Boise Metro Rotary Bulletin January 28, 2024 (Jan. 28, 2024)

THIS WEEK - IDAHO BOTANICAL GARDEN

Our speaker this week will be Jennifer Parks, Development Director of the Idaho Botanical Garden.

In 1984, The Idaho Botanical Garden was established on a 42-acre site of old prison grounds leased from the Idaho State Historical Society and the State of Idaho. Local botanist, Dr. Christopher Davidson, assembles the first board of directors comprised of 17 civic leaders and professionals. The Garden founders and board built an irrigation system, nature trails, and planted two acres, including the Meditation, Rose and Herb Gardens.

ASSISTANCE LEAGUE - WHO KNEW!

Many thanks to Marilyn Fowler last week for her talk about the Assistance League of Boise. I don't know about you, but I had no idea of the kinds of program they have! "Operation School Bell" and "Teen Retail" provide clothing for 4000 kids each year! Then there's "Operation School Supplies", "Project Hearing" "Cinderalla's Closet", "Baby Bundles" and the "Wig Program" Wow!

DAVE MATCH CHALLENGE ENDS WEDNESDAY

Dave G., always championing the work of the Rotary Foundation, has issued an exciting challenge to us: Any member who donates a minimum of $25 to the Foundation this month (by Wednesday) he will match 3 to 1!! Contribute $25, he'll throw in $75. Log into My Rotary and go to Donate - its easy! Thanks Dave for this generous offer! https://my.rotary.org/en/

NAPPY HOUR TUESDAY!

On Tuesday, we'll meet at 5:30 at RedBuilt (200 E. Mallard Dr) to provide a valuable service to the Idaho Diaper Bank. We will re-pack pallets of bundles into manageable size bundles which can be given to families. There's a particular way to do this. Look at Cornelia's message on WhatsApp account and watch the short video.

Diapers can’t be purchased with food stamps or WIC. Diapers are expensive and cost over $100 a month per child. With 46% of children in Idaho under the age of three living in poor or low-income families, there are 32,000+ families likely struggling to provide basic necessities like food, shelter and hygiene.

The consequences of diaper need are many, with health concerns, delaying development, and maternal depression being just a few.

CHAMBER AFTER HOURS

Posted by Carrie Westergard

Sign-up to Network at a Boise Metro Chamber Business After Hours

The Boise Metro Rotary has joined the Boise Metro Chamber of Commerce which offers a great way to network and get interest in Rotary by attending the free monthly Business After Hours and Trade Shows. There is a schedule when you sign in at our weekly lunches to sign up to attend a month. The events run from 5-7pm on typically the last Thursday of each month and moves to various business locations, which are included on the sheet.

If you have any questions ask Carrie or a member of the membership team.

NEW CONTEST - CONNECTOR OF THE MONTH

Posted by Carrie Westergard

The Board of Directors and Membership Committee have launched a Connector of the Month program through the end of June 2024.

Boise Metro Rotarians are invited to bring a potential member prospect to a weekly lunch and will receive 1 entry for each guest into the monthly Connector of the Month drawing. The entries will be for member prospects only, not guests such as family or friends you are inviting to hear a specific speaker.

The drawing will be held on the last Tuesday of the month for a $25.00 Downtown Boise Association Gift Card.

MISCELLANY AND MINUTIA

Last week's song appreciated John being back....they say it doesn't go well without him......Dave's Rotary Minute told about a skills training program in the Rotary Club of Kingston Jamaica......mark your calendar: District Celebration April 26-28......Golf Tournament: May 22.......February 13 we'll visit Idaho Public TV for our meeting.......this coming Saturday is our monthly Greenbelt Cleanup...meet at 11:00..........