Aloha, Rotarians!

Our Hawaiian-themed Club Assembly meeting brought the island spirit to life with Aloha shirts, leis, and good vibes all around. 

The meeting opened with a thoughtful invocation by Bob Mange, followed by some good-humored accountability, courtesy of our Fines Master, Jim Ortega. President Scott Bailey led the meeting, inviting members to engage in meaningful discussion about where we are headed as a club and as a community.

While the upcoming Community Service Day Project at Castle Park was mentioned, the heart of the meeting focused on a bold new vision: how Rotary can be a bridge between education, workforce development, and purpose-driven community impact—particularly through exposure to careers in the skilled trades.

A Call to Trades: Why It Matters Now

President Bailey shared compelling insights about the urgent need to re-engage our youth in vocational and trade careers. Consider these facts:

• For every 5 tradespeople who retire, only 2 replace them

• 7.2 million able-bodied Americans are not working and not seeking employment

• 7.6 million U.S. jobs currently don’t require a 4-year degree

• The automotive industry is short 80,000 collision repair techs

• Women are making significant gains in trades, helping close long-standing gender gaps

The takeaway: our workforce is in crisis, and Rotary can help create real solutions.

Next Steps:  A Trades Day Initiative

President Bailey proposed the creation of a Folsom Rotary Trades Day initiative—a dedicated effort to raise awareness, build partnerships, and connect students to skilled trades and vocational opportunities.

Initial action steps include:

• Forming a committee to lead planning and logistics

• Securing sponsorships and support from the local business community

• Partnering with education leaders like Andrew Bias (Folsom High manufacturing instructor, Career Technical Education (CTE) program) and FCUSD

• Designing a hands-on, inspiring experience for youth and families

This initiative has the potential to be another one of our club’s meaningful community contributions.

Thank you to everyone who contributed to this discussion at Club Assembly and leaned into the possibilities ahead. Together, we have an opportunity not just to support the future of our community—but to help shape it.

Rotary is where leaders come together, not just to dream about a better world—but to build it. Stay tuned for updates and ways to get involved. Big things are coming! 

Upcoming Events and Announcements:

Fifth Thursday Social – July 31, 2025 at 6:30 PM

Come relax and enjoy some fellowship. Join us at Red Bus Brewery for pizza, beer, and great company.

Location: 802A Reading Street, Folsom, CA 95630

 

El Dorado Hills Rotary – Harris Center Backstage Tour – Wednesday, July 30, 6 PM to 7 PM

Join our friends at El Dorado Hills Rotary for an exclusive backstage tour at the Harris Center. Use the QR code to RSVP or contact President Robina Bennion directly for details.

Castle Park Speaker – August 14, 2025

With Castle Park being one of our club's major our club's major community projects, this is an important meeting to attend. Joanne Brausch will be speaking to our club about the upcoming renovations and how we can support the effort. Rebuilding Castle Park in Folsom is a joint initiative, made possible through public donations and contributions from the City of Folsom. Bring your ideas and come ready to get involved!  

Old Timers Night – August 28, 2025

A night filled with laughter and stories from Rotary’s past. If you know a former Rotarian, invite them to join us for this special throwback meeting.

Oktoberfest Fundraiser – Sunday, October 26, 2025

In partnership with Folsom Lake Rotary Folsom Rotary Anne's, our annual Oktoberfest is coming up. We are currently seeking sponsors. Please think about your friends, contacts, and relationships with local businesses that may want to support this fun and impactful event. Contact the event chair, John Baciocco, with any potential sponsors or for more information.