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Welcome to our Club!

Service Above Self

We meet In Person

Wednesdays at 12:10 PM

The Westbank Convention Center

525 River Parkway
Idaho Falls, ID 83402
United States of America

Mailing Address: PO Box 50335, Idaho Falls, ID 83405

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November 2026 President's Message

Dear Fellow Rotarians,

November is Rotary Foundation Month, a time to reflect on the incredible work made possible through the generosity of Rotarians around the world. One of the Rotary Foundation's key areas of focus is Maternal and Child Health, a cause that is particularly close to my heart.

This Rotary year, our club is participating in two international service projects. One of them focuses on improving maternal healthcare for mothers in Hinche, Haiti, through Maternal Healthcare International. I have been receiving updates from this organization, and it is truly heartwarming to see how our contributions, together with support from our district, are making a meaningful difference in people's lives. It is a beautiful reminder that the impact of our service extends far beyond our immediate community. This project also brings back some personal memories from my childhood in Ghana, West Africa. I remember accompanying my mother to weighing appointments for my younger siblings when they were babies. These were community clinics organized to provide basic healthcare services to mothers and children, particularly those who could not afford hospital visits at the time. I am certain that my mother also took me to similar clinics when I was a baby. Those childhood images have stayed with me over the years. Looking back, I realize how important these initiatives were to families like mine. Access to maternal and child healthcare is not simply about medical services; it is about giving mothers peace of mind, giving children a healthier start in life, and giving families hope.

Seeing our club contribute to similar efforts today reminds me of the generosity of people who choose to make a difference, even when the beneficiaries may be thousands of miles away. May we continue to rise above the call of service. May we continue to forge ahead, extending our hands and hearts to those who need us most.

As we dedicate ourselves to taking care of others, I also want to encourage each of us to remember to take care of ourselves. Service is meaningful, but so is our own well-being. Let us make time to rest, reconnect with loved ones, and nurture the relationships that give us strength.

Thank you for the work you do, the generosity you demonstrate, and the lives you continue to touch. I am grateful to serve alongside each of you. I love and appreciate you all. You are more than fellow Rotarians; you are family, and together, we can achieve so much more.

With gratitude,

Eugene Engmann

President, Rotary Club of Idaho Falls

Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving! No Club Meeting on November 25, 2026.

November 11, 2026

Rick Williams, Assistant Director, Kelly Canyon Ski Patrol - "National Ski Patrol: What We Do"

November is Rotary International “Rotary Foundation” month.

November Program Chair: Mary Lynn Hartwell & Greg Crockett

November Sergeant-At-Arms: Todd Mary

November Greeter: Beth Swenson

November 4, 2026

Hopi Salomon, A River Floatin' Dude - "An Introduction to Idaho Whitewater"

November is Rotary International “Rotary Foundation” month.

November Program Chair: Mary Lynn Hartwell & Greg Crockett

November Sergeant-At-Arms: Todd Mary

November Greeter: Beth Swenson

October 28, 2026

Mike Markley, Rotary District 5400 Governor - “The State of Rotary District 5400”

October is Rotary International "Economic & Community Development" month

October Program Chairman: Brandi Newton

October Sergeant-At-Arms: Isabelle Roethe

October Greeter: Lisa Schultz

October 21, 2026

Sierra McNeil, Executive Director, Hospice of Eastern Idaho - “More Than Care: How Community-Based Healthcare Strengthens Our Local Economy”

October is Rotary International "Economic & Community Development" month

October Program Chairman: Brandi Newton

October Sergeant-At-Arms: Isabelle Roethe

October Greeter: Lisa Schultz

October 14, 2026

Carlan McDaniel, EVP-COO, Bank of Commerce - “The Evolution of Financial Fraud”

October is Rotary International "Economic & Community Development" month

October Program Chairman: Brandi Newton

October Sergeant-At-Arms: Isabelle Roethe

October Greeter: Lisa Schultz

October 7, 2026

Amanda Poitevin, Board Member, Village Improvement Society - “The What and Why we needed to bring back the Village Improvement Society”

October is Rotary International "Economic & Community Development" month

October Program Chairman: Brandi Newton

October Sergeant-At-Arms: Isabelle Roethe

October Greeter: Lisa Schultz

October 2026 President's Message

Dear Fellow Rotarians,

October is Economic and Community Development Month, and when I think about our Rotary club and the work we do, I see two very important communities: the community we serve and the community we have with one another as Rotarians. Both are essential to meaningful service. When we serve our community, we have the opportunity to change lives for the better and help create an environment where individuals, families, and businesses can thrive. At the same time, service enriches us personally. When we give of our time, talents, and resources, we often receive something in return that cannot always be measured; gratitude, relationships, fulfillment, and opportunities to grow.

This month, I invite each of us to think about how we can contribute to the economic strength and development of our community. One of the most meaningful ways our club is doing this is through our scholarship endowment. Our goal is to raise $25,000 this year, and I am proud and grateful to share that we have already raised more than $8,000 in donations and pledges! Thank you! Every dollar we invest in this effort has the potential to create a lasting ripple effect. We support a student, that student gains an education or develops valuable skills, those skills are brought back into our community, and ultimately, our entire community benefits. This is how development works; it starts with an investment in people and can continue to benefit generations to come. Let's keep going!

I also believe that community development begins much closer to home—with our families and with the relationships we build with one another. Each of us may have a different definition of family. For some, it may be parents, children, and siblings. For others, it may include friends, mentors, colleagues, or people who have simply become part of our lives. Regardless of who we call family, let us make an intentional effort to nurture and preserve those relationships. The stronger our relationships, the stronger our families. And the stronger our families, the stronger our communities. Development also begins with something simple: listening. When we listen to one another (really listen), we understand people's needs, hopes, concerns, and ideas. And when we understand, we are better positioned to act. Let's listen more so that we can do more.

Thank you for everything you do for our community and for one another. I am continually inspired by the generosity, dedication, and service I see within this club. You are more than fellow Rotarians—you are family. I love you all. And together, through Service Above Self, we can achieve far more than we could ever achieve alone.

With gratitude,

Eugene Engmann

President, Rotary Club of Idaho Falls

September 30, 2026

Dana Kirkham, Senior Director of Regulatory and Strategic Affairs at Idaho Environmental Coalition - “Managing the Past to Power the Future”

September is Rotary International "Basic Education and Literacy" month

Septemer Program Chairman: John Radford

September Sergeant-At-Arms: Steve Cannon

September Greeter: Kristina Tiechert

September 23, 2026

Idaho State Senator Dave Lent - “Nuclear Lifecycle Innovation Campus”

In July, the US Department of Energy named Idaho as one of five finalist states to potentially host a major Nuclear Lifecycle Innovation Campus. Senator Dave Lent will discuss the proposal and what this could mean for our region.

September is Rotary International "Basic Education and Literacy" month

August Program Chairman: John Radford

August Sergeant-At-Arms: Steve Cannon

August Greeter: Kristina Tiechert

September 16, 2026

President Eugene Engmann - “Focus on Fellowship and Lasting Impact”

September is Rotary International "Basic Education and Literacy" month

August Program Chairman: John Radford

August Sergeant-At-Arms: Steve Cannon

August Greeter: Kristina Tiechert

September 9, 2026

Amanda Poitevin, Co-owner of Winnie & Mo's Bookshop and The Book Shelf and a former teacher - "My View from Teacher to Bookseller: Book Bans, Literacy, and Romantasy"

September is Rotary International "Basic Education and Literacy" month

August Program Chairman: John Radford

August Sergeant-At-Arms: Steve Cannon

August Greeter: Kristina Tiechert

September 2, 2026

Jen Jennings, Development Coordinator, Museum of Idaho - "From Libraries to Museums: Why Literacy Matters"

September is Rotary International "Basic Education and Literacy" month

August Program Chairman: John Radford

August Sergeant-At-Arms: Steve Cannon

August Greeter: Kristina Tiechert

August 26, 2026

Carrie Athay,Executive Director, Idaho Falls Symphony - “New Frontiers: Idaho Falls Symphony 2026-2027 Season”

August is Rotary International "Membership" month

August Program Chairman: 5th & 12th: Mike O'Bleness 19th & 26th: Chris Aspinall

August Sergeant-At-Arms: Beth Swenson

August Greeter: Cheryl O'Brien

August 19, 2026

Ben Nelson, Rotary District 5400 Foundation Chair - "A celebratory look at the great things that Rotary is doing as a result of our giving to the Rotary Foundation”

August is Rotary International "Membership" month

August Program Chairman: 5th & 12th: Mike O'Bleness 19th & 26th: Chris Aspinall

August Sergeant-At-Arms: Beth Swenson

August Greeter: Cheryl O'Brien

August 12, 2026

Posted on Aug 10, 2026

Presentation of Prizes to our 2026 Duck Race Winners with Mike O'Bleness

August is Rotary International "Membership" month

August Program Chairman: 5th & 12th: Mike O'Bleness 19th & 26th: Chris Aspinall

August Sergeant-At-Arms: Beth Swenson

August Greeter: Cheryl O'Brien

August 5, 2026

COUNTDOWN TO THE GREAT SNAKE RIVER GREENBELT DUCK RACE with Mike O'Bleness

August is Rotary International "Membership" month

August Program Chairman: 5th & 12th: Mike O'Bleness 19th & 26th: Chris Aspinall

August Sergeant-At-Arms: Beth Swenson

August Greeter: Cheryl O'Brien

August 2026 President's Message

Dear Fellow Rotarians,

The first month of our Rotary year has flown by, and already we are stepping into the second month. Thank you for your enthusiasm, service, and commitment. It has been a wonderful start, and I am excited about what lies ahead.

This month, I would like to focus on one of the most important aspects of our club: membership.

Membership is about much more than attending weekly meetings. It is about fellowship—intentional fellowship. During my first address to the club, I shared one of my goals for this year: to be intentional in building meaningful relationships with one another.

Many people first experience the spark of Rotary when they are invited to a meeting. As they get to know our members, experience our fellowship, and participate in service, that spark gradually grows into a flame that leads to membership. Our responsibility doesn't end there. Our goal is to keep that flame burning brightly, especially for our newest members.

Let's make it our goal this year to retain every member of our club. We can do that by helping each person experience the true essence of Rotary: friendship, belonging, service, and purpose. Over the coming months, we will introduce ideas and opportunities that will make membership even more meaningful and engaging.

July 8, 2026

July 2026 President's Message

Dear Fellow Rotarians,

As I begin my journey as President of this remarkable Rotary club, I am humbled and deeply grateful for the love, encouragement, and confidence you have placed in me. It is truly an honor to serve alongside such dedicated individuals who continually exemplify our Rotary motto, Service Above Self.

My heart is full because of the opportunities that lie ahead. I believe that we are all called to serve because no one should have to walk through life alone. Service has the power to restore hope, strengthen communities, and remind people that they matter. That is the spirit I hope we will continue to embrace throughout the coming year.

During my presidency, I will focus on two priorities that are especially meaningful to me: scholarships and intentional fellowship.

June 24, 2026

Dr. Lori Barber, President of College of Eastern Idaho - "The Changing Landscape of Higher Education"

This Rotary Club Meeting will be held at the College of Eastern Idaho. Address: 1600 S. 25th E., Idaho Falls, ID 83404

June is Rotary International “Fellowships” month.

June Program Chair: Michelle Mallard/Cory Stegelmeier/Dave Facer

June Sergeant-At-Arms: Gray Augustus

June Greeter: Josh Johnson

June 17, 2026

An Update - Development Workshop, Inc.

June is Rotary International “Fellowships” month.

June Program Chair: Michelle Mallard/Cory Stegelmeier/Dave Facer

June Sergeant-At-Arms: Gray Augustus

June Greeter: Josh Johnson

June 10, 2026

Law Day At Rotary & the Presentation of the Liberty Bell Award - The Honorable Dane Watkins - “The Old Man of Hoy and the Fragility of Our Justice System”

June is Rotary International “Fellowships” month.

June Program Chair: Michelle Mallard/Cory Stegelmeier/Dave Facer

June Sergeant-At-Arms: Gray Augustus

June Greeter: Josh Johnson

June 2026 President's Message

Rotarians,

June is here and for Rotary it is Fellowships Month, a theme that “celebrates international goodwill and encourages members to connect through shared hobbies, recreational activities, and professions.” I do know that the chance to see friends and fellow Rotarians is one of the best parts of our Rotary Club. This past weekend the Rotary District 5400 Conference was held here in Idaho Falls, and it was a chance to Fellowship with people from other Rotary Clubs.

Since the Rotary year begins July 1st, June is when Rotary is preparing to hand off positions to the next group of leaders. For our Club, Eugene Engmann is our incoming President, Carrie Athay will be President Elect, and Amanda Logan will be Vice-President. Please support these three and all of our other officers and board members.

At the District level, the incoming District Governor is Mike Markley. He will replace Kathy Buck, who we can thank for bringing the district conference to East Idaho this year. Rotary also has an annual theme and this year’s theme was “Unite for Good”, for the upcoming year the theme "Create Lasting Impact" was unveiled by Rotary International President-Elect Olayinka Hakeem Babalola. These two themes are definitely related.

District Governor, Kathy, was into the train theme for this year's district conference, so I did see the need to share the following story:

Trains are not such a great memory for Eagle Rock, the original name for Idaho Falls. In 1886 following a violent windstorm that destroyed the Eagle Rock roundhouse, the Union Pacific Railroad used the collapse of the buildings and an existing labor dispute to justify relocating its major train shops and rail yards 50 miles south to Pocatello. This historical move nearly decimated Eagle Rock's economy, but the town later reinvented itself and was renamed Idaho Falls in 1891. So, with some bitterness against our neighbors to the south, I am done talking about trains.

As I look at the themes of Fellowship, Unite for Good, and Create Lasting Impact, I am proud of our Club as we do all of those well. The Duck Race is upon us, so let's unite for good and fellowship as we put on the Duck Race and make some lasting improvements to our greenbelt/riverwalk.

In Fellowship,

Stephen Boorman, President

Rotary Club of Idaho Falls