Stories

Check your calendar and signup to support local scholarships today!

As we step into the month of February, we are reminded of Rotary’s enduring commitment to building a more peaceful, equitable world. Rotary’s February focus on peace and conflict prevention resonates deeply with our mission of service, as we understand that peace is not just the absence of violence, but the active presence of understanding, collaboration, and compassion. Through Rotary’s Peace Fellowships, community service projects, and commitment to a more balanced world, we work tirelessly to foster dialogue, provide support, and promote mutual respect. Each of us, in our own way, is contributing to a world where differences are resolved through understanding, and where every voice is heard.

This month let’s reaffirm our collective responsibility to not only maintain peace in our local communities but to also extend our reach as we travel outside of our community to extend the hand of fellowship and kindness. By prioritizing peacebuilding, we can be agents of change, ensuring that future generations inherit a world where peace is not just a goal but a reality. Together, as Rotarians, we are united in our mission to prevent conflict and promote lasting peace and it all starts with each of us as individual influencers.

Yours in service,

Kristin Sanger

 President, Rotary Club of Idaho Falls

Calling All Volunteers! Let’s raise some money for local scholarships while enjoying some fantastic bonding time with fellow Rotarians through the Mountain America Concessions fundraisers. Each night runs from 5:00pm- 9:45pm, come in comfortable shoes and a Rotary Apron will be provided. We are looking for a team lead for each night. The Team lead will have the Rotary aprons on hand and give reminder communications to their group to ensure we keep 10 volunteers (8 @ concessions and 2 at the Beer Cart). Please let Bill O’Donnell know, if you would like to be a team lead. He will pass the signup sheets for concessions at each Rotary meeting. We have just a few concession nights and we need your help on the following dates:

Check your calendar and signup to support local scholarships today!

Getting to know Loic Boslond

Born in 1979 in France, Loïc grew up in a small village called "Vivans" (250 inhabitants), in the middle of nowhere in the center of the country. Curious and interested from a very young age about Science and Technology, he directed his curiosity towards Physics and Chemistry and obtained a Ph.D. in Nuclear Chemistry. His driving force was understanding and explaining the mechanisms beyond the experimental observations. During this academic path, he had the opportunity to complete two internships in Spain, during which his curiosity was captured by foreign languages (Spanish, English and Italian) and cultures. His curiosity was also drawn towards Traditional Chinese Medicine (acupuncture) that he’d studied for 5 years, to understand how this energetic discipline can improve patients’ quality of life and complement the western medicine.

Dear Fellow Rotarians,

As we embrace the month of December, a time of reflection and giving, it is fitting that we focus our attention on one of Rotary’s most profound commitments: Disease Prevention and Treatment. Rotary International’s efforts in this area are both impactful and far-reaching. I was impressed with the vastness of Rotary’s health initiatives. Did you know that our health focus includes the establishment of temporary clinics and blood donation centers, which serve underserved communities where healthcare resources are scarce? Rotary also builds health training facilities, where we empower local health workers to deliver essential services and improve health outcomes. Did you know that Rotary provides crucial health education alongside routine hearing, vision, and dental care? The more I learn about the impact and focuses of Rotary the more pleased I feel about being a part of it all!

I hope you feel proud to be a part of Rotary’s noteworthy efforts to combat specific diseases such as polio, HIV/AIDS, malaria, Alzheimer’s, multiple sclerosis, diabetes, and cervical cancer. Each of these initiatives reflects our unwavering dedication to eradicating disease and fostering healthier communities. As we move forward during this month of giving, let us remember the power of Rotary and the difference we can make collectively. Together, we can continue to create lasting change and promote health in our community and across the globe.

Thank you for your continued dedication to Rotary and our shared goals. I wish you all a joyful holiday season filled with the spirit of giving and service.

Yours In Rotary Service,

Kristin Sanger

President, Rotary Club of Idaho Falls

Dear Rotary Family,

As we focus on the month of Thanksgiving, I want to take a moment to reflect on the incredible impact of The Rotary Foundation which is our focus for the month of November. The Rotary Foundation has some remarkable achievements that have been accomplished because of Rotarians like you! Since its formation in 1917, our foundation has been a beacon of hope and change, earning a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator for its commitment to transparency and effectiveness.

As you all are aware one of the most significant achievements The Rotary Foundation has made is the fight against polio. Through the PolioPlus program, we have reduced polio cases by an astounding 99.9% worldwide. Our collective efforts, bolstered by over $2 billion in contributions, including matching funds from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, have brought us closer to eradicating this disease for good.

In addition to The Rotary Foundation's work on polio, Rotary’s commitment extends to growing local economies, saving mothers and children, and providing essential sanitation and hygiene services and more. Each of these initiatives reflects Rotary’s dedication to improving lives and making a lasting impact in communities around the world.

We have so much to be thankful for, and Rotary is an easy item to add to your gratitude list. Together, we are making a difference, and we’re so close to bringing larger grant dollars to our community because of your contributions to the Rotary Foundation. Don’t let this month pass by without setting up your recurring Rotary Foundation donation; just $10 a month will help our club qualify for a $10,000 grant, which means greater community impact for Idaho Falls. I am humbled to be part of such a dedicated and compassionate group, who lives the “Service Above Self” motto. May we continue to work hand in hand, inspired by our mission and the lives we touch.

In service and fellowship,

Dear Idaho Falls Rotary Club Members,

As June unfolds and we will begin to enjoy the summer's warmth and a break from the wind, I’m filled with a deep sense of gratitude for the journey we've embarked upon together over the past year. Serving as your President has been an honor and a privilege beyond measure.

Throughout this year, we've witnessed the power of community in action. Together, we've tackled challenges, celebrated triumphs, and forged lasting bonds that will continue to strengthen our Rotary family for years to come. We’ve accomplished our foundation giving goals to support the good work of Rotary locally and internationally from the Rotary Foundation. Thank you.

As my time as President draws to a close at the end of this month, I reflect on the countless moments of growth, collaboration, and service that have defined our collective experience. Each project, initiative, and meeting has been a testament to the dedication and passion of our members.

I extend my heartfelt thanks to each and every one of you for your unwavering commitment to Rotary's mission of service above self. Your contributions, both big and small, have made a profound impact on the lives of those we serve and the communities we call home.

As we look ahead to the future, I am confident that the spirit of Rotary will continue to thrive in the capable hands of our incoming leadership. Together, let us remain steadfast in our pursuit of positive change and unwavering in our commitment to making a difference in the world.

Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to serve as your President. It has been a privilege I will forever cherish.

Yours in Rotary,

Catherine

Dear Fellow Rotarians,

As we embrace the vibrant spirit of May, I find myself reflecting on the immense impact our Rotary Club continues to have on our community and beyond. It's a time of renewal, growth, and unwavering dedication to our shared values of service and fellowship. Sunshine is on its way to Idaho Falls and our glorious Idaho summer will soon be here. Nothing beats an Idaho summer.

This month, let us celebrate the incredible strides we've made together, whether it's through our ongoing service projects, fundraising efforts, or the meaningful connections we've fostered. Each action, no matter how small, contributes to the greater good and reinforces the core principles that define us as Rotarians. The Great Snake River Duck Race will once again kick off on May 22nd during our lunch. Stay tuned as the grand prize from Stone’s Kia is announced, along with more incredible packages and prizes that will be awarded.

Liza Leonard has pulled together a wonderful slate of presenters for this month including the heartwarming program of scholarships the Club will award and rounding out the month with programs from INL highlighting the innovative and collaborative work of energy research and workforce development. All the programs will enrich and inform us as we continue our work in our day-to-day lives and community.

As we navigate the challenges and opportunities ahead, let us remain steadfast in our commitment to making a positive difference in the lives of those around us. I encourage each of you to seize the opportunities this month brings to connect, collaborate, and create lasting change. Together, there's no limit to what we can achieve.

Thank you for your continued dedication and service to our Rotary Club. Wishing you all a May filled with joy, purpose, and endless possibilities.

Yours in Rotary,

Catherine

Dear Fellow Rotarians,

As we step into the month of April, I am filled with gratitude for the dedication and enthusiasm each of you brings to our Rotary community. It is through our collective efforts that we continue to make a meaningful impact on the lives of those around us.

This month, let us renew our commitment to Rotary's core values of service, fellowship, diversity, integrity, and leadership. These values guide us as we tackle the challenges facing our communities and work towards building a better world for all.

I encourage each of you to take advantage of the opportunities for service and engagement that our club provides. Whether it's participating in the upcoming blood drive, the Ronald McDonald Family Room service project, attending our weekly Rotary meetings, or connecting with fellow members, let us seize the chance to make a difference together.

As we reflect on the Club’s incredible achievements and look ahead to the opportunities in the future, let us remain steadfast in our dedication to Rotary's mission. Together, we can continue to be a force for positive change in our communities and beyond.

Thank you for your ongoing commitment to Rotary, and I look forward to another month of service, fellowship, and making a difference together.

Yours in Rotary,

Catherine

Dear Rotary Club Members,

As we step into the month of March, our focus this month revolves around a theme that resonates deeply with our commitment to service and transformative impact – "Water and Sanitation."

Water is a fundamental human right, and access to clean and safe water is crucial for the well-being of communities around the globe. This month, we have a unique opportunity to learn about water and how Idaho Falls is providing a readily available and healthy supply of water to our community. We are fortunate to have this luxury at our fingertips at the turn of a knob in our homes.

In many parts of the world, access to clean water remains a challenge, affecting not only the physical health but also the overall development and prosperity of communities. As members of Rotary, we stand united in our mission to make a difference, and our dedication to water and sanitation projects allows us to be catalysts for positive change.

Through our collaborative efforts, we have the power to transform lives, ensuring that families no longer have to struggle for a basic necessity that many of us often take for granted. Clean water not only prevents waterborne diseases but also empowers communities by unlocking opportunities for education, economic development, and improved overall well-being.

As we embark on this month's initiatives, let us remember that every drop counts. Whether it's supporting existing projects, initiating new ones, or raising awareness within our local communities, each action contributes to the larger goal of creating a world where everyone has access to safe and clean water.

Together, we have the power to be a force for good, turning the tide for communities in need. Thank you for your unwavering commitment to Rotary's ideals, and let us make March a month of meaningful strides towards a world where water is not a privilege but a universal right.

Yours in service,

Catherine

Rotarians,

Peace and the prevention and resolution of conflicts hold significant importance in the Rotary calendar during the month of February. This is attributed to the commemoration of the inaugural Rotary meeting on February 23, 1905, now recognized as World Understanding and Peace Day.

This historic gathering laid the foundation for our organization's profound dedication to promoting World Understanding and Peace. In recognition of this commitment, February 23rd is now designated as World Understanding and Peace Day within the Rotary community.

In a world that often faces complex challenges, Rotary's emphasis on peace is more vital than ever. It serves as a beacon, guiding us to actively engage in conflict prevention and resolution, contributing to the betterment of our global community.

As members of the Rotary Club of Idaho Falls, let us use this month to renew our commitment to the ideals of peace and understanding. Through our collective efforts, we can continue to make a positive impact and work towards a more harmonious world.

Thank you for your dedication to Rotary's principles and for being ambassadors of peace within our community and beyond.

Yours in Rotary,

Catherine Smith

Rotarians,

Every year, when the last few days of July wind down and the calendar changes to August, I’m amazed at how fast summer passes. We are hearty Idahoans and I routinely say we tolerate winters in Idaho to celebrate Idaho summers. For those of us who recreate and enjoy the snow during the winter, we know wintertime is a wonderful treat, too. However, there is something so sweet about Idaho summers and the cool evenings we all have the pleasure of enjoying.

· Club dues will increase $10 a quarter for each Rotarian beginning October 1, 2023. The increase in dues annually will be $40. With the rising costs we all have experienced, Rotary has not been immune. Increasing our dues will allow the Club to maintain operations while still providing important service opportunities to our members and supporting the work and programs we are passionate about. If you have concerns or would like to review the budget approved by the Idaho Falls Rotary Club board of directors, please email (cath.a.smith@icloud.com) or call me at 208-520-4941.

· Zoom meetings will be discontinued for weekly meetings as of 7/31/2023. Rotary focuses on fellowship and member engagement and while we know a Zoom meeting is convenient at times, we want to see our fellow Rotarians in person, each week, at lunch. Please see Catherine, Kristin or Stephen with any concerns.