring screenwriter, and proud Rotarian. She has been a Rotarian since 2003 and has served in multiple positions, including club president, assistant district governor, and membership ambassador.

A member of the Fairfield-Suisun Club, 9kSuzanne is passionate about the stories of transformation and impact that Rotary creates, such as helping impoverished students achieve their dreams and supporting international service projects.

She served as the District Governor for Rotary District 5160 during 2022-2023 and continues to be actively involved in a variety of Rotary activities focusing on peace, homelessness and the Rotary Experience.   This past June, she was selected to serve as a *Rotary Positive Peace Activator for 2024-2025.

Suzanne's husband, Kirk, is an artist, and their daughter, Stephanie, works in the communications field with a focus on education. She and her boyfriend are avid travelers, and have plans underway for a second year-long experience living like locals through South America and Europe.

Brandon Keith - update on the first half

www.projectplaysoccer.org

Mike has a master`s degree in Physical Education with an emphasis on sports psychology from Chico State, 1990. Before that he was a 4-year soccer player as an undergraduate. He arrived in Brazil in 1994 as the Athletic Director for the American School of Campinas until 1998.  He created Body & Soul Adventures on the island of Ilha Grande, 3 hours off the coast from Rio de Janeiro. From 1990 till present Mike has been working on his non-profit organization Project Play Soccer. This organization has delivered over a half million dollars of soccer balls during this time giving over 100,000 kids a chance to play the Beautiful Game. The magic if this program is these kids are suffering from "extreme poverty" but their faces light up as soon as they see the "BALL".  It is because of this transition with the kids that the next project to implement is the SOCCER FARM in which I will talk about during my presentation at your Rotary Club meeting.

Chico Rotary Club led a multi-club series of projects in northern Tanzania, near Mt. Kilimanjaro, between 2008-2019.  With support from 19 other Rotary Clubs and Rotary International, $566,000 was raised from clubs and five Global Grants to support projects including clean water, computers in schools, improved health clinics, public restrooms, agricultural improvements, solar, and three safe foot bridges.  

   Most of these projects are described at our project website: www.RotaryForNorthernTanzania.org.  In addition to two shorter videos (linked at the project home page), a 23-minute documentary film, In Kilimanjaro’s Shadow, was created by a film-maker from Los Angeles who accompanied us on one of our trips.  This film can be viewed at Vimeo.com, search for: In Kilimanjaro’s shadow.  

     Twice, Rotarians from our Club and from other District 5160 clubs joined me to visit our projects and meet our Tanzanian Rotary colleagues.  Currently, Joel Zimbelman is leading a follow-up project in the same Tanazanian community, thanks to funding from our Club and a District Grant.  

      It occurs to me that many if not most of our club members are not aware of these projects, but might be interested.   Perhaps it would inspire Paul Harris giving and generate interest in other international projects.  

Happy Birthday Chico Noon Rotary!!

                                          Sue Webber-Brown

                                           Executive Director

            Drug Endangered Children Training & Advocacy Center

            Butte Co. DA Investigator/Narcotics Detective (Retired)

Sue Webber-Brown retired as a District Attorney Investigator for the County of Butte after 26 years in law enforcement.  Sue’s first 7 years were spent in Welfare Fraud where she was often co-assigned to the Butte Interagency Narcotics Task Force (BINTF).  As a result, the drug unit developed an expertise in combining drug, welfare fraud and child maltreatment investigations into one case. In 1991 the DA transferred Sue to the drug task force where she spent 19 years as a Detective/Agent.  

Sue Webber-Brown was responsible for the investigation of major narcotic cases, welfare fraud and child endangerment.  Sue is accomplished in the practical aspects of interviewing and interrogation, having participated in more than 2300 investigations.  Sue has rescued over 3000 children from hazardous homes where drugs were used, sold, or manufactured. Sue is a recognized expert in the California and Arizona courts and has testified before Congress in the field of child endangerment due to drugs.

Sue is responsible for the development and successful "Drug Endangered Children" (D.E.C.) Program, the first of its kind in the United States.  Sue was appointed by the Governor's Office of Criminal Justice Planning (O.C.J.P.) to an Ad hoc Study Group on drug endangered children and co-wrote a training guide disseminated statewide.  Sue was a founding board member of the California D.E.C. Alliance, founding board member of the National D.E.C. Alliance and has published numerous articles.  Sue has provided D.E.C. training to over 50,000 in 44 other states, including the Office of National Drug Control Policy in Washington D.C., the Department of Justice Bureau of Narcotic Enforcement, National Interagency Civil-Military Institute, the United States Attorney’s Office, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center.  Sue and the D.E.C. Program have been featured in the LA Times, Sacramento Bee, Washington Post, numerous other newspapers, and publications, on the Montel William’s show and in the November 2002 issue of People magazine.

In 2000, Sue received the “California Victim Services and Restitution Award” from the Governor and the “Law Enforcement Leadership Award” from the California Attorney General. Sue was selected as the 2003 “Investigator of the Year” by the California District Attorney’s Investigators Association.  On May 25, 2004, Sue received the “Award of Distinction” from the California Peace Officers’ Association, 2005 was awarded “Narcotics Officer of the Year” from Region VIII of CNOA, and in 2007 received the “Open Arms Award” from the University of Kentucky. 

In December 2008 Sue met  with President George W. Bush at  the Capital  in D.C. where she was

honored for her work with the D.E.C. program and in December 2008 received Butte College’s

 “Outstanding Alumni of the Year”.   

In September 2013, Sue was presented with the “Distinguished Service Award” and inducted into the Oroville Union High School District Hall of Fame.  On November 22, 2014, during the opening ceremonies of the 50^th Annual CNOA training conference, Sue and DEC-TAC staff were each presented with awards for “Outstanding Contribution’s” to the state and nation for training on the topic of Drug Endangered Children.

For 15 years, Sue, as a private consultant, has been the Executive Director of the Drug Endangered Children Training and Advocacy Center which was initially established in 2009 under a state grant (California Emergency Management Agency) to train all multi-jurisdiction drug task forces (MJDTF) within the state. Currently DEC training, resources, and consultation is available upon request and provided throughout the state to all first responder agencies, and multidiscipline personnel.

Additionally, Sue is a DEC topic expert and consultant to the United States Drug Enforcement Administration, High Intensity Drug Traffic Area’s, and the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center, to train law enforcement, child protective services, probation, parole, health professionals and prosecutors, on how to investigate and process evidence on welfare fraud, other crimes, and drug endangered children, while addressing the needs of these child victims of drug related crime.

Sue is a DEC topic expert and consultant to local, state and federal agencies. She trains law enforcement, child protective services, probation, parole, health professionals and prosecutors, on how to investigate drug crimes with children, while addressing the needs of these child victims.

Dino Corbin will speak about the historic Stansbury Home.

Priya Tuvell, Co-Manager at Chico Velo

Priya found a love for biking during her time at UC Davis as an undergraduate student where that was her primary method of transportation. Though living on a farm after college didn’t lend itself to bicycling, Priya is excited for her move back to town and being able to get biking again. Priya’s background is in regenerative agriculture and environmental sustainability, and she has budding interests in improving public infrastructure to better support active transport as well as creating and supporting active communities. As a Lecturer at Chico State, education is important to her, and she’s looking forward to doing community education and outreach as well. She’s excited to bring her experience with grants and non-profit work to Chico Velo!

Presentation Description

Chico Velo is a bicycling non-profit located in Chico, CA and established in 1986. Our mission is to promote bicycling for transportation, recreation and health through public education, advocacy, and community stewardship. I will be presenting the many programs, projects, events, and initiatives that our organization provides to the community.

Butte County Sheriff Search and Rescue will present an update of team activities to the Rotary since we last presented in Feb 2024.  This update will include callout numbers for the past year, a rundown of three or four of our most significant calls, and a brief Operation Rescue Ready (our new building project) update. 

I will be speaking.  I am our team Public Relations Officer.  I have been with Butte County Search and Rescue (BCSAR) for four years, and my focus area is Swift Water Rescue.  My regular job is working in Human Resources for Chico State Enterprises and I am a retired Master Sergeant, USAF, 1996-2016.  My military occupational specialty was as an Explosive Safety Specialist and I deployed ISO global operations in 2001, 2003, 2005, 2007, and 2009, and served as a special advisor to the Commander of US Air Forces Europe and Africa from 2011-2016.  I enjoy serving the citizens of Butte County through BCSAR.

Ms. Virginia L. Guleff
Virginia Guleff was appointed the Superintendent/President of Butte-Glenn Community College District effective July 1, 2022. She was previously the vice president for instruction and accreditation liaison officer for Butte College, where she oversaw all instructional programs including the economic and workforce development arm of the college as well as all accreditation activities, for six years. Virginia began in the California Community College System in 1986 as a tutor at De Anza College. She has served as a classified employee at De Anza College; a part-time faculty member, a full-time tenured faculty member, an ESL coordinator, and as chair of English, communication and world language in the San Diego Community College District; dean of CTE, transfer and basic skills as well as vice president of education and student services at Mendocino College; and vice president of instruction at Solano College. President Guleff’s leadership at Butte College is focused on securing DEIA2 practices into the foundation of the college and creating a student-ready institution that serves the area’s intersectional communities. She is also dedicated to reinvigorating participatory governance at the college. After updating the mission statement, the college developed a new strategic plan and staff are working to achieve the collectively established goals.

Dr. Jolene Church is a leadership expert and keynote speaker who empowers individuals and organizations to lead with heart and purpose. She challenges audiences to uncover their unique strengths, define their values, and live their mission. Drawing on her own experiences of overcoming adversity and embracing authenticity, Dr. Church delivers inspiring and practical insights that help people unlock their full potential and create a lasting impact.

Megan Kurtz will be giving us a tour of the new science building at CSUC. CSUC President Steve Perez will also say a few words.

Joel Zimbelman worked in religious studies, international studies, and administration at Chico State for thirty-three years and is now retired.  He’s been a member of Chico Rotary since 2016.  He has been a member of our International Committee for eight years, and has worked with our Tanzanian partners on five trips.  He lives in Chico with his wife Linda.

Jennifer Moore is retired from banking management and has an extensive Rotary resume including a great deal of international service work abroad.  She has been a member of Chico Rotary since 2017 and was a member of the Bakersfield Twilight Rotary from 2012 to 2016.  She is the International Service Division Chair, and most recently led the Women’s Empowerment Project in Juanacatlan and Tuxtla Gutierrez Mexico.

Mike Donnelly is a commercial real estate broker associate and loves working with business and economic and community development.  He has been a member of Chico Rotary since 2016 and chairs the International Projects Committee.  He and his wife have traveled much of the world, including visits to Tanzania and Mexico to work on Rotary projects.

Come check out what the future Rotarians are up to!

Andy Pickett is the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) for Butte County and serves at the pleasure of the Board of Supervisors, implementing Board policies, and overseeing the performance of appointed Department Heads. He is responsible for managing a $1.1 Billion budget, and 2,400 employees. The CAO also manages and coordinates the County's Emergency Services Function and provides legislative analysis for the Board and all County Departments. He is responsible for preparing Financial Reports and Multi-Year Budget Projections, as well as the County Budget. Furthermore, the CAO oversees the preparation and implementation of the County's Capital Improvement Program. He participates in and coordinate with various local, regional, and statewide organizations. The CAO's responsibilities also encompass the overall administration, management, and support functions for the County, including the Clerk of the Board and Community and Economic Development.

Andy and his wife Cindy are the proud parents of two adult children and three grand-dogs. The Picketts have lived in Chico since 2008.

Elaina Zinko is a dedicated health and wellness professional with over 25 years of commitment to the Chico community. She co-owns North Rim CrossFit alongside her husband, Chris Zinko, Chico Fire’s Deputy Chief. At their CrossFit box, they focus on fostering a supportive environment for individuals of all ages aiming to lead healthier lifestyles.  

Elaina’s expertise in fitness and nutrition has been recognized locally; she earned second place in the “Best Personal Trainer” category in the 2022 Best of Chico awards. She started her career in fitness in 1999 at In Motion Fitness and, after leaving there in 2017, coached for 7 years at Orangetheory Fitness. 

Beyond her work at North Rim CrossFit, Elaina serves on the board for Jan’s rails to trails Rescue Sanctuary where she started an equine facilitated services program. She has coached for four  seasons with Girls on the Run and has, previously, sat on their board further showcasing her dedication to promoting health and well-being in the region.  

Elaina’s enthusiastic passion for health, community engagement, and empowering others to achieve their wellness goals is palpable even within 5 minutes of talking to her. 

Are you 21-35 and looking to connect with great people, serve the community, and discover new growth opportunities? We invite you to discover Rotary’s programs for young changemakers.

Joe Chimenti is a husband and father of four.  He grew up in a law enforcement family and began his professional life as a police officer. After earning his MBA, Joe left law enforcement and joined the private sector. He spent 25 years in business development working with entrepreneurial companies across North America and in Europe.

After Joe retired from the business world, he assumed the role of Executive Director of the Shasta Builders’ Exchange and the Trade School.  He understands the need for a skilled workforce and the importance of the construction industry to a thriving economy.

Joe served on the Shasta County Board of Supervisors for 4 years.   When he left office, he chose to work with Emergent, the 3D concrete printing company, because of their mission to provide needed housing and innovative trade training.  He is the Director of Community Development. 

Sara Tracy is a Chico native who had the pleasure of spending 6 years in beautiful Colorado, but is now back where she belongs! She is a joyful mama to a fun one-year-old daughter, a dog mom to two pups, a passionate photographer, and a dedicated outreach coordinator. She often tells the joke that her day job, as an Outreach Coordinator, is to make friends and eat snacks. She brings warmth and connection to everything she does—whether she’s capturing life’s sweetest moments behind the camera or supporting her community through outreach and service. Sara volunteers weekly at her church, always showing up with a heart to serve and uplift those around her. With a gift for making others feel seen, valued, and loved, she blends creativity, compassion, and purpose into both her personal and professional life.

Description- 

Aging in Place and Knowing When it’s Time to Get Help

I will talk about some tips to safely Stay in your home as you age, common challenges of aging in place, different options for care and when it’s time to get help. 

The Military Minute is a project developed by Sean Farley as a way to honor and narrate the stories of past and present military members. Working to ensure that history is preserved, shared, and celebrated. Through storytelling, emphasize the importance of understanding military sacrifices, fostering empathy, and preventing future conflicts while bridging the gap between veterans and civilians.

Jesse graduated from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo in 2009 with a Bachelor of Science in Forestry and Natural Resources. After graduating, he spent 4 years with CAL FIRE working in Mendocino County on The Jackson Demonstration State Forest and in Shasta County on The LaTour Demonstration State Forest. During his time with CAL FIRE, he was part of several research projects, forest inventory projects and assisted in Timber Harvest Plan (THP) layout and administration. He also worked on several fire suppression assignments throughout Northern California. In 2013, he joined Sierra Pacific Industries (SPI) as a Registered Professional Forester working on the Stirling District based out of Chico, CA. In his time with SPI, he has helped to manage the Stirling Districts timberlands in Butte, Tehama, Plumas and Yuba Counties. His experience with SPI includes writing THP’s, administrating timber sales and contracts along with fuels reduction projects. Other roles include reforestation and wildlife surveys. In 2022, he became a district manager for SPI managing 250,000 acres of timberland in northern California. Additionally, he sits on Cal Poly’s Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences (NRES) advisory council. As vice chair on the council, he is charged with Professional Development and Student Networking. Jesse lives in Chico with his wife and 2 children where he enjoys coaching baseball and watching dance. If there was any spare time, he would prefer to be fishing, surfing or relaxing with friends and family