A total of 27 inbound exchange students from several Districts, including the five from our District, spent the weekend learning more about our country by visiting the PA State Capitol and going to the Farm Show.  During the Rodeo, when the announcer asked if there were anyone there from another country, he was greeted with a big surprise!

Youth Exchange Director Jill Tenny generously hosted everyone, including chaperones, in her full house, and the Harrisburg Club assisted with the dinner (incoming President Shaun Eng was stirring up meatballs over a hot stove as everyone arrived), making for a very interactive weekend.  It was another opportunity by caring Rotarians to enhance good will and understanding for our young international guests!

 

Another essential youth-oriented activity comes from Rotarian Hagir Elsheikh concerning her major initiative in founding Kareem’s Mission, a plan to empower young individuals with autism to thrive and celebrate their unique abilities, through the creation of a facility, an Autism Center, to give them the opportunities they need to succeed, while providing their families with resources to navigate the many challenges they all face.

 

The facility will be located on the campus of Central Penn College and will require many support items, and a labor of love, in its buildout.  Additional information about how Clubs and individual Rotarians can contribute in any manner can be learned by contacting Hagir.   

 

The grand opening of the Autism Center is scheduled for April 19, 2025, during Autism Awareness Month, after which it will serve as a hub for education, resources, and community collaboration.  Another compassionate act by a caring Rotarian!

 

Looking ahead, please plan to attend the Multi-District Conference in Hershey on April 4-6.  There will be many activities pertaining to every aspect of Rotary, from friendship and fellowship, to profound engagement in the many life-changing missions that define us. 

 

Best wishes, 

Governor Paul Thompson

2024-2025