Another Rewarding Week, Another Four Dynamic Clubs
One does not need to go far in our District to find Rotarians expressing the Paul Harris vision of friendship, fellowship, and fulfillment in a welcoming setting, where the development of acquaintance leads to community/global outreach along with member engagement through service and contributions of many sorts.
My good fortune this week was to accompany my Paul Harris facsimile to another four District Clubs, where that magic of fulfillment was resulting in the form of students of the month presentations, fundraising activities, happy dollar proclamations of inspiration and aspiration, plans for holiday social events, reports on service projects, and many special fellowship opportunities.
The pictures that follow are from Breakfasts with Lancaster Hempfield, Myerstown ELCO, and Mechanicsville North, and lunch with Mount Joy.
Lancaster-Hempfield
Mount Joy
Myerstown-ELCO
Myerstown-ELCO Students of the Month
October is highlighted by World Polio Day and dedicated to taking stock of the remarkable role Rotarians play in eradicating polio, one of the greatest challenges undertaken by a nonprofit and one of the greatest successes. That goal has been a rallying cry for four decades as Rotarians have answered the call to take on one of greatest threats to our health.
As a measure of Rotary’s commitment and willpower, since the 1980s over $2 billion dollars and untold thousands of hours of service have been provided by dedicated Rotarians.
This month, be sure to participate in Pints for Polio and other aptly named events to bring this battle to a successful end. A District event to consider the bike Ride to eradicate Polio on Sunday, October 20. I look forward to seeing you at one or more of these activities.
Rotarians in District 7390 are sharing our heartfelt sympathies with the victims impacted by Hurricane Helene. This catastrophic event has impacted people in Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia. We grieve with the families who are mourning the loss of life - currently, over 200 lives have been claimed by the storm. Emergency response workers are still working through impacted areas. Families and businesses are surveying the property damage, estimated to cost between $15 billion and $26 billion. Our thoughts are with people who have been displaced because of the storm.
Rotarians are People of Action motivated to assist in the short-term, mid-term, and long-term relief of communities impacted by natural disasters. For individuals and clubs who would like to make a difference, we would like to share these resources with you for consideration:
Immediate Relief: Zones 33/34, the regional structure designed to support Rotary Districts in the impacted area, has a Foundation independent of The Rotary Foundation. This is a quick way for your dollars to respond to local needs that will support the efforts of volunteers by providing equipment, tools, storage, mobile storage, etc. This is a 501(c)3 eligible for tax-deductible contributions by IRS regulations. To donate, please visit their website here.
The Rotary Foundation: Rotarians who would like to donate directly to The Rotary Foundation Disaster Relief Fund can make a tax-deductible donation by visiting here. Note that The Rotary Foundation does not designate disaster relief by incident. Rotary Districts can apply for a general pool of money to address short-term, mid-term, and long-term needs. RI Director Patrick Eakes of Zones 33/34 has indicated they will take advantage of the Rotary Disaster Relief Fund by making applications across the impacted districts.
Join us for the 4th Annual Ride to Eradicate Polio on Sunday, October 20, 2024 on the Northwest Lancaster Rail Trail. We will meet at 1:30 p.m. at the Columbia Crossing River Trails Center (41 Walnut Street, Columbia). There is plenty of parking available! The group ride will commence at 2:00 p.m.
The cost to ride is a $50 donation to the Rotary Foundation End Polio Now Campaign. Your registration donation will be mailed to the Rotary Foundation in your name and you will receive Paul Harris credit for it.
Next Meeting - October 17th at 7 p.m. (the third Thursday of the month). Join us. New members are welcome! Click HERE for the Zoom link.
Thanks to everyone who attended the September Environmental Committee meeting. We are moving forward with assembling materials that individuals and clubs can use for their environmental projects. We are also looking ahead to the multi-district conference in April and are in the process of planning a joint environmental project and presentation with our neighboring districts. We also plan to have a hands-on activity or a workshop at the conference where Rotarians and family members can participate.
If you would like to participate in these activities, have questions about how to start your club’s environmental project, or would like to highlight your club’s environmental achievements, please let us know. If time permits, consider sitting in on our next meeting (October 17th) too. For more information, contact Joe McNally, Environmental Committee Chair, jtmcnally@jtmcnally.com
Members of the York East Rotary Club have been dedicated to keeping Edgewood Road clean for over three decades. Twice a year, in both spring and fall, the group volunteers to pick up trash and litter along the stretch between Prospect Street and Kingston Road. These efforts typically coincide with Penn DOT's Road Cleanup Day, reflecting the club’s long-standing commitment to community service and environmental care. This tradition, which began in 1998, has made a significant impact on the local environment. Each year, the volunteers remove a variety of debris, ranging from cans, cups, and bags to more unusual finds like tires. Occasionally, participants even come across unexpected treasures while clearing the roadside. In recognition of the club’s dedication, the York East Rotary was recently honored for its 30 years of participation in the road cleanup project. This milestone highlights the group’s enduring contribution to maintaining the beauty and cleanliness of the community. As they continue this important work, York East Rotary remains a shining example of how consistent, local actions can have a lasting positive impact on the environment and the community.
From left to right: Hunter Mink, Jim Norton, Tim Koller, Nate Tile and Kris Pollick
The Rotary Leadership Institute is an opportunity to meet with other Rotarians, share experiences, and learn new skills to take back to your club. You don't have to be in the leadership chain to benefit from this institute. If you want to learn more about this wonderful organization that we call Rotary, and find out what you can actually do to start changing the world, put attendance on your schedule.
When Can I Attend RLI? - Saturday, October 12, 2024 from 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Central Penn College (600 Valley Road, Summerdale, PA 17093).
What is the Cost to attend RLI? - Rotary Clubs should pay for their members to attend RLI. The cost is $125 per Rotarian to attend.
What is RLI? - A leadership and development program to strengthen Rotary Clubs through education, collaboration, and the exchange of ideas among its future leaders. A three-part curriculum facilitated by experienced, trained faculty members engaging participants through open discussion, problem solving and creative role-play.
What will I learn at RLI? - More about Rotary, The Rotary Foundation, Membership, Ethics, Service Projects, Communications, Strategic Planning and Analysis. You’ll also make new friends and enjoy fellowship and networking opportunities.
Course Levels: Parts I, II, III and Graduate (Capturing the Value of our Impact)
Where can I find more information about RLI? www.rlinea.org.
As things can happen, we’ve had a small challenge with the Foundation Dinner! The original hotel is not able to host us, so, we’ve rolled with it! New date – and a new venue. Our dinner will be November 9th at the Gettysburg Hotel, a beautiful setting to celebrate all we’ve accomplished in the 2023-2024 Rotary year.
Please join us at One Lincoln Square on the 9th, starting with a cash bar at 4:45 p.m. After enjoying a bit of fellowship, we’ll enjoy a pleasant meal and then hear about the fabulous projects done in 2023-2024. We’ll feature a project or two and distribute Rotary Foundation awards.
The cost to attend is $65 per person. Registration will CLOSE on November 1 at 12:00 Noon.
AGENDA:
4:45 p.m. - 5:45 p.m. - Cash bar/Networking
5:45 p.m. - Welcome and YE Parade of Flags
6:00 p.m. - Dinner
7:15 p.m. Formal Program and 2023-2024 Rotary Foundation Awards
The District Learning Assembly is a chance for everyone to be inspired and learn more about how to make your club a success and for you to have an amazing year. It is relevant for all Club officers, leaders, and Rotarians to have the opportunity to increase their Rotary knowledge. We will be offering two tracks - you can decide if you want to attend the "Newer Rotarian" track or the "Experienced Rotarian" track based on your level of Rotary knowledge!
You will depart with an in depth understanding of topics such as member experience, service projects and fundraising (TRF and Club).
Join us Saturday, October 26, 2024 at Messiah University (One College Avenue, Mechanicsburg, PA) in Boyer Hall.
This event will include District 7430, 7390, 7490 and 7410, providing a wonderful opportunity for celebration, inspiration and fellowship. Not only will you enjoy the Conference but you will have access to a large range of family-friendly activities while here!
BRING THE WHOLE FAMILY and FEEL THE MAGIC!!!
Total Conference registration is $325 until September 30, then registration will increase to $350. Just want to attend on Saturday? Saturday ONLY registration is $200.
Friday, April 4
1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Rotarian Check-In
5:00 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.
Welcome Reception
6:30 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Opening Session & Dinner
Saturday, April 5
7:00 a.m. - 8:00 a.m.
Breakfast
8:30 a.m. - 9:45 a.m.
Plenary Session #1 - Peace
10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Plenary #2 - Peace Fellowships
12:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Lunch with Keynote Speaker
2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
District Sessions - Four-Way Test SPEECH Contest Finals and ESSAY Winner Presentation
The Rotary Club of Harrisburg's largest fundraiser is on Saturday, October 12th from 9:00 AM to Noon. The 26th Annual Pancake Breakfast is held at the John Harris Harrisburg High School (2451 Market Street, Harrisburg- enter through the new Gymnasium) of the Harrisburg School District. Our presenting sponsor is Peggy Grove. Proceeds go to the Harrisburg Rotary Foundation for the Harrisburg School District homeless student initiative and the Rotary College Scholarships. We really need the support to make this a successful day. Hope to see fellow Rotarians from other clubs here to share in the Magic of Rotary!
Myerstown-ELCO
Myerstown-ELCO Students of the Month
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