While our efforts have been concentrated over the past few weeks and months on the novel coronavirus and the problems it has wrought within our communities, the issue of polio and its ongoing fight by Rotary to help eliminate this disease has continued. Our vaccination programs have in many areas been brought to a standstill since larger gatherings or house to house visitation to vaccinate children has had to be suspended. The fear is that, once we have dealt with the coronavirus, we may well see a resurgence of polio cases throughout the world, which would be a setback to our efforts over these past few years.
To help ensure that this does not happen, we in Rotary need to be ready and that means we have to support our commitment to this fight with some much needed resources. Indeed we now know that giving to Polio Plus over these last few months has decreased as resources have been channeled more into the fight against COVID and the personal ability of some Rotarians to give generously has been impacted by the economic situation.
To help fight this situation Rotary is asking that we use the week of June 10 to make a concerted effort to bring the issue of Polio back to the forefront of our thinking and make a commitment to join in the effort described below.
In this brief presentation we will hear from both Mike McGovern, who is our Rotary International Polio chair and Trustee Julia Phelps from the Rotary Foundation. And the aim, as you can see is to get at least 50% of Rotarians to give the amount that they would have paid for lunch that day, to the Polio Plus fund. We believe that this can be done in District 7390 which would mean some 1,100 members giving to this important work.
So I would ask you to publicize this effort. Encourage your members to participate. Stress the importance of our work in this area and show how, through this effort, Rotary will also continue to Connect the World.
“We were built for this.” It was just a few words, cast upon a sea of words spoken that evening. It was a few words that could easily have been lost in the hustle and bustle of the “to do” list that everyone gathered there had to accomplish. It was just a few words…but it encapsulated for me everything that I believe Rotary to be about and what it means as it challenges us for the future. “We were built for this.” It was Jeffry Cadorette, Rotary International Director and John Hewko, CEO of Rotary International who used those few words at a zoom gathering of District Governors and District Governors elect. Yes there was business to discuss; initiatives to be pushed; challenges to be laid down as we move toward the end of this Rotary year and prepare to begin a new one. But there were these few words which spoken above the blare of the evening’s business to offer us the most profound of visions for Rotary in the months and years to come as we move through this pandemic into the future which awaits us – “We were built for this.”
In my last article to the District, I spoke of the need to re-envision our future as Rotarians. I quoted RID Jeffry to illustrate that if Rotary were founded today, it would probably look nothing like it does at present. And we showed how this pandemic has changed our very modus operandi from its structured and formalized process into something that is already more dynamic and flexible yet still meets the needs of our members. And in the past few weeks, RID Jeffry has been charged with leading a Rotary International Board of Directors Task Force to help grasp this moment in time in which, with the challenges of the pandemic laid before us, Rotary can see how it needs to pivot both quickly and hard, to seize this moment and make the changes that are needed to move our organization into the future. “We were built for this” is both the theme and the thinking which underlies this Task Force and the challenge it lays before all of us for this organization which we love.
But now I realize that the challenge before us goes much deeper than just sustaining our clubs, our community outreach and our fundraising programs. Instead it stretches into the very heart of our communities, into the very being of our existence as members of those communities and as forces for change in the future. We are Rotarians, 1.2 million members strong. We are embedded deep into the life of our communities throughout the world. We represent all sectors, trades and businesses in our communities but more importantly we are leaders in our communities. In the coming months, governmental agencies and political groups will seek to rebuild our economy while other groups will help rebuild our healthcare system which has been stretched almost to breaking point. And in so many other ways, groups and individuals will help rebuild our shattered lives.
But for me the question is at once both simple and profound – who will help rebuild our local broken communities? Who will help heal the rifts and divisions which have been brought to the surface as a result of this pandemic? Who will reach out across the divide and support those in need regardless of race or creed or gender? Who will help rebuild a sense of community, a unity of mind and spirit which says we can and will make a difference in the lives of those around us? Who will do these things? Rotary and Rotarians – for this is who we are and this is what we do; indeed you could say that “We were built for this.” We know our communities better than anyone else. We know the strengths and weaknesses, the good and the bad, the joys and the sorrows of our communities. We know, and in many cases, we love, our communities. We care about what happens in our communities. And we seek the very best for our communities. And as Rotarians we are best positioned as community leaders to help rebuild, reform and reshape our communities into those places where the very best of our Rotary values are expressed, supported and affirmed. Remembering that the first word of our Rotary International Vision Statement is “Together” we will come together across the political, ethnic and class gaps which so often divide our communities and be models of how we can truly build a community based on care and service one for the other.
So while some will help rebuild our infrastructure and our economies, including many who are already a part of Rotary, I believe that at the local level we Rotarians need to concentrate on helping to rebuild our communities. And no one is better placed to do that than Rotarians. Whether in clubs large or small, whether in e-clubs or passport clubs, whether we meet in person or digitally, whether we are Interactors, Rotaractors or Rotarians we are one in Rotary spirit, living and working in our communities and, with the strength of Rotary International behind us, we can help rebuild our broken and shattered communities. This is our time. This is our call. This is our work. Indeed “We were built for this” and we can and will do this because above all - we are Rotarians and we will not rest until our work is done. Together we can and will change the world.
COVID-19 continues to have an unprecedented impact on daily life, including access to and demand for essential health services. On March 24, the Polio Oversight Board (POB) of GPEI made recommendations related to polio eradication efforts for countries and regions in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Since the recommendations were issued, thousands of polio workers have assisted in the COVID-19 response, and polio as well as other vaccine-preventable disease campaigns have been halted. COVID-19 related disruptions to polio programs have resulted in expanding transmission of poliovirus, further compounded by disruption to essential immunization and other essential health services. This is particularly of concern in polio-endemic countries affected by outbreaks of both wild and vaccine-derived polioviruses, where the circulation of polioviruses is expected to increase exponentially during the upcoming high transmission season. Other countries affected by outbreaks of vaccine-derived polioviruses are also expected to see increase in transmission. GPEI recommended that surveillance for polioviruses should continue, however, maintaining quality surveillance has proven difficult, leading to possible knowledge gaps on the extent of polio virus transmission.
GPEI reaffirmed unwavering commitment to polio eradication, and a regular review of the situation. Looking forward, the pandemic will evolve and affect regions, countries and subnational areas in different ways and in different stages. Similarly, countries and subnational regions will be in different stages of restriction on movement and population contact rates. In the context of the ongoing pandemic and the resumption of vaccination campaigns, GPEI will support countries to make decisions on when and where to implement polio vaccination campaigns, based on national risk assessments in close collaboration with national immunization and other health programmes. This will require innovative and adaptive strategies to engage communities.
I am honored to serve for one more term as the District 7390 Council on Legislation Representative. The COL term goes from July 1st, 2020 to June 30, 2023. Thank you very much to all of you for your trust and confidence for me to serve in this important position as Council on Resolutions and Council on Legislation Representative on behalf of D7390. I am humbled for this nomination and I will work with the best of my abilities to fulfill these responsibilities. As you may know, there are now two ways to actively participate in the Rotary International decision making process: Council on Resolutions (COR) and the Council on Legislation (COL).
Council on Resolutions (COR) The Council on Resolutions meets online every year to vote on proposed resolutions. Resolutions are requests to the Board or the Trustees to take any action that is outside the purview of the constitutional documents. Ideally, a resolution should affect the Rotary world, rather than address local or administrative issues. Council on Resolutions (COR) are held annually, voted by the COR and implemented by the RI Board of Directors. Remember that Districts can submit resolutions for the 2020 COR by June 30, 2020. Details on drafting and submitting resolutions can be found here.
Council on Legislation (COL)
Every three years, Rotarians meet at the Council on Legislation to review and vote on proposed changes to the legislation that governs Rotary. They consider enactments, which change Rotary’s governing documents, and position statements by the RI Board. Our District can also propose enactments to the 2022 Council on Legislation. Details on drafting and submitting enactments can be found here. It means legislation change to three fundamental documents: The Standard Constitution of a Rotary Club, RI Constitution, and RI Bylaws. Enactments for the 2022 Council on Legislation must be submitted through the COL RI online form by 31 December 2020.
Thanks in advance for your consideration of this matter. As District 7390 COR and COL representative, I will keep you informed of the COR and COL advancement. If you have any questions or concerns please contact me at Richie1166@msn.com.
Sincerely, Hector R. Ortiz PDG 2013-2014 COR and COL Representative 2020-2023
Council on Resolutions & Council on Legislation
We have two months left to recruit qualified candidates for the 2021-22 Rotary Peace Fellowship and need your help! As a Rotarian, you play a critical role in communicating information about Rotary Peace Centers programs to potential candidates in your network. Clubs also play an important role in coaching candidates and helping them connect to districts for endorsement. We encourage you to use and share these resources: Send personalized emails with the fellowship announcement to contacts within your network. Do you know someone who could benefit from our program? Submit their name and email in our referral form and we'll follow up with them. Candidates have until May 31 to submit applications to their District. Districts must submit endorsed applications to The Rotary Foundation by July 1. General inquiries regarding the fellowship program may be sent to rotarypeacecenters@rotary.org. We thank you for your dedication to the Rotary Peace Centers and your continuous support in educating the Rotary network about the fellowships! Find more information here!!
On Saturday, May 2, 2020, fifteen trees were planted at the York City Welcome Triangle across from the WellSpan York Hospital by the Preserve Planet Earth Committee, members of the Rotary Club of York, PA, family and friends. The trees included a variety of species ranging from October Glory, White Oak, Service Berry, Red Maple, and Black Gum Trees. The planting teams dug the holes, removed rocks, bricks and concrete, and then mulched the individual tree planting locations and the welcome center stone area and water feature. Special thinks to Rotarian Brian Mummert of W S Landscape Services who procured the trees and provided the mulch. A special thank you to the Garden Club of York for their shared financial support of this project.
The Student Education Committee of the Rotary Club of York held virtual interviews for their Merit Scholarships. Having received a total of 54 applications, we are pleased to announce that the scholarship recipients are as follows:
Anne Lawrence from Spring Grove Area High School will receive $ 1,000 x 4 years from the Edwin P. Mangold Rotary Scholarship. She will begin her studies at Columbia University in August studying to be a Psychiatrist.
Daniella Feistritzer of Central York High School will receive $ 1,000 x 4 years from the James C. and Carrie B. Bush Scholarship. She is headed to Columbia University to major in Biochemistry.
Emily Vergara-Pimentel from William Penn Senior High School will receive $ 1,000 x 4 years from the Charles and Alma Diehl Scholarship to major in Biochemistry at Temple University.
William Molina of William Penn Senior High School will be awarded a $ 1,000 Charles and Alma Diehl Scholarship to study Computer Science at Widener University.
Megan Dubien of Dallastown Area High School will receive $ 1,000 x 2 years from the Sanford M. Kranich Scholarship and will major in Business at Penn State University.
Bevan Fogdall from York Suburban High School was awarded a $ 1,000 Arlington Kahley "Rising Musician" Rotary Scholarship and will major in Music at Colby College.
Taylor Cromer from South Western High School was awarded a $ 3,000 John T. and Paige S. Smith Scholarship for Agricultural Studies to study Environmental Science at Saint Joseph's University.
The Merit Scholarships are awarded based on academic achievements as well as community service and school participation. These outstanding students exemplify Rotary's motto of "Service Above Self". Congratulations students!
All Merit scholarship recipients are also approved for a student loan from the Whiteley Educational Loan fund for $ 2,000 per academic year for their undergraduate degree. For more information about the loan program, contact Rotary Club of York Student Education Administrator Renea Oberdick at officeassist@yorkrotary.org. The application deadline is May 31.
The Rotary Club of Gettysburg donated $15,000 to South Central Community Action Program Monday to help stock its food pantries in Gettysburg, York Springs, New Oxford, East Berlin, and Fairfield. Last year, SCCAP helped 6,121 individuals. Since the COVID-19 pandemic began, SCCAP has been serving 1,152 people each week, including families that have never sought services before. Pictured, from left, are Rotary Club of Gettysburg President Dr. Bradley Hoch, Rotary Club International Services Chair Chris Kimple, SCCAP Executive Director Megan Shreve, and Rotary Club of Gettysburg Secretary Alex J. Hayes.
Located just north of the Mason-Dixon line, Adams County has a rich history of stories of escaped slaves, Civil War heroics and the United States during a period of great change. Its location is also impossibly far for many of the country’s citizens to travel. Now, with the click of a button, students, teachers and history buffs across the globe can access interactive tales of self-preservation and heroism. Over the last month, Seminary Ridge Museum, 111 Seminary Ridge, Gettysburg, crafted seven detailed lessons allowing learners of all ages to immerse themselves in the centuries-old culture of a maturing country.
“Many of the groups we see come from Pennsylvania, New Jersey and New York,” said Peter Miele, the museum’s chief operating officer and director of education. “This gives us a much wider reach, literally all over the world. Anyone with an internet connection can learn these lessons.” The Rotary Club of Gettysburg sponsored the creation of the new digital lessons by awarding $5,000 to the museum. The grant was originally intended to underwrite visits to the museum for Adams County schools. Following the statewide shutdown of all schools to prevent the spread of COVID-19, Miele and the club decided to redirect their educational goals. The museum was prepared to do so, thanks to another donor, who provided support to build an educational center a little more than a year ago. That endowment included money for iPads and the development of interactive programs within the museum. When the virus wiped out any hope of a strong spring season, Miele and two staff members went to work putting their vision together in a digital platform. “This is usually the busiest time of year. We’re outside working almost every day with school groups,” Miele said. “We’d been thinking about it for a while now, but we’ve really worked to get it out there this past month.” The website, www.seminaryridgemuseum.org/education, features five lessons for middle school students: James Pennington’s Quest for Freedom; Making Sense of the Gettysburg Address; Reasons for Southern Secession; Follow a Wounded Soldier; and Slavery and Freedom on the Border. There are also two geared toward high school students: States’ Rights and the Legal Battles over Slavery; and Civil War Emergency Care. Each section features a series of slides, quizzes, polls, photos, videos and open-ended questions constructed to mimic stories Miele and his staff would tell during in-person visits. “Thinking of this area eight miles from here as a fault line between slavery and freedom, it tells a story that we think of as a national story at a local level,” said Miele.
A series on battlefield medicine asks students to imagine themselves as 29-year-old George McFarland, a school principal from McAlisterville, Pa., and father of two who commanded the 151st Pennsylvania regiment. Photos taken inside the museum show a cramped hospital room with bloody and injured soldiers scattered on chairs, beds and worse. McFarland recalled spending three days on the floor before being treated. McFarland eventually had his leg amputated. Even after being transported home in September, two months after the battle, it’s another 42 weeks until he can leave his bed with the assistance of crutches. “It’s really inspiring what we can learn about American medical history as a whole,” Miele said. “We can draw larger conclusions that can be applied to the Civil War and present day.” Each web series has taken staffers between 10 and 20 hours to convert to an online format, Miele said. More time-intensive ones have required new video content and research, he said. Teachers have visited the site independently, but Miele was uncertain if they’d been used in a classroom setting since the start of the pandemic. He was excited to provide free, accessible content in a time when teachers are most in need. “It’s a challenge to translate some of our stories using videos, but it’s also fun to think of engaging activities to challenge students,” he said. “We ask them to take something they’re seeing and use it to create something new, like writing their own law to restrict slavery, how they’d incorporate it and why. Instead of being spoken to or spoken at, we try to create opportunities to show us they’re learning.” Dr. Bradley Hoch, Rotary Club of Gettysburg president, spearheaded the move to find funding for the project, Miele said. Though it’s changed its look from the start, both men were proud of the way it’s come together. “With the development of this digital learning platform, the internationally acclaimed Seminary Ridge Museum and its staff now have the ability to expand their educational reach throughout our entire nation and the world,” said Hoch in a press release. “I applaud their foresight, their creativity and professionalism. Miele has plans to continue growing the online database. Eventually, he hopes to provide digital tours with real-time question and answering sessions. Photo scavenger hunts and classroom sessions are also on the horizon, he said. Though developing the digital platform has been engaging, Miele looks forward to the time when the museum on the hill is bustling with inquisitive students once again. “At the beginning of March, I’d have given anything to have a month to work at home,” he said. “Now we’re hoping we’ll be back in business soon.”
The first annual report for the Rotary Club of York is available for download. If you would like to see what the 25th largest club in the world is doing, please follow this link: https://www.yorkrotary.org/downloads. Click on the “2018-19 Annual Report – Rotary Club of York” and you will get a PDF with 14 pages.
The Rotary Club of York-East is happy to announce that the following students were selected as the 2019/2020 Annual Senior Scholarship Award Winners. From York Suburban our Senior selection is Liam Waterbury son of Matthew and Melinda Waterbury and we have selected from York School of Technology Senior Jamie Hudler daughter of James and Susan Hudler. Liam will be attending Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology and Jamie will be attending Salisbury University’s Nursing Program.
As part of the selection process each student speaks before our club detailing their accomplishments and aspirations. Scholarships are awarded on the basis of good citizenship, academic performance and community service. Congratulations to the winners from both schools and thank you to all the candidates, you are all outstanding students.
The Rotary Club of Red Lion/Dallastown Area wanted to let the First Responders and Nursing Home Employees know how much they appreciate them during these difficult times. Since the club has not been meeting in person, they decided to use the funds they normally spent on lunch to provide lunch and treats to others!
On May 6th the club delivered 193 packs of sugar cookies to two nursing homes: Dallastown Nursing Center and Manor Care Home.
On May 7th the club delivered 83 Subway lunches to: York Regional Police Department, York Regional EMS, and the Red Lion Ambulance Association.
Red Lion/Dallastown Shows Appreciation to First Responders & Nursing Home Employees
Red Lion Dallastown Donates Shows Appreciation to First Responders & Nursing Home Employees
By now the superlatives have become almost trite – unprecedented, worse than…, nothing like this in our life time. But it is clear that we are all experiencing something that most of us never envisioned happening in our lifetimes – a shutdown to be sure but a form of social distancing that goes beyond anything most of us could have imagined. And this has impacted both our personal lives and our forms of social living as well.
And without a doubt, one of the things that has been impacted is the way we live our lives as Rotarians. Apart from the e-clubs and Passport clubs, most of us know and experience Rotary through our weekly club meetings which are often accompanied by a meal – breakfast, lunch or dinner. And there are often “rituals” attached to those meetings – a song, a prayer, the Pledge and the Four Way Test. Each club is different, each has its own ethos, but they bear a remarkable connectedness through those meetings regardless of where you are in the country or the world. Combine that with the organization of fundraising events, non-profit support work and participation in the life of so many communities and we have a picture of Rotary as it has run pretty successfully for almost 115 years with a format which is comfortably familiar.
All that has changed with this pandemic and the worry is what will Rotary look like, be like or act like as we move toward a “new normal.” Jeffry Cadorette, who serves as our Zone representative on the International Board of Directors, has challenged us time and again with a phrase I used in my club presentations earlier in this Rotary year when I asked, “If we sat down today and devised this thing called Rotary, would it look like it does at present?” And the answer is probably no! With technology, with busier schedules, with changes in our culture which says that joining any organization is something of a waste, then Rotary, if devised today, would look a lot different, perhaps even radically different.
Well some of that difference has been forced upon us by this pandemic. Many clubs have changed by going on line for their meetings; others have adapted to do fundraisers in the same manner. Training for future District and club leadership is now going on line. And having started this I suspect that much of this form of meeting and training is going to continue and we may not go back to the way we have done things for many years.
But what specific things do we need to be thinking about for our clubs in the District as we move toward re-opening? Here are some of my own thoughts which hopefully will prove helpful as we all learn to live in this new normal…particularly over the next few months while we are still living with the novel coronavirus without proper forms of treatment or vaccination.
Club meetings. Our meeting format may never be quite the same again. I would urge club leadership to consider how they can continue practicing social distancing; how many folks should be sitting at one table; how food is to be served if you use a buffet style for the meal; whether they should have a greeter but not one who shakes hands; how many people come to the podium; whether there is still a recommendation for the use of masks; whether there should be a song sung since singing has been shown to spread more droplets than just speaking; whether would should discourage people from shaking hands at all? There are so many issues like this to consider. Some of it may depend upon club size – the smaller clubs will have a little more ability to social distance than the larger or mid-sized clubs. The District and its Leadership Team, stand ready to assist you in whatever way possible to both prepare for such start up and how we will operate from that point on. Above all, however, we should follow whatever guidelines are offered to us from the CDC or our State Department of Health. Those guidelines are for our protection and for the good of those around us. We Rotarians understand our responsibility to the wider community and we show by caring for the wider community before ourselves.
Fund Raisers. We need to look at both our ability to organize fund-raisers and the community’s ability to want to come out and support them. We all recognize that our fundraisers are critical to carrying out the work in our communities but we also have to take into account the economic difficulties that have been caused by this disruption and the willingness of the community to be able to support it.
Future Training for Leadership. While we are far from making decisions about ALL training programs, it is clear that some programs will go on line and may stay that way. Can we do District training in a new way with short half day programs, learning modules on line, a new format for Presidents elect training, District Governor training and so on? District conference was cancelled this year because of the virus which was sad; but then we have to acknowledge that attendance at District Conference has been declining a great deal over the past few years and so what might happen if we never have another in person conference but rather pull together some great speakers, hold on line workshops and even announce awards on line. We had planned, for example, to have a panel discussion at District Conference on issues confronting our communities and therefore our clubs, issues such as Diversity and Equity, Teen suicide, opioid addiction and gender fluidity. These are important matters so we are planning on a virtual gathering at some point over the next few months to address these issues.
International Convention. The highlight of any Rotary year is the International Convention when Rotarians from all over the world gather in one city for some of the very best workshops, speakers and experiences you could ever have. This year we were supposed to have been in Hawaii but of course that was cancelled. Now Rotary International is going to take some of those important learning experiences and share them through a virtual Rotary Convention which will be held June 20-26. More details will be available soon.
So we will, at some point, get back to “normal.” We cannot say what that will look or feel like but we do know that Rotarians are amazing in their resilience, adaptability and willingness to embrace the issues which confront us. I am confident that we continue to have a bright future in Rotary and that together we will continue to fashion and support a future which will serve all. And if this virus has taught us nothing else, it has shown our interconnectedness in the world. But then we Rotarians always knew that because Rotary Connects the World.
The Rotary Club of Colonial Park Foundation recently announced the winners of their 2020 scholarship program. The Foundation awards scholarships to high school seniors in five schools: Central Dauphin, Central Dauphin East, Dauphin County Technical School, Bishop McDevitt and Harrisburg Christian School. One hundred and twenty students applied for 18 different scholarships that ranged from $21,000 to $1,000 for a total of $63,000.
Rotary Club of Colonial Park Foundation also announced they will be funding three (3) additional initiatives with Harrisburg Area Community College this year:
Rotary Club of Colonial Park Norman P. Hetrick Paramedic Tuition Giveaway: Students who enroll in the HACC Paramedic Program will be eligible to receive one of seven $1,000 tuition giveaways made possible by the Rotary Club and HACC Foundation.
High school seniors or graduate of one of the above schools
Current HACC students enrolled in HACC’s noncredit Paramedic Program who are from one of the above schools can also apply
Rotary Club of Colonial Park Norman P. Hetrick Scholarship Award: This fund will award scholarships for HACC students to use towards their tuition, fees, books and/or program expenses
Students must be enrolled at HACC when applying for the scholarship and have graduated from one of the above schools
Preference will be given to HACC students who receive an award during the Rotary Club’s scholarship luncheon and are working a full or part-time job
Rotary Club of Colonial Park Fire Training Live Burn Fund: This fund will provide financial assistance to eligible fire companies to complete live-burn training sessions at HACC. The following fire companies will have the opportunity to participate in a least one eight-hour live-burn training: Colonial Park Fire Company, Linglestown Fire Company, Paxtonia Fire Company and West Hanover Fire Company
These three initiatives with HACC total $26,200 for 2020 and with the $63,000 in scholarships it brings this year’s total scholarships to $89,200 awarded by the Rotary Club of Colonial Park Foundation.
Rotary Club of Colonial Park Foundation Awards Scholarship for 2020
In this week’s Newsletter you will see a letter from Linda Spotts who is our District Chair for Rotary Youth Exchange. The letter is to inform all clubs that there will be no Youth Exchange for 2020-21. This decision was made by our multi-District Youth Exchange coordinating group called ESSEX and was made in light of the difficulties we are all facing in regard to COVID-19.
This was not an easy decision to make and last week those who had been selected to be our Outbound students were given the news. The District Youth Exchange team led by Linda have done a great job in working with the students currently here and while this news for next year is disappointing to all of them, it is our hope that this program will come back even stronger in 2021-22 and return to being that force in the world for good which it has been since its inception.
Knowing the value of this program, I ask clubs to take this “off year” and use that time to strengthen their club YE committees, to line up more host families and seek out those Rotarians who are interesting in being mentors and counselors to Inbound students. Together we can continue to make this one of our premier programs throughout Rotary and together we can continue to “Connect the World.”
Since its founding in 1911, the Rotary Club of Harrisburg has been a luncheon club in center city Harrisburg. Once the Hilton Harrisburg facility was finished, RCH started meeting in their ballrooms.
The Club’s Board of Directors recently made the decision to contribute a portion of the meal budget to help feed people in our community impacted by COVID-19.
Each week that an in-person meeting is canceled, the Club makes a contribution to a nonprofit organization selected by the Board members.
For some, the cost of member lunches is part of the dues structure. Those club members who are invoiced per meal, are encouraged to make a contribution on their own to that week’s organization.
For the weeks of March 16 and March 24, the Rotary Club of Harrisburg made a donation to the Central PA Food Bank and The American Red Cross of Central PA Chapter. The April lunch budgets are being donated to our local branch of The Salvation Army, Downtown Daily Bread, and The Rotary Foundation’s Polio Plus Fund.
To date, more than $4,000.00 has been contributed to local charities serving others during the pandemic.
To keep members informed and engaged, weekly meetings are conducted via Zoom. While a group sing is not practical via Zoom, the bell is rung and a song is played. Even speakers have joined in on the April 20th meeting.
Rotary Club of Harrisburg Feeds and Cares for Their Community with Rotary’s Missed Weekly Lunches
The Volunteer Surge is a program designed to allow those who wish to be of service to the community in the COVID 19 crisis, to be able to do so with purpose and direction. Rotary International Director Jeffry Cadorette was approached by the Global Impact Group since Jeffry serves in the region of Rotary which included New York, one of the most heavily impacted areas. Jeffry then took the information to the RI Board and the DG’s of the region for consensus and support… which he found to be unanimous.
The program is simple: we need more volunteers to help in this fight against COVID-19 and you can consider being a part of that effort and who better to support their communities through such a volunteer effort than Rotarians.
There are two options. 10 hours of training - which will allow you to help from your home under the guidance of local healthcare providers.
30 hours of training - which will glean a Certified Nursing Assistant certification. With this certification, you can serve at hospitals and other onsite locations under the direction of medical professionals.
Did we mention that the training is online and FREE!
OUR HOPE - to create 1 million volunteers through this program.
If you are interested, visit the website to learn more. Join your fellow Rotarians who have already volunteered and together let’s make our communities stronger and better. Thank you.
On behalf of our District Rotary Youth Exchange Committee, it is with deep regret to share with you that the Eastern States Student Exchange (ESSEX) Executive Board has suspended the long-term exchanges for Rotary Year 2020-2021.
Long Term Outbounds 2020-2021: The Outbound students for the 2020-2021 year, their parents and club YEOs/Counselors who attended the zoom meeting on 4/18/20 held by District YE Outbound Chair Amber Seidel were given the sad news. Both Amber and incoming District YE Chair Jill Tenny had complete sympathy with the other students/parents that morning as they too were an exchange student, and both have a daughter in this group of outbounds who were planning to go out 2020-2021.
During the meeting Amber provided the students their options for going on exchange for the year 2021-2022 and answered questions from students and parents. Those students who will still be eligible and want to continue will retain priority placement by ESSEX for 2021-2022. Additional zoom meetings will be held by Amber throughout the year with the students and their parents. Their CISI insurance and Tzell itinerary if paid will be fully refunded and partial refunds of our district fee will be made according to the status of each outbound. FAQs link per Amber: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1vLRw34Hwuhf_Eo9TzIFGKWAkchwt1u6HoFnkYrpANgI/edit
Note: ESSEX stated that NO Rotary District can do a private Rotary Youth Exchange for 2020-2021.
Long Term Inbounds2020-2021: On 4/18/20 our Inbound Chair Walt Tilley notified all the Inbounds who were assigned to our district for the 2020-2021 year of the suspension of the Inbound program.
Several youth exchange events due to the coronavirus were canceled for 2020 including the March overnight hosted by the Harrisburg club, the April Annapolis day trip hosted by 7620, the end of May Farewell Picnic, the Dickinson College August Re-entry, and the 31 day Discover America trip for Inbounds hosted by 7170 (Inbound students will receive full refund).
Short Term Inbounds/Outbounds 2020-2021: The students/families and club YEOs were notified of suspension several weeks ago. ESSEX/Insurance fees were waived and 50% of district fee refunded. The students are eligible for 2021-2022 if they meet the age requirements.
The status of the 2019-2020 students: All but 1 of our Outbounds will have returned to our district by the end of April. Amber Seidel, Outbound Chair is planning on two zoom meetings – one for those who have returned and one when all have returned, dates to be determined.
4 of our Inbounds have returned to their native country. 4 of our Inbounds are currently being hosted by our district as it is felt by their natural parents that they are safer here than going home right now during the midst of the coronavirus pandemic. Their host families are gladly hosting them and are supported by their club counselor/YEO until it is a bit safer for them to go home in the next few months.
ESSEX will be busy developing recruiting tools for the 2021-2022 exchange year for all district members. In addition, our incoming District Youth Exchange Chair, Jill Tenny, along with her District Youth Exchange Committee, will be busy in engaging with clubs to promote the long term and short-term programs for the 2021-2022 year and beyond.
Thank you for all your contributions to the youth exchange program.
Yours in Rotary Service Above Self,
Linda Spotts, DYE Chair (2006-2020)
ESSEX Suspension of Long-Term Exchanges for the Rotary Year 2020-2021
Just prior to the Governor’s executive order to close schools throughout the Commonwealth, members of the Rotary Club of Harrisburg provided eager students with dictionaries.
The Rotary Club of Harrisburg Dictionary Project is an ongoing initiative that provides third graders in the Harrisburg School District reference books and teaches them how they can be used to enhance their education.
Even in this technological age, the students and teachers alike are thrilled to have their own book to use in the classroom and at home. For some students, this is the first real book they can call their own.
Thank you to Andy Rebuck, Gail Rebuck, Frank Frailey, Sara Frailey Garry Brinton, Mike Eby, Lee Tyre, Wendell Hoover, Steve Feinour and Chris Baldrige for presenting dictionaries to each third-grade student.
Students often write thank you letters to express their appreciation. To hear Addeline Alaniz Edwards, the RCH Executive Administrator read some of the thank you notes, simply click on this link.
You may have heard that there is a pandemic going on. World-wide. And Rotary is responding.
Last year, in response to requests from Rotarians, the Trustees of the Rotary Foundation, established the Disaster Response Fund. This Fund is designed to fund districts’ need as they respond to local disasters. Districts may apply for a grant of up to $25,000 to use in response to a disaster. No district match is required; it is a straight out grant. Currently, the fund is practically depleted because districts around the world have been applying for grant money and TRF has been responding primarily to respond to COVID-19 needs like PPE, masks, test kits and the like, all around the world.
Right now there are over 100 district requests for grants in the queue awaiting funding. District 7390 (that’s us) is one of them. Grants will be funded as money becomes available. If $25,000 comes in, it gets applied immediately to a grant request. Grant requests are handled in the order in which they were submitted.
But, as noted above, the fund is out of money.
So now there is a plan.
Coming up soon, Rotary International will conduct a telethon in order to raise money for the fund. It will be held on Saturday, May 2nd, starting at 11:00 a.m. Details will be published closer to the date.
The Disaster response fund meets a critical need in this time of pandemic.
I encourage you to participate and to make a donation. If you don’t want to wait until May you can go to https://my.rotary.org/en/donate and make a donation to any of the funds.
Speaking of which:
The Polio Plus fund is still important. Polio vaccinations and monitoring have been suspended for now. However, the resources are being redirected to combating COVID-19. Monitoring, testing, and teaching are going on by the Polio teams, especially in Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Nigeria. Once we are though this dark tunnel of COVID-19, Polio vaccinations and monitoring will start up again. Funding of Polio Plus is still important.
The Annual Fund still matters. It is how we in the district get money back for club projects and global grants. Currently, global grants that are designed specifically for responding to COVID-19 response are on the fast track for approval, usually within three days of receipt at TRF.
Things are tough right now. But we are Rotarians, and we put Service Above Self. And right now we need for you to help support all of our Foundation Funds.
District Rotary Leadership fully appreciates that we are in a momentous time---one in which it is imperative to give thanks to so many people for all they are doing to provide service and assistance across our great Rotary District.
Perhaps it was just that thought that triggered asking Harrisburg Rotarian Andy Rebuck to assist with a big thank you to essential workers on ten area billboards. The locations were selected to greet and thank workers approaching seven hospitals located throughout Harrisburg, York and Lancaster.
If you get a chance to drive by one of these billboards we hope it will remind you to also say thanks to those that you know providing service above self.
Truckers have been working round the clock to keep our local businesses supplied and keep America moving. We wanted to thank them for this service by providing a hot breakfast on Good Friday.
This was a total community effort. We had 12 Rotarians participate and 10 non Rotarians who came out to volunteer. We also had 14 businesses and organizations donate or support the project in some way. All of the unused drinks and food were donated to the Ephrata Area Social Services food bank.
The drivers we met were from Quebec, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina and Indiana. Most of them had completed their deliveries and were heading off to Montreal, Virginia, Delaware, Florida and points unknown. A couple from Georgia had left home the week before and had planned on being on the road for weeks. By feeding these truckers in just 3-4 hours in Denver, PA, we definitely did our part to keep America running.
This project was the perfect representation of Rotary and living our motto of "Service Above Self". Rotary in known for bringing people together. Through the unlikely collaboration of organizations and companies, this became a total community effort. The Rotary Club used these new connections to seek donations. By wearing our masks during this time of the virus, we basically served anonymously. A true testimony to "Service Above Self".
The following is a Facebook post we received:
I just wanted to drop you a note to say that your rotary is a real class act. I am a truck driver from the Marietta area. I wasn't there for your free breakfast but it really brought a tear to my eyes to know that you cared so much. Thank you from truck drivers everywhere. This pandemic is horrible for everyone but maybe we needed this to allow us to reset and learn that taking care of one another is what really matters.
One of the things that we regularly do at our annual is recognize and give awards to individuals who have made significant contributions to the work of District 7390 over the years. Since our District Conference is cancelled I wanted to announce the recipients of the awards for this year and publicly thank them for their service to make our District and Rotary as a whole a stronger and better force for good in the world.
Our most distinguished award is the Service Above Self award which is given by the Board of Directors of Rotary International. There are only a few given out each year and I am pleased to tell you our recipient this year is Dr. Jess Socrates from the Rotary Club of Hanover. Jess has done amazing work for the past few years in providing funds to support efforts in the Philippines through a project called Operation Braveheart which has worked to provide heart operations for more than 140 children. For this work and for his numerous other contributions to his club, the District and RI, are pleased to give this award to Jess.
Our Life Time Achievement award recognizes someone who, over at least 25 years of service to Rotary, has contributed significantly to work of Rotary while at the same time modeling what it truly means to give Service Above Self. Our recipient for this year is a person who has shown both commitment and dedication to Rotary for almost 50 years at the Rotary Club of York and whose service has been exemplary. But the one of the most important characteristics of PDGDr. Ben Hoover is his modesty in all that he has done and continues to do. He has served not only Rotary but his community over the years first and foremost as a well-respected physician and but also as Board member and chair of a number of community organizations including York College. For all of this work, commitment and dedication, we are pleased to offer Dr. Hoover this recognition and award.
Our Outstanding Service Award is given to someone who has made an important but often little recognized contribution to the work of our District and Ed Hauck from the Rotary Club of Lancaster is just such a person. Ed is currently the chair of our Global Scholar and Peace Scholar awards committee. Each year Ed and his committee meet to select a person who will take graduate work at a University somewhere in the world in one of the Rotary six areas of service. In addition they would interview any candidates for our Rotary Peace Scholar award. The work of this committee is important since Rotary and our District combined provide a stipend of $30,000 for each Global Scholar. Ed has been more than diligent in following through with our recipients, seeing that the reports are due and caring for innumerable details. For all of this work and his support of our District we are pleased to recognize Ed with this award.
The Dogged Pursuit Award is given every year to a person who has, literally as well as figuratively pursued some goal on behalf of our District and has been persistent about achieving that goal. Steve Grubb, from the Rotary Club of Mechanicsburg North has shown such doggedness and persistence. Steve is the chair of our 4 Way Essay Contest which is held for Junior High School students each year. The students write an essay which reflects the theme of our 4 Way Test and what it means to them. Like the students of our 4 Way Speech Contest, these students learn about Rotary and can use this forum as a way to express their Service Above Self. Steve has, over the years, worked hard with these students and helped sustain this program on behalf of our District. For all that doggedness we are pleased to offer Steve this award.
Given that are not having a District Conference at which these awards would generally be presented, we will now give them out at their club meetings when we get back to normal. The dates for each of these awards will be announced in our District Newsletter.
Rotary International's Disaster Response Fund is providing up to $25,000 to Rotary districts throughout the world in response to local vital needs as a result of COVID-19. These needs include buying food for people who were laid off, buying PPE for first responders and medical providers, and whatever else is needed now.
The fund needs replenishing so we can continue to do good in the world.
My friend, Julia Phelps, is asking people to donate at least $25.00 to the disaster relief fund. I ask you to do so at this link: https://my.rotary.org/en/disaster-response-fund Just follow the easy instructions. You will need your credit card.
Please give in honor of Julia Phelps, since it was her idea.
Rotary is closely monitoring the pandemic of COVID-19, the illness caused by the novel coronavirus, and continuously assessing the potential impact on Rotary operations, events, and members.
Your health and safety are always our top priorities. Look below for information on Rotary activities that may be affected. We will update this page as new information becomes available.
In the near term, Rotary International recommends that districts and Rotary and Rotaract clubs meet virtually, cancel, or postpone meetings and events following the advice of national and local health officials.
Rotary encourages members and their families to take precautions to protect themselves from contracting the virus by: washing your hands often and thoroughly, putting distance between yourself and others if COVID-19 is spreading in your community, and staying home if you are sick.
Read how members are using ingenuity and flexibility to help people affected by coronavirus and to stay connected.
If your Club is holding on-line meetings, please send the meeting information to the District office at office@rotary7390.org. A list of the meetings is published on the District website. Click here! Enjoy!
By now the superlatives are wearing thin – unprecedented, unique, never seen anything like this and so on. Yet it is clear that we are living in a time which is clearly going to mark all of us for the rest of our lives – whether pre-COVID or post-COVID. And with normal life shut down, we are all struggling to adapt as best with can – for work, for family and for our communities.
In the midst of all this turmoil the work of Rotary continues. Indeed, we play an integral role in our communities and throughout the world and that work must continue. And from the top leadership of Rotary International down to the smallest clubs we are seeking ways to ensure that our work does intend go on. District Leadership has been invited to Zone meetings via Zoom. And in our own District, the District Governor line has been meeting regularly in order to address any number of issues. And it is the results of those meetings that I want to share with you now. So here goes:
As many of you know the RI Board of Directors made the difficult decision to cancel the Rotary International Convention in Hawaii scheduled for June. This is disappointing but understandable given that some 25,000 Rotarians from all over the world were scheduled to attend. Those who registered will get refunds through Rotary including the 38 who registered from our District.
As noted before our District Conference which would have been held May 1-2 is also canceled.
Because the District Conference is cancelled, the 4 Way Test Speech Contest and the 4 Way Test Essay contest will be conducted in a different manner which ensures recognition of the students involved and the work they did. More details on that will be forthcoming.
We have a number of students from various countries residing here in the US under our Youth Exchange Program. We also have a number of our US students living in other countries around the world. At this point in time, unless either the home District or the parents of the students in the US demand that they return home, our decision is to have them stay here. We currently have four students living abroad and we will also leave them there until the end of the school year unless their parents ask for them to come home.
Rotary International has offered Districts the ability to be more flexible with grant money which can be allocated for fighting COVID-19 or use the funds to support the Foundations Disaster Response Fund. Our Grant Committee will be looking at that issue when it meets on April 6th.
Part of our work at the District Conference was to have been the election of District Representatives to the RI Council on Legislation and the Zone 32 Nominating Committee. Those votes will now be done through the clubs. In the next couple of weeks Club Presidents will receive a notice and instructions on selecting a person in their club to vote and information on what they are voting for.
The Teacher Impact Awards Dinner, which we co-sponsor with WITF is also being postponed. Selection of teachers will take place and winners notified. Brief videos will be done by WITF for showing in the Fall. While there will be no dinner this year, all winners from 2020 will be recognized at the 2021 dinner.
There are a number of other awards that traditionally are given out at the District Conference. These include the Service Above Self Award, the Dogged Pursuit Award, the District Outstanding Service Award and the Lifetime Achievement Award. Individuals have been chosen for each of these awards and we will present them in their clubs when we are able to meet again in person.
Our wonderful Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) program, due to be held at Messiah College under the incomparable leadership of Gary Crissman for these many years, is also canceled. This was not an easy decision for the RYLA Board of Directors to make but there are just too many unknowns and uncertainties and I support their decision.
Staying in Touch. This is a critically important component in the weeks and perhaps months ahead. As I said, RI is keeping in touch with Districts. District 7390 Leadership is trying to keep in touch with each other. We now will plan some Zoom meetings in the next few weeks with Assistant Governors, District Advisory Council and Presidents and Presidents-elect. Notice for all those will be going out shortly. Information will also be sent out about how to conduct Zoom meetings for your clubs. Keep communication going in so many different ways…emails, Zoom or GoToMeeting, notes and so on…not forgetting the really old-fashioned method of actually calling some of your members on the phone to check in with each other! Do not let our clubs go dark or our work will come to a grinding halt and for the sake of the world, we cannot let that happen.
In February, 14 individuals, including four D7390 Rotarians, traveled to New Bern, N.C. for our second trip to rebuild homes damaged by Hurricane Florence. Again this year, Rotarian John Bailey provided his Rotary themed coach and Shipley Energy in York donated fuel for the trip. We worked on three homes and got deserving families closer to returning home. You can find more information and pictures from February on the Disaster Relief page of the District website. And mark your calendars for a third New Bern trip scheduled for February 2021. Pictured Rotarians Phil Lehman, Bill Dress, Peg Sennett and Robert Ihlen.
The Rotary Club of Mechanicsburg-North (RCMN) welcomes anyone interested in connecting to its 30 minutes on-line meetings to join them every Thursday from 8 AM – 8:30 AM. Speaker and connection information as well as recorded meetings can be found on the homepage of the RCMN website at https://www.mechanicsburgnorthrotary.org/ The meetings will also be advertised on the District Service Above Self Meetup group which allows any club in the District to post service activities, club meetings and fundraisers. Join at https://www.meetup.com/Service-Above-Self/. Contact club president Juliet Altenburg at DGJuliet2022@qrpc.com for more information or to recommend speakers!
Rotary Club of Mechanicsburg-North opens On-line meetings to all clubs and the Public
Rotary Means Business Events will be postponed until further notice given National Guidance regarding COVID -19 and the risks associated with large gatherings. Once the situation returns to normal, we will continue RMB and notices will be given regarding future events once again. Everyone stay safe and stay well.
Rotary Means Business Events Cancelled Until Further Notice
The 27th Annual Elizabethtown Rotary Golf Major will be held Thursday June 4, 2020 at Conestoga Country Club. Proceeds will again benefit countywide drug abuse prevention strategies plus many other regional needs the Elizabethtown Rotary Club supports. Click here for registration information!
The ROTARY CUP CLUB TOURNAMENT, in its 3rd year is being defended by the Mt. Joy Rotary Club. On one of the holes all men who contribute a small donation will be allowed to move to the forward tees (some call ladies’ tee) and put on a dress for a photo op for great fun! Women who donate will be allowed the same distance advantage.
The Rotary Club of Colonial Park and the Rotary Club of Colonial Park Foundation announces additional scholarships for 2020. In cooperation with the Harrisburg Area Community College three new scholarships have been established:
Fire Training Live Burn – Funding for each of the four fire companies in Lower Paxton and West Hanover Townships to conduct a full day of live-fire training. Crews practice different scenarios such as basement fires and attic fires. Teams rotate assignments from one scenario to the next so that all members have the opportunity to practice multiple roles.
Paramedic Tuition Giveaway – Six one thousand ($1,000) tuition giveaways for the noncredit Paramedic training program has been established for students attending HACC in the Paramedic program.
Scholarship College Credit Courses – Funds have been set aside to provide at least fifteen (15) scholarships for high school seniors from five school who have been accepted at HACC.
These are in addition to the sixteen (16) scholarships that will be awarded in May this year by the club totaling $68,000. Since the scholarship program started, the Rotary club has awarded $441,708 to high school seniors. With this year’s awards it brings the total scholarships awarded by the Rotary Club of Colonial Park to $509,708 since inception.
Rotary Club of Colonial Park Increases Scholarships for 2020
Both of Sherry Chroniger’s 6th grade social studies classes at St. Teresa of Calcutta in McSherrystown completed the Junior Achievement program, Our Nation, taught by Hanover Rotarian, Ralph Jodice. This 5 lesson program taught the 52 students about the free market economy, entrepreneurship and innovation, career clusters, getting and keeping the job, and global economic connections.
Uptown York Rotary Club thanks Collusion Tap Works for their generous donation of $250 to help end polio across the world! In December, Collusion brewed a special honey lemon pilsner, named "No Mo Polio" by Uptown York Rotary Club, with a portion of all sales benefiting End Polio Now.
Uptown York Rotary Club and Collusion Tap Works will be partnering on a larger scale in 2020 with a goal of raising even more money and awareness for the fight to end polio.
L to R: David Corman, Uptown York Rotary Club; Jared Barnes, Collusion Tap Works; Correll French and Zach Zimmerman, Uptown York Rotary Club.
Uptown York Rotary Club Partners with Collusion Tap Works to Raise Money to End Polio
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 accepting grant applications for its Community Giving grant program to support needs in our service area.
Grant applications will be accepted through March 31, 2020. Grantees can apply for two levels – up to $500 for programs that serve the UYRC service area and up to $1,000 for the programs that serve the UYRC service area and impact one of Rotary’s six areas of focus.
Grants approved by the Rotary Club of Uptown York are to support programs that service York and the York County community. We are particularly interested in supporting organizations whose best practices and initiatives support Rotary’s Six 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.
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 Six 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.
Join the Rotary Club of West Shore as we host Trivia Night for Literacy. Teams will compete to be crowned Trivia Master!
Winning teams will receive a grand prize including a refund of their entry fee!
Raffles and other fun contests will occur throughout the evening. Enjoy the great food and beverage from Arena Grill as well!
Create a team of 6 or 4. No worries if you don't have a full team. Purchase individual ticket and you will be placed on a team.
All proceeds from this fun night will go directly to our club's youth and literacy initiatives. Current and past projects include The Dictionary Project which provides dictionaries to local 3rd grade students and West Shore School District's Kindergarten program where every incoming kindergarten student in the District received their own copy of David Shannon’s book Duck on a Bike.
The Rotary Clubs of Mechanicsburg, Mechanicsburg North, and West Shore in partnership with the RMB Northern Tier Steering Committee hosted a superbly run and super successful 57th networking event at Buhrig’s Gathering Place on February 13 with roughly 60 Rotarians and guests attending from 12 clubs (Carlisle, Carlisle Sunrise, Hanover, Harrisburg, Harrisburg Keystone, Hershey, Mechanicsburg, Mechanicsburg North, Palmyra, Perry County, West Shore and York) representing all parts of District 7390.
One attendee indicated that “he thought the event was surprising and wonderful and he wants to talk about joining Rotary”. Another guest indicated he wanted to attend the Mechanicsburg North evening meeting as a result of his opportunity to attend a RMB networking event. Venue and event sponsors Buhrig’s Gathering Place, Ella Home Care, AMIRACLE4SURE, Front Street Financial, DenMark Business Solutions, Merlin Communications, Mother Hubbard’s Kitchen, and Capstone Land Transfer contributed greatly to the success of this no-cost event. Thank you to all hosting club presidents and Scott Stevens the event “Circle” master who along with RSVP master Alaine Keisling made this event the success it was.
Clearly, this event demonstrated the value of RMB in terms of membership development and retention and the fun and fellowship opportunities it provides. Well done all!
Thank You to our Sponsors!
Thank You to our Major RMB Sponsors
Successful RMB held in Mechanicsburg on February 13
“We were built for this.” It was just a few words, cast upon a sea of words spoken that evening. It was a few words that could easily have been lost in the hustle and bustle of the “to do” list that everyone gathered there had to accomplish. It was just a few words…but it encapsulated for me everything that I believe Rotary to be about and what it means as it challenges us for the future. “We were built for this.” It was Jeffry Cadorette, Rotary International Director and John Hewko, CEO of Rotary International who used those few words at a zoom gathering of District Governors and District Governors elect. Yes there was business to discuss; initiatives to be pushed; challenges to be laid down as we move toward the end of this Rotary year and prepare to begin a new one. But there were these few words which spoken above the blare of the evening’s business to offer us the most profound of visions for Rotary in the months and years to come as we move through this pandemic into the future which awaits us – “We were built for this.”
In my last article to the District, I spoke of the need to re-envision our future as Rotarians. I quoted RID Jeffry to illustrate that if Rotary were founded today, it would probably look nothing like it does at present. And we showed how this pandemic has changed our very modus operandi from its structured and formalized process into something that is already more dynamic and flexible yet still meets the needs of our members. And in the past few weeks, RID Jeffry has been charged with leading a Rotary International Board of Directors Task Force to help grasp this moment in time in which, with the challenges of the pandemic laid before us, Rotary can see how it needs to pivot both quickly and hard, to seize this moment and make the changes that are needed to move our organization into the future. “We were built for this” is both the theme and the thinking which underlies this Task Force and the challenge it lays before all of us for this organization which we love.
But now I realize that the challenge before us goes much deeper than just sustaining our clubs, our community outreach and our fundraising programs. Instead it stretches into the very heart of our communities, into the very being of our existence as members of those communities and as forces for change in the future. We are Rotarians, 1.2 million members strong. We are embedded deep into the life of our communities throughout the world. We represent all sectors, trades and businesses in our communities but more importantly we are leaders in our communities. In the coming months, governmental agencies and political groups will seek to rebuild our economy while other groups will help rebuild our healthcare system which has been stretched almost to breaking point. And in so many other ways, groups and individuals will help rebuild our shattered lives.
But for me the question is at once both simple and profound – who will help rebuild our local broken communities? Who will help heal the rifts and divisions which have been brought to the surface as a result of this pandemic? Who will reach out across the divide and support those in need regardless of race or creed or gender? Who will help rebuild a sense of community, a unity of mind and spirit which says we can and will make a difference in the lives of those around us? Who will do these things? Rotary and Rotarians – for this is who we are and this is what we do; indeed you could say that “We were built for this.” We know our communities better than anyone else. We know the strengths and weaknesses, the good and the bad, the joys and the sorrows of our communities. We know, and in many cases, we love, our communities. We care about what happens in our communities. And we seek the very best for our communities. And as Rotarians we are best positioned as community leaders to help rebuild, reform and reshape our communities into those places where the very best of our Rotary values are expressed, supported and affirmed. Remembering that the first word of our Rotary International Vision Statement is “Together” we will come together across the political, ethnic and class gaps which so often divide our communities and be models of how we can truly build a community based on care and service one for the other.
So while some will help rebuild our infrastructure and our economies, including many who are already a part of Rotary, I believe that at the local level we Rotarians need to concentrate on helping to rebuild our communities. And no one is better placed to do that than Rotarians. Whether in clubs large or small, whether in e-clubs or passport clubs, whether we meet in person or digitally, whether we are Interactors, Rotaractors or Rotarians we are one in Rotary spirit, living and working in our communities and, with the strength of Rotary International behind us, we can help rebuild our broken and shattered communities. This is our time. This is our call. This is our work. Indeed “We were built for this” and we can and will do this because above all - we are Rotarians and we will not rest until our work is done. Together we can and will change the world.
On Saturday March 28, 2020, the Rotary Club of Harrisburg Keystone will hold its 3rd Annual Capital City Cornhole Classic at Appalachian Brewing Company in Harrisburg. This indoor tournament will be a fun way to break cabin fever, compete with and against friends, and raise money to support our local community. Join us from 11:00 to 4:00!
Cash prizes will be awarded for: 1st, 2nd, and 3rd places. The prizes will start at the following levels and increase with more teams! 1st Place: $250 2nd Place: $100 3rd Place: $50
Team (2 players) registration is $50.00 includes an ABC craft beverage for each player as well as the buffet.
Spectator Tickets are $10.00 and include an ABC craft beverage as well as the buffet.
Each year every District in Rotary throughout the world holds a District Conference as required by Rotary International. But that sounds terribly cut and dried and honestly, not very exciting. So, following a trend over the past few years, District 7390 is trying to shake things up a little and present a program that is fun and exciting, educational and inspirational and, above all, both celebrates what we have done over the past Rotary year while at the same time looking forward to the challenges that still face us.
To that end the District Conference Committee, under its chair Rebecca Hanlon, has sought to put together a conference that should prove to meet our goal of engaging members further into the life of Rotary.
Our Theme With “A Legacy that Connects to the Future.” Taking some of the amazing history that is in York and connect it to the future of our Rotary efforts.
When and Where? We will meet on Friday evening at the York County History Center for a “Governor’s Reception.” The History Center is filled with a host of artifacts and displays that tell the story of York and its county. There will be heavy hours d‘oeuvres and refreshments with the ability to wander around the galleries and exhibits in the Center. But we will also have a special guest - General George Washington - who will tell us about his visit to York when the Continental Congress was there and that famous toast given by Lafayette.
After the Reception some may wish to go downtown (literally about 5 blocks) to join in the festivities for First Friday and Give Local York both of which celebrate the renewal and revitalization of York over the past few years.
Main Conference May 2 at Heritage Hills just off the Mt. Rose exit of Rt. 83.
Begin with Breakfast and the Fife and Drum Corp from Central York Middle School. Hear our dynamic speakers including Valarie Wafer, our incoming Zone representative on the International Board of Directors.
Join the panel discussion on the Alternative Meeting times concept for clubs and hear how they are growing.
After lunch, our amazing 4 Way Speech and Essay contests which always leave us inspired by the vision the students share with us.
Join us again for a second panel on issues facing our communities and therefore our clubs including Teen Suicide, Opioid Addiction, Gender Fluidity and Diversity and Inclusion.
The evening will feature a social time and a reception for Major Donors, followed by dinner with award presentations and club recognitions including our Rotary Youth Exchange students presenting a cultural evening with foods and goodies from their native lands - which will help support their end of year activities.
And to top the evening off you will not want to miss the performance from the Temple Guard, mostly Grade School kids under the auspices of the YWCA. They are phenomenal!
So come and join us for this exciting District Conference. May 1 and 2 in York Pa. Information about tickets, including early bird discounts and reduced fees for Rotarians under 40 can all be found here.
Through a Club Grant, the Rotary Club of Hanover provided New Hope Ministries of Hanover with a floor scale and two folding wire containers. The staff and volunteers have high praise for this new in-the-floor scale. Previously, volunteers had to physically push pallets onto an upgrade. With the new scale, pallets are moved onto the scale with a lift truck or hand jack, making the job less physical, more time efficient and much safer. In an average month, over 150,000 pounds of food are weighed and handled multiple times, serving between 800-900 households per month. That was a lot of pushing, pulling and heaving to get pallets of food onto the old scale. The durable, folding containers also improve the efficiency of operations, eliminating the need to store food in cardboard boxes that warp and become insecure. Pictured are Hanover Rotarians volunteering to prepare items for New Hope clients. Children of Rotarians also helped with the project.
Four more months of the 19-20 school year! This year has flown by. We still have many opportunities for you and your team.
Below are the upcoming volunteer opportunities in our one-day financial literacy, career readiness and STEM programs. The highlighted programs are those in which our need is the highest.
BizTown days for a few schools are included. All BizTown days are held at our York Office, 610 S. George St. Clearances are required to volunteer for the BizTown program. We will help each volunteer to apply for needed clearances.
In addition to the one-day programs listed below, we offer classroom programs at the elementary level that are five sessions and each session is 30-55 minutes. More information on classroom programs can be found below or by contacting Mary Reinhard MReinhard@jascpa.org
RI President-Elect Holger Knaack unveiled the 2020-21 Presidential Theme at the Club's Annual International Assembly held in San Diego, California on January 20, 2020. The theme ‘Rotary Opens Opportunities’, is encouraging Rotarians around the world to seize the many opportunities Rotary offers to enrich their lives and the communities in which they serve.
Knaack noted Rotary isn’t just a club for people to join, but rather “an invitation to endless opportunities,” He emphasized that Rotary creates pathways for members to improve their lives and the lives of those they help through service projects.
Knaack encouraged members to embrace change in order for Rotary to expand and thrive and suggested that Clubs should focus on keeping current members engaged and adding new members who are the right fit for their club. He remarked “we will capture this moment to grow Rotary, making it stronger, more adaptable, and even more aligned with our core values.”
RI PE Holger continued “we need to stop thinking of new members as people we can mark down as statistics and then forget about,” …“every new member changes us a little bit. That person brings a new perspective, new experiences. We need to embrace this constant renewal. We will grow stronger as we learn from new members.”
Knaack also wants to see more women in leadership roles and see Rotaractors play an integral role in how new clubs are formed and run. He said “we have to be open to new approaches, and creating unique clubs for younger people is just part of the solution,” ..“Let Rotaractors decide what kind of Rotary experience works best for them. These young people are bright, energetic, and they get things done.”
PE Holger also stated that “We will not let rapid change defeat us. We will capture this moment to grow Rotary, making it stronger, more adaptable, and even more aligned with our core values.”
Serving your community and having a great time never looked so good!
On a Monday when the Rotary Club of Harrisburg’s typical room was not available at the Hilton Hotel, an eager group of Rotarians invaded the Central PA Food Bank. Approximately 40 members were treated to a fine pizza and salad lunch then got directions on their two projects.
Two groups worked on stuffing boxes with bagged and canned goods while others stuffed envelopes for Food Bank mailings.
Multiple boxes were stuffed for ultimate distribution to seniors in the Central Pennsylvania region. From box prep all the way to box and envelope sealing, RCH members once again made a difference in the community.
Who stole the beans!?!?! Rotary Club of Harrisburg Provides Service on a Monday at the Central PA Food Bank!
Bruce Grossman, a member of the Rotary Club of Harrisburg, along with other members of the International Sking Fellowship of Rotarians, will be snow skiing or snowboarding at the Sun Valley Ski Resort, in the 2020 Higher Ground Challenge.
Grossman’s personal goal is to ski at least 30,000 vertical feet, starting at 9 a.m. that Wednesday January 29, 2020. He has successfully participated in previous such fundraisers.
He is asking for a financial pledge to the Davis Boyd Memorial Foundation, a 501(c)3 charitable organization. All donations are tax deductible and will directly benefit physically challenged Wounded Warrior Veterans through Higher Ground, an adaptive ski program in association with Sun Valley Adaptive Sports, along with support for similar programs around the world.
Please make checks out to the DAVIS BOYD MEMORIAL FOUNDATION. c/o Jeffrey Penza, 401 Woodbourne Avenue, Baltimore, Maryland 21212.
All contributors will receive an acknowledgment from the Davis Boyd Memorial Foundation for tax purposes.
Tammi Morris of York Habitat for Humanity described the organization as a volunteer driven, Christian-based housing ministry that builds safe, decent, and affordable homes in partnership with lower-income York County residents living in substandard housing. Funded mainly by private donations. With the completion of York Habitat’s 136th home in 2019, over 600 men, women, and children live in Habitat Homes in York County! Since 1985, York Habitat has created over $7.8 million worth of new or rehabilitated affordable housing, which generates more than $383,000 in tax revenue. Over 8,950 volunteers work with York Habitat annually.
In spring of 2020, York Habitat for Humanity will be opening our ReStore at the Queensgate Town Center! You will soon be able to shop for and donate gently used or new home furnishings, appliances, and home improvement materials at a fraction of the cost.
Photo L-R: Hunter Mink, President Rotary York East and Tammi Morris, Director of York Habitat for Humanity
Your I started the New Year with my 100th blood donation!!
I started my blood donations around 1985 because a coworker asked me if I would be interested. Funny, isn't it, that his ask turned into such a long-term commitment? (Isn't that the best way to get new Rotary members, too, by asking?)
My father had a history of donating blood on a regular basis, but was permanently deferred with his diabetes diagnosis around the same time that I started donating. I felt like I stepped into his shoes in that role. Subsequent hospitalizations of loved ones and their need for blood products cemented my resolve.
There were periods of time when I had temporary deferrals, even for as long as a year or two, but I was always looking forward to the time when I could go back to donating. I count myself as being very fortunate to have a health status that allows me to donate. While my donations have always been whole blood, I do see platelet donors when I'm at the Wellspan donation center. Platelet donation is a more time-consuming process that I hope to try after my retirement.
I have always donated through Wellspan at its donor center at Apple Hill. They have a wonderful staff who appreciate every donor, and the facility is very comfortable for the donors. There are snacks at the end, including freshly popped corn, even for us 8 AM donors. From time to time we see some of the staff out and about and stop and chat. Several of the retiring phlebotomists have become my clients.
When coworker blood donors were discontinuing the practice, my husband stepped up to the plate and started to donate with me. In Rotary year 2012-13, York-East club president Joe Hackett wanted to start making blood donations in the name of the club. Since that time all of mine and my husband's donations have been for the Rotary Club of York-East.
My husband was making fun of me for taking all these pictures. It’s not like you cured cancer, he said. No, I didn’t cure cancer, but I’m pretty sure I helped some people suffering from cancer. Besides, he’s just trying to catch up to me. He only has 56 donations! 44 more and he can get his name on the board!
The 37th Annual York Saint Patrick’s Day Parade will step off at 1 p.m. on Saturday, March 14, 2020, from Market and Penn Streets. Live streaming of the parade will be on WRCTV sponsored by the Penn Mar Irish Festival. Media Sponsor CBS 21 and Master of Ceremonies Mike Gorsegner will be announcing parade entries at the Kinsley Grandstand on Continental Square.
Leading the festive 2020 Celtic celebration will be Grand Marshal Patrick J. “Paddy” Rooney.
Paddy Rooney is a native of England, born and raised in London, but he cannot deny his Irish heritage. Indeed, with a name like Patrick Joseph John Rooney that would be hard to do! His paternal grandparents moved from Dublin to England between the wars to help build the city and his mother, while raised in an English institution still had something of the brogue. While working with youth programs in England in the early 70’s, Paddy visited Northern Ireland at the height of “the Troubles” to help develop similar youth programs there. Over the past few years he has hiked much of Western Ireland, climbed Croagh Patrick and visited Skellig Michael and other sacred places there. Paddy completed his undergraduate studies at St. Mary’s College, London; studied philosophy at Catholic University of America; has a master’s degree in Counseling from Shippensburg University and completed his Lutheran studies at Gettysburg Seminary. He has been married to Sally for 40 years and they have two grown children and two grandchildren.
The Reverend Patrick J. Rooney STS retired in February of 2012 having served as the Senior Pastor of historic Christ Lutheran Church (1733) in York. Prior to going to York, he had served in Dillsburg for 11 years and before becoming a Lutheran he was a member of a Roman Catholic Religious Order for 10 years. He has worked extensively in the human services field including serving as Special Assistant in the Department of Welfare and as President and CEO of a large non-profit entity serving the mentally ill and the developmentally disabled. For almost five years, he also served as the interim Executive Director for two local ecumenical agencies.
He has served as a member and chair of the City of York General Authority. He is currently Chair of the York County History Center and on the Board of the Farm and Natural Lands Trust. He has previously served on the board of the York County Literacy Council and as President of the York County Council of Churches. He has also served on the Candidacy Committee for the Lower Susquehanna Synod as well as the Ecumenical Affairs committee and the Worship Committee. He is the author of several published sermons for three different groups including 10 published by CSS under the title “The Perfect Sacrifice.”
Pastor Rooney is a founding member of the Society of the Holy Trinity (STS), a Lutheran Order and Ministerium, which now numbers almost 300 pastors in the United States and Canada. He served as Dean of the local chapter for 12 years, as General Secretary for 3 and in September of 2015 was elected Senior (General Superior) of the Society. He has taught widely across the US and Canada at all 23 of the Society chapters. Pastor Rooney has also taught in the OLLI program at Penn State York and at several retreats throughout the United States and Canada.
In his “retirement,” Pastor Rooney is an active member of the Rotary Club of York - the 22nd largest club in the world. He served as President of the club in 2016-17. In Rotary District 7390 he served as Team Leader for the Group Vocational Study Exchange team to Argentina in 2013. He has served on various District committees. He completed all three levels of Rotary Leadership Institute and now serves as RLI faculty and as faculty at Mid-Atlantic President elects training. He was awarded the RLI Faculty of the year award in 2019. Paddy is a Major Donor to the Rotary Foundation and a member of the Paul Harris Society. He has received the York Club’s President’s Certificate of Appreciation for Service Above Self and the Avenues of Service Citation. He serves as District Governor for District 7390 in 2019-20 and recently returned from a two-week trip to India where he attended and spoke in Delhi at a Rotary District Conference as well as in Kolkata for the Rotary club’s 100 anniversary celebration. Prior to his departure, he humorously noted, “So an Englishman, with an Irish name who is serving an American Rotary District as Governor is heading to India for what promise to be a trip of real experience. Rotary truly connects the world!”
37th Annual York Saint Patrick’s Day Parade Committee Announces 2020 Grand Marshal
Hanover Rotarians recently packed food bags for Ruth’s Harvest. Ruth’s Harvest ensures grammar school students in need of food go home on Fridays with enough meals to make it through the weekend. Ruth’s Harvest is one of the primary recipients for funds from The Rotary Club of Hanover’s largest fund raiser called Tastefest. Over the last 5 years, Tastefest has netted over $30,000 per year which the club pushes back out to the local community. Pictured here from left to right are Ralph Jodice, Rick McKee (holding the Rotary Coin). Judy Jodice and Tammy Miller.
Bell Socialization services has evolved and expanded to toady where 2,500 people are served each year through dozens of programs offering an array of housing and basic living supports. Many Bell programs are licensed and/or accredited to meet strict standards of quality care. With more than 50 properties throughout York and Adams counties, people using Bell services are an integral part of the greater community.
Bell Socialization Services is staffed by more than 250 employees and hosts hundreds of volunteers every year, including our Board of Directors. Bell offers programs and resources to help if you are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless. They not only help you secure a safe, affordable place to live, they provide the tools needed to live as independently as possible in the community. Pictured L-R: Hunter Mink, Rotary York East President and Averie Clark with Bell Socialization
Hello District leaders, Club Presidents, and fellow Rotarians. As your representative for the Council on Legislation and the Council on Resolutions (2017-2020), it is a pleasure to inform you that 33 Resolutions were considered in 2019 and from them, 26 were not approved. Therefore 7 Resolutions will pass to the RI Board or TRF Trustees for their consideration. RI Board and THF Trustees have the discretion to accept and implement these approved resolutions. The Council on Resolutions (COR) meets online each year.
If any Rotary Club would like to participate in the Council on Resolutions in 2020, please read the information below:
Council on Resolutions
Rotary International’s Council on Resolutions meets online each year to vote on proposed resolutions submitted by clubs, districts, the RI Board, and the general council or conference of RIBI and any urgent enactments proposed by the RI Board. Adopted resolutions are then considered by the RI Board or the TRF Trustees. Every district designates a representative to the Council on Resolutions and every club and district may propose resolutions. If your club or district is considering proposing a resolution for the Council on Resolutions, please follow the guidelines below.
Deadline to Submit Resolutions
Proposed resolutions from clubs and districts for the Council on Resolutions must be received by Rotary International on or before 30 June prior to the Council on Resolutions, including the governor’s confirmation of endorsement. There are no exceptions to the deadline.
Proposing Resolutions
Resolutions are expressions of opinion of the Council. They can be submitted to the Council on Resolutions by clubs, districts, the RI Board, and the general council or conference of RIBI. However, a resolution proposed by a club must also be voted on, or endorsed, by the clubs in its district at its district conference, a district legislation meeting, or through a ballot-by-mail, before it can be submitted to Rotary. Resolutions must be submitted by 30 June through the online form found on the Councils page of My Rotary.
You never forget the teacher who makes a difference…
Do you know a math teacher who has a special way of making learning numbers fun for students? Or a science teacher who opened new world for your child? Nominate an extraordinary teacher for the 2020 Teacher Impact Awards!
WITF is proud to partner with Rotary District 7390 to present the Teacher Impact Awards supported by Franklin & Marshall College.
We all know teachers who have gone the extra mile to make a difference in the lives of their students. This program is designed to recognize and celebrate seven K-12 teachers in public and private schools in the Rotary District’s seven county area which include:
Adams
Cumberland
Dauphin
Lancaster
Lebanon
Perry
York
A committee of Rotary and WITF staff will review nominations and produce a special compilation television program featuring the outstanding teachers that will air on WITF TV. The top teachers will also be honored at a banquet in May 2020.
Celebrate an outstanding teacher by completing the nomination form online or download and print the form to email to teacherimpactawards@witf.org. All forms must be received by February 28, 2020.
Forms can also be mailed to:
Debra Riek Education Director, WITF 4801 Lindle Road Harrisburg, PA 17111
Let’s gather together in the Home of the Articles of Confederation of the United States to celebrate, learn, and explore the value of being a Rotarian.
The day and a half conference will open on Friday evening with a private reception for all registered members and guests at the York History Center. Heavy hors d'oeuvres and 2 drink tickets are included.
The conference continues Saturday with outstanding programs that will INSPIRE you, inform you, motivate and entertain you throughout the day and into the evening. Check out the abbreviated Conference Schedule below.
ARE YOU UNDER 40? WE HAVE A SPECIAL OFFER FOR YOU!
As an incentive to INSPIRE younger Rotarians to experience the long-term value of a District Conference, we are offering a 40% discount off the registration fee for Rotarians under the age of 40. Please use promo code U40D when registering on the web.
REMEMBER...REGISTER EARLY FOR EXTRA VALUE AND SAVINGS
The early registration fee for the full conference is $140. The regular registration fee after February 15, 2020 will be $155. There are also options to attend portions of the Conference on the registration page.
SPECIAL ROOM RATES ARE AVAILABLE!
If you would like to reserve a room at Heritage Hills, please call 1-877-782-9752. Tell them you are with the Rotary District 7390 Conference. Rooms are $119 per night.
Check out the abbreviated Conference Schedule below. Check back often as more information will be added!
Conference Schedule
Friday, May 1, 2020
3:00 p.m. - Past District Governors' (PDG) Meeting - By invitation only.
5:45 p.m. - Registration opens at The York History Center (250 East Market Street, York) for all attendees.
6:00 p.m. - Opening Reception featuring heavy hors d'oeuvres and 2 drink tickets.
8:30 p.m. - Adjourn - Enjoy first Friday in the City of York.
11:15 a.m. - Session #3 - Alternative Meetings Panel Milton - Lead by AG Kevin Engle
12:15 p.m. - Lunch Buffet - Presentation by Red Lion/Dallastown Interact
1:45 p.m. - 4-Way Test Essay Winner Presentation & 4-Way Test Speech Contest
3:15 p.m. - Break
3:30 p.m. - Session #4 - Preparing for the Future – Panel discussion on how clubs can address topics surrounding diversity and inclusion, the opioid epidemic, and gender fluidity.
5:00 p.m. - Break
5:00 p.m. - Major Donor Reception - By Invitation Only
This year we have not one, but two representatives of Rotary District 7390 heading to the Rotary International Assembly in San Diego. Past District Governor Una Martone will join DGE John Anthony and hundreds of incoming District Governors from around the world for a one week immersion training event and celebration.
Una will be in the role of Training Leader. In fact, she is one of 40 Training Leaders selected from around the world to participate; she is one of only 26 NEW training leaders; and one of a dozen who only speak English. Una is the first and only female ever invited to serve in this role from District 7390. There is no application process to become a Training Leader, it is by invitation only and being invited is a coveted honor.
As a Training Leader, Una has been studying and preparing for several months. She will participate in a one week practice camp before the District Governors arrive and then she’ll start facilitating their sessions and participating in ceremonies and celebrations. Una and John will share details and news from San Diego on social media while they’re away. Stay tuned to the district Facebook page for posts and pictures.
Our Daily Bread, located in York, Pa. is a soup kitchen next to St. Mary’s Church that provides breakfast and lunch Monday through Friday for anyone who comes in. Members of the Rotary Club of York-East has volunteered at Our Daily Bread for over 20 years.
Pictured Left to Right: John Schmidt, Jim Walters, Tim Koller, Morrie Hooper, Jamie Binko and Matt Binko (not pictured)
York-East serves lunch to those who would otherwise do without
The Rotary Club of York has announced the availability of approximately $20,000 in grants for York County 501(c)3 organizations which directly impact underprivileged, abused, neglected or handicapped children and youth. The area of focus for this year’s grants is ABUSE OR EXPLOITATION OF CHILDREN. The club is looking for creative and innovative applications in this area.
The Rotary Club gives for a specific program or project. It does not offset general overhead expenses, salaries, or capital fund drives. Program grants will be awarded in the $2,000 - $10,000 range with special consideration for larger grants up to $15,000.
NEW for this year, an INFORMATION SESSION will be offered for organizations to attend prior to completing the application to better prepare the application, select appropriate project, and provide opportunities for possible collaboration between organizations. This will be held on Wed. Jan 15, 2020 from 4:00 – 5:00 pm at the Cultural Alliance office (14 W. Market St. York). Rotarians Glenn Smith and Kelley Gibson will provide the information. Pre-registration will be requested to the Rotary office by January 10, 2020 at bert@yorkrotary.org or 717-848-1370.
The application form is available from the club website at https://yorkrotary.org/downloads. Interested organizations may also contact the Rotary Club’s executive coordinator, Bert Oberdick, at 848-1370 or email bert@yorkrotary.org for more information.
If you are interested in participating Sunday February 23 – Saturday February 29 in a mission trip to New Bern – deadline for registering is January 20th. Free transportation provided by Bailey Coach. Volunteer housing cost is $125/person. We will work with Fuller Center Disaster ReBuilders; they provide volunteer housing/meals, skilled construction leadership, tools and qualified projects. Contact Peg Sennett, 717-630-8281, pegsennett@hotmail.com
SIGN-UP DEADLINE FOR DISASTER BUILD IN NEW BERN N.C.
The dates below represent the events that are in need of more volunteers than we would like to see at this point in the glide path. With over 125 one day events this school year we know we are going to end up with some events that, even after all of our recruiting efforts, are posing a challenge. The following one day events in the Red Zone are in need of many more volunteers!
If you are already signed up for some of these events, thank you! If not, I hope you will consider joining us and as always, please share these opportunities with your colleagues, friends and neighbors. You are the BEST ADVOCATES we have and we cannot do this without you!
Event
Date
School
Volunteers Needed
YES
Friday, January 24, 2020
Landisville Middle School (Lancaster)
17
STEM
Wednesday, January 29, 2020
William Penn Senior High School (York)
11
YES
Tuesday, February 4, 2020
Lincoln Middle School (Lancaster)
19
* this is not a complete listing of all events in the next 30 days…
STEM = Science Technology Engineering and Math focused Summit for 9th and/or 10th graders
REAL Life= Financial Literacy focused Forum for 11th and/or 12th graders
YES = Career Readiness, Financial Literacy and Entrepreneurship for 6th, 7th and 8th graders
The Rotary Club of York’s Student Education Committee recently awarded numerous scholarships totaling $ 18,000.
Pictured L-R: 2018-19 RCY President Bryan Tate, Dejuan Gibbs ($ 2,000 Charles & Alma Diehl Scholarship, William Penn High School graduate studying Engineering at Temple University), Hudson Smith ($ 1,000 Arlington Kahley Rising Musician Scholarship, York Suburban High School graduate studying Music Education at Millersville University), Jacob Landis ($ 8,000 Mangold Scholarship, West York High School graduate studying Aerospace Engineering at Georgia Tech), Jordan Futrell ($ 4,000 James C. and Carrie B. Bush Scholarship, Susquehannock High School graduate studying Pre-Med at Penn State), Brooke Breon ($ 3,000 John T. and Paige S. Smith Scholarship, Northern York High School graduate studying Agriculture Business at Lancaster Bible College) and RCY Student Education Committee Chair Diane Merino.
$1,800 awarded to “Non-Traditional Student” Scholarship recipient Brandi Janicki.
Pictured L-R: 2019-20 District Governor Paddy Rooney, Non-Traditional Student Scholarship Recipient Brandi Janicki (HACC – York student studying Business/Applied Science), HACC York Campus Vice-President and RCY member Darryl Jones, and 2018-19 RCY President Bryan Tate.
$ 2,200 awarded to “Non-Traditional Student” Scholarship recipient Juanita Baxter.
Pictured L-R: 2019-20 RCY President Josh George, RCY Student Education Chair Diane Merino, Non-Traditional Student Scholarship Recipient Juanita Baxter (Penn State York student working towards her Bachelor’s degree in Human Development and Family Studies), and Penn State York Chancellor and RCY member David Christiansen.
Greetings and Happy New Year! As the New Year starts, preparations for the District 7390 Rotary Four-Way Test ESSAY Contest shift into high gear. Hopefully, you are in touch with the schools in your service area and the ninth-grade students are familiar with the contest and deadlines. All of the details for this year's contest can be found here, but keep reading for a few reminders:
Make sure you have collected essays from the participating schools so that your club can evaluate each essay and pick a winner. Evaluation and judging is recommended to occur in mid to late February so you can announce your club winner by the deadline set for your club's entry in the district contest.
Make sure you have submitted your club's winning essay to the district office no later than MARCH 9, 2020.
We had such a great group of essays last year and cannot wait to see what the students have in store for us this year! As always, please feel free to contact Steve Grubb (stevengrubb@comcast.net) with any questions about the contest.
Hanover’s club President, Craig Aiello, and Rotary Foundation Committee Chair, Bob Miller, present Hanover Rotarian and District Governor Nominee, Greg Staub, with a multiple Paul Harris Fellowship pin.
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 seventh, and final, in a series of brief reflections on the Rotary International Vision Statement
across the globe, in our communities and in ourselves.
Having grappled with the issue of “lasting change” we turn to find that this change cannot be isolated let alone ignored for it touches us in every corner of lives first as human beings and secondly as Rotarians. In this final reflection on our Vision Statement we see how that “lasting change” of which we spoke before is clearly all encompassing. Change is all around us but at the same time we are a part of the change. Everything about our lives is subject to change beginning with our physical nature as we grow and age but also moving to the world around us as we see in our rapidly changing cultures, the transformation of roles in society, the upheavals in our political and social landscapes and so much more. Very little is stable and much is in flux. But then we Rotarians come along and add to the change. We have already said that we are not content to simply live in a world where things are wrong but that we roll up our sleeves to change it, fix it and make it better. We have already said that we are not content to live in isolation, separated one from the other but rather that we unite together to take action and change many situations so that it makes a better life for many. And we are not constrained by the distance of space for we see the whole world as that which offers us the opportunity to serve.
That is why this change we seek is first of all across the globe. Whether in the more remote parts of this world or in areas teeming with life, we Rotarians have sought out projects, programs and missions that will enable us to make a positive change in the lives of so many. There are no boundaries that can hold us back, although political strife and conflict makes it difficult at times to finish projects such as our fight against polio. But where there is a need, where there are people who cannot live full lives because of disease or bad water or the lack of economic development anywhere in the world, we Rotarians are willing to step in and bring about lasting change.
But we are also firm in our commitment to our local communities. One of the things I like about Rotary is that we do not say, for example, that I am from the York Rotary but rather that I am part of the Rotary club of York which means I am part of the community. We live in communities; many of us love the communities in which we live. So we also want to make our communities better, bring about lasting change in them as well so that the lives of those who live in that community are improved in so many different ways.
And finally there is change in us. We Rotarians cannot do what we do without it having an impact on our very being. Many an author has pointed out that volunteering, giving of ourselves, or helping others is a powerful, life-changing experience. When we understand the power of such service to others above ourselves we provide an opportunity for that lasting change to take place in us. Having been touched by the work we do in schools, community programs to serve those in need, or clean water projects in a land we may never see, we are changed and we can never ever go back to being complacent. We are changed forever.
In has been said by the prophets of old that “where there is no vision, the people perish” and that is most certainly true for us. Rotary has given us a vision of what we can do, what we are called to do, what is indeed at the heart of our very identity. I am proud to be a Rotarian with a vision for the future found in this statement. May it guide us all in our Rotary journey and in our Rotary lives.
Join us on Saturday, February 15, 2020 at Messiah College (One College Avenue, Mechanicsburg) for the Rotary Listens Leadership Summit (AKA District Training Assembly). The summit will inspire Rotarians to achieve more by listening better! The cost is $30 per person and includes a hot buffet breakfast and luncheon. The day will be begin at 7:30 a.m. and conclude by 1:30 p.m. Find more information and register here!
Rotary Listens Leadership Summit - February 15, 2020
Following the September 2017 hurricane in Puerto Rico, D7390 Rotarians donated $30,386 specifically for Puerto Rico. Over these many months we have searched for a project that met our requirements for documentation and credibility. We have located such a project and are excited that your donations will benefit many.
Begun as a lending library by community activist Jane Stern in 1974, the Jane Stern Dorado Community Library in Puerto Rico quickly became a bilingual learning center for language, literacy and after-school programs as a 501C (3) non-profit corporation. The Library system emphasizes learning programs for adults, teens and children; early education play areas with books and toys; computers and reliable internet access for digital resources. They serve as school libraries during the day, and are open to the surrounding communities from 3:00pm to 6:00pm.
The D7390 donation will support operating expenses for two of the Program’s satellite libraries in Toa Baja and in Mameyal that were forced to move to new facilities following the hurricane. Our contribution will provide operating funds for the 2019-2020 school year and the first semester of 2020-2021. The Jane Stern Library was awarded The U.S. Library of Congress Literacy Award in 2019 for implementation of best practices in literacy promotion. The Library was also a finalist for the U.S. National Medal for Museum and Library Service; IMLS awards high honors to institutions that make significant and exceptional contributions to their communities.
The Library will keep us posted on their activities and will give us Major Sponsor recognition at the Library’s main entrance and at every event. We will also be recognized through their website, social media, and print material. WE ARE INVITED TO THEIR GALA EVENT TO BE HELD ON MARCH 21, 2020 AT THE RITZ CARLTON RESERVE IN DORADO BEACH P.R. IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN ATTENDING, CONTACT PEG SENNETT (pegsennett@hotmail.com) FOR MORE INFORMATION.
FUNDS COLLECTED FOR PUERTO RICO DISASTER RELIEF HAVE BEENDISBURSED TO THE JANE STERN COMMUNITY LIBRARY
Rotary Club of Mount Joy invites you to make a difference. Mount Joy is a great place to call home and a great place to do business. As a member of the Rotary Club of Mount Joy you can help make it even better.
Civic Organizations are one of the driving forces behind community events and improvement projects. They also have broader missions to assist national and global initiatives. Do you want to be part of the solution?
The Rotary Club of Mount Joy invites you to learn more. Regular club meetings are held weekly on Tuesdays at 12:15PM. Find us at The Gathering Place in Mount Joy. An alternative meeting is held weekly on Thursday evenings at Twisted Bine on Main Street in Mount Joy. Visit us from 5:30PM to 6:30PM.
For more information about the Club, or any of its projects, review the Mount Joy Rotary Club’s Facebook page or contact Greg Sallade at 717-648-0510.
AJ Wildey was a Global Grant Scholar to Peru in 2014-15. Below is a letter we received from her!
I met a fellow Rotarian down here in Lima, Peru the other day and got to talking about my participation in the scholarship program. It was such a great experience, and it has shaped so much of what I’m doing these days. After finishing my degree in Anthropology with a certificate in Biocommerce and Sustainable Development, I started a business specialized in Peruvian cacao and chocolate. My Master’s investigation was focused on the value chain articulation of cocoa farmers in the rural jungle of Peru and I saw that, while there were many government programs incentivizing farmers to sow cocoa, these programs weren’t solidifying commercial connections for the farmers. So I decided to fill that gap! And so El Cacaotal was born. It’s essentially an edible library of Peruvian chocolate (and most recently, coffee, too!). I work directly with around 40 different cacao and chocolate producers and have about 200 chocolates in the collection so far. We highlight the origins of every chocolate bar and have pictures of the farmers and chocolate makers posted all around the shop, this way our visitors can put a face to a (chocolate bar) name.
The shop has been a huge success; Peruvian chocolate has been booming since winning an international chocolate competition in 2015, but there was no one talking about the farmers and origins behind the chocolate. Now people from around the world (and around Peru!) visit us for a sweet chocolate education.
In October, I took Peruvian chocolate international. My coffee partner and I did a chocolate and coffee pairing tour in 3 cities in Chile, and it was a resounding success! So successful that we will be repeating it on the East Coast this January! For now, we have venues in Boston, NYC and NJ set. But it dawned on me that perhaps the 7390 District might be interested in having us by? I would love to share how far the Global Grant has taken me!
I will always be grateful for the opportunity that Rotary International offered me, and will never forget your unwavering support of me—it was fundamental.
The goal was $15,000. The final tally was $20,000 – simply amazing thanks to the support of local businesses and generous sponsorships of Rotarians!!
The Rotary Clubs of Carlisle and Carlisle Sunrise hold an annual holiday dinner and fundraising event every December at the Comfort Suites in Carlisle. Each year the two Club Presidents identify one project or organization to be the focus of the auction. Selected this year was the Domestic Violence Services of Cumberland and Perry Counties (DVSCP), an organization attempting to raise $100,000 to upgrade their 30-day emergency shelter that was built in the 1930’s. Having set a goal of $15,000, this year’s auction raised $20,000, exceeding the goal by 33%.
Rotarians were pleased to welcome District Governor Paddy Rooney to the event. He began by challenging everyone in attendance to support this very worthy organization, recognizing the important services it provides to our community. Also in attendance were several representatives of the DVSCP staff including the Executive Director, Barbara Kohutiak, and Board President Jodi Bezanilla. Both expressed deep gratitude to the Rotary Clubs for their generous support.
Prior to the auction, $9,000 had been raised in sponsorships by Rotarians. The actual auction raised $11,000 thanks to having over 100 donated items to support both a silent and live auction during the dinner. Keys to success were the live auctioneers Ben Prescott, President of the Carlisle Sunrise Club and Dan Monken, Past President of the Carlisle Rotary Club. Their efforts in auctioning just 13 items raised over half of the funds. Additionally, over $400 was raised through brags thanks to the efforts of our two brag masters Jim Nolan and Brad Griffie.
A traditional highlight of the dinner is recognition of this year’s Rotary award recipients. The Carlisle Sunrise Club selected Bill Solomon to receive the “Buzz Coho Distinguished Service Citation.” The Carlisle Rotary Club selected Cindy Gleim-Pool to receive their “Four Way Test Award”.
Pictured From right to left: Rotary Club Presidents Becky Morgenthal and Ben Prescott present DVSCP Executive Director Barbara Kohutiak and Board President Jodi Bezanilla with a check for $20,000 to upgrade their 30-day emergency shelter.
Carlisle Auction Exceeds Goal for Domestic Violence Services of Cumberland and Perry Counties
We are very excited about our restaurant book for 2020! Our books are beautifully designed. We have a total of 20 restaurants that are participating.
A lot more than last year, but they are the same price as the books we sold for 2019.
The restaurants featured in our book for 2020 are the following: The First Post, Left Bank, Wyndridge Farm, Crostwater Distillery, Seven Sports Bar & Grill, The Great American Saloon, Moonlight Cafe, Roosevelt Tavern, The Staub’s Landing, John Wright Restaurant, Moon Dance Winery Cider House & Taproom, Tutoni’s Restaurant, Hamir’s Indian Fusion, The Cantina York, Viet Thai Cafe, The Eagle’s Nest Restaurant, Avenue Ale House & Pizza Loft, Aviano’s Corner Trattoria, Southside Cafe, Rocoto- Peruvian & Mexican Grill
The books are only $40!!! The savings are incredible! They will make great holiday gifts for family, friends, or coworkers. We are currently taking orders for the books. We are only printing and selling 400. We are not able to print more if we run out.
The Rotary Club of York sponsored the summer Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports program at York High. The students in the program did weekly community service projects for various non-profit organizations. One of the projects was to make blankets and assemble care bags for the American Red Cross “Totes of Hope” Program. The “Totes of Hope” are given to homeless veterans and veterans in VA hospitals. The students made 23 blankets that were placed in “Totes of Hope” bags along with toiletries, socks, and a puzzle book.
On November 21, 2019, the students were awarded the Youth Impact Red Cross Hero Award by the South Central Pennsylvania Chapter of the American Red Cross for their work with the “Totes of Hope” Program. The Rotary Club of York donated the funds to purchase the blankets and Rotarians helped and interacted with the students at every blanket making session.
Some of the students in the program have recently been relocated to the mainland of the United States from Puerto Rico after losing their homes to Hurricane Maria. Providing the blankets to homeless veterans is a project that is very close to their hearts.
John Kramb, presented Major Donor Awards to John and Carol Petrie and Tom and Kathy Burson at a presentation during the club meeting of November 20th. The Major Donor Award recognized those who have made significant cash donations cumulatively to The Rotary Foundation typically over a period of time through multiple Paul Harris Fellow donations. John and Tom have been member of the Rotary Club of Mechanicsburg for 20 and 34 years respectively and have passionately supported The Rotary Foundation from the beginning.
The Paul Harris Fellow recognition acknowledges individuals who contribute, or who have contributions made in their name, of US$1,000 to The Rotary Foundation of Rotary International. It was established in 1957 to show appreciation for and encourage substantial contributions to what was then the Foundation’s only program, Rotary Foundation Fellowships for Advanced Study which later became the Ambassadorial Scholarship and is currently the Global Grant Scholarship Program. The Flondation has expanded to support many activities including Polio Plus, Global and District Grants and more.
District 7390 Foundation Chair, John Kramb, presented Major Donor Awards to John and Carol Petrie and Tom and Kathy Burson at a presentation during the club meeting of November 20th.
Carol and John Petrie (left), District 7390 Foundation Chair, John Kramb (center), Tom and Kathy Burson (right)
Mina Edmondson, Director of Martin Library, told us how rewarding it was for the library to receive the 2019 Library of the Year in Pennsylvania. Located at the corner of Market and Queen Streets since 1935, this city landmark has three levels of collection, program and gathering spaces. Here you can find the largest collection of books in York County, research expertise, over 70 computers, and learning experiences for all ages. Programs in the Children’s Library meet state standards for early childhood education and support students' individual growth. The Teen Forum provides a space for teens to have fun, explore opportunities, discuss issues and construct their futures. Pictured Left to Right: Mina Edmondson, Director and Hunter Mink, President Rotary York East
Hanover President, Craig Aiello, and Hanover Foundation Chair, Bob Miller, present Ellie Rebert with a Multiple Paul Harris Fellow pin at a recent meeting.
“The Four Way Speech Contest held by the Harrisburg Rotary Club was the best yet! Thanks to new leadership in the Rotary Four Way Committee, we saw record involvement and more powerful speeches than in previous years,” says Club President Joyce Libby.
This year, new Rotarian Toni Lynn Mark took over the Four Way Speech Contest committee. Toni said, “I genuinely find great joy in collaborating with others to build something powerful. I try to say “yes” whenever I can because I have seen what magic can happen when you bring together great people. So, when past president Andy Rebuck asked me to join Rotary in April 2019, I said yes. Then, when current President Joyce Libby asked me to run the Rotary Four Way speech contest only a few months later, I said yes again.”
Although Toni played a lead role in the speech contest, she notes that she couldn’t have done it without help. Toni said, “Although she’ll never take credit for it, President Joyce Libby and I took this on together. As professional career-driven mothers, she and I hit it off immediately, and we would often call each other after a school visit just to chat about the courage of the students. We rooted for them like they were our own. She made it easy to pull this together, even if I had only been a Rotarian for just a few short months. It reminded me that good leadership is something that should never be taken for granted.”
By visiting three local schools, almost 20 students expressed interest in and started to prepare speeches for the Four Way Speech Contest. Toni and Joyce worked extensively with the students and visited weekly to further refine and polish the speeches. When it came down to deciding, Toni and Joyce had 12 thoughtful and well-developed speeches to choose from. Choosing the final six was difficult. Toni described, “The students were so brave to share their personal struggles, and I felt honored to be the recipient of their message. I wanted to give the students and fellow Rotarians the same moving experience I had when I heard them stumble through their speeches for the very first time.”
The speech contest was held in the presentation auditorium at Toni’s institution, Harrisburg University of Science and Technology. This room allowed students to speak in a professional environment in front of friends, classmates, family and Rotarians. Additionally, it was livestreamed to any of those that could not make it, including the families of the speech contestants.
Harrisburg Rotarians were impressed with the high caliber of the student speeches. Toni notes “After the speech contest, I was incredibly proud of the students. To share such personal journeys to so many strangers was a brave act. As they beamed with pride as countless Rotarians congratulated them, I knew I was able to help facilitate something special. That was the power of saying “Yes”.”
We look forward to seeing how our Club’s three contestants fair in the mid-levels and, hopefully, the finals!
BREAKING NEWS: Tsahai took first place and will advance to the finals. Gabrielle took 3rd. Congratulations to our winners and all who participated.
The Rotary Club of Harrisburg’s speech contest was conducted in a lecture hall of Harrisburg University.
Folks in the image, from left to right: Judge Dr. John “Ski” Sygielski, President, Harrisburg Area Community College – Rotarian; Student Junior Rodriguez – Harrisburg High; Judge Douglas “Doug” Fisher, Business Coach, Author and Instructor at Central Penn College & Past Toast Master Extraordinaire; Student Tsahai Johnson (winner) – Sci Tech; Student Gabrielle Mendoza (2nd place) – Harrisburg High; Judge Virginia “Ginny” Roth, President, PPO&S – Rotarian; Student Amina Hall (3rd place) - Cougar Academy; Student Alice Fuentes – Cougar Academy; Student Johnise Barber – Cougar Academy
Toni L. Mark Four Way Speech contest chair, Harrisburg University – Rotarian.
A New Rotary Club of Harrisburg Member’s Engagement with Four Way Speech Contest Becomes a Winner for Many
The Rotary Club of Paradise invites music lovers of all ages to enjoy an evening of bluegrass and storytelling from critically acclaimed Travis Wetzel. Travis can be seen and heard almost every week on the Grand Ole Opry stage, but he’ll be in Lancaster, PA on December 8. Travis will be performing traditional and original music along with a few surprises including audience requests during the second half of the show. It’s a show you won’t want to miss!
With a successful disaster rebuild trip to N. Carolina this past July, we will return to New Bern N.C. Sunday February 23 - Saturday February 29, 2020. This past July seven D7390 Rotarians, along with eleven other folks, travelled free of cost on a Bailey Coach bus for a week of restoring homes severely damaged by Hurricane Florence in 2018. No previous skills required, home repair experience helpful. Open to Rotarians and non-Rotarians. Minimum age 16. Volunteer housing cost is $125/person. We will again work with Fuller Center Disaster ReBuilders; they provide volunteer housing/meals, skilled construction leadership, tools and qualified projects.
This trip we will also need a 'scribe', a person to take pictures, talk with home owners, write a story. Interested?
Do you have a passion for serving families in need? Got additional questions? Ready to sign up? Contact Peg Sennett, 717-630-8281, pegsennett@hotmail.com. Registration required no later than January 20th. Space may be limited, indicate your interest promptly.
SIGN UP FOR RETURN DISASTER BUILD IN NEW BERN N.C.
PDG John Kramb (L) and PDG Kevin Cogan (R) flank PDG and Zone 32 Endowment/Major Gifts Advisor Knut Johnsen (D-7210) to announce the results of the Million Dollar Journey at the Annual Foundation Dinner on Nov 6. The one year campaign to raise funds for the Rotary Foundation of Rotary International resulted in $906,742 in cash and $744,000 in Bequests for a total of $1,650,742 for the campaign from District 7390 Rotarians. The District leadership wishes to thank all who gave to the Foundation this year to make the Million Dollar Journey a huge success.
The Annual District 7390 Rotary Foundation dinner was held Wednesday, November 6 with approximately 185 Rotarians and guests in attendance. The Rotary Foundation giving awards from 2018-19 were presented. Congratulations to the following Clubs!!
The Rotary Club of Gettysburg received a Global Grant Service Streamer for their work on Water & Sanitation in India. Pictured L-R: PDG John May, Mike Hansen, DRFC John Kramb.
The following Clubs had the highest annual fund giving during the 2018-2019 Rotary year: York, Harrisburg, Lancaster. Pictured L-R: Joyce Libby (Harrisburg), Tom McCracken (York), PDG Knut Johnsen, Rotary Foundation Trustee Brenda Cressesy, PDG John May.
The following Clubs had the highest total Foundation Giving during the 2018-2019 Rotary year: Mechanicsburg-North, Harrisburg, York. Pictured L-R: Joyce Libby (Harrisburg), Tom McCracken (York), Juliet Altenburg (Mechanicsburg-North), PDG Knut Johnsen, Rotary Trustee Brenda Cressey, PDG John May.
The following Clubs had the highest annual fund per capita giving in the 2018-2019 Rotary year: Harrisburg-Keystone, Harrisburg, Mechanicsburg. Pictured L-R: Joyce Libby (Harrisburg), Sophia Pischnak (Harrisburg-Keystone), PDG Knut Johnsen, Rotary Trustee Brenda Cressey, PDG John May, John Petrie (Mechanicsburg).
The following Clubs achieved an average of $100 in per capita giving and 100% participation, with every dues-paying member contributing at least $25 to any or all of the following during the Rotary year: Annual fund, Polio Plus fund, approved global grants or the Endowment fund. Carlisle-Sunrise, Eastern York County, Gettysburg, Harrisburg-Keystone, Mount Joy, Northern Lebanon County, Palmyra, Southern York County, West Shore, West York, York-North. Pictured L-R: Greg Sallade (Mount Joy), PDG Knut Johnsen, Nigel Foundling (Northern Lebanon), Rotary Trustee Brenda Cressey, PDG John May, Ed Wagaman (York-North), Kirk Brechbiel (West Shore), Ken Farabaugh (Gettysburg), Phil Lehman (Eastern York County), Sophia Pishnak (Harrisburg-Keystone), Ben Prescott (Carlisle-Sunrise).
The following Clubs achieved a minimum Annual fund contribution of $100 per capita during the Rotary year, with every dues paying member contributing at least $25 to the Annual fund. Harrisburg-Keystone, Mount Joy, Northern Lebanon, Palmyra, West Shore, West York and York-North. Pictured L-R: PDG Knut Johnsen, Kirk Brechbiel (West Shore), Ed Wagaman (York-North), Rotary Trustee Brenda Cressey, Nigel Foundling (Northern Lebanon), PDG John May, Greg Sallade (Mount Joy), Sophia Pishnak (Harrisburg-Keystone).
The following Clubs are received a certificate of appreciation for their financial support to the End Polio Now: Countdown to History Campaign during the 2018-19 Rotary year. Carlisle, Carlisle-Sunrise, Elizabethtown, Harrisburg, Hershey, Lancaster, Lancaster-Sunrise, Lititz, Mechanicsburg-North, Red Lion-Dallastown, Southern York County, Uptown York, York.
PDG John May was presented with certificates from Zone 32 for District giving to the Rotary Foundation during the 2018-19 Rotary year. The certificates were for the 2nd Highest Contribution to End Polio Now, the 2nd Highest Per Capita Giving by District to the Annual Program Fund, and the 2nd Largest Overall Contribution to the Annual Program Fund. Pictured L-R: PDG Knut Johnsen, Rotary Trustee Brenda Cressey, PDG John May.
The Rotary Club of Carlisle and the Rotary Club of Carlisle-Sunrise will host their annual holiday dinner and auction event on Friday, December 6th at the Comfort Suites in Carlisle. Proceeds from previous auctions have benefitted poor communities in Kenya and more recently projects in the local community. Rotary’s goal this year is to raise $15,000 to support much needed facility repairs and upgrades at the Domestic Violence Services of Cumberland and Perry Counties (DVSCP) emergency shelter.
Incorporated in 1990, DVSCP is a private, non-profit organization that has been designated by the Pennsylvania Coalition against Domestic Violence (PCADV) as the sole provider of services to adult victims of domestic violence, their dependent children, and significant others in Cumberland and Perry Counties. All services are provided confidentially and free of charge.
Last year, DVSCP provided services to 1,112 victims. This included providing shelter for 136 adults and children, totaling 4,299 shelter days and filing 323 Protection from Abuse orders in Cumberland County and 79 in Perry County. It also received 1,467 hotline calls, provided 3,071 counseling hours and presented 104 educational/awareness activities to 1,741 people. To prevent future domestic violence incidences, DVSCP also provided services to 104 batterers.
Originally built in the 1930’s, DVSCP’s 30-day Emergency Shelter requires vital structural repairs to remain operable and safe. The project includes updating or replacing all 45 windows in the shelter, as well as replacing all exterior wood to include trim, fascia, eaves, and dormers. The estimated cost for this project is $100,000.
DVSCP has been working very hard to raise funds for this project and Rotarians from District 7390 can now help by supporting this Holiday Auction. Support can be made in one of two ways, either by donating an item to the auction or by being a financial sponsor of the auction. One can be a Gold Level Sponsor by donating $500, a Silver Sponsor by donating $250 and a Bronze Sponsor by donating $100. To date, Carlisle Rotarians have already donated $7,500 in sponsorships alone.
To celebrate the 100th anniversary of Rotary International in 2005, the Youth Community Development Team (YCDT) was created by the Rotary Club of Harrisburg (RCH) in partnership with Leadership Harrisburg Area, The Foundation for Enhancing Communities, The Patriot News, United Way of the Capital Region and many dedicated volunteers in 2004. The initial goals established by the RCH founders were to provide area youth guidance in entrepreneurship, leadership and philanthropy.
The objectives of the YCDT program, to be achieved through a real experience, encourages students:
to identify and focus on an area of community need.
to raise money toward providing a solution for that area of focus.
to select and provide grants to a community organization addressing those needs through community service hours.
The RCH YCDT program is provided for students in the Harrisburg School District and Bishop McDevitt High School. Each year, 30 students are selected for this intensive 9-month leadership and community development program. It is a highly competitive selection process.
RCH’s Youth Community Development Team Continues to Evolve
This year, under the guidance of RCH members Brad Gebhart and Andy Phillips YCDT Co-chairs, the youth combined their love of the arts and the need to address issues of mental health such as anxiety and depression affecting all high school students. The YCDT participants designed a blend of these issues as a solution to allocating their monies.
After interviewing three nonprofits that dealt with art therapy, the YCDT team members determined that a regionally based Bridge of Hope program was the most concise, effective and best return on their investment dollars. Bridge of Hope was awarded the students’ grant of $5,000 to initiate an arts program for children called Art Feeds. The curriculum, training package and art supplies were funded by the students’ grant.
The YCDT Teams’ initiative then came full circle. Once the implementation of the Bridges of Hope’s art therapy program began, the YCDT youth took their financial commitment one step further and gleefully volunteered to participate with the children.
While there are many real outcomes of the YCDT program that increase confidence in the students who participate; transform attitudes, broaden perspectives and plant the seeds of friendship and understanding across cultural and socioeconomic boundaries, measurable outcomes are to:
Increase student exposure to the greater Harrisburg community and their awareness of local resources.
Develop and improve students’ oral communication & presentation skills.
Increase student application of collaboration, negotiation, compromise, and persuasive skills.
Provide students with a forum to serve the community and demonstrate an impact.
On average, YCDT students raise and donate $5,000 per year to a community group. Previous community organizations and recipients of YCDT funding have included: Beautify the Burg, The Silence of Mary, Drug Free PA, The Joshua Group, Channels Food Rescue and Bridge of Hope.
YCDT students are left to right, Hannasy Rodgers, Dean Robbins, Anthony Larry, Mary Parker.
In the front row Sophie Alaniz and J.D. Edwards.
Rotary Club of Harrisburg's Youth Community Development Team and Bridge of Hope Provide Art Therapy Program for Children
York-East members volunteer to pick up trash and litter along Edgewood Road between Prospect Street and Kingston Road twice a year: once in the Spring and once in the Fall, generally to coincide with PennDOT's Road Cleanup Day. (pictured left to right) Todd Kuri, Charles Wurster, Greg Kern, Betsy Buckingham, Sheri Stamm, Tim Koller and Todd Stamm (taking photo).
Looking for a fun way to support the eradication of Polio? Purchase a pair of END POLIO NOW sneakers! Sneakers are a fundraiser for Rotary District 5400 in Idaho. Sneakers are $75 each and $49 of each sale goes directly to END POLIO. Click here to purchase your sneakers today!
The Short Term Exchange Program year is in Kick-Off season. Last year was a very "low scoring year" for participants with only 5 completing an exchange. I am hoping that together we can "tackle" this problem and really put some points on the scoreboard. It was only 5 or 6 years ago we typically had 15 or so participating.
For new clubs who have not participated in the Short Term Exchange Program before, this is the least expensive way to really " score a touchdown " for Youth Exchange. All information is available on the District website.
Let me give you a few (game) highlights and explanation about the program:
Students have a very high probability of being assigned to the country of choice on the master country list.
Students normally exchange for 3 weeks in each other’s country (total of 6 weeks) If agreed the exchange could be 4 weeks + 4 weeks.
The cost to the club is minimal. 3 or so banners and a few membership meeting meals for the student and then visiting student.
Clubs need to have an assigned counselor.
This program is promoted as a family to family cultural exchange. We encourage parents to communicate with each other, also.
The student has a $125 application fee plus the cost of airfare and travel insurance.
Students can arrange return plane trip so as to travel together.
District interviews & family training take place on January 25, 2020 for exchanges in the summer of 2020.
Language proficiency is not necessary. This is not an academic exchange, it is a cultural exchange.
Please promote your candidates as “student ambassadors for Rotary International”.
It has been proven that STEP is a feeder program to our Long Term Academic Youth Exchange program.
Send all completed applications to the attention of Melissa Kopp at our District 7390 office. Deadline is January 10, 2020.
Please feel free to contact Tom Barton (tbarton@trolaindustries.com or 717-771-4240) if you have any questions. Now let’s get out there and “Score” !
Short-Term Youth Exchange Applications Due January 10, 2020
The Rotary Club of Mount Joy is sponsoring a breakfast for local veterans on Monday, November 11th at the Gathering Place, 6 Pine Street Mount Joy. Breakfast will be provided free of charge to all veterans and a guest from 7:00 to 8:30 AM.
All Mount Joy residents and local employees, who are veterans, are invited to the breakfast. Greg Sallade, Mount Joy Club Co-President announced, “We want to reach as many veterans as possible to express our appreciation on this Veterans’ Day.”
The Rotary members of the Mount Joy Club wish to honor the veterans who have served their country in the U.S. Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps and Coast Guard with this free event. Mount Joy Rotarians will be serving the breakfast.
To attend, veterans should contact Greg Sallade at 717-648-0510 or Mark Rorabaugh at 717-951-8238 by November 6, 2019. When placing your reservations, please let the Club know the branch and years of active service. If the veteran will be accompanied by a non-veteran, please include the non-veteran in the reservation count.
The India Polio National Immunization Day team will be arriving in Delhi, India on January 15, 2020 and will depart on January 27, 2020.
Here are a few highlights of Nancy’s NID Team Trip. Our trip includes visits to the World Health Organization, St. Stephens Hospital, and South Asia Office, among others. We will visit Agra to see the Taj Mahal and Calcutta to see Mother Teresa’s Mission of Charity. Then on to Dhanbad for home stays with Rotarians.
The cost of the trip, in country, is $2795 for double occupancy. If you prefer a single room in the hotels there will be an extra cost of $1195. If you aren’t traveling with a friend or spouse, we will do our best to match you with a roommate if so wanted. You are responsible for your flight to and from Delhi.
The deadline for application with the organizer is November 15th, and must include a $500 deposit.
Anyone interested in participating, contact PDG John Kramb by email at pdgjohn2015@gmail.com.
The Rotary Club of Lebanon and the Northern Tier Steering Committee held a successful RMB networking event on November 13 at the Snitz Brewery in Lebanon with 16 Rotarians and guests attending from the Rotary Clubs of Colonial Park, Hanover, Harrisburg, Hershey, Lebanon, Myerstown-East Lebanon County, Palmyra, Uptown York, and York. Special thanks to our major sponsor Snitz Brewery for providing the excellent venue and appetizers to the Rotary Club of Lebanon for their hard work in organizing the event. Well done all! Clearly many great connections were made and much fun and fellowship enjoyed by all.
Each October Rotary International kicks off its Foundation Quarter in which we hold up and show our support for the important work that our Foundation does in our communities and around the world. And to help with that effort, our speaker this week will be Dr. Anne Mathews from South Carolina. Anne is an educator by profession, a published author, an education commissioner and a public speaker. If you attended the District Foundation Dinner last November, you might remember her engaging presentation. Anne is a member of the Rotary Club of Columbia East and has served as District Governor, as Rotary International Vice President as a Trustee of the Foundation and as an International Trainer. She has also held numerous other positions in both District and Rotary International. She is the recipient of a number of awards from Rotary and other educational groups. Anne will speak to us of the importance of the Foundation and the work we do together.
The Rotary Club of York East and the Southern Tier Steering Committee hosted a very successful networking event on October 16 at Beck Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Inc. with 17 Rotarians and guests attending from six District 7390 clubs (Eastern York County, Hanover, Harrisburg, Uptown York, York East, and York). Many great connections were made and much fun and fellowship enjoyed. Thank you Rotary Club of York East and Southern Tier Steering Committee and a special thanks to our Major Sponsor Beck Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Inc. Photos show Rotarians making connections, discussing business, and the Beck Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Inc. sign.
It was in 1988 that Rotary International, an organization comprised of some 1.2 million members throughout the world, turned its attention to the fight against Polio. The plan was to begin by immunizing 6 million children in the Philippines and, after that initial success, to move across the globe in what came to be the largest internationally coordinated private sector support of a public health initiative. Today, working with our partners such as the Bill and Melinda Gates foundation more than 2.5 billion children have been immunized against polio reducing the cases by 99.9% world-wide. What that means is that, through our vaccination program, a disease which at one time paralyzed more than 1,000 people, most of them young children, worldwide every day has now been reduced to less than 100 cases year to date in just two countries, Afghanistan and Pakistan, which are not yet Polio free. We are, as we say in Rotary, this close to ending this disease, only the second disease to be eliminated completely in the history of humankind. The battle is not yet completely won, indeed the rates have risen slightly this year due to misinformation being spread about the vaccination program but we in Rotary are committed to seeing it through to the end and so are currently raising some $150 million dollars a year in order to wipe this disease from the face of the earth.
But this work is only the beginning. When we started this effort we worked together with the World Health Organization (WHO), UNICEF, and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) to help found the Global Polio Eradication Initiative and together we put together the world-wide system that has enabled us to tackle this issue of Polio. The battle has almost been won because that system is made up of millions of volunteers and health workers who immunize children in hard-to-reach communities and establish real-time global monitoring and response capacity. The massive infrastructure that's been created, which now encompasses millions of trained health workers as well as best practices and knowledge, is now being used to combat other infectious diseases and to undertake other critical health interventions.
Why tackle other diseases when we have not yet finished the fight against Polio? Because we know that, apart from Polio, there are an estimated 2 to 3 million deaths worldwide from vaccine-preventable diseases that also need to be addressed by closing immunization gaps and that there are some 20 million unvaccinated or under-vaccinated children in our world today.
The extensive polio-eradication infrastructure created by Rotary and its partners in the Global Polio Eradication Initiative provides a model for this effort. If we did it for Polio we can use that same system to address these other vaccine preventable diseases going forward. Rotary and its partners are looking to carry out a legacy health plan which will ensure that the knowledge generated and the lessons learned from years of polio eradication activities are shared with other health initiatives.
In its efforts to deliver the polio vaccine to the hardest-to-reach and most vulnerable populations in the world, Rotary and its partners have learned valuable lessons about overcoming barriers. As a result, polio workers have been able to deliver additional health services, including deworming medication, vitamin A supplements, measles mortality-reduction activities, bednets to prevent malaria and other mosquito-borne diseases and routine immunizations. The Global Polio Eradication Initiative’s innovative methods include detailed micro-planning and mapping, the tracking of migrant groups, social mobilization programs, and systematic training and deployment of vaccination teams. All of these tactics can be applied to other health initiatives.
Indeed, supporting other health initiatives has been a key component of Rotary's strategy since it launched its PolioPlus program in 1985. Rotary has consistently delivered the "plus" along with polio vaccine, supporting efforts to protect children from other diseases, malnutrition, and other afflictions. In 2017, the number of children immunized was 116.2 million – the highest ever reported. Since 2010, 113 countries have introduced new vaccines and more than 20 million additional children have been vaccinated. But despite gains, all of the targets for disease elimination—including measles, rubella, and maternal and neonatal tetanus—are behind schedule, and over the last two years the world has seen multiple outbreaks of measles, diphtheria and various other vaccine-preventable diseases. Most of the children missing out are those living in the poorest, marginalized and conflict-affected communities.
GPEI receives regular polio reports from its vast surveillance network of laboratories, which identify and investigate reported polio cases anywhere in the world. That network and response system has been tapped to handle outbreaks of other diseases, including measles, tetanus, meningitis, and yellow fever. It also assisted in the global response to the outbreak of severe acute respiratory syndrome, or SARS; to floods in Pakistan in 2010-11; and to the tsuami in Southeast Asia in 2004. More recently, Nigeria used the infrastructure and surveillance system to end the deadly Ebola outbreak there.
Why does immunization matter? Very simply because expanding access to immunization is vital for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, poverty reduction and universal health coverage throughout the world. Routine immunization provides a point of contact for health care at the beginning of life and offers every child the chance at a healthy life from the earliest beginnings and into old age. Immunization is also a fundamental strategy in achieving other health priorities, from controlling viral hepatitis, to curbing antimicrobial resistance, and providing a platform for adolescent health and improving antenatal and newborn care.
For 30 years, Rotarians have worked tirelessly to eradicate polio from 99 percent of the world. Our efforts have not only ended polio in 122 countries but they've also created a roadmap for the world to tackle a myriad of other health priorities throughout the world. This is something of which all Rotarians can be proud. But the fight is not over. There is more to be done and we pledge to continue working with all our partners until we accomplish our goals.
Eighteen volunteers travelled to New Bern N.C. in August to restore homes damaged by the 2018 Hurricane Florence. We will return to New Bern Feb. 23-29, 2020 to continue the recovery work.
Transportation will again be provided free-of-charge by Rotarian John Bailey through Bailey Coach. We will continue volunteering with Fuller Center Disaster Rebuilders and will again stay at the Cornerstone Church offering great accommodations and food at a cost of $125.00pp.
DG Paddy Rooney recently recognized Rotary Club of York member William Hartman as a member of the Paul Harris Society. Bill was presented his Chevron at the October 9, 2019 club meeting. The Paul Harris Society is a formal recognition program to honor generous Rotarians who contribute $1,000 or more annually to The Rotary Foundation.
Congratulations to our Newest Paul Harris Society Member
On Saturday, April 13, 2019, sixteen trees were planted in York City by the Preserve Planet Earth Committee, members of the Rotary Club of York, PA, family, friends, and cadets from the William Penn JROTC unit. The trees included a variety of species ranging from Sunset Maple, Linden, Black Gum, Lilac, and Hornbeam Trees. The planting teams removed stumps, rocks, bricks and concrete in existing tree wells to plant these trees in the areas of George Street, West Market Street, West Princess Street, East Prospect Street, and Williams Park. Special thinks to Rotarian Brian Mummert of W S Landscape Services who procured the trees, provided the mulch and put in a full day delivering, planting and cleaning up. Also, thanks to J T Hand and the York Water Company for the delivery of water for all the trees.
Junior Achievement is looked for volunteers to help with one day events this fall! If you would like to volunteer, please contact Allison Kierce (717-843-8028 or akierce@jascpa.org). Click here to learn more about getting involved with JA!
Having demonstrated the fundamental tenant of Rotary International of service above self, John Kramb was named recipient of the 2019 Dwight D. Eisenhower Humanitarian Award.
Presented by the Rotary Club of Gettysburg, this award is given to residents of Adams County who demonstrate a lifelong commitment to the local community and to the world community.
After retiring from the United States Army in the rank of lieutenant colonel in 1995, he and his wife, Katherine, purchased the Adams County Winery in 1998. Together they built the winery into a thriving tourist attraction and venue for weddings, family gatherings and other events. Kramb’s trusty four-legged friend, Rusty, hosted an open invitation to his birthday party each year benefitting the Adams County SPCA. The winery is currently the fifth oldest winery in Pennsylvania and is home to the award winning wine, Tears of Gettysburg.
John has been a member of the Rotary Club of Gettysburg since 2005 and served as club president during 2009-2010. He also served in a number of district offices, including membership coordinator, assistant governor for Group I, the district budget committee, two district conference planning committees, Rotary UN Day coordinator and chair of the District Grants Committee. He was elected District Governor for 2015-2016. Kramb is a member of Rotary Leadership Institute and has traveled throughout the zone training Rotary leaders. He has attended eight International Conventions, during which he learned of an opportunity to participate in National Immunization Day in Dhanbad, India. He traveled to India in 2012, 2017 and 2018 to participate in the immunization distribution for polio. It is Rotary’s goal to eradicate the world of polio. Having had polio as a child, John knows first-hand the effects of this terrible disease. John has made it his mission to assist in all ways possible in reaching this goal. Also close to John is his desire to see that schoolchildren Vijiyawada, India have sanitary facilities at school. John has participated with Rotary’s partner in Vijiyawada with installing toilets and handwashing facilities in schools. As Americans take this for granted, the young girls see this as a gift as they are now able to continue their education much the same as young boys.
When John is not traveling, he can be found at the Historic Fairfield Inn. In 2013, John became the 27th innkeeper since the Inn’s founding in 1757. First presented to Dwight D. Eisenhower by the Palm Desert Chamber of Commerce, the award was transferred in 2003 to the Rotary Club of Gettysburg because of the club’s links to Eisenhower.
Kramb will be honored at the Rotary’s Luncheon meeting on Oct. 21 at the Gettysburg Hotel, on Lincoln Square, beginning at 11:30 a.m. Reservations for the luncheon and award presentation are $14 and can be made by emailing Chris Kimple at cjaj1984@hotmail.com by Oct. 16. Please include Eisenhower Humanitarian Award in the subject line.
Eisenhower Humanitarian Award Presented to PDG John Kramb
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 sixth in a series of brief reflections on the Rotary International Vision Statement
To create lasting change
In the last reflection we spoke of taking action because we Rotarians are people of action. But this next phrase is a little more difficult because it contains that O so difficult word “change.” Now I live in South Central Pennsylvania in the USA and around here the word “change” is not one that is easily accepted. I have a neighbor who still refers to the road at the end of the one on which I live as the “new road”… and it has been there now for almost 50 years! Moreover, as a pastor, I live my life in the church and I learned long ago that the word “change” in our congregations is often to be avoided unless you want a mini battle on your hands.
Yet we Rotarians are not called to take action if we are not willing to do it for the sake of making a change…and a change hopefully for the better. When we install a well in some far distant land, we are making a change in the lives of the people who use it and improving their lot. When we sit with children and help them learn to read we are changing their lives for the better. When we undertake a community project, we change that community for the better.
Yes change can be difficult to accept at times in our lives; none of really likes things to change. But, even in this 8th decade of my life, I have come to believe that death and taxes are not the only two confirmable truths in our lives because the reality of change is also true. Change is all around us and it cannot be ignored. We live in a world today which is subject to change not by the decade or the year or the month or even the day but by the minute. To refuse to accept change, deal with change, even embrace change, is to condemn ourselves to living in the shadow of the past which has no meaning or bearing for us. Yes we can hold to our traditions and sometimes to our structures for the mooring they give us in a time of change. But as Rotarians we can both value those traditions and still embrace the change around us.
So let us not be afraid of change. Let us use the change to create something new, something better, something wonderful so that our world, our communities and we ourselves are better for it.
The recent Littlestown Rotary Back to School Supplies Drive benefits Littlestown students, elementary through high school, and is critical to student success during the school year. Rotary member Wendy Quinley, center, chaired the drive, now in its fifth year. Littlestown School District staff shown with Quinley are Steve McMaster, left, elementary guidance counselor, and Deb Allison, right, middle school guidance. “Each year the outpouring of community donations exceed the prior year,” Quinley said. Supplies collected enable schools to provide students with items that motivate learning. Donations range from pencils, pens, erasers, and book bags, to snacks for the younger students and supplies for the nursing staff. The Littlestown Rotary appreciated the people and businesses who support children and families through the school supplies drive. Learn how you can become a part of the Rotary, a local service organization with a global reach. Meetings are Tuesdays 7-8 a.m. at the Littlestown YMCA, 95 Keystone St. For more information, contact Patricia Green, vice president, at 301-526-1089.
Littlestown Rotary School Supplies Drive Successfull
The Rotary Club of Mount Joy, Milanof-Schock Library and MHA of Lancaster County created three educational events to inspire hope in the fight against the national suicide epidemic. Michael Stevens, from Lancaster Behavioral Health Hospital spoke at the regular Tuesday, September 10th luncheon meeting of the Club. Stevens discussed their new, local services for Lancaster County residents with mental health issues.
A suicide awareness and prevention panel discussion and candlelight vigil was held at Milanof-Schock Library, Mount Joy on Wednesday, September 11. On Saturday, September 14 the Club sponsored the Walk to Inspire Hope. Participants strolled through Mount Joy with other concerned community members to learn more about suicide and the warning signs.
The entire community was invited to the Wednesday and Saturday events and encouraged to find information and inspiration to help those struggling with depression, anxiety, stress, and abuse.
Staff and volunteers from Mental Health America of Lancaster, Hospice’s Pathways Center for Grief and Loss, NAMI, the Lancaster Behavioral Health Hospital, and Lancaster Compeer participated at both events bringing personal experiences, important information, and realistic suggestions on how to help those in need. The task of those present was to become more aware of the warning signs and resources to help combat this epidemic.
The Walk to Inspire Hope on September 14 began at 9 AM. At Rotary Park, participants bore witness to 67 pairs of empty shoes. The shoes represented the lives lost to completed suicides in Lancaster County in 2018. The Suicide Prevention Empowerment Tree was also present for the community to make personal commitments to reach out to people in need of support and hope.
A suicide awareness and prevention display, and the Empowerment Tree will be at Milanof-Schock Library for the month of September. Find suicide prevention resource materials and be inspired to help those who are struggling.
With Rotarian William Harkey moving to Florida, there is a vacancy on the District Disaster Relief Committee. Do you have an interest in serving with Peg Sennett (Hanover) and Randy Sibert (Colonial Park) on this Committee? Contact Peg Sennett, pegsennett@hotmail.com or 717-630-8281.
Dorian hit Grand Bahama and Abaco Island on Sept 3rd. with devastating 180 mph winds making 70,000 people homeless and creating a death toll that continues to grow. D6990, that includes the Bahamas, established the 501C(3) Robbins Fund twenty years ago to aid in disaster recovery. This Fund will be used for Dorian recovery. Currently the Fund is supporting the delivery of food, toiletries and medical supplies. As the islands move towards recovery, the Fund will purchase fans, generators, trucks, buses, and building supplies. Donations can be made directly to the Robbins Fund Inc. by check sent to RI D6990, 2110 N. Ocean Blvd, #703, Fort Lauderdale FL 33305, or online via Pay Pal or debit/credit card. For further information search rotary6990.org/Bahamas.
In the September 13th mailing of the newsletter, we ran an article “Harrisburg Rotary Club Aims for Higher Public Profile” that appeared in the Central Penn Business Journal on August 1, 2019 by their contributing writer Stephanie Kalina-Metzger. We want to make sure they received the full credit for writing and printing a great article about Rotary. Please feel free to contact Bob Saline (bsaline@prworksinc.com) for a copy of that article.
Rotary Leadership Institute was created in 1992 by then-Director David Linett when he observed that many incoming Club Presidents and District officers lacked sufficient knowledge about leading groups, as well as basic knowledge of Rotary. As he stated, "an effective Rotary leader must also have Rotary knowledge and experience".
Rotary Leadership Institute (RLI) is now in 410 of all the Rotary Districts worldwide and in 195 countries. Its courses have been translated into 25 languages.
The largest RLI Division in the world is ours, the Home Division, where it was started. Each year, we hold about 30 full-day RLI seminars throughout New England and the Middle Atlantic States, including ours in Harrisburg in October of each year.
Faculty members must have served in Rotary leadership positions and are trained and observed before approval as faculty. The emphasis is on discussion, not lecture or fact-reciting. Each year, our RLI names the Faculty Member of the Year, chosen by participants and area leaders from observation and participant evaluations. This year, the RLI Faculty Member of the Year was our own DG Patrick Rooney. Paddy helps to lead some 5 or 6 RLI sessions each year, throughout PA and New England. His skill in involving all participants, asking thoughtful questions, and enthusiasm about Rotary and RLI made him an easy first choice. Congratulations, Paddy!
DG Paddy Rooney Receives RLI Faculty of the Year Award
Tickets include chili sampling, chili contest voting and 4 beer OR wine samples from the Vineyard and Brewery at Hershey. Additional food and drinks will be available for purchase. All proceeds will benefit the Rotary Club of Colonial Park Community Giving Fund.
Do you have a tasty chili recipe? Enter to win up to $1000 in cash prizes. All rules and applications to enter are available at https://www.colonialparkrotary.org.
Want to sponsor this great event? Four levels of sponsorship opportunities are available. Please check out https://www.colonialparkrotary.org for more information.
Bring the family on September 29, 2019 at the Vineyard and Brewery at Hershey from 12-3pm for a fun filled day complete with craft vendors, music and more, while helping to raise money for your community.
Compete or Just Eat to Help Raise Money for Local Community
The Rotary Club of York-East in partnership with the RMB Southern Tier Steering Committee will host the 54th RMB networking event and eighth event of the 2019 RMB season on Wednesday, October 16 at Beck Funeral Home and Cremation Service, 3670 E. Market Street, York, PA. The event will begin at 5:30 and end at 7:30 and includes tasty hors d’oeuvres and wine, beer, soft drinks and water. Thanks to our major sponsor Beck Funeral Home and Cremation Service the event will be FREE. RSVP NOW!! Make great connections for your business or project and enjoy the fun and fellowship of RMB. Bring potential Rotarian guests and family of Rotary.
The time has come to begin the nominating process for our District Governor 2022-23. This will continue our three-year projection for District 7390’s leadership.
Every club has an outstanding leader who could be a potential District Governor. Look around and ask yourself, who is that person in our club? It is the person who is a good leader, interested, involved, gives financially to Rotary and The Rotary Foundation and is helpful to other members. Is it me? We all need to give encouragement and “plant the seed” for others to move forward. I encourage you to think about yourself or other club members that would make a great District Governor! You may suggest a Rotarian from another Club so long as you first obtain agreement from the Club where the candidate is a member.
The District Governor is the officer of RI in the District, functioning under the general control and supervision of the RI Board. The Governor has responsibility for organizing new Clubs; strengthening existing Clubs; promoting membership growth; supporting The Rotary Foundation; planning and presiding at the District Conference, PETS and District Training Assembly; issuing a monthly newsletter; focusing attention on important Rotary issues; motivating Rotarians to participate in service activities; recognizing the outstanding contributions of Rotarians in the District; and many other responsibilities. The candidate should be aware of the qualifications, duties and responsibilities of a District Governor and must demonstrate willingness, commitment and ability (physically and otherwise) to fulfill the duties and responsibilities of the office of Governor.
Suggestions for District Governor Nominee 2022-23 must be received in the District Office by December 13, 2019 to be considered by the Nominating Committee. Interviews for the 2022-23 District Governor will be held Thursday, January 9, 2020 at the Byrnes Health Education Center in York.
Contact the District Office or DG Paddy Rooney with questions about nominating a candidate for District Governor!
The Rotary Means Business Governing Board recently met and adopted the following changes:
Succession Planning - The Board unanimously elected Scott Stevens of the Rotary Club of Harrisburg and the RMB Northern Tier Director to be the overall District 7390 Chair/Champion and Champion of the Northern Tier effective January 1, 2021
Hosting Club Commitments and Key Hosting Club Information Deadlines - Hosting Clubs in each Tier should commit to hosting by October 15 of the preceding year and provide the date, time and venue location by December 15 of the preceding year so RMB can publish a complete list of RMB networking meeting dates early in the 2020 season so interested Rotarians can put the event on their schedules.
Sponsor Classes - Instead of the existing two classes of sponsors, there will be four classes of sponsors: major, event, special event, and venue. Details regarding each class of sponsors will be provided in a separate fact sheet by the Eastern, Northern, and Southern Tier Steering Committees. The fact sheet will be developed by the current overall RMB Chair/Champion.
Summit topics for the 2020 and 2021 RMB seasons shall be a Leadership-in-Times-of-Crisis Summit at a monthly meeting in 2020 and a Millennial Summit at the April 2021 District Conference at a Waterpark in the Poconos.
Socail Media Expansion - RMB will add in the near future Instagram and Snap Chat to join the existing RMB Facebook and LinkedIn social media platforms.
RMB Governing Board Key Decisions for the 2020 Season
When your motto is “service above self,” you may not always be comfortable touting your accomplishments. But a low profile isn’t necessarily a good thing, according to Andrew Rebuck, who just finished a year as president of the Rotary Club of Harrisburg. “Sometimes you just need to stick your chest out and say, ‘We are rockin’, join our club,’” he said.
According to Rebuck, Rotary International touts 1.2 million members, with approximately 32,000 clubs throughout the world. “It was created in Chicago by networkers who wanted to do good,” said Rebuck, adding that one of their first projects was to build public restrooms. The organization’s motto is “service above self.”
The Rotary Club of Harrisburg has roughly 165 members who meet at the Harrisburg Hilton at noon every Monday for one hour to network, plan philanthropic projects and enjoy lunch while learning about what’s transpiring in the community via various guest speakers.
Raising awareness
Rebuck assumed the Harrisburg chapter’s presidency in July of last year.
Over the last 12 months, he used his position as vice president and general manager of Lemoyne-based Lamar Advertising to raise the profile of Rotary and celebrate new members by posting their photos on billboards around the Harrisburg area.
“One of my favorites was the group photo at a meeting that was featured on 31 billboards on the first day of spring with the message ‘Spring into Rotary,’” said Rebuck, who also used billboards to share various volunteer initiatives, like pictures of Rotarians performing tasks such as separating jewelry at Goodwill and sorting produce at the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank. The billboard initiative didn’t stop there. Rebuck also posted messages that raised awareness about the good that Rotary does on an international level, as well.
Expanding the demographics
Andrew Rebuck, center, is the outgoing president of Rotary Club of Harrisburg. He is being followed by Joyce Libby, right, the incoming president. Addeline Alaniz Edwards, left, is the chapter’s executive administrator. –
In an era when service-club memberships are waning, there is an ongoing effort not only to raise the profile of Rotary, but to also attract new members. According to the Harrisburg chapter’s incoming president Joyce Libby, Rotary is attempting to grow the organization by relaxing some of the rules. “We used to have an attendance policy that required members to show up 80 percent of the time. We no longer require that,” said Libby. Membership dues can also be a deterrent. The Harrisburg Rotary charges $1,000 per year and although that includes what Libby describes as “a very nice lunch” at the Hilton each week, she also wants the public to be aware of a “passport club” option where attendance and dues are minimal and members have the option to attend meetings in areas that are convenient to them.
Still serving
One of the chapter’s more popular annual events, according to Rebuck, is the Pancake Breakfast at Harrisburg High School.
“About 100 Rotarians volunteer to help and the proceeds go right back to the school in support of the student homeless initiatives and needs-based scholarships,” he said. Other local youth programs supported by Rotary are leadership initiatives.
“We invite 30 kids from Harrisburg High, Sci-Tech and Bishop McDevitt and we help them learn how to be philanthropic leaders, to raise money, write a grant and interview nonprofits to decide who will receive their support and cash donation. They raise $2,500 and our Club matches that,” said Libby.
In keeping with the leadership theme, the Harrisburg Rotary Club pays for two students to attend a one-week leadership conference at Messiah each year, where they join in with 60 students from around the Rotary district.
Another local initiative is the youth exchange program. “Every year we sponsor students who travel abroad. They leave not speaking a word of their non-native language and come back fluent due to their immersion into the culture,” said Libby. This year Rotary is sponsoring two incoming students, as well. “The students’ families pay for the tickets and we arrange for housing give them $110 a month to offset expenses,” she said.
A new project that will connect a number of community leaders is the refurbishment of a greenhouse in Reservoir Park. “The aim is to help Harrisburg students learn how to grow healthy food, to provide a resource for neighborhood gardeners and to help the city grow plantings for city parks. The project will partner with the city and the food bank and Rotary will provide the money for raised planters for people with disabilities so they can still participate,” said Libby.
What’s next
As outgoing president, Rebuck intends to continue putting up the occasional billboard message celebrating Rotarians and their accomplishments.
As for Libby, her plans are to build on raising awareness and educating the community and the club. The international theme for her year is ‘Rotary connects the world.’
Rotary International’s initiative is to eradicate polio.
“Today polio is endemic in Nigeria, Afghanistan and Pakistan. We are committed to eradicating the disease everywhere and by partnering with the Gates Foundation, each dollar we raise is matched by two additional dollars by the foundation,” said Libby.
During Rebuck’s tenure as president, members raised $5,000 towards the same initiative, so a total of $15,000 went towards the cause. Starting in 2018, the goal is to raise $50 million a year over a three-year period.
“If we don’t eradicate polio in the next 10 years, we could see 200,000 new cases each year, all over the world, including the U.S. Polio is only a plane ride away” said Libby.
Another health crisis that is particularly prevalent in Pennsylvania is Lyme disease. Libby said she would like to explore ways that Rotary can help raise awareness and combat the disease that affects more people in Pennsylvania than residents of any other state.
Rebuck, who joined rotary in 1992, described the year in which he served as president as “the most fun he ever had” and he hopes that by raising awareness, more people will join the club.
Libby, who joined in 2008, said she is looking forward to the year ahead and connecting people and service projects that keep Rotary exciting and the community engaged.
She is also pretty sure motorists will see lots of billboards this year and most likely a “Fall into Rotary” message on the first day of autumn inviting folks to join Rotary.
Harrisburg Rotary Club Aims for Higher Public Profile
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!
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!
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.
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
Posted by Una Martone & Steve Grubb on Sep 05, 2019
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.
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.
Mechanicsburg & West Shore Donate Range to Meals on Wheels
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."
A Dr. Seuss Style Community Tribute to Joe Bedard Of the Rotary Club of Harrisburg
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.
Tickets for the United Nations day on November 9th are SOLD OUT! But, we still have a 55 passenger deluxe motorcoach reserved for that day. If you are interested in spending the day in New York City on your own, there are still plenty of seats remaining on the bus! The cost is $50 per person to reserve a seat on the bus. The bus will depart at 4:30 a.m. from the Wyndham Garden Hotel (2000 Loucks Road, York, PA). We will make a fast food stop breakfast stop enroute to NYC and arrive at approximately 8:30 a.m. The bus will depart the UN building at 5:00 p.m. with arrival back to the Wyndham Hotel around 8:00 p.m. Reserve your seats on the bus today!!
September 8-14 is National Suicide Prevention Week. The Rotary Club of Mount Joy seeks to educate and empower the community regarding the national suicide epidemic. Join us for two events designed to inspire hope for ending this important community concern.
A panel discussion and candlelight vigil will be held at Milanof-Schock Library, 1184 Anderson Ferry Road, Mount Joy On Wednesday, September 11. The discussion begins at 6:30. Find information and inspiration at this moderated forum. Mental Health America of Lancaster, Center for Grief and Loss, and Compeer will discuss the impact of suicide and how to help. Become more aware of the signs and resources to combat this epidemic. Q&A will follow. A candlelight vigil at the Library’s Flagpole, will begin at approximately 7:30. Register at mslibrary.org or by calling 717-653-1510.
Saturday, September 14 join the Rotary Club for a Suicide Awareness and Prevention Walk. The Walk will begin at Mount Joy’s Rotary Park Fairview Street entrance. Stroll through Mount Joy with other concerned community members to learn more about suicide and the warning signs.
Stations on the walk route will inspire hope that, through awareness, suicide is preventable. The walk will educate participants about suicide, give us a chance to remember those we have lost, and those they have left behind. Our community will come together to find ways to remove the stigma of asking for help. Walk will be held rain or shine. The route is just under two miles looping back to Rotary Park.
Walk registration begins Saturday, September 14 at 8:30 AM in the Park. The walk starts at 9 AM. Also at the park that day, you will bear witness to 61 pairs of empty shoes. The shoes represent the lives lost to completed suicides in Lancaster County in 2018. The Suicide Prevention Empowerment Tree will also be present for the community to make personal commitments to reach out to people in need of mental health support. Informative booths from Compeer and MHA of Lancaster County will be distributing educational materials.
A suicide awareness and prevention display, and the Empowerment Tree will be at Milanof-Schock Library for the month of September. Find suicide prevention resource materials and be motivated to help those who are struggling with depression or anxiety.
For more information about these events, visit the Rotary Facebook page or the Library’s website at mslibrary.org. For more information about the Rotary Club or its projects contact Greg Sallade at #717-648-0510.
On Friday, August 16, the Rotary Club of Perry County staffed a booth at the Perry County Fair, distributing 150 books, 12 Rotary Baby "Read to Me" T-shirts, 5 America's Promise hats, 1 America's Promise mug, and two membership applications. Thank you to Joe Bedard and Capital Region Literacy Council and Steve Messner and America's Promise for donating books, to the Perry County Chamber of Commerce and UPMC-Pinnacle for donating the booth, and to Frank Campbell, Jairee Counterman, Patti McLaughlin, and Tom O'Connell for volunteering.
Members of The Hershey Rotary Club are thankful for the service and friendship of 79 U.S. Army War College International Fellows who visited their club recently. Members of this class represent 75 different countries but all stand for promoting peace - not war. Like Rotarians, these military leaders model the Rotary theme of "Service Above Self." The fellows who visited the Hershey Rotary Club are part of a nearly year-long program at the Army War College in Carlisle with about 300 military leaders from the United States. Hershey Rotarian Jeff Davis brought the International Fellows program to the club 40 years ago.
Photo by: Doug Nicotera
US Army War College International Fellows attend Hershey Club Meeting
The Rotary Clubs of Carlisle and Carlisle Sunrise supported by the Northern Tier Steering Committee held a super successful RMB networking event, the 53rd in its history in Rotary District 7390, at the Frederick House Event Center with 26-28 Rotarians and guests from the Rotary Clubs of Carlisle, Carlisle Sunrise, Colonial Park, Harrisburg Keystone, and Mechanicsburg North attending. Many great connections were made and much fun and fellowship enjoyed. Special Kudos go to Chris Hoffman owner of Hoffman Funeral Home and Crematory our major sponsor for this event for the past three years and his great caterer, the owner of the new restaurant in Carlisle Spoons for the great Frederick House venue (also owned by Chris Hoffman) and food and drink we enjoyed. Well done all!
Two RYLA students, Bobby Chan and Sophia Shienvold, members of the Susquehanna Township club’s Interact program, and selected by the Rotary Club of Susquehanna Township to attend the June 2019 event at Messiah College, gave a great powerpoint presentation showcasing selected highlights of the event to the Rotary club members on August 8th. Gary Crissman, RYLA District Chair, shared additional information about RYLA and he commended the two students, as to his knowledge, they were the very first RYLA participants to create a powerpoint presentation for their sponsoring club. Also in the picture with the banner is club member and assistant governor Dan Fuller.
Rotary District 7390 now has an instagram account! Check it out at rotarydistrict7390! We are looking for pictures to post w/captions - action shots are the best, as well as followers to help push the info out. Please send all pictures to Mary Brunski (Carlisle Rotary Club) at mbtexaspa@gmail.com.
The "Meet Me in the Middle of the River" meeting was held on the Millersburg Ferryboat on the Susquehanna River. There were 25 people all together, from Perry County, Millersburg, and Susquehanna Township.
At the annual Mount Joy Cruisin’ and Cuisine Car Show, held August 27 in Mount Joy, a new trophy was presented. The Rotary Club of Mount Joy sponsored the trophy at the Main Street Mount Joy program to promote the Rotary value of community service.
The 2019 Rotary trophy winner is Jim Henry’s 1969 Chevrolet Nova SS. Rotarian Brian Ebersole and Rotary Andy John Paulus inspected the car and pronounced it a winner! The Rotary Blue color, it’s many original parts, and the back story that Jim Henry was the original owner impressed them. Jim and his wife were married from the car when it was still Jim’s daily ride more than 40 years ago.
Rotary Club of Mount Joy Announces 1st Car Show Trophy Winner
Part of our mission as members of Rotary is to provide service to others and to promote community leadership. What better way to further those goals than to help the children of the York community learn? We are asking you to do your part towards the Rotary mission by becoming a sponsor of this year's Rotary Fundraising event, the proceeds of which go towards providing equipment for the Chem & Bio labs for the York Academy Regional Charter School, which serves a diverse student body including inner-city children. This is a worthy cause that will enrich the students for years to come.
Please join us on September 16th at the York Country Club for our annual “Love FORE Community” day of golf, tennis, croquette, corn hole, dinner, and fun. If you can't make it that day, we would be grateful if you would become a sponsor of the event. Every amount helps us towards our goal of helping the students.
The Colonial Park Rotary Club recently celebrated its annual Community Giving Day by presenting donation checks totaling $11,150 to the following community organizations:
Shalom House, Dauphin County East Shore Library L.P. Twp. Police Dept. K-9 program, CONTACT Helpline, Linglestown Fire Department, Colonial Park Rotary Foundation, Dauphin County Technical School’s Building Construction Cares Program, Paxtonia Fire Department, Wolverine Pass Fitness Trail, Colonial Park Fire Department, Friendship Community Center, YMCA – More than Just A Game, CD Math Department, Someone To Tell It To, Skills USA- Dauphin County Technical School and the YMCA of Greater Harrisburg.
The Paul Harris Society recognizes Rotary members and friends of The Rotary Foundation who elect to contribute $1,000 or more each year to the Annual Fund, PolioPlus Fund, or approved global grants. The purpose of the Paul Harris Society is to honor and thank individuals for their generous, ongoing support of The Rotary Foundation.
Congratulations to our newest Paul Harris Society Member! Welcome Scott Hawk from the Rotary Club of Littlestown!
By giving from your heart each and every year, you’ll support families and change lives. Paul Harris Society gifts have helped provide:
Vocational training for teachers establishing an early childhood education center in South Africa
Water filters, toilets, and hygiene training to prevent fluorosis, diarrhea, and other diseases in India
A scholarship for a medical professional in Italy to research treatments that minimize mortality rates among premature babies
Peace-building seminars for 200 teachers and 1,300 students in Uganda
Treated mosquito nets and medical services that prevent malaria in Mali
Click here to Join the Paul Harris Society Today!!
The Rotary Club of Hanover PA along with Rotary District 7390 sponsored a mission trip to New Bern NC July 14-20, 2019. The group assisted with the rebuilding of 2 homes in the New Bern Area. Over 5,000 homes were flooded after Hurricane Florence hit the area last September. Bailey Coach donated its Rotary themed coach to transport the group and Shipley Energy in York donated the fuel for the trip. Another trip is planned for March 2020.
Please plan to attend the next Rotary Leadership Institute (RLI) to be held on Oct. 12, 2019, in the Greater Harrisburg Area.
As you know, RLI is 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? 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. Dear Presidents, PLEASE bring Rotarians for your club, to learn more about Rotary, engage with other clubs and more importantly help to develop the cadre of leaders that we need to grow Rotary.
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).
PLEASE register ASAP RSVPs ends 10-4-19. Please encourage other leaders and bring at least one Rotarian(s) from your club(s), committee(s) and register them ASAP
Course Levels: Parts I, II, III, and Graduate (The graduate-level will focus on Fundraising)
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
The Rotary Clubs of Carlisle and Carlisle Sunrise in partnership with the RMB Northern Tier Steering Committee will host the 53rd RMB networking event and seventh event of the 2019 RMB season on Thursday, August 15 at The Frederick House, 219 North Hanover Street, Carlisle, PA. The event will begin at 5:30 and end at 7:30 and includes tasty hors d’oeuvres and wine, beer, soft drinks and water. Thanks to our major sponsor Hoffman Funeral Home and Crematory the event will be FREE. RSVP NOW!! Make great connections for your business or project and enjoy the fun and fellowship of RMB. Bring potential Rotarian guests and family of Rotary!
At the June 17, 2019, Rotary Club of Harrisburg member meeting, Scholarship Committee Chair Curt Stutzman introduced Scholarship winners Bianca Bynoe and Misha Jones, from Harrisburg School District, SciTech Campus; Maria Gontis from Bishop McDevitt High School, and Najmo Mohamad from Steelton Highspire.
Each student took the mic for a minute or two to thank the RCH, introduce their guests and talk about their plans for the future. Stutzman also acknowledged scholarship winner Cierra Richardson from John Harris High School, who was not in attendance.
Special thanks to all Rotary Club of Harrisburg members for their generous support of the pancake breakfast whereby the proceeds provide these scholarships.
Rotary Club of Harrisburg Presents $10,000.00 in Scholarships
At the July 16 meeting of the West York Rotary Club DG Paddy Rooney presented Paul Harris Fellowship awards to Errick Milindi, Olivia Lutambwe and Paul Duryea. Congratulations!!
West York Rotarians Receive Paul Harris Fellowships
The 2019-20 District Installation dinner was held, Thursday, June 27 at Wyndridge Farm in Dallastown. DG Paddy Rooney, DGE John Anthony and DGN Greg Staub were all installed as our District leadership team. Assistant Governors and Club Presidents were also installed. A great time was had by all!
2019-20 District Installation Dinner
PDG Ben Hoover pinning the District Governor pin on DG Paddy Rooney after administering the oath of office.
PDG Kevin Cogan installing DGE John Anthony and DGN Greg Staub.
The Rotary Club of Lancaster-Sunrise is changing their meeting location to Bent Creek Country Club (620 Bent Creek Road, Lititz, PA 17543) effective July 25, 2019.
At a lunch meeting on Tuesday, July 2, 2019 the Rotary Club of Mount Joy announced the Co-Presidents for the upcoming Club year. President Mark Rorabaugh and President Greg Sallade will chair the Tuesday lunch meetings at the Gathering Place in Mount Joy. Dave Christian and Gary Ebersole will lead Thursday’s meeting at Bube’s Brewery. Decisions which affect the entire Club will be shared.
Also announced were the future club leaders: President-Elect Randy Wolgemuth, First Vice President Leonard Nolt and Christopher Silvestri, Second-Vice President. Special recognition was also given to new Paul Harris Fellow Joel Hughes and to Lowell Fry who received his fourth Paul Harris pin.
The theme for the upcoming year is Rotary Connects the World. The Club’s many activities and charitable donations will reflect that motto. Activities include several fundraisers at which the Rotary Fry wagon will be present, the Whittel Farm harvest project, the REYS Backpack project, and the second annual Pints for Polio week.
The week of September 10-15 the Club will focus on Suicide prevention. The Tuesday and Thursday will have awareness programs and will be open to the public, (normal meal and beverage charges will apply). Other activities will include a panel forum and vigil at the Milanof-Schock Library on Wednesday evening, September 11 and an awareness walk of just under two miles on Saturday, September 15, beginning at Rotary Park in Mount Joy.
The picture shows: Co-Presidents, Mark Rorabaugh and Greg Sallade with President-Elect Randy Wolgemuth, First VP Leonard Nolt and Second VP Christopher Silvestri.
From July 1 to July 31, 2019, five of our district’s Inbound Exchange students will be with students from 19 different countries from around the world enjoying the most beautiful natural and man-made points of interest from the East Coast to the West Coast (Pacific Ocean in Southern California).
Our Inbounds with close to 35 other exchange students will be visiting places such as Washington DC, Dollywood Park, Graceland, New Orleans, San Antonio, Houston Space Center, The Grand Canyon, The Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco, Disneyland, LA, Hollywood, , Salt Lake City, Lake Tahoe, Yellowstone National Park, Mt. Rushmore, Chicago (tour of Rotary International Headquarters), and Niagara Falls plus a Rotary picnic along the way hosted by other Rotary club(s).
This is the 43rd Discover America USA trip that Mike Wilcox, D7170 has coordinated and our district’s Inbounds have been participating in the trip since 2000. It is the least expensive trip of its kind for 31 days for our exchange students and the cost is less than some of the 14 day trips offered by for-profit organizations.
We are very fortunate that 2 of the chaperones on this bus trip include former Rotary Youth Exchange student (Rotex) Jill Tenny who went to France in the 80’s and also serves as our Rotex Chair for our District’s Youth Exchange Program, and her husband Matt, who are both newly minted Rotarians.
Thank you Jill and Matt. Check out the pictures that Jill will be regularly posting when she has free time on our districts YE facebook that was created and is being managed by Jill - https://www.facebook.com/D7390YEP/
Youth Exchange Students Embark on Bus Trip Across the USA
Each year the world of Rotary goes through its annual change of leadership all across the globe. From the International President, through the International Board of Directors, to the District Governors and on to Club Presidents, individuals who have been trained and prepared take up their new duties and responsibilities on 1 July. For the next 365 days it is these leaders, along with their own teams of assistants and helpers, who will help move our organization forward and make our motto of service above self an even stronger reality in the lives of many across the street and around the world.
So I want to begin my year as District Governor for District 7390 with both a word of welcome and a word of thanks. First the welcome.
Welcome to all the new Club Presidents. Without you and the work you do none of this vision we share would become a reality in the lives of so many.
Welcome to the new and returning Assistant Governors who work so diligently with the clubs in their areas, helping them to become better and stronger and vital resources to serve as people of action.
Welcome to District Governor Elect John Anthony and District Governor Nominee Greg Staub who take up their new duties this year and who will help mold and shape our vision for the future as we move ahead.
Welcome to the new members who have recently joined Rotary or who will join at some point in this new Rotary year. Each of you will bring a gift to Rotary in terms of the skills, ideas, commitment and passion you have for making our communities and our world better than before we joined.
And a special word of welcome to all those who share our passion for service in Interact and Rotaract. You are vital parts of our identity as Rotarians and the service you offer to your communities is highly valued by all.
And my word of thanks then goes to all those who are noted above and to all the members of our clubs whose excitement, enthusiasm and yes passion for Rotary has helped lead us to become THE preeminent service organization in the world. Thank you for stepping up and for your willingness to be counted as People of Action. Thank you for the difference you make in our world each and every day. Thank you for being passionate about Rotary.
And a very special word of thanks go to Past District Governor John May who served us so well last year as our Governor. I was proud to serve as part of his team and grateful for all I learned from him about this role. Thank you John!
I will share more thoughts on a regular basis through this Newsletter and I very much look forward to visiting each of our clubs, meeting our members and sharing with you my passion for Rotary. Don’t hesitate to be in contact if you need anything or want me to make a special visit for awards, presentations or activities. If I can, I will be there.
The RMB Southern Tier Steering Committee held a very lively and valuable event last night at Peoples Bank Park in York despite the severe thunderstorm warning and baseball game cancellation both of which hurt actual attendance. Some 16 Rotarians and guests from the Rotary Clubs of Carlisle, Hanover, Harrisburg, and York attended the networking event of the 36 originally registered. The baseball park was beautiful and the Solomon Room perfect for the occasion. Thank you to the York Revolution and thank you to our event sponsors Wealth Development Council, Etzweiler Funeral Home, and Encompass Health and major sponsor Bailey Coach. Many great connections were made and much fun and fellowship enjoyed. Thank you to the Southern Tier Steering Committee led by John Bailey and Courtney Bailey. Well done all!
Youth Exchange Inbound Bruno Scheavolin (hosted by the Lebanon Rotary Club), made a Rotary table during a shop class at school. Bruno wanted to raffle off the table to pay for the Discover America Bus trip. Charles Hildebrand of the Lebanon Rotary Club won the table. Bruno is pictured presenting his famous table to Charles. Charles (as you can see) is delighted with his prize! Bruno estimates he earned around $500 in ticket sales which will go towards the 30 day bus trip! SO A BIG THANK YOU AND "SHOUT OUT" TO THE ROTARIANS WHO SUPPORTED HIM! Bruno is so excited and really looking forward to the trip which leaves on July 1st!
The Rotary Club of Mechanicsburg invites students from six schools to attend club meetings for a month during the school year. Each month a new group of students is invited. At the end of the school year, the club awards $2,000 scholarships to a student from each school based on an application which they submit and the interactions that occur at the meetings. Students who continue their education in Pennsylvania also have an opportunity to receive a $2,000 matching grant from PHEAA (Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency) based on need.
The scholarship winners presentation was held during an evening Student Scholarship Recognition Dinner at Messiah College on June 5th. Along with the student were their family members.
Past District 7390 Governor, Una Martone, who is also President and CEO of Leadership Harrisburg Area, attended the event and gave the keynote address. She spoke to the group with remarks addressed mostly to the students. She made three points titled history, current, and future with advice on how to be successful in life. The history piece was based on a 1899 essay titled "A Message to Garcia" with the main point being "do what you agree to do, do it with enthusiasm, and do even more than you have been asked." The current piece talked about attitude and showing courtesy toward others and the importance of things like smiling and greeting. The future piece addressed a person's digital ID and how it is as permanent as an ink tattoo on the body.
We congratulate the students and their families and wish them the best as they pursue further education.
Pictured: Left to right, front row, scholarship winners: Madison Scialanca - Messiah College; Horia Tagouma - Mechanicsburg High School; Michael Ginder - Northern High School; Christopher Lehigh - West Shore Christian Academy; Lauren Seubert - Trinity High School; and Hailey Ott - Cumberland Perry Area Vocational Technical School. Back row: Mike McConahy, Club President; and Amy Bockis and John Petrie, Scholarship Committee.
138 High School seniors attended the 59th annual Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) Conference held from June 9 to 13, 2019 at Messiah College in Grantham, PA. Rotary District 7390 holds this annual conference for seniors who are selected and interviewed by the 42 Rotary Clubs in the District. Rotary District 7390 encompasses 7 counties: Adams, Cumberland, Dauphin, Lancaster, Lebanon, Perry and York.
The 5 day conference is filled with interesting speakers, team building activities and fun. At the end of the conference, the students vote on the top 8 conferees. Seven of the students receive the Lloyd Bollinger Award which is a $500 cash award. Those students were: Ian Mills (Hershey High School), Cody Perrin (East Pennsboro High School) Angelina Torres (Middletown High School), Erin Williams (Palmyra High School), Matt Keebler (Lancaster Catholic High School), Frankie White (Dover High School), Lucas Winslow (Annville-Cleona High School). The top Conferee is awarded the William E. and Violet W. Nitrauer Leadership Award which is a $750 cash award. The recipient this year was Lindsay Aluquin (Hershey High School).
Planting flowers and smiling at the Peace Garden on a recent Saturday morning, a great group of volunteers from the Rotary Club of Harrisburg loved getting dirty hands and sweat on the brow planting flowers. They also had a grand time smiling at the Peace Garden located on Front Street in the capital city.
Thanks a bunch to RCH members and friends Marti and Jack Detweiler, Bruce Grossman, Ann Marie and PDG Dr. Judson, Karen Good, Corinne Sheridan, President Andy Rebuck, Marion C. Alexander, Dave and Gwen Lehman and Beth Mihmet and Sarah Myers.
RCH members have been helping with this beautification for approximately 5 years working with Gwen and Dave Lehman from the Physicians for Social Responsibility group who initiated the project. RCH Ecology Committee Chair John “Jack” Detweiler, a 24-year Club member demonstrates his ecological passion by also serving on the Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay Board and as its current Treasurer.
When traveling to Harrisburg, we hope you all get a chance to stop and smell the flowers.
Stop and Smell the Flowers! RCH Volunteers Also Plant Them.
The Rotary Club of Harrisburg superbly led by President Andy Rebuck hosted yet another great RMB networking event at the Capital Blue Cross Retail Store in Enola last night with roughly 38 Rotarians and guests attending out of over 50 that signed up from 12 district clubs. Event sponsor Capital Blue Cross made this FREE event possible and provided an amazing array of delicious hors d’oeuvres and fine wine and beer. The venue itself was beyond impressive. Scott Stevens, the Circle Master, made the Circle exercise fun and worthwhile for all that participated. Many great connections were made and fun and fellowship enjoyed. Special thanks go to the Rotary Club of Harrisburg and Capital Blue Cross for their strong support for RMB throughout the years. Well done all!
Paul Harris paid a visit to the Rotary Club of Harrisburg recently. (Well, truth be told, it was Rotarian Ralph Detrick beautifully portraying the founder of our wonderful organization.)
The Club was celebrating their membership support of the Rotary International Foundation. Fifty-seven members contributed more than $11,000. District Governor John May joined the party to honor twenty-two members receiving a Paul Harris Fellow pin. Five of these members received their first pin while others moved to multiple levels including one member who was honored with a Paul Harris plus six pin.
Club President Andy Rebuck once again leveraged his billboard connections to spread the word in Harrisburg of this great support. This past month, ten members could be seen proudly smiling and letting motorists know that Rotary is doing good in the world.
Rotary Club of Harrisburg celebrates with Paul Harris
The Rotary Club of Mount Joy assembled 50 Birthday Gift Bags to local needy families at a recent meeting. The Gift Bags will be distributed by the Mount Joy Helping Service’s Community Food Bank. Each gift bag contains a cake mix, a can of frosting, and party supplies such as colorful plates, napkins and cups to help celebrate a loved one’s birthday.
Pictured holding bags are Jerry Berrier, Joanne Pinkerton, Paul Rouse, Mark Rorabaugh, Linda Gonya Hartman, and Denny Brandt.
On Tuesday, May 28, 2019 over 100 Rotarians and educators gathered at WITF in Harrisburg to recognize 7 Outstanding Teachers in South Central PA. The banquet's program included videos featuring the stories of the seven Teacher Impact Award recipients. Look for an upcoming special highlighting these teachers on June 20 At 8:00 p.m. on WITF-TV.
Congratutions to the 2019 Teacher Impact Award Recipients:
Mary Canedo - Vida Charter School
Lexy Morrow - Valley View Elementary (York Suburban School District)
Rick Phoenix - Susquenita Elementary School (Susquenita School District)
Lynn Stover - Garden Spot Middle School (Eastern Lancaster County School District)
Gregory Underkoffler - Eastern Lebanon County Middle School (Eastern Lebanon County School District)
Kevin Wagner - Carlisle High School (Carlisle Area School District)
Jennifer Willard - Middletown Area Middle School (Middletown Area School District)
Uptown York Rotary Club awarded a total of $3,500 in grants to four nonprofit organizations to help support the York community. This is the first time in the club’s eight-year history that grant applications were solicited from the public, and the Community Giving Committee is excited to announce the results.
Susquehanna Service Dogs (SSD) was awarded $500 towards the education of trainers and handlers in York County. SSD provides service dogs for mobility, autism, post-traumatic stress, seizure response, hearing impairment, facilities, in-home service and companionship.
Bell Socialization Services was the recipient of a $1,000 grant to stock over-the-counter medications and diabetes monitoring kits to help alleviate general physical ailments for adults, children and infants in residence at Bell Family Shelter. Having cough or cold medicine available for an adult going to a job or housing interview can make a huge difference for these families.
Edgar Fahs Smith STEAM Academy, part of York City School District, received $1,000 towards an outdoor classroom designed by the students, filled with native plants that will be transferred to community gardens in York City. Students who attend the STEAM Academy live in urban settings with limited access to hands-on gardening and sustainable living opportunities. Participating in this project will educate the students on creating and maintaining a healthy community for both the native wildlife and residents of the City of York.
York County Literacy Council (YCLC) was awarded a $1,000 grant for materials and supplies for their Partners in Conversation class. The class gives an opportunity for individuals to improve their English-speaking skills and build their confidence in daily interactions. The materials include an English Ready newspaper and app for tablets that YCLC uses in the class. With significant changes in the demographics of York County, more individuals have been seeking YCLC’s services.
All grants approved by the Uptown York Rotary Club support programs that service York and the York County community. Many of the funded initiatives support Rotary’s Six 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.
Uptown York Rotary Club 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.
Although we are serious about our service, we are a fun-loving and welcoming group! As a happy hour club, we gather weekly to celebrate our service, share professional and personal successes, and learn about businesses, organizations and programs that impact the quality of life in York City, York County and the global community. Uptown York Rotary Club meets at 5:30 p.m. on Tuesdays on the second floor of Rockfish Public House, 110 N. George Street, York, Pennsylvania 17401.
From L to R: David Corman, UYRC President; Judy Chambers, UYRC Community Giving Co-Chair; representative from Edgar Fahs Smith STEAM Academy.
From L to R: David Corman, UYRC President; Marcella Kinard, Bell Socialization Shelter Services; Judy Chambers, UYRC Community Giving Co-Chair; Patricia Graham, Bell Socialization Shelter Services.
From L to R: David Corman, UYRC President; Bobbi Anne DeLeo, Executive Director of York County Literacy Council; Judy Chambers, UYRC Community Giving Co-Chair
From L to R: David Corman, UYRC President; Judy Chambers, UYRC Community Giving Co-Chair; Kerry Wevodau, Susquehanna Service Dogs; SSD Philly and SSD Nellie.
On Friday, 5/17/2019 as part of the Rotary Club of York America's Promise initiative, three 2nd grade classes from Alexander Goode Elementary school enjoyed a field trip to the Wrightsville Municipal Authority Water & Wastewater plants. They learned how water taken from the Susquehanna river is made safe to drink and how wastewater from the town is treated so that it can be safely put back into the river. To cap off the day, the students were treated to lunch at the Wrightsville Fire & Rescue Company 41 and a tour of fire trucks.
Former Rotarian Philip Landis, Chairman of the Wrightsville Municipal Authority, and Rotarian Ken Cooper have done this yearly for at least 8 years. The authority employees and volunteer fire fighters organize and do all the presentations. It is not clear whether the children or the employees have the most fun - probably a toss-up.
Rotarians Eric Holmes, York City School Superintendent, and John Klinedinst, Authority engineer were among the guests who enjoyed the day.
The photo shows one of the classes getting educated on how potable water is 'rescued' from the Susquehanna river.
Since 2002, the Rotary Club of Colonial Park has awarded $441,708 to students for scholarships and adding the amount of money the club has donated to local organizations in the community the total reaches $640,658.
Randy Sibert, President of the Rotary Club of Colonial Park Foundation announced the winners of the 2019 Rotary Foundation Scholarships at a recent luncheon of the Rotary Club of Colonial Park. The winners are: Theresa Nguyen, Bishop McDevitt High School, Nursing Scholarship for $21,000; Luke Fox, Central Dauphin Hight School, Engineering Scholarship for $10,000; Emily Foltz, Delaney Lackner, Alice Onyango-Opiyo, Central Dauphin High School, Daegan Fuss, Dauphin County Technical School and Maria Gontis, Bishop McDevitt High School, winner of the Norman P. Hetrick Scholarship at $5,000 each; Arjun Ray, Central Dauphin High School, winner of the Hoachlander Family Scholarship at $1,250; Zachary Szekeres, Central Dauphin High School, winner of the McManamon Family Scholarship at $1,250; Jeevan Siwakoti, Dauphin County Technical School, winner of the James D. and Susan Ebersole Novinger Scholarship at $1,250; Lydia Kessler, Central Dauphin High School, winner of the Gary C. Clemens Scholarship at $1,250; and Joshua Adams, Central Dauphin High School, winner of the Madden Physical Therapy Rebecca Engle Scholarship at $1,000, for a total of $66,000.
The Rotary Club of Colonial Park awarded the following students $1,000 each: Arjun Ray - Central Dauphin High School; Cristina Marie Medina-Rosado - Dauphin County Technical School and Justin Dinh - Central Dauphin East High School, for a total of $3,000.
Do you know someone who wanted to join Rotary but could not make the commitment to make the meetings?
Do you know someone who was a Rotarian but their life changed in such a way that they could no longer make the meetings?
Do you know someone who would rather be regionally vs. locally active?
A NEW CONCEPT in Rotary!
Introducing: DISTRICT 7390 ROTARY PASSPORT CLUB
We are pleased to announce the opportunity to participate in the organization of the new District 7390 Rotary Passport Club. A passport club is technically a club in Rotary District 7390, but its members attend meetings of other clubs, help in their service projects and fundraisers, and do all the things club based Rotarians do, except on their own schedule. Passport Clubs are a perfect solution for people who wish to be Rotarians but do not have the flexible schedule to permit attendance at regular meetings. While the focus of membership recruitment for the club is on new members, the Passport Club is also suitable for Rotarians who would otherwise leave a club due to time commitments.
Members of the District 7390 Rotary Passport Club are people living or working in our District who want to make a difference in their communities locally and globally in a way that fits within their time, talent, and finances, as well as with their family, work, and life commitments.
To facilitate this, the District 7390 Rotary Passport Club only holds a few in-person meetings a year. In lieu of weekly meetings, members are encouraged to engage in humanitarian service projects with other Rotary clubs, and attend other Rotary club meetings and events, in times and locations that works best for them and their families! Club business will be handled electronically and/or by video or teleconferences.
District 7390 Rotary Passport Club members are full Rotary members, with the same privileges and rights as Rotarians who are members of traditional clubs.
Membership in our club provides you with a passport to visit and work with any other Rotary Club in the world, and to take part in activities, programs, and projects that interest and engage you. Everyone who has a connection with District 7390 and wants to enjoy service is welcome to apply!
Contact: John Anthony, District Governor Nominee 2018 / 2019 Tel: 610-587-1358 EMail: Rotary7390DG2020@gmail.com
WITF is proud to partner with Rotary District 7390 to present the Teacher Impact Awards supported by Franklin & Marshall College. The Teacher Impact Awards are designed to celebrate all the great teachers in our region and share the stories of extraordinary educators.
Join us at a banquet on Tuesday, May 28, 2019 at the WITF Public Media Center to honor this year's Teacher Impact Award recipients:
Mary Canedo - Vida Charter School
Lexy Morrow - Valley View Elementary (York Suburban School District)
Rick Phoenix - Susquenita Elementary School (Susquenita School District)
Lynn Stover - Garden Spot Middle School (Eastern Lancaster County School District)
Gregory Underkoffler - Eastern Lebanon County Middle School (Eastern Lebanon County School District)
Kevin Wagner - Carlisle High School (Carlisle Area School District)
Jennifer Willard - Middletown Area Middle School (Middletown Area School District)
For more details about the banquet and to register click here.
The banquet's program will include videos featuring the stories of the seven Teacher Impact Award recipients. Look for an upcoming special highlighting these teachers on June 20 At 8pm on WITF-TV.
You Never forget the Teacher who Makes a Difference
The Hummelstown Rotary Club is proud to announce that the 27th Annual Golf Tournament, which supports the Herbert A. Schaffner Scholarship Fund benefitting seniors at Lower Dauphin High School, will be held this year on Friday, June 21, 2019 at the Sunset Golf Club, Middletown, PA. There will be a shotgun start at 1:00 p.m.
The cost per golfer is $80 which includes green fees, cart, and dinner. Hole sponsorships are $100. Again, this year we are offering a discount for any combination of a hole sponsorship and a foursome of golfers. Hole sponsor signs will be posted on the golf course and recognized at dinner.
In the past twenty-five years,contributions have raised more than $240,000 toward the scholarship fund. As a result of contributions from last year’s tournament, the Hummelstown Rotary Club will be able to award scholarships totaling up to $10,000 this year to seniors graduating from Lower Dauphin High School.
The Hummelstown Rotary Club and our scholarship recipients invite you to participate in this worthy cause by sponsoring a hole, playing in the tournament or taking advantage of our new combination package. Forms are included for registering golfers and hole sponsors.
On behalf of Hummelstown Rotary Club and the past and future recipients of the Herbert A. Schaffner Memorial Scholarships, we appreciate your consideration and hope that we can count on your support this year.
Rotary District 7490, located in northern New Jersey, visited Gettysburg the weekend of May 3 for its district conference. Rotarians generously donated many personal items for residents of Gettysburg’s domestic violence shelter, Survivors Inc. - enough to fill a Ford Escape and a pickup truck. Rotary Club of Gettysburg members Alex Hayes and Ashley Andyshak Hayes picked up the items and delivered them to Survivors. The Hayeses are pictured with New Jersey Rotarians and Survivors staff members.
Visiting Rotarians Donation to Domestic Violence Shelter
Calling all cars, trucks, motorcycles, airplanes, AND runners...
Join us for the Annual Rotary Wheels and Winds Festival & 5K on Saturday, June 22nd at the Lancaster Airport!
This is a FREE EVENT to the public! No registration necessary to attend - just come on out for the fun of it! Suggested donation for onsite parking is $5.00 per car.
Registration is required for all vehicles and runner participants.
Last year there was over $500 in cash prizes and lots of door prizes such as Intel Laptop, 40" computer screen, airline flights, and a 50/50 Raffle. Expect similar prizes for 2019!
To round out the Festival, there will be food vendors onsite. No Festival would be complete without live music which will be playing throughout the day.
All proceeds will be designated primarily to support the Rotary Club of Lancaster Summer Youth Experience/A United Way Partnership which keeps city youth engaged and productive during summer thereby reducing school dropouts and improving children's lives.
PDG John Kramb is conducting a motorcycle ride in late June in order to raise money for Polio Plus. Riders from across the East and into Canada are participating. He is asking that your club donate at least $1000 to Polio Plus in support of this event.
The Rotary Club of Eastern York County has changed their meeting place to Cool Creek Golf Club and their meeting day to Wednesdays. The meeting will start with social time from 5:30 to 6:00 p.m., followed by the meeting from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m.
These are Mrs. Sherry Chroniger’s two 6th grades classes at St. Teresa of Calcutta in McSherrystown. They both competed the Junior Achievement Program, Our Nation which consisted of 5 classes taught by Ralph Jodice as a JA volunteer.
The purpose of this award is to recognize those Rotarians who have demonstrated exemplary continuing humanitarian service, in any form and at any level with emphasis on personal volunteer efforts and active involvement in helping others through Rotary
This is Rotary International’s highest honor for individual Rotarians and only a maximum of 150 recipients worldwide may be selected each year.
The individual receiving this award has served as an Assistant Pastor or Pastor at numerous churches and was actively involved in those communities.
He has participated in 20 mission trips with World Blindness Outreach to seven different countries. Many of these trips were made possible through the assistance of District and Global Grants via Rotary International.
He joined the Rotary Club of Palmyra and served as its President in 1999. He jointed the Lancaster Sunrise Club in 2005 where he has been an active member and currently serves the District as an Assistant Governor.
Throughout the years with World Blindness Outreach, Dr. Alley has come to rely on him to gather, inventory, ship and maintain instruments needed as well as overseeing a smooth running operating room.
Some of his community service activities include:
Board Member of Luthercare
Member of the Columbia School District Dropout Prevention Team
President of Columbia Area Churches United
Member of the Palmyra Interfaith Housing Board
Board member of the Palmyra Counseling Center
Founder of the Campbelltown Disaster Office
And many more
Please join me in welcoming and honoring Rev. William Cluley, the 2018/19 recipient of the Rotary Service Above Self Award.
The Rotary Club of Hanover and the Southern Tier Steering Committee held a superbly done RMB Leadership Summit networking event at the NEW Bailey Coach offices and maintenance building in Spring Grove on April 24 with 24 Rotarians and guests attending from at least seven Rotary clubs representing all areas of Rotary District 7390. PDG Una Martone gave a 30 minute presentation on Servant Leadership that passed on to those attending some priceless advice regarding Servant Leadership and what effectively practicing it can do to make businesses more successful. After the Circle and Cocktail part exercises, Bailey Coach conducted a tour of their beautiful and well thought out new facilities and everyone came away impressed by the excellent planning and execution that made it happen. Many great connections were made and fun and fellowship enjoyed. Thank you Bailey Coach and PDG Una Martone for helping make this 50th Golden Anniversary RMB Leadership Summit networking event such a great success. Well done all!!
Join us for the installation of the 2019-20 District Leadership Team, Assistant Governors and Club Presidents!
Thursday, June 27, 2019
Wyndridge Farm (885 S. Pleasant Ave, Dallastown)
5:30 p.m. Cocktails & Hors D'Oeuvres
6:30 p.m. Dinner & Program
Dinner will consist of slow cooked herbed roast of beef with dijon glaze and oven roasted salmon with grilled pineapple chutney. Both will be served on the same plate with creamy risotto and brussel sprouts.
At the District Conference we had the pleasure to listening to the five finalists in the 4-Way Speech Contest and the winner of the 4-Way Essay Contest. I have always been amazed at how the students weave the 4-Way Test into the topic of their presentation.
We also witnessed the transition of the District Leadership for the 4-Way Speech Contest from PDG Ken Roberts to PDG Una Martone.
On behalf of the District, I want to express our heartfelt appreciation to PDG Ken Roberts for shepherding this program for District 7390. It was at the 2009/10 joint District Conference that we heard our partner district present the finalists for their 4-Way Speech Contest. We were so impressed with the program that we decided to start it in our District.
Ken Roberts has provided the leadership and has been the driving force for the past nine years. I would also like to express our appreciation to be Jeni Roberts for all that she has done for she has been Ken’s right arm throughout these years. Ken and Jeni have the support of a dedicated group of Mid-Level Coordinators who are responsible for organizing the regional competition.
Ken and Jeni, you truly embody Rotary’s Service Above Self.
Thanks go out to all of our clubs who sponsor the 4-Way Speech and Essay Contests. For those clubs who currently don’t participate, I encourage you to consider offering this program in your local school district.
While I am talking about youth, I would like to give a shout out to this year’s Youth Exchange students. They created cultural theme baskets that were raffled off at the District Conference and raised $1503 for the Youth Exchange program. Thanks go out to the students and their counselors who prepared the baskets.
Congratulations to Gary Crissman (Rotary club of colonial park) on receiving the District 7390 Dogged Pursuit award for his passion for the District RYLA program.
Congratulations to Past District Governor Hector Ortiz (Rotary Club of Harrisburg-Keystone) on receiving the District 7390 Outstanding Service Award. Hector was District Governor in 2013-14, served as District membership chair, PDG engagement chair and RLI chair. His dedication to Rotary and District 7390 is evident in all that he does!!
Congratulations to Past District Governor Dick Brown (Rotary Club of York) on receiving the District 7390 Lifetime Achievement Award. Dick has been a member of Rotary for 44 years. He was responsible for researching and establishing the Rotary District 7390 office and was instrumental in hiring both District Executive Secretaries. Dick served as District Rotary Foundation chair and consistently increased giving to the Foundation in his 8 year term and he's done much, much more!! Congratulations Dick!!!
Congratulations to the following Rotarians who Received Awards at the District Conference
Please join us for our 51st annual charitable fundraiser on Saturday, May 4, 2019 at the Hershey Lodge in support of donations to over twenty-five community organizations and others programs. This event starts at 5:00 PM registration, a cash bar and a silent auction with scores of donated items. Dinner starts at 6:30 which is followed by a live auction. Please contact Amy Norris at 717 520-5643 or annoris@bmtc.com for additional information.
Join Rotary Club of York by participating in Give Local York on May 3rd and inspire the innovators of tomorrow! York Rotary has partnered with the York Academy and is raising funds to equip the Academy’s STEM Program with chemistry, physics, biology and robotics equipment. Founded in 2011, the York Academy is the most diverse school in our community, with 63% of its students coming from economically disadvantaged neighborhoods in the City of York and surrounding communities. STEM is a critical component of the International Baccalaureate curriculum offered at the York Academy. Success in these courses will translate to receiving college credits and scholarships and put students on the path to college careers rewarding them with promising futures in the STEM workforce. Good for these students AND good for our local businesses.
The Rotaract Club of Lancaster met with students that are part of AFH’s Access Connect Empower (ACE) Mentoring program. The ACE Mentoring Program works with high school and college students of refugee and immigrant families in Lancaster, PA to support them in achieving their vision of success after they complete high school. The program links these students with college student coaches and with expertise in the community in order to provide ongoing training and support in academic, leadership and life skills.
Rotaract is an organization of young adults (between the age of 18 and 30) of different professional and educational backgrounds that is defined neither by religious nor political motives. Rotaract is one of the largest youth organizations in the world with around 175000 members in about 7500 clubs in 156 countries of the world. The Rotaract Club of Lancaster meets at F & M College in Lancaster, PA. They are Sponsored by The Rotary Clubs of Lancaster Sunrise and The Rotary Club of Lancaster.
The Rotaract Club of Lancaster welcomes Members of theAFH’S Access Connect Empower Mentoring Program
On Saturday, April 13, 2019, sixteen trees were planted in York City by the Preserve Planet Earth Committee, members of the Rotary Club of York, PA, family, friends, and cadets from the William Penn JROTC unit. The trees included a variety of species ranging from Sunset Maple, Linden, Black Gum, Lilac, and Hornbeam Trees. The planting teams removed stumps, rocks, bricks and concrete in existing tree wells to plant these trees in the areas of George Street, West Market Street, West Princess Street, East Prospect Street, and Williams Park. Special thinks to Rotarian Brian Mummert of W S Landscape Services who procured the trees, provided the mulch and put in a full day delivering, planting and cleaning up. Also, thanks to J T Hand and the York Water Company for the delivery of water for all the trees.
The Rotary Club of Harrisburg and the Northern Tier Steering Committee will host the 51st RMB event in Rotary District 7390's history and the fifth event of the 2019 RMB season on Thursday, June 6 at the Capital Blue Cross Retail Store, 4500 Marketplace Way, Enola, PA. The event will begin at 5:30 and end at 7:30. The cost of the event is FREE thanks to our major sponsor Capital Blue Cross and will feature great hors d'oeuvres and wine, beer and soft beverages. RSVP now!!
Make great connections for your business or project and enjoy the fun and fellowship of RMB. Bring potential Rotarian guests and family of Rotary.
More than 40 Rotary Club of Harrisburg members engaged in fellowship with a unique service project to sort donated jewelry at the Goodwill Keystone regional headquarters in Harrisburg.
HRC President Rebuck says, “Kudos to John McHenry, Goodwill Keystone’s President and his entire staff for hosting a wonderful and impactful meeting.” Tours were conducted of the facility demonstrating the multitude of services provided.
According to McHenry donor contributions of unwanted jewelry can range from inexpensive costume jewelry up to items of finer jewelry. While much of the donated jewelry is offered for sale at the retail outlets of the organization within the Keystone service area, more valuable items are displayed at silent acutions at Goodwill events.
Retired jeweler Barry Landis, who is also a Goodwill board member, evaluates the finer items to suggest retail pricing. RCH member Marion Alexander is also on the Goodwill board.
The Rotary Club of Gettysburg cleaned up litter along a two mile section of Rt 30 on Saturday, April 13. The club has been cleaning this section of roadway for over 20 years with two cleanup events held each year. Joining the Rotarians this time was Gettysburg College Senior Edith Tea. Edith is a native of the Ivory Coast and has been selected by the District for a two year District Global Grants Scholarship. She will be doing graduate work in environmental issues in the Netherlands.
Officers of the Dallastown Area High School Rotary Interact Club recently visited the club and presented a $170.00 check to be used by the Rotary Foundation in the area of Women and Children.
Pictured from left to right are Club members Vernon Tyson, George Flickinger and Joellen Hynson. Interact officers Hanna Lancaster, President, Taylor Edwards, Vice President, and Emily Dias, Secretary and Club Advisor Kathryn Fiocchi.
Interact Club Presents Check to The Rotary Foundation
Many of us take for granted that there will be food on the table every day; however, one out of every five PA households with children struggle with food insecurity. None of us likes to think that children go to bed hungry in the midst of Adams County’s agricultural abundance, but far too many children depend on free or reduced-price school lunches and breakfasts for nutrition. When those meals are not available, these children can go hungry.
Ruth’s Harvest Littlestown is a supplemental food backpack program for elementary children in the Littlestown Area School District. The program, funded entirely by donations, is offered to children in grades K through 5 who qualify for free/reduced lunch. Backpacks or plastic bags are packed and sent home each Friday with individual serving sized, shelf-stable breakfast and lunch items; fresh items are offered when available. The program is actually twofold: it meets the needs of children who are food-insecure each weekend and it offers items that are microwavable so that even children can prepare the meals.
This year, RH Littlestown serves 142 children each and every weekend and for all extended holiday breaks. In our fourth year, RH Littlestown will provide meals for approximately 96 days during this school year. So how does that add up? Last year, we supplied approximately 13,200 breakfast items, 13,200 lunch items, at least 20,000 fruits and vegetable servings, plus over 25,000 snacks and treats. That adds up to approximately 72,000 food items that went home with Littlestown students last school year. We also give away non-food items such as notebooks and pencils, winter gloves, chap stick, and Kleenex.
Ruth’s Harvest is 100% volunteer-operated. Local churches and service organizations such as Rotary come to organize and pack bags each week. The program’s success rests on their generous help.
The Rotary Club of Paradise is changing their meeting day from Thursday to Monday. The first Monday meeting will be held April 22. The meetings will be still be held at 12:15 p.m. at Bird-In-Hand Restaurant.
In March the Lancaster Sunrise Rotary Club donated books to Mrs. Corrigan’s third grade class at Carter and MacRae Elementary School in Lancaster. The club has been tutoring and donating books to this school for over eleven years. The students are always excited to receive these books that were signed with words of encouragement by the club’s weekly speakers. Ten members of the Sunrise Club tutor at the school on a regular basis and host an annual Christmas party for the class.
The Rotary Club of Lancaster Sunrise Donates books to 3rd Grade class at Carter MacRae Elementary
The Rotary Club of Harrisburg proudly announces the official charter and presents the certificate of organization of the Rotaract Club of Harrisburg University.
Rotary Club of Harrisburg member and Rotaract Chair, Mike Jaeger (Left back row) presented Niya and Diamond their Rotaract Certificate of Organization dated Febraury 08, 2019.
In the year that Rotaract celebrates its 50th anniversary, Club President, Andy Rebuck, was all smiles in fully appreciating that these connections to youth today will produce great rewards in years to follow.
The seeds for this Rotaract Club began in 2015-16 under the leadership of then President Betty Hungerford so it was especially fitting that she join in this celebration.
President Elect, Joyce Libby, notes that our Club is fully committed to sponsoring, guiding and mentoring these wonderful young leaders.
With wonderful meetings at the University, there is a lot of energy generated to impact our local community and specifically to dedicate time and resources to assist the needy.
Club Administrator Addeline Alaniz Edwards and President Elect Joyce Libby enjoy a hot cocoa and supporting a fundraising effort on a cold winter day in the halls at Harrisburg University.
All Rotary Club of Harrisburg members are looking forward to a fabulous relationship with these students.
Rotary Club of Harrisburg Celebrated Establishment of HU DELTA Rotaract Club at Harrisburg University
The Rotary Club of Lancaster Penn Square and the Eastern Tier Steering Committee hosted and ran respectively another great RMB event in Lancaster at the Groff Event Center on March 20. This was the 49th event in the history of RMB in District 7390 and had about 30 Rotarians and guests attending from nine clubs representing all parts of our district. Rotarians described the event as spectacular and super fun given the facilitator's quirky ways to run the Circle-networking-30 second elevator speech exercise. Kudos to Lancaster Penn Square and to the RMB Steering Committee for planning and organizing the event so well and to the Groff Event Center Leadership for providing such a perfect venue for the event at which many great connections were made. Thanks to event sponsors Groff Funeral Home and Cremation Services and Renovations by Garman attendees enjoyed some great food and drink FREE. Well done all!!
The Rotary Club of York’s America’s Promise donated wood chips for the playground at Rotary Fields at Allen Park and volunteers from the America’s Promise, Little League, and Preserve Planet Earth Committees, with help from the York City Parks and Recreation Department, spread the mulch on Saturday, March 23. The America’s Promise Committee had specifically chosen that park to enhance and provide additional safety for children playing there during York City Little League games because the York Club had been instrumental in building the fields in honor of Rotary International’s 100th anniversary in 2005.
The Rotary Club of Hanover and the Southern Tier RMB Steering Committee will host the 50th networking event in the history of RMB in District 7390 and the fourth of the 2019 RMB season as a Leadership Summit featuring PDG Una Martone speaking on Servant Leadership on Wednesday, April 24 at the new offices of Bailey Coach at 1708 Route 116, Spring Grove, PA. The event cost is FREE thanks to major sponsor Bailey Coach and will include hearty hors d’oeuvres along with wine, beer, and soft beverages to include water. The event will begin at 5:30 and end at 8:00 pm, which will allow time for Una’s talk and all the normal networking exercises. Click here to RSVP NOW!
Make great connections for your business or project and enjoy the fun and fellowship of RMB. Bring potential Rotarian guests and family of Rotary!
The International Skiing Federation of Rotarians (North American chapter) supports “adaptive skiing”, making skiing and snowboarding available to physically and cognitively challenged people.
At its 2019 Annual Ski Week in Telluride, Colorado, Rotary Club of Harrisburg skiing member Bruce Grossman met with previously wounded veterans who were at Telluride Adaptive Sports. For the wounded warriors this is an all-expense paid week of ski training.
Rotarian Skiing Fellows were all very impressive with the wounded warriors’ determination to conquer another challenge. The young lady shown above had been in the Air Force for 15 years when her body was exploded by an IED in Iraq.
After her multi-year recovery, which included multiple replacements and reconstruction, she now uses her Masters’ degree in chemistry to treat skin disorders in chemotherapy patients. She’s learning to snowboard for the fun and the challenge.
This year the Davis Boyd Memorial Foundation, a 501 C 3 charity, was established by the ISFR to support adaptive ski programs. The ISFR raised $12,000 for Telluride Adaptive Sports.
To continue this good work, tax deductible contributions can be made to: DAVIS BOYD MEMORIAL FOUNDATION, 401 Woodbourbe Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21212.
Picture: Harrisburg Rotarian Bruce Grossman with Wounded Veteran at Telluride Adaptive Sports
RCH of Harrisburg Member Participates in Rotarian Fellowship Philanthropic Mission
Rotary Club of Lancaster South presented checks in the amount of $5000 each to the West Lampeter Township Community Foundation’s “We’re Taking the Field Capital Campaign” to improve Village Park in West Lampeter Township, and to the Southern End Community Association’s “Jump Into Local Recreation” Capital Campaign to significantly improve and renovate the outdoor swimming pool in Quarryville, PA.
Village Park is used by hundreds of children and families on any given night to participate in sports and recreation activities. The current fields were not designed or graded for organized sports and so several of the teams are unable to hold home games due to inadequate field conditions. The total project budget is $2.5 million, with a DCNR grant of $250,000 and a matching grant of $250,000 from West Lampeter Township already having been secured. Also, George and Pat Desmond have issued a $250,000 leadership challenge grant which will be matched dollar for dollar in the early stages of the campaign.
After 25 years of operation, the SECA pool has reached the end of its life. Each summer the pool is used by hundreds of children, families and adults from the Solanco School District and beyond for water safety, competitive swimming, recreation and family fun. Anyone can use the pool on a daily basis without having to pay an initiation fee or membership dues making it an affordable and convenient option for many in the community. The pool annually employs about 27 teens and young adults as swim instructors, life guards and front desk personnel. The total project budget is $650,000 with $428,000 raised so far by volunteers, area businesses, individuals and service organizations.
Pictured: Rotary Club of Lancaster South President, Charity Welch, presents a $5,000 check to West Lampeter Township Community Foundation’s Dee Dee McGuire with, from left, Ray D’Agostino (Philanthropy Chair), Randy Moyer, and George Desmond
Rotary Club of Lancaster South Contributes $10,000 to Two Capital Campaigns
The Rotary Club of Gettysburg is holding its fourth annual Lobster Dinner on Saturday May 4 from 5 to 8 PM at the Gettysburg Fire Hall on North Stratton Street in Gettysburg. Tickets are $45 each and are available through the club's website at www.gettysburgrotary.org. New this year is that the sponsor dollars collected are being used dollar for dollar to fund scholarships to be awarded in May of this year, 2019. These extra dollars allow the club to award $7,500 in scholarships this year. In addition, all other funds raised through this event will benefit the club's Community Fund.
"Mt. Joy Rotary to Defend Their Rotary Cup Title From Last Year” - Get your club to put together a team for June 13 to see who can capture the prize this year!
In October of 1998, Hurricane Mitch, the strongest storm of the 1998 Atlantic hurricane season devastated the country of Honduras killing over 7000 people, leaving 1.5 million people homeless, and caused an estimated 2 billion dollars in damage. The President of Honduras said the storm set the country back 50 years in economic development. Because of that storm, for the past 17 years, Rotary district 7870 partnered with a small Rotary club in Danli, Honduras to provide humanitarian aid by sending teams to provide various services. This year, Dena and Dave Ament and Dave Lawrence from Lancaster Sunrise joined eighteen others and traveled to Honduras.
This project, named Amigos De Honduras has constructed eight schools, expanded 3 schools, converted 2 buildings into schools, painted and repaired 18 schools and worked on a youth center. They also have repaired hospitals and constructed a dental clinic. They have served an estimated 27,000 people with 23 medical and dental missions. Finally, they have installed more than 11,000 water filters.
We had three projects for the week. We painted the interior and exterior of a new elementary school in a remote village. That cement block school was constructed from Rotary funds in the last 8 months. We also installed electrical work.
At another school our teams installed a portable water filter system, so the students could finally access to clean water. They were drinking contaminated well water.
Also, for five days we had a medical and dental team at various locations about an hours drive from Danli.
Lancaster Sunrise and District 7870 JoinedAmigos De Honduras
Three D-7390 Rotarians, (Right to Left) Dr Bob Davis, PDG Tom Davis, and PDG John Judson, meet in Sarasota, Florida for an unofficial Rotary meeting. The trio had lively discussion of District and Club issues.
3 D7390 Rotarians Hold Unofficial Meeting in Florida
The Rotary Club of Mount Joy is delighted with the success of its Thursday Night Alternate meeting. Under the leadership of Greg Sallade, the membership has grown and hosted several unique activities. This young, fun group celebrated its 1st anniversary on Thursday, March 7 with a cake and power point show commemorating some of the year’s highlights. If you care to join the gang – Find us at Bube’s Brewery on North Market Street in Mount Joy on Thursdays form 5-6:30. The Biergarten will be open soon!
Left to right: Chris Brandt, Denny Brandt, John Coleman, Jack Garner, Kevin Engle, Randy Wolgemuth, Rose Madar, Dave Christian, Gary Ebersole, Greg Sallade, Mark Rorabaugh, John May, Jerry Hawn, Joanne Pinkerton
Ten members of the Rotary Club of Gettysburg gathered at Lincoln Elementary School in Gettysburg on March 7 to assemble meals for Ruth's Harvest. The Ruth's Harvest program sends food home on Fridays to the homes of needy children so that they have nutritious food over the weekend. Club members work two times each school year to help with the program.
Please join us for a re-invented 2019 District 7390 Conference – "Rotary: Unwrapping the Inspiration"
Find out how Ann Brinkerhoff has led the development of several premium products for the Hershey Company. You’ll participate in wine parings with various Hershey’s chocolate products. It’s a great way to wrap up your conference experience!
Detailed information on the District Conference is available on District 7390 web page. Click here!
We look forward to seeing you again in Hershey where we will be Unwrapping the Inspiration.
The Rotary Club of Mount Joy invites our friends and neighbors in the Mount Joy area to volunteer a little time at Rotary Park. If you enjoy playing in the dirt, Spring Clean-up Day is scheduled on Saturday, April 6 from dawn until 1:00 pm (drizzle or shine).
Do you or your family members enjoy time at one of the ball fields? Rotary Park in Mount Joy is the home of Hotchkiss, Merchandiser, and Don Pop Staley Fields. Do you let the kids run the bases or climb on the tot lot playground while you lounge at the picnic tables? Then bring your family to the park to help perk it up after a long winter.
Bring your gardening tools to the park entrance on Fairview Street across from the former Lion’s Club Swimming Pool. Come when you can, leave when you must. Lunch will be provided by the Rotary Club. RSVPs are requested but not necessary. For questions or to sign-up, contact Dave Christian at dave@dcalarch.com.
Volunteers may also help keep the park beautiful all summer long. Contact Dave for ideas which can be completed at the park any time. Get your family, team, or club involved in this opportunity to help make the community the best it can be. Inspire those you know by mentioning Rotary’s commitment to “Service Above Self”, and support us in our efforts to help Mount Joy shine.
Mark your calendar now. Step-up to the challenge on Saturday, April 6 or for our summer Cleanup Day scheduled for Saturday, June 15. We will be there from dawn until 1 PM. Participants will be invited to attend a pool party at Dave and Sandy Christian's home later this summer.
For more details and additional photos, review the Mount Joy Rotary Club’s Facebook page. If you are interested in being a guest at either the Tuesday noon or Thursday evening meetings, call Mark Rorabaugh at 717-653-4717 or send an email at mountjoypres@gmail.com.
The Rotary Club of Harrisburg is giving a paperback dictionary to more than 650 third grade students in Harrisburg area schools.
The Dictionary Project was launched at our Club when Steve Feinour was president 2016-2017, using a matching District 7390 Grant, and continues this year under the guidance of chairs Ashley Tedor and Wendell Hoover. A District Matching Grant made this project possible again.
Current President Andy Rebuck says, “We’ve completed distribution to four of the six area elementary schools—and only a snow storm prevented us from completing the distributions.
One of my biggest joys is seeing these little folks smile ear to ear when they receive their dictionary and the pride of ownership they take in it. Thanks again to all RCH members for supporting our local foundation, as their support fuels many such efforts like this enriching program.”
RCH members volunteer to distribute the dictionaries and interact with the children.
Rotary Club of West Shore President, Kirk Brechbiel, presents a $2,000 check to David Harrison, Director of Elementary Education with the West Shore School District. The money will pay for a new Kindergarten reading program. Each new incoming Kindergarten student will receive the book "The Duck Rides a Bike" courtesy of our Rotary Club. Club members will be invited back in the fall for opportunities to be reading partners with the students. This continues are role in encouraging reading and literacy in young people, along with providing a book for them to hold and enjoy.
West Shore Helps Fund Kindergarten Reading Program
Members of the Rotary Club of Red Lion - Dallastown recently delivered and assembled several pieces of play equipment to the students of the Windsor Manor Elementary School in the Red Lion Area School District. The Club used Club generated funds from various fundraising activities and funds from a Rotary District Grant to purchase the items.
students Jelena Jones (left) and Dakota Pipher try out the Connect 4 game.
Club members along with students and school staff look over all the donated items. From left to right are: Club President, Frank Herron; Club members Del McChalicher and Lori Polakoff, Windsor Manor Teachers Julie Brunetto and Levi Myers, Club member Kim McChalicher, and WIndsor Manor Principal Sheila Hughes. Students from left to right are: Christy Whitcraft, Alaina Guzman, and J'Maani Markline.
Red Lion/Dallastown Donates Play Equipment to School
The hosting Rotary Clubs of Mechanicsburg, Mechanicsburg North, and West Shore and the Northern Tier Steering Committee along with principal organizer DGN John Anthony deserve great credit for having one of the most successful RMB events in its six year history on February 26, 2019 at the offices of Classic Rock Fabrication. Our 48th networking event since July 2014 had 50 or more Rotarians and potential Rotarian guests from 13 Rotary clubs from all areas of our district. Many great connections were made and much fun and fellowship enjoyed as the photos below show. Thank you to Classic Rock Fabrication for a great venue. Well done all!
Successful Rotary Means Business Held February 26th!
The Colonial Park Club meetings are going to be held at Colonial Golf & Tennis (4901 Linglestown Road, Harrisburg, PA 17112) on April 3, April 10 and April 24. The meetings still officially begin at 12:15 p.m. and the price for lunch is $17. The Colonial Park Club will meet at the Best Western Premiere on all other dates.
The 19th Annual Comedy and Magic Spectacular on Saturday, April 13, 2019 at 7:00 p.m. features four national acts including: one of the great innovators in magic Tony Chapek; Central Pa’s very own Brett Myers, a rising star in the world of illusion based magic; Jarol Martin, born in Cuba, who was selected at age 13 to train at the House of Culture where he began his career; and the popular R.G. Smith as Master of Ceremonies. Held at Lampeter-Strasburg High School’s Performing Arts Center, the show is the largest annual fundraiser hosted by Rotary Club of Lancaster South. Show proceeds fund scholarships awarded to graduating seniors at three local high schools (Solanco, Penn Manor, and Lampeter-Strasburg), toward youth programming at the L-S YMCA, and to other community needs.
For more information and to purchase tickets ! Tickets may also be purchased at the L-S YMCA location. Tickets are $17 for adults and $11 for children age 12 and under.
One of the great innovators in magic, Tony Chapek is a unique performer who has been delighting audiences for years with his innovative blend of magic, technology and humor. He has performed for millions of people from the showrooms of Las Vegas to the TV studios of Europe and Asia. Tony has obtained some of the most prestigious awards in magic that include 1st Place at the International Brotherhood of Magicians International competition, the Society of American Magicians’ People’s Choice Award, and the rarely presented National Award for Originality from both organizations.
In addition to touring the world, Tony has appeared on two network television specials: “Masters of Illusion” and “World Magic Awards” where he was named “World’s Most Original Act.”
One of the rising stars in the world of magic, Brett A. Myers is an illusionist who has taken his talents around the world, performing over 140 shows on military bases, in theaters, at colleges, for conferences as well as countless churches. Born in central PA, he began touring and entertaining at an early age. Brett and his lovely bride, Labrina, present a variety of amazing effects. Their desire is to create environments that inspire positive life change; and to challenge each person’s perception of reality via their world of illusion. Most recently, Brett Myers and his entourage have taken summer and Christmas residence at the popular Bird-in-Hand Stage in Lancaster, PA. Brett is ready for the start of a 4th successful season in Lancaster with an all new “MAGIC AND WONDER” review.
Born in Cuba, Jarol Martin felt a great interest in the secrets of illusion and the performance of magic. At the age of thirteen, he was accepted in “La Casa de la Cultura,” (The House of Culture) that is a place where talent is nurtured. He then began his career as a magician. A credit to his skills, he was selected for a cultural project/tour that would take him all over his native country. On this tour, he was selected as the “Artist of the Year.” From there, he created and performed in variety shows all over Central and South America. With great acclaim, he was chosen to appear in Las Vegas in a show called “Tropiclaisimo.” Once discovered there, he has been ever so busy in the USA and Europe.
RG Smith
For the “umpteenth time” producer and director RG Smith will be the Master of Ceremonies and tour guide for the show. In addition to keeping things moving and bringing old jokes back to our stage, he will give you a chance to win at a quick game of BINGO. Make sure you get your free BINGO cards----1 each, please----and let’s have fun. The game starts right after intermission.
For more information contact Martha MacAdam at 717-333-0559 or email at marthamacadam@gmail.com.
Annual Comedy & Magic Show to Feature Four National Acts
The Rotary Club of Lancaster Penn Square and the Eastern Tier RMB Steering Committee will host the 49th RMB networking event in District 7390's RMB history and the third event of the 2019 season at the Groff Event Center, 234 West Orange Street, Lancaster, PA on Wednesday, March 20. The event cost will be FREE thanks to the Rotary Club of Lancaster Penn Square, Groff Funeral Home and Cremation Services and Renovations by Garman who are providing the venue, hors d'oeuvres and the beverages (wine, beer and soft drinks). The event will start at 5:30 and end at 7:30 pm. MARK YOUR CALENDARS to attend this event so that you can make great connections and enjoy the fun and fellowship of RMB. Bring potential Rotarians and family of Rotary! RSVP Here!!
At their February 7, 2019 meeting, members of the Rotary Club of Red Lion - Dallastown, presented 11 new Apple iPads to representatives of The Den After School Program which operates within the Red Lion Area School District. With the assistance of a Rotary District Grant, the Club purchased the iPads to allow students to work on homework and other educational activities while taking part in the after school program. Those in the attached photograph are Club members Del McChalicher and George Flickinger, Andrea Rider, Director of The Den program, Reverend Tim Funk, Pastor at St. Paul's United Methodist Church and Pastor Jay McWilliams, Senior Pastor at Pleasant View Church
A Rotary volunteer work crew will be traveling to New Bern N.C. for the week of Sunday July 14 – Saturday July 20 to work with Fuller Center Disaster Rebuilders (FCDR) restoring the interior of homes badly damaged by both high winds and torrential flooding caused by Hurricane Florence in September 2018.
We have worked with FCDR over the years in hurricane damaged areas from New York, down the east coast, and west to Texas. FCDR provides volunteer housing/meals, skilled construction leadership, tools and qualified projects.
Rotarian John Bailey, Bailey Coach, is providing – free of charge – his Rotary bus to transport the volunteers to New Bern and to/from the work site daily. Volunteer housing cost is $125/person. Minimum age 16. No previous skills required, home repair experience helpful. Open to Rotarians and non-Rotarians.
We will be joined by experienced Crew Chiefs Rotarian Phil Lehman and Chris Erickson. Bob Brightbill and his team of students from Dauphin County Technical School will be joining us. DCTS has participated in eleven of our previous Joining Hands disaster rebuilds.
Do you have the passion for serving families in need? Sign up by contacting: Peg Sennett, 717-630-8281, pegsennett@hotmail.com.
District Governor John May, with the help of PDG Dick Brown (at the podium), surprised former Youth Exchange Inbound student, David Gbogboade from Nigeria, with a Paul Harris Fellow Award, at the club’s meeting on Nov. 28. David’s counselor, and District Youth Exchange Chair Walt Tilley, donated the funds to The Rotary Foundation to name David as a PHF. David was an Inbound for the 2017-18 Rotary year, and returned to attend York College of PA, to study engineering. David was planning to return to Nigeria after the Spring 2019 semester due to financial difficulties, but the college, individual Rotarians, community members, and the York club’s Student Education Fund and Youth Exchange Committees have now stepped up to help David obtain his Bachelor’s Degree and graduate in May 2021. It certainly DOES take a village to raise a child…..and David will make York, York College, and Rotary proud when he returns to Nigeria with his degree in hand.
A Very Special Paul Harris Fellow Presentation to a Very Special Young Man
People Coming Together Zone Conference September 19-21, 2019 Sheraton on the Falls and Crowne Plaza Niagara Falls – Fallsview Niagara Falls, Canada
YOU need to be a part of this amazing experience!
Get inspired and learn from motivating speakers, empowering facilitators, & energizing sessions - addressing the pressing and pivotal issues that are important to the future of Rotary. Zone Conference will enlighten, educate, and inform.
Connect with Rotarians from all strata of our Rotary world to build a new future together. Get to know other Rotarians from across Zones 24 and 32 and our new colleagues from Zone 29 who share a passion for service through leadership.
Enjoy Niagara Falls! All of this will be taking place in two of the most beautiful hotels in Niagara Falls – Sheraton on the Falls and the Crowne Plaza Niagara Falls - Fallsview Hotel, connected by a walkway, and offering world-class accommodations, outstanding restaurants, and most importantly, breath-taking views of both the Canadian and American falls. The Niagara region also offers a multitude of entertainment, adventure and culinary experiences. There truly is something for everyone!
Bring your partner, family, Rotarian friends and colleagues for a conference that promises to be an experience that will inspire and empower you, an experience you will remember for years to come.
On Saturday, January 26, five students were interviewed and selected to participate in the Rotary Youth Exchange Short Term Exchange Program. The students are sponsored by the Rotary Clubs of Harrisburg, Harrisburg-Keystone and Susquehanna Township. Their top country choices for exchange are Italy, Japan, Spain and France. The students will be notified in a few months regarding the country they will be exchanging with.
A big thank you to District Youth Exchange Chair Linda Spotts (Susquehanna Township), District Short-Term Exchange Chair Tom Barton (York) and other Youth Exchange volunteers for conducting the interviews and orientation program for the students.
Short-Term Exchange Students Selected for Summer 2019
Rotary District 7390 is pleased to report that the District Governor Nominating Committee has met and recommended Gregory C. Staub, Rotary Club of Hanover, to serve as your District Governor for the 2021-2022 Rotary year.
Greg is a native of Hanover, PA. He graduated from Delone Catholic High School and holds a Bachelor’s Degree from Temple University and Ph.D. from Tulane University. He is a graduate of the American Bankers Association National Trust School and in 1993 was awarded the designation Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA). Greg is very active in the Hanover community, having served on the boards of several local non-profits. He is currently serving as the President of the Hanover Area Historical Society. He is a past president and board member of the Hanover Rotary Club and is currently serving as the Group D Assistant Governor. Greg and his wife, Edie reside in Hanover and are the proud parents of four children and grandparents of 4 grandchildren.
District 7390 Governor Nominee John Anthony , the past president and a member of the Mechanicsburg North Rotary Club was a recent speaker at the Colonial Park Rotary Club. He spoke about a very special fundraising effort that is currently underway in Rotary District 7390 which is comprised of 43 Rotary Clubs located in Adams, Cumberland, Dauphin, Lancaster, Lebanon, Perry and York Counties. This fundraiser which is named the Million Dollar Journey plans to raise one million dollars to benefit the Rotary Foundation of Rotary International. The Rotary Foundation is a non-profit organization that provides humanitarian, educational and goodwill on a global basis to areas of the world that need help with providing such things as clean safe water, sanitation systems, hygiene education, medical supplies, disaster recovery, medical, eye and dental clinics and the eradication of polio. Pictured L-R: District Governor Nominee John Anthony and Colonial Park Rotary Club President Dave White
District Governor John May presented District Governor-Elect Patrick J. “Paddy” Rooney with a Major Donor Level 1 pin and crystal piece, at the Rotary Club of York’s meeting on Wednesday, Jan. 9, 2019 at the Country Club of York. Paddy has been a member of the Rotary Club of York for 12 years, served as President for the 2016-17 Rotary year, chaired the Student Education Committee and served on 9 other committees. Paddy will be inducted as District 7390 Governor for the 2019-2020 Rotary year on June 27, 2019 at Wyndridge Farm.
The Rotary Club of York East hosted an absolutely great RMB networking event - the 47 in Rotary District 7390 RMB history - on January 15 at the Springettsbury Township's police department with over 30 Rotarians and guests attending from over 10 district clubs from every part of the district. Kudos and thanks go to President Ben Marchant of the Rotary Club of York East for hosting the event so effectively and to the event sponsors Dan Stump, police Chief of the Springettsbury Police Department, and to Dan Calloway of Edward Jones. Kudos also to the Southern Tier Steering Committee for making this event happen. Well done all!
Photos show Rotarians making connections, the fun & fellowship of RMB and Heather Steavens-Jones explaining during the Circle Exercise what makes her all-ininsulation business unique selling proposition.
The world is tantalizingly close to being free of polio. From 350,000 wild poliovirus cases every year in 1988, in 2018 the world reported just 29 cases of this devastating disabling disease because of extraordinary global efforts. Wild poliovirus transmission is endemic in only a handful of districts worldwide. The aim of the 2013-2018 Endgame Plan had been to be finished with this job by end 2018. This is not the case, and the Plan has to now be revised and extended through 2023.
This is an effort that cannot be sustained indefinitely: 31 years is long enough. It is resource intensive. It is intensive on the countries affected. It is intensive on donors. It is intensive on health services. It is intensive on communities. Most of all, it is intensive on those children and their families who bear the burden of this terrible disease, needlessly.
There is no reason why polio should persist anywhere in the world. To succeed by 2023, all involved in this effort must find ways to excel in their roles. If this happens, success will follow.
This means stepping up the level of performance even further. It means using the proven tools of eradication and building blocks that have been established in parts of the world that have been free of polio for years. The vaccines, the cold chains, the networks of vaccinators, the surveillance capacity, the governance, policy, financing and oversight structures must be at peak levels of performance. There must be an unrelenting focus to tighten the management of the effort at all levels.
It also means looking for opportunities to innovate, using local knowledge and insights to overcome obstacles that in the past have seemed insurmountable. It means looking at new and different ways to reach children. It means really understanding the views of parents, and communities, who are unwilling to accept the vaccine and finding ways to address their concerns and come together with them. It means more effectively engaging with communities and better serving their needs than we have been doing thus far. Each person must dedicate themselves to one clear objective - to reach that very last child with polio vaccine.
Please commit to finding that very last child first, before the poliovirus does. Give the poliovirus nowhere to hide. Whatever barrier to reaching that very last child, the programme has the expertise and experience to overcome it. Let everyone perfect what we know works. Let everyone free their mind to come up with new ideas and transformative solutions. We must all treat this as the public health emergency that it is.
As a global community, we have stood before where we stand today, with smallpox. The scourge of smallpox is gone, for which the world is a much better place. Let us make history again. It is time to finish the job of polio eradication now. The philosopher, poet and essayist Ralph Waldo Emerson said: “To leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch or a redeemed social condition, to know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived – this is to have succeeded.”
Eradicate polio, and make the world a better place for future generations.
The Global Polio Eradication Effort is 31 Years Old
The Rotary Club of Motorcycling Rotarians has access to, by actual count, a gazillion or so used books. These books are available free of charge, and are written for grade school and middle school children. If your club is interested in obtaining any of them, please contact PDG John Kramb at pdgjohn2015@gmail.com. Your club will likely have to pay for the shipping from Chicago. Books are free, shipping ain't.
Thank you for your support of our programs! Listed below are the Red Zone events for February, 2019. This school year we will reach over 100,000 students and will need to fill 8,000 volunteer opportunities!
When we are looking at the one day events scheduled within the next 30 days, we consider those events in the “Red Zone”. At this point we are looking for the “Volunteers Needed” number to be on a solid descending glide path. With 127 one day events this school year we know we are going to end up with some events that, even after all of our recruiting efforts, are posing a challenge. The following one day events in the Red Zone are in need of many more volunteers! If you are already signed up for some of these events, thank you! If not, I hope you will consider joining us and as always, please share these opportunities with your colleagues, friends and neighbors. You are the BEST ADVOCATES we have and we cannot do this without you!
Event
Date
School
Volunteers Needed
YES
Friday, January 25, 2019
Landisville Middle School (Lancaster-Hempfield)
4
STEM
Friday, January 25, 2019
Susquehannock High School (York)
5
BizTown
Friday, February 8, 2019
At BizTown York for McKinley & Devers Elementary Schools (York)
10
STEM
Tuesday, February 12, 2019
Pequea Valley High School (Lancaster)
22
STEM
Thursday, February 21, 2019
McCaskey High School (Lancaster)
22
STEM
Friday, February 22, 2019
McCaskey High School (Lancaster)
26
STEM
Wednesday, February 27, 2019
South Western High School (York)
14
* this is not a complete listing of all events in the next 30 days…only the schools where we need the extra recruiting efforts
STEM = Science Technology Engineering and Math focused Summit for 9th and/or 10th graders
REAL Life= Financial Literacy focused Forum for 11th and/or 12th graders
YES = Career Readiness, Financial Literacy and Entrepreneurship for 6th, 7th and 8th graders
BizTown = Career Readiness, Financial Literacy, Entrepreneurship, STEM for 5th and 6th graders
At the January 15th meeting of the Rotary Club of Mount Joy held at the Gathering Place, an International array of guests held the group in thrall. Guest Speaker: Bianca Neff, discussed the Rotary Peace Fellowship. Neff is a 2010-11 Peace Fellowship recipient attending University of Bradford in Bradford U.K. to earn her Rotary sponsored master’s degree in Conflict Resolution.
Throughout the world, there are six Rotary Peace Centers which have had 1200 graduates since its inception in 2002. Graduates are in strategic positions of leadership around the globe providing peacebuilding services. Neff founded an organization dedicated to providing mental health services to NGO workers who have experienced job related trauma and stress. Additional professional and personal interests include: Central Asia; Islam & the West; Ethnic Conflict Intervention; Justice and Reconciliation; Poverty & Radical Islam.
Ms. Neff, the daughter of a Basque mother (Spain) and an American father, now lives in Spain. Her Basque heritage gives her the unique perspective of what it means to be a minority struggling through issues of ethnic conflict. Having been active in global humanitarian work for over 15 years. She has lived in Kyrgyzstan, Morocco, Spain, and Kenya.
The Club also received an up-date from Freddy Tuyizere. Mr. Tuyizere, from Burundi, Africa, spoke about a water distribution project the boys at his school for street children have developed. The Bururndi project has been one of special interest for the Rotary Club during the past two years. With him was Ms. Keren Korineza. She is a graduate of his school in Burundi and is currently attending college in the United States.
You never forget the teacher who makes a difference...
Do you know a math teacher who has a special way of making learning numbers fun for students? Or a science teacher who opened a new world for your child? Nominate an extraordinary teacher for the 2019 Teacher Impact Awards!
WITF is proud to partner with Rotary District 7390 to present the Teacher Impact Awards supported by Franklin & Marshall College.
The Rotary clubs of Mechanicsburg, Mechanicsburg North, and West Shore along with the Northern Tier Steering Committee will host the 48th RMB networking event in its history in Rotary District 7390 on Tuesday, February 26 at the Classic Rock Fabrication, 135 W Allen Street, Mechanicsburg, PA. The event will begin at 5:30 and end at 7:30 pm. The cost of this event will be FREE thanks to generous sponsors. Click here to RSVP!
Dr. Alan Peterson is a friend of Past District Governor John Judson and a fellow member of Physicians For Social Responsibility. He has offered to serve as a speaker for one of your upcoming meetings. I highly recommend him as a speaker due to his expertise on this timely subject and his presentation style.
Dr. Peterson is a family medicine doctor having seen patients and taught resident physicians for over 40 years at Lancaster General Hospital. His title is Emeritus Director of Environmental and Community Health at LGH. He have been giving free talks for several years at service groups, church groups, medical groups, etc., on Climate and Health, including to other Rotary Clubs. His talk has been well received from the discussion that ensued. Please contact Dr. Peterson at alan.peterson@pennmedicine.upenn.edu or 717-413-0486.
Members of the Rotary Club of Hanover braved 23 degree temperatures to take down Christmas decorations in the Hanover Town Square. Pictured in front of the Rotary gazebo are Ralph, Karen, Walt, Holly, Jason, Bob and Paul.
Rotary International President-elect Mark Daniel Maloney explained his vision for building a stronger Rotary, calling on leaders to expand connections to their communities and to embrace innovative membership models.
RI President-elect Mark Daniel Maloney announces the 2019-20 presidential theme, Rotary Connects the World, to incoming district governors in San Diego, California, USA. Watch the video of his speech.
Maloney, a member of the Rotary Club of Decatur, Alabama, USA, unveiled the 2019-20 presidential theme, Rotary Connects the World, to incoming district governors at Rotary’s annual training event, the International Assembly, in San Diego, California, USA, on Monday. “The first emphasis is to grow Rotary — to grow our service, to grow the impact of our projects, but most importantly, to grow our membership so that we can achieve more,” Maloney said. Maloney believes that connection is at the heart of the Rotary experience. “(Rotary) allows us to connect with each other, in deep and meaningful ways, across our differences,” Maloney said. “It connects us to people we would never otherwise have met, who are more like us than we ever could have known. It connects us to our communities, to professional opportunities, and to the people who need our help.” Maloney also called on every Rotary and Rotaract club to identify segments of their community not represented in their club by creating a membership committee with diverse members. “Through Rotary, we connect to the incredible diversity of humanity on a truly unique footing, forging deep and lasting ties in pursuit of a common goal,” he added. “In this ever more divided world, Rotary connects us all.” Maloney urged leaders to offer alternative meeting experiences and service opportunities to make it easier for busy professionals and people with many family obligations to serve in leadership roles. “We need to foster a culture where Rotary does not compete with the family, but rather complements it,” Maloney said. “That means taking real, practical steps to change the existing culture: being realistic in our expectations, considerate in our scheduling, and welcoming of children at Rotary events on every level.” Maloney said many of the barriers that prevent people from serving as leaders in Rotary are based on expectations that are no longer relevant. “It is time to adapt, to change our culture, and to convey the message that you can be a great district governor without visiting every club individually, and a great president without doing everything yourself.”
2019-20 RI president announces his presidential theme
The Rotary Club of Red Lion-Dallastown presents "The York Area Keyway to Dining Guide", our new club fundraiser! Our club has partnered with local restaurants to provide a dining guide to some of the best culinary treasures in our area. This York Area Keyway to Dining Guide offers a tour of 9 fantastic participating restaurants:
Bring your York Area Keyway to Dining Guide with you when eating at a restaurant for validation. Each restaurant has specific guidelines based on their unique menu offerings. Each offer is valid in each restaurant only once and may not be duplicated. Enjoy using your York Area Keyway to Dining Guide knowing you are helping provide funds for local high school scholarships.
Please secure your own York Area Keyway to Dining Guide for just $40 and support these local businesses who support our Rotary Vision! Contact Ashleigh Fishel at lauraashleigh67@gmail.com to purchase yours today!
The Interact Club at Myerstown-ELCO High School helped with an angel tree to distribute Christmas gifts to families. Each family received at least two outfits, winter boots, hats, gloves and scarves, plus a fun present! There were about 100 angel gifts collected at the High School.
The Interact students made cutouts of angels and placed them as ornaments on a Christmas tree in the school office. Each angel had an item written on it that a family in need had requested. ELCO students were asked to pick an angel from the tree and buy what was written on it and return the angel with the gift. From there, the Interact Club organized the presents and had them picked up to be given to the families!
Election to the Hall of Fame is the Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs’ most auspicious honor conferred upon an individual for monumental achievements to the DMVA or the Pennsylvania National Guard.
Mrs. Helen Sajer co-founder of the Pennsylvania Wounded Warriors received that award for her decades of service to PA wounded warriors and their families. Mrs. Sajer and her husband, former Adjutant General of the Commonwealth and U.S. Army Major General, founded the organization in 2007 after numerous previous years of service to service men and women returning to civilian life.
Invited to the awards ceremony at Fort Indiantown Gap were our Rotary Club of Harrisburg’s Chair of the Veterans Committee Joan Prescott, committee chair for the last 5 years, and Rotary Past President Bob Saline. For more than 25 years, their Club’s members have raised and contributed thousands of dollars to veterans’ needs and most recently to the PA Wounded Warriors.
Contributions continue a tradition initiated by our member and long-time HRC Committee Chair John Smither, himself a military veteran. Contributions to this year’s PAWW campaign can be made via a check to the Harrisburg Rotary Foundation with a notion of PAWW.
Harrisburg Rotary Club Supports Organization of Award-Winning PA Wounded Warriors
On 1 January 2019, Torren Ecker, the President of the Hanover Rotary Club, was sworn-in as State Representative of the 193rd District. Many of his family and friends attended the ceremony at the State Capital Building. Pictured with Torren Hanover’s Past President, Ralph Jodice, who along with his wife, Judy, also attended the ceremony. The entire Hanover Club is very proud of State Representative and Rotarian President, Torren Ecker. We wish him much success!
Hanover President Sworn-In as State Representative
The goal was $15,000. The final tally was over $16,000.
The Rotary Clubs of Carlisle and Carlisle Sunrise held their annual holiday dinner and fundraising event on Friday, December 7th at the Comfort Suites in Carlisle. The theme was “Home for the Holidays,” and proceeds will benefit Safe Harbour and Community CARES.
At the end of the evening, between sponsorships and silent and live auctions, the event raised just over $16,100.
Rotarians Brad Griffie, Board President of Community CARES, and Scott Shewell, President & CEO, Safe Harbour, briefed attendees at the dinner on the current needs of both organizations and exactly how the money would be spent. Shewell told how a recent plumbing repair in the Safe Harbour building cost the organization over $3,000. Griffie spoke of CARES partnerships with local churches to provide sleeping space – on mats on the floor -- for homeless guests, including mothers and children. Both expressed deep gratitude to the Rotary Clubs for their generous support.
Rotarian Bill Blankmeyer thanked the over 30 local and regional businesses for their generous donations and sponsorships for the evening and encouraged attendees to patronize those businesses and thank them for their continued support. “Our success depends on the generosity of our businesses and sponsors. We couldn’t do this without them,” Blankmeyer said.
Picture Caption: Rotary Clubs present check. L to R: Fred Gellert, President, Rotary Club of Carlisle Sunrise; Brad Griffie, Board President, Community CARES; Beth Kempf, Executive Director, Community Cares; Scott Shewell, President & CEO, Safe Harbour; Mary Brunski, President, Rotary Club of Carlisle.
Rotary Auction Exceeds Goal for Safe Harbour, Community CARES
The Rotary Club of York East and the RMB Southern Tier Steering Committee will host the first event of the 2019 RMB season and the 47th RMB event in Rotary District 7390 history on Tuesday, January 15 at the Springettsbury Police Department, 1501 Mt. Zion Road, York, PA. The event will be FREE thanks to Police Chief Dan Stump whose police department is hosting the event and providing light refreshments and Dan Calloway of Edward Jones who is providing the wine and beer. Thank you event sponsors! The event will begin at 5:30 and end at 7:30 pm. Click here to RSVP now!!
Make great connections for your business or project and enjoy the fun and fellowship of RMB. Also bring potential Rotarian guests and family of Rotary!
Randy Sibert, President of the Rotary Club of Colonial Park Foundation presented the 2018 President’s Award to Brian Deal, facility at Dauphin County Technical School and Celina Bertovic, facility at Central Dauphin High School, in recognition of their significant leadership to ensure that students at Dauphin County Technical School and Central Dauphin High School have the maximum opportunity to obtain scholarships. The Rotary Club of Colonial Park Foundation will award $63,000 in ten different scholarships to graduation seniors in five area schools in May 2019.
Randy Sibert, President of the Rotary Club of Colonial Park Foundation and Brian Deal, facility at Dauphin County Technical School
Randy Sibert, President of the Rotary Club of Colonial Park Foundation, Celina Bertovic, facility at Central Dauphin High School and Ken Miller, Principal of Central Dauphin High School
MARK YOUR CALENDARS! The Rotary Club of York East and the Southern Tier Steering Committee will host the first event of the sixth RMB season on Tuesday, January 15 at the Springettsbury Police Department, 1501 Mt. Zion Road, York, PA. Dan Stump of the Rotary Club of York East will be taking the lead in organizing this event. Next week we should have a RSVP link and a cost. Hopefully event sponsors will be found to keep event costs as low as possible. You can become an event sponsor for $100, and you will be mentioned in all event promotions both local and district wide leading up to the event date. For $500 you can become a major sponsor and receive mention in local and district wide RMB promotions for one year. Sponsors should provide their logos to Melissa in the District office at office@rotary7390.org.
The Rotary Club of Mount Joy spread some Christmas cheer by going Christmas Caroling along Main Street, Mount Joy. Eight members of the club plus friends and family, dressed in their best holiday apparel, stopped at houses and local businesses to sing songs and celebrate the season. The stops included friends, family and pubs where they were greeted with applause. Happy Holidays to all.
The Rotary Club of Colonial Park Foundation presented their annual report to the Rotary Club of Colonial Park at a recent meeting. In 2018 the Foundation awarded $49,000 is scholarships and in 2019 the Foundation will award $63,000 for ten different types of scholarships. The 2019 Foundation scholarships are available to students in their senior year at Dauphin County Technical School, Bishop McDevitt High School, Harrisburg Christian School, Central Dauphin East High School and Central Dauphin High School. For additional information go to the Rotary Club website at www.colonialparkrotary.org
Pictured L-R: Colonial Park Rotary Club President Dave White and The Rotary Club of Colonial Park Foundation President Randy Sibert
The Rotary Club of Lancaster hosted a great RMB networking event on December 12, 2018 at the beautiful and spacious offices of EZ Marketing in Lancaster with roughly 35 Rotarians and guests attending from nine clubs representing all areas of District 7390. Catering was provided by Joanne Pinkerton’s Gathering Place Caterers and the heavy hors d’oeuvres were delicious and more than ample. The event was FREE thanks to event sponsors Anonymous, DeBord Snyder Funeral Home & Crematory, EZ Marketing, Edward Jones Investments and Renovation by Garman. Thank you sponsors! Thank you also to the Rotary Club of Lancaster for hosting this wonderful networking event, to Rob Gallagher and the Eastern Tier Steering Committee for the great job they did in organizing the event, and to the Rotarians and guests that attended the event and made it such a worthwhile and fun connection-making opportunity. Kudos to all!
As I have been getting ready for this holiday season, I took some time to reflect on Rotary’s six areas of focus and the impact that we, as Rotarians, have had around the world. I specifically focused on peace and conflict prevention and resolution. During the holiday season it seems that it is a time when conflicts cease for a few hours.
I picked up David Forward’s book, “A String of Pearls” which gives a history of how Rotary’s passion for peace became a reality and tells inspiring stories of how Rotary peace fellows are serving humanity and changing the world. The following are just two of the stories in his book.
Kevin Melton
Kevin Melton, a native of Fairfax County, Virginia was involved in a peer-to-peer mediation program in high school, which was where the seed for conflict resolution was planted. In college, following the attack on the World Trade Center, he wanted to understand why it had happened. Following graduation he went to work with the Institute for Mediation and Conflict Resolution and began building skills and designing training programs with people from other countries. He then went to work with the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). With them, he spent time is South Sudan and then eventually in Afghanistan where he helped support a program to persuade farmers to grow crops other than poppies.
A friend he had meet at USAID told him about the Rotary Peace Fellows program and he was accepted at the Rotary Peace Center is the University of Queensland in Australia. After completing the Peace Fellowship, he joined the USAID’s Office of Transition Initiatives and was sent to the Arghandab District in Southern Afghanistan where he was stationed with a Stryker Brigade of the US Army. His charge was to “stabilize the area”. In the first 10 days, 10 men from the unit were killed. He was now on the front line. His tour of duty lasted 18 months and he was using the skills he learned to help stabilize the area. Kevin returned again to Arghandab for another 11 months and today, the area is one of the safest places in Afghanistan.
Kevin acted as a catalyst for the local people to rebuild their own society. He said that “it is by no means perfect, but this little piece of Afghanistan has learned the value of community and social cohesion and what they can do together”.
Path Heang
Path Heang was born in Cambodia and in the early part of his life knew nothing but conflict. As the Vietnam War was ending, the Khmer Rouge took over Cambodia and began a reign of terror that became known as the Killing Fields. In 1975, an estimated 2 million Cambodians were forced into labor camps in rural areas where they basically became slaves. At the age of 6, the Khmer Rouge came into Path’s village and split his family up with each going to a different labor camp. He recalls his experience in the labor camp where there were no human rights and the living conditions that they were forced to endure. Violation of any of their many rules resulted in severe punishment, torture and even execution. During this period of time, as a young boy, he witnessed many executions and saw bodies lying in open graves. In 1979 the Vietnamese Army invaded Cambodia and the United Nations brokered a coalition government in which the Khmer Rouge had a seat but no power. He returned to his village and was reunited with his family. He finished his schooling and followed in his father’s footsteps and became a teacher.
Even though the Khmer Rouge had no political power, it continued to wage a guerilla war until 1998 and there were many guns and weapons in the hands of many people. Robbery, domestic violence and deadly conflict were a daily occurrence.
Path felt a strong influence to leave teaching and wanted to do something related to humanitarian service. He joined a non-governmental organization whose mission was to encourage people to surrender their guns. During this time he learned that removing the tools of violence is only the beginning of a post-conflict society. Removing violence from the mindset and mentality of the people is more promising and lasting to restoring peace.
In 2001, as Path was thinking more about becoming a peacemaker, he was reunited with a couple from Australia who had helped him through college and he shared with them his desire to study more about peace and conflict resolution. They shared his story with a Rotarian friend of theirs in Australia and the connection to the Rotary Peace Fellow program was made.
Today, Path works for UNICEF and serves as the Chief of the Central and Southern Zone Office in Phenom Penh, Cambodia. He says, “I see my job as building a more equitable society for marginalized people. I have the ability to influence the law, policy formulation and resource allocation for some of the most disregarded people in our country. Every child should have access to an education, to clean drinking water, to safe sanitation. Those sub populations who live in remote mountain villages, or border refugee camps or city slums may think that nobody speaks out for them. But they are wrong. I am their voice.”
There are many other amazing stories of Rotary Peace Fellows and the impact that they are making everyday to make this world a better and more peaceful place to live. If you are interested in reading more of their stories, the book may be ordered via this website: http://www.rotarystringofpearls.com
Wishing you a joyous Holiday Season and a Happy New Year filled with Peace, Good Health and Happiness
Let there be peace on earth and let it begin with me
District Club Grant projects support short-term, humanitarian projects that benefit local or foreign communities. Once a year, a club may request grant funds for a project or may collaborate with another club's project. There is a maximum of five clubs per project.
You are encouraged to be creative and select projects that meet special needs in your local or global community. Some projects done in the past include: refurbishing playgrounds and parks, books for literacy projects, supporting youth development projects, assisting with a family health festival, collecting and purchasing food for a food bank, providing dental care in Honduras, and providing clean water to foreign villages.
The District Grants Committee reviews each grant application for the appropriateness of the project based on Rotary International's humanitarian guidelines. Upon approval, clubs will be matched on a dollar for dollar basis up to $2,500, based on the amount of funds available and the number of grant requests.
Please adhere to the following deadlines when applying for a District Club Grant:
March 15, 2019 - Grant Intention Forms Due (Must be signed by 2019-20 Club President)
April 30, 2019 - Full DCG Application Due
Your Club MUST also be qualified to request a grant. Please follow these steps for qualification:
Complete a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). This form MUST be signed by the 2019-20 and 2020-21 Club Presidents.
Complete the On-line Grant Training found here. You must watch all 5 videos and complete the assessment tests.
Once the grant training is completed by at least one member of the Club and the MOU has been submitted to the District office, the Club will be qualified to participate in a grant until June 30, 2020.
All Grant Forms and more information regarding Grants can be found here.
Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) is Rotary's leadership training program for young people. RYLA Emphasizes Leadership, Citizenship and Personal Growth.
Do you know an outstanding Junior that has what it takes to become a dynamic leader and change not only themself but the world?
Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) is an intensive leadership experience organized by Rotary District 7390 (South Central PA) where students develop their skills as leaders while having fun and making connections. The 2019 RYLA Conference will be held June 9-13, 2019. This will be the 59th Consecutive RYLA in Rotary District 7390.
Students must be between their Junior and Senior year in high school to attend. Approximately 140 High School youth attend annually.
The schedule includes various speakers, career seminars, a challenge course, team building activities, a conference band and chorus and much, much more.
What are the benefits?
Students will connect with leaders in their communities and around the world to:
Build communication and problem-solving skills
Discover strategies for becoming a dynamic leader in their school or community
Learn from community leaders, inspirational speakers, and peer mentors
Unlock their potential to turn motivation into action
During the Mount Joy Borough Winterfest on Saturday, December 1, the Rotary Clock was rededicated to the community. At 6:45, the Rotary Club of Mount Joy, led by Randy Wolgemuth, dedicated the Clock to the people of Mount Joy. Mayor Timothy Bradley Jr. acknowledged the importance of the clock as a centerpiece of Borough life and community events.
Throughout the year, the Rotarian’s in Mount Joy sought funding to refurbish the clock and restore the outer case. It once again stands proudly at the corner of Main Street and Marietta Avenue. Clockmaker, Bob Durochers of Lititz did the work on the clock updating the interior workings and ensuring the decorative paint work would stand the test of time.
For more details and pictures, review the Mount Joy Rotary Club’s Facebook page. If you are interested in being a guest at either the Tuesday noon or Thursday evening meetings call Mark Rorabaugh at 717-653-4717.
Is your Club or changing meetings due to Christmas and New Years? If they are, please email office@rotary7390.org with the changes. A list will be published in the weekly newsletter!
Carlisle-Sunrise – No Meeting December 25 or January 1
Denver-Ephrata - No Meeting December 27 or January 3
Hanover - No Meeting December 25 and January 1
Lancaster-South - No Meeting December 26 or January 2
Lancaster-Sunrise - No Meeting December 27
Northern Lebanon County - No Meeting December 25 & January 1
While our efforts have been concentrated over the past few weeks and months on the novel coronavirus and the problems it has wrought within our communities, the issue of polio and its ongoing fight by Rotary to help eliminate this disease has continued. Our vaccination programs have in many areas been brought to a standstill since larger gatherings or house to house visitation to vaccinate children has had to be suspended. The fear is that, once we have dealt with the coronavirus, we may well see a resurgence of polio cases throughout the world, which would be a setback to our efforts over these past few years..png)
Located just north of the Mason-Dixon line, Adams County has a rich history of stories of escaped slaves, Civil War heroics and the United States during a period of great change. Its location is also impossibly far for many of the country’s citizens to travel. Now, with the click of a button, students, teachers and history buffs across the globe can access interactive tales of self-preservation and heroism. Over the last month, Seminary Ridge Museum, 111 Seminary Ridge, Gettysburg, crafted seven detailed lessons allowing learners of all ages to immerse themselves in the centuries-old culture of a maturing country.
Just prior to the Governor’s executive order to close schools throughout the Commonwealth, members of the Rotary Club of Harrisburg provided eager students with dictionaries.
Truckers have been working round the clock to keep our local businesses supplied and keep America moving. We wanted to thank them for this service by providing a hot breakfast on Good Friday. 
In February, 14 individuals, including four D7390 Rotarians, traveled to New Bern, N.C. for our second trip to rebuild homes damaged by Hurricane Florence. Again this year, Rotarian John Bailey provided his Rotary themed coach and Shipley Energy in York donated fuel for the trip. We worked on three homes and got deserving families closer to returning home. You can find more information and pictures from February on the Disaster Relief page of the 
The 27th Annual Elizabethtown Rotary Golf Major will be held Thursday June 4, 2020 at Conestoga Country Club. Proceeds will again benefit countywide drug abuse prevention strategies plus many other regional needs the Elizabethtown Rotary Club supports. 
Uptown York Rotary Club thanks 
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.
The Rotary Clubs of Mechanicsburg, Mechanicsburg North, and West Shore in partnership with the RMB Northern Tier Steering Committee hosted a superbly run and super successful 57th networking event at Buhrig’s Gathering Place on February 13 with roughly 60 Rotarians and guests attending from 12 clubs (Carlisle, Carlisle Sunrise, Hanover, Harrisburg, Harrisburg Keystone, Hershey, Mechanicsburg, Mechanicsburg North, Palmyra, Perry County, West Shore and York) representing all parts of District 7390. 
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Through a Club Grant, the Rotary Club of Hanover provided New Hope Ministries of Hanover with a floor scale and two folding wire containers. The staff and volunteers have high praise for this new in-the-floor scale. Previously, volunteers had to physically push pallets onto an upgrade. With the new scale, pallets are moved onto the scale with a lift truck or hand jack, making the job less physical, more time efficient and much safer. In an average month, over 150,000 pounds of food are weighed and handled multiple times, serving between 800-900 households per month. That was a lot of pushing, pulling and heaving to get pallets of food onto the old scale. The durable, folding containers also improve the efficiency of operations, eliminating the need to store food in cardboard boxes that warp and become insecure. Pictured are Hanover Rotarians volunteering to prepare items for New Hope clients. Children of Rotarians also helped with the project.
RI President-Elect Holger Knaack unveiled the 2020-21 Presidential Theme at the Club's Annual International Assembly held in San Diego, California on January 20, 2020. The theme ‘Rotary Opens Opportunities’, is encouraging Rotarians around the world to seize the many opportunities Rotary offers to enrich their lives and the communities in which they serve.
Bruce Grossman, a member of the Rotary Club of Harrisburg, along with other members of the International Sking Fellowship of Rotarians, will be snow skiing or snowboarding at the Sun Valley Ski Resort, in the 2020 Higher Ground Challenge.
Tammi Morris of York Habitat for Humanity described the organization as a volunteer driven, Christian-based housing ministry that builds safe, decent, and affordable homes in partnership with lower-income York County residents living in substandard housing. Funded mainly by private donations. With the completion of York Habitat’s 136th home in 2019, over 600 men, women, and children live in Habitat Homes in York County! Since 1985, York Habitat has created over $7.8 million worth of new or rehabilitated affordable housing, which generates more than $383,000 in tax revenue. Over 8,950 volunteers work with York Habitat annually.
The 37th Annual York Saint Patrick’s Day Parade will step off at 1 p.m. on Saturday, March 14, 2020, from Market and Penn Streets. Live streaming of the parade will be on WRCTV sponsored by the Penn Mar Irish Festival. Media Sponsor CBS 21 and Master of Ceremonies Mike Gorsegner will be announcing parade entries at the Kinsley Grandstand on Continental Square.
Hanover Rotarians recently packed food bags for Ruth’s Harvest. Ruth’s Harvest ensures grammar school students in need of food go home on Fridays with enough meals to make it through the weekend. Ruth’s Harvest is one of the primary recipients for funds from The Rotary Club of Hanover’s largest fund raiser called Tastefest. Over the last 5 years, Tastefest has netted over $30,000 per year which the club pushes back out to the local community. Pictured here from left to right are Ralph Jodice, Rick McKee (holding the Rotary Coin). Judy Jodice and Tammy Miller.
Bell Socialization services has evolved and expanded to toady where 2,500 people are served each year through dozens of programs offering an array of housing and basic living supports. Many Bell programs are licensed and/or accredited to meet strict standards of quality care. With more than 50 properties throughout York and Adams counties, people using Bell services are an integral part of the greater community..png)
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Following the September 2017 hurricane in Puerto Rico, D7390 Rotarians donated $30,386 specifically for Puerto Rico. Over these many months we have searched for a project that met our requirements for documentation and credibility. We have located such a project and are excited that your donations will benefit many.
surrounding communities from 3:00pm to 6:00pm.
The D7390 donation will support operating expenses for two of the Program’s satellite libraries in Toa Baja and in Mameyal that were forced to move to new facilities following the hurricane. Our contribution will provide operating funds for the 2019-2020 school year and the first semester of 2020-2021.
Rotary Club of Mount Joy invites you to make a difference. Mount Joy is a great place to call home and a great place to do business. As a member of the Rotary Club of Mount Joy you can help make it even better. 
I met a fellow Rotarian down here in Lima, Peru the other day and got to talking about my participation in the scholarship program. It was such a great experience, and it has shaped so much of what I’m doing these days. After finishing my degree in Anthropology with a certificate in Biocommerce and Sustainable Development, I started a business specialized in Peruvian cacao and chocolate. My Master’s investigation was focused on the value chain articulation of cocoa farmers in the rural jungle of Peru and I saw that, while there were many government programs incentivizing farmers to sow cocoa, these programs weren’t solidifying commercial connections for the farmers. So I decided to fill that gap! And so El Cacaotal was born. It’s essentially an edible library of Peruvian chocolate (and most recently, coffee, too!). I work directly with around 40 different cacao and chocolate producers and have about 200 chocolates in the collection so far. We highlight the origins of every chocolate bar and have pictures of the farmers and chocolate makers posted all around the shop, this way our visitors can put a face to a (chocolate bar) name. 
Prior to the auction, $9,000 had been raised in sponsorships by Rotarians. The actual auction raised $11,000 thanks to having over 100 donated items to support both a silent and live auction during the dinner. Keys to success were the live auctioneers Ben Prescott, President of the Carlisle Sunrise Club and Dan Monken, Past President of the Carlisle Rotary Club. Their efforts in auctioning just 13 items raised over half of the funds. Additionally, over $400 was raised through brags thanks to the efforts of our two brag masters Jim Nolan and Brad Griffie.
We are very excited about our restaurant book for 2020! Our books are beautifully designed. We have a total of 20 restaurants that are participating. 
The Rotary Club of York sponsored the summer Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports program at York High. The students in the program did weekly community service projects for various non-profit organizations. One of the projects was to make blankets and assemble care bags for the American Red Cross “Totes of Hope” Program. The “Totes of Hope” are given to homeless veterans and veterans in VA hospitals. The students made 23 blankets that were placed in “Totes of Hope” bags along with toiletries, socks, and a puzzle book. 
Mina Edmondson, Director of Martin Library, told us how rewarding it was for the library to receive the 2019 Library of the Year in Pennsylvania. Located at the corner of Market and Queen Streets since 1935, this city landmark has three levels of collection, program and gathering spaces. Here you can find the largest collection of books in York County, research expertise, over 70 computers, and learning experiences for all ages. Programs in the Children’s Library meet state standards for early childhood education and support students' individual growth. The Teen Forum provides a space for teens to have fun, explore opportunities, discuss issues and construct their futures. Pictured Left to Right: Mina Edmondson, Director and Hunter Mink, President Rotary York East
Hanover President, Craig Aiello, and Hanover Foundation Chair, Bob Miller, present Ellie Rebert with a Multiple Paul Harris Fellow pin at a recent meeting. 
The Rotary Club of Paradise invites music lovers of all ages to enjoy an evening of bluegrass and storytelling from critically acclaimed Travis Wetzel. Travis can be seen and heard almost every week on the Grand Ole Opry stage, but he’ll be in Lancaster, PA on December 8. Travis will be performing traditional and original music along with a few surprises including audience requests during the second half of the show. It’s a show you won’t want to miss!
PDG John Kramb (L) and PDG Kevin Cogan (R) flank PDG and Zone 32 Endowment/Major Gifts Advisor Knut Johnsen (D-7210) to announce the results of the Million Dollar Journey at the Annual Foundation Dinner on Nov 6. The one year campaign to raise funds for the Rotary Foundation of Rotary International resulted in $906,742 in cash and $744,000 in Bequests for a total of $1,650,742 for the campaign from District 7390 Rotarians. The District leadership wishes to thank all who gave to the Foundation this year to make the Million Dollar Journey a huge success.
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To celebrate the 100th anniversary of Rotary International in 2005, the Youth Community Development Team (YCDT) was created by the Rotary Club of Harrisburg (RCH) in partnership with Leadership Harrisburg Area, The Foundation for Enhancing Communities, The Patriot News, United Way of the Capital Region and many dedicated volunteers in 2004. The initial goals established by the RCH founders were to provide area youth guidance in entrepreneurship, leadership and philanthropy.
York-East members volunteer to pick up trash and litter along Edgewood Road between Prospect Street and Kingston Road twice a year: once in the Spring and once in the Fall, generally to coincide with PennDOT's Road Cleanup Day. (pictured left to right) Todd Kuri, Charles Wurster, Greg Kern, Betsy Buckingham, Sheri Stamm, Tim Koller and Todd Stamm (taking photo).
Looking for a fun way to support the eradication of Polio? Purchase a pair of END POLIO NOW sneakers! Sneakers are a fundraiser for Rotary District 5400 in Idaho. Sneakers are $75 each and $49 of each sale goes directly to END POLIO. 
The Rotary Club of Mount Joy is sponsoring a breakfast for local veterans on Monday, November 11th at the Gathering Place, 6 Pine Street Mount Joy. Breakfast will be provided free of charge to all veterans and a guest from 7:00 to 8:30 AM.
Each October Rotary International kicks off its Foundation Quarter in which we hold up and show our support for the important work that our Foundation does in our communities and around the world. And to help with that effort, our speaker this week will be Dr. Anne Mathews from South Carolina. Anne is an educator by profession, a published author, an education commissioner and a public speaker. If you attended the District Foundation Dinner last November, you might remember her engaging presentation. Anne is a member of the Rotary Club of Columbia East and has served as District Governor, as Rotary International Vice President as a Trustee of the Foundation and as an International Trainer. She has also held numerous other positions in both District and Rotary International. She is the recipient of a number of awards from Rotary and other educational groups. Anne will speak to us of the importance of the Foundation and the work we do together..JPG)
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DG Paddy Rooney recently recognized Rotary Club of York member William Hartman as a member of the Paul Harris Society. Bill was presented his Chevron at the October 9, 2019 club meeting. The Paul Harris Society is a formal recognition program to honor generous Rotarians who contribute $1,000 or more annually to The Rotary Foundation.
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Having demonstrated the fundamental tenant of Rotary International of service above self, John Kramb was named recipient of the 2019 Dwight D. Eisenhower Humanitarian Award.
The recent Littlestown Rotary Back to School Supplies Drive benefits Littlestown students, elementary through high school, and is critical to student success during the school year. Rotary member Wendy Quinley, center, chaired the drive, now in its fifth year. Littlestown School District staff shown with Quinley are Steve McMaster, left, elementary guidance counselor, and Deb Allison, right, middle school guidance. “Each year the outpouring of community donations exceed the prior year,” Quinley said. Supplies collected enable schools to provide students with items that motivate learning. Donations range from pencils, pens, erasers, and book bags, to snacks for the younger students and supplies for the nursing staff. The Littlestown Rotary appreciated the people and businesses who support children and families through the school supplies drive. Learn how you can become a part of the Rotary, a local service organization with a global reach. Meetings are Tuesdays 7-8 a.m. at the Littlestown YMCA, 95 Keystone St. For more information, contact Patricia Green, vice president, at 301-526-1089.
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Rotary Leadership Institute was created in 1992 by then-Director David Linett when he observed that many incoming Club Presidents and District officers lacked sufficient knowledge about leading groups, as well as basic knowledge of Rotary. As he stated, "an effective Rotary leader must also have Rotary knowledge and experience".
When your motto is “service above self,” you may not always be comfortable touting your accomplishments. But a low profile isn’t necessarily a good thing, according to Andrew Rebuck, who just finished a year as president of the Rotary Club of Harrisburg. “Sometimes you just need to stick your chest out and say, ‘We are rockin’, join our club,’” he said.
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..png)
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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..png)
Four Way Test SPEECH Contest Chair
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.
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.
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On Friday, August 16, the Rotary Club of Perry County staffed a booth at the Perry County Fair, distributing 150 books, 12 Rotary Baby "Read to Me" T-shirts, 5 America's Promise hats, 1 America's Promise mug, and two membership applications. Thank you to Joe Bedard and Capital Region Literacy Council and Steve Messner and America's Promise for donating books, to the Perry County Chamber of Commerce and UPMC-Pinnacle for donating the booth, and to Frank Campbell, Jairee Counterman, Patti McLaughlin, and Tom O'Connell for volunteering. 
Members of The Hershey Rotary Club are thankful for the service and friendship of 79 U.S. Army War College International Fellows who visited their club recently. Members of this class represent 75 different countries but all stand for promoting peace - not war. Like Rotarians, these military leaders model the Rotary theme of "Service Above Self." The fellows who visited the Hershey Rotary Club are part of a nearly year-long program at the Army War College in Carlisle with about 300 military leaders from the United States. Hershey Rotarian Jeff Davis brought the International Fellows program to the club 40 years ago. 
Two RYLA students, Bobby Chan and Sophia Shienvold, members of the Susquehanna Township club’s Interact program, and selected by the Rotary Club of Susquehanna Township to attend the June 2019 event at Messiah College, gave a great powerpoint presentation showcasing selected highlights of the event to the Rotary club members on August 8th. Gary Crissman, RYLA District Chair, shared additional information about RYLA and he commended the two students, as to his knowledge, they were the very first RYLA participants to create a powerpoint presentation for their sponsoring club. Also in the picture with the banner is club member and assistant governor Dan Fuller. 
The "Meet Me in the Middle of the River" meeting was held on the Millersburg Ferryboat on the Susquehanna River. There were 25 people all together, from Perry County, Millersburg, and Susquehanna Township. 
At the annual Mount Joy Cruisin’ and Cuisine Car Show, held August 27 in Mount Joy, a new trophy was presented. The Rotary Club of Mount Joy sponsored the trophy at the Main Street Mount Joy program to promote the Rotary value of community service..jpg)
The Colonial Park Rotary Club recently celebrated its annual Community Giving Day by presenting donation checks totaling $11,150 to the following community organizations:
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The Rotary Club of Hanover PA along with Rotary District 7390 sponsored a mission trip to New Bern NC July 14-20, 2019. The group assisted with the rebuilding of 2 homes in the New Bern Area. Over 5,000 homes were flooded after Hurricane Florence hit the area last September. Bailey Coach donated its Rotary themed coach to transport the group and Shipley Energy in York donated the fuel for the trip. Another trip is planned for March 2020..jpg)
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At the June 17, 2019, Rotary Club of Harrisburg member meeting, Scholarship Committee Chair Curt Stutzman introduced Scholarship winners Bianca Bynoe and Misha Jones, from Harrisburg School District, SciTech Campus; Maria Gontis from Bishop McDevitt High School, and Najmo Mohamad from Steelton Highspire.
At a lunch meeting on Tuesday, July 2, 2019 the Rotary Club of Mount Joy announced the Co-Presidents for the upcoming Club year. President Mark Rorabaugh and President Greg Sallade will chair the Tuesday lunch meetings at the Gathering Place in Mount Joy. Dave Christian and Gary Ebersole will lead Thursday’s meeting at Bube’s Brewery. Decisions which affect the entire Club will be shared.
From July 1 to July 31, 2019, five of our district’s Inbound Exchange students will be with students from 19 different countries from around the world enjoying the most beautiful natural and man-made points of interest from the East Coast to the West Coast (Pacific Ocean in Southern California). 
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Youth Exchange Inbound Bruno Scheavolin (hosted by the Lebanon Rotary Club), made a Rotary table during a shop class at school. Bruno wanted to raffle off the table to pay for the Discover America Bus trip. Charles Hildebrand of the Lebanon Rotary Club won the table. Bruno is pictured presenting his famous table to Charles. Charles (as you can see) is delighted with his prize! Bruno estimates he earned around $500 in ticket sales which will go towards the 30 day bus trip! SO A BIG THANK YOU AND "SHOUT OUT" TO THE ROTARIANS WHO SUPPORTED HIM! Bruno is so excited and really looking forward to the trip which leaves on July 1st!
138 High School seniors attended the 59th annual Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) Conference held from June 9 to 13, 2019 at Messiah College in Grantham, PA. Rotary District 7390 holds this annual conference for seniors who are selected and interviewed by the 42 Rotary Clubs in the District. Rotary District 7390 encompasses 7 counties: Adams, Cumberland, Dauphin, Lancaster, Lebanon, Perry and York..jpg)
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The Rotary Club of Mount Joy assembled 50 Birthday Gift Bags to local needy families at a recent meeting. The Gift Bags will be distributed by the Mount Joy Helping Service’s Community Food Bank. Each gift bag contains a cake mix, a can of frosting, and party supplies such as colorful plates, napkins and cups to help celebrate a loved one’s birthday..png)
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On Friday, 5/17/2019 as part of the Rotary Club of York America's Promise initiative, three 2nd grade classes from Alexander Goode Elementary school enjoyed a field trip to the Wrightsville Municipal Authority Water & Wastewater plants. They learned how water taken from the Susquehanna river is made safe to drink and how wastewater from the town is treated so that it can be safely put back into the river. To cap off the day, the students were treated to lunch at the Wrightsville Fire & Rescue Company 41 and a tour of fire trucks..jpg)
Rotary District 7490, located in northern New Jersey, visited Gettysburg the weekend of May 3 for its district conference. Rotarians generously donated many personal items for residents of Gettysburg’s domestic violence shelter, Survivors Inc. - enough to fill a Ford Escape and a pickup truck. Rotary Club of Gettysburg members Alex Hayes and Ashley Andyshak Hayes picked up the items and delivered them to Survivors. The Hayeses are pictured with New Jersey Rotarians and Survivors staff members.
These are Mrs. Sherry Chroniger’s two 6th grades classes at St. Teresa of Calcutta in McSherrystown. They both competed the Junior Achievement Program, Our Nation which consisted of 5 classes taught by Ralph Jodice as a JA volunteer.
The purpose of this award is to recognize those Rotarians who have demonstrated exemplary continuing humanitarian service, in any form and at any level with emphasis on personal volunteer efforts and active involvement in helping others through Rotary
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The Rotaract Club of Lancaster met with students that are part of AFH’s Access Connect Empower (ACE) Mentoring program. The ACE Mentoring Program works with high school and college students of refugee and immigrant families in Lancaster, PA to support them in achieving their vision of success after they complete high school. The program links these students with college student coaches and with expertise in the community in order to provide ongoing training and support in academic, leadership and life skills..jpg)
On Saturday, April 13, 2019, sixteen trees were planted in York City by the Preserve Planet Earth Committee, members of the Rotary Club of York, PA, family, friends, and cadets from the William Penn JROTC unit. The trees included a variety of species ranging from Sunset Maple, Linden, Black Gum, Lilac, and Hornbeam Trees. The planting teams removed stumps, rocks, bricks and concrete in existing tree wells to plant these trees in the areas of George Street, West Market Street, West Princess Street, East Prospect Street, and Williams Park. Special thinks to Rotarian Brian Mummert of W S Landscape Services who procured the trees, provided the mulch and put in a full day delivering, planting and cleaning up. Also, thanks to J T Hand and the York Water Company for the delivery of water for all the trees. .jpg)
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The Rotary Club of Gettysburg cleaned up litter along a two mile section of Rt 30 on Saturday, April 13. The club has been cleaning this section of roadway for over 20 years with two cleanup events held each year. Joining the Rotarians this time was Gettysburg College Senior Edith Tea. Edith is a native of the Ivory Coast and has been selected by the District for a two year District Global Grants Scholarship. She will be doing graduate work in environmental issues in the Netherlands.
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In March the Lancaster Sunrise Rotary Club donated books to Mrs. Corrigan’s third grade class at Carter and MacRae Elementary School in Lancaster. The club has been tutoring and donating books to this school for over eleven years. The students are always excited to receive these books that were signed with words of encouragement by the club’s weekly speakers. Ten members of the Sunrise Club tutor at the school on a regular basis and host an annual Christmas party for the class.
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The International Skiing Federation of Rotarians (North American chapter) supports “adaptive skiing”, making skiing and snowboarding available to physically and cognitively challenged people..jpg)
Village Park is used by hundreds of children and families on any given night to participate in sports and recreation activities. The current fields were not designed or graded for organized sports and so several of the teams are unable to hold home games due to inadequate field conditions. The total project budget is $2.5 million, with a DCNR grant of $250,000 and a matching grant of $250,000 from West Lampeter Township already having been secured. Also, George and Pat Desmond have issued a $250,000 leadership challenge grant which will be matched dollar for dollar in the early stages of the campaign.
Three D-7390 Rotarians, (Right to Left) Dr Bob Davis, PDG Tom Davis, and PDG John Judson, meet in Sarasota, Florida for an unofficial Rotary meeting. The trio had lively discussion of District and Club issues.
The Rotary Club of Mount Joy is delighted with the success of its Thursday Night Alternate meeting. Under the leadership of Greg Sallade, the membership has grown and hosted several unique activities. This young, fun group celebrated its 1st anniversary on Thursday, March 7 with a cake and power point show commemorating some of the year’s highlights. If you care to join the gang – Find us at Bube’s Brewery on North Market Street in Mount Joy on Thursdays form 5-6:30. The Biergarten will be open soon!
Ten members of the Rotary Club of Gettysburg gathered at Lincoln Elementary School in Gettysburg on March 7 to assemble meals for Ruth's Harvest. The Ruth's Harvest program sends food home on Fridays to the homes of needy children so that they have nutritious food over the weekend. Club members work two times each school year to help with the program. 
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Find out how Ann Brinkerhoff has led the development of several premium products for the Hershey Company. You’ll participate in wine parings with various Hershey’s chocolate products. It’s a great way to wrap up your conference experience!.jpg)
The Rotary Club of Mount Joy invites our friends and neighbors in the Mount Joy area to volunteer a little time at Rotary Park. If you enjoy playing in the dirt, Spring Clean-up Day is scheduled on Saturday, April 6 from dawn until 1:00 pm (drizzle or shine)..jpg)
The Dictionary Project was launched at our Club when Steve Feinour was president 2016-2017, using a matching District 7390 Grant, and continues this year under the guidance of chairs Ashley Tedor and Wendell Hoover. A District Matching Grant made this project possible again. 
Current President Andy Rebuck says, “We’ve completed distribution to four of the six area elementary schools—and only a snow storm prevented us from completing the distributions.
Rotary Club of West Shore President, Kirk Brechbiel, presents a $2,000 check to David Harrison, Director of Elementary Education with the West Shore School District. The money will pay for a new Kindergarten reading program. Each new incoming Kindergarten student will receive the book "The Duck Rides a Bike" courtesy of our Rotary Club. Club members will be invited back in the fall for opportunities to be reading partners with the students. This continues are role in encouraging reading and literacy in young people, along with providing a book for them to hold and enjoy.
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al Comedy and Magic Spectacular on Saturday, April 13, 2019 at 7:00 p.m. features four national acts including: one of the great innovators in magic Tony Chapek; Central Pa’s very own Brett Myers, a rising star in the world of illusion based magic; Jarol Martin, born in Cuba, who was selected at age 13 to train at the House of Culture where he began his career; and the popular R.G. Smith as Master of Ceremonies. Held at Lampeter-Strasburg High School’s Performing Arts Center, the show is the largest annual fundraiser hosted by Rotary Club of Lancaster South. Show proceeds fund scholarships awarded to graduating seniors at three local high schools (Solanco, Penn Manor, and Lampeter-Strasburg), toward youth programming at the L-S YMCA, and to other community needs. 
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At their February 7, 2019 meeting, members of the Rotary Club of Red Lion - Dallastown, presented 11 new Apple iPads to representatives of The Den After School Program which operates within the Red Lion Area School District. With the assistance of a Rotary District Grant, the Club purchased the iPads to allow students to work on homework and other educational activities while taking part in the after school program. Those in the attached photograph are Club members Del McChalicher and George Flickinger, Andrea Rider, Director of The Den program, Reverend Tim Funk, Pastor at St. Paul's United Methodist Church and Pastor Jay McWilliams, Senior Pastor at Pleasant View Church.png)
District Governor John May, with the help of PDG Dick Brown (at the podium), surprised former Youth Exchange Inbound student, David Gbogboade from Nigeria, with a Paul Harris Fellow Award, at the club’s meeting on Nov. 28. David’s counselor, and District Youth Exchange Chair Walt Tilley, donated the funds to The Rotary Foundation to name David as a PHF. David was an Inbound for the 2017-18 Rotary year, and returned to attend York College of PA, to study engineering. David was planning to return to Nigeria after the Spring 2019 semester due to financial difficulties, but the college, individual Rotarians, community members, and the York club’s Student Education Fund and Youth Exchange Committees have now stepped up to help David obtain his Bachelor’s Degree and graduate in May 2021. It certainly DOES take a village to raise a child…..and David will make York, York College, and Rotary proud when he returns to Nigeria with his degree in hand.
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Rotary District 7390 is pleased to report that the District Governor Nominating Committee has met and recommended Gregory C. Staub, Rotary Club of Hanover, to serve as your District Governor for the 2021-2022 Rotary year. .jpg)
District 7390 Governor Nominee John Anthony , the past president and a member of the Mechanicsburg North Rotary Club was a recent speaker at the Colonial Park Rotary Club. He spoke about a very special fundraising effort that is currently underway in Rotary District 7390 which is comprised of 43 Rotary Clubs located in Adams, Cumberland, Dauphin, Lancaster, Lebanon, Perry and York Counties. This fundraiser which is named the Million Dollar Journey plans to raise one million dollars to benefit the Rotary Foundation of Rotary International. The Rotary Foundation is a non-profit organization that provides humanitarian, educational and goodwill on a global basis to areas of the world that need help with providing such things as clean safe water, sanitation systems, hygiene education, medical supplies, disaster recovery, medical, eye and dental clinics and the eradication of polio. Pictured L-R: District Governor Nominee John Anthony and Colonial Park Rotary Club President Dave White 
District Governor John May presented District Governor-Elect Patrick J. “Paddy” Rooney with a Major Donor Level 1 pin and crystal piece, at the Rotary Club of York’s meeting on Wednesday, Jan. 9, 2019 at the Country Club of York. Paddy has been a member of the Rotary Club of York for 12 years, served as President for the 2016-17 Rotary year, chaired the Student Education Committee and served on 9 other committees. Paddy will be inducted as District 7390 Governor for the 2019-2020 Rotary year on June 27, 2019 at Wyndridge Farm..JPG)
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The Rotary Club of York East hosted an absolutely great RMB networking event - the 47 in Rotary District 7390 RMB history - on January 15 at the Springettsbury Township's police department with over 30 Rotarians and guests attending from over 10 district clubs from every part of the district. Kudos and thanks go to President Ben Marchant of the Rotary Club of York East for hosting the event so effectively and to the event sponsors Dan Stump, police Chief of the Springettsbury Police Department, and to Dan Calloway of Edward Jones. Kudos also to the Southern Tier Steering Committee for making this event happen. Well done all!.JPG)
The world is tantalizingly close to being free of polio. From 350,000 wild poliovirus cases every year in 1988, in 2018 the world reported just 29 cases of this devastating disabling disease because of extraordinary global efforts. Wild poliovirus transmission is endemic in only a handful of districts worldwide. The aim of the 2013-2018 Endgame Plan had been to be finished with this job by end 2018. This is not the case, and the Plan has to now be revised and extended through 2023. 
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The Rotary clubs of Mechanicsburg, Mechanicsburg North, and West Shore along with the Northern Tier Steering Committee will host the 48th RMB networking event in its history in Rotary District 7390 on Tuesday, February 26 at the Classic Rock Fabrication, 135 W Allen Street, Mechanicsburg, PA. The event will begin at 5:30 and end at 7:30 pm. The cost of this event will be FREE thanks to generous sponsors. 
Dr. Alan Peterson is a friend of Past District Governor John Judson and a fellow member of Physicians For Social Responsibility. He has offered to serve as a speaker for one of your upcoming meetings. I highly recommend him as a speaker due to his expertise on this timely subject and his presentation style..jpg)
Members of the Rotary Club of Hanover braved 23 degree temperatures to take down Christmas decorations in the Hanover Town Square. Pictured in front of the Rotary gazebo are Ralph, Karen, Walt, Holly, Jason, Bob and Paul.
Election to the Hall of Fame is the Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs’ most auspicious honor conferred upon an individual for monumental achievements to the DMVA or the Pennsylvania National Guard. .jpg)
On 1 January 2019, Torren Ecker, the President of the Hanover Rotary Club, was sworn-in as State Representative of the 193rd District. Many of his family and friends attended the ceremony at the State Capital Building. Pictured with Torren Hanover’s Past President, Ralph Jodice, who along with his wife, Judy, also attended the ceremony. The entire Hanover Club is very proud of State Representative and Rotarian President, Torren Ecker. We wish him much success!
The Rotary Clubs of Carlisle and Carlisle Sunrise held their annual holiday dinner and fundraising event on Friday, December 7th at the Comfort Suites in Carlisle. The theme was “Home for the Holidays,” and proceeds will benefit Safe Harbour and Community CARES.
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friends and family, dressed in their best holiday apparel, stopped at houses and local businesses to sing songs and celebrate the season. The stops included friends, family and pubs where they were greeted with applause. Happy Holidays to all.
The Rotary Club of Colonial Park Foundation presented their annual report to the Rotary Club of Colonial Park at a recent meeting. In 2018 the Foundation awarded $49,000 is scholarships and in 2019 the Foundation will award $63,000 for ten different types of scholarships. The 2019 Foundation scholarships are available to students in their senior year at Dauphin County Technical School, Bishop McDevitt High School, Harrisburg Christian School, Central Dauphin East High School and Central Dauphin High School. For additional information go to the Rotary Club website at 
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District Club Grant projects support short-term, humanitarian projects that benefit local or foreign communities. Once a year, a club may request grant funds for a project or may collaborate with another club's project. There is a maximum of five clubs per project.
During the Mount Joy Borough Winterfest on Saturday, December 1, the Rotary Clock was rededicated to the community. At 6:45, the Rotary Club of Mount Joy, led by Randy Wolgemuth, dedicated the Clock to the people of Mount Joy. Mayor Timothy Bradley Jr. acknowledged the importance of the clock as a centerpiece of Borough life and community events.