Thursday, I'll be running/walking the Carlisle Turkey Trot with my NJ niece. Later we will head to my sister-in-law's for a feast. My brother and his wife in Kansas City, MO will join friends for the day.
What are you thankful for? I'm thankful for health and family. And truly grateful that Rotary is here in our area. Traveling around seven counties has shown me there is a depth of compassion and empathy in this area. I've been part of other organizations that are helping their communities, but still didn't quite get the sense of community that I get among Rotarians. Are there a few outliers? Sure, yet in talking with them, they are still looking to help the community. Sometimes you have to look past the gruffness and let it go.
I wish you all peace as we enter the holiday season - the peace that comes with knowing you are part of a larger family that you chose (vs being born into) and that we are working together to make our part of the world a little better for everyone through our projects in D7390. Please reach out if you want to talk about what we could be doing better, more of, or to just start something new. It's what we do -
The Rotary Club of Hershey hosted another super successful RMB networking event on November 19 at the Italian Lodge in Hershey with roughly 30 Rotarians and guests attending from four possibly five district clubs. Thanks to the great Leadership in Service of President Tom Jones, District Assistant Governor Jim Gainer, other Hershey club members, and District Governor and Circle exercise runner Mary Brunski networking went smoothly and was a lot of fun at the same time. Kudos also to the Italian Lodge for providing adequate space, delicious hors d'oeuvres and good drink. Also, congratulations to our Special Event Sponsor, Alex Jones, who gave an excellent three-minute presentation on his travel consulting business.
Stay tuned to RMB in 2026 with events scheduled to start in the Mechanicsburg area in February.
District 7390 is seeking qualified Rotarians to serve at the 2028-2029 District Governor! The District Governor executes many important functions for the District and Rotary International, including the following activities:
Organizing new clubs
Strengthening existing clubs
Promoting membership growth
Supporting the Rotary Foundation through fundraising and grant activities
Communicating frequently with Club Presidents and individual Rotarians
Providing educational and leadership opportunities for Rotarians
Supervising the District leadership team
Encouraging open communication among Clubs and with Rotary International
Visiting as many Clubs as possible to raise awareness of Rotary issues
Motivating Rotarians to serve, and then recognizing their contributions
Fostering Rotary continuity with past, current, and incoming District leaders
Serving as a spokesman for the District and Rotary International
Conducting District events such as the District Conference
Ensuring that district elections are conducted according to RI requirements
Following the 2025 Rotary Manual of Procedure, Sec. 16.070 et seq.(https://my.rotary.org) and the 2025 Rotary Code of Policies for District Governors, Article 19.010.1, et seq. (https://my.rotary.org)
Your role in nominating the 2028-2029 District Governor is critical. We are looking for a Rotarian with demonstrated leadership experience, involvement with Club management and activities, and support for the Rotary Foundation.
The candidate should possess the following skills and qualifications:
Served successfully as Club President, and been a Rotarian in good standing for at least seven years before serving the term as District Governor
Demonstrate a willingness and commitment to fulfill the duties and responsibilities of the office of District Governor
Be familiar with District and Rotary International Bylaws, Constitution, and the 2022 Manual of Procedure, specifically the qualifications and responsibilities of District Governor (Sec. 16.070, Manual of Procedure)
Please contact District Executive Director, Melissa Kopp–Smith at office@Rotary7390.org by December 22, 2025 if you are interested in serving in this important role!
Interviews for the 2028–2029 District Governor will be held Thursday evening, January 8, 2026 at the office of Fairway Independent Mortgage Company, located at 1150 Lancaster Blvd., Mechanicsburg PA.
Rotary Districts from Eastern Pennsylvania and New Jersey are joining forces to bring you the ultimate Rotary Experience - A celebration of leadership, fellowship, and service that goes beyond the ordinary.
This is your opportunity to:
Connect with Rotarians from Across seven Districts
Learn from dynamic leaders and innovative projects
Engage in inspiring discussions that shape our Rotary future
All Sponsorships Support a Graduate-Level Scholarship. Supporting a Rotary Global Grant Scholarship invests in future leaders who will promote world peace and understanding by addressing critical humanitarian needs through graduate-level studies and career development in Rotary's seven Areas of Focus. These scholarships foster international goodwill, provide concrete support for impactful projects, and cultivate a lifelong commitment to "Service Above Self" among scholars and their communities. Click here for more information about sponsorships!
The Rotary Club of Carlisle and the Rotary Club of Carlisle-Sunrise will host their annual holiday dinner and auction on Friday, December 12th at the Carlisle Country Club. The proceeds from this event as explained in the auction brochure will benefit Bethany House of Cumberland County, Inc., a Carlisle-based nonprofit providing transitional housing and supportive services to young ladies aging out of foster care or at risk of experiencing homelessness.
Rotarians can support this auction in one of two ways. First, by donating an auction item or gift card by contacting the Auction Chairs, Bill Blankmeyer at blankmeyer66@comcast.net or (717) 590-7229 and Marv Salsman at (717) 448-5374 or kmsals@comcast.net. Secondly, tax-deductible sponsorships can be made to support the Bethany House. Checks should be made out to “Carlisle Rotary Club Foundation” and mailed to Carlisle Rotary Club, PO Box 301, Carlisle, PA 17013.
Tickets are officially on sale for the 100th Anniversary Gala — a once-in-a-century celebration hosted by the Rotary Clubs of Elizabethtown, Lititz, and Mount Joy!
Join us on January 17, 2026 at Masonic Village’s Brossman Ballroom for an unforgettable evening of cocktails, dinner, and celebration as we honor 100 years of service, community, and connection.
Grab your tickets now and join us for this incredible milestone event — it’s going to be a night to remember!
Click the link to purchase and be part of Rotary history!
