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Bulletin Editor
Jeff Leedy

UPDATE: I MADE AN ASSUMPTION - THE KAFFEEKLATSCH. The next one will not be at the Steele residences. Stay tuned for the next one.

Welcome

  
President Jenny Hemley opened the meeting by welcoming everyone. Members then sang My Country ‘Tis of Thee and the Idaho State Song, and recited the Pledge of Allegiance.  
 
              
Announcements                

May 14, John Wheeler - Idaho States Veteran's Home

May 16, EPIC Day of Service

May 21, Jim and Lisa Steele KaffeeKlatsch

May 27: 4:30 PM, Sip ‘N Frolic Fundraiser - Lost Grove

May 29-30, District Conference, Idaho Falls

June 4, Jim Wallman - Meteorologist

June 6, 9:00 AM Trail Talks

June 25, 5:00-7:00 PM Summer Soiree-Changing of the Guards

 

Guests & Visiting Rotarians

Rachel Scarejuno was introduced by Dirk Manley.

              

Red Badgers

Brennain van der Hoeven and Fabiola Urena recently joined our club. They will each receive their Red Badge at the next meeting.

 

              
Paul Harris Awards                

Betty Munis - Paul Harris +6

Karen Lansing - Paul Harris +2

Both shared why they choose to support the Rotary Foundation.


       
 
 

Kaffeeklatsch

The next Kaffeeklatsch will NOT be held on May 21 at the home of Jim and Lisa Steele! This was an Editor's error (Not Jeff)

NAMI Walks

Beth Markley encouraged to join the Rotary NamiWalks team in a 5K walk along the Boise Greenbelt. The walk will be Saturday, May 23 from 11:00 am - 1:30 pm. The walk will start at the Ann Morison Park - Old Timer’s Shelter. Those unable to join the walk were encouraged to give a donation.
Club Shirts      

At our last happy hour Dirk Manley and Glenn Harris were both wearing Rotary Polo shirts and one of the restaurant servers noticed and asked for information about the Rotary Club. This event was the spark to have the club purchase shirts for any member who would like one. Jenny is trying to acquire the light blue and light weight shirts that match what Sip ‘n Frolic volunteers were given a few years ago. Jenny believes that this will be a great way to market Rotary. More information to come on how to order yours!

EPIC Day of Service

This year’s EPIC Day of Service will be May 16. Our Rotary Club will be working with the Sleep in Heavenly Peace non-profit to help build beds for children who need them.

Sip‘n Frolic 

Sip ‘n Frolic will be held May 27 at the Lost Grove Brewery on Lusk Street. Pizza has been added this year to the 5 beer or wine tastings and is included with the purchase of an entry ticket. Once again, the event will feature live music. We will have a promotional spot on Idaho Matters on May 18th. Andrea and Todd and someone from Engineers without Borders will participate in the interview. Jenny encouraged us to invite our friends and coworkers. Sponsors should get their list of attendees to Glenn or Dwight.

Sleep in Heavenly Peace.     Meet May 16, 9am – 12pm, in Meridian.   Donate twin size “bed in a bag”.  Contact Rotarian Stephanie Bailey-White for info stephanie.baileywhite@gmail.com

District Raffle               

              

President Elect Sean Wall reminded everyone that we need more ticket booklets sold!  It is time for the Rotary District Raffle. The grand prize is a $8,000 gift card with $2,000 paid to the IRS. The seller of the winning ticket and the club of the seller receive $5,000 gift cards. Second prize is $2,000 and third is $1,000. Booklets of 5 tickets are $100. Booklets of 12 tickets are $200. Do not remove the staple from the booklets. Each ticket stub must show the buyer’s name and phone number and seller's name and club.                                                  Keep the staples in  for credit.

Happy Dollars                             

The meeting’s Happy Dollars went to the Greater Boise Rotary Foundation. 
  • Dick Smith was happy that he was another year older but not deeper in debt. He appears to have matched his donation to his age. 
  • Allison Gilbreath mentioned that at the last meeting she attended, she had to leave early during the singing of the club song which was “I have been Working on the Railroad,” and this tune is used with different words for the University of Texas fight song. She also mentioned that next Thursday she will be retiring and then be able to have better Rotary meeting attendance.
  • Vern Gentry made a contribution for Bea Black’s retirement. He also donated because today is the last day of Idaho Gives and that the Greater Boise Rotary Foundation is a part of it.
  • Bill von Tagen was happy because he completed swimming 100 miles at the YMCA. Bill mentioned that our new member Fabiola’s husband gave him the recognition T-shirt. 
  • Shelley Eichmann was happy and mentioned the possible matching funds associated with giving through Idaho Gives today.
  • Fabiola Urena was happy for Bill von Tagen’s swimming accomplishment and made a donation.
  • Maryanne Barker was happy that she has been retired for 19 years. 
  • Betty Munis was happy that Brennain had volunteered to help with the website and the newsletter. She was also thankful for Jeff Leedy who had worked on the newsletter for so long.
  • Bruce Mills mentioned that there is a concert this Saturday and he encouraged members to come.
  • Gerry Schroeder was happy because he recently acquired new hearing aids.

Singing

Bill Agler led us in "Battle Hymn of the Republic" as    Jerry Schroeder played piano flawlessly.                                                                                                             

 

Last Week's Speaker         
Dirk Manley introduced Brian Martinez from the Transportation Security Administration.
 
The mission of the TSA is to protect the nation’s transportation systems and their goal is to ensure freedom of movement for people and commerce.  TSA screens 2.5 million passengers daily. The TSA does risk based assessments on travellers. Low risk travellers are checked relatively quickly, while higher risk passengers receive additional screening. They also have federal marshals that fly incognito on the planes. The Boise airport continues to set records for the number of firearms attempting to pass through the security screening. The last few years saw an average of 42 guns found by airport TSA. A pipe bomb was even found attempting to pass through the Boise checkpoint. To be sure you are travelling with approved items, you can visit the “What Can I Bring” website.

 This Week's Speaker

This week's speaker is Mr. Jon Wheeler, Volunteer, who will be presenting "Veteran Enrichment Through Sponsorship (VETS) Program"

Jon, is a veteran and grandson of veterans who is dedicated to supporting those who have served, with a focus on the Idaho State Veterans Home. He actively volunteers by spending time with residents, playing music, assisting during meals, and learning alongside the full-time staff whose professionalism and dedication continue to inspire him. Through simple, consistent acts of service, he works to build connection, lift morale, and encourage others to get involved in meaningful, approachable ways.

 
CALL TO ACTION:
 
For members of Rotary International and the broader community, supporting veterans can start with simple, meaningful steps. Consider organizing a small group visit to the Idaho State Veterans Home, hosting a shared meal, or creating a recurring service day. If your club has members with unique skills; music, storytelling, crafts, or more, that becomes powerful ways to connect and give back.

Getting involved doesn’t have to be a large commitment. Even an hour of time, a conversation, or a consistent presence can make a lasting difference. By coming together in small, intentional ways, Rotary members can continue their tradition of service while building genuine connections. 

For those interested in supporting our Veteran Enrichment Through Sponsorship (VETS) Program there is always an opportunity, please ask for more information."

     

Trail Talks, June 6, 9:00 AM

Our club will be taking a trail walk on June 6 at 9 am. Location to be determined and announced at a later date

Important Links

Rotary History

The Rotarian Minute

Rotary District 5400

Rotary District Contact Page

Rotary Youth Exchange Page

District 5400 Club Directory

 

Editor's Note                          

In Dwight's absence I tried my hand at taking photos during the meeting, but my skills are several levels below Dwight's. In addition, I don't have the same computer skills as Jeff when it comes to manipulating the photos for the newsletter, so there aren't as many in here as I would normally have. Apologies to those whose photos weren't included in this edition.

The great news is that we have some new blood with significantly higher computer skills than I have stepping up to take over the editorial and publication roles for the Boisetarian! Carly Kyle and Brennnain van der Hoeven will be assuming the role of Editor as we go forward. Thanks Carly and Brennain! 

p.s. A special thanks to Glenn Harris for taking copious notes of the last meeting.

 The Four Way Test