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The Pulse.

July 2025
District 5030

People. Service. Community.

From the District Governor

A New Rotary Year, A Shared Opportunity

A New Rotary Year, A Shared Opportunity

Jeff Borek

As we begin a new Rotary year, I’m honored and humbled to serve as your District Governor for District 5030 across the greater Puget Sound area. Born and raised in the Pacific Northwest, I’m continually inspired by the passion and purpose of our clubs . Whether it’s advancing local youth programs, championing environmental initiatives, or building global bridges through service, your collective impact is felt both here at home and far beyond our region. This year, I invite each of you to lean into Rotary’s theme: “Unite for Good.”

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Letter from the Editor

Letter from the Editor – July 2025

Letter from the Editor – July 2025

Editor

Chris Nakea, Editor – District 5030 Newsletter Dear Rotarians, July marks the beginning of a new Rotary year—a time of fresh leadership, renewed purpose, and bold opportunities . Across District 5030, new presidents are stepping up, new ideas are taking root, and our shared commitment to service is more energized than ever. Fittingly, this year’s Rotary International theme, “Rotary Opens Opportunities,” calls on us to expand our reach, elevate our impact, and invite new voices into the conversation. Here in our District, we’re already making that happen.

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Upcoming Events

🎙️ District 5030 Innovations LIVE

🎙️ District 5030 Innovations LIVE

Listed in this issue · 2025-07-10

🎙️ District 5030 Innovations LIVE 📅 July 10, 2025 | ⏰ 5–6 PM PT 📍 YouTube: RotaryDistrict5030LIVE Discover how bold Public Image strategies and cutting-edge tools are driving real results in Rotary District 5030 . From club growth to community engagement, we’re showing what’s possible when innovation meets purpose.

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Harvest Against Hunger Work Party at Elk Run Farm

Harvest Against Hunger Work Party at Elk Run Farm

Listed in this issue · 2025-07-13

Harvest Against Hunger (HAH) is bringing back our district-wide monthly work parties at Elk Run Farm, which Rotarians across District 5030 and HAH helped to launch in 2015. It exists solely to serve hunger relief organizations in South King County. Work parties will be held from 10am to 2pm on the second Sunday of the month from July through October. For additional information about the volunteer experience and to sign up, please go to https://www.harvestagainsthunger.org/rotary-work-parties-at-elk-run-farm/

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Happy Hour 4 Good

Happy Hour 4 Good

Listed in this issue · 2025-07-17

Lake Union Rotary kicks off Summer 2025 with our Happy Hours 4 Good! Join us on the docks at the Center for Wooden Boats on Thursday, July 17th from 6-8pm for food, drinks, and live music with proceeds going towards Little Bit Therapeutic Riding Center. Little Bit Therapeutic Riding Center is a community where horses transform the bodies, minds, and spirits of people with disabilities. Founded in 1976, Little Bit serves children and adults with disabilities throughout the greater Seattle area.

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Rotary Club of Enumclaw Street Fair 2025

Rotary Club of Enumclaw Street Fair 2025

Listed in this issue · 2025-07-25

🎉 Join Us for the Annual Enumclaw Street Fair! 🎉 Hosted by the Rotary Club of Enumclaw 📍 Location: Cole Street, Enumclaw 📅 Dates & Times: Friday, July 25: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM Saturday, July 26: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM Enjoy a fun-filled weekend with local vendors, food, music, and community spirit! 🛍️ Interested in becoming a vendor? Visit enumclawrotary.com to register today! 🏀 Youth 3×3 Basketball Tournament 📆 Saturday, July 26 | 🕗 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM Bring your A-game and compete in our exciting youth tournament.

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Mt. Si Classic Charity Golf Tournament

Mt. Si Classic Charity Golf Tournament

Listed in this issue · 2025-07-25

WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT: Fun & Friendship in Abundance: This isn’t just any golf tournament – it’s a Snoqualmie Valley type of day, with activities at every hole, guaranteed to be a day of fun, laughter, and unforgettable memories w/ friends old & new! Take the Swing That Changes Lives: Your participation makes a real difference. Every swing you take supports our community and brings us closer to our goals! Be a Part of Something Bigger: Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a weekend warrior, this is your chance to shine on the green while making a positive impact.

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District News

Call for District 5030 Governor Nominations (for 2028-29 Rotary Year)

Call for District 5030 Governor Nominations (for 2028-29 Rotary Year)

Kaj Pedersen

It’s time to select a Rotarian for one of the most meaningful positions in District 5030 , that of District Governor. Who might consider this opportunity? A past club president, who served a full term as president in 2024-25 or before, and a Rotarian in good standing. Or a person who served as a charter president of a club, having served from the date of charter to the end of that Rotary year. A past president who feels he or she can provide the leadership to support the clubs and club presidents in District 5030.

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Broadcast Legend Gill Gross Lends His Iconic Voice to Hunger Strike 2025 PSAs

Broadcast Legend Gill Gross Lends His Iconic Voice to Hunger Strike 2025 PSAs

Public Image

When your club’s Hunger Strike public-service announcement (PSA) hits the airwaves this year, listeners will immediately recognize the smooth, authoritative tones of Gill Gross —an award-winning journalist who has reported the news to millions and interviewed everyone from U.S. presidents to pop-culture icons. As the youngest anchorman in ABC Radio history at just 23 years old, Gross built a storied career that includes anchoring live coverage of the 9/11 attacks, substituting for broadcast titan Paul Harvey, and hosting CBS Radio’s “The Gil Gross Show.”

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Club News

From Uganda to Vashon: Welcoming the Visionaries Behind Vashon Primary School

From Uganda to Vashon: Welcoming the Visionaries Behind Vashon Primary School

Public Image

Later this month, our club will have the extraordinary opportunity to welcome two inspiring international guests whose story connects Vashon Island to a thriving community on the outskirts of Kampala, Uganda. Henry Tumwebaze and Judith Abenawe , the founders and leaders of Vashon Primary School , will be visiting Vashon in mid-July and joining us at our July 17 Rotary meeting . Newly inducted into Rotary in Uganda, Henry and Judith exemplify Rotary’s values in action: service, community empowerment, and sustainable education.

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My First Rotary International Convention: A Calgary Experience to Remember – YAHOO!

My First Rotary International Convention: A Calgary Experience to Remember – YAHOO!

Stacie Thorlakson

Giddyup Wranglers! As a first-time attendee at the Rotary International Convention, I wasn’t quite sure what to expect. I had heard stories—global connections, inspiring speakers, and an overwhelming sense of shared purpose—but nothing could have fully prepared me for the energy and scale of the event in Calgary. OOHAY! 🙂 From the moment I stepped into the BMO Centre, I felt the buzz of thousands of Rotarians from all corners of the globe. The convention wasn’t just a meeting—it was a movement. Flags waved, hugs were exchanged between longtime friends, and strangers became instant allies in service.

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Rotary Club of Renton Rubber Ducky Derby

Rotary Club of Renton Rubber Ducky Derby

Mark St Peter

The Rotary Club of Renton will host our annual Rubber Ducky Derby on July 27, 2025 @ 3:30pm. 5,000 Rubber ducks will be set loose on the Cedar River to race. First 6 ducks to cross the finish line win fabulous prizes, starting with $1,500 cash for first place! Ducks are freed at the Houser Way bridge at 3:30pm. Get your ducks for $5.00 each from any Renton Rotarian. Need not be present to win but it sure is a lot of fun to be at the Derby!

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Successful 8th Annual Challenge Race!

Successful 8th Annual Challenge Race!

Jennifer Ricken

On Saturday, June 14 , as the Rotary Club of Lynnwood hosted the 8th Annual Challenge Series Derby Car Race at Lynnwood Elementary School . The inclusive event brought together 51 racers , 6 trained youth co-drivers , their families, and 36 enthusiastic volunteers for a memorable morning celebrating ability and inclusion. The Challenge Series Derby is a unique event designed for children with developmental disabilities. Racers are paired with youth co-drivers and guided down a derby ramp in specially designed, two-person cars.

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Bellevue Sunrise Rotary Annual Speed Croquet Tournament and Auction: 8/13/2025

Bellevue Sunrise Rotary Annual Speed Croquet Tournament and Auction: 8/13/2025

Bob Kearns

REGISTER NOW! Bellevue Sunrise Rotary Club’s Annual Speed Croquet Tournament & Auction is planned for August 13, 2025. On a beautiful sunny Wednesday afternoon at beautiful Marymoor Park, teams will compete to get the lowest time through the croquet course wickets. Although a single team takes the trophy, the biggest winners of the tournament will be the beneficiaries of the funds that are raised during the live auction and Raise-the-Paddle event. One of the big highlights of the auction is a getaway to your choice of Cortona, Italy or Bali, Indonesia !

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