The Headwaters
Once upon a time, at the end of the first decade of the 21st century, where the three creeks—Salmon Creek, Whipple Creek, and Cougar Creek—quietly wound their way through north Clark County, there was a dream of bringing communities together under one name: the City of Three Creeks. The idea of forming a city eventually faded, but the name Three Creeks endured, carried forward by the waters that shaped the land and the people who called it home.
For years, the region—including unincorporated Hazel Dell, Felida, Salmon Creek, and the southern edge of the Ridgefield Urban Growth Boundary—was known as a “Rotary desert,” a phrase once used by Governor Barb Crozier.
Yet beneath the surface, there was a growing need—for a current strong enough to carry connection, community, and service through the area…
…and the beginnings of that new stream were just about to emerge.
For years, the region—including unincorporated Hazel Dell, Felida, Salmon Creek, and the southern edge of the Ridgefield Urban Growth Boundary—was known as a “Rotary desert,” a phrase once used by Governor Barb Crozier.
Yet beneath the surface, there was a growing need—for a current strong enough to carry connection, community, and service through the area…
…and the beginnings of that new stream were just about to emerge.
A Current Starts Flowing
Then, in late 2015, the creeks’ quiet current seemed to carry the spirit of connection to a small but determined group ready to change that. Guided and encouraged by Rotary District 5100 leaders--Susanne Cox and Nelson Holmberg set out to bring the essence of community and service to this growing region.
By early 2016, their vision began to take shape, and by March, the proposed club was already gathering, building momentum with every meeting. By September, 21 charter members had stepped forward, ready to be part of something meaningful. The club's application was submitted to Rotary International—and on October 7, 2016, the Rotary Club of Three Creeks officially came to life!
The celebration months later felt less like a beginning and more like the continuation of a story already in motion. On March 27, 2017, more than 100 guests gathered at Summit Grove Lodge for the Inaugural Charter Night—an evening filled with community leaders, 5100 District Governor Tom Markos, Rotarians from across the district, and a shared sense that something special had taken root.
By early 2016, their vision began to take shape, and by March, the proposed club was already gathering, building momentum with every meeting. By September, 21 charter members had stepped forward, ready to be part of something meaningful. The club's application was submitted to Rotary International—and on October 7, 2016, the Rotary Club of Three Creeks officially came to life!
The celebration months later felt less like a beginning and more like the continuation of a story already in motion. On March 27, 2017, more than 100 guests gathered at Summit Grove Lodge for the Inaugural Charter Night—an evening filled with community leaders, 5100 District Governor Tom Markos, Rotarians from across the district, and a shared sense that something special had taken root.
Our Creek Today
Today, the Rotary Club of Three Creeks stands as a reflection of the place it serves—flowing through Hazel Dell, Felida, Salmon Creek, and beyond—proving that even where something once seemed absent, a new current can rise and thrive.
As the newest of seven clubs in Clark County, the Rotary Club of Three Creeks was determined from the start to be different. From the very beginning, it called itself “not your grandfather’s Rotary”—and it meant it.
Along this same current of growth and leadership, one of the club’s own helped carry the story even further. Susanne Holmberg, serving as District Governor for the 2025–2026 Rotary year, reflects the very spirit the club was built upon—innovation, connection, and a commitment to service. In many ways, her journey and the club’s path have flowed side by side, each shaping and strengthening the other, as the impact of Three Creeks continues to ripple across the district and beyond.
As the newest of seven clubs in Clark County, the Rotary Club of Three Creeks was determined from the start to be different. From the very beginning, it called itself “not your grandfather’s Rotary”—and it meant it.
Along this same current of growth and leadership, one of the club’s own helped carry the story even further. Susanne Holmberg, serving as District Governor for the 2025–2026 Rotary year, reflects the very spirit the club was built upon—innovation, connection, and a commitment to service. In many ways, her journey and the club’s path have flowed side by side, each shaping and strengthening the other, as the impact of Three Creeks continues to ripple across the district and beyond.
What Drives Our Current
Built by people from all walks of life, the club brought together a wide range of ages, experiences, and perspectives. That diversity became its strength, fueling a culture vibrant, modern, and full of energy.
This is a club unafraid to try new things. It embraces fresh ideas, maintains a strong digital presence, and continually challenges what people think Rotary is supposed to be. Where others saw tradition, Three Creeks saw opportunity.
But at its heart, the story has always been about service and community.
This is a club unafraid to try new things. It embraces fresh ideas, maintains a strong digital presence, and continually challenges what people think Rotary is supposed to be. Where others saw tradition, Three Creeks saw opportunity.
But at its heart, the story has always been about service and community.
Our Ripple Effect
With sleeves rolled up and a shared sense of purpose, members turn passion into action—leading hands-on projects and reaching beyond their own community to make a difference. And with each effort, the ripple grows wider, touching lives both near and far.
Step Into The Current
This is a club that moves with intention—ambitious, energetic, and always in motion—writing its own story as it flows forward.
Step into the current and be part of something meaningful—join a community of People of Action, turning purpose into service that truly makes a difference.
Step into the current and be part of something meaningful—join a community of People of Action, turning purpose into service that truly makes a difference.
Where The Ripples Began
Every current has a source. Up next, discover the founders who turned vision into action.
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