Superintendent Erik Swanson Shares a Look at the Future of Education in Folsom
The Rotary Club of Folsom welcomed Erik Swanson, Superintendent of the Folsom Cordova Unified School District (FCUSD), as last week’s guest speaker. Superintendent Swanson shared updates on education in our community and highlighted the District’s focus on “empowering all students to thrive through educational excellence.”
Among the many programs and initiatives he discussed was FCUSD’s expanding Career Technical Education (CTE) program, which connects classroom learning with hands-on, real-world career experiences. Students can explore fields ranging from manufacturing, engineering and architecture to culinary arts, health care, technology, construction and marketing. FCUSD currently offers CTE programs across 11 industry sectors, giving students opportunities to gain practical experience through internships and industry partnerships.
Superintendent Swanson also offered a glimpse into the future of education in Folsom Ranch, including plans for Buffalo Creek High School, “Home of the Bisons,” and Prairie City Middle School, “Home of the Red Dogs.”
But perhaps the most inspiring program he highlighted was FCUSD’s program to help a child to learn to love reading, "Community Readers." Community volunteers spend just 30 minutes each week reading with first- through third-grade students, helping build reading skills, confidence and a lifelong love of reading. Volunteers are trained and supported by FCUSD staff, making Community Readers a meaningful opportunity for members of the community to invest directly in a child’s future.
Superintendent Swanson encouraged Rotary members to consider becoming Community Readers. Just 30 minutes a week can make a lasting difference.
Learn more about Community Readers and hear directly about the difference the program is making by scanning the QR code.
Watch the Community Readers Video:
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=EwBdKvSyC1Q&pp=iggCQAE%3D&ra=
Superintendent Swanson’s presentation provided an encouraging look at the work underway throughout FCUSD and the many ways the community can come alongside local schools to help students succeed.
Hear Ye, Hear Ye! Rotary Takes the Renaissance Fair
September 26–27, 2026 | Folsom Renaissance Fair
Hear ye, hear ye!
The Rotary Club of Folsom hath entered the realm of the Folsom Renaissance Fair!
Noble Rotarians donned their robes, took up their posts and prepared to serve the realm… one cup of mead and beer at a time.
But make no mistake, this was more than merry-making. The event was a fundraiser for Rotary, helping support the work the club does throughout the community and the many ways Rotarians give back throughout the year. And what better way to raise funds than by having a little fun along the way?
Rotarians enjoyed serving together, sharing plenty of laughs with fairgoers and soaking up all the sights and merriment of the weekend.
’Twas a fine time of service, laughter and a little Renaissance revelry.
Huzzah for Rotary!
The Don's Italian Word of the Week
Speranza
Pronounced: speh-RAHN-zah
Meaning: Hope
This week’s Italian word comes to the club courtesy of President John “The Don” Baciocco. Speranza means “hope”— a small word with a powerful meaning. It is the feeling that keeps people moving forward, the belief that better days are possible and the encouragement that often begins with one person choosing to make a difference.
That makes speranza a fitting word for Rotary. Through service, fellowship and community action, Rotarians help bring hope to others every day.
Rotary Thought: “Rotary brings hope wherever it serves.”
OKTOBERFEST IS ALMOST HERE!
Sunday, October 25 | 3–7 p.m.
Folsom Community Center
The Rotary Club of Folsom’s biggest fundraiser of the year is getting closer, and there is still plenty to do before the festivities begin!
Silent Auction Donations
A huge thank you to everyone who has already donated items for the silent auction. If there is still a donation waiting to be turned in, please get it to the club as soon as possible so everything can be organized and ready for the big day.
Volunteers Needed
The volunteer sign-up sheet will be passed around at this week’s meeting. Find a shift that works and sign up to be part of Oktoberfest!
TICKET LINK IS LIVE!
Members are encouraged to purchase or sell four tickets and help fill the room for an afternoon of food, drinks, music, games and fun.
Purchase tickets:
https://www.tickettailor.com/events/folsomrotaryclubs/2380095
SPONSORS NEEDED!
Businesses and individuals are still invited to sponsor Oktoberfest and support the work of the Rotary Club of Folsom.
Sponsorship information and packet:
https://www.folsomrotaryoktoberfest.com
Thank You, Supervisor Rosario Rodriguez!
A special thank you to Sacramento County Supervisor Rosario Rodriguez for sponsoring Oktoberfest at the Bavarian Biergarten Level. The club is grateful for her continued support and commitment to strengthening our community.
Rotary Clubs of Folsom Blood Drive
The Rotary Club of Folsom is partnering with Folsom Lake Rotary and Historic Folsom Rotary Club for a community blood drive with Vitalant.
Thursday, October 15, 2026 | 4–7 p.m.
Parking lot of the Robert H. Miller III Rotary Clubhouse
Give blood, then stay for the evening Rotary meeting!
Appointments are encouraged. Visit vitalant.org and enter blood drive code: 100559797
THIS WEEK AT ROTARY
This Thursday, October 1, we’re welcoming Sarah Smernes Edson of Child Action as our guest speaker!
Sarah leads Child Action’s Fund & Business Development Department, where she drives strategic partnerships and fundraising initiatives that help fuel the organization’s continued growth, innovation, and ability to better serve children and families throughout Sacramento County.
Child Action provides families and child care providers with the resources, tools, and services they need to ensure children are cared for and thrive. Sarah will share more about the organization’s work and the partnerships that help make that impact possible.
NEXT WEEK AT ROTARY
Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA)
Next week, the Rotary Club of Folsom’s sponsored RYLA students will share their experiences from this impactful leadership program.
Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) is an intensive leadership training program for young people organized locally by Rotary clubs in District 5180 and District 5190. RYLA helps participants develop leadership skills, personal growth, sportsmanship and citizenship, all rooted in Rotary’s core value of Service Above Self.
Come hear directly from the students about what they learned, how they grew and how their RYLA experience is shaping their leadership journey.
October Birthdays & Anniversaries
Happy Birthday to the following members:
- Ryan Jantzen - October 3
- AnnaRohrbough - October 6
- John Abernethy - October 15
- Dawn Johnson - October 20
- Jacob Locke - October 26
Happy Anniversary to the following couples:
- Joe and Sheri Hoffman - October 26 - 30 years
- Solomon and Carmen Chis - October 15 - 10 years
- Jason and Kelley Brinitzer - October 11 - 5 years
Happy Rotary Anniversary to the following members:
- Bob Mange - October 1 - 42 years
- Kevin Goddard - October 5 - 2 years
- Mike Huot - October 2 - 1 year
- Gul Khan - October 2 - 1 year
- Dennis Carlson - October 30 - 1 year
- Lisa Carlson - October 30 - 1 year
