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The Pulse.

January 2026
District 5030

People. Service. Community.

From the District Governor

2026 A New Year of Growth, Unity, and Impact

2026 A New Year of Growth, Unity, and Impact

Jeff Borek

Dear Rotarians of District 5030, As we begin a new year, many of us take time to reflect, reset, and renew our commitments. In Rotary, January offers us a powerful opportunity to do the same — not just as individuals, but as clubs united in purpose.

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Letter from the Editor

Western Washington Floods: A Community in Crisis — and a Rotary-Led Response to Help

Western Washington Floods: A Community in Crisis — and a Rotary-Led Response to Help

Editor

Western Washington experienced historic and widespread flooding in December 2025, as a series of powerful atmospheric rivers brought record-breaking rainfall and relentless storm impacts to the region. Rivers including the Skagit, Snohomish, and Cedar reached or exceeded major flood stages, levees and dikes were breached, and thousands of homes and properties were damaged or inundated.

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Upcoming Events

Ignite Your Rotary Spirit in Walla Walla: April 16–19, 2026

Ignite Your Rotary Spirit in Walla Walla: April 16–19, 2026

Historical event · April 16–19, 2026 · Walla Walla

Get ready to experience Rotary like never before at the 2026 District 5030 Conference, themed “Ignite Your Rotary Spirit,” taking place April 16–19 at the historic and elegant Marcus Whitman Hotel in Walla Walla, Washington. This year’s conference is more than just a gathering—it’s a celebration of purpose, connection, and inspiration set against the backdrop of one of the Pacific Northwest’s most charming destinations.

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District News

Public Image Update: New Year, New Energy, Shared Vision

Public Image Update: New Year, New Energy, Shared Vision

Stacie Thorlakson

As we step into a new year, the District 5030 Public Image Committee is excited to share a few important updates and extend heartfelt appreciation to those who continue to elevate Rotary’s story across our district. I’m honored to step into the role of District 5030 Public Image Chair, and I look forward to working alongside clubs, leaders, and volunteers to strengthen how we tell Rotary’s story and showcase our collective impact. To reach me directly, please send communications to pic@district5030.org.

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Bloodworks NW

Bloodworks NW

Elizabeth Tesh

Dear Rotarians, Thank you so much for past support of BloodWorks NW! Here’s the news for this month! Give a Little, Sail a Lot! Donate blood from January 1 – 31 and you could set sail on an unforgettable adventure through Alaska’s breathtaking seas and ports. Your donation, like the wonders of nature, is part of something bigger. Let Bloodworks welcome you and a guest to your ocean-view room aboard a 7-night Celebrity cruise to Alaska.

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Club News

West Seattle Rotary recognizes Erik Bell, A Cleaner Alki

West Seattle Rotary recognizes Erik Bell, A Cleaner Alki

Irene Stewart

On Jan. 20, the Rotary Club of West Seattle presented Erik Bell, the founder and driving force behind A Cleaner Alki, with the 2026 Patrick Sand Memorial Award. The award honors the late co-founder and co-owner of the West Seattle Blog. Created by West Seattle Rotary and now in its second year, the award recognizes a West Seattle community member who demonstrates initiative, commitment, and reliability. Erik Bell received the award at a club luncheon at the West Seattle Golf Course.

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Blue Heron Park Restoration Project

Blue Heron Park Restoration Project

Linda Holman

Blue Heron Park is a small {.50} acre park at the edge of Lake Forest Park. McAleer Creek, which is a salmon spawning creek runs along the edge of the park as it crosses STR 522 and connects with Lake Washington. Originally privately owned, the park was purchased by the city wit Open Space bonds in 1989. A pedestrian bridge was constructed to allow safe access from the park to the Town Center and was completed in 2010.

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