President John "The Don" Baciocco officially called the first meeting of the 2026-2027 Rotary year to order, setting the tone for what promises to be a fun, energetic, and service-filled year. The meeting was filled with laughter, good-natured banter, and the camaraderie that makes the Rotary Club of Folsom such a special family.

President John took time to recognize the incredible accomplishments of our club recently, thanking the many Rotarians who stepped up to make our service projects and events successful. As always, our club continues to prove that when there is work to be done, the Rotary family answers the call.

Fireworks Booth Success
President John extended a heartfelt thank you to Paul Bonaventure for leading another successful Fireworks Booth fundraiser. Coordinating this annual event is no small task, and our club is grateful for Paul's leadership and dedication.

Paul, in turn, recognized several Rotarians whose behind-the-scenes efforts helped make the fundraiser a tremendous success.

 

Special thanks went to Robert Comper, Rich Pepin, Bob Hoffman, Henry Sundermier, John Messner, Chuck Thurman, and Chuck & Conni Thompson for going above and beyond to ensure that our fireworks booth was a success.

As a token of appreciation, each was awarded two meal credits, officially approved by "The Don."

 

President John also thanked Chuck and Conni Thompson for managing the Fireworks Booth on behalf of Folsom Lake Rotary, helping make this collaborative fundraiser another success.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Finally, thank you to every Rotarian who volunteered for booth shifts, supported the fundraiser, and helped make another successful Independence Day season possible. It truly takes the whole family.

Behind Every Great Community... Are Acts of Service Happening Behind the Scenes

Not every act of service happens in the spotlight. Sometimes, the most meaningful contributions are the ones quietly completed before anyone even notices.

When the Folsom Historic District needed assistance hanging the American flag over Historic Sutter Street over the Hometown Parade, members of the Rotary Club of Folsom were ready to answer the call.

Thanks to Rotarian Bobby Blackwell, who coordinated with River City Rentals, a lift was generously donated so Old Glory could once again fly proudly above Historic Sutter Street—a powerful reminder of the freedom, sacrifice, and unity that define our nation.

A special thank you goes to Chuck and Conni Thompson for coordinating the project and helping ensure everything came together safely and successfully.

 

We are also grateful to River City Rentals for their generosity and partnership. Their support helped create a beautiful patriotic display as our community gathered to celebrate Independence Day.

Building Community... One Project at a Time
In this Rotary family, service isn't just something we talk about, it's something we make happen.

Members of the Rotary Club of Folsom were proud to attend the ribbon-cutting ceremony celebrating the grand reopening of Castle Park. Originally built in 1996 as the Folsom Kids Play Park through an extraordinary community volunteer effort, this beloved landmark has officially embraced the name generations of families have always known it by: Castle Park.

Our club was honored to be part of this remarkable project alongside countless volunteers, assisting with both the demolition of the original structure and the construction of the new playground. Seeing children and families once again enjoying this iconic park made every hour of volunteer service worthwhile.

Castle Park is a lasting reminder of what can happen when a community comes together. We are grateful to the City of Folsom, Folsom Parks & Recreation, Folsom Kids Play for Generations, and the many volunteers and community partners who helped bring this treasured destination back to life.

The park officially reopened on June 30 following a community-led rebuild that preserved its iconic castle theme while incorporating modern safety features, improved accessibility, and exciting new play experiences for generations of Folsom families to enjoy.

Save the Date – Oktoberfest 2026
Mark your calendars for Sunday, October 25, 2026!

Our annual Oktoberfest fundraiser will be here before we know it, and planning is underway!

Now is the perfect time to begin thinking about friends, colleagues, and local businesses that may be interested in sponsoring this exciting community event. We will also be looking for volunteers, silent auction donations, and enthusiastic ticket sales!

More details—and opportunities to get involved—will be coming soon. 

Guest Speaker Spotlight
The Rotary Club of Folsom welcomed local historian and Lincoln Highway advocate Andy Saunders for a fascinating presentation on the history and legacy of one of America's most iconic roadways.

Dedicated in 1913, the Lincoln Highway became America's first transcontinental highway created specifically for automobiles, forever changing the way people traveled across the country. Andy shared captivating stories about the highway's history, its significance throughout Northern California, and the ongoing efforts to preserve and celebrate this important piece of our nation's transportation heritage, including its route through the greater Sacramento region.

Thank you, Andy, for taking us on a memorable journey through history.

This Week's Program: Meet the President Night
Thursday, July 16, 2026

You're invited to spend an evening with the head of the family... the Rotary family, of course.
President John "The Don" Baciocco will share his vision for the 2026-2027 Rotary year, reflect on where our club stands today, outline the opportunities that lie ahead, and discuss how each member plays an important role in our continued success.

Whether you've been part of the family for years or are one of our newest members, this is a wonderful opportunity to hear directly from our president, ask questions, and learn how we can continue making a lasting impact together through Service Above Self.

Bring your Rotary spirit, your ideas, and your enthusiasm. The Don has a vision to share, and every family member has a part to play.

After all, this is one Rotary meeting you won't want to refuse.

 

We'll see the family on Thursday! 

 

Every great community is built by ordinary people who choose to do extraordinary things together. Rotary reminds us that service is not measured by the size of the project, but by the willingness to step forward when help is needed. Whether lending a hand behind the scenes, supporting a fundraiser, preserving a community tradition, or helping create spaces where future generations will make memories, every act of service matters. Together, we continue building something far greater than ourselves, a stronger community, lasting friendships, and a legacy of Service Above Self.