Celebrating 96 Years

The Ruby Valley Rotary Club is celebrating 96 years this year. They are known for their great events and sense of community. Rotary is a global network of more than 1.2 million neighbors, friends, leaders and problem-solvers who see a world where people unite and take action to create lasting change – across the globe, in our communities and ourselves.

“Ruby Valley Rotary Club is 96 years old!  That's an amazing service commitment to the people of this valley!  “Service above self’ is one of our mottos which points to the sacrifice of people who are rotarians. We have people dedicated to the club for most of their adult life.  Lois Smith, from Twin Bridges, was recently recognized with a Paul Harris Award (founder of Rotary) for her outstanding contributions to our community,” stated Laurie Bartoletti, a Rotarian.

Bartoletti went on to say, “Rotary really focuses on health, education, community, and it is all about service to build up the wellbeing of our community.  Casino night is our annual scholarship fundraiser.  Every year, we award two scholarships to Twin Bridges students and two scholarships to Sheridan High students. We also promote leadership by covering the cost of the annual Montana Rotary youth leadership camp. Our goal is to send a student from each of our high schools so they can bring back leadership to their schools and the community.”

Bartolleti remarked on the incredible international connection of this organization. They encourage and financially support students in their travel as well as attending the international gathering at the Waterton-Glacier Peace Park. The annual international Rotary gathering will be in Calgary this June, Laurie Bartoletti and her brother, a Rotarian from Ore., will be attending. 

On Saturday, March 22, 2025 The Rotary Club hosted their annual Casino Night, where the group fundraised for the scholarships they award students from Sheridan and Twin Bridges High School. Speaking with the people who make these events possible gave The Madisonian some great information. 

Executive Officer Lois Smith-Lehwalder was there helping with the bingo tables, she shared some commentary after the event.

“We are guided by our motto The 4 Way Test. #1 is it the truth,  #2 is it fair to all concerned,  #3 will it build good will and better friendships and #4 will it be beneficial to ALL concerned... and IS IT FUN.

Some of our events - providing higher educational scholarships to graduating high school seniors in both Twin Bridges and Sheridan;  we also sponsor the Rotary Youth Leadership Camp (RYLA) that teaches various methods of leadership in business, in addition we help with the semi-annual Fly in at the Twin Bridges Airport, manage the parade for the 4F (Floating Flotilla)  and the Madison County Fair and we also coordinate with local organizations to provide community dinners for both the Christmas Stroll and Veterans Community Dinner.”stated Lois Smith-Lehwalder.

Smith-Lehwalder went on to say, “Locally we work to maintain and assist current events by working as a group or coordinating with other organizations to provide better education, health,  recreation, economy, and make our area safe and attractive. We join with other clubs within the state to continue projects both within our state and world wide, such as clean water projects and Polio+ which is an ongoing effort to rid the world of the horrible disease Polio.” 

Rotary International was created in 1906 by Paul Harris with the intent to address social, educational and health conditions in Chicago and with the help of other business men it eventually spread to creating clubs of like minded men in the world joined together as a group. This organization exists today and is still very successful in their mission.

New members are always welcome and if you choose to have more information about our organization please join us for our monthly meeting at the Blue Anchor Cafe in Twin Bridges at 6 p.m. every first Tuesday of the month when they plan their events and work meetings. 

The Rotary Club plans to grow their membership because they know the dedication it takes to serve the Ruby Valley. 

“The history of Twin Bridges Rotary has been chartered since 1929, they have been servicing the community for 96 years as of this month. They have photos of past presidents framed and on display in the Twin Bridges Museum. They plan to create further displays this coming summer depicting past and current events and members,” stated Smith-Lehwalder.

For more information or questions please contact Laurie Bartoletti 406-596-1065 or Frank Colwell 406-596-1076.