Ably led by Presidents-Elect Shaun Eng and Samuel Bowercraft, the Rotary Clubs of Harrisburg and Harrisburg Keystone hosted and sponsored a very successful 75th RMB networking event on May 7 at the beautiful Capital Blue Cross Connect facility in the Hampden Marketplace, Enola, PA. There were 21 Rotarians and one guest at the event from the Rotary Clubs of Carlisle, Hanover, Harrisburg, Harrisburg Keystone, Lancaster, Palmyra and York.
Special thanks to our Venue Sponsor Capital Blue Cross Connect and their representative Elise Burgin for allowing us to have our RMB events at their absolutely ideal site not only this year but for at least two or three previous years. Kudos to the Healthy You Cafe for providing such excellent and tasty upscale hors d'oeuvres. Kudos also to our District 7390 Leadership team (DG Paul Thompson, DGE Mary Brunski, DGN Rebecca Zalit, and DGN Designate Aaron Jacobs) for attending the event and demonstrating their support for RMB. Thank you all.
Rotarians should enthusiastically support the purpose and scope of the Rotary Foundation. As community leaders and astute guardians of resources, they naturally identify with the Foundation’s role in making the goals of Rotary attainable.
The essence of the Rotary Foundation can be succinctly expressed in one sentence through relating the compelling narrative that true Rotarians, imbued with the enduring vision of Paul Harris to share friendship, fellowship, festivities, and fun, leading to fulfillment, augmented by the Object of Rotary to develop acquaintance, maintain high ethical standards, respect other professions, and enhance understanding, good will, and peace, all for the ideal of service, while steadfastly adhering to the self-applied 4-way test that all things thought, said, or done be truthful, fair, friendly, and helpful, and being in compliance with the core values of Leadership, Fellowship, Integrity, Diversity, and Service, as well as the Rotarian Code of Conduct, apply their enlightened community and world view, as they meaningfully transition from home, to work, to club, to assess local and global situations, for conflicts and challenges of food, housing, health, and educational insufficiency, and being persons of action and prudent custodians of resources, they recognize the foresight of Arch Klumpf to provide assets, no amount of which is too much or too little, to assure sustained efforts concerning Water and Sanitation, Maternal and Child Health, Disease Prevention and Treatment, Basic Education and Literacy, Economic and Community Development, a Sustainable Environment, and Peace and Conflict Resolution, through contributions to the Annual Fund, pleased that 47.5% of that amount will come back to their District 3 years later for their Clubs to use for grants, or through giving directly to PolioPlus, Peace Centers, the Rotary Endowment, or to the District to be forwarded to RI, for a Program of Scale or District Peacebuilder designation--all of which envisions their creative global view, and enables their passion to make improvements to the world, their community, and themselves.
In fewer words Rotary is a Way of Life, exemplified by service, and enabled by the Foundation, support to which brings Peace of Mind to every Rotarian every Year.
To practice the art of caring, solving challenges, fixing things, and giving a buck, if you have not already done so this year, please click here to contribute, or mail a check to The Rotary Foundation, 14280 Collections Center Drive, Chicago, Il, 60693, or, send funds for the District Peacebuilder Designation, or a Program of Scale, to Melissa. Those checks should be made payable to Rotary District 7390 and mailed to P.O. Box 7116, York, PA 17404. The funds will be placed into one check from the District and forwarded to RI.
President Elect Denise Grove and PDG Dennis Zubler from the Elizabethtown, PA Rotary Club visited the Hershey Rotary to share something powerful and concerning. In a slum community in Accra, Ghana, a medical clinic stands empty. The walls are built, but inside... nothing. No equipment. No beds. No medicine. This is not just a building waiting to be used; it's a lifeline waiting to be realized. Through a Rotary Global Grant, we have the chance to fill this clinic with the tools, equipment, and supplies it desperately needs. We have the chance to bring care, healing, and hope where there is currently only distance and need.
This project will also help educate the next generation, giving children the chance to become students, healthcare workers, and leaders in their own community. Please, if you’re able, join us in making a difference. Every dollar helps bring this clinic to life.
Lancaster Airport will be buzzing on Saturday, May 17 with vintage World War II aircraft, a classic car/motorcycle/truck show, helicopter rides, 5K runners, music and family activities – all benefitting local summer youth programs. The Rotary Club of Lancaster has planned its biggest-ever Wheels & Wings Festival and 5K Festival, with attractions geared to family fun and backed by numerous local business sponsors. The region’s only event of its kind supports the Summer Youth Experience. Funded in partnership with the United Way of Lancaster, this program supports nonprofits that serve more than 2,600 city youth between ages 5 and 17.
Rotary predicts the event will raise over $40,000 for the summer program. It addresses the “achievement gap,” and provides engaging and fun activities that also help to develop leadership skills and prevent the “summer slide” for students. The festival will be on Saturday, May 17th, rain or shine, from 7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the festival host sponsor, Lancaster Airport, 500 Airport Road, Lititz. The event is free, and no registration is required for spectators. Onsite parking is $5. The festival begins at 8 a.m. with the running of the 5K over a lightly traveled race route entirely on the grounds of the 5K host sponsor, Brethren Village, 3001 Lititz Pike, Lititz. More than 100 runners are expected to compete. Medals will be awarded for the top three male and female finishers in different age categories. Runners can register at https:// runsignup.com/Race/PA/Lititz/ WheelsWingsFestival5K or on-site, beginning at 7 a.m. on the day of the race. The deadline to receive a discounted fee is Friday, May 9.
The car and plane shows will then take center stage at 9 a.m. The "everything on wheels" car show runs until 2 p.m. Show trophies will be awarded, as well as numerous door prizes. Nearly 300 vehicles are expected to be on display. Prizes will be awarded in 16 different categories, and spectators will get an opportunity to vote for a people’s choice award. Owners can register their vehicles by searching for "Rotary Club of Lancaster Wheels and Wings Festival and 5K" at www.eventbrite.com or on-site the day of the event. The aircraft show portion of the day will feature a display of World War II Warbirds presented by Capital Wing, Commemorative Air Force. The planes are expected to draw interest from history buffs. They are a Grumman Avenger torpedo bomber, a Stearman trainer, and a Stinson multi-purpose WWII aircraft. State Police and Life Lion helicopters are expected to be there, and tours of the aircraft will be available.
Other festival highlights include live music, five food trucks serving breakfast and lunch, door prizes, games, a children's area and vendors. More than 1,000 people are expected to attend. The local Rotary club has a long history working with the School District of Lancaster, and engages in fundraisers and community activities to benefit – in addition to the Summer Youth Experience -- the 4-H Club of Lancaster County, a youth exchange and host family program in conjunction with the School District of Lancaster, Power Packs food program in Lancaster, Preserve Planet Earth and the Salvation Army.
Uptown York Rotary Club (UYRC) attracts a diverse group of professionals who share a passion for giving back to our community and making a difference in the world. Our service focus areas are downtown revitalization, environmental sustainability, and community and youth development. One way we serve our focus areas is to provide funding for initiatives that make a difference in our community. UYRC is currently accepting grant applications for its 2025 Community Giving grant program to support needs in our service area. Grant applications will be accepted through May 23, 2025. Grantees may apply for up to $500 to fund programs that serve the UYRC service area and impact one of Rotary’s seven areas of focus.
Grants approved by UYRC are to support programs that serve York and the greater York County community. We are particularly interested in supporting organizations whose best practices and initiatives support Rotary’s Seven Areas of Focus. The most successful and sustainable Rotary service tends to fall within one of these areas of focus: Maternal and Child Health, Basic Education and Literacy, Economic and Community Development, Peace and Conflict Prevention/Resolution, Disease Prevention and Treatment, Water and Sanitation, Environment.
Not for profit or 501(c)3 organizations may apply for a grant. Selection criteria includes, but is not limited to:
How well the project demonstrates the use Rotary’s Seven Areas of Focus
The level of impact on the community
The level of documented need for the program/project and/or the grant funding
The level of collaboration with other organizations or community initiatives
Clearly defined measures of success
Rotarian involvement (individual/group)
Applicants are asked to describe the sustainability of the project after the grant funds have been disbursed. Funding is not considered for ongoing operating costs of an organization, capital campaigns, scholarships, or stipends for individuals.
The application is available on the left-hand side of the Uptown York Rotary Club website, https://portal.clubrunner.ca/8049, under "Documents & Forms".
Please join us on June 28, 2026 in Carlisle to install the incoming District Governor, the Governor Elect and the Governor Nominee at the Cumberland County Historical Society, 21 North Pitt Street, Carlisle, PA 17013. Tour the museum's Carlisle Indian School Exhibit at 3 pm, the ceremony will be at 4 pm.
June 28th also happens to be the second day of Carlisle's Annual Summerfair. You are invited to start off your day in Carlisle with the Craft Show on the Dickinson Campus from 9 am to 3 pm or one of the other seven activities for that day. Check the schedule (make sure to scroll down to Saturday the 28th): https://www.carlislesummerfair.com/schedule.html
In the afternoon join us at the museum (ceremony at 4). There will be light refreshments for attendees. Dress is casual in keeping with a Summerfair vibe (sundresses, short, polos). Downtown Carlisle has a number of delicious restaurants within walking distance (majority within a 1-2 block radius) if you'd like to finish the day by not cooking: https://www.visitcumberlandvalley.com/things-to-do/restaurants/downtown-carlisle-restaurants/ (reservations might be a good thing.)
The 2025 Peace Fellowship applications are due May 15. Complete information about the Peace Fellowship is included in this message. Unless you have someone ready to submit an application, you need to plan for 2026.
The Peace Fellowship provides a “once in a lifetime experience” that will likely be “life changing.” Preparing a successful application takes serious time and attention.
Here are suggestions for the 2026 application cycle:
Appoint a Peace Fellow Committee. Become familiar with the criteria for application.
Copy and save the information in this message. If new information about the Peace Fellows program becomes available, it will be posted in The Reporter.
Develop a list of individuals you believe meet the qualifications.
Reach out to them personally and discuss the Peace Fellows program with them. Give them time to consider this opportunity and guide them through the application process.
In reality, a potential applicate may need to take a leave of absence from their employment. If they have a family, what arrangements will they need to make if awarded a fellowship?
Since 2002, 1800 individuals have become Rotary Peace Fellows and now work in 140 countries around the world. Many serve as leaders in governments; NGO’s; education and research institutions; peacekeeping and law enforcement agencies; and international organizations like the United Nations and the World Bank.
District 7390 is seeking individuals who have a background in peace work and would like to further develop their skills as a peace builder. Each year Rotary awards 130 fully funded fellowships for dedicated leaders from around the world to study at one of Rotary’s peace centers.
The Rotary Peace Fellowship is designed for leaders with work experience in peace and development. Fellows must be committed to community and international service and the pursuit of peace.
The Rotary Peace Fellowship provides training for a master’s degree or a program certificate (shorter length of study). Rotary Peace Fellowships may not be used for doctoral study. Rotary members and their family are not eligible to receive these fellowship (see more details below).
The application process for study in 2026-2027 will be open on the Rotary International website February 2025. Applications may be submitted between February and May 15. Please carefully review the qualifications for this prestigious fellowship and consider if your club knows a potential candidate you can encourage to apply. Interested applicants need to review the Peace Fellowship program, determine if they meet the qualifications, and compile the required information/documents.
District 7390 will provide a recommendation for an applicant if they prepare a competitive application. Contact Anna-Mae Kobbe, District 7390 Peace Fellows Chair at amkobbe@gmail.com or 717-457-0632 if you have questions.
Applicants must follow these steps to prepare a competitive application:
Research the curriculum and programs at each of the Rotary Peace Centers. For the master's program, you will be asked to rank the two centers you prefer if you meet the eligibility criteria for both programs.
Engage with Rotary. Use the Club Finder to locate the Rotary or Rotaract club nearest you. Connecting with a Rotary club or district is a great way to learn about Rotary's work in your community and around the world.
Read the Application Overview to learn the steps involved. An overview with more instructions on submitting a thorough and complete application is available when you start an application.
Gather required documents. Applications require a resume, academic and/or professional recommendations, personal statement video and essays, transcripts from postsecondary colleges and universities attended (master’s only), English language proficiency test scores (master's only), and social impact plan (certificate only). Allow time to request university transcripts and register for IELTS or TOEFL exams if your program requires these. All materials must be in English.
Submit your application between February and 15 May. All applications are considered final upon submission. Ensure your academic and/or professional recommendations and Rotary district recommendation are entered prior to submitting your application.
Await qualification notification and selection results. If you are selected for a fellowship, you will be notified in November which Rotary Peace Center will be the site for your studies.
Apply for admission to the university where your Peace Center is located. Being selected for the fellowship does not mean you have been admitted to the university.
Certificate program eligibility
Candidates for the certificate program at Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda, either must be from Africa, have worked in Africa, work with African communities or initiatives outside the continent, or demonstrate a compelling interest in learning about peacebuilding approaches within the region.
Candidates for the certificate program at Bahçeşehir University, Istanbul, Turkey, either must be from the Middle East or North Africa, have worked in the region, work elsewhere around the world with communities or initiatives related to the Middle East or North Africa, or demonstrate a compelling interest in learning about peacebuilding approaches within the region.
Selection process
Submitted applications are screened for eligibility requirements. Qualified applications move forward for further review and evaluation. The Rotary Peace Centers Committee, composed of Rotary members, and university representatives review the top candidates and select finalists. Selected candidates are notified in November.
Throughout the process, applications are reviewed based on the following criteria:
Qualification based on the eligibility requirements
English proficiency
Commitment to peace and development
Leadership potential
Compatibility with fellowship objectives and fit with Rotary
Academic record and compatibility with preferred university program
Feasibility and impact of Social Change Initiative (certificate only)
Eligibility restrictions
The following people are not eligible for the fellowship:
Active Rotary members, or Rotaract members who are also Rotary members*
Employees of a Rotary club or district, Rotary International, or other Rotary entity
Spouses, lineal descendants (children or grandchildren by blood or legal adoption), spouses of lineal descendants, or ancestors (parents or grandparents by blood) of any living person in these categories
Former Rotary members and their relatives as described above (within 36 months of their resignation)
* Rotaract club members who are not also Rotary club members are eligible to apply.
Candidates must have at least three years between the completion of their most recent academic degree program (undergraduate or graduate degree) and their intended start date for the fellowship. Candidates currently enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program, or who will be enrolled in the upcoming academic year, are not eligible to apply.
Rotary Peace Fellows who have completed the certificate program, master’s program, or a Global Grant Scholarship, must wait three years between the end date of that program and their intended start date for the fellowship.
The Rotary Club of York recognized seven club members for their Paul Harris Fellow giving achievements to The Rotary Foundation at the May 14th weekly club meeting. Pictured from L-R are: Glenn Smith, PP Al Sykes, Karen McCormack, PP Rob Bowen, Jacob Miller, Jr., and Jan Wolgamuth. Not pictured: Bob Jensenius.
In an effort to engage the many talents and passions of Rotarians throughout our District, we are interested in hearing from YOU about ways you would like to grow in service and leadership at a District level. Click here to complete the District 7390 Service questionnaire by June 1, 2025. If you are interested in learning more about these areas, you can review our District Annual Reports here. Thank you in advance for your willingness to share your time and talents with us!
A fundraising event for Veterans and First Responders with proceeds benefitting Veterans Organizations
Special honor to fallen West York Borough Police Officer Andrew Duarte
Flags will be displayed May 21 – June 4, 2025 *All orders must be received by May 20, 2025.*
Join us at 11:00 am, May 31, 2025 at the New Freedom Heritage Green next to Marlin’s Auto Repair for the 8th Annual Flags For Heroes Dedication Ceremony.
Proudly displaying our American Flag as we observe two weeks remembering and honoring those who protect us and have made our country free!
There is no safer country than ours because of their service.
Join Rotary District 7390 for a POSITIVE PEACE Community Workshop: Participate in building Positive Peace in our communities. This FREE workshop will be held on Saturday morning, May 31, 2025, at Central Penn College in the Capital Blue Cross Theater, 600 Valley Road, Summerdale, PA 17093.
Light refreshments will be available from 8:30 a.m. until 9:00 a.m. when the workshop begins, with coffee available during breaks. The workshop is expected to conclude by noon.
Dr. Hector R. Ortiz, Positive Peace Activator, North America and the Caribbean, and facilitator for the partnership between Rotary International and the Institute for Economics and Peace, will lead the comprehensive workshop as it focuses on practical steps for individuals and organizations!
Workshop objectives to understand the framework of Positive Peace and how it creates meaningful change in the community are:
Learn what Positive Peace is and why it matters: Positive peace goes far beyond the absence of conflict. It enhances attitudes, institutions, and structures that help societies flourish, through actions and programs that encourage understanding, promote equity, and foster social cohesion. Understanding the importance and process of Positive Peace can greatly enhance the profundity of one’s approach to peacebuilding, locally and globally, leading to peaceful societies.
Become familiar with Rotary’s seven areas of focus: Rotary International, a global humanitarian organization of 1.4 million members, addresses critical needs in society through service projects and initiatives. The seven areas of focus that address these key issues, and provide opportunities to improve them, help members make a difference in the world, in their communities, and in themselves.
Learn about the eight pillars of positive peace used by the nonprofit Institute of Economics and Peace to evaluate the attributes and effectiveness of nations and their state of governance. Those pillars, from a well-functioning government, with the free flow of information, to the acceptance of the rights of others, are key elements that contribute to Positive Peace. An analysis of all eight pillars will provide an understanding of steps to create a stable and just society. The global peace index, assigned to each nation by the Institute as a result of evaluating the eight pillars, has helped Rotary better understand the application and relevance of its areas of focus.
Plan steps to create Positive Peace in your organization and community: These steps will focus on actions that participants can implement to become peacebuilders—to make progress toward a safer and more secure community with decreased conflicts, domestically and globally. Specific steps, and a plan of action will provide ways to engage others in promoting peace through conflict prevention, and civic engagement.
This workshop is a great chance to get involved in tangible, meaningful changes, leading to Positive Peace!
The workshop is FREE, but please reserve your seat in advance by clicking here!
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