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The Pulse.

February 2026
District 5030

People. Service. Community.

From the District Governor

Peacebuilding Starts with People of Action

Peacebuilding Starts with People of Action

Jeff Borek

February is Rotary’s Peacebuilding and Conflict Prevention Month , a time to reflect on Rotary’s long-standing commitment to creating a more peaceful world — not just through global initiatives, but through everyday local actions across District 5030. Rotary has been advancing peace for more than a century, even before the United Nations existed. One of our most impactful contributions is the Rotary Peace Centers , launched in 2002. Through this program, Rotary has trained more than 1,700 Peace Fellows from over 140 countries — many of whom have lived through conflict themselves.

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Letter from the Editor

The Silver Tsunami

The Silver Tsunami

Editor

Story By Chris Nakea Vice Chair & Public Image Officer, Alzheimer’s/Dementia Rotary Action Group (ADRAG) It began on a quiet afternoon in May 2011 on Martha’s Vineyard, an island located just south of Cape Cod in the state of Massachusetts, USA. Jeff and Jacqui Morby, invited by the local Rotary Club to speak at the District 7950 Conference (south-eastern Massachusetts, Cape Cod and the Islands, and the State of Rhode Island), delivered a passionate talk about the coming ‘silver tsunami’ – the wave of Alzheimer’s and dementia cases expected to sweep across the world.

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Upcoming Events

PELS – Pacific Northwest President Elect Learning Seminar (Formally PETS)

PELS – Pacific Northwest President Elect Learning Seminar (Formally PETS)

Listed in this issue · 2026-02-20

Enjoy engaging learning sessions, inspiring keynote addresses, and meaningful discussions with renowned leaders—alongside fellow Rotarians. Wishing you all the very best as Club President! Please note: Event schedules and session details may change as we finalize the program.

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Drag Queen Bingo

Drag Queen Bingo

Listed in this issue · 2026-03-13

Join us for a fabulous night of Drag Bingo hosted by the Rotary Club of Des Moines & Normandy Park! Proceeds support Highline Schools Foundation and Waterland Pride. Get ready for a fun-filled evening of laughter, prizes, and entertainment. Friday, Mar. 13, 6 p.m. at Normandy Park Cove Purchase Tickets here. Costumes recommended but not required. Drinks and light refreshments available for purchase. Silent auction during the event.

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Hearts & Wine

Hearts & Wine

Listed in this issue · 2026-03-20

Enjoy an evening where generosity, community, and impact come together featuring: • A wine tasting reception (beer, spirits, and non-alcoholic beverages, too) • Entertainment • A delicious dinner • An inspiring program and live auction Purchase your tickets today at https://www.harvestagainsthunger.org/hearts-wine-2026

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18th Annual Grape Escape at Pickering Barn

18th Annual Grape Escape at Pickering Barn

Listed in this issue · 2026-05-06

Pour back into Issaquah with the perfect night out – one that gives right back to our beautiful community. 🎟️ GrapeEscape.EventBrite.com Hosted by the Rotary Club of Issaquah, the 18th annual Grape Escape is a food & wine event like no other, featuring unlimited pours from Washington vintners & distillers and delicious bites from local restaurants all evening. Whether you’re looking for date night idea with big heart or are planning the perfect night out on the town with friends, Grape Escape is not to be missed!

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RISE – Cohort 6

RISE – Cohort 6

Listed in this issue · 2026-09-10

2026 Registration opens May 1 and ends August 21. This 11-week virtual and in-person professional series integrates cutting edge leadership best practices with Rotary principles. Kickoff: Sept 10 at 6pm in Seattle Virtual Sessions: Sept 24, Oct 8 and 22, Nov 5 and 19 at 5pm Speed Networking Event: Oct 14 from 5pm to 7pm Graduation: Dec 3 at 6pm.

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

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

Historical conference · April 16–19, 2026

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. A Destination Worth the Journey Nestled in the heart of southeastern Washington, Walla Walla is a town that blends small-town warmth with world-class appeal.

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District News

Behind the Scenes: Preparing for a Memorable District Conference in Walla Walla

Behind the Scenes: Preparing for a Memorable District Conference in Walla Walla

Stacie Thorlakson

The countdown is officially on for our District 5030 Conference this April (16-19) in beautiful Walla Walla — and an incredible team is already hard at work creating a truly memorable experience for our Rotary family. From logistics and programming to hospitality and special touches, this dedicated planning committee is thoughtfully designing a conference that will inspire, connect, and celebrate the impact we make across our district.

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From Community to World: Rotary’s Quiet Work of Peace

From Community to World: Rotary’s Quiet Work of Peace

Kaj Pedersen

The world feels unsettled. Headlines are filled with conflict, polarization, and uncertainty that can leave even the most engaged citizens wondering what influence they truly have. While global forces often seem beyond our reach, Rotary reminds us of a powerful truth: lasting peace is built not by waiting for the world to stabilize, but by strengthening what we can control within our communities, our relationships, and our shared commitment to service. Peacebuilding does not always announce itself loudly.

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Club News

BloodWorks NW

BloodWorks NW

Elizabeth Tesh

February 2026 BWNW Bloodworks Northwest is on rotation between February 9 – and February 15, 2026 with the Blood Emergency Readiness Corps , a national blood reserve. We’re on standby to rush a shipment of blood anywhere in the U.S. at a moment’s notice. But we need your help to keep our blood supply ready for any situation that might require a mass transfusion disaster response. Make an appointment now to donate blood and save lives. As a thank you, you could win a trip to Maui for two from Bloodworks!

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Duvall Rotary Leads Heart Message Fundraiser

Duvall Rotary Leads Heart Message Fundraiser

Melissa Barnet

Love is in the air in Carnation and Duvall. The Rotary Club of Duvall sold heart signs with customized messages which are hung on poles in downtown Duvall and Carnation during the month of February 2026. Proceeds from the fundraiser are used by the Rotary Club of Duvall to support various community nonprofits as well as scholarships for Riverview School District students. Approximately 540 heart messages were ordered, raising over $33,000 to support our community. “This fundraiser is about friendship, love and supporting your community,” said Mary Humann, president of the Rotary Club of Duvall.

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Rotary in Action: Youth, Learning, and Community Through the Arts

Rotary in Action: Youth, Learning, and Community Through the Arts

Lori Walker

By Tatyana Tsyrlina-Spady and Lori Walker On December 13, the Seattle Rotary Education Interest Group, together with Taproot Theatre Company and School Connect WA, created a meaningful holiday experience for local students and families through a special performance of A Charlie Brown Christmas . Thanks to the generosity of four Rotarians, many children experienced live theater for the very first time. The guests were students and caregivers from Daniel Bagley Elementary School served by School Connect WA, including families identified under the McKinney-Vento Act as experiencing housing instability.

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Join Seattle’s Effort to Keep the FIFA World Cup 26™ Safe and Welcoming for All

Join Seattle’s Effort to Keep the FIFA World Cup 26™ Safe and Welcoming for All

Virginia McKenzie

Safe and Welcoming for All As excitement builds for the FIFA World Cup 2026, Seattle is preparing to welcome visitors from around the world. With this historic opportunity comes a shared responsibility: ensuring a safe, welcoming, and ethical environment for everyone involved. The Seattle FWC26 Local Organizing Committee (LOC) is partnering with Businesses Ending Slavery & Trafficking (BEST) to offer specialized anti-human trafficking training and support to businesses located near key event zones—including the stadium and waterfront areas—as well as Fan Zones throughout the state.

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