Stories
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District Governor's MessageWelcome to the 2021-2022 Rotary year! This is undoubtedly the pinnacle of my many years of service to Rotary to be representing you as District Governor. I have been on a two-year, six-month journey to get prepared for this amazing year of my life. I am delighted and honored to be given the opportunity to serve as your District Governor for the Rotary year 2021-2022. I am so blessed to have such a great District Leadership Council, 14 Assistant Governors, DGE Janice Fulkerson and DGN Marie Baker as we serve together this year. We are all unified to be servant leaders for our District members. Congratulations and best wishes to our new Club Presidents as they take on the leadership of their Clubs. I am confident they will have a busy and rewarding year. At every stage in our lives, Rotary has something for each of us. From the moment we became Rotarians, the work of Rotary service was open to us – and it became our obligation to choose how to best serve. Rotary has been a place for visionaries, those who see how this could be and define a path towards making their dreams a reality. TAKE RISKS. By acting with integrity in our Rotary service, we exhibit a bountiful heart which underscores our commitment to making our world a better than ever before. The more Rotarians engage in service, the more we all realize what we can achieve, and our potential knows no limits. I wish you a fulfilling year to "Navigate Rotary" as we "Serve to Change Lives”. Russell J. Johnson District Governor |
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Twin Falls Rotary After Hours Recognizes our Local Seniors |
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Twin Falls Rotary has been busy during the COVID-19 Lockdown!![]() Twin Falls Rotary After Hours Has Been Keeping Busy Helping Put Smiles on Faces During COVID-19
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Boise Centennial Rotary held their first ever zoom meeting |
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Rotary District 5400 Conference Webinar CelebrationROTARY DISTRICT 5400 CONFERENCE - WEBINAR CELEBRATION! | MAY 15, 2020 6:30 - 8:30 PM | FREE! |
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Greater Boise Rotary Foundation Grants $20,000 to Ada County Organizations |
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EGC to the Rescue With Art Supplies for Pierce Park |
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Rotary Zoom Meeting? That's an Earth Stewardship Credit! |
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Report from Boise Downtown Club |
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Twin Falls Rotary doing Zoom Meetings! |
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A Way to Help During Covid19 Crisis |
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Blood Donors Needed! |
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Rotarians have always lived on the cutting edge! |
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How to Keep Rotarians Connected with Weekly Meetings Cancelled |
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Event Cancellations |
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Boise SW Annual Spring Fling Postponed |
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Boise Metro Rotary Fish Derby Postponed |
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2020 Emmett Rotary Youth Benefit Dinner and Auction has been POSTPONED |
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Rotary Disaster Response Grants |
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Boise Rotarian Sharing Love of Art with Inmates |
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While Staying at Home, IdahoPTV is a Lifeline |
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Plant Peace |
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District Grants and COVID-19 Projects |
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A J Balukoff Honored as a Major Donor to The Rotary Foundation |
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Polio Numbers This Year |
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Project Amigo creating a bathroom in the Hacienda |
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RYLA 2020 Cancelled |
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2020 Fiddlers of Idaho State Championship
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Rotary Clubs to donate school supplies to DevelopAfrica |
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Ian Riseley LIVE from Australia to IdahoIan Riseley LIVE from Australia to Idaho
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TURN AROUND! - Governor's Message![]() TURN AROUND. Making a difference in someone else’s life usually begins as a total inconvenience. Opportunities to do good in someone else’s life usually come to us while we are on our way to do something else. The norm is that we generally just sail right on past the opportunity. We mind our own business. We look the other way. When we do that, nothing changes. |
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Earth Stewardship... It's Easier Than You Think! |
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ROTARY License Plate Program |
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Rotary Tour of New Zealand |
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District Conference CELEBRATION May 15-16, 2020 in Pocatello! |
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New Public Image Chair |
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Community Assessments for Sustainability |
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Meet District Trainer Stephen (Steve) Gage |
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Paul Harris Points |
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Boise East 100% Paul Harris Fellow Club |
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Greater Boise Rotary Foundation |
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Friendship Exchange with Ecuador |
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Ian Riseley LIVE from Australia to Idaho! |
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District Governor Nominee Designate Janice |
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Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Statement![]() A top priority for Rotary is growing and diversifying our membership to make sure we reflect the communities we serve and are inclusive of all cultures, experiences, and identities.
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SEEING THE FUTURE![]() The year that I served as club president the RI theme was “Be a gift to the world.” At that time I thought to myself, “How can an insignificant club in an obscure town in Idaho ever be a gift to the world?” Then I thought about the exchange student that came to our club from Italy that year. This boy had never heard of Idaho before he came here. I recall he got up in one of our club meetings just before he left to go home. With tears streaming down his face, he thanked us for giving him the gift of living for a year in our community! When he returned home he told everyone in Italy all about his experiences here in his new second home. He treasured his time in Idaho. Collectively we continue to be an influence for good in his life. That is when it occurred to me that through Rotary we can be A GIFT TO THE WORLD! |
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Boise Southwest’s MSTI Christmas Gift Program |
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Boise SW Whittier School 5th Grade Christmas Party |
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Getting International Speakers to Your 7 am Meetings |
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RI 2017/18 Pres Ian Riseley LIVE Tele-Presentation to Rotary 5400 |
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Not a Pretty Week for Polio |
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Preston Rotary Club Activities |
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Liberty Day Institute![]() Liberty Day Institute’s purpose is to educate young students on the meaning and importance of the U.S. Constitution.
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More Than A Vacation |
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Boise Southwest Participates in Rake Up Boise |
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GIVE THE GIFT OF SERVICE ... AND PIE![]() As the Holiday Season rolls upon us we often ask ourselves, “What perfect gift we can I give someone this year?” As Rotarians, our answer should be quick and simple: Give the gift of service to others! To the many clubs who prepare Christmas baskets for the needy or deliver toys to children or gather coats and sleeping bags for the homeless or ring bells or visit the elderly or send cards to servicemen or put on community concerts and pageants, I thank you on behalf of Rotary for your generosity and goodness. I challenge everyone this season to find ways to also perform simple acts of personal kindness, to unburden those with trials, to lift those with depression, to give more to charities. Simple acts might include inviting someone to lunch or dinner, to compliment someone on social media, to call children, grandchildren, nieces or nephews, to write anonymous thank you cards, to share homemade goodies with neighbors and friends, to donate blood, to smile more and say “YES” more.
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Water Grant for Ecuador is Funded by TRF![]() Thanks to Rotary club collaboration with The Rotary Foundation (TRF), the Tormento community of 300 inhabitants in western Ecuador will soon have safe water.
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Council on Resolutions |
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Sunny Saturday: Playing, Planting and Peace![]() Over 150 Rotarians, Rotaracters, Interacters, family, friends, and co-workers joined to restore habitat destroyed by wildfire and invasive species.
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Baker City Rotary Clean Up Veterans Sections of CemeteryOur club members hosted a work party at the veterans section of the cemetery and straightened stones and cleaned up the section as we do every year.
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Global Grant Scholar Candidate competition![]() The District 5400 Scholarship Committee is proud to announce the Global Grant Scholar Candidate competition.
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WHY BE A SINGING CLUB?![]() In the many visits I have made in recent months to clubs around the District, I have found that fewer and fewer clubs are “SINGING CLUBS” these days. Singing used to be a mainstay of Rotary Clubs all over the world. Multiple copies of quaint Rotary songbooks filled with fun Rotary songs would be passed out at every meeting and members would stand up and sing together, sometimes multiple times throughout the meeting....
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Rotary District 5400 Earth Stewardship Certification |
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Making a Difference |
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If You Only Know One Thing About The Rotary Foundation |
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What Does Peace Mean to You? |
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Three Clubs Come Together |
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World Polio Day |
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Hurrican Dorian Help |
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Stop the Bleed |
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No Happy Ending — Yet |
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BLIND DIVERSITY![]() Canyon County Sunrise Rotary Club is a small club of only 15 members AND YET it is a very diverse club! One of Rotary’s Core Values is diversity. Still, this is the FIRST club I have visited so far that had an equal number of men and women in attendance at the meeting. Nevertheless, the club seemed unaware of the 50/50 split. In fact, they appeared to be almost blind to it!
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Boise River Boogie![]() Boise SW Club was the title sponsor of the Boise River Enhancement Network's annual fun run, the Boise River Boogie
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Breathe… and thank a Rotarian for planting![]() In 2017/18 RI President Ian Riseley asked us to plant 1.2 million trees (or shrubs). We not only met the challenge, we crushed it by planting over 4 million!
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Paul Harris Fellow Recognition |
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VISIT BOLIVIA! |
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Want to Connect with Rotary Young Professionals? |
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The Rotary District 5400 Scholarship Committee is proud to announce 2019-2020 recipient![]() The Rotary District 5400 Scholarship Committee is proud to announce 2019-2020 recipient.
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Gooding Club held its 5th annual signature fundraiser “Cheese, Wine & Beer Harvest Fest”![]() Gooding Club held its 5th annual signature fundraiser “Cheese, Wine & Beer Harvest Fest”
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Easy Free Rotary Directory |
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Join us November 2 to restore habitat destroyed by wildfire at Deer Flat National Wildlife Refuge, Lake LowellJoin us November 2 to restore habitat destroyed by wildfire at Deer Flat National Wildlife Refuge, Lake Lowell |
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Visioning for Your Club |
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PETS 2020 |
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START WITH WHY!![]() Everyone knows that Sun Valley probably has some of the best snow on earth. But what is less well known is that the communities of Ketchum and Sun Valley also have one of the best Rotary Clubs on earth! What makes them so great?
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Rotary Park on the Greenbelt Update. |
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Pediatric Face Masks Needed for Argentina |
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The Rotary Foundation District Grants Awarded |
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Volunteers need at the Boise Art Museum |
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Awesome Article for Rotary District Bulletin |
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We continue to see cases of polio in Pakistan |
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The Twin Falls Blue Lakes Rotary Club held their annual Magic Valley Beer Fest on August 3rd![]() The Twin Falls Blue Lakes Rotary Club held their annual Magic Valley Beer Fest on August 3rd
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Souvenir Rotary License Plates For Sale |
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Russell Johnson: District Governor Nominee 2021-22 |
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Boise Metro Rotary - Annual Backpack Drive |
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Rotary Park on the GreenbeltThe Rotary Park on the Greenbelt, a project by Boise Metro, Boise Centennial and Eagle/Garden City, is well on its way!
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Nigeria Polio Free for 3 Years |
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Cross Egypt Challenge |
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Spending time with Dieter Schneider |
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Note from Trent Brown, RYLA Junior Leader |
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Donate Blood |
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FIND YOURSELF!![]() One of the great secrets of service is that when we lose ourselves in serving others we FIND ourselves. But what does it mean to FIND YOURSELF? Finding yourself means you add a new dimension to your life. When we serve others we create new connections, new memories, and have new experiences. This bundle of benefits then become a new part of who YOU are forever. You are affected. You become a new person. You find yourself. Let me share a story.
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Pocatello Rotary Club partners with Fish and Game to create nature area |
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Treasure Valley Rotary Club Tree Watering Days![]() Treasure Valley Rotary Club members, friends and family meet every other Saturday throughout summer and fall to water the 650 seedlings they planted in Hulls Gulch. |
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Buhl Rotary Club Paint Magic Project |
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Rotary Club of Twin Falls ~ 9th Annual Ice Cream Funday |
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Preston Rotary Club Pioneer Day Fireworks |
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Emmett Rotary Club ~ Has Lots to Report! |
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Rotarians Provide International Service Here at Home |
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District 5400 Scholarship Committee News |
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Emmett Rotary Presents Check to Local Youth Groups![]() Emmett Rotary presented $45,770 to local youth groups in Gem County as a result of their annual Flip Flops and Flamingos Presents...Dinner and Auction.
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Big Milestone for Rotary Club of Idaho Falls![]() This is a big milestone for the Rotary Club of Idaho Falls it will help us have a new community park on our river walk and a place for us to Plant Trees! |
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Preston Rotary Gifts A Lighted Community Event Marquee |
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Baker City Rotary Club ~ Annual Buffalo Burger Sale![]() Baker City Rotary club held its annual sale of buffalo burgers at Miners Jubilee in Baker City over three days July 19-21. |
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The Rotary Park on the Greenbelt project is "this close" to meeting its goal! |
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Scholarship Applications 2019/20 Academic Year![]() Rotary District 5400 is currently accepting scholarship applications for the 2019-2020 academic year. This scholarship will benefit an incoming college freshman in the 2019-2020 academic year.
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July 4th Boise Parade![]() Huge thanks to our participants in the first Rotary entry in Boise's 4th of July parade! We had a ball! The streets were packed with people!
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Montpelier Rotary Club Had a Busy July |
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Make A Wish Foundation Annual Walk for Wishes![]() Boise Centennial Rotary Club took part in the Make-A-Wish Foundation's annual Walk For Wishes.
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Operation FaceliftThis year the Rotary Club of Gooding participated in “Operation Facelift” Sponsored by Southern Idaho Economic Development.
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Satellite Club is Officially Chartered! |
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RYLA 2019 Leadership Camp![]() We have 84 students registered and 9 on the waiting list. Thanks for the effort recruiting students for RYLA 2019.
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Eagle Garden City Visioning![]() It’s been 10 years since the Rotary Club of Eagle/Garden City’s last visioning workshop. |
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Thank You For Being the Inspiration![]() You know what they say about time flying? I must be having fun, because it’s almost impossible to believe that we’re entering the final month of this Rotary year. Preparing to write this final letter to you, I thought about farewell messages with visions of the Von Trapp children singing in their uniforms made of curtains, exiting up the stairs. But instead of “farewell”, I’d rather say, “thank you”. |
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Moved to Tears![]() I’m not a crier. I never cry, except in Rotary, and today was one of those days. Anselme Sadiki, the Executive Director from the Children’s Home was the speaker at Boise Sunrise, and I just happened to be a visiting Rotarian. The Children’s Home started in 1908 as an orphanage, and in the 70s, it converted to a home that provides mental health services for children. He shared the startling statistics about the lack of providers in Idaho and Eastern Oregon, the lack of awareness of the services available, how accessibility to the service in rural markets is a barrier, and how Idaho is 5th in the nation for youth suicides. Anselme’s stories made me cry. |
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Flip Flop and Flamingos |
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Polio Update Year to Date |
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Apply for Your Rotary Foundation Grant![]() It’s time to be thinking about applying for a Rotary Foundation district grant for 2019-20. The deadline for completed and signed applications is June 1, 2019.
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Albertsons Reaches the Hearts and Minds of McCall-Donnelly Youth![]() The McCall Payette Lake Rotary Club teamed up with the McCall Donnelly School District to create a new Rotary Youth Mentoring Program.
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Dixie Jazz Crawfish Boil Event![]() Boise Southwest Rotary Club hosted our first Dixie Jazz Crawfish Boil at the Basque Center on March 7th. The club partnered with the Boise High School Band and Sunrise Rotary to host a fun, public event celebrating southern food and music while educating the community about the value of Rotary.
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Portneuf Rotaract Club Up and Running![]() Some 35 young adults in the Pocatello area have come together to create a Rotaract Club. Most of the members so far are students at Idaho State University but the club is open to all young adults between the ages of 18-30.
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Assess Your Club Goals![]() It’s April – nine months of the Rotary year are now behind us. This is a very good time for club leaders to assess the state of their goals, not just for service and membership, but for The Rotary Foundation. |
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Emmett Exchange Student Advances to National Science Competition![]() Eduardo Homrich Garcia, a Rotary Exchange student from Brazil, and currently living in Emmett, competed at the local and state levels of the Western Idaho Science & Engineering Fair at Boise State University March 15 and was awarded in several categories. |
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Peace Fellowship Applications![]() Are you looking to make a significant impact on the world by promoting tolerance and cooperation? Do you know someone who may contribute to peace-keeping efforts in your community? Each year, Rotary funds some of the world’s most dedicated and brightest professionals to study at our Rotary Peace Centers.
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Rotary D5400 Youth Exchange Committee Wins National Recognition![]() Rotary District 5400 is a member of the North American Youth Exchange Network (NAYEN) which facilitates collaboration among and provides support to Rotary Districts in the USA, Canada, and Mexico to promote Rotary youth exchange around the world.
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Selling District Raffle Tickets![]() Last Year as the Pocatello Club handed out the raffle tickets for each of us to sell I decided again to do as I had done for the previous 2 years….I would simply write a check for $ 100 and purchase all ten of my own tickets.
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Submit Rotarians for DC Memorial![]() One of the traditional events at our District Conference is the Sunday morning Memorial Service. This year we'll meet in the beautiful Rose Garden in Julia Davis Park on Sunday morning at 9:30 AM. Rev. Linda Biggs will conduct the service. To properly recognize those fellow Rotarians who have passed away this year, please send their names and club to John Biggs at biggs81@gmail.com.
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District Grant Reports Due May 15![]() Reports on all open Rotary Foundation District Grants are due on May 15, 2019. If your project is completed please fill out the final report form (located on the administration side of the description tab of your grant at www.matchinggrants.org and upload it as a pdf along with your receipts to the documents area of the grant. |
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Eagle/Garden City Delivers a ReindeerThe Eagle/Garden City Rotary Club was honored to host 20 students from Pierce Park Elementary School in Boise for our annual Christmas Party on December 6, 2018. Pierce Park Elementary is a Title 1 school that boasts students from a number of countries, many of whom are not native English speakers, who all come together to grow and learn. Under the careful hand of Principal Chris Ryan, students learn to read, write, and forge friendships that will last them throughout their school years. The annual Christmas Party allows the Club to share the joy of the holiday season with Pierce Park students, some of whose families are facing significant struggles. With gifts from Santa and a visit from a real reindeer, the annual event is a fun and memorable experience for everyone involved and one of the highlights of the EGC Rotary year.
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At the Root of it all, Lies Water![]() Rotary’s mission statement ultimately focuses on peace. But what must you have, before you can have peace? You must have fundamental basics. People can only dare hope for peace, when those fundamentals are in place; fundamentals like water, disease prevention, health care, and literacy. |
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Firkin Frolics![]() There was love in the air this Valentine’s Day in Boise: the love of Firkin beer. The Boise Downtown Rotary Club hosted its 4th annual Firkin Frolic Beer Festival, paying homage to the ‘old-style’ beer brewed in a cask or keg and tapped in a special way. Drinking a Firkin beer is like going back in a time machine — back to the first days of beer drinking. |
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What's Your Rotary Moment?![]() I recently had a conversation over lunch this past week with a fellow Rotarian, QB Khalid. During our conversation I point blank asked him if he had his Rotary moment, not when he became a Rotarian, but if he had had a Rotary moment. He said, "Yes!" So I asked him if he wouldn't mind sharing it with me. |
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Join the Ride to End Polio May 18th![]() District 5400 is hosting our first Ride to End Polio to take place on Saturday afternoon of the District Celebration. There are many options for you to choose from that afternoon, one of which includes the bike ride.
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Southwest's MSTI Christmas Gift Program![]() This Boise Southwest Rotary program was established through Mountain States Tumor Institute (MSTI) in 1978. The institute provides names of families and their Christmas gift wishes for each family member. These families have a member going through cancer treatment and have very limited resources. Rotarians signup and purchase the Christmas gifts. |
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The Many Uniforms of a Rotarian![]() While we know that our Rotarians serve in all sorts of ways while wearing the "uniform", we also know that many of our Rotary members find other ways to serve through a number of causes, board positions, and charity work. That is also the case with Jim Boley, President of the McCall Payette Lakes Rotary Club, who recently embraced the opportunity, along with "Mrs. Claus" aka Madeline Cahill-Boley, to create magic at the Trek to the North Pole at Ponderosa Park.
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Top 10 Reasons You Should Attend RLS + PETS![]() Once a year, District 5400 holds a gigantic, stupendous, and incomparably inspiring two-day leadership summit. This event is open to all Rotary leaders and those who want to be Rotary leaders. Leadership is another form of SERVICE in Rotary: Service to your club. RLS + PETS give you the opportunity to really learn, plan and set goals so you can do more good in the world. Here are the top 10 reasons why you should attend this year. |
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Do You Know of a Potential Peace Fellow Candidate?![]() Each year, Rotary funds some of the world's most dedicated and brightest leaders to study at Rotary Peace Centers. Through training, study, and practice, Rotary Peace Fellows become catalysts for peace and development. Many go on to careers with governments, NGOs, the military, law enforcement, and international organizations like the United Nations and the World Bank. |
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Greetings from the Rotary 5400 e-Club![]() Brand new, freshly minted, we are so excited to be able to contribute to Rotary efforts in our District. Our club was formed using a charter from the former Portneuf Pocatello Club. We are grateful to them for their stewardship in extending their charter and enabling Rotary to innovate in this way. |
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Inspiration, Innovation, Intrigue...and an Invitation![]() Yes, we’re a service organization but, underneath that, we’re a membership organization. An organization designed by our members, for our members. This past year, we asked ourselves “why do we have a District Conference?” We answered that with three simple concepts;
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D5400 Fundraising Analysis![]() |
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Improvements to Rotary Direct![]() Beginning in February, you’ll be able to edit or cancel your recurring giving through Rotary Direct by signing in to My Rotary and going to Donor Self-Service. The change is intended to make recurring giving faster, easier to manage and more secure. Your email address is your user ID at rotary.org. If you have questions or need assistance using Donor Self-Service, call the Rotary Support Center at +1-866-9Rotary (+1-866-976-8279) or email rotarydirect@rotary.org. |
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Paul Harris Society![]() The Paul Harris Fellow recognition was started by The Rotary Foundation in 1957 to recognize $1,000 in cumulative giving. Adjusted for inflation, $1000 in 1957 is equal to $9,103 in 2019, yet a PHF continues to be awarded for $1,000 in giving. Are you a Rotarian who might be able to give more than the suggested annual contribution of $100? Are you a Rotarian who would be willing to join the Paul Harris Society pledging $1,000 annually to Annual Fund, PolioPlus and/or an approved global grant? We started the year with 54 Paul Harris Society members in the district, and we’ve grown to 58. Our goal was to increase by 10%. Will you join us? To join, complete the form on the Paul Harris Society’s webpage (look for the JOIN button to open the form). |
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Winter Carnival 2019![]() A Rotary Youth Exchange student pauses before a Winter Carnival Parade spectator on the streets of McCall. “Would you like to buy some beads?” she asks. “No thanks,” replied the reveler. She tries again. “Would you like to buy some beads from a pretty, Swedish girl?” He breaks into a wide grin. “Of course!” he exclaims, as he reaches for his cash. Emboldened by the sale, Swedish student Alma refines her sales pitch for the next customer: “BEADS for NEEDS from SWEDES!” |
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Support Meridian's Tiny Library![]() Meridian Rotary Club is expanding early learning for Pre-K! Meridian Rotary Club has partnered with the Meridian Library District to build and deliver Early Learning Kits for the Tiny Library. The Tiny Library is an interactive learning library aimed at children ages 0-5 to help kids be ready to read when they enter kindergarten. Items and activities are focused on ages 0-5 (board books, Easy Readers and picture books) with a small Parent-Teacher collection. Collections and interactive activities are focused on the five early learning practices: talk, play, sing, write, and read. Those five early learning practices are also features of great Rotary meetings, too! Anyone who is interested in supporting the collaboration can contact Cheri@mld.org
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Montpelier's Post-Holiday Service Idea![]() The Montpelier Rotary Club, along with their foreign exchange student, held its annual Christmas Tree pickup, where the members drove around town and picked up trees left on the curb. After retrieval, they are hauled to the city’s brush pile. In the past the club would have a tree burn and serve hot chocolate and hot dogs, but due to the fire retardant added to the commercial trees, they had to adjust their approach. As the popularity of personally cutting trees in the National Forest is growing, they're contemplating bringing back the tree burn and treats in the future!
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Youth Mentoring Emerges as New McCall Payette Lakes Project![]() In March 2018, then President-elect Jim Boley of the McCall Payette Lakes Rotary Club met with District 5400 leaders in Burley, Idaho and started mapping out the early foundational pieces of a youth related service project during his year as Club President. After many meetings with McCall Donnelly School District Superintendent Jim Foudy, also a Rotarian, and then the formation of a committee with full board approval, the McCall Payette Lakes Rotary Club has a Youth Mentoring Program up and running. The Club, working closely with stakeholders within the school district, identified several areas where additional support and service was needed: Career and Life Skills Mentoring, Tutoring, Senior Project support and a Lunch Buddies program in the local middle school.
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Polio Eradication Update![]() Two new (2018) Wild Polio cases reported this week. You all know that for every $1 Rotary spends annually of your donations towards Polio eradication that the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation gives us $2 to do more spending for ridding the world of Polio. Thanks to your generosity last year Rotary received today a fund transfer of $100 million from the Gates Foundation. Let’s continue the progress to a Polio free world! - Michael McGovern, Chair, International PolioPlus Committee.
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Rotarian Jim Martin Recognized by Family Advocates![]() "As a Volunteer Attorney with Family Advocates, Jim has served twelve children in the last two years alone. Jim consistently goes above and beyond to answer Guardian ad Litem questions and regularly communicates updates in a clear and concise manner so GALs know what they can expect from the legal aspect of each case. Jim recently undertook the drafting of a new motion for our program, which ultimately resulted in enhanced advocacy for a family group. Without his expertise and dedication, it may not have been possible to serve this family in the best way possible. Through his years with CASA, Jim has referred colleagues to volunteer with our CASA program and provides guidance and mentorship when possible. |
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Happy New Year from TV Rotaract![]() 2018 was an exciting and challenging year for the Rotaract Club of Treasure Valley. Exciting because we officially became an established club, challenging because as with any foundational efforts in starting a club there’s a lot to figure out. With that being said, we’d like to thank those who continually support us. Thank you to our Rotary Club Sponsors, Boise Southwest, Boise Downtown, Boise Sunrise and Boise Centennial as well as Marie Baker, Katie Gaston and Jennifer Deroin. Your involvement has been imperative to our growth, sustainability and success. 2018 taught us many invaluable lessons but four continually appeared throughout the year, and we hope to utilize what we learned in 2018 to better improve Rotaract in the New Year! |
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Rotarian Amber Campbell: Woman of the Year![]() "ONTARIO — Amber Campbell has been volunteering in local communities since she was in middle school and says volunteer work and serving the community is part of who she is. But Campbell says there are many people around the area who help their communities, and are as much deserving as she is to be recognized for their service. Campbell will be honored as the Ontario Area Chamber of Commerce Woman of the Year at its annual Honor Banquet on Jan. 11.
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Stomping Out Polio in San Diego![]() I just returned from the 2019 International Assembly in San Diego. Each year about 500 District Governor Elects (DGEs) meet together at AI to learn their duties. Projects are planned, seminars are held, and speakers inspire. One thing I noticed that made me very proud is that there were SEVERAL attendees who, like myself, were sporting red high-top shoes proudly branded with the the logo, “Stop Out Polio”. |
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'19-'20 Theme Announced!![]() In January the 2019-20 Rotary Theme was announced at the International Assembly held in San Diego, California. The theme is ROTARY CONNECTS THE WORLD. This theme will inspire Rotarians to do good all EVERYWHERE. We are very fortunate to belong to such an international organization. The growth in Rotary in far away places such as Asia, India, and Africa is absolutely astounding. The finest leaders in world are inspiring clubs and districts to work hard to connect the world and bring more service and peace to people in need around the globe. |
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Rotarians as Leaders![]()
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Pocatello Raises the Roof![]() Nyamphande Orphanage and Community School started in 1996, approximately 125 kilometers east of Lusaka, Zambia in Africa. Nyamphande serves the educational needs of nearly 600 children (10 % of whom have lost both parents to HIV/AIDS) as well as basic medical assistance for over 6,000 people. Originally intended to cater to the medical needs of students at Nyamphande Orphanage, the on-site Nyamphande Rural House Centre soon became a primary and essential medical resource for impoverished rural families living in the area. Local villagers, children, and other community members have relied on the Centre for treatment and management of everything from common colds and ailments to treatment for HIV/AIDS and/or TB. |
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Four-Way Test in Our Lives![]() The Four-Way Test of the things we think say or do. It is something that most of us repeat every Rotary meeting, it sounds good and it has great value. It is something that I use in my life and repeat to others when decisions need to be made. However, maybe the true value of the Four-Way Test never became as clear to me as it did last year.
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RYLA Applications Open April 2![]() The Rotary leadership camp will be held August 1-4 on the CSI campus in Twin Falls. The RYLA website has all the information along with a brochure clubs can print out to recruit students. Students can apply starting April 2nd. At RYLA 2019 we will focus on 3 key areas of leadership development, including resiliency, mindfulness, and intention. Our goal is always to develop and enhance the all ready amazing young leaders that attend RYLA through activities designed to increase emotional intelligence, personal and social awareness while building confidence. RYLA is an experience every young person can benefit from!
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Council on Resolutions Update![]() Did you ever wonder how Rotary gets its rules for operation of clubs, the district and Rotary International? Did you ever wonder how you could get some of those rules changed, or suggest a better idea for how Rotary operates around the world? Well then, you’re in luck! This article is about the 2018 Rotary Council on Resolutions. Next month we’ll discuss the Council on Legislation. These two councils are the mechanism for adopting resolutions suggesting ideas to the Rotary International Board of Directors, and for adopting legislation which changes the constitutional documents of Rotary International.
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Creating World Citizens![]() Have you noticed the dual nature of Rotary? You're thinking about a community project and find out if you raise a bit of funds, the district is there to support with additional money. You can team up with a club in another country and get an international project accomplished. Service Above Self doesn’t mean by yourself – there is so much support when Rotary and Rotarians are involved.
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Not a Surgeon? Me Neither - But You are Still Needed!![]() When I was President of my club, I remember asking our Vocational Service Chair to think about how we could fulfill a vocational service project. It just wasn’t something we talked about in our club, and the vision in my mind was that of surgeons traveling abroad to provide needed medical treatment. I didn’t truly understand what vocational service looked like in Rotary, and how someone like me – with no surgical skills - could participate.
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Introducing Our Next District Governor Nominee! |
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Pasachoa Water Project Update![]() The clubs of District 5400 have a long history of partnering with the clubs of District 4400 in Ecuador to identify, fund and complete humanitarian projects. Four members of the Boise Rotary Club (PDG Kevin Learned, Todd Fischer, Mannie Liu and James Slover, and James' wife Pam Becker) traveled to Ecuador in October to continue to foster warm relationships with Rotary Clubs there, visit former exchange students, view completed projects, and identify new projects where we can collaborate.
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Are You a Paul Harris Fellow?![]() The Rotary Foundation (TRF) honors its donors when they reach $1,000 in giving by naming them Paul Harris Fellows. Paul Harris was the founder of Rotary, and this recognition is named for him. Are you supporting The Rotary Foundation, working toward becoming a Paul Harris Fellow? A PHF is a milestone, not a destination, and many of our members are known as multiple PHFs, having achieved the milestone many times.
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Polio Eradication Update![]() No new Wild Polio cases reported this week. What is that Polio Eradication Picture? The battle toward Global Polio Eradication Marches On - Today's picture is of a child being vaccinated in Peshawar, Pakistan. |
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The Shoe Saga![]() It started with the unfashionable and ill-fitting Rotary merchandise. I’m a proud Rotarian, but I’m also a young Rotarian. I want to bring brand awareness and recognition to my peers, but it’s hard to feel confident doing so when my only offerings are oversized polo shirts, $80.00
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Mark Your Calendars!![]() Mark your calendars for the annual Rotary Club of Twin Falls After Hours event on February 22! Guests will dress according to this year's theme (a Red Carpet Masquerade Ball...including masks!) and sample martinis to vote on their favorites. In addition to the fabulous martini tasting, appetizers are provided with a chocolate fountain for a sweet finish. Live music provided by Bret Welty will keep the crowd rocking and dancing. |
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What is International Assembly?![]() INTERNATIONAL ASSEMBLY. Every year in January, Rotary International calls a special assembly in San Diego. The event is called International Assembly. All District Governor Elects in the World are required to attend. The purpose of the Assembly is to train DGEs in their duties and to meet with RI leaders. One of the exciting opportunities that International Assembly provides is the chance to meet and partner with other districts from around the world to accomplish good internationally. |
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Announcing Rotary Club Leadership Summit & PETS 2019![]() Ready for some fellowship, fun & great leadership training? District 5400 will be holding its annual Rotary Club Leadership Summit / President Elects Training 2019 on March 8 & 9, 2019 at the Burley Best Western Convention Center, from 1pm Friday to 5pm Saturday. This training is open to all club leaders and future leaders in the district. Rotaract club leaders are also welcome to attend. |
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Why Dictionaries?![]() An annual project of the Rotary Club of Emmett (and many other Rotary clubs) is to purchase dictionaries for all the 3rd graders in Gem County with the financial assistance from a Rotary District Grant. This has been a practice for many years and some people question, in this age of computers, why dictionaries? |
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Emmett's Christmas Elves![]() Santa may have had 8 reindeer pulling his sleigh on Christmas Eve but Emmett Rotary had 12 Rotarians/family members and our Rotary exchange student serving Christmas Dinner to residents of Gem County at the Senior Center on Christmas Day. Working with the Gem County Food Coalition, we manned the drink station, served desserts and waited on tables for those who needed a hot meal that day. How fun it was to spend some of our Christmas with part of our Rotary family doing something for others. Note: Look who’s pouring the milk? Past District Governor Terry Jones doesn’t get far from the dairy! |
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Pocatello's Online Auction Fundraiser![]() The Pocatello Rotary Club’s 2018-2019 online auction fundraiser has begun! As always, proceeds are used to help fund Rotary’s many worthwhile projects. Click here to browse over 80 items up for bid and snag some great loot while helping the cause. |
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Polio Eradication UpdateNo new Wild Polio cases reported this week. What is that Polio Eradication Picture? Toward a Polio-Free Afghanistan This picture shows a child receiving the Oral Polio Vaccine in Afghanistan - one of the over 5 million vaccinated there in early November of 2018. See the Afghanistan report below. The Rotary Foundation Receives Highest Rating! For the 11th straight year, The Rotary Foundation has received a four-star rating, the highest possible, from Charity Navigator, an independent evaluator. |
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The Greatest Gift of All![]() All Rotarians have that “thing” that pulls at their heart strings. That humanitarian crisis that makes you say, “we have to do something about this.” Thirty years ago, a Rotarian said, “we have to eradicate polio, because it’s possible.” Look at us today – we’re making that possible. For me, my heart has always gone out to disadvantaged kids. Kids that are victims of their life circumstance, and the odds are stacked against them.This past January, I was sitting at a table full of Rotarians from South Africa. They were passing around trinkets made by children living in orphanages. The children make the trinkets and the club sells them to raise funds to support the orphanage. After further inquiry, I learned that the children were all orphaned because both parents had likely died of AIDS. |
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D5400 Completes Successful Weekend of RYE Interviews in Buhl![]() During the weekend of Nov. 2-4, a group of D5400 Rotarian volunteers gathered in Buhl to complete our “Outbound” interviews for Idaho students hoping to go on exchange for the 2019-2020 school year. This is an event that requires a lot of planning as well as the participation of this large volunteer team. We engage comprehensive interviews with the students and their parents in our efforts to ensure that we are making exchange offers to the right individuals
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Have YOU Ever Heard of Rotary Friendship Exchange?![]() Rotary Friendship Exchange is an international exchange program for Rotary members and friends that allows participants to take turns hosting one another in their homes and clubs. Participants may travel as individuals, couples, families, or groups, and may be Rotary members or not. There are numerous benefits of an exchange: Building friendships, promoting peace, learn about a region’s people, food, languages, customs and history, and find partners for your grants. |
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Learning More About Rotary![]() Baseball teams have hitters. New and developing hitters know the rules but need learning and coaching to achieve best results. Rules say hit the ball with the bat. Coaching helps new hitters hold the bat at the skinny end for best results and seasoned hitters to improve their stance at the plate. Rotary clubs have hitters also. Who teaches and coaches hitters on your Rotary club team to properly use our bats – like our Foundation, our RI image, our amazing Club Central support system? There is a district training committee, but what about at the club level? |
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Boise Southwest Participates in Rake Up Boise![]() On November 10th, 15 Rotary and family members racked up leaves at 2909 Harmony Way, Boise. This resulted in 35 bags of leaves. We were provided the bags by Rake Up Boise™ . All bags of leaves are recycled and used by the City of Boise for compost and mulch. This program is in its 33rd year and our club has participated for 9 plus years. Recipients must be 65 years or older or disabled and live in Boise or Garden City. In 2017, 5,965 volunteers racked up 805 yards. Click here for further information on this program. |
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Discovering Club Roles![]() We discussed in the last bulletin article the value of logging into your my.rotary.org account. Much of that value lies in accessing the Learning and Reference Center which includes extensive discussion forums for the club roles of President, Treasurer, Secretary, and Committee Members.
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Good Will and Better Friendship Dinners![]() Recently Rotarian Todd Fischer shared a service idea that I really like. Its called “Good Will and Better Friendships Dinners”. This is a project where members of your club (either by assignment or by sign-up process) volunteer to invite newer Rotarians and spouses to their homes for dinner. The objective is clear: to build good will and better friendships. |
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Be a Rotarian for Eternity![]() Last month I noticed in a Rotary Foundation report that someone in the Ketchum-Sun Valley Club had made a substantial contribution to the Endowment Fund. A donation to this Rotary Foundation fund usually means one thing: someone has passed away. And indeed that was the case. Martha Lee Orwig (Marty) left this earth a year ago on Oct 14th. I didn’t know Marty personally, but from her obituary and from reading the sentiments of her friends and family, I’ve come to believe that she lived the life she wanted to live. |
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McCall Creates Park out of City Dump![]() Kurt Wolf, City Arborist and McCall Parks and Recreation Director, exclaimed “You guys need some bigger rocks for that tree!” and off he went to get his wheel loader. Rotary Club of McCall/Payette Lakes did, indeed, need some larger rocks to stabilize one of the 40 mature trees being planted that day, trees that the club contributed over $5,000 to purchase. The tree Wolf was referring to was a beautiful, ten-foot-tall mountain ash that was to serve as one of two sentinels at the entrance to McCall’s latest city park, Riverfront Park. |
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Rotarians’ Focus on Peace is Growing![]() On 1 July 2017, trustees of The Rotary Foundation approved a ground-breaking initiative to raise support for Rotary’s peace-related activities. It is called the Peace Major Gifts Initiative (MGI) action plan. In addition to the Rotary Peace Centers, the Peace MGI seeks endowed and directed gifts and commitments for global grants in the Peace and Conflict Prevention/Resolution Area of Focus. |
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Pocatello Takes Tree Project to Next Level![]() Rotary Club of Pocatello members Marc, Terry, Summer, Keeven and Bill enhanced their tree planting project by helping Idaho Fish and Game install a drip system on 6 acres along the Portneuf River, which will feed the 300 trees the club planted in April. They staked every plant with a lath to allow Fish and Game to check trees and the drip much more efficiently. Then, they extended the drip to several areas, replanted a few trees that didn't get enough water, sprayed thistles, and rebuilt the main drip manifold with more valves and control. "It's all working better now," Marc says, "some trees are really booming." Marking each tree will help Fish and Game more-accurately mow the area and make rodents more vulnerable. |
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Foundation MonthWhen I first joined Rotary, I couldn’t understand why I would contribute funds outside of my community (Nampa). The schools have a significant reduced and free lunch population – an indication of poverty. For a few years, that was my perspective, but then my perspective changed. I attended for the first time, a Rotary International Convention. I hadn’t traveled much internationally and thus my world view was very limited. At the convention I met Rotarians from around the world. We shared stories and talked about what they were doing in Rotary, and why they were a Rotarian. I realized that week, that we are more alike than we are different and my definition of community changed. I realized that I wanted to support my community and I was no longer bound by a zip code. |
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Basic Education and Literacy MonthAs I visit with clubs, I'm talking about sustainability and its significance in impacting long-term outcomes. We know that the primary anecdote to poverty is education and literacy. As such, this month's Rotary theme resonates with many of us as we continually strive to create lasting change around the globe, and in our communities. This time of year, clubs are busy ordering and prepping dictionaries to deliver to students in their local communities. Members typically love this project because of the direct positive interaction that takes place with the benefactor. It's very rewarding, and teachers appreciate the gift as much as the students. If you're looking for additional education and literacy projects, I'd like to share with you some ideas.
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Message from RI President Ian Risely![]() My Fellow Rotarians, Texas and Louisiana are just beginning what we know will be a long road to recovery after Hurricane Harvey. Meanwhile, Hurricane Irma is in the Caribbean and headed for Florida and the Atlantic coast of the United States. When disaster strikes, Rotarians reach out and ask how they can help. Rotary International staff contact district governors in affected areas to determine how best to direct any offers of aid. To that end, they have been in touch with governors in Texas, Louisiana and the Caribbean about hurricane relief. |
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No Wild Polio Cases Reported This Week![]() Today we Celebrate the Impact of Frontline Polio Eradication Workers. People like Khalida, a supervisor of one of the female vaccination teams in Karachi, Pakistan, are game changers in the Polio Eradication effort. Khalida's influence has been critical in overcoming myths about vaccination and in building trust among communities there. World Polio Day is October 24, 2017 - See this link for ideas about How to Host Your Own World Polio Day Event. On August 11th, the United Kingdom pledged $130 million toward the fight to eradicate polio, further reducing the $1.5 Billion funding shortfall to reach our 2019 Polio Eradication funding goals. Three new cases of cVDPV2 were reported in Syria. The total number of cVDPV2 cases is 30. The first mOPV2 round was carried out successfully in Deir Ez-Zor governorate between 22-26 July. A total of 259,958 children under 5 years of age were vaccinated, representing overall administrative coverage of 79%. Among the children vaccinated, 24% were under 12 months of age. Mayadeen district—the epicenter of the outbreak—achieved a 94% vaccination rate. Today’s Polio Eradication Fundraising Idea: Recognition. Club leadership should have access to your Club Recognition Summary report. From it, you can tell which of your members are near the Paul Harris Fellow levels. Ask those who are close to the $1,000 or $2,000 level to make a PolioPlus donation of the required amount, then celebrate their support of Global Polio Eradication when they receive their Paul Harris Certificate and pin. The Final Three Endemic Countries:Pakistan: No new Polio cases reported this week. Three cases reported in 2017 -the most recent from the Killa Abdullah Balochistan province with an onset on 6/10/17. Twenty Polio cases were reported in 2016. A special vaccination round is being implemented during August 2017 targeting areas with recent polio cases and positive environmental samples. These include Rawalpindi/Islamabad and demographically connected areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Quetta Block and parts of Karachi. Two new WPV1-positive environmental samples were reported in the past week, collected on July 7, from Karachi. Afghanistan: No new Polio cases reported this week. Five cases reported in 2017 - the most recent from Kandahar with the onset of paralysis on 6/19/17. Thirteen Polio cases were reported in 2016. A new NID Campaign starts today 8/14/17 concentrating on Southern Afghanistan. One new Polio-positive environmental sample was collected this week in Afghanistan, collected on 7/7/17 from Lashkargah in Hilmand Province. Nigeria: No new Polio cases reported this week.Four Polio cases reported in 2016 - with no cases reported in 2015. The most recent case was reported on 8/2016 on Borno State. Terry Ziegler, Rotary District 5890 Polio Eradication Chair & Zone 21B/27 PHS Coordinator |
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Idaho Falls Rotary Adopts Out 21,784 Ducks![]() Ove ![]() To see this year's winners and videos, click here. For more information on Heritage Park, go to www.ifparkplans.com |
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TRF Update![]() Led by Boise Metro at $389/capita, we donated $219,308 to the Annual Fund. The SHARE designation of the Annual Fund supports district grants and global grants to Rotarians and Rotary clubs to advance our mission. The other clubs whose giving exceeded $200/capita were Boise Sunrise at $279 followed by Boise Southwest at $276 and Blue Lakes-Twin Falls at $231. Twenty clubs in all exceeded the district benchmark of $100/capita (district average $122) and 81% of our clubs achieved or exceeded the goal they set. Again led by Boise Metro at $123/capita, we donated $66,493 to PolioPlus. Our contributions were matched by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation 2:1. The only other club to exceed $100/capita for PolioPlus was Hailey at $102. The district average for polio support was $37/capita. Of the all but four clubs making contributions to PolioPlus, 30 of them met their goals, and 25 of those exceeded the $20/capita district benchmark for polio giving. $6,720 went to the Endowment Fund and $50,385 were contributions to humanitarian grants. Your generous donations to The Rotary Foundation, our charity, are empowering Rotary members to continue fighting disease, reducing poverty, providing clean water, promoting peace, and advancing economic development in communities all over the world and right here at home. To see how your club did in 2017-18 in Foundation support, review the Monthly Contribution Report and PolioPlus Report for June 2017 available to club officers at www.rotary.org. Marianne Barker, D5400 Rotary Foundation Chair |
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Invite RYLA Students To Speak To At Your ClubThe students your club sponsored are looking forward to sharing their RYLA experiences with you. Invite your RYLArians to come to a club meeting before the middle of September – it will be the highlight of your meeting. RYLA 2017 was a great success with 80 students and 16 leaders all developing their leadership skills, facing their fears and valuing what makes us all unique. We heard stories that made us cry, courage that had us cheering, and compassion where we shared our RYLove. Thank you generous Rotarians for making this live changing leadership camp possible. Here are some quotes from the students: “My experience at RYLA 2017 was absolutely amazing! It was definitely the opportunity of a lifetime.” “I learned how to leave all the things that don't let me be happy behind.” “In these short few days I honestly believe my life is permentatly changed. I can not thank you enough for this experience.” ![]() |
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Nampa Rotary Provides Backpacks for Kids![]() While the backpacks were filled with much-needed school supplies, several kids will also use them for the weekend food program, where their packs will be stuffed with food on Friday for weekend meals throughout the school year. The Salvation Army's need for packs this year was three times the amount of year’s past. Thank you for making these packs possible and supporting the kids in our community! Rhea Allen and Jennifer Deroin, Rotary Club of Nampa |
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In Loving Memory of Phil Sansotta![]() Philip lived a rich and selfless life. He served during World War II as a Chief Petty Officer in the United States Navy. He continued as a public servant in various branches of the federal government, finishing his career as the Idaho District Director for the Internal Revenue Service. He continued his service in retirement through various pursuits including his church and Rotary International where he served as District Governor. Philip was a member of the Italian American Club, and served as Corrispondente Consolare for the Italian Consulate. In all aspects, he truly lived a life above self and demonstrated the values and beliefs of Catholicism. He was a wonderful person who inspired so many. Philip had an unending sense of humor and was an insightful, wise man who was always willing to take a moment to advise without judgement. In recent days Phil spoke of his love for his friends and family and stated, "it was such a privilege to serve you." Philip was predeceased by his wife of 58 years, Barbara Jane Sansotta, who passed away in 2003. They had a wonderful life together that included bringing eight children into the world. He later married Maura Holly-Sansotta and together they enjoyed several years of global travel. Funeral services were held at Saint Mary's Catholic Church and Cloverdale Cemetery on August 21st. A memorial service will be held at noon, Tuesday, August 29th, 2017, at St Mary's Catholic Church, 2612 West State Street, Boise, Idaho 83702. Many have very distinct memories of Philip and his understanding of grace. His outlook of life amidst all he had been through is beyond admirable. We can only strive to be a fraction of the man he was. We love and miss him and are better people because of him. Published in Idaho Statesman on Aug. 22, 2017 |
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July Polio Update![]() Global Leaders and Key Donors took the stage on 6/12/17 at the Atlanta RI Convention to pledge their support for the effort to End Polio, committing a total of $1.2 Billion toward the Global Polio Eradication $1.5 Billion funding gap. Our 2017-18 Goal will be $50 Million (as it will be each of the next three years) - which the Gates Foundation has pledged to match $100 Mil to our $50 Mil per year. World Polio Day - October 24, 2017 - See this link for ideas about How to Host Your Own World Polio Day Event. Many Districts leave part or all of their District Designated Funds (DDF) unspent. RI President Ian is asking each District to donate 20% of their DDF to PolioPlus. I am proud to report that District 5890 did so this week - giving $44,034 to END POLIO NOW. Quote of the day - "Optimism is what brings us to Rotary. But Rotary is not a place for those who are only dreamers. It is a place for those with the ability, the capacity, and the compassion for fruitful service.” Sam F. Owori, 1941-2017 Syria - No new cases of circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus type 2 (cVDPV2) were reported in the past week. The total number of cVDPV2 cases remains 27. The Final Three Endemic Countries:Pakistan: No new Polio cases reported this week. Three cases reported in 2017 the most recent with an onset on 6/10/17. 20 Polio cases were reported in 2016. Five country-wide vaccination campaigns have been held in Pakistan since October 2016, preparing for the 2017 high season for poliovirus transmission. Six new WPV1-positive environmental samples were reported in the past week, all collected in July. Afghanistan: No new Polio cases reported this week. Three cases reported in 2017 -the most recent on 6/10/17. 20 Polio cases were reported in 2016. Five country-wide vaccination campaigns have been held in Pakistan since October 2016. Six new WPV1-positive environmental samples were reported in the past week, all collected in July. Nigeria: No new Polio cases reported this week. Four Polio cases reported in 2016 - with no cases reported in 2015. The most recent case was reported on 8/2016 on Borno State. Terry Ziegler, Rotary District 5890 Polio Eradication Chair & Zone 21B/27 PHS Coordinator |
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Rotary President-elect Sam F. Owori diesRotary International President-elect Sam F. Owori died unexpectedly on 13 July due to complications from surgery. Sam was a mem Rotary President-elect Sam F. Owori died Thursday. “Rotary has become a way of life for me – with the intrinsic value and core belief in mutual responsibility and concern for one another as a cornerstone,” Sam said when he was nominated last year. “I feel immense satisfaction knowing that through Rotary, I’ve helped someone live better.” Sam's term as Rotary’s 108th president would have begun on 1 July 2018. “Please remember Sam as the outstanding, hard-working Rotarian he was,” said Rotary International President Ian Riseley. “In this difficult time, I ask you to keep his wife, Norah, the Owori family and Sam’s millions of friends around the world in your thoughts.” Under Sam’s leadership, the number of clubs in Uganda swelled from nine to 89 over the course of 29 years. Sam saw in Rotary members "an incredible passion to make a difference," and wanted to "harness that enthusiasm and pride so that every project becomes the engine of peace and prosperity."
He served as member and chair of several boards including FAULU (U) Ltd., (now Opportunity Bank), the Uganda Heart Institute, the Centre for African Family Studies, Mulago Hospital Complex, Mukono Theological College, and the Kampala City Council. Sam also was the currently vice-chair of the Hospice Africa Uganda, and member of the board and chair of the Audit Committee of PACE (Programme for Accessible Health, Communication and Education) in Uganda. “Sam was a special person in so many ways, and his unexpected death is a huge loss to Rotary, his community and the world,” Riseley said. “In addition, we are establishing details on plans to celebrate his life as they become available.” Rotary is establishing a memorial fund in Sam's honor and will provide further details soon. Source: Rotary.org From District Governor Terry Jones![]() May God forever be with Norah and family. |
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Idaho Rotary Celebrates 100 YearsDid you know that the Boise Downtown Rotary Club is the oldest club in Idaho? The move to organize Idaho's first Rotary Club began with a letter dated June 30, 1916 from R. R. Alexander, the club’s eventual first secretary, to Dr. F. C. Witherspoon of Montana, the Governor of the District 14 International Association of Rotary Clubs. Subsequent correspondence with Dr. Witherspoon and International Secretary Chesley R. Perry resulted in the designation of Charles E. Cochran, President of the Portland Club, as acting Deputy District Governor, to assist the Boise Club with its organizational plans. On March 2, 1917 a list of 100 approved classifications was received from Secretary Perry and the Organization Committee began to work rapidly. On March 29, they met for lunch at the Chamber of Commerce and created a temporary organization. The Boise Rotary Club was installed at an Owyhee Hotel Banquet attended by more than 100 prominent business and professional men from Boise, Portland and Salt Lake City on April 28, 1917. A gala celebrating Idaho's 100-year anniversary was held June 24, 2017 at the Boise Centre, where Idaho Governor C.L. "Butch" Otter proclaimed the week of June 18-24, 2017 as Idaho Rotary Centennial Week. Source: http://boiserotary.org/history |
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Conflict and the 2009 D5400 Ambassadorial Scholar![]() “Without the scholarship I probably wouldn’t have been able to go to London,” Jillian told me during a conversation earlier this week, “I wanted to study for my masters abroad. It enabled me to do that.” She went on to obtain her second Masters in Applied Quantitative Research at New York University. With her knowledge, Jillian founded Global Insight, a research, data, and monitoring and evaluation consultancy specializing in the use of data-driven and gender-sensitive methods in fragile states. Since 2011, she’s led Global Insight's portfolio of gender-based violence, peacebuilding/conflict and humanitarian projects, working with UNHCR, UN Women, Save the Children, the UN Trust Fund, the International Rescue Committee, and countless other INGOs. “Conflict is human, it’s what humans do. I was working in Nigeria on a peace-building program and the major conflict was the fight of time and all eternity: Herders against farmers. This is the fight we’ve been having forever. It’s every day. Perhaps we need to just accept this as human nature,” Jillian explained, “but there are large-scale mass atrocities that I would like to see stopped. There’s no need for us to have gigantic displaced populations like refugees and famine. We can work those conflicts out through diplomacy.” Her new project, Women in Conflict, brings global awareness to the sometimes-misconstrued female roles in conflict zones. “What I want from this project is to break open the definition “woman” in a conflict setting. Right now we think of women as passive victims, but that’s inaccurate. I want their voices and experiences to be heard and spark discussion about them as active participants. Just because you aren’t looking doesn’t mean it’s not there.” Through uncensored stories of the actual women she researches, Jillian brings clarity to their involvement that either reinforces the traditional gender role of caregiver and peace-builder, or counters it by revealing other roles such as violent combatant. “It’s dangerous for these women to come forward, but many of them have already taken that risk; Life itself is a risk when living in a conflict setting. They are often women who have already elevated themselves to some degree as community leaders.” The conversation then turned to thoughts on Rotary International’s next mission to end human trafficking. “It’s a valuable cause and I support it,” she said, “The power Rotary has is amazing - they made a gigantic imprint on Polio, and I think they can do that similarly with human trafficking. It’s valiant.” While we spoke I could hear the sounds of Jillian’s treasures being packed into boxes as she prepared to move from California to Connecticut, where she’ll be starting at Yale this fall. While she is clearly a capable and passionate woman, I wonder how much harder it would have been to achieve her successes without the help of the 2009 D5400 Leadership Team and Boise Metro Rotary. It’s proof that any district, any club or any person can make a global impact. Michela Swarthout, Boise Centennial Rotary |
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30 Years Ago: Duarte Stands Against RI for WomenWhile the first Rotary club was established in February 1905, it took 82 years for the California Supreme Court to rule that disallowing women to join was gender discrimination and unconstitutional, which paved the way for global female Rotarians. The road to this moment in history was not a friendly one. It started when Rotary Club of Duarte in Las Lomas, California inducted two female members, which was when Rotary International decided to terminate the club's RI membership status for violating the Rotary constitution. The club filed suit against RI for violating the California Unruh Act, which bans business establishments from discriminating based many factors, including gender. The state actually ruled in favor of RI because it didn't see Rotary clubs as businesses. However, when an appeal was filed, the previous ruling was reversed after the Court of Appeal identified several "businesslike attributes" of RI, including its complex structure, large staff, budget, and extensive publishing activities. As a result, the court ordered the reinstatement of the club and restricted RI from enforcing its gender-specific membership requirements. ![]() Michela Swarthout, D5400 Bulletin Lady |
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200 Miles of Rotary Friends![]() What can you do to share the Rotary story? Todd Fischer, Proud member of the Rotary Club of Boise |
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Who is John Lodal?![]() "I am a proud Rotarian and greatly enjoy the various projects we support around town," says John. "I am thrilled and a bit intimidated to be taking on this new set of responsibilities but I know I have a strong committee to work with and I know that all of you have my back as well." Beyond Rotary, John is also the new Chairman of the Board of Semilla Nueva; an NGO in Guatemala that many of us are familiar with. He loves to travel, garden and ski, and he plays trombone in the Boise Straight Ahead Big Band. His first public show this year is on Aug. 17 at the Idaho Botanical Garden for the Great Garden Escape concert series, so you should attend and show support for our talented fellow! If you can't make it, he will also be playing at Lobsterfest on Sept. 8. |
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District 5400 at the RI National ConventionWith at least 6 members in attendance, District 5400 was well-represented at the Rotary International Convention in Atlanta June 11th-14th. One of the highlights included Rotary International President John Germ announcing that eradication efforts would require another $1.5 billion dollars, $50 million of which would come from Rotary over the next three years. Following this announcement, The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation pledged a 2 for 1 match, making a collective commitment of $450 million. Other agencies and countries followed suit and in total, $1.2 billion was raised to end the fight against Polio. Gates noted, "It's easy to forget why this fight is so important, but to me, there is one particularly important statistic; 16 million people can walk today because they didn't contract polio." Coca-Cola's CEO James Quincy made his first public appearance at the RI Convention, voicing Coca-Cola’s commitment to clean water, empowering women and other humanitarian efforts. This was followed by shared Cokes among supportive attendees. We are proud to say that Rotary Club of Nampa member Kenton Lee was featured on the front page of the RI Convention program for efforts of his nonprofit The Shoe that Grows. He also hosted a booth at the House of Friendship. Another highlight included the inaugural Women in Rotary awards at the Jimmy Carter Presidential Library & Museum, which featured homage to Sylvia Whitlock, the first woman Rotary Club President in 1987-88. Jennifer Deroin and Rhea Allen, Rotary Club of Nampa |
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June Polio Update![]() Team Rotary Bicycle Race Across America raced from Oceanside, CA to Annapolis, MD this month in an effort to raise money and awareness of Polio eradication. Last year the team raised $300,000, which was matched by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. With PolioPlus, Polio eradication donations can be made quickly, easily, and securely on any device. The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation pledged to match up to $50 Million of Rotarian raised donations 2 to 1 for the next three years, so our Goal is set. The Final Three Endemic Countries:Pakistan: No new Polio cases reported this week. Two cases reported in 2017, the most recent from the Diamir district, Gilgit Baltistan province with an onset on 2/13/17. 20 Polio cases were reported in 2016. No new WPV1 positive environmental samples were reported in the past week. Afghanistan: No new Polio cases reported this week. Four cases reported in 2017 - the most recent in the Nawzad district, Hilmand with the onset of paralysis on 4/16/17. 13 Polio cases were reported in 2016. No new Polio-positive environmental samples were collected this week in Afghanistan. Nigeria: No new Polio cases reported this week. Four Polio cases reported in 2016 - with no cases reported in 2015. The most recent case was reported on 8/2016 in Borno State. |
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Boise Centennial Gets Their Hands Dirty![]() For the past two years Giraffe Laugh has been the beneficiary of Boise Centennial's annual Winter Wine'd Up event. We look forward to our partnership for many years to come! |
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Rotary Youth Closet Project in PocatelloThe Gate City Rotary Club of Pocatello recently had the dedication and ribbon cutti ![]() The project was first envisioned by club member Molly Swallow after a presentation to the club by Kent Hobbs, Pocatello School District #25 Director of Student Support Services. He revealed that there are over 170 homeless and at-risk youth in the school district. The need of these students for basic necessities of toiletries, such as toothpaste, toothbrushes, and sanitary products, plus certain clothing and other essentials was an ongoing challenge to provide. Molly suggested applying for a district grant to help share in the finances needed to help accomplish the goal of having a place where students could acquire these essentials. ![]() The Gate City Rotary Club is so thankful that the district offers the means to help provide the resources needed to serve others in the community of Pocatello and around the world. Tim Bridges, President, Gate City Rotary Club of Pocatello |
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Youth Exchange Students are Coming and Going this Summer |
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CLUBS HONORED AT DISTRICT CONFERENCEDistrict Governor Hogge honored some of our special clubs for their outstanding work this year:Humanity in Motion Award: Boise Sunrise Honorable Mention: Boise and EmmettMembership Star: Boise MetroPublic Image Star: Boise & Idaho FallsYouth Exchange Star: Boise SunriseRYLA: Idaho FallsSpecial Award: Kevin Bradshaw, Twin Falls (for all his support for District 5400) |
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GOVERNOR'S MESSAGE - CELEBRATING THE NEXT 100 YEARS![]() This will be my last correspondence as District Governor. I would like to thank all of you for an outstanding experience. In the last three years, I have had the privilege to be immersed in Rotary. The best and most enduring memory from this time will be all the Rotarians that have touched me in our District. Your dedication and passion for helping others is inspiring. Most importantly, you are all wonderful people. Thank you! We just completed the District Conference in Sun Valley. Our conference theme, “Celebrating the Next 100 Years of Service,” was seen throughout the event. We shared our service projects and were inspired hearing our RIM Talks (Rotary Inspires Me). The Youth Exchange and RYLA students were fabulous. Saturday morning is the time that we see how important and impactful our youth programs are. I hope you enjoyed our speakers: Steve Burns & Steve Merrill, Bob Lupton, and Greg Podd. They each had a different, but important message for all of us. For everyone who attended District Conference, the bumper sticker “Proud to Be a Rotarian” is a gift from me to you. I hope you will put it on your car. This is first bumper sticker I have ever used. It adheres without glue and mine has made it through many car washes. The goal is to make Rotary more visible in our towns. I hope that all of you that attended the Conference will tell others in your club about your experience at District Conference. It would be great for have more Rotarians there to share the experience. I know Terry Jones will have an outstanding conference next year, so plan now to attend. I was talking with a very new member in my club about the Conference. He is in his early 30’s. He told me that he was planning on attending next year based on his experience at this year’s Conference. He learned much about Rotary and was inspired to do more. Again, thanks for a wonderful experience and I will see all of you in the future, Jim |
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SO, WHO WON THE RAFFLE??Prize List Winner
Vacation Winner Julie Dunn Nampa ![]() Vacation Selling Rotarian Corey Dupont Nampa Club TV Stephy Smith Hailey Canon Camera Robin Watkins Salmon Xbox 1 Sylvia Haase Boise SW Amazon Echo Nancy Chin Boise Fire HD Tablet Stephy Smith Hailey Roku Box Sean McCallister McCall $100 Gift Card Hector Miramontes Buhl $100 Gift Card Lari Vander Beck East Idaho Falls |
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D5400 WELCOMES BAKER CITYFive Baker City Rotary members had the opportunity to attend the annual Rotary District Conference for district 5400. Our club has been in district 5100 (mainly Oregon) since 1956 when it was chartered. We made the decision for geographical reasons to move to the "Idaho" district and we decided to attend the conference to get more familiar with what we will be involved in beginning in July! We learned a lot and had a great time! We might each choose different things as the highlight but for me it was hearing Robert Lupton speak! Robert Lupton is the author of a book called "Toxic Charity" and has been involved with helping the needy people for more than 45 years! Pictured: Janice Nelson, Dotty Miles, Lloyd Nelson, Tom Hudson, Ken Krohn, and Mari Krohn (taking picture was Peggy Hudson) |
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FORMER RYLArians COMPETE IN CHEER |
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SUNRISE STUDENT ART CONTESTTerry Gilbert
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HOGGE PASSES THE TORCH! |
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RYLA Aug 3-6RYLA 2017 Camp information now available - click here |
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Twin Falls Rotary Bites of Brilliances 2016On February 24, 2016 The Twin Falls Rotary Club presented a program called "Bites of Brilliances". You can see the promotional video here.
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FOUNDATION NEWS - SIGN UP FOR SEMINARS![]() September marks the onset of the district’s Rotary Foundation seminars for 2015-16, starting Sept. 26 in Pocatello and followed by Twin Falls on Oct. 3. Treasure Valley seminar will be Nov. 21. We have lots to cover: district grant reporting requirements & guidelines for improving grant applications, club qualification for global grants, the end game of PolioPlus, ideas for stimulating Annual Fund giving. The training will be specific, and you will leave knowing more than when you arrived. Who should attend? Foundation chairs, incoming leaders, grants managers, club treasurers. Don’t let your club be left behind because no one attended one of our training sessions. AGENDA TO BE PUBLISHED SOON. Register and prepay now at www.rotary5400.org.
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SEEKING CANDIDATES FOR D.G.![]() Time has come again to seek nominations for governor to serve D5400 in Rotary year 2017-18. Clubs should begin thinking of qualified candidates within their membership. To be district governor, a Rotarian must have served one full term as club president (or partial term in the case of a charter president), be a member in good standing of a functioning club in the district, and demonstrate the willingness, commitment and ability, to fulfill the duties and responsibilities of the office of governor. It is beneficial that candidates have served the district in a leadership capacity, as an officer on the District Leadership Council, as Assistant Governor, or as chair of a district committee or significant subcommittee. As chair of the District Governor Nominating Committee, PDG Marianne Barker will notify clubs soon to send her the names of qualified candidates. PDG Marianne can be reached at mb@mariannebarker.com or by calling (208) 308-5617, if you have questions.
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IDAHO FALLS WELCOMES BIG DUCK![]() ![]() PDG Marianne Barker and Past President Jackie Flowers host House of Friendship for the Rotary Club of Idaho Falls, at the 24th Annual Duck Race. The event was held at the Presidential Suite at the Hotel on the Falls, in Idaho Falls, ID on August 9, 2014. Below the House of Friendship was a six story tall rubber duck.
How wonderful that the Rotary Club of Idaho Falls welcomes to Idaho the “World’s Largest Rubber Duck”. This humongous yellow ducky knows no frontiers. Surely it must be lost! It doesn’t discriminate against any people and doesn’t have a religious or political connotation, all in keeping with Rotary ideals. The cuddly, Rubber Duck is here to visit the gem of our city: The Idaho Falls Snake River Greenbelt. The rubber duck is soft, friendly and appealing to all ages.
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GILBERT TO REPRESENT D5400 AT LEGISLATIVE COUNCILEvery three years, one Rotarian from every district worldwide meets at the Rotary Council on Legislation to review and vote on legislation. The next Council meeting is scheduled for April 2016.
PDG Richard Sagness served as our representative in 2010 and PDG Rusty Broughton served in 2013. I am serving in 2016. The most recent Council dealt with 200 enactments and resolutions. Of this number, 52 items were withdrawn, 81 items failed, 8 items were referred to the Board and 59 items passed.
Here are five changes made by the Council of general interest.
• Failed attendance “shall” changed to “may” be subject to termination
• The minimum age removed from Rule of 85’s (formerly age 65)
• Excused Absence is not counted against attendance
• “Homemakers” are now allowed to be members.
• Dues will increase $1 per year – 2014-2015
All the changes are embodied in Rotary International’s Manual of Procedure which is available on-line.
Here are two items currently being discussed.
• Malaria Eradication to replace Polio Eradication as major organizational goal, once latter achieved
• District Governor candidate must have attended at least 2 district conferences.
Legislation must be received at RI headquarters by 31 December 2014. There are no exceptions to this deadline. Club legislation must be endorsed by the clubs in the district of origination.
Do you or your club have proposals for the Council on Legislation? Are there changes you would like to see proposed?
If yes, please contact me at 208-695-9262 or glennsson@q.com no later than October 3.
PDG Terry Gilbert (2010-11) with special thanks to PDG Marianne Barker for sharing COL information from a power point presentation from D5030
Terry Gilbert
Rotary Past District Governor 2010-11
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TWIN FALLS RYLA ANOTHER SUCCESS! |
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FOUNDATION REPORTS ARE POSTED - HOW'D YA DO??![]() Fiscal year-end contributions have been posted and we have our final results for donations to The Rotary Foundation last year. District 5400 clubs hit it out of the park!
ANNUAL FUND: Total amount = $221,733 ($28,971 more than 2008-09, our previous high)
POLIOPLUS: Total amount = $66,827 ($17,012 more than 2010-11, our previous high)
Go to www.rotary5400.org/District Docs and Downloads/Rotary Foundation to see how your club did compared to others in the district, both in percentage of goal achievement and per capita giving. D5400 Rotarians rock!
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DARL BENNETT TAKES OVER AS D5400 EXECDarl Bennett of the Pocatello Club has accepted the invitation from the District Leadership Council to serve as District Governor Executive Assistant for the coming Rotary Year. In this part-time position, Darl will serve as the administrative professional for the District Governor and the District Leadership Council. His duties include publishing the district directory, keeping current our data on both the Rotary International and district web sites, and to serve as the fiscal administrator for the district. If you have questions about district policies, procedures, expense reimbursement, or any of the administrative functions of our district and clubs, contact Darl at darl.bennett@rotary5400org
Darl succeeds Richard Cook of the Twin Falls club who served for many years as the district’s first Executive Assistant.
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GOVERNOR'S MESSAGE![]() The theme for the 2014-2015 Rotary year is “LIGHT UP ROTARY”. A perfect theme and concept as we Rotarians in Idaho’s District 5400 look for ways to strengthen our clubs, contribute our part to eradicate polio, and serve humanity around the world.
How do we LIGHT UP ROTARY in the world? I suggest we start right here in our clubs and take time to learn the “international” part of Rotary International. Let’s take time in our club meetings this year to learn about the global impact of the Rotary Foundation, and how our clubs are part of that great movement. Let’s talk about polio eradication, knowing that experts are predicting that this horrific disease will be eradicated from earth by 2018. Make sure every Rotarian meets and talks to one of our Rotary Youth Exchange international guests. ![]() How do we LIGHT UP ROTARY in our communities? I have come to believe that every Rotary community in our district is stronger than those without Rotary influence. Look at the parks, the monuments, the community assets built by earlier generations of Rotarians. Now it’s our turn; we LIGHT UP ROTARY in our communities by sinking our Rotarian claws into meaningful, relevant projects in our communities so that all citizens from all walks of life want to become part of what we are. I suggest the Rotary International global polio eradication project started in 1985 can serve as a model for any community based project…..audacious, huge, relevant, and one that other powerful individuals and organizations want to join. Each club must ask whether their community projects are more like eradicating polio, or more like having a bake sale.
Finally, we must LIGHT UP ROTARY in the hearts of our Rotarians. Sometimes we get so busy with the what of Rotary, we forget the why. Let us never forget Rotary’s unique selling proposition; Service Above Self. I use poetic license to slightly re-arrange the words of the beautiful prayer of St. Francis:
Lord, make us, as Rotarians, instruments of your peace.
Where there is hatred; let us, as Rotarians, sow love. Where there is injury; let us, as Rotarians, bring pardon. Where there is discord; let us, as Rotarians, teach harmony. Where there is error; let us, as Rotarians, defend truth. Where there is doubt; let us, as Rotarians, demonstrate faith Where there is despair; let us, as Rotarians, deliver hope. Where there is sadness: let us, as Rotarians, bring joy. Where there is darkness; let us as Rotarians, be a light Let us LIGHT UP ROTARY in world, in our communities, and in our hearts.
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TWIN FALLS ROTARY AND "PAINT MAGIC" |
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ROTARY SEMILLA NUEVA TRIP IN NOVEMBER![]() As you know, our Rotary District and many clubs and individuals have embraced Semilla Nueva as not only a project, having now received two Rotary Global Grants, but also a passion. The current Board of Directors is comprised primarily of Rotarians and I am honored to be serving as the Board Chair.
Between District Conference presentations the past three years by Curt Bowen, the ED, and personal visits and presentations to clubs across the District by many, but primarily Curt and Rotarian Mike Sieler, awareness of Semilla Nueva has grown. While many see the need and feel compelled to become involved, speaking from personal experience, it is really the opportunity to spend time in the communities, share food and smiles with the farmers and families that benefit and develop a human connection where the impact we can have is really made. Please consider joining your fellow Rotarians for another trip to Guatemala in November. Click here to see the itinerary and all the details. P.S. Do you recall the piggy banks that Kathleen left with each club when she was DG? Her original goal was to collect funds for a microcredit project in Tanzania. Well, that didn't pan out, so, with the approval of the clubs who participated, those funds have been donated to Semilla Nueva, which enabled it to complete the requirements of the second Global Grant. - Ed.
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DISTRICT BLOCK GRANT APPS DUE AUGUST 31For the 2014/2015 year District 5400 has $27,365 of funds to distribute for the block grant to our clubs. This year’s deadline to apply is August 31st, 2014. There are step by step instructions on the district web site, under the grants tab, on how to apply. Also please visit the matchinggrants.org web site, under district grants, to see what projects are being completed all over the world and in our district.
Here are a few bullets on the District Block Grant:
Please start thinking about powerful projects for your club and community and submit the grant application on line, no later than August 31st, 2014.
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ROTARY LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE IN PLANNING MODEPlans are underway for this year's edition of the Rotary Leadership Institute. The three session event will begin in September. For now, organizers are looking for graduates who be interested in serving as "facilitators". If you'd like to join the team, contact Rick Phillips. Start thinking about who from your club might be a good candidate for this year's class. Stay tuned.
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GOVERNOR SETS VISION AND GOALSVISION
By July 1, 2015, District 5400 will be a vibrant Rotary Organization comprised of 43 community-based clubs with 1,945 members who reflect the diversity, geography, heritage, and promise of Idaho and Western Oregon Communities. Each club has a unique vision of its future and its relevance in community and global humanitarian service, providing each Rotarian a personal sense of mission for belonging and contribution.
Our New Generations initiative integrates Rotary’s youth programs; RYLA, INTERACT, ROTARACT, and YOUTH EXCHANGE, to change the lives of our youth through leadership development, community and global humanitarian service, and adventure. New Generations introduces the world of Rotary to students at various stages of their development, and provides opportunities for students to connect with established clubs to bring new energy, fresh ideas, and relevance to clubs and their communities.
Rotary International is the preferred non-partisan, non-religious humanitarian service movement in Idaho and Western Oregon for individuals who believe in Service Above Self.
OBJECTIVES
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MEET RICK PHILLIPS, 2014-2015 DISTRICT GOVERNOR![]() Rick Phillips joined the Pocatello, Idaho Rotary Club in 1990 when he began his career with the J.R. Simplot Company. Rick was persuaded to attend a regional Rotary conference hosted by then Rotary International President Richard King. He returned home convinced that Rotary International was “the most important non-religious, non-government, non-partisan” organization on the planet. Since then, he has served on his club’s Board of Directors for two separate terms, and was elected club president for 2006-2007. He has also served as a charter facilitator for the Rotary Leadership Institute in Zone 5400. He will serve as District Governor for District 5400 in 2014-2015.
Born and raised on a dairy farm in Dayton, Idaho, Rick attended Utah State University where he received degrees in Agriculture Economics and Journalism. His career includes working as an Ag Banker in Eastern Idaho, serving as Assistant to the Director with the Idaho Department of Agriculture, and since 1990, working for the J.R. Simplot Company as manager of public relations, both in the corporate office and in Pocatello.
Active in civic and community affairs, Rick has served on a number of local, state, and national organizational boards. He is past Chairman of the Idaho Chapter of the American Red Cross, serves on the boards of St. Luke’s Children’s Hospital Advisory board, the Idaho Digital Learning Academy, the Lewis/Clark Blood Services region of the American Red Cross, and currently chairs the Idaho Council on Economic Education.
Rick and his wife, Kerry, have six adult children and an increasing quiver of grandchildren.
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DISTRICT CONFERENCE WAS GREAT FUN!![]() The 2014 District 5400 Conference was held May 16-17 at the Sun Valley Resort in Ketchum, Idaho. Some 230 Rotarians from the District's 43 clubs enjoyed two days of great presentations, great food and fabulous fellowship. Friday afternoon's Rotary Cafe sessions on an number of topics were well attended. The Friday evening banquet featured the winner of the Paul Harris Look-alike contest (Gene Day) and an inspirational talk by award winning Journalist Penny LeGate. The Paul Harris contest raised $5500 for PolioPlus! Saturday featured the annual presentation of about 30 of our inbound, outbound and rebound exchange students, as well as presentations by RYLA and Interact youth. Our future ius on good hands! Saturday's luncheon speaker was Gary Hollick, a Canadian newspaper publisher who told of his rise from teenage trouble-maker to Rotary District Governor. The Saturday evening banquet of prime rib featured club awards and raffle ticket and silent auction winners. Outgoing District Governor Marianne Barker gave her "farewell address" as she passed the gavel to incoming DG Rick Phillips, who presented his "inaugural address". It was a great weekend! Many thanks to the Sun Valley Resort staff who treated us royally.
Raffle Ticket Winners:
Greg Bloomfield (Hailey Rotary Club) - cruise - sold himself the winning ticket
Joyce Hanney - TV - seller is Mary Reiman from Boise Metro Jackie Fields - IPad Air - seller is Melinda Anderson from Twin Falls Rotary Club Chet Kasper - Ipad Mini - seller is Chet Kasper from Idaho Falls Rotary club Megan Williams - Kindle Fire HDX - seller is Brian Williams from Jerome Rotary Club Brenda Stegelmeier - Ipod Classic - seller is Cliff Parker from St. Anthony (her dad) Rotary Club Cody Stegelmeier - Ipod Nano - seller is Cliff Parker from St. Anthony Rotary Club |
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IMPORTANT NOTICE FROM CLUBRUNNERClubRunner has advised that they will be down for service updates on Thursday, May 15th, from 7:30AM to 10:00AM (MT). On-line registration will not be available during that time.
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ROTARIANS PREPARE FOR DISTRICT CONFERENCERotary Districts all over the world are preparing for their annual District Conferences. Its a time for Rotarians to gather and share their successes for the year, congratulate the outgoing District Governor on a job well done and hear the goals and ambitions of the incoming District Governor. District 5400 will hold its annual event at the Sun Valley Resort in Ketchum, Idaho, on May 16th and 17th. Featured speakers will include Kurt Bowen, Executive Director of Semilla Nueva, journalist Penny LeGate, super-Rotarian Rosemary Aragon and publisher Gary Hollick. The entertainment will include a Paul Harris look-alike contest, silent auction and several service projects in the community. Club awards will be presented and presentations will be made by Rotarians representing Rotary Youth Exchange, RYLA, Interact and our Ambassadorial Scholar. One of the highlights of Annual Conference is the introduction of all inbound and outbound Exchange Students. Click here to see the agenda.
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ROTARY PEACE FELLOWSHIPS AVAILABLEThe 2015 Rotary Peace Fellowship application is now available online. The application deadline is 1 July. Click here for complete information.
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ROTARIAN DICK FIELDS HAS PASSED AWAY![]() Past District Governor Richard C. Fields passed away this morning at the age of 83. Dick received his undergraduate degree, magna cum laude, in economics from Harvard University and his law degree, Order of St. Ives, from the University of Denver College of Law. Dick was the recipient of numerous professional awards, including the Idaho State Bar's Outstanding Service Award (1990), Professionalism Award (1992), and Distinguished Lawyer Award (2000), as well as an Exemplary Service Award from the Federal Bar Association (2008). He has also received the Citation for Meritorious Service from the Rotary Foundation at Rotary International and the William Booth Award from the Salvation Army. Dick served as District governor from 1999-2000. |
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CONFERENCE TO FEATURE FUN CONTEST![]() District 5400's Conference will feature a fun contest where members, guests or spouses can try to look like one of three photos of Paul Harris.
![]() Any creative Rotarian can compete, and he (or she!) who receives the most votes at district conference will be the winner of a Paul Harris Fellow. $1 for PolioPlus = 1 vote. Arrive at the Friday evening conference social hour dressed and coifed like your favorite of the three visions of Paul Harris, and spend the evening convincing conference participants that you are the best look-alike! That will be the fun part. The success part is that you will be raising money for PolioPlus. The best part is that you can accept votes from clubs and Rotarians who aren’t even at the conference! You may start collecting pledges and contributions beginning Saturday, April 19 (Paul Harris' birthday), until noon on Saturday, May 17. You’re only asked to dress as your favorite Paul Harris on Friday evening. To continue the pledge gathering into Saturday at conference, we will post your costumed photograph next to the version of the Paul you aspire to be, allowing Rotarians to continue to “vote” until noon.
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SIGN UP FOR NEWSLETTERS FROM ROTARY INTERNATIONALDid you know that Rotary International publishes fourteen (14) newsletters that you can subscribe to? Newsletters cover specific areas of interest such as Polio, membership, grants, youth exchange, vocational service and many more. (The one called "Weekly Update" is my favorite)
To sign up, just go here: https://www.rotary.org/myrotary/en/member-news/newsletters
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BOISE CLUBS ACHIEVE JULIA DAVIS PARK GOAL![]() |
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SHO-BAN INTERACTx
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LOOK LIKE HIM!![]() ![]() ![]() |
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CONFERENCE REGISTRATION IS OPEN!![]() District 5400 2013-14 Conference
May 16-17, 2014 – Sun Valley, ID
Hosted by the Blue Lakes Rotary Club & District Governor Marianne Barker
Click here to go to the registration page - its quick and easy!
Conference begins with lunch at noon on Friday at the Sun Valley Inn
ROOM RESERVATIONS - SUN VALLEY RESORT
Please contact Sun Valley Resort for reservations (800)786-8259.
Tell them you’re with Rotary!
To find the Conference Agenda and a map of the Sun Valley Resort, go to "District Docs and Downloads/District Conference"
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R.I. PRES-ELECT HUANG ANNOUNCES HIS THEME "Light Up Rotary"![]() Our incoming Rotary International President is Gary C.K. Huang from Taiwan. Mr. Huang has been a Rotarian since 1976 and is a member of the Rotary Club of Taipei, Taiwan. In his business career, he has been involved in banking, insurance and industrial development.
![]() Mr. Huang has announced that his theme for the Rotary year, beginning July1, is "Light up Rotary"...because we have not done enough to show Rotary to the public. His goal is to increase membership world-wide by 50,000. He's confident we can make that happen if we can expand into China. We can also make that happen by tapping into the large body of Rotary Alumni - people who have been involved in Youth Exchange, RYLA, Ambassadorial Scholars, Groups Study Exchange, Rotaractors and Interactors. and here's an idea - get our spouses to join - they certainly know the good that Rotary does! "Some people still think that Rotary is a man's club. I ask them, 'Are you sure your wife is not qualified?'"! Korea, Taiwan and India have made great strides in admitting women; now we have to succeed in too-conservative Japan. (Read the full story in this month's Rotarian magazine).
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ROTARY 105 YEARS AND COUNTING
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PETS WAS A "FLOP".....NOT!About 75 club Presidents-elect and Vice Presidents, along with District leaders and trainers, gathered in Twin Falls March 7-8 for the annual PETS conference. The mission of the conference is to prepare these Rotarians for their year in club leadership. Featured speaker at the Friday night dinner was 1968 Olympian Dick "the Flop" Fosbury, a member of the Ketchum/Sun Valley Rotary Club. Attendees, under the enthusiastic leadership of District Trainer Terry Gilbert, DG Marianne Barker and and DGE Rick Phillips, were enlightened about a bunch of subjects:
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LOOKING FORWARD TO DISTRICT CONFERENCEJOIN BLUE LAKES-TWIN FALLS ROTARY CLUB AND DISTRICT GOVERNOR MARIANNE BARKER IN BEAUTIFUL SUN VALLEY, MAY 16-17, 2014. IDEAS - We want your help and your input! As R/C Blue Lakes-Twin Falls pulls together the final details of this year’s fun and exciting district conference, we have a few slots to fill. What would you like to see offered at Friday afternoon roundtables? What would you like to lead/organize for Saturday afternoon activities? So far on Saturday we have a beer tasting and a wine tasting lined up in the afternoon. Will one of you lead a hike or a bike ride? There will be a 5K fun run early Saturday morning. Contact Michelle@westerra.cc , (208) 410-1836, to share with us your thoughts.
SPONSORSHIPS - Would you like to sponsor our Friday night banquet with Emmy Award-winner Penny LeGate? Our theme is “White-Out Polio”. Wear something white to dinner that night. Would you like to sponsor our Saturday luncheon with speaker PDG Gary Hollick? Rotary changed his future! Would you like to promote your event or business by sponsoring a table during meals? Contact Michelle@westerra.cc , (208) 410-1836 for sponsorship details.
WILL THE REAL PAUL HARRIS PLEASE STAND! - Would you like to enter our Paul Harris look-alike contest? A Paul Harris Fellow will be awarded to the winner! Details to come….
RAFFLE & SILENT AUCTION – It’s a tradition at district conference for clubs to provide one silent auction item and two raffle items to help defray conference expenses. Will you assist again this year? Blue Lakes-Twin Falls is donating a beer festival package that includes two admission fees to the Magic Valley Beer Festival on Aug. 2 and an overnight stay at Red Lion with breakfast. Burley has donated an entry fee and shirt for the Spudman Triathlon on July 26. Promote your club event, pack a basket that shows off your community, share your vacation home, donate something you’ve created. We hope to have silent auction items that are around $100 in value; raffle items up to $25.
SHOP ROTARY – Does your club have a product you sell for fundraising? Would you like to have a table at the district conference to sell that item? Contact Michelle@westerra.cc , (208) 410-1836.
REGISTRATION FOR DISTRICT CONFERENCE IS NOW OPEN. EARLY BIRD DISCOUNT EXPIRES ON APRIL 20TH. CLICK HERE TO GO TO THE REGISTRATION PAGE.
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IDAHO FALLS, HONORS VANETTA, SUPPORTS SHELTERBOX![]() ![]() The Idaho Falls Rotary Club recently sent $7000 to ShelterBox USA to help families still struggling following the Typhoon. Idaho Falls Rotary Club President Jackie Flowers says "Vanetta's charitable spirit was an inspiration to fellow Rotarians during her life. That commitment to Service Above Self continues on in spirit as we complete the project she so passionately put before us. Vanetta was committed to helping those who had suffered life changing circumstances. She was an amazing woman and is sorely missed by her fellow Rotarians". The club hopes to be able to learn more about the families served by this last charitable act.
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NAMPA'S SPARE THE CHANGE FOR POLIO![]() ![]() It was a fun project for everyone! Matt Johnson's Team #4 had the most weight - 880 ounces, and Denny Ellis's Team #10 had the most dollars - $431!!
To see the details of this project, and how your club might do it, look on the District homepage under "Best Practices". If we all did it during this next Rotary year, just imagine the results for Polio Plus!
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IDAHO FALLS LAMPSHADE AUCTION SUPPORTS LITERACY![]() The Idaho Falls Rotary Club launched a new fund raising effort for local literacy programs. With the help of area artists who turned lampshades into works of art that were auctioned off, $3,225 were raised in the first Lighting the Way to Literacy lampshade auction.
The City of Idaho Falls provided a $1500 grant to cover event costs including lampshade and material purchases, marketing and advertising. And the local Rotary Club contributed $500 to food and beverages for the auction event. Lampshade art was auctioned off in both a silent auction and live auction venues. Funds raised exceed expectations of the host club for the first year. Plans are already under way to grow the event and continue with it on an annual basis with hopes of building sustainable funding into the program that provides annually a book for every family with an elementary school student enrolled in K-6. The program encourages reading a chapter a night from the book at home with the family, participating in daily quizzes and discussions at school, and the potential to earn prizes to make reading fun and promote literacy.
In addition to the club's fund raising effort, a District Block Grant of $4,320 was used to purchase books for the Education Foundation literacy program. Program partners include the District 91 Education Foundation, City of Idaho Falls, Idaho Falls Arts Council, Art Museum of Eastern Idaho and area artists.
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GOVERNOR'S MESSAGE![]() March is Literacy Month. I know that many clubs in District 5400 participate in the Dictionary Project, but just how many clubs and how many third graders are uncertain. At the mid-winter conferences in January, I distributed a sheet to gather names of dictionary contact persons in each club so that we can begin to gather and assess that level of participation. Rotarian Minnie Benton (Eagle-Garden City) is chairperson of the district’s Literacy Committee. Minnie’s email is mminnieb@cableone.net. Let Minnie know who in your club she should talk to about dictionaries, if you did not provide a name to me in January.
March is also Madness Month – and I’m not talking college basketball! It’s Rotary awards season. I’ve only received two applications for the Presidential Citation so far. Deadline is March 31. Clubs are also accumulating data for use in application for the district’s Distinguished Rotary Club awards for integrity, membership, club service, public image, leadership development, and Rotary Foundation. The premier award is the Humanity in Motion Award. A club who qualifies for the Rotary Foundation award, who has positive membership growth since July 1, and who applies in all other categories, will be a contender for this award, which comes with $1000 to the winning club. Deadline for district awards is April 15. Applications for both are available at www.rotary5400.org under District Docs & Downloads/Awards.
Qualifying for the Rotary Foundation award and increased membership might be considered the high hurdles on the track to Humanity in Motion. Clubs do not apply for the Foundation award: it is determined from Rotary Foundation reports and records. Clubs cannot apply for the membership award unless they have shown positive growth in membership. In both cases this can come down to getting money sent in to The Rotary Foundation that is currently sitting in the club account and getting new members entered into the Rotary International data base. The four hurdles are Rotary Foundation Annual Fund giving, Rotary Foundation PolioPlus giving, Rotary Foundation Endowment Fund commitments and membership growth. As of March 13, only 1 club in the district has cleared all four hurdles: Rigby. Clubs who have cleared three hurdles so far are: Ashton, Blue Lakes-Twin Falls, Boise Centennial, Eagle-Garden City, Gooding, and Hailey. Nine more clubs are halfway there! The commitment form for Endowment Fund commitments is titled “Your Rotary Legacy” and it is located on the district website under District Docs and Downloads/Rotary Foundation.
As a district, we are well on our way to Rotary Foundation success in 2013-14. Total contributions to the Annual Fund of The Rotary Foundation exceed $121,000 ($69 per capita), at 72% of goal. Forty-one of 43 clubs have contributed and 8 of those have achieved 100% of goal. We are at 102% of our PolioPlus goal, at $41,648 ($23 per capita). Thirty clubs has supported the eradication effort with 10 of those having met goal.
Membership continues to be a hard-fought battle for us. While we are up 30 net new members since July 1, to 1843, we have lost 35 Rotarians. Some things can’t be avoided -- death, relocation, job change -- but I personally feel the weariness of two steps forward, one step back. Let’s all have a conversation in our clubs – with all our members – about retention. And let’s be sure to forward the names of relocating Rotarians to Rotary International so it can notify the new district or community of a former Rotarian’s arrival there.
Be safe and be caring, Rotarians, and don’t forget to “Engage Rotary, Change Lives” every day.
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ROTARY PEACE FELLOWSHIPS AVAILABLE![]() Are you looking to make a significant impact on the world by promoting tolerance and cooperation? Do you know someone who may contribute to peace-keeping efforts in your community? Each year, Rotary funds some of the world’s most dedicated and brightest professionals to study at our Rotary Peace Centers. These fellows are committed to the advancement of peace, and often go on to serve as leaders in national governments, NGOs, the military, law enforcement, and international organizations such as the United Nations and World Bank.
WHAT ARE ROTARY PEACE FELLOWSHIPS?
Each year, Rotary selects individuals from around the world to receive fully funded academic fellowships at one of our peace centers. These fellowships cover tuition and fees, room and board, round-trip transportation, and all internship/field study expenses. Two types of peace fellowships are available.
MASTER'S DEGREE
We offer master’s degree fellowships at premier universities in fields related to peace and conflict resolution and prevention. Programs last 15¬–24 months and require a practical internship of 2–3 months during the academic break. Each year we award up to 50 master’s fellowships from these institutions: • Duke University and University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, US • International Christian University, Japan • University of Bradford, UK • University of Queensland, Australia • Uppsala University, Sweden PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT CERTIFICATE
For those with more extensive experience in peace-related fields, we offer a 3-month program in peace and conflict resolution at Chulalongkorn University in Bangkok, Thailand. This program incorporates 2–3 weeks of field study. We award up to 50 certificates each year. HOW TO PROMOTE PEACE FELLOWSHIPS
Rotarians are vital to recruiting qualified candidates. You can help advance peace around the world by supporting the peace fellows. Some of the best applicants for Rotary Peace Fellowships are in your community. Here are some ways you can promote fellowships in your area: • Make sure your club members are familiar with the Rotary Peace Centers program. The more people keeping an eye out for good candidates, the more likely you are to find one. Give a presentation about the program to your club or better yet, invite a peace fellow to speak to your club. Find one by contacting us at alumni@rotary.org. • Send a press release about Rotary Peace Fellowships to your local media. • Meet with community partners. Think about organizations your club already works with, or reach out to like-minded groups or universities with related programs. • Use social media. Announce fellowship opportunities to your friends and professional network on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter. You can also follow Rotary Peace Centers on Facebook and repost interesting photos and stories. HOW TO APPLY?
Applicants may apply for a peace fellowship by, downloading the application, completing the applicant portion, and submitting it to John McGuire, District 5400 Scholarship Chair, by Friday, May 16th. Candidates will be contacted shortly after that and notified of next steps. The deadline for District 5400 submitting applications to Rotary International is July 1st. Find ideas for recruiting candidates and promoting the program. FOR MORE INFORMATION • Contact Rotary Peace Centers staff • Visit the Facebook page • Contact John McGuire at: johnjmcg@q.com There is an informative PowerPoint presentation on the District website. Click here to download it.
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SEMILLA NUEVA OPPORTUINITIES![]() Our work in Guatemala
Several clubs in District 5400 are working together for Global Grant that will continue a sustainable-farming project in Guatemala through our partner non-profit Semilla Nueva(“New Seed” in Spanish). In 2013, Semilla Nueva began creating Sustainable Agricultural groups and Food Security groups in 5 communities in Guatemala thanks to Rotary. The overall goal of this project is to create a locally-led, self-sustaining source of agricultural and food security expertise that can function far into the future. ![]() Why Guatemala? By the numbers, here are some compelling reasons for investing in Guatemala. Development: Guatemala has a population of 14.7 million and ranks 131 out of 187 nations in the 2011 United Nations Human Development Index. HDI ranks nations in terms of education, life expectancy and income. 40% of the labor force is employed in the agricultural sector, yet agriculture only accounts for 1/5 of GDP.
Malnutrition: According to the World Food Program, the chronic under nutrition rate for children under 5 is 49.8 percent, the highest in the region and the fourth highest in the world. Guatemala is one of the 36 countries which account for 90 percent of growth stunting in the world. Poverty: The World Bank paints the following picture: 53.7% of the population lives below the poverty line, 13% in extreme poverty, with the second highest measure of income inequality in the world. Education: 70% of Guatemalan children attend school, resulting in a mean 4.1 years of formal education per adult, according to the United Nations.
Environmental Issues: One of the ten countries globally most vulnerable to climate change, according to the World Bank. Guatemala is being rapidly deforested as farmers and ranchers strive to increase their incomes. |
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TWIN FALLS AFTER HOURS MARDI GRAS REVELRYThe Times-News of Twin Falls featured the Twin Falls After Hours Rotary as the headline on its Entertainment Section last weekend.
The event was the club's second annual Martini Tasting Contest and Masquerade Ball to be held march 8th att he Canyon Crest Event Center. The theme this year was Mardi Gras. Proceeds from the event are used to support the Magic Valley Crisis Center, School Supplies fcor Success and the "blessing Bags" project. It was a great article all about the club's activities throughout the year. A great example of good "PR"!
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AMBASSADORIAL SCHOLAR AMBER CLONTZ REPORTS IN![]() Amber Clontz, our newest D5400 Ambassadorial Scholar, has reported in from her new home in South Africa. You can read her fascinating blog here. She arrived in January to begin her Ph. D. program in Linguistics at Rhodes University in Grahamstown, South Africa. She reports that most of the members of her Rotary Club are professors at the University so she's fitting right in. Amber is from Twin Falls and is sponsored by the Rotary Club of Boise.
You'll find a link to her blog, and to our two previous Scholars, Giaco Yanez and Tiara Lusk, on our homepage.
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LET'S DO ROTARY DAYS![]() Incoming RI President Huang is urging all Rotarians to Light Up Rotary by participating in Rotary Days. The concept is simple: hold a fun, informal event in your community for the non-Rotary public and use it as an opportunity to introduce them to Rotary. Any club, big or small, can host a Rotary Day. Neighboring clubs can pool their resources and co-host an event. Some possibilities might include: picnic or barbecue, sporting event, family fun run, sponsor an event at a museum, community service project, to name just a few.
And follow these tips:
Once the new Rotary year starts July 1st, watch for some National Rotary Day events.
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SERVICE TRIP TO BELIZE OFFERED![]() Aileen Hale of Boise Metro Rotary is working to establish partnerships with Rotary Clubs in Belize. She hopes to establish a project focusing on literature or water quality. Aileen has extensive experience in Belize through her job at BSU. She invites all Rotarians to join her in two fact-finding trips this summer to meet with local Rotarians and continue to assess needs in the country. Click here to see the brochure.
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ROTARY FOUNDATION ANNUAL REPORT![]() Rotarians and friends who have made contributions to the Foundation will have received their annual report. Its fascinating reading! Last years Every Rotarian Every Year campaign saw total contributions of $115 million - a new record. Total assets for the Foundation have surpassed the ONE BILLION DOLLAR mark for the first time!
Polio Plus received $23.6 million from Rotarians and friends and $69.6 million in matching funds from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.
Here's your answer to an oft-asked question: In fiscal year 2012-2013, only 2% of Foundation expenditures went to administrative expenses and 9% to fundraising. The Foundation directed 89% of its spending to programs, far exceeding the benchmarks that independent charity-rating services view as a measure of high efficiency. The Foundation has top ratings from the American Institute of Philanthropy, Charity Navigator and the Wise Giving Alliance.
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JOINT THE PAUL HARRIS SOCIETY![]() The Paul Harris Society recognizes Rotarians and friends of The Rotary Foundation who personally contribute US$1,000 or more to the Annual Fund, PolioPlus or an approved Foundation grant each year.
The Paul Harris Society was originally created in 1999 by Past District Governor Wayne Cusick from District 5340. PDG Cusick realized that giving US$1,000 annually to the Foundation was not possible for every Rotarian, but many could be encouraged to contribute at this level or above. PDG Wayne introduced the Paul Harris Society program to encourage and recognize these individuals. This idea gained momentum and quickly spread to other districts throughout the world. While this recognition was originally designed as a district administered program, the Trustees adopted the Paul Harris Society as an official recognition program of The Rotary Foundation effective 1 July 2013.
Our D5400 PHS Committee has set a goal for 2013-14 which is to increase the number of PHS members by 50. That would put add and astounding $50,000 additional funds into our hands to provide services at home and throughout the world! Membership is simple and easy, requiring a commitment to give $85 per month or $1000 per year gift to APF, preferably through Rotary Direct. Donations can also be made to PolioPlus, and Direct Grant funding. Contributions count toward sustaining membership, Paul Harris Fellow, and Major Donor recognition.
Please help us make this a reality.
Rusty Broughton, Past District Governor
East Idaho Falls Rotary |
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RAFFLE TICKETS FOR SALE, NOW!![]() The district cruise raffle fundraiser is up and running with tickets now distributed to all clubs. Please do your part to help sell your club’s allotment!
Winners are drawn at district conference on May 17th, but none of the proceeds supports the conference. The money is used to fund the “district match” of $100 to The Rotary Foundation for those persons reaching the first $100 in giving toward a Paul Harris Fellow (total giving of $100, $1100, $2100, etc.). We have matched more than 250 Rotarians so far this fiscal year, in three installments to the Annual Fund of The Rotary Foundation. Twenty-five percent of the raffle proceeds helps to fund D5400 Rotary Youth Exchange and 25% is rebated to clubs based on their ticket sales (provided someone from the club attends district conference).
In the packet you received is a list of the prizes. Raffle chairs in the clubs should copy this list for the members, so they can share with the buyers what good prizes we offer. Remember, there are two winners of the grand prize -- $4500 cruise from AAA -- he whose ticket is drawn and the Rotarian who sold him the ticket. Now you can’t beat that! Other prizes are a 55” flat screen HDTV, 32 gb iPad Air, 16gb iPad Mini, 16gb Kindle Fire, 16gb iPod classic and 16gb iPod Nano
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There will be a prize from the governor for the club with the highest per capita sales, and she’ll tell you what that prize is next month! In the meantime, go crazy selling raffle tickets.
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DISTRICT CONFERENCE OPPORTUNITIESThe District Conference committee is finalizing plans for this year's event in Sun Valley, May 16-17. We have many promotional opportunities we'd like clubs and Rotarians to consider such as table sponsorships, speaker or meal sponsorships, silent auction and raffles, shop rotary and Saturday afternoon activities. You'll be hearing a lot more in the weeks to come. In the meantime, click here to see more details about the opportunities.
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APPLY FOR DISTRICT AWARDS![]() The application for the 2013-14 district awards is now available online. The awards recognize distinguished Rotary performance and service in six categories: integrity, membership, club service, public image, leadership development and Rotary Foundation giving. A premier award, known as the Humanity in Motion Award comes with a check for $1000 to the winning club. Deadline for applications is April 15, 2014. Rotary Foundation eligibility is determined from March 31st Rotary Foundation reports. Don’t wait till the end of March to send in Annual Fund or PolioPlus money nor to mail in your commitments to the Endowment Fund. You checks and pledges may not get recorded in time. Strive for net increases in club membership between now and April 15th! Good luck, Rotarians! Apply in as many categories as you have succeeded.
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PETS TRAINING MARCH 7-8"PETS" stands for President-elect Training Seminar. Rotary International requires every District to train and prepare club presidents who will be taking office as of July 1st. Our District will hold its PETS event at the Red Lion in Twin Falls on March 7th and 8th. Festivities begin at 1:00 PM on Friday. All incoming club presidents are required to attend. Vice Presidents are encouraged to attend as well. Terry Gilbert, our District Trainer, will put together a comprehensive training program with the assistance of members of the District Leadersip Team and Committee Chairs.
Attendees please be sure to register o the District website and pay by credit card (or bring a check).
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BOISE CLUBS SPONSOR BOISE YOUNG PROFESSIONALS TRAININGSeveral Boise Rotary Clubs are sponsoring the Boise Young Professionals "B on Board" training program, a five week training program beginning February 5th. (Participating clubs are Boise Metro, Boise Downtown, Boise Sunrise, Boise Southwest and Eagle/Garden City)
B|On Board will teaches the secrets to getting on non-profit, corporate and public boards and commissions. Boards are where real work and community issues are solved. Its a perfect opportunity to make a difference in your community?
For more information, visit http://www.boiseyp.org/event/bon-board-training-series/
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BOISE CENTENNIAL HOSTS WINTER WINE'D UP MAR 14THThe Boise Centennial Rotary Club will be hosting its 4th annual Winter Wine’d Up on Friday, March 14th. The popular wine tasting event runs from 6:00 to 9:00 at the Riverside Hotel, 2900 W. Chinden in Boise/Garden City.
The Winter Wine’d Up features samplings from four local wineries including Fujishin Cellars, Telaya Wine Co., Split Rail Winery, and Williamson Orchard and Vineyard. Delectable hors d’oeuvres will be provided for attendees, along with a no-host bar for those who prefer varietals beyond the grape. Through raffles, networking, and silent and live auctions, the evening will present opportunities to take home some excellent gifts and prizes while contributing to a great cause and getting to know your community on a unique level.
Proceeds from the Winter Wine’d Up will benefit CATCH Inc. (Charitable Assistance to the Communities Homeless). CATCH Inc is a local program that assists area homeless families with children to become self-sustaining members of the community by helping them with housing, education and jobs. Proceeds will also benefit scholarships to BSU, ISU and the U of I.
Tickets are $25 each and available from Boise Centennial Rotary members or on their website at www.BoiseCentennialRotary.org/winedup . A special room rate has been offered by the Riverside Hotel for only $79 per double occupancy and includes brunch for two, which features the only proper way to follow a night of wine tasting: Succulent prime rib and bottomless mimosas.
If you cannot attend but wish to support this event, donations in the form of monetary contributions or silent auction items would be greatly appreciated; gift baskets, gift certificates, etc.. Contact dougooley@boisecentennialrotary.org for more information.
Please join us for this enjoyable evening of wine, music, friends and fun. We are incredibly grateful for the ability to serve our community amongst such an exceptional group of people.
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YOUTH EXCHANGE ENJOY MCCALL WINTER CARNIVAL |
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WOMEN IN ROTARY![]() Quiz: When were women first admitted to Rotary?? Speaking of women in Rotary, check out this cool website created by the Rotary Club of Albert Park, Melbourne, Australia. Maybe some of you gals can make it there for breakfast! "Rotary From Down Under".
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EAGLE/GARDEN CITY AND CENTENNIAL DONATE BOOKSEarlier this year, Eagle/Garden City Rotary and Boise Centennial Rotary teamed up with Idaho Returned Peace Corps Volunteers (IPCV) to donate books to the Boyd and Girls Club of Ada County. Combining thier own fundraisers with a District Grant from the Rotary Foundation the clubs donated 150 books to the club.
![]() Photo: Ashley Yenso (B&G club, Mike Sieler, Marianne Barker, Joye Jones.
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ADVISORS MONITOR FOUNDATION PROJECTS![]() The Rotary Foundation Cadre of Technical Advisers is a volunteer group of Rotarians of with a wide spectrum of professional expertise. Cadre members provide technical expertise and help ensure proper stewardship through the review, monitoring, and evaluation of The Rotary Foundation grant projects around the world.
Click here to view the current newletter of the Rotary Foundation Cadre of Technical Advisors "Tech Talk". The Cadre's mission addresses the Foundation's need to ensure that global grants achieve sustainable results in the areas of focus. "The Foundation will increase grant evaluation in coming years, and the cadre will play a critical role in that effort. Future issues of Tech Talk will provide information about training sessions related to project planning, sustainability, and monitoring and evaluation."
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IDAHO FALLS WELCOMES SCHOLAR AND PROMOTES LITERACY FUNDRAISERThe Idaho Falls Interact Club had a visit from District 5400 Ambassadorial Scholar Stephanie Meyer on February 3. She gave a presentation on her time in Thailand and Pakistan and presented information on her school project in Pakistan for Interactors to consider participating in. Here's a photo of her with some of the girls after the presentation.
The Rotary Club of Idaho Falls is co-sponsor of an auction of beautiful handcrafted lamps. For more details about these gorgeous lamps, click here.
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COUNCIL ON LEGISLATION IN 2016![]() Its always instructive to learn more about the way Rotary International operates. You can imagine the challenge of 33,000 clubs in over 200 countries! Every three years Rotary International’s Council on Legislation meets to debate and vote on legislation submitted by clubs, districts, the RI Board, and the general council or conference of RIBI. The Council has the authority to amend RI’s constitutional documents, as well as adopt resolutions. Every district sends one representative to the Council, and every club and district may propose legislation. The next council will meet in Chicago in April 2016. We bring this up now because proposals for legistative changes or ammendments are due no later than Dec 31, 2014.
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ROTARY IN RUSSIA CONFERENCEThe Rotary in Russia Conference, sponsored by the U.S.-Russia Intercountry Committee will be held in Houston, Texas at the Hilton Houston North on March 1, 2014
![]() The focus of the conference will be the following: (1) an update of the progress of the Rotary movement in Russia; (2) opportunities available to Rotary Districts in the United States and Canada to forge a working relationship between one or more clubs in their district with one or more of the 80 Rotary clubs in Russia; (3) to strengthen and expand the membership of the U.S.-Russia Intercountry Committee, designed to assist Rotary clubs in Russia through Youth, Friendship, and Professional Exchanges between our countries; (4) to learn about current relationships and current projects between Rotary clubs in both countries; (5) to elect officers for the U.S. Section of the U.S. Russia ICC for Rotary Year 2014-15.
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SEMILLA NUEVA PLANS SUMMER ADVENTURES![]() Katie Miller, Semilla Nueva's Director of Development, has sent us informationn about several trips to Guatemala this summer.
"Basically, the idea behind the work trips is to get you down to Guatemala and into the fields of the family farmers who you supported through your donation with the Global Grant. It's an opportunity not available to many travelers and allows a wonderful intimacy with the families. Along with spending time with the family farmers in their fields and homes, we'll also have time to check out some cool areas of Guatemala like the beach, Antigua (Guate's best colonial city) and Lake Atitlan (just picture a big blue lake with volcanos surrounding it). It's a great experience and I hope some of your club members will take advantage of it!"
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ODDS 'N ENDSOur guests last week was Fine Art Humorist Jeff Leedy from Boise Downtown club........don't forget unique location for this week's meeting......We've donated $200 toward the Boise Young Professionals program......thanks to Mike Markley |
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SYDNEY INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION JUNE 1-4![]() Rotary International's Annual Convention is coming up soon - June 1-4 in Sydney, Australia!! You can join the District 5400 contigent. Click here to view the current Convention newsletter "Corroboree" which has lots of details. Or, you can visit the convention website here.
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DO YOU KNOW WHAT "WASRAG" and "PEP" ARE?![]() "WASRAG" stands for Water and Sanitation Rotary Action Group. "PEP" stands for Project Enhancement Process.
Find this expanation on their website here: "The Water & Sanitation Rotarian Action group was formed in 2007 as a group of Rotarians, recognized by Rotary International, focused on water & sanitation work. Rotarians are uniquely qualified to deliver sustainable solutions. They understand the culture and values of the local communities to which they belong. They are attuned to political considerations and can pinpoint problems before they become hurdles. The world is discovering that effective programs take 3 to 5 years to be sustainable – local community engagement and appropriate technologies are keys to success. Solutions need to consider complex realities: geography, geology, climate, local culture for example. Ensuring a project is based on best practices isn’t easy, requiring skills often not readily available to Rotary Clubs. Wasrag was created to provide the know-how, consistency and credibility essential to success over the long term. This has come together in a program called “Start with Water”."
The Project Enhancement Process (PEP) is an initiative by The Rotary Foundation (TRF) to strategically utilize its volunteer and staff resources to sharpen Rotary’s focus, enhance the technical quality of projects, support sound project design, make effective grants, and measure our impact in the areas of focus. The pilot will concentrate on achieving these objectives in the water and sanitation area of focus. Just before the International Convention in Sydney, Wasrag will hold its annual WORLD WATER SUMMIT on May 30, 2014. |
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HOGGE SELECTED TO HEAD DISTRICT 2016-2017The District Leadership Committee has announced that it has selected Jim Hogge, of Boise Sunrise, to become our District Governor for the Rotary year 2016-2017. As of July 1, 2014, he will become our "Distict Governor Nominee (DGN)". He will follow Rick Phillips and Ken Howell.
Jim has been a member of Boise Sunrise since 1995. He has served Rotary as Club President and Assistant Governor, as well as serving on the district Training and Awards Committees. He is a Paul Harris Fellow and a Foundation Bequest Society member.
Jim has recently retired from Boise State University's Small Business Development Center. Continue on the next page to read more about Jim Hogge.
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DISTRICT GOVERNORS ARE GENEROUS!Incomming D.G. Rick Philips reports from the annual International Assembly in San Diego about a special challenge made last year by current RI President Ron Burton. He challenged all 530 District Governors around the world to be the "First Class" in which all DGs made a contribution to the Foundation (Apparently it had never been done) . Well, they did it! It was announced that the DGs had contributed $750,000. Congratulations!
More amazingly, incomming RI Presdident Gary Huang challenged the next class of DGs (Rick's class) to be "Best Class". Right there at the Assembly, they ALL contributed for a grand total of $1,085,000. Way to go DGs!
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GOVERNOR'S MESSAGE![]() January is Rotary Awareness month. The rollout of our PR campaign comes at an appropriate time. Our TV ads are running as we speak! I urge you to wear your Rotary pin all the time and to share your Rotary story with your friends, your neighbors and your community. Our total membership is 1844, up from 1813 on July 1st. Hats off to our leaders in membership growth: Boise Centennial, up 23% (3 new members); Nampa, up 14% (8 new members); and Idaho Falls, up 10% (16 new members)! The goal of the $15,000 PR grant we received from Rotary International is to increase our numbers 3.5% by June 2015. That’s 64 net new members.
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YOUTH EXCHANGE AND MCCALL WINTER CARNIVALJoin the Rotary Youth Exchange students and committee as they gather in McCall January 23rd through 26th for the McCall Winter Carnival.
There will be 16 inbound students, 17 newly accepted outbound students and some rebound students to help with training. The students will enjoy skiing at Brundage Resort on Friday followed by swimming at Zimms Hot Springs. On Saturday the students will be featured in the Winter Carnival Parade followed by training for the outbound students. This annual trip is a high point for the exchange students. It is the first gathering of the youth exchange group since the acceptance of the outbound students who were interviewed in Buhl in November.
(Just got this from Ruth Loza in Croatia! "Oh my Lord Jim, it's amazing! I never believed it would be anything like this. Everyday is an adventure, whether it's big or small. I can't thank you guys enough for helping me get here.")
![]() Join the fun! Come to McCall and support the McCall Rotary Club as they sell their famous chorizos and beads! This is their major fundraiser of the year. Typcially, they'll make about $30,000 which all goes back into community programs!
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R.I. PRESENTS "LIFECYCLE OF A SERVICE PROJECT" |