Wednesday, January 28 12:30 PM to 1:30 PM Zoom Only
Head of World Cup 2026 Seattle Security Dan Nelson
Beyond his role at World Cup, Nelson has been a member of the Seattle Police Department for nearly two decades, serving in community-minded roles such on bike and patrol squads in his early career and work with the SPD Crisis Prevention Committee on de-escalation and crisis intervention in more recent years.
Come with your questions as we learn how Seattle will stay secure when it takes it turn in the spotlight this summer!
President Jan called Rotary Club #4 to order at 12:29 P.M. on January 21st, 2026 at the Washington Athletic Club in downtown Seattle.
Seattle Police Chief Shon Barnes blended personal reflection, professional philosophy, and policy priorities, emphasizing community-centered policing, trust, and partnership. He was introduced as approachable, thoughtful, and genuinely open to engagement—qualities that reflect his belief that effective policing depends on accessibility and strong neighborhood relationships. The decision by Seattle’s new mayor to retain Barnes was presented as a vote of confidence in both his leadership and his commitment to community-oriented public safety.
Chief Barnes began by sharing his personal journey “behind the badge,” explaining that policing is not about rank or authority but about having a servant’s heart. He described the Seattle Police Department’s recruitment campaign, “As You Are,” which focuses on attracting individuals motivated by service. In 2025, the department hired 167 officers, resulting in a net gain of 94, a significant achievement amid national recruitment challenges. Barnes explained that he personally meets candidates through a program called “Before the Badge,” where he speaks with them about their values and life experiences, reinforcing accountability both to leadership and the community.
Barnes’ spoke fondly of his grandmother, who believed deeply in education and helped lift her family out of poverty. Barnes emphasized education as a pathway out of inequality and racism. He also reflected on his mother’s resilience and his father’s work ethic. His father, a mechanic and small business owner, taught him that businesses—and institutions—exist to serve communities, not merely to generate profit.
You may have received a call or voicemail from a SRSF board member regarding your annual donation (if you have not made it yet!). While we will continue to ask outstanding members to give until the end of the Rotary year, we hope you have already made your gift or plan to do so soon.
As a reminder, the dollars raised by your SRSF donations are used to fund local and international grants each year, as determined by scoring by your own fellow members. Members are encouraged to invite their favorite nonprofits to apply for funding and act as their “application advocate”. In particular, local nonprofits working to revitalize downtown Seattle, combat food insecurity, or in support of educational initiatives are requested to apply.
For more general information about referring a nonprofit or the grant application process, please contact Mary at mary@seattlerotary.org.
Tuesday, January 27 6:00 PM Tanoor 803 Dexter Ave. N
Fedva's Annual Ethnic Dinner
As we start this new year, I am excited to extend a warm invitation to an ethnic dinner I have organized at my favorite Middle Eastern restaurant. It's a wonderful opportunity for us to gather, enjoy delicious food, and strengthen our bonds as friends and colleagues. The restaurant has kindly honored the same price as last year, which makes this event even more special and accessible. I am looking forward to sharing a memorable evening with all of you, filled with good conversation and great cuisine.
Please RSVP by emailing me at fedvadikmen@hotmail.com and paying via the options on the flyer.
Hope to see you there!
-Fedva
Sunday, February 8 1:00 PM 4710 Lake Washington Blvd. NE Renton
Rotary Tour of The More We Love
You are cordially invited for a very special private tour of the Emergency Receiving Center run by The More We Love. People open to pathways out of sexual exploitation get referred here, often by police officers who find them on N Aurora or tent encampments. Agenda: 1:00 Arrive and mingle 1:15 Friendly introductions - this may include participants at TMWL who will be invited to join us 1:30 Overview of TMWL by Founder and Fellow Rotarian Kristine Moreland 1:45 Tour of the intake room where TMWL first greets guests - so much heart!! <3 2:15 Tour of the Community Kitchen - this will be of special interest to the Rotary Clubs who are contributing to the project 2:45 Q&A 3:00 Wrap up Address: 4710 Lake Washington Blvd NE, Renton, WA 98056 Note, the facility is a converted motel. To keep the location private there is not a sign out front that says "The More We Love." Parking is easy and free in the adjacent parking lot. The entrance is under a large portico. Look for Virginia McKenzie who will be there to greet you warmly. Who is invited? This event is for Rotarians and guests. Yes, you are welcome to bring a friend or family member, as long as they are 13 years of age or older. Please let Virginia know so she can keep track of head count. We have room for 15-20 guests. RSVP by Wednesday, February 4 by emailing virginia.mckenzie74@gmail.com
Tuesday, February 10 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM Taproot Theatre
February Evening Event at Taproot Theatre
Rotary in Action: Youth, Learning, and Community Through the Arts
By Tatyana Tsyrlina-Spady and Lori Walker
On December 13, the Seattle Rotary Education Interest Group, together with Taproot Theatre Company and School Connect WA, created a meaningful holiday experience for local students and families through a special performance of A Charlie Brown Christmas. Thanks to the generosity of four Rotarians, many children experienced live theater for the very first time.
The guests were students and caregivers from Daniel Bagley Elementary School served by School Connect WA, including families identified under the McKinney-Vento Act as experiencing housing instability. For these young people, the evening was far more than entertainment—it fostered youth development, enriched language and literacy experiences, and encouraged empathy and positive social connection.
Taproot Theatre deepened this impact by welcoming families with Spanish-speaking staff, offering a behind-the-scenes look at the production, and introducing children to the actors. Hearing their home language spoken created an immediate sense of dignity and belonging. Special thanks to Karen Lund, Producing Artistic Director of Taproot Theatre Company, whose leadership and commitment to accessible, inclusive arts education made this experience especially meaningful.
This initiative was made possible through close collaboration with Roy Chang, Founder of School Connect WA, whose work ensures that students receive academically focused after-school tutoring and caring adult guidance. Together, these partnerships reflect Rotary’s commitment to safe, welcoming learning environments and effective anti-bullying education.
Building on this successful collaboration, the Rotary Education Interest Group and Taproot Theatre Company invite Rotarians from all local clubs to a special anti-bullying program and social gathering on February 10 at 5:00 PM at Taproot Theatre. For this occasion, the entire theatre will be open exclusively for Rotarians, with light snacks and drinks available, and—most importantly—ample time and space for socializing and discussing our shared priorities as Rotarians committed to serving youth.
All Rotarians are warmly encouraged to attend, bring guests, and invite fellow club members. Come curious—and expect the unexpected.
In an effort to better inform membership of the health of the club, we will start posting member additions and resignations after each month's club board meeting. December membership changes approved by the board are as follows:
New Members: Suzana Sakay, Patty Chow, Masahiro Nakashima, Letitia Johnson, Ashley Burman, Ravi Keelveedhi
Resignations:Alan Sclater, Amy Hall, Owen Hoskinson, Mike Hatzenbeler
We love to see our Rotary members promoting good works in our community and abroad! If you have a project or fundraiser that you are excited about and would like to promote to your fellow club members, please check in with our Club Director, Mary Goldie, before distributing information or invitations through our email roster. We value the privacy of our members’ contact information and can let you know the appropriate ways to reach out to folks in our club. Thank you!!
Patty Chow Masahiro Nakashima Suzana Sakay Ashley Burman Letitia Johnson Ravi Keelveedhi
CELEBRATING THIS WEEK
January 23-January 31
Lori Walker
Rachel Ligtenberg
Roberto Dondisch
Carla Fowler
Cathy Gibson
Derryl Willis
Maddy Vonhoff
Stephen Morse
Charley Dickey
Matt Bratlien
JANUARY CLUB MEMBERSHIP ANNIVERSARIES
These are club membership (not total years of Rotary membership) anniversaries only
1 Year
Allison Webel
Karen Kalish
Dalia Sherif
Jean-Paul Yafali
2 Years
Kyle White
Paul Spieldenner
Ariel Delaney
3 Years
Jorge Chapa
Tony Chen
6 Years
Rajeev Agarwal
David Frum
Steve Woolworth
9 Years
Randy Frisch
15 Years
Lillian Sherman
21 Years
Burr Stewart
25 Years
Ev Billingslea
26 Years
Jeff Borek
28 Years
Bill Hammond
31 Years
Nancy Cahill
32 Years
Don Nielsen
33 Years
Chris Clark
36 Years
Sten Crissey
37 Years
Bill Fetterley
Fedva Dikmen
38 Years
Laurie Jonsson
43 Years
Bob Davidson
46 Years
John King
48 Years
Bill Weisfield
52 Years
Neil McReynolds
Get Involved
Meet fellow Rotarians and get involved in service. See below for a list of committees. Email the committee chair by clicking on their name. Or, contact Mary Goldie for more information.
4. Invite your connections to a weekly meeting, and let mary@seattlerotary.org know so they may be introduced.
If you don't already have a LinkedIn profile, CLICK HERE to learn how to get started.
SEATTLE 4 ROTARY AUDIO VISUAL SPONSORS
Video of Seattle 4 Rotary Programs are available online thanks to the generous support of our Seattle Rotary Audio Visual Sponsors.
In addition to supporting our club, becoming a Seattle 4 Rotary Audio Visual Sponsor brings many benefits. To learn more, click here, or contact Mary for more details at mary@seattlerotary.org.
Do You Have Any Musical Instruments to Donate to Students in Need?
Music4Life is a non-profit and project of Rotary District 5030 that distributes musical instruments to public school students in need.
We welcome any gently used musical instruments you wish to donate. They can be delivered directly to these local music stores that are now open: American Music in Phinney Ridge and Kennelly Keys Music in Bellevue, Lynnwood, and Everett.
Please accompany your instrument with the PDF donation form, linked below.
Our Rotary Cares team is ready to listen and to support you. One of the wonderful things about our club is that you have many friends --you just need to reach out to tap into our amazing network of caring people. Please contact our Rotary Cares Committee Chair to let us know how we can help.
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