The Rotary theme for the month is Disease Prevention and Treatment, which is also one of our Seven areas of focus. Many of us are continuing the efforts to eradicate polio in the world with our End Polio efforts. Did you know there has been a 99.9% reduction in polio cases since our program started in 1985? Our District club's cumulative Polio Plus goal is $50,642, and we are 56% of the way to meeting the goal set by your club leadership. Thank you for your continued commitment to fund the effort to eradicate this preventable disease.
As many of you know, mental health is a topic that has touched both the RI president, Gordon McInally, and many of our community members. Mental Health and Wellness fits with the Rotary theme this month. There are many ways we, as Rotarians, can participate in addressing mental health issues. President McInally is asking us to assist with the following:
Erasing the stigma associated with caring about emotional well-being
Raising awareness about mental health needs
Working to improve access to mental health services
Rising rates of mental illness and poor access to care is one of the most pressing concerns for Idahoans statewide, as well as the social stigma that keeps individuals from asking for help. Internationally, Rotary recognizes this critical need and the impact of stigma as one of the biggest barriers to accessing care.
Mike Markley from the Southwest Rotary Club is Selected as the next District Governor
This year, the district nominated several qualified and enthusiastic candidates, and they look forward to working with all of them in leadership roles across District 5400 today and in the future. Mike will follow Kathy Buck as District Governor, serving District 5400 in the 2026-2027 Rotary year.
Mike grew up in Custer County, Idaho (Stanley and Challis), and graduated from the University of Idaho. Mike then married the love of his life, Beth Markley, in Boise, where they raised their two sons, Colin and Jack.
For Mike, Rotary has profoundly and positively impacted him and his family. He is immensely grateful for how Rotary provides opportunities to grow, serve, and make a difference.
Mike brings organization, strategic thinking, servant leadership, a love of people, and a desire to help them reach their potential. Mike will seek ways to advance Rotary's mission by enabling people to find inspiration, peace, and understanding through connection and service.
Congratulations, Mike! We appreciate everything you’ve done for Rotary and look forward to your leadership.
Boise Sunrise Contractor Joe Levitch completed a remodel for a disabled Marine veteran in record time. Joe Levitch is a Rotarian at Boise Sunrise and a remodeling contractor. He has always prided himself on coming to the rescue; it is part of his DNA. He was a paramedic for much of his adult life and displays consistent compassion and empathy for the human condition. At Boise Sunrise, he has chaired the community outreach committee for many years. This makes him no stranger to sharing and spreading the feeling that “you get when you give”.
The Los Chillos Milenio Rotaract Club sends an affectionate greeting and wishes for success in the important functions that you direct. Likewise, we sincerely thank you for the welcome we received in your clubs and homes during our visit to Idaho in September.
Rotarians love to tell stories. They are usually touching and inspirational. They tell of needs and hardships worldwide, experiences Rotarians and others have had, and the wonderful things we have done or plan to do.
When it comes to fundraising, Rotarians can indeed be creative. PolioPlus has seen its share of creative fundraisers over the years. Last year, the PolioPlus campaign went to the dogs with the creation of the PolioPlus Society Kennel Club by Greg Owen, a past PolioPlus Coordinator for Zone 26.
If you or your club is interested in getting involved in a global grant focused on malaria, read on to learn about a Rotary-sized effort. They are seeking a $10K cash commitment to help support the grant.
Stephanie A. Urchick, 2024-25 RI president, invites 25 PolioPlus supporters to her hometown of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, to Help Rotary Strike Out Polio at the $1 Million Baseball Game.Starting 1 December 2023, the first 25 Rotary Foundation supporters who donate US$10,000 or more to the PolioPlus Fund will be invited to join RI President Stephanie Urchick and RI General Secretary John Hewko to cheer on Major League Baseball’s Pittsburgh Pirates from a private suite at PNC Park on 23 July 2024.
The Rotary theme for the month is Disease Prevention and Treatment, which is also one of our Seven areas of focus. Many of us are continuing the efforts to eradicate polio in the world with our End Polio efforts. Did you know there has been a 99.9% reduction in polio cases since our program started in 1985? Our District club's cumulative Polio Plus goal is $50,642, and we are 56% of the way to meeting the goal set by your club leadership. Thank you for your continued commitment to fund the effort to eradicate this preventable disease. 
This year, the district nominated several qualified and enthusiastic candidates, and they look forward to working with all of them in leadership roles across District 5400 today and in the future. Mike will follow Kathy Buck as District Governor, serving District 5400 in the 2026-2027 Rotary year.
