This week will feature a conversation with 96 year old athlete Bill Platts. John B. will introduce this amazing guy whom he knows via the Idaho Senior Games. Just last week Bill competed in the Pentathlon at the US Masters Outdoor Track and Field finals in California, setting a world record!

 

Bill has been competing at the national level since 2003. Since then he has recorded 89 "ranking performances" in a variety of events, mostly field events like javelin, long jump and discuss. He has been awarded USATF "Athlete of the Year" 3 times and this year has been nominated to the USATF Hall of Fame.

 

Bill grew up in Burley and has a Ph D in Wildlife Management. He retired from the US Forest Service in 1988 and continued with a consulting business in the area of Salmon and Steelhead issues and Idaho hydro power.

 

Come learn how this amazing guy keeps in shape!

This is our week to serve "Lunches in the Park." This is a program where the City Parks and Rec department partners with the city schools to provide free lunches to kids at four different parks. Our duty is to Cassia Park this week. We pick up the lunches at Hawthorn school and serve in Cassia from 12 - 12:30. We'll probably serve around 40 lunches. Those who are volunteering must complete the training program - if you haven't already.

This is Agnes Togbale from Ghana. She was awarded a $1,000 grant through the Entrapov program and Boise Sunrise. She used the funds to purchase a sewing machine and open a tailor shop in her town.

 

Here's how Rotary can connect: she is holding two packages of fabric which were given to John and Linda Biggs last fall as a gift from Yoga Verdana, their house guest from Indonesia and the Open World Program. Rick Kirkham, past District Governor from Pocatello, and Entrapov promoter, has gone to Ghana for a vist and taken the fabric to Agnes, who will make two shirts, for John and Linda! We can look forward to fashion show!

Last week Ben Davison from Entrapov (Entrepreneurs Against Poverty) presented the program which involves a "pitch" where a committee of our members would approve, or not, an idea for a small business in Ghana or Nigeria. The entrepreneur would have received training in running a business and creating a plan, to be presented to us. The Rotary Club puts up $1,000 for a grant for the winning entrepreneur to start their business. They would stay in touch with us with progress reports. We can offer suggestions along the way. If the entrepreneur successfully repays the loan over 12-24 months, those funds are used to seed other new businesses. Our Board has approved our participation in the program and the commitment of $1,000. Stay tuned for the next steps!

You are invited to a special community film screening of the acclaimed documentary "Join or Die" on August 8, 2024, at The Flicks, Boise's beloved independent cinema. We encourage everyone to bring one guest and or non-Rotarian to this event. 

 

This engaging event promises to be an evening of entertainment, camaraderie, and thoughtful discussion.

 

Event Details: Date: August 8, 2024
Venue: The Flicks, 646 W Fulton St, Boise, ID 83706

 

5:30 PM: No-host drink, dinner, and social

7:00 PM: Screening of “Join or Die”

 

Tickets: Available for purchase at theflicksboise.com – Students $5, General Admission $10.

 

Rotary District 5400 invites all community members to join us for a delightful evening starting at 5:30 PM with an opportunity to enjoy a no-host drink and dinner while connecting with other attendees. Following this time of fellowship, the screening of “Join or Die” will commence at 7:00 PM.

 

“Join or Die” is a powerful documentary that explores themes of community, activism, and the importance of civic engagement. Featuring insights from Harvard political scientist Robert Putnam, author of Bowling Alone, the film delves into the decline of social capital and the need for renewed civic involvement. It has been praised for its insightful and thought-provoking content, making it a must-see for anyone interested in making a positive impact in their community.

This week's Rotary Minute was about Ham Radio operators in Sweden and Germany and around the world hearing about Polio.....there are 17 cases of Polio in two countries - Afghanistan and Pakistan....Mary reported on a dinner event with some Mandella Fellowship folks from Senegal at Janice's home.......it was fun to hear Kali Bach and Hayes Deaver tell about thier experience at RYLA camp. About 50 RYLArians spent the weekend at a camp on a lake in Donnelly. Great and meaningful fun was had by all! ........ Lou has been travelling around the US all summer and stopped in Boise on her way back to France. Great to see her thriving!.....Greenbelt Cleanup is next Saturday. Meet at 9:00AM...........Check out the Calendar - two field trips to look forward to!