TRUST, ROTARY STYLE: FIDUCIA
If there is one thing President John Baciocco knows how to do, it is bring a little Italian flair to a Thursday Rotary meeting!
This week, John shared the Italian word “Fiducia” (fee-DOO-chah), meaning trust.
And his Rotary thought to go with it?
“Trust is earned through action.”
A pretty fitting thought for a group of people who believe that what we do matters. Whether it is serving our community, supporting one another, welcoming new members or simply showing up and getting things done, Rotary is built on action.
WELCOME TO ROTARY, DALE!
We were excited to welcome a new member to the Rotary Club of Folsom!
District Governor Nominee Ryan Jantzen inducted Dale Bourassa into our club. Please join us in giving Dale a warm Rotary welcome. We are glad to have you as part of the Rotary Club of Folsom, Dale!
LEGACY FLAG PROJECT UPDATE
Chuck Thompson gave the club an update on the Rotary Club of Folsom’s Legacy Flag Project, a long-term club initiative that will include a capital campaign to raise the funds needed to bring the project to life.
HEARING A FAMILY’S STORY OF FREEDOM
Our guest speaker was Nima Moridi, President of the Folsom Lake Rotary Club and Director of Investment Sales at Capital Rivers Commercial.
Nima shared his family’s story and their journey from Iran to the United States during the turmoil surrounding the 1979 Iranian Revolution. His presentation, “Fight for Freedom,” offered a personal perspective on his family’s experiences, their journey to America and the ways those experiences continue to shape their lives today.
He also spoke about his mother’s continued advocacy work in Washington, D.C., and the importance of freedom and the opportunities that come with life in America.
ROTARY IS BIGGER THAN OUR CLUB
Sometimes it is easy to get focused on what is happening right here at the Rotary Club of Folsom. But Rotary is so much bigger than our Thursday night meetings, and Ryan Jantzen, our District Governor Nominee, and Samantha Davidson had the opportunity to experience that firsthand at the Rotary Zones 26 & 27 Institute 2026, "Camp Big West," at The Wigwam in Litchfield Park, Arizona.
Held September 3–6, Camp Big West brought Rotarians and leaders from across Zones 26 & 27 together for leadership training, inspiring speakers, collaboration, learning and, of course, plenty of fun.
Representing Rotary District 5180, District Governor Nominee, Ryan Jantzen participated in training and preparation for his year as District Governor starting in 2028, with District Governor Elect Brian Gladden for training and preparation for his upcoming year as our District Governor.
District Governor Nominee Ryan Jantzen, Samantha Davidson, Kim Gladden and District Governor Elect Brian Gladden
Rotary also places an emphasis on including the partners of district governors in that journey. Samantha Davidson participated in partner training alongside Ryan, and Kim Gladden joined Brian for partner training as well. The training is designed to help partners understand the role ahead, prepare for the year, and feel supported and encouraged as they walk alongside their district governor.
Rotarians representing District 5180
And there was plenty to celebrate! District 5180 was recognized with third place in PolioPlus Giving, with $270,244 raised under the leadership of Immediate Past District Governor Megan Ellinghouse.
The experience showed how the work we do here in Folsom connects to something much larger. Rotarians across our region are learning, leading, serving and working together to make a difference.
Samantha Davidson, John Chase (Zones 26 & 27 Rotary International Director-elect), Wyn Spiller (Zones 26 & 27 Rotary International Director), Ryan Jantzen
Samantha Davidson, Larry Lunsford (Rotary International President-elect), Ryan Jantzen
Camp Big West also brought together some of Rotary’s regional and international leaders, including Larry Lunsford, Rotary International President-elect for 2026–27; Wyn Spiller, Rotary International Director for Zones 26 & 27; and John Chase, Rotary International Director-elect for 2027–29. Their presence, along with district leaders and Rotarians from across Zones 26 & 27, highlighted the many levels of leadership and service that connect Rotary clubs throughout the region and around the world.
And if you missed Camp Big West, there is already another opportunity on the horizon. Rotary Zones 26 & 27 Institute 2027, “Gratitude in Action,” will be held November 11–13, 2027, in Reno, Nevada, at the Grand Sierra Resort. All Rotarians are encouraged to attend!
OKTOBERFEST IS COMING!
Sunday, October 25 | 3–7 p.m. | Folsom Community Center
Our fundraiser of the year is getting closer, and there is still plenty to do!
A huge thank you to everyone who has already donated items for our silent auction. If you still have a donation to turn in, please bring it in as soon as possible so we can get everything ready for the big day.
TICKET LINK IS LIVE!
Members are encouraged to purchase or sell four tickets and help us fill the room!
Purchase tickets:
https://www.tickettailor.com/events/folsomrotaryclubs/2380095
SPONSORS NEEDED!
We are still looking for businesses and individuals who would like to sponsor Oktoberfest and support the work of the Rotary Club of Folsom.
Sponsorship information and the sponsorship packet:
https://www.folsomrotaryoktoberfest.com
Come for the brats, beer, great music and chicken dancing…stay for the fun and help us raise money for our community!
PUBLIC SAFETY AWARDS LUNCHEON
Thursday, September 17 | 11:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m.
Folsom Community Center
52 Natoma Street, Folsom
This Thursday, we will gather to recognize outstanding members of the Folsom Police and Fire Departments for their dedication and service to our community.
If you haven’t registered yet, check your email for the event invitation and register ASAP!
There will be no regular evening Rotary meeting on Thursday, September 17.
DANCING IN SEPTEMBER
Friday, September 18 | 6–9 p.m.
Zittel Family Amphitheater
The Rotary Club of Historic Folsom is bringing the music and dancing to the Zittel Family Amphitheater!
Live music from Clean Slate begins at 7 p.m. Bring your dancing shoes and enjoy a fantastic night under the stars while supporting the Historic Folsom Rotary Club.
BUILD YOUR LEADERSHIP TOOLBOX
PRLS: Practical Relevant Leadership Skills
October 10–11, 2026
Sierra College
5100 Sierra College Blvd., Rocklin
Looking to build leadership skills you can actually use? PRLS is District 5180’s Practical Relevant Leadership Skills training, designed to give Rotarians real-world tools they can put to work immediately.
Topics include:
● Leadership and motivating volunteers
● Effective communication
● Facilitation and conflict management
● Project planning
● And a session on AI
The course is $150, but our club is subsidizing $75 for each member who attends. You will receive the $75 as a credit on your club bill after completing the course.
This is an excellent opportunity to invest in your own leadership skills and bring those skills back to our club. All members are encouraged to attend!
NEXT WEEK AT ROTARY
Next Thursday, September 24, we will welcome Erik Swanson, Superintendent of the Folsom Cordova Unified School District.
Swanson has served as FCUSD superintendent since July 2024 and is leading the district into the 2026–27 school year with a focus on student success, strong learning environments and connectedness among students, families, staff and the community.
Join us as we learn more about the district, the students and schools we serve, and what is ahead for FCUSD.
