Meeting Highlights
The meeting opened with a bit of mystery, there was no sign of President Scott. As the room settled in to begin the meeting, Immediate Past President Ramesh Dontha stepped confidently to the front and suggested, with a smile, that perhaps Scott had decided he was finally done with all of us. Ramesh then triumphantly announced, “The King is Back!” - clearly referring to himself and fully embracing the moment.
Ramesh led the Pledge of Allegiance, Bob Mange delivered the invocation, Secretary Jim Padgett introduced our guests, and Fine Master Jim Ortega handled fines with his usual enthusiasm.
Right on cue, President Scott arrived just in time to reclaim the meeting, assuring the club that he was very much alive, had not abandoned his presidency, and was simply fashionably late. With that, he smoothly resumed his duties and guided the remainder of the meeting, crisis averted!
Guest Speaker
Kimberly Nnowalue – Founder, Sierra Overlook Animal Rescue (SOAR)
We were pleased to welcome Kimberly Nnowalue, founder of Sierra Overlook Animal Rescue (SOAR), a Northern California–based 501(c)(3) nonprofit providing second chances to animals from high-stress, neglectful, or overlooked situations.
Kimberly shared how SOAR was founded in 2025 to address a growing need for rescue resources in rural El Dorado County, particularly for special-needs and hard-to-place animals. SOAR operates as a multi-species sanctuary and is committed to ethical, community-centered care, including lifelong sanctuary when needed.
In addition to rescue and rehabilitation, Kimberly emphasized SOAR’s strong focus on education, youth programming, and outreach, helping young people build confidence, compassion, and leadership. Her presentation included heartfelt success stories that highlighted how stability, dignity, and care can transform lives—both animal and human.
Special Community Presentation - CGT Global
Presented by Taryn Grows
Taryn shared a brief overview of CGT Global, an organization supporting advances in cell and gene therapy. Taryn spoke personally about her commitment to the mission, including her regular participation as a bone marrow donor.
CGT Global is currently seeking donors ages 60 and older to provide a small blood donation (approximately six tablespoons). Donors are compensated $100 for their time and contribution to this important research.
Additional information is available at: CGT Global
Club Announcements and Reminders
Valentines/ Palentines Party – Thursday, February 12, 2026
We will not be meeting at the Robert H. Miller III Rotary Clubhouse for our regular meeting. Instead, members will gather at the Folsom Community Center at 6:30 p.m. for an Italian-themed Rotary Valentines / Palentines Party.
The RSVP deadline to President Scott was February 5. We look forward to celebrating together.
Volunteers Needed - Rotary Dictionary Project
We are in the midst of distributing dictionaries to third-grade students throughout Folsom and need volunteers for upcoming school visits.
Please click here: Dictionary Distribution Sign-Up Sheet to view available time slots and participate in this meaningful project.
For more information or questions, contact Chuck Thompson: riverchucky@yahoo.com
Leadership Conference Mentors Needed
31st Annual Dave West Partnerships for Tomorrow Leadership Conference
Thursday, March 5, 2026
Lakeside Church
8:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Mentors are needed. No special experience is required—just a willingness to share your story and engage with students.
Contact: Ryan Jantzen ryanjantzen@comcast.net 916-947-2673
HART Winter Shelter – Volunteers and Supplies Needed
The Rotary Clubs of Folsom are partnering again this year to support the HART Winter Shelter from February 15–22.
If you can help, supplies are still needed for the week. Items may be purchased from the Amazon wish list, which will ship directly to Rotarian Dina Collins home:
https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/1BWRTRAMRTOX1?ref_=wl_share
To sign up for an overnight volunteer shift, please visit:
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/60B0D4CAAA92EA7F49-61466190-2026#/
Additional information about HART and the Winter Shelter can be found at:
https://www.hartoffolsom.org/winter-shelter
Castle Park Community Build – Volunteers Needed
Volunteers are invited to help build the next chapter of Castle Park. The City of Folsom is inviting community members to participate in the Castle Park Community Build, taking place April 7–12, rain or shine.
No construction experience is required. Whether you are skilled with tools or can assist with food, coordination, or logistics, your help is needed to bring this important community project to life.
Volunteers must be 10 years of age or older. Participants ages 10–13 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
To learn more and sign up to volunteer, please visit:
https://folsomparksrec.wufoo.com/forms/qzo02c80tg0lik/
Rotary District 5180 Conference - EARLY BIRD REGISTRATION EXTENDED TO MARCH 1, 2026!
May 1–3, 2026
Caesars Republic, South Lake Tahoe
Early Bird Registration: $325 (extended through March 1, 2026)
After March 1: $375
Join Rotarians from across the District for connection, inspiration, and celebration. Events include a comedian performance, Poker Run, Plunge for Polio, Dueling Pianos, Awards Night, speech contests, and guest speaker Nathan Gutierrez.
Conference Chair: Ryan Jantzen – 916-947-2673
Registration Questions: Frank Woods – fcwoods@sbcglobal.net
Rotary Reflection
This past week offered a great reminder of what makes Rotary strong. Leadership stepped in when needed, service took many forms, and compassion was front and center, from caring for animals and supporting medical research to sheltering neighbors and building spaces for future generations.
Rotary thrives when we combine fellowship, service, and purpose. Each project, meeting, and volunteer opportunity is a chance to turn care into action and strengthen the community we proudly serve. #BetterTogether #ServiceAbove Self
