Issue #4 · July 2026
Sierra Biological, Inc.
[PHOTO PLACEHOLDER: Casey Decker]
There are no “bad” bugs… Casey Decker, expert on parasites and pollinators!
One of our newest members, Casey Decker, loves creepy crawlers. He forged a very interesting career from buggy experiments that began in his California garage. While Casey has no issue with the use of chemicals in fighting agricultural pests, he found great success in the production of predator insects (specifically nematodes) to target crop pest infestation.
Rotarians may be familiar with the use of ladybugs as pest management when growing indoors. Ladybugs are carnivores that devour aphids and spider mites while leaving your plants to thrive. Microscopic nematodes (roundworms) work in a similar fashion, and Casey is an expert on their production. Casey sold his biopesticide production company to a Belgian firm before retiring to The Villages.
Recently, Casey was contacted by a golf course management firm about healthy fairways and greens… maybe there is another career in his future?
We thank Casey for his very interesting presentation!
Use the link below for more specific information on Biological Control Agents on the Sierra Biological site.
Around the Room
[PHOTO PLACEHOLDER: Around the Room]
President Linda is a FAN of Lynne Schneider, who is always helping out behind the scenes. BTW: Lynne is missing a silver travel mug from two weeks ago at the Warfield. Has anyone picked it up?
Rotary in ACTION!
Bill and Betsy Kmiecik have returned to the heat from the wilds of Alaska and Canada! No wildlife were harmed in their adventure! Coincidentally, Chuck McKone was also enjoying Alaska this month!
Welcome, Matthew Nimah! Many of us met Matthew at the Lineman Ranch event in May. He is a Rotarian from the Orlando area who moved here to work for Merrill Lynch Wealth Management in The Villages. We hope to welcome Matthew as a transfer member to our club, and Marty Kurtz has offered to help.
Thank you, Past President Randy, for the abundance of cookies this week! See Charlie to be a Dessert Diva!
[PHOTO PLACEHOLDER: Variety of cookies]
Calling All Golfers!
As a member of the Rotary Evening club, Bill K took over the administration of a weekly golf game held on Mondays: nine holes at an executive course.
This invitation is open to all Rotarians (men and women) of all skill levels. If you have a neighbor or friend who would like to play, they are also invited (and will be introduced to Rotary!).
Summer tee times: between 9 AM and 12 PM to avoid the heat. There are normally 4–8 golfers in the summer.
Cooler months: tee times are between 10 AM and 3 PM, with normally 8–16 golfers.
There is no requirement that you play every week. If you’re interested in playing weekly or occasionally, send Bill your name and golf number and he will send you an email every Monday or Tuesday. Reply to that email by 6 PM Thursday only if you want to play the following Monday. If you’re not playing that week, there’s no need to respond.
Bill mixes up the foursomes every week, so you get to know new people. This is a wonderful way to get to know your fellow Village Rotarians.
You, too, can be a scratch golfer! If you get a score you don’t like, scratch it out and add another!
Bill Kmiecik
[email protected]
847-804-0967
[PHOTO PLACEHOLDER: Monday golf group]
Super-Achievers!
Immediate Past President Andy wants to repeat his sincere thanks to these award winners from his term:
- Rising Star: Bob Lowell
- Rotarian of the Year: Linda Truitt
- Major Donor: Alex Santoriello
- Most Dedicated: Doug Mintz
Read Their Expressions!
[PHOTO PLACEHOLDER: 50/50 raffle draw]
- Club Secretary Bob prays in the background as Casey pulls the first ticket
- Betsy concentrates on pull #2
- Lu laughs at her opportunity!
- Casey is not happy with pulling the 8 of Diamonds!
The 50/50 raffle money rolls over once again to next week! See you Tuesday!