As we approach Thanksgiving, I've been thinking about how much I have to be grateful for this year. And near the top of that list are the Rotarians I've met during my travels around District 5400.
One of the greatest gifts of serving as District Governor has been the opportunity to visit clubs, get to know their members, and see firsthand the difference they're making in their communities.
Every club has its own personality. Every community has its own needs. But everywhere I go, I meet people who care deeply about the places they call home. They give their time, share their talents, build friendships, and find ways to make things better.
Brittany Reichel and her grandfather, David Gott, share a passion for Rotary that spans generations.
When David Gott joined Rotary in Sunnyvale, California, in 1992, the same year his granddaughter Brittany Reichel was born, he had no idea how much the organization would shape both their lives.
David's Rotary journey took off when his family hosted a Japanese exchange student for two years. “I really got an understanding about what Rotary was about and the worldwide implications,” he recalls. “It was eye-opening.”
After moving to Boise in 1999, David joined Boise Metro Rotary. He was so committed that he maintained perfect attendance for years, even planning RV trips around Rotary meetings.
Brittany was often along for the ride. Homeschooled in fourth grade, she traveled with her grandpa along the Oregon Trail and Alaska Highway, attending Rotary meetings along the way.
“I became an inspired 9-year-old,” she remembers. “What are we going to do to change the world, Grandpa?”
What could a school garden in Kenya or river restoration in Lebanon teach your Idaho Rotary club?
At an international Eco Club Network event in Cagliari, Italy, District 5400’s Global Service e-Club and Earth Network Rotary Club presented via Zoom alongside clubs from Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and Latin America. Luca Marchesi’s Earth Talks presentation brought home the gathering’s most valuable lesson: sharing experiences can spark fresh ideas and stronger service.
Participants explored wildlife habitats, environmental education, tree planting, river restoration, and training entrepreneurs to launch sound businesses. They exchanged knowledge, practical approaches, and lessons learned while discovering opportunities to work together.
We love seeing our Rotarians out in the community sharing what they know!
On September 14, Rotary District 5400 member Todd Fischer was a presenter at Boise State’s Osher Institute, a non-credit program for older learners. Todd shared his expertise in high-speed videography, an exciting field where his company is at the forefront.
Congratulations, Todd! Thanks for sharing your knowledge and reminding us that Rotarians make an impact in many different ways.
There’s something about good food and good company that brings people together, and the Boise East Rotary Club’s chili feed in October at Ann Morrison Park did just that.
Rotarians gathered in one of Boise’s favorite parks to enjoy a bowl of chili, spend time together and strengthen the friendships that make Rotary so special. Events like this are a great reminder that Rotary isn’t only about meetings and service projects. It’s also about building relationships, connecting with our communities and simply enjoying time together.
The chili feed offered a relaxed opportunity for members, friends and guests to visit, laugh and share the spirit of Rotary outside the usual club setting.
Thank you to the Boise East Rotary Club and everyone who helped make the gathering possible. It’s these simple moments of connection that help build stronger clubs and, ultimately, stronger communities.
Have a great club event or service project to share? Send your stories and photos to the District 5400 bulletin so we can celebrate what Rotary clubs are doing across Idaho. The District’s Rotary communications materials specifically encourage clubs to submit stories and flyers for the bulletin.
Every Rotary project starts with something pretty simple: someone sees a need and believes we can do something about it.
The Rotary Foundation helps turn that belief into action.
November is Rotary Foundation Month, a time to better understand the Foundation and celebrate the difference Rotarians make when we combine our resources, relationships and commitment to Service Above Self.
Through the Foundation, Rotary clubs can take good ideas and give them greater reach. District and global grants help support projects addressing needs both close to home and around the world. Those projects can improve access to clean water, support education, strengthen communities, improve the health of mothers and children, build peace and much more.
As we approach Thanksgiving, I've been thinking about how much I have to be grateful for this year. And near the top of that list are the Rotarians I've met during my travels around District 5400.
What could a school garden in Kenya or river restoration in Lebanon teach your Idaho Rotary club?
Every Rotary project starts with something pretty simple: someone sees a need and believes we can do something about it.
