Twin Boys, Dueling Pianos, Lake Tahoe - You Need to Be Here!Who are you bringing to Tahoe?  We’ve got the fun....  Dueling pianos (The Kelly Twins,, homeboys from Chico!) Lake views (Got to love Lake Tahoe!) A full weekend of fun (Plunge for Polio and much, much more!)All we’re missing is YOU!! See you in Tahoe!!  |
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Rotary Club of Fair Oaks Builds Wheelchair Teaching GardenRotary Club of Fair Oaks has been busy at work on a District Grant to build a wheelchair accessible teaching garden! Nick, Project Manager, explains this month-long project that has 3 phases including a greenhouse and potting tables all wheelchair accessible. With the help of Infinite Friends and Petkus Brothers and lots of volunteer hands, this will be one very special place for use by the community. Awesome work, Fair Oak Rotarians! |
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District Conference Weekend ScheduleHere is the Detailed Conference Schedule! You asked for it....and here it is! The flyer below provides you with the detailed schedule for our upcoming District Conference on May 1-3 at Caesars Republic, South Lake Tahoe. There are so many fun, entertaining and inspiring events for the weekend that you don't want to miss this year's District Conference. And, we've asked for great weather so...what do you have to lose?! To register for the conference click here: https://tinyurl.com/D5180Conference To secure your hotel room click here: https://book.passkey.com/event/51058586/owner/14208/home See you in South Lake Tahoe!!  |
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Your Invitation to 2026 District ConferenceYou're Invited to the Party! DGD Ryan Jantzen invites you to join the fun at the May 1-3, 2026, District Conference in South Lake Tahoe!! His video below gives you the scoop on the plans for this awesome time together at the lake. Early Bird Discount registration of $325 ends on March 1 2026! On March 2, it goes up to $375!! The very special Friday Night Reception is $75 per person, and you can sign up for that when you register using the link below. To save your seat, use this link: https://tinyurl.com/D5180Conference Hotel registration ends on April 10, 2026!! Here's the link (this is a new link): https://book.passkey.com/event/51058586/owner/14208/home So, time is ticking away -- don't be late!! See you in South Lake Tahoe! |
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Local Food Bank Gets Some Extra CheerIt's Never Too Late to Share People of Action Service Project!! The Christmas season may be behind us right now but....it's snowing (Christmas-like!), and our communities still need some extra cheer (Christmas-like!), so it's never too late to share the service work of the Rotary Club of El Dorado Hills over the past holiday season. The Club helped out at a local food bank by organizing and distributing food to local community members, along with providing 7 over following baskets of goodies, clothing, and other gift items. All to help make the holidays bright and happy for many families and children in El Dorado Hills. Great job, El Dorado Hill Rotary!  |
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El Dorado Rotary Club Led by Interact ClubOak Ridge High School Interact Leads a Recent Club Meeting It's not every day (or week) that a Rotary Club turns over its club meeting to high schoolers. But, that is exactly what the Rotary Club of El Dorado Hills did recently when they let Oaks Ridge High School Interact President, Sarah Ferrin, and her team run their weekly meeting. And, by all accounts, the Interact Club member did an outstanding job. So good that the El Dorado Hills Rotary Club figures they will invite them back to do it again soon. What better way to engage with future Rotarians than to have them be an active part of a club meeting! Well done, Oak Ridge High Interact!!  |
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Children's Book Donated by Rotary Club of LincolnLincoln Rotary Club Donates Books to Lincoln Public Library For the past 15+ years, the Rotary Club of Lincoln has made it part of their community service work to donate $1,000 worth of children's books to the Lincoln Public Library. Karen Van Gundy, Library Coordinator, sent a note to the club about the latest books delivered to the library: "Just wanted to pass along that we got our big shipment of Rotary books. They will be on display and refilled for the rest of the month on the right hand display when you first walk into the Children’s section. Thank you again to Rotary for the donation. I have attached a picture of the books that are out today." This book project is just one of many that the Lincoln Rotary Club does each year to help improve the life of community members in their town. Great job!!   |
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In Remembrance of PDG Clarence ParkinsFrom District Governor Megan Ellinghouse: Dear Rotary Family, It is with deep sadness that we share the passing of Past District Governor Clarence Parkins, who served as the 13th District Governor of Rotary District 5180. Clarence joined Rotary in 1982 and later became a proud member of the Rotary Club of Rancho Cordova. Throughout his many years of service, he embodied the true meaning of Service Above Self. During his 2007–2008 year as District Governor, under the theme “Light Up Your Rotary World,” Clarence focused on growing membership and increasing Rotary Foundation giving—both of which he successfully achieved. He and his wife, Sallie, loved visiting clubs across the District and were inspired by the community projects they witnessed, from local service in Sacramento and Marysville to international impact through a science lab project in Turkey. A highlight of his year was hosting his District Conference at Montbleu in South Lake Tahoe over Mother’s Day weekend. Surrounded by family and fellow Rotarians, it was a celebration he remembered fondly. Clarence also served Rotary in many roles beyond the District, including on the Rotary International Director’s Selection Committee, as a delegate to the Council on Legislation, and as an instructor at Far West PETS. He was a Multiple Paul Harris Fellow, Major Donor, and a recipient of Rotary International’s Citation for Meritorious Service. Clarence often said he became a “true Rotarian” delivering Christmas baskets in the pouring rain—a moment that captured his heart for service. His advice to future leaders was simple and wise: “Enjoy the ride. It will be your best year in Rotary.” We extend our heartfelt condolences to the Parkins family. Clarence’s legacy of leadership, generosity, and Rotary spirit will continue to inspire us all.  |
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Rotary Club of Elk Grove Packs 20,000 Meals for Rise Against Hunger |
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Rotary Club of Lincoln Donates $2M Gift as part of their Centennial Celebration Clark Osterhout (Club Member), Jerry Johnson (Club Member), Kris Wyatt (Club Member) Joann Hilton (Club Member), Randy Tooker (Boys & Girls Club), and Kerry Callahan (Club President). Photo credit: Makin It Happen Photography The Rotary Club of Lincoln is pleased to announce a $2 million gift as part of their Centennial celebration that will help to build the new facility for the Boys & Girls Club of Placer County. It is the Club’s largest one-time gift in its 100 years of history. It also is the largest one-time gift by a club in District 5180. “We are excited to be able to give a significant legacy gift to the Boys & Girls Club of Placer County to get them to their goal so they can build a wonderful facility to support the youth in our community,” says Kerry Callahan, President of the Lincoln Rotary Club. Randy Tooker, CEO of the Boys & Girls Club, states, "Thanks to this donation, we are off to a great start in raising the necessary funds to establish a Boys & Girls Club in Lincoln, ensuring a safe place for Lincoln's youth to learn and grow, which in turn will strengthen the entire community.” “The Rotary Club of Lincoln has a long history of supporting programs and services for the youth of our community and we are thrilled to be able to do this for the Boys and Girls Club,” said Greg Kevin, Immediate Past President of the Rotary Club and Chair of the Project Planning Committee. “We care very much for the youth of our community and on this 100th anniversary of the Rotary Club, it is very fitting gift that we can provide this large gift to ensure the success of the building project for the Boys & Girls,” added Callahan. The check was presented at the Club's Roarin' 20s Centennial Celebration on November 1 in Lincoln. Hats off and Congratulations to the Lincoln Rotary Club!! |
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Problem Solvers = Rotarians |
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Ryan Jantzen Chosen as District Governor Designate 2028-2029! On behalf of District Governor Megan Ellinghouse: It is with great joy and deep honor that I share some truly wonderful news with you. After a thoughtful and thorough selection process, our District has chosen a leader whose heart, vision, and dedication to service embody the very best of Rotary. Please join me in celebrating our District Governor Designate for the 2028–2029 Rotary year: Ryan Jantzen of the Rotary Club of Folsom! Ryan’s Rotary journey is a shining example of servant leadership. A proud member since 1994, he has poured his energy and passion into our movement as a Past President of the Folsom club, a trusted board member, and currently as Assistant Governor for Area 3. Through these roles, Ryan has developed a true understanding of the heartbeat of our clubs and the opportunities that lie ahead for District 5180. Beyond his leadership titles, what sets Ryan apart is his heart for people. He has inspired countless young leaders through Rotary Youth Leadership programs, mentored new Rotarians with genuine care, and lifted up his fellow members with encouragement and vision. His collaborative spirit and steady guidance have made him a respected and beloved leader in our District. Ryan believes deeply in the power of Rotary to transform lives—and he leads with that conviction every single day. I know he will guide District 5180 with wisdom, passion, and the kind of servant leadership that inspires us all to do more and be more. Let’s give Ryan a warm and enthusiastic welcome as our District Governor Designate! His journey ahead will be one of growth, service, and inspiration—and together, we will support and celebrate him every step of the way. |
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Zone Institute 2025 BIG IDEAS. NEW FRIENDS. ZONE INSTITUTE AWAITS
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Interact Conference and IPOTSDistrict 5180 is proud to sponsor the future generation of Rotarians through supporting Rotary Interact Clubs in our region. These incredible young people are already learning "Service Above Self" and giving back to their communities. On September 20, 2025, at Sierra College (5100 Sierra College Blvd, Rocklin), starting at 9:00 am, the Interact leadership is planning an annual Interact Conference and IPOTS training event. This is a free event and open to all Interact Presidents and Officers. To register, click here  |
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Project Dignity - Taking on Human Trafficking in AsiaWhat is the second largest criminal industry bringing in $150 Billion per year (right behind drug trafficking)? Human trafficking. Project Dignity is a 2-year global grant through Rotary International and World Vision focused on the Greater Mekong sub-region that borders Laos and China. The grant will be managed by the Rotary Club of Danang and World Vision Vietnam with Rotary's $400,000 grant being matched by $400,000 from World Vision (total grant: $800,000). The work will include the areas of prevention, protection, prosecution and partnership. Here is a brief YouTube video explaining more details on the grant. To donate, go here for the contribution commitment form: You can also make a contribution in support of this effort to: Rotary Club of Sacramento Foundation PO Box 2528 Fair Oaks, CA 95628 In Memo: Project Dignity GG2577183 If you have any questions or would like more information, please feel free to contact these two local Rotarians: John Phair Clayton Lee (916) 207-7763 (916) 730-5164 johnphair@yahoo.com claytonlee7@gmail.com Together we can end human trafficking.  |
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People of Action Showcase #8Rotary Clubs of Folsom, Historic Folsom and Folsom Lake Here's another great Rotary project where multiple clubs came together to work on a multi-year project. Rotary Clubs of Folsom, Historic Folsom and Folsom Lake worked together to put up a greenhouse and install some benches at a local pickle ball court (yes, pickle ball has taken over -- haha). Take a look at this great group of Rotarians who are serving their communities and making lasting positive changes to improve the lives of their fellow neighbors. Well done!! |
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People of Action Showcase #7Rotary Clubs of Arden Arcade, Elk Grove and Marysville Wonderful things happen when Rotary Clubs come together and do joint projects. That's what happened with the Rotary Clubs of Arden Arcade, Elk Grove and Marysville worked together to find just the right parks in which to place AEDs within their local communities. What is an AED?? AED - Automated External Defibrillator (AED) is a lightweight, portable device that can save lives when help may not be able to arrive in time. The device delivers an electric shock through the chest to the heart when it detects an abnormal rhythm and changes the rhythm back to normal. Wonderful!! Thank you, Rotarians, for making your communities a safer and better place to work, play, and live! |
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People of Action Showcase #6Rotary Club of Granite Bay The Rotary Club of Granite Bay has been working on a very special community service project since 2018. Here's a bit of history on their latest addition to their project at Granite Bay Community Park.... Starting 2018, they began building The Walk of Honor Armed Services Memorial at the Park. They added 50 ft flagpoles for the US flag, along with the five military branches. In 2019, a bench was added dedicated to Victor Dew, a Granite Bay soldier killed in action in Afghanistan in 2010, and in 2020 the club raised the POW/MIA flag at the site. The Club's 2024-2025 project was to add a cement walkway with 4 foot tall display walls and benches that will have engraved bricks with the names of service members with their military emblem. More areas to recognize other service members will be available.  On September 29, 2024, the Club held a special ceremony and an Annual Gold Star Mother's Day event at The Walk of Honor to dedicate the latest addition to the memorial. Great job, Granite Bay Rotary!!! |
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People of Action Showcase #5Rotary Club of Rancho Cordova Although many clubs provide dictionaries to third graders, the Rotary Club of Rancho Cordova sees their Dictionary Project still coming to the top as one of their most coveted projects. From Mike Passof....."Our community, City leadership and fellow Rotarians rally around this project to make sure it comes off without a hitch. From our scheduling with the individual Principles, to the “Labeling Party” to the deliveries with many of our City Leaders by our sides, many citizens of our community are deeply affected by this project." Great job, Rotarians!! We love giving fun, entertaining and educational materials to young children. For many of the third graders, the dictionary might be the only book they own as theirs and...it might be the only book the family has in their home. So well done and thanks for being faithful to this project each year!!!  |
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People of Action Showcase #4Rotary Club of Gridley From Lynne Spencer, President of Rotary Club of Gridley.... I was honored to be President for our 100th year of service of the Gridley Rotary Club. Our Centennial project was raising $20,000 for a lighted clock to be placed in Historic Downtown Gridley. The clock is installed, and our unveiling and ribbon-cutting ceremony will take place on June 30th at 11:30 am in front of the Museum on Hazel and Kentucky Streets in Gridley. We would love to have the support of all Rotary clubs that can attend that day to dedicate the clock in memory of Rotarian Dick Jones for his fifty years of service to Rotary Club of Gridley. We are so thankful for the many people who helped make this happen. The City of Gridley Electric Dept. was so kind in donating their time and skills to install the clock. |
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People of Action Showcase #3Rotary Club of Marysville The Rotary Club of Marysville’s biggest service project of the year is always their holiday party for Yuba County’s special needs students. Per DeDe Cordell.... This year, we had 180 special-needs students from all over Yuba County join us for an amazing meal, Christmas carols, a gift chosen just for them and wrapped by loving Rotarians, and individual… one-one-one time with Santa (who is a Marysville Rotarian!) and his amazing team of rockstar elves! Every student leaves with a full belly, a special gift and stocking, and - we hope - a full heart. Believe us when we say they that the joy on their faces could melt the coldest hearts and make them all grow three sizes! We are so grateful to Five30 Center for donating the space, to Yuba County Office of Education and the many dedicated staff and teachers who support these kiddos all year long, to our amazing community elves for cooking up a great meal, and to the MANY Rotarians who step up to make this possible.    |
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People of Action Showcase #2Rotary Club of Clarksburg The Rotary Club of Clarksburg thanks its partner clubs of Walnut Grove and West Sacramento Centennial and Rotary District 5180 for its contribution to the installation of a water filtration system for the Delta Education Vineyard in Clarksburg! We thank the communities that support our clubs throughout the year, which, in turn, helps to improve our communities! Want to watch the full video of David Pineda discussing this great project?? Go here.... |
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People of Action ShowcaseRotary Club of Sacramento Ever wanted to wander a beautiful flower patch and pollinator garden? Well, now you can at Killdeer Farms in West Sacramento thanks to the Rotary Club of Sacramento. These pictures only tell part of the story of this wonderful service project! Thank you, Sacramento Rotary Club, for being People of Action and making lasting change in your community!    |
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Big Day of Service - A Rotarian's Dream DayIt's always fun to get some great media coverage!! This is the Big Day of Service with the Citrus Heights, Fair Oaks and Orangevale Rotary Clubs. Catrina Womack, President of Rotary Club of Orangevale, shared some of the focus of the day. Planting fruit trees, berry bushes, and more at the corner of Sunrise Blvd and Fair Oaks Blvd. And, upgrading a youth center baseball field in Orangevale. Awesome work, Rotarians and friends!!! Showing the Magic of Rotary that makes our communities better!! |
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District Annual Speech Contest Winners Left to right: Bill Highland, Speech Contest Chair, Eliza - 1st Place; Angelyn - 2nd Place; Yenedith - 3rd Place; Aiden Berg - 4th Place; Steve Turner, District Governor The 2025 District Speech Contest Winners Wowed at District Assembly This year's District Speech Contest showcased four outstanding young people sharing their presentations on this year's theme, The Magic of Service. And, they hit it out of the park (as they say!)!! It was an incredible morning of listening to four very inspirational speeches by this group of outstanding high school students from across District 5180. The event was made even more special and meaningful by having a group of Toastmasters International members serve as judges for the contest. These judges have many years of experience and training in Toastmasters and definitely raised the bar by providing their insights and input on the judging process. Rotary is pleased to have a partnership with Toastmasters with the opportunity to work together on our annual Speech Contest. This year's Toastmasters judges included: George Jarosik (Head Judge), Robert Canthony, Andy Redick, Bill Inman (drove all the way from Reno!) and Dory Cox. Thank you for giving of your time to be a part of the Speech Contest. A special treat was our own Peter Schroeder who performed his original song, "The Magic of Service" as part of the Speech Contest at District Assembly. What talent!! Thank you, Peter! You can hear his song on the YouTube link below. Here are the YouTube videos of each of the winners presentations. They are well worth the time to listen and hear how each student addressed this year's theme. Eliza - First Place https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EBbb8ndmXuA&t=3s Angelyn - Second Place https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lg8wH5rRWWQ&t=11s Yenedith - Third Place https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y7x9DEn025s&t=11s Aiden - Fourth Place https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N-m7Yrbq2Pw&t=2s Peter Schroeder "The Magic of Service" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SgkWdeOOLnY And, finally, a BIG THANK YOU to all of the clubs who participated in this year's contest with a special THANK YOU to our Speech Contest Chair, Bill Highland, who truly shows us what 'Service Above Self' is all about. |
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District 5180 Recognition and Awards Event |
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First Annual Crawfish Boil and Mardi Gras CelebrationRotary Passport One got some awesome coverage for their very first fundraiser, the Crawfish Boil and Mardi Gras Celebration taking place on March 28. Alex Fenner, from Rotary Passport One, and Anthony Trejo, from Active 20-30 Club, discuss this very special event and all the plans to raise funds for Bigger Than Us (BTU) Arts, a local nonprofit making the arts available to all youth providing instruments, lessons and so much more. Attendance is limited to 100....yes, only 100 for this first Passport One fundraiser...so get your tickets now because you don't want to miss it!!! (Click here to purchase tickets!) |
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D5180 RYE Wins Silver Achievement Award!Our District 5180 Rotary Youth Exchange program, chaired by Jeannine Sparks, was recently recognized for its work and activities by receiving a Silver Achievement Award!! Congratulations and well done!!! The North American Youth Exchange Network (NAYEN) Annual Achievement Awards recognizes individual Rotary Districts participating in a variety of activities which cumulatively help create stronger Rotary Youth Exchange programs. NAYEN sees these Annual Awards as a means to nurture the development of and cultivate participation in Rotary Youth Exchange (RYE) programs.   |
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AEDs Installed In Local ParksThe Rotary Club of Arden Arcade raised $35,000 in order to place 12 life-saving AEDs (defibrillators) in 12 local parks throughout District 5180. They are designed for an 8 year old to be able to call 911, get the code to open the unit and follow the directions! Very nice and truly a lifesaver for potential cardiac incidents at local parks. Well done, Rotarians!!! |
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District Assembly for 25/26 |
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Rotary Youth Exchange - The Experience of a Lifetime! Got a young person who would love to see the world? Experience a different culture? Learn and grow? February 1, 2025, is the deadline for early consideration for the next opportunities to be part of Rotary Youth Exchange. Reach out to Jeannie Sparks (click here), District 5180 Chair, and get the details. Don't let a young person sit home, bored, uninspired when you could be the one presenting them with this awesome experience!!! |
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PRLS - Practical Relevant Leadership Skills It's happening...and you don't want to miss it!! The best leadership training experience you will have (say our past attendees)!! On February 1 & 2, 2025, at Sierra College, Rocklin, you will have the opportunity to learn skills and gain understanding of business and project planning, leadership, effective communication and facilitation skills that will benefit you at work, home and Rotary! Get registered NOW before the session fills up! Go to https://rotary5180.org/.../prls---practical-relevant.../ and sign up. See you at the training!!! |
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Rotary Youth Exchange - An Opportunity of a Lifetime Looking for the perfect experience for a 15 to 18 year old person to have that will change them forever?? It's Rotary Youth Exchange's (RYE) long-term and short-term exchanges to see another country, learn about another culture and language....and so much more!! Applications are now open for prospective Rotary Youth Exchange students for the 2025-26 school year. Go to our website.... www.rye5180.org.... for more information and to start the application process. Applications are due by October 15, 2024, or the date determined by your sponsoring club. Questions?? Reach out to Jeannine Sparks, District 5180 Rotary Youth Exchange Chairperson, at: chair@rye5180.org |
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Celebrating the International Day of Peace You are invited to join your fellow Rotarians and friends as we celebrate the United Nations International Day of Peace on Saturday, September 21, 2024, with a special program organized by our District's Peace and Conflict Resolution Committee. Through its Peace Centers and Peace Fellows, Rotary has a long history of promoting peace and remains committed to creating lasting change that improves lives and creates a more peaceful world. On September 21, from 9:00 am to 12:00 Noon, we are celebrating the Day of Peace with guest speaker, Dr. Preston Lindsay, a highly respected peace and conflict scholar, and a panel of dynamic youth leaders sharing their thoughts on what it means to promote peace in our communities. Dr. Lindsay's presentation, A Culture of Connectivity: How to Have A Peaceful Thanksgiving Dinner, will be timely and meaningful as we consider what each of us can do to promote and maintain peace whether at home or across the globe. Dr Lindsay is a scholar and educator specializing in peace and conflict studies, social entrepreneurship, and community development. He holds a Ph.D. in Peace and Conflict Studies from the University of Manitoba, an MA in Social Entrepreneurship and Change from Pepperdine University, and a BS in Social Science Education from Brigham Young University-Idaho. Currently, Dr. Lindsay is focused on developing a peace center, peace curricula for secondary education, and expanding research on grassroots-level peace indicators. You will want to set aside the morning of September 21 to hear Dr. Lindsay and our youth panel at Cal Expo, 1600 Exposition Blvd, Sacramento. Be watching for signs directing you to the building location. This event is free and open to all so invite your family and friends! |
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Rotary Youth Exchange (RYE) 5180 |
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Register by April 10:
