The Poky Little Puppy, a Golden Book, was my favorite book when I learned to read in kindergarten. Looking back, that early love of stories may have been one of the factors that led me to a career in animal welfare.
I had a full home library of Golden Books and later collected the Nancy Drew and Hardy Boys series. I also visited the school and town libraries regularly to check out new books each week. Those experiences developed a love of reading that has become a lifelong favorite pastime.
Learning to read is one of the basic skills in any language, and it is one many of us probably take for granted. But imagine never having a book of your own or access to a local library. What if a learning disability made it difficult to master reading skills?
September is Basic Education and Literacy Month. This monthly theme highlights one of Rotary's core areas of focus by encouraging clubs worldwide to carry out projects that improve access to learning, support educators, and reduce poverty through knowledge.
How can our clubs engage with this Rotary Area of Focus locally, regionally, and internationally? Here are a few ideas:
Support education for all children
Empower local teachers and trainers
Provide school supplies and books
Run adult reading programs
Mentor young students
Promote the Dolly Parton Imagination Library Project
Provide computers for classrooms
Construct and set up Little Free Libraries
By supporting literacy at every age and stage, Rotary clubs can help open doors to opportunity, confidence, and lifelong learning in communities near and far.
District 5050 celebrates peace, friendship and service at the Peace Arch
Rotarians from both sides of the border gather at the Peace Arch during Rotary Hands Across the Border on 8 August 2026.
Inscribed high on the Peace Arch are the words, “May These Gates Never Be Closed.” On Saturday, August 8th, Rotarians from Canada and the United States gathered beneath those words on a beautiful summer day and brought their meaning to life.
Rotary Hands Across the Border celebrated the special character of District 5050: 50% Canadian, 50% American and 100% Rotarian. The day began at noon with a ceremonial clasping of hands beneath the Arch, a fitting symbol of the friendships and shared commitment to service that unite our cross-border district.
District Governor Kathleen Olson welcomed the gathering before participants moved to Heritage Hall. Irene Dahl performed the national anthems, honoring both nations represented in the room. Peace Arch historian Christina Winkler then shared the story of the monument and the ideals that have made it an enduring symbol of friendship between Canada and the United States.
The program explored peace through both words and music. Chris Offer, Rotary peace advocate and Past District Governor of District 5040, spoke about peace and Rotary. Marc Burchell and singer-songwriter Terry Kelly shared the story behind “The Peace Arch Song,” after which Terry performed three peace-related songs. Their music offered a moving reminder that peace is strengthened whenever people choose understanding, friendship and common purpose.
An international lunch buffet gave Rotarians time to renew friendships and make new connections across the border. The District 5050 Foundation Committee also recognized the District’s top-giving Clubs, and 2025-26 Club Excellence Awards honored Clubs whose work created lasting impact in their communities.
One of the day’s most memorable moments came during the District 5050 Achievement Awards. Immediate Past District Governor Isabelle Hayer presented Dr. Yashar Keramati with a Humanitarian Service Award, honoring his work providing much-needed medical assistance in some of the world’s most challenging and remote regions.
Immediate Past District Governor Isabelle Martinez Hayer presents Dr. Yashar Keramati with a Humanitarian Service Award.
The presentation captured the heart of Rotary. The gathering celebrated friendship and peace, but it also honored the action that gives those ideals substance: people stepping forward to serve wherever the need is greatest.
The district’s governor line also came together during the celebration, representing both continuity and the shared leadership that will carry District 5050 forward. Their presence reinforced the day’s central message: the border may define two nations, but it does not limit friendship, fellowship or service.
District 5050 leadership, from left: District Governor-Nominee Darrell Burnham, District Governor-Elect Shawn O'Donnell, District Governor Kathleen Olson and Immediate Past District Governor Isabelle Martinez Hayer.
District Governor Kathleen Olson closed the program with thanks to the speakers, musicians, organizers and Rotarians who made the celebration possible. As everyone departed, the day had offered more than a gathering. It was a vivid expression of who we are as District 5050 - neighbors in two countries, united through Rotary in peace, friendship and service.
First, I would like to introduce myself. I am the new Youth Service Chair for District 5050. I have been involved with youth programs for about 20 years, starting in Arizona (District 5495), and for the last eight years here in District 5050. I have worked with Interact, RYLA (what our district calls YAIL), and Rotary Youth Exchange.
All of our youth programs are important to the future of Rotary. Student involvement in our youth programs exposes students to Rotary and service. Every Rotary Club should have some involvement with one or more of these programs.
I intend to write about one of our youth service programs each month. This month I want to talk about Interact. Interact is a high school version of Rotary. The students meet regularly during the school year to plan and execute service projects, including fundraising if necessary. Interact also gives us the widest opportunity to tell students about the other youth programs we have available.
What does it take to support an Interact Club? First you need one Rotarian who is willing and able to attend Interact Club meetings as an Advisor. Next you need a teacher at your local high school who will sponsor the club at the school. There is no charge to the club for sponsorship. That’s all you need.
In my previous District, we organized an Interact District Council. They elected an Interact District Governor, and appointed a few Assistant Governors. That group organized a service project that all the Interact Clubs participated in. It was called “Crutches for Africa." The students collected crutches, wheelchairs, walkers, and canes for months. Then they packed them in a shipping container which they sent to Kenya. A few Interact members then went to Kenya to distribute those mobility devices. This really helped to increase the interest in Interact throughout the district.
One of my goals is to help organize an Interact District Council for District 5050, so that we can consider doing something on that scale. The first thing I need to do is to connect with each of the Interact Clubs in the district. If your club sponsors an Interact Club, please let me know, so that I can make a list. If your Club does not yet sponsor an Interact Club, PLEASE consider starting one.
I met a young man from Brazil years ago who was in Interact where he heard about Rotary Youth Exchange. He did a short term exchange, then did a long term exchange, then did NGSE (New Generation Service Exchange. He joined Rotaract and later joined Rotary. These programs help build Rotary and help young people develop.
Participating in an international humanitarian project?
That’s why the Burlington Rotary Club created the Youth Engaged in Service (YES) program in 2007.After the first group of high school juniors that they sponsored met together every month to develop new and undiscovered leadership skills, learn about Rotary, and personally experience the impact of their local and international service, the bonds they developed encouraged them to participate in Interact.Soon Rotary Clubs from throughout the district started to sponsor students.
Now’s the time to get the word out to 11th grade students about applying for the 2027 YES Team.Family members of Rotarians are encouraged to apply.The selection deadline is September 25th.
Your Rotary Club is encouraged to sponsor a student at a cost of $2,000.
$1,000 is applied to the cost of the international service project materials.
$1,000 is applied to the $2,500 student program fee for training materials, the team building and leadership retreats, round-trip airfare to the international project site, and in-country transportation, emergency travel/medical insurance, meals, and lodging.The student is responsible for the remaining $1,500 program fee.
Fundraisers provide the balance of the program and international service project costs.
One of the greatest accomplishments in my life has been serving as a Rotary District Governor. This is a rewarding opportunity to discover the breadth and depth of Rotary along with offering leadership, inspiration, guidance and service to fellow Rotarians. The District Governor serves as the official representative of Rotary International. Each District Governor serves a one-year term, but that individual often fills many roles in the lead-up to and following their year as District Governor.
How does one become the District Governor for 2029-30? Every Rotary Club in District 5050 has the opportunity to nominate a prospective candidate for District Governor.
Let me share several questions I get asked about the role of District Governor?
What prior positions in Rotary does one need to have completed to be a District Governor? I assumed one must have been an Assistant Governor to be considered. I was wrong. The only position is that of a successful Club President. A candidate must have been an active Rotarian and/or Rotaractor for at least seven years.
Does this position require a lot of funds for travel and training? I assumed that a District Governor had to have a lot of money in order to complete their service. This was not the case. Expenses required to carry out the required duties of the District Governor and District Governor Elect are reimbursed by funding provided by Rotary International and District 5050.
Is it possible to work while serving as District Governor? I recognize this may depend on the type of professional work you are engaged in. I was able to work, serve as a District Governor and keep my sanity. It can be done.
As Club President, you may know of some outstanding candidates. If so, please have these people complete the application and send it to me. It does require the approval of your club’s leadership before sending. Again, only one candidate from a District 5050 Club will be considered.
Please contact me with questions along with completed applications. My email is david.lukov@comcast.net and my cell number is 206-909-5336. Thank you so much for your assistance.
From the Editor's Desk
I mentioned last month that I was preparing for an overseas trip. My wife and I went to Bali for sevens days. We had a wonderful time. I did my homework and looked for a Club to visit while I was there, but we weren't anywhere near one. That's okay, because I was able to attend my own Club's meeting via Zoom. For us, we were 15 hours ahead. If you ever get a chance to visit, we highly recommend it!
Because of this trip, we missed the Hands Across the Border event. Thank you to DGE Shawn O'Donnell for being our Field Reporter and thank you to PDG Sean Hogan for providing some additional photographs. So for all of you Sean's and Shawn's in our District expect to be contacted about providing content for the Journal.
Governor Kathleen mentions reading in her article. As a child I received Highlights every month alongside Boys Life and imaged what places looked like as I read books across a variety of subjects. Reading books before seeing them turned into movies was especially satisfying. When my children were very young I would read to them each night before bed to instill in them a love of reading. My family didn't participate in the Imagination Library program but I am excited that my Club supports this in my community. I was sad to learn of the program founder's recent passing, but take solace in knowing that this program will carry on for generations to come. Thank you Dolly. We will always love you.
We welcome Norm Samuelson to the District's Leadership Team as the Youth Services Chair. You can contact him at Rotary5050Youth@gmail.com.
We're still waiting to hear from Port Moody regarding the Traveling Peace Arch. Let us know when you're heading south with it.
We invite you to share the Peace Arch Journal with your family, friends and even Rotarians in other Districts. Share the wonderful things that District 5050 Rotarians are doing!
If you want your Club's program, initiative, fundraiser and success story to be seen by the entire District (and our friends outside of the District), send us the information! With graphics or photos. And please make sure you identify everyone in the photos. Remember, the deadline is the 23rd of the month before publication. Thank you to those that are sending material. Best to use the Story Submittal forms available at the District website and photos should be separate in jpeg format with everyone identified. Word documents are the best. Make sure any graphics or images you use in your submissions are original, perhaps even created by your own members and not taken off of the internet unless you have received copyright permission.
It is a magnificent thing to be alive in a moment that matters so much.
District 5050 Clubs
Meadow RidgeLibby Nelson
Popular Meadow Ridge Rotary Annual Duck Race a big winner again!
9,700 rubber ducks floated down the Alouette River and the first five to the gate were the prize winners of this Rotary $97,000 lottery. The Club shares selling the raffle tickets with qualifying youth and seniors groups which are rewarded with payment equal to 80% of their ticket sales. This year, 32 groups including scouts, schools and sports groups shared over $70,000 free for them to use as they choose within their programming - a big hit for them and for Rotary.
Rotarian Clint Callison floats down the river heralding the start of the race
Quote Rotarian Ineke Boekhorst: “I love the unique aspect of the Duck Race where the community groups that do the work selling tickets get direct reward for their effort.”
This monthly publication is a service to District Members and Friends. It is intended as a source of news and opinion from throughout the District.
The mission of the Peace Arch Journal is to promote communication, understanding, fellowship and fun beyond club meetings, in a manner complementary to shared efforts at placing Service Above Self.
Please send articles and news with or without pictures attached to emails. Photographs are always a plus! Note that the editor appreciates conservation of space in order to meet the sender’s needs and the editor’s time.
The deadline is the 23rd of the month.
Address any and all information to the Peace Arch Journal Editor.
The entertainer and philanthropist Dolly Parton died 25 August 2026. This Q&A was originally published in the March 2010 issue of The Rotarian (now Rotary) magazine. Later that year, she spoke at the Rotary International Convention in Montreal, Canada.
