Our guest speaker on Friday, April 10th was Dr. Anshu Chandra, Haiti Eye Clinic Director, Global Eye Project and fellow Rotarian. Dr. Chandra has worked in Haiti for the last 15 years building and advancing eye care for the poor. She is working to end disparities in eye care globally by brining this service to remote areas and giving them health equity. When she went to Haiti, she referred to it as a “Life Changing Journey”.

Pictures of eight of our Rotary Club members planting trees along the Quil Cedar stream that was previously cleared for farming. The tree planting in time will help salmon who require shade and cool water temperatures during the summmer months. The goal of the project is to plant a variety of tree species and large shrubs to create a natural habitat and give salmon and other species a better chance of survival. Thanks Errin for heading up this project on a rain filled day.

Danielle Mullen from the Rotary Club of La Conner was at our Club on Friday selling tulips. This is an annual event and our Club members enjoy buying fresh tulips from Danielle.

Rotary Hands Across the Border

Rotary Hands Across the Border has become a valued annual tradition for Rotarians in our District. As the Peace Arch District, we gather beneath the Peace Arch to join hands in a visible demonstration of our shared commitment to peace, friendship, and solidarity with Rotarians on both sides of the international border. 

As in past years, each Club is encouraged to make a meaningful contribution to The Rotary Foundation and to bring a large presentation check for a commemorative group photo recognizing that gift. Since the days of GolFun fundraising for TRF, many Clubs have included this annual contribution in their budgets and in their goals through Rotary Club Central.

This year’s Rotary Hands Across the Border event will be held on August 8th 2026 at Noon. A separate invitation will be sent to all Rotarians in the District. The purpose of this message is to help you add the event to your Club calendar now and to ensure your Club has budget funds for a contribution to The Rotary Foundation at this special gathering.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me.

Sincerely,

Shawn
Shawn O’Donnell
District Governor 2027–28
shawn.rotary5050@gmail.com

Each week at our weekly meeting, Ilene provides our members with a thought for the week. Here are the two most recent thoughts. This “thought for the week” was mentioned at our meeting on Friday, April 03.  

A couple of weeks ago, the “thought for the week” was "Lemonading: a way of approaching problems or challenges in life involves remaining positive and optimistic and seeing them as opportunities for growth or improvements".  The members look forward to Ilene's thought of the day each week, enjoying the positive messages that just make your day.

Our Club has been a sponsor of Troop 88 since its beginning.  Time to order your mulch from a great organization of Scouts in Lake Stevens, follow the order request above.