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A Message From the Governor

Together, we see a world where people unite and take action to create lasting change – across the globe, in our communities and in ourselves.
 
The fifth in a series of brief reflections on the Rotary International Vision Statement
 
And Take Action
 
“Some men see things as they are and say Why. I dream things that never were and say Why Not.” These words were quoted by Senator Edward Kennedy at the funeral of his brother Robert who, in turn had harkened back to his brother President John F. Kennedy who used it in a speech to the Irish Parliament, quoting the author George Bernard Shaw from whom, in slight variation, it had originated. But for those of us who came of age in the late 1950’s and early 60’s, this quote at the funeral of Bobby Kennedy was one which encapsulated our desire to come together, to dream big, to unite and take action on any number of issues confronting our world at that time.
 
I am reminded of that time, of that idealism, of that hope, today in the midst of a world troubled by so many issues and difficulties. And living in the midst of that world, it would be easy to throw up our hands in a gesture of defeat saying either this is not my problem or ask, with a sense of despair, the age old question of just why all this is happening.
 
But we are Rotarians and as such we are people of action. The purpose of uniting, as we said in the last reflection, is to become one. But uniting for the sake of uniting bears no fruit, no results and, above all, no action. Uniting is for a purpose, a reason, a means by which to achieve a goal.
 
So when Rotarians unite in missions, in projects, in service it is for the purpose of taking action to achieve whatever goals or objectives they have set for themselves. Sometimes the goals are large and world defining – ending Polio being first among them. But sometimes the project is much smaller – clearing trash or planting trees in their local communities. Nevertheless the end result is the same. Rotarians will not sit on the sidelines bemoaning the fact that things are bad. They will not wring their hands and just say WHY! Rather they will roll up their sleeves, sometimes literally, and dig in to see that their actions produce results. They will fix that little league ball field; they will feed the hungry at that food pantry, they will get that well installed in a land in which they do not even reside and they will, they will, do everything in their power to defeat this dreadful disease called Polio. Like George Bernard Shaw, like the Kennedys and like so many others down through the century we Rotarians will dream things that never were and say “why not” because we are People of Action.   

Pints for Polio

World Polio Day is just around the corner!

District 7390 is once again supporting PINTS FOR POLIO across the District. The events should be held during the week of October 19 to 26. These events are created to raise funding to help Rotary Eradicate Polio from the face of the earth. Clubs can hold an individual event or partner with other clubs in their area. Just be creative and have fun! The goal is to not only have Rotarian's attend, but to drive community involvement in this important fundraiser. Keep an eye on the District website for a complete listing of all Pints for Polio events!  We are very excited about breaking records in money raised this year but it cannot happen without your work and passion. Let's Roll!!

Rotary Day at the United Nations

On behalf of Rotary’s Representatives to the United Nations/ New York, I am pleased to share that our New York team has begun planning for Rotary Day at the United Nations - scheduled for 9 November at the United Nations Secretariat. 

 

Due to increasingly tight security measures, the UN has limited the number of rooms it permits for civil society/ general public events – particularly during the period of the UN General Assembly which runs from September through December. Regrettably, there is no longer sufficient “UN-authorized” space for two programs.  We will instead include Rotaractors and other young professionals in our one UN Day program. 

 

In keeping with the above decision, we are limiting event participation to age 18 and over.  While this was not an easy decision, we want to emphasize, that supporting our youth is a high priority.  Should groups be interested in the United Nations, we encourage Interactors or others to explore attending or creating their own Model United Nations program.  More information is available at: Model UN. Another option is UNICEF’s Voices of Youth

 

 Finally, while space is limited, with President Mark’s emphasis on membership growth, we want to share the good that Rotary does with those who do not yet know Rotary.  As such, we are seeking 30 percent nonRotary affiliated participants to join us for the day.  Rotary Day at the United Nations can be an opportunity to introduce prospective members and we will encourage the general public to attend. Indeed, every Rotarian should plan to bring a prospective member with them. 

 

Additional information regarding Rotary Day at the United Nations is available at here.  We look forward to a revitalized Rotary Day at the United Nations/ New York and, together, celebrating how the United Nations and Rotary Connects the World.  

 

District 7390 has reserved a 55 passenger deluxe motorcoach to transport attendees to the United Nations Day. Since the schedule for the day has not yet been published, exact departure and return times have not been established. However, if you would like to attend the UN day, you can reserved your seat on the bus NOW! Seats will be reserved on a first come, first served basis. The cost is $50 per person to reserve a seat on the bus. That does not include your admission into the UN. Click here to reserve your seats on the bus! 

Rotary Youth Exchange

Rotary District 7390 is hosting 8 inbound youth exchange students during the 2019-20 Rotary year. The students are from Belgium, Denmark, Germany, Japan, Mexico, Paraguay and Peru and are hosted by the Rotary Clubs of Carlisle, Harrisburg, Hershey, Lititz, York and York-North. Welcome our students if you see them! 
 
Would your Club like to be part of Youth Exchange in the 2020-21 Rotary year? You can either sponsor an outbound student to spend a year in a foreign country or you can host an inbound student from another country in your club for a year! 
 
Sponsoring an Outbound Student
Applications for the 2020-21 Outbound Youth Exchange Program are due to the Rotary District Office by October 4, 2019. You can find all forms on the District website by clicking here
 
Students and at least one parent will be required to attend the District Interviews on Saturday and Sunday, November 9-10, 2019 at Penn State York (1031 Edgecomb Road, York). If the student passes the initial interview on Saturday morning, they will be invited to stay for the rest of the weekend. The interview weekend will come to an end on Sunday at 3:00 p.m.
 
Hosting an Inbound Student
You'll need to complete a 2020-2021 Commitment to Host an Inbound form. The form is due to the District office on October 4, 2019. Click here for the commitment to host form. Remember - we can only send out as many outbound students as we host inbounds! 

We look forward to your participation in the 2020-21 Youth Exchange program! 

Four Way Test Speech & Essay Contests

 
The Four Way Test Essay Contest Chair, Steve Grubb, and Four Way Test Speech Contest Chair, PDG Una Martone, invite you to help students adopt a set a values to live by!  The Four Way Test helps young people understand the importance of truth, fairness, building goodwill, and creating benefit.  The world needs this level of understanding in our rising leaders.   
 
Please consider adopting the Four Way Test Essay Contest for 9th graders and/or Four Way Test Speech Contest for 10-12 graders this year.  It’s absolutely FREE to the student, to the school, and to your club.  It’s easy.  Here are the details.
 
The winning essay and the speech contest finalists will make presentations during the District Conference on Saturday, May 2, 2020 at Heritage Hills Resort in York.  Wouldn’t you like to see a student from YOUR partner school on the stage?  Better yet, wouldn’t you like to see more and more students learn about the Rotary Four Way Test just by participating?  One student said: “Rotary’s test showed me that the pressure I put on myself was for no reason.  I do not need to be perfect all the time because no one is, and no one expects that of me.”
 
 
Four Way Test ESSAY Contest Chair
Steve Grubb, Cell: 717-576-8145, Email: stevengrubb@comcast.net
 
PRIZE INFO
Monetary awards provided by the District—First Place - $500, Second Place - $300, Third Place - $100
 
CONTEST INFO
All student essays should be written about this topic: How Rotary’s Four Way Test helps me confront or deal with the issue of failure. Students should write an essay about their personal experiences and attitudes toward failure – whether it be an actual failure or perhaps a fear of failure that stops them from pursuing a goal or dream, how might Rotary’s Four Way Test help you confront or deal with the issue of failure? The club should judge all submitted essays and submit the winning essay to the District Office by March 9, 2020. Find more information at this link: https://rotary7390.org/page/four-way-test-essay-contest
 
 
Four Way Test SPEECH Contest Chair
Una Martone, Cell: 717-599-1783, Email: umartone@leadershipharrisburg.org
 
PRIZE INFO
Monetary awards provided by the District
First Place - $1500, Second Place - $1000, Third Place - $500, Fourth Place—$250,
Fifth Place—$250
 
CONTEST INFO
Contestants must be 10th, 11th or 12th grade high school students in a public, private or credited home school. Clubs should hold a contest in September or October and advance the top 3 students to the mid-level contests. Mid-levels will be held in November and early December. The winning student from the 5 mid-level contests will compete in the finals at the District Conference. Find more information at this link: https://rotary7390.org/page/four-way-test-speech-contest.
 

Love Fore Community

The Rotary Club of York invites you to participate in our “Love Fore Community” fundraising event on Monday, September 16 at the Country Club of York.  It is so much more than a golf outing.   Not only does the tennis portion of the event put the ‘serve’ in Service Above Self but the golf portion of the event puts the ‘tee’ in Community.  The event also celebrates the stateliness of croquet and the fellowship of our Rotary Club.  Where else can you do so many fun things in one day while supporting our Club’s work within the City and County of York?

The Rotary International theme for the 2019-2020 year is Rotary Connects the World.  This year, our Club’s two signature fundraising events – Love Fore Community and Give Local York – have been connected to support the efforts of the York Academy Regional Charter School’s new Upper School and to complete our three year commitment to the Reach Out and Read program.  Specifically, the biology and chemistry labs at the York Academy Upper School need to be fully fit-out with the supplies that will allow students to perform different experiments. 

Recently, while visiting the Long Beach, CA Rotary club, York President Josh George learned that they include a 5th facet to Rotary’s famous 4 Way Test: Have fun while doing it.  The Love Fore Community event is a great way to live this so-called 5 Way Test. Please consider supporting our club’s fundraising efforts by having fun golfing, playing croquet or tennis…. or provide support by making a donation.   Thank you.
 
 
Click here to download a flier and register!

Beer & Wine Festival - September 21

 

CLICK HERE TO BUY TICKETS TODAY!!

18th Annual Neffsville Car Show

Annual Rotary Foundation Dinner

Join us Wednesday, November 6, 2019 at the West Shore Country Club (100 Brentwater Road, Camp Hill) as we celebrate our Rotary Foundation and our achievements during the Million Dollar Journey in 2018-19. Cocktail hour from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Dinner and speaker from 6:30 to 9:00 p.m. Cost is $50 per person. Registration deadline is November 1, 2019. 

 

The speaker this year is Rotary International Trustee Julia Phelps. Julia is a member of the Rotary Club of Amesbury, MA. She began her career in education in 1976, is the associate commissioner for the Center for Curriculum  and Instruction for the State of Massachusetts. She served on the board of the  Amesbury Educational Foundation Inc. and the John Ashford Link House Inc. 

 

A Rotarian since 1997, Phelps has served as director, vice chair of RI's Audit Committee, Rotary Foundation alumni coordinator, and District Governor. She is a member of the Operations Review Committee. 

 

Phelps is a Major Donor, Benefactor, multiple Paul Harris Fellow, and a member of the Bequest Society. She is a recipient of The Rotary Foundation's Citation for Meritorious Service. 

 

Click here to register TODAY!!

News from Our Rotary Zone

New! Preventing Harassment Course
Rotary strives to build a diverse, equitable, and inclusive culture. Preventing and addressing harassment is everyone's responsibility. Rotary’s new online course, Preventing Harassment, will explain how Rotary defines harassment, how we handle reports of harassment when it occurs, and what you can do to prevent it. Share this new course with club leaders and members so they feel better equipped at preventing and addressing harassment.
 
New! Corporate Membership Guide
Curious about corporate membership, but not sure if it would be a good membership strategy for your club? Rotary’s new Guide to Corporate Membership includes information about how corporate membership works, the benefits it offers, and how clubs can get started. This guide also includes different models structures, a template that can be used when connecting with local businesses and organizations about this opportunity, and sample bylaws. Be sure to share it with club leaders as they explore ways to engage with new members of their community.
 
Check out Rotary’s club flexibility webpage for more flexibility options that can help enhance the club experience.
 
Niagara Falls 2019 Zone Conference
Are you ready for this year’s Zone Conference 2019? Director Jeffry Cadorette has continued the theme, “People Coming Together”, where all Rotarians and our newly expanded former zone 29 family will come together on September 19-21st 2019 at The Sheraton & Crowne Plaza, Niagara Falls. There will be dynamic speakers, empowering facilitators, and energizing sessions - addressing the pressing and pivotal issues that are important to the future of Rotary. This Zone Conference will enlighten, educate, and inform. Here are a few awesome membership sessions each of you should sign up to attend: Membership Matters, Is Your Club Ready for Prime Time , and Membership? Why It's so Critical , along with other great sessions on The Rotary Foundation and Public Image. I’m excited about this year’s conference, where we get the opportunity to see new and familiar faces, share stories, and build relationships. See you all soon!

Registration for the Harrisburg, Oct. 12, 2019, RLI is now open!

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.

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, PLEASE place this event on your schedule.
 
 
Ready to register for an event? Go to www.rlinea.org. Look at the schedule on the left-hand menu and click on "More Info".  Then click on Read More below to see the step by step instructions.
 
When can I attend RLI? 
Saturday, October 12, 2019, from 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Central Pennsylvania College (600 Valley Road, Summerdale, PA 17093).
 
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
 
Where can I find more information about RLI? www.rlinea.org.
 
Questions? Contact PDG Hector Ortiz, RLI Site Chair at richie1166@msn.com  or 717-608-0444.
 
Please register NOW for the Oct. 12, 2019 Harrisburg Site at www.rlinea.org

DG Paddy Rooney Visits Colonial Park Club

Patrick “ Paddy “ Rooney, the District Governor for Rotary International District 7390, recently made an official visitation and spoke to the membership of the Colonial Park Rotary Club.  District Governor Rooney spoke about the many goals and  accomplishments of the Rotary International in helping those less fortunate at both the local and international level and Rotary efforts to bring hope for a better world. Rotary International is working on a global effort to completely eradicate polio.  On a worldwide basis there were only seventeen reported new cases of polio this past year.    There are 1.2 million Rotarians worldwide.

 

Rotary’s Vision Statement:  Together, we see a world where people unite and take action to create lasting change – across the globe, in our communities and in ourselves.  Governor Rooney also spoke about Rotary Mission Trips, about how we must grow rotary membership, how Rotarians make lasting changes in the world, about global and local district club grants, about how Rotary connects the world, the Rotary Youth Exchange, the Rotary Shelter Box Project used during crisis situations and the work of the Rotary Foundation.

 

(Pictured L – R)   Colonial Park Rotary Club President Aaron Hoke,  Rotary District 7390 Governor Patrick “ Paddy” Rooney and Asst. Governor Dan Fuller

Mechanicsburg & West Shore Donate Range to Meals on Wheels

The Mechanicsburg Rotary Club as part of its ongoing support and the Rotary Club of West Shore, presented a new Southbend Heavy Duty Range to the Mechanicsburg Area Meals on Wheels (MAMOW) at its kitchen on August 27th. Funding for the $10,165.00 range was provided by $2,500 from each club plus a matching grant from The Rotary Foundation via the local Rotary District 7390. 
 
(Pictured L to R): Kirk Brechbiel, President Rotary Club of West Shore (RCWS); Tom Burson, Treasurer, Rotary Club of Mechanicsburg (RCM); Esme Goodsir, spouse RCWS; John Mengel, Vice President, MAMOW and member RCM; Graeme Goodsir, member RCWS; Darrell Westby, member RCM; and Rod Hite, President Elect RCWS.
 
The old range which was replaced was over 20 years old and had operational problems. MAMOW is serving about 160 clients two meals, three days per week. The new range will double their cooking capacity allowing for time savings and serving more clients. The range was purchased from and installed by K&D Factory Services, Inc., Harrisburg, PA.

MAMOW prepares and delivers over 49,000 meals annually to the homebound who are unable to prepare meals for themselves. MAMOW's meals are home-cooked. Each client receives, one hot and one cold meal three times a week. MAMOW has one paid executive director who oversees the meal preparation with over 230 volunteers, cooking, packing, and delivering. The service area includes two Boroughs and six Townships. There are over 160 clients currently, but there is a need to serve more as the populations in the service areas continue to grow. MAMOW does not accept any state or federal funds.

A Dr. Seuss Style Community Tribute to Joe Bedard 

Of the Rotary Club of Harrisburg
Since 1977, Rotary Club of Harrisburg (RCH) members have been acknowledged for their community service work not directly connected with Rotary.  This year Joe Bedard, a RCH member for six years, was presented the Community Service Award for his work with the Capitol Region Literacy Council.
 
Since 2004 with his leadership more than 500,000 books have been delivered to more than 125 schools and organizations serving children in low-income areas of South-central PA. The announcement of his award was sent to Club members by a Dr. Seuss-style invitation that follows.
 
Community Service gives Rotarians purpose. Congratulations to Joe Bedard, I hope he's not nervous!
 
At our next meeting, we will present Joe with an honor, and it is our intent
 
To celebrate vigorously Joe's success with children's literacy.
 
Harrisburg's kids do love to read; however, some are in need. Joe gets them their books. He does this, indeed.
 
By hook or by crook, Joe told me "Look! There's no expiration on a Dr. Seuss book."

Tasting Tour of Millersburg

Join Millersburg Rotary Club for a Tasting Tour of Millersburg presented by Mid Penn Bank on Saturday, September 28 from Noon until 4pm!
 
Participants will stroll through downtown Millersburg experiencing local foods and drinks.  Enjoy the historic ambiance of our business district and relax along the scenic river vistas. Your ticket will open up multiple venues within less than one square mile where various local flavors await.  Food and drink samples include cheese, meats, chocolates, bakery items, Italian, Chinese, Mexican, PA Dutch, wine, and beer. In addition to the samples, food and beverage products will be available for purchase from most vendors. Your support for this event will raise funds to help Millersburg Rotary Club contribute to Millersburg Borough's MYO Park Centennial Renovation Project. Rotary International supports the eradication of Polio, promotes peace, and strives to make a difference in our local communities and around the world.
 
 
Upcoming Events
Susquehanna Township Official DG Visit
Sep 05, 2019
 
Grant Committee Meeting
Johns Diner
Sep 09, 2019
7:30 AM – 9:00 AM
 
District 7390 Per Capita Dues Assessments Due
Byrnes Health Education Center
Sep 13, 2019
12:00 PM – 12:00 PM
 
Zones 24 & 32 Conference
Sep 19, 2019 – Sep 21, 2019
 
Pig Iron Fest & Car Show
Chickies Rock County Park
Sep 29, 2019
9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
 
Carlisle-Sunrise Official DG Visit
Oct 01, 2019
 
Perry County Official DG Visit
Oct 01, 2019
 
Lancaster Penn Square Official DG Visit
Oct 02, 2019
 
YE Gender/Country/Specs Due
Rotary District 7390 Office
Oct 04, 2019
12:00 PM – 12:00 PM
 
YE Outbound 2020-21 Applictions Due
Rotary District 7390 Office
Oct 04, 2019
12:00 PM – 12:00 PM
 
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