Big things are coming to District 5060 this summer — including a visit from future Rotary International Director Marty Peak Helman.

As part of her “Impact Tour,” Marty is traveling to all 40 districts in Zones 28 and 32 to experience Rotary where it matters most: in our communities, at our service projects, and alongside the volunteers making a difference every day. Her goal? To see Rotary in action, hear our stories, and better understand the incredible impact clubs are making locally and globally.

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Get ready for another epic night of baseball, camaraderie, and Rotary spirit as the Wenatchee Applesox take on the Port Angeles Lefties on Tuesday, July 21 at 6:35 PM at Paul Thomas Jr. Stadium! This is our third annual Rotary Night at the Applesox.

This year we have special guests: Marty Helman, Rotary International Director, and our District Governor 26/27 Jill Leonard. We have a surprise guest to toss out the first pitch. Our 50/50 raffle this year will benefit The Rotary Foundation. 

Don't miss out on a fantastic evening of fun, fellowship, and baseball!  Get your tickets here. See you at the ballpark! 

Guess who’s coming to dinner?

Sylvia Whitlock — the first woman to serve as president of a Rotary club and one of Rotary’s true trailblazers.

Join us Friday, October 2, at Spirit Ridge Resort for a memorable evening celebrating Dr. Whitlock, the power of Rotary service, and The Rotary Foundation.

This special event is part of our Hearts Across Borders campaign, an ambitious effort across District 5060 to raise funds for The Rotary Foundation and Rotary Foundation Canada. And what better way to celebrate than with a woman who helped change the course of Rotary history?

Want to hear Dr. Whitlock speak in person? Here’s how you can join us:

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For more than ten years, Martha Kennedy has been a steady and inspiring force behind Rotary Youth Exchange in District 5060. Since 2013, her Rotary service has been focused on one thing—creating meaningful, life-changing experiences for young people and ensuring they are supported every step of the way.

Martha began her journey at the club level with the Rotary Club of Kelowna Sunrise, serving as both a counselor and Youth Exchange Officer. In those roles, she worked closely with students and host families, building the kind of hands-on experience that would later shape her exceptional district leadership. She joined the District 5060 Youth Exchange Committee in 2015 and, through her commitment and capability, stepped into increasing levels of responsibility—ultimately serving as District Youth Exchange Chair since 2019.

Her leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic stands out as a defining moment. Faced with unprecedented challenges, Martha guided the district with calm, clarity, and compassion—ensuring the safe return of students while supporting clubs and families through uncertainty. In the years since, she has played a vital role in rebuilding the program, restoring confidence, and strengthening systems to support future exchanges.
 

Martha’s impact is felt not only in times of challenge, but in the strong foundation she continues to build. From leading inbound and outbound orientations to training club leaders and coordinating efforts across districts, she has created a culture of preparation, safety, and support. Most importantly, she has touched the lives of countless students, helping them grow into confident, globally-minded leaders.

As Martha wraps up her role as District Youth Exchange Chair, we are grateful that she will continue to share her experience and wisdom as Vice Chair. We are also pleased to welcome Richard DeRock as the incoming Chair, and we look forward to his leadership in guiding the program into its next chapter.

We are deeply grateful for Martha’s years of service, her steady leadership, and the heart she brings to everything she does. Because of her, Rotary Youth Exchange in District 5060 is stronger than ever—and her legacy will continue to shape lives for years to come.

We couldn’t end this story without thanking the many other current and past RYE chairs including Kayle Tjomsaas, serving this year as co-chair, and Patty Garrett, Lake Country Rotary, who served as committee chair through 2019 and continues to chair her club’s youth services committee. Thank you Kayle and Patty
 

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District Conference attendees enjoyed a special highlight last month as two Inbound Rotary Youth Exchange students from the Kamloops area shared their experiences with members from across the district.

David Holl from the Netherlands and Nauany Ortiz from Brazil spoke about what inspired them to apply for Youth Exchange, introduced their home countries, and reflected on the friendships, school experiences, and community activities that have shaped their year in Canada. Their presentations offered a meaningful reminder of the impact Rotary’s youth programs on building global understanding and confidence.

“From a personal standpoint, seeing the growth and confidence in the exchange students is what excites me the most,” said District Governor Elect Jill Leonard. “Students often arrive shy and unsure, but by April they are confident and eager to share their stories.”

Something new is coming to Rotary District 5060

The 2027 District Roadshow will bring the energy of a district conference directly to our members with four unique stops across the district, two in Canada and two in the untied states. Each location will feature its own program and experience, giving you fresh reasons to attend more than one stop and connect with Rotarians across the region.  

You can still expect many of the traditions you enjoy most, along with new opportunities for learning, celebrations and connections along the way.  

Mark your calendar now and start planning to be part of this exciting district-wide journey.  If you are interested in being part of the planning, please reach out to DGE Jill Leonard, at JLeonard5742@gmail.ocm. 

This year’s streak of no wild polio cases regretfully ended with single cases reported in both Pakistan and Afghanistan, the last two endemic counties in the world.

After 40 years and much hard work, the news could defeat our spirit and derail our goal of making polio the second virus in history to be eradicated behind smallpox.

Is the endeavor hopeless? Will we ever reach the finish line?

The answer to the former “ABSOLUTELY NOT” and to the latter, a resounding “YES!”

We have never been in a better position to end polio, with tools like the novel oral vaccine (nOPV2) and sophisticated monitoring systems. The nOPV2 drastically reduces vaccine-derived infections, while new regional labs in Africa can cut detection times of the virus in wastewater by more than 30%. And let’s not forget our most powerful weapon, the army of trained volunteers who vaccinate millions of children every year.

We’ve completed 99.9% of the task, but we cannot back down now. Eradication will save $40–50 billion primarily in the poorest nations on Earth. To stop or delay our efforts risks global resurgence, meaning more than 300,000 cases in a scant few years.

Help District 5060 delegate polio to the history books by joining the District Polio Plus Society. We are at 90 members strong and would like to end this Rotary year at an even 100 (of course there is always room for more). Lucky No. 100 will receive a Paul Harris Fellow! Contact Pete Van Well at pete2@vanwell.net or 509-679-5214 to learn how to become a member today!

MEETING ZOOM MAY11 6:30PM
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84006687146?pwd=mBxAPN9qorERpIyC5sIaFbYjOhlkkT.1

A couple of weeks ago, the District hosted its monthly District Zoom Chat. Each month a new topic is selected and all members are invited to join our discussion. The first 30 minutes is spent in a facilitated discussion while the last 30 minutes is spent sharing ideas, brainstorming, or engaging in a Q&A.

The April Zoom Chat was entitled, “Show Me the Money…For Good”, a session about fundraising. We talked about what makes a successful fundraiser, how to “reinvent” a long term event, and when it’s time to say good bye to a long-standing fundraiser. Finally, we shared ideas that clubs have had success with, things they’ve heard about, and opportunities for improvement.

Here’s what was discussed at the Zoom Chat

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The Maternal Child Health Clinic shall be built in Liberia, Africa and Rotarians from D5060 plan to travel in October to help complete the project.

This District Grant was recently approved by District and Rotary International and a huge thank you to the following clubs and people who helped make this a reality.
Thank you to the; Rotary Clubs of The Rivers, Ellensburg Morning-Noon-Downtown-Rotaract, Kamloops West, Osoyoos, Quincy, Upper Kittitas, Upper Kittitas Interact, Yakima Sunrise-Rotaract-Interact, and CWU Rotaract, as well as Tony Swartz, Kyle Rasmussen, S&J Chamberlain, Bob Raap and Ken Beckley for funding this district grant along with D5060.

The plan is to have the clinic completed by Rotarians from D5060 are there in mid to late October 
working alongside locals.  Rotarians will help in finishing, gardening, painting, and possibly some medical services.

Travelling will depend on the world situation regarding airlines and fuel shortages.

If anyone is interested in learning more, please reach out to PDG & DRFC Sherry Chamberlain sherry@adobie.com

(Photo of Dianne who operates the I CARE FOR MOMS organization with local Liberian children, a NGO that Rotarians will partner with for the project build in the country)

On April 15, Rotarians and community members gathered at the Rotary Market Place in Yakima to celebrate the dedication of a new Peace Pole—a powerful symbol of unity, understanding, and Rotary’s commitment to building peace both locally and globally.

The project initiated and sponsored by Yakima Southwest Rotary, Yakima Downtown Rotary, Yakima Sunrise Rotary, and the Yakima Rotary Trust, demonstrating the strength of Rotary partnership in action. Together, these clubs brought to life a vision that now stands as a permanent reminder of the community’s shared hope: “May Peace Prevail on Earth.”

The Peace Pole was carved from a locally harvested Russian Olive tree by a remarkable team of 17 Yakima-area artists and sculptors who dubbed themselves the Peace Pole Stars. Led by Doug Lewis, John Barany, and Randall Leek, the group donated their creativity, craftsmanship, and countless hours to transform the tree into a vibrant, meaningful work of public art. Their artistry is visible in every carved line and painted detail—each stroke reflecting the generosity and spirit of the Yakima Valley.

Yakima’s new Peace Pole joins more than 200,000 Peace Poles installed worldwide as part of the international Peace Pole Project, a grassroots movement that began in Japan more than 50 years ago. Peace Poles can be found in nearly every country—standing in parks, schools, houses of worship, city squares, and places where people gather to reflect and connect. Each pole carries the same universal message: “May Peace Prevail on Earth.”

Yakima’s Peace Pole features this message in ten languages, selected to represent the diverse cultures that make up the Yakima Valley and authentically reflects the people who call Yakima home.

The dedication ceremony highlighted the deeper meaning behind the project. Peace was described as far more than the absence of conflict—it is the presence of understanding, the willingness to listen, to learn, and to see the humanity in one another. Peace grows when friendships form across lines that once seemed too wide to cross, and when people take the time to get to know one another, stereotypes fade and the walls that separate us begin to fall.

The project itself began with an unexpected moment of inspiration during a visit to the Rotary Club of Wallowa County in 2023, where a Peace Pole dedication sparked the idea to bring a similar symbol to Yakima. Support from the Yakima-area Rotary clubs and the Yakima Rotary Trust quickly followed, reflecting Rotary’s global commitment to peace and conflict resolution.

As the project took shape, local artists stepped forward with enthusiasm, forming the Peace Pole Stars and bringing extraordinary creativity to the work.

The ceremony emphasized that peace is active and intentional, something built through daily choices in how people treat one another and how they show up for their community. The Peace Pole now stands as a reminder of that commitment and as a beacon of hope at the Rotary Market Place.

With its ten languages and its message of global unity, the Peace Pole symbolizes Yakima’s dedication to connection, reflection, and goodwill. It stands not only as a work of art, but as a testament to what is possible when a community chooses understanding over division

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After a particularly unique Rotary meeting last month, I’ve come up with a version of “Rotary Poker” that you might like, but more on that in a minute…

I had the honour (honor) of working closely with District Leadership over the past few years and thought it would be a good idea to somehow introduce to my club’s newer members the very talented members of the G5. When I invited them to Zoom into one of our meetings, DG-Nominee Designee (DGND) Martin Streich and DG-Elect (DGE) Jill Leonard ended up Zoomin’ in on the next couple of meetings. DG-Nominee (DGN) Kathleen McNaulty, however, said she’d prefer to drop in “live” in the near future.

When the time came that DGN Kathleen was to attend one of our meetings, she let slip that DGE Jill was to be her “driver”. Knowing how tight they all were, I separately invited 2-time Past District Governor (PDG) Marjolein Lloyd. But wait, there’s more…

Just when you thought we’d scoured the District of all the Leadership, District Governor (DG) Tracy McCall showed up as well. A roarin’ good time ensued, with potluck snacks and, dare I say, a few libations. Definitely a good way to introduce our club’s newer Rotarians to our magnificent District Leadership!

And that “Rotary Poker” I was speaking of? Our hand was a 2xPDG, DG, DGE, and DGN, with two Past Assistant Governors and a current Assistant Governor in our club. (Never try drawing to an inside straight unless iPDG Tom Tochterman is in the building).

Your bet…

Jim Hawkins
Rotary Club of Kelowna Landmark

Ogopogo Rotary Launches it's "Refresh & Reconnect" Initiative

The Rotary Club of Kelowna Ogopogo is thrilled to announce the resounding success of its inaugural Laptop Donation and Data Wiping Event, which yielded an incredible 100 donated laptops from the generous Okanagan community. The event, held on Saturday, April 10, was a collaborative effort with St. Michael and All Angels Cathedral in Kelowna, aimed at tackling the growing digital divide within our district. This project transforms what might otherwise become “E-Waste” into crucial tools for education, employment, and connection for our neighbors in need.

The initiative, spearheaded by the Rotary Club of Kelowna Ogopogo, invited community members to donate any working PC or Mac laptop, purchased on or after October 1, 2001, along with its power cord. The club’s goal is simple: to "take technology that is gathering dust and put it into the hands of someone who truly needs it," according to Brian Hillaby, President of the Rotary Club of Kelowna Ogopogo. Donors were invited to stay for a complimentary coffee while experts performed a certified, secure data wipe on their old machines. Following the wipe, volunteers begin the refurbishment process by installing the Linux operating system. Linux is a lightweight and secure platform that is key to this project, as it breathes new life into older hardware, making the laptops fast and functional for modern use and extending the life of these machines by years.

Dean David Tiessen of St. Michael and All Angels Cathedral, who partnered with the club to host the day, emphasized the dual benefit of the initiative: "Extending the useful life of our technology enables a lighter footprint upon the earth, and offers another way of tangibly supporting the dignity and well-being of those in the neighbourhood and community".

Once refurbished, the laptops are distributed through vital community partners, ensuring they reach those who need them most. These partners include Turning Points Collaborative Society, St. Michael’s Cathedral, and the Seniors Outreach Centre. For clients of the Turning Points Collaborative Society—which provides housing and support services to those experiencing homelessness and poverty—a reliable computer is a lifeline. Tara Tschritter of Turning Points explains the impact: "Access to a reliable computer can be the difference-maker for someone seeking housing or applying for work. This project directly empowers our clients to take those next steps toward stability". The remarkable collection of 100 laptops in this first effort is a powerful testament to the community’s commitment to service and generosity. The Rotary Club of Kelowna Ogopogo is dedicated to continuing this project and invites Rotarians across the district to consider similar initiatives for bridging the digital divide in their own communities.

 

Have you wondered how to unlock more funding for your club’s projects? It’s simple: we give more—together.

Through the Annual SHARE fund and Endowment SHARE, nearly half of what we give to The Rotary Foundation comes back to our district for local and global grants, with the rest powering the World Fund.

That’s the idea behind Hearts Across Borders—our district-wide effort to raise $1 million USD by September 30, 2026, for The Rotary Foundation and Rotary Foundation Canada.

Led by Sherry Chamberlain (Canada) and Pete Erickson (U.S.), this is one shared goal across District 5060—with a celebration planned at Spirit Ridge in Osoyoos on October 2, 2026. Our special guest speaker is Dr. Sylvia Whitlock educator, philanthropist, and humanitarian, and the first woman to serve as president of a Rotary club.

Here’s what matters most right now: Hearts Across Borders ambassadors are coming to your club. They’ll share how this campaign turns generosity into real projects—both close to home and around the world—and how your club can be part of it.

From global initiatives like HANWASH to local impact across our communities, this is how we multiply what’s possible.

When an ambassador visits, come ready to listen, ask questions, and imagine your club’s role. In the meantime, reach out to me, Sherry, or Pete anytime.

Big goal. Real impact. And yes—we’ll have some fun along the way.

 

Many of you know that Peter Schultz and his wife Susan recently made the move to Nanaimo, where they’ve built their dream home (and from what we hear, it lives up to the dream!).

Peter had hoped to remain part of District 5060 through the hybrid Rotary Club of Kelowna Landmark. But in true Peter fashion—thoughtful, engaged, and all-in—he’s chosen to join his local club so he can participate fully, in person. Lucky them! His new Rotary home is in District 5020, Zone 27. We’re grateful he will remain an honorary member of the Kelowna Landmark club—because once you’re part of that family, you never really leave.

Peter’s Rotary journey is nothing short of remarkable. Since first joining the Rotary Club of Kelowna Ogopogo in 1997, he has been a builder, a leader, and a constant source of energy and excellence. From Club President to Assistant Governor, from shaping the Rotary Leadership Institute to training leaders across the zone, from conference chair to District Governor (2019–20), Peter has left a lasting mark at every level. And as a proud supporter of the Rotary Foundation—including as a Paul Harris Society member, Bequest Society member, and Major Donor—he has also helped ensure Rotary’s impact will continue for generations to come.

Simply put, Peter makes Rotary better.

We will miss his leadership, his generosity, and his steady presence—but we’re grateful he’s staying in the Rotary family (and not too far up the road). Nanaimo’s gain is absolutely our loss… but what a gift for them.

Peter plans to attend the District Governor changeover event in Wenatchee on May 30, which is a great opportunity to say both hello and goodbye.

Thank you, Peter—for everything.
 

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