The April 16, 2026 meeting opened with one of the Scouts from Troop 94B leading the Pledge of Allegiance. Bob Mange delivered the invocation, Secretary Jim introduced some of the guests, and Fine Master Jim Ortega levied fines.
Our speakers this week represented local youth programs affiliated with Scouting America, including Troop 94B (boys), Troop 94G (girls), and Sea Scouts Ship 94, which is a coeducational program. We heard presentations from the scouts themselves, who shared insights into their activities, leadership development, and community involvement. Collectively, these groups are referred to as “units,” a term that includes troops, packs, and ships within the Scouting program.
Each Scouting unit is required to be chartered by a local organization, and the Rotary Club of Folsom is proud to serve as the chartering organization for these units, as well as for Cub Scout Pack 134. Although Pack 134 was not present at this meeting, they are an important part of our Scouting family and are included in the annual financial support provided by our club. This year, a total of $2,250 was distributed among the units we sponsor, helping to fund programming, activities, and leadership opportunities for local youth.
Scouting continues to evolve to better serve today’s families. In 2019, the Boy Scouts of America program began welcoming girls and officially chartering all-girl troops, expanding access to the same leadership training and outdoor experiences long associated with the program. More recently, the organization announced that it would operate as Scouting America beginning February 8, 2025, reflecting a broader commitment to inclusivity and growth. At the foundational level, Cub Scout packs, serving youth in grades K through 5, are co educational and focus on building character, citizenship, and personal fitness through age-appropriate activities that involve the whole family.
It was inspiring to hear directly from these young leaders and to see firsthand the impact of programs that emphasize service, responsibility, and personal growth, values that closely align with the mission of Rotary.
Rotary District 5180 Chair Bob Deering introduced Zane Campise, who was recently awarded the Elio and May Marsala Global Grant Scholarship through The Rotary Foundation.
This prestigious scholarship, made possible through the legacy of Elio and May Marsala, supports advanced study aligned with Rotary’s global areas of focus. Zane’s award will support his graduate studies at the Danish Technical University in Denmark, with an emphasis on Rotary’s environmental initiatives.
Elio and May Marsala were longtime residents of Folsom and deeply committed members of the Rotary Club of Folsom. Elio joined the club in 1971 and served as Club President in 1986–87, in addition to holding several board positions. He passed away in 2010. May was an active member of Rotary Annes and continued their shared commitment to service until her passing a few years later.
Together, they were multiple Paul Harris Fellows and Major Donors. Through their estate, they established the Marsala Endowment Scholarship with The Rotary Foundation. In recognition of their extraordinary generosity, they were posthumously honored as members of the Arch Klumph Society at the Foundation Level ($1 million to $2.5 million), one of Rotary’s highest distinctions.
The Marsala Endowment continues to create a lasting impact by supporting scholars like Zane, whose work reflects Rotary’s mission of Service Above Self on a global scale.
President Scott announced that the Mystery Trip Bus is full! If you didn’t sign up, you are missing a fun event!
Justin Raithel announced that they still have openings for more paddlers on the Rotary Club of Folsom’s dragon boat for Powerhouse Ministries 3rd Annual Dragon Boat Festival Fundraiser on April 25, 2026.
Jim Ortega talked about Folsom High School’s Sober Grad Night 2026, and asks for volunteers for Thursday, May 28, 2026 through the early morning of May 29. They also need help with set up, on Wednesday May 27. Contact Jim Ortega if you can help.
Upcoming Events:
Taste of Italy - Rotary Club of Granite Bay
Our club has a table of eight attending, however more members of our club have expressed an interest in going and President Scott would like to organize a second table of eight. This is going to be a fun event and a great way to meet Rotarians from other clubs and to support the Rotary Club of Granite Bay. Contact President Scott ASAP if you’re interested.
Folsom Community Center
52 Natomas Street, Folsom CA
Saturday May 9, 2026 - 5:30 p.m.
$60 / ticket
Enjoy an authentic Italian feast while supporting a great cause!
Looking for fun events this weekend? Check out these Rotary events:
Rotary Spring Concert Series - Produced by The Rotary Club of Folsom
This free concert series takes place on Saturdays from 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. through May 9, 2026 at the Zittel Family Amphitheater.
This Saturday, April 25, 2026, Granite City 909, a classic rock band, will be performing at the Zittel Family Amphitheater. Get your friends and get ready to rock the night!
Bites n’ Bevvies - Rotary Club of Roseville
Join the Rotary Club of Roseville for Bites n Bevvies on April 25, 2026, 1 p.m. - 5 p.m. – a delicious food festival packed with tasty bites, refreshing bevvies, live music, and good vibes in Roseville!
Indulge in amazing flavors from local restaurants while supporting the charitable Roseville Rotary Club’s mission to uplift our community through youth programs, scholarships, and vital local causes.
Lincoln Wine Fest - Rotary Club of Lincoln
Beerman Plaza - 648 5th Street, Lincoln CA
Sip. Savor. Stroll. Celebrate Lincoln.
Join the Rotary Club of Lincoln on Saturday, April 25, 2026, 1 p.m. - 5 p.m. for an unforgettable afternoon in the heart of Downtown Lincoln as they transform the district into a vibrant wine, beer, food, music, and art experience — all for a great cause. Lincoln Wine Fest is not your typical tasting event... it's a walkable tasting adventure where local wineries, breweries, restaurants, and makers pop up inside your favorite shops and storefronts. Discover new favorites, meet the people behind the pours, enjoy live music and entertainment, and soak in the charm of our beautiful historic downtown. Every sip supports something bigger. Proceeds benefit local youth programs, community service projects, scholarships, and nonprofits through the Rotary Club of Lincoln.
This week’s upcoming speaker: Chuck Thompson
After learning to fly fixed-wing aircraft at just 12 years old from his Air Force dad, Chuck Thompson spent his early years immersed in aviation, including service as a Civil Air Patrol Cadet Major. He later discovered helicopters while working with SMUD, when reaching remote Sierra sites by road wasn’t an option—but flying in was. What started as curiosity became a full career, earning his Private, Commercial, and Certified Flight Instructor ratings along with external load certification, and flying everything from news coverage for Channels 10 and 13 to Department of Justice CAMP missions and wildfire suppression across the West.
Rotary Reflection:
Hearing from the scouts and recognizing the impact of the Marsala Endowment highlighted how Rotary helps plant seeds that grow far beyond our immediate reach. Whether supporting youth programs locally or advancing global scholarship opportunities, each effort contributes to something larger. Rotary’s strength lies in these connections, between generations, across communities, and around the world, where small acts of service come together to create lasting change.
