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The Pulse.

April 2026
District 5030

People. Service. Community.

From the District Governor

Celebrating a District 5030 Hero: William “Bill” MacCully

Celebrating a District 5030 Hero: William “Bill” MacCully

Jeff Borek

For over three decades, Rotary has benefited from the steady leadership and quiet dedication of Bill MacCully, who was a founding member of the Shoreline Club in 1995. He has served as their club President twice, guided other clubs in the area as an Assistant Governor, and he and his wife Judy have helped their community and District 5030 in many, many ways.

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Letter from the Editor

Rotary District 5030 | Environment Month

Rotary District 5030 | Environment Month

Editor

April invites us to look outward—and inward—as we consider our responsibility to the world we share. As Rotarians, we’ve long been defined by action. We build, we serve, we respond. But this month’s focus on the environment challenges us to think beyond individual projects and toward something broader: stewardship. Not just of our communities, but of the systems that sustain them. The truth is, environmental impact is no longer a distant or abstract issue. It’s local. It’s visible. And increasingly, it’s personal.

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Upcoming Events

Elk Run Farm Work Party

Elk Run Farm Work Party

Listed in this issue · 2026-04-12

This is a great opportunity to experience Harvest Against Hunger’s mission in action and to invite family, friends, and coworkers to make an impact together. Elk Run Farm exists solely to provide fresh produce to hunger relief organizations in South King County. It thrives because of volunteers and will need our help with activities such as raking, hoeing, planting, weeding, hauling materials, mulching, turning compost and harvest produce. To register for the work party, go to https://elkrunfarm.wordpress.com and sign up for April 12. Questions, contact Colleen Turner at colleen@harvestagainsthunger.org.

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The Big Taste

The Big Taste

Listed in this issue · 2026-04-12

The Big Taste is back for another incredible year and we’re popping bottles in a brand-new location! Join us Sunday, April 12 from 4:00–7:30pm at Block 41, a trendy, spacious venue in the heart of downtown Seattle’s Belltown, for an evening made for mingling, sipping, and discovering new favorites. Enjoy an incredible lineup of beer, wine, cider, spirits, and plenty of N/A options, all under one roof and all for a great cause.

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Day Out for Autism

Day Out for Autism

Listed in this issue · 2026-04-18

Join the Washington Autism Alliance (WAA) for our “Day Out for Autism” event, a family-friendly celebration with fun activities for all ages! The event promotes acceptance and inclusion while raising funds to support improved access to care and effective services for individuals with autism and other developmental disabilities across Washington State. Event Highlights • Sensory – Sensitive Fun Fair for children, adolescents, and adults • Autism Resource Fair • Optional 3K Walk/Stroll Your Way • Live Entertainment Volunteer signup link: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/30E044CABA92BA2FC1-54820431-dayout#/

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Rotary Boys and Girls Club Annual Clean Up Day

Rotary Boys and Girls Club Annual Clean Up Day

Listed in this issue · 2026-04-25

Join us from 9 AM – 12 PM for a day in service to the Rotary Boys and Girls Club-the club District 5030’s Rotary Club of Seattle helped establish! If wanting to attend as a volunteer, please RSVP at jared.grose@industriousoffice.com.

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Rotary Club of Magnolia’s “Just Shred It!” Paper Shredding Event

Rotary Club of Magnolia’s “Just Shred It!” Paper Shredding Event

Listed in this issue · 2026-04-25

This is Rotary Club of Magnolia’s “Just Shred It!” event where individuals and businesses can have bring documents to be shredded for free. You may donate to Rotary Club of Magnolia at the event, if you wish.

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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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Evening Event at Cascade PBS with the Rotary Club of Seattle

Evening Event at Cascade PBS with the Rotary Club of Seattle

Listed in this issue · 2026-05-13

Join members of the Rotary Club of Seattle for an indoor/outdoor evening of socializing and learning about Cascade PBS! Food and drink will be provided. This is a ticketed event; please make sure to pre-register and pay to attend: https://seattlerotary.org/events/may-13-evening-event-at-cascade-pbs/

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Flower Power – Peace, Love & Bingo!

Flower Power – Peace, Love & Bingo!

Listed in this issue · 2026-05-16

Join West Seattle Rotary and Ms. Sylvia O’Stayformore for Flower Power, a rousing evening of rainbow bingo, with hors d’oeuvres, a cash bar, and a 50/50 raffle, on Saturday, May 16 at the West Seattle Golf Club. Proceeds benefit the West Seattle Rotary Service Foundation. Get your groove on–bell bottoms, peace signs, daisies in your hair–or come as you are! Doors open at 5:30 p.m. Individuals $50 | Table of 8 $350 | Table of 10 $425. For questions please e-mail ws_rotary@yahoo.com

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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

District 5030 Learning Symposium – May 30

District 5030 Learning Symposium – May 30

DG Patricia Chapman

Rotarians from across District 5030 are invited to join us for a day of learning, connection, and inspiration at the District 5030 Learning Symposium on Saturday, May 30, 2026 , from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM at the Mercer Island Community & Event Center. This symposium is designed to equip both incoming club leaders and engaged members with practical tools to strengthen their clubs and expand their impact.

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Hearts & Wine 2026: A Night of Generosity, Community, and Impact

Hearts & Wine 2026: A Night of Generosity, Community, and Impact

Stacie Thorlakson

On Friday, March 20, supporters gathered at Victory Hall at the Boxyard in Seattle for an inspiring evening at Hearts & Wine, benefiting Harvest Against Hunger. The event brought together a passionate community united by one shared goal: ensuring equitable access to fresh, healthy food for all. Thank you to all who attended—and to those who supported from afar with donations. The energy, dedication, and “grape” enthusiasm you brought to the evening made it truly unforgettable.

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Club News

Service Without Borders: Bellevue Sunrise Rotarian James Burke Expands Opportunity Through Technology

Service Without Borders: Bellevue Sunrise Rotarian James Burke Expands Opportunity Through Technology

James Burke

For 25 years, Bellevue Sunrise Rotarian James Burke has been shaping young minds in the classroom at Tyee Middle School in Bellevue, Washington. A dedicated educator in STEM and Career & Technical Education (CTE), Burke teaches courses ranging from Flight and Space to Robotics, Design and Production, and Applied Engineering. His work equips students not only with technical skills, but with the confidence to explore, build, and innovate in an increasingly complex world. Burke’s impact extends far beyond the walls of his classroom.

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New Interact Club Going Strong

New Interact Club Going Strong

Stefanie Felix

In Fall 2025, Rotary Club of West Seattle became a proud sponsor of an Interact Club at West Seattle High School. It got started by a student that our club sponsored for RYLA 2025. He visited our club after his RYLA experience to speak at our meeting about the leadership weekend and the impact it had on him. Since then, he has gone back to his high school and recruited 7 more students to form an Interact Club.

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A Testament to Action: Rotarians and Neighbors Clear Way for New Gathering Space

A Testament to Action: Rotarians and Neighbors Clear Way for New Gathering Space

Bill MacCully

On Saturday March 21st Shoreline Rotarians joined neighbors and other community organizations, including the City of Shoreline, The North City Neighborhood Association; Urbanist Shoreline; and Salvation to help clean up debrie and overground vegitation on what will be a NEW community gathering space: North City Station. Shoreline Rotarian Bill MacCully and State Senator Jesse Salomon take a breather after helping more than 100 volunteers clear 200 cubic yards of debris at the future North City Station. #ShorelineWA , #RotaryService , and #NorthCityStation .

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Bloodworks NW

Bloodworks NW

Elizabeth Tesh

April 2026 BWNW info for District Newsletter Dear Rotarians, We are part of a big family of volunteers in our region. We save lives all the time with our blood and platelets! That’s really a big deal and very appreciated! Thank you for your continued support of Bloodworks NW. Blood donors play a critical role in supporting local transplant patients. Over 49,000 transplants were performed in the U.S. last year. An organ transplant may need up to 40 red cell units, 30 platelet units, and 25 plasma units.

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Membership Matters

Membership Moment – Chamber of Connection Club Fair

Membership Moment – Chamber of Connection Club Fair

Stephen Morse

Rotary was alive and active, sharing the great works our Rotary clubs are doing for our community and the great benefits membership provides for each member. On Thursday March 5th the Seattle Chapter of the US Chamber of Connection, yes the Chamber of Connection, not the Chamber of Commerce, hosted a Club Fair, much like the Career Fairs we remember attending when we were in school or those tenuous years shortly thereafter. This fair, however, was full of energy and a buzz of interest to start relationships, build connections, and do some fun things with new people.

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