Francine Falk-Allen enjoys presenting to Rotary groups, thankful for Rotary’s shared commitment to ending polio and vaccinating for other preventable diseases. She concentrates primarily on how polio affected her, both as a child and on through adulthood. She likes to start with a little humor, since many people are uncomfortable with the topic of disability. She will read a few passages from her memoir on living with polio, and then from her book on travel and self-care for aging or disabled people. There is humor in these passages, but the reality of disability permeates her writing in both books. Between readings she shares more of her life experience related to having a lifelong disability. She ties in Rotary’s work with how some of the challenges she faced can be avoided or eradicated with vaccination. She then takes questions, even personal ones, which usually comprises a lively portion of the presentation.
We are Menlo Park's premier service club. We are an all-volunteer organization of community and business leaders who give our time and resources to help make Menlo Park and the world a better place for all. From fundraising to community beautification, scholarships and more, Menlo Park Rotary Club members pride ourselves on getting the job done for the greater good. Our motto is "Service Above Self." Learn more
Francine Allen
Mar 20, 2024
Living Well with Polio
The 20th Anniversary Tour de Menlo Scholarship bike ride, organized by the Menlo Park Rotary Club, exceeded all expectations raising over $88,500. This remarkable achievement represents a 71% increase compared to the previous year, showcasing the generosity of the community.
"The success of the 20th Anniversary Tour de Menlo is a testament to the incredible support we received from the community," said a Yuhui Chen, the Chair of the 2023 Tour de Menlo. "We are thrilled to have raised such a substantial amount, which will enable us to provide financial scholarships to deserving local high school seniors and support important charitable initiatives in our community. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the 36 local business sponsors, 32 individual donors, and all the participants who made this event a resounding success."
From left to right, front row, the students are: Elizabeth Contreras; Mayrin Ceja; Sofia Munoz-Pacheco; Manuel Aguilar Alfaro; Jocelyn Urbana-Diaz; Dafna Segura Diaz; Sara Cordova Magadan; and Karla Campos Armas. Back row, from left: Raneem Almahnasneh; Vianca Lopez Molina; Mohammed Amir Khabaza; Rycklon “R.J.” Stephens Jr.; Andrew Latu; Alyssa Hernandez; Giovanna Cruz
Rotary Club of Menlo Park awards $132,000 in college scholarships at its 38th annual Scholastic Awards Ceremony
The Rotary Club of Menlo Park announced the winners of both their annual Scholastic Achievement awards and their College Scholarships, honoring students from Menlo-Atherton High School, Eastside College Preparatory, East Palo Alto Academy, Mid-Peninsula High School, Sacred Heart Preparatory, and Menlo School.
Over 400 community members were in attendance Monday night, May 15, at the Menlo-Atherton Center for Performing Arts as 112 students were recognized for their academic success in a wide variety of subjects, including many levels of math and science, industrial arts, social sciences, languages, fine arts, and community service. Instructors at each school identify the top scholars in their fields to be celebrated at this Rotary-sponsored event.
A complete list of students receiving academic achievement awards or scholarships can be found here.
Featured events
-
District Assembly
Mar. 23, 2024
9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. -
St. Anthony's Padua Dining Hall
Mar. 28, 2024
9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. -
39th Annual Scholarship & Academic Awards Ceremony
Menlo-Atherton Center for the Performing ArtsMay 20, 2024
7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Welcome!
Rotary Club of Menlo Park
We meet Wednesdays
@12:30pm
@12:30pm
Contact us for more meeting details and join us for lunch. Our treat!
Allied Arts Guild
75 Arbor Rd.
Menlo Park, CA
Sponsor a Scholar
The Rotary Club of Menlo Park, through our non-profit charitable Foundation, annually provides need-based scholarships to local students. We have a rigorous review process and award approximately $150,000 total in a typical year. You can help a local high school student attend college by giving through our Sponsor a Scholar program
Contact us