We also welcomed a brand-new Rotarian to the club. Jacob Locke, a financial advisor with Edward Jones, was officially inducted by Assistant District Governor Ryan Jantzen and Membership Chair John Baciocco. Welcome to the Rotary Club of Folsom, Jacob — we’re thrilled to have you on board.

Ryan, Jacob, John

Dave Doherty stepped up for fines, and as usual, no one was safe.

Vicki Bencken introduced our guest speaker, Salwa Kasabian, founder and director of Folsom’s Hope. She was joined by Michael Smith, Chairman of the Board for the organization. Salwa shared the incredible work Folsom’s Hope is doing to support children and families in our community — offering after-school programs, academic support, mentoring, meals, and a safe space for kids to grow and thrive. One of their current needs is a passenger van that seats 8–10 people to help transport students from Theodore Judah Elementary to their new location.

Salwa also informed us that Folsom’s Hope has recently moved into its new home at Mount Olive Lutheran Church. She invited all of us to a special event:

Welcome Home Folsom’s Hope

Come tour their new site as they launch elementary, middle, and high school programs. Enjoy a family-friendly lunch and take part in a community art project to help decorate their new home.

Thursday, July 24, 2025

10:00 AM – 2:00 PM

Mount Olive Church, 320 Montrose Drive, Folsom

Salwa’s work is an inspiration — proof that when you lead with heart and vision, real change happens.

Incoming President Scott presented a box of chocolates from Snook's that includes a chocolate Rotary Wheel.

Great job to our club members for stepping up and filling nearly all of the volunteer positions for the fireworks booth! Paul Bonaventure, who is leading the effort, gave a quick update and asked for help filling the last remaining shifts for fireworks sales on July 4. If you haven’t signed up yet, now’s your chance to join the fun and support one of our biggest fundraisers of the year.

Our club is dark next week on July 3, but we’ll return on July 10 for President Scott Bailey’s first official meeting. Bald cap or not, we’re ready to kick off a new Rotary year with laughter, purpose, and a renewed commitment to Service Above Self.

Thanks to Samatha Davidson for writing this Bullegraph for me as I was returning from Calgary and was not able to attend this meeting.

If you haven't seen the photos from demotion, they are available on our website at President Ramesh Dontha Demotion.