As this year’s Vocational Service Director and as part of Rotary’s ongoing commitment to recognizing various vocations, I, Chuck McBride have the privilege of honoring individuals who make extraordinary contributions in our community.  This year we have honored a Police Officer and a Teacher.  Tonight, we will pay tribute to someone, who in her retirement, continues to make a difference in the community.  The recipient of this year’s Service Above Self Award is Mrs. Terryl Summers.  Mrs. Summers is a native Sacramentin and has lived in the Arden Arcade area and Carmichael since 1958.  She has two children and five grandchildren.  She graduated from Rio Americano High School; earned a BA at California State University, Sacramento and a Masters from the University of San Francisco.  She earned education credentials from California State University, Sacramento; University of San Francisco; University of San Diego and the University of the Pacific.  Before her retirement, Terryl spent her 32-year career in the Elk Grove Unified School District.  In addition, Terryl has spent many years volunteering in the Community first as a Candy Striper at Sutter Hospital, then with the Junior League of Sacramento and at the Carmichael Food Locker.  Terryl is an active member of the Carmichael Presbyterian Church; and since 2010, she has served as the Director of their Food Distribution Program.  She oversees 180 volunteers.  In 1984, the Food Locker served 43,000 meals and in 2018, the number increased to 171,000 meals.  I think you will agree that Terryl has made a significant difference in the lives of many Carmichael residents.  

With us tonight is the Pastor of Carmichael Presbyterian Church, Keith DeVries, who will share some additional information about Terryl and her work at his church. 

Pastor Keith said that he met Mrs. Summers while working on the club’s Christmas Basket Project when Chairman Rich Plath asked me to find ways to give some extra food away.  Not only did Mrs. Summers accept the extra food baskets, she accepted 10 boxes to feed ten families of four which included turkeys and all the trimming for a holiday feast.  Her operation, which I believe, is a year-long commitment, makes you proud there are people like Terryl serving the community in such an admirable way 

Rich Plath said that he is well acquainted with the Carmichael’s Presbyterian food closet and the good work that they do for the community. They have collaborated with our Holiday food baskets program, which is very much appreciated by our Club.

Terryl was then invited to come up and receive a plaque from the Carmichael Rotary Club as “Service above Self” award person of the year.

Terryl said a few words, thanking our Club for this flattering award and talked a little about her work. She said they have a community garden which donates fresh produce for their clients in the area and the Food Bank donates up to 6-7 tons of food. Also, though off the subject, Mrs. Summers confessed to owning 6 Mini Coopers, one of which is from 1963. (B.E.’s additional notes)

President Greg also gave Mrs. Summers a recent book by Carmichael’s own Susan Skinner.

You can access the food bank by going to: www.carmichaelpres.org/mission-outreach/carmichael-food-closet/