More than 90 Rotarians and guests from across District 5060 gathered on May 30 at the Pybus Market Event Center in Wenatchee to celebrate the District Changeover, an annual tradition that honors the service of the outgoing District Governor and welcomes new leadership for the year ahead.

The evening recognized the outstanding leadership of District Governor Tracy McCall and her 2025-2026 theme, Feed the Future. Throughout the year, clubs across the district embraced the theme through projects and initiatives that addressed food insecurity and supported communities throughout the region.   


 As the district reflected on a successful Rotary year, attendees also welcomed incoming District Governor Jill Leonard, who will begin her term on July 1, 2026. Jill shared her vision for the coming year and introduced her theme, Fuel the Future: Investing in the Next Generation, which focuses on supporting youth through programs such as Rotary Youth Exchange, RYLA, Interact, EarlyAct, scholarships, mentoring, and leadership development.

The event provided an opportunity to recognize the many leaders who have helped shape District 5060 over the years. Past District Governors in attendance included Pete Erickson, Jim Adamson, Richard DeRock, Karl Ruether, and Tom Totcherman. Also recognized were District Governor Nominee Kathleen McNalty and District Governor Designate Martin Streich.

Assistant Governors Wendy Dalpez, Tobi Byrne, and Hank Rawson were also acknowledged for their dedication and service to the clubs they support throughout the district.

A highlight of the evening was the presentation of the District's Ed Cadman "You Are the Key" Award to Randy Smith of the Rotary Club of Cashmere. The award recognizes individuals whose commitment to Rotary exemplifies Service Above Self and whose leadership creates lasting impact in their communities and beyond.

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It should come as no surprise that the Rotary Club of Kamloops Daybreak was founded on April 1st. Forty years later, the club is still fooling around — and doing it better than ever.
On a recent evening, Daybreak members, spouses, past presidents, and founding members gathered at the Delta Hotel in Kamloops — the same venue where the club meets every Friday morning at the (some would say unreasonable) hour of 6:30 a.m. — to celebrate four decades of camaraderie, community, and commitment. The energy in the room said everything: this club is as strong as ever.
Daybreak was born out of a desire to do things differently. The 33 Charter members didn’t want to join their “dad’s club” — they wanted something fresh, inclusive, and forward-thinking. From the beginning, Daybreak was among the first Rotary clubs to welcome women as full members, a principle the organization fought for all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court. Today, that spirit of inclusion is woven into the club’s DNA. Daybreak proudly boasts true diversity — including its youngest-ever female president, LGBTQ2+ members, and a culture that welcomes young members with open arms and open hearts, even as many clubs across the country struggle with declining membership.
The club’s community footprint is impressive. When the postal service stepped back from coordinating Kamloops’ beloved Food Drive, a Daybreak member stepped up — and the club has led the project with dedication ever since, collecting many thousands of pounds of food twice a year. For years, Daybreak also helmed Ribfest, the city’s beloved summer celebration that raised close to $100,000 annually for local charities. And each March, Crabfest continues to draw crowds and raise funds, with a percentage always dedicated to a local cause. Daybreakers build gardens for seniors’ homes, pick up litter for Adopt a Road and help local schools with barbeques.
The anniversary evening itself was a joy from start to finish. Four founding members who are still members of the club, were on hand — Jim Reynolds, John Broadway, Mike Schreiner, and Deane Gerry, they also organized the event. Three other founding members were also in attendance—Franco Annicchiarico, Jim Redcliffe and Hal Eremko. Two others, David McIntosh and Chris Stabler sent congratulations. Speeches were made, tributes were paid, and — mercifully — the speakers kept things brief (for their own good, it was noted). A highlight of the evening was the stunning slideshow assembled by member Kent Wong, which took guests on a visual journey through four decades of fundraising, community projects, and unforgettable moments. It also delivered at least one genuine surprise: photographic evidence that Jim Reynolds once had hair.
What makes Daybreak truly special is a rare combination: a club that doesn’t take itself too seriously yet is utterly serious about serving its community. The greatest joy, members will tell you, is getting their hands dirty — showing up, rolling up their sleeves, and making a real difference for the young, the elderly, and those who could use a little extra support.
Here’s to the next forty years — and to everyone who started this club, and to everyone who carries on in the spirit they so beautifully laid out. Happy Anniversary, Daybreak.

Photo from left to right: Mike Schreiner, John Broadway, Deanne Gerry and Jim Reynolds.
 

 On April 29th, 12 Rotarians and some local high school students picked up litter for a 2 1/2 mile stretch of Highways US 2 and US 97 through Cashmere.  The team effort gave 45 volunteer hours and picked up 86 large sacks of garbage and highway debris.  This effort is done in cooperation with the Washington State Department of Transportation and their adopt-a- highway program.  This program serves our community clean up and gives our club and school opportunities for community service. 

Day of Service in Kelowna
The Rotary Marsh, an area heavily used by local residents for walking, cycling, and enjoying the outdoors—has long struggled with invasive weeds that threaten native plants and the overall health of the ecosystem. Rotarians rolled up their sleeves, grabbed tools, and got to work clearing out the unwanted growth to help restore the natural beauty of the space.

What made the day truly special was the collaboration. Members from several Rotary clubs across the Kelowna region turned out, creating a vibrant mix of familiar faces and new connections. The turnout was strong, the energy was high, and the spirit of “Service Above Self” was unmistakable.

As volunteers worked, many passersby stopped to offer thanks, encouragement, and appreciation. Residents shared how much they value the area and how grateful they were to see Rotary taking action to protect and beautify it. Their comments reinforced the importance of the project and the positive impact Rotary continues to have in the community.
Beyond the physical work, the morning was filled with laughter, teamwork, and the kind of fellowship that strengthens clubs and deepens Rotary bonds. It was a reminder that when we serve together, we grow together.

By choosing to unite for one large-scale project, Kelowna-area Rotary clubs embodied the very heart of the Epic Day of Service—making a meaningful difference while celebrating the power of collective action.

Submitted by AG Tobi Byrne
 

From May 1–3, the beautiful Naramata Centre was buzzing with excitement as District 5060 hosted its annual Rotary Youth Exchange Outbound Orientation.

The weekend brought together an incredible mix of Rotary Youth Exchange Committee members, Youth Exchange Officers (YEOs), counselors, parents, inbound students, and outbound students, all preparing for the life-changing adventure ahead.

For outbound students and their families, the weekend provided valuable insight into what to expect during the exchange journey, along with practical tools, guidance, and plenty of opportunities to ask questions. Parents connected with experienced Rotary leaders and gained a deeper understanding of how they can best support their student throughout the year ahead.

YEOs and counselors participated in required training sessions to ensure they are prepared to support both inbound and outbound students during the upcoming Rotary year. Their commitment helps create a strong foundation for a safe, successful, and memorable exchange experience.

Of course, it wasn’t all training and logistics. One of the highlights of the weekend was watching the students build friendships, share stories, and enjoy time together. Saturday night karaoke was an undeniable crowd favorite, with laughter, music, and plenty of memorable performances creating the kind of connection that makes Youth Exchange so special.

Rotary Youth Exchange is about far more than travel. It’s about building confidence, cultural understanding, lifelong friendships, and global citizenship. This orientation weekend was the perfect launchpad for the incredible journeys ahead.

A heartfelt thank you to the volunteers, committee members, and Rotary leaders who invested their time and energy into making this weekend such a success. The future is bright for these students, and we can’t wait to follow their adventures.

The 47th Annual Ron Schimke Memorial Okanogan-Omak Rotary Fishing Derby was held in Conconully on Saturday, May 16th at the Conconully State Park. Last year the event was renamed for Rotarian who passed in 2026, Ron Schimke. Ron had a great love for fishing and the joy it brought to kids and families.  

The morning started off in the low 40s and a typical spring day of on and off showers was experienced. There were about 105 participants from 0-15 this year and they brought in quite the mix of trout and bass. 

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On Thursday, May 14, 2026, Jim Berg had the honor of presenting a Rotary First Citizen Award to Greg and Jan Luring. Created by Craig Mendenhall during his presidency, it acknowledges a lifetime of service in areas of industry, business, professional, civic, charitable, and religious endeavors – the equivalent of a Yakima Rotary Lifetime Achievement Award. Individually and together, Jan and Greg have made extraordinary contributions to our club and community. The highlights shared were amazing. Jan joined Sunrise Rotary in 1989, transferring to Downtown Rotary in 2007. She has served on 14 different committees, including a Rotary auction. Greg joined our club in 1981. He served on 21 different committees and served as Yakima Rotary President in 2008-09. He was a founder and president of the Yakima Rotary Trust; he was a Rotary District 5060 Assistant District Governor in 2011-12 and served as Rotary District Governor in 2015-16.

Community-wise, Jan was named as Yakima’s Businesswoman of the Year; served as a Heritage College Auction Chair; and served on the boards of the YWCA, the Yakima Valley Community Foundation, Comprehensive Mental Health, and United Way of Central Washington. She was a member of the Yakima Valley Visitors and Convention Bureau, chaired a United Way Campaign that raised $2 million and was inducted in the United Way Hall of Fame.

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The District 5060 PolioPlus Society is looking for nine more members to reach its goal of 100 by the end of the Rotary year. We are currently at 91 members and counting.

Lucky No. 100 will receive a Paul Harris award from the District, so consider joining today. To become a member, fill out the attached form and email it to pete2@vanwell.net. The form is a pledge to support RI’s PolioPlus program with $100 each year until polio is wiped out. Members receive a special pin and certificate of membership.

Your contribution is tripled thanks to the Gates’ Foundation match. That means each pledge of $100 provides $300 annually to track polio and vaccinate millions of children against the disease.

With only six cases of wild polio reported in 2026 from the last two endemic countries in the world ? Pakistan and Afghanistan ? and improved monitoring and vaccine technology, global health experts believe full eradication is within reach.

Let’s make the crippling and deadly virus history and complete Rotary’s 40-year-plus commitment to the children of the world to END POLIO NOW! Join the District 5060 PolioPlus Society today.

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The Rotary Club of Toppenish recently celebrated 100 years of “Service Above Self” with a fun-filled Anniversary Barn Dance that brought together more than 130 guests for an unforgettable evening of fellowship and celebration.

Guests enjoyed an amazing prime rib dinner, live music by Cimmaron, dancing, laughter, and great conversation throughout the night. People spent the evening reconnecting with friends, meeting new people, and simply enjoying each other’s company in true Toppenish Rotary fashion.

Club President Katie Goodale served as Master of Ceremonies and welcomed everyone with a spirited Yeehaw greeting on behalf of the club. The evening was also honored by the attendance of the District Governor-Elect, District Governor-Nominee, District Governor-Nominee Designee, District Secretary, a couple Past District Governors and Assistant District Governors.

The Rotary Club of Toppenish would like to thank everyone who attended and helped make the evening such a success. It was truly a wonderful night celebrating 100 years of Rotary service and fellowship.


 

The Kelowna Ogopogo Laptop Refurbishment Project

The Rotary Club of Kelowna Ogopogo, in a heartwarming collaboration with St. Michael’s Cathedral, is proving that old technology can find a powerful new purpose. Our joint laptop refurbishment project is officially in full swing, tackling digital inequity right here in our local community while keeping electronic waste out of landfills.

To date, our club has collected over 100 laptops from generous donors across the region, and our dedicated team is busy giving these machines a second lease on life.

The Power of Linux: Reviving Older Hardware

You might wonder how an older, sluggish laptop can become a reliable tool for someone in need. The secret lies in our software choice: Linux.

Unlike bulky modern operating systems that slow down older processors, Linux is a slimline, lightweight operating system. It requires a fraction of the system resources to run, meaning it can make an older laptop feel brand new.

Despite being lightweight, Linux doesn't compromise on capability. It allows recipients to do everything they would on any other computer, including:

• Web browsing and accessing online banking
• Checking email and connecting with family
• Word processing, spreadsheets, and schoolwork
• Streaming videos and accessing virtual healthcare

Real Impact in the Kelowna Community

This project isn’t just about recycling hardware; it’s about connecting people. Each refurbished laptop is gifted directly to a member of our local community who genuinely needs one but faces barriers to accessing technology.

Project Milestones at a Glance:

• 100+ Laptops collected to date
• 30 Laptops already distributed to grateful community members
• 8 More laptops distributed every single month

"Seeing the immediate impact this project has on someone's life is incredibly rewarding," says Brian Hillaby, President of the Rotary Club of Kelowna Ogopogo. "A laptop is no longer a luxury; it’s a necessity for education, healthcare, and staying connected. By refreshing this hardware, we aren't just giving away computers—we are opening doors of opportunity for our neighbors."

Beyond the Hardware: Empowering Through Training

We quickly realized that handing over a laptop is only half the battle. To ensure our recipients can truly benefit from their new devices, the Kelowna Ogopogo team holds personalized training sessions with the new owners. We walk them through the interface, show them how to navigate the web safely, and ensure they feel confident and empowered by the time they take their laptop home.

The Rotary Club of Kelowna raised over $130,000 at its 2026 Pro-Am Golf Tournament at the Harvest Golf Club on Tuesday, May 12, 2026.

The event brought together amateur golfers from local businesses and the broader community, competing alongside CPGA golf professionals, the professionals vying for a share of a $20,000 prize purse. The tournament was won by the Traine Construction & Development team (this year's title sponsor), paired with Harvest Golf Club's own club pro, Justin Towill.

The day unfolded perfectly under sunny skies, beginning with a buffet breakfast followed by a shotgun start at 11:00 a.m., although not everyone's golf game cooperated quite as nicely as the weather did! The evening wrapped up with a prime rib buffet dinner, prize presentation, and silent auction at the Clubhouse Lounge.

Since its founding in 1992, the tournament had already raised over $2,200,000 for the Central Okanagan community, with this year's campaign adding another impressive amount to that total. This year's fundraising efforts are focused on three key projects: expanding addiction treatment facilities at Freedom's Door, constructing ten additional rooms at JoeAnna's House (which provides accommodation for families of hospital patients) and supporting the new Okanagan College Recreation and Wellness Centre. Proceeds will also fund more than a dozen other charitable initiatives, with 100% of all funds raised going directly to these community initiatives.

What a wonderful example of Rotary in action, with a dedicated golf committee coordinating everything from silent auction items to on-course volunteering, backed by club members who worked hard to secure sponsorships in the months leading up to the event. Neighbours coming together in the spirit of service to make a lasting difference in the community where they live and play.

On Saturday, April 11, the West Kelowna Rotary Club welcomed 168 guests to the Westbank Lions Club for their annual Taste of India fundraiser for an unforgettable evening of culture, community, and generosity. Chaired by Melissa Grassmick and Tasha Da Silva, the event was a tremendous success—raising a record setting $65,000 in support of two important local organizations: Sleep in Heavenly Peace and the Central Okanagan Food Bank.

Guests were transported to a lively and colourful Indian-inspired setting, with beautifully themed décor, authentic cuisine, and many attendees embracing the spirit of the evening by wearing traditional attire. The vibrant atmosphere created a sense of celebration and connection, highlighting Rotary’s commitment not only to service, but also to cultural appreciation and community engagement


The funds raised will make a meaningful impact in the community. Sleep in Heavenly Peace works to ensure that no child sleeps on the floor, providing beds and bedding to children in need. Meanwhile, the Central Okanagan Food Bank continues to play a vital role in supporting individuals and families facing food insecurity in West Kelowna

The West Kelowna Rotary Club extends its sincere gratitude to all who attended, donated, and contributed to the success of the evening. Events like this are a testament to the power of community coming together to make a difference.




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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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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. 

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.