Events

Jan Brown arrived in Idaho Falls one cool October evening back in 1976 at the invitation of Ernie Craner, our Parks and Recreation director at the time. Ernie knew that Jan's environmental education background and forestry degree from Oregon State University would be welcomed by those launching the new Intermountain Science Experience Center (that we now know as University Place). Jan strung her plastic, open-ended tube tent between two lilac bushes by the river at the former KOA and in the morning found herself buried under six inches of snow. Despite the chilly introduction to our fair city, Jan put down roots in Eastern Idaho and spent the next 43 years working to protect the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem and its unmatched recreation resources across three states. 

Jan's diverse career included 10 years operating her own guest lodge in Island Park and 23 years leading three distinctly different nonprofit organizations in Idaho and Montana. When Jan was executive director of the Henry's Fork Foundation in the 1990s, she helped create the Henry's Fork Watershed Council in cooperation with Dale Swensen of the Fremont-Madison Irrigation District. Their collaborative approach to problem solving and use of community-building techniques laid the foundation for what is now 25 years of cooperation between farmers and fishermen in the Henry's Fork Basin. Now that Jan has retired and is back,in Idaho Falls, this is the story I've asked her to tell to set the stage for our peacemaking theme for February.

Cher Stone is our speaker and her topic on this Valentines Day is "Building Better Relationships".  

For 45 years the business of hair helped Cher Stone finance her true passion, social justice.  In the early 80s she became the “junior helper” and helped to open what was referred to as the sandwich kitchen at St. Mark’s Church on Boulevard in Idaho Falls.  Over 40 years later, we are blessed to have the Idaho Falls Soup Kitchen and Cher Stone as pillars of our community.

Dr. Colin Johnson, Political Science Professor at ISU, Discussing our geopolitical climate.  

Colin Johnson's research is at the intersection of international migration and development, incorporating human security, political demography, and ethnic conflict. His empirical expertise is in post-communist Eurasia, including field experience in the Russian Federation, Kyrgyzstan, and Estonia. 

Dr. Johnson received his Ph.D. from Brown University in 2017 and then taught as a UCIS Post-Doctoral Fellow at the Center for Russian, East European, and Eurasian Studies and the Department of Political Science at the University of Pittsburgh from 2017-2019.

 Lisa Evans, Assistant Director, School District 91 Career and Technical Education Center will the report on CTEC.

This week our speaker is President Elect Kristin Sanger and her topic is "Come Discover Your Rotary Why". 

Bear Prairie is the General Manager of Idaho Falls Power and Idaho Falls Fiber.  Prior to assuming this role in 2018 he was the Assistant General Manager for eight years.  Bear has over 20 years of experience in the energy industry.  Starting his career at Idaho Power Company in Boise Idaho holding numerous roles in commodity trading and power supply management.  After leaving Idaho Power, Bear developed and staffed a west coast based electric and natural gas trading business for Integrys Energy, a Fortune 100 corporation, which he based in Boise.  He has experience in utility executive management, commodity trading and asset development.  

Bear serves on numerous boards including: Public Power Council, Utah Associated Municipal Power Systems, Idaho Consumer Owned Utilities Association, Idaho Energy Resources Authority Board, and Pacific Northwest Utilities Conference Committee.  He earned an MBA for Northwest Nazarene University and a BA in Business Administration from The College of Idaho.  Bear and his wife have two children whom all enjoy skiing, golfing and fishing along with most other outdoor activities.

Chris Fredericksen is the Public Works Director at the City of Idaho Falls and has served in that capacity since March 2013. Prior to that position, he was the Idaho Falls City Engineer for nearly a decade and also served as the Assistant Public Works Director. Before joining the City of Idaho Falls Chris worked for the Idaho Transportation Department. He is a licensed professional engineer in Idaho and Utah and has been involved in the design and construction of civil engineering projects for over twenty years. Chris is an Eastern Idaho native and a graduate of Idaho State University.

Justin is the executive director for the Idaho Conservation League, an Idaho-based, statewide conservation organization working to protect the air you breathe, the water you drink, and the wildlife and wildlands that you love. The Idaho Conservation League, or ICL, is Idaho’s leading voice for conservation.

In leading ICL, Justin relies on his unique blend of science-based technical skills, public policy experience, and love of people and the outdoors. Prior to becoming ICL’s executive director, Justin served as the director of ICL’s conservation programs for 18 years.

He has a master of science in Earth Systems, focusing on ecosystem management, a bachelor of science in Earth Systems and a bachelor of arts in Human Biology, all from Stanford University.

A native Idahoan, Justin rejoices in the knowledge that his work is protecting the things that make Idaho a great place to live – our spectacular landscapes, wildlife, clean air, and clean water.

Justin lives in Boise and enjoys spending his free time hunting and fishing in Idaho’s backcountry, mountain biking, skiing, and running Idaho’s amazing rivers.

Native of Southeastern Idaho and grew up in Shelley, Graduate of Eastern Idaho Technical College and Idaho State University; national credential in Radiation Protection; retired site-wide Training Manager for Fluor Idaho at the Idaho National Laboratory (INL) where he managed both regulatory and facility-specific training programs; served as Training Working Group chair for the Energy Facilities Contracting Group; received a Distinguished Leadership award at the Department of Energy Headquarters in Washington D.C. for regulatory reform and cost-cutting initiatives; Worked and managed radiation protection and training programs in both commercial power and Department of Energy facilities since 1980; served on the Idaho Falls School District 91 Board of Trustees for twelve years, he played a key role in replacing four elementary schools and transitioning a junior high into a successful project-based high school; elected to a third term in the Idaho Senate where he serves as Chair of the Senate Education Committee and a member of the Joint Finance Appropriations Committee.

Connor grew up in northern Vermont as a part of a dairy farming community, spending a large portion of his childhood outside and surrounded by both wildlife and domesticated farm animals. Connor’s love of wildlife and the outdoors began there and further grew when he was able to experience new environments and animals after moving to Colorado. He attended Colorado College for undergraduate school where he received a BA in History. He moved to Jackson soon after and began volunteering at TRC in raptor rehabilitation. After a year of volunteering, Connor was extremely excited to be offered the opportunity to join the TRC staff. Favorite Raptor: Great Gray Owl and Golden Eagle.

Lara Herway is a seasoned political consultant with a proven track record spanning over a decade in local, state, and federal government. With expertise in strategic planning, fundraising, and messaging, she managed and advised over 40 campaigns resulting in a 88% win record. As an active lobbyist, she successfully advocates for over 30 clients to enact meaningful legislation and initiatives. Ms. Herway’s grassroots, data-driven tactics include creating and teaching campaign schools, empowering candidates with custom messaging and communication skills, and teaching legislators how to effectively utilize social media. Ms. Herway is an expert in fundraising for public/private capital infrastructure projects, local initiatives and political campaigns. Ms. Herway is the founder of Sunnybrook Strategies, the executive director of the Idaho Falls Civic Foundation and lobbyist for Risch Pisca Law and Policy. Prior to working with local and state governments, she was a beloved elementary school music teacher and middle school debate coach. Her background in education has instilled in her a deep understanding of the issues that matter most to families and communities. Ms. Herway is proud to be a fourth generation Idahoan, mother of five independent thinking children and an avid reader.

Lee Radford, Parsons Behle and Latimer, is our speaker for Law Day and the Liberty Bell Award and his topic is "Voices of Democracy".

Mr. Radford’s practice focuses on growing successful business enterprises in Idaho’s principal industries, including health care, real estate and agriculture, and in providing the daily legal support needed by companies. Mr. Radford helps health care businesses comply with complex legal frameworks. This work includes counseling and representing health care providers in relation to Stark, the anti-kickback statute, physician contracting, health care leasing, physician organizations, licensing and credentialing, real estate, confidentiality, employment, health care transactions and health insurance contracting. He also helps health care businesses in litigation and dispute resolution.  Mr. Radford assists clients with real estate transactions, including assistance with land use planning, zoning, development, finance, permitting, leasing and property tax issues. He helps companies choose Idaho as the best place to locate new operations and facilities. As Chair of the Idaho Falls Redevelopment Agency, he has experience with the Idaho urban renewal laws and tax increment financing and in encouraging smart growth within Idaho's landscape.  Mr. Radford’s practice supports the legal needs of Idaho agriculture, including with purchase and supply contracts, farm leases, property acquisition, agricultural financing, entity structures and family farm succession issues.  Mr. Radford provides general counsel support for businesses, including corporate formation and organization, mergers and acquisitions, regulatory compliance, and tackling the many legal issues that confront businesses from day to day. This includes protecting businesses in relation to confidentiality, trade secrets, non-compete agreements, and other means of preserving the assets of the business.  Mr. Radford also assists businesses in resolving disagreements among owners, disputes involving commercial contracts and real property, disputes involving health care, and litigation involving design and construction issues. He has also helped many families in connection with business succession disputes. As part of his focus on helping resolve business disputes, he is certified as a mediator.

The program will entail an overview of the scholarship program and will include the awarding of six scholarships to local students.

Ron Crone, Associate Laboratory Director for Materials and Fuels Complex at the Idaho National Laboratory, will present "Advanced Nuclear Reactors".

Mr. Crone has more than 35 years of experience in engineering, management, and technical leadership. He joined Idaho National Laboratory in January 2015, serving as the Associate Laboratory Director of the Materials and Fuels Complex since that time. Previously, he served as Associate Laboratory Director for the Neutron Sciences Directorate at Oak Ridge National Laboratory. He was responsible for the management of the neutron sciences R&D portfolio, which includes the operation of the Spallation Neutron Source and the High Flux Isotope Reactor (HFIR). While at ORNL, he worked at HFIR in technical leadership roles in operations, maintenance, engineering, and was the Division Director of the Research Reactors Division (RRD) for over 7 years. He began his career in the Reactor Engineering Group at the Davis-Besse Nuclear Power Station near Toledo, Ohio. He then worked at the Yankee Rowe Nuclear Power Station in Rowe, Massachusetts, as a reactor engineer and shift technical adviser. He moved to Tennessee and joined the staff at HFIR in January 1992. He holds a bachelor’s degree in nuclear engineering from the University of Cincinnati and a master’s degree in engineering from the University of Alabama at Huntsville.

INL presents “Our Future Workforce” with Sunshine Shepherd, K-12 STEM Coordinator, and Heather Nunamaker, Workforce Development Specialist at the Idaho National Laboratory.

DUCK RACE KICKOFF EVENT

Sunshine Shepard is a member of the Shoshone-Bannock Tribes and mother to three amazing kids. She is the current K-12 STEM Education Coordinator at Idaho National Laboratory, having joined in October 2021. In her role she works to provide outreach and educational opportunities to schools and community organizations, leading various programs and events including STEM Scholars, My Amazing Future and Nuclear Family Science Night. Shepherd serves on various boards and committees including the Idaho Out of School Network Committee, on the Citizens Advisory Board for the Idaho Falls Zoo and the Idaho Science and Aerospace Scholars Advisory Board. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Native American Indigenous studies from Fort Lewis College in Durango, Colorado, and her Master of Public Administration from Idaho State University. She is currently working toward a doctorate in education from Idaho State University.

Heather Nunamaker is a dedicated advocate for workforce and economic development, currently serving as the Workforce Development Specialist at Idaho National Laboratory. Born and raised in Idaho Falls, Heather graduated from Idaho Falls High School before earning her BA in Business Administration from the University of Puget Sound in Tacoma, Washington.  Returning to Idaho after spending ten years in Washington, Heather embarked on a career in workforce development, accruing invaluable experience over the last decade. Her professional journey has included roles with state contractors, the Idaho Department of Labor, and the College of Eastern Idaho. Throughout her career, Heather has built expertise in state and federal programming, industry engagement, higher education/training, and workforce and economic development initiatives. Committed to continuous growth, she pursued and completed her MBA at Idaho State University while advancing her career.  Heather is passionate about creating opportunities for sustainable economic development and empowering communities through strategic workforce initiatives. Her continued work at Idaho National Laboratory reflects her dedication to advancing workforce and economic development in her home state of Idaho and the region.  

INL presents “INL at 75” with Liza Raley, Tour Ambassador at the Idaho National Laboratory.

Lee Radford, Chair of Idaho Falls Redevelopment Agency - topic:  "Building Better Communities”.

Mr. Radford’s practice focuses on growing successful business enterprises in Idaho’s principal industries, including health care, real estate and agriculture, and in providing the daily legal support needed by companies. Mr. Radford helps health care businesses comply with complex legal frameworks. This work includes counseling and representing health care providers in relation to Stark, the anti-kickback statute, physician contracting, health care leasing, physician organizations, licensing and credentialing, real estate, confidentiality, employment, health care transactions and health insurance contracting. He also helps health care businesses in litigation and dispute resolution.  Mr. Radford assists clients with real estate transactions, including assistance with land use planning, zoning, development, finance, permitting, leasing and property tax issues. He helps companies choose Idaho as the best place to locate new operations and facilities. As Chair of the Idaho Falls Redevelopment Agency, he has experience with the Idaho urban renewal laws and tax increment financing and in encouraging smart growth within Idaho's landscape.  Mr. Radford’s practice supports the legal needs of Idaho agriculture, including with purchase and supply contracts, farm leases, property acquisition, agricultural financing, entity structures and family farm succession issues.  Mr. Radford provides general counsel support for businesses, including corporate formation and organization, mergers and acquisitions, regulatory compliance, and tackling the many legal issues that confront businesses from day to day. This includes protecting businesses in relation to confidentiality, trade secrets, non-compete agreements, and other means of preserving the assets of the business.  Mr. Radford also assists businesses in resolving disagreements among owners, disputes involving commercial contracts and real property, disputes involving health care, and litigation involving design and construction issues. He has also helped many families in connection with business succession disputes. As part of his focus on helping resolve business disputes, he is certified as a mediator.

Dr. Ken Krell - topic:  "The Forever Pandemic”  

“I’m finally feeling some better. But I’m frustrated. You know one day you’re fine, you have a future and goals, then suddenly it’s ‘what the hell is happening to me’.”

What is the current state of Covid?

What is long Covid?

How prevalent is Long Covid?

Who is at risk?

What does long Covid look like?

Does it get better?

What causes long Covid?

Can long Covid be prevented?

How can long Covid be treated?

What does the future look like?

A tribute to health care workers.

Marie Bogetti Baker - District 5400 Governor

Marie Baker grew up in California and moved to Idaho 18 years ago.  She has been a member of the Nampa Rotary Club for over fifteen years, serving as President in 2015-2016.  She has served as District 5400 Membership Chair, Youth Services Chair and Visioning Coordinator.  Marie also served as an Assistant Rotary Coordinator for Zones 26/27.

Professionally, Marie is the Region 3 Director for the Idaho Small Business Development Center at Boise State University.  She has a degree in Business Administration from CSU Fresno and a Master’s Degree in Organization Development from the University of San Francisco. 

When she is not working or serving with Rotary, you will find Marie out hiking or kayaking in the great outdoors.  Marie is married to Perren and together they have 4 children and 11 grandchildren.

Farewell Program and Thank you to President Catherine Smith!

July is Rotary International "New Year New Leadership Month".

July Program Chairman: Brandi Newton                                                                                                                                                                                                                          July Sergeant-at-Arms:  Lisa Schultz                                                                                                                                                                                                                          July Greeter:  TBD

Trevor Elordi will give us a general overview of Workforce Training and the programs that CEI offers, projects that they are currently working on, how they work with business and industry, and an overview of what they have available for the public. 

Brandi Newton, Executive Director of the Idaho Falls Arts Council, will present the IFAC 2024/2025 Season Preview.

Jeff Tucker, General Manager of Idaho Public Television - topic:   “Idaho Public Television in our Community”.

Jeff Tucker was named general manager of Idaho Public Television in August 2021. Previous to that, he served as IdahoPTV’s director of content, overseeing programming, education services, digital media and strategy for local productions. As the head of content he also managed independent and contract work for IdahoPTV as well as content initiatives and other production relationships with state and private entities. 

Jeff began volunteering with IdahoPTV while in high school. He continued working part-time while studying for a broadcasting communications major and business management minor at the University of Idaho. He has held positions as director/videographer, producer/director and production manager at IdahoPTV and overseen the communications and membership departments. 

As production manager, Jeff played an integral role in the planning, design and transition to high-definition of IdahoPTV’s production facilities, both field and studio.

Since 2001 Jeff has helped form strong relationships with state agencies and other private and public organizations. Idaho in Session grew from streamed coverage via a single webcam to fiber-connected multi-camera coverage from the Idaho House, Senate and committee rooms as well as the Idaho Supreme Court. He also oversaw the planning, strategy and initial production for IdahoPTV’s newest long-form history documentary series, Idaho Experience. 

Jeff currently serves on the University of Idaho’s James A. and Louise McClure Center for Public Policy Research and has been active and served in leadership of several committees through the National Telecommunications Association. He’s a graduate of Idaho’s Certified Public Manager nationally accredited 22-month program that strengthens leadership skills, deepens understanding of management, and improves the quality of public service.