Polio Eradication Update Terry Ziegler 2022-09-24 06:00:00Z 0

District Governor's Message

story thumbnail
 
Welcome 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
District Governor's Message Russell Johnson 2021-07-01 06:00:00Z 0
Twin Falls Rotary After Hours Recognizes our Local Seniors Sandy March 2020-05-06 06:00:00Z 0
District Grants and COVID-19 Todd Fischer 2020-05-04 06:00:00Z 0
Twin Falls Rotary has been busy during the COVID-19 Lockdown! Sandy March 2020-05-04 06:00:00Z 0
Boise Centennial Rotary held their first ever zoom meeting Renee Bade 2020-05-04 06:00:00Z 0
Rotary District 5400 Conference Webinar Celebration Rich Kirkham 2020-05-01 06:00:00Z 0
Greater Boise Rotary Foundation Grants $20,000 to Ada County Organizations Nancy Chinn 2020-04-29 06:00:00Z 0
EGC to the Rescue With Art Supplies for Pierce Park Natalie Chavez 2020-04-28 06:00:00Z 0
Rotary Zoom Meeting? That's an Earth Stewardship Credit! Laurie Zuckerman 2020-04-23 06:00:00Z 0
Report from Boise Downtown Club Kevin Allen 2020-04-14 06:00:00Z 0
Twin Falls Rotary doing Zoom Meetings! Taylor Morgan 2020-04-13 06:00:00Z 0
A Way to Help During Covid19 Crisis Rich Kirkham 2020-04-08 06:00:00Z 0
Blood Donors Needed! Sandy March 2020-04-03 06:00:00Z 0
Rotarians have always lived on the cutting edge! Kate Fornarotto 2020-04-03 06:00:00Z 0
How to Keep Rotarians Connected with Weekly Meetings Cancelled Kevin A. Bradshaw 2020-04-03 06:00:00Z 0
Event Cancellations Sandy March 2020-03-31 06:00:00Z 0
Boise SW Annual Spring Fling Postponed RIC GALE 2020-03-31 06:00:00Z 0
Boise Metro Rotary Fish Derby Postponed Jeffrey Larsen 2020-03-31 06:00:00Z 0
2020 Emmett Rotary Youth Benefit Dinner and Auction has been POSTPONED Kathy Buck 2020-03-31 06:00:00Z 0
Rotary Disaster Response Grants Todd Fischer 2020-03-31 06:00:00Z 0
Boise Rotarian Sharing Love of Art with Inmates Jeff Leedy 2020-03-31 06:00:00Z 0
While Staying at Home, IdahoPTV is a Lifeline Laurie Zuckerman 2020-03-31 06:00:00Z 0
Plant Peace Laurie Zuckerman 2020-03-31 06:00:00Z 0
District Grants and COVID-19 Projects Todd Fischer 2020-03-31 06:00:00Z 0
A J Balukoff Honored as a Major Donor to The Rotary Foundation Todd Fischer 2020-03-31 06:00:00Z 0
Polio Numbers This Year Kenneth Howell 2020-03-26 06:00:00Z 0
Project Amigo creating a bathroom in the Hacienda Joe Levitch 2020-03-26 06:00:00Z 0
RYLA 2020 Cancelled Victoria Byrd 2020-03-16 06:00:00Z 0
2020 Fiddlers of Idaho State Championship  Richard Fife 2020-03-13 06:00:00Z 0
Rotary Clubs to donate school supplies to DevelopAfrica Rich Kirkham 2020-03-04 07:00:00Z 0
Ian Riseley LIVE from Australia to Idaho Laurie Zuckerman 2020-03-02 07:00:00Z 0

TURN AROUND! - Governor's Message

story thumbnail

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.  

TURN AROUND! - Governor's Message Rich Kirkham 2020-03-01 07:00:00Z 0
Earth Stewardship... It's Easier Than You Think! Lisa Vetter 2020-02-28 07:00:00Z 0
Scholarship Opportunities CON COLBY 2020-02-25 07:00:00Z 0
ROTARY License Plate Program Rich Kirkham 2020-02-19 07:00:00Z 0
Rotary Tour of New Zealand Rich Kirkham 2020-02-13 07:00:00Z 0
District Conference CELEBRATION May 15-16, 2020 in Pocatello! Rich Kirkham 2020-02-12 07:00:00Z 0
New Public Image Chair Ben Nelson 2020-02-07 07:00:00Z 0
Community Assessments for Sustainability Marianne Barker 2020-01-30 07:00:00Z 0
Meet District Trainer Stephen (Steve) Gage Ben Nelson 2020-01-30 07:00:00Z 0
Paul Harris Points Todd Fischer 2020-01-30 07:00:00Z 0
Boise East 100% Paul Harris Fellow Club Todd Fischer 2020-01-30 07:00:00Z 0
Greater Boise Rotary Foundation Nancy Chinn 2020-01-30 07:00:00Z 0
Friendship Exchange with Ecuador Todd Fischer 2020-01-28 07:00:00Z 0
Ian Riseley LIVE from Australia to Idaho! Laurie Zuckerman 2020-01-20 07:00:00Z 0
Boise Basin PTA receives Rotary grant for middle school football helmets. Dave SHAW 2020-01-14 07:00:00Z 0
District Governor Nominee Designate Janice Michela Swarthout 2020-01-03 07:00:00Z 0
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Statement Rich Kirkham 2020-01-03 07:00:00Z 0

SEEING THE FUTURE

story thumbnail

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! 

SEEING THE FUTURE Rich Kirkham 2020-01-01 07:00:00Z 0
Boise Southwest’s MSTI Christmas Gift Program BOB ROSE 2019-12-28 07:00:00Z 0
Boise SW Whittier School 5th Grade Christmas Party BOB ROSE 2019-12-28 07:00:00Z 0
Getting International Speakers to Your 7 am Meetings Lorrie Apel 2019-12-27 07:00:00Z 0
RI 2017/18 Pres Ian Riseley LIVE Tele-Presentation to Rotary 5400 Laurie Zuckerman 2019-12-27 07:00:00Z 0
Not a Pretty Week for Polio Kenneth Howell 2019-12-19 07:00:00Z 0
Preston Rotary Club Activities Doug Wallis 2019-12-17 07:00:00Z 0
Liberty Day Institute Rich Kirkham 2019-12-10 07:00:00Z 0
More Than A Vacation Rich Kirkham 2019-12-04 07:00:00Z 0
Boise Southwest Participates in Rake Up Boise BOB ROS 2019-12-02 07:00:00Z 0

GIVE THE GIFT OF SERVICE ... AND PIE

Posted by Rich Kirkham on Dec 01, 2019
story thumbnail
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.  
GIVE THE GIFT OF SERVICE ... AND PIE Rich Kirkham 2019-12-01 07:00:00Z 0
Water Grant for Ecuador is Funded by TRF Marianne Barker 2019-11-30 07:00:00Z 0
Twin Falls Rotary After Hours Harry Potter Halloween Maze a huge hit!  Sandy March 2019-11-28 07:00:00Z 0
Council on Resolutions Kenneth Howell 2019-11-27 07:00:00Z 0
Sunny Saturday: Playing, Planting and Peace Laurie Zuckerman 2019-11-23 07:00:00Z 0
Baker City Rotary Clean Up Veterans Sections of Cemetery Ken Krohn 2019-11-20 07:00:00Z 0
Global Grant Scholar Candidate competition Deb Wilson 2019-11-05 07:00:00Z 0

WHY BE A SINGING CLUB?

Posted by District Governor Rich Kirkham
story thumbnail

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....

 


 
WHY BE A SINGING CLUB? District Governor Rich Kirkham 2019-11-03 06:00:00Z 0
Rotary District 5400 Earth Stewardship Certification Ryan Redman 2019-10-29 06:00:00Z 0
Making a Difference Frank Dykas 2019-10-29 06:00:00Z 0
If You Only Know One Thing About The Rotary Foundation Todd Fischer 2019-10-29 06:00:00Z 0
What Does Peace Mean to You? Janice Fulkerson 2019-10-15 06:00:00Z 0
Three Clubs Come Together Summer Jackman 2019-10-14 06:00:00Z 0
World Polio Day Kenneth Howell 2019-10-10 06:00:00Z 0
Hurrican Dorian Help Rich Kirkham 2019-10-07 06:00:00Z 0
Stop the Bleed Caryn Elliott 2019-10-02 06:00:00Z 0
No Happy Ending — Yet Natalie Chavez 2019-10-02 06:00:00Z 0

BLIND DIVERSITY

Posted by Rich Kirkham on Oct 01, 2019
story thumbnail
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!
BLIND DIVERSITY Rich Kirkham 2019-10-01 06:00:00Z 0

Boise River Boogie

Posted by BOB ROSE on Sep 30, 2019
story thumbnail
Boise SW Club was the title sponsor of the Boise River Enhancement Network's annual fun run, the Boise River Boogie
Boise River Boogie BOB ROSE 2019-09-30 06:00:00Z 0
Breathe… and thank a Rotarian for planting 2019-09-28 06:00:00Z 0
Paul Harris Fellow Recognition Todd Fischer 2019-09-26 06:00:00Z 0
VISIT BOLIVIA! Rich Kirkham 2019-09-26 06:00:00Z 0
Want to Connect with Rotary Young Professionals? Michela Swarthout 2019-09-24 06:00:00Z 0
The Rotary District 5400 Scholarship Committee is proud to announce 2019-2020 recipient Deb Wilson 2019-09-24 06:00:00Z 0
Gooding Club held its 5th annual signature fundraiser “Cheese, Wine & Beer Harvest Fest”  Larry Bybee 2019-09-23 06:00:00Z 0
Easy Free Rotary Directory Rich Kirkham 2019-09-23 06:00:00Z 0
Join us November 2 to restore habitat destroyed by wildfire at Deer Flat National Wildlife Refuge, Lake Lowell Laurie Zuckerman 2019-09-21 06:00:00Z 0
Visioning for Your Club Marianne Barker 2019-09-19 06:00:00Z 0
PETS 2020 Ben Nelson 2019-09-19 06:00:00Z 0

START WITH WHY!

Posted by District Governor Rich Kirkham on Sep 16, 2019
story thumbnail
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? 
START WITH WHY! District Governor Rich Kirkham 2019-09-16 06:00:00Z 0
Rotary Park on the Greenbelt Update. John Biggs 2019-09-14 06:00:00Z 0
Pediatric Face Masks Needed for Argentina Rich Kirkham 2019-09-01 06:00:00Z 0
The Rotary Foundation District Grants Awarded Ines Crespo 2019-09-01 06:00:00Z 0
Volunteers need at the Boise Art Museum Michela Swarthout 2019-09-01 06:00:00Z 0
Awesome Article for Rotary District Bulletin Craig Vroom 2019-09-01 06:00:00Z 0
We continue to see cases of polio in Pakistan Kenneth Howell 2019-09-01 06:00:00Z 0
The Twin Falls Blue Lakes Rotary Club held their annual Magic Valley Beer Fest on August 3rd Kevin A. Bradshaw 2019-09-01 06:00:00Z 0
Souvenir Rotary License Plates For Sale Rich Kirkham 2019-09-01 06:00:00Z 0
Russell Johnson: District Governor Nominee 2021-22 Rich Kirkham 2019-08-27 06:00:00Z 0
Boise Metro Rotary - Annual Backpack Drive Michela Swarthout 2019-08-27 06:00:00Z 0

Rotary Park on the Greenbelt

Posted by John Biggs on Aug 27, 2019
story thumbnail
The Rotary Park on the Greenbelt, a project by Boise Metro, Boise Centennial and Eagle/Garden City, is well on its way!
Rotary Park on the Greenbelt John Biggs 2019-08-27 06:00:00Z 0
Nigeria Polio Free for 3 Years Kenneth Howell 2019-08-27 06:00:00Z 0
Cross Egypt Challenge Sandy March 2019-08-27 06:00:00Z 0
Spending time with Dieter Schneider Michela Swarthout 2019-08-27 06:00:00Z 0
Note from Trent Brown, RYLA Junior Leader Todd Fischer 2019-08-27 06:00:00Z 0
Donate Blood Rich Kirkham 2019-08-27 06:00:00Z 0

FIND YOURSELF!

Posted by Rich Kirkham on Aug 01, 2019
story thumbnail
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.
FIND YOURSELF! Rich Kirkham 2019-08-01 06:00:00Z 0
Pocatello Rotary Club partners with Fish and Game to create nature area Marc Wride 2019-08-01 06:00:00Z 0
Treasure Valley Rotary Club Tree Watering Days Laurie Zuckerman 2019-07-31 06:00:00Z 0
Buhl Rotary Club Paint Magic Project 2019-07-31 06:00:00Z 0
Rotary Club of Twin Falls ~ 9th Annual Ice Cream Funday Jill Ann Skeem 2019-07-31 06:00:00Z 0
Preston Rotary Club Pioneer Day Fireworks Doug Wallis 2019-07-31 06:00:00Z 0
Emmett Rotary Club ~ Has Lots to Report! Lisa Vetter 2019-07-31 06:00:00Z 0
Rotarians Provide International Service Here at Home MIKE MARKLEY 2019-07-31 06:00:00Z 0
District 5400 Scholarship Committee News Deb Wilson 2019-07-31 06:00:00Z 0
Emmett Rotary Presents Check to Local Youth Groups Kathy Buck 2019-07-31 06:00:00Z 0
Big Milestone for Rotary Club of Idaho Falls Mike O'Bleness 2019-07-30 06:00:00Z 0
Preston Rotary Gifts A Lighted Community Event Marquee Pat Nealy 2019-07-30 06:00:00Z 0
Baker City Rotary Club ~ Annual Buffalo Burger Sale Ken Krohn 2019-07-30 06:00:00Z 0
The Rotary Park on the Greenbelt project is "this close" to meeting its goal! John Biggs 2019-07-29 06:00:00Z 0

Scholarship Applications 2019/20 Academic Year

Posted by Deb Wilson on Jul 29, 2019
story thumbnail
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.
Scholarship Applications 2019/20 Academic Year Deb Wilson 2019-07-29 06:00:00Z 0

July 4th Boise Parade

Posted by JANET WORTHINGTON on Jul 29, 2019
story thumbnail
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!
July 4th Boise Parade JANET WORTHINGTON 2019-07-29 06:00:00Z 0
Montpelier Rotary Club Had a Busy July James Griglack 2019-07-15 06:00:00Z 0
Make A Wish Foundation Annual Walk for Wishes Renee Bade 2019-07-08 06:00:00Z 0

Operation Facelift 

Posted by Larry Bybee on Jul 08, 2019
story thumbnail
This year the Rotary Club of Gooding participated in “Operation Facelift” Sponsored by Southern Idaho Economic Development.
Operation Facelift Larry Bybee 2019-07-08 06:00:00Z 0
Satellite Club is Officially Chartered! Jennifer Deroin 2019-07-01 06:00:00Z 0

RYLA 2019 Leadership Camp

Posted by Todd Fischer on Jul 01, 2019
story thumbnail
We have 84 students registered and 9 on the waiting list.  Thanks for the effort recruiting students for RYLA 2019.  
RYLA 2019 Leadership Camp Todd Fischer 2019-07-01 06:00:00Z 0
Eagle Garden City Visioning Natalie Chavez 2019-07-01 06:00:00Z 0

Thank You For Being the Inspiration

Posted by Jennifer Deroin
story thumbnail
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”.   
Thank You For Being the Inspiration Jennifer Deroin 2019-06-06 06:00:00Z 0

Moved to Tears

Posted by Jennifer Deroin
story thumbnail
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.

 
Moved to Tears Jennifer Deroin 2019-04-02 06:00:00Z 0
Flip Flop and Flamingos John Buck 2019-03-28 06:00:00Z 0
Polio Update Year to Date Sandy March 2019-03-28 06:00:00Z 0
Apply for Your Rotary Foundation Grant Marianne Barker 2019-03-28 06:00:00Z 0
Albertsons Reaches the Hearts and Minds of McCall-Donnelly Youth Jim Boley 2019-03-28 06:00:00Z 0

Dixie Jazz Crawfish Boil Event

Posted by LYNNE HOOD
story thumbnail
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.  
Dixie Jazz Crawfish Boil Event LYNNE HOOD 2019-03-28 06:00:00Z 0

Portneuf Rotaract Club Up and Running

Posted by Rich Kirkham
story thumbnail
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. 
Portneuf Rotaract Club Up and Running Rich Kirkham 2019-03-28 06:00:00Z 0

Assess Your Club Goals

Posted by Marianne Barker
story thumbnail
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.
 
Assess Your Club Goals Marianne Barker 2019-03-28 06:00:00Z 0
Emmett Exchange Student Advances to National Science Competition Terry Jones 2019-03-27 06:00:00Z 0

Peace Fellowship Applications

story thumbnail
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. 
Peace Fellowship Applications 2019-03-26 06:00:00Z 0
Rotary D5400 Youth Exchange Committee Wins National Recognition Beth Markley 2019-03-26 06:00:00Z 0

Selling District Raffle Tickets

Posted by Jay Colonel
story thumbnail
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. 
Selling District Raffle Tickets Jay Colonel 2019-03-26 06:00:00Z 0

Submit Rotarians for DC Memorial

Posted by John Biggs
story thumbnail
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.
Submit Rotarians for DC Memorial John Biggs 2019-03-01 07:00:00Z 0

District Grant Reports Due May 15

Posted by Marianne Barker
story thumbnail

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. 

District Grant Reports Due May 15 Marianne Barker 2019-03-01 07:00:00Z 0

Eagle/Garden City Delivers a Reindeer

Posted by Liz Hall
The 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.
Eagle/Garden City Delivers a Reindeer Liz Hall 2019-03-01 07:00:00Z 0

At the Root of it all, Lies Water

Posted by Jennifer Deroin, Kevin Learned, Marianne Barker
story thumbnail

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.

At the Root of it all, Lies Water Jennifer Deroin, Kevin Learned, Marianne Barker 2019-03-01 07:00:00Z 0

Firkin Frolics

Posted by Katie Marconi, Kevin Allen
story thumbnail
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.  
Firkin Frolics Katie Marconi, Kevin Allen 2019-03-01 07:00:00Z 0

What's Your Rotary Moment?

Posted by Jared Stein
story thumbnail

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.

What's Your Rotary Moment? Jared Stein 2019-03-01 07:00:00Z 0

Join the Ride to End Polio May 18th

Posted by Jennifer Deroin
story thumbnail
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.
Join the Ride to End Polio May 18th Jennifer Deroin 2019-03-01 07:00:00Z 0

Southwest's MSTI Christmas Gift Program

Posted by BOB ROSE
story thumbnail
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.
Southwest's MSTI Christmas Gift Program BOB ROSE 2019-03-01 07:00:00Z 0

The Many Uniforms of a Rotarian

Posted by Jim Boley
story thumbnail
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.
The Many Uniforms of a Rotarian Jim Boley 2019-03-01 07:00:00Z 0

Top 10 Reasons You Should Attend RLS + PETS

Posted by Rich Kirkham
story thumbnail

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.
 

Top 10 Reasons You Should Attend RLS + PETS Rich Kirkham 2019-03-01 07:00:00Z 0

Do You Know of a Potential Peace Fellow Candidate?

Posted by Debbie Wilson
story thumbnail

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.

Do You Know of a Potential Peace Fellow Candidate? Debbie Wilson 2019-02-28 07:00:00Z 0

Greetings from the Rotary 5400 e-Club

story thumbnail

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. 

Greetings from the Rotary 5400 e-Club 2019-02-27 07:00:00Z 0

Inspiration, Innovation, Intrigue...and an Invitation

Posted by Jennifer Deroin
story thumbnail

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;

  • To share inspiration. Stories about who we are, and why we do what we do, so we’re inspired to go back to our communities and do more.
  • To share innovative ideas. We always get the best ideas from our peers.
  • To meet intriguing people. Rotarians are many things, including intriguing.
Inspiration, Innovation, Intrigue...and an Invitation Jennifer Deroin 2019-02-01 07:00:00Z 0
D5400 Fundraising Analysis Marianne Barker 2019-02-01 07:00:00Z 0

Improvements to Rotary Direct

Posted by Marianne Barker
story thumbnail

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

Improvements to Rotary Direct Marianne Barker 2019-02-01 07:00:00Z 0

Paul Harris Society

Posted by Marianne Barker
story thumbnail

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).

Paul Harris Society Marianne Barker 2019-02-01 07:00:00Z 0

Winter Carnival 2019

Posted by Craig Vroom
story thumbnail

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!”

 
Winter Carnival 2019 Craig Vroom 2019-02-01 07:00:00Z 0

Support Meridian's Tiny Library

Posted by Janice Fulkerson
story thumbnail
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
Support Meridian's Tiny Library Janice Fulkerson 2019-02-01 07:00:00Z 0

Montpelier's Post-Holiday Service Idea

Posted by James Griglack
story thumbnail
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!
Montpelier's Post-Holiday Service Idea James Griglack 2019-02-01 07:00:00Z 0

Youth Mentoring Emerges as New McCall Payette Lakes Project

Posted by Jim Boley
story thumbnail
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.
Youth Mentoring Emerges as New McCall Payette Lakes Project Jim Boley 2019-02-01 07:00:00Z 0

Polio Eradication Update

Posted by Terry Ziegler
story thumbnail
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.
Polio Eradication Update Terry Ziegler 2019-02-01 07:00:00Z 0

Rotarian Jim Martin Recognized by Family Advocates

Posted by Family Advocates Monthly eNewsletter
story thumbnail

"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.

Rotarian Jim Martin Recognized by Family Advocates Family Advocates Monthly eNewsletter 2019-02-01 07:00:00Z 0

Happy New Year from TV Rotaract

Posted by Treasure Valley Rotaract
story thumbnail

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!

Happy New Year from TV Rotaract Treasure Valley Rotaract 2019-02-01 07:00:00Z 0

Rotarian Amber Campbell: Woman of the Year

Posted by Ontario Chamber of Commerce
story thumbnail
"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.
Rotarian Amber Campbell: Woman of the Year Ontario Chamber of Commerce 2019-02-01 07:00:00Z 0

Stomping Out Polio in San Diego

Posted by Rich Kirkham
story thumbnail

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”. 

Stomping Out Polio in San Diego Rich Kirkham 2019-02-01 07:00:00Z 0

'19-'20 Theme Announced!

Posted by Rich Kirkham
story thumbnail

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.

'19-'20 Theme Announced! Rich Kirkham 2019-02-01 07:00:00Z 0

Rotarians as Leaders

Posted by Steve Gage
story thumbnail
  • Wise leaders continuously pursue growth and development as a form of lifelong learning.
  • Wise leaders are very creative and visionary in their approach toward life.
  • Wise leaders have a keen awareness about their place in the bigger scheme of things. They combine a big passion and a big purpose with a “right-sized” ego.
  • Wise leaders have exceptional relationship and communication skills. They find human connections to be deeply satisfying.
Rotarians as Leaders Steve Gage 2019-02-01 07:00:00Z 0

Pocatello Raises the Roof

Posted by Summer Jackman
story thumbnail

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.

Pocatello Raises the Roof Summer Jackman 2019-02-01 07:00:00Z 0

Four-Way Test in Our Lives

Posted by Lloyd Nelson
story thumbnail
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.
Four-Way Test in Our Lives Lloyd Nelson 2019-02-01 07:00:00Z 0

RYLA Applications Open April 2

Posted by Victoria Byrd and Todd Fischer
story thumbnail
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!
RYLA Applications Open April 2 Victoria Byrd and Todd Fischer 2019-02-01 07:00:00Z 0

Council on Resolutions Update

Posted by Kenneth Howell
story thumbnail

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.

 

Council on Resolutions Update Kenneth Howell 2018-12-30 07:00:00Z 0

Creating World Citizens

Posted by Todd Fischer
story thumbnail
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.
Creating World Citizens Todd Fischer 2018-12-30 07:00:00Z 0

Not a Surgeon? Me Neither - But You are Still Needed!

story thumbnail
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.
Not a Surgeon? Me Neither - But You are Still Needed! Jennifer Deroin 2018-12-28 07:00:00Z 0
Introducing Our Next District Governor Nominee! Michela Swarthout 2018-12-28 07:00:00Z 0

Pasachoa Water Project Update

Posted by Kevin Learned
story thumbnail

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.

 

Pasachoa Water Project Update Kevin Learned 2018-12-28 07:00:00Z 0

Are You a Paul Harris Fellow?

Posted by Marianne Barker
story thumbnail

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. 

 

Are You a Paul Harris Fellow? Marianne Barker 2018-12-28 07:00:00Z 0

Polio Eradication Update

Posted by Terry Ziegler
story thumbnail

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.
 

Polio Eradication Update Terry Ziegler 2018-12-28 07:00:00Z 0

The Shoe Saga

Posted by Michela Swarthout
story thumbnail

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 marshmallow suits windbreakers or atypical-to-my-personality rhinestones.

 

The Shoe Saga Michela Swarthout 2018-12-28 07:00:00Z 1

Mark Your Calendars!

story thumbnail

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. 

Mark Your Calendars! 2018-12-28 07:00:00Z 0

What is International Assembly?

Posted by Rich Kirkham
story thumbnail

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.

What is International Assembly? Rich Kirkham 2018-12-28 07:00:00Z 0

Announcing Rotary Club Leadership Summit & PETS 2019

Posted by Rich Kirkham
story thumbnail

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.

Announcing Rotary Club Leadership Summit & PETS 2019 Rich Kirkham 2018-12-28 07:00:00Z 0

Why Dictionaries?

Posted by Kathy Buck
story thumbnail

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?

Why Dictionaries? Kathy Buck 2018-12-28 07:00:00Z 1

Emmett's Christmas Elves

Posted by Kathy Buck
story thumbnail
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!
Emmett's Christmas Elves Kathy Buck 2018-12-28 07:00:00Z 0

Pocatello's Online Auction Fundraiser

Posted by Rayna Valentine
story thumbnail
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.
Pocatello's Online Auction Fundraiser Rayna Valentine 2018-12-28 07:00:00Z 0

Polio Eradication Update

Posted by Terry Ziegler

No 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.

Polio Eradication Update Terry Ziegler 2018-12-02 07:00:00Z 0

The Greatest Gift of All

story thumbnail
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.
The Greatest Gift of All Jennifer Deroin 2018-12-02 07:00:00Z 0

D5400 Completes Successful Weekend of RYE Interviews in Buhl

Posted by John Lodal
story thumbnail
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
D5400 Completes Successful Weekend of RYE Interviews in Buhl John Lodal 2018-12-02 07:00:00Z 0

Have YOU Ever Heard of Rotary Friendship Exchange?

Posted by Rich Kirkham
story thumbnail

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.

Have YOU Ever Heard of Rotary Friendship Exchange? Rich Kirkham 2018-12-02 07:00:00Z 0

D5400 Disease Prevention Projects: Gorongosa Medical Transport Project Update

Posted by Jennifer Deroin
story thumbnail

During the month of Disease Awareness, we’d like to shine a spotlight on a District 5400 Project. The Gorongosa Medical Transport project was sponsored by the Boise Sunrise Rotary Club along with contributions form Boise Centennial, Boise East, Boise Metro, Boise Southwest, Emmett, St . Anthony, and Lakeville, MN.

They secured funding for transportation that would allow government medical professionals to reach areas that are difficult to access because of road and climate conditions. The Global Grant improved the health care of the communities surrounding Mozambique's Gorongosa National Park by extending the reach of existing medical services to the remote communities surrounding the park.

D5400 Disease Prevention Projects: Gorongosa Medical Transport Project Update Jennifer Deroin 2018-12-02 07:00:00Z 0

Learning More About Rotary

Posted by Laurence P. Gebhardt
story thumbnail
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?
Learning More About Rotary Laurence P. Gebhardt 2018-11-29 07:00:00Z 0

Boise Southwest Participates in Rake Up Boise

Posted by BOB ROSE
story thumbnail
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.
Boise Southwest Participates in Rake Up Boise BOB ROSE 2018-11-29 07:00:00Z 0

Discovering Club Roles

Posted by Amy Campbell
story thumbnail
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.
Discovering Club Roles Amy Campbell 2018-11-29 07:00:00Z 0

Good Will and Better Friendship Dinners

Posted by Rich Kirkham
story thumbnail
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.  
Good Will and Better Friendship Dinners Rich Kirkham 2018-11-29 07:00:00Z 0

Be a Rotarian for Eternity

Posted by Marianne Barker
story thumbnail

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.

Be a Rotarian for Eternity Marianne Barker 2018-11-21 07:00:00Z 0

McCall Creates Park out of City Dump

Posted by Craig Vroom
story thumbnail
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.
McCall Creates Park out of City Dump Craig Vroom 2018-11-21 07:00:00Z 0

Rotarians’ Focus on Peace is Growing

story thumbnail

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.

Rotarians’ Focus on Peace is Growing 2018-11-21 07:00:00Z 0

Pocatello Takes Tree Project to Next Level

Posted by Marc Wride
story thumbnail

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.

Pocatello Takes Tree Project to Next Level Marc Wride 2018-11-21 07:00:00Z 0

Foundation Month

Posted by Jennifer Deroin

When 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.

Foundation Month Jennifer Deroin 2018-10-29 06:00:00Z 0

Basic Education and Literacy Month

Posted by Jennifer Deroin
As 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.
Basic Education and Literacy Month Jennifer Deroin 2018-09-10 06:00:00Z 0
D5400’s First Rotary Peace Fellow Reports Home Zach Tilton 2018-03-31 06:00:00Z 0

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.
Message from RI President Ian Risely 2017-10-04 06:00:00Z 0

No Wild Polio Cases Reported This Week

Posted on Aug 28, 2017
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
No Wild Polio Cases Reported This Week 2017-08-28 06:00:00Z 0

Idaho Falls Rotary Adopts Out 21,784 Ducks

Posted on Aug 28, 2017
Since 1991, the Great Snake River Idaho Falls Duck Race has been raising money to help grow the River Walk, where the beautiful Snake River makes it's way through the heart of Idaho Falls. Typical of Rotary projects, the money raised has been leveraged through grants both public and private. In the first 12 years, the race raised over $750,000 and was leveraged to over $2,000,000 in Greenbelt development. There are now nearly 7 miles of paved trail, a replica of the Taylor Toll Bridge, beautiful park amenities, and the three time award-winning River Gardens just north of the Pancheri Bridge.
 
Over the years, the Duck Race has become one of the largest festivals (2nd only to July 4) in Idaho Falls! Proceeds for the next three years will go toward Rotary's Centennial project and the city's newest park - Heritage Park.
 
To see this year's winners and videos, click here.
 
For more information on Heritage Park, go to www.ifparkplans.com
Idaho Falls Rotary Adopts Out 21,784 Ducks Michela Swarthout 2017-08-28 06:00:00Z 0

TRF Update

Posted on Aug 28, 2017
Rotarians and friends in District 5400 contributed a total of $342,906 to The Rotary Foundation during our historic 2016-17 year, a celebration of the Foundation’s 100 years of doing good. This amount surpassed the goal of $300,000 set by district governor Jim Hogge.
 
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
TRF Update 2017-08-28 06:00:00Z 0

Invite RYLA Students To Speak To At Your Club

Posted on Aug 28, 2017
The 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.”
 
Invite RYLA Students To Speak To At Your Club Todd Fischer 2017-08-28 06:00:00Z 0

Nampa Rotary Provides Backpacks for Kids

Posted on Aug 28, 2017
Because of the generosity of Nampa Rotarians, the Salvation Army received 46 backpacks this month.
 
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
Nampa Rotary Provides Backpacks for Kids 2017-08-28 06:00:00Z 0

In Loving Memory of Phil Sansotta

Posted on Aug 28, 2017
Philip Nicholas Sansotta, 95, of Boise, Idaho graduated from this life on August 18, 2017, and has gone to his eternal glory. He is much loved by so many. He was born in New Castle, Pennsylvania on August 2nd, 1922, the fourth of seven children to the late Nicola and Catherine 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
In Loving Memory of Phil Sansotta 2017-08-28 06:00:00Z 0

July Polio Update

One new wild Polio case reported this week.
 
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
July Polio Update 2017-07-30 06:00:00Z 0

Rotary President-elect Sam F. Owori dies

Posted on Jul 30, 2017

Rotary International President-elect Sam F. Owori died unexpectedly on 13 July due to complications from surgery. Sam was a member of the Rotary Club Kampala, Uganda, for 38 years.

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."

District Governor-Elect Jennifer Deroin and Sam Owori at the 2017 RI Convention in AtlantaSam was the chief executive officer of the Institute of Corporate Governance of Uganda, whose mission is to promote excellence in corporate governance principles and practice in the region by 2020. Previously, he was executive director of the African Development Bank and managing director of Uganda Commercial Bank Ltd., and director of Uganda Development Bank.  He has also served as corporation secretary of the Central Bank of Uganda.

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

Having an opportunity to have dinner with Sam and his gracious wife Norah I felt a friendship with him.  For those of us who knew Sam even a little, we knew him as a gentle man with a big heart.  Yes, we will miss him but his spirit will live in our hearts forever.  
 
May God forever be with Norah and family.
Rotary President-elect Sam F. Owori dies 2017-07-30 06:00:00Z 0

Idaho Rotary Celebrates 100 Years

Posted on Jul 30, 2017

Did 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

Idaho Rotary Celebrates 100 Years 2017-07-30 06:00:00Z 0

Conflict and the 2009 D5400 Ambassadorial Scholar

Posted on Jul 30, 2017
Jillian Foster was 25 years old when she received D5400’s Ambassadorial Scholarship. She had actually applied for it in 2008 but was denied. True to her nature, she determinedly sought out a new approach and ended up receiving a sponsorship from Boise Metro Rotary in 2009. That year she was granted the Ambassadorial Scholarship from District 5400, which she used to attend University College London and earn her Masters in Gender Studies.
 
“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
Conflict and the 2009 D5400 Ambassadorial Scholar 2017-07-30 06:00:00Z 0

30 Years Ago: Duarte Stands Against RI for Women

Posted on Jul 30, 2017
While 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.
 
This was in 1987. That same year, Rotary Club of Duarte elected Sylvia Whitlock to become the first ever female club President, and the world followed suit. As a Rotarian and a woman, I'd like to personally thank them for making my membership possible.
 
 
Michela Swarthout, D5400 Bulletin Lady
30 Years Ago: Duarte Stands Against RI for Women 2017-07-30 06:00:00Z 0

200 Miles of Rotary Friends

Posted on Jul 30, 2017
The two day Seattle To Portland (STP) bike ride offered a great way to meet Rotarians from around the Northwest.  10,000 bicyclists enjoy the ride, chatting along the route and at the evening camp.  I wore my Rotary jersey, sharing Rotary with those who wondered about the cog.  I met an immediate past club president, a group of Rotarians hosting one of the water refill stations, and a group of Lions - who teased me about Rotary - helping make the event successful.  The STP bike ride was a great way to spend a few days with my daughter Ida and to promote Rotary. 
 
What can you do to share the Rotary story?
Todd Fischer, Proud member of the Rotary Club of Boise
200 Miles of Rotary Friends 2017-07-30 06:00:00Z 0

Who is John Lodal?

Posted on Jul 30, 2017
Our new RYE Committee Chair has been a Boise Sunrise member since 2009 who has hosted four inbound exchange students with his wife Pam. District leadership is not new to him, as he served the last three years in the D5400 RYE Coordinator role. Additionally, his daughter Jessica went to Chile as a D5400 outbound in 2004-2005. An involved and passionate Rotarian, John brings a lot of experience to his new role.
 
"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.
Who is John Lodal? 2017-07-30 06:00:00Z 0

District 5400 at the RI National Convention

Posted on Jul 02, 2017

With 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

District 5400 at the RI National Convention 2017-07-02 06:00:00Z 0

June Polio Update

Posted on Jul 02, 2017
A circulating Vaccine-Derived Polio outbreak in Syria has paralyzed 17. Efforts are underway to insure the security of vaccinators ready to immunize 400,000 children in the outbreak area. While not considered as serious as wild Polio outbreaks, vaccine-derived cases indicate low immunity levels and poor sanitation.
 
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.
June Polio Update 2017-07-02 06:00:00Z 0

Nampa Rotary Honors Members

Bill Deal Sr. recently received Nampa Rotary’s second annual Community Impact Paul Harris. The Rotary Club of Nampa chose a nonmember who lives by Rotary’s Four Way Test.
 
The award was presented during the Nampa Rotary Club’s annual year-end dinner.
 
The honor recognizes Deal for his high personal and professional ethical standards. The Community Impact Paul Harris Fellow is named after Rotary’s founder, Paul Harris, and is considered a significant achievement among Rotarians. Mary Carol Niland and Cal Dillabaugh received the awards in 2015 and 2016.
 
Several other awards were presented to the year’s top Rotarians:
  • Rotarian of the Year is Phil Mortenson
  • Spirit of Rotary is Bryan Beban 
Two special awards also were presented at the event. Rhea Allen honored her husband, Drew Allen, with a Paul Harris Award in honor of his service to the club. John Deroin received a special Paul Harris Award from his wife and District Governor-Elect Jennifer Deroin.
 
To learn more about the Nampa Rotary Club, please visit www.namparotary.org.  The Nampa Rotary Club meets noon Tuesdays at Stevens Henager College on Midland in Nampa.
Nampa Rotary Honors Members 2017-07-02 06:00:00Z 0

Boise Centennial Gets Their Hands Dirty

On June 21st, members of Boise Centennial headed over to Giraffe Laugh, a non-profit that ensures school readiness for area children, and determinedly cleansed and repaired the center's deprecated, damaged and disheveled items. They finished the evening with an organized organization and a trailer full of items for disposal.
 
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!
 

Learn more about Rotary Club of Boise Centennial

Boise Centennial Gets Their Hands Dirty 2017-07-02 06:00:00Z 0

Rotary Youth Closet Project in Pocatello

The Gate City Rotary Club of Pocatello recently had the dedication and ribbon cutting for the Rotary Youth Closet project, a right-sized, well-outfitted quality shed, funded by District 5400 matching grant monies, that contains shelving and various sizes of plastic storage containers.
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 shed is located in a secured area of New Horizon High School. District Community Resource Officers and various administrators organize the distribution of the contents as needed. A plan is in place to help replenish supplies when stock gets low.
 
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
Rotary Youth Closet Project in Pocatello 2017-07-02 06:00:00Z 0
Youth Exchange Students are Coming and Going this Summer Mike Markley 2017-06-21 06:00:00Z 0

CLUBS HONORED AT DISTRICT CONFERENCE

Posted on May 27, 2017
District 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)
CLUBS HONORED AT DISTRICT CONFERENCE 2017-05-27 06:00:00Z 0

GOVERNOR'S MESSAGE - CELEBRATING THE NEXT 100 YEARS

Posted by Jim Hogge, Boise Sunrise on May 27, 2017
story thumbnail
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
GOVERNOR'S MESSAGE - CELEBRATING THE NEXT 100 YEARS Jim Hogge, Boise Sunrise 2017-05-27 06:00:00Z 0

SO, WHO WON THE RAFFLE??

Posted on May 27, 2017
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 
 
SO, WHO WON THE RAFFLE?? 2017-05-27 06:00:00Z 0

D5400 WELCOMES BAKER CITY

Posted by Ken Krone, Baker City Rotary on May 27, 2017

Five 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!

Visit our Facebook page here.

Pictured: Janice Nelson, Dotty Miles, Lloyd Nelson, Tom Hudson, Ken Krohn, and Mari Krohn (taking picture was Peggy Hudson)

D5400 WELCOMES BAKER CITY Ken Krone, Baker City Rotary 2017-05-27 06:00:00Z 0

FORMER RYLArians COMPETE IN CHEER

Posted by Jackie Flowers on May 27, 2017
Two former D5400 RYLArians just competed at The D2 Summit at the ESPN center in Orlando, Florida. Mary Flowers, competing for Idaho Falls Elite Allstars (Idaho Falls, left) and Ellie Erickson ( she was a Counselor from Boise last year), competing for Idaho Cheer. Both teams were competing against each other in the same division but both cheered for "Idaho" at the competition joining the competing team fans to cheer their Idaho-based competitors on, including these girls. Only 2% of the competitive cheer teams nationally qualify to attend Summit.
FORMER RYLArians COMPETE IN CHEER Jackie Flowers 2017-05-27 06:00:00Z 0
SUNRISE STUDENT ART CONTEST 2017-05-27 06:00:00Z 0
HOGGE PASSES THE TORCH! 2017-05-27 06:00:00Z 0
RYLA Aug 3-6 2017-02-27 07:00:00Z 0
RYLA 2017 August 3-6!! 2017-02-27 07:00:00Z 0

IT'S RAFFLE TIME!!!

Posted by Darl Bennett, District Executive on Apr 24, 2016
story thumbnail
The Grand Prize is a $4500 AAA “Cruise to Anywhere”. PLUS, the Rotarian who sells the winning ticket will also win a matching $4500 Cruise!
 
Do you ever wonder why you are given the opportunity to purchase raffle tickets as part ot the district's annual conference?
 
Click on "Read More" to find out, as well as to see a list of this year's prizes.
IT'S RAFFLE TIME!!! Darl Bennett, District Executive 2016-04-24 06:00:00Z 0
Twin Falls Rotary Bites of Brilliances 2016 2016-02-17 07:00:00Z 0

FOUNDATION NEWS - SIGN UP FOR SEMINARS

Posted by Marianne Barker on Aug 31, 2015
story thumbnail
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.
 
FOUNDATION NEWS - SIGN UP FOR SEMINARS Marianne Barker 2015-08-31 06:00:00Z 0

LETS PROMOTE ROTARY LICENSE PLATES

Posted on Jul 26, 2015
story thumbnail
Dave Shaw and Boise SW Rotary are leading an effort to have Rotary specialty license plates available to Idaho vehicle owners. A petition of no less than 250 signatures must be presented to the state legislature. If we convince DMV that they'd sell enough of these plates (with an added fee, of course) then it can happen. Did you know that these special plates were a fundraiser for the sponsor? The District will get a return of 50% of the added fee. So if you get a chance, be sure to sign the petition as it comes around. Then, if it happens, please buy a plate or two, or three!
LETS PROMOTE ROTARY LICENSE PLATES 2015-07-26 06:00:00Z 0

DOES YOUR CLUB HAVE A CASE OF BMS?

We bet not.  We hope not.  But just in case, it’s best to be informed so as to ward off the possibility.  In today’s world, people are busy.  They have many options on how to spend their time, and you want to give them every reason to put Rotary at the top of their priority list.  In your efforts to increase relevance and member engagement in your club, spend considerable effort towards your club’s meeting structure and program content.
 
Watch this video to learn about BMS, and how you can avoid its devastating effects on your club.
 
 
DOES YOUR CLUB HAVE A CASE OF BMS? 2015-05-13 06:00:00Z 0

MEMBERSHIP MATTERS

Posted by Jennifer Deroin
Rotary GoalsReady to kick-off your Presidential term?  For many months now, you've been thinking about what you'll try to accomplish, and how you'll impact your club.  The time is drawing close and it will fly by once it begins.  To give you and your club the best chance of successful outcomes, approach the year with a thought out plan.  We know that Membership Matters for the sustainability of Rotary.  We have some work to do, but any endeavor worth doing, is worth doing well, and certainly the care and handling of the precious commodity of Rotary is worth that effort.  Be a gift to your club, so Rotary can Be a Gift to the World.
 
Over the next few months, we'll be talking about Engagement; making Rotary meaningful to your members, the real key to membership growth success.  Stay tuned for tactics on how to accomplish this.  See this month's video below for a reminder of our PETS discussion overview, and some thoughts on membership club goals.
MEMBERSHIP MATTERS Jennifer Deroin 2015-03-23 06:00:00Z 0

CRUISE RAFFLE - WHERE DOES THE MONEY GO?!

Posted on Mar 21, 2015
story thumbnail
Do you ever wonder why you’re asked to sell cruise raffle tickets for the district?  The members of the district are the 43 clubs it represents, and the cruise raffle is something that benefits us all.  Proceeds are distributed thus:
  • 50% - The fund from which we match the first $100 of a person’s Paul Harris Fellow.
  • 25% - Rotary Youth Exchange Program
  • 25% - Rebated to clubs based on their ticket sales.
This year the District has already matched a bunch of Rotarians starting new Paul Harris Fellows with a $100 contribution to the Annual Fund of The Rotary Foundation.  Creating a more peaceful world “one student exchange at a time” costs money, and our D5400 RYE program is a success in part because of your ticket sales.  All you have to do to get your rebate is have someone from your club attend the district conference.  Let’s see if we can’t make $55,000 in gross sales….that’s only about 3 tickets per Rotarian on average.  At the very least, we hope to see every Rotarian support this effort by buying at least one ticket.  Many of you will buy your entire book.  Thank you!
 
There are ten awesome prizes, including the $4500 travel package and the most popular selling electronic gizmos according to Best Buy! Don’t forget that the seller of the winning ticket also wins the top prize!  That prize doesn’t have to be a cruise either.  It can be any vacation trip you want to arrange through AAA valued at $4500. 
CRUISE RAFFLE - WHERE DOES THE MONEY GO?! 2015-03-22 00:00:00Z 0

SEEKING CANDIDATES FOR D.G.

Posted by Marianne Barker on Sep 20, 2014
story thumbnail
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.
SEEKING CANDIDATES FOR D.G. Marianne Barker 2014-09-21 00:00:00Z 0

IDAHO FALLS WELCOMES BIG DUCK

Posted by Russell Johnson on Aug 16, 2014
story thumbnail
 
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.
 
IDAHO FALLS WELCOMES BIG DUCK Russell Johnson 2014-08-17 00:00:00Z 0

GILBERT TO REPRESENT D5400 AT LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL

Posted on Aug 16, 2014
story thumbnail
Every 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
 
GILBERT TO REPRESENT D5400 AT LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL 2014-08-17 00:00:00Z 0
TWIN FALLS RYLA ANOTHER SUCCESS! 2014-08-09 00:00:00Z 0

FOUNDATION REPORTS ARE POSTED - HOW'D YA DO??

Posted by Marianne Barker on Jul 26, 2014
story thumbnail
  
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)
  •          Per capita = $122.30 ($26/capita more than 2008-09, our previous high)
  •          Clubs who gave = 100%
  •          Clubs who met their goals = 35 of 43 (beating 29 of 42 in 2010-11, our previous high) 
  •          Clubs at > $100/capita = 23 of 43 (beating 18 of 42 in 2010-11, our previous high)
 
POLIOPLUS:      Total amount = $66,827 ($17,012 more than 2010-11, our previous high)
  •         Per capita = $36.86 ($11/capita more than in 2010-11, our previous high)
  •         Clubs who gave = 93% (40 of 43)
  •         Clubs who met their goals = 28 of 43
  •         Clubs at > $20/capita = 29 of 43
 
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!
FOUNDATION REPORTS ARE POSTED - HOW'D YA DO?? Marianne Barker 2014-07-27 00:00:00Z 0

DARL BENNETT TAKES OVER AS D5400 EXEC

Posted by Rick Phillips on Jul 26, 2014
story thumbnail
Darl 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.
DARL BENNETT TAKES OVER AS D5400 EXEC Rick Phillips 2014-07-27 00:00:00Z 0

GOVERNOR'S MESSAGE

Posted by Rick Phillips on Jul 26, 2014
story thumbnail
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.
GOVERNOR'S MESSAGE Rick Phillips 2014-07-27 00:00:00Z 0
TWIN FALLS ROTARY AND "PAINT MAGIC" 2014-07-27 00:00:00Z 0

ROTARY SEMILLA NUEVA TRIP IN NOVEMBER

Posted by Kathleen Simko on Jul 26, 2014
story thumbnail
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.
ROTARY SEMILLA NUEVA TRIP IN NOVEMBER Kathleen Simko 2014-07-27 00:00:00Z 0

DISTRICT BLOCK GRANT APPS DUE AUGUST 31

Posted by Cari Kaster on Jul 26, 2014
For 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:   
 
  • District Projects may be local or international
  • Maximum grant request $5,000
  • One Project per club
  • Clubs must have skin in the game (Clubs must have some money into the project)
  • The Greater the Rotarian involvement, the larger the community impact, the better the chances of approval
  • No club scholarships.
  • District Grant projects shall align with the mission of The Rotary Foundation
  • District Grant activities shall comply with the Terms and conditions for the Rotary Foundation
  • Grants may not be used to reimburse clubs for activities and expenses already completed or in progress. 
 
Please start thinking about powerful projects for your club and community and submit the grant application on line, no later than August 31st, 2014.
 
 
DISTRICT BLOCK GRANT APPS DUE AUGUST 31 Cari Kaster 2014-07-27 00:00:00Z 0

ROTARY LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE IN PLANNING MODE

Posted on Jul 26, 2014
Plans 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.
ROTARY LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE IN PLANNING MODE 2014-07-27 00:00:00Z 0

GOVERNOR SETS VISION AND GOALS

VISION
 
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
 
  1. Membership growth of 5%  through each club developing or refreshing their unique vision, finding and defining their relevance in community, refining their unique selling proposition for members, and building a membership plan to bring key target community leaders and professionals into their clubs.
  2. Establish a New Generations strategic plan to align RYLA, Rotaract, Interact, and Youth Exchange into an integrated youth leadership program which not only serves our youth, but also provides a seed-bed of future Rotarians.
  3. Improve understanding of and passion for The Rotary Foundation such that 90% of Rotarians in the District contribute to global humanitarian service through TRF.
 
 
 
 
GOVERNOR SETS VISION AND GOALS 2014-07-27 00:00:00Z 0

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.
MEET RICK PHILLIPS, 2014-2015 DISTRICT GOVERNOR 2014-07-11 00:00:00Z 0

DISTRICT CONFERENCE WAS GREAT FUN!

Posted on May 18, 2014
 
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
 
DISTRICT CONFERENCE WAS GREAT FUN! 2014-05-19 00:00:00Z 0

IMPORTANT NOTICE FROM CLUBRUNNER

ClubRunner 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.
IMPORTANT NOTICE FROM CLUBRUNNER 2014-05-12 00:00:00Z 0

ROTARIANS PREPARE FOR DISTRICT CONFERENCE

Posted on May 05, 2014
story thumbnail
Rotary 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.
ROTARIANS PREPARE FOR DISTRICT CONFERENCE 2014-05-06 00:00:00Z 0

ROTARY PEACE FELLOWSHIPS AVAILABLE

Posted on May 01, 2014

The 2015 Rotary Peace Fellowship application is now available online. The application deadline is 1 July. Click here for complete information.

 

ROTARY PEACE FELLOWSHIPS AVAILABLE 2014-05-02 00:00:00Z 0

ROTARIAN DICK FIELDS HAS PASSED AWAY

Posted on Apr 22, 2014
 

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.

ROTARIAN DICK FIELDS HAS PASSED AWAY 2014-04-23 00:00:00Z 0

CONFERENCE TO FEATURE FUN CONTEST

story thumbnail
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. 

CONFERENCE TO FEATURE FUN CONTEST 2014-04-20 00:00:00Z 0
SIGN UP FOR NEWSLETTERS FROM ROTARY INTERNATIONAL 2014-04-20 00:00:00Z 0
BOISE CLUBS ACHIEVE JULIA DAVIS PARK GOAL 2014-04-20 00:00:00Z 0
SHO-BAN INTERACT 2014-04-20 00:00:00Z 0
LOOK LIKE HIM! 2014-04-13 00:00:00Z 0

CONFERENCE REGISTRATION IS OPEN!

Posted on Mar 27, 2014
 
District 5400 2013-14 Conference
 
May 16-17, 2014 – Sun Valley, ID
Hosted by the Blue Lakes Rotary Club & District Governor Marianne Barker
 
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"
CONFERENCE REGISTRATION IS OPEN! 2014-03-28 00:00:00Z 0

R.I. PRES-ELECT HUANG ANNOUNCES HIS THEME "Light Up Rotary"

Posted on Mar 15, 2014
story thumbnail
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).
R.I. PRES-ELECT HUANG ANNOUNCES HIS THEME "Light Up Rotary" 2014-03-16 00:00:00Z 0

ROTARY 105 YEARS AND COUNTING

Posted on Mar 15, 2014
As of Saturday 1 March 2014, the first 105 Rotary clubs had reached 100 years! 
 
That was what started RGHF founder Jack M. B. Selway on a nearly fourteen year quest: "Who were the first 100 clubs?" The beginning of RGHF was www.rotaryfirst100.org. Tomorrow, that job will be done? But no, what about the other 34,000 clubs. Don't they count? 
1st 16 Rotary Clubs
The First Sixteen Rotary Clubs
The first 100 Rotary Clubs are listed at www.historyfirst100.org but the "Rest of the Stories" must now be posted at www.historylibrary.org Anyone can open a free account and do that. 
 
When will your club's centennial be? Please post your history now and be ready. Here's what we do know: 100 years from tomorrow, every one of today's surviving clubs will have reached the 100 year mark. 
 
It's remarkable that the first 100+5 are all still in business. You can't say that for hardly any 100 year old organizations. 
RGHFAnd, after nearly 14 years, what about RGHF? 

www.rghf.orgwww.historyfellowship.org, and

www.whatpaulharriswrote.org. We have grown to over 4,000 pages, 50,000 articles, social media and much more. 

We have only just begun, and as Rotarians learn about Rotary's Global History, we'll see a renewed interest in the people with "pins that look like wheels."

 

ROTARY 105 YEARS AND COUNTING 2014-03-16 00:00:00Z 0

PETS WAS A "FLOP".....NOT!

Posted on Mar 15, 2014
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:
  • Membership and Retention must be a high priority
  • The "Happy Clap"
  • Clubs Big, Medium and Small are VERY different
  • Revisit visioning
  • "Expect the unexpected"
  • If everyone sold all their raffle tickets, we'd make $190,000
  • 22 of us work for Idaho Power!
  • What does Paul Harris look like, anyway?
  • 39 Youth involved in Youth exchange this year!
  • Gate City Poky sings a song to their meeting guests!
PETS WAS A "FLOP".....NOT! 2014-03-16 00:00:00Z 0

LOOKING FORWARD TO DISTRICT CONFERENCE

Posted by Marianne Barker on Mar 15, 2014
story thumbnail

JOIN 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.
LOOKING FORWARD TO DISTRICT CONFERENCE Marianne Barker 2014-03-16 00:00:00Z 0

IDAHO FALLS, HONORS VANETTA, SUPPORTS SHELTERBOX

Posted by Jackie Flowers on Mar 15, 2014
story thumbnail
Following the Typhoon in the Philippines, Rotarian Vanetta Wilson challenged the members of the Idaho Fall Rotary Club to "give the gift of shelter" and contributed to a fund raiser to ShelterBox for the area that suffered extreme damage.  Within a couple weeks of her pitch to fellow club members, Vanetta suffered heart failure and was lost at the young age of 50.  Her family named Rotary as a memorial with a request to Rotarians to see Vanetta's last fund raising effort through to completion. 
 
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.
IDAHO FALLS, HONORS VANETTA, SUPPORTS SHELTERBOX Jackie Flowers 2014-03-16 00:00:00Z 0

NAMPA'S SPARE THE CHANGE FOR POLIO

Posted by Jennifer Deroin on Mar 15, 2014
story thumbnail
The Nampa Rotary Club continues to do very cool things! We recently did a Polio Plus campaign “Spare the Change” (referencing the Gandhi quote: “Be the change you want to see in the world), we did “Spare the change you want to see in the world”.  Our goal was to raise $800 during this campaign and we raised $1,118 over a four week change drive period.   We broke our club into teams and they were challenged to bring in coin.  The team winners with the most weight, and dollars would each receive 100 Paul Harris Points from the club.  This campaign, plus an earlier dessert auction has surpassed our annual club goal for a total of $1,458.00!
 
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!
NAMPA'S SPARE THE CHANGE FOR POLIO Jennifer Deroin 2014-03-16 00:00:00Z 0

IDAHO FALLS LAMPSHADE AUCTION SUPPORTS LITERACY

Posted by Jackie Flowers on Mar 15, 2014
story thumbnail
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.
IDAHO FALLS LAMPSHADE AUCTION SUPPORTS LITERACY Jackie Flowers 2014-03-16 00:00:00Z 0

GOVERNOR'S MESSAGE

Posted by Marianne Barker on Mar 15, 2014
story thumbnail
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.
GOVERNOR'S MESSAGE Marianne Barker 2014-03-16 00:00:00Z 0

ROTARY PEACE FELLOWSHIPS AVAILABLE

Posted by John McGuire on Mar 15, 2014
story thumbnail
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.
ROTARY PEACE FELLOWSHIPS AVAILABLE John McGuire 2014-03-16 00:00:00Z 0

SEMILLA NUEVA OPPORTUINITIES

Posted by Mike Markley, Boise Southwest on Mar 15, 2014
story thumbnail
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.
 
SEMILLA NUEVA OPPORTUINITIES Mike Markley, Boise Southwest 2014-03-16 00:00:00Z 0

TWIN FALLS AFTER HOURS MARDI GRAS REVELRY

Posted on Mar 15, 2014
The 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"! 
TWIN FALLS AFTER HOURS MARDI GRAS REVELRY 2014-03-16 00:00:00Z 0

AMBASSADORIAL SCHOLAR AMBER CLONTZ REPORTS IN

Posted on Mar 15, 2014
 
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.
 
AMBASSADORIAL SCHOLAR AMBER CLONTZ REPORTS IN 2014-03-16 00:00:00Z 0

LET'S DO ROTARY DAYS

Posted on Mar 15, 2014
story thumbnail
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:
  • Keep it simple
  • Keep it inexpensive
  • Gear toward families
  • Highlight Rotary
  • Seek coverage by local media
  • Gather contact information for Rotary prospects
Once the new Rotary year starts July 1st, watch for some National Rotary Day events.
LET'S DO ROTARY DAYS 2014-03-16 00:00:00Z 0

SERVICE TRIP TO BELIZE OFFERED

Posted on Mar 15, 2014
story thumbnail
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.
SERVICE TRIP TO BELIZE OFFERED 2014-03-16 00:00:00Z 0

ROTARY FOUNDATION ANNUAL REPORT

Posted on Mar 15, 2014
story thumbnail
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.
 
 
ROTARY FOUNDATION ANNUAL REPORT 2014-03-16 00:00:00Z 0

JOINT THE PAUL HARRIS SOCIETY

Posted by Rusty Broughton on Mar 15, 2014

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
JOINT THE PAUL HARRIS SOCIETY Rusty Broughton 2014-03-16 00:00:00Z 0

RAFFLE TICKETS FOR SALE, NOW!

Posted on Mar 13, 2014
story thumbnail
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
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.
RAFFLE TICKETS FOR SALE, NOW! 2014-03-14 00:00:00Z 0

DISTRICT CONFERENCE OPPORTUNITIES

Posted by Marianne Barker on Feb 15, 2014
The 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.
DISTRICT CONFERENCE OPPORTUNITIES Marianne Barker 2014-02-16 00:00:00Z 0

APPLY FOR DISTRICT AWARDS

Posted by Marianne Barker on Feb 15, 2014
2013-14 CLUB 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.  
APPLY FOR DISTRICT AWARDS Marianne Barker 2014-02-16 00:00:00Z 0

PETS TRAINING MARCH 7-8

Posted on Feb 15, 2014
"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).
 
PETS TRAINING MARCH 7-8 2014-02-16 00:00:00Z 0

BOISE CLUBS SPONSOR BOISE YOUNG PROFESSIONALS TRAINING

Posted on Feb 15, 2014
Several 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?
 
 
BOISE CLUBS SPONSOR BOISE YOUNG PROFESSIONALS TRAINING 2014-02-16 00:00:00Z 0

BOISE CENTENNIAL HOSTS WINTER WINE'D UP MAR 14TH

Posted by Doug Pill on Feb 15, 2014
The 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.
 
 
BOISE CENTENNIAL HOSTS WINTER WINE'D UP MAR 14TH Doug Pill 2014-02-16 00:00:00Z 0
YOUTH EXCHANGE ENJOY MCCALL WINTER CARNIVAL 2014-02-16 00:00:00Z 0

WOMEN IN ROTARY

Posted on Feb 15, 2014
story thumbnail
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".
WOMEN IN ROTARY 2014-02-16 00:00:00Z 0

EAGLE/GARDEN CITY AND CENTENNIAL DONATE BOOKS

Posted on Feb 15, 2014
Earlier 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.
EAGLE/GARDEN CITY AND CENTENNIAL DONATE BOOKS 2014-02-16 00:00:00Z 0

ADVISORS MONITOR FOUNDATION PROJECTS

Posted on Feb 15, 2014
story thumbnail
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."
 
ADVISORS MONITOR FOUNDATION PROJECTS 2014-02-16 00:00:00Z 0

IDAHO FALLS WELCOMES SCHOLAR AND PROMOTES LITERACY FUNDRAISER

Posted on Feb 15, 2014
story thumbnail
The 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.
IDAHO FALLS WELCOMES SCHOLAR AND PROMOTES LITERACY FUNDRAISER 2014-02-16 00:00:00Z 0

COUNCIL ON LEGISLATION IN 2016

Posted on Feb 15, 2014
story thumbnail
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. 
 
 
COUNCIL ON LEGISLATION IN 2016 2014-02-16 00:00:00Z 0

ROTARY IN RUSSIA CONFERENCE

Posted on Feb 15, 2014
The 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.
ROTARY IN RUSSIA CONFERENCE 2014-02-16 00:00:00Z 0

SEMILLA NUEVA PLANS SUMMER ADVENTURES

Posted on Feb 15, 2014
story thumbnail
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!"
 
 
SEMILLA NUEVA PLANS SUMMER ADVENTURES 2014-02-16 00:00:00Z 0

ODDS 'N ENDS

Posted on Feb 08, 2014

Our 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

ODDS 'N ENDS 2014-02-09 00:00:00Z 0

SYDNEY INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION JUNE 1-4

Posted on Feb 03, 2014
story thumbnail
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.
 
 
SYDNEY INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION JUNE 1-4 2014-02-04 00:00:00Z 0

DO YOU KNOW WHAT "WASRAG" and "PEP" ARE?

Posted on Jan 26, 2014
story thumbnail
"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. 

DO YOU KNOW WHAT "WASRAG" and "PEP" ARE? 2014-01-27 00:00:00Z 0

HOGGE SELECTED TO HEAD DISTRICT 2016-2017

Posted on Jan 18, 2014
story thumbnail
The 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.
HOGGE SELECTED TO HEAD DISTRICT 2016-2017 2014-01-19 00:00:00Z 0

DISTRICT GOVERNORS ARE GENEROUS!

Posted on Jan 18, 2014
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!
DISTRICT GOVERNORS ARE GENEROUS! 2014-01-19 00:00:00Z 0

GOVERNOR'S MESSAGE

Posted by Marianne Barker on Jan 18, 2014
story thumbnail
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. 
GOVERNOR'S MESSAGE Marianne Barker 2014-01-19 00:00:00Z 0

YOUTH EXCHANGE AND MCCALL WINTER CARNIVAL

Posted by Dave Shaw on Jan 18, 2014
Join 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!
 
YOUTH EXCHANGE AND MCCALL WINTER CARNIVAL Dave Shaw 2014-01-19 00:00:00Z 0