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Stories
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Posted by Ken Howell, Boise Downtown
on Nov 29, 2015
Money, membership and projects – these three things are common concerns of clubs across our districts. From Ashton to Montpelier, Salmon to Ontario (aka Western Treasure Valley), I had conversations with club board members about these three things.
.jpg) Money is often a consequence of membership numbers, but not always. Finding sufficient funding to make sure the club operates well is always a challenge, whether paying for members to attend Foundation seminars, other district-sponsored training, or district conference. Most clubs seem to have found acceptable locations with minimal costs, and regular dues cover meal costs (for those clubs that include meals costs in their dues).
Membership has been a seemingly perpetual concern for our clubs in the last decade or so, and particularly so in the last five years. I think all club leaders are aware that our district overall is down about ten percent in membership over the last five years. Sadly, the trend is either still slightly down, or at least stabilizing at this level. Unfortunately, however, this trend has left a number of clubs on the very brink of sustainability. This problem is going to be compounded with upcoming Rotary rules that require clubs to pay dues for a minimum of ten members, whether you actually have ten members in your club or not.
More significantly, a loss of membership in our clubs have resulted in reduced number or scope of local projects, and in some instances, the complete abandonment of certain projects.
Membership is critical to the success of our clubs, and of our district – not to mention Rotary International itself. It is a problem we must fix if we want Rotary to remain strong in Idaho.
Club projects seems to remain the high point of all of our clubs. Whether it is Ashton’s continuous work to keep the entrance to their city clean, attractive and beautifully landscaped, or Salmon’s regular highway clean up crew, or Jerome’s many park, skateboard and recreational center projects, our clubs are doing an amazing amount of work in our local communities.
Hearing about these club projects during my club visits has really been a highlight of my year. So much so that I’d like to set aside some time at District Conference for clubs to highlight the projects they are doing as a way of inspiring and motivating all of us to expand our thinking on what is possible to do with a little money and a few motivated Rotarians. You’ll be hearing more about this in the next couple of months.
Now for a few year-end tasks.
Rotary International bylaws require that club officers be reported to Rotary International no later than May. For our district, however, we must know the name of our incoming President (and preferably, Vice President) by early January so we can start getting information about PETS to them in a timely fashion. If your club’s bylaws require that elections take place before the end of December (and a lot of them do), now is the time to be setting up the elections process.
Rotary International’s new Club Invoice procedure is based on a club’s membership as reported to RI as of January 1 and July 1. The invoice is prepared and payable for members reported as of that date; there is no ability to request changes to the invoice. It is thus important that you make sure you have correct membership numbers reported to RI (either directly or through ClubRunner) as of the end of December.
While our Rotary clubs and district operate on a fiscal year ending June 30, our members all very much operate on a calendar year basis for tax purposes. December is an excellent time to maximize contributions to The Rotary Foundation (whether it is annual fund, polio plus fund or some other fund of importance to your members). This is an excellent time to dust off your club goals for foundation contributions and make a number of public and individual appeals for year-end contributions.
I’m sure most club presidents will share my disbelief that we are rapidly approaching the halfway point in our terms of service. Let’s make the last half the best half!
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Posted by Vickie Holbrook, Nampa
on Nov 29, 2015
Nampa Rotary hosts the annual Rotary Golf of Hope tournament in July to raise funds for youth-focused programs.
And following in this year’s international Rotary theme “Be a gift to the World,” Nampa Rotary gave $10,000 to Hope House and $750 each to The Mentoring Network and Love INC of Treasure Valley. Several sponsors were on hand to help make the special donations.
In the photo: From left: Leon Baker with First Mortgage Company of Idaho; Darren Collom with Edward Jones; Jonathon Greenwood, general manager with Plexus; Rotary President Marie Baker; Jamie Nicolosi-Chapman, Plexus Plant HR leader; Toni Middlebrook with Hope House; Andy Dodson with Edward Jones; Dan Walters, fundraiser chairman; and Dave Vauk with Frye & Vauk CPAs, LLP. United Heritage Insurance was presenting sponsor for the 26th annual fundraiser but was unable to send a representative. Other major sponsors included McDonalds/Darmody Enterprises and Columbia Bank
Nampa Rotary hosted a special meeting Tuesday at the Nampa Civic Nampa Civic & Convention Center with the Treasure Valley Kiwanis Club, Kiwanis Club of Nampa and the Nampa Chamber of Commerce. Together we all donated $289 in "Happy Dollars" which we designated to go to the American Cancer Society in honor of Milly Goode and all our members who have battled and been impacted by cancer.
Darrel Anderson, president and CEO of IDACORP and Idaho Power, had two messages for members. Don't text - just drive and Idaho Power
is working hard to make sure that it can provide the energy we need to keep the economy moving forward.
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Posted by Terry Ziegler, District 5890
on Nov 29, 2015
Dear Polio Eradication Warriors,
Four New Wild Polio cases reported this week.
What is that Polio Picture? It's the logo of the World's Greatest Meal to End Polio. Two such meals will be held in District 5890 (Houston, Texas area) this Saturday 11/21/15 with World's Greatest Meal founder Susanne Rea. Our goal is to raise over $20,000 for Polio eradication at these two events. See more information at www.rotary5890.org! Could 2015-16 be the year of the final Polio case?
Quote of the day - "The world is a dangerous place, not because of those who do evil, but because of those who look on and do nothing" Albert Einstein
World Toilet Day - November 19 - is a day to take action. It is a day to raise awareness about all the people who do not have access to a toilet. Of the world's seven billion people, 2.5 billion people do not have improved sanitation. One billion people still defecate in the open. Women and girls risk rape and abuse because they have no toilet that offers privacy. Please support a Rotary Foundation Global Grant in the Water and Sanitation Area of Focus this coming year.
Pakistan - One new Polio case reported in Pakistan this week. Forty Polio cases have been reported in 2015 compared to 245 at this time, last year. One new Polio positive environmental sample was collected this week.
Afghanistan - Three new Polio cases reported in Afghanistan this week. One new Polio-positive environmental sample was collected this week. Sub-National Immunization Days are planned for 11/29-12/1 using Bivalent OPV.
The Final Two Endemic Countries:
Pakistan - Forty Polio cases reported in 2015 with 306 cases recorded in 2014 The most recent case, with the onset of paralysis on 10/22/15 is from Peshawar in FATA.
Afghanistan - Sixteen Polio cases reported in 2015 with 28 cases recorded in 2014. The most recent case was reported on 10/27/15 from the Nangarhar Province.
Post Endemic - Nigeria - Zero Polio cases reported in 2015 with 6 cases recorded in 2014. The most recent case was reported on 7/24/14.
2014 Importation Countries:
Ethiopia (1 case in 2014), Cameroon (5 cases in 2014), Somalia (5 cases in 2014), Iraq (2 cases in 2014), Syria (1 case in 2014), & Equatorial Guinea (5 cases in 2014) - all report no Polio cases in 2015.
Our Goal is Global Polio Eradication!!
Terry Ziegler, Rotary Foundation Committee Chair, District 5890
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Posted by Marianne Barker, District Foundation Chair
on Nov 29, 2015
Join Rotarians around the world in support of The Annual Fund (SHARE) of The Rotary Foundation in making an online contribution on Tuesday Dec. 1. It’s called “Giving Tuesday” and it’s a celebration of the humanitarian work Rotarians do around the world. The district with the greatest number of donors who contribute online that day will receive a visit from Rotary Foundation Trustee chair Ray Klinginsmith! Go to www.rotary.org and sign in (register to create a password if you’ve never been to this site or haven’t visited in a long time). Once logged in, click on “Give”. Don’t forget – Annual Fund-SHARE – that’s the fund for which your club president set a goal for the year; it’s the fund tracked for EREY recognition; your donations count toward your Paul Harris Fellow. And it’s the fund from which our district block grant money is determined.
The year is nearly half over and our district is only 24% of the way toward meeting its Annual Fund goal. If you are not supporting the Annual Fund through your club billing system or Rotary Direct, please consider going online now to make your annual contribution or to set up recurring giving. Then use social media to encourage your Rotarian friends to do the same!
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Posted by Cornelia Sprung, Boise Metro
on Nov 29, 2015
This holiday, give gifts that give twice…I mean three times! Dunia Marketplace, in Boise’s historic Hyde Park, is Idaho’s only Fair Trade store. They have a large inventory of goods handmade by artisans in developing countries—such as Sierra Leone and Guatemala, where we have international service connections—as well as local non-profits like Artisans For Hope and Create Common Good. Buying their handicrafts provides living wages, supports communities and cooperatives with jobs and clean water, and keeps kids in school.
But that’s not all! Do your shopping on December 2 from 5:00 to 9:00 because it’s Polio Plus Night. Fifteen percent of your purchase will be donated to the Rotary International Polio Plus fund. We are “this close” to eradicating that cruel disease. So your purchases will make a difference on many levels, in many parts of the world. Tell a friend and help spread the word! We’ll have Rotary fellowship and snacks and a fire pit blazing on the patio, too.
See you there!
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Posted by Saeid Rezaii, RYLA District Chair
on Nov 29, 2015
 The District Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) committee is searching for a Camp Director to succeed Natalie Lemas Hernandez, who has contributed her time, talents, and passion to our RYLA program for the past 13 years.
Natalie's first appearance at RYLA was when her mother Nancy Lemas became the RYLA camp director. Natalie then attended as a RYLArian, a junior leader, and a senior leader - some positions multiple times.
Later Natalie took over as RYLA camp director and has been in that roll for the last 5 years. Under Natalie's leadership, more than a thousand RYLArians have experienced the magic of RYLA. Natalie invested many countless volunteer hours in RYLA, making sure each teen broke through their personal barriers to unleash the leader within and feel true empathy for those around them. Each year Natalie changed the program to keep it fresh, surprising, and to better serve campers. Natalie's most recent change has been to have the RYLArians develop a project they can do in their community after the RYLA camp ends. One example project is the teen mental health support being developed by the Interact club in Idaho Falls. Those thousand teens who have attended RYLA over the years Natalie has been camp director go on to Rotary Youth Exchange, start or join Interact clubs, and with our support, join Rotary. All Rotarians in district 5400 wish Natalie the best in her new life adventures. Thanks to Natalie's leadership, RYLA is a district 5400 crown jewel.
With Natalie's departure, the District 5400 RYLA committee is searching for a camp director. Responsibilities include leading the planning and running of the camp. Fund raising and recruiting the students will be handled by others. If interested, please contact Saeid Rezaii.
Saeid Rezaii
RYLA District Chair
saeid@galaxymc.com, (208)-681-0499
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Posted
on Nov 29, 2015
For two generations of Southeast Idaho families, the holiday season wouldn’t be complete without attending the annual Rotary Club of Pocatello presentation of The Nutcracker ballet, scheduled this year for December 17 – 19.
Now in its 30th year, for thousands of adults and children alike, the evening lives up to its billing as “The Season’s Most Enchanting Event.”
 While the club initially contracted with out-of-town ballet companies for a single performance each year, it was always the goal to be able to offer a true community production of The Nutcracker, while maintaining quality.
That goal became a real possibility in 2005 when the husband-and-wife team of Sergiu Brindusa and Beth Moore came to Pocatello and established the Brindusa-Moore Ballet Academy. Both Brindusa, a native of Romania, and Moore, from Atlanta, have danced worldwide at the highest levels of professional ballet.
The Brindusa-Moore Ballet Academy and the Rotary Club of Pocatello partnered in 2006 to present a true community production of The Nutcracker, open to all area dancers who can meet the high audition standards. The 2006 production was a great success, and the partnership has endured and thrived.
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Posted
on Nov 29, 2015
There's an important birthday coming up. Boise Rotary Club ("Downtown") turns 100 years old on June 30, 2017. You can bet this will be an opportunity for great celebration throughout the district! James Bedal and Don Reiman of the Boise club have started to enlist a committee to plan the celebration. Contact them if you'd like to be involved. They'll need people from every region of the district.
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Posted by Janice Fulkerson, President
on Nov 29, 2015
Rotary International has awarded Boise Metro Rotary the opportunity to host an Open World delegation in 2016. Boise Metro will be hosting a Russian delegation in October 2016.
The Open World program is managed by Rotary International and funded by the U.S. Congress. The participating clubs host five Russian civic leaders in their communities and develop a program around a particular theme. The Boise Metro theme is in Innovation/Entrepreneurship.
The Open World program's original purpose was to promote mutual understanding between the United States and Russia by introducing emerging Russian leaders to their U.S. counterparts. The program has recently been expanded to countries across the former Soviet Union, and it now also emphasizes professional development and cultural exchange. There are five delegates - 4 delegates and 1 translator - who will experience work with Rotarians in their daily work routines, participate in community and cultural activities.
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Posted
on Nov 29, 2015
The Western Treasure Valley Rotary Club has been selling Rotary Roses for over 30 years. They estimate they have raised over $250,000 in sale profits. Those dollars have been used primarily for Treasure Valley Community College scholarships for traditional students as well as a focus on single mom students. The rose sale includes pre-purchased roses, and people can also pick them up on the day of the sale. They are $20 per dozen.
The Western Treasure Valley Rotary Club meets Wednesdays at noon, in Ontario, at the Plaza Inn.
Group picture left to right: Brandon, Pam, Paul, Karen and Dee
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Posted
on Nov 29, 2015
 The El Tour de Tucson charity bike ride took place on Saturday November 21st. More than 8,000 cyclists rode for a variety of charities. For the third year, John Hewko, Rotary International's General Secretary, and 8 of his RI staff, led a group of Rotarians around the 104 mile course to raise money for the "Miles to End Polio" campaign. There were about 100 Rotarians in the ride, including four from the Boise area. Estimates for the total amount for all the charities exceed $7.5 million. Our Polio riders raised $2.9 million, which, when matched by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation 2:1, equates to nearly $9 million! But know that Mary Reiman of Boise Metro raised $3,600 on her own.
To read more about the ride and see more photos, click here.
Pictured: Cahill Jones, Don Reiman, Mary Reiman and John Hewko.(not shown Jeff Larsen)
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Posted by John Biggs, District PIC
on Nov 29, 2015
 To give the most favorable impression to a visitor to your club's website, it is critical that the content be current. There's nothing worse than the most recent posting be dated from 2013!
It's also important that you make sure you're using the most current Rotary International Logos. Visit "Brand Central" at RI. Each year the RI President introduces a theme logo for his Presidential year. This year its "Be a Gift to the World". I notice some club websites are still using last year's "Light Up Rotary". In all your graphics, that one should be replaced with the new one.
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