Service Above Self

The Great Bear Festival was better than ever this year, thanks to tremendous community involvement. Our Title Sponsor, Toyota; Grizzly Bear Sponsor, Envoy Mortgage; and many other local sponsors helped make this community event possible. The beautiful venue at the Wachholz College Center added to guests’ enjoyment of a full day of entertainment, including performances on the amphitheater stage, a dunk tank featuring local celebrities, lawn games for kids and adults, a climbing wall, kittens, a kids’ free throw contest, and a fabulous Tommy Edwards concert in the evening. Great food, refreshing beverages, and the very best volunteers made the day unforgettable. Stay tuned for next year’s date.

 

Many thanks to all who supported by attending and to our many sponsors. All proceeds will fund our Rotary projects which have included the Miracle Field at Kidsports, Ashley Creek Park, the Wildtorium interactive Children's Museum, local scholarships, global education and water projects, and support of many community organizations.

Celebrating District Governor Lucy Smith

The Rotary Club of Kalispell was proud to serve as the home club of our District Governor for 2025–2026. Lucy Smith has long been a dedicated leader in our club, and throughout the past year she shared her talents, energy, and commitment with Rotarians across the district.

Highlights from Her Year of Service

  • Traveled many miles to support clubs and strengthen district connections.

  • Helped advance district goals and initiatives.

  • Organized and attended meaningful events throughout the year.

  • Supported the completion of service projects across the district.

  • Deepened Rotary relationships and built lasting goodwill.

Thank you, District Governor Lucy, for your leadership and service. Welcome home.

From District 5390 https://montanarotary.org/ :
Post from the Logan Health Facebook Page:
Logan Health Children’s is planning a dedicated space, named the Rita Fitzsimmons Pediatric Infusion Center, designed to meet the unique needs of children undergoing infusion treatments. This initiative is made possible by a $500,000 leadership gift from Michael Kozlowski, given in honor of his mother, Rita Fitzsimmons. The project has gained additional momentum with a $105,000 contribution from the Rotary Club of Kalispell, recognizing Fitzsimmons, a fellow Rotarian, through the generosity of local club members.
With Rotary support, club member Lucy Smith and TruFem Founder, Sarah Rolfing, went to Kenya to provide education on women's health. Lucy wrote "We have held four workshops and given away 500 cycle beads and dignity kits. Also trained 40 public health workers and nurses and facilitated planning sessions for opening the new clinic in April. It has been a full and wonderful trip." Extra Great Bear tees were donated to participants, and the Rotary name was prominent.
 
"Greetings from 221 girls who walked as many as 12 miles each way in 104° on Saturday to attend our workshop . Every day has been full and very productive!  Sarah and I are so grateful to District 5390 for supporting our outreach!" - Lucy
Click here for a video greeting from the students ⇒ Kenya Greeting
The Rotary Club of Kalispell and Partners formed the Sustainable Global Coalition which is currently working on the La Vega Water Project. We built strong partnerships with the community of La Vega, Guatemala, the Rotary Club of Mazatenango, Fundazucar and Engineers without Borders. The goal is to secure a safe and reliable water source for 1,340 adults and children. This project was funded through Rotary Global Grants, donors, and in-kind contributions from the communities in the form of local labor, local funding, and local leadership. Most of the shallow wells currently in use are contaminated. By providing clean and accessible water, this project will assist this community to grow and sustain a healthy environment. Together, we can change lives for the better.
 
Here is the latest update from Rotary Club of Kalispell member, engineer, and a project leader:
Great news to pass along. The well driller has passed 220 ft with little to no issues. The target aquifer is approximately 450 feet below the surface based on the hydraulic/hydrology report completed for this project. The Rotary Foundation (TRF)is set to transfer the first payment for the project. With the first payment and the funds previously sent by the Rotary Club of Kalispell, there should be enough money available to install the pump house, pump, and construct the water storage tank.
 
Thank you for your support,
 
Mark Rohweder, PE, PMP
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Club of Kalispell...
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Kalispell

Service Above Self

We meet In Person
Thursdays at 12:00 p.m.
Red Lion Hotel
20 North Main Street
Kalispell, MT 59901
United States of America
We meet at the Red Lion Hotel and Convention Center in the Kalispell Center Mall, 20 North Main Street, Kalispell MT.
Links
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