Fellowship - United Through Friendship and Purpose

June is Rotary Fellowships Month. As I write my final District Governor’s message, I do so with a heavy heart as I realize I am entering the final month of my role. I find myself thinking less about what we have achieved and more about who we have shared it with. For many of us, fellowship is the reason we stay in Rotary. It is the relationships that hold us steady, especially during times when service feels challenging or the world feels heavy. It is found in the conversations before and after meetings, in the laughter shared during projects, and in the quiet understanding that we are not doing this work alone.

Connection through Rotary Fellowships can take many forms. It may come through joining an international group of like-minded individuals who share common interests and passions. I am a member of a Fellowship group alongside others who are striving to learn and grow in a similar path. For example, I joined the Artificial Intelligence Fellowship because it is an area I want to better understand. A.I. may be a complex subject, but it resonates with me. On the lighter side, one might enjoy joining the Scouting Fellowship or the Gourmet Cooking Fellowship. There are countless opportunities to discover, connect, and build friendships. For more information click this link.

When I think of fellowships, I am reminded of how deeply we are connected across borders, through shared visions and shared values. Fellowship is the thread that connects us, sustains us, and gives meaning not only to our service, but also to each other. I have seen it in the way Rotarians welcome one another, in the friendships that are formed, and in how Rotarians show up, not just to serve, but to support one another. These moments may not always be the ones we speak about the most, but they are the ones that stay with us.

In a world that can feel increasingly divided, Rotary offers each of us something truly special: an opportunity for genuine human connection grounded in shared values and trust. I often speak about how much I value each of you, my Rotary family, and how important it is that we continue to lead through high ethical standards and the Four-Way Test. I deeply believe these principles help keep us connected and reinforce the trust and expectations we hold for one another. Whether it is through long-standing friendships or new relationships formed through collaboration, it is fellowship that transforms familiarity into meaningful connection and shared purpose.

Fellowship is not passive. It asks us to be present, to be inclusive, and to reach beyond our comfort zones to engage others. It calls on us to create space and give voice to those who may feel they are standing on the outskirts or who may question whether they truly belong. As Rotarians, we have the opportunity to lead through a different path, one that embraces the uncomfortable, knowing we have each other for support.

As we approach the close of the Rotary year, there is an opportunity to reflect on the relationships we have built, the people we have leaned on for help or guidance, and the ways in which they have shaped our journey. I am deeply grateful for the many Rotarians and newfound friends whom I have had the privilege of meeting and learning from throughout this year.

I am also profoundly grateful to my spouse, Dave Hayer, for his loyal support throughout the year as my trusted driver and cherished Public Image Facebook posting partner. I am fortunate that social media and Facebook are among his passions! I am grateful to the leaders who came before me and helped carve out a strong path, and to our exemplary Board of Directors and Assistant Governors, and District committee and subcommittee members who embraced the goals and projects they committed to at the beginning of the year.

To my Governor Aide, Linda Hensman, I am incredibly grateful for your care, dedication, and tireless work organizing my DG year and reviewing so many communications pieces. You were the one I leaned on for that second opinion, and I am truly thankful for your friendship.  Peace Arch Journal Editor, James Monroe, thank you for your support and dedicated service throughout the years. You are a brilliant editor and have kept Rotarians connected, informed, and resilient. 

Thank you to my home Club, the Rotary Club of Surrey, and to all the volunteers and supporters across District 5050 who stepped forward whenever called upon, you are close to my heart.

Lastly, I am deeply grateful to my children and grandchildren for giving me the space to follow my passion. The grandchildren have already been planning their upcoming sleepovers to make up for lost time, so it promises to be a very busy and joyful summer!

To every Club President, Rotarian, and to the spouses and families who so generously support them, thank you for sharing your passions, stories, and service projects with me and with the communities you serve throughout the year. Because of each of you, Rotary remains strong, vibrant, and poised to thrive for the next 100 years and beyond.

Thank you for being my cherished Rotary family.

In gratitude,

Together, Making a Difference

This year's District Conference will be remembered for years to come. DG Isabelle decided a few years ago to have the Conference at Harrison Hot Springs Resort because we--collectively--missed out six years ago when PDG Brad Whittaker was supposed to have his Conference at this location. I was so looking forward to that one and even made a road trip a few months prior to check it out. The first weekend of May turned out to be wonderful weather wise as 350 Rotarians, spouses, significant others and many children arrived to learn more about Rotary, celebrate life-changing projects and recognize those that have made a difference this Rotary Year. If you were able to arrive early on Friday perhaps you took a boat ride on Lake Harrison.

On Friday evening, participants gathered at Harrison Country Club RV Resort to a casual dinner, live music and dancing--if you were so inclined. Everyone had a great time.

Saturday morning began with the Opening Ceremony that included the parade of flags brought in by the Youth Exchange Students. The first plenary session was on the effect of climate change. RIPP Ian Riseley welcomed everyone via a video message. Peter Jones, retired from years of work with the Government of British Columbia, led the session “Observations from an Ordinary Guy on the Current State of Our Climate.” He pointed out that the Earth's troposphere is 9,000 kilometers (almost 5,600 miles) thick. The troposphere is approximately 75-80% of the Earth's atmosphere. Peter shared that if you compared the troposphere's thickness to the circumference of the Earth it would be less that the thickness of the skin of an apple. Meaning that it doesn't take much to cause a lot of damage. Jones shared a Four Point Action Plan:

1. Discern

2. Engage - share hopes and dreams

3. Advocate - ask questions

4. Accelerate

He wrapped up the by reminding us to be curious, reframe the problem, seek areas of agreement and remember that every personal action counts.

Debra Soutar continued the conversation telling us that we have a war to save the world from us. We've known this since 1957. We all know that Rotary has seven areas of focus however, climate change affects all of the other areas.

The morning continued with simultaneous facilitated sessions--one on Climate Action led by District 5050 Conference Chair and member of Chilliwack Rotary, Robyn Curtis, who is part of the Climate Change Rotary Action Group (RAG). If you want to learn how you can make a difference, contact Robyn. The other session was on Youth, Mental Health and the Opioid Crisis. The goal of each session was to have attendees work in small groups to discuss ideas and plans that each participant could then use back in their own communities. Each session had several co-facilitators to help the small groups.

Ed Note: a compilation of the notes from both of these sessions as well as those from the Saturday afternoon sessions will be sent to all Rotarians in the District within a few days.

Lunch wasn't merely a meal but a celebration of our District. The following Rotarians were recognized by Governor Isabelle for their service to the District:

• Robyn Curtis, Paul Harris Fellowship

• James Monroe, Paul Harris Fellowship

• Al Stjernegaard, Dan Gallant International Service Award

• Winston Conyers, Regional Service Award for a Polio Free World

• Lee Harmon, Service Above Self Award

Lee Harmon, Wynston Conyers, DG Isabelle Martinez Hayer, PDG & PRIVP Dean Rohrs, IPDG Dave Duskin

Following lunch, PDG Denis Boyd and Assistant Governor Maureen Boyd presided over the Memorial Service recognizing Rotarians that have passed away since last year's Conference.

• Arlington- John Derringer
• Bellingham Sunrise-Frank Muljat
• Everett-Tom Rainville
• Everett Port Gardner-Jack Shannon
• Ferndale-Jake Smith
• Lake Stevens-Loren Hole
• North Delta-Pat Bond
• North Whidbey Island Sunrise-Sandra Mulkey
• Port Moody-Dan Gallant
• San Juan Island-Jack Barrett
• Whidbey Westside-Cliff Ridgway
• White Rock-Alex Dobbins
• White Rock-Jack Rae

Ed Note: District Rotarians will also receive more information about the awards, the Memorial Service and more in a few days.

If there are two things Rotary does exceptionally well, they are serving others and the power of collaboration. A recent ten-day trip to Belize in April 2026 brought both of those strengths together in a project that will leave a lasting mark on communities across that beautiful country.

The project was a true multi-club effort, uniting Rotary Clubs from Edmonton South, Vernon Silverstar, Abbotsford Matsqui, Kamloops Daybreak, Port Moody, Port Coquitlam Centennial, Langley Sunrise, and Langley Rotaract. These five Rotary Clubs provided funding but did not travel with the team: West U (Houston, TX area), Richmond Sunrise (BC), Calgary Rotary, Vancouver Rotary (BC) and Sunshine Coast (Sechelt, BC). The initiative was spearheaded by two remarkably dedicated members of the Port Moody Club, Al Stjernegaard and Glen Brown, who had the vision and perseverance to assemble a project worthy of an International Grant — no small feat, and a testament to what Rotarians can accomplish when they set their minds to it.

The centrepiece of the project was the distribution of RACHEL hubs — Remote Area Community Hotspot for Education and Learning — along with 340 Chromebooks to 19 schools in the Belize and Toledo district. RACHEL is an offline digital library that gives students and teachers access to a wealth of educational resources without requiring an internet connection, a gamechanger in areas where connectivity is limited or non-existent. An additional 28 schools, several street programs, and the Belize Central prison that had received RACHEL devices in previous visits were updated to the 2026 platform. Working alongside teachers and principals, team members took time to understand the specific needs of each school and ensure that staff felt confident and equipped to make the most of this technology long after the team had gone home.

As if that were not enough, the team also distributed 250 Days for Girls menstrual health kits and 18 heavy flow kits, partnering with the menstrual equity organization to bring dignity and education to girls and women across the country. Distributions took place in Orange Walk, across five locations in Belize City, and in four sites in the Punta Gorda area. The heavy flow kits were delivered directly to the maternity ward at San Ignacio Hospital — where they were received with tremendous gratitude. Wherever the team went, both the technology and the menstrual kits were welcomed warmly.

The 28 people who made the journey were Rotarians, spouses of Rotarians, and more than a few aspiring Rotarians — proof that the Rotary spirit is contagious! Together they navigated not only the logistics of a complex international project, but also Belize's legendary potholes, jungle roads, and an impressive array of speed bumps — both the signed and the very much unsigned variety.

As with every international Rotary project, those fortunate enough to participate will tell you the same thing: we came to give, and we received so much more in return. The warmth of the Belizean people, the resilience of the communities we visited, and the privilege of witnessing education and dignity being put into the hands of those who need it most — that is something no one on the team will soon forget.

This is Rotary at its finest. Service above self — across borders, across clubs, and across every speed bump the road throws your way.

Terry-Lynn Stone is the President of Days for Girls Canada