This month we recognize Fellowship Month
and Pride Month. This month we celebrate
the diversity that enriches our communities
and the importance of creating a culture
where everyone feels valued, respected,
and welcome.
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🕊️❤️ Service Above Self: The Legacy
of Kathrine Hansen Russell

Foundation President Gail Goldstein graciously shared
the following remembrance of Kathrine Hansen Russell,
honoring a dear friend, fellow Rotarian, and extraordinary
woman whose legacy will continue to inspire us all.

It is with immense sadness that we share
that Kathrine Hansen Russell passed away
peacefully at her home at 7:02 p.m.
on Wednesday June 3rd.

Kathrine was a Charter Member of Playa
Venice Sunrise Rotary Club, a Past President,
Rotarian of the Year, Vice-President of the
Playa Venice Sunrise Foundation, a Paul
Harris Fellow, and a Major Donor to Rotary
International. She embodied the very best
of Rotary, living a life of service and giving
generously of her time, talents, and resources
to support countless projects and causes.
She truly lived the Rotary ideal of
Service Above Self.

For more than ten years, Kathrine courageously
battled cancer with remarkable strength and
determination. Yet she never allowed her illness
to define her. She traveled the world, embraced
new experiences, and lived each day to its fullest.
Her life was a powerful reminder to be loving,
kind, considerate, dedicated, loyal, and passionate
in all that we do. She taught us to pursue joy,
cherish every opportunity, and create meaningful
memories along the way.

Among her many contributions to our club,
Kathrine chaired our Build-A-Bear project 
for many years, bringing comfort and joy
to children facing difficult circumstances.

Kathrine was sponsored in Rotary by Gwen
Vuchsas and, in time, became Gail Goldstein's
Rotary sponsor, mentor, and dear friend. Her
guidance, encouragement, and unwavering
belief in Rotary helped shape her own Rotary
journey. As Gail stated, she will forever be
grateful for the gift of friendship and the
example Kathrine set for all of us.

Kathrine will be deeply missed by all who knew
and loved her. Yet if we are wise, we will honor
her legacy by carrying forward the qualities she
so beautifully exemplified. In doing so, her spirit
will continue to live on through each of us.

Pursuant to Kathrine’s wishes, those who would
like to honor her memory may make a donation
to the Playa Venice Sunrise Rotary Foundation,
continuing her lifelong commitment to service
and helping others.

A Celebration of Life will be
announced at a later date.
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Each month, we recognize a member who
goes above and beyond in service to others.
For May, we were proud to honor Kim Muno
as our Rotarian of the Month.

Kim and her family demonstrated invaluable
dedication in supporting the club’s efforts to
welcome veterans departing for their Honor
Flight to Washington, D.C. At midnight, they
picked up 30 wheelchairs and delivered them
in time for the veterans’ 5:00 a.m. departure.

Kim and her family’s willingness to step up
without hesitation reflects the very spirit of
Rotary service. Congratulations, Kim, and
thank you for making a difference! 👏🇺🇸
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Member Induction - Evan Hart

We are thrilled to welcome Evan to the Rotary
family and look forward to his contributions
as a PVSR Rotarian!

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Solving Mysteries:
A Career in Forensics

If you’ve ever found yourself glued to the
television watching CSI or Forensic Files,
you would have thoroughly enjoyed hearing 
Jennifer Zychowski share the behind-the-
scenes world of forensic investigations. It
was a fascinating look into the science
and methodology used to solve crimes,
while also giving us the opportunity to
learn more about the personal journey
that led her to the Santa Monica
Police Department.

Jennifer shared that both she and her
twin sister were drawn to careers in public
service—Jennifer as a forensic investigator
and her sister as an FBI agent. Even as a
child, her curiosity was evident. Growing
up on her family’s property, 12-year-old
Jennifer could often be found searching
for bones and examining their origins,
unknowingly laying the foundation for
the career she would one day pursue
in forensic science.

Thank you, Jennifer, for an engaging
presentation and for giving us a glimpse
into a world most os us only experience
through television dramas.
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Happy Hour Fellowship

Eleven members gathered for an evening
of fellowship, sharing cherished memories
of Kathrine Russell while celebrating the
friendships and connections that make
our Rotary family so special. 

Evan, Linda, Dave, Martha, Stephanie, Lisa,
Brady, Jason, Angie, Raquel and Brook came
together in friendship and fun.

As we enter the final weeks of this Rotary
year, many of our members talked about
stepping into new chapters—new careers,
growing families, moves, added responsibilities,
and new leadership within PVSR. Through
every transition, we find strength in friendship,
support in community, and excitement for
the opportunities ahead. ❤️🕊️
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