Rotary Club of Folsom Meeting Notes – January 15, 2026
Hats Off to a Fun Meeting!
January 15, 2026 was National Hat Day, and by “presidential decree,” President Scott instructed Fine Master Paul Bonaventure to fine anyone not wearing a hat to the meeting. The result? A room full of Rotarians proudly sporting everything from baseball caps to classy toppers—and not a single fine was needed.
But President Scott wasn’t done yet. He also directed the Fine Master to fine anyone who failed to remove their hat for the Pledge of Allegiance. A few brave (or forgetful!) members learned the hard way—but all in good fun. Let’s just say: hats were on, hats were off, and laughter filled the room!
President Scott led the Pledge of Allegiance, and Bob Mange delivered the invocation.
Guest Speakers: RYLA – Leadership That Changes Lives
Our program featured an inspiring presentation on RYLA (Rotary Youth Leadership Awakening), a powerful one-week summer leadership camp that has a life-changing impact on students.
Our club-sponsored students, Evan Galen (Folsom High School) and Isabel Shields-Dincolo (Vista Del Lago High School), shared their personal experiences and how RYLA helped shape their confidence, leadership skills, and vision for the future. Their stories were heartfelt, motivating, and a wonderful reminder of why Rotary invests in youth.
What Is RYLA?
RYLA (Rotary Youth Leadership Awakening, sometimes called “Awards”) is a one-week leadership camp for high school juniors and seniors, jointly managed by Rotary Districts 5180 and 5190.
2026 Sessions:
Location:
Sierra Journeys, near Portola, CA
Program Focus:
The camp is led by professional motivational speakers and facilitators Dean and Rochelle Whellams and staffed by Rotarians (including our club's own Vicki Bencken), former RYLA participants, and volunteers who serve as counselors, chaperones, and program leaders.
How Clubs Participate
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Work with schools and counselors to identify students
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Students apply through their school counselor or Rotary Club
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Club interviews begin by March 1
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Rotary Clubs sponsor students—free to families
The Rotary Club of Folsom will proudly sponsor two students in 2026.
How Rotarians Can Get Involved
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Serve as a cabin chaperone or adult facilitator
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Help as an assistant camp director
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Join the district planning committee
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Or simply visit for a day and see the magic firsthand!
Supporting Our Community -Twin Lakes Food Bank Donation
Twin Lakes Food Bank Executive Director Lisa Tuter received a $2,000 check for their Building Hope Capital Campaign to construct a new food bank.
This donation was made possible through the “Wrappin’ Rotarians” gift-wrapping fundraiser, led by Rotarians Conni Thompson and Leslie Michaylo. For four Saturdays in December 2025 on Sutter Street in Historic Folsom, volunteers wrapped gifts with festive flair while accepting donations to support Twin Lakes Food Bank.
International Service Survey Results
Vicki Bencken, International Services Chair, shared the results of the international service project survey sent to members. If you have questions about the results or upcoming global opportunities, please contact: Vicki Bencken
Dictionary Labeling Event – Record Time!
The Dictionary Labeling Event took place January 17 at Rich Pepin’s home. More than 45 volunteers from the Rotary Club of Folsom, Historic Folsom Rotary, Rotary Anne’s, and Vista Del Lago High School Interact Club set a new record—finishing the entire project in just 45 minutes!
About The Dictionary Project
Each year, the Rotary Club of Folsom provides dictionaries to every third grader in Folsom. These books help build reading, spelling, and critical thinking skills—and Rotarians personally label and present each one to the students at their schools.
Volunteers Needed: Dictionary Distribution
First Distribution:
Friday, January 23 at 9:00 AM
Sandra Gallardo Elementary School
775 Russi Road, Folsom
We have eight schools scheduled, with more pending. If you can spare an hour, this is one of the most rewarding projects we do. For more info contact Chuck Thompson
Sign up here: Dictionary Distribution Sign Up
Leadership Conference Mentors Needed
31st Annual Dave West Partnerships for Tomorrow Leadership Conference
Thursday, March 5, 2026
Lakeside Church
8:30 AM – 2:30 PM
Mentors are needed—no special experience required, just a willingness to share your story.
Contact: Ryan Jantzen: ryanjantzen@comcast.net | 916-947-2673
5th Thursday Social
Join us January 29, 2026 at 6:00 PM at
Uncle Charlie’s Firehouse & Brew (UCFB)
Owned by Rotarian Charlie Grows and his daughter Taryn
Taco bar catered by Sutter Street Taqueria (Thank you, Rotarian Rosario Rodriguez!)
For more info, contact: Dawn Johnson
Castle Park Construction Project
Build dates: April 7–12, 2026
Sign up here: Castle Park Construction Project
Tools, supervisors, and city staff will be on-site.
Zoo Light Removal – Thank You!
A big thank you to the Rotarians who helped remove Christmas lights at the zoo. Rain delayed the work, but the job got done—and the animals are surely grateful!
Upcoming Speaker: District Governor Megan Ellinghouse
We are excited to welcome District 5180 Governor Megan Ellinghouse to the Rotary Club of Folsom. Her theme, “Expand Rotary,” aligns beautifully with Rotary International’s theme “Unite for Good.”
Megan's powerful message will challenge us to think bigger, reach further, and see new possibilities for Rotary’s future. Her visit is sure to leave us inspired, energized, and ready to take the next step together.
Rotary Reflection
From the laughter over hats and fines to the powerful stories from our RYLA students, this meeting showed the full picture of who we are: people who care, who show up, and who invest in others. Whether we are labeling dictionaries, wrapping gifts for a good cause, mentoring students, or supporting families through the food bank, each project reflects the same purpose of serving our community with heart.
It is easy to think service is about the big moments, but Rotary proves it is often the small, consistent acts that make the greatest difference. When we come together, we do not just help others, we grow stronger as a club and as individuals.
Thank you for being part of something that truly makes a difference.
#Service Above Self
