The Rotary Club of Ponderay Centennial has announced its new leadership for the 2021-2022 year. Newly elected officers include Kari Saccomanno, president; Barb Carver, secretary; Tiffany Goodvin, membership; Yogi Vasquez, community services, and Marcella Nelson, incoming president and charter member

JP Carver continues as foundation chair and also acts as an advisor for the Sandpoint High School Interact Club, and the RYLA and Mini RYLA youth leadership programs. Barb Carver adds to her secretary responsibilities as an advisor for the Forrest Bird Charter School Interact Club, while Nanci Jenkins continues to lead the International Service and Youth Exchange Programs. Furthermore Saccomanno will serve as public relations and treasurer.

Other members include Jim Kane, Kevin Kluender, Whitney Henker, Ryan Robinson, Ryan Wells, and Barney Ballard.

“One of my favorite quotes was from Mother Teresa, ‘Be faithful in small things because it is in them that your strength lies.’ We aren’t a club concerned with gaining notoriety by doing big things; we are about enhancing and improving our community with simple, but vital acts,” said Saccomanno,

Ponderay Centennial Rotary Club is a small group focused on youth, post-secondary education, health and wellness, and helping with immediate community needs that touch those areas.

“Members enjoy the networking, but prefer helping with the hidden needs within our community, preferring little or no fanfare, just action and care,” Saccomanno said, “I love that about our club!”

For over a century, Rotary's people of action have used their passion, energy, and intelligence to take action on sustainable projects focused around improving humanity locally, and around the world, through service, fellowship, and friendship. In fact, polio is nearly eradicated due to Rotary: just one of the many community and world issues it tackles with determination and hope.

Fundraising is an imperative role in the club’s success helping the local community and not an easy task for a small club.

The club is currently selling raffle tickets for its annual Fall Raffle featuring a scenic ride for four on a Daher Kodiak plane made right here in Sandpoint, a Schweitzer Mountain Resort season pass, and a three month pass for two at the Litehouse YMCA. Tickets can be bought online at PonderayRotaryClub.com or from any member.

In the early spring the club puts on the annual Duck Derby/Ponderay Days Celebration combined with a Scholarship Drive. The Duck Derby takes place at Schweitzer Mountain Resort during its Spring Fling Weekend. In addition, the club sells hanging flower baskets that will be available the week before Mother’s Day.

The club welcomes new people and or businesses to join and help on its missions improving our community.

The club generally meets the first three Tuesdays of the month at 7 a.m.. If you would like to learn more about Ponderay Rotary, email PonderayRotaryClub@gmail.com or click PonderayRotaryClub.com.