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A Message from the Governor
Hello Fellow Rotarians!
 
At just over the half way point of the 2017/18 Rotary year of making a difference, I’d like to provide you with a “State of the District” report.  I gave this report live at a leadership dinner on Tuesday, January 30.  Maybe it was coincidence that my report was scheduled on the same night that President Trump gave the State of the Union.  There was good news and less than good news in both reports ~ and that ends the comparison!
 
I wish I could report on all of the great and positive impacts that Rotarians are making through vibrant and engaged Rotary Clubs throughout the district.  But to truly measure that impact is impossible.  I wish I could measure the distribution of hope and happiness that comes along with the service projects and donations being made throughout the district, but the ripple effect of our actions goes on well past our reach.  So, there are a few things that we CAN measure and share so that everyone is up to date.
  1. District membership is down overall by 13 members since July 1.  The number is a moving target, but membership is currently at 2301. 
    • Of the 43 clubs in the district, only 22 clubs managed to maintain or increase membership since July 1.  Yes, that means that 21 clubs lost members in the past 6 months.
    • Of the clubs that increased membership, Mechanicsburg North leads the pack with a 25% membership increase or 16 new members.  Lancaster Penn  Square increased membership by 21% equivalent to 2 new members; and Red Lion/Dallastown had a 19% membership increase with 4 new members.  Congratulations!
    • Please remember my request to each club to increase membership by one new female member and one new member under the age of 40.  Invite someone to your weekly meeting and let your club speak for itself.  The surest way to gain new members it to ask people to join.  Its’ up to you!
  2. As a district, our members have contributed a total of $185,365 to The Rotary Foundation (annual fund).  If we can replicate this same number in the 2nd half of the year, we’ll be in great shape!  Our district would be in great shape in three years when half of our contributions come back to us to be put to work in District Club Grants and Global Grants.  I am looking for 43 NEW donors to The Rotary Foundation this year…  the equivalent of one new donor from every club.  The standard donation is $100, but the range of donations is much broader than that.  Most importantly, please give something.  Gifts can be made through  your club or directly through The Rotary Foundation at this link:  https://www.rotary.org/en/donate
  3. As a district, our contributions to Polio Plus through The Rotary Foundation are at $60,629.  WOW!  Given that one new case of the wild polio virus has been reported in Afghanistan last month, our battle continues and must be ramped up.  Thank you to everyone who has made this such a rich and robust number!  The Rotary Club of Harrisburg is currently leading the district in donations to Polio Plus.  Kudos.
  4. Our District 7390 Facebook page has gained 142 new likes since July 1.  We have 805 people engaged with us through Facebook.  The goal is 1000.  If you haven’t yet liked the District 7390 page, please click on this link to do so!  https://www.facebook.com/Rotary.District.7390/  It’s a great way to stay abreast of district news and gain some great content to share on your own social media and the social media channels of your Rotary club too.  In addition, Rotary District 7390 has pages on Facebook for Rotary Means Business and Youth Exchange, take a look for them.  We are also on LinkedIn as a district. 
  5. We have 49 people already registered to attend the Rotary International Convention from June 23-27 in Toronto, Canada.  THIS JUST IN, Rotary District 7390 will be providing bus transportation in a Rotary-themed bus courtesy of Bailey Transportation.  Stay tuned for details on how to reserve your seat!  For more information or to register for the convention, click here: http://www.riconvention.org/en
In the coming months, the leadership team will be working on updating the district’s strategic plan; we are looking forward to a great District Wide Day of Service on April 21 and an awesome District Conference at the Harrisburg Hilton on April 27 – 28.  We are working on the creation of a membership “safety net” and look forward to sharing more details as the plans take shape.  If you would like to be a part of district-level planning and leadership, please let me know!  We have plenty of room for more great ideas, input, and efforts.
 
Thank you and take good care.
 
Yours in Rotary,
 
District Governor Una Martone
Name that Super Hero!!!
As you know by now, the theme for the 2018 Rotary District 7390 Conference is “Celebrating Rotary Super Heroes of our Past, Present, and Future!”  Attendees will be invited to dress in super hero attire for Saturday evening festivities.  There will be prizes and recognition for the best costumes.  I, myself, am looking for my super hero persona and I need your help.  If you have creative talents or literary skills, please suggest a super hero name for ME ~ your District Governor, Una Martone!  Email your suggestions to me at umartone@leadershipharrisburg.org with Super Hero Name in the subject line.  I will select one of the names and PAY FULL REGISTRATION for the winner to attend the District Conference on April 27-28 (not including hotel stay).  Your suggestions must be received by February 28th in order to be considered.  It’s a bird; it’s a plane; it’s ???????
January 2018 Polio Update
This is a critical year for the polio eradication program. Coming off the lowest case count in history in 2017, we begin the new year with the momentum to make polio eradication a reality. In Pakistan and Afghanistan, where a period of typically lower polio transmission is starting, the program is seizing a prime opportunity for progress by strengthening efforts to reach vulnerable children and track polio in the environment. On the global stage this month, polio transition was a key agenda item under discussion at the WHO Executive Board meeting in Geneva. Click here to read the entire newsletter.
 
 
2018 District Conference
If you were a super hero, what would your super powers be?  As Rotarians, we have MANY super powers!  We are The Eradicators, eradicating polio from the face of the planet.  We are the Fearless Super Readers, bringing literacy to youth everywhere.  We are H20 Masters, bringing water to the farthest reaches of the world.  We are Professor Peace, advocating for local, national, and global solutions.  The Rotary District 7390 Conference will celebrate many super heroes of our past, present, and future. 
 
Meet Super Rotarian, Evan Burrell, who is making a difference by leaps and bounds!  Meet local Rotarians whose efforts seem to go beyond the boundaries of mere mortal accomplishments. 
 
It's a jet.  It's a plane.  No, it's ROTARY!  Super powers will activate on Friday, April 27 at 10:00 a.m.!
 
District Training Assembly - March 17

Our District Training Assembly is scheduled for Saturday, March 17, 2018 at the Radisson Hotel Harrisburg (1150 Camp Hill Bypass, Camp Hill). Registration and a hot breakfast buffet will be held from 7:30 a.m. until 8:15 a.m. The training sessions will begin promptly at 8:15 a.m. and conclude at 2:00 p.m. after the luncheon. The cost is $45 per person. All Rotarians are encouraged to attend. It will be helpful in building “esprit de corps” in your Club. The break-out sessions during the morning will be fast-paced and interactive. They are designed to educate us on Rotary topics. At the beginning of the District Training Assembly we will approve the 2018-2019 District budget. Click here to register!  Registration deadline is March 9, 2018. Join us at District Training Assembly to learn more about how to “Be The Inspiration”!  

Four-Way Test Essay Contest Deadline - March 2
The Four-Way Test Essay contest in District 7390 was initiated in 2006-07 by the Rotary Club of Mechanicsburg-North in the 9th grade at Cumberland Valley High School. The winner of their 2007-08 contest presented her essay at the District Conference and was well received. The 2008-09 District Governor challenged other Clubs to have contests in their local schools and agreed that if multiple Clubs did have contests, he would have their winners vie for District honors and prizes. The Clubs responded and three prizes were awarded in 2009 and 2010 with the first place winners presenting their essays at the District Conference.
 
Approximately 20 Clubs in the District participate in the Essay contest, but why not every Club? Then every 9th grader in our District would know something about Rotary and our 4-Way Test. Think of the positive effect this would have on their lives, Interact Clubs, the public image of Rotary, and the future of Rotary. If your Club has not already indicated interest in the Essay contest for 2017-2018 please contact District Chair, Steve Grubb at stevengrubb@comcast.net.
 
The deadline to submit your club's winning essay to the District is March 2, 2018. You can find more information about the essay contest by clicking here
Mechanicsburg-North to host Rotary Means Business - February 21
The Rotary Club of Mechanicsburg North will host the second RMB event of the 2018 season on Wednesday, February 21 at Hot Frog Print Media, 118 W Allen Street, Mechanicsburg, PA.  The event is free and includes wine/beer/water and soft drinks along with some very tasty hors d'oeuvres thanks to the following sponsors: Eastern PCM; Fairway Mortgage; Hot Frog Print Media LLC; McKonly and Asbury CPAs; Reilly Insurance LLC; and S&T Bank.  The event will start at 5:30 and end at 7:30.  Click here to RSVP NOW!  Make great connections for your business or project and enjoy the fun and fellowship of RMB. Bring potential Rotarian guests! 
RYLA Application Deadline - May 5
Extensive planning is underway for the annual Rotary Youth Leaders Conference (RYLA). It is the responsibility of the Club President or designated RYLA Conference Chair to submit completed registration forms and fees for your Club’s candidates no later than May 5, 2018 to Melissa Bruck at the Rotary District Office, 515 South George Street, York, PA 17401-2723.
      Again, the goal of the District RYLA Conference Committee is to have each Rotary Club in the District be represented by at least one young man and one young woman at the Conference. If the Rotary Club serves an area that has more than one high school, the Club should select at least one male and one female student from each high school. Last year more than 135 students attended! We hope to better that total in 2018. Please attempt to have an equal balance of young men and women.
 
 
 
RYLA will be held Sunday, June 10 to Thursday, June 14, 2018.
 
REMIND YOUR STUDENTS - THEY MUST ATTEND THE ENTIRE CONFERENCE FROM REGISTRATION THROUGH THE CLOSE OF THE FAMILY NIGHT BANQUET!
  
VITAL INFORMATION
  • Students can download the application in PDF format and complete it on-line. PLEASE HAVE YOUR STUDENTS TYPE THE APPLICATION, THEN PRINT, ADD PHOTO AND SIGNATURES AND SUBMIT TO YOUR CLUB FOR APPROVAL.
  • Students MUST attach a color, head shot, photograph that will be scanned and used in the Conference program. They can also email the photo to office@rotary7390.org
  • ALL PARTICIPANTS MUST COMPLETE A MESSIAH COLLEGE CHALLENGE COURSE RELEASE FORM. Please return this form with the students application and fee. If a student does not complete a release form, they WILL NOT be able to participate in the team building activities.
  • Fee: $500 per attendee
  • The Family Night Celebration Event will be held Thursday, June 14, 2018. Cost for Rotarians, parents and guests will be $15 per person for heavy hors d'ouevres. Money will be collected at registration on Sunday. There is no cost for Conferees to attend the banquet.
  • If your student DOES NOT Attend RYLA, your Club WILL NOT receive a credit or refund!
  • There are several RYLA scholarships available that a Club demonstrating economic need can apply for. If your Club would like to apply for a scholarship, please send a letter/e-mail to Melissa Bruck, 515 South George Street, York, PA 17401 or office@rotary7390.org. All requests will be evaluated by the RYLA committee. The deadline to apply is March 2, 2018. Clubs that are selected to receive a scholarship will be notified by March 8, 2018.  If you have questions on scholarships, please contact District RYLA chair Gary Crissman at ghcrissman@verizon.net or 717-545-6553.
Gettysburg Rotary Funds Computers for Dental Center
Members of the Rotary Club of Gettysburg met Jan. 24 to place Rotary wheel logo stickers on the new computers at the Family First Health Dental Center in Gettysburg. The Rotary Club acquired the computers through a Rotary District 7390 Grant which matched funds from the Gettysburg club.
Socks, Socks, Socks
The homeless clients of Downtown Daily Bread have a long list of things they need to survive the winter, and at the top of every list is warm, dry socks.  With the wealth of socks received from the Hershey Rotary Clubs challenge with Hershey High School, Daily Bread has been able to hand out a pair to each person that takes a weekly shower, to hand them out to those who shelter with them in their new emergency, overnight men’s shelter (they sleep 38 people each night in addition to the 100 who visit each day), and to anyone who asks or whose feet make a noise as they walk through because they almost all wear holes in their boots or tennis shoes. The homeless are very grateful for the socks! 
 
Downtown Daily Bread has also been sharing the socks.  Community nurses from Hershey Medical Center have been given a large number of the socks, especially the women’s and children’s sock that were in the mix.  They go to so many low-income and homeless shelters for women providing flu shots and health information, and hand them out to families in great need there.  This accomplishes health awareness along with the comfort of socks and pushes the socks out to many groups of needy families.
 
Also, Lebanon Valley College works with a family shelter and with refugees from the hurricane in Puerto Rico, people who have nothing.  The socks are being shared with them and other organizations as well. 
 
The example set by High School and younger students is inspiring many other groups.  Susquehanna Township heard about the efforts and decided to “top off” the Hershey sock drive with a hat and glove drive. Harrisburg U and Lebanon Valley College have also been inspired to fund raise for Downtown Daily Bread. Daily Bread is now developing an entire student program around the success of Hershey Rotary Club and Hershey High School.
 
Downtown Daily Bread just hopes the men’s socks last until the next fundraiser, but they say it is a relief not to have to hoard them.  For once, there are enough, and no one has lost their toes this winter. 
Carlisle-Sunrise makes Donations
Carlisle-Sunrise Rotary opened the New Year 2018 with donations totaling $7000 to community support organizations in Carlisle Borough and Cumberland County.  The three major recipients are the local United Way ($1000), Hope Station ($830), and Project Share Food Pantry ($730). Leaders of these organizations received symbolic checks illustrating that Sunrise Rotary is "Making a Difference" in our community and in the year to come.
District 7390 Day of Service
A DAY OF SERVICE is an opportunity for clubs all over District 7390 to come together and engage in that practice which is at the core of our common identity – that of service. We have set Saturday April 21 as our date for this year and we are proposing that each club identify a service project that they would like to undertake that day and then to carry out that project either within their own club or in cooperation with other clubs around them. Click here for more information. 
Upcoming Events
Pre-PETS
Radisson Hotel Harrisburg
Feb 03, 2018
7:30 AM – 12:00 PM
 
Grant Committee Meeting
Johns Diner
Feb 05, 2018
7:30 AM – 9:00 AM
 
District Advisory Council of PDGs
Byrnes Health Education Center
Feb 10, 2018
8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
 
YE - Mount Asbury Weekend
Asbury Lodge
Feb 16, 2018 – Feb 18, 2018
 
Global Grant Scholar Interviews
York College of Pennsylvania
Feb 17, 2018
8:30 AM – 12:00 PM
 
Rotary Means Business - Northern Tier
Hot Frog Print Media
Feb 21, 2018
5:30 PM – 7:30 PM
 
Mid-Atlantic Rotary PETS
Radisson Hotel Valley Forge
Feb 23, 2018 7:45 AM –
Feb 24, 2018 3:00 PM
 
Grant Committee Meeting
Johns Diner
Mar 05, 2018
7:30 AM – 9:00 AM
 
Inbound Overnight in Harrisburg
Mar 17, 2018 – Mar 18, 2018
 
District Training Assembly
Radisson Hotel Harrisburg
Mar 17, 2018
7:30 AM – 2:00 PM
 
Russell Hampton
National Awards Services Inc.
ClubRunner