Rotary Club of Folsom - Meeting Notes January 22, 2026

Megan shared her powerful theme, "Expand Rotary," which echoes this year’s Rotary International theme, "Unite for Good." Her message reminded us that when we increase our visibility, raise awareness, and amplify our impact, we do not just grow Rotary, we grow our ability to serve. She encouraged us to live Rotary more boldly and to inspire others to join us in making a real difference.

Megan was warmly introduced by our own club member Ryan Jantzen, who serves as Assistant Governor and the vital link between the District and the four Area 5 clubs: Rotary Club of Folsom, Folsom Lake Rotary, Rotary Club of Historic Folsom, and Rotary Club of El Dorado Hills. In this role, Ryan helps strengthen collaboration, share resources, and ensure each club has the support it needs to thrive.

Ryan is also part of Rotary’s leadership line, a system designed to ensure strong, prepared leaders for the future of our organization. Through this progressive leadership path, Rotary invests in continuity, mentorship, and long-term vision. Ryan currently serves as District Governor Nominee Elect and will lead Rotary District 5180 as District Governor for the 2028 to 2029 Rotary year.

Not only was it a special evening because District Governor Megan Ellinghouse was visiting the club, but it was also made memorable when Megan had the honor of presenting Rotarian Rob Ross with a Paul Harris Fellow +3 award.

The Paul Harris Fellow recognition honors individuals who contribute $1,000 or more to The Rotary Foundation or have that amount donated in their name. Each plus represents an additional $1,000 contribution, making Rob’s recognition a reflection of extraordinary generosity and commitment to Rotary’s mission.

Carolyn Woods gave a special introduction of Leroy Ellinghouse, a heartfelt redo from an earlier attempt at the Rotary International Convention last year in Calgary. Carolyn shared that she wanted another chance to properly honor Leroy, and she delivered a beautiful, thoughtful introduction that made the moment even more special.

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Meeting Highlights

President Scott opened the meeting by leading the Pledge of Allegiance.

Secretary Jim Padgett introduced our guests.

Bob Mange delivered the invocation.

Fine Master Jim Ortega kept the room lively with his entertaining and good-natured fines, bringing laughter while supporting club camaraderie.

The bar was bought by Dawn Johnson and Olga Garton.

Dawn purchased the bar to celebrate a recent professional milestone and recognition she received for her outstanding achievements with her company, Coastline Travel Advisors, and she wanted to thank our club members for their continued support.

Olga purchased the bar to thank the Rotary Club of Folsom and the Rotary Annes for supporting the Third Annual Wishing Tree Project, which together with the Folsom Cordova Unified School District helped provide holiday support to 60 local families facing financial hardship.

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Oktoberfest - Giving Back

John Baciocco, 2025 Oktoberfest Chair and President Elect, presented the Rotary Annes with a $1,500 check in appreciation for their support in making Oktoberfest 2025 such a successful and enjoyable fundraising event. John also announced that Samantha Davidson will serve as Chair for Oktoberfest 2026. Prost!

Upcoming Rotary Events:

5th Thursday Event: Uncle Charlie’s Firehouse & Brew

This Thursday, January 29, 2026 - 6 p.m.

Support fellow Rotarians Charlie Grows and Rosario Rodriguez!

Cost: $25 per person, includes one drink and taco bar from Rosario Rodriguez’s Sutter Street Taqueria

Billed by Secretary Jim Padgett after RSVP

What’s in store: Behind-the-scenes brewery tour with Charlie, beer-themed trivia, great food, drinks, and plenty of laughs!

Registration link was sent to your email. If you have any questions, please contact: Dawn Johnson

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Rotary Valentine’s / Palentine’s Party

Folsom Community Center

Spouses, partners, and significant others are invited for an evening of fellowship and celebration.

RSVP (by February 5, 2026) to President Scott Bailey: scottbaileyimc@comcast.net | (916) 204-9139

Rotary District 5180 Conference - May 1 to May 3, 2026

Caesars Republic, South Lake Tahoe

Join Rotarians from across the District for connection, inspiration, and celebration.

Comedian Kay Frances, Poker Run, Plunge for Polio, Speech Contest, Dueling Pianos, Awards Night, Guest Speaker Nathan Gutierrez, and more.

CONFERENCE EARLYBIRD REGISTRATION DEADLINE EXTENDED TO MARCH 1, 2026: $325 (then $375)

Register here: Rotary District 5180 2026 District Conference

 

Questions: Contact District Conference Registrar Frank Woods: fcwoods@sbcglobal.net

Volunteers Needed: Dictionary Distribution

We are in the midst of our Rotary Dictionary Project, distributing dictionaries to third grade students throughout Folsom. Volunteers are needed to help with upcoming school visits.

Please click on the: Dictionary Distribution Sign-up Sheet to view available time slots and lend a hand in this meaningful project. 

For more information or questions, please contact: Chuck Thompson

Leadership Conference Mentors Needed

31st Annual Dave West Partnerships for Tomorrow Leadership Conference

Thursday, March 5, 2026

Lakeside Church

8:30 AM to 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

Centennial Celebration, Rotary Club of North Sacramento

Join the Rotary Club of North Sacramento for their Centennial Celebration.

February 21, 2026 | 5:30 PM to 10:00 PM

The Club House at Cal Expo

1600 Exposition Boulevard, Sacramento, CA 95815

$75 per person

$100 starting February 1, 2026

Buy tickets here:

https://portal.clubrunner.ca/4563/Events/rc-north-sacramento-centennial

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Rotary Reflection 

This week reminded us that Rotary is more than meetings and events. It is people coming together with purpose. From honoring leadership, celebrating generosity, serving families in need, and lifting one another, we saw Rotary in action.

When we expand Rotary, we expand impact. When we unite for good, we change lives.

Service Above Self is not just a motto. It is a way of life. 

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• Jason Brinitzer - February 1
• Bob Hoffman - February 8
• Ken Stuart - February 17
• Gary Krause - February 27
• Olga Garton - February 28

• John and Leslie Kemp - February 16 - 64 years
• Gary and Sharon Krause - February 11 - 37 years