A fundraising event for Veterans and First Responders with proceeds benefitting Veterans Organizations
Special honor to fallen West York Borough Police Officer Andrew Duarte
Flags will be displayed May 21 – June 4, 2025 *All orders must be received by May 20, 2025.*
Join us at 11:00 am, May 31, 2025 at the New Freedom Heritage Green next to Marlin’s Auto Repair for the 8th Annual Flags For Heroes Dedication Ceremony.
Proudly displaying our American Flag as we observe two weeks remembering and honoring those who protect us and have made our country free!
There is no safer country than ours because of their service.
In an effort to engage the many talents and passions of Rotarians throughout our District, we are interested in hearing from YOU about ways you would like to grow in service and leadership at a District level. Click here to complete the District 7390 Service questionnaire by June 1, 2025. If you are interested in learning more about these areas, you can review our District Annual Reports here. Thank you in advance for your willingness to share your time and talents with us!
The Rotary Clubs of Harrisburg and Harrisburg Keystone will host and sponsor the Diamond Jubilee 75th RMB networking event in Rotary District 7390 history and the second event of the 2025 RMB season. The event will take place on Wednesday, May 7 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Capital Blue Cross Connect location (Hampton Marketplace, 4500 Marketplace Way, Enola, PA). The event will be FREE to attend. There will be light hors d'oeuvres, wine, beer, soft drinks, and water provided. This will be another in a longstanding series of great business networking opportunities for both profit and non-profit organizations. Do not miss it. Also, please consider bringing potential Rotarian guests, Rotaractors, and Family of Rotary. When we do business with Rotarians, we support the mission of Rotary. Rotary's Mission: We provide service to others, promote integrity, and advance world understanding, goodwill, and peace through our fellowship of business, professional, and community leaders. REGISTER TODAY!!
The Harrisburg-Keystone Club discovered the plastic recycling program from the President of the Friends of Fort Hunter, Richard Leitzel at one of our meetings. We immediately took the recycling on as a project because of Rotary’s emphasis on environmentalism.
We pair our collections with those of Penbrook United Church of Christ, a congregation who was also eager to find a way to recycle plastic. Two benches we earned are in Penbrook, one across from their Borough Hall and the other at their Little Valley summer camp.
In January we earned our fourth bench!
The benches are sturdy and will not deteriorate as wooden benches do over time.
The warehouse workers at the Capital Area Intermediate Unit also collect plastic for us, as well as various friends of members of the Club.
What we have all learned from this project is the overwhelming amount of plastic we use in our daily lives and how much of it would end up in a landfill without this program.
A plastic recycling project by the Harrisburg Keystone Rotary Club has earned the club four benches like this one placed in the MLK Garden on the Capital Area Greenbelt.
The York East Rotary Club gave out Paul Harris Fellow Awards to 7 individuals who have demonstrated exceptional service and dedication to their communities. The award is named after Paul Harris, who founded the first Rotary Club in Chicago in 1905. It's a way for Rotary clubs to recognize individuals for their contributions to the club's goals of promoting peace, fighting disease, providing clean water, supporting education, and more.
Rotary clubs typically award Paul Harris Fellowships to individuals who have made significant contributions, either through monetary donations or substantial volunteer efforts. These contributions might be directed towards local or global initiatives that align with Rotary's values and objectives. The awards were given by Kris Pollick, to these seven extinguished members. The Paul Harris Fellow recognition is a significant honor within the Rotary community and is accompanied by a certificate and a medallion. It signifies a person's commitment to the Rotary's motto of "Service Above Self" and their dedication to making positive changes in the world.
Pictured L-R: Bill Gierasch, Deborah Klinedinst, Jim Arvin, Joanne Bankos, Tim Koller, Todd Kind and Lydell Nunn
Spring blossoms bring new beginnings, but for the branches lining Market Street in York, a fresh start means turning over more than just a leaf.
City officials, in partnership with the Rotary Club of York, announced plans this week to remove the historic Bradford pear trees due to safety concerns.
"The Bradford pear grows so quickly," said Aaron Jacobs, with the Rotary Club of York. "They have very heavy canopies, so the trunks tend not to want to support that."
The trees, which stretch from Pershing Avenue to Duke Street, have become a familiar sight for residents and visitors. Beneath their beautiful spring display, however, lies a growing problem.
According to Jacobs, the trees pose significant hazards to the community.
Institutes of Understanding from Peace Pole Dedications to Interactive Workshops to the District Conference!
Our exciting Rotary year of service projects, grants, and contributions to address local and global needs experienced another milestone on April 4-6 at our Annual District Conference. Three additional Districts joined us at the Hershey Lodge, as about 400 Rotarians, including 23 Exchange students, gathered to hear from 7 keynote speakers on the theme of Positive Peace. We heard insights on the role of Rotary in Conflict Resolution from Past Rotary International President Barry Rassin, Zone 32 Director, Chris Etienne, the CEO of Hershey Entertainment and Resorts (the Conference sponsor), John Lawn, two Peace Fellows, and our Harrisburg Club colleague, Hagir Elsheikh. Every speaker was a Rotarian and each highly committed to the advancement of greater understanding and goodwill.
The setting for the peace presentations and the opportunity for reflection resembled what in earlier years (circa 1940's) would have been an Institute of Understanding, a traditional gathering of Rotarians 'back then' to engage in public discourse on the 4th Object of Rotary--understanding, goodwill, and peace. Fortunately, we can revive that role for Rotary and see how it leads to achieving the 4th object of Rotary.
Between sessions there was an opportunity to interact with a stream of visitors to the House of Friendship with exhibits on topics from the environment to global health initiatives, human trafficking, autism, and dozens more concerning club projects locally and globally.
At our District Session we heard inspirational speeches from the finalists of the 4 Way Test speech competition.
The winners were:
1st Place - Hayden Kline (Hershey)
2nd Place - Monica Atta (Lancaster-Sunrise)
3rd Place - Sefa Setuagbe (Mechanicsburg-North)
4th Place - Alexander Mariani (Mechanicsburg-North)
5th Place - Taylor Pierce (Elizabethtown)
The top essay on the 4 Way Test Writing competition was read by the winner, Spencer Yang (Red Lion/Dallastown Area). Click here to read the top 3 Essays!
Our session then held a moment of reflection, as Melissa read the names of our recently dearly departed Rotarians. We followed that by recognizing the recipients of major District Awards: The District Outstanding Service Award to Juliet Altenburg for her remarkable contributions as District Governor, Club President, and Chair of the Membership (our membership is growing!) and Public Image Committees. The Dogged Pursuit Award to John Anthony for his relentless Rotarian pursuit of a stable financial footing for the District, resulting in the creation and highly viable functioning of the Finance Committee and the Budget subcommittee (we are solvent!), actions requiring great professionalism and determination!
Our salute to both Juliet and John, two very dedicated members of our amazing District who continue to make a difference in everything we endeavor to do!
On April 9, there was a memorable event at the Manheim High School as the Lancaster Sunrise Club helped its Interact Club celebrate a Rotary Peace Pole Initiative! The Club, the School, and the Township came together to enable a profound opportunity for the Interact Club students, as they all participated in this unique act concerning Positive Peace. Hearing designated students express the engraved Proclamations of Peace in eight languages was especially poignant. The Pole is located at the entrance to the school where it will be seen by thousands of students and visitors, every day, and over the years!
Another Peace Pole event will take place at the Mechanicsburg North Club next week, as two peace poles are dedicated! Learn more about the dedication and register to attend!
For the next few months, keep checking the District Calendar and participate in the many listed club projects and social events.
The District Peacebuilder Billboard still proudly greets motorists entering Harrisburg, thanks to Harrisburg Rotarian Andy Rebuck, who has now retired, but leaves a remarkable Rotary legacy behind.
The Institute of Understanding concept 'to gather together and contemplate peace' will again be available to us on May 31, when we convene (Central Penn College at 8:30 am) to hold an interactive workshop on Positive Peace with Rotarians and non-Rotarian guests. Please join that special event and encourage community leaders (local governments, educators, church, and business leaders) to do so. Our District Peace activator, Hector Ortiz, will lead sessions on the RI and IEP partnership, and provide practical steps for a 'whole of community' approach! Several folks from our District and the local communities have already registered! Register today!
I look forward to seeing you at one or more of the upcoming events.
There is a FREE community newspaper that will publish information for Rotary Clubs! Please check out YOUR ADVERTISER. They service Dauphin, Lancaster, and Lebanon Counties!
Their deadline is each Friday at 1:00 p.m. Please understand that they cannot guarantee publication, but will do their best to fit submitted public interest content in as space allows.
If you have any questions, please contact Angela DeSendi-Kriner (President & CEO / Editor) at (717) 599-1848 or angela@youradvertiser.org.
PR Opportunity for Dauphin, Lancaster and Lebanon County Clubs!
The Rotary Club of Southern York County made donations from their Allie Waldron Memorial Golf Tournament & Crab Feast to the Paul Smith Library of Southern York County, the Arthur Hufnagel Public Library of Glen Rock, and the Mason Dixon Public Library. They also made donations to the New Life Center for Mothers and Children and to The Well of Immanuel United Methodist Church.
Southern York County Makes Support Local Organizations
In honor of Earth Day in April, our District has created a Team called "Team Rotary" to pick up litter in Harrisburg on April 26th. This annual activity is spearheaded by Tri County Community Action. Team Rotary will pick up litter 8 AM - 11 AM in the Midtown area checking in at 400 Reily Street in Harrisburg. Volunteer for this activity by going to: https://bit.ly/4cbS6gN OR by expressing your interest to PDG Juliet Altenburg at DGJuliet2022@qrpc.com . Participants will get free t-shirts, gloves, and litter bags. All registered participants will be emailed with more details closer to the event. This is a family friendly event. Hope to see you there!
Join District 7390 "Team Rotary" for the Great Harrisburg Litter Cleanup!
We are excited to announce that registration for our 2025 MOM-n-PA to be held at the Mohegan Arena at Casey Plaza in Wilkes-Barre is now open. The dental clinic days will be held on Friday, June 6 and Saturday, June 7. Setup day is Thursday, June 5. Click here to be redirected to our volunteer registration page.
We hope to treat 1000 patients each day, but we can't reach our lofty goal without you. Please participate again and improve the oral health of needy Pennsylvanians at our twelfth MOM-n-PA.
To get answers to your questions about MOM-n-PA click on our Volunteer FAQs Page.
I encourage you to volunteer for a full day. We have secured room blocks at three hotels which will become available to you after you complete your registration. Why not participate both days and spend the night in Wilkes-Barre. There will be a complimentary reception on Friday evening at Grotto Pizza.
To volunteer, click on this registration link. Don't forget to encourage your colleagues, friends and family (age 18 and up) to register. Please contact VolChair@MOM-n-PA.com with any questions.
Hayden Cline (MHS) took the stage with confidence and conviction, delivering a speech that left the room silent. His powerful words and unwavering presence commanded attention, driving home an important message with passion and purpose. His ability to articulate his thoughts with such strength was truly inspiring.
Bailey Winder (HHS) shared her heartfelt essay with grace and resilience, offering a deeply personal glimpse into her journey. Her words carried strength beyond measure, reminding us all of the power of perseverance. Bailey’s courage to be vulnerable and share her story was a testament to her character and determination. Presented by Eileen Voyles and their school representatives, these two remarkable students moved us all. Their voices, their messages, and their strength will not be forgotten.
We also want to thank all the students who participated this year. Every speech and essay was exceptional. Your words matter, and we encourage you to keep writing, keep speaking, and keep sharing your voices with the world.
Congratulations, Hayden and Bailey! Your words made an impact, and we are so proud of you.
Hershey Celebrates 4-Way Test Speech & Essay Contest Winners
York North Rotarians Melissa Markey, Lisa Vaughn, and Kim March with the Central York Interact Club
The Rotary Club of York-North along with The Central York Interact Club and Humanity Fuel project team collected items to create BINGO prize bags for the residents of Pleasant Acres Rehabilitation & Nursing Center. Charlotte Utter, Central York’s Interact Club Advisor thanked Club President Melissa Markey and the York-North Rotary Club for collecting so many wonderful items. “Thank you and all of your fellow Rotarians for collecting so many wonderful items to contribute to the Central York High School Interact Club's donation drive, which will support our Humanity Fuel project to provide prize bags for the Pleasant Acres Rehabilitation & Nursing Center's activities department. Our Interact Club members are becoming stronger leaders by the day as they learn how to communicate, network, organize, and promote their causes. Thank you for your mentorship and modeling for these youth.”
The Central York Interact Club has had a long-standing connection with the York-North Rotary Club and our partnership has really grown over the past several years under Charlotte’s leadership.
On Wednesday, March 26, 2025, the Hershey Rotary Community Connection, in partnership with St. Peter’s Church in Middletown, and Hope Academy brought together volunteers, families, and children for an incredible day of service at the Hope TOGETHER Community Garden. This project is more than just planting vegetables. It was about nourishing our community, fostering connections, and making a lasting impact.
The food grown in this garden will go directly to a local food program, providing fresh, healthy produce to those in need. But the most powerful part? This project brings people together; children from the Hope Academy and After-School Program, volunteers, and community members, all working side by side to cultivate something meaningful. We built benches for the garden. They will have plant boxes that will be the height for children and wheelchair accessible.
As summer approaches and your club is planning exciting Rotary events, we wanted to share valuable event planning information. The U.S. Rotary Club & District Liability Insurance Program (U.S. Club Program) provides all U.S. Rotary clubs, districts, and Rotaract clubs with commercial general liability insurance and directors & officers/employment practices liability insurance, subject to policy terms and conditions.
Please share this information with your Event Chairs and Event Planning Committees.
Contracts may not be the first thing you think of when planning an event, but written agreements are an important part of event planning.
See the Insurance Portal for more information including:
Contract Best Practices - Loss Prevention Strategies - such as reviewing all contracts before signing, negotiating unfavorable terms, and more best practices.
Indemnification – how to protect your club and members.
Insurance Requirements – what insurance should a vendor carry and what to look for in an insurance provision.
Watch for the new video "How Agreements Make Events Shine” to be posted soon on the Insurance Portal.
Volunteers:
Provide training for volunteers and verify that volunteers understand their roles.
Ensure volunteers have appropriate equipment (e.g., reflective vests for roadside cleanups).
See Loss Prevention Strategies on the Insurance Portal for more resources.
Advise volunteers and members they should carry their own health insurance. The U.S. Club Program does not provide accident insurance for members and volunteers who are injured while working on behalf of your club.
Consult with a licensed insurance professional if your club would like to purchase accident insurance for your event.
Waiver and Release Agreement:
Require when participants and volunteers are actively involved in the event (e.g., walk, run, road clean-up). This helps protect your club in case of injury or property damage. The waiver should inform participants and volunteers of the risks associated with the event and release your club, foundation, and any other organizing parties from liability.
A legal professional can assist with drafting your waiver.
A sample waiver is available on the Insurance Portal. Refer to Loss Prevention Strategies.
Liquor Liability:
The U.S. Club Program provides liquor liability insurance, however,
If a liquor license is required, your club must have that license in place before your event.
Apply early to allow time for review and any necessary revisions – especially those clubs in Iowa.
For more information and additional recommendations, please visit the Loss Prevention Strategies section on the Insurance Portal.
The U.S. Rotary Insurance Portal is only for U.S. Rotary club and district and Rotaract club use. Please feel free to share the website, username, and password with others in your club or district, but please do not post them anywhere, as this is the exclusive source for all U.S. Club Program documents, forms, and other materials.
To reach Hylant with questions or to obtain an Additional Insured Endorsement: 1-419-259-2710 or rotary@hylant.com
Rotarians in Picture left to Right: Dave Davies-Ed Wagman-Pat Joseph-Gary Lauer-Lynn Seifert-Norm Basso
Ed Wagman of the Rotary Club of York-North is the project Chairman of the cleanup along Greenbrier Road as part of PennDOT’s Adopt-a-Highway program. Through this program, we sign a three-year contract with PennDOT, during which we commit to cleaning a designated two-to-three-mile stretch of road twice a year—once in the spring and again in the fall.
The Rotary Club of York-North has been maintaining Greenbrier Road for about fifteen years now. We typically schedule cleanups in early spring before the foliage fills in and again in the fall after the leaves drop, which makes it easier to spot litter.
In addition to the road cleanup, The Rotary Club of York-North takes on several environmental initiatives throughout the year. Last fall, we helped plant vegetation in a rain garden along the rail trail and Route 30. We’ve also partnered with the Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay to plant trees. These projects align with Rotary’s broader goal of environmental stewardship and making a positive impact in our community.
Pat Joseph is the original founder of the Greenbrier Rotary Road Cleanup. Pat has always been a big environmentalist and saw this as a great opportunity to give back. It combines community service, being outdoors, and working together for a good cause.
Three local college students, Vandelyn Brown, York College of Pennsylvania;Beaudelson Elisme, HACC York; and Whitney Smyth, Penn State York, were honored at the Rotary Club of York’s March 19th meeting with the 2025 College Service Awards. These students were selected because they exemplify the Rotary International motto of putting service to others above one's own interests.
Past winners have been Mt. Joy and Elizabethtown - Minimum 3 rotary members of the same club so you can bring a non-Rotarian player to complete your foursome.
The District Learning Assembly was held at Messiah University on March 15. It was a great event that included practical information regarding Peace, On-line Tools, Club Foundations and Membership. Did you miss the session? You can view slides from two of the sessions here.
Rotary Club of York North’s March 13th Speaker was Autumn Thomas from AARP. She presented the Club great advice on how to avoid fraud. Below is a summary of her presentation:
This is a solid, practical guide to online security and financial protection. The emphasis on layering security measures—like strong passwords, MFA, and account alerts—is crucial, as no single step is foolproof on its own. The analogy to Swiss cheese is a great way to illustrate this.
A few key takeaways that stand out:
1. The importance of direct website access – Manually typing in URLs instead of clicking links reduces the risk of phishing.
2. Password best practices – Long, unique passwords for each account are critical, even if they require a password manager.
3. Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) – A must-have for all sensitive accounts.
4. Keeping software updated – Many breaches exploit outdated systems, so auto-updates are a simple but vital defense.
5. Avoiding public Wi-Fi for sensitive tasks – A VPN can help, but it’s best to avoid logging into important accounts on unsecured networks.
The call to action—staying informed, reporting fraud, and resisting pressure—is also key. Scams thrive on urgency, so stepping back and consulting a trusted person is a great defense strategy.
York-North Speaker Gives Great Advice Regarding On-line Security
On March 4, 2025, York East Rotary Club members Tim Koller, Dan Hoff, Becky Disney, Bill Giesrasch and Todd Kurl, along with the Rotary Clubs of York-North and Uptown York, volunteered at Central PA Junior Achievement (JA) BizTown, helping young students gain real-world financial and business experience. JA BizTown, a hands-on educational program, immerses students in a simulated town where they take on roles such as business owners, CEOs, bank tellers, and city officials. With guidance from dedicated Rotary volunteers, students learned how to manage budgets, run businesses, and make financial decisions that mirror real world responsibilities. "Seeing the students take charge and apply what they've learned in the classroom is incredibly rewarding," said a York East Rotary member Tim Koller. "This experience equips them with valuable life skills that will serve them well in the future." Rotary’s involvement in JA BizTown aligns with its commitment to education and youth development. Through their support, students were able to engage in meaningful hands-on learning, fostering confidence and leadership. The collaboration between the Rotary Clubs of York East, North York, and Uptown highlights the impact of service organizations working together to invest in the next generation.
York Area Clubs Volunteer at Junior Achievement Biztown in York!
There is an exciting, way overdue, neighborhood project for Clubs and Rotarians to assist in, as fellow Rotarian, Hagir Elsheikh, from the Harrisburg Club, is boldly creating an Autism Center at Central Penn College to assist children with autism along with their families. Hagir personally experienced a gap in access to strong support groups and the education of those who have autism, and has taken action by creating Kareem's Mission, named after her young son. The Mission supports families through guidance, collaborative partnerships, and advocacy for those who cannot advocate for themselves. Kareem's Mission is a registered 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to supporting individuals with autism and their families.
This deficiency in support to an important segment of our community has existed for years, but at last we have a rallying place where it can be addressed. This is also a growing area of focus for Rotary, especially a major initiative of recent RI President McInally, so now we can make a direct impact in our local community.
View the buildout wish list here. The Center requests assistance from those who like to paint to do touch up before the opening. There is also a call for padding material for the walls and floors.
Please take action by reviewing the wish list and contributing labor, funds, or material. And, come to the Ribbon cutting ceremony on April 19. Click here to learn more about Kareem's Mission!
Daily snowstorms and the delectable Turkish cuisine provided a colorful background to the Peace Summit in Istanbul as it dealt with next steps toward conflict resolution and peacebuilding.
Four Rotarians from our District, PDG Connie Spark, Harrisburg Rotarian Hagir Elsheikh, Hershey Rotarian Maria Thompson, and I joined the senior leadership of RI and a thousand other Rotarians from around the world to engage in dialogue about the Rotary goal of greater understanding, goodwill, and peace, the 4th object of Rotary, as announced by Paul Harris, in 1921, at the RI Convention in Edinburgh--over a hundred years ago!
RI President Stephanie Urchick expressed the greater purpose for the summit, that of pondering how to get the right tools into the right hands to make a difference in the attitudes, institutions and structures of all societies, near and far! The ‘right hands’ are our hands, and the ‘right tools’ are all those measures at our disposal that lead to better understanding and goodwill and reduce conflict wherever it exists.
These are somber times for the UN and peace advocates. Even as we convened in Istanbul, two highly destructive wars were being waged within a few hundred miles causing incalculable losses in life and infrastructure. For over a hundred years, Rotarians have assembled to deliberate on ways to make progress toward peace in its capacity as a nonpolitical organization in a highly polarized world. That role is both a great legacy and a great responsibility. So, with ever greater conviction, we all must now join the public discourse on conflict resolution, urging our governments to do likewise, whenever and wherever possible, and engaging ever growing numbers of fellow citizens to join the movement by increasing their awareness.
Many of those at the Peace Summit will be participating in our Multi-District Conference on April 5 at the Hershey Lodge. Plan to join that global group, which will have participants, including our exchange students, from over a dozen nations. If you encounter lateness in registering for this remarkable gathering, contact Melissa for an extension. Please find a way to join this unique Conference.
Report on "Healing in a Divided World" Peace Summit in Istanbul, Turkiye
Check out the NEW Environmental Committee webpage on the District’s website here! The page includes multiple links to environmental projects, ideas, and resources located in our own backyard. Learn more about local streams, watersheds, hiking trails, pollinator gardens, and tree-planting projects. Also highlighted on the page are stories about environmental initiatives throughout the District.
Get involved, get outside, and celebrate this Spring by doing a Rotary Environmental project!
To learn more, email the committee at Enviro7390@gmail.com, join the next Zoom meeting on March 20, at 7 pm, https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88240598732?pwd=BhBd8n86gGjpjC5TyFdt98gbY4ls2a.1, or stop by the Environmental Committee table at the multi-district conference in Hershey, April 4- 6.
We are thrilled to invite you to join Kareem’s Mission for our Second Annual Autism Awareness Event on Saturday, April 19, 2025, from 1 PM to 4 PM at Central Penn College. This special occasion marks a significant milestone as we celebrate the grand opening of our Autism Center, a dedicated space designed to empower individuals on the autism spectrum and their families to thrive. Over the past year, Kareem’s Mission has been committed to creating a world where individuals with autism are seen, heard, and supported. Our mission is to raise awareness, provide resources, and foster a community where every person on the spectrum can live a fulfilling and meaningful life.
This year, we are calling on our entire community to come together in support of this mission. We need your help to fundraise, furnish, and equip the center so it can fully serve as a beacon of hope and empowerment for children with autism and their families.
Event Highlights:
Ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Center
Keynote Addresses from Community Leaders and Supporters
Opportunities to Donate, Partner, or Sponsor
Networking with Organizations and Individuals Passionate About Autism Advocacy
How You Can Support:
Attend the Event: Let us know if you’ll be joining us and how many members of your organization will attend.
Share Your Voice: If you would like to say a few words during the event, please let us know so we can add you to the agenda.
Donate or Sponsor: Whether you’d like to contribute now or at the event, your generosity will go a long way. You can also sponsor a room, help with furniture and equipment, or provide volunteers and interns.
Partner with Us: Together, we can amplify our impact and create lasting change.
We believe that “it takes more than a village to care for a child on the autism spectrum,” and now more than ever, we need our village to come together. Let’s ensure that every family in our community has the support they need.
Please RSVP by March 15th 2025 to confirm your attendance and share your interest in speaking, partnering, donating, or volunteering. Together, we can make a difference! We look forward to seeing you on April 19th and celebrating this exciting new chapter for Kareem’s Mission.
You are Invited to the Second Annual Autism Awareness Event
Women in attendance at the Rotary Club of York meeting on March 5 gathered for a photo wearing purple in honor of International Women’s Day on March 8, a day to acknowledge strategies and activities that positively impact women's advancement, and to support e orts towards achieving equal rights for women and girls around the world!
To those of you who have not yet signed up for this year's Conference, the final deadline is March 7.
Please plan to be part of this major Multi-District Conference at the Hershey Lodge on April 4-6, with a Saturday-only option on April 5. This is an opportunity to experience the true meaning and reach of Rotary, as the Conference resembles the huge RI Global Conventions that occur once each year. It will surely be a memorable event for all who attend!
The overall Conference theme is international understanding and peace, but there will also be treatment of the environment and many other topics of note.
Attendees will hear from remarkable speakers and inspiring Rotary leaders and change-makers: 🎤 Barry Rassin – Past RI President & Rotary Foundation Chair 🎤 Chris Etienne – RI Director, Zones 28 & 32
🎤 John Lawn - CEO of Hershey Entertainment and Hershey Rotarian 🎤 Peace Fellows Linda Low, and Moh Eid, and Harrisburg Rotarian Hagir Elsheikh.
There will be continuous opportunities to enjoy fun and fellowship with several meals, receptions and breakout sessions: 🍫🎉 ✅ Dueling Pianos & DJ 🎹🎧 ✅ House of Friendship with dozens of exhibitors🤝 ✅ Youth Exchange Parade & 4 Way Test Speech Contest 🎤🏆
Please join hundreds of fellow Rotarians from 4 PA and NJ Districts.
I hope to see you at the Conference, one of only a few occasions each year for us to come together as a District and share our unique Rotary relationships!
Very best wishes,
Paul Thompson, District Governor
District Conference Registration Deadline - March 7
Join Rotary District 7390 for a POSITIVE PEACE Community Workshop: Participate in building Positive Peace in our communities. This FREE workshop will be held on Saturday morning, May 31, 2025, at Central Penn College in the Capital Blue Cross Theater, 600 Valley Road, Summerdale, PA 17093.
Light refreshments will be available from 8:30 a.m. until 9:00 a.m. when the workshop begins, with coffee available during breaks. The workshop is expected to conclude by noon.
Dr. Hector R. Ortiz, Positive Peace Activator, North America and the Caribbean, and facilitator for the partnership between Rotary International and the Institute for Economics and Peace, will lead the comprehensive workshop as it focuses on practical steps for individuals and organizations!
Workshop objectives to understand the framework of Positive Peace and how it creates meaningful change in the community are:
Learn what Positive Peace is and why it matters: Positive peace goes far beyond the absence of conflict. It enhances attitudes, institutions, and structures that help societies flourish, through actions and programs that encourage understanding, promote equity, and foster social cohesion. Understanding the importance and process of Positive Peace can greatly enhance the profundity of one’s approach to peacebuilding, locally and globally, leading to peaceful societies.
Become familiar with Rotary’s seven areas of focus: Rotary International, a global humanitarian organization of 1.4 million members, addresses critical needs in society through service projects and initiatives. The seven areas of focus that address these key issues, and provide opportunities to improve them, help members make a difference in the world, in their communities, and in themselves.
Learn about the eight pillars of positive peace used by the nonprofit Institute of Economics and Peace to evaluate the attributes and effectiveness of nations and their state of governance. Those pillars, from a well-functioning government, with the free flow of information, to the acceptance of the rights of others, are key elements that contribute to Positive Peace. An analysis of all eight pillars will provide an understanding of steps to create a stable and just society. The global peace index, assigned to each nation by the Institute as a result of evaluating the eight pillars, has helped Rotary better understand the application and relevance of its areas of focus.
Plan steps to create Positive Peace in your organization and community: These steps will focus on actions that participants can implement to become peacebuilders—to make progress toward a safer and more secure community with decreased conflicts, domestically and globally. Specific steps, and a plan of action will provide ways to engage others in promoting peace through conflict prevention, and civic engagement.
This workshop is a great chance to get involved in tangible, meaningful changes, leading to Positive Peace!
The workshop is FREE, but please reserve your seat in advance by clicking here!
Peace seems so elusive these days, but there are ways to make it attainable!
On February 20, 2025, Hector Ortiz, Past District Governor and Positive Peace Activator for North America and the Caribbean, presented at the Rotary Club of Lancaster Sunrise about the Positive Peace framework and ways Rotarians could be involved in creating Positive Peace.
Hector expressed his gratitude to Lancaster Sunrise Club President Patricia Savage for her invitation to speak and to raise awareness and educate Rotarians on the various methods for fostering Positive Peace within local communities.
During his presentation, Hector met Megan, the Lancaster Sunrise Student of the Month, who was recognized for her school achievements. Hector remarked on Megan's dedication to promoting Positive Peace within her school, expressing his admiration for her efforts.
Furthermore, Hector commended the Lancaster Sunrise Club's plan to install a Peace Pole at Manheim High School in April. He reminded all Rotary Clubs of his commitment to present the Positive Peace framework and collaborate on initiatives that support the Rotary and Institute for Economics and Peace Partnership.
Positive Peace Presentations - Schedule One for Your Club TODAY!
Posted by Al Sykes, Preserve Planet Earth Chair, Rotary Club of York
The Rotary Club of York’s Preserve Planet Earth Committee was initiated 35 or more years ago as the “Recycling Committee” to help members understand the state’s new edicts on recycling. We’ve greatly expanded our mission since then, but we have not lost our interest in recycling.
We distributed, to the club and other organizations, a list of places in York that accept material that can be recycled and we are working on a list of people and places that will repair stuff. Surely, every club can generate their own list. Google or your local waste management company can provide much information, but the list makes it easier. The picture is of our group collecting plastic waste to take to CRDC, a relatively new industry in York, that converts all plastic into building block material which can be used for and is superior to river sand in concrete and concrete block.
Email details of your club’s environmental projects to Enviro7390@gmail.com so the District Environmental Committee can share them in the newsletter and elsewhere.
The Rotary Clubs of Mechanicsburg-North, District 7390 Passport, Yellow Breeches, and West Shore hosted and sponsored a very successful RMB networking event on February 13 supported by venue sponsor the Joseph T Simpson Public Library and event sponsors Fairway Independent Mortgage Corporation of Mechanicsburg and State College, Mother Hubbard’s Custom Cabinetry and McKonly & Asbury CPAs and Business Advisors. Attendance by Rotarians and guests was in the high 20s or lower 30s and represented some 13 district clubs. District Committee member for the Mechanicsburg Area PDG John Anthony did a great job running the meeting and introducing a new, dynamic way of Rotarians pitching their business or non-profit that of speed networking. District Governor Paul Thompson attended the meeting and was very impressed by the energy in the room. Well done all!
RMB Mechanicsburg Area February Networking Event a HUGE Success!
The Rotary Club of York recognized ten club members for their Paul Harris Fellow giving achievements to The Rotary Foundation at the February 12th weekly club meeting.
Pictured from L-R are: Bill Hartman, Chair, Global Rotary Foundation; Jan Wolgamuth; Jules Tolbert; PP Jackie Summers; John Ulrich; Sam Willman; Bill Hunter; and John Eyster, Vice-Chair, Global Rotary Foundation. Not pictured: Ann Anstadt, BJ Fegely, George Hummel, and John Olkowski.
The York East Rotary Club presented a check in the amount of $7,200 to the Rotary International Foundation. On October 21, 2024, the York East Rotary Club and the Victory Athletic Association joined forces to raise $7,200 for the "Pints for Polio" campaign, a global initiative dedicated to eradicating polio. This successful fundraiser demonstrated the power of local organizations in making a significant impact on worldwide health efforts. Since launching its Polio Plus program in 1985, Rotary International has been a leading force in the battle against polio, working alongside the World Health Organization, UNICEF, and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. The funds raised from this event will support vaccination programs, public awareness campaigns, and other critical initiatives aimed at eliminating polio in the few remaining countries where it persists. With only a handful of polio cases still reported worldwide, contributions like those from the York East Rotary Club and the Victory Athletic Association bring the world one step closer to achieving a polio-free future. Their commitment reflects the community’s dedication to global health and the Rotary’s long-standing mission to serve others.
Pictured: Left to right: Tim Koller, Nate Tile, Chris Izzo, Greg Kern and Wendy Keesee
On February 11, 2025, District Governor Paul Thompson was interviewed by WHTM’s Good Day PA host Susan Cort (also a member of the Hershey Club) concerning Rotary District 7390’s designation as a Peacebuilder.
If the video does not show, please click here to view it.
In addition, we encourage you to view this video about Rotary's Positive Peace Academy!
If the video does not display, please click here to view it.
District 7390 Continues to Promote Positive Peace!
“Martin and Me”, a heartfelt essay in Rotary magazine (February 2025), was written by Charles D. Allen (better known as Chuck), a member of the Rotary Club of Carlisle Sunrise. The essay is filled with Chuck’s recollections of the civil rights movement over the years and the inspiration of Martin Luther King, Jr. in shaping his life. He writes about Dr. King’s “presence” in his family and his work to ”bend the arc of the moral universe toward justice”. On becoming a Rotarian, Chuck writes that, “The better I got to know Rotary and the more closely I studied the writings and speeches of Dr. King, the more similarities I see between his teaching and the Four Way Test.” He notes the desire of Dr. King that his efforts be beneficial to all.
It is a tribute to Chuck that the (very selective) editors of Rotary magazine desired that his essay be shared with Rotarians worldwide.
District 7390 Peacebuilding Fact #1: Dan Noel Odaba’s passion for peace was born during his time as a Rotary Peace Fellow at Chulalongkorn University in Thailand in 2017. “I made a promise to give back 100 percent,” he says. He later became a Rotarian during the COVID-19 pandemic. “There was no way I could do that without becoming a Rotarian.” His peacebuilding commitment continues. To learn how, check out page 15 of the February 2025 ROTARY magazine at https://magazine.rotary.org/rotary/february_2025/#rotarypeacefellow
The next New Member Orientations isMay 7th at 7:30pm. It will NOT be recorded. Only “live” sessions will be done this year. These session is being offered by the Zone as a first step in the Rotary Club orientation process. Veteran Rotarians who need a “refresher” are also welcome. Learn about the history and impact of Rotary with attendees from throughout the eastern United States, Canada and Bermuda! No registration is necessary. Just click on this link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/87549109596?pwd=UzdvHBSXX6iVlmF2TRTa3hQjHNTuns.1
District Learning Assembly Membership Engagement Session
On Saturday, March 15th from 7:30 AM to Noon at Messiah College our District will be hosting a District Learning Assembly. One of the sessions that can be selected by participants is focused on Member Engagement. This interactive session will feature representatives from the Rotary Clubs of York, Harrisburg, Mechanicsburg-North and West Shore, who will share successes and failures of engaging their members. Topics will include club dues, leadership development, new member orientation, member recognition, and service engagement. Thank you to the following panelists who have agreed to speak:
Rotary Club of York – Chris Topf, Membership Engagement Chair
Rotary Club of Harrisburg – Scott Stevens, Club President
Rotary Club of Mechanicsburg-North – John Robinson, Membership Chair
In preparation for this session Club Presidents and President Elects will receive a brief survey asking them about their club dues structure. The results will be shared in blinded fashion at the session. To see the full agenda and register go HERE.
District Membership Committee
The next meeting of the District Membership Committee will take place on Tuesday, February 25th at 7 PM. New members are always welcome, including guests who would like to seek advice from the committee on membership strategies. Contact PDG Juliet for meeting information at DGJuliet2022@qrpc.com
Think Valentine’s Day and Rotary! Express a lovely sentiment for your Sweetheart and have it hung on a lamppost in downtown Lancaster. Pets can also included and your sentiment to them will be displayed at Binns Park or the Dog park on Marietta Ave. Finding your heart is a fun scavenger hunt while exploring the restaurants, galleries and shopping of downtown Lancaster. Click here for more information and to purchase your heart today! Hearts For Lancaster & Pets - Penn Square Rotary
The District Learning Assembly is a great opportunity for all Rotarians to enhance their understanding of key areas that contribute to the success of a club. This event will equip you with valuable insights and practical knowledge on crucial topics such as: Clubrunner, Membership Engagement, Rotary's Positive Peace Program and MORE!
By attending, you'll walk away with a comprehensive understanding of these areas and be better prepared to help your club achieve its goals and create a positive impact. Whether you're a seasoned Rotarian or new to the role, this assembly will be an inspiring and enriching experience for everyone involved.
Join us Saturday, March 15, 2025 at Messiah University (One University Avenue, Mechanicsburg, PA) in Boyer Hall.
I am pleased to announce that the District Governor Nominating Committee met on January 15, 2025 and is recommending that Aaron Jacobs of the Rotary Club of York to serve as District Governor for the Rotary Year 2027-2028.
Aaron is the immediate past President and has been a very dedicated member of the Rotary Club of York for over 16 years, with perfect attendance. He is a Paul Harris Fellow+3, a Legacy Society Member, and continues a proud second-generation Rotary family tradition, beginning when his father chartered the Rotary Club of York-North. Aaron is the current Chair of the Service Project Development Committee, and served as the Preserve Planet Earth Chair for 10 years. He has served on his Club Membership, Finance, and Foundation Committees, and currently serves on the District Membership Committee.
In the York community, Aaron has filled many roles at St. Paul's Lutheran Church, and is a director and treasurer of the York City Parks Conservancy. He is also a mentor and leadership team member of Susquehanna SCORE, where he serves as the marketing chair. Previously, he served as treasurer of the Historic Newton Square Neighborhood Association and participated in the White Rose Toastmasters. A dedicated blood platelet donor, Aaron is on track to achieve a remarkable 50 gallons donated by 2025.
Aaron is the President of Scorecard Sales, a company specializing in sales process improvement. Through training, coaching, and technology, Aaron and his team optimize sales teams for greater success. His professional experience includes roles in sales, management, and executive leadership.
Aaron earned his bachelor’s degree (Magna Cum Laude) in Business Administration and his Master’s Degree (Magna Cum Laude) in Finance from York College of Pennsylvania. He and his wife, Abby, and their children, Maxwell and Samantha, are proud residents of York City.
Many thanks to PDG Fred Gellert and the members of the District Governor Nominating Committee for their diligent and timely action.
For 109 years, Rotary Club of Lancaster has met weekly, at various Lancaster locations. The major emphasis of this club has been to initiate and support programs for Lancaster’s youth. Historically, this included initiatives for a clinic for crippled children, a cleft palate clinic, a home for boys facing adjudication, leadership camps and student educational exchanges.
Today the Rotary Club of Lancaster continues its tradition of service through several programs with the School District of Lancaster and the social agencies that serve the District’s students. It is through this experience of involvement with schools and agencies that Rotary can bring together services to benefit school youth in a creative and meaningful way.
A wonderful example of this interaction occurred this year on Friday the 13th 2024. For more than four decades, Rotary Club of Lancaster members have been ringing Christmas bells as volunteers for the Salvation Army Lancaster Corp's Red Kettle campaign. Each year, club members can be found outside Lancaster City’s 300-year-old Central Market location. To enhance the experience and size of the crowd, Rotary invited students and their teacher from one of the Lancaster School programs it supports. This program called SWAN (Scaling Walls A Note at a Time), serves children of incarcerated parents by focusing on music instruction and participation, including music lessons, ensemble training, performance and mentoring to enrich their lives and their school experience.
This year’s bell ringing was accompanied and enhanced by an hour-long outdoor performance of carols by a dozen elementary age chorus members of the SWAN program. In 20-degree weather, the student carolers sang and dramatized the tunes of Rudolph, St Nick and the 12 days of Christmas. Market shoppers and tourists were thrilled and acknowledged the performance with generous Salvation Army Kettle donations.
As the SWAN students sang, Rotary members noticed that many of the students did not have winter coats despite the cold and wind of the day. This triggered “Service above Self” action with the Salvation Army “Coats for Kids” program. With Rotarian coordination, SWAN teachers provided the names, ages, genders, sizes and school for each student performer. Salvation Army staff selected and matched a winter coat for each of the identified students.
Exactly one week after the SWAN student Market performance, Rotarians delivered new and clean winter coats, donated by the Salvation Army, to each of the student carolers and their siblings at the students’ school. Now each student will be warm and comfortable for the holidays and the winter season.
Rotary Club of Lancaster Bell Ringing Leads to Coat Donation
The Rotary Club of Mechanicsburg North, in collaboration with Bethany Village, is holding a blood drive on January 29, 2025 from 11:00 a.m. until 7:00 p.m. in the Rife Center at Bethany Village (325 Wesley Circle, Mechanicsburg). This blood drive is in conjunction with the Central Pennsylvania Blood Bank. Please register in advance by email, phone or by scanning the QR code. Don't forget to eat within 4 hours of donating blood. We would like to see Rotarians and their friends donate blood!
The annual report covering the 2023-2024 Rotary year in D7390 is now available on the district website. Check it out! Please look at this excellent summary of all our successes last Rotary year. As I read through the document for final editing, I was struck by a sense of pride in being part of an organization that does so much for our South-Central Pennsylvania communities. You will see Rotarians and Clubs who have accomplished incredible projects, activities, and events. Thanks to each of you for your work in serving others. Thank you to all who took on leadership roles last year at the club and district level. You led us to through the body of work on display in the report. We D7390 Rotarians are grateful you said yes when asked to take on these roles. We can’t accomplish all we do without Rotarians doing the extra work to lead, plan, and push us. I hope you enjoy the report as much as I did. I ask each of us to see something in there we can bring to our own club or see some area that could use support to achieve even more in coming years. Take what we have accomplished in 2023-2024 and keep it going strong.
The Rotary Clubs of West Shore, District 7390 Passport, Mechanicsburg North and Yellow Breeches will host the 74th RMB networking event in Rotary District 7390 history and the first event of the 2025 RMB season.
The event will take place on Thursday, February 13 from 5:00 to 7:30 PM at the Brand-New Joseph T. Simpson Library Learning and Book Sale Center at 45 West Allen Street, Mechanicsburg, PA.
The event will be FREE to attend. There will be light hors d’oeuvres, wine, beer and water provided.
This will be another in a longstanding series of great business networking opportunities for both profit and non-profit organizations. The Mechanicsburg Area RMB has drawn over between 50 and 60 participants every year. Do not miss it. Also, please consider bringing potential Rotarian guests, Rotaractors, and Family of Rotary.
When we do business with Rotarians, we support the mission of Rotary.
Rotary’s Mission: We provide service to others, promote integrity, and advance world understanding, goodwill, and peace through our fellowship of business, professional, and community leaders.
Additional Sponsors are welcome and encouraged. For more information contact PDG John Anthony at Rotary7390DG2020@gmail.com or 610-587-1358
Our gratitude goes out to our sponsors: Venue Sponsor:
Joseph T. Simpson Library
Event Sponsors:
Rotary Club of West Shore Rotary Club of District 7390 Passport Rotary Club of Yellow Breaches Rotary Club of Mechanicsburg North
Mother Hubbard’s Custom Cabinetry
McKonly & Asbury
Fairway Independent Mortgage Corp of Mechanicsburg and State College
LAST CHANCE TO REGISTER - Rotary Means Business - February 13
Positive Peace is built on ongoing and sustainable investments in economic development, knowledgeable institutions, and the predominance of societal attitudes that foster peace. In other words, positive Peace involves people, attitudes, and policies that can make positive peace a reality.
Hector is one of the more than 300 Positive Peace Activators and one of the 42 in North America and the Caribbean that Rotary and the Institute for Economics and Peace have sponsored to build positive peace in the world.
Hector is committed to spreading positive peace knowledge and understanding and is willing to train others on conceptualizing positive peace and the framework of peace-building models. It is not about telling one what to know, what to say, or what to do. In other words, “before you try to fix something, ask first” to understand it says Hector Ortiz who is presenting an opening availability to go to your Rotary Clubs and present about Positive Peace and Rotary.
PDG Hector Ortiz is available to speak at Rotary clubs, district functions, community settings, and other venues to promote the importance of positive peace and enhance community peace-building initiatives.
As Global Peacebuilder District, Rotary clubs and Rotarians play an essential role in supporting the work of the Rotary Peace Centers and our grassroots efforts in peacebuilding. It is time to invent and reinvent peace and it must start with us.
Pictured L-R: Melissa Kopp-Smith, President Karen Anthony, Holly (Ho Ho's Billiards), Carmen Calderon, Karen Tillman
On Saturday, January 11, 2025, the D7390 Passport Club held a successful fundraiser at Ho Ho's Billiards in Harrisburg. 18 teams participated in the tournament. There was also a silent auction and 50/50 raffle. This will become an annual event for the Club.
The Club would like to thank the following sponsors for support this event:
K A L Commercial Cleaning Services
Mr. Cliffs
Sonny's Auto Servicenter
Single Point Sourcing
Operation Braveheart
Dan Collison State Farm
Fairway Independent Mortgage Corporation
Underwood Management
D7390 Passport Club Held a Successful Billiard's Fundraiser
A total of 27 inbound exchange students from several Districts, including the five from our District, spent the weekend learning more about our country by visiting the PA State Capitol and going to the Farm Show. During the Rodeo, when the announcer asked if there were anyone there from another country, he was greeted with a big surprise!
Youth Exchange Director Jill Tenny generously hosted everyone, including chaperones, in her full house, and the Harrisburg Club assisted with the dinner (incoming President Shaun Eng was stirring up meatballs over a hot stove as everyone arrived), making for a very interactive weekend. It was another opportunity by caring Rotarians to enhance good will and understanding for our young international guests!
Another essential youth-oriented activity comes from Rotarian Hagir Elsheikh concerning her major initiative in founding Kareem’s Mission, a plan to empower young individuals with autism to thrive and celebrate their unique abilities, through the creation of a facility, an Autism Center, to give them the opportunities they need to succeed, while providing their families with resources to navigate the many challenges they all face.
The facility will be located on the campus of Central Penn College and will require many support items, and a labor of love, in its buildout. Additional information about how Clubs and individual Rotarians can contribute in any manner can be learned by contacting Hagir.
The grand opening of the Autism Center is scheduled for April 19, 2025, during Autism Awareness Month, after which it will serve as a hub for education, resources, and community collaboration. Another compassionate act by a caring Rotarian!
Looking ahead, please plan to attend the Multi-District Conference in Hershey on April 4-6. There will be many activities pertaining to every aspect of Rotary, from friendship and fellowship, to profound engagement in the many life-changing missions that define us.
Best wishes,
Governor Paul Thompson
2024-2025
From the Governor: Inspirational Endeavors with our Youth
Join us for an evening of learning and sharing. Rediscover with us best practices in serving in the AG role and updated knowledge on the RI Strategic Pan and tips to influence ways to increase our impact in our area clubs. We would love to see you at the next AGs Quarterly Forum to be held on Thursday, Jan. 29, 2025. 7:00-8:00 pm EDT. Zoom Link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/81313802765?pwd=SgscaEJF40Xz2bpVI4DOLLvCjb9NoV.1
Quarterly AG Virtual Forums to discuss challenges and opportunities for AGs Guest Speaker: Tom Gump, Aide to Rotary International President 2024-25. Chair, RI Membership Growth Committee 2025-26 and RI Director Elect. Topic: Growth Through New Club Development: Rotaract, Companion, Impact, Passport, Satellite PDG Hector Ortiz & PDG Kathy Gallagher Zones 32 and 28 AG facilitators
Zones 28 and 32 Assistant Governor/Area Governor Quarterly Forums
Members of the Rotary Club of York-East chose to celebrate the spirit of giving this New Year’s Eve by volunteering to serve lunch at The Daily Bread, a nonprofit organization dedicated to feeding those in need. The volunteers arrived early on December 31 to prepare and serve meals, ensuring that guests of The Daily Bread received a hot, nutritious lunch in a welcoming environment. "We wanted to end the year on a note of service," said Tim Koller a Rotary Club member. "The Daily Bread does such important work in our community, and we’re honored to be a small part of it." The Daily Bread, located in downtown York, serves free meals to individuals facing food insecurity. Its mission aligns with the Rotary Club’s dedication to supporting local communities through hands-on service and philanthropy. Volunteers described the experience as deeply meaningful, noting the gratitude expressed by those they served. "It’s a reminder of how impactful even a few hours of service can be," one Rotarian said.
The Daily Bread welcomes individuals and groups interested in volunteering. For more information on how to get involved, visit their website or contact the organization directly.
Pictured: Tim Koller, Sandy Graham, Jim Norton and Jeff Snyder
District leadership had goals for this Steps for Peace one mile walk and resolution.
Increase awareness of the District 7390 40 clubs throughout our 7 counties.
Underscore our designation to Positive Peacebuilder both globally and locally.
Engage Rotarians and families in Peacebuilding activities.
Alert the public to opportunities to engage in Positive Peace through District events.
More than 40 Rotarians and family members, plus 8 furry friends, stepped out for Positive Peace completing the one mile walk around the State Capital and under the camera lenses of WGAL 8 and WHTM 27. Those walkers represented a cross section of society and our community in ages, ethnicities and roles in Rotary.
Even on this cold and windy day, enthusiasm was high. District Governor Paul Thompson gave interviews as did other walk participants underneath the massive billboard on 3rd and Forster Streets in Harrisburg.
That evening and through the next day both TV stations ran their coverage multiple times during their pre-network and post-network news programs. Samples of their coverage are also available on each station’s website.
You can view the station’s videos by clicking on the links provided.
District Governor Thompson extends a heart-felt, “thank you to each of the brave walkers and their furry friends, to Andy Rebuck of the Harrisburg Club for the billboard placement and Bob Saline of the Mechanicsburg North Club for informing and engaging the TV stations.
Our initiative for Positive Peace both globally and locally continues via our contribution at the Rotary International level and scheduling of member and public learning sessions about Positive Peace. Everyone can also view the Rotary /EIP Positive Peace course at positivepeace.academy/Rotary on YouTube.”
Step by Step to Positive Peace Globally and Locally on TV!
Since 2002, 1700 individuals have become Rotary Peace Fellows and now work in 140 countries around the world. Many serve as leaders in governments; NGO’s; education and research institutions; peacekeeping and law enforcement agencies; and international organizations like the United Nations and the World Bank.
District 7390 is seeking individuals who have a background in peace work and would like to further develop their skills as a peace builder. Each year Rotary awards 130 fully funded fellowships for dedicated leaders from around the world to study at one of Rotary’s peace centers.
The Rotary Peace Fellowship is designed for leaders with work experience in peace and development. Fellows must be committed to community and international service and the pursuit of peace.
The Rotary Peace Fellowship provides training for a master’s degree or a program certificate (shorter length of study). Rotary Peace Fellowships may not be used for doctoral study. Rotary members and their family are not eligible to receive these fellowship (see more details below).
The application process for study in 2026-2027 will be open on the Rotary International website February 2025. Applications may be submitted between February and May 15. Please carefully review the qualifications for this prestigious fellowship and consider if your club knows a potential candidate you can encourage to apply. Interested applicants need to review the Peace Fellowship program, determine if they meet the qualifications, and compile the required information/documents.
District 7390 will provide a recommendation for an applicant if they prepare a competitive application. Contact Anna-Mae Kobbe, District 7390 Peace Fellows Chair at amkobbe@gmail.com or 717-457-0632 if you have questions.
Applicants must follow these steps to prepare a competitive application:
Research the curriculum and programs at each of the Rotary Peace Centers. For the master's program, you will be asked to rank the two centers you prefer if you meet the eligibility criteria for both programs.
Engage with Rotary. Use the Club Finder to locate the Rotary or Rotaract club nearest you. Connecting with a Rotary club or district is a great way to learn about Rotary's work in your community and around the world.
Read the Application Overview to learn the steps involved. An overview with more instructions on submitting a thorough and complete application is available when you start an application.
Gather required documents. Applications require a resume, academic and/or professional recommendations, personal statement video and essays, transcripts from postsecondary colleges and universities attended (master’s only), English language proficiency test scores (master's only), and social impact plan (certificate only). Allow time to request university transcripts and register for IELTS or TOEFL exams if your program requires these. All materials must be in English.
Submit your application between February and 15 May. All applications are considered final upon submission. Ensure your academic and/or professional recommendations and Rotary district recommendation are entered prior to submitting your application.
Await qualification notification and selection results. If you are selected for a fellowship, you will be notified in November which Rotary Peace Center will be the site for your studies.
Apply for admission to the university where your Peace Center is located. Being selected for the fellowship does not mean you have been admitted to the university.
Certificate program eligibility
Candidates for the certificate program at Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda, either must be from Africa, have worked in Africa, work with African communities or initiatives outside the continent, or demonstrate a compelling interest in learning about peacebuilding approaches within the region.
Candidates for the certificate program at Bahçeşehir University, Istanbul, Turkey, either must be from the Middle East or North Africa, have worked in the region, work elsewhere around the world with communities or initiatives related to the Middle East or North Africa, or demonstrate a compelling interest in learning about peacebuilding approaches within the region.
Selection process
Submitted applications are screened for eligibility requirements. Qualified applications move forward for further review and evaluation. The Rotary Peace Centers Committee, composed of Rotary members, and university representatives review the top candidates and select finalists. Selected candidates are notified in November.
Throughout the process, applications are reviewed based on the following criteria:
Qualification based on the eligibility requirements
English proficiency
Commitment to peace and development
Leadership potential
Compatibility with fellowship objectives and fit with Rotary
Academic record and compatibility with preferred university program
Feasibility and impact of Social Change Initiative (certificate only)
Eligibility restrictions
The following people are not eligible for the fellowship:
Active Rotary members, or Rotaract members who are also Rotary members*
Employees of a Rotary club or district, Rotary International, or other Rotary entity
Spouses, lineal descendants (children or grandchildren by blood or legal adoption), spouses of lineal descendants, or ancestors (parents or grandparents by blood) of any living person in these categories
Former Rotary members and their relatives as described above (within 36 months of their resignation)
* Rotaract club members who are not also Rotary club members are eligible to apply.
Candidates must have at least three years between the completion of their most recent academic degree program (undergraduate or graduate degree) and their intended start date for the fellowship. Candidates currently enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program, or who will be enrolled in the upcoming academic year, are not eligible to apply.
Rotary Peace Fellows who have completed the certificate program, master’s program, or a Global Grant Scholarship, must wait three years between the end date of that program and their intended start date for the fellowship.
The Rotary Club of Southern York County sure was busy in December! They closed out 2024 with serving Holidays Lunches at Kennard-Dale and Susquehannock High Schools, ringing bells for the Salvation Army, and a Guest Speaker visit from Senator Kristin Phillips-Hill.
That giant Peacebuilder Bulletin Board announcing that we are a Peacebuilder District, has been moved to downtown Harrisburg, where it is very visibly displayed only a block from the State Capitol, thanks to Rotarian Andy Rebuck.
That super location allows us to kick off the New Year with some very positive steps for Positive Peace in our community and the world.
New Year’s Day is a great time for everyone, especially runners and walkers, to set a Personal Record (PR) for health and physical activity. This year that PR can also be a Peace Resolution, during which you walk a mile with like-minded folks to advance understanding, good will, and peace.
Please join fellow Rotarians, family, friends, and dogs for a 1 Mile walk for peace and friendship on January 1.
Meet under the Peacebuilder Sign at the corner of Forster and 3rd Street in downtown Harrisburg at 12 noon.
There should be plenty of parking around the Capitol. Bulk up during the pre-Walk with coffee and doughnuts. Bring along any leftovers from the night before. Leftover leftovers will go to the local foodbank.
At 12:30, participate in a 1 Mile walk around the Capitol. The entire course is flat, on sidewalks, with no streets to cross: up Forster, right on Commonwealth, right on Walnut, and right on 3rd back to the Peacebuilder Sign.
Those not wishing to walk, should come and watch, while partaking of their favorite beverage from the night before. Those wishing to run the course, can do so at 12:45 with prizes for the top finishers.
At one pm there will be a group photo taken under the PeacebuilderSign!
There is no cost, but donations to the District Peacebuilder Initiative will be gladly accepted in the urn under the sign.
Have a wonderful, restful, and meaningful holiday season with family and friends.
See you on January 1 at noon at the PeacebuilderSign. Register here today!
Best wishes,
DG Paul
A District Conference with YOU in Mind
Our District Conference this year will be held on April 4, 5, and 6 at the Hershey Lodge. Rotarians from three other Districts will be joining us to bring total attendance to 500 Rotarians, plus family members, to share the purpose and spirit of Rotary.
If you have always wanted to attend one of those giant Rotary International Conventions, this Conference will provide you the opportunity to experience that same magic, while not having to travel to the far side of the world, or even Calgary in June. For a fraction of that cost, you can take part in a truly exciting event:
A super line-up of speakers, from a former President of Rotary International to our Zone Director representing U.S. Northeast, all of Canada, and Alaska.
A profound plenary session on Positive Peace and how we can each make progress toward attaining it, with Rotary Peace Fellows from Gaza and Canada, and reflections on freedom by a torture survivor from Sudan.
A Hall of Friendship, with music and dancing, vendors and exhibits, displaying Joint District projects on Peace and the Environment, and Club activities from all Four Districts.
A Keystone Dinner with Dueling Pianos and a Flag March-0n Ceremony by Exchange Students from over 15 nations.
A District session with student finalists for the 4-Way Test Speech Competition.
An inspirational comedian, a brunch, and a memorial service.
Five delicious Hershey Lodge meals, and many other Hershey Entertainment Amenities.
Don’t miss this unusual opportunity to feel the magic of Rotary. Sign up before December for a reduced rate!
Very best wishes for the holiday season, as Rotary families and friends gather to reflect on the many joys and challenges of this year, and become excited about goals and resolutions for 2025. Guided by the core values of diversity, integrity, fellowship, leadership, and service, we can develop the Rotary Object of friendship and fellowship as we advance understanding, good will, and peace, all of which enable us to engage in service above self.
Many Rotarians merit special thanks for their selfless contributions to our District, as Club Presidents, AGs, Committee Members, and as providers of time and energy for projects and youth interaction. Three in particular are mentioned here as they have found it necessary to step back from their significant positions. Gary Crissman, after directing the exceptional RYLA program for several years, and then co-chairing the Education Committee, is taking a well-deserved break, as is Bob McClenethan after his highly committed service on the Global Grants Committee, although he is remaining an AG. Vlad Beaufils is doing likewise after having energized the DEI committee by contributing his personal passion to its unique role. All will be missed, but all will also continue on as true Rotarians within our District. Thanks go to Fred Gellert, Jane Conover, and Hagir Elsheikh for taking on those responsibilities during this time of transition.
Over the past two weeks, Paul Harris’s spirit and I had the honor to visit the Lancaster-Sunrise, Yellow Breeches, Elizabethtown, and York-North Clubs, where we met many dynamic Rotarians who are making a difference in countless ways. Every Club culture and operation is different, yet very special, as Members nurture a tradition of rich history while adapting to changing times. Clubs shared stories about their achievements over the years, and in the present, even as they formed exciting plans for the future. It is particularly meaningful to see their involvement with the youth in each community. For the first time we saw parents of students of the month speak movingly at their child’s recognition ceremony (Hummelstown), and then witnessed an emotional farewell for a deceased Rotarian by a table place-setting in his name one final time (Carlisle). We will be paying honor to all our dearly departed Rotarians during the Multi-District Conference in April.
A reminder that, along with meeting Santa’s schedule, comes the reality of tax considerations for any end of year donations to the Foundation and other great Rotary causes. And, In your seasonal giving mode, please remember that tickets to the Multi-District Conference in April make great stocking stuffers.
The District Conference is really taking shape with a lineup of very profound speakers, a dynamic House of Friendship, and lots of free time to interact with hundreds of Rotarians. You can participate in all that without traveling thousands of miles, so please sign up to attend on April 4-6.
A final note of seasonal intrigue, as we unwrap the magic of Rotary, is to look for a soon-to-be announced event taking place on January 1st.
With the conclusion of the 2024 Council on Resolutions (COR), you can review the Report of Action. In this report, you will find:
A letter from Council Services
Resolutions that were adopted
Vote tallies for the adopted items
Voting results for all 2024 resolutions can be found on My Rotary.
Please note that the deadline for submitting resolutions to the 2025 COR is 30 June 2025. A link to the submission form, plus helpful resources, can be found on the Councils page of My Rotary.
Rotary Global Grants Scholarships fund an awardee’s first year of graduate study abroad in one of Rotary’s seven Areas of Focus (listed below). Candidates must live in or attend college in District 7390, which encompasses Adams, Cumberland, Dauphin, Lancaster, Lebanon, Perry and York counties in Pennsylvania.
Scholarship highlights…
Plan to pursue career in one of Rotary’s Areas of Focus (listed below).
Award is for first year only of graduate studies abroad
District 7390 will not fund any applicant’s study which is for the second or later year of a multi-year graduate study program abroad.
Minimum study budget of $30,000 per year. Award capped at $30,000.
Must be proficient in language of host country.
Based on…
Academic merit
Studying a Rotary Area of Focus
Residence in or attendance at a college in District 7390
Rotary’s Areas of Focus are…
Promoting peace
Fighting disease
Providing clean water, sanitation, and hygiene
Saving mothers and children
Supporting education
Growing local economies
Supporting the environment.
The deadline to apply for a Global Grant Scholarship is January 25, 2025. The interviews will be held February 15, 2025 and applicants MUST be available for the interviews on that date.
Join Uptown York Rotary Club to eradicate polio on Tuesday, November 26 from 5 to 6:30 p.m. at Collusion Tap Works, 105 South Howard Street, York, PA. Enjoy a special beer crafted by the brewmaster at Collusion Tap Works, and released for our event! A portion of the proceeds from sales of "York 275" through December will go to end polio. Donations to the Rotary Foundation's Polio Plus fund will also be accepted.
Created to celebrate the 275th Anniversary of York County, York 275 transports you directly to a bar stool in a classic English Pub. This beer is light bodied, supremely well balanced and full of malt flavor. Mild hop bitterness blends with the biscuit malts to give this old world style a new, fresh perspective. Pairs perfectly with bangers and mash, fish and chips and long conversations with friends.
Visits to the Hershey, Hanover, West Shore, and Manheim Clubs made for a fulfilling week of interacting with fellow Rotarians, and several new Members, while hearing about many club projects, and watching Clubs and educators engage with youth through students of the month and interact clubs. Rotary's relationship with the youth in our District is highly inspirational, definitely keeping Paul Harris forever young!
More engaged Rotarians from those Clubs joined our Peace Council to contribute their extensive passion and wisdom to District stages of holding positive peace workshops and undertaking public discourse with the public sector. Others joined the Environment Committee, where Joe McNally is collecting ideas from all Members for local projects. Both Peace and the Environment will be featured at the House of Friendship during the Multi-District Conference set for April 4-6 at the Hershey Lodge. Please add Conference registration to your plans before the end of the year, along with any Foundation-related donations that reflect your intent to make a difference in the community and the world.
Very best wishes for a meaningful Thanksgiving with family and friends.
At the Rotary Club of York’s November 13th meeting, Club members in attendance and guests who are veterans or active duty military were honored during the Club’s annual Veterans Day meeting.
Paul Harris and I had a great visit to the Eastern Lancaster County Club where we each got cool Rotary Rocks shirts, hot from the recent fundraiser by their own inhouse musical group for the benefit of the local Fire Company, a natural recipient from many of our clubs, as volunteer organizations find ways to support each other.
Down the road in Paradise, it was spellbinding to hear from RYLA participants who told of great happenings last June during another highly effective annual youth session generously supported by our clubs. The students even discussed creating an app to enable all 80 plus of them to continue the relationships established at RYLA.
In Palmyra, the annual community flag placing operation was planned along with the projection that there could be as many as four peace poles emerging from that part of the District. For Veterans’ Day we returned to Mt. Joy to partake of a meaningful annual veterans breakfast, thanks to that Club’s patriotic support.
The Foundation Dinner provided a monumental setting as the paths of Abe Lincoln and Paul Harris crossed at 1 Lincoln Square--two sympatico souls seeking a better world, leaving legacies of hope and inspiration, each in their own way. With DGE Mary Brunski brilliantly presiding, the Dinner recognized grand achievements by Clubs as the generosity of Rotarians continues to reach unimagined heights. In brief remarks, the visiting RI rep, Celeste Herbert, illustrated the essential role of the Foundation in allowing Rotary to fulfill its many critical goals. PDG Juliet Altenburg then showed a professional video summing up Clubs’ projects for the past year. Foundation chair, Kathleen Stoup, then completed the cycle by describing the many remarkable goals of this year and beyond.
Two of those 100% participation recognition banners were already on display at the Northern Lebanon County Club as it provided reports of community projects, new and completed. That was followed by a visit to the Lebanon Club, which is connected to the community through four local schools, one of which just created a dynamic Interact Club.
The week closed with another of those PDG Alden Cunningham inspired, multi-club hosted, Rotary Means Business events, demonstrating why Rotary first got started and how it continues to provide the setting for good business and community relationships.
Time now to think about the next great District gathering, the Multi-District Conference in April!
Harrisburg Keystone Rotary Club is working with some folks from the Hershey Med Center in Kenya. They are doing a research project to determine how having access to menstrual products will affect the attendance of girls in school. This is functioning as a needs assessment for a potential global grant.
There is an urgent need for actions that ensure adequate parental and teacher support to adolescent girls to ensure that they receive the understanding, guidance and resources they require to navigate the crucial phase of menarche with confidence and dignity. The study will employ exploratory qualitative design to examine the influence of menstrual practices, knowledge and attitude on school absenteeism among adolescent girls in a selected school in Isiolo Sub-County, Kenya. Isiolo Sub-County is home to various ethnic groups, including the Borana, Somali, Samburu and some Bantu communities, each with its own cultural norms and practices regarding menstruation. These cultural factors can influence menstrual management practices, including the use of traditional methods and taboos that may hinder proper menstrual hygiene. The area is a dry water-stressed region with the majority of its population characterized as poor (NMDA, 2022). As such, in many rural and marginalized areas of Isiolo Sub-County, access to affordable and hygienic menstrual products, such as sanitary pads, may be limited. The lack of access could lead to poor menstrual management, including the use of unhygienic alternatives like pieces of cloth.
Penn State College of Medicine aims to conduct a needs assessment of adolescent girls in Kenya with our existing partners in the Meru College of Nursing. The study involves 150 - 200 adolescent girls aged 12-15 years from Isiolo Sub-County, Kenya. The study will be conducted in 2 phases, phase one will target adolescent girls in junior secondary school in grade 7 and 8 while phase 2 will target girls in form 1 and 2 in senior secondary school. A team of 7-people, 1 researcher from Penn State and 6-enumerators would conduct this research. Data will be collected in cycles. Each cycle will involve four stages involving observation to understand the problem, planning for probable solutions, action taking to ensure change and reflection to understand what has worked and what has not worked. If the actions taken in one cycle fail to effectively address the problem, another action cycle involving different approaches will be considered until change is visible.
In addition to benefiting young women to better manage their menstrual cycle without shame and detriment to their education, a goal of this project is to prove its success and make it replicable throughout other counties in Kenya and perhaps other nations. Our hope is that this may result in a project that will be eligible for a Global Grant in the future.
The Lancaster Hempfield Rotary Club recently partnered with nonprofit organization Parish Resource Center to support expecting mothers in the local region. On Sept. 25, volunteers from the Lancaster Hempfield Rotary Club assembled 92 kits of items for infants at Parish Resource Center's facility, located at 2160 Lincoln Highway East, Lancaster. The kits will be distributed to expecting mothers through Union Community Care, a medical provider that offers prenatal services at a variable cost depending on clients' budgets.
In the first phase of the project, the Lancaster Hempfield Rotary Club received a list from Parish Resource Center of the items needed for the baby kits. Each kit includes a diaper bag, diapers, sanitary wipes, a nasal aspirator, a blanket and clothing items such as onesies, sleepers and hats. The Rotary Foundation helped fund the purchase of the baby kit items through the Rotary District 7390 Grant Program, matching the contributions of the Lancaster Hempfield Rotary Club.
The project was proposed by one of the Lancaster Hempfield Rotary Club's members who discovered Parish Resource Center's community outreach initiatives. The club decided to pursue the partnership due to the baby kit program aligning with one of the Rotary Club's missions to advocate for mothers and children.
"The baby kits are a good starter package to make sure new mothers have what they need after they have their children," said Tony DeVito, president of the Lancaster Hempfield Rotary Club. "We like to do service projects that are locally based, and Parish Resource Center does outreach right here in Lancaster."
In addition to serving mothers and children, the Rotary Club has other missions that focus on areas including promoting peace, fighting disease, providing clean water, supporting education, growing local economies and protecting the environment. In recent years, the Lancaster Hempfield Rotary Club has completed projects to install new benches at local parks and has donated books to elementary schools in Hempfield School District. The organization also hosts community meals throughout the year at a local church, and it completes a biannual project to pick up trash along a 4-mile section of Harrisburg Pike.
The Lancaster Hempfield Rotary Club holds regular meetings from 7:15 to 8:15 a.m. on the first, third and fifth Tuesdays of every month at Loxley's Restaurant on Centerville Road. During meetings, members discuss potential service projects and host guest speakers to highlight a variety of topics and other organizations with similar goals. The last meeting featured a local historian who spoke about the artwork inside the dome of the Capitol building in Harrisburg.
The Lancaster Hempfield Rotary Club holds an annual Christmas wreath fundraiser to help support its community service initiatives. This is the first year that the club will sell wreaths at a roadside stand in addition to accepting presales. On Saturdays Dec. 7, 14 and 21, club members will operate a stand near Pinnacle Family Dental Care on Harrisburg Pike in Landisville.
For more information about the Lancaster Hempfield Rotary Club, visit lancasterhempfieldrotary.com.
The Rotary Club of Hershey hosted and sponsored on November 13 the 73rd RMB networking event in District 7390's history and the fourth and final event of RMB's 2024 season, and it could not have been more successful. Roughly 35 to 38 Rotarians and guests attended the event representing 11 district clubs from all parts of the district as follows: the Rotary clubs of Carlisle, Carlisle Sunrise, Colonial Park, District 7390 Passport, Hershey, Lancaster Hempfield, Lancaster Penn Square, Lebanon, Palmyra, Uptown York, and West Shore. Englewood Brewing provided a perfect venue with plenty of space in a very convenient location and excellent hors d'oeuvres, beer, and wine.
President Chip Bayer and President-Elect Thomas Jones provided strong leadership and oversight ably supported by Mike Kinney and Jim Gainer. District 7390 RMB thanks them for their support over the years so important for RMB's success this year and in the future. DGE Mary Brunski stepped up as she has done so often to lead the Circle Exercise making it fun and productive. Kudos to all and especially to those that attended for their enthusiastic participation.
The District 7390 Annual Rotary Foundation dinner was held Saturday, November 9 at the beautiful and historic Hotel Gettysburg. Foundation recognitions from the 2023-2024 Rotary year were handed out after dinner and a video of projects from the 2023-2024 Rotary year was also viewed.
Highest total Rotary Foundation Giving during the 2023-2024 Rotary year: Hanover, York, Lancaster
Highest annual fund giving during the 2023-2024 Rotary year: York, Lancaster, Mechanicsburg-North
Highest annual fund per capita giving in the 2023-2024 Rotary year: Mechanicsburg-North, York, York-East
100% FOUNDATION GIVING CLUBS
This recognition is given to clubs in which every dues paying member contributes a minimum of $25 to the Rotary Foundation, and the average contribution is at least $100 per capita to any Rotary Foundation gift designation. The following Clubs achieved this recognition: Carlisle-Sunrise, Hanover, Harrisburg-Keystone, Mechanicsburg-North, Northern Lebanon County, Palmyra, The Yellow Breeches, West Shore
EVERY ROTARIAN, EVERY YEAR CLUBS (EREY)
This recognition is given to clubs in which every dues paying member contributes a minimum of $25 to the Annual Fund, and the Annual Fund per capita giving is at least $100. The following Clubs received this recognition during the 2023-2024 Rotary year: Carlisle-Sunrise, Hanover, Harrisburg-Keystone, Northern Lebanon County, Palmyra, The Yellow Breeches
Global Grant Service Streamers were presented to the following Clubs: Carlisle – Blue Streamer for Water & Sanitation in Togo, Carlisle-Sunrise – Blue Streamer for Water & Sanitation in Togo, Lancaster – Red Streamer for Disease Prevention & Treatment in Zambia, York-East – Red Streamer for Disease Prevention & Treatment in Zambia.
The following Clubs received a certificate of appreciation for their financial support to the End Polio Now: Countdown to History Campaign during the 2023-2024 Rotary year. Each club contributed at least $1500 to Rotary’s Polio Eradication efforts: Carlisle, Carlisle-Sunrise, Gettysburg, Harrisburg, Hershey, Lancaster, Lancaster-Hempfield, Lancaster-Sunrise, Mechanicsburg-North, Palmyra, Paradise, The Yellow Breeches, York, and York-East
During the 2023-2024 Rotary year, Rotary D7390 became a Global Peacebuilding District. This was accomplished by donations from generous Rotarians and Rotary Clubs. The following individuals and Clubs were recognized for their donations to the Peacebuilding Effort: Mary Brunski (Carlisle), Joel Hillison (Carlisle), Fred Gellert (Carlisle-Sunrise), Glen Bootay (Elizabethtown), Anna-Mae Kobbe (Gettysburg), Tom Jones (Hershey), Jim Gainer (Hershey), Ed Hauck (Lancaster), Steve Bell (Lancaster-Sunrise), Steph Acri (Mechanicsburg-North), Rob & Juliet Altenburg (Mechanicsburg-North), Dave Getz (Mechanicsburg-North), Danika Dallam (York-North), Kim March (York-North), The Rotary Clubs of Lancaster, West Shore & York.
New Major Donors were also recognized for their giving achievements during the 2023-2024 Rotary year.
Pictured L-R: Nigel & Colleen Foundling (Northern Lebanon County), Jill & Tom McCracken (York)
Celebrate Rotary’s 4-Way Test by engaging with high school students in your local communities! The March 7, 2025 deadline for your club’s entries in this year’s District 7390 4-Way Test Speech and Essay Contests is fast approaching. If you have not already started planning your contests, now is a great time to start.
All of the information about both contests can be found at https://www.rotary7390.org/page/four-way-test-speech-contest. At this page, you can find rules, information, guidelines, suggested timelines and prize information which will help your club organize and hold its own contests, with your club’s winning entries being submitted to the District Contest by March 7. Both contests ask students to either speak or write about how the 4-Way Test can impact their everyday life.
The Speech and Essay Contest Committee stands ready to serve as a valuable resource to your club. Please contact Mike Handshew (mrhandshew@gmail.com)for questions about the speech contest and Steve Grubb, (stevengrubb@comcast.net) regarding the essays.
Participate in the District 7390 Speech and Essay Contests!
The Rotary Club of Carlisle and the Rotary Club of Carlisle-Sunrise will host their annual holiday dinner and auction on Friday, December 13th at the Carlisle Comfort Suites Hotel. The proceeds from this event as explained in the auction brochure (click here to download the brochure) will support the transportation needs of Tomorrow’s Neighbors, a Carlisle based nonprofit designed to ease the post-prison re-entry process.
Rotarians can support this auction in one of two ways. First, by donating an item by contacting the Auction Chair, Bill Blankmeyer at blankmeyer66@comcast.net or (717) 590-7229 and Marv Salsman at (717) 448-5374 or kmsals@comcast.net. Secondly, tax-deductible sponsorships can be made to support the auction. Checks should be made out to “Carlisle Rotary Club Foundation” and mailed to Carlisle Rotary Club, PO Box 301, Carlisle, PA 17013.
Carlisle Rotary Auction to Support Tomorrow's Neighbors
The Rotary Club of Southern York County recently hosted a Pet Vaccination for Rabies Event with the Stewartstown Vet Services, a Pints for Polio Event with New Freedom's Vortex Brewing Company, and a 4 Way Test Speech and Essay Contest Presentation by District 7390 Chair Michael Handshew.
With Paul Harris in tow, I drove way up river to discover that the Millersburg Club has a unique association with an aging ferry on the Susquehanna, seaworthy enough to host an annual social event with the Perry County Club. Any Rotarian wishing to get underway in that fashion should contact the very focused Millersburg Club. Then, I met with the very established Lititz Club which is about to celebrate 100 years in existence, still preserving many fine traditions. The weekly visits culminated at the Hummelstown Club at its new meeting location just off the Town Square, an engaging club with veteran members and several new ones to the point that the Club received a certificate in recognition of its growth over the past year.
What happened at the Hummelstown Club set a new bar for the appreciation of the Paul Harris way of life. In a display of creative thinking for the Club, President Janet Coit awarded Paul with a certificate of thanks, and a donation in his name to the Hummelstown Food Bank.
It should be noted that Paul Harris has been well received at every meeting and event along the way. Rotarians are always welcoming and inclusive when they see him and often eager to pose for a photo. When they hear about his precarious early days, and his lonely times in Chicago, they invariably want to hug him, hence the sling on his right arm. He never misses an opportunity to explain his views on Friendship, Fellowship, Fun, and Fulfillment which together have led to the ideal of community and global service, along with advocacy for international understanding and peace.
This Paul Harris awareness leads to the realization that November is Foundation Month, a time to take stock of the engine that provides the ability for Rotarians to do the things we do. There are many aspects to the Foundation that enable the core purpose of Rotary. If you wish to be involved in the Foundation on the fundraising side (to include fund-investing) or the fund-spending side of the Foundation, please let your President or our Foundation Chair know.
The Foundation Dinner is this Saturday, November 9, at the Hotel Gettysburg. I hope to see you there.
In an inspiring show of community spirit and global service, the York East Rotary Club raised $7,200 for the fight against polio at their "Pints for Polio" event held on October 21, 2024. The event, held in conjunction with the Victory Athletic Association, drew local supporters and raised critical funds for Rotary International’s campaign to eradicate polio worldwide. The fundraiser attracted community members who enjoyed an evening of camaraderie, food, and local brews, all while supporting a global cause. The Victory Athletic Association provided the venue, with volunteers from the Rotary Club organizing raffles, auctions, and informative displays about Rotary International’s polio eradication efforts. “We’re so grateful to our community for turning out to support this effort,” said the Rotary Club president Greg Kern. “Every dollar raised will be matched twofold by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, making an even greater impact on the lives of children around the world.” Rotary International launched its campaign to end polio in 1985, and the organization remains committed to eradicating the disease. With only a handful of cases reported worldwide in recent years, polio is closer than ever to becoming the second human disease in history to be eradicated. The club’s efforts highlight the impact of local support in advancing Rotary’s mission, showing how a small community can contribute to a global movement with far-reaching consequences.
Many clubs around the world have celebrated their Polio walk in different ways. Glenn Musser from the Rotary Club of Mount Joy was in Zambia for a couple of weeks with the Rotary Club of Lusaka East doing research for a possible water/sanitation global grant.
On Saturday, October 26, Glenn got to walk with over 250 Zambia Rotarians through the streets of Lusaka, the capital city of Zambia. The eight clubs in Lusaka came together to promote their polio vaccination drive by have 15 Polio survivors lead the parade behind the banner.
Rotary District 7390 has a Service Above Self Meet Up Group!
Join for free to expand the reach of your club events!
District 7390 has a “Service Above Self” Meetup Group which is a way for clubs to post service activities, fundraisers, and other events. Anyone can join our group at no cost regardless of Rotary status but only Rotarians are given the administrative rights to post activities which allow clubs to expand their reach! See below for more information about this great way to connect with your community and learn more about what Rotary clubs throughout the District are hosting!
What is “meetup”? Meetup is a social media platform that allows people who share interests to “meet up” together to engage in activities of interest. District 7390 pays a monthly fee to maintain its Meetup group.
What are the advantages of advertising through a meetup group beyond other social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and twitter?
For members of the Service Above Self meetup:
Messages in your email inbox and through phone text message reminding you of events you signed up for. Those reminders come on the day of the event and right after you signed up for the event.
The ability to query all events in a geographic locale regardless of your membership status in a meetup group running the event.
For your club:
Great advertising for all your fundraisers and volunteer activities for both Rotarians and the public.
Notifies members of any changes in plans through the meetup site which sends the change to their email inbox.
Informs you of other Rotary clubs holding events thus facilitating partnerships!
How do I post my club’s activities on the meetup site? When you join make sure you indicate which Rotary club you are a member of. A representative of District 7390 will then give you “event organizer” status that will allow you to post events.
While visiting clubs from Gettysburg to Perry County, it was a pleasure to see Rotarians benefiting from fellowship and conviction, while planning meaningful projects to better their communities and themselves. It is, indeed, a phenomenon that such special gatherings occur, and that one does not have to look far within the District to find welcoming clubs.
Perry County (L-R): Paul Thompson, Jairee Counterman, Mark Keller, Bill Lyons, Rebecca Myers, Tom O'Connell, Ed Barben, Genna Brownback, Larry Brodisch, Jamie Steffen, Frank Campbell, Aaron Hoke
Other activities included the convening of the District Executive Board for a monthly meeting with all major committee chairs, four AGs and the District leadership in attendance. The Executive Board was recently created by the amended bylaws of July 1, 2024, to serve as an advisory panel, enabling participants to become current with and to evaluate District activities.
In another venue, Past District Governors Paul Burkhart, Alden Cunningham, Dennis Zubler, Hector Ortiz, Connie Spark, and Juliet Altenburg were hosted by Immediate PDG Fred Gellert and his wife, Donna. The District has indeed been well served over the last decades by such luminaries, who have exemplified the spirit, compassion, and vision of Paul Harris.
On Saturday, the District Learning Assembly brought together several highly motivated Rotarians to engage in the Rotary ritual of life-long learning, in this case sharing valuable experiences about membership, service projects, and fundraising. Learning Committee Co-Czars Gary Crissman and Fred Gellert assembled an all-star faculty to provide insights based on their own club experiences.
During the event, PDG Hector Ortiz launched the District Positive Peace Initiative and inspired all Rotarians to become individual advocates through taking the peacebuilder course at https://www.positivepeace.academy/rotary and participating in community peace events. Hector is available to speak on the topic to clubs and attend club peace pole dedications.
The week ended with a flavorful, festive, 7 course, chili cook-off competition Polio fundraiser, served up by Palmyra Rotarian Eric Spangler, while Club member District Governor Nominee Rebecca Zalit presided over a Rotary trivia contest. I did well on the Chili consumption part, but am still learning about Rotary.
Hope to see you on November 9 at the Hotel Gettysburg for the Foundation Dinner. Join special guest speaker Celeste Herbert from Rotary International Headquarters and our inbound youth exchange students for a fun evening.
The Rotary Club of Hanover recently participated in a packing project for Jared Box. Together, with the local Lions Club and Kiwanis Club, Rotary of Hanover packed more than 100 boxes for this event. Boxes were filled with toys and activities for children ages 3-8 who are admitted to local hospitals. These boxes were delivered to Wellspan Hospital in York, PA. For more information on The Jared Box Project, visit https://thejaredbox.org/
Two dynamic Club Visits, Conversation with 20 AGs and Presidents, Exciting District Committee meetings, and a Wild Bike Ride for $1000 to fight Polio
This week, I had the pleasure to visit two super Lancaster Clubs, both intensely engaged in community projects. I spoke with some great prospects for District Committees and met one of the youngest entrepreneur Rotarians in our District.
On Sunday, October 20, over a dozen Rotarians from five Clubs joined the Ride to Eradicate Polio, biking between Columbia and Marietta, where they enjoyed lunch, in a biker’s bar, of sorts. It was a quick and delightful way to raise a thousand dollars for the cause! There are still opportunities this month to participate in club Polio fundraisers.
The monthly meeting with AGs and Club Presidents took place this week, with predictably brilliant interjections on Club activities and operations by those Presidents in attendance. For specific details on many of the great things occurring, please review the weekly Reporter, always an info source for Rotary life.
The Environmental Committee met to plan projects, from water improvement to tree planting. There are also two joint District events under consideration: one will undertake the planting of Mangrove trees as part of a global grant; the other will be to create an interactive peace/pollinator garden concept for the District Conference in Hershey on April 4-6. Please contact Chair Joe McNally (mcnally@jtmcnally.com) with ideas or offers to join this dynamic Committee.
The Peace Committee held discussions to plan a joint District global project on peace, to be announced at the District Conference in April. If you wish to join ongoing District Peace initiatives, please contact Bob Saline (bsaline@prworks.info) with any thoughts or offers. And, if you wish to be deputized as a peace activator, contact PDG Hector, dr.hrortiz@gmail.com.
The Finance Committee met to audit District finances for the past fiscal year. Results of that review will be sent to all Club Presidents. Please contact Committee Chair PDG John Anthony (rotary7390dg2020@gmail.com) with any questions.
On October 26, plan to attend the District Learning Assembly atMessiah University. PDG Hector Ortiz, our District Peace Activator, will present an overview on advocating positive peace at the local level. In preparation, please become a peace advocate by taking the short online peace course at The Rotary Positive Peace Academy.
At the Assembly, there will be several enlightening sessions on Club Membership and how to increase it. The District leadership team will also be around, so if you wish to have coffee to talk about any aspect of the District or Rotary, drop by anytime all morning. I will be available for conversation on whatever topic you wish to discuss.
On November 9, plan to attend the Foundation Dinner, one of the few opportunities all year to interact with Rotarians from the entire District. The celebration of giving will be very rewarding.
Students of the Month, Happy Dollars, Paul Harris Fellows, Succession, PolioPlus, and Peace!
It was my good fortune this week to make three more forays to experience solid Club Cultures and Operations, and experience the good will exhibited by very engaged Rotarians in our amazing District. Rotarians not already immersed in essential Club Leadership and Fellowship opportunities should look for ways to become so. Numerous Club and District activities offer committee roles as well as service projects where great satisfaction is to be discovered as well as the prospect of finding new Members.
It is inspirational to participate in welcoming Paul Harris Fellows and recognizing those at higher levels. And, it is always moving to witness the process of sharing Happy Dollars, testimonials that clearly achieve the objective that Paul Harris had in mind when he conceived the rotation aspect of Rotary, thereby choosing the organization’s name. Each endearing, compassionate statement becomes a snapshot of that person’s interests, as Club members hear about the cares and concerns of the speaker, leading to greater friendship, and fellowship.
Students of the Month enjoyed a meal and a chance to dress up and share their accomplishments and aspirations, while connecting Clubs to the future of Rotary and Community.
While at the Keystone Club, Hector Ortiz, our Positive Peace Activator, handed over the Peacemaker in our Midst Award, recently presented to our District by the World Affairs Council of Harrisburg. It is an honor to be recognized by the World Affairs Council and to now plan future community peace events with its members.
In his new Peace Activator role, Hector will be conducting an introductory workshop on Positive Peace at the District Learning Assembly on October 26. Please attend that Assembly to learn about many important aspects of Rotary, especially at the Club level. District Governor Elect Mary Brunski, District Governor Nominee Rebecca Zalit, Immediate Past District Governor Fred Gellert, and I will be there to meet with you concerning District Strategic Priorities of Club and Community Outreach, Impact, Member Engagement and Adaptability, along with anything else Rotary on your mind!
Remember that October is Polioplus Month, and World Polio Day is October 24, so be sure to have a Pint, more or less, or figure out a way to participate in winning the battle against polio. Another option is to join the 4th Annual Ride to Eradicate Polio on October 20. Whatever you do, it is a very satisfying path to victory, and every Rotarian should take great pride and satisfaction in participating in the campaign.
Best wishes to all,
DG Paul Thompson
Mechanicsburg-North (Pictured L-R): DG Paul Thompson, President Myra Badorf, Past President David Blain, John Robinson
The Rotary club of Hershey will host and sponsor the 73rd RMB networking event in Rotary District 7390 history and the fourth event of the RMB 2024 season. The event will take place on Wednesday, November 13 from 5:30 to 7:30 PM at Englewood Brewing (1219 W End Avenue, Suite B, Hummelstown). The Rotary clubs of D7390 Passport, Hummelstown and Palmyra have been invited to participate.
The event will be FREE and will provide light hors d’oeuvres, wine, beer, soft drinks, and water thanks to the Rotary Club of Hershey. Click here to RSVP now!
This will be another in a longstanding series of great business (for-profit and non-profit) networking opportunities and fun and fellowship events. Do not miss it. Also, please consider bringing potential guests who would make great Rotarians, Rotaractors, and Family of Rotary.
The York East Rotary Club gave out Paul Harris Fellow Awards to 3 individuals who have demonstrated exceptional service and dedication to their communities. The award is named after Paul Harris, who founded the first Rotary Club in Chicago in 1905. It's a way for Rotary clubs to recognize individuals for their contributions to the club's goals of promoting peace, fighting disease, providing clean water, supporting education, and more. Rotary clubs typically award Paul Harris Fellowships to individuals who have made significant contributions, either through monetary donations or substantial volunteer efforts. These contributions might be directed towards local or global initiatives that align with Rotary's values and objectives.
The awards were given by Rotary District Governor Paul Thompson to Lydell Nunn, Todd King and Dan Calloway. The Paul Harris Fellow recognition is a significant honor within the Rotary community and is accompanied by a certificate and a medallion. It signifies a person's commitment to the Rotary's motto of "Service Above Self" and their dedication to making positive changes in the world.
Pictured left to right: Lydell Nunn; Kris Pollick, Committee Chair; Paul Thompson, District Governor; Todd King (Dan Calloway not pictured)
Join us for the 4th Annual Ride to Eradicate Polio on Sunday, October 20, 2024 on the Northwest Lancaster Rail Trail. We will meet at 1:30 p.m. at the Columbia Crossing River Trails Center (41 Walnut Street, Columbia). There is plenty of parking available! The group ride will commence at 2:00 p.m.
The cost to ride is a $50 donation to the Rotary Foundation End Polio Now Campaign. Your registration donation will be mailed to the Rotary Foundation in your name and you will receive Paul Harris credit for it.
Members of the York East Rotary Club have been dedicated to keeping Edgewood Road clean for over three decades. Twice a year, in both spring and fall, the group volunteers to pick up trash and litter along the stretch between Prospect Street and Kingston Road. These efforts typically coincide with Penn DOT's Road Cleanup Day, reflecting the club’s long-standing commitment to community service and environmental care. This tradition, which began in 1998, has made a significant impact on the local environment. Each year, the volunteers remove a variety of debris, ranging from cans, cups, and bags to more unusual finds like tires. Occasionally, participants even come across unexpected treasures while clearing the roadside. In recognition of the club’s dedication, the York East Rotary was recently honored for its 30 years of participation in the road cleanup project. This milestone highlights the group’s enduring contribution to maintaining the beauty and cleanliness of the community. As they continue this important work, York East Rotary remains a shining example of how consistent, local actions can have a lasting positive impact on the environment and the community.
From left to right: Hunter Mink, Jim Norton, Tim Koller, Nate Tile and Kris Pollick
Another Rewarding Week, Another Four Dynamic Clubs
One does not need to go far in our District to find Rotarians expressing the Paul Harris vision of friendship, fellowship, and fulfillment in a welcoming setting, where the development of acquaintance leads to community/global outreach along with member engagement through service and contributions of many sorts.
My good fortune this week was to accompany my Paul Harris facsimile to another four District Clubs, where that magic of fulfillment was resulting in the form of students of the month presentations, fundraising activities, happy dollar proclamations of inspiration and aspiration, plans for holiday social events, reports on service projects, and many special fellowship opportunities.
The pictures that follow are from Breakfasts with Lancaster Hempfield, Myerstown ELCO, and Mechanicsville North, and lunch with Mount Joy.
Lancaster-Hempfield
Mount Joy
Myerstown-ELCO
Myerstown-ELCO Students of the Month
October is highlighted by World Polio Day and dedicated to taking stock of the remarkable role Rotarians play in eradicating polio, one of the greatest challenges undertaken by a nonprofit and one of the greatest successes. That goal has been a rallying cry for four decades as Rotarians have answered the call to take on one of greatest threats to our health.
As a measure of Rotary’s commitment and willpower, since the 1980s over $2 billion dollars and untold thousands of hours of service have been provided by dedicated Rotarians.
This month, be sure to participate in Pints for Polio and other aptly named events to bring this battle to a successful end. A District event to consider the bike Ride to eradicate Polio on Sunday, October 20. I look forward to seeing you at one or more of these activities.
Rotarians in District 7390 are sharing our heartfelt sympathies with the victims impacted by Hurricane Helene. This catastrophic event has impacted people in Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia. We grieve with the families who are mourning the loss of life - currently, over 200 lives have been claimed by the storm. Emergency response workers are still working through impacted areas. Families and businesses are surveying the property damage, estimated to cost between $15 billion and $26 billion. Our thoughts are with people who have been displaced because of the storm.
Rotarians are People of Action motivated to assist in the short-term, mid-term, and long-term relief of communities impacted by natural disasters. For individuals and clubs who would like to make a difference, we would like to share these resources with you for consideration:
Immediate Relief: Zones 33/34, the regional structure designed to support Rotary Districts in the impacted area, has a Foundation independent of The Rotary Foundation. This is a quick way for your dollars to respond to local needs that will support the efforts of volunteers by providing equipment, tools, storage, mobile storage, etc. This is a 501(c)3 eligible for tax-deductible contributions by IRS regulations. To donate, please visit their website here.
The Rotary Foundation: Rotarians who would like to donate directly to The Rotary Foundation Disaster Relief Fund can make a tax-deductible donation by visiting here. Note that The Rotary Foundation does not designate disaster relief by incident. Rotary Districts can apply for a general pool of money to address short-term, mid-term, and long-term needs. RI Director Patrick Eakes of Zones 33/34 has indicated they will take advantage of the Rotary Disaster Relief Fund by making applications across the impacted districts.
Options for Supporting those Impacted by Hurricane Helene
Next Meeting - October 17th at 7 p.m. (the third Thursday of the month). Join us. New members are welcome! Click HERE for the Zoom link.
Thanks to everyone who attended the September Environmental Committee meeting. We are moving forward with assembling materials that individuals and clubs can use for their environmental projects. We are also looking ahead to the multi-district conference in April and are in the process of planning a joint environmental project and presentation with our neighboring districts. We also plan to have a hands-on activity or a workshop at the conference where Rotarians and family members can participate.
If you would like to participate in these activities, have questions about how to start your club’s environmental project, or would like to highlight your club’s environmental achievements, please let us know. If time permits, consider sitting in on our next meeting (October 17th) too. For more information, contact Joe McNally, Environmental Committee Chair, jtmcnally@jtmcnally.com
Many educational and social events are coming up on our District calendar to enable you to increase your knowledge of Rotary, and to benefit from a greater understanding of the object of rotary: the development of acquaintance, the respect for individual professions, the advancement of international understanding, goodwill, and peace, all to enhance the ideal of service!
Please consider the following as you make plans for the next several months: (click on the event to learn more!)
Finally, to prepare for Peacebuilder events throughout this time, please take the online course on Positive. Peace at: https://www.positivepeace.academy/rotary
The Rotary Club of Harrisburg's largest fundraiser is on Saturday, October 12th from 9:00 AM to Noon. The 26th Annual Pancake Breakfast is held at the John Harris Harrisburg High School (2451 Market Street, Harrisburg- enter through the new Gymnasium) of the Harrisburg School District. Our presenting sponsor is Peggy Grove. Proceeds go to the Harrisburg Rotary Foundation for the Harrisburg School District homeless student initiative and the Rotary College Scholarships. We really need the support to make this a successful day. Hope to see fellow Rotarians from other clubs here to share in the Magic of Rotary!
The York East Rotary Club announced the recipients of its annual grant awards totaling $10,200 at its recent ceremony, continuing its tradition of supporting critical community programs. This year's beneficiaries included Veterans Gold Star Memorial Gardens, Byrnes Health Education Center, Veterans Helping Hand, and Mr. Sandy's Homeless Veterans Fund, with each organization expressing their gratitude and outlining plans for utilizing the funds to further their important missions. During the award ceremony, representatives from the selected organizations spoke passionately about how the Rotary Club’s generosity would be used to benefit veterans and advance health education within the community.
Gold Star Gardens was granted a portion of the funds to help maintain and enhance the memorial space dedicated to local veterans. The funds will be used to update landscaping, repair monuments, and create a more welcoming environment for families and veterans to honor those who have served.
Byrnes Health Education Center, an organization committed to improving health literacy and education in the region, will use its grant to fund new ceiling fans in the great hall. This initiative will support youth health education, covering important topics such as mental health, nutrition, and substance abuse prevention.
Veterans Helping Hand, a community organization providing resources to veterans in need, plans to utilize the Rotary's grant to bolster its outreach program. The funding will assist veterans with job placement, emergency financial assistance, and accessing health care services, ensuring they have the support needed to transition back into civilian life.
Mr. Sandy's Homeless Veterans Fund, known for its work with homeless veterans, received a portion of the grant to maintain its shelter services. These funds will help provide housing for veterans facing homelessness, with the ultimate goal of helping them find permanent housing Speaking at the ceremony, the incoming president, Kris Pollick, shared the importance of continuing the club’s mission of "service above self" and the pivotal role that these grants play in making a lasting impact on the community.
Pictured: Sandi Walker, Veteran’s Helping Hand: Chris Izzo, Grant Committee Chair: Lyndsey Mackie, Byrnes Health Education
During a brief pause in meeting with Clubs, I spent an exhilarating week hanging with the future of Rotary, the youth of the world. It was inspiring to experience first-hand the 4th Object of Rotary, clearly one of our most enriching Guiding Principles: that of advancing international understanding, goodwill, and peace through a world fellowship of business and professional people united in the ideal of service.
At the Youth Exchange inbound orientation, students from Belgium, Mexico, Japan, Denmark, and Brazil received an orientation to begin their year as youth ambassadors to our District. As Jill Tenny, our District Youth Exchange Director notes, this is one of the more important missions of Rotary. The students will be interacting with our Clubs and attending our District events all year, so please find ways to engage them. Remember that our incoming Rotary International President next year, Mario, was an exchange student from Sao Paulo, Brazil to St. Paul, Minnesota 50 years ago, an experience that was formative to his life-long Rotary association.
Later in the week, Celestine from Belgium met with her host Club in Hershey and over snacks described how she played in a soccer game the very next day after her arrival. The event hosts, Brian and Julie Harris, requested that Paul Harris also join the event and treated him like a lost cousin.
The 4th Object of Rotary was illustrated in many ways at this quarter’s Rotary Means Business reception, hosted by the Carlisle Clubs and Dickinson College. There were several business representatives in attendance to share information about their community enterprises, but the group this time included a focus on a younger generation of non-Rotarians with the presence of about two dozen Dickinson student leaders from many exciting multiple majors and studies, coming from around the U.S. and also Uzbekistan and Viet Nam. The students related their remarkable campus outreach activities, while learning more about the role of Rotary in the local community. Per RMB coordinator, Alden Cunningham, the students got some unique community business and leadership exposure with the possibility of partnering with Rotary on local projects and possibly joining a Rotaract Club.
It was a profound week for our District, as our YE team, our RMB team, and our Hosting Clubs demonstrated great commitment to the youth movement, and clearly advanced the opportunity for understanding, goodwill, and ultimately peace, at every level, as doors to world fellowship were flung wide open.
On September 12, the Rotary Clubs of Carlisle and Carlisle Sunrise hosted and sponsored in partnership with Venue and Special Event Sponsor Dickinson College's Popel Shaw Center and its A.C.E. Peer Mentor program one of the most successful and innovative District 7390 RMB events since its inception in 2014. Some 34 Rotarians and guests from six district clubs (Carlisle, Carlisle Sunrise, Hershey, Mechanicsburg-North, D7390 Passport, and West Shore) and roughly 15 A.C.E. Peer Mentor students gathered to network, make connections and enjoy the fun and fellowship of RMB. The A.C.E. Peer Mentor program seeks to assist incoming first year students adjust to campus life with the help of the sophomore, junior and senior year students.
Special kudos to the work of Travis Soprano and Kim Lockwood in explaining Rotary and what it does in the world. The A.C.E. Peer Mentors Senior Coordinator, Isaiah Banuelos Class of 2025, helped Rotarians understand what the A.C.E. Student Mentor program does to help incoming first year students. He did a wonderful job and showed great enthusiasm and belief in the value of the program. PDG Alden Cunningham talked briefly about the Vision and Purpose of RMB and its evolution from its beginning in 1905. Dr. Yvette Davis also took a few moments to further explain the A.C.E. Mentor Program and the Popel Shaw Center's mission within Dickinson College. DGE Mary Brunski did a fabulous and very innovative job running the Circle exercise for what was a very large group of roughly 50 Rotarians and Students. She made the Circle fun for all. Carol Cunningham as the event photographer took some special photos of the event and its various phases.
All in all a very special time was enjoyed by everyone. Thank you to all involved. Our next RMB event will take place in November hosted by the Rotary Club of Hershey. Stay tuned for future announcements regarding this event.
As things can happen, we’ve had a small challenge with the Foundation Dinner! The original hotel is not able to host us, so, we’ve rolled with it! New date – and a new venue. Our dinner will be November 9th at the Gettysburg Hotel, a beautiful setting to celebrate all we’ve accomplished in the 2023-2024 Rotary year.
Please join us at One Lincoln Square on the 9th, starting with a cash bar at 4:45 p.m. After enjoying a bit of fellowship, we’ll enjoy a pleasant meal and then hear about the fabulous projects done in 2023-2024. We’ll feature a project or two and distribute Rotary Foundation awards.
The cost to attend is $65 per person. Registration will CLOSE on November 1 at 12:00 Noon.
AGENDA:
4:45 p.m. - 5:45 p.m. - Cash bar/Networking
5:45 p.m. - Welcome and YE Parade of Flags
6:00 p.m. - Dinner
7:15 p.m. Formal Program and 2023-2024 Rotary Foundation Awards
Wednesday, September 11, 2024, was the dedication ceremony for the RCWS's 5th Annual Flags for Heroes event.
Nearly 60 people gathered at the West Shore Theatre to commemorate the events of September 11, 2001; to celebrate the heroes in our own lives; and to dedicate the flags that are on display on the grounds of the Penn Harris Hotel.
For the fourth consecutive year, ABC27's Dennis Owens emceed the event. He reminded attendees that we must never forget the courage and sacrifice that our nation saw that day and where we were at on September 12.
Speaker Rev. Dr. Dilip Abayasekara shared about the heroes among us whether they be instant heroes, heroes for the long run, or purposeful heroes.
Baritone Matthew A. Robinson gave us goosebumps as he sang the Star Spangled Banner and God Bless America.
Dr. William Stowman, Chair of the Department of Music at Messiah University, sent chills up and down spines with his haunting rendition of Taps.
Pictures and video are available on the club's Facebook page and the club website has been updated should club members wish to share the event with family, friends, sponsors, and/or potential sponsors.
Club member Rod Hite did an excellent job representing the club and we received excellent coverage from ABC 27 to include a live broadcast from the event itself.
Thank you to the Flags for Heroes Committee for their hard work and to the club members who were able to attend the ceremony: Samantha Stewartz, Gary Lougher, MaryAnn Payne, Rob and Amy Hall, Mark Knodel, Rick Sample, Bim Arthun, Rod Hite, Joe McNally, and Harry Scheidler.
As you're out and about in the community, please remember to also thank our corporate sponsors for their support!
2nd Annual September Songs - A Night of Music for Suicide Prevention
Matthew A. Robinson has supported Flags for Heroes since its first year in 2020. Dennis Owens has been the event emcee for four of the five years. Now we have a chance to show our support to Matthew and Dennis.
Tickets are on sale now for the 2nd Annual September Songs - A Night of Music for Suicide Prevention.
This event will include District 7430, 7390, 7490 and 7410, providing a wonderful opportunity for celebration, inspiration and fellowship. Not only will you enjoy the Conference but you will have access to a large range of family-friendly activities while here!
BRING THE WHOLE FAMILY and FEEL THE MAGIC!!!
Total Conference registration is $375. Just want to attend on Saturday? Saturday ONLY registration is $200.
Positive Peace is defined as a more lasting conceptualization of peace. Positive peace is built on “sustainable investments in economic development, institutions, and the societal attitudes that foster peace.” Positive Peace includes attitudes, institutions, and policies. It provides a framework to understand and address the many complex challenges facing the world.
For many years Hector Ortiz has been committed to peace creation, peacebuilding structures, and peace advocacy. Service above self has been his motto and a way to connect with the whole community. Hector is a fan of the Rotary Peace Centers and is delighted to know that 1,800 peace fellows are working for peace in the world.
After taking the Positive Peace Academy and participating in a one-day positive peace workshop in Singapore, before the Rotary International Convention, Hector got the motivation to keep growing in his positive peace journey. Hector was fully impressed by the information presented and the way the Institute for Economics and Peace conceived positive peace. Hector's doctoral thesis was on human rights, which catapulted him to an advocate for cultural, economic, and social rights.
Hector’s passion was strengthened after receiving the Positive Peace Activator nomination as part of the 32 North America & Caribbean cohort of peace activators is what influenced the commitment to create awareness, foster understanding, and promote peace-building initiatives to reinvigorate the need to recreate positive peace in our communities.
The Rotary Positive Peace Activator Program is a competitive application program training active Rotary members, Rotary Peace Fellows, and other Rotary stakeholders in specific regions on IEP’s Positive Peace framework and Rotary’s peace ecosystem. After a 20-hour training, Activators agree to a two-year service commitment, providing presentations, leading trainings, and supporting projects with Rotary-affiliated stakeholders.
Hector is committed to spreading positive peace knowledge and understanding and is willing to train others on the conceptualization of positive peace and the framework of peace-building models. It is not about telling one what to know, what to say, or what to do. In other words, “before you try to fix something, ask first” to understand it. See what is needed from your sight and see it from the sight of others; it is all about calling for unity by respecting and practicing listening skills to exercise effective communication and see things from other points of view. Hector will be available to speak at Rotary clubs and district functions to leverage the importance of positive peace and enhance community peace-building initiatives.
As you may realize, I am delighted that Rotary District 7390 is now considered a Global Peacebuilder District, due to the contributions Rotarians have made to the Rotary Foundation, the Peace Centers, and the peacebuilding and conflict prevention area of focus during the Rotary year 2023-24. As Global Peacebuilder District, Rotary clubs and Rotarians play an essential role “in supporting the work of the Rotary Peace Centers and our grassroots efforts in peacebuilding.” It is time to invent and reinvent peace.
What we all may agree is that Positive Peace must start with us, and it must be embedded in our attitudes, both individually and collectively. Stay tuned, it is just the beginning in our region as we move to create peacebuilding initiatives and reinvent ways to create more peaceful societies. Hector is willing to coordinate and speak at our Rotary Clubs at the club’s discretion.
PDG Hector Ortiz
Proud Rotarian and
Positive Peace Activator
A New Beginning in Creating Positive Peace in Our Communities
It was a privilege to visit two more clubs this week, the Rotary Club of York, and the Passport Club, each filling a major mission for their members in the community and the District.
Talking with members from both clubs about their projects provided a great segue into the theme for September, that of Basic Education and Literacy. This area of focus is essential for Rotarians who, as life-long learners, keep informed about ways to make a difference in the world.
Then, please consider supporting our District Peacebuilder initiative by sending a contribution to the District 7390 Peacebuilder plan in care of Melissa at the District office. All Checks should be made payable to Rotary District 7390 and mailed to P.O. Box 7116, York, PA 17404. Melissa will combine all the payments and send one District check to the Foundation marked for the peace movement.
If you make the payment by September 18, it will also count toward the $1000 dollars that PDG Fred Gellert is trying to raise to qualify himself for the Zorb Ball Bounce and Roll for the Foundation competition at the upcoming Zone conference in Toronto. That event hopes to raise $200,000 for the Rotary International Peace effort.
Our District Peace effort has several other elements beyond your role as a contributing Positive Peace activist. We will soon be sharing our Peacebuilder District status with the public via a huge billboard. That will be followed up by positive peace workshops held by PDG Hector Ortiz at various District locations. Some District Clubs will also be displaying Peace Poles around the District to show their commitment to this fundamental, grass roots, movement. More to follow.
The Rotary Veterans Initiative (RVI) together with the Penn State Harrisburg LaunchBox is hosting our 2ndVeteran’s Business Bootcamp. We’re excited to help veterans in our community get the support they need to launch their business ideas. During this program, we’re helping participants build their business plans and have an opportunity to win seed funding. We are looking for team coaches and program mentors.
We have 2 levels:
1) TEAM COACHES. We are looking for dedicated coaches who will:
Meet weekly with mentee between 10/1 - 11/12
Be willing to offer candid and constructive advice
Assist mentee with their evolving business plan and pitch presentation
Attend final Veteran's Pitch during our Startup Challenge Weekend, Nov 17, 3pm - 5pm
2) Program Mentors. Program mentors will:
Be available via email during the 8-week program to answer questions based on their availability
Review business plans and offer general advice
Offer general advice and expertise in key areas: Finance, HR, marketing, etc.
The Rotary Club of York was pleased to welcome District Governor Paul Thompson to our weekly club meeting on September 4th to recognize two club members, Tom McCracken and PDG Ben Hoover, for achieving major donor giving status to The Rotary Foundation. Congratulations Tom & Ben!
The District Learning Assembly is a chance for everyone to be inspired and learn more about how to make your club a success and for you to have an amazing year. It is relevant for all Club officers, leaders, and Rotarians to have the opportunity to increase their Rotary knowledge. We will be offering two tracks - you can decide if you want to attend the "Newer Rotarian" track or the "Experienced Rotarian" track based on your level of Rotary knowledge!
You will depart with an in depth understanding of topics such as member experience, service projects and fundraising (TRF and Club).
Join us Saturday, October 26, 2024 at Messiah University (One College Avenue, Mechanicsburg, PA) in Boyer Hall.
Our District 7390 Rotary Veterans Initiative is sponsoring its second Veterans Business Bootcamp in partnership with Harrisburg Launchbox (Powered by Penn State). Please see the picture and share it with any Veterans you know who may be interested in starting their own business. They can learn more and register at: https://harrisburg.launchbox.psu.edu/veterans-business-bootcamp/.
Applications are due NLT Sept 20, 2024! Veterans or currently enlisted/commissioned in the US military are eligible. EVERY D7390 Rotarian is invited to see the Final Pitch Event. Think ‘Shark Tank,’ but kinder and gentler. This event will be conducted at Penn State Harrisburg’s Educational Activities Building on Sunday, Nov. 17th, from 3:00 to 5:00 P.M. For more details, please contact Rick Coplen at rickcoplen@gmail.com or 717-706-0380.
If you would also like to help establish a new Veterans Rotaract Club, please contact Rick Coplen.
The membership and club development month of August concluded with super visits to five District Clubs whose members displayed great Friendship, Fellowship, Fun, and Fulfillment, as they enriched their Club’s culture and engaged in its operations, while taking action on plans for service and support that will make lasting change in the world, their community and themselves. Paul Harris’s observation that ‘shared efforts have no limits’ was evident, and the pictures show from the Rotary Clubs of Harrisburg, Susquehanna Township, Eastern York County, and Denver Ephrata show it all!
The Rotary Club of West Shore will hold their annual Flags for Heroes dedication event on September 11th at 11:00 AM at the West Shore Theatre (317 Bridge Street, New Cumberland , PA). The event is open to the public and free of charge. The Emcee is ABC -27’s Dennis Owens and the speaker is Dilip Abayasekara, a retired Pastor and Toastmaster speaker.
Paul Harris perceptively observed that "the motive power of Rotary is Friendship", and profoundly proclaimed that there could not be a better foundation. Friendship leads to engaged, caring, Members who in turn contribute steadfastly to Club Culture and Operations with the result that the parts become greater than the whole, and many good things come from all that. Visits to two dynamic clubs this week, Carlisle and Southern York County, bore out Paul’s assertion, each club displaying great energy, engagement, and member fulfillment, clearly based on friendship and fellowship.
That result of membership development manifested itself late last week when I had the unique honor to dine with the person who will soon carry the Paul Harris banner for Rotary, International President-Elect Mario Cesar Martins de Carmargo, from Sao Paulo, Brazil. His passion for everything Rotary, especially membership growth and development will be the central theme during his presidency. There may have been something lost in translation, but the gist of his message was that the Members are the Club and the Club the Members, and always the two shall meet. He will carry that banner proudly because he firmly believes that Paul Harris figured out the phenomenon that sovereign, independent, humans truly need friendship and fellowship in a welcoming, civil society, that can otherwise be intimidating, even alienating.
Exactly fifty years ago, RI President Elect Mario was a Rotary inbound exchange student from Brazil, coming to spend the school year in St. Paul, Minnesota. (hope you note that geographic symmetry!) Now, with fluency in 6 languages and a pragmatic Rotary world view, he has already jumpstarted his Presidential year correctly deciding that it all starts with member development.
To complete that cycle, an inbound exchange student to our District, Celestine, just arrived from Belgium, ready to start her year in Hershey. Seeing her engaging demeanor, excitement, and determination to explore America, it occurred to me that, with proper nurturing from her host and sponsoring Clubs, she could very well be President of Rotary International 50 years from now, not just a random thought.
Ever noticed a white pole with various languages on each side?
It’s likely been a peace pole meant to encourage the community to live in peace.
In 2023-2024, our district began collecting $25,000 to establish ourselves as a Peace Building District. We achieved that goal and can now claim that title for District 7390. That inspired me to begin looking at setting up a Peace Pole – and hopefully more than one – throughout our district.
To set up a Peace Pole in your area, the guidance is – link with a group of people within your community, it could be a group within your club, or partnering with local government or other organizations. Discuss possible locations and once a site is selected, determine if it is permissible to plant the Peace Pole there. You’ll have to determine who will maintain the area right around the Peace Pole. Then it’s time to order the actual pole.
There are several sites, however, I found shoppeace.org to be clear on the process and offer options, including a Rotary emblem, QR Code and even a Braille Brass Plate (add $20). An 8-foot large pole with 8 language options is $330, shipping included. Or you can go with a 6-foot, 7-foot or 8-foot with four languages for $280, again shipping included. You might even do a search to determine what are the most common languages in your area. My community which holds the Army War College and Dickinson campus, as well as several refugee communities within, has a minimum of 52 languages to chose from.
Next, you’ll create a community ceremony to plant your Peace Pole, inviting all of your club and community members to attend. Don’t forget the media – and to take plenty of photos! Send the photos and information to local news media (if they are unable to attend) and to your district Public Image Chair (Juliet Altenburg for 7390) and to Rotary International.
After that, let’s hope that Peace can spread throughout our area, our country and the world. It’s a big task – but as Rotarians, we can bring people together.
This week provided a very rewarding opportunity to pursue the theme of Membership and New Club Development by a visit to two dynamic Clubs, Carlisle Sunrise and Uptown York. Both Clubs illustrate how to achieve the object of Rotary by providing a welcoming setting for members to find fellowship, friendship, fun, and fulfillment, and from that firm foundation to enable the development of acquaintance for the opportunity to serve and contribute.
It is a moving story, repeated daily by Clubs throughout our District. From early morning coffee to late afternoon wine, from multi-stage drawings to happy dollars, there were super examples of ways to have fun and make a difference in a positive environment that exemplified Paul Harris’s view that ‘shared efforts have no limits.’ By the way, Paul accompanied me on the road (in cutout form), and was well received at both stops! If you look carefully, you can see him in the photos.
In discussions with Club members, the relevance of Rotary was very evident, as members discussed ways to engage themselves, first at the Club level, then in the community and beyond. It is, in fact, essential for all members to ensure their club possesses the culture and operational capability to provide a meaningful experience for everyone. That includes veteran members who have already completed the leadership cycle and recent members who are just beginning to engage.
The strategic priorities of increasing Rotary’s reach and impact through greater engagement and adaptability can first be practiced at the Club level before being done likewise in the community and the world. For both member development, and club development, especially if there is a plan to form a satellite, e-club, or cause-based club, it is incumbent on every Rotarian to assess current Club culture and operations to ensure readiness and responsiveness. Every member can find ways to undertake that Club health check, and then address any Club needs, from internal operations to the execution of service projects, and youth involvement.
It is not a magic number to paraphrase Paul Harris that member engagement in Club operations should be ongoing, and at the 100% participation rate! I plan to bring him to the next meeting!
Join the next Zone Forum on Wednesday, August 28, 2024 at 7:00 PM EDT via Zoo: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/81313802765?pwd=SgscaEJF40Xz2bpVI4DOLLvCjb9NoV.1
7:00 PM - Brief Introductions
7:10 PM - Topic: Change Management: It’s Growth. Not Change. - Presenter: Gregg Guetschow, Treasurer, District 6360 and President & CEO, Gregg Guidance: Forty years’ experience in Government Management and Consulting
7:30 PM - Breakout Networking Questions for Discussion:
What can you do as an AG to foster a growth mindset in the Rotary clubs you serve?
How will you highlight the growth potential found in the Rotary Action Plan?
Breakout Reporting:
8:00 PM - Closing: Hector and Kathy are available to stay on if there are any additional questions or comments.
Mark your calendars! Upcoming AG Forums via Zoom are:
October 30, 2024 at 7:00 PM EDT - Ways to Grow Rotary: Networking, Service, and Partnerships
January 29, 2025 at 7:00 PM EDT - Growth Through New Club Development: Rotaract, Companion, Impact, Passport
April 30, 2025 at 7:00 PM EDT - Growth: It’s Not Just a Number: The Importance of Club Experience
On behalf of the Rotary Club of Southern York County, Rotarians Keith Gordon and Stephen Onifer presented $5,000 raised from the annual Flags for Heroes Event to Pennsylvania State Police Sergeant Jason Groff for the Troopers Helping Troopers Foundation in honor and memory of fallen Trooper Jacques F. (Jay) Rougeau, Jr.
Southern York County Present Check to Troopers Helping Troopers Foundation
As ShelterBox approaches our 25th year in global disaster relief, we would like to invite all club members in District 7390 to our “ShelterBox All-Hands Rotary Roundup”, on Wednesday August 28th at 12 pm PT / 3 pm ET via Zoom.
This 30-minute session will focus on the power of our partnership with Rotary and will feature ShelterBox USA President, Kerri Murray, a member of the Rotary Club of Montecito, Ca. and ShelterBox Response Team member, Brian Glenn, from the Rotary Club of Denton-Lake Cities, Texas.
Kerri and Brian will outline how Rotarians fill integral roles throughout the disaster response process. They will focus on the collaborative efforts of ShelterBox and Rotary in the aftermath of the devastating earthquake in Morocco. There will also be updates on our disaster relief efforts in the Caribbean and elsewhere.
From fundraising and networking to field support, our mission relies heavily on the dedication of Rotary members from all over the world. We hope you will join us to learn about the partnership and how you can be involved.
Pictured L-R: Dale Forshey (Hershey Club Youth Exchange Chair), DG Paul Thompson, DYE Chair Jill Tenny, Ben Stafford (OB Exchange Student to Brazil 2023-24)
This month’s theme of Membership and Club Development is illustrated brilliantly by the Chair of our District Youth Exchange Committee, Jill Tenny.
Among the many special Rotarians in our District who make measurable life-changing differences in the lives of others, Jill magically connects every element of our strategic priorities from expanding global outreach, enhancing community impact, and increasing member engagement, to constantly adapting to the ever-changing modes of youth interaction and communications. As a school teacher, and consummate volunteer, she depicts a nurturing, compassionate, and compelling Rotarian, a model of leadership for the Youth Exchange Program.
Rotary’s remarkable role in student exchanges, (500 students from this District alone), embodies the essence of the Rotary object of ‘the advancement of International Understanding.’ Jill was one of those students in the early 1980’s (before the core value of diversity included female members in Rotary) and carried the exchange banner for a year to France. Years later, she joined the Harrisburg Club and encouraged her two children to experience their own exchanges. Now she runs the District Program!
The dynamic scholars and ambassadors Jill and her highly dedicated team deal with are the first line of diplomacy for the greatest challenge facing the world—how to create lasting Peace. From those students come many a true Rotarian, such as Jill, and Brian Harris, who was an outbound student to Australia sixty years ago, recently joined the Hershey Club, and is now paying back in every way possible. And, our District is connecting many prior exchange students by creating a Rotaract Club on Global Issues.
Whenever possible, Clubs should seek ways to sponsor and host 3 week short-term or 10 month long-term student exchanges. Individual Rotarians should host, advise, and get engaged in the Youth Exchange Program, the future of Rotary, and the path to peace.
The Rotary Clubs of Carlisle and Carlisle Sunrise will host the 72nd RMB networking event in Rotary District 7390 history and the third event of the RMB 2024 season. The event will take place on Thursday, September 12 from 5:30 to 7:30 PM at the Dickinson College Holland Union Building (HUB), 28 N College Street, Carlisle, PA. Parking is available on the street and in the parking lot adjacent to the HUB on the Louther Street side.
The event will be FREE and will provide light hors d'oeuvres, wine, beer, soft drinks and water thanks to Venue Sponsor and Special Event Sponsor Dickinson College and its A.C.E. Peer Mentors and the Popel Shaw Center for Race & Ethnicity who will provide the venue and cover all other costs except the wine and beer. The wine and beer will be covered by the Rotary Clubs of Carlisle and Carlisle Sunrise. Dickinson College students will be invited to participate as well.
This will be another in a longstanding series of great business networking opportunities and fun and fellowship events. Do not miss it. Also, please consider bringing potential Rotarian guests, Rotaractors, and Family of Rotary.
Join us on August 24th in the 100 block of N. Queen Street for a cold one! Decades and Penn Square Rotary are celebrating the return of Lancaster's favorite beer festival with local and regional breweries. Details and ticket ordering at lancastercraftbeerfest.com. Tickets are limited, so act now!
The Rotary D7390 Office will be closed August 12-15, 2024. It will re-open on Friday, August 16, 2024. If you need immediate assistance, please contact your Club President or Assistant Governor.
As a part of this month’s theme addressing Membership and New Club Development, there is a three part experiential homework assignment for you to undertake.
It deals with the existential aspect of being a true Rotarian and of participating in an annual major event that deals with one of the most compelling missions of Rotary, that of conflict free society and peace.
Part one is to do a quick self-assessment to ensure you are fully prepared to deal with fellow citizens in an engaging, neighborly, community-building campaign. Are you ready to relate to others in a communal setting of fellowship, fun, and fulfillment, based on your use of truthfulness, fairness, good will, and helpfulness in all statements and actions, while exhibiting civil values of service, fellowship, leadership, integrity, and diversity? With other Members of your Club can you advocate for safe water, health, education, economic development, the environment, and peace/conflict resolution?
Part two: If your self-assessment is strong and you are ready to engage the community, please demonstrate that you are conversant in negative peace and positive peace and have become a Peacebuilder (positivepearce.academy/rotary). Enroll in the Rotary Positive Peace Academy, complete the free, self-guided course in under two hours, and get your own Certificate of Completion!
If you can accomplish this task, please have your Club President send me the number of Members in that special group of caring citizens. You are welcome to admire my Certificate until you earn your own:
Part 3: If you are now a true Rotarian/Peacebuilder, you are ready to attend the major civility event of the year--your community’s National Night Out, on Tuesday, August 6. This is a unique opportunity to engage the community in public discourse about the positive elements of policy-enforcement and neighborhood camaraderie, as well as a chance to discover community vulnerabilities and needs. Reach out to other civic organizations and public participants to see where Rotary might get involved, and extend its impact. Invite someone to do a service project or come to a Club meeting. Talk about positive peace, and see how it forms the basis for a global solution. You will experience personal fulfillment, while advancing District strategic priorities.
Many Clubs already have plans to participate in National Night Out, so join them or start up your own involvement where you reside.
I look forward to seeing you Out There.
In Rotary,
Paul Thompson
2024-2025 D7390 Governor
The Relevance of Rotary to Member, Club and Community
The York East Rotary Club gave out Paul Harris Fellow Awards to 8 individuals who have demonstrated exceptional service and dedication to their communities. The award is named after Paul Harris, who founded the first Rotary Club in Chicago in 1905. It's a way for Rotary clubs to recognize individuals for their contributions to the club's goals of promoting peace, fighting disease, providing clean water, supporting education, and more. Rotary clubs typically award Paul Harris Fellowships to individuals who have made significant contributions, either through monetary donations or substantial volunteer efforts. These contributions might be directed towards local or global initiatives that align with Rotary's values and objectives.
The awards were given to Chris Izzo, Friedel Liebe-Elser, Sandra Graham, Todd Kurl, Christina Vranich, James Norton and Kris Pollick. The Paul Harris Fellow recognition is a significant honor within the Rotary community and is accompanied by a certificate and a medallion. It signifies a person's commitment to the Rotary's motto of "Service Above Self" and their dedication to making positive changes in the world.
The Rotary International Convention: Unforgettable moments, enduring relationships
The Rotary International Convention is where you’ll find people of action from around the world brainstorming solutions to some of the most pressing challenges and celebrating our works of service that create lasting change.
The convention is where you’ll renew connections, discover fresh perspectives, and create unforgettable moments and enduring relationships.
At the convention, you’ll:
Participate in engaging breakout session discussions
Attend motivating general sessions
Network with fellow changemakers
Mingle with old and new friends
Browse exhibits and visit the House of Friendship
Explore an exciting host city
Enjoy live entertainment and enriching attractions
The convention is our largest event of the year, a chance for members to show the general public who we are and what we do. Join us at this year’s Rotary International Convention and show the world who you are and all that you do.
Rotary Leadership from Global Peace to the Local Environment and Far Beyond
This week provided two examples of the reach and impact of Rotary in the world and in the community as events in Hershey and Camp Hill highlighted Peace and the Environment.
On Monday, the Hershey Rotary Club hosted 80 international students, from 77 nations, assigned to the Army War College for a year to study strategy and the instruments of statecraft. Over lunch the students learned about Rotarians’ historic role in conflict resolution and peace initiatives from the 1930’s onward. That engagement has manifested itself for close to a century through such actions as creating Institutes of International Understanding, sponsoring the London Conference at which UNESCO was conceived, sending the largest non-governmental delegation of 49 Rotarians to the UN Charter Conference in San Francisco, arranging with WHO and UNICEF to conduct a world-wide polio eradication campaign, and funding Peace Scholarships and most recently Peace Universities. It is a remarkable story about Rotarians showing relentless efforts to learn about, talk about, and achieve Peace, a torch our District must now carry forward.
Six past District Governors attended the lunch and assisting in explaining Rotary’s mission to the students.
Pictured L-R: PDG John Anthony (Mechanicsburg-North), PDG Fred Gellert (Carlisle-Sunrise), PDG Alden Cunningham (Carlisle), DG Paul Thompson (Hershey), PDG Kevin Cogan (Carlisle-Sunrise), PDG John May (Hershey), PDG Tom Davis (Hershey)
At the local level, the Rotary Club of West Shore participated in the Camp Hill community event of STORMFEST where every aspect of water treatment was the theme. The Club set up a booth and passed out 4 types of trees, thanks to the generous support of Bartlett Tree Experts, while explaining to the many visitors how Rotary is engaged in water preservation and other environmental issues in the area. Club member and Hydrogeologist Joe McNally, Chair of our District Environment Committee, is busy planning projects to increase our environmental outreach and thereby our member engagement in volunteer opportunities. If you have an environmental concern or interest, please contact Joe and join his Committee.
Would you like to participate in an international hosting opportunity?
Here's your chance! We are looking for people to host (September 17 - September 20), 10 Australians who will be visiting our District. They are a lot of fun and speak English. (Australian English, anyway!) The hosts provide a place to sleep, and breakfast, and as a group, take them to see things of interest in your immediate area. Any activity with a fee they pay for themselves.
If you'd like to meet new people and make lifetime friends, please email shushmapatel.rotary@gmail.com to discuss this opportunity.
Rotary Friendship Exchange Seeking Hosts in D7390!
Pictured L-R around the table: Becky Morgenthal, PDG Kevin Cogan, PDG Dick Brown, Vlad Beaufils, Bill Hartman, Courtney Piccolo, DG Paul Thompson, Marty Helman, Glenn Miller, Kathleen Stoup, Josh Olewiler, DGE Mary Brunski, Tom McCracken, PDG Ben Hoover, Lynne Morrison, John Bailey, PDG Dennis Zubler.
The July Rotary theme of Leadership was demonstrated this week during two major Rotary Club activities relevant to education and the study of Peace.
On Wednesday, July 17, our District leadership, and several District Committee Chairs, joined the Rotary Club of York’s President, Courtney Piccolo, and Club Foundation Committee Chair Bill Hartman along with several Foundation Committee Members to meet with Rotary Foundation Trustee Marty Helman and discuss fundraising and fund spending. Marty stopped by the Rotary Club of York for a few hours at the personal invitation of Club President Courtney Piccolo to emphasize the Mission of the Rotary Foundation: that of enabling Rotarians to advance world understanding, goodwill, and peace through the improvement of health, the support of education, and the alleviation of poverty.
The ‘enabling’ wording in the above sentence constitutes the operative language for what makes the Foundation viable. Clearly one convincing way to increase fundraising is to demonstrate the many good things that come about because of those funds, and we had the rare opportunity to talk to a key Trustee about that.
During the meeting, Marty fielded several questions about the District’s newly achieved status as a Peacebuilder District, something we all, (with then Governor Fred Gellert’s leadership) reached through sufficient funding ($25K) on June 29, and then awarded the Certificate to us.
Pictured L-R: PDG Dennis Zubler, DGE Mary Brunski, Marty Helman, DG Paul Thompson, Kathleen Stoup, Vlad Beaufils, PDG Kevin Cogan
She suggested one visible way of showing Rotary’s commitment to Peace is to have the District and Clubs erect peace poles, each with a QR code providing access to information about Rotary Peace efforts. Think about a location where your Club might erect a peace pole: https://worldpeace.org/2023/05/rotary-international-h
Marty also spoke in detail about the District’s efforts to compete for the Program of Scale concerning a project called Operation Braveheart in the Philippines. If successful, the Program would result in a $2 Million dollar grant from the Foundation, enabling the project to be taken to the Philippine national level. Our District application will go forward next year as we continue to seek investment partners.
Marty then had lunch with the entire York Club during which she shared her thoughts about the future of Peace and the role of Rotary in creating as many Peace advocates as possible through education. Our sincere thanks to President Courtney and the members of the Rotary Club of York for graciously hosting this event and welcoming us.
A triumphant bookend to the week’s emphasis on Peace and the many ways Rotary is showing leadership in Peace initiatives occurred on Thursday at the Carlisle Rotary Club, where we heard from this year’s District Global Grant Scholarship recipient, Dickinson grad Sally Aldrich, as she prepared to leave for her Rotary-sponsored year of graduate studies in Leiden, Holland. Led by President Travis Soprano, many Carlisle Club members expressed very moving sentiment about the role of Rotary in Peace studies and the highly inspiring remarks of Sally, who plans to join our global studies Rotaract Club, sponsored by the Carlisle Club.
Global grant students study one of Rotary’s seven areas of focus.
The Rotary Leadership Institute is an opportunity to meet with other Rotarians, share experiences, and learn new skills to take back to your club. You don't have to be in the leadership chain to benefit from this institute. If you want to learn more about this wonderful organization that we call Rotary, and find out what you can actually do to start changing the world, put attendance on your schedule.
When Can I Attend RLI? - Saturday, October 12, 2024 from 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Central Penn College (600 Valley Road, Summerdale, PA 17093).
What is the Cost to attend RLI? - Rotary Clubs should pay for their members to attend RLI. The cost is $125 per Rotarian to attend.
What is RLI? - A leadership and development program to strengthen Rotary Clubs through education, collaboration, and the exchange of ideas among its future leaders. A three-part curriculum facilitated by experienced, trained faculty members engaging participants through open discussion, problem solving and creative role-play.
What will I learn at RLI? - More about Rotary, The Rotary Foundation, Membership, Ethics, Service Projects, Communications, Strategic Planning and Analysis. You’ll also make new friends and enjoy fellowship and networking opportunities.
Course Levels: Parts I, II, III and Graduate (Capturing the Value of our Impact)
Where can I find more information about RLI? www.rlinea.org.
Come to StormFest 2024 - an Environmental Showcase
Wednesday, July 24, 2024
5:30 to 8:00 PM
Camp Hill Borough Hall,
2145 Walnut Street
Camp Hill, PA 17011
Stormwater control and management are critical to maintain healthy streams. Learn more about the importance of stormwater at StormFest 2024. The Rotary Club of West Shore will highlight Rotary‘s environmental initiatives and give away trees to showcase how trees help to control stormwater and maintain healthy streams. In addition to displays by more than 50 environmental vendors, there will be hands-on activities, free raffles, a scavenger hunt, giveaways, live music, and food trucks.
This community event is open to the public. Admission and parking are free. This is a great opportunity for Rotarians to learn more about this important environmental topic. Hope to see you at StormFest24! Wear your Rotary gear and show your support for Rotary’s environmental focus area!
More information can be found at Camp Hill Borough’s Facebook page, or Instagram @camphillborough or here!
The 2023-2024 Rotary Youth Exchange Outbound Class will be holding a Rebound get-together on Saturday, August 10, 2024 at Central Penn College (600 Valley Road, Summerdale, PA 17093). We will be meeting in the ATEC building. Click here to view a map of Central Penn College. We will be on the upper floors of the ATEC building in classrooms 200 & 202.
The students and parents are required to attend a de-briefiing session from 1:00 until 3:00 p.m.
At 3:00 p.m. Rotarians, family, and friends are invited to attend! This is a chance to hear more about the fantastic experiences our students had throughout the year.
Light refreshments will be provided. The cost for Rotarians, family, and friends to attend is $10 per person.
Further Ruminations on Leadership Month, the Rotary theme for July.
The topic of Leadership could not be more relevant to us since we have remarkable leaders throughout our District! In reality, all our Members are leaders by being true Rotarians. They know who they are, what they stand for, and where they are going; and, if called upon, at any point, they can lead the effort. They have knowingly joined Rotary to expand meaningful acquaintances in order to do good in the world, and they are constantly seeking ways to do just that.
Their Rotary rationale is impressive: the 4-way test is clearly a well-blazed default path to everything they think or do; the ideal of ‘service above self’ is programed into the consideration of every need they come across during their engaging lives. They know an army of fellow Club members who care about what every other one cares about, and together, when mobilized, they become people of action to soon resolve the task at hand. And they do all this while benefiting from interacting and having fun--because they can.
The gratifying news about Rotary is that good leaders are also good followers. Rotarians gladly support the plans, participate in the performance, and meet the priorities, illustrating how Rotary is a bottom-up, member-centric, organization where enlightened, self-starting, members provide the magic for success!
From that grass-roots foundation, our District is very fortunate to have strong Committee Chairs who attend to the major aspects of who we are and what we do to meet our plan of action. They oversee the finances (John Anthony), they attract and retain members (Juliet Altenburg), they help us learn everything Rotary (Gary Crissman), they tell our story to the outside world (Juliet plus), they connect us to the foundation of fundraising and grant/scholarship/peace expenditures (Kathleen Stoup), help us achieve real DEI awareness (Vlad Beaufils), expand our role in sustaining the Environment (Joe McNally), deal with essential youth and education programs (Jill Tenny), and International and community service (Dennis Zubler), and business and professional development (Alden Cunningham). There are many more essential roles and activities. And, on every one of those Committees are numerous, highly dedicated Rotarians. And then, when one considers all the Club Boards and Committees to carry out their important operations, it is inspirational, indeed. See a full list of District committees here.
So, leadership opportunities await every Rotarian in our District. Think about where and when you want to join the amazing group of volunteers who enable District and Club operations.
To become involved in the execution of so many exciting Committees and activities, check the District website. If you wish to round out leadership techniques and insights, there are about 50 courses on Club and District Leadership at the Rotary Learning Center (rotary.org/learn). That site also has dozens of courses on professional development. The content of these courses applies to Rotary leadership but also to effective functioning in any community and professional setting. So, explore that vast archive which is easily accessible and included in the cost of RI membership. And, then put your leadership skills to work, to contribute to our many Rotary actions.
The rewards of engaging in leadership for the Club, or District, are exponential, and complete the Rotary vision of people of action uniting to create lasting change in the world, the community, and themselves.
On Saturday, June 29, the District held a fantastic night to celebrate the past year under DG Fred Gellert and installed the new DG Paul Thompson for the 24-25 Rotary year. We also celebrated incoming club presidents and Assistant Governors! Our district is blessed with kind, passionate, and giving Rotarians!
Pictured L-R: DGN Rebecca Zalit (Palmyra), DGE Mary Brunski (Carlisle), DG Paul Thompson (Hershey), IPDG Fred Gellert (Carlisle-Sunrise)
The Rotary Club of Lancaster-Sunrise recently awarded three grants in the community, for a total of $15,000. Each organization below received $5,000.00 from the Club:
But they are just words until we put them in action. How do we create LASTING CHANGE through Peacebuilding and Conflict Prevention, Disease Prevention and Treatment, Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene, Maternal and Child Health, Basic Education and Literacy, Community Economic Development, and Environment?
Where will our efforts have the greatest impact for lasting change? As Rotarians and Rotary clubs we do many “nice” things, but do they really impact lasting change? Think about what your Rotary club does, and continue to do things in your community that make you feel good.
But as Rotarians, WE CAN DO SO MUCH MORE! Many Rotarians in District 7390 have participated in Global Grants over the years. Many of these Rotarians have witnessed unbelievable conditions.
Be one of the Rotarians that create lasting change that will have a significant impact in the world. I met such a Rotarian in Kenya. Lilian works daily with remote communities that don’t have running water or electricity, or something we would call a house. Many of these children receive little education. Lilian works with these communities helping them to learn how to work together for the wellbeing of their communities. She has also developed a program to select children that have the ability to learn but no finances to attend school. The program provides money for their education, then follows up with home visits to see if there are any issues that would hold them back from learning. The students also do office visits and share their progress. If support is needed the students will receive individual help with classes. This program provides students with a future and generational lasting changes. Without education there is no hope and no future. This is not just spending money, it is making sure the investment is making a difference.
This program has been supported by The Rotary Foundation, Rotary Districts, Rotary Clubs, and Rotarians in Africa, the UK, Canada, and the Unites States. The Rotary Vision Statement is certainly being carried out with this program. Just another Rotarian with an idea to make a lasting change. If you would like more information please contact Dennis Zubler,
District International Service Chair. dennis.zubler@gmail.com
The Elizabethtown Rotary Club hosted Emma Boccacci from Italy in 2022 as part of the Short-Term Exchange Program. For 3 weeks, Emma was hosted by the Grinnell family. At the end of Emma's 3 weeks in the United States, Bailey Grinnell traveled to Italy with her to stay with Emma and her family for 3 weeks. While the experience alone was fantastic, the girls formed a strong bond! Emma returned to Elizabethtown to stay with the Grinnell family for a full semester in the Fall of 2023. Emma returned again in January 2024 and the Emma and Bailey also connected again this summer in Paris! These girls and their families are forever connected!
Emma & Bailey at the Eiffel Tower in Paris
Emma's (basketball) & Bailey's (cheer) senior night in January
Hello District 7390 teammates. This is my final DG note to you. Hard to believe we are at this point in the year. It seems like yesterday I was contemplating what to tell you in my first DG note. I will say more tomorrow night at the DG Installation in Hershey, but for now let me simply offer my heartfelt thanks for all you have done and continue to do to support your community, your club, our district, and the goals of Rotary International. I stand in awe of all I have seen this year. Your individual and collective efforts are generous, effective, and appreciated. I also thank you for the confidence and support so many of you have provided to me this year as I served in the governor role. Bravo to our District Leadership Team and so many others who make this district a success. Leading a Rotary District is a team sport!
I was invited by two clubs this week to participate in their club leadership changeover events. Thank you to Elizabethtown and Uptown York for the invitation and opportunity to close out the year where I most enjoyed my DG time – with you at the club level. To all our club leaders, thank you for your leadership, energy, talents, and willingness to serve. This year with all its successes and challenges will forever be a part of our Rotary stories. Thanks for being a part of my District Governor story.
In my DG visits, I asked you to consider three words: service, learning, and leadership. Those words were meaningful to me when I started this governor job. They are now forever etched in my heart. I ask you to consider them as you move forward in Rotary. What makes this organization so awesome is all the small actions going on everyday to serve others. It is truly an honor to be a Rotarian. And for my own continuing leadership service, I recently accepted a request to serve as an Assistant Rotary Coordinator, focusing on membership support to 4 districts, for our Zone 32 team. I am glad to continue serving Rotary and Rotarians across Pennsylvania and New Jersey.
I’ll still see you around the district (and the Zone).
End of Year Deadlines for Foundation Contributions
The Rotary Foundation has announced deadlines for final contributions for the 2023-24 Rotary year. Making your gift as soon as possible will result in faster processing, better customer service, and will avoid any last-minute complications.
Options for donations and 2024 deadlines:
Checks—Both the postmark on the envelope and the date written on the check must be no later than, Saturday, 29 June 2024, and processed by the bank no later than Friday, 5 July 2024. It is essential to make checks payable to The Rotary Foundation. The check and The Rotary Foundation Contribution Form must be sent to The Rotary Foundation at 14280 Collections Center Drive, Chicago, IL, 60693, USA.
Credit Cards - Online Via Rotary.org must be authorized on or prior to midnight on 30 June 2024 Central Standard Time. For security purposes do not send credit card contributions electronically or via email.
Wire Transfers Wire transfers must be initiated prior to Friday, 28 June 2024 and received by Saturday, 6 July 2024.
If you have questions or difficulty making a donation, contact the Rotary Support Center at 1-866-976-8279 for assistance.
New District Foundation Chair My three-year term as 7390 District Rotary Foundation Chair will conclude June 30, 2024. I have thoroughly enjoyed serving in this role and working with Rotarians throughout the district. Because I believe in the work of The Rotary Foundation and the amazing life-changing impacts that are realized each year, it has been a great experience. Thank your club members for all they have done to advance the humanitarian work of Rotary.
I will assume a new role in the district July 1. District 7390 plans to strengthen work in the Peace and Conflict focus area and establish a Peace Fellows (peace studies) program. I am looking forward to giving leadership to these efforts. Rotary International has had a strong program in this area and just opened a new Peace Center in Istanbul, Turkey and has plans to open another in Asia. There are seven Rotary Peace Centers in the world where Peace Fellows may study. If you have an interest in this focus area, send me a message at amkobbe@gmail.com.
Kathleen Stoup will become the District Rotary Foundation Chair July 1. Kathleen has been the District Global Grants Committee Co-Chair. Kathleen brings extensive knowledge of Foundation programs and will be an excellent Chair for a broader effort in fund development and grants management. Kathleen is a member of the Carlisle Rotary Club. Congratulations, Kathleen!
Paul Harris Society (PHS) Update At the beginning of June, the Paul Harris Society had over 33,000 member in 155 countries. PHS members have given over US$36 million so far this Rotary year to the Foundation. If you have pledged an annual gift of $1,000 to The Rotary Foundation as a Paul Harris Society member and have not fulfilled your commitment, please submit your gift by the deadline (refer to dates in the first article above). Thank PHS members for their generosity.
Quote of the Month “Let us keep our hearts strong, enthusiasm fresh, and hope high as long As we keep imbued with this spirit, Rotary can never die.” Paul Harris, Founder of Rotary International.
Questions/Comments:
Created by: Anna-Mae Kobbe, Ph.D. District Rotary Foundation Chair – amkobbe@gmail.com
Uptown York Rotary Club awarded a total of $5,000 in grants to seven nonprofit organizations to help support the York community.
The following organizations received grants:
Bell Socialization Services - $1,000
Friends of Lebanon Cemetery - $1,000
York Fresh Food Farms Community Gardens - $1,000
B.P.O. Elks Lodge #213 - $500
LifePath Christian Ministries - $500
Summit Search & Rescue - $500
Susquehanna Service Dogs - $500
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.
The York East Rotary Club has launched a commendable initiative to support literacy and education at Logos Academy by donating a book each week to the school's library. This ongoing contribution is made in honor of the club's guest speakers, symbolizing a commitment to knowledge-sharing and community enrichment. "We're thrilled to partner with Logos Academy in this way," said York Rotary Club Committee Chair, Chris Izzo. "Our guest speakers are experts from various fields, and it's wonderful to commemorate their contributions to our meetings by giving back to the community, particularly in a manner that fosters education and lifelong learning." Logos Academy, known for its dedication to providing a high-quality education to a diverse student body, has warmly welcomed the donations. The new additions to the library are expected to greatly benefit the students by expanding their reading options and enhancing their learning environment. The book donation initiative also serves as a reminder of the vital role local organizations play in supporting education. The York East Rotary Club's efforts have not only provided tangible resources for Logos Academy but have also strengthened the bond between the school and the broader community.
Pictured: Chris Izzo, Committee Chair, students and Racquel Bratton, Logos Development Manager
York-East Rotary Club Enhances Logos Academy Library with Weekly Book Donations
I certainly express my gratitude to RI President Gordon McInally for his designation to serve as RI President Rep to the 4355 District Conference held in Pucon, Chile from June 14 to June 15 said PDG Hector Ortiz. Thanks to District 7390 and my club the Rotary Club of Harrisburg Keystone. It was amazing seeing, hearing, and feeling how Rotarians live, transpire and practice the principles of service above self and the multiple ways Rotarians have developed to Create Hope in the World.
I had the opportunity to learn about the many community projects our fellow Rotarians are doing and how much fellowship is shared in any place where Rotary exists. It makes me reaffirm without doubt that Rotary is one of the greatest organizations of the world. PDG Hector and Marisol shared the transcendental work that Rotary does in the world, the work of the Rotary Foundation and the examples of how people have created Hope in the world during this year.
One of the highlights of District 4355 is the creation of a D2D program that allowed members of D4355 and D6110 engaged in a sisterhood/brotherhood of districts to increase fellowship, enhance collaboration, and explore partnerships in supporting global grants.
Another success is the creation of two satellite clubs, one of them a formed women’s support committee that is now a satellite women’s club. There was folklore, food, and the traditional Latino/Hispanic camaraderie as well as the well-known Rotarian fellowship. The Pucon Major, the Rotary Club of Pucon and DG Ana Maria Badilla played a transcendental role in making this conference an informative yet very enjoyable one, said PDG Hector Ortiz.
PDG Hector Ortiz Represents RI President Gordon McInally
The Hershey Rotary Club invites you to join us on July 22, 2024 at the Hershey Lodge Aztec Room when we will welcome the incoming class of International Fellows of the Army War College in Carlisle. The Army War College International Fellows Luncheon is a "can't miss" event! The Hershey Rotary Club invites approximately eighty senior military officers from around the world to have lunch with our Club.
Each year, by an invitation from the Chief of Staff of the United States Army, these valiant men and women spend a year attending the U.S. Army War College. The academic year is full of studying, research, and fellowship as these officers are instructed in areas ranging from military concepts and doctrine to national and theater level strategies.
The hope is that if ever our countries are anticipating war, US officers will see a friendly face across the table and work together to bring about peace, thereby avoiding battle. REGISTER to join us for this annual International Fellows Reception.
You're Invited - Army War College International Fellows Luncheon
The 2024 RYLA Conference was an exciting and fun-filled week. The conferees spent 5 days at Messiah University learning more about their leadership styles and honing their specific leadership qualities. The closing celebration was held Thursday, June 13 where the top Conferees were announced. The top conferees are selected by their peers and staff.
Pictured L-R: Assistant Conference Direct David Deitz, Conference Director Alanna Stuart, District RYLA Chair Gary Crissman, Top Conferee Terrell Russell (Lancaster-Sunrise), Connor McQueen (Red Lion/Dallastown Area), Rachel Theodore (York-North), Eva Heistand (Eastern York County) and Alivia Haugh (Eastern York County)
Outstanding RYLA Conferees Announced at the Closing Celebration
In an effort to engage the many talents and passions of Rotarians throughout our District, we are interested in hearing from YOU about ways you would like to grow in service and leadership at a District level. Please complete the questionnaire hereby June 21, 2024. Thank you in advance for your willingness to share your time and talents with us!
Rotarian Input Needed on District Service Questionnaire!
Giving up something that costs $3.33 a day would mean so much to others that have nothing. Would you miss the $3.33 a day if it automatically came out of your account or charged to your credit card? As Rotarians, we are making a difference around the world by giving to The Rotary Foundation. For most of us, $3.33 a day would not be considered a sacrifice. As Rotarians, we do so much for our local communities, which already have so much, in comparison to other communities around the world. Please consider making a real difference to humanity and give to The Rotary Foundation on a regular basis. Then talk with your club about how you can make the world a better place through the use of Rotary Global Grants.
If you have Children, Think about everything you have given them.
Hello all. Another great week of Rotary. We continue to serve our communities in big and small ways. We are making a difference.
I spent this past week as part of the Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) conference at Messiah University. What an awesome event! (Scroll down to see more details) We had 84 high school rising-seniors particpate this week who were sponsored by 29 clubs. I am impressed with RYLA as a leadership education conference. Thank you to our sponsoring clubs and Rotarians who paid for the students to attend. Thank you to the RYLA committee led by Corey Graybill (Eastern York) for the work to promote, fund, administer, and conduct the conference. Thank you to Gary Crissman (Hershey) for creating a wonderful program for these exceptional student leaders. We further thanked Gary at our closing program for his more than 25 years of service to our RYLA program. He has left us an awesome program and a legacy of student leaders, some of whom have returned as counselors and staff in the RYLA program. Thank you to the resident Rotarians who spent the week with us – Carmen Calderon (Passport) and Heather Steavens-Jones (Passport) – and provided their own inspiring leadership examples to the students. We had a great group of leadership and vocational speakers, Rotarians and non-Rotarians, who taught and inspired us all with their stories and words of wisdom. Bravo to each of them and thank you to Carmen for finding our vocational speakers and to Steph Acri (Mechanicsburg North) for the leadership speakers. We told the RYLA students to return to their sponsoring clubs to report on their experiences. You’ll be inspired when you hear them speak. What a gem RYLA is for Rotary!
Please remember to be vigilant in your cyber security measures. Last week a few Rotarians received an email posing as me to ask to support a $1500 donation. As happened last fall, this email came from an email account that is not mine but did go to Rotarians in the district. Whether Rotary or other organizations, be suspicious of emails and text messages that just “pop in” that you are not expecting. These may well be phishing attempts to get you to reply or click on something that then grabs your contacts or other information to further the phishing scheme. I get these emails too and it is maddening. Sorry this happens in our district.
Only about two weeks left in this Rotary year. Hard to believe how fast it has gone. I am grateful for all the Rotarians I have met and worked with this year. Thank you to the club presidents and club officers who are the true leaders in Rotary. Your leadership this year has been awesome!
Thanks for all you do in Rotary. I’ll see you around the district.
This trail care event is hosted by the Rotary Club of Mechanicsburg-North in partnership with the Keystone Trails Association (KTA) as part of their Trail Care Days. The event is made possible through a Rotary District 7930 Environmental Grant. We will start with a safety talk and tutorial on the type of trail work we'll be doing, then likely split into small groups to tackle some trail projects. The type of work may involve trimming back vegetation with loppers, pruners, and handsaws, as well as raking, digging, and grading new treadways.
About KTA: From its headquarters on Main St. in Mechanicsburg, KTA protects and preserves PA's hiking trails to promote outdoor recreation and connect people with our natural environment. Please consider supporting this event.
Hosted by Rotary Club of Mechanicsburg-North: Trail Care Day at LeTort Spring Garden Preserve - June 18 @ 9:00 a.m.
Susquehannock High School Senior Keira Woods and Kennard-Dale High School Senior Hannah Carl each were recipients of $1500 scholarships from the Rotary Club of Southern York County Scholarship Fund of York County Community Foundation.
But what does this have to do with Rotary? Some people want to hide from the fact that there are people in need in this world. These are not Rotarians. Rotarians see and acknowledge what shouldn’t be. Rotarians hear and are aware of what shouldn’t be. Rotarians speak and share with others what shouldn’t be. However, unlike just seeing, hearing, and speaking, Rotarians take action to correct the wrongs that others are subjected to. We can all think about so much injustice that happens all around the world.
In my opinion, one of the worst is the abuse of children, from verbal abuse to kidnapping for child slave labor and prostitution. But let’s just start with verbal abuse. We think about cruel words spoken to children, but what about spousal abuse witnessed by children? This happens in every neighborhood around the world. We know that these children survive, however, how many of them will carry on this cycle because it is what they experienced as children? Think about it.
One Rotarian decided to make a difference in their communities and developed a module for men and women to learn how to get along and respect each other. Yes, just one Rotarian who saw, heard, spoke, and took action to make a difference in society.
Think about injustice to others in your communities and around the world. Will you stand by and ignore, or will you get involved and take action? Rotary has Rotary Fellowships and Action Groups that want to make a difference like the Human Trafficking Fellowship and the Rotary Action Group for Peace.
Let all of us open our eyes, our ears, and our mouths, then decide how we can take action. We all can contribute to making the world a better place for all.
Click on the link to the Phillies Rotary Strike-Out Hunger landing page Phillies.com/RotarySOH or use the QR Code
Click the Buy Now box at the bottom.
Type in your District-Club Code (click here to view the list of codes) where it says “Enter Offer Code” and click the SUBMIT box.
Select “How many tickets?” and click on the desired highlighted Section in the ball park. You will get the best seats available, so order early. You may order tickets in multiple sections and at different times.
To see your seats or choose different seats, click on the words SEAT MAP then the SECTION desired. Next click on the seats you want from the highlighted seats available and click CONTINUE.
Then click ADD TO CART.
If you don’t have a PASSWORD, click SIGN UP then click the LOG IN button. If you don’t have an account, you can create one now.
Enter your Credit or Debit Card information and click PAY NOW. All your ordered tickets will be sent to your email address. You can forward individual tickets to others.
Each year, the York East Rotary Club presents a $2,000 scholarship to two area high school senor students who demonstrate outstanding academic achievement and who also exemplify “Service Above Self”, the motto and core mission of Rotary. This year’s scholarship award recipients are Kirra Hyser of York Suburban High School and Macey DiBastiani of York County School of Technology.
Members of the Rotary Club commended the students for their exceptional dedication and encouraged them to continue their outstanding work. We have no doubt that they will continue to excel and contribute meaningfully to society. In recognizing and supporting these exceptional students, the Rotary Club reinforced its commitment to fostering education, leadership, and community engagement among the youth, ensuring that the future of the community remains in capable and compassionate hands. Each of the recipients excelled academically and received numerous academic accolades. Further, each demonstrated outstanding service qualities to their schools in leadership roles of various organizations, as well as to the community at large through many hours of volunteer service.
In June 2024, partnering organizations will gather across the city to celebrate the economic, social, and community significance of Juneteenth for communities in the Greater Harrisburg area! We will host various events and workshops geared toward education, celebration, rest, and economic uplift! Last year we had over 3000 participants in attendance at 12 events! We will end the week with Juneteenth Jubilee, a day-long event centered around education, community resources, arts, and celebration. This year we expand to include neighboring municipal leaders in the festivities!
Pennsylvania was the first state in the union to have partial abolition, setting off the 85-year march toward freedom. The Juneteenth holiday is recognized as the official emancipation day of those who were enslaved in the United States. While the Civil War ended almost 2.5 years prior, it took until June 19, 1865, for the word to reach Galveston, Texas that slavery had officially ended. Taking our lead from our southern compatriots, we have now created a legacy event that enriches culture, and connects us to the past, with an eye on the future!
Click here to view a list of all the Juneteenth Events!
The Rotary Club of Harrisburg hosted a great event on May 23 at Capital Blue Cross Connect facilities in the Hampton Marketplace in Enola with 28 Rotarians and guests attending not only from District 7390 but also from District 7430. There were six clubs from District 7390 (Carlisle, Harrisburg, Lebanon, Mechanicsburg-North, West Shore and York). There were three clubs from District 7430 (Allentown West, Bethlehem, and West Reading-Wyomissing).
Venue Sponsor Capital Blue Cross provided a wonderful venue and Special Event Sponsor BELCO Community Credit Union provided excellent hors d'oeuvres and drinks. Thanks go to Ellen Brown President of the Rotary Club of Harrisburg for hosting this networking event and to Scott Stevens incoming President of the Rotary Club of Harrisburg for organizing it. Kudos to DGN Mary Brunski for running the Circle exercise with humor and grace. Well done all!
Hello Rotarians. What an incredible adventure I have had in Singapore at the 2024 Rotary International convention. While I look forward to being home, I won’t forget the incredible energy among the 12,000-plus Rotarians as we learned from each other all that Rotary is doing and will be doing. Every facet of Rotary was on display throughout the 4 day and the breakout sessions were excellent learning opportunities. I came away with a new appreciation for the emphasis Rotary International is placing on Peacebuilding and addressing environmental concerns.
Together, these two areas of focus account for much suffering among our fellow humans and growing costs for our international system of national governments. There are many challenges but also opportunities for service that Rotary is making possible. I look forward to talking with you about the convention and all Rotary is doing. Feel free to invite me and our other District 7390 convention a1endees to your club to speak about it in the coming months. And now registration for the 2025 convention in Calgary, Alberta, Canada is open. Please consider joining me, DG Paul and Maria Thompson, and thousands of other Rotarians at the next convention and experience for yourself the Magic of Rotary.
Please join us at the District Governor Installation on June 29th in Hershey. The Hershey club and the event committee have created a great event to close out our current Rotary year and begin the new by installing Governor Paul Thompson and the district leadership. Please come celebrate the current year with your fellow Rotarians. I look forward to thanking each of you for all that we have done this year to make South-Central Pennsylvania a wonderful home. And I look forward to welcoming Paul to the district governorship. It is an awesome experience being a DG!
The Rotary Club of Southern York County presented its 7th Annual Flags for Heroes Ceremony at the New Freedom Heritage Green on May 18, 2024. Special honor was given to Pennsylvania State Police Trooper Jacques F. "Jay" Rougeau, Jr. who died in the line of duty in 2023. In attendance were Trooper Rougeau Jr’s Widow, Chloe, and his Mother and Step-Father, Angela and Carlo Gervasio. York County President Commissioner Julie Wheeler and representatives from Troop J and Troop G of the Pennsylvania State Police, the Southern Regional Police Department, and the York County Prison Honor Guard were also in attendance. All proceeds raised during the Rotary Club’s Flags for Heroes Events benefit the Troopers Helping Troopers Foundation.
Flags for Heroes Presented by Southern York County
“In many cultures and religions, a lit flame is a symbol of faith, miracles, enlightenment, peace, concentration, life-giving power, and joy.”
Google, what does a lit candle represent?
I hope this reminds you of Rotary.
None of us can do it all, but each of us can do something. Many small somethings to The Rotary Foundation will change lives. Changing lives creates more peace around the world. Rotarians and Rotary clubs are using Global Grants to make life better for many who don’t have clean water, medical services, jobs, and the list goes on. In many cases, we are talking about those without opportunity or a future.
Now think about your life and imagine that you were born into a life with nothing. Think about how much you have and be thankful, be grateful for your life.
The Rotary Foundation was created to help make the world a better place for all. As Rotarians, we need to do our small part in the life-changing efforts that change the world for so many others. Click here to learn more!
Photo by Dennis Zubler
By Dennis Zubler, District International Service Chair
Hello Rotarians. As you read this note, I am experiencing long flights to Singapore to join thousands of Rotarians at the Rotary International Convention 26-30 May. There are 8 of us from District 7390 attending. Having been to two other Rotary International Conventions, I know this will be a wonderful experience learning all that is going on in Rotary and meeting hundreds of Rotarians from around the world. Immediately after this convention, reservations for the next convention in Calgary, Alberta Canada will go on sale. Please plan to join the experience in Calgary. And if not next year, the following year is in Taipei, Taiwan and the year after that is Honolulu, Hawaii (a place I can highly recommend).
Last week I visited with the PM meeting of the Mechanicsburg North club. What a great time I had! This alternate meeting was started a few years ago to o8er another opportunity to join in the fun of Mechanicsburg North Rotary for those who cannot make the regular morning meeting and the team is doing great. There are a number of clubs in our district who have alternate meeting options and/or a formal satellite/companion club. It is this sort of innovation that helps us remain vibrant in South Central PA. New is never easy, but often is worth the effort. Thank you to those leaders who have chosen to lead these meetings and go through the steps to start something new. Our district membership committee, led by PDG Juliet Altenburg, stands ready to discuss options for these type of meetings.
During my governor visit to our clubs, I talked about serving, learning, and leading in Rotary. As we make preparations for the next Rotary year, I am pleased that many of you have stepped up to various leadership and support positions in the clubs and at the district. Your e8orts will make your club and our district great groups to join and also to increase our impact in the community. Our district also has a number of Rotarians who have chosen to serve at the Zone or regional level. PDG Juliet Altenburg (Mechanicsburg North) will serve on the nominating committee to choose the next RI Director who will lead our paired Zones 28 and 32. PDG Una Martone (Harrisburg) will serve as the alternate nominator. PDG Connie Spark (York-East) will serve as our representative to the RI Council on Legislation. PDG Hector Ortiz (Harrisburg-Keystone) is serving as the Zone trainer of Assistant Governors covering 22 districts. And I couldn’t say no and have agreed to serve as the regional membership coordinator for our four MAPETS districts. Thank you to each of them and to all our Rotarians in leadership positions and incoming leaders for your willingness to serve us, your fellow Rotarians.
As we rapidly reach the close of the 2023-2024 Rotary Year, I am in awe of all that you have accomplished in your communities. Blessings to each of you for your good works.
Rotary’s Seven Areas Of Focus will impact the future of the world by improving children’s lives.
Think about how you and your club can make a difference by providing opportunities where none exist.
Providing Clean Water
Fighting Disease
Saving Mothers & Children
Supporting Education
Promoting Peace
Growing Local Economies
Protecting the Environment
We are People of Action who
Create Hope in the World
through The Magic Of Rotary!
What ideas do you have that can make a difference in the world? I would like to hear and discuss your ideas. Please email me at dennis.zubler@gmail.com.
I look forward to helping YOU to make a difference!
A Rotarian is a person who digs wells from which they will never drink,
A person who vaccinates children they will never meet,
Who restores sight for those they will never see,
Who builds houses they will never live in,
Who educates children they will never know,
Who plants trees they will never sit under,
Who feeds hungry people, regardless of race, religion, or politics,
Who makes crawlers walk half a world away,
Who knows real happiness, which as Albert Schweitzer said, can only be found by serving others.
Rotary clubs are important to their local communities, but are you also doing good around the world? When you give to your community, “my community” are you doing Service Above Self or Service For Self? Think about this. When I’m serving my community, I’m really serving myself. I want to help my community. My --- Mine --- Me Think about it.
Now please continue to serve your community through Rotary. Just give thought to taking a percentage of your giving budget and giving internationally.
During my recent visit to Kenya, Africa, I met children who have never had toys and girls who have never had doll babies.
No electricity, no running water, washing dishes outside. No education, no opportunity.
Please consider making a difference, children deserve a better life, an opportunity, and a future.
What % of your Rotary Club Giving is International?
Another Rotary week has flown by. As our 2023-2024 Rotary Year rapidly draws to a close, I am ever grateful for the experiences we continue to enjoy in Rotary and our South-Central Pennsylvania communities. Thank you for all you do to make this a great place to live.
Last night was a terrific event at the West Shore Theater learning about the pervasive effects of adverse childhood experiences. Thank you to President Bim and the West Shore Rotarians for using their District Club Grant money to create this wonderful community event and to Erin Sunday for leading the project. After some social time and receiving information about Rotary, the audience viewed the film “Resilience” about a groundbreaking study on the long-term effects on our bodies of adverse childhood experiences. The movie also showcased some practitioners and award-winning programs that are using this new set of data to develop treatment and prevention programs in schools and other organizations. Following the movie, a panel of experts in our community discussed the film, the programs, the realities of treating mental health, and various programs in our area. It was a superb session and very eye opening. This event is easily replicated in other venues on a range of topics of community need. What topic might your club help address in your community?
Another project just completed was in downtown York by the York club. Check out the attached photo of the beautiful planters and 4-Way test signs in York’s downtown Continental Square. This project not only made the York downtown that much better to visit, but also visibly showcases what Rotary is and stands for. Simple, elegant, and powerful. And check out the media coverage of the project on the web sites for WGAL, FOX, and several newspapers. Way to go President Aaron and York Rotarians!
Lastly, a reminder to invite someone to a Rotary event. Help others experience what we Rotarians experience every week in our community. I bet that nearly all of us were invited to check out a Rotary meeting, social, or service project by someone in our club. Pay it forward and bring a co-worker, friend, family member, or neighbor to a club activity. Let them see us Creating Hope in the World.
Greetings all. Hard to believe it is May already. There are only 2 months left in the Rotary Year. Where does the time go? I trust your club experience is going well and you are enjoying time with your fellow Rotarians. Keep up the energy. Our incoming 2024-2025 club and district leaders are busy preparing for the start of the year on July 1st. Check in with your club’s President-elect and see what plans they are formulating for the next Rotary year and where you might offer assistance and volunteer leadership. The same is true for our district-level committees and programs. Many hands make light work, and we will all be better for your individual efforts.
District conference. We had a wonderful district conference two weeks ago. We were glad to have about 90 Rotarians who participated in one or more parts of our three-part conference. Thank you to those that participated in the fun. My personal thanks to those who helped plan, coordinate, and conduct the conference. Our four speakers and learning session presenters were all outstanding and gave us much to think about. We were honored to have an RI President’s Representative join us. PDG Yavuz Atila from District 5230 in Central California was a wonderful guest speaker, fellow Rotarian in service, and Rotary leader. A special thanks to PDG Kevin Cogan (Carlisle Sunrise) for serving as Yavuz’s aide, chauffeur, and breakfast chef. Also from Carlisle Sunrise, thank you to Dan Collison for building Friday night’s program and serving as emcee, and Mike Zick for doing the same on Saturday plus creating the slide show with service project pictures. And Kim Lockwood (Carlisle Sunrise) and Joel Hillison (Carlisle) helped with our Saturday night dinner program. Our service projects on Saturday morning were appreciated by the organizations we supported. Thanks for finding worthy projects and coordinating the details go to AG Larenda Twigg (Carlisle Sunrise), Judy Wheaton (Carlisle), Joe McNally (West Shore), and DGND Rebecca Zalit (Palmyra). We also took time on Saturday to honor and remember those Rotarians who left us this past year. We are grateful for their service in Rotary and honor all they accomplished on behalf of others. Thank you to DGN Mary Brunski (Carlisle) and DGND Rebecca Zalit (Palmyra) for doing our memorial program. Our 4-Way Test Speech contest on Friday night did not disappoint. Thanks to Mike Handshew (Elizabethtown) and his team for conducting a challenging contest prior to the finals and then a superb event to select the final winners. We also heard the winning 4-Way Test Essay contest submission read by Mike. Thanks to Steve Grubb (Mechanicsburg North) and the essay contest team for reading all those essays. Thanks to Youth Exchange chair Jill Tenny and the YE committee along with our inbound and outbound students for giving us the international part of Rotary and helping us celebrate the flagship of Rotary’s youth program. And finally, a big thanks from all of us to Melissa Kopp-Smith, our awesome District Executive Administrator, for all her work on the myriad of details to conduct a conference that we know happen but can’t begin to count. Bravo to all!
Foundation giving. Please review your donations to the Rotary foundation for the 2023-2024 Rotary Year. There are only 2 months left to donate to the foundation for this current Rotary Year. Are you close to the next Paul Harris level? Was there an amount your planned to give this year? A portion of donations to the annual fund come back to the district in the form of District Designated Funds (DDF) in three years. Thus, it is important that each year we maximize our giving so that we have sufficient DDF in later years to support our local and international service projects. There are also other options for donations to the foundation such as Polio Plus, areas of focus, and the endowment. All have their place in Rotary’s international mission. Find the option that means the most to your Rotary service and philanthropy goals. It takes all of us to create our strong and capable Rotary Foundation that does so much good in the world.
Thanks for all you do for your community, your club, and Rotary. I’ll see you around the district.
At the request of several Rotarians from around the district, the District Finance Committee has put together a Model Club Budget and Year To Date Tracking document. Clubs can use the document, if they would like to. This resource is in google sheets. It can either be used in that format or converted to Excel if the club desired.
The District Finance Committee is excited to be able to offer this new asset for clubs and is working on bringing additional value to clubs in the coming Rotary year. The Committee stands ready to help any club that would like to use this document in their budget planning.
Please reach out to Melissa at the District office for more information. CLICK HERE to access the document on the District website under the Presidents Resources 2024-2025 tab.
The 2024 District Conference was fun and inspiring! Here is a quick look back at the events of the weekend!
The Four-Way Test Speech Contest was a great kick-off on Friday night! The five finalists compared the Four-Way Test to Laughter and weight loss, Justice, Friendships, and Parenting. The speeches were thought-provoking and entertaining.
Congratulations to the finalists on the top five places in the District!
Samuel Tennison (Manheim Township HS) - Rotary Club of Manheim
RJ Scacalossi (Manheim Township HS) - Rotary Club of Manheim
Keya Patel (Manheim Township HS) - Rotary Club of Manheim
Niles Nero (SciTech HS) - Rotary Club of Harrisburg
Alyssa Garber (Milton Hershey HS) - Rotary Club of Hershey
On Saturday there were several service projects throughout the District, learning sessions in the afternoon and the Governor's banquet Saturday night. The banquet featured presentations of District awards.
In a display of community spirit, members of the York East Rotary Club came together to volunteer their time and effort in revitalizing the beloved Gold Star Garden. On a Saturday morning, volunteers rolled up their sleeves and got to work, weeding and cleaning the garden with enthusiasm and dedication. The Gold Star Garden, located in the heart of York, is a poignant symbol of remembrance, honoring the brave men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice in service to their country. Recognizing the importance of maintaining this sacred space, the Rotary Club mobilized its members for a day of service. Armed with gardening gloves, trowels, and buckets, the volunteers set out to tackle the task at hand with vigor. Despite the chilly spring breeze, their spirits remained high as they worked diligently to remove weeds and debris, restoring the garden to its former glory.
Pictured: Victoria Dick, Jim Walters, Tim Koller, Chris Izzo, Karen Comery, Todd Kurl, Kevin Walker
The Zone Membership team is excited to announce a series of webinars starting May 6, 7:30 PM Eastern. Join us each month for dynamic, fast paced sessions full of concrete strategies you can use to grow your clubs! Our May 6 kick off session: Simply Irresistible: Keys to building a thriving club. Everyone is welcome! Click here for the Meeting Link
The weather should be nice to participate in the District-wide day of service on Saturday, April 20! So roll up your sleeves and head out to one of the locations listed below!
The Rotary Club of Harrisburg will host the 71st RMB networking event in Rotary District 7390 history and the second event in the RMB 2024 season at Capital Blue Cross Connect (Hampton Marketplace, 4500 Marketplace Way, Enola) on Thursday, May 23 from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. The event will be FREE thanks to major sponsor BELCO Community Credit Union and Capital Blue Cross Connect and will include light hors d’oeuvres, wine, beer, soft drinks, and water.
This will be another in a longstanding series of great business networking opportunities and fun and fellowship events. Do not miss it. Also, please consider bringing potential Rotarian guests and Family of Rotary.
Hello Rotarians! Another great week of Rotary in action. And in one week we will gather for the first part of our District Conference. I look forward to seeing those who have registered. Remember that even if you do not plan to join us for the formal conference events on Friday night and Saturday afternoon, you are encouraged to come out for one of the service projects on Saturday morning. The hosting organizations will be glad for your time and effort and our community environment will benefit. Thank you in advance for your help.
I had the pleasure to join the York club this week and help honor 43 Rotarians who achieved levels of giving as Paul Harris Society members and/or Paul Harris Fellows. It was a wonderful meeting to recognize those who have achieved these levels of contribution. Thank you to Club TRF Chairman Bill Hartman and his foundation committee members for their work to manage the donation process and encourage and recognize giving. And then Rotary service continued the next day as the club planted landscaping in Continental Square of downtown York. Check out President Aaron’s on-site interview with WGAL News 8. Awesome display of Rotary in Action! Thanks, York Rotarians, for your generous giving of money, time, and energy in supporting the York community and Rotary’s service mission.
These PHF recognitions are a reminder to all of us that regular, sustained giving of any amount adds up over time. Each of us can contribute to The Rotary Foundation and a portion of those contributions come back to us in the form of District Designated Funds (DDF) for use in Club Grant and Global Grant projects. I am proud that about two-thirds of our D7390 Rotarians give to the foundation each year – the average across Rotary is only 40% giving. How great would it be if we hit 100% giving this year before June 30th? Every donation counts and every donation helps. Thank you to our donors and future donors. You are making a difference in people’s lives.
At their April 10th weekly club meeting, The Rotary Club of York honored seven new members of The Paul Harris Society, each of whom pledged to make annual contributions of $1,000 or more to The Rotary Foundation. Pictured are: Jim Anderson, III (accepting for Jim Anderson, Jr.), Ashlee Etzweiler, George Hummel, Fred Rosenmiller, Jan Wolgamuth, Tom Donley and BJ Fegely (not pictured). Also pictured are Club President Aaron Jacobs and District Governor Fred Gellert.
The Rotary Club of York recognized 37 club members for achieving their next level of Paul Harris Fellow giving to The Rotary Foundation at the April 10th weekly club meeting.
York Rotary Recognizes Paul Harris Fellows and Paul Harris Society Members
Leadership Harrisburg Area is hosting the 4th Annual Central PA Volunteer Fair, which seeks to match the passions of potential volunteers with the needs of local nonprofits. Featuring a variety of nonprofits, food trucks, and raffle prizes, there’s something for everyone. The volunteer fair is taking place Tuesday, April 16 at Commonwealth Charter Academy (1 Innovation Way, Harrisburg, PA) from 4:00 p.m. – 7 :30 p.m. Click here to view all the details! The fair was advertised on Good Day PA. Click here to view the Good Day PA segment.
Our District is hosting a Rotary table at the fair educating attendees on Rotary and all the great service activities of our clubs. If you would like to help PDG Juliet Altenburg at the table for even one hour, please contact Juliet at DGJuliet2022@qrpc.com. You can bring club brochures and other giveaways to help spread the reach of Rotary!
Calling all Rotarians to Participate in the Leadership Harrisburg Area Volunteer Fair!
Church World Services (CWS) Harrisburg supports our region's refugees as they resettle, integrate, andthrive through programs and projects that encourage self-sufficiency including employment.
They must resettle 440 well-vetted, legally- arriving refugees this fiscal year ending September 30 as compared to 135 last year. Among the cases assigned to their care are single mothers, large families and persons with challenging medical conditions. Rotary Club support is needed with donations of time and money which will help with resettlement and basic needs such as housing and utilities.
To make monetary donations send checks to: CWS Harrisburg, 2101 North Front Street, Building 3 Suite 301, Harrisburg, PA 17110, or donate online at: Donate - Live - CWS Harrisburg
Questions and requests for club presentations should be directed to Erika Juran at Ejuran@cwsglobal.org. Thank you for your generosity in considering support for our most needy neighbors.
Happy spring in district 7390! Each week I get to go to one or more club’s activities and it is great to see our wonderful Rotarians in action. Thank you for all that you are doing to serve others in your communities.
The Carlisle club invited me to attend a special meeting they jointly hosted with the Popel Shaw Center at Dickinson College. This meeting included Carlisle Rotarians, Dickinson College faculty and students, and staff of the PA Human Relations Commission (PHRC). The keynote speaker was Mr. Chad “CD” Lassiter, PHRC executive director, who gave a passionate presentation about various challenges and opportunities in human relations in our state and in our backyard of Carlisle. Some of what he discussed was unsettling to be sure, but it was necessary to hear to better understand our community. I am grateful to our Carlisle Rotarians for doing this special session. The lesson I pass to all clubs and Rotarians in the district is to try one of these special meetings to learn more about your community. Invite state, county, and town officials or other agencies who can help illuminate areas of the community that may be hard to see as Rotarians but need Rotary’s help. Then talk as a club how you might make a difference based on what you discover. The community will benefit while making Rotary in south-central PA even stronger.
We are just over two weeks away from the district conference. You can register until April 10th. The conference is designed in three parts and you may attend one or more of the separate parts according to your intertest and availability. The details are on the district web site under the District Conference 2024 link at the top. Our Saturday morning service projects are coming together well. Even if you are not planning to attend the other parts of the conference, the service projects on Saturday are opportunities for service and fellowship. Bring yourself, your family, your neighbors, and your co-workers. Show them the heart of Rotary. I am grateful to the Rotarians who agreed to coordinate the separate projects on our behalf. AG Larenda Twigg (Carlisle-Sunrise) and Judy Wheaton (Carlisle) have a project in the Carlisle area at the King’s Gap Environmental Education Center to help them prepare for the new season. DGND Rebecca Zalit (Palmyra) has a project with Quittie Creek Nature Park near Annville to clear invasive species plants. And Joe McNally (West Shore) has coordinated two activities: the Watershed Association of York County (WAY) will hold a riparian buffer project to stabilize a riverbank; and the Susquehanna National Heritage Area’s Zimmerman Center will hold an educational event about the Susquehanna river. Thank you to all of them for their efforts in finding and coordinating worthy projects for our collective service.
I’ll see you at the District Conference and around the district.
Friday, April 19, 2024 will feature a kick-off event at the U.S. Army Heritage and Education Center (950 Soldiers Drive, Carlisle, PA 17013). The evening will have fun and fellowship, but the highlight will be the finals for the District Four-Way Test Speech Contest.
On Saturday, April 20, 2024 a District-wide service project will be held in the morning. At 2:00 p.m. all Rotarians will gather at Heritage Hills Resort (2700 Mount Rose Avenue, York, PA 17402) for some informational sessions until 4:30 p.m. Immediately following the conclusion of the sessions, we will start our celebration of the 2023-2024 Rotary year with a cocktail hour and then the Governor's banquet.
Greetings on a chilly spring day. I hope your Rotary experience continues to be great. Mine is awesome!
I had the pleasure of joining the York-East Rotarians this week as they celebrated several milestones of giving by Rotarians to our Rotary Foundation. PDG Connie Spark reached the second level of Major Donor status. Jim Walters and John Schmitt reached the first Major Donor level. And Bill Gierasch received his next Paul Harris level. Thank you to all for your sustained giving and your gift that creates hope in the world. Thank you to Club President Elizabeth Wolf for her leadership to the York-East Rotarians and for inviting me to join in the celebration. And a big thank you to Club Foundation Chair Kris Pollick for her work to recognize these Rotarians while fostering a giving culture in the club. Bravo to all!
We are continuing to accept donations for the Peacebuilding and Conflict Resolution area of focus. However, for now please do not make donations directly on-line to the program. We are working with the Rotary Foundation on how they account for donations toward becoming a peacebuilding district. Please send your contribution to Melissa at the district office and we will submit these as a district.
I will see more than 60 of you tomorrow at the District Learning Assembly. I am so looking forward to this event. We have a wonderful slate of facilitators covering a range of topics that will make us informed and inspired Rotarians who in turn will make our clubs vibrant. Awesome!
Thanks for all you are doing to serve in your communities. Your efforts make a difference to so many people. It is an honor to be a part of this Rotary family. I’ll see you around the district.
The York East Rotary Club gave out Paul Harris Fellow Awards to 4 individuals who have demonstrated exceptional service and dedication to their communities. The award is named after Paul Harris, who founded the first Rotary Club in Chicago in 1905. It's a way for Rotary clubs to recognize individuals for their contributions to the club's goals of promoting peace, fighting disease, providing clean water, supporting education, and more.
Rotary clubs typically award Paul Harris Fellowships to individuals who have made significant contributions, either through monetary donations or substantial volunteer efforts. These contributions might be directed towards local or global initiatives that align with Rotary's values and objectives.
The awards were given by Fred Gellert, Rotary District 7390 Governor, Elizabeth Wolf, Club President and Kris Pollick, Rotary Foundation Chair to John Schmitt, Jim Walters, Bill Gierasch and Connie Spark. The Paul Harris Fellow recognition is a significant honor within the Rotary community and is accompanied by a certificate and a medallion. It signifies a person's commitment to the Rotary's motto of "Service Above Self" and their dedication to making positive changes in the world.
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. The club has been doing it since 1998 and occasionally finds treasures and lots of trash (cans, cups, bags, and tires). We even found a wallet this year and hope to return it to the owner!
From left to right: Nate Tile, Kris Pollick, Greg Kern, Dan Hoff and Tim Koller
$40,000 To Be Awarded to Community Programs in 2024
Rotary Club of York and the York Rotary Foundation have just opened the 2024 round of their Rotary Club community grants. York Rotary Grants provide valuable funding support to address the changing needs of York through grant programs focused on improving our local community. Grants of $2,500-$10,000 will be awarded to projects or programs in 2024 taking place July 1, 2024-June 31, 2025. York Rotary Grants provide valuable funding support to address the changing needs of York through grant programs focused on improving our local community. Projects must match the grant request with other support.
The fields of interest for 2024 and examples of projects/programs that would fall under these fields follow. The Rotary Club grants committee only accepts letters of interest that fall under one or both of these interests.
CULTIVATE youth success
Programs and projects helping York City residents under the age of 18 prepare for their future as successful students, leaders, and community members.
Events designed to bring youth together to build connection, learning and understanding.
Educational programs to build skills needed for a successful future (No applications for scholarships will be considered. The Rotary Club of York already provides scholarship funding. If seeking a scholarship, please visit https://www.yorkrotary.org/page/scholarships).
IMPROVE the York City Environment
Programs and projects designed to improve the environment in the City of York to benefit its residents and visitors. Environment can be physical improvements to the built environment, the social environment, and/or the cultural environment. Projects under this scope include beautification such as murals, convening conversations to build bridges among communities, sense of place activities, and programs that remove barriers and improve access for all York City residents.
Letters of Interest by York County based non-profit organizations can now be submitted for projects and programs that meet these focus areas until April 5, 2024 at 5:00pm EST. Full grant guidelines and online Letter of Interest applications can be found here. Letters of Interest addressing one or both fields of interest that are selected to move to the full application stage can request $2,500-$10,000 in matching funds. All LOI applicants will be notified of their status by 5/1/2024
All proceeds from the 5K Run for Education will be used for scholarships for deserving seniors at Cumberland Valley, Cumberland Perry Area CTC and East Pennsboro High Schools
Where: East Pennsboro High School Track, 425 Shady Lane, Enola
When: In person registration begins at 11am, the 5K Run for Education is at noon and the One Mile Color Run at 1pm on April 28th (Sunday)
Medals will be given for best times by sex and age group at the 5K Run. We will also give out a monetary gift for the overall male and female winners.
We will have a walking taco stand and the Kona Ice Truck. There will be plenty of kids activities!
On Tuesday, April 30th at 6:30 PM Zone Rotaract Lead Abit Ragbeer will be the featured presenter hosted by our District Membership Committee on Rotaract! In years past, our District had many Rotaract clubs that were university based and disappeared during the COVID 19 pandemic. Abit will educate us how to start new Rotaract Clubs that can be University Based, Community Based or Satellite Clubs. She will also tell us how Rotaract has changed over the years and how it can bring new energy to your club and community. Click here to register and receive the Zoom link!
This Rotary Club of Hershey Annual dinner is the principle fundraising event of our Rotary year. 100% of the net proceeds from this event enables the Hershey Rotary Club to provide support to dozens of local organizations as well as some regional and international entities. We are also very active in supporting area youth through our Students of the Month program, Service Above Self Scholarships, and the Rotary International Youth Exchange Program.
Join us at The Hershey Lodge Chocolate Ballroom (325 University Drive, Hershey) on Saturday, April 27, 2024! The evening kicks off at 5:00 p.m. with a cash bar, hors d’oeuvres, live music and silent auction, then continues with dinner, followed by a live auction and dancing. Music provided by “Generations Big Band”. Ticket Price: $125/person
Evening’s Agenda
5:00 p.m. Registration, Silent Auction & Live Music
6:30 p.m. Dinner
7:30 p.m. Live Auction followed by Live Music & Dancing
What a great week we have had. Loving the weather! I know our clubs and Rotarians remain active doing service in our communities. Warm weather makes it just a little more fun. Last week I visited the Susquehanna Township club, my 41st and last official Governor visit. I am elated that I got to visit each of our clubs and experience the camaraderie that is a Rotary club while learning about all the projects, giving, and challenges each club undertakes. Even our smallest clubs are doing great things for their communities. It is an honor to serve in Rotary with you and I am inspired each time I interact with Rotarians. Thank you.
As the spring season opens, we look forward to new opportunities in life and in Rotary. Talk with your club leaders about where you might help do some “spring cleaning” in the club. Maybe all those pictures we took over the past months need to be sorted, labelled, and posted. Many of our web sites and social media sites need clean up and refresh. Maybe your club’s historical records need to be updated with the last few club events. Maybe the local community needs some help getting the parks and gardens back in shape for all to enjoy. It only takes a couple energetic Rotarians to get a project started. Could that be you? One service area we can really engage is in our youth programs. Our Youth Exchange students are a joy to be around. Could your club sponsor an inbound student this coming year or next? The deadline for submitting an application to attend RYLA is approaching. Does your club have a student or two who will benefit from this program? Our Interact clubs across the district are always looking to do meaningful service projects. Can your club engage with them and build those connections? Our 4-Way Test Speech and Essay contests are underway. Can your club conduct local contests and participate in the district contest program for next year? There are endless possibilities to engage with our youth.
District Learning Assembly is one week away. Over 50 of us are registered to attend on Saturday, March 23rd, at Central Penn College. There is still room for more Rotarians and guests to learn a little more about all that Rotary is and does. The list of sessions and registration details are on the front page of the district web site. We have a great group of instructors who will share knowledge and facilitate discussion, so we learn from each other and take back some cool ideas to our clubs. There is a specific session focused on our newest members to help them understand all that is Rotary. Maybe you could invite a prospective member to come attend that session to further their interest in Rotary. I look forward to learning with you next week.
District Conference 2024. Our conference this year will be a multi-part event on 19-20 April. We will have something to interest everyone. The details and registration link are all on the district web site. Friday the 19th will be at the Army Heritage and Education Center (AHEC) in Carlisle and offer several history related events. As we gather and socialize together, the AHEC staff will give us tours of the facility and show us what it has to offer the public – a great place to take the kids and grandkids. Then we’ll dine together and have our program. We will hold our 4-Way Test Speech and Essay contest final and select the winners. Always an inspiring event to hear our high school students teach us powerful ideas. And we’ll close with a presentation by one of our Army War College historians on some historical leadership lessons, which will be of interest to all of us who lead in our professional, personal, and volunteer lives. Then on Saturday morning, we have several hands-on service projects in different corners of the district. Even if you cannot attend the other parts of the district conference, you are welcome to join one of the projects and render service in our environment. Finally, we will gather at the Heritage Hills resort in York to have some learning sessions in the afternoon followed by a social and dinner with a formal program. Our learning session speakers will help us understand how to develop talent, the challenges on-going in our environment, and understand the larger Rotary organization we all enjoy. We are honored to have as part of our conference one of the RI President’s representatives who will be with us throughout the conference and offer some thoughts on Rotary. I look forward to seeing you at one or more parts of our conference. Let’s grow in Rotary together.
Thanks for all you do in your club, in your community, and in the world. I’ll see you around the district.
This event was highlighted on Good Day PA on May 1 - Check it out - https://www.abc27.com/good-day-pa/resilience-with-the-rotary-club-of-west-shore/.
The Rotary Club of West Shore is hosting a free community movie and panel discussion on Thursday, May 9, 2024 at the West Shore Theater (317 Bridge Street, New Cumberland)
This free public event that is made possible thought a District 7390 Club Grant. This event will focus on Rotary International President Gordan McInally’s focus on mental health. Let’s pack the theatre!
The women Rotarians in attendance at the March 6th meeting at the Rotary Club of York gathered for a photo wearing purple in honor of International Women’s Day on March 8, a day to celebrate a world free of bias, stereotypes, and discrimination. A world that's diverse, equitable, and inclusive. A world where difference is valued and celebrated!
You're invited to an exclusive VIP dinner hosted by the Uptown York Rotary Club at Gather256! Proceeds benefit UYRC's education initiatives, including sponsoring additional students for the Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) program, and expanding our impactful dictionary project.
Since our charter in 2011, UYRC has sponsored an opportunity for one rising high school senior from the York area to participate in the RYLA program—an intensive leadership experience shaping the future leaders of tomorrow. Through your support at this fundraiser, we can extend this opportunity to two promising young leaders in our community.
UYRC is also engaged in the Rotary Dictionary Project, providing dictionaries to third graders as part of Rotary's global emphasis on literacy. Since 2021, UYRC has distributed dictionaries to approximately 340 third graders across four local schools, including York Academy and Logos Academy. Your support will help us reach even more young students as they transition from learning to read to reading to learn.
Join us from 6-8pm on March 23rd for a bespoke four-course dinner with Uptown York Rotary Club and Gather 256. Mingle and enjoy live music, then settle in and enjoy the meal with complimentary wine pairing.
In a bid to foster literacy and provide an enriching educational environment for students, the York East Rotary Club and District 7390 have made a significant contribution of $5,000 to Logos Academy for the establishment of a brand-new grammar school library. The generous donation aims to enhance the learning experience of students by providing them access to a diverse collection of fiction and non-fiction books, along with flexible seating, furniture, fixtures, shelving, rugs, and lighting. Logos Academy, known for its commitment to academic excellence and holistic development, has embarked on a mission to enrich its educational resources by revamping its grammar school library. The infusion of funds from the York East Rotary Club and District 7390 comes as a welcomed boost, further solidifying the academy's dedication and to ignite a love of reading to a wide variety of books. The donation was instrumental in the acquisition of hundreds of fiction and non-fiction books, catering to a wide range of interests and reading levels among students.
Additionally, the funds were utilized to procure flexible seating options, enabling students to comfortably immerse themselves in their reading endeavors. The library makeover will also include the installation of modern furniture, fixtures, shelving, rugs, and lighting, transforming the space into a vibrant hub of learning and exploration. "We are immensely grateful to the York East Rotary Club and District 7390 for their generous contribution towards our new grammar school library," expressed Racquel Bratton, Development Director of Logos Academy. The collaboration between Logos Academy, the York East Rotary Club, and District 7390 underscores the power of community partnerships in advancing educational initiatives. By pooling resources and expertise, these entities are working together to empower students and equip them with the tools they need to succeed academically and beyond. The impact of the $5,000 donation from the York Rotary Club and District 7390 will resonate far beyond the walls of Logos Academy, leaving a lasting legacy of educational empowerment and community support.
Club Members Pictures: Greg Kern, Kyle King, Sandi Graham, Chris Izzo and Tim Koller
Hello Rotarians. Maybe spring weather is here? Whether we have some more of that less warm weather coming or not, Rotary is an all-season sport and I’m glad we continue to serve year-round. Thanks for all you are doing in our communities and our world.
Rotary Means Business. Last night about 60 people gathered for Rotary Means Business (RMB) at the Rolls-Royce Museum in Mechanicsburg. What a great event! The museum has 30 vintage Rolls and Bentley cars, including one that is 100 years old. We had some tasty food supplied by the Market St Deli, heard everyone’s “elevator speech” about their business, and enjoyed pleasant conversations connecting with like-minded servant leaders. Thanks to PDG John Anthony (Mechanicsburg-North), for leading the event and to the Rolls-Royce Museum Foundation for hosting. Thanks to the club sponsors for the event: Mechanicsburg-North, D7390 Passport, Yellow Breeches, and West Shore. Also helping last night were DGN Mary Brunski (Carlisle), PE Scott Stevens (Harrisburg) as the emcee and circle leader, and VP Rob Altenburg (Mechanicsburg-North) as drink meister. Thank you to all for your efforts last night. RMB continues to thrive in District 7390 under the leadership of PDG Alden Cunningham (Carlisle) and his team. We are always looking for clubs to sponsor an RMB event in their area. You are welcome to attend any RMB, but hosting one in your area is a great way to connect with businesses and people in your own backyard – and it is a great Rotary recruiting event. You are welcome to visit an RMB to see the format and speak to the organizers. Alden has a great method to make the event smooth and successful. Give it a try.
District Learning Assembly. There are 30 people registered for our in-person learning event on the morning of 23 March at Central Penn College. Plenty of room for you to join us. There are 14 topics to choose from and each attendee can attend up to three classes, one per hour. We have instructors from various rotary clubs and a couple from outside Rotary. For our newer Rotarians, we have one class set as a new member orientation to help them see Rotary in all its facets. A panel of leaders from three of our clubs who are growing in membership will help us see some of what’s working for their membership efforts. And we have several classes focused on key positions in our clubs, such as secretary, treasurer, foundation, youth programs, and membership, to help strengthen our clubs and share ideas to make these areas of responsibility run smoothly. All the classes are listed on the district web site with the link for registration. The small cost of $22.50 covers a light breakfast and the facility rental. Central Penn is a great partner for us and continues to provide us good food, good facilities, and friendly support. We are lucky to have them right in the middle of our district. Come out and let’s learn together.
District Conference. We have a great set of events for our annual district conference 19-20 April. We have 20 registrants thus far. Jump on in and sign up. We’ll have a special guest with us that weekend as RI President Gordon McInally has approved us to be a district to have one of his official representatives attend our conference. He’ll share with us some of the happenings at Rotary International. It has been at least 10 years since our district had a President’s representative in attendance. The conference will have three parts. Part 1 on Friday evening, April 19th, will be at the Army Heritage and Education Center in Carlisle. We’ll tour the facility and learn how they support with various historical programs and data sources. Then we’ll have a buffet dinner and hear our 4-Way Speech and Essay test contest finalists. This is always a great event to see our young scholars wow us with their speeches and essays. Then we’ll have remarks from the RI President’s representative and our featured speaker, dr. Michael Lynch, a historian at the army war college and a published author who will speak on history’s leadership lessons. Then on Saturday morning Part 2 will be some service projects in several locations. Come on out and perform some hands-on service for our communities. Then we’ll gather for Part 3 on Saturday afternoon at the Heritage Hills resort and hotel near York to have three learning sessions followed by a reception and dinner where we’ll give out some district awards. Our learning sessions will be on talent development by the director of talent development for PA Governor Shapiro’s office, a talk on environmental issues by a War College professor, and our RI President’s representative will hold a session to hear about RI programs and field questions from you on anything Rotary. Over the two days we will have an eventful, informative, and impactful conference. So sign up, bring your family, and bring your club mates.
So far I have greatly enjoyed studying in the UK. I have had the opportunity to study alongside leading scholars in the field of international development and education, taking a variety of classes in the field. For instance, I have taken a course on the Role of the State in Education and in the Future of Learning in the Digital Age. Additionally, on campus, I have taken on the role of ESOL A1 Coordinator for the North East Solidarity and Teaching project. Essentially, this involves teaching refugees in the area English to better assist them in their integration within the UK and in the North East. In this role, I coordinate weekly lessons and manage a team of volunteers for our beginner-level classes. This semester, I will complete an international field placement, which will provide me with practical experience in education within an international context. I have also had the chance to explore the North quite a bit, and I was even able to see the castle in which the Harry Potter films were made.
10 AM – Noon – Train the Trainer Session hosted by Zone 28/32 DEI Committee
Focus: This will be an exciting meeting where we will discuss a 5-step process for implementing DEI Discussions at Club Meetings. Materials and speaking notes will be provided.
On 8 March, 2024, Rotary International is hosting a 60-minute panel discussion as a way to celebrate and recognize International Women’s Day, and we would love for you to join us! The discussion will focus on the importance of not only including but being a champion of women in leadership — in the workplace and beyond. We will discuss the importance of identifying leaders early, establishing mentorship and sponsorship programs, supporting women in joining women-led professional organizations, and focusing on allyship. We’ll also announce and celebrate the recipient of the 2023-24 Sylvia Whitlock Leadership Award.
This event is open to Rotary members and members of the public of all genders. Feel free to share with your networks.
Empowering and Elevating Women in the Workplace
Click here to see the event details in your time zone. Following the event, a recording will be available to everyone who registers.
As the world seems to be erupting in chaos, a bright light of international cooperation and peace came to the York East Rotary Club meeting. He is Amadi (Mohammed) Mphande from Mfuwe, Zambia. Mfuwe’s rural village is located in the Southeastern area of Zambia, Africa near the South Luangwa National Park. His first time on an airplane and his first snow fall, Mfuwe shared his village’s recent experience with a team of Medical, Eye-Care and Dental Care volunteers lead by local York-East Rotarian Connie Spark. Two-thirds of Zambians live below the poverty line with a monthly income of $211.00 US. There is a great need for medical supplies and medical professionals.
Our York East Rotary Club and other Rotary Districts participated in the largest Rotary International Foundation Vocational Training Team Grant. This type of grant requires that our team train doctors and nurses in the partner locations as well as give direct aid. These over $210K grants provided eye, dental, and medical treatment in November, 2023. More than 20 Rotary Clubs and districts around the world helped make this project a success. In 6 days our team of over 50 Rotarians and volunteers around the world helped over 3200 local people.
Amadi Mphamde is the Headmaster at Mfuwe Primary School in the Village of Mfuwe, Zambia which is one of the largest primary schools. As one of the founding members in 2012 of the Mfuwe Rotary Club, he is currently Club President and has been very active in promoting Rotary through the community. Mohammed is very honored to be a part of this international mission and will present his experience at the Mid-Atlantic Rotary Presidential Training conference where he will be a featured speaker along with other mission participants Rotary International.
Pictured: Amadi Mphamde and Elizabeth Wolf, Club President
Rotary Club of Hanover recognizes those members who have achieved memorable years of service as a Hanover Rotarian. Rotarians are presented with a mantle clock as a continuous reminder of our commitment to the principles of Rotary: To be truthful and fair in our personal and business transactions, and to build goodwill and friendships that benefit everyone.
The following Rotarians were recognized for their years of membership:
The Zones 28/32 Diversity-Equity-Inclusion Committee is hosting a Train the Trainer Session to help District/ Club Leaders and DEI District/Club Committee Chairs and members gain skills in facilitating DEI Club Discussions. This will be an exciting meeting featuring education on a 5-step process for fostering a sense of belonging in clubs. All materials, tools, and speaking notes will be provided. Click here to register today!
The next meeting of the District 7390 DEI Committee is taking place April 1st at 7 PM. The committee welcomes new members at any time and wants to be a resource to all clubs in creating diverse and welcoming club cultures. Contact Committee Chair Vlad Beaufils for more information at: vrbjeb@gmail.com.
Growing Rotary By Fostering a Culture of Belonging
The District Membership Committee continues to host educational opportunities live on Zoom which are recorded for on demand viewing. Take advantage of viewing these great events alone or in groups! All district hosted sessions can be found on the rotary7390 You Tube Cannel at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKUDQLpRCujfBu7g9h2MWfA/
The Rotary Public Image Center presented by District Membership Chair PDG Juliet gives tips on how to use the Center to create promotional materials. View it on the rotary7390 You Tube Channel at: https://youtu.be/REGM_Us9_7w
Rotary Club Growth Success Stories featuring the District 7620 Membership Team with presenters Marilyn Nevy Cruz, Rotary Club of Washington DC, Dr. Pallavi Gowda, Founder/President Potomac Passport Club, Justin Saltzman, Key City Rotary Club, Frederick MD. https://youtu.be/Wa9OmPiLi30
Zones 28/32 Membership Recordings
Part 1 "How to Build a Successful New Club from the Ground Up" https://youtu.be/X3HHZAN6vZ0 Four experienced Rotarians give advice on how they started multiple new clubs in their districts including traditional, satellite, Rotaract, cause-based and non-traditional clubs. Topics include how to get started attracting new members and useful tools.
Part 2 "How to Build a Successful New Club from the Ground Up" https://youtu.be/ptqzoqP4nY4 This 2nd session focused on building momentum with your core group of future members and getting your new club chartered. The session will include topics such as: Defining club leadership, new club and satellite club bylaws, accessibility, membership dues styles, creating a club name, and getting the new club involved in their community.
Part 3: “Nurturing and Sustaining New Clubs”. https://youtu.be/t__GpTO5PGQ This 3rd session will focus on sustaining the new club once it is chartered. It's important to start new clubs, but of course, we want them to thrive and grow! This session discusses new clubs that are thriving and provides lessons learned from new clubs that have failed.
"Bringing the Action Plan Alive: Lessons from the 2023 North America Growing Club Study": https://youtu.be/oVz5xp4sQGg
Happy February. What a roller coaster of weather we are having. Luckily Rotary is an all-season sport. I love hearing about all that you are doing in our communities. Thank you for your efforts!
Leader transitions. Preparing for the upcoming season of leader transitions in Rotary has begun. This past week we held our Pre-Presidents-Elect Training Seminar (PETS) session. We had most of our incoming club presidents join us to hear about the upcoming Rotary year. This will help our presidents-elect begin planning for the new Rotary year. I was pleased to see so many wonderful Rotary leaders and hear their excitement. They will need all our support, so talk with your incoming president to see where you may help. Every club has need for Rotarians to roll up their sleeves in service and raise their right hands as leaders. Next step for the presidents-elect will be to attend the PETS in King of Prussia next week. DGE Paul has asked them to come prepared with some homework to discuss goals and opportunities for service. I look forward to hearing all that our clubs are planning to accomplish.
Cyber security. Recently some Rotarians received an email purporting to be from me telling them I needed them to reply to the email. The email came from the address rotarydistrictss@gmail.com. The is not an address I use or as far as I can tell is any Rotary related address. Fortunately, several of the receivers contacted me to inquire. I have changed passwords that hopefully stop the use of email contacts in my system. This incident does remind me that we all must be vigilant in our personal cyber security. Each week my spam folder is filled with 50 or more emails and now some of my fellow Rotarians got spam pretending to be me. Regularly changing account passwords is a good practice. Using password protecting software and using strong passwords helps too. Being suspicious of emails that don’t seem right is a good defense. This goes for our Rotary club websites and emails too. Whoever manages those accounts should be watching and acting. We’ll never completely prevent nefarious use of emails, but we can minimize the occurrence and effects.
District Learning Assembly March 23d. Registration is open for the District Learning Assembly (DLA) at Central Penn College. The in-person sessions will occur in the morning. Each participant can take up to three classes out of 15 offered. The focus is on topics of interest to Rotarians and of help to our clubs. The small registration fee covers a breakfast and the rental of the facility. We’ll finish by lunch time, so you have the remainder of the day available. We have not had a district learning assembly in 4 years. I’m excited to be able to conduct an in-person learning event! Won’t you please join us and learn while meeting your fellow Rotarians and then take the information back to your club as we grow Rotary in South Central PA.
Join us Saturday April 6th, 2024 from 3 PM to 7 PM at the campus of the Central Penn College, 600 Valley Road, Summerdale, PA for an unforgettable day of fun and celebration at the Rotary Club of Mechanicsburg-North's Beer & Wine Festival. Indulge in the exquisite flavors of locally crafted spirits while immersing yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of live music. As our guest, you'll receive a complimentary sampling glass to savor a wide variety of beer and wine, perfectly complemented by the captivating tunes of Second Time Thru.
In addition to the delectable beverages and live entertainment, enjoy food from our selection of regional food trucks. Bring your lawn chairs and blankets, settle in, and relish the live performances while enjoying the locally crafted spirits. All proceeds from this event will directly support the Rotary Club of Mechanicsburg North community initiatives including scholarships for local students, assistance to local seniors, contributions to local food pantries, support for local charities, and investments in local libraries.
Tickets for the event are $40. Special $5 ticket entry for designated drivers which will include a voucher for purchase at the food trucks. Tickets can be purchased using the below QR code or visit the Rotary Club of Mechanicsburg-North website at www.mechanicsburgnorthrotary.org and go under the 2024 Beer and Wine tab to purchase tickets.
Don't miss out on this incredible opportunity to experience the best of locally crafted spirits, live music, and community support.
The goal of the District RYLA Conference Committee is to have each Rotary Club in the District be represented by at least one young man and one young woman at the Conference. If the Rotary Club serves an area that has more than one high school, the Club should select at least one male and one female student from each high school. Approximately 90 students attended RYLA in 2023! We hope to better that total in 2024. Please attempt to have an equal balance of young men and women.
RYLA will be held Sunday, June 9 to Thursday, June 13, 2024.
REMIND YOUR STUDENTS - THEY MUST ATTEND THE ENTIRE CONFERENCE FROM REGISTRATION THROUGH THE CLOSE OF THE FAMILY NIGHT BANQUET!
VITAL INFORMATION
Students will submit their applications on-line . The registrar will contact your club for verification of student attendees. After you verify your Conferees to the District, please contact the students and confirm their attendance. The District will mail/email confirmations to the students after the April 12 application deadline!
Fee: $550 per attendee
The Family Night Celebration Event will be held Thursday, June 13, 2024 Cost for Rotarians, parents and guests will be $20 per person for heavy hors d'ouevres. There is no cost for Conferees to attend the banquet.
If your student DOES NOT Attend RYLA, your Club WILL NOT receive a credit or refund!
There are several RYLA scholarships available that a Club demonstrating economic need can apply for. If you would like to apply for a scholarship, please send a letter/e-mail to Melissa Kopp-Smith, P.O. Box 7116, York, PA 17404 or office@rotary7390.org. All requests will be evaluated by the RYLA committee. Full scholarships will not be granted. However, a club may apply for a half scholarship. The deadline to apply is March 4, 2024. Clubs that are selected to receive a scholarship will be notified by March 8, 2024.
All Rotarians in District 7390 are invited to attend the District Learning Assembly on Saturday, March 23, 2024 at Central Penn College (600 Valley Road, Summerdale). We will be meeting in the theatre. Every Rotarian can attend one class during each session. Cost—$22.50 per Rotarian!
Rotary’s monthly theme for February is Peacebuilding and Conflict Prevention/Resolution. Our district campaign to become a peacebuilding district ($25,000 in donations to the peace area of focus) continues and fits well with this month’s theme. The February issue of Rotary magazine has a wonderful article showcasing the creation of Rotary’s newest peace center and the work of some peace center graduates. These accomplishments can only happen when we Rotarians donate to help fuel the good works. Thus far, your donations to peacebuilding have topped $3000. Thank you to those who have given to this worthy cause. Please consider a donation to help Rotary do peace and conflict prevention education and events at home and abroad. For those that give $250 or more, we will recognize you as District 7390 peacebuilders at our district conference in April.
February is Peacebuilding and Conflict Prevention Month
The District Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee is happy to welcome Vladimir Beaufils as the new Leader of the Committee. Vlad is a member of the Rotary Club of Harrisburg since 2022 and is the Chair of its DEI Committee. Vladimir was born in Haiti, where he lived in hiding for wo years before escaping to the US in December of 1960.
He is a disabled Vietnam Veteran of the U.S. Air Force and is serving in his fourth career owning and operating a Commercial Cleaning Company. Previous occupations included firefighter, insurance manager, and running a non-profit called Sound Community Solutions. In addition to his business, he serves his community in many ways including as a Minister/Chaplain’s Assistant, Life Coach, Certified Grants Specialist, Offender Workforce Development Specialist, Trainer and Facilitator.
On a personal level, Vladimir is proud of his two amazing kids (Jacqueline & James) 39 and 37 respectively. Both are Penn State grads and his daughter Jacqueline also gave Vlad his first and only grandchild Jayden.
Vlad describes himself as loving God, loving people and striving to be a blessing when and where he can. He is committed to the ideals of Rotary and appreciates all that Rotary stands for and the service it provides.
Join Vlad and members of the DEI Committee at their next meeting on Monday, February 5th at 7 PM on Zoom. The committee welcomes new members at any time and wants to be a resource to all clubs in creating diverse and welcoming club cultures. Contact Vlad for more information at: vrbjeb@gmail.com.
Growing Rotary by Fostering a Culture of Belonging
About four years ago, Bob Geiger joined the PennLive team as Vice President, Sales. He also joined the Rotary Club of Harrisburg (RCH) as soon as he could.
Along with his day job of promoting PennLive/Patriot News and its services, he is an accomplished singer/songwriter who has released several solo albums.
Enter Toni Mark, a 5-year member of RCH, and a brief conversation following a Monday Rotary meeting. Toni had heard of Bob’s music passion and asked if he knew Steve Schwartz, then an active member of RCH. Toni knew they shared a love for music.
At that time, Steve was heavily involved in promoting a Christmas album featuring local musicians titled Joy to the Burg. The CD was sold as a fundraiser supporting two winter walk-in shelters for the region’s homeless population. Steve’s entire career has been spent helping those less fortunate with housing, life skills and quality of life.
The Rotary Club of Harrisburg was one of the founding sponsors of the Joy to the Burg albums. Numerous RCH members and their bands contributed songs to the albums, and fellow RCH members donated endless hours to volunteering at the shelters for men and women experience homelessness through the ministry of via Christian Churches United.
Geiger’s role that started from that casual luncheon conversation blossomed into contributing key songs to the 2022 and 2023 albums, as well as becoming one of the co-chairs of the annual Joy to the Burg program. Bob has been so involved over the last two years that he attracted the attention of his fellow department members at PennLive. Several are helping to make this year’s program a major and continuing success. The organization certainly sees the value of community engagement.
The Rotary connections story doesn’t end there. Harrisburg based television station WHTM learned of Joy to the Burg and when interviewed about the album, Bob mentioned how a chance conversation at a RCH meeting led to interconnected agency promotional planning for the fundraiser album. Bob took the opportunity to mention Toni’s name and her work with the region’s Salvation Army. A win-win for all.
Bob constantly recognizes the power of a Rotary connection and now serves on the RCH Board. His musical passion has grown and those he’s met through Rotary are now “best buds.”
Since the inception of the Joy to the Burg in 2019, the project has raised over $150,000 to provide over 10,000 nights of winter shelter to more than five hundred men and women. About 120 of those individuals have been assisted finding long-term housing.
If you would like to hear the songs on the Joy to the Burg album, simply go to www.joytotheburg.com and purchase a download. For information about the Rotary Club of Harrisburg go to https://portal.clubrunner.ca/6522. To contact Ms. Mark, Resource Development Director at The Salvation Army Harrisburg Capital City Region go to Toni.Mark@USE.SalvationArmy.org
Recent Harrisburg Transplant "Sings" About the Power of Rotary Club of Harrisburg Connections
Friday, April 19, 2024 will feature a kick-off event at the U.S. Army Heritage and Education Center (950 Soldiers Drive, Carlisle, PA 17013). The evening will have fun and fellowship, but the highlight will be the finals for the District Four-Way Test Speech Contest.
On Saturday, April 20, 2024 a District-wide service project will be held in the morning. At 2:00 p.m. all Rotarians will gather at Heritage Hills Resort (2700 Mount Rose Avenue, York, PA 17402) for some informational sessions until 4:30 p.m. Immediately following the conclusion of the sessions, we will start our celebration of the 2023-2024 Rotary year with a cocktail hour and then the Governor's banquet.
On Friday, April 19, 2024 a kick-off celebration for the District Conference will be held at the U.S. Army Heritage and Education Center (950 Soldiers Drive, Carlisle, PA 17013). The evening will begin at 5:00 p.m. with cocktail hour. A buffet dinner will begin at 6:00 p.m. and the program will begin at 7:00 p.m. The program for the evening will be the finals of the Four-Way Test Speech Contest and the presentation of the winning Four-Way Test Essay.
$65 per person from March 1, 2024 at 12:00 a.m. until April 10, 2024 at 12:00 p.m.
On Saturday, April 20, 2024 we will gather at Heritage Hills Resort (2700 Mount Rose Avenue, York, PA 17402) beginning at 1:30 p.m. Break-out sessions will be held from 2:00 p.m. until 4:30 p.m. Cocktail hour with appetizers will begin at 5:00 p.m. At 6:00 p.m. dinner service will begin. Dinner Choices are: Crab topped tilapia with Beurre Blanc Sauce, Sliced Bistro Tenderloin with Bordelaise Sauce or Penna Pasta Primavera (Vegetarian/Vegan).
$85 per person from March 1, 2024 at 12:00 a.m. until April 10, 2024 at 12:00 p.m.
Total Package (Both Friday Night and Saturday) - This package includes registration for Friday, April 19, 2024 and Saturday, April 20, 2024.
$150 per person from March 1, 2024 at 12:00 a.m. until April 10, 2024 at 12:00 p.m.
Conference registration will close on April 10, 2024 at 12:00 Noon!
REGISTER TODAY! District 7390 Annual Conference - April 19 & 20, 2024
The District Membership Committee continues to host educational opportunities live on Zoom which are recorded for on demand viewing. Take advantage of viewing these great events alone or in groups! All district hosted sessions can be found on the rotary7390 You Tube Channel. Click here to view the channel!
Upcoming Live Presentation on Zoom
February 5th at 6 PM on Zoom hosted by District 7430: “ Companion Clubs”. Learn about ways to attract new members through the creation of companion clubs including Next Gen Clubs and IMPACT clubs which are more nontraditional clubs focused on service. Click here to Register TODAY!
District Membership Recordings
The Rotary Public Image Center presented by District Membership Chair PDG Juliet gives tips on how to use the Center to create promotional materials.
If the video is not visible, click here to view it on the rotary7390 You Tube Channel.
Rotary Club Growth Success Stories featuring the District 7620 Membership Team with presenters Marilyn Nevy Cruz, Rotary Club of Washington DC, Dr. Pallavi Gowda, Founder/President Potomac Passport Club, Justin Saltzman, Key City Rotary Club, Frederick MD.
If the video is not visible, please click here to view it!
Zone 32 Membership Recordings
Part 1 "How to Build a Successful New Club from the Ground Up" https://youtu.be/X3HHZAN6vZ0 Four experienced Rotarians give advice on how they started multiple new clubs in their districts including traditional, satellite, Rotaract, cause-based and non-traditional clubs. Topics include how to get started attracting new members and useful tools.
Part 2 "How to Build a Successful New Club from the Ground Up" https://youtu.be/ptqzoqP4nY4 This 2nd session focused on building momentum with your core group of future members and getting your new club chartered. The session will include topics such as: Defining club leadership, new club and satellite club bylaws, accessibility, membership dues styles, creating a club name, and getting the new club involved in their community.
Part 3: “Nurturing and Sustaining New Clubs”. https://youtu.be/t__GpTO5PGQ This 3rd session will focus on sustaining the new club once it is chartered. It's important to start new clubs, but of course, we want them to thrive and grow! We will talk about new clubs that are thriving and provide lessons learned from new clubs that have failed.
"Bringing the Action Plan Alive: Lessons from the 2023 North America Growing Club Study": https://youtu.be/oVz5xp4sQGg
Next District Membership Committee Meeting: Tuesday, February 27th at 6:30 PM. New members and drop-ins are welcome. Click here to register TODAY!
The Rotary Clubs of Mechanicsburg North, West Shore, Yellow Breeches, and Passport will partner to host the 70th RMB networking event in Rotary District 7390 history and the first event of the 2024 RMB season.
The event will take place on Thursday, February 29from 5 to 8 PM at the Rolls Royce Museum (189 Hempt Road, Mechanicsburg). The event will be FREE to all attendees thanks to the following event sponsors:
We have time to add sponsors so if your business would like to help cover our costs, sponsorships are $100.00.
Sponsorships include:
Acknowledgment in the weekly Rotary District ENews Letter
Opportunity to be recognized and speak for a few minutes at the event
Opportunity to bring a standing banner to the event
Opportunity to distribute materials at the event
Acknowledgment on the Rotary District Facebook Page
All attendees receive a list of all attendees with contact information.
BRING A GUEST
This will be another in a longstanding series of great business networking opportunities and fun and fellowship events. Do not miss it. Bring potential Rotarian guests and Family of Rotary as this event is open to everyone!
Do you want to learn more about RYLA? Join us for an informational meeting on Monday, February 5 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. to learn about all things RYLA and how to sponsor a student! Pre-registration for the meeting is required.Click here to register. After you register, you will receive a zoom link for the meeting.
RYLA registration is now OPEN! Click here to view all the important RYLA Information!
A report highlighting all the great people and activities of our district during the 2022-2023 Rotary Year is now available for viewing. (Click here to view the report). This report can be a great resource for educating new Rotarians on the variety of activities happening throughout our District and ways they can get involved. Thank you to the many leaders throughout our District who IMAGINED ROTARY in big and little ways throughout the 2022-2023 Rotary year!
2022-2023 District 7390 Annual Report NOW Available!
Clubs intending to apply for Rotary Foundation District Club Grants or Global Grants must complete the annual District Grants Training.
At least one club member must complete training each year for the club to be eligible to apply for a district club grant or a global grant. Additional club members are encouraged to complete the training if they are involved in their club's grant process or want to better understand the grants program of The Rotary Foundation. Members trained in previous years must recertify annually.
The training will include information on The Rotary Foundation, District Club Grants, Global Grants, and Community Needs Assessments. Participants are required to complete all four training components and complete a quiz related to each.
Regardless of which grant type your club is planning to apply for, participants are expected to watch the full two-hour training session. Once you have completed the training, you will need to complete an online quiz for each of the training components. A score of 70% or higher is required for successful completion of the training.
Clubs must also submit a completed/signed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) agreeing to implement the financial and stewardship requirements of District 7390 and The Rotary Foundation.
Share Some Love (dollars) with The Rotary Foundation (TRF) and District 7390 will Share Some Love with you by donating Foundation points to your Foundation account in celebration of Valentine’s Day.
A donation of $100 payable to TRF’s Annual Fund-SHARE during the week of Valentine’s Day (From February 11 through February 17) qualifies you to receive 100 Foundation points.
This campaign will assist new members and those working to achieve the Paul Harris Fellow designation PHF +1 to PHF +8 to reach it faster and easier. Points are like cash. Points and cash that equal 1,000 allow donors to receive the Paul Harris Fellow designation.
Consider honoring a friend, family member, or Rotary colleague when you contribute. Share Some Love knowing that your donation is making a difference and recognizing someone you know at the same time. To receive your 100 Foundation points, send a copy of your acknowledgement receipt from the Foundation (include your member number) to office@rotary7390.org.
There are four ways to donate:
Donate on-line. Go to www.Rotary.org/contribute and click on Donate. You will need a credit card and a member access account on the RI website.
Send acheck made payable to The Rotary Foundation (or use your credit card). Download and fill out the donation form. Click HERE** to secure the form. Mail the completed form to the Chicago address listed at the bottom of the form.
Donate by phone. Call the Rotary Contact Center at 866-976-8279 Monday—Friday 8 am to 5 pm CST. Have your credit card ready to contribute.
Enroll in The Rotary Foundation’s recurring giving program, Rotary Direct. Go to the Rotary Direct Enrollment Form.
Thanks for supporting The Rotary Foundation. Your contributions to TRF make it possible for Rotarians to successfully address some of life’s most challenging issues by supporting education, promoting peace, fighting disease, providing clean water, sanitation, and hygiene, saving mothers and children, growing local economies, and protecting the environment.
Questions regarding Rotary Foundation contributions and programs can be directed to your Club Foundation Chair or District Rotary Foundation Chair, Dr. Anna-Mae Kobbe at amkobbe@gmail.com.
Support The Rotary Foundation - Earn Foundation Points February 11-17
For more than 20 years the Rotary Club of Carlisle has supported the needs of poor communities in Kenya.
Most recently the Rotary Club of Nairobi sent an update on an Eye Care project that provides exams, glasses and other treatments to youngsters attending school in very poor communities. Rotarians are joining teachers in organizing the eye exam programs in schools and performing preliminary checks using vision boards and charts purchased with global grant funds. Opticians and optometrists complete the exam process and recommend glasses and other treatments as appropriate. Again the costs are covered by a global grant. So far, more than 250 students have had eye exams through this project.
RC of Carlisle provided supplemental financial support for this global grant project sponsored by RC of Campbell River, Canada.
Volunteer conducting eye exams in poor school in Kenya.
This project was recognized with a global grant streamer at the District 7390 Foundation Dinner on November 4, 2023.
The Rotary Club of Colonial Park Foundation has announced that the 2024 scholarship applications for high school seniors attending Bishop McDevitt, Central Dauphin East, Central Dauphin, Dauphin County Technical and Harrisburg Christian Schools was made available on January 16, 2024. In 2024, twenty-two scholarships ranging from $1,000 to $21,000 will be available for students totaling $76,500. In 2023, the Rotary Foundation developed their own scholarship application software program to evaluate each application based on many grading factors.
Each year the Rotary Foundation awards scholarships to high school seniors and as of June 2023, has awarded over $875,000. The Rotary Club of Colonial Park and the Rotary Club of Colonial Park Foundation have awarded over one million dollars back to the community in the form of scholarships, student leadership programs and over $275,000 to community organizations.
Colonial Park Foundation Announces Scholarship Applications
I am pleased to announce that the District Governor Nominating Committee has met and is recommending Rebecca Zalit, Rotary Club of Palmyra, to serve as our District Governor for the 2026-2027 Rotary year.
Becky Zalit has been a member of the Rotary Club of Palmyra for the past five years. She was elected as President for two consecutive terms, from 2019-2021. Her tenure as President was marked by initiatives and service projects benefiting the local community and partnering with neighboring Rotary Clubs and other service organizations. Becky continued her service in Rotary by taking on the role of Assistant Governor for Group C in 2022. In addition to these leadership roles, she is committed to ongoing learning and involvement within Rotary. She completed Parts I & II of the Rotary Leadership Institute and has attended several President Elect Training Seminars and District Conferences. She is also currently serving as a member of the District DEI Committee, District Safety Committee, and the District Four Way Test Speech Contest Committee.
After graduating from Millersville University with a BS in Elementary Education in 2010, Becky obtained a master’s Certificate in Early Childhood Education Pedagogy from the University of Colorado. Over the past 13 years, she has dedicated herself to the field of Early Childhood Education, gaining valuable experience as both a teacher and childcare center director. Becky currently serves as the Lead Preschool Teacher at Catherine Hershey Schools for Early Learning.
In accordance with the guidelines established in article 14 of Rotary International Bylaws, you are hereby advised of this recommendation. Any Club that has submitted a candidate during the 2023-2024 Rotary year may submit a challenging candidate for consideration to the nominating committee. The challenging candidates must be submitted no later than February 2, 2024, in conformity with article 14.020.8 in the Rotary International ByLaws. In the absence of such action or any other objections, Rebecca Zalit will be designated as the Nominee for District Governor for 2026-2027.
Many thanks to PDG Juliet Altenburg and the members of the District Governor Nominating Committee for their diligent and timely actions.
Have you wanted to attend a Rotary Leadership Institute Northeast America training session but haven't yet found one near your home or workplace that you can attend in-person? Is it difficult for you to to attend a Rotary Leadership Institute session on a Saturday? Then, we have great news for you, since we have not one, but TWO virtual Rotary Leadership Institute sessions coming soon on weeknights!
Part I, II, III, and this year's Graduate session on Succession Planning will be offered at both sessions. (Remember, you can take as many Graduate courses as you like; the topics change every year.)
The cost for each of these virtual sessions is only $25.00/ course. Why not take advantage of this super opportunity and take both RLI sessions? The cost for each of these virtual sessions is only $25.00. Why not take advantage of this super opportunity and take both?
You will still have the benefit of "meeting" Rotarians from all over Northeast America from whom you can learn lots about Rotary as you interact with great facilitators - without ever leaving your home or office. Plus, you will still have the benefit of "meeting" Rotarians with whom you can share ideas.
For both virtual sessions, you must attend both nights in order to receive credit for the part you are taking. Our first RLI virtual session, sponsored by District 7930 in Wakefield, MA, will be held on Zoom Tuesday, February 27th from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm AND Thursday, February 29th and 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm. For more information on this session, please contact Event Chairs Alexander Falk (Site Chair) at al@falk.us or Joan Arsenault (Regional Vice Chair) at Joan@massteximaging.com.
Our second virtual RLI session, sponsored by District 7870 in MA and VT, will be held on Zoom on Tuesday, March 19and Thursday, March 21st, also between 6:00 pm and 9:00 pm both nights. For more information on this session, contact Site Chair Carol Powis at carol.powis@comcast.net or Vice Chair Liz Cullen at lizgcullen@yahoo.com.
Welcome to February! Rotary’s monthly theme for February is Peacebuilding and Conflict Prevention/Resolution. Our district campaign to become a peacebuilding district ($25,000 in donations to the peace area of focus) continues and fits well with this month’s theme. The February issue of Rotary magazine has a wonderful article showcasing the creation of Rotary’s newest peace center and the work of some peace center graduates. These accomplishments can only happen when we Rotarians donate to help fuel the good works. Thus far, your donations to peacebuilding have topped $3000. Thank you to those who have given to this worthy cause. Please consider a donation to help Rotary do peace and conflict prevention education and events at home and abroad. For those that give $250 or more, we will recognize you as District 7390 peacebuilders at our district conference in April.
The spring will be a great time to attend some district events designed to educate and inspire us. On March 23, we will hold our District Learning Assembly at the Central Penn College. We have a good slate of class topics to inform our Rotarians and strengthen our clubs. The small fee covers some food and the use of the facility. Please register on the district website and come out ready to learn, to meet other servant leaders, and take great ideas back to your club. Club leaders, please encourage multiple members to attend the session as there will be multiple classes in each hour. You’ll want to get all the learning back to the club.
Then in April we will gather for our annual district conference on April 19-20. Friday the 19th in the evening we will be at the Army Heritage and education Center in Carlisle. After a tour of the facility, we’ll have dinner, hear our Rotary 4-Way test speech and essay contest, and have a speaker discuss some historical lessons for today. Then on Saturday the 20th we will do service projects around the district in the morning before gathering in the afternoon at Heritage Hills Hotel and Golf Resort in York. We have three dynamic speakers for the afternoon learning sessions to discuss talent development, environmental issues, and Rotary International. We are honored that Rotary has assigned a Rotary International President’s representative who will attend our conference and speak to us about all that Rotary is doing. We’ll then have our dinner program and recognize some deserving Rotarians. This will be a great event! Registration is live on the district web site.
Thanks for all you do for our neighbors and communities. I’ll see you around the district.
The long history of a Rotary International President launching a theme for their presidential year is going away in 2025-2026. This decision was made by the RI Board of Directors at their October 2023 Meeting. (Read the details of decisions from that meeting here.)
The rationale behind the decision is based on the importance of standardizing branding and communications. The presidential themes were to be used only for internal communications to motivate Rotary members. However, too many clubs and districts used the theme as a logo to promote Rotary projects and events to the public. Additionally, the themes changed every year, and some clubs and districts preferred promoting a past theme over the current theme due to personal preference. This causes confusion with helping the public understand the focus of Rotary and what we stand for.
Meanwhile, the 2024-2025 Rotary Theme for RI President Elect Stephanie Urchick was announced last Monday as part of the International Assembly held in Orlando Florida. The Theme is:
As Stephanie stated, "We are not going to end polio or bring peace to the world by waving a wand. It's up to you. You create the magic with every project completed, every dollar donated, and every new member."
Click here to learn more about President-elect Stephanie Urchick's theme for 2024-25, The Magic of Rotary.
If the video does not show, you can watch it here.
Rotary Presidential Theme to be Eliminated Starting in 2025-2026
The District Membership Committee is pleased to host another educational opportunity where clubs can learn best practices for growing and retaining members. On Tuesday January 23rd at 6:30 PM a 30-minute presentation followed by time for questions will feature three speakers from District 7620 which is located in the Washington DC area.
The U.S. Rotary Club & District Liability Insurance Program provides U.S. Rotary clubs and districts and Rotaract clubs with commercial general liability insurance and directors & officers/employment practices liability insurance, subject to policy terms and conditions.
The Rotary Risk Management team would like to inform you that effective 1 January 2024, the insurance broker of the U.S. Rotary Club & District Liability Insurance Program ("U.S. Club Program") is now the Hylant Group.
Click HERE and view a short video about the Hylant Group and instructions on how to navigate the new portal ("U.S. Rotary Insurance Portal").
"How does this impact me and my club?"
The U.S. Club Program continues to provide commercial general liability insurance and directors & officers/employment practices liability insurance to U.S. Rotary clubs and districts and Rotaract clubs.
The Hylant Group has created the U.S. Rotary Insurance Portal and designated Client Service Specialists who will assist with inquiries pertaining to the U.S. Club Program.
Please see the U.S. Rotary Insurance Portal, where you can fill out a certificate of insurance and review documents, forms, and other materials:
The York Rotary Foundation, the charitable arm of the Rotary Club of York, announces $46,000 in college scholarships available for York City and York County students for 2024. Scholarships are available for graduating high school seniors, those currently in college, and non-traditional students enrolling later in life.
Students wishing to apply for York Rotary Scholarships can learn more about the criteria for each scholarship and begin the online application process by visiting www.YorkRotary.org/Page/Scholarships. Application deadline is March 15, 2024. Questions on applying or about the online application should be directed to Michelle Richwine, Scholarship Coordinator, at mrichwine@tfec.org.
Scholarships Available:
Non-Traditional Student Scholarship – one-time $3,000 scholarship – York County students enrolled later in life in technical or trade school, college or university
“Service Above Self” Scholarship – two-year $3,000 scholarship – high academic achievement and community service for college junior
Bush Scholarship – four-year $1,200 scholarship – high academic achievement
Mangold Scholarship – four-year $1,250 scholarship – high academic achievement
Kranich Scholarship – one-year $2,200 scholarship – any area of study
Diehl Scholarship – one-year $1,200 scholarship – Engineering major with a preference for York City students
Smith Scholarship – one-year $3,000 scholarship – Agriculture major
Kahley Scholarship – one-year $1,000 scholarship – Music major with a preference for William Penn or York Suburban
Hayes Scholarship – one-year $3,200 scholarship – Equine studies major for college junior, senior or graduate student
Wagman Scholarship – one-year $2,300 scholarship – Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree at York College for college junior or senior
Rosenmiller Scholarship- one-year $1,500 scholarship – Health Care major
Thanks to the generous support of Club members, York Rotary Scholarships have been established to reward the academic success, community service, and student determination of York residents attending college, university, technical or trade school.
York Rotary Foundation Invites Scholarship Applicants
As we enter 2024, the March 15, 2024 deadline for speech and essay contest contestants in this year’s District 7390 4-Way Test Speech and Essay Contests is fast approaching. Celebrate Rotary’s 4-Way Test by engaging with high school students in your local communities!
All the information about both contests can be found here. On this page, you can find rules, information, guidelines, suggested timelines and prize information which will help your club organize and hold its own contests. Please note that your club’s winning entries must be submitted to the District by March 15.
The essay contest features a brand new prompt – The Importance of Community Service to my Life, while the speech contest has no specific prompt other than that the speech focus on the 4-Way Test.
The Speech and Essay Contest Committee stands ready to serve as a valuable resource to your club. Please contact Mike Handshew (mrhandshew@gmail.com)for questions about the speech contest and Steve Grubb, (stevengrubb@comcast.net) regarding the essays.
New Year's Resolution - Participate in the District 7390 Speech & Essay Contests!
Did you miss the Zone 28/32 webinar December 5th on how to Grow your Club? No worries!
If the video does not show, please click here to view it.
From this 1-hour presentation, you will come away with actionable tools to help clubs in your district Increase their Impact, Expand their Reach, Enhance Participant Engagement, and Improve their Ability to Adapt. In this session, we answer the question - HOW? -- based on the best practices of clubs in North America that are action plan champions! This IS the presentation to truly augment your membership growth tool kit! This study will be a key part of the multi-district PETS membership learning program Feb 22-24 in King of Prussia hosted for all President Elects. http://www.mapets.org/
The Rotary Club of Lancaster-Hempfield volunteered to at a Salvation Army bell ringing event. The Club is a regular yearly sponsor, and this year our bell ringing raised $679.82 for the Salvation Army! A fun day. The Club had a total of 8 Club members and one granddaughter help throughout the day.
In the photos: Kerry Johnson and Tony DeVito; Rod Yoder; Darrell Gerke; Herb Noll and granddaughter Eleanor.
The Rotary Club of West Shore is in the holiday mood! The club was one of 30 local organizations that set up a holiday light display at Willow Park in Camp Hill as part of the Borough’s Parade of Lights event. The event, held December 8-9, supports the US Marine Corps Toys for Tots campaign as the cost of admission is a new, unwrapped toy. Using PVC pipe, wooden pallets, and a lot of creativity, the club was able to showcase the Rotary wheel, four arches representing the 4-way test, and a tree to represent each area of focus.
My best wishes to you for a happy holiday season and a healthy and prosperous 2024!
As you consider your year-end giving, please remember that Rotary’s number one world-wide priority is the eradication of polio. It will be Rotary’s gift to the children of the world.
For a donation of $100 and a pledge to continue giving $100 a year to PolioPlus until polio is wiped from the face of the Earth, you can join the PolioPlus Society. You can give a check payable to The Rotary Foundation with polio on the subject line to your club’s Foundation Chair, send it to Melissa at the District Office, or donate directly through the RI portal. Click here to join the Polio Plus Society! And if you can’t make a multi-year pledge, please consider a gift this year. Donations count toward Paul Harris Society giving levels. We are “this close” to ending polio!
This year Hershey Rotary Club awarded over $30,000 to 33 local organizations. These Community Grants represent the largest piece of our “Giving Budget” each year and include organizations like: Cocoa Packs, Hershey Food Bank, Hershey Volunteer Fire Department, Hershey Symphony, Hershey Heros Special Hocky, Hershey Little League, Hershey Youth Football and many more. Please consider joining us this April as we raise money for these grants at our Annual Dinner Auction.
Every year, Rotary selects some of the world’s brightest and most dedicated professionals to study at Rotary Peace Centers around the world. District 7390 participated in the selection process by interviewing two candidates who were referred to us by Rotary.
One of the applicants we interviewed was selected in this highly competitive process. Solomon Ademe Molla from Ethiopia will study for a Master’s degree at Uppsala University in Sweden. Currently a lecturer at Woldia University in Ethiopia, he teaches and does research into peace, conflict transformation, human rights and rule of law related issues, and provides capacity building training and other assistances to conflict affected communities, particularly to vulnerable groups. He holds a BA in Civics and Ethics from Debre Birhan University and a MA in political science from Bahir Dar University, both in Ethiopia. After completing his studies at Uppsala University, he plans to continue his conflict resolution efforts in Ethiopia.
Solomon was selected in a highly competitive process. Of the more than 600 qualified individuals who applied, only 90 were selected to study in 2024-2025. District 7390 is proud to have been a part of Solomon’s selection to participate in this respected program. Those in 7390 who interviewed candidates were: Mary Brunski, RC of Carlisle (DG 2025-26), Tom Burson, RC of Yellow Breeches, Rick Coplen, RC of Carlisle, Fred Gellert, RC of Carlisle Sunrise (DG 2023-24). Paul Thompson RC of Hershey (DG 2024-25), and Kathleen Stoup, RC of Carlisle.
More than 1600 Peace program alumni work in over 115 countries and serve as leaders in governments and nongovernmental organizations, education, research, law enforcement and the military as well as in international organizations dedicated to peace.
District 7390 Participates in Rotary Peace Fellowship Program
On Thursday night, November 30th, The Hershey Rotary Club hosted another Rotary Means Business event at the Englewood in Hershey. Thanks to Jim Gainer, DGE Paul Thompson, and Scott Stevens for being the primary planners behind this successful RMB event! The Hershey Club invited the Hummelstown Club to join them and invite the Hummelstown business professionals. The event was attended by the Hummelstown Club President as well as the West Shore Club President. Almost 50 participants attended and close to 20 were not Rotary members. The Carlisle-Sunrise, Harrisburg, Hershey, Hummelstown, West Shore, D7390 Passport and York Clubs were all represented! It was a great night for networking and fellowship, lots of new friendships were made!
Pictured L-R: Darrell Gerke, Rodney Yoder and Herb Noll
The Rotary Club of Lancaster-Hempfield recently completed a project to place multiple new benches at Amos Herr Park, (1700 Nissley Road, Landisville). The benches sit on the newly developed wetlands trail in the park, and the Club partnered with East Hempfield Township to purchase, assembly and install each new seat.
Members of the Rotary Club first proposed the project last January, as it aligns with one of the organization's goals to support environmental protection and awareness. Club members approached East Hempfield Township to ask how they could help with the new wetlands trail project, and the two parties decided that installing new benches would greatly improve local resident's experience.
The Rotary Club was able to raise more than $5,000 through various fundraisers such as chicken barbecues and holiday wreath sales, which it used to purchase the parts for four benches and corresponding plaques, as well as a picnic table. Members of the Club volunteered to assemble the pieces of each bench, which were installed along the paved trail at the park. The pieces of the picnic table will remain in storage until the remainder of the trail has been completed.
The Rotary Club members worked with the township to find vendors for the project parts to ensure the new benches would match the existing ones. The township provided the volunteers with the tools required to assemble the seats and transport them to the trail. The wetlands trail has been developed over the last year and a half in an area of the park that was formerly a field of grass, and it is estimated to be finished in the spring. The trail itself is a loop that is about a mile and a half, providing a handicapped-accessible route for people to take photos and enjoy nature before making their way back to the main park area. Another goal of installing the trail is to provide the public with more information regarding wetlands preservation.
In addition to its mission to support environmental protection, the Rotary Club's other goals include promoting global peace, researching a cure for polio, providing clean water for communities and supporting public education. Last year, the Rotary of Lancaster-Hempfield donated 5,000 books to Landisville Primary Center and Landisville Intermediate Center after the schools identified early reading support as a critical need. Club members were invited to visit the schools to see how their donation was benefitting the kid's education.
Tony DeVito, president of the Rotary Club of Lancaster-Hempfield, first became involved with the international organization as a member of its Carlisle Club three years ago. DeVito worked together with other members of the Lancaster-Hempfield Club to complete both the park bench and book donation projects. "I enjoy the ability to give back locally, as well as to support the club's bigger projects," DeVito said. The Rotary Club Foundatin funds various initiatives to support the organizations' goals internationally.
*This article was originally published in the Hempfield Merchandiser on November 29, 2023 by Adrian Eschenwald*
Lancaster-Hempfield Completes Project at Amos Herr Park
Three Kings Day or Dia de los Reyes is a traditional Hispanic celebration that marks the official 12th day of Christmas. Children give and receive gifts on this day. The York County Hispanic Coalition will host its annual Three Kings Day event on January 13th in the York High gym to give presents to children. This year the I.D.E.A. and Youth Development Committees partnered to support this event, and at our meeting on November 29th, Rotarians Gina Spangler and Ashlee Etzweiler presented a check in the amount of $1,612 to Madeline Torres Ocasio with the York County Hispanic Coalition.
York Rotary Foundation Presents A Check in Support of York County Hispanic Coalition's Three Kings Day
The Trustees of The Rotary Foundation made a decision earlier this year to annually recognize districts that achieve at least 90% compliance with grant reporting requirements during a Rotary year. Each district recognized receives a certificate of appreciation signed by the trustee chair.
Recently the first recognitions were announced. Only 39 districts worldwide were recognized for exceptional grant reporting efforts. “District 7390 was recognized in this select group. We are proud of our clubs for their attention to grant reporting requirements and deadlines. When recognized by country, District 7390 was one of 10 districts in the United States to be honored” says Anna-Mae Kobbe, District Rotary Foundation Chair.
Thanks to Dr. Bob Mcclenahan and Kathleen Stoup Co-Chairs of the Global Grants Committee and Nigel Foundling and Dr. Amy Spotts Co-chairs of the District Club Grants Committee and the members of their committees who implement the district’s foundation grants program. Their leadership is key to achieving 90% compliance with grant reporting. It takes the entire team from club members to district leaders to achieve this distinction.
In order for districts to be recognized, the following criteria must be met:
The district (including its member clubs) must be at least 90% compliant with grant reporting requirements in each quarterly analysis performed by the general secretary.
The district (including its member clubs) must have more than one open grant in each quarterly analysis.
The district must be 100% compliant with grant reporting requirements for district grants and all district-sponsored grants in each quarterly analysis and at the time the certificate is presented.
The district must not be suspended from participation in Rotary grants at any point during the Rotary year.
The district must not have any outstanding stewardship requirements at the end of the Rotary year.
District 7390 Recognized for Excellence in Grant Reporting
I am enjoying the governor visits to your clubs. I have been to nearly all the clubs with just three more to visit after Friday. I am impressed with the enthusiasm for Rotary and the service you are doing. Thanks for all the work you do as individual Rotarians and collectively as Rotary clubs. Our south-central Pennsylvania communities are benefitting from Rotary.
Our district was recently awarded a certificate of appreciation for being one of only 39 districts in the world (out of 520 districts) to be 90% or above compliant with all Rotary Foundation grant reporting and administrative requirements. This is a remarkable achievement given all the club grant and global grant projects conducted each year in the district. Congratulations to PDG Anna-Mae Kobbe who leads our District Rotary Foundation Committee and the team of Rotarians on the committee who manage all the grant applications and reports. The expertise and diligence they bring to the grant process is a joy to see each year. Thank you Anna-Mae, Nigel, Amy, Kathleen, Bob, Ed, Tom, Chris, Wilda, Jane, Jess, Mike, Juliet, Fred, Paul, and Mary. Thank you as well to the Rotarians in the clubs who lead projects and administer the paperwork involved in proposing, conducting, and reporting the grant projects. These projects have amazing impact locally and internationally. Bravo to all!
As announced in November, we are seeking to become a Peacebuilding District by reaching a total of $25,000 in donations to the Rotary Foundation’s Peacebuilding and Conflict Prevention area of focus. In just a few weeks since we announced this initiative, we have had nearly $1200 donated. For those who donate $250 or more, we will recognize you as District 7390 Peacebuilders. As we close out the calendar year, please consider this initiative in your 2023 and/or 2024 giving plans. Clubs and individual Rotarians can donate either directly to the foundation or through Melissa at the district office. If you donate directly to TRF, please send a note to Melissa letting her know you have done so.
Part of promoting positive mental health is using our network of family, friends, and colleagues to support us and help us grow. While the holidays are mostly a joyous time, they can also be stressful and at times painful. Remember to take time for yourselves and focus on the most important aspects of the busy holiday season. Engage with your Rotary family. Check on each other and ask the question “how are you doing, really?” and listen to the response. We will all benefit if we do that.
With the conclusion of the 2023 Council on Resolutions (COR), RI has provided a Report of Action. In this report, you will find:
A letter from Council Services
Resolutions that were adopted
Vote tallies for the adopted items
Voting results for all 2023 resolutions can be found on My Rotary. Please note that the deadline for submitting resolutions to the 2024 COR is 30 June 2024. A link to the submission form, plus helpful resources, can be found on the Councils page of My Rotary.
Carlisle Rotary Clubs present a check for $26,000+ to support a Global Grant Project in Togo, West Africa. The funds were raised during Carlisle Rotary’s annual holiday auction. Pictured from left to right are Bill Blankmeyer, Carlisle Rotary Club Auction Chair, Marv Salsman, Carlisle Rotary Sunrise Club Auction Chair, Joel Hillison, President of the Carlisle Rotary Club, Past District Governor Kevin Cogan and Mike Zick, Togo Project Chair Person.
Carlisle’s three Rotary Clubs, the Carlisle Rotary Club, the Carlisle Sunrise Rotary Club and the newly formed Carlisle Rotary Sunset Club held their annual holiday dinner on 30 November at the Carlisle Country Club with 124 Rotarians and their guests in attendance. This dinner also served as a celebration of the Carlisle Sunrise Club’s 20 years of service having been chartered on 1 December 2003. The event kicked off with a slide show presentation that recapped the quite impressive list of local and international projects the club has completed followed by a champagne toast to commemorate the occasion.
For several years now the presidents of the Carlisle Rotary Club and Carlisle Rotary Sunrise Club have selected one project or organization to be the beneficiary of funds raised at their annual auction conducted during the dinner. Selected this year was a Global Grant project to provide access to safe water and improved hygiene to three extremely poor communities in Togo, West Africa. The projected cost of this project is $68,300 and Carlisle Rotary’s contribution toward making it possible was to raise $25,200. With that goal in mind, Carlisle Rotarians pledged over $13,500 in sponsorships prior to their auction. The auction itself, with over 100 items to bid on, raised $12,400 bringing the total raised for the project to just over $26,000. Achieving their goal for the project was only possible thanks to the generosity of Rotarians and local businesses who donated items to the auction.
As has become a tradition at Rotary’s holiday dinner, each club recognized the recipient of their annual distinguished Rotarian award. The Carlisle-Sunrise Rotary Club recognized Past President Mike Zick as the "Buzz Coho Distinguished Service Citation" recipient. Mike is also the committee chair person for the Togo project. The Carlisle Rotary Club recognized Past President and District Governor Nominee Mary Brunski as their “Four-Way Test Award” recipient.
Carlisle Sunrise Rotary Club President Charlie Stoup (left) presents the “Buzz Coho Distinguished Service Citation” to Past President Mike Zick.
Carlisle Rotary Club President Joel Hillison (right) presents the “Four-Way Test Award” to Past President and District Governor Nominee Mary Brunski.
Carlisle Rotary Celebrates the Carlisle-Sunrise Club's 20 Years of Service and Raises over $26,000 for a Global Grant Project in Togo
The York East Rotary Club and Victory Athlete Association Club joined forces to on October 23rd to raise $7,000 for the "Pints for Polio" campaign. This joint venture marked a significant milestone in the ongoing global effort to eradicate polio, showcasing how local organizations can make a meaningful impact on a global health issue. The Rotary Club has been a champion in the fight against polio. Since launching its PolioPlus program in 1985, the organization has been at the forefront of the battle to eliminate the disease. The funds raised will be directed towards vaccination programs, public awareness campaigns, and other initiatives aimed at eradicating polio globally. With only a handful of countries still reporting cases of polio, the contributions from the Rotary Club and Victory Club will play a crucial role in achieving the ultimate goal of a polio-free world.
The Rotary Club of Red Lion/Dallastown Area is focusing on mental health during the 2023-2024 Rotary year. Matt Dorgan, the founder of Building Bridges for Brianna, is a member of the Club, and Brianna's dad. This organization is working to prevent suicide, by striving to provide better access to mental health services to those who are suffering from depression, anxiety and suicidal thoughts. All D7390 Rotarians are invited to attend on December 4th to raise money for "Building Bridges for Brianna".
Red Lion/Dallastown Focuses on Mental Health Awareness
RVI continues its commitment to help student veterans at HACC and other Central PA Colleges
At the Rotary Club of Carlisle weekly luncheon on November 9th, 2023:
RVI committed to donate up to $7,500 in calendar year 2024 to help HACC student veterans achieve their career dreams
Funds to be used for tuition, fees, books, and/or program expenses
Adam Walter, HACC’s Director of Military and Veterans Affairs, described the comprehensive ways that HACC helps about 400 currently enrolled student Veterans succeed.
Thursday’s gift brings the cumulative total of RVI donations to HACC student veterans to $62,500, helping student veterans launch their careers as:
Engineers, Nurses, Police Officers, Fire Fighters, Advanced Emergency Medical Technicians, Computer Technicians, Commercial Drivers, Pharmacy Techs, and many others
This brings the cumulative total of RVI donations to help student Veterans at HACC, Penn State Harrisburg, Central Penn College, and the Employment Skills Center in Carlisle to $220,000, supporting nearly 300 recipients with scholarships, internships, book and device vouchers, business startup expertise and funding, and mentorship.
RVI is sponsoring a JOBS CLUB FOR VETERANS delivered by and at the Employment Skills Center in Carlisle
ALL US Military Veterans are welcome to participate in FREE workshops, including:
Resume Writing, Job Search, Interviewing, Mentorship, and more
Wednesdays, 10:00 – 11:30 a.m.
November 15th - December 13th
Employment Skills Center, 29 South Hanover Street, Carlisle, PA 17013
Refreshments provided
To register: call 717-243-6040 or visit www.employmentskillscenter.org
Flyer attached
RVI is helping District 7390 start a ROTARACT CLUB for VETERANS in Central PA
Rotary, a global service organization of business, professional, and community leaders, serves others, promotes integrity, and advances world understanding, goodwill, and peace.
The Rotaract Club for Veterans in Central PA will offer young Veterans less than 40 years of age (who are not already Rotarians) the opportunity to:
Become part of the Rotary International family,
Engage in community service, networking with community leaders, and camaraderie with fellow veterans
Have fun!
Emerging Rotaract Club for Veterans leaders include Andrew Butch (President), Trevor Basham (Secretary/Social Media), and others.
Andrew Butch described multiple potential community service projects, including working directly with Veterans in need.
Want to join or recommend another Veteran?
Please contact Rick Coplen at rickcoplen@gmail.com
Dr. Joel Hillison, President of the Rotary Club of Carlisle, said, “Rotary’s motto is Service Above Self. That resonates with our veterans as they have served their country and put the country above themselves. Rotary Veterans Initiative is one excellent way Rotarians can give back to our service members.”
Rick Coplen, RVI Chair, said, “Thanks to our donors and sponsors! We are putting your generosity to very good use helping central PA Veterans transform their lives and strengthen our communities. Thank You!” Donations to RVI are always welcome. To make a tax-deductible donation to RVI, please:
Write the check to the "Rotary Veterans Initiative" and mail it to RVI, 806 Alexander Spring Road, Carlisle, PA 17015
To learn more about RVI to help our Veterans, please contact Rick Coplen at rickcoplen@gmail.com
Andrew Butch Speaks
Adam Walter Speaks
Pictured L-R: Rick Coplen, Andrew Butch, Yoli Madrill, Adam Walter, Marsha Krotseng.
Pictured L-R: Jim Nolan, Kathleen Stoup, Rick Coplen, Andrew Butch, Yoli Madrill, Adam Walter, Marsha Krotseng, Bill Blankmeyer, Rod Frazier, Alden Cunningham, Bob Gerard, Joel Hillison
Rotary Veterans Initiative (RVI) Continues to Help Veterans and Strengthen our Central PA Communities
Two 101-year old World War II veterans stood tall Thursday to receive a commendation for their military service during the Rotary Club of York-North's annual Veterans Day program at the Four Points by Sheraton in Manchester Township. For one of the veterans, it was the first time he had ever attended an event for veterans.
Sandy Harper, of West Manchester Township, was “a nose gunner in a PBY airplane, that’s an airplane that lands on the water…,” said Dave Kopp, a Vietnam War veteran who was running the program. According to a newspaper clipping from the period about Harper, “He flew scout and dive bombers in the Polar Bear Squadron, the first Naval squadron to operate at night with P.T. boats, and is one of the four surviving members of the entire squadron. When the Unit dispersed, he flew with the New Zealand Squadron No. 5, and five months previous to his discharge was in charge of radio and radar operations in V-F 66th, First Naval Jet Propulsion squadron.”
Kemps Sterner, of West Manchester Township, served in the 636th Tank Destroyer Battalion for the U.S. Army, according to Kopp. Thursday’s event was the first “veterans event” Sterner had attended in his life, said Kopp, who is also his nephew. Kopp recently obtained Sterner’s honorable discharge papers and read them during the program, saying that his “decorations and citations (include): Silver Star medal, third-highest medal you can receive, good conduct medal, European-African-Middle Eastern Service Medal, with five bronze stars and one bronze arrowhead.” Kopp describes the bronze arrowhead as “awarded to personnel who have been part of a combat parachute drop, a combat glider attack, a helicopter assault landing.” He adds that the European-African-Middle Eastern Service Medal means that Kemp served in several key battles in these regions for tank battles, “and our tanks back in the day weren’t the best tanks, by the way. The casualty rate was off the charts.” Kopp said that he asked Sterner how long he served and Sterner replied, “I don’t know, we went in and we got out when the war was over.” Kopp explained that soldiers didn’t serve time-limited tours during World War II; they got out when the war ended.
After the program, two young soldiers seasoned on the battlefield 80 years ago, passed each other with a long, double-handed shake and controlled smile of two men sharing an experience unknown to most in the room.
Individually, the World War II veterans don’t have much to say about their service. “For 12 years (I served) and they were great years … very memorable,” Harper said. Sterner preferred to reflect on life in the present, “I’m satisfied with my life, the way things have been going, my friends and my relations. I’m well pleased.” “You’ll never see that again, in the same room, in York County, we made history today,” Kopp said after the program ended and the crowd had thinned.
Rotary Global Grants Scholarships fund an awardee’s first year of graduate study abroad in one of Rotary’s seven Areas of Focus (listed below). Candidates must live in or attend college in District 7390, which encompasses Adams, Cumberland, Dauphin, Lancaster, Lebanon, Perry and York counties in Pennsylvania.
Scholarship highlights…
Plan to pursue career in one of Rotary’s Areas of Focus (listed below).
Award is for first year only of graduate studies abroad
District 7390 will not fund any applicant’s study which is for the second or later year of a multi-year graduate study program abroad.
Minimum study budget of $30,000 per year. Award capped at $30,000.
Must be proficient in language of host country.
Based on…
Academic merit
Studying a Rotary Area of Focus
Residence in or attendance at a college in District 7390
Rotary’s Areas of Focus are…
Promoting peace
Fighting disease
Providing clean water, sanitation, and hygiene
Saving mothers and children
Supporting education
Growing local economies
Supporting the environment.
The deadline to apply for a Global Grant Scholarship is January 26, 2024. The interviews will be held February 17, 2024 and applicants MUST be available for the interviews on that date. For more information or to apply, please click here.
Click here to watch a video from our 2023-2024 Global Grant Scholar!
Questions? Contact Edward Hauck, District 7390 Global Grants Scholarship Committee at hauckedward@gmail.com or (717) 201-2604.
November is Foundation Month and on Saturday, November 4, the District held its annual Rotary Foundation Dinner, resulting in a festive celebration and recognition of our many Clubs and Members who made the past year such a great success, together with a realistic depiction of the present need for more peacebuilding and how we can each participate, followed by positive declarations about promising future initiatives for our District, all that interspersed with a compelling District achievement video and live music from students in the Spartan Modern Band of the Milton Hershey School, a local life-changing educational institution that participates in a joint Interact Club with Derry Township High School. That was a long paragraph, but so was the Dinner.
The celebration hailed super accomplishments by Clubs and individuals on both sides of the Foundation process: those who contributed funds to PolioPlus, specific areas of global focus and assistance, and to general funding that enables those fellow District Rotarians on the District, Global, and Scholarship grant side of the process to then use those funds to ‘do good’ in the community and the world.
What a great story! And, how fortunate we all are to tell it over and over again. The takeaway, apart from the great food and chocolate, and the selfie photos with the dropdead likeness of Paul Harris, and the Heads and Tales after dinner stretch is the touching backstory to everything that is Rotary: it is the contributions of dedicated Rotarians to fuel the projects; and then it is the people who execute that intent through service. So, the real Foundation is the People.
Paul Harris knew it in 1905. Arch Klumpf devised the structure to enable it in 1917. And now, not only the 183 who signed up for the Dinner, along with the hundreds of other donors who were not there (including our newest Arch Klumpf Society Member) but everyone else in our District can participate in that formula. Give a dollar to the Foundation for whatever compels you, from Polio eradication to areas of global focus, and include the designation of some funds to the Annual Fund, and $47.5 cents of that latter investment will come back to our District to spend on District, Global, and Scholarship Grants! The rate of return on that dollar thus becomes exponential!
Our thanks to the hundreds of Rotarians in our District who played a key part in supporting the Foundation Dinner. The Foundation Dinner Committee consisted of Pam Whitenack, Tom Davis, Jim Gainer, Mike Kinney, Anna-Mae Kobbe, Kathleen Stoup, Maria Thompson, Doug Nicotera, and, of course, Melissa Kopp, each contributing highly valuable advice and time to meet the demands of hosting that discerning group of attendees. From providing essential counsel and insights, to delivering and wrapping giant chocolate bars, to procuring Paul Harris, our sincerest thanks to each of them.
You had to be there to take it all in, but briefly here are some highlights:
Our Inbound Exchange Students, dressed to beat the Spartan band, which was extremely well dressed that evening, marched in with their respective country flags, as only exemplary diplomats could do, as we welcomed young ambassadors from Belgium, Brazil, Indonesia, Sweden, and Thailand.
Our indomitable Immediate Past District Governor, Juliet Altenburg, set the standard by providing a first-rate video summarizing the many inspirational activities of our Clubs, followed by presentations to best in show categories.
If the video does not display, click here to view it.
Our indispensable Foundation Committee Chair, Anna-Mae, then announced top individual donors in select categories of giving, and leading Club contributions for Every Rotarian Every Year, Total Annual and Total Foundation Giving, End Polio Now, and Global Grant Service Streamers. As the Chair, Past District Governor Anna-Mae coordinates Foundation activities from initial District 7390 Contributions to final grant disposition, ensuring Rotary International goals and guidance are met.
Ed Hauck followed this by providing inspirational updates on three of the remarkable students who have recently received Global Grant Scholarships from his Committee, and the good things they are accomplishing in their areas of study.
DG Fred Gellert then announced a campaign to enable our District to become designated a Global Peacebuilding District, which would illustrate tremendous support to the Rotary Focus Area of Peacebuilding and Conflict Prevention. This goal will reflect our mutual intent to enhance the study and spread of peace to reduce conflict around the world. If you wish to join that campaign, you can do so directly online at Rotary Direct or by sending a designated check to Melissa.
Looking to the future, Kathleen Stoup explained the tremendous success of Operation Braveheart operating on kids with heart issues in the Philippines, and the plan to apply for a Program of Scale which would expand that project to the entire country. Only one District a year is selected for this program, but our District should be very competitive due to the great success of Braveheart and the urgency of the cause.
Rick Coplen described Rotary Veterans Initiative activities, and announced plans to found a District Rotaract Club for veterans, aged 18 to 40, who wish to hone their leadership skills, network about academic pursuits and jobs, and engage in service projects as well as social events. This Club would meet in person and online, as many of the prospective members are spread out while attending local colleges Two young vets from Penn State Harrisburg were introduced as the first officers of the Club. .
Becky Morgenthal described a similar plan to create a District Global Issues Rotaract Club for young global grant scholarship recipients and youth exchange students who wish to likewise exercise leadership opportunities, while networking about academic pursuits and jobs, and undertaking service projects, and social events. While the Club would be an online, passport Club, that would be compatible with the location of its members spread around the globe.
The final act consisted of Past District Governor John Anthony purporting to be an auctioneer, as only he can, and deftly raising over $1300 for the Global Peacebuilding Campaign.
At the end of the evening, it was all over but the shouting of satisfaction and determination, which never ends. That was the whole point. The Foundation Dinner provides a lot to digest, but that is what Rotary is all about, a gourmet banquet of choices where each Rotarian can find unique fulfilment and then share that sustenance far and wide, wherever there is need.
Congratulations to the Clubs that earned Recognitions for Giving during the 2022-2023 Rotary year!
A green Global Grant streamer was presented to the Rotary Club of Carlisle for Disease Prevention. They completed a global grant in Kenya for vision and eye healthcare for vulnerable populations.
The following Clubs had the highest annual fund giving during the 2022-2023 Rotary year:
York
Mechanicsburg-North
Harrisburg
The following Clubs had the highest total Rotary Foundation Giving during the 2022-2023 Rotary year:
York
Gettysburg
York-East
The following Clubs had the highest annual fund per capita giving in the 2022-2023 Rotary year:
York-East
Mechanicsburg-North
Harrisburg-Keystone
100% FOUNDATION GIVING CLUBS
This recognition is given to clubs that achieve an average of $100 in per capita giving and 100% participation, with every dues-paying member contributing at least $25 to any gift designation during the Rotary year. Only 4,500 Clubs worldwide have become a 100% Foundation Giving Club. Carlisle-Sunrise, Eastern York County, Hanover, Harrisburg-Keystone, Lancaster-Hempfield, Northern Lebanon County, Southern York County, and West Shore.
EVERY ROTARIAN, EVERY YEAR CLUBS (EREY)
This recognition is given to clubs that achieve 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. The following Clubs were awarded banners: Harrisburg-Keystone, Lancaster-Hempfield, Northern Lebanon County, Southern York County and West Shore.
POLIO CERTIFICATES
The following Clubs received a certificate of appreciation for their financial support to the End Polio Now: Countdown to History Campaign during the 2022-2023 Rotary year. Each club contributed at least $1500 to Rotary’s Polio Eradication effort: Carlisle, Carlisle-Sunrise, Colonial Park, Eastern York County, Elizabethtown, Gettysburg, Hershey, Mechanicsburg-North, Mount Joy, Palmyra, Uptown York, York, York-East, and York-North.
The time has come to begin the nominating process for our 2026-2027 District Governor. In this way we 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. Ask that person about his or her interest in serving as District Governor. We all need to give encouragement and “plant the seed” for others to move forward.
Each Club is encouraged to suggest a qualified candidate for nomination as the 2026-2027 District Governor. The process is as follows:
Submit a letter signed by your Club Secretary including the name of the candidate stating he/she has been endorsed and nominated by the Rotary Club to Melissa Kopp-Smith at office@rotary7390.org by December 29, 2023
The District Governor is responsible for a variety of activities including:
Promoting membership growth and engagement
Supporting The Rotary Foundation through fundraising and grant activities
Serving as a spokesperson for the district and Rotary when appropriate
Conducting district events, including the district conference
Supervising the district leadership team
Encouraging open communication among clubs, as well as between clubs and RI
Officially visiting each club to raise awareness of important Rotary issues, support struggling clubs, motivate club members to participate in service, and recognize members’ contributions.
Communicating frequently with each club president
Fostering continuity by working with past, current, and incoming district leaders
Ensuring that district nominations and elections are conducted according to the RI Constitution and Bylaws
Inquiring regularly about the activities of Rotarian organizations operating in the district
Following the District Governor Code of Ethics (Rotary Code of Policies section 19.010.1.) https://bit.ly/44JGoVU
The candidate should possess the following skills and qualities:
Be aware of the qualifications, duties, and responsibilities of a District Governor
Demonstrate willingness, commitment, and ability to fulfill the duties and responsibilities of the office of Governor.
Be familiar with District and Rotary International Bylaws, Constitution and the RI 2022 Manual of Procedure which outlines the qualifications for a District Governor: https://my.rotary.org/en/learning-reference/about-rotary/governance-documents These qualifications should be studied carefully by Club members and the prospective Rotarian candidate for District Governor, prior to a decision to suggest any member as a candidate.
Please keep in mind that it is each Club’s duty to the District and Rotary International to give serious consideration to suggesting candidates for District Governor. Your suggestion for District Governor 2026- 2027 must be received in the District Office by December 29, 2023, to be considered by the Nominating Committee.
Interviews for the 2026-2027 District Governor will be held Tuesday, January 16, 2024, in the evening at PA Trauma Systems Foundation (Slatehill Business Center, 3907 Hartzdale Drive, Suite #702, Camp Hill, PA).
The District membership committee has been hard at work to produce important and relevant information for our Clubs to increase their reach and promote membership! Check out the District membership development webpage by clicking here! There are lots of valuable resources and videos available!
The Rotary Club of Carlisle and the Rotary Club of Carlisle-Sunrise will host their annual holiday dinner and auction on Thursday, November 30th at the Carlisle Country Club. The proceeds from this event as explained in the auction brochure Holiday Auction Brochure | Rotary Club of Carlisle (carlislerotary.org will provide access to safe water, improved sanitation, and hygiene for three very poor villages in Togo. The dinner also will be a celebration of the Rotary Club of Carlisle Sunrise’s 20 years of service to the community.
Rotarians can support this auction in one of two ways. First, by donating an item by contacting the Auction Chairs, Bill Blankmeyer at blankmeyer66@comcast.net or (717) 590-7229 and Marv Salsman at (717) 448-5374 or kmsals@comcast.net. Secondly, tax-deductible sponsorships can be made to support the global grant project. Checks should be made out to “Carlisle Rotary Club Foundation” and mailed to Carlisle Rotary Club, PO Box 301, Carlisle, PA 17013.
Carlisle Rotary Auction to Support a Global Grant Project in Togo, West Africa
To all those who attended the District’s Rotary Foundation dinner this past Saturday, thank you for making it a special evening. We had a wonderful night of fellowship, recognitions, entertainment, and support to our Rotary Foundation. Thank you to DGE Paul Thompson and the team of Rotarians who made the dinner a success. We are grateful for your skill and dedication to leading us in honoring the past year’s accomplishments in giving and serving. Bravo to the team! We also announced several new initiatives we are beginning as a district, including a veterans-based Rotaract club and a Rotaract club for our past global scholars and Youth Exchange students. More information is on the district website and we are seeking Rotarians to help us make these clubs successful.
As also announced at the foundation dinner, we have started a District 7390 Peacebuilding Campaign to support the Rotary Foundation’s Peacebuilding and Conflict Prevention area of focus. The events of the past month have brought into sharp focus the need for this area of focus. From now until February 23, 2024, the 119th anniversary of the founding of Rotary, please donate to the Peacebuilding and Conflict Prevention fund under The Rotary Foundation. Donations can be made to the Peace Centers fund or the Peacebuilding and Conflict Prevention area of focus. When the district reaches $25,000 in giving, we will be designated a Global Peacebuilding District. I am pleased to also announce that a very generous Rotarian has offered to match our giving for this campaign up to the $25,000 level. Your contribution will immediately have twice the effect in building global peace.
You can make your donation online at www.rotary.org/give. Once your donation is submitted, please send an email to Melissa at the district office letting her know of your donation so we may track our total giving. You may also send a check to the district office made out to either The Rotary Foundation or to District 7390 and we’ll submit to the Rotary Foundation on your behalf. Please annotate on the check whether this is for the Peace Centers or the Peacebuilding area of focus. For those who donate $250 or more, we will recognize you as Global Peacebuilders at the district conference in April. Thank you for your support of this important area of need for our world. Note that donations to the peace-related funds do not count for Paul Harris points and do not add to the future District Designated Funds (DDF).
Speaking of the district conference, please save the dates of April 19th and 20th to attend our 2024 District Conference. On Friday April 19th we will gather at the Army Heritage and Education Center in Carlisle for dinner and several activities including the 4 Way Speech and Essay contests. Then on Saturday April 20th we will do some service projects in the district in the morning and then gather in the afternoon at the Heritage Hills Resort in York for some learning sessions followed by dinner and our evening program. I look forward to seeing you as we come together as a district in fellowship and service.
Thank you for all you are doing as Rotarians and as Rotary clubs. Our communities are better from your service.
Monday, November 6, 6:30 PM on Zoom - Rotary District 7430 Zoom Webinar on Planning Successful Membership Events. Click here to register in advance for this meeting.
Tuesday, November 21 at 7 PM. Zone Membership Webinar on “Nurturing and Sustaining New Clubs”. Zoom link is pending!
Zone 32 Membership Recordings to access On Demand
Part 1 "How to Build a Successful New Club from the Ground Up"
Four experienced Rotarians give advice on how they started multiple new clubs in their districts including traditional, satellite, Rotaract, cause-based and non-traditional clubs. Topics include how to get started attracting new members and useful tools.
Part 2 "How to Build a Successful New Club from the Ground Up" https://youtu.be/ptqzoqP4nY4 This 2nd session focused on building momentum with your core group of future members and getting your new club chartered. The session will include topics such as: Defining club leadership, new club and satellite club bylaws, accessibility, membership dues styles, creating a club name, and getting the new club involved in their community.
Please recommend this FREE program to any Veterans you know who can benefit. To anyone, especially Veterans, who wants to help mentor some of these great Veterans, please call 717-243-6040.
Below is a snapshot of JA’s November and December volunteer opportunities. Programs highlighted in yellow have the highest needs at this time.
You may sign up on the link below OR contact me directly at lvaughn@jascpa.org The link has the full list of openings through the end of the school year.
Under the coordination of York Rotarians, fifteen bike riders took to the Heritage Rail Trail from its northern end at John Rudy Park to Lafayette Square in downtown York and back. The downtown York club, the Uptown club, the Harrisburg club, and the York-East club were represented. There were five non-riding participants from 5 clubs.
Participants were asked to donate $50. Special T-shirts were donated by JCAR Logo Gear, food and drinks were donated by Rob Bowen so that there was no cost to individual clubs, so $2050.00 will be donated to the RI PolioPlus campaign. ($750.00 from UPMC, $250.00 from Rotary Club of York’s President’s Challenge, and $1050. from riders and participants.)
In a heartwarming display of community spirit and generosity, the York East Rotary Club organized a highly successful 'Pints for Polio' event at the Victory Club in York, PA. The event not only brought together local residents but also managed to raise an impressive sum of over $7,000 to support the global fight against polio. The highlight of the evening was a moving speech by John Nanni, a polio survivor whose story of resilience and courage left attendees inspired and deeply touched. Nanni's presence served as a powerful reminder of the importance of eradicating this debilitating disease worldwide.
The 'Pints for Polio' event featured a range of activities, including live music, auctions, raffles, and of course, plenty of pints of locally brewed beer. The atmosphere was filled with laughter, camaraderie, and a shared commitment to making a difference. "The support we received from the community was overwhelming. It's heartening to see how people come together to fight against polio," said Tim Koller, Committee chair. "This event not only raised funds but also raised awareness about the importance of vaccinations and the need to eradicate polio from the face of the earth." 100% of funds raised during the event will be contributed to Rotary International's End Polio Now campaign, which aims to eradicate polio globally.
Rotary International has been a leading force in the fight against polio for decades, working tirelessly to immunize children and raise awareness about the importance of vaccination. John Nanni, the guest speaker at the event, shared his personal journey of overcoming polio and emphasized the significance of continued efforts in the battle against the disease. His story served as a poignant reminder of the impact that polio can have on individuals and communities. The York East Rotary Club expressed its gratitude to the attendees, sponsors, and volunteers including the Victory Club and Brewery Products who made the 'Pints for Polio' event a resounding success. Their collective efforts have brought the global community one step closer to a polio-free world, where every child can grow up healthy and unburdened by this devastating disease.
The Rotary Clubs of Hershey and Hummelstown will host the 69th RMB networking event in District 7390 history and the sixth and final event in the 2023 RMB season on Thursday, November 30 from 5:30 to 7:30 PM. The event will take place at The Englewood, 1219 W End Avenue, Hershey, PA. The networking event will be FREE thanks to Major Sponsor the Rotary Club of Hershey and include light hors d’oeuvres, wine, beer soft drinks and water. Click here to RSVP today!
This will be another in a longstanding series of great business networking opportunities and fun and fellowship events. Do not miss it. Also, please consider bringing potential Rotarian guests and Family of Rotary.
We’re in the final countdown to World Polio Day! The World Polio Day Resources webpage is full of content you can share to help raise awareness. Be sure to visit Rotary’s accounts on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, now known as X on 24 October for even more World Polio Day content. Join us on 24 October. Together, we can end polio!
Make Polio History Campaign Launches
The Global Polio Eradication Initiative has launched its “Make Polio History” campaign! Learn why people around the world believe we can end polio for good and ask donors, governments, and other global leaders to seize the opportunity to create a polio-free world. Take Action!
Raising awareness for polio eradication at the Colosseum
Music legend Annie Lennox, pianist and composer Nicola Piovani, and singer Mahmood, along with chef Cristina Bowerman, sculptor Jago, musician Leslie Sackey, actor and artistic director Luca Tommassini, producer Danilo Cirilli, and more shared their talents on 10 September at the Time for Change event. Held at the iconic Colosseum in Rome, Time for Change chose to highlight the effort to eradicate polio. In an interview with The Associated Press before the event, Lennox talked about why she supports Rotary’s polio eradication program.
Video Spotlight
How far are frontline health care workers willing to go to deliver life-saving drops of polio vaccine? It’s clear from a recent video by the World Health Organization that a wide river was no match for determined vaccinators in Afghanistan.
5 Actions you can take to support #ENDPOLIO
Register your club’s World Polio Day action by 24 October.
Share the “Make Polio History” video on your social media.
Come celebrate Foundation month with the Zone 28 & 32 Foundation teams as we showcase Global Grant projects from our two Zones. Regional Rotary Foundation Coordinator Eileen Rau has announced a Foundation Month opportunity that will showcase Global Grants. District 7390 Global Grant Operation Braveheart is one of four projects being featured as part of an International Cafe of Global Grants from Zones 28 and 32. District 7390 is proud of Operation Braveheart and Dr. Jess Socrates for his leadership on this Global Grant in the Philippines. Jess is a member of The D7390 Passport Club.
Mark your calendars and register now for the Thursday, November 16th program. This program will begin at 7:00 pm Eastern Time. Pre-registration is required. Click here to register! Encourage club members and leaders and anyone who wants to learn more about how the Rotary Foundation can change lives - and how they can get involved or spearhead a Global Grant project.
Learn more about:
How the Rotary Club of Rhinebeck (District 7210) was able to bring a Global Grant into its own backyard in the U.S. – the Environmental Justice Program
How one project generated multiple Global Grants in the Philippines as part of Operation Braveheart
How the Yale University Rotaract Club spearheaded a Global Grant in Turkey and is now working on one in Sri Lanka
How districts are working together on a Global Grant project in Ethiopia to improve the nutritional status, health and early childhood development of children under five
D7390 Global Grant to be Featured at Zone Foundation Webinar
I am well into my governor visits to the clubs in the district. I am enjoying meeting you and hearing all that is going on at the club level. Thank you to the 13 clubs that have been gracious hosts so far. You energize me with your Rotary service. I look forward to meeting the remaining 28 clubs over the next 60 days. And thank you to our six Assistant Governors who have been joining me in these visits. I very much appreciate their willingness to continue to serve our district in this role. Each AG serves 4-6 clubs and are a great resource for club leaders to gain advice from seasoned Rotary leaders.
Speaking of Rotary service, our own PDG John Anthony from the Mechanicsburg North club was designated as the Mechanicsburg Man of The Year by the Downtown Mechanicsburg Partnership. The award dinner was a wonderful celebration of John and all his work to make Mechanicsburg a great place to live. True to John’s serving spirit, he added to the evening’s program 20 non-profit organizations that do charitable work in the Mechanicsburg area. Each organization got 2 minutes to describe themselves and their work. Rotary was well represented by Mechanicsburg North club President David Blain. That part of the program was a wonderful display of humanitarian efforts at the local level and a testament to all the work John does to enhance lives in Mechanicsburg and elsewhere. Congratulations to John on this well-deserved honor and thanks to all our Mechanicsburg area Rotarians for their service above self.
Two weeks ago, the governor line leaders attended the Learning to Lead conference in Toronto hosted by Rotary Zones 28 and 32. These Zone level conferences are held each year in late September and are open to all Rotarians, especially those in or assuming leadership positions. The break-out sessions were informative, energizing, and useful for club members. One trainer asked, “who do you lean on and who do you hold up?” That question resonated with me and I pass the question to you for your reflection. I ask club leaders to consider sponsoring one member, or a few, to attend next September. You will get back energized Rotarians with new knowledge. Thanks go to PDGs Connie Spark, Hector Ortiz, and Una Martone for serving as trainers and facilitators. These experienced and successful leaders are critical to making these learning sessions beneficial to all. Thank you for your time, talent, and work on our behalf. Also of note, there was a fundraising event for the Rotary Foundation called “Bouncing for the Foundation.” Volunteers from the 40 districts in attendance strapped on Zorb bouncy balls and sumo-style battled for bragging rights. I represented District 7390 and most importantly survived the experience. Thanks to those Rotarians who donated in our district and in the other districts, we raised $103,000 from the event. Awesome! You can Google “Zorb ball rentals” to see if this might make sense as a club fundraising activity.
I will close this note by acknowledging the horrific events that are on-going in the Middle East. One of Rotary’s focus areas is on Promoting Peace and this past week has highlighted the desperate need for peacebuilding. The district leaders are discussing how we as a district can support peacebuilding. As we gather information and develop a plan, I’ll communicate how Rotarians and clubs might support Rotary’s peace efforts.
Thank you for continuing to serve in Rotary. I’ll see you around the district.
The Rotary Club of York will host candidates for County Commissioner at its weekly meeting on October 25 at the Country Club of York. The meeting will start at 11:30 am. Candidates appearing on the November 7 ballot and participating in the panel are Scott Burford, Doug Hoke, Keena Minifield, and Julie Wheeler. Heather Warner will moderate the discussion. Each candidate will be given an opportunity for an opening and closing statement. Questions from club members will be submitted in advance and coordinated by Heather Warner. Members of the press are welcome but will be restricted to the rear of the room during the program. They may ask questions after the meeting concludes.
Please contact John Klinedinst (jak@csdavidson.com) in advance if you would like to attend.
York County Commissioner Candidates Appearance at York Rotary on October 25
This 2nd session will focus on building momentum with your core group of future members and getting your new club chartered. The session will include topics such as: Defining club leadership, new club and satellite club bylaws, accessibility, membership dues styles, creating a club name, and getting the new club involved in their community.
This webinar is intended for District ICA's, DMC's and anyone who is planning or wants to learn more about how to champion starting a successful club (including satellites & Rotaract) in your district! Please spread the word and invite others. If your goal is to grow membership in your district, starting new clubs needs to be a key component of your strategy.
*If you are unable to attend, the session will be recorded.
Do you have expertise in social media, Canva, photography, videography, communications, writing and/or education? If your answer is YES to any skills in the areas of communications and Public Image we need YOU. District Public Image Chair Juliet is gathering interested Rotarians to support Public Image efforts at both the District and Club level. The gift of your time and expertise will be greatly appreciated no matter how small. Contact Juliet to learn how you can get involved at DGJuliet2022@qrpc.com! Meanwhile click here to check out the NEW public image area of My Rotary!
Seeking Talented Rotarians to Support District and Club Public Image Efforts
The new 23-24 District Membership Committee is launching a monthly webinar series featuring short educational presentations focusing on how Rotary Clubs can enhance their reach through Public Image and Membership Activities. The committee meets the 4th Tuesday of each month at 6:30 PM on Zoom. On Tuesday, October 24, PDG Juliet will give a presentation on theBrand Center found on My Rotary. Learn how to create a club brochure, develop People of Action Images for your club, and access promotional materials. The presentation will take place during the first 15 minutes of the club meeting and will be recorded for on-demand viewing. All Rotarians are welcome to join, but you MUST click here to pre-register! Future monthly presentations will include topics such as using Canva, Creating Social Media Accounts, best practices for club displays and more! Contact District Membership Chair PDG Juliet at DGJuliet2022@qrpc.com if you would like to be a speaker, become a regular member, or need help in expanding your club’s membership efforts. TOGETHER WE GROW ROTARY.
District Membership Committee Launches Monthly Webinars
Congratulations to York-North and Lancaster Penn Square Rotary Clubs for achieving the 2022-2023 District Governors Citations for IMAGINING Rotary in ways which enhanced engagement, reach, impact, and adaptability! The Rotary Club of York-North developed new partnerships with the York Literacy Council and the Manufacturer’s Association through their “Math is a Super Power” program which provided classes on math and manufacturing, and opportunities for students to explore career paths. They started a monthly club social meeting at a different venue each month, ramped up their new member mentorship program, increased RYLA sponsorships and Foundation giving. All these activities and more were under the leadership of their energetic President Ricardo Aguilar. Congrats!
22-23 DG Juliet with Past President Ricardo Aguilar
The Rotary Club of Lancaster Penn Square IMAGINED ROTARY through a new partnership with the Lancaster Police Department. They provided the Department with 50 tourniquets for use with bleeding emergencies. New activities included volunteering at the Maryanne Caldwell Spring Bike Fling to help children choose a refurbished bicycle and new helmets. They helped the Rotary Club of Lancaster Sunrise distribute books to elementary school students and donated over $21,000 to community and charitable organizations.
Past President Kay McClenathan with PDG Juliet
District Governors Citation Awarded to Two Additional Rotary Clubs
The hosting Rotary Clubs of Elizabethtown, Lancaster Hempfield, Lancaster Penn Square, and Lititz superbly supported by Venue Sponsor Holiday Inn Lancaster, Event Plus Sponsors the Rotary Club of Lancaster Penn Square, Waste Hauler Support Services, LLC, United Zion Retirement Community, and Event Sponsors Caretakers Electric, Christian Brothers Automotive, and the Rotary Club of Lititz conducted a super successful RMB networking event on October 5th at the absolutely fantastic Holiday Inn Lancaster. This Holiday Inn is one of the top Holiday Inns in its system with a spacious lobby, excellent restaurant and bar, and many elegant and capacious ballrooms, conference areas and meeting rooms along with an indoor swimming pool and a fully equipped fitness center. There were 24 Rotarians, guests and family of Rotary attending from twelve Rotary clubs as follows: Carlisle, Carlisle Sunrise, Elizabethtown, Harrisburg Keystone, Lancaster, Lancaster Hempfield, Lancaster Penn Square, Lancaster Sunrise, Lititz, Mechanicsburg North, Paradise, and West Shore.
Driving the success of this event were Janelle Ellis of the Rotary Club of Lititz and Gary Davis of the Rotary Club of Lancaster Penn Square and Sales Manager of the Holiday Inn. Gary did an excellent job of seeing that we had a great venue within the hotel and making sure everyone was taken care of during the event in every possible way. Janelle painstakingly took care of event administration and coordination throughout the process and sparkled in her presentations covering not only her own club’s accomplishments but representing Truist Bank super well and even covering for some of the sponsors who could not attend. Carol Cunningham did her usual fantastic job of making sure we had a great selection of photos to represent the event. Also, a shout out to our District Governor Fred Gellert and Immediate Past District Governor Juliet Altenburg for supporting the event by attending thus demonstrating their strong support for RMB. Well done all!
RMB Fun!
Thank you to our Sponsors!
October 5 RMB Lancaster Networking Event a Huge Success!
The Rotary Club of New Holland announced that—having received approval from the district and Rotary International—it has officially changed its name to the Rotary Club of Eastern Lancaster County.
Intending to reflect its true service area, which extends beyond the New Holland borough, the club believes the new name will appeal to a wider audience as it begins to explore ways to grow its membership. “Looking at other organizations that use the ELANCO moniker, like our local school district, the library, and others,” explains club president, Trevor Reed, “the Eastern Lancaster County name is a natural fit for our club.”
The Rotary Club of Eastern Lancaster County continues a tradition of service the New Holland club started when it was originally chartered back in 1944.
Regular meetings are still held every Thursday, 7:30 AM at Yoder’s Restaurant in New Holland.
Last week we kicked off our one-day programs! We are off to a great start and would love to have you join us at an upcoming event.
Below is a snapshot of volunteer opportunities for October and November. Programs highlighted in yellow have the highest needs at this time.
If you would like to learn more about a program, please click HERE for program overviews.
To sign up for one or more programs you may click on the link below OR contact me directly. The link below will show the full list of openings through the end of the school year.
Last Sunday clubs throughout our District gathered at Rotary Day at the Barnstormers in Lancaster to expand the Reach of Rotary in their communities. Clubs set up tables in the concourse advertising their fundraisers, projects, and the value of Rotary in the community. Club Presidents, Rotary friends, and District Leaders got to throw a first pitch and witness Rotary Club fundraising advertisements on the baseball field jumbotron. The impact of such events is hard to quantify, but each of the clubs that attended can attest to the valuable connections they made not only with guests but other club members. In addition, $613 was raised for the Maui Relief efforts! Images and videos of that event were posted on every club’s social media sites including the District 7390 Facebook and Instagram pages. Special thanks is extended to Beth Mack from Lancaster Sunrise Rotary Club for coordinating the many logistics of the day!! Although the rain hampered the launch of the game, the spectators got a great education on the value of Rotary in their community! Bravo!
Rotary Day at the Barnstormers: A great example of successfully Expanding our Reach!
Rotary Leadership Institute was held in District 7390 on September 16th. Thank you to the wonderful RLI faculty District Rotarians that attended and learned more about Rotary!
The hosting Rotary Clubs of Elizabethtown, Lancaster Hempfield, Lancaster Penn Square, and Lititz are working together to sponsor the first RMB Eastern Tier networking event since before COVID and the 68th event in District 7390 RMB history. The event will take place on Thursday, October 5 at the Holiday Inn, 26 E. Chestnut Street, Lancaster, PA from 5:00 to 7:00 PM. The event will be FREE thanks to Venue Sponsor Holiday Inn Lancaster; Event Plus sponsors Waste Hauler Support Services LLC, United Zion Retirement Community, and Rotary Club of Lancaster Penn Square; and event sponsors Caretaker Electric, Christian Brothers Automotive, and the Rotary Club of Lititz.
Light appetizers will be available and one free drink coupon will be provided to be used at the nearby hotel bar. FREE parking will be available at the Duke Street Garage but all attendees who plan to park free there must provide their license plate number. This can be accomplished during the RSVP process. Street parking is available but limited. You also can park in the Christian Street Garage. Please enter through the hotel lobby entrance and head to the Imperial Restaurant and the hostess will direct you.
This will be another in a longstanding series of great business networking opportunities and fun and fellowship events. Do not miss it. Also, please consider bringing potential Rotarian guests and Family of Rotary.
Thank you to our Sponsors!
Upcoming Rotary Means Business in Lancaster County!
On Thursday September 7th 14 Rotarians flew to Chicago and had an exceptional four days.
As Frank Sinatra sang, “I bet your bottom dollar you’ll have some fun in Chicago, Chicago.” And you can bet your bottom dollar that we all had a lot of fun in Chicago. After touring RI headquarters we met some Rotarians of Rotary Club One at the Union League Club for lunch.
Front row second from left is club President Aleta Williams who was kind enough to make this happen. We all received a club banner from Rotary Club One. We went to a Chicago Cubs game Saturday afternoon and took in many sights and experiences that Chicago has to offer.
Here is why your club should plan a trip to Rotary International headquarters and Chicago.
“It was great to experience Rotary where it all began over 118 years ago.” Debbie Dupler
“I absolutely enjoyed every aspect of the trip, from learning more about Rotary to taking in the beautiful architectural scenery of Chicago and the fantastic fellowship amongst all of us Rotarians, who were on the trip.” Lori Funck
“A fantastic pilgrimage to our Rotary roots, which should be experienced by all our club members.” Mark Bruce
“I joined to grow my business. I stayed because of Job1.” Rotary One current President Aleta Williams. (Note Job1 is a Rotary One initiative to help Chicago youth improve employment ability.) Jeff Marsico
“The trip to Chicago was to see our Rotary history up close. We did that plus we had some fun in the process.” Glen Bootay
“It was an amazing experience to visit where Rotary began and to share it with some pretty awesome people!” Laura Jo Funck (less than one year in Rotary)
“Fantastic Rotary experience with great people, in a very cool city.” Dan Brill
“Rotary is so much more than just our club in Elizabethtown and to go to Chicago gave the opportunity to get a greater vision for the future and how our club can play a part in changing the world.” Denise Grove
“Living, learning, laughing - - what a better way to spend a long weekend with my Rotarian friends?” Sandra Bruce.
“Our Chicago trip was a great way to build goodwill and better friendships!” Dustin Conrad
“We learned that the spirit of Rotary service and humanity transcends history, cultures, and geography.” Joe Rebman
“Enough cannot be said about the experience that I had in Chicago with my fellow Rotarians! I learned so much about Rotary…I can not wait until the 2025 International Convention in Calgary! Kevin Schafer
“Trip to /Rotary International was a unique excuse to spend time with my fellow Rotarians in the true fellowship and get out of town.” Bart Ziegler
“This has been my fourth trip the RI headquarters and I am ready to go again.” Dennis Zubler
We all agree that “Together, we see a world where people unite and take action to create lasting change — across the globe, in our communities, and in ourselves.”
So, as a Person of Action, be sure that you come to the District Foundation Dinner Party on November 4, at the Hershey Lodge, from 5 to 8:30 pm.
If you believe in service above self, join your fellow Rotarians in celebrating your participation in Rotary events locally and globally!
If you are a positive peacemaker, this is the time to show your true colors!
If you are for lifechanging and lifesaving events, share your convictions with like-minded Members!
If you want to provide assistance and respond to disasters, come hear about the good efforts in numerous situations.
If you advocate the eradication of polio, be that close to the Foundation effort!
If you are an entrepreneur and a dealmaker, come assess the Endowment!
If you are dedicated to the Rotary Seven Areas of Focus, come hear about our District’s many global successes in every one of them!
If you believe that every Rotarian should engage the Foundation every year, you will be in very good company!
If in everything you think, say, and do, you are for Truth, Fairness, Goodwill, and Friendship, you will be home!
And, if you resemble Paul Harris and simply like fun and friendship in a welcoming setting, just come eat, drink and be eleemosynary.
Don’t miss it. Don’t even be late!!!
(If you want a personal invite, call me at 717 979-9599.)
Sponsors, heroes, family, friends, and the public are invited to join us as we dedicate our flags and honor our heroes. The event is scheduled from 1:00 - 2:00 pm on Monday, September 11, 2023 at the Camp Hill United Methodist Church Wesley Center located at 417 South 22nd Street in Camp Hill, PA.
WHTM-TV anchor Dennis Owens has agreed to emcee our event for the third year in a row. Dennis understands all that goes into being a hero, including the sacrifices they make. He did a phenomenal job at the previous dedication ceremonies (viewable on the RCWS Facebook page), and we are delighted that he is able to join us again.
We're also excited to welcome Tracey C. Jones as our featured speaker this year! Tracey is nationally known for her leadership expertise, as well as her ability to connect on a core level with her audiences. You can learn more about Tracey by visiting her website; you will not be disappointed.
PDG Juliet is pleased to announce that one club in our District received both the Rotary Citation and District Governor Citation for the 2022-2023 Rotary Year: Rotary Club of West Shore.
The Rotary Citation awarded by Rotary International recognizes the hard work clubs do throughout the year to engage members, stay relevant in their communities, and run more efficiently. To achieve the Rotary Citation, clubs need to review all the available goals, select at least half of them, achieve those goals, and report their achievement in Rotary Club Central by June 30th.Click here to Read moreabout the 23-24 Rotary Citation Criteria.
The District Governor Citation is developed by the District Governor each year. PDG Juliet developed 2022-2023 criteria based on the theme of IMAGINE ROTARY coined by RI President Jennifer Jones. Clubs were asked to give an example of one new partnership the club engaged in and other ways the club imagined Rotary. Ways the Rotary Club of West Shore achieved this award were through:
Engaging in new Partnerships: Camp Hill Parks and Recreation with Toys for Tots Campaign with Parade of Lights activity.
Enhancing Public Image: Added a LinkedIn account and increased frequency of social media posts. Developed a video showcasing activities for the 22-23 Rotary Year. Click here to view the video
Increasing impact and reach in community through involvement in new community events: Iron Bridge Festival in New Cumberland, National Night Out in Camp Hill, Lemoyne Borough Clean Up, Negley Park Concert.
Increasing Membership Engagement: Increased participation with Rotary Means Business, District Conference, District Environment Committee, and RYLA. Achieved club growth of 3 members in the 2022-2023 Rotary Year.
Four other clubs in our District also received the District Governor Citation. Stay tuned for their stories in a future Rotary Reporter!
Pictured in photo are President Bim Arthun holding the Rotary Citation and Past President Rod Hite holding the DG Citation. PDG Juliet and DGE Paul Thompson are on Bim’s right surrounded by happy club members.
Congratulations 2022-2023 Rotary Citation and District Governor Citation Recipients!
MARK YOUR CALENDARS. The Rotary Clubs of Elizabethtown, Lancaster-Hempfield and Lititz are working together to sponsor the first RMB Eastern Tier networking event since before COVID. The event will take place on Thursday, October 5 at the Holiday Inn, 26 E. Chestnut Street, Lancaster, PA from 5:00 to 7:00 PM. The event is planned to be FREE of cost to attendees thanks to Venue Sponsor Holiday Inn and to event sponsors Phil Saleet of Caretakers Electric and Glen Bootay of Waste Hauler Support Services, LLC. Other event sponsors are expected to step forward soon. Light appetizers will be available. Street parking is available but limited. Holiday Inn recommends parking in the Christian Street Garage or the Duke Street Garage. The Holiday Inn does not validate parking. Please enter through the hotel lobby entrance and head to the Imperial Restaurant and the hostess will direct you. Stay tuned.
I hope this message finds you healthy and prospering as we draw summer to a close. I have started my Governor visits to our clubs, the first visit was this week to the Rotary Club of Eastern York County. Thank you to President Phil and the Rotarians for a warm reception. I know these visits will be the highlight of the Governor year!
Last week, I had the pleasure of attending the “Life on Land” conference led by our RI Director Drew Kessler and hosted by District 5010 in Anchorage, AK. The conference focus was on environmental issues broadly and the Arctic in specific. I was joined by our District Governor-elect Paul Thompson and his wife Maria, both from the Rotary Club of Hershey. This was a wonderful experience, and a great example of the many opportunities Rotary offers to serve, learn, and lead. Alaska is an amazing place and we learned about Alaska’s place in the world and our nation, the positive governance structures that are working well to share opportunities with native peoples, and the changing Arctic environment and its impacts on the rest of the globe. As one of the speakers said, “the Arctic is a global Arctic.” As we find more of these learning opportunities in Rotary, I’ll be sure to get the details published.
Another learning opportunity closer to home is our upcoming Rotary Leadership Institute (RLI) that takes place at Central Penn College on September 16th. RLI has three parts to the course plus a graduate seminar for those that have completed the three parts. We have 24 Rotarians registered and are ready to go for Part 1 and the Graduate Seminar. We need more teammates to join us for Parts 2 and 3 as there is a required minimum number of students. For those that have completed Parts 1 or 2, please consider registering for our course. While there are other RLI Sessions throughout the year (see RLI NEA website), this is the one course this Rotary year close to home. No better time to take the next step in your Rotary learning journey. Registration is available on the District 7390 web site, lower left corner under the calendar entry for the RLI.
It is a pleasure serving as Governor and I look forward to seeing you around the district.
Join us to learn more about the 2024-2025 Youth Exchange program. We will cover deadlines, calendar dates and additional information that will make the Youth Exchange process easier to understand. This meeting is for any interested Youth Exchange applicant, their parents, and Rotarians interested in the Rotary Youth Exchange program. Questions? Please contact District Youth Exchange Chair Jill Tenny at rotaryd7390youthexchange@gmail.com.
The York East Rotary Club gave out Paul Harris Fellow Awards to 6 individuals who have demonstrated exceptional service and dedication to their communities. The award is named after Paul Harris, who founded the first Rotary Club in Chicago in 1905. It's a way for Rotary clubs to recognize individuals for their contributions to the club's goals of promoting peace, fighting disease, providing clean water, supporting education, and more. Rotary clubs typically award Paul Harris Fellowships to individuals who have made significant contributions, either through monetary donations or substantial volunteer efforts. These contributions might be directed towards local or global initiatives that align with Rotary's values and objectives.
The awards were given to Lydell Nunn, Wendy Keesee, Morry Hooper, Cher Condor, Dan Calloway and Randy Nauman. The Paul Harris Fellow recognition is a significant honor within the Rotary community and is accompanied by a certificate and a medallion. It signifies a person's commitment to the Rotary's motto of "Service Above Self" and their dedication to making positive changes in the world.
Pictured left to right: Sandy Graham, Lydell Nunn, Wendy Keesee, Morry Hooper, Elizabeth Wolf
As you schedule your fall programs, include a program featuring your high school student(s) that attended RYLA (Rotary Youth Leaders Awards Conference) this past June at Messiah University. Please include Gary Crissman, our District 7390 RYLA Co-Chair, to participate in this program. Contact Gary at: 717-576-6113 or ghcrissman@verizon.net
Gary will share more about this exciting student program interfacing with the student’s input into his/her RYLA experience. This joint TEAM effort will focus on the student’s experience, an overview of the entire program, costs, and process for selection of student(s) for 2024, etc.
If your club did not send a student(s) to RYLA in 2023, please consider recognizing a student this year to attend.
Congratulations to our own PDG Una Martone for receiving the 2023 Rotary Leadership Institute Facilitator Award yesterday at the RLI 2023 Annual meeting in Albany, New York. Pictured with Una from our district is PDG Hector Ortiz and DG Fred Gellert. So well deserved! Experience Una and other great facilitators at the Rotary Leadership Institute on 9/16 at Central Penn College! It is a MUST for any Rotarian who wants to take advantage of all the wonderful tools Rotary has to offer its members. See you there!
2023 RLI Faculty of the Year Award Presented to PDG Una Martone
Rotary District 5000 is collecting monetary donations to support response and recovery efforts following the fires on the island of Maui.
Here is a note from Hawai'i Rotary District Governor Mark Merriam on August 9, 2023
Today has been a tragic day for our Rotarians, families and friends on the Island of Maui. The fires across the island have changed lives forever. Truly devastating. Our sympathy, thoughts and prayers are with everyone impacted. As people of action, we can take immediate action. As we come together to recover and rebuild, we need to support each other. We need to Create Hope for Maui. Through our Rotary District 5000 Foundation, a relief fund has been established. Foundation President Dave Hamil and Treasurer Sharon Amano will handle all donations. A committee will be organized shortly to find the greatest needs for distribution of monies. A single fund will be the most helpful over time to provide the most significant benefits. Please consider donating to this special fund.
Maui Fires Relief Fund: https://www.paypal.com/donate/... Please also widely share this opportunity to help. Stay safe, take care and mahalo for creating hope.
Next Tuesday, August 22 at 6:30 PM the first meeting of our District Membership Committee is happening chaired by PDG Juliet Altenburg. If you have a passion for helping your club and others grow membership as well as keep the members you have engaged, please join us! It will be a great time of education, sharing and supporting one another! Register at: https://us02web.zoom.us/.../tZwsf....
Also a big shout out to Tom Gump for a wonderful article published in the Philippine edition of Rotary magazine. Great advice!
Sunday, September 17th | Gates At 12:00pm | Game At 1:00pm
We are so excited to bring all of the local amazing Rotary organizations together for a day of fun at a Barnstormers game! The day will include the following:
2 Free Tickets to each member of Rotary (additional family members/friends of members: $10).
Each Rotary organization will receive a marketing table on the concourse to engage with the community, educate them on the way you serve our community and recruit new members.
Each club president with be honored prior to the game and will throw a ceremonial first pitch!
The game will feature promotion of what Rotary is doing to End Polio!
The Barnstormers will promote all upcoming fall events that each club is hosting!
Clubs will also be collecting a special donation during the game to help victims of the Maui wildfires.
Hawaiian-shirt theme. Wear your favorite Hawaiian shirt to show your support for the people of Maui.
PLUS cheer on the Barnstormers as they take on the Staten Island Ferry Hawks! Kids Run the Bases after the game!
The 3rd Annual Ride to Eradicate Polio will be held on the York County Rail Trail! Riders will need to meet in downtown York at the Lafayette Plaza at W. Philadelphia St. and Pershing St. at 2:00 p.m.
Plan to ride to the Howard Tunnel (6 mi.) and back or riders who wish to can ride the entire 22 mile York Rail Trail to New Freedom Railroad station. If you choose to ride the entire 22 miles, you can be transported back to York City by Rotarians.
The cost to participate in the ride is $50. Your $50 donation will go directly to The Rotary Foundation under your name. All registered participants get a Ride to Eradicate Polio t-shirt!
There couldn’t be a better time for this fundraiser. The first case of polio in the United States in nearly a decade was detected in New York in 2022. Your donation helps Rotary, and its partners, reach every child with the polio vaccine. Thanks to the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, your contribution will be tripled, getting us even closer to a polio-free world.
Visit www.endpolionow.org and learn more about what Rotary is doing to eradicate polio worldwide.
District 7390 Participates in Rotary Peace Fellowship Program
Every year, Rotary selects some of the world’s brightest and most dedicated professionals to study at seven Rotary Peace Centers around the world. More than 1400 program alumni work in over 115 countries and serve as leaders in governments and nongovernmental organizations, education, research, law enforcement and the military as well as in international organizations dedicated to peace.
Up to 130 graduate students per year receive fully funded fellowships to pursue studies in peace and development. The fellowships pay for tuition and fees, room and board, round-trip transportation and all internship and field study expenses for either a master’s degree or a professional certificate. The centers, hosted by premier universities around the world, provide customized studies and offer field-based learning opportunities.
At the 2023 District Conference an informative program was given by two alumni of the Peace Fellowship Program. One speaker was from Israel and the other from Palestine. They described the Fellowship program and the friendship they developed as they participated in their studies.
District 7390 participated in the competitive selection process by interviewing two candidates referred to us by the Rotary Peace Program. An in-person interview was held with a candidate from the United States and a zoom interview took place with a prospect from Ethiopia. In both cases, the district strongly supported the candidacy of these individuals. Final selection will be made by the Rotary Peace Fellowship program. In late fall candidates will be notified about whether or not they were selected.
Serving on the 2022-23 interview team were: Mary Brunski, RC of Carlisle (DG 2025-26), Tom Burson, RC of Yellow Breeches, Rick Coplen, RC of Carlisle, Fred Gellert, RC of Carlisle-Sunrise (DG 2023-24), Paul Thompson, RC of Hershey (DG 2024-25) and Kathleen Stoup, RC of Carlisle.
Past District Governor Greg Staub has been appointed chair of District 7390's Major Donor and Paul Harris Society programs. These significant programs of The Rotary Foundation (TRF) recognize members who make major gifts to TRF.
Greg is available to make in-person or Zoom presentations to clubs, respond to questions from Major Donors or members of the Paul Harris Society or assist members who want more information about making major gifts to TRF. Major Donor Level 1 recognizes Rotarians when their TRF contributions reach $10,000. Paul Harris Society members commit to making an annual gift of $1,000 to TRF.
Greg was District Governor 2021-2022. He is a member of the Rotary Club of Hanover. Greg can be reached at dggreg2122@gmail.com or 717-578-0691. Greg is a member of the Paul Harris Society.
Staub to Chair the District Major Donor and Paul Harris Society Programs
This is my first note to you as the District Governor. I am honored to be serving you as the governor and look forward to all the interactions we will have this year. I am so impressed with all that our Rotarians and Rotary clubs are doing in South-central Pennsylvania, and I look forward to learning more about your good works.
I have been thinking about the journey that has gotten me to the point of district leadership in Rotary. Each of us has our own story of how we came to Rotary, what experiences we have had, and what Rotary has come to mean for us. I am enjoying reflecting on my 11 years in Rotary and thinking about what the next decade of service might look like for me. Maybe you are thinking about some similar reflections. As you do, I am open to hearing your stories and ideas as we consider the future of Rotary in our club and district.
There are two upcoming opportunities for furthering your Rotary journey that I will highlight here. I plan to attend both and ask your attendance with me if you are able. Our district will host a session of the Rotary Leadership Institute (RLI) here in our local area on Saturday, September 16th, at the Central Penn College. RLI is a three-part learning experience that I found was great at opening my eyes to the scope and power of Rotary. I know even the most seasoned Rotarian will learn something in the sessions. If you have completed the RLI course, please consider joining the graduate course, which changes topic each year, to continue your Rotary learning. This year’s topic is succession planning, something all of us need to consider in our Rotary clubs and the other organizations many of us also serve. Click here to register. There is a course fee that includes breakfast and lunch meals. Some of our clubs pay all or part of the RLI fee, so ask your club leadership. If you cannot make this RLI session, there are other RLI opportunities in other locations. See the Northeast America RLI web site at RLI NEA | Where people come to learn Rotary!
The other opportunity is the Rotary International convention in Singapore in late May 2024. I have been to two RI conventions and found them to be inspiring, educational, and entertaining. I know Singapore is a long journey to make, but having been to the country in 2016, I am looking forward to going back. It was an incredible place. So far there are seven District 7390 Rotarians registered to attend. If this opportunity intrigues you, please check out the Convention (rotary.org). If this year’s convention is not a possibility for you, the 2025 convention will be in late June in Calgary Canada and will be an equally appealing event.
Thank you for allowing me to walk along your Rotary journey with you. I’ll see you out in the District. Here’s to a great 2023-2024 Rotary year.
Please come to the Foundation Dinner Party from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Hershey Lodge (325 University Drive, Hershey) for a few hours of drinks, dinner, celebration, and entertainment.
Every great organization has a solid footing, and Rotary has a super one with its outstanding, top-rated Rotary Foundation.
Celebrate amazing stories about how Rotarians contribute to their favorite causes and then see those funds turned into life-changing outcomes, locally and globally.
That’s right. Every dollar makes a difference in Club grants at the District and Global level, enabling positive changes in local communities, along with international projects in education, health, economic development, conflict resolution, and the environment. And, each dollar also helps the District and Rotary International assist PolioPlus initiatives, disaster response efforts, and global scholars--as everyone is inspired to take steps toward peace!
This party is for new Rotarians who are making a minor gift to The Rotary Foundation along with experienced Rotarians who have made major contributions over the years. Every Rotarian Every Year participants can share a toast and a seat at the table alongside Paul Harris Fellows, Paul Harris Society Members, and even a few Arch Klumpf Society members! And everyone will partake of the same fine food and cool entertainment.
Remember that no gift is too small and also that no gift is too big, so a contribution to The Rotary Foundation is the enlightened way to make a gift that truly keeps on giving!
Come celebrate the Clubs and Rotarians who support The Rotary Foundation. That would be you!
Plan now to join the party. Call me (717-979-9599) if you have any doubts. If not, I greatly anticipate seeing you there.
The Rotary Leadership Institute is an opportunity to meet with other Rotarians, share experiences, and learn new skills to take back to your club. You don't have to be in the leadership chain to benefit from this institute. If you want to learn more about this wonderful organization that we call Rotary, and find out what you can actually do to start changing the world, put attendance on your schedule. Rotary Clubs should pay for their members to attend RLI. The cost is $130 per Rotarian to attend.
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.
We will offer Parts I, II, III and Graduate (The Graduate level will focus on Succession Planning). Click here to view the objectives of the Succession Planning Graduate Course.
Where can I find more information about RLI? www.rlinea.org.
Those of you who are reading this newsletter are doing so because you have a passion for Rotary! But why Rotary? Maybe it was recommended by an employer to do some business networking. Maybe you were invited in by a friend or neighbor and loved the service aspect. Maybe as a young person you were on the receiving end of a Rotary Scholarship or Youth Exchange program and wanted to pay it forward. Whatever the reason for joining, the reason you stayed may have changed. For me I joined for the service, but really stayed for the people. It was the kind, funny, and caring people of my club and others that have kept me engaged. But not ALL Rotarians are getting the same satisfaction from the Rotary experience. This past year our District lost 105 members. This is the fifth consecutive year our membership has tracked downward. Here is the trend showing membership counts July 1 of each year:
Year
2018
2019
2020
2021
2022
2023
Membership
2311
2278
2192
2001
1913
1808
Net Loss
-33
-86
-191
-88
-105
Here are some interesting District stats to consider:
20 out of 42 clubs experienced a loss of one or more members.
22 of 42 clubs either had NO change in membership (4 clubs) or a net gain of 1-9 members (18 clubs). Congratulations!!
This year our District under the leadership of DG Fred Gellert will have a lofty membership goal: A NET GROWTH OF ONE MEMBER. Really? What a pitiful goal you might think! No, not at all. Just look at the last 6 years. If all we do is NET ONE MEMBER, we have accomplished something BIG. But everyone needs to do their part and support each other in the process. Here is where you come in. We need a District Membership Committee of more than ONE person which historically has been the District Membership Chair. We need a Membership Committee that will meet just FOUR times per year for one hour to brainstorm ways we can support our clubs with ideas on how to increase membership. This Membership Committee will continue to have as a subcommittee the wonderful District mentoring committee that has provided periodic webinars and mentoring to new club members in our District. WILL YOU JOIN ME and others in this effort by joining the new District Membership Committee? IF YES, email me at DGJuliet2022@QRPC.com. Looking forward to a great year together giving the gift of Rotary to a world that needs it more than ever!
Join us Saturday September 23rd from 3 PM to 7 PM at the campus of the Central Penn College, 600 Valley Road, Summerdale, PA for an unforgettable day of fun and celebration at the Rotary Club of Mechanicsburg North's Beer & Wine Festival. Indulge in the exquisite flavors of locally crafted spirits while immersing yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of live music. As our guest, you'll receive a complimentary sampling glass to savor a wide variety of beer and wine, perfectly complemented by the captivating tunes of Second Time Thru.
In addition to the delectable beverages and live entertainment, enjoy food from our selection of regional food trucks. Bring your lawn chairs and blankets, settle in, and relish the live performances while enjoying the locally crafted spirits. All proceeds from this event will directly support the Rotary Club of Mechanicsburg North community initiatives including scholarships for local students, assistance to local seniors, contributions to local food pantries, support for local charities, and investments in local libraries.
Tickets for the event are $35 if purchased before August 31st and $40 from September 1st to the day of the event. Special $5 ticket entry for designated drivers which will include a voucher for purchase at the food trucks. Tickets can be purchased at 2023 Beer and Wine Festival (zeffy.com).
Don't miss out on this incredible opportunity to experience the best of locally crafted spirits, live music, and community support.
July 15, 2023 - In a remarkable display of community dedication and commitment to children's safety, the York East Rotary Club is celebrating its 50th year of sponsoring the renowned Safety Town program. Since its inception in 1973, Safety Town has played a vital role in teaching essential safety skills to thousands of children in the York area, ensuring they are equipped with the knowledge to navigate potential hazards. Safety Town is an interactive, educational program that provides young children with hands-on experience in recognizing and responding to various safety situations they may encounter in their daily lives. The program features miniature roads, and traffic signals, allowing children to practice pedestrian safety, bicycle rules, and general awareness of their surroundings. Over the past five decades, the York East Rotary Club has been the primary sponsor and driving force behind Safety Town, investing countless hours and resources to make it a resounding success. The club's unwavering commitment to the program has ensured its longevity and positive impact on the community. Rotary Club members, including dedicated volunteers and professionals from various fields, have actively participated in Safety Town by organizing workshops, coordinating guest speakers, and overseeing the day-to-day operations. The club has forged partnerships with local law enforcement agencies, fire departments, and educational institutions to deliver comprehensive safety education to children aged 3 to 7 years old. The Safety Town program covers a wide range of topics, including traffic safety, fire prevention, stranger danger, basic first aid, and more. Through engaging activities, interactive demonstrations, and role-playing exercises, children learn how to make safe choices and develop the confidence to handle potential dangers responsibly. Special thanks go to the director Linda Hoffman who has been with the program for 40 years.
As the York East Rotary Club celebrates its 50th year of sponsoring Safety Town, the program stands as a shining example of the profound impact community organizations can have in promoting safety and empowering young minds. The club's unwavering dedication and long-term commitment have undoubtedly made York a safer place for generations to come.
Golf outings are great fundraisers in Rotary D7390. If your club is having an outing, please let the District office know (office@rotary7390.org) so your information can be added to this article! Click on the links below to learn more about the golf outings!
Nature has a finite capacity to regenerate itself in the face of pressures on its land, water, and air resources.
Our speakers will address sustainability and solutions, both in the Arctic as well as from a worldwide perspective. Will Alaska Ninja Warrior Nick Hanson make a surprise appearance? Come and find out!
Our special guest speakers will include from Rotary International:
2023-24 President Gordon McInally
Rotary International Director Drew Kessler
Director-Elect Chris Etienne
Other speakers include:
Christopher Puttock, a member of the Environmental Sustainability Rotary Action Group (ESRAG)
Two United Nations Environmental Programs on the Environmental: "Preventing, Halting and Reversing the Loss of Nature" and "Adopt A River".
Dr. Michele Devlin: Professor of Environmental Security at the U.S. Army War College and Professor of Arctic Health and Human Security with the National Science Foundation’s UNI ARCTICenter.
Gwen Holdmann: Director of the Alaska Center for Energy and Power an applied energy research program based at the University of Alaska Fairbanks which focuses on community- scale fossil and renewable/alternative energy technologies. Specific areas of emphasis include power systems integration for microgrids, hydrokinetic energy, low temperature geothermal, and diesel efficiency.
Begin your adventure with the optional Princess cruise from Vancouver, B.C. to Anchorage via Whittier, exploring the deep green of the coastal mountains, the varying blues of our glaciers and the wonderful wildlife scenery that is Alaska. Enjoy Alaska’s beauty with your fellow Rotarians and the wonder of glaciers that are quickly disappearing in Glacier National Park. Join our local Rotarians for a dinner in the home, and talk to real Alaskan residents to find out all you ever wanted to know about the arctic and hiking, fishing or hunting in the wilderness. Alaska is globally significant for its large tracts of intact habitats and their role in conserving biodiversity and storing carbon while supporting traditional and cultural uses. What better place to learn about environmental sustainability while enjoying the beauty of Alaska with your fellow Rotarians.
Participate in our local project in collaboration with the Anchorage and Eagle River Parks departments clearing out invasive species that take over from natural moose habitat, working to upgrade the nature centers outdoor area for natural habitat and soaking in Alaska’s outdoor awe-inspiring views. Come early or stay longer to add on our Alaska State Fair with the GIGANTIC vegetables – see 2100 lb., pumpkins, or 952 kg for you Canadians, eh? JOIN us and be inspired by our vast landscapes, Alaska Native cultures, wildlife, and wild places.
During the 2022-2023 Rotary year, our District launched a DEI Committee to support the Strategic Priorities of Rotary International and our District with fostering a sense of belonging in our clubs. We thank PDG Hector Ortiz for leading that Committee during its inaugural year! This year we welcome two new leaders to further foster the ideals of DEI within clubs and District operations. Meet our new DEI Committee Chair Beth Mihmet from the Rotary Club of Harrisburg, and Committee Vice Chair, Marcellus Taylor from the Rotary Club of Carlisle! Interested in joining our District DEI Committee? Reach out to Beth or Marcellus at their emails below. Meetings this year are: 8/14, 10/2, 12/4, 4/1, and 6/3 via Zoom. Read more about Rotary’s commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at https://www.rotary.org/en/about-rotary/diversity-equity-and-inclusion where you can find a variety of club resources.
Elizabeth “Beth” Mihmet, is the Associate Director of Planned Giving at Dickinson College in Carlisle and an active member of the Rotary Club of Harrisburg for more than eight years. Beth earned her BS from Colgate University (English and Art) and her MBA from Temple University. She served as the 22-23 Club President and is a board member for Leadership Harrisburg Area (LHA). In her free time, Beth enjoys hiking, bicycling on Pennsylvania’s rail trails and reading. She lives in Mechanicsburg with her wife, Sarah Myers. Beth is excited to chair the District 7390 DEI committee with Marcellus Taylor and continue the work that PDG Juliet Altenburg started last year. She is motivated to help Rotarians build more inclusive club cultures with a focus on belonging and fun. Beth is committed to helping Rotarians find the resources/people they need to strengthen their clubs and serve as an ambassador to members of the LGBTQ+ community searching for welcoming service organizations. Beth can be reached at mihmete@dicknson.edu.
Marcellus Taylor, Ed.D. serves as Director of Health Equity at the Partnership for Better Health. He joined the foundation in 2021 and leads a portfolio of grants and initiatives focused on advancing health equity. He mobilizes strategies to engage historically marginalized communities and people with lived experience through the sharing of power and decision making, towards addressing health disparities and shaping a more equitable future.
Dr. Taylor received his Doctorate in Education from Indiana University of Pennsylvania, a Master of Education in Training & Development from Penn State Harrisburg, and a Bachelor of Science degree in Sociology from Penn State Harrisburg. Marcellus is passionate about using the framework of belonging to impact social change. He can be reached at marcellus@forbetterhealthpa.org
Meet the 2023-2024 Leaders of the District 7390 Diversity-Equity-Inclusion Committee!
As we begin the new Rotary year, we are thinking through new beginnings. One of those new beginnings is that we are taking a fresh and new look at our Finance Committee. District Governor Fred has asked that I chair the committee this year and bring together a group of financially knowledgeable Rotarians, to do just that. We would meet, most over zoom for a half an hour, monthly.
If you are a Rotarian with a financial background and could give a half hour of your time over zoom to help the district, I would like to chat with you. We recognize that time is your most valuable commodity. As busy professionals, it is sometimes difficult to find time to help. This is why we are going to perform this service in half-hour increments over zoom, monthly. We will be efficient and focused on our mission.
Please reach out to me at Rotary7390DG2020@gmail.com to let me know of your interest in discussing the possibility of joining my team. I would like to get rolling at the end of the summer so please reach out now so that I can pull the team together for an initial zoom call in late August or early September.
Thank you in advance. We are grateful for your consideration.
Yours in Rotary Service,
John Anthony Past District Governor 2020-21 District Finance Chair 2023-24
The Feed and Read Program of Yola, Nigeria is an initiative started by former Dickinson College President, Margee Ensign in 2015. Margee was President of The American University of Nigeria (AUN) at the time. The program focuses on improving the literacy and numeracy among the most vulnerable children of Yola, Nigeria. There are over 18 million children in Nigeria that are out of school. Yola, which is the capital of the Adamawa state is estimated to have about 150,000 to 200,000 children out of school. Most are boys, but about 35% are girls. The program was initially started for young boys. They were taught how to read and to be clean and neat. They were also given one hot meal a day. The program resulted in stopping many teenage boys from joining the militant Boko Haram.
In 2016, girls were added to the program. According to Dr. Margee Ensign, “When you educate girls, everything in the country changes – infant mortality declines, infectious diseases aren’t going to be spread, people have a smaller family which allows these women to go out and make the change that is needed”.
In 2022, Retired dentist, Dr. Roderick Frazier, then President-Elect of the Rotary Club of Carlisle found out about the program. Rotary Clubs fund humanitarian projects every year, mainly local, but occasionally international. Dr. Frazier was looking for a project for his club to support. He contacted Dr. Ensign at AUN. She gave him more particulars about the project and how his club could support it. Dr. Frazier loved the idea and concept of helping these vulnerable children.
The program provides a basic education equivalent to our 3rd grade. Students are assessed before the program begins. They are also assessed two more times during the program year to determine their competency. The program is taught in English (Nigeria’s official language is English, though there are over 500 languages and dialects spoken there). The children are taught how to read and write, and basic arithmetic. They are also taught civics and life skills. They are provided with one hot meal a day, which may be the only hot meal they ever get. This meal supplements their poor nutrition. Boys are divided into cohorts of 25 students and the same for girls. They are taught by students and faculty of the University. A local woman cooks the meals for the children. The program last about 9 months with a 4 week break for Ramadan.
The cost of the program for one student was $396 US. The Rotary Club of Carlisle provided scholarships for 12 students to attend the program. Funding came from the club and was matched by Rotary District 7390. As of June, this year due to inflation, the cost has risen to $406.28 US per child. The staff of AUN would love to have uniforms provided for the children. This would cost about $15.00 per boy. The cost per girl is about $18 since girls must wear long dresses as dictated by their culture.
The American University of Nigeria has a capacity to accommodate 500 boys and 120 girls. This past year they were only able to admit a cohort of 25 boys. A cohort of 25 girls were selected, but their funding source fell through, and their classes were canceled.
It’s a great program that is sorely in need of funding. Any questions about the program may be directed to Dr. Roderick Frazier (rlf2thdr@aol.com) of Carlisle.
The 2022-2023 Rotary Youth Exchange Outbound Class will be holding a Rebound get-together on Sunday, August 13, 2023 at Central Penn College (600 Valley Road, Summerdale, PA 17093). We will be meeting in the ATEC building. Click here to view a map of Central Penn College. We will be on the upper floors of the ATEC building in classrooms 200 & 202.
The students and parents are required to attend a de-briefiing session from 1:00 until 3:00 p.m.
At 3:00 p.m. Rotarians, family, and friends are invited to attend a Rebound Night!! This is a chance to hear more about the fantastic experiences our students had throughout the year.
Light refreshments will be provided. The cost for Rotarians, family, and friends to attend is $10 per person.
The Rotary Clubs of Carlisle and Carlisle Sunrise will host the 67th RMB networking event in RMB District 7390 (RMB Fellowship Chapter # 4) history and the fourth event of the RMB 2023 season at the Frederick House, 219 N Hanover Street, Carlisle, PA on Tuesday, August 29 from 5:30 to 7:30 PM. Hoffman Funeral Home and Crematory will once again be the Major Sponsor for the networking event. The event is FREE and will have hors d'oeuvres, wine, beer, soft drinks and water available for all attendees. RSVP NOW!
This will be another in a longstanding series of great business networking opportunities and fun and fellowship events. Do not miss it. Also, please consider bringing potential Rotarian guests and Family of Rotary.
It is the changing of the guard as we welcome in the new rotary year creating hope in the world. Thank you 22-23 leaders and congrats to our 23-24 leaders! Here are a few photos from the inspiring installation! Check out more photos on the District 7390 Facebook Page!
Congratulations 2022-2023 & 2023-2024 Leadership!
Join the York community on First Friday, July 7th at 6 PM in downtown York as we celebrate Loretta Claiborne and the York County Special Olympics Program. After having been named a USA Today Woman of the Year in February, Loretta competed this month at the Special Olympics World Games in Berlin and won the Gold medal in the women’s singles tennis. She also earned a Bronze medal in women’s doubles tennis with her doubles partner. This was Loretta’s first appearance at the World Games as an athlete in 14 years and her first time competing in tennis. She turns 70 in August.
Next Friday, participants are asked to line the sidewalks on both sides of the 200 block of S. Beaver St to cheer during the Parade of Athletes. Chairs will be set up in the William Penn High School district parking lot at the corner of S. Beaver & W. Princess Streets to view presentations to Loretta. Vehicles can be parked in the city lot across from the High School on W. Princess Street, along with on-street parking. (Please do not park in the 200 block of S. Beaver St.)
After a short program, attendees are asked to assemble near the basketball courts in Penn Park for a community photo with Loretta and other York County Special Olympics athletes. This will be a great time to meet and greet the athletes and to learn more about the York County Special Olympics program.
In 2019, Rotary Club of York inducted York native Loretta Claiborne as an Honorary Member after her program to the club about the 50th Anniversary of Special Olympics. Loretta has competed with Special Olympics for fifty years and is the first Special Olympian to serve on the Special Olympics international Board of Directors. She was asked to serve by her longtime friend, the late Eunice Kennedy Shriver, founder of Special Olympics. Loretta is currently Vice Chair and Chief Inspiration Officer. Her full biography can be found on the Board of Directors page of www.specialolympics.org or at www.lorettaclaiborne.com.
York Welcomes home Honorary Rotarian and Gold Medalist Loretta Claiborne!
The York-East Rotary Club has awarded $8,000 in grants to 4 local nonprofits in the York community. Each year the York-East Rotary Club grants to deserving projects and programs in the region. These worthy local organizations received grants for various needs and projects this year. Representatives from each organization attended our weekly meeting and received their grant awards. The club also awarded $780 to the Children's Aid Society from our weekly 50/50 drawing. Lower Susquehanna River Keepers was awarded a grant but unable to attend the presentation.
Our club looks forward to this day each year because it is such a great feeling to give and learn how the money is being used within our community.
Thank you to everyone that donates to our organization through the various fundraisers that we hold each year. Without you we would not be able to provide these organizations with the funding that they need to make York a better place to live.
The Rotary Club of Eastern York County has a $5000.00 District Grant for the EYWI Eastern York Workcamp Initiative (Wrightsville) to purchase materials for the work camp project. The youth, about 221 of them, come from many states to work in the Eastern York School District and all over York and western parts of Lancaster County. The youth and adult leaders stay at the Eastern York Middle School and are provided meals and have activities in the evenings.
The program started in 2019 and was to happen in 2020, but was canceled due to COVID-19. The program started again in 2022 and went back to most of the same clients and have 30 houses to work on. These youth in the picture are from Virginia and the site is on Maple Street in Wrightsville.
The Grant process started back in early 2022 and this is the second year for the EYWI Work Camp In the Eastern York School District.
On June 20th, 2023, President Ann Newburger of the Rotary Club of Shippensburg (seated far right) rang the Rotary Bell for the last time at a gathering of club members and well-wishers. Effective June 30th the club will be dissolved marking 99 years of service to the Shippensburg Community and beyond. Past President Dr. Gary Davis (pictured in photo last row with tie) was Master of Ceremonies at the event quizzing the members on the history of the club. Fun facts:
The Club was chartered April 16, 1924, with 19 members by Paul Noftsker. Currently the club has 20 members.
Originally the club was part of District 24 and accepted a charter from the Rotary Club of Chambersburg. After redistricting by Rotary International it became part of D7390.
The club’s last meeting was in the same building as the first meeting. That building currently houses Appalachian Brewing Company Shippensburg but in 1924 was the Morrison hotel.
The club’s longest serving member is Bob Harper who joined the club in 1977. (Seated in photo first chair on the left.)
The first female president of the club was Marie Davis (Behind Bob Harper in photo)
Multiple projects have been undertaken over its history including partnering with other local organizations: Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Little League, Labor Day baseball games, Shippensburg Band, the Shippensburg Public Library, an annual Christmas theater party for children, community Christmas tree, Memorial Park improvements, a downtown tree-planting project, and Christmas lighting contests. Members were instrumental in organizing the Chamber of Commerce and the first Playground Association, which has developed into today’s Parks and Recreation Commission. The club’s early interest in handicapped children continued for years with an annual workday at Camp Harmony Hall. Other projects included a Peace Garden, extensive work with the York Rail Trail, the adopt a highway program, Four Way Test Award, Drop the Anchor event, Student Scholarship, Rotary Youth Exchange, a Polio Plus Campaign raising $22,000 for Polio eradication, and support with Mission of Mercy Dental Outreach with Dr. Gary Davis, a local dentist who is Dental Director of Ecuadent, a dental mission foundation treating poor children in Ecuador. He has been on over 25 missions!
During the gathering every member was given a Paul Harris Award noting that all 20 members had achieved Paul Harris Award status. Thank you Shippensburg Club members for your amazing service during close to a century of service. We look forward to working with many of you as fellow Rotarians as you transfer to other Rotary clubs and service organizations. You were truly People of Action. Peace, and best wishes to everyone!
Rotary Club of Shippensburg Rings Bell for last time celebrating 99 years of Service
We are looking for a few Rotarians to volunteer on the Four-Way Test Speech Contest Committee. If you are interested in joining the committee, please contact the District office at 717-854-7842 or office@rotary7390.org.
The Rotary District 7390 office will be closed June 21-23. If you need immediate assistance, please contact your Assistant Governor. Your phone calls and emails will be returned on June 26!
It's not too late to watch Rotary International's special coverage of Rotary's People of Action: Champions of Inclusion gala. Now available on demand through 30 September, this celebration of diversity, equity, and inclusion helps us imagine what's possible when people of action come together to amplify the power of marginalized populations locally and globally. Learn more at rotary.org/inclusion.
The Rotary Clubs of Carlisle seeks to find solutions to the growing and dire need for clean water in underprivileged communities worldwide. We are partnering with Carlisle Theatre in the upcoming production of “Urinetown: The Musical”. To raise awareness for our ongoing protects around water, sanitation, and hygiene. The play will be performed June 16, 17, 22,23, and 24 at 7:30pm and on June 18 and 25 at 2pm at the Carlisle Theatre, 40 W High St Carlisle PA 17013.
About Urinetown: The Musical:
“In a Gotham-like city, a terrible water shortage, caused by a 20-year drought, has led to a government-enforced ban on private toilets. The citizens must use public amenities, regulated by a single malevolent company that profits by charging admission for one of humanity's most basic needs. Amid the people, a hero decides that he's had enough and plans a revolution to lead them all to freedom!
Inspired by the works of Bertolt Brecht and Kurt Weill, Urinetown is an irreverently humorous satire in which no one is safe from scrutiny. Praised for reinvigorating the very notion of what a musical could be, Urinetown catapults the "comedic romp" into the new millennium with its outrageous perspective, wickedly modern wit and sustained ability to produce gales of unbridled laughter. Winner of three Tony Awards, three Outer Critics Circle Awards, two Lucille Lortel Awards and two Obie Awards, Urinetown is a hilarious musical satire of the legal system, capitalism, social irresponsibility, populism, environmental collapse, privatization of natural resources, bureaucracy, municipal politics, and musical theatre itself! Hilariously funny and touchingly honest, Urinetown provides a fresh perspective on one of America's greatest art forms.”
The Rotary fiscal year ends June 30. If you haven’t done so this year, please make a donation to fulfill Rotary’s promise to the children of the world to eradicate polio. Your gifts will be matched 2-for-1 by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. That’s some serious bang for your buck!
The best way to get your gift to The Rotary Foundation quickly is through your dashboard on the RI Website: My.Rotary.org/en/
District 7390 has 81 members of the PolioPlus Society (pledging $100 per year until polio is eradicated). Joining is simple – make your donation and fill out the form on the D7390 website https://rotary7390.org/page/polio-plus-society. Our district has the most PPS members in the 11 districts that make up Region 32W. Let’s keep it that way! D7390 also has the largest average gift per club and per member in the Region (other than one district where there was an anonymous donation of some $300,000).
I’m happy to answer any questions or to speak at your club – just ask! Thank you for your support!
Contributions from District members to The Rotary Foundation (TRF) for 2022-2023 are below previous year’s totals. End-of-year donations are needed to maintain the level of humanitarian work District 7390 Rotarians have historically conducted locally and internationally.
Now is the time to boost the Annual Fund—SHARE. Funds contributed this Rotary year will be invested for three years. Three years from now half of the funds collected minus a small fee will be returned to the district. These funds are absolutely essential to fund global grant and district club grant proposals from clubs.
Members are asked to consider making a gift in the next two weeks. Donations must be postmarked by June 30 to count this year. Donors are encouraged to make their contributions as soon as possible so your gift arrives by the deadline. Of course, on-line donations through Rotary Direct are secure and help meet the deadline.
Contributions to PolioPlus are actually higher than in previous years. Giving to PolioPlus is critical if Rotary is to reach the goal of raising $50 million dollars this year. When achieving this goal, the Gates Foundation will provide $100 million to Rotary for polio eradication.
What can members do to boost support of TRF’s Annual Fund?
Paul Harris Society members are reminded to complete their $1,000 annual pledge.
District PolioPlus Society members are reminded to complete their $100 annual pledge.
Clubs that collect donations for members are asked to submit those donations to TRF as soon as possible.
If possible provide matching Foundation points to incentivize giving.
There are 1893 members in District 7390. If each district Rotarian gave $10, it would generate $18,930; if each member gave $25 it would generate $45,325, and if each member donated $100 it would generate $189,300 for the Annual Fund.
Thanks to each member who supports TRF. Your generosity guarantees Rotary International will remain a world leader in humanitarian service that fosters global understanding and peace. Make an End-of-Year donation and Make a Difference!
Submitted by Anna-Mae Kobbe, District Rotary Foundation Chair
Registered nurse Juliet Altenburg with Penn State Health Trauma Program Staff at a STOP THE BLEED® class. From left: RNs Justin Heimrich, Sunny Goodyear, Altenburg, and Amy Bollinger
The following article was published in Rotary Voices! Congratulations to DG Juliet!
By Juliet Altenburg, governor of District 7390 (Pennsylvania, USA), a member of the Rotary Club of Mechanicsburg-North, and executive director of the Pennsylvania Trauma Systems Foundation
A10-year-old boy was riding his bicycle down a hill with his friends in 2021 – something he had done many times before – when his fun morning turned tragic. As he entered an intersection, he collided with a car he didn’t see coming. In an instant, he broke both of his arms and had uncontrolled bleeding that could have killed him within four minutes.
Fortunately, the accident happened near a police station where officers quickly called 911. As a team of emergency medical responders headed to the scene, the officers applied tourniquets to each of the boy’s extremities. The EMS team examined the boy and transported him to a local pediatric trauma center, which quickly diagnosed his injuries and surgically corrected them. Weeks later, he was discharged to his family and assigned a team of rehabilitation specialists.
By any standard, this is a heart-warming story of how local police officers, medical responders, and hospital personnel saved a boy’s life. What makes it even more amazing to me is how my Rotary club, my Rotary district, and The Rotary Foundation helped to save him.
In 2019, I invited our local trauma center nurses to my Rotary club meeting to speak on a national awareness campaign administered by the American College of Surgeons Committee on Trauma called STOP THE BLEED.® It was launched as a result of a meeting after the shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School, where a national team of medical experts discussed how more lives could have been saved. They realized that if teachers and others on the scene had been educated in bleeding control techniques, it could have made a difference.
District grant
After the presentation, my club applied for a district grant which allowed us to get a $2,500 match and purchase 300 tourniquets for a local township police station. Those police officers were educated by the local trauma center on their use, and it was those tourniquets that saved the life of the boy in the bicycling accident.
What makes this especially personal for me is the fact that my entire professional career has been dedicated to working in or overseeing trauma centers. In the first part of my career as a nurse, I cared for trauma patients and worked in a leadership role to advance trauma care in my hospital. In my current statewide role, I serve as executive director of an organization that accredits trauma centers in Pennsylvania.
This year as district governor, my vision was to advance partnerships between trauma centers and local Rotary clubs to bring the STOP THE BLEED® campaign to Rotarians and the public. We’ve educated more than 200 people during Rotary club meetings, community health fairs, our district conference, and separate STOP THE BLEED® classes at a local community college. Through all these activities, I’ve come to realize more deeply how combining one’s professional interests with the power of Rotary can provide huge results.
Note: During the month of May in the United States, special days have been established to celebrate nurses and other healthcare workers. STOP THE BLEED® Day is 25 May. To learn more go to https://www.stopthebleed.org/
The Rotary Clubs of Harrisburg and Harrisburg Keystone hosted a super successful 66th District 7390 RMB networking event on May 18 at the beautiful Capital Blue Cross Connect Retail Office in Enola, PA. Venue sponsor Capital Blue Cross Connect provided an amazing venue with great hors d'oeuvres, wine, beer and other beverages. Stacey Clark and her team (Jerremy and Zachary) made everyone feel right at home and did everything first class. Event sponsors Central Penn College and Keisling Research made sure we had sufficient resources to make the event a success. Thank you for hosting clubs and sponsors!
There were 28 to 30 attendees from seven district clubs (Carlisle, Carlisle Sunrise, Harrisburg, Harrisburg Keystone, Mechanicsburg North, Passport and West Shore). Many great connections were made (see photos) and much fun and fellowship was enjoyed by all. Scott Stevens did a masterful job of running the Circle exercise, making it fun and productive. Also, Carol Cunningham proved once again she is an excellent RMB event photographer. Thank you all for making this event another RMB District 7390 success story.
The Rotary Club of Colonial Park Foundation recently awarded scholarships to 30 high school students in five schools. The scholarships totaled $83,00 and ranged from $500 to $21,000. Over the years, the Foundation and Club have given $771,908 in scholarships to students. In addition, if you add in the total given to local community organizations, the total grows to $1,072,483!
In two weeks, Rotarians from around the world will be convening in Australia for Rotary International’s annual convention. Among them will be DG Juliet Altenburg and her husband Rob. Juliet will be posting stories from the convention on our District Blog at https://d7390rotaryblog.wordpress.com/ Subscribe to the blog to get stories delivered right to your inbox. Simply insert your email address into the “subscribe” box at the bottom of the home page. Blog links will also be posted on our District 7390 Facebook and Instagram pages.
Subscribe to the District 7390 Blog for stories from the RI Convention
Every year clubs in our District are eligible to receive awards that reflect their immense commitment to service within their clubs and communities. Click here to read about awards your club can apply for including the 2022-2023 Best Club Awards (deadline 9/1) and District Governor’s Citation (deadline 7/31)!
Additionally, Rotary Clubs, Rotaract Clubs and Interact clubs are also eligible to receive the Rotary Citation from Rotary International. Click here to learn more. All achievements must be reported to Rotary International by June 30, 2023.
Like the TV show "America's Got Talent", we all know Rotary members in our District have a whole lot of talent too! And not just talent! Passion, skill, commitment, and a desire to learn and grow are characteristics of members in every club. The District 7390 leadership team is on a quest to find members who not only want to share their talents but have fun and grow in the process.
If you would like to contribute your unique talents please take a few minutes to complete a questionnaire here! Fun and growth are guaranteed! Thanks in advance! Deadline: Friday, May 19th
On April 22, 2023 - York East Rotary along with other volunteers helped with the annual spring clean at the Gold Star Garden. The project included picking up litter, raking, tree trimming, mulching, garden bed weeding, and cleaning the memorials.
Congratulations to our D7390 ShelterBox Hero Clubs!
Elizabethtown is a Silver Hero and Lancaster-South is a Bronze Hero
2022 was our biggest year yet and your support helped us to reach over 400,000 people across 22 projects in 12 countries. This year is shaping up to be just as busy and your continued support is truly appreciated.
Gifts from clubs, individuals identifying as club members, or anyone recognizing your club all count toward ShelterBox HERO club recognition. A Bronze HERO recognition level is achieved at $1,000, Silver at $3,000 and Gold at $5,000 in total giving within the Rotary year. A club can ‘level up’ throughout the Rotary year. If this award is the result of an individual’s gift, you can thank them by matching with a club donation and doubling their impact.
Click here for the latest news about ShelterBox disaster relief deployments. If you would a presentation to your club via Zoom to give an overview of ShelterBox and update on our current projects, please contact Bill Tobin at btobin@shelterboxusa.org or 805-203-8668.
We need help in your district! Is there a Rotarian in your club looking to serve? Please have them consider becoming a ShelterBox Club Champion or Ambassador. Click here to Volunteer with ShelterBox USA!
Join us for the 2023 ShelterBox USA conference in Las Vegas June 9-11. Click here for details!
One way your club can help build awareness of ShelterBox is by making ShelterBox your Speaker Honorarium. To thank your speakers, make a donation to ShelterBox in their name. Here is a certificate you can fill in and present. ShelterBox Speaker Certificate (writable PDF)
A total of 25 Central Penn faculty, Rotarians, and Medical Reserve Corps volunteers participated in the sessions taught by Trauma Center nurses from Penn State Health. At our District Conference and Community Expo the same partners were involved with teaching 36 participants who gave great reviews to the classes.
At a recent Elizabethtown Rotary Club meeting, Calvin Kent, was inspired to present his original speech from the Four Way Test Speech Contest when he competed as a teenager. That was 50 years ago! You can read more about Cal below! If the video does not show, please click here to view the video.
Dr. Calvin Kent has been a member in Rotary Clubs in five states over the past 55 years. He currently lives in Elizabethtown PA and is a member of that club. Prior to Elizabethtown he lived 26 years in Huntington WV where he served a Dean of The Lewis College of Business and later as a Vice President at Marshall University. He is currently Distinguished Professor of Business Emeritus at Marshall. He was President of the Huntington Rotary Club.
Dr. Kent has a long career in public service including City Councils in Vermilion SD, Woodway TX (Mayor) and Huntington WV(Chair) During the first Bush (41) Administration he was appointed and unanimously confirmed by the Senate as the Administrator of the Energy Information Administration with the rank of Assistant Secretary. His political involvement in West Virginia included being Co-vice Chair of Governor Underwood’s Commission on Fair Taxation and as Chair of the Local Government Sub-Committee of Governor Manchin’s Commission on Tax Reform. For over a decade he was a member of the West Virginia Property Tax Valuation and Training Commission.
He earned an undergraduate degree From Baylor University and a Masters and Doctorate in Economics from the University of Missouri. Post Doctoral studies included University of Virginia (Law) and Princeton Theological Seminary. Religious activities have been a commitment having served as an ruling Elder, Adult Sunday school Teacher, choir member and lay pastor in Presbyterian churches were he has lived. He has been blessed with a marriage of over 60 years to Nita and they share 2 children and 7 grandchildren.
Be Inspired by a 50-Year Old Four-Way Test Contest Speech
On Thursday, April 20, the D7390 Passport Club held a social get-together. Club member Paul Duryea, who has been a Rotarian for 53 years, made some remarks about The Rotary Foundation and how the Foundation has changed his life and inspired him. Because of that, he presented a PHF+1 to D7390 Passport Club President Carmen Calderone.
Each year, the York East Rotary Club presents a $2,000 scholarship to two area high school senior students who demonstrate outstanding academic achievement and who also exemplify “Service Above Self”, the motto and core mission of Rotary. This year’s scholarship award recipients are Hannah Kuhn of York Suburban High School and Noah Rutter of York County School of Technology.
Junior students Reese Mckenna of York Suburban and Jonathan Hernandez of York Tech were awarded the Rotary York Leadership Scholarships. Rotary Youth Leadership Award (RYLA) is an intensive leadership experience held at Messiah College where students develop skills as a leader while having fun and making connections.
Each of the recipients excelled academically and received numerous academic accolades. Further, each demonstrated outstanding service qualities to their schools in leadership roles of various organizations, as well as to the community at large through many hours of volunteer service.
Left to right: Bob Straw, Committee Chair; Beth Salaga, Counselor, Hannah Kuhn; Noah Rutter; Samuel Shaw, Counselor
Join us as we say goodbye to our 2022-2023 Inbound Students and wish our 2023-2024 Outbound students and our Short Term Summer Exchange Students a successful exchange!
The District 7390 Youth Exchange Staff cordially invite you and your family to a fun-filled afternoon on Sunday, June 4 at John Rudy Park (Blue Spruce Pavilion) 400 Mundis Race Road, York!! Dress for the picnic is casual.
SCHEDULE:
11:45-1:00 p.m. Registration & Social
1:00 p.m. Picnic Lunch
2:00 p.m. Recognition of all Outbounds
2:30 p.m. Recognition of Inbounds, Host Families & Counselors
3:00 – ??? Fun & Fellowship
There are many activities available at the park, please feel free to bring along horseshoes, volley balls, soccer balls, etc. There is even a playground for the younger children.
Food and drinks will be provided. However, feel free to bring along your favorite non-alcoholic beverages.
COST:
Inbounds, Outbounds, and STEP students are FREE to attend
Children 12 and under are FREE to attend
All attendees 13+ are $10 per person to attend.
EVERYONE IS WELCOME!! YOU MUST RSVP BY MAY 30th so enough food is ordered for the event!
You are invited to attend the Installation of the 2023-2024 District Leadership Team, Assistant Governors and Club Presidents! The installation will be held at Farm 1840 (101 State Road, Mechanicsburg, PA 17050) on Friday, June 30, 2023.
Cocktails & Hors D'oeuvres from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Dinner & Program - 6:30 p.m. until
Menu:
Appetizers - cucumber roll ups, tomato and mozzarella skewers, meat and cheese platter w/assorted mustards and crackers, fruit kabobs
Dinner buffet - tossed salad, rolls & butter, italian stuffed chicken breast (stuffed with tomato, mozzarella, basil and finished wiht a balsamic reduction), herb crusted top round (sliced thiin w/horseradish creme on the side), ranch roasted red potatoes, bowtie pasta in a butter wine sauce & seasonal vegetables.
Desserts - mixture of lemon bars, brownies, and dessert shooters (flavors to include key lime, strawberry shortcake, cherry cheese cake, death by chocolate)
Cost - $50 per person
Registration Deadline - June 23, 2023 at 12:00 Noon
Members of the Rotary Club of York-North donated over $2,000.00 worth of diapers to the "Harvest of Blessings Food Pantry" located at 254 West Princess Street in York. The Rotary Club of York-North developed a strong relationship with the Harvest of Blessings through one of its members, Melissa Gross, who volunteers there on a weekly basis. The club had an offsite club meeting at the Harvest of Blessings earlier this year and then volunteered there on a Saturday. Through this new relationship and meeting with their CEO, Ms. Jural Toby, they discovered that there was a huge need for diapers for needy families in York and surrounding areas. The club asked its members for diaper donations for an entire month and applied for a district grant and matched it. Ms. Jural Toby was so emotional and appreciative when the diapers were delivered that she had tears in her eyes. This project was such a heartwarming experience where we as Rotarians became aware of a need in our local community and took action to help our neighbors!
Special thanks to the following Rotarians from the Rotary Club of York-North: Melissa Gross for establishing our relationship with the Harvest of Blessings and Kimberly March for going "Above and Beyond" by writing the grant request, collecting diapers from our members and ordering a huge number of additional diapers and storing them in her garage before they were delivered to the Harvest of Blessings.
Members of the Rotary Club of York-North are joined by Ms. Jural Toby, CEO of the Harvest of Blessings, and volunteers with the huge diaper donation provided by the club.
York-North Donates Diapers to Harvest of Blessings Food Pantry
Posted by DG Juliet Altenburg, Past Chair, District Safety Committee
On March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization declared COVID-19 a global pandemic and in an instant our work lives, personal lives and Rotary lives changed forever. I’m sure many of you can remember how the word “pivot” was the new catch phrase for virtual meetings and new ways of engaging with one another. Store shelves were empty, hand sanitizer, if you could find it, was expensive, Lysol disinfecting wipes were nowhere to be found, and my husband Rob used the sewing skills learned from his mother to make cloth masks which we delivered to friends and fellow Rotarians. Among the tremendous fear, worry, and stress that came with the pandemic, also came an outpouring of care, and concern that Rotarians extended to their fellow club members and communities. One group of people that stepped up in an extraordinary way was the District 7390 Safety Committee. This committee was born from an idea I had as a nurse as I worked with hospitals and my own office to create COVID-19 safety protocols. PDG John Anthony was District Governor at the time and when I approached him with the idea of creating the committee his support made all the difference in helping me and my fellow committee members launch district wide efforts to help mitigate the spread of the virus and be of support in dispelling myths and misinformation.
After three years, the District Safety Committee had its last meeting as a committee this past week! We decided that based on the status of the pandemic and other district and club priorities it was a time to “sunset” the committee but keep ourselves available on an as needed basis. The District COVID-19 Safety Page on the District 7390 website will be changed to a District Safety Information page where health and safety information beyond COVID-19 will be shared along with Rotary mandated policies including a Crisis Management Plan. Sincere thanks are extended to the original committee members who hung in there until the very end including those noted in the photo below: Steph Acri (Mechanicsburg North), Paul Duryea (District Passport), PDG Anna-Mae Kobbe (Gettysburg), Rod Frazier (Carlisle), and AG Becky Zalit (Palmyra). Other members not shown included Patricia Green Rodgers (District Passport) and Judith Clovsky (Mechanicsburg North). Thank you Rotarians for truly living the ideals of “Service Above Self”. You inspired me with your kindness, compassion, and willingness to serve during a very dark time and for that I will always be truly grateful!
District 7390 Safety Committee Pivots to become Advisory Council
DG Juliet Altenburg, Past Chair, District Safety Committee
Did you know that the first “Earth Day” was held 53 years ago in 1970? Now more than ever Rotarians around the world are coming together to protect the environment and engage in projects that not only beautify the earth but keep the humans living on it healthy! As your club engages in projects locally and internationally this month, spread the word through your social media platforms to inspire others to join you in service. Maybe you don’t have the time or are physically able to do hands-on service. There is another vital way you can help.
South Sudan is facing catastrophic hunger due to years of flooding that has submerged half the country in water. Many families cannot move out of the region due to war in the northern area. David Muir of ABC news traveled to South Sudan recently and chronicled the heart wrenching conditions there showing mothers foraging for water lily bulbs to feed their children: https://abcn.ws/3MVh9tU You can make a difference by donating to the United Nations World Food Program USA at https://bit.ly/3N4RdvQ Thank you for your generosity!
This Sunday is Earth Day! You can Make a Difference!
On March 13, COL (RET) and PDG Alden Cunningham and his wife Carol participated in a Podcast hosted by Podcaster Mark Luchessi (Mark at the Mic) talking about his recent autobiography "A Cold War Warrior's Report: a Lifetime of Leadership in Service." Mark does these podcasts about interesting people who live in Burlingame, CA in partnership with the Burlingame Historical Society. If you are interested, click here to listen to the podcast or watch the Youtube video below!
A Cold War Warrior's Report: A Lifetime of Leadership in Service
Posted by Roderick Frazier, Rotary Club of Carlisle
Feed and Read --- Nigeria
The Rotary Club of Carlisle used its District Club Grant funds to provided food and literacy education for 25 young Muslim boys and girls in a poor community in Yola, Nigeria. Working with American University of Nigeria, the Friends of Nigeria in the USA operates a program to teach English, mathematics, civics and personal life skills to enable students to become functionally literate. Children receive educational materials including readers, exercise books, pens and pencils as well as hygiene materials, such as tooth paste and toothbrush, bathing soap, washing soap and a pair of slippers. In addition, the program provides a lunch each day to supplement the children’s low-quality nutrition.
At the beginning of each year, the program assesses early grade reading and math skills to determine proficiency levels and measure progress. The program also measures weight and height of students to identify students who are malnourished and in need of supplementary feeding.
This project is extending the Rotary Club of Carlisle’s reach to another part of the world and is changing the lives of young people living there.
The Rotary Clubs of Harrisburg and Harrisburg-Keystone will host the 66th RMB networking event in RMB District 7390 History and the third event of the RMB 2023 season at Capital Blue Cross Connect, 4500 Marketplace Way, Enola, PA on Thursday, May 18 from 4:30 to 6:30 PM. Capital Blue Cross Connect will be the special event/venue sponsor for this event and will provide the venue and food. Central Penn College and Keisling Research will be event sponsors and support drink costs. The event will be FREE and will provide light hors d’oeuvres, wine, beer, soft drinks, and water.
This will be another great business networking opportunity and fun and fellowship event. Do not miss it. Also, please consider bringing potential Rotarian guests and Family of Rotary.
Thank you to our Sponsors!
RMB Northern Tier Networking Event to be held May 18
Posted by Rob Altenburg, Rotary Club of Mechanicsburg-North
With Earth Day approaching on April 23rd, the Environmental Committee would like to alert clubs about ideas for environmental projects that can be done alone or in partnership with other clubs. These can be completed projects, works in progress, or ideas still in the planning stages (particularly those for which you are pursuing one of this year’s micro-grants).
Please submit a brief description of any projects to Rob Altenburg at rca@qrpc.com and mention if your club would be interested in partnering with another club to join in a project. If your club’s past project was already submitted for inclusion on the District’s service page there is no need to resubmit it. Go here to see past activities: https://rotary7390.org/page/service-activities In a future Rotary Reporter project submissions will be shared including ways to partner with other clubs and get involved.
The next meeting of the District Environmental Committee will be on May 10th at 7:00pm. All Rotarians are welcome to attend. Contact Rob at rca@qrpc.com to get on the mailing list!
District Environmental Committee Update - April 23 is Earth Day!
At the evening dinner we presented club members with several District Awards including:
Lifetime Achievement Award - Bob McClenathan, Rotary Club of Lancaster for 25 plus years of Rotary Service locally and internationally
Outstanding Service Award – Nigel Foundling, Rotary Club of N. Lebanon for outstanding service with the District Club Grants process
Dogged Pursuit Award – Meg Ramey and Duke Adams for their work with Hop on the Bus and their dogged pursuit of raising funds with other District Clubs for the purchase of a bus to transport students in Liberia to school!
District Governor Public Image Awards – Brenda Carrigan Wilbur (Red Lion – Dallastown Area), Bim Arthun (West Shore), and Shaun Eng (Harrisburg) for extraordinary public image efforts in expanding the reach of Rotary.
Congratulations Rotarians!
District 7390 Lifetime Achievement Award
Bob McClenathan
Rotary Club of Lancaster
District 7390 Outstanding Service Award
Nigel Foundling
Rotary Club of Northern Lebanon County
Dogged Pursuit Award
Meg Ramey and Duke Adams
Rotary Club of Harrisburg-Keystone
Public Image Award
Brenda Wilber
Rotary Club of Red Lion – Dallastown Area
Note: Two more awards are being presented at club meetings. Congratulations to Bim Arthun from Rotary Club of West Shore and Shaun Eng from Rotary Club of Harrisburg!
A big THANK YOU is extended to Dodie Wise, Rotary Club of Carlisle-Sunrise on her generous bid of $3000 which won her a limited-edition print signed by Darren Jones brother of RI President Jennifer Jones. RIP Jennifer directed all the 2023-2024 District Governors to auction the print off and donate the proceeds to Polio. Dodie is doing just that. Thank you Dodie for your generous contribution. Dodie wearing her Polio sneakers!
Greetings D7390 Rotarians! For those who attended the 2023 District Conference and Community Expo thank you for your participation and support whether it was as a sponsor, volunteer, speaker, or attendee! We tried to do a little something different to expand our reach beyond educational sessions to use of exhibitors and STOP THE BLEED classes while keeping costs low. Whether you attended or weren't able to WE WANT YOUR INPUT.
Please complete this SHORT survey evaluating those activities your were involved in and if you weren't able to come, we want to know why to help us figure out your needs and desires in the future. Click here to complete the survey
Thanks for helping us IMAGINE ROTARY and work together to increase our reach and impact in the world.
On Friday, March 24, Rotarian JT Hand presented the 2023 Rotary Club of York Community Service Award to Cadet Command Sergeant Major (CSM) Kheylian Valazquez-Maldonado. Kheylian is the senior enlisted member of the Bearcat Battalion and was recognized for her service to William Penn High School, the corps of cadets, and the York community. Kheylian is a member of the York College Community Opportunity Scholarship Program (YCCOSP) and plans to a end York College in the fall.
Rotary Club of York Presents Community Service Award
Thursday, April 20, 2023 from 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
This Summit is hosted by the District Membership Committee and is open to any Rotarian interested in engaging in a discussion on three questions:
How are our clubs having an impact on people under 40 in our District?
How can we be doing better in supporting the needs of Rotarians under 40 in our District?
How do we find and attract new members in our District that are under the age of 40?
The Summit will be one hour from 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, April 20. Click here to register for the zoom call! After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
Rotarians are people of action. You could even say its in our DNA. However, with each major effort like a Global Grant you need a champion. One who can focus the group’s efforts and inspire the team to overcome all challenges on their way to project completion. For a recent Global Grant our club completed our champion and inspiration came from the late, great, fellow Rotarian J. Sherwood McGinnis, Jr.
Sherwood was the initial lead for a Water and Sanitation project for the Carlisle Sunrise Rotary Club and the Kara Rotary Club of Togo. This $43,600 project was initially envisioned back in 2017 but didn’t get final approval until January 2022. The project was to provide a well and latrine to the villages of Attchaou and Teroda in the Canton of Kemerida, Togo. But, as we approached completion of the project we realized we had enough funds left over to recondition another well and latrine built by another organization in a nearby village that had fallen into neglect. With approval from Rotary International, we were able to service the additional village with special emphasis placed on sustainability. So, from full funding in April 2022 to Final Report acceptance in February 2023, the project was deemed a huge success directly impacting well over 500 individuals on a daily basis.
Water Source Before Project
Water Source After Project
We attribute the smooth progress to Sherwood’s inspiration and open, honest, routine communication between the two clubs. We used Zoom to accomplish this. Communication was weekly sometimes, but mostly monthly which allowed us to set goals and work issues as they came up. We also used DropBox to share documents that would later support our Final Report.
The two clubs had such a positive experience, we are planning on accomplishing another Global Grant in Togo. This time, we look to build a well and Latrine in three additional villages (Hilou, Kemerida, and Pyode). This grant is expected to cost $63,563 and is planned to execute in the 2023-2024 RY. If interested in joining us, we can always use more people of action. Contact the President of the Sunrise Rotary Club of Carlisle.
Submitted by
PP Mike Zick, RC Carlisle-Sunrise, International Service Lane Chair
Larenda Twigg, President, RC of Carlisle-Sunrise
From the International Service Lane...Rotarians Making A Difference in Togo
Two local college students, Sweeta Rasiyan, a student at Penn State York, and Charlie Green, a student at York College of Pennsylvania, were honored at our March 22nd meeting with the 2023 College Service Awards. These students were selected because they exemplify the Rotary International motto of putting service to others above one's own interests. Congratulations to this year's recipients!
As a Rotary public image advocate, you help others understand who we are and how we make a difference. Publicizing your club’s efforts and sharing the impact you make helps attract members, volunteers, and donors. Thank you for making public image a priority and strengthening Rotary's brand.
New resources on the Brand Center
The Brand Center is continually updated with new materials to help you promote your club! You’ll find tips on raising awareness of Rotary, ready- made print and digital ads, images, videos, audio clips, templates to download, and more. These resources allow you to create messages that show your community that Rotary members are people of action making a difference.
Whether you’re posting on social media, inviting community members to volunteer with you, or speaking at an event, you’ll get more people to take action by using precise words and clear examples. Our Communication Guide, inspired by Rotary’s Action Plan, offers advice for clear and effective messaging, such as:
Be specific: Inviting community members to “serve meals to hungry children” is more accurate and compelling than asking them to “defeat hunger.”
Be inclusive: It’s easier for people to imagine themselves getting involved with Rotary when you refer to “members and participants” rather than to “Rotarians.”
For additional guidance and more concrete examples of powerful communications, read our Communication Guideand be inspired!
Licensed products protect Rotary's brand
Did you know that you can strengthen and protect the Rotary brand simply by purchasing merchandise from Rotary’s approved and licensed vendors? More than 100 of these vendors around the world are ready to supply your club with Rotary-branded merchandise, such as T-shirts, hats, club supplies, and more. Buying merchandise from licensed vendors increases our brand recognition and protects Rotary’s trademark rights. Learn more about licensed vendors and merchandise in the Brand Center.
Are you familiar with the Rotary Press Center page? It gives you access to news articles and TV reports about Rotary in major English-language media outlets! Use material from the Press Center to introduce Rotary to potential members and show it to people in your club who may not know about it. By promoting stories about Rotary, you raise awareness about our work and highlight the attention our members have received by having their work recognized in the media.
What's your story?
Tell us how your club is making a difference and improving lives locally and globally. Your project may be featured in an upcoming Rotary publication. Tell us about your story!
$20,000 To Be Awarded to Community Programs in 2023
Rotary Club of York and the York Rotary Charitable Endowment Fund have just opened the 2023 round of their Rotary Club community grants. York Rotary Grants provide valuable funding support to address the changing needs of York through grant programs focused on improving our local community. Grants of $2,500-$10,000 will be awarded to projects or programs in 2023 taking place July 1, 2023-June 31, 2024 that align local fields of interest with Rotary International’s focus to take action on our world’s most persistent issues. Projects must match the grant request with other support.
The fields of interest chosen for 2023 and examples projects/programs that would fall under these fields follow. The Rotary Club grants committee only accepts letters of interest that fall under one or both of these interests. Economic Development (Growing Local Economies)
Programs and projects helping low-income families achieve lasting financial security, or promoting equal economic opportunities
Events designed to draw people to a community and increase financial impact to the local economy
Educational programs in job training or that help residents start their own local business. Peace (Promoting Peace & Social Justice and Gun Violence Prevention)
Programs and projects designed to reduce community gun violence/crime
Events to bring people together to promote peaceful dialogue and address community divides
Educational programs promoting peaceful resolution to conflict
Programs, projects and events to promote equal rights and equitable opportunities for all York residents
Letters of Interest by York County based non-profit organizations can now be submitted for projects and programs that meet these focus areas until April 10, 2023 at 5:00pm EST. Full grant guidelines and online Letter of Interest applications can be found at https://www.yorkrotary.org/page/york-rotarygrants
Letters of Interest addressing one or both fields of interest that are selected to move to the full application stage can request $2,500-$10,000 in matching funds. All LOI applicants will be notified of their status by 5/2/2023.
Our next quarterly membership seminar will be on Tuesday, April 11 at 7PM. The Zoom link is below. Our program will include an interactive session on finishing the year strong with membership in your district and introducing our membership programs for next Rotary year! You don't want to miss it. The session will be recorded for anyone who can't attend.
Here is a sampling of what we plan to discuss::
Finishing the year strong with membership (minimizing the "June Swoon")
Tips from Leaders of Growing Clubs
New Programs Introduction
Starting New Clubs Initiative
Growing Rotaract - The Rotaract Roadmap
DEI Support Tools for Districts
Upcoming Learning Programs for DMC's and District ICA's
The Annual District Leadership Team dinner was held on March 6. The incoming District Governor Fred Gellert laid out a collective plan for the new Rotary year to District committee chairs and other Rotary leaders. Congrats to DGE Fred on a wonderful evening of group discussions and presentations. The next Rotary District leadership jet is on the runway getting ready for takeoff and it will be great being part of the crew.
By Committee Chair Rob Altenburg, Rotary Club of Mechanicsburg-North
Thank you to all those who attended our first District Environmental Committee on March 8th.
With Earth Day approaching on April 23rd, the Environmental Committee would like to alert clubs about ideas for environmental projects that can be done alone or in partnership with other clubs. These can be completed projects, works in progress, or ideas still in the planning stages (particularly those for which you are pursuing one of this year’s micro-grants).
Please submit a brief description of any projects to Rob Altenburg at rca@qrpc.com and mention if your club would be interested in partnering with another club to join in a project. If your club’s past project was already submitted for inclusion on the District’s service page there is no need to resubmit it. Go here to see past activities: https://rotary7390.org/page/service-activities. The deadline for project submissions is March 23rd. In a future Rotary Reporter project submissions will be shared including ways to partner with other clubs and get involved.
Lastly, we look forward to seeing you at the District Conference on April 1st which will start with an Environmental Presentation at 8:30 AM by Patrick McDonnell, President, and CEO of Penn Future on the topic of: “Climate Change, Water Quality and Improvisation – We are at a tipping point.” Description: Our environment is at a crisis point, but the solutions have never been more within our grasp. How do we get there and how does a little improvisation bring us over the finish line? Register and learn more at https://rotary7390.org/
The next meeting of the District Environmental Committee will be on May 10th at 7:00pm. All Rotarians are welcome to attend. Contact Rob at rca@qrpc.com to get on the mailing list!
Join for free to expand the reach of your club events!
District 7390 has a “Service Above Self” Meetup Group which is a way for clubs to post service activities, fundraisers, and other events. Anyone can join our group at no cost regardless of Rotary status but only Rotarians are given the administrative rights to post activities which allow clubs to expand their reach! See below for more information about this great way to connect with your community and learn more about what Rotary clubs throughout the District are hosting!
What is “meetup”? Meetup is a social media platform that allows people who share interests to “meet up” together to engage in activities of interest. District 7390 pays a monthly fee to maintain its Meetup group.
What are the advantages of advertising through a meetup group beyond other social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and twitter?
For members of the Service Above Self meetup:
Messages in your email inbox and through phone text message reminding you of events you signed up for. Those reminders come on the day of the event and right after you signed up for the event.
The ability to query all events in a geographic locale regardless of your membership status in a meetup group running the event.
For your club:
Great advertising for all your fundraisers and volunteer activities for both Rotarians and the public.
Notifies members of any changes in plans through the meetup site which sends the change to their email inbox.
Informs you of other Rotary clubs holding events thus facilitating partnerships!
How do I post my club’s activities on the meetup site? When you join make sure you indicate which Rotary club you are a member of. A representative of District 7390 will then give you “event organizer” status that will allow you to post events.
Rotary D7390 has a Service Above Self Meet Up Group
Join us for the Cultivating Effective Projects webinar series
All Rotary members are invited to participate in an exciting five-part webinar series designed to support you as you cultivate effective projects that will create a sustainable impact in your community and around the world. These webinars will offer tools and strategies to help you plan, find resources for, implement, and evaluate your projects, including youth service projects.
Telling your story of service and positive change is an essential part of carrying out service projects. It’s especially important to share how you overcame any challenges, the lessons you learned, and tips for how other people can best approach similar projects.
By the end of this session, you’ll be able to:
Understand the connection between telling a good story and increasing Rotary’s visibility
Identify effective tactics to promote your projects
Use different tools to tell your story at every stage of the project
Learn more about the specific topics and register now:
Promoting Projects: Tell Your Story, Thursday, 23 March, 10:00 Chicago time
Planning a Project: Design for Results, Thursday, 6 April, 10:00 Chicago time
Finding Project Partners and Resources: Build an Effective Team, Thursday, 20 April, 10:00 Chicago time
Measuring Results: Demonstrate Your Impact, Thursday, 4 May, 18:00 Chicago time
Expanding Reach: Partner with Youth in Service, Thursday, 18 May, 18:00 Chicago time
In January of 2023, members of the York-East Rotary Club had the opportunity to participate in the education-based STEAM Camp that’s offered as part of the Crispus Attucks Rising Star program. The program supports underprivileged youth ages 5 to 18, by helping them to achieve academic success. The members helped the children with skills needed to utilize robotics, coding principles and increase competency.
The York-East Rotary Club has awarded $2,500 plus $2,500 in a matching Rotary District grant money to this worthy local organization. Our club looks forward to projects like this because it is such a great feeling to give and learn how our financial support is being used within our community.
Thank you to everyone that donated their time to this organization. Without you we would not be able to provide these organizations with the funding that they need to make York a better place to live.
Club members in photos: Kris Pollick, Greg Kern, Morris Hooper and Jim Walters
This year we will be partnering with the East Pennsboro Education Foundation and the East Pennsboro High School Track team in an event called Panther Prowl which also includes a One Mile Color Fun Run for Kids. We hope to grow this event by getting food trucks, entertainment/music and additional children’s activities. Make it into a real spring community festival!
All proceeds from the 5K Run for Education will be used for scholarships for deserving seniors at Cumberland Valley, Cumberland Perry Area CTC and East Pennsboro High Schools
Where: East Pennsboro High School Track, 425 Shady Lane, Enola
When: In person registration begins at 11am, the 5K Run for Education is at noon and the One Mile Color Fun Run at 1pm on April 30th (Sunday)
Medals will be given for best times by sex and age group at the both 5K Run and One Mile Color Fun Run. We will also give out a monetary gift for the overall male and female winners.
Hanover Rotarian, Ralph Jodice, taught the Junior Achievement Our Nation program to Sherry Chroniger’s 5th grade class at St. Teresa of Calcutta. JA Our Nation consists of five lessons designed to teach students about the free market economy, entrepreneurship, careers, getting and keeping the job, and the global economy.
For those of you who have not already heard the wonderful news, we wanted to let you know that the bus has finally arrived in Liberia, and it’s already turning heads!
Once again, we can’t begin to express our gratitude to ALL of you who donated individually or were sponsor clubs on this project. They say it takes a village to raise a child, but we KNOW it takes a global village to raise enough funds to buy a bus and a very supportive district to run a project this large.
It’s so exciting to see the four-year fundraising portion of the project end and to watch as the next phase of the project begins. Soon students will be riding the VERY FIRST school bus in Liberia on their way to classes. That’s when our “Hop on the Bus” project really will become “Hope on the Bus” as it makes basic education more accessible and possible for Liberian students.
Thank you so much for your support in this project, and please pass on this wonderful news to your clubs.
Last weekend President Elects from clubs throughout our District gathered in King of Prussia, PA to take part in a four district Mid-Atlantic PETS Seminar which prepares incoming Presidents to lead their clubs in the new Rotary year! Our district had the great fortune of having a private session with incoming Rotary International President Gordan McInally. Our District is in great hands with the leadership of our clubs and the leadership of our District with 2023-2024 DG Fred Gellert! Special thanks to PDG Hector Ortiz and PDG Una Martone for providing leadership to the MAPETS committee which pulled together a very inspiring MAPETS 2023!
Get your tickets today! Nashville songwriter Aaron Barker will be putting on a concert after a Dogfish Head beer/food pairing dinner. 4 course dinner paired with 4 Dogfish Head beers!
Seats sell fast! Proceeds go to Colonial Park Rotary local scholarships to local high schools & community giving.
Reserve your seats now by mailing a check to:
Rotary Club of Colonial Park FoundationP.O. Box 126213Harrisburg, PA 17112Attn: Crystal Hartz
For more information or VIP tables, contact Crystal Hartz @ 717-443-3998 or crystal@pahospitalityandconsulting.com
Colonial Park Hosts Nashville Songwriter Aaron Barker
Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) is an intensive leadership experience organized by Rotary District 7390 (South Central PA) where you develop your skills as a leader while having fun and making connections. The Conference will be held June 11-15, 2023 at Messiah University. The 2023 Conference will be the 61st RYLA in Rotary District 7390.
Students must be between their Junior and Senior year in high school to attend. Approximately 120 High School youth attend annually. The schedule includes various speakers, career seminars, team building activities, a conference band and chorus and much, much more! The application deadline is April 14, 2023.
The following actions have been taken by The Rotary Foundation to support relief efforts in Turkey and Syria:
The lead story on Rotary.org and My.Rotary.org now includes a message about the new Turkey/Syria Disaster Response Fund (a.k.a. the repurposing of the general disaster response fund.)
A video from RIP Jennifer Jones has been shared on social media. Donating to the Turkey/Syria Disaster Response Fund is the call to action. The video can be viewed on Face Book, Twitter and Instagram.
Rotary is in regular contact with partners such as ShelterBox. For example, District Governors and District Rotary Disaster Committee members from the three Rotary districts in Turkey are providing ShelterBox support and invaluable situational awareness. Rotary members have been trucking blankets, food, and medicines to affected areas across all affected regions of Turkey working with ShelterBox. To Donate to ShelterBox go to: https://www.shelterboxusa.org/
Since 1987, The Rotary Club of York-East has had a long history of supporting our local and international communities. In celebration of our 35th Anniversary Year and in conjunction with Rotary International’s “Imagine” Theme, York-East undertook a “Dream Big” Community Project to award $10,000 to a local cause. The club sought out Dream BIG project ideas from members and looking for local organizations to support. The club members heard from several well deserving grant applicants and choose the Advantage Program because it’s sustainability and impact on the youth in our local community. The Advantage Program is a youth mentorship program geared to expose middle and high school aged children to life’s opportunities. Mentors and mentees meet weekly on Saturday’s for a two-hour time period. During these sessions the curriculum includes topics such as entrepreneurship, financial literacy, civil engagement, culinary arts, athletics, and business principles. Once per month, the Advantage Program aims to expose participating youth to an event or venue outside of York County such as, HBCU’s, NASA, music concerts, college sporting events, historic museums, and other professional sporting events. The overall goal of the Advantage Program is to expose our youth to different life opportunities as well as multiple career paths. The program hopes to be able to provide necessary school items during the school year as well as a scholarship to college. By helping each youth to create a plan for their lives and identifying possible career paths and opportunities, they believe they can keep each student focused on positivity and achieving their goals.
Picture left to right: Karen Comery - Club President, Kate Rohrbaugh, Tavon Parker, Brandon Parker, Elizabeth Wolfe - Club President Elect, Greg Kern - Committee Chair
The Rotary Clubs of Mechanicsburg-North, D7390 Passport, West Shore, and Yellow Breeches hosted one of the largest and most successful RMB District 7390 networking events in District 7390 RMB history on February 15 at the Classic Rock Design Center. Roughly 60 Rotarians from at least 14 district clubs representing all areas of our district attended this networking event.
The event had all the components of a great RMB meeting with enthusiastic networking where many connections were made, a beautiful venue, great food and drink and much fun and fellowship. Kudos to hosting club leaders, John Anthony, Mary Brunski, other members of the RMB District Steering Committee and to the venue owners for combining their efforts to produce this great result. Congratulations to all and well done.
So, come and join the Harrisburg Keystone Rotary Club on Saturday, March 25 from 11 am – 4 pm at the Appalachian Brewing Company-Harrisburg for a fun afternoon of Cornhole, Beer, and Rotary Fellowship.
You’ll get the chance to compete to take the title and trophy away from our District Governor and become this year’s District 7390 “Rotary Cornhole Champion.”
In addition to taking back these bragging rights to your club for an entire year, we also have regular prizes of up to $320 in cash cards for the overall winning teams and other prizes raffled off throughout the day.
This year, we’re doing a round robin tournament that guarantees 4 games to each team. The top 16 teams from the round robin tournament will then compete in a final single-elimination bracket to win the top prizes.
All tickets also include a buffet and one complimentary beverage per person, and you can continue to enjoy your favorite ABC brews at the cash bar throughout the event.
Registration cost:
$80 for a 2-member team (includes guaranteed 4 games; 2 drink tickets and buffet)
$25 per person for a Spectator Ticket (includes entrance, 1 drink ticket, and buffet)
Hang out with fellow Rotarians, make new friends, and raise money for service projects all at the same time!
Learn more and grab your ticket before they're gone at capitalcitycornhole.org. We look forward to seeing you there!
Capital City Cornhole Classic Sponsorship Information
Title Sponsor Benefits –$600
Website presence and Company logo on billboard tournament advertisement
Announcement and opportunity to address the crowd at event
Banner at event, if provided by sponsor
Logos on Tournament management website and screens at the event
Team entry
Guest tickets – 4
Bracket Sponsor Benefits –$300
Website presence
Announcement at event
Logos on Tournament management website and screens at the event
Name on Bracket
Team entry
Guest tickets - 2
Board Sponsor Benefits –$200
Website presence
Name at the board
Team entry
Guest tickets – 2
Please return this form along with check made payable to “Harrisburg Keystone” to:
The District 7390 Leadership is proud to welcome our newest team member District Governor Nominee Designate Mary Brunski! Mary will become District Governor during the 2025-2026 Rotary Year.
Mary has been a Rotarian since 2013 and is a member of the Rotary Club of Carlisle. Professionally, Mary has worked in Employee Communications, Services Marketing, Education, and now in Financial Services. She owns Demeter Financial Services where she provides financial advice, health insurance and Medicare insurance guidance.
Born in Shreveport, Louisiana, she moved with her mom to Ohio where she graduated from high school and then attended The Ohio State University. She earned a BS in Communications and Economics before moving to Dallas, Texas with her husband Paul. Much of her work there was in marketing for Architectural, Engineering and Construction Companies. They moved back to Pennsylvania with their two children to be near family.
Mary has been active in the community, volunteering and serving on the Boards of the Amelia S Givin Library, the Helen O Krause Animal Foundation, American Association of University Women and Rotary! She was an Assistant Leader for a local Girl Scout troop, helping four girls achieve the highest award of Gold.
Her focus now is her business, Rotary and continuing to learn new things. Her current favorite quote is: "At the end of life, what really matters is not what we bought but what we built; not what we got but what we shared; not our competence but our character; and not our success, but our significance. Live a life that matters. Live a life of love." Unknown
Clubrunner is offering a Changeover Training Series, beginning on April 14th. Click here to learn more and register!Any member can register for our different changeover training sessions, they are completely free! We are also recording the changeover trainings, and they will be uploaded to our ‘Changeover Training’ section in our ‘Videos & Webinars’ section on the Knowledgebase.
Here are a few additional video & tutorial resources:
Join us on the ClubRunner Community! On the Community you can post and view what other ClubRunner users & Administrators are working on: https://www.clubrunnercommunity.com/
Any member can download and login to the ClubRunner app for their club & District. To download the app, please open this page from our website on your browser: https://clubrunner.ca/mobile
(WHTM) — The Pledge of Allegiance for Thursday, Feb. 9, features the Rotary Club of York – North. abc27 wants to feature your Pledge of Allegiance video on-air and online! Click here to…
The Rotary Club of York proudly welcomed six club members as new members of the Paul Harris Society. Pictured L-R: Alissa Barshinger (accepting for Jacob Miller), PDG Ben Hoover, Karen McCormack, PP John Klinedinst, PP Jackie Summers and PP Mike Summers.
As we head into the 2nd half of the Rotary year, clubs everywhere are lining up their leadership for the new Rotary year including club officers and committee chairs. Whether you are a veteran leader or a new one, the new and updated Rotary Learning Center has all the resources you need to help you understand best practices. Click here to check out the new course catalog!
Preparing for a new role in your club? Check out the Rotary Learning Center!
The next meeting of the District 7390 Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee is this Monday, February 6 at 6:00 p.m. via Zoom. The meeting will be led by Committee Chair PDG Hector Ortiz. We welcome new members at any time. If interested in joining us, please email PDG Hector at richie1166@msn.com who will send you meeting information.
Click here to read more about Rotary’s Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Join the District DEI Committee Feb 6 at 6:00 p.m. on Zoom!
The Rotary Club of Carlisle-Sunrise sponsored an ice sculpture outside a Rotarian owned business during the Carlisle Ice Fest. The Club also gave away free hot chocolate inside the State Farm office to give exposure to Dan Collision’s business and Rotary. The Carlisle-Sunrise Club had Club brochures and a video inside and outside running about Rotary. Rotarians in the Club took shifts to answer questions and pour hot cocoa.
In January there were several opportunities for fantastic education related to growing Rotary. Recordings are now available for both. See below!
Characteristics of Clubs with a Consistent Growth Culture.
The Zone 32 Membership seminar featured PDG Herb Klotz, Zone 32 Membership Coordinator, who presented results of a survey completed across the United States and Canada on clubs that grew consistently over a 5 year period. It was very well done. The membership portion of the session was followed by another session dedicated to Assistant Governors. We highly encourage that all Rotarians and not just club leaders, view this interesting session at https://youtu.be/hkKHN72dUII since growing membership is EVERY Rotarian’s responsibility.
Club Transformation and Membership Summit
This multi-district Summit featured RI President Nominee Stephanie Urchick, Past RI Director Jeff Cadorette, and PDG Tom Gump. Our District had good representation, and there were great tips offered. Listen to the 30-minute presentation by going to: https://youtu.be/5NMXML39cXg
Rotary Means Business
A future in –person activity that serve to attract new members is taking place on February 15th from 5:30 – 7:30 PM in Mechanicsburg. It is called Rotary Means Business (“RMB”) and is where like-hearted, like-minded people (Rotarians and Non-Rotarians) come together for business networking and learn more about Rotary. This FREE event is being hosted by FOUR clubs: Yellow Breeches, Mechanicsburg-North, D7390 Passport, and West Shore. The location will be Classic Rock Design Center in Mechanicsburg. We encourage as many Rotarians as possible to attend but even more importantly BRING A FRIEND. Click here to register and read more!
To all clubs submitting essays for the Four Way Test Essay Contest, it has been brought to our attention that there is a discrepancy in the due date for your club's essay contest submission on the District Website. The official rules state that February 10 is the due date, but there is a reference to a due date of February 20 on the website. While we would appreciate submissions by the 10th, if your club was relying on the February 20 due date, no worries. We will accept your entry up to February 20! Thanks and sorry for the confusion.
On January 18, the hosting Rotary Club of Gettysburg and event sponsors Members 1st Federal Credit Union and the WWII American Experience Museum (venue sponsor) held a very successful RMB networking event at the WWII American Experience Museum with some 20 to 25 Rotarians and guests attending from ten District 7390 clubs (Carlisle, Carlisle Sunrise, D7390 Passport, Gettysburg, Hershey, Lancaster, Lititz, Uptown York, York-North, and West Shore). These clubs represented all major areas of our Rotary district.
Kudos to the Rotary Club of Gettysburg and its President Michael Hanson for hosting such a wonderful event and to the WWII American Experience Museum for providing such an exciting and educational venue. One participant indicated "The museum was an amazing venue and made the whole experience that much more enjoyable." Thanks go to district RMB Steering Committee member, Mary Brunski, for running the Circle exercise in such a fun and efficient way. Well done all.
Share Some Love (dollars) with The Rotary Foundation (TRF) and District 7390 will Share Some Love with you by donating Foundation points to your Foundation account in celebration of Valentine’s Day.
A donation of at least $100 made to TRF’s Annual Fund-SHARE during the week of Valentine’s Day (From February 12 through February 18) qualifies you to receive 100 Foundation points. Points are like cash. Points help you become a Paul Harris Fellow or reach the PHS +1 to PHS +8 recognition levels faster and easier.
Consider honoring a friend, family member, or Rotary colleague when you contribute. Share Some Love knowing that your donation is making a difference and recognizing someone you know at the same time.
To receive your 100 Foundation points, send a copy of your receipt (include your member number) to office@rotary7390.org.
There are four ways to donate:
Click here to Donate on-line. You will need a credit card and a member access account on the RI website.
Send acheck made payable to The Rotary Foundation (or use your credit card). Download and fill out the donation form. Click here for the form to mail. Mail the completed form to the Chicago address listed at the bottom of the form.
Donate by phone. Call the Rotary Contact Center at 866-976-8279 Monday—Friday 8 am to 5 pm CST. Have your credit card ready to contribute.
Thanks for supporting The Rotary Foundation. Your contributions to TRF make it possible for Rotarians to successfully address some of life’s most challenging issues by supporting education, promoting peace, fighting disease, providing clean water, sanitation, and hygiene, saving mothers and children, growing local economies, and protecting the environment.
Questions regarding Rotary Foundation contributions and programs can be directed to your Club Foundation Chair or District Rotary Foundation Chair, Dr. Anna-Mae Kobbe at amkobbe@gmail.com.
Share Some LOVE! Support the Rotary Foundation - Earn Foundation Points
The Rotary Clubs of Yellow Breeches, Mechanicsburg-North, D7390 Passport and West Shore will sponsor and host the 65th RMB networking event along with Fairway Mortgage Corporation, Mother Hubbard's Custom Cabinetry, and the Classic Rock Design Center (venue sponsor). The event will take place at the Classic Rock Design Center, 135 W Allen Street, Mechanicsburg, PA, on Wednesday, February 15 from 5:30 to 7:30 PM. The event is FREE and will include the usual light hors d'oeuvres along with wine, beer, soft drinks and water. Click here to register today!
This will be another great business networking opportunity and fun and fellowship event. Do not miss it. Also, please consider bringing potential Rotarian guests and family of Rotary.
Sooooooo.......What is Rotary Means Business and Why should I attend? (If the video does not display, click here to watch it)
Last Tuesday Rotarians from throughout our District had the good fortune of participating in a Zone 32 Membership Webinar on Characteristics of Clubs with a Consistent Growth Culture.
The seminar featured results of a survey completed across the United States and Canada and was very well done. The membership portion of the session was followed by another session dedicated to Assistant Governors. We highly encourage that all Rotarians and not just club leaders, view this interesting session below or at this link https://youtu.be/hkKHN72dUII since growing membership is EVERY Rotarian’s responsibility.
Trivia: How many Rotarians are in District 7390 and what has our growth trend been over the last 5 years? ANSWER: The latest count logged in the RI database as of 12/31/22 is 1847 members (sum total of members in 42 clubs) which is down 46 members from the same time last year. Five years ago, our membership count was 2311. Based on historical trends as noted in the graph below it is predicted our membership will continue to decrease unless we are all intentional about activities that bring friends, coworkers, family members, and the community at large into our clubs to increase our collective impact in the world!
There are many opportunities for clubs to learn more about growing Rotary in the next month. One is happening TOMORROW, Saturday, January 21, 11 AM – 12:30 and is being hosted by District 7450. The speakers speaking on Club Transformation and Membership are RI experts and member favorites who have been featured at the RI Convention and other venues. Click here to register today! (Please use the "guest" tab to register)
Another in –person activity happening in February in our District is Rotary Means Business (“RMB”). RMB is where like-hearted, like-minded people (Rotarians and Non Rotarians) come together for business networking and to experience Rotary and learn more about what we do and how we serve. Our next RMB is on February 15 and is being hosted by FOUR clubs: Yellow Breeches, Mechanicsburg-North, D7390 Passport, and West Shore. The location will be Classic Rock Design Center (135 W. Allen Street, Mechanicsburg). We encourage as many Rotarians as possible to attend but even more importantly BRING A FRIEND. Click here to register today!
Hanover Rotary Club honors 3 Paul Harris Members at a recent meeting. First time Paul Harris, Brandon Gething, Doug Becker, and Ken Wenger all received recognition for their contributions to the Rotary Foundation
A highlight of my club visits throughout our seven county District last summer was meeting so many kind, enthusiastic and passionate Rotarians! You energized me in unexpected and wonderful ways. Many of you accepted my offer to record a short video on what Rotary means to you and what makes your club special.
Throughout the month of January, I am launching these videos from our “@rotary7390” You Tube Channel (https://www.youtube.com/) and District 7390 Facebook Page. Six videos have been launched so far and many more are to come.
I also welcome video submissions from any Rotarian who missed the opportunity to be recorded during my club visits. Simply email me a 1-2 minute video telling me what excites you about Rotary and what makes your club special. These videos will be enhanced by my brother-in-law Chris Altenburg who will make your video awesome!
Meet Great Rotarians Throughout our District on Youtube!
Think Valentine’s Day and Rotary! Express a sentiment for your Sweetheart and have it hung on a lamppost in downtown Lancaster. Pets are also included and your sentiment to them will be displayed at Binn’s Park or the Dog park on Marietta Ave. Finding your heart is a fun scavenger hunt while exploring the restaurants, galleries and shopping of downtown Lancaster.
The Rotary Club of York President-Elect Aaron Jacobs spoke to 100 students at York Academy Regional Charter School. He shared with the students about the work that The Rotary Club of York does in the community and the various partners they work with. The students were enthusiastic and excited to hear about the great works of Rotary in their neighborhoods. Can you spot any future Rotarians in the pictures?
The Lebanon Cemetery, an all-black cemetery located on North George Street in York, PA was, until recently, one of York’s best kept secrets. On December 17,2022, the Friends of Lebanon Cemetery, busy repairing and sprucing up the grounds, held a wreath laying ceremony to honor the many veterans buried there. The Rotary Club Of York, Pa, collected money from our generous members and sponsored 130 wreaths. The photo shows a gathering of Rotarians from the Rotary Club of York Club and Uptown York Club who attended the moving ceremony and helped lay the wreaths on the graves of the veterans.
RI President-elect Gordon R. McInally announced his new Presidential theme at this week’s International Assembly in Orlando, Florida. The 2023-24 Theme is Create Hope in the World. He states, "The goal is to restore hope — to help the world heal from destructive conflicts and, in turn, to help us achieve lasting change for ourselves." Click here to read more and watch the announcement video.
RI President Elect Gordon McInally announces 2023-24 Presidential Theme
A new environment committee is being launched by our District in response to an outpouring of interest expressed during a recent Environmental Summit hosted by District Membership Chair PDG John Anthony. The Summit brought together Rotarians from 7 different clubs that had a passion for Rotary’s 7th area of focus! The three questions posed at the Summit were:
How are our clubs currently having a positive environmental impact?
How can we collectively do better to protect the environment?
How can we expand our reach and bring more new members into Rotary through our passion for protecting the Environment?
The committee chair will be Rob Altenburg who is a member of the Rotary Club of Mechanicsburg-North and is the Director of the Energy Center at Penn Future. Rob is also a member of ESRAG which is Rotary International’s Environmental Sustainability Rotary Action Group. There were so many great ideas expressed at the Environmental Summit that the group committed to forming a committee and continuing the conversation. Any interested Rotarians and guests are invited to join the group at their next meeting on:
All Rotarians are invited to the next Zone 32 Membership Seminar on Tuesday, January 17 at 7 PM. The seminar will feature results of a survey completed across the United States and Canada featuring characteristics of clubs with a consistent membership growth culture. This portion of the seminar will be approximately 40 minutes. The second part of the session is about 20 minutes and will be dedicated to Assistant Governors.
No pre-registration is needed! Simply connect into the Zoom session by clicking here.
The session will be recorded for viewing on demand!
Note for Club Presidents and President Elects: This session is occurring during the time of our monthly Presidents meeting. Please attend this seminar first, then after the membership portion proceed to the usual Zoom link for our monthly Presidents meeting where District news will be shared.
Learn More About Characteristics of Clubs with a Consistent Growth Culture
The 61st RYLA Conference in D7390 will be held June 11-15, 2023 at Messiah University. Registration is now open! If you would like to learn more about RYLA or the new registration process, please join us for an informational meeting on Thursday, January 26, 2023 at 7:00 p.m.
Click here to pre-register for the meeting. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
Please contact Melissa Kopp-Smith at office@rotary7390.org or 717-854-7842 if you have questions. We look forward to seeing you on January 26 to learn more about RYLA!
Come out Rotarians One and All to our District Training Assembly!
On Saturday, February 4th from 8 AM to 1 PM at the HACC York campus, we will offer some exciting sessions to build strong Rotarians and great clubs in District 7390. We have some engaging expert speakers lined up to help us grow as Rotarians and to help us make our clubs even stronger in their service to the community. The topics include:
Leadership concepts and tools useful in Rotary and at work from a consultant who helps companies in our area
A discussion on mental health and some ideas where clubs might be helpful in addressing increasing needs in our communities
Ideas on how to make DEI come alive in our clubs
Breakouts on a few topics of use to our club secretaries, committee chairs, and project leaders.
Ideas on engaging our members and growing our clubs
It will be a great morning of education and fellowship! Cost is $20 for morning refreshments and lunch. Registration, coffee, and pastries will be available from 8:00 a.m. until 8:30 a.m. The training portion will begin at 8:30 a.m. and include a luncheon buffet. Lunch will begin at 11:30 a.m. and feature a keynote speaker.
At the conclusion of lunch, all Rotarians will be dismissed with the exception of the President-Elects and Assistant Governors who will remain until 3:30 p.m. for a Pre-PETS training session.
There is no cost for the Club President-Elect to attend the District Training Assembly and Pre-PETS session. All other Rotarians will need to register and pay a nominal $20 registration fee.
Through a partnership with Rotary in Budapest, Lancaster Sunrise was able to provide funds that were used to stock an Ambulance with lifesaving medical equipment. This Ambulance will then be sent to Ukraine.
We are very proud of these efforts and the collaboration needed to facilitate.
Ambulance Providing Lifesaving Medical Equipment in Ukraine
Lancaster-Sunrise Partners with Club to Provide Ambulance for Ukraine
Several Hanover Rotarians spent a day wrapping Christmas gifts for the residents of Hoffman Home. The Home, located in Littlestown, is a psychiatric residential treatment program for ages 7-21, offering treatment services and support to help residents successfully transition into the community. Hanover Rotary is sponsoring an updated security/fire alarm system with a $5,000 District Club Grant to be installed in January. The following Rotarians enjoyed wrapping gifts for the residents: Ralph and Judy Jodice, Kathi Fuhrman, Kasey King, Shanna Hollich, Kelly Rebert and Peg Sennett.\
Each year Carlisle’s two Rotary Club Presidents identify one project or organization to be the focus of their holiday auction. Selected this year was Success by 6, the early childhood initiative of the United Way of Carlisle & Cumberland County that works to ensure all children are prepared to succeed by the time they enter kindergarten.
Given the amount that Rotary has raised during previous auctions, a goal of $20,000 was set to be applied toward Success by 6. To reach this goal, club member sponsorships of the auction totaled over $14,000. The dinner auction itself raised just under $10,000 bringing the total for the auction to just over $24,500. Achieving this goal was only possible thanks to the generosity of Rotarians and local businesses who donated items to be auctioned.
Carlisle Rotary Clubs present a check for $24,000+.to Success By 6. The funds were raised during Carlisle Rotary’s annual holiday auction. Pictured from left to right are Karen Quinn, Success by 6 Director, Rod Frazier, President of the Carlisle Rotary Club and Larenda Twigg, President of the Carlisle Sunrise Rotary Club.
Carlisle Sunrise Rotary Club President Larenda Twigg presents the “Buzz Coho
Distinguished Service Citation” to Past President Harold Cooney.
Carlisle Rotary Club President Rod Frazier presents the “Four-Way Test Award” to Past President Justin Doty.
Carlisle Rotary Auction Raises $24,500 For Success By 6
As you make your year-end gifts to charity, please remember Rotary International’s primary goal – the eradication of polio from the face of the earth.
So far this year, there have been 2 case of wild polio virus in Afghanistan and 20 in Pakistan. You’ve all heard that polio is a plane ride away from the USA. You probably also heard that there was a case of vaccine--derived polio in New York earlier this year. So polio is now a car ride away from our District. We are “This Close” to eradicating polio, but polio is “This Close” to us.
You might wonder how you can help end the scourge of polio? Thanks for asking! You can make a year-end gift to The Rotary Foundation and designate that donation to Polio Plus. Log in to My Rotary and donate online at https://www.rotary.org/en/donate The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation will match your gift 2-for-1. All donations by Rotarians to Polio Plus count toward Paul Harris points and levels.
If you are really ambitions, I invite you to join the Polio Plus Society. Some 80 Rotarians from D7390 are already members. You simply pledge to donate $100.00 per year to Polio Plus until polio is only a mention in the history books. Click here to fill out a membership form!
The children of the world thank you for being part of the effort to “End Polio Now”!
REQUIRED GRANTS MANAGEMENT TRAINING JANUARY 23—REGISTRATION IS OPEN
Clubs intending to apply for Rotary Foundation District Club Grants or Global Grants this year must complete the annual District Grants Management Seminar scheduled for Monday, January 23 from 6:00 to 8:00 PM. The training will be provided via Zoom.
At least one club member must be trained each year. Additional club members are encouraged to complete the training if they are involved in the grant process for the club. Members trained in previous years must re-certify annually.
The training will include information on The Rotary Foundation, District Club Grants, Global Grants, and Community Needs Assessments. The training will include Q & A sessions.
Regardless of which grant type your club is planning to apply for, participants are expected to attend the full two-hour training. Once you have completed the training, you will need to complete an online quiz for each of the training components. A score of 70 percent or higher is required for successful completion of the training. District leaders involved in management of Rotary Foundation grants will conduct the training.
Clubs must also submit a completed/signed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) agreeing to implement the financial and stewardship requirements of District 7390 and The Rotary Foundation.
The Rotary Club of Gettysburg will co-host with its partner host WWII American Experience Museum the 64th RMB networking meeting since 2014 and the first of the 2023 RMB season. The networking meeting will take place on Wednesday, January 18 from 5:30 to 7:30 PM at the WWII American Experience Museum, 845 Crooked Creek Road, Gettysburg, PA. The RMB event will be sponsored by the WWII American Experience Museum and the Members 1st Federal Credit Union, which will cover catering costs to include light snacks, wine, beer, soft drinks and water.
This will be another great business networking opportunity and fun and fellowship event. Do not miss it. Also, please consider bringing potential Rotarian guests and family of Rotary.
The Rotary Club of West Shore is in the holiday mood! As a supporter of the Salvation Army’s “Be the Light” campaign, a Rotary themed tree is on display outside of the 29th Street headquarters. Decoration day was cooooold. Look for next year’s tree to have a bit more décor!
Additionally, the club was one of 35 local organizations that set up a holiday light display at Siebert Park in Camp Hill as part of the Borough’s Parade of Lights event. The event, which was held December 2-4, supports the US Marine Corps Toys for Tots campaign as the cost of admission is a new, unwrapped toy. Our goal of a Rotary wheel didn’t come to fruition this year, but we plan on its debut in the 2023 Parade of Lights event!
Supporting the Salvation Army and Toys for Tots in a Festive Way
Thanks to a district grant and proceeds from the Flags for Heroes campaign, the RCWS was able to purchase supplies needed by Domestic Violence Services of Cumberland and Perry Counties. The supplies were assembled in attractive, durable duffel bags (also requested by DVSCP) as part of a care kit campaign.
Club members assembled the care kits in late November and delivered them to DVSCP in early December. Included were personal hygiene and cleaning items, as well as a personal note of encouragement.
We are grateful to The Rotary Foundation, District 7390 for supporting this effort, and to the staff at DVSCP for their role in distributing the care kits to those in need.
Picture below are club members George Connolly and Erin Sunday posing with employees from DVSCP. Photo credit goes to club member David Hiebert. Additional pictures are available on the club’s website (www.westshorerotaryclub.com), Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn pages.
Rotary Club of West Shore Helps Victims of Domestic Violence
After two years of no travels due to COVID, Nancy Barbee is taking a group to India for an NID Experience in January 2023. There will be two NID Experiences on this trip. One in Delhi and another in Kolkatta.
Additionally, the group will visit Rotary projects, meet Interactors and Rotoractors, visit official offices, and sightsee in Delhi, Agra, and Kolkatta.
If you are interested in traveling to India, please contact for me more information.
Rotary Scholarship Student reports on first semester of Study in UK
Dear Friends in Rotary:
……..On September 6th I packed my bags and flew to Brighton, England to begin my next chapter as a masters student at the University of Sussex… As I approach 3 months of living in Brighton, I’ve been reflecting on my time here and my goals for the remaining 9 months of my M.A. in Food and Development and am excited to share some of these thoughts with my sponsor Rotary Club!...
As Ed Hauck can attest, deciding on a masters program was a difficult process for me. Now, as I complete the first half of the Food and Development degree, it feels good to know that I’ve chosen the perfect program for me. I feel extremely engaged with what I am learning and have had so many “aha!” moments while studying it’s hard to keep track. The two courses I am taking this semester are Critical Debates in Development Theory and Food Politics Development with both the University of Sussex and the Institute for Development Studies. While I initially feared that my Development Theory course might be dense and irrelevant to my career goals, this has actually become my favorite class. I love the way Dr. Demet S. Dinler challenges us to engage with diverse theorists to imagine what a decolonized and equitable future of development could look like. In Food Politics, we look more concretely at the various food issues affecting our modern world, from nutrition to agro-technology to food riots and popular mobilization. It has expanded my mind to the diverse interdisciplinary ways that food affects our globalized world.
Outside of class I’ve begun volunteering with the Brighton and Hove Food Partnership where I assist chefs as they teach cooking classes to vulnerable groups in Brighton. While it involves a lot of washing dishes, following several years of working on sustainable farms I really enjoy learning more about the other end of the food chain and how cooking is a key component to food justice. I’ve also enjoyed spending time with my coursemates who come from all over the world as well as playing for the University of Sussex volleyball team. Overall I can feel the roots of community beginning to grow and I am excited to see where the second semester takes me.
I hope all of you have a restful and healthy holiday season. I look forward to staying in touch virtually!
Warm regards,
Norma Jean
Letter from Norma Jean Park submitted by
Becky Morgenthal
Past President, Rotary Club of Carlisle
Member, District Scholarship Global Grant Committee
Last Saturday, November 19th, over 100 Rotarians and friends attended our D7390 Rotary Foundation dinner. This annual event is a chance to celebrate the Rotary Foundation and all the service projects conducted and contributions given by our clubs and members in the previous Rotary year. Held this year at the beautiful Eden Resort in Lancaster, we had a wonderful location and a great meal for our celebration. From the Youth Exchange students Parade of Flags to open our celebration, through the presentations of high impact service projects and a fun live auction, to the club award recognitions at the finale, it was a showcase of the outstanding service work and foundation giving in our district. Thank you to all who attended for making it a superb evening.
Congratulations to our clubs who achieved award recognitions for the 2021-2022 Rotary Year. The Rotarians and leaders in these clubs have significantly contributed to our foundation. Those clubs are:
Highest Annual Fund Giving: First place = York, Second place = Hershey, and Third place = Mechanicsburg North.
Highest Total Foundation Giving: First place = York, Second place = Gettysburg, and Third place = Mechanicsburg North.
Highest Per Capita Giving to the Annual Fund: First place = York East, Second place = Mechanicsburg North, and Third place = Harrisburg-Keystone.
100% Foundation Giving: Carlisle-Sunrise, Harrisburg-Keystone, Mechanicsburg-North, Northern Lebanon County, Palmyra, Southern York County, and West Shore.
Every Rotarian Every Year: Harrisburg-Keystone, Mechanicsburg-North, Northern Lebanon County, Palmyra, and Southern York County.
End Polio Now Countdown to History Campaign Certificates of Appreciation: Carlisle, Carlisle-Sunrise, Elizabethtown, Gettysburg, Hanover, Harrisburg, Hershey, Lancaster, Lancaster-South, Lititz, Mechanicsburg-North, Mount Joy, York, and York-North.
Thanks to our professional photographer Roger Baumgarten, from Roger That Photography, we have some wonderful photo memories of the evening. All photos can be downloaded at this link: Foundation Dinner 11-19-22 - ROGER THAT PHOTOGRAPHY.
Please plan to attend next year’s dinner to celebrate your club’s accomplishments of this Rotary year. You are doing the work, so please come out and celebrate all that you are accomplishing.
Rotary Foundation Dinner Recognizes Clubs for their Contributions to the Rotary Foundation
Since this week is a time of thanks, I want to take this opportunity to express how thankful I am for every Rotarian in our District! You are not only role models of service for your local and international communities but enthusiastically take on the important role of serving and supporting one another through life’s many challenges. During these last five months of club visits and event gatherings, I have been inspired by your kindness, camaraderie, and big hearts for service whether it is hands-on or through your generous financial giving. You have uplifted me in unexpected and delightful ways, so I give THANKS for YOU! Have a safe and happy holiday everyone!
Yours in Service, DG Juliet Altenburg
A Thanksgiving Message from District Governor Juliet
Left to Right: Jeromy and Christine Rife-Victory Club, Wendy Keesee-Rotary Committee, Karen Comery–Rotary President,
Tim Koller–Rotary Committee Chair
Pints For Polio was a York East Rotary Club Fundraising Event to End Polio Now! The event was held on October 24, 2022, at the Victory Athletic Association, 471 Ogontz St. York, PA. Thank you to the Victory Club for partnering with us for an evening of fine food and drinks. The event included an auction, with all proceeds going to Rotary's Global Polio Eradication Initiative. Rotary has helped immunize more than 3 billion children in 122 countries. So far, Rotary has contributed more than $2.1 billion toward eradicating the disease worldwide.
Karen Comery, York East Rotary Club President, began the evening by outlining the impact of Rotary and its members have on the local York Community and its International reach to those in need. John Kramb, Past Rotary District Governor presented the history of Polio and the fight to eradicate polio over the decades while Todd King, Springettsbury Police Chief, shared his personal story on how Polio has affected his life.
Every dollar we raised will get matched 2:1 thanks to the generous support of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation making it $25,500. Thank you to everyone who took the time to support our Pints for Polio event.
As we celebrate The Rotary Foundation month, it is time to recognize leaders in our District who dedicate countless hours to supporting District Committees and clubs in promoting and celebrating Foundation giving and initiatives. Reach out to any of these leaders with questions in their area of passion and expertise. They are happy to lend a hand!
Anna- Mae Kobbe, Ph.D. - District Rotary Foundation Chair (DRFC)
Member, Rotary Club of Gettysburg
Rotary History: Past District Governor, District 7620 (Central Maryland & Washington, DC), 2016-2017. District Committee Memberships: Grants Committee, Allocations Committee, and Safety Committee
Past Professional Background: Director of the Division of Family & Consumer Sciences & Nutrition (retired) Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service now the National Institute of Food and Agriculture, United States Department of Agriculture, Washington, DC.
Duties as DRFC – Works with District Governor and district leaders to promote annual giving to The Rotary Foundation (TRF). Acts as a liaison with the Rotary Foundation staff and Zone 32 leadership. Has signatory responsibility for approval of all foundation funding along with the District Governor.
Mark Riggs, MBA, District Chair, Major Donor Giving and the Paul Harris Society (PHS)
Member, Rotary Club of Hanover
Professional Experience: Co-owner of HCM Wealth Advisory Group and Wealth Manager
Duties as Major Donor and PHS Chair: Promotes giving to the Rotary Foundation as a Major Donor and Paul Harris Society Member through education and recognition programs.
Professional Experience: Attorney at Law at Wix, Wenger & Weidner, P.C.
Duties as Polio Eradication Chair: Promotes District wide efforts at eradicating Polio including providing educational sessions at Rotary Club meetings and events.
With the Russians now targeting infrastructure, there is obvious concern for Ukrainians surviving the winter.
The last air attacks on Ukrainian infrastructure caused severe power shortages and damage to the power grid. This is the cause of the dramatic request to help Ukraine with power generators to supply hospital departments in Butcha (the city near Kyiv, in which Russian soldiers have committed severe war crimes).
The request for generators came from Rotary Club Szczecin . Their club already has some on order with their own funds. The estimated cost of one is 2450 EURO - approx $2500. Everyone counts. Rotary Club of Lititz has already provided over $40K in relief funds to Ukraine refugees and is committing funds for two generators now.
Since the need is tremendous, we ask that other clubs come together and support this generator request for Ukraine. We suggest that since the transfer of funds may be costly, Lititz Rotary will consolidate the funds and send as one wire to Rotary Club of Szczecin.
We also ask that you send the checks to Rotary Club Lititz, PO BOX 28, Lititz PA 17543 by December 3. We would appreciate if you can indicate the committed amount before hand so we can provide this info to Rotary in Poland to place pre order. All together we can make a huge impact and support people of Ukraine in their fight for freedom. Questions? Contact Lititz Club President Dennis Stuckey at 717-475-6081 or dstuckey@dejazzd.com. Thank you!
The Rotary Club of Hershey ably led by President Mike Kinney and President-Elect Jim Gainer and supported by DGN Paul Thompson hosted and sponsored one of the most successful and impressive RMB District 7390 networking events ever on November 15 at The Englewood restaurant in Hummelstown, PA. Between 38 and 41 Rotarians and guests attended the event from clubs in the Carlisle, Elizabethtown, Hershey and York areas. There even was a Rotarian guest from India and a Rotex member.
Mary Brunski represented the district 7390 RMB Steering Committee and did a great job running the Circle exercise and generally ensuring that the event ran smoothly. All in all, this was a great event especially considering that the weather did not cooperate. Thank you, Rotary Club of Hershey for stepping forward to make this happen and keep RMB momentum going as we try to return to pre-Covid levels of club participation.
The Rotary District 7390 RYLA Committee is seeking new committee members. The RYLA conference is held annually in June at Messiah University. The committee meets approximately five times per year. The meetings are held in person at a location in Harrisburg on a Wednesday afternoon. Depending on interest of new committee members, some meetings may be held virtually or during the evening to accommodate everyone involved.
If you are interested in joining the RYLA planning committee, please contact Melissa in the District office at 717-854-7842 or office@rotary7390.org. Thank you!
Attend just about any luncheon meeting, Rotary Alternative Meeting or service project and you’ll hear from Amy or Angela about our Club’s exciting membership opportunities.
Yet, enthusiasm and a renewed momentum are only part of a focus of the dynamic duo of Angela Tatum and Amy Kaunas’s duo-pronged strategies for engaging new members to the Rotary Club of Harrisburg.
Co-chair Tatum talks about the overarching strategy of…the ask. She says, “First, we-re asking current Rotarians to ask friends, work associates, people you know wanting to serve their communities to regular meetings or Rotary Alternate Meetings (RAM). These are notable examples of the vision of Rotary – Service Above Self.”
And, our addition of the less formal evening meetings called RAMs, we have been able to engage community leaders and even a new Corporate Sponsor to join our Club. At our most recent RAM, we spent a few minutes talking about two phenomenally successful service projects including cleaning the newly expanded and updated Dauphin County Library prior to its grand opening and completing construction projects for Habitat for Humanity in much less time than expected because of our members’ involvement.”
According to Tatum, “A membership drive planned for the 2020 was started but put on hold for two years due to the pandemic. Trying to bring on new members when meeting virtually and not hosting needed service projects was a real bummer.
But, make no mistake, we are e-energizing now under a theme of Each One, Bring One. And the momentum is key to our new membership growth.”
With 33 Committees New Members Can Be Overwhelmed – But Retention Is Key
Tatum remembers, “When I was a new member to the Rotary Club of Harrisburg, I knew I wanted to serve, but on which committee, what service project? I had too many options. This leads to our second prong on membership – retention.
That confusion led to a new, key component of the current membership drive. Every new member is teamed up with a current member who shows them the ropes. The current member explains the many opportunities and communications tools of the Club and Rotary International such as Club Runner.”
Kaunas adds, the “non-luncheon” gatherings as mentioned previously help members and potential members that can’t be tied to a lunch meeting find RAMs and service projects excellent options to fulfill their membership commitments. These non-luncheon meetings, such as a recent RAM meeting at Harrisburg’s Beach Club, prove to provide positive member interaction.
Membership Growth Is a Rotary International Global Initiative
Tatum attended the District 7390 Membership Training Program when best practices of regional clubs were reviewed and studied as options for RCH. Says Tatum, “We had already initiated the RAM meeting options and it was clear this membership outreach was promising.”
One powerful question at the District Training program was, “who do you want to attract as a new member.” That question is being explored by our Membership Chairs and Club leadership. Is that question something beyond the fact that a potential member is interested in serving their community?
During the recently completed RCH Strategic Planning sessions this dynamic duo was pleased to be asked what they felt would be appropriate goals for the Club. This year’s goal is 155.
As in years past, when current members leave the Club, they are asked to provide some information about their decision. According to Tatum, “It is Interesting, the most recent trends of members leaving the Club are job changes and moving from the area.
Tatum notes, “It is comforting to see that we are recovering our new member momentum following the pandemic. She notes the new corporate member Belco Community Credit Union (check name) and five new members in the last two weeks.
This membership growth duo also asks, “If any member has an idea on how to grow our membership or wants to be part of this critical committee, just contact Amy or me. We welcome all ideas.”
In a tradition started before the pandemic and now in catch up mode, Tatum (left) and Kaunas (right) present new member and board member Bob Geiger with a Rotary pin and a sparkling beverage.
Enthusiasm Plus Strategy Plus MomentumYields New RCH Members
The Rotary Club of York North, joined by the Rotary clubs of York, York East, Lancaster, and Red Lion/Dallastown, are providing medical equipment for multidisciplinary intervention for neurodevelopment in southern Argentina. The $132,958 global grant project is supported by $17,270 in 7390 District Designated Funds. The 7390 Rotarians are partnering with the RC of Rio Grande, district 4921, to implement this project.
The equipment will be used to assess children and teens who may have autism, epilepsy, ADHD, Tourette’s or congenital neurological disorders. RC of York North became aware of the need for this equipment from a 2005 Youth Exchange Student to District 7390, Sole Gallardo, who is now an active Rotarian and lives in the area served by this project. She contacted her sponsoring club and explained the serious need to help children in a very poor community. York North responded with its own funds and secured additional donations from four other 7390 clubs.
Hospital Annex grand opening: Argentine physician, medical equipment with Rotary logy, training on equipment
Mark your calendars and plan to join us for Hanover Rotary Club's Casino Night! Brought to you by our special event sponsors, Mark and Jennifer Riggs!
Casino Night is a fun filled evening of Casino games, drinks, dancing, and live entertainment by 'The Willy's!'
Proceeds from the event will go to help the Rotary Club of Hanover's Charitable Fund, benefiting local community organizations.
No actual gambling will be on premises. Just a chance to play table games, learn, network, and have a great time while listing to some great music and support a great cause
If you have any questions, please reach out to Brandon at bgething@cassd.org.
Congratulations Rotary Club of Mount Joy and Rotary Club of Elizabethtown on achieving ShelterBox HERO recognition for Rotary Year 2022-2023.
Your support is very much appreciated. At the end of the Rotary Year, the clubs will be listed on our HERO page at www.shelterboxusa.org/hero.
Gifts from clubs and individuals identifying as club members count toward ShelterBox HERO club recognition. A Bronze HERO recognition level is achieved at $1,000, Silver at $3,000 and Gold at $5,000 in total giving within the Rotary year. A club can ‘level up’ throughout the Rotary year.
We need help in your district, please consider becoming a Club Champion or Ambassador. Volunteer with ShelterBox USA
One way you can strengthen the awareness of ShelterBox is by making ShelterBox your Speaker Honorarium. To thank your speakers, make a donation to ShelterBox in their name.
ShelterBox has provided aid to over 2.25 million people since 2000, we could not have reached them without Rotary Clubs!
Join us for a FREE Virtual Diversity - Equity-Inclusion Training from 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. in place of our monthly Presidents meeting hosted by Leadership Harrisburg Area and the Martin Luther King Leadership Development Center.
You MUST pre-register by clicking here! After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
FREE Virtual Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Training - November 15
We are encouraging clubs to move forward with your Four-Way Test Speech Contests and send your Club contest winner to the District Mid-Levels. Students can register for the Mid-Levels by clicking here. Students MUST register for the Mid-Levels by January 15, 2023. The Mid Levels will be held in late February/early March 2023 (still finalizing a date). Dates will be coordinated directly with the students.
Mid levels will continue to be virtual. This has worked so well for all concerned. The only push back on the virtual format is that families/coaches are not able to attend. But in keeping the STUDENTS at the center of this program, they benefit from having a closed environment and having the FULL ATTENTION of the prestigious judges. Also, in previous years, one area may have had 15 mid level entries and another area only had three entries. Some highly qualified students did not move forward because of their location. While less prepared students in other locations got to move forward. The virtual process allows for a more equitable competition.
Please encourage your Club to participate in the Four Way Test Speech Contest this winter. We are looking forward to greater numbers this year. Your help is much appreciated.
A Rotary Club of Harrisburg service project during the Club’s September Service month is a perfect example of how donations to the Rotary International Foundation come back to fulfill needs in your own community.
In what was expected to take two days by Habitat for Humanity took only one because of focused club Rotarians including: Addeline Alaniz Edwards the RCH executive director, Dominic DeYulis (a new RCH member), Alicia Federick, Toni Mark, Scott Stevens (RCH Vice President and Co-chair HFH) and Matt Tenny (RCH Member).
Funding for the project came from Habitat resources, the District 7390 Matching Grant request made during Matt Staub’s presidential year and the Harrisburg Rotary Foundation.
According to Stevens, “Habitat projects can use all levels of construction skills. We were very pleased that the four of us came with above average skills and our own tools. I think this gave us a distinctive step up and speedier progress.”
He also points out that Habitat always has projects on their radar. Says Stevens, “We’d like the Harrisburg Rotary Club to get into Fall and Spring rhythm with Habitat by doing hand-on projects that also can get every Rotarian involved. Please join us. Getting your hands dirty can really make a difference for you and for others.”
Tenny’s personal comments about the project, “We all worked very well together and along with HFH staff. It was a good plan with good execution. Everyone involved working hard. I enjoyed this experience and I am looking forward to the next project!”
Harrisburg Clubs Completes Habitat For Humanity Project
We will be recording this, if you are unable to attend. Feel free to invite others who may be interested.
Presentation Topic: Zone 33 (Mid-Atlantic States) districts have been the most successful zone in starting new clubs in the USA during the past several years. Impact clubs have greatly contributed to their new club growth. IMPACT clubs were formed to meet the needs of individuals who recognize their personal drive to serve but cannot commit to regular meetings. IMPACT started as a companion club (officially called a "satellite") recognizing the need for an organized structure and an opportunity to quickly perform service amongst individuals' busy schedules. Patrick Eakes will provide much more info on the IMPACT club model and answer your questions.
District 7390 recently transferred $29,025 of District Designated Funds (DDF) to PolioPlus to support Rotary’s signature project of polio eradication. “Our District Allocations Committee is pleased to make these funds available to recognize World Polio Day,” said Governor Juliet Altenburg.
The Trustees of The Rotary Foundation encourage Rotary districts to utilize at least 20 percent of their available DDF annually to support PolioPlus. By doing so, districts contribute to Rotary’s goal of raising $50 million each year to eradicate polio. The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation matches Rotary’s funds $2 for every $1 contributed.
District Designated Funds are those Annual-Share Funds returned to a district after being invested for three years. Districts may use up to half of their DDF to fund district grants. The remaining DDF may be used for global grants or donated to PolioPlus, the Rotary Peace Centers, or another district.
Donations to PolioPlus help reach vulnerable children with the polio vaccine and other essential health services. Because of Rotary and our partners nearly 3 billion children have been vaccinated against Polio and 20 million people are walking who otherwise would have been paralyzed.
District 7390 Supports Polio Eradication with Funds Transfer
It is time to start planning your club’s 4-Way Test ESSAY Contest. We will, once again, be using the following prompt for this year’s contest: Is it the Truth? – How I Define What is True in My Life.
We are looking forward to receiving essays from 9th grade high school students which address questions like: What is true? Where is truth found? Is truth important? Is truth relative?
Submissions for the 2022-23 District 7390 contest are due February 20, 2023.
Contest rules, critical dates, and information for both Rotarians and Students are available on the District 7390 Website.
Any questions or requests for further information can be directed to project chair, Steven Grubb, at stevengrubb@comcast.net.
The Rotary Club of Carlisle and the Rotary Club of Carlisle-Sunrise will host their annual holiday dinner and auction on Friday, December 2nd at the Comfort Suites in Carlisle. The proceeds from this event as explained in the auction brochure will support Success By 6; a United Way of Carlisle/Cumberland County program to help ensure that all children are prepared to succeed by the time they enter kindergarten. After a rigorous selection process conducted jointly by both club presidents, Success By 6 was selected based on its tremendous impact on the development of our youth within the community.
The Past District Governors of District 7390, current leadership, and guests gathered on October 12 for an evening of fun and fellowship! We learned that PDG Al Alley (Lebanon) was our "senior governor" in attendance. He held the office of DG in 1993-1994 and that PDG Ben Hoover (York) has been a Rotarian for over 50 years!
Pictured Back Row L-R: Rob Altenburg, PDG John Kramb (Gettysburg, 2015-16), PDG Ben Hoover (York, 2008-09), PDG Al Alley (Lebanon, 1993-94), Karen Anthony, Doug Newell, PDG John Anthony (Mechanicsburg-North, 2020-21)
Pictured Middle Row L-R: DGE Fred Gellert (Carlisle-Sunrise, 2022-23), Katherine Bigler, Brian Smith, PDG Una Martone (Harrisburg, 2017-18), Ginny Alley, DGN Paul Thompson (Hershey, 2023-24)
The time has come to begin the nominating process for our District Governor 2025-2026. In this way we will continue our three-year projection for District 7390’s leadership. I encourage you to suggest a qualified candidate for the District Governor 2025-2026.
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. Ask that person about his or her interest in serving as District Governor. We all need to give encouragement and “plant the seed” for others to move forward.
When submitting a candidate for District Governor 2025-2026, the following must be submitted: the Club letter (on Club letterhead stating that the candidate has been endorsed and nominated by the Club) and the Governor Nominee Data Form (DG App).
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; reporting promptly to RI; 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 related activities. 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.
Candidates must be well versed with the District 7390 Bylaws, revised May 2018, and its intent. Candidates must also be familiar with the Constitution and Bylaws of Rotary International as published in the 2022 Manual of Procedure.
Qualifications for a District Governor are specified in detail in the Bylaws of Rotary International as published in the Rotary Manual of Procedure (excerpts attached). These qualifications should be studied carefully by Club members and the prospective Rotarian candidate for District Governor, prior to a decision to suggest any member as a candidate.
Please keep in mind that it is each Club’s duty to the District and Rotary International to give serious consideration to suggesting candidates for District Governor. Your suggestion for District Governor 2025-2026 must be received in the District Office by December 9, 2022, to be considered by the Nominating Committee. Interviews for the 2025-2026 District Governor will be held Thursday, January 19, 2023, in the evening at PA Trauma Systems Foundation (Slatehill Business Center, 3907 Hartzdale Drive, Suite #702, Camp Hill, PA).
Seeking Nominations for the 2025-2026 Rotary D7390 Governor
“The last Rotary Club of Harrisburg (RCH) Service on a Monday during Service September was a big success,” so brags Meghan Bachmore, RCH Service on a Monday Chair and Karen Cullings Executive Director of the McCormick Riverfront Library part of the Dauphin County Library.
Twenty RCH volunteers charged right into numerous tasks including cobweb dusting, gardening and interior and exterior cleanup work. All in preparation for the Library’s grand reopening after a year and a half of renovations.
The Library’s leadership team was very appreciative of the RCH volunteer’s engagement with the various projects and the final results. According to Bachmore, “We even got to share our leftover catering from lunch with library staff and patrons.”
On Thursday, October 20 at 10 a.m., the library was “opening the cover on the newest edition” of the expanded Library with a ribbon cutting and dedication.
Yet the Service Project Was the Tip of the Years of a Planning Process
Background on this service project, includes years of engagement by RCH members Susan Anthony, Marion Alexander and Karen Cullings.
As explained by Anthony who served as Co-chair for the project’s capital campaign, “The vision of joining the library with the Haldeman Haly House took extensive planning. We’re so pleased to see the project come to fruition and expand the value of the Library for patrons in the Central Pennsylvania region.
For some time, many Rotarians have so graciously helped with this project and campaign. I especially wish to acknowledge Jeb Stuart, Bruce Grossman, Ellen Brown, Betty Hungerford, Irene and Sam Levine, Andy Rebuck, Janice Black, Carolyn Dumaresq, Bob Geiger, Peggy Grove, Dave Morrison, Karen Cullings and those I have inadvertently missed."
Harrisburg Club Polishes the Library
New Members Davis Holiday and Shaun Eng
Scott Stevens and Karen Good
New Member Douglas Simon
Marion Alexander
Rotary Club of Harrisburg Volunteers Put the Polish on the McCormick Riverfront Library
The Rotary Club of Hershey will host and sponsor the 63rd RMB networking event in District 7390 history and the second in-person event of the 2022 RMB season on Tuesday, November 15, 2022 from 5;30 to 7:30 PM at the Englewood, 1215 Research Blvd., Hummelstown, PA. The event is FREE and one FREE drink will be provided as well as hors d'oeuvres/snacks. Additional drinks are the responsibility of the guest.
Rotarians should help fellow Rotarians by doing business with them and referring others to them in order to build stronger businesses, stronger communities, stronger members, stronger Rotary Foundation, stronger Rotary clubs, and ultimately a stronger Rotary International. Please consider Inviting a potential Rotarian guest and Family of Rotary.
DG Juliet needs your help to plan our District Conference for the Spring of 2023. We plan on making this a community focused event that highlights community partnerships and is family friendly. Reach out to her at DGJuliet2022@QRPC.com to support the effort!
Help eradicate polio by making a donation in honor of World Polio Day. Your contribution will be tripled by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. Donate to Polio Plus!
Chuck Sawicki has experienced a lot in his 80-plus years on this planet.
He has seen many changes in his 46-year professional career as an executive in marketing, sales, and financial planning services. Companies he worked for merged or dissolved, coworkers came and went. Amidst all that change was one constant – Rotary.
Officially, Chuck has been a Rotarian for 57 years but his association with the 117-year-old service organization began in childhood.
“My dad was a Rotarian when I was in high school. I couldn’t wait to get home for dinner on Wednesday nights when we discussed what he learned from the interesting speakers and programs,” Chuck said.
Chuck has been a Rotarian in 14 clubs that span eight districts. Some clubs had 400 members; others had 20. No matter the size, members were equally passionate about Rotary’s seven areas of focus – basic literacy and education; maternal and child health; peace and conflict resolution; disease prevention and control; water, sanitation and hygiene; community and economic development; and supporting the environment.
“I have loved being a Rotarian in each and every club,” he said.
Rotary serves its members and the community. Almost anyone can become a member, if they commit to the Rotary motto of “service above self.”
“The reason I love Rotary is you can learn something new at a meeting, the networking opportunities are fantastic, and we have about $3 billion to spend on service projects,” Chuck said.
Joining Rotary isn’t hard. One fills out an application, a current member endorses them, and the club board votes. Many members’ participation maxes out at attending meetings. Chuck encourages everyone to become a full-fledged Rotarian by serving on committees and volunteering for service projects.
Chuck’s first club was the Little Rock Rotary Club, at the time the fourth largest Rotary Club in the world. He distributed name badges at meetings and quickly met all the members.
“After my first year in my new management position, I was having dinner with the regional manager and a team of auditors. They were amazed how I was able to introduce them to local business and professional leaders,” he said.
Every Rotary club designs its service projects around its members’ interests and community’s needs.
Chuck is a certified mentor through SCORE, a nonprofit that gives free advice to business professionals. He has received numerous accolades for his work. He does not volunteer for accolades, but every award gives others an opportunity to share Chuck’s story and inspire others to follow his service-minded example.
“Chuck is the epitome of the Energizer Bunny,” Lou Davenport said when presenting Chuck with the Lancaster SCORE chapter’s 2016 Award for Excellence in Client Mentoring Services. “Chuck has never met a committee he wouldn’t join. He has never been presented with a task he wouldn’t tackle. He has never had a client where he did not throw himself wholeheartedly into helping that client live his dreams."
If Chuck is the Energizer Bunny as Davenport suggests, Rotary is his batteries.
Chuck is a realistic man who often bluntly tells others his “time is running out.” He hopes to inspire others to become active Rotarians, much like his father inspired him.
In 2005-2006, Chuck helped expand his Rotary Club from 52 to 70 members. Success doesn’t happen without planning, so he encourages other clubs to follow his club’s recipe for success: have meetings at a first-class location where the owner or manager is a committed Rotarian, appoint dynamic officers and lane chairs who will take their duties seriously, be visible in your community so your work energizes others.
“Rotary networking and learning became the force behind my professional advancement and understanding of the world,” he said.
Long-Time Rotarian Chuck Sawicki Reflects on the Benefits of a Rotary Focused Life
Thank you to all those who attended our Women in Rotary Summit on October 13th to discuss how to attract more women to Rotary, how to engage women Rotarians, and how to better serve women in Rotary. The meeting was started by showing a video from RI President Jennifer Jones. If you cannot view the embedded video, please click here to view it.
If you would like to hear a recording of the discussion portion of the event, please click here(Passcode: $Qkxub&4). Our intention is to continue this conversation and make plans in this area as part of the District DEI Committee. If you would like to be involved in this initiative, please contact DG Juliet Altenburg at DGJuliet2022@QRPC.COM
In response to Rotary International's Call to Action, our District 7390 - Hanover Rotary Club, did a pediatric vaccine information packing event. This was a joint effort with our Rotary Club, the Pennsylvania Immunization Coalition (PAIC), and The PA Polio Survivors Network.
We packed and distributed 1,500 packets of vaccine information to Hanover Area Daycares and Preschools prior to their opening for the new school year. The information we put into the packets came from the PA Dept of Health and the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. Our event was featured in the PAIC newsletter.
Our next packing event will be a true community collaboration, to be held at the Markets of Hanover with adults from the HART Center from New Oxford doing the packing. (The packing date has yet to be determined as we order supplies and seek Rotarians to do the deliveries).
We are asking your club if you would be willing to deliver this vital information in your area? Distribution locations (throughout Adams and York Counties), are being determined ahead, and those who volunteer will know exactly what their delivery location and quantity will be.
We look forward to working with your club as we work together to answer this important call. Join us !
Rotary's Focus on Disease Prevention: Answering the Call in Adams and York Counties
The Rotary Club of Hanover supported Jessica and Friends Rock On fundraiser. Hanover Rotary members rocked in rocking chairs at the Markets of Hanover while patrons passed by and made donations. Jessica and Friends provide faith based services and support for adults with autism and intellectual disabilities and their families. They seek to be a community which affirms the worth of all people, supports personal growth and wholeness, advocates for community and church inclusion, and provides opportunities for spiritual growth and service.
Pictured here are Ellie Rebert, Peg Sennett, and Ralph Jodice
Hanover Supports Jessica and Friends Rock on Fundraiser
The 19th Annual York-East Rotary Club Golf Outing was held on Sept. 20, 2022 raising over $16,000 to benefit local charities.
In 2021 money raised by this event was able to help four local charities - Leg Up Farms, York Opioid Collaborative, Big Brothers/Big Sisters York County Food Bank, and Crispus Attucks. Our club also helped two outstanding high school seniors with a scholarship to further their education, and two juniors are registered for the RYLA program to learn leadership skills.
The RC of Carlisle, working with the RC of Thika, Kenya, is implementing a global grant project for water for personal consumption and agricultural development in a poor village in Kenya. The project takes place at a children’s safe home that houses about 100 youngsters ages infant through high school. It also benefits the local community.
The project replaced a deteriorated pump and now brings water to the surface to be used for children at the home, to be sold (for a small fee) to the community, and to support farming. It also provides an agricultural program to provide hands-on training and classroom study in the science of agriculture, economics of agriculture and environmental use of water. The program supports production of chickens, pigs and vegetables, which will provide a reliable source of food for the children and will be sold to the community to support the maintenance and sustainability of the project. Thika Rotarians are happy to share pictures of the first harvest---cabbages and peppers.
The global grant has a total benefit of $131,565 with $35,730 given by RC of Carlisle and $35,730 matched by district 7390 and remaining amounts from RC of Thika, district 9212 and The Rotary Foundation.
Submitted by
PP Kathleen D. Stoup
District International Service Chair
Rotary Club of Carlisle
Pictured: Students in front of greenhouse with cabbages in drop irrigation bed, pepper harvest, chicken coop and pig house under construction.
Rotarians from 7390 joined friends from Rotary clubs in Maryland, Virginia and District of Columbia for a rendezvous in Georgetown, MD on the Sassafras River. As members of the International Yachting Fellowship of Rotarians (IYFR), Chesapeake Bay Fleet, they gather monthly in warm weather months at various locations on the upper Chesapeake Bay for fellowship and discussions about their various clubs’ activities and projects----as well as sharing experiences about maintaining and operating their boats.
The IYFR is the oldest and largest of the Rotary Fellowships. It was organized in England in 1947 and has grown to 126 fleets with about 3685 members in 44 countries. Rotarians in IYFR often join fellow Rotarians for international cruises following international conferences and enjoy cruising while they “Build Better Friendships”.
The Chesapeake Fleet supports the Plastic Free Waters project, which was launched in 2019 to bring awareness of the plastic bottle impact on world’s waterways, especially in African and Asian waters. At a recent meeting the International Rear Commodore of IYFR from Spain presented a special program highlighting the focus of IYFR Plastic Free Waters world wide.
Rotarians, who are active in recreational boating, are welcome to join the IYFR. For information on membership in the Chesapeake Bay Fleet, contact Ron Stern landrstern@gmail.com
Submitted by
Ron Stern,
Rotary Club of Mechanicsburg North
Fleet Captain, Rotary Yacht Squadron Chesapeake Bay, 2022
Past-Commodore, IYFR, Chesapeake Bay Fleet, 2011 and 2016
Pictured here on board the vessel Joint Venture are: (l to r) Lenora Stern; Kathleen Stoup, RC of Carlisle; Ron Stern, RC of Mechanicsburg North; and Tom Johnston, RC of Harrisburg.
It’s hard to believe we are already 3 months into our Rotary Year speeding out of Summer and into the new season of Fall. As District Governor my summer has been a whirlwind of activity encompassing three months of travels with 32 clubs, assorted club/district service and social gatherings, and a myriad of virtual meetings with Zone, District, and Club leaders and more. I write this as I take time to pause and reflect in airport lounges in Toronto and Chicago as I head home from a wonderful time of connection at the Rotary International Zones 28/32 Learning to Lead Summit in Toronto.
At this three-month mark, I would have to say my themes thus far are the gifts of human connections and the opportunity to use my passion for nursing and Trauma Centers in a bigger way. As I’ve met many Rotarians throughout my travels, I often get the question “how do you do it with a full-time job?” Truth be told, I was a bit fearful on how I would be able to juggle it all. I’ve always been a believer though, that if your heart is in the right place, and you are focused on doing good, more good will follow. And so it came to be. Travel time on the road while passing through rural areas of our District was forced time to be thoughtful and reflective. Time at the clubs with kind, passionate and funny members was uplifting in a way that energized me to contribute in bigger ways with my paid job and Rotary activities. The sheer volume of human connection after a prolonged period of isolation and anxiety during the COVID-19 pandemic is the fuel that has kept my engine running to do what I can to support our clubs in thinking of ways to increase our impact, expand our reach, enhance member engagement, and remain adaptable – Rotary’s four strategic priorities.
For those of you who have experienced my club visits, you may recall that I share a quote from RI President Jennifer Jones that she shared with all the incoming District Governors at the Rotary International Convention in Houston Texas in June: “BE BOLD, BE BRAVE, AND BE INTENTIONAL”. I’ve said these words so many times they have begun to change me. I feel myself grow in leadership the more I courageously move forward and jump on opportunities I may have been more timid about in the past.
One such opportunity is using the partnerships I have made over the last 20 years with Trauma Centers while working at the Pennsylvania Trauma Systems Foundation to move forward a high impact program called STOP THE BLEED ™. STOP THE BLEED ™ is a bleeding control course that has been promoted by the American College of Surgeons (ACS) since 2012 when the Sandy Hook shooting occurred. The ACS publicized the work of the Rotary Club of Mechanicsburg North on their international STOP THE BLEED website after a District Club grant that provided 300 tourniquets to East Pennsboro township staff helped save the life of a 10-year-old boy. That saved life occurred because of a partnership with Penn State Holy Spirit Medical Center Injury Prevention Coordinator, Sunny Goodyear RN, who taught the course to township police officers and continues to teach the course throughout Central PA.
In addition to Penn State Holy Spirit, two other Trauma Centers in our District are committed to connecting with Rotary Clubs to teach the program at club meetings or community events: Penn State Hershey Medical Center, and Penn Medicine Lancaster General Hospital. One fantastic way your club can help in this effort is to apply for a District Club Grant for $2500 that with a District match of $2500 will provide $5000 worth of tourniquets to people in your community such as police officers, farmers, and residents in violent neighborhoods where gun violence is prevalent. One such area is Alison Hill in Harrisburg. Penn State Holy Spirit would value one or more Rotary club partners in helping them provide tourniquets in Alison Hill that would be distributed along with education. Interested? Reach out to me for more information. The next deadline for District Club Grants is March 15, 2023 when the Form of Intention is due. Each tourniquet is about $20.00. Find out more about the grant process at https://rotary7390.org/page/grants
Lastly this time of connection has reinforced what was stated to me for years during my District leadership journey – that I would never be alone in my efforts. It takes a village to spearhead the many District Initiatives that we all take for granted: Global and District Grants, Membership, Youth Exchange, Safety, Polio Eradication, Communications, Public Image, Rotary Foundation, Education, Finances, Event Coordination, Member Services, Outreach…. and the list goes on. That village is comprised of an incredible group of Committee Chairs and teams behind them that work hard to support the impact our clubs and District have on our communities. I thank all these “villagers” for their amazing efforts that are not only felt within our District but at Zone and International levels.
Lastly, I want to put out a request for those of you who may be feeling a tug in your heart to be District Governor but are fearful of the time commitment. Being a District leader AND having a full-time job is absolutely possible. Your Rotary work will benefit your paid job in countless ways and vice versa. Being District Governor is the opportunity of a lifetime and without a doubt is absolutely life changing. I will reiterate the quote by Jennifer Jones “Be Bold, Be Brave and Be Intentional”. Don’t wait. The time is now. You never know what tomorrow will bring. If you are interested reach out to me. There is a process for your club to nominate you and forms are due in early December.
Thank you for a great three months. What a privilege its been to visit your clubs and serve you. Looking forward to more adventures in the months ahead.
Yours in Service: DG Juliet
Email me at DGJuliet2022@QRPC.com
Imagining Rotary: My Role as District Governor thus Far
The District Club Grant Committee has a vacancy. If you have a passion for The Rotary Foundation and specifically grants, please contact Nigel Foundling at nfoundling860@comcast or 717-717-679-1264. The committee meets via Zoom on the second Monday of each month at 7:30 a.m.
Carlisle-Sunrise, Northern Lebanon Co, and York build small houses in Ecuador
The Rotary Club of Carlisle-Sunrise has developed a continuing relationship with the Rotary Club of Cumbaya, D-4400, Quito, Ecuador. In 2020 during the Covid pandemic, 45 tablet computers were set to K thru 6th grade children so they could study online.
As friendships with RC of Cumbaya grew, Carlisle-Sunrise became aware of the need for decent housing for single underprivileged mothers with children and the opportunity to provide low cost houses under the project management of CAEMBA (https://www.caemba-home-english/) through the Raiz Foundation (www.raiz-USA.org). Each house is made of sturdy bamboo, has a kitchen and bathroom, and costs $4500; those living in the house assist with its construction. The first house supported by Carlisle-Sunrise was paid directly from club contributions. That success led to a District Club grant for $9000, with participation of Rotary Clubs of Northern Lebanon County and York, that built two houses, completed on August 20, 2022. These houses will join other such houses in the new “Rotary Village”. Each house has a plaque with the names of the four Rotary clubs involved.
The Rotary Veterans Initiative conducted a community BBQ event on Saturday, Sept 10th at Rendezvous Run Farm in Dickinson Township at 806 Alexander Spring Road, Carlisle, PA 17015. The 130(+) participants of this sold-out ticketed event:
Honored Veterans by listening to and recording their stories of service and sacrifice
WWII and Korean War Veteran, and Harrisburg resident, Louis “Lou” F. Gallo
USMC veteran, formerly homeless, and Central Penn College graduate, Randy Ramer
Randy shared his powerful story of rising above injury, drug addiction, and homelessness to become a Central Penn College (CPC) graduate
At CPC Randy served as the President of the student veteran’s Armed Forces Association (AFA) where he created and led the AFA Homeless Veteran’s Initiative --- which raised money to help homeless veterans
Raised money to continue to help Central PA veterans transform their lives, families, and our communities
Presented this check to support student veterans’ scholarships, textbook and technology device vouchers, and scholarships for student veterans performing unpaid internships and/or participating in Capstone courses
Invested $7,500 to reward and incentivize veteran participation in The Penn State Harrisburg School of Business Administration 2022 (Business) Startup Weekend program (Nov 11- 13, 2022)
To date, including the addition of the $27,500 announced at this event, RVI has contributed a total of $205,000 to help 270 Central PA veterans transform their lives, families and communities
VOPA leaders Mike Reardon, John Hickey, and Jordan Ames provided tours of their “Tiny Home” and explained the VOPA Mission and Vision
Mission: We stand to combat homelessness among Veterans by providing support and services needed to promote an empowered life filled with strength and purpose.
Vision: Restoring trust and creating opportunity, one Veteran at a time.
Received the outstanding support of volunteers from The Giant Company
Thanked our major sponsors, including Korporate Computing, The Giant Company, UPMC, Synergy Home Care of Carlisle, State Farm of Carlisle (Greg Lunde), Hoffman Funeral Home & Crematory, Diamond Wealth Advisors, William Harkey, Tom Fruth, the Bussard family, the Haag Family, the Rotary Clubs of Mechanicsburg North, Hershey, Harrisburg, and Carlisle.
This event is complete, but there will be future events and many actions to support veterans; therefore, donations to RVI are always welcome. To make a tax-deductible donation to RVI, please write the check to the "Rotary Veterans Initiative" and mail it to RVI, 806 Alexander Spring Road, Carlisle, PA 17015 (or) make an online donation at https://www.tfec.org/funds/rotary-veterans-initiative/ To collaborate with RVI to help our veterans please email rickcopen@gmaijl.com
Mark your calendars and bring the whole family out for a great time on Sunday October 2nd @ 12-3pm at the Vineyard & Brewery at Hershey for a FREE family event hosted by the Rotary Club of Colonial Park with activities, games, bounce houses, spin art, petting zoo, obstacle course, balloon twisting, PLUS food trucks and live music!
All proceeds from this event are donated to local non-profits and our scholarship fund.
Welcome to Martin Metelka from Czechia!! Martin arrived at Newark Airport (which meant we HAD to do a quickphoto stop at Liberty State Park before heading home!) We hope you have a great year Martin!
Rotary International is pleased to announce new hosting opportunities under the Open World Program during the 2023 calendar year. Next year will mark twenty fourth-year anniversary of Rotary’s participation in the program.
The Open World Program is available only to Rotary clubs in the United States and provides an opportunity to build fellowship and friendship to strengthen international understanding by hosting emerging Eurasian leaders from Armenia, Azerbaijan, Estonia, Georgia, Hungary, Kazakhstan, Kosovo, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, Mongolia, North Macedonia, Poland, Romania, Serbia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, and Uzbekistan in your community. Rotary clubs are needed to host six-participant delegations for eight days and nights and prepare a professional program related to business, community, and civic life in the United States. Please see the 2023 hosting themes document attached.
The program focuses primarily on developing a network of leaders who have an understanding of how American communities deal with contemporary issues and who want to maintain contact with their new American contacts and other counterparts. Often, these collaborations lead to service projects between Rotary clubs in the two countries.
Is your Rotary Club is interested in working on an international project, hosting six Open World participants (emerging and/or current Eurasian leaders) for eight days, and willing to develop an intensive week of programs based on a selected Open World theme? If yes, then the Open World Program would be perfect for your club. Review the attached Host Registration Form and email the completed form to Natalia.Kunzer@rotary.org by Monday, 3 October 2022.
Direct any question to the Program Officer Natalia Kunzer at natalia.kunzer@rotary.org or by phone by calling (847) 946-5664. For any additional questions please contact PDG Hector Ortiz as well as to do presentations about this program which is typically a 10 days program for young professionals from specific countries, ages 25 to 35, with some similarities to the GSE program.
Warm Rotary Regards,
Hector Ortiz
Richie1166@msn.com
Natalia Kunzer
Open World Program Officer
Rotary Service and Engagement | Programs and Grants
The Rotary Club of Carlisle-Sunrise recently hosted Carlisle’s noon club for a presentation about that club’s water project in Kenya. In attendance was Meshack Kishoyian Sinkira (known as Kish) the International Officer from Kenya at the US Army War College, Carlisle. Rotarians from Carlisle first became acquainted with Kish at a meeting of RC of Hershey.
The global grant project, total cost $130,000, provides water for agricultural development by pumping water to surface, building green house for vegetable production and housing structures for chicken and pig production while teaching the science and economics of agriculture. Following the presentation, Kish confirmed the critical need for such projects in Kenya.
Submitted by
Kathleen Stoup
International Service Lane Chair
Pictured here with Rotarians from both clubs, Kish is wearing a modernized Masai shirt. (L to R) Larenda Twigg, Bill Blankmeyer, Kish, Kathleen Stoup, Charles Stoup, Mike Zick
In September our District was fortunate to have PDG Herb Klotz speak with Club Presidents and interested members on how to grow and engage club membership. Each club was sent a club specific report highlighting attraction and attrition rates and best practices. This popular session is available for on-demand viewing at https://us02web.zoom.us/rec/share/492tpKrgUkned8TnWWDlWV2RJ89ihNVLIUKigDjuHoZGzI96It5xaowXocSkq-M.oPdQRhC_mffJ3oEc / Passcode: K6uo1bL.
PDG Herb is hosting a SECOND session open to ANY Rotary Club on the topic of Impact Clubs. Impact clubs are companion clubs to existing host clubs focused on community service. Impact clubs are growing in popularity in other Zones and guest speaker Patrick Eakes will talk about their growth in his own Zone – Zone 33. Mark your calendars for October 11th at 7 PM. A Zoom link will be shared in several weeks in a future Rotary Reporter!
Where: Victory Athletic Association (471 S. Ogontz Street, York, PA) - For a nominal fee of $10 per ticket, you get a fun filled evening of appetizers, non-alcoholic beverages, door prizes, music, entertainment, and auction items!
Hosted by: York-East
When: October 25 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Where: Market Cross Pub (113 North Hanover St Carlisle, PA 17013)
Hosted by: Carlisle-Sunrise
When: October 25 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Where: Funck's Restaurant (365 West Main Street, Leola)
The Rotary Leadership Institute is an opportunity to meet with other Rotarians, share experiences, and learn new skills to take back to your club. You don't have to be in the leadership chain to benefit from this institute. If you want to learn more about this wonderful organization that we call Rotary, and find out what you can actually do to start changing the world, put attendance on your schedule. Click here to register! (Please note: you MUST register using the GUEST tab). REGISTRATION DEADLINE-MONDAY, OCTOBER 17
When can I attend RLI? - Saturday, October 22, 2022 from 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Central Penn College (600 Valley Road, Summerdale, PA 17093).
What is the Cost to attend RLI? - Rotary Clubs should pay for their members to attend RLI. The cost is $110 per Rotarian to attend.
What is RLI? - A leadership and development program to strengthen Rotary Clubs through education, collaboration and the exchange of ideas among its future leaders. A three-part curriculum facilitated by experienced, trained faculty members engaging participants through open discussion, problem solving and creative role-play.
What will I learn at RLI? - More about Rotary, The Rotary Foundation, Membership, Ethics, Service Projects, Communications, Strategic Planning and Analysis. You’ll also make new friends, and enjoy fellowship and networking opportunities.
Course Levels: Parts I, II, III and Graduate (The Graduate level will focus on Strategic Planning) The Graduate level can be taken more than once based on changing content.
Where can I find more information about RLI? www.rlinea.org.
As World Polio Day (October 24th) approaches, our clubs and the district are considering how we can best raise funds and awareness in our community. Following are a few thoughts.
Support the District RIDE TO ERADICATE POLIO This event held October 24th is a continuation of an event created during Covid in an attempt to create a new way to raise awareness. Details can be found by clicking here!
Hold a PINTS FOR POLIO EVENT(S) Clubs and regions are encouraged to hold events at the local level. The purpose of these events are three-fold. Here are a few thoughts:
Raise Money - In past years, these events have raised thousands of dollars for Polio Plus
Raise Awareness - In advance of and during these events, conversations happen surrounding the Polio issue. Members and nonmembers are educated on what polio is, why and how is Rotary involved in the global effort to eradicate polio and why we should care about this at all. Given the recent outbreak in NY, that third point is even more relevant in our lives.
Drive Membership - Each Rotarian should not only consider coming to the event but should also bring a friend. That friend then engages in the fellowship of Rotary while learning more about who we are and what we do. "Each One Bring One" could not be more relevant than with these events.
SHARE YOUR EVENT - Share with the District - Each club or region that is holding an event should share their event details with the district. The district will in turn help to market the event and, maybe, you will see a district leader pop into your event.
Create an Event Post on Meet Up App - Sharing your event on the Districts "Service Above Self" group on the MeetUp App will expand your reach and expand awareness of your event in your area. If you need help with this, reach out to Melissa at the district office.
Create an event on Facebook and share it with the district. Share it on all social media platforms to drive all demographics to your event. Need help, reach out to the district to learn how.
Get a Billboard. This event is a perfect way to utilize the district billboard program. Share with your community what you are doing in their community.
Ask someone to come and support your event. We all know someone we can ask. If beer is not your thing, consider Ice Cream Pints for Polio. Be creative and then share with us what you are doing. This is how we all achieve new levels and grow.
Finally, if your club is not going to hold an event, attend another club's event near you, bring a friend and be part of the solution. Now is the time to take action. Ask your club leadership what your club is doing to help eradicate polio and drive membership during World Polio month. If you or they need help, reach out. The district is excited to help our clubs create events that make sense for them. Let's make this year, the greatest year yet for raising money and awareness in District 7390.
PDG Alden Cunningham (Carlisle) has a book available for purchase through Amazon! Click here to purchase the book! This autobiography captures all phases of his life of Leadership in Service including his formative years in Mexico as a child, the military academy years of character and leadership development, his regular Army service in field artillery, his years as a senior Foreign Area officer defending our nation and his years as an Army Contractor at the U.S. Army War College. There, he supported the Department of Distance Education as a faculty instructor teaching Strategic Leadership, International Relations and the Use of Power, National Security Strategy, National Military Strategy, and Regional Studies. Additionally, he supported the Strategic Crisis Exercise in various roles and developed two key, long term military scenarios on Cuba and Panama. His brief Mexico Advisory Service years helping small companies in Pennsylvania find Mexican strategic partners and his retirement years are also part of this book. Covered as well are his years as a former officer of Rotary International (District Governor of District 7390 in South Central Pennsylvania) doing good in the world. This is exemplified by his humanitarian mission in Mexico where his district partnering with District 4170 in the Mexico City area provided hundreds of wheelchairs to disabled Mexican citizens, clean water to hundreds if not thousands of Mexican school children, computers for a school for the deaf in Mexico City, and dozens of cleft palate surgeries and cataract procedures. He also increased Rotary Foundation giving in his district thus providing more funds over time for Rotary's seven focus areas (fighting disease, think Polio; promoting peace; providing clean water, sanitation and hygiene; saving mothers and children; supporting education; growing local economies; and protecting the environment).
A Cold War Warrior's Report by PDG Alden Cunningham
Pictured Front Row L-R: DYE Inbound Chair Walt Tilley (York), DG Juliet Altenburg (Mechanicsburg-North), Maya Ito (Japan) hosted by Gettysburg, Jeanne Lefort (France) hosted by York, Julia Saldanha (Brazil) hosted by Hershey, Iman Delamehtovic (Bosnia & Herzegovenia) hosted by Lititz, DYE Chair Jill Tenny (Harrisburg). Pictured Back Row L-R: Martin Metelka (Czech Republic) hosted by Harrisburg, Julien Thiry (Belgium) hosted by York.
Welcome the 2022-2023 Class of Inbound Youth Exchange Students
Isabella (Lititz) has safely arrived for her exchange year in Japan! She is currently attending a language camp with other international students who are also doing an exchange in Japan this year. Best of luck for a successful year, Isabella!
The Rotary Club of Carlisle recently gave 1000 Paul Harris points to Past-President Sudesh Walia of the Rotary Club of Nairobi, Kenya, district 9212.
Pictured are: Alex Nyagah (#9212 District Governor 2021-22) presenting the Paul Harris fellowship to Sudesh Walia.
The points, which will take Sudesh to another Paul Harris level, were given in recognition of the service and support she has given RC of Carlisle and district 7390 over more than 20 years. As long ago as 1996, she worked with Carlisle Rotarians in processing Volunteer Service Grants for volunteer dentists from around the Rotary world who served at the Rotary Dental Clinic located at the Immaculate Heart of Mary Hospital in the Kilimambogo community. For many years she directed support from Rotary Club of Nairobi for matching grants and global grants for dental equipment, dental truck and several water and sanitation projects at the Hospital.
Most recently RC of Carlisle and district 7390 contributed to a global grant for an Eye Care Program in Nairobi, which is currently being implemented in schools in poor areas of Nairobi.
An active and committed Rotarian, Sudesh led a peace project in a school district in California. She traveled to Carlisle in 2015, stayed in home of Rotarian, and visited many community projects. Over the years she has welcomed visiting Rotarians to her home.
The collaboration with Sudesh continues as we “build friendships” in faraway parts of the world.
DUE TO A SCHEDULING CONFLICT - PLEASE NOTE THE NEW DATE OF OCTOBER 13!
As we consider ways we should Grow Rotary… we must consider groups that are underrepresented within our clubs. Women represent just 28% of our District’s membership. How can we grow these numbers and attract more members including women into the service we provide to our community AND to our members.
On October 13 from 7:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m., we are gathering for our second in a series of Summits to discuss...Women in Rotary
Three Questions will be discussed in this 1 hour Zoom Summit.
How can we encourage more women to join Rotary across our District?
How can we support female Rotarians in growing in leadership and service within Rotary and our communities?
What should our next action steps be?
Our first Summit, Educators in Rotary, was a great success. Attendees met new friends from across the district, learned new ideas and discussed strategies to effect change and growth. They agreed to help each other and to re-assemble at a future date to further discuss ideas and review what they have achieved with their new knowledge and contacts.
We believe that Septembers’ Women in Rotary Summit can be a similarly tremendous opportunity for fellowship, growth, and new ideas.
Rotary Club of Lancaster and District 7390 Donate $20,000 for Medical Assistance in Ukraine
Networking and collaboration are a hallmark of Rotary as evidenced by the friendships and relationships that form within individual Rotary Club dynamics. Sometimes that same synergy forms between Rotarians on a global scale to meet urgent humanitarian needs. Such is the case with a recent cooperation between the Rotary Club of Lancaster and the International Rotary Fellowship of Healthcare Professionals (IRFHP).
Dr. Bob McClenathan, an optometrist, Past-President of RC of Lancaster and member of IRFHP, learned of the needs in Ukraine related to the unprovoked incursion by Russian military forces and the horrendous injuries caused by indiscriminate shelling of civilian targets in addition to military ones. Hundreds of hospitals, medical facilities and pharmacies have been intentionally destroyed! In light of the destruction of healthcare infrastructure and the tremendous need for medical care, the IRFHP is seeking various medical instruments and accessories to alleviate suffering there.
The Rotary Club of Lancaster, its individual members, and District 7390 (through the discretionary use of its contingency funds) provided nearly $20,000 in funding towards the purchase of orthopedic instruments, screws, plates and pins for treatment of shattered skeletal structures. Through a convoluted pathway, involving Rotarians in the USA, United Kingdom, Poland, and Ukraine, as well as international fund transfers and international commerce, these rehabilitative materials are mending bones and lives in the war torn country near the front lines in the Dnipro area. Rotary has a long reach and a loving heart and Rotarians are providing “Service above Self” around the world.
If your Club is holding an event or fundraiser and would like to increase awareness of Rotary or increase profits, think about purchasing some Rotary branded water bottles! You can purchase the water for $7 per case (minimum of 30 cases per order). The water will need to be picked up at Filson Water (11 Roadway Drive, Carlisle). You can design a custom label for your Club or the event. Please contact Jeff Kintz at Brand your Own Bottle at 717-979-0841 or kintzjeff1@gmail.com for more information. You can also check out their website by clicking here.
Here are some examples of Clubs that have created a custom water bottle label:
Quentin Jurney (Rotary Club of Gettysburg) safely arrived in India for his year of exchange!!! His arrival coincided with the Hindi festival of Raksha Baandhan, the celebration of brother-sister sibling bonds. We hope Quentin has an amazing year! We look forward to following his adventures through the District 7390 Youth Exchange Facebook page!
The exciting Zone 28 & 32 Interact Convention (ZIC) is taking place October 20th-23rd, 2022 and we want to see students from your district there!
This is an opportunity for Rotarians to show their support for our young leaders who have been working very hard organizing this first-ever Zone event that includes Interact delegates from Canada, USA, Bermuda and St. Pierre et Miquelon!
Here's where your help is needed:
We are seeking Delegates - If your club currently sponsors an Interact club please connect with them and consider sponsoring one or more delegates. Clubs & Districts in Zones 28 and 32 are able to reserve spots for Interact students and chaperones at the Zone 28 & 32 Interact Convention ahead of time. Each spot is $991 Canadian dollars ($850 registration fee plus a $141 refundable deposit).
We are seeking Donors/Sponsors - If your club does not currently sponsor an Interact Club, kindly consider becoming a Donor/Sponsor of the event in support of youth leadership!
Thank you for your kind consideration. We also encourage you to take a look at our website (www.zoneinteractconvention.org) to learn more.
If you have any questions regarding the registration process, the event in general, or would like to invite our team to speak to your club/district leadership about the event please feel free to contact admin@zoneinteractconvention.org.
Geoffrey Harper (Harrisburg has arrived in Thailand!! What a journey ~ 3 out of 3 flights were delayed but no lost luggage! His host family was on hand to greet him at the airport on his arrival. We look forward to following his adventures!
September is Education and Literacy Month, an opportunity for Rotarians to focus our awareness of literacy and education needs in our own communities and internationally. BELRAG (Basic Education and Literacy Rotary Action Group) and Save the Children are pleased to announce a funding opportunity to support clubs' innovative approaches to early childhood education in rural America. Projects may support Kindergarten Readiness, 3rd Grade Reading proficiency, and/or 5th grade math proficiency.
These grants offer Rotary Clubs an opportunity to apply to for funding of $5,000-$15,000 for community based initiatives that support early literacy and numeracy. Up to ten projects will be funded. Proposal applications are available 1 September are due 15 October, 2022.
A webinar to review grant criteria and application process will be held on Thursday, 25 August at 4:00 PM (Eastern)
The webinar will be recorded and made available on the BELRAG.org website. Click here to view a menu of options for early learning projects.
This is an excellent opportunity for Rotarians to receive support for their involvement in early education and literacy projects in their own communities. BELRAG is pleased to partner with Save the Children on this initiative and appreciates their generosity in funding these grants for US based literacy projects.
I look forward to learning of how clubs in your district are engaged in Basic Education and Literacy and would welcome Rotarians from your district to become involved with BELRAG. Together, we will ensure that every child and adult has opportunity to lead productive, fulfilling lives as literate individuals. If you would like more information about BELRAG, our outreach and support for clubs and districts, please visit our website www.BELRAG.org or feel welcome to contact Carolyn Johnson, Yarmouth (Maine) Rotary, District 7780, Governor, 2013-14, 207-232-4667 (cell).
Apply for a Grant to Support Education and Literacy!
Norma Jean Park was awarded the district 7390 Rotary Scholarship for graduate study at the University of Essex, Brighton, England, where she will earn a Master of Arts degree in Food and Development. The Global Grant award is valued at $30,000 with $16,675 from #7390 District Designated Funds and $13,325 from The Rotary Foundation.
Becky Morgenthal, a member of the 7390 Scholarship Committee, prepared this report on the presentation given by Norma Jean at the meeting of the RC of Carlisle on July 21, 2022, at which Norma Jean described her journey from college years to her plans for graduate studies. Becky followed Norma Jean’s words as she shares this narrative.
As a 2018 graduate of Dickinson College, I knew I wanted a career in International Development with a focus on agriculture and the environment. This passion has always been there.
I am the type of person who wants to feel certain before furthering my education and committing myself to a career. I knew the best way to be certain was to try out all potential career options.
My first step was the Peace Corps, which had been a goal of mine since I was a kid. I applied to go anywhere and do anything. I was sent to teach English in Ecuador and thought that education was a career path I would like.
Upon moving to a small pueblo in the Amazon Rainforest, I realized that what the community actually needed was help developing sustainable agricultural practices and building the capacity for eco-tourism. By listening to the community and shifting my goals, I began to see the interconnectedness of agriculture, the environment and rural livelihoods. This peaked my interest a lot more than the field of education.
When I was forced to return to the US due to COVID-19, I decided to work on a small organic farm in Vermont, because I wanted to see what sustainable agriculture looked like at the smallest level. I figured if I want to promote sustainable farming in Ecuador and other places globally, I should at least know how to grow food from seed to harvest.
As much as I loved the farming experience, I had not ruled out other career interests. I moved to Colorado to work at a non-profit reproductive and sexual health clinic. While working full time at the clinic, I worked part-time on a farm since agriculture was still a strong passion for me. While I loved helping marginalized groups access health care, I realized that my true passion is in empowering community development by strengthening food systems. This brought me full circle to what I had studied at Dickinson College.
And after four years sampling various careers, I now know what I want out of a career. I am excited to go back to school to pursue my dream. I am exceedingly grateful to Rotary District 7390 for making this possible and I hope to contribute to the betterment of the world on completion of my studies.
NOTE: The scholarship for this outstanding woman is made possible by contributions from Rotarians to The Rotary Foundation.
Submitted by: Becky Morgenthal
Member, District 7390 Global Grants Scholarship Committee
The Rotary Clubs of Carlisle and Carlisle Sunrise, ably led by Presidents Rod Frazier and Larenda Twigg, hosted a super successful RMB networking event on August 17 at the beautiful Frederick House in Carlisle with over 30 Rotarians and guests attending from at least 11 district clubs (Carlisle, Carlisle Sunrise, D7390 Passport, Mechanicsburg North, Lititz, York-North, Gettysburg, West Shore, Hershey, Harrisburg, and Allentown West in D7430). This event marks the 62nd RMB networking event in District 7390 history.
The event's Major Sponsor, Hoffman Funeral Home and Crematory, represented by Chris Hoffman and JIll Lazar, provided a perfect setting arranged beautifully even providing free pens, notepads, and popcorn along with some amazing hors d"oeuvres, wine, beer and water, which if consumption demonstrates anything were greatly enjoyed by all in attendance. Mary Brunski did a great job of running the Circle exercise even using the famous Scott Stevens playing card way of ensuring that there is no sure way of knowing when you will be called to give your elevator speech or pitch to the rest of the attendees. All in all this Restart of RMB in District 7390 was a success and builds momentum for moving forward. Thank you RMBers for helping get RMB in-person networking active again in Rotary District 7390.
Lamar Advertising is again offering all clubs in the District the opportunity to expand the reach of Rotary during the 2022-2023 Rotary Year through a club hosted DIGITAL Billboard for just $100! To take advantage of this generous offer click here!Special thanks is extended to Harrisburg Rotarian Andy Rebuck from Lamar Advertising, for leading this wonderful effort for our District!
Expand the Reach of Rotary Through the District Billboard Campaign
The York-East Rotary awarded a total of $13,500 in in grant funding to five nonprofit organizations in the York community. Each year the grants are presented to deserving projects and programs in the region. These worthy local organizations received grants for various needs and projects this year. Representatives from each organization attended our weekly meeting and received their grant awards.
Our club looks forward to this day each year because it is such a great feeling to give and learn how the money is being used within our community.
Thank you to everyone that donates to our organization through the various fundraisers that we hold each year. Without you we would not be able to provide these organizations with the funding that they need to make York a better place to live.
Pictured from L-R:
Mark Larkin – Big Brother Big Sisters – Purchase passes for kids and their Big to attend Kidspace activities
Maura Musselman – Leg Up Farm – Staff education and certification in speech therapy
Brittany Shutz – York Opioid Collaborative – Community and Parent education and Awareness
Karen Comery – York East Rotary President
Chris Izzo - York East Rotary Grant Committee Chairman
Sandra Graham – York East Rotary Past President
Phil Drayden – Crispus Attucks – Support of Rising Star Program
Zach Wolgemuth – York County Food Bank – Purchase of ramp for van
Please join us to support VETERANSat our Rotary Veterans Initiative (RVI) BBQ fundraiser at Rendezvous Run Farm (806 Alexander Spring Road, Carlisle, 17015) on Saturday, Sept 10th, from 4 to 10 p.m.
Rotary International requires that all Rotary Districts have a Crisis Management Plan in place that provides a protocol for the process by which Districts would respond to real or perceived emergencies when they arise. It is essential that we do our best to be prepared to respond to any risky situations that pose serious risks to student and volunteer health, safety, and security – as well as the district’s reputation. any disasters impacting Rotarians or the public during Rotary hosted events. Our District is currently in the planning stage focused on a Youth Crisis Management Plan to prepare for our incoming International Rotary Exchange Students. We are looking for a Mental Health Professional willing to donate their time to providing insight into the necessary language for such a plan. Although a Rotarian is preferred it is not essential. Please contact Jill Tenny, Chair, District 7390 Youth Exchange, if you or someone you know is interested. Email: rotaryd7390youthexchange@gmail.com
Mental Health Professional Needed for District Crisis Management Planning
As I traveled the district in my year as District Governor year, I realized five things:
There are many more passionate member Rotarians who have chosen Education as a Vocation than I ever realized.
There are many other vocations represented by passionate Rotarians across our district.
There is great work being done by many, if not most of the clubs across the district focused on those vocations.
Much of what is being done in the clubs is not shared across the district.
We can do a better job of sharing and learning from each other.
This invitation is the first of many more to come focused on sharing our ideas through Vocational Summits which will begin to help foster Rotary’s four strategic priorities of increasing our impact, expanding our reach, increasing member engagement and remain adaptable and relevant.
It's time. We can only continue to perpetuate and GROW the Service we provide IF we continue to GROW and ENGAGE our Membership. We MUST be purposeful about our Growth. Each of us. Seek the right people.... people who are Rotarians... but just don't know it yet.
It's time to act.
It's time to Grow Rotary and ENGAGE our members again. Are you with me?
District 7390 Rotarian Educators Summit
When: August 18th 7pm to 8pm
Who: All Rotarians who currently or formerly worked in schools including but not limited to school Superintendents, Principals, Teachers, Guidance Counselors and Administrative Support
What: A one hour conversation on three topics
How can we grow young people in service and leadership through people and programs within Rotary?
How do we get more Educators involved in Rotary?
What action should be taken because of this Summit?
Saturday, October 1, 2022 – Ride to Eradicate Polio – Cumberland Valley Rail Trail, Shippensburg Station – Registration is coming soon. All registration fees will go toward the registrant’s Paul Harris points.
Saturday, October 22, 2022, 8 AM – 4 PM – Rotary Leadership Institute, Central Penn College. Registration is coming soon.
Saturday, November 19, 2022, Rotary Foundation Dinner, Eden Resort, Lancaster, PA. Registration link pending.
Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, health care workers have dedicated their time, energy, and skills to ensure our safety. As they provided vaccinations, administered tests, tracked outbreaks, and cared for patients, they sometimes put their health at risk to do so.
With the pandemic far from over, we have an opportunity to show our appreciation for them. From 21-27 August, Rotary International is asking all Rotarians to recognize the work of health care professionals in communities around the globe. Find ways to show health care workers your appreciation at https://on.rotary.org/3ooBPNy
Pictured: Rod Frazier, Rotary Club of Carlisle President, and DG Juliet Altenburg shown at Mass Vaccination Center, June 2021 in Carlisle PA. Both are members of the South Central PA Medical Reserve Corps.
Show Your Appreciation to Health Care Workers August 21-27!
This Rotary Year we will be trying new ways to educate Rotarians and the communities in which we serve. One of those ways is through a series of videos. Our inaugural video features an assortment of District Leaders and our new mascot Francis the cat! Check out the video on the District You Tube Channel at https://youtu.be/FKWKfBokk-8. Happy viewing and a BIG THANK YOU to all those who spend countless hours in support of our clubs throughout District 7390!
Learn More About the 2022-2023 District 7390 Leadership Team!
Jack Detweiler has been a member of the Rotary Club of Harrisburg for 27 years and recalls working on or chairing the Club’s Ecology Committee for many of those years. Annually, he has coordinated the Club’s judging and awarding of a prize for students winning the Capital Area Science and Engineering Fair (CASEF).
According to Detweiler, “Our committee members are asked to serve as judges for student entries from many area schools. In a typical year, we can receive 10 to 20 presentations to review. CASEF provides a scoring guide to provide consistency of presentation quality.”
CASEF is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) membership organization and a PA EITC Innovative Educational Program initiative. For these competitions, CASEF follows performance standards of the Society for Science and the Public (ISEF) with a goal focused on promoting the understanding and appreciation of science. That organization sees the critical role science and engineering play in our society: to inform, educate, and inspire.
Because of Covid issues it was no surprise the 2021 CASEF student competition was virtual. Instead of live presentations that year, competitors submitted short videos. CASEF participants submitted their projects to a centralized web. Detweiler says, “We are in the Special Award Category for Life Science and present a $750 check to a student winning in the Senior Division. Projects in 2022 were submitted virtually and live. Our committee again reviewed them virtually, which actually allows more time to accurately review the projects.”
A Wide Range of Projects
According to Valerie Knowles the CASEF Director, “Recent events confirm that it is very evident that we need to be encouraging young scientists to find solutions to life’s greatest challenges and prepare a healthy and sustainable future.”
Detweiler believes he’s seen, “Projects ranging from beetles to stream water studies. He noted, “The 2020 winner of the Rotary Ecology Award was Kathryn Miller, a sophomore at Carlisle HS. She demonstrated how Oxbenzone in sunscreen effects and eventually kills coral polyps. She did this project in the lab with actual coral polyps. Because of the pandemic, she presented her project to our Club via Zoom. In 2019 our winner was Adele Shirmer, a senior at West Perry HS. Her project was "Beetles Beware - Effects of Various Biopesticides on Callosobruchus Maculatus Behavior."
Adele went on to Colorado State University to major in Fishery Management. She says that with the help of the RCH award she was offered a scholarship as an Honors Undergraduate Research Scholar allowing her to afford to attend CSU. She has been assisting a graduate student with his study on Walleye bioenergetics and is working on local employment as a fishery technician to start her career.
Our winner in 2018 was April Pavonka, a senior at Camp Hill HS. Her project was "Optimizing Hydroponic Plant Growth and Energy Usage with LED Spectral Manipulation". She was also our winner in 2016 when she was a sophomore with another project.
Our winner in 2021 was Samual Koda from Hershey High School with his hands-on project that addressed an invasive ecological problem in his neighborhood entitled “What is the best Spotted Lanternfly Trap?”
Our winners in 2022 were Aiden Callahan and Annabel Hathaway from Harrisburg Academy with the project, “A Comparison of Eco-Friendly and Green Products’ Effects on the Environment.” It is the first time that we have ever given the award to a “team.” They were both sophomores. They put in an amazing amount of work on their project, were scrupulous in following the scientific method and their mathematical documentation was quite rigid. It was an interesting outcome that “Dawn” detergent turned out less toxic in many cases than the so-called “green” detergents that were tested.”
Says Detweiler, “Some of our winners actually did their experiments in various creeks and streams in the Central PA area, such as Madeline Grossman, a senior at Cumberland Valley HS in 2017 with her project, “'It's All "Creek" to me, or Kyle Wise a senior at Carlisle HS with his project, "D-Netting vs. Leaf Bagging; Which Macro Invertebrate Collection is the most accurate."
Most notably he adds, “One of our previous winners was Eric Horstick from East Pennsboro HS. His project was how Moss could be used to temper the effects of Acid Mine Drainage. He credits Rotary with inspiring him in his future studies. He went on to get a PHD and currently works for the National Institute of Health.”
Harrisburg Club's Detweiler Has Seen Beetles to Stream Bug Bagging While Serving as Chair of the Science Committee
The Rotary Club of York is pleased to announce its 2022-2023 Officers. From left to right: Courtney Piccolo, President-Elect Nominee; Glenn Miller, President; Aaron Jacobs, President-Elect; and Doug Berman, Financial Vice-President/Treasurer.
Rotary Club of York Announces 2022-2023 Club Leadership
We are excited to share that new 16 Rotarians have joined our District’s Rotary clubs since June 1st. A warm welcome is extended to the following NEW Rotarians:
Rotary Club of Carlisle: Marcellus Taylor
Rotary Club of Elizabethtown: Nancy Sabb
Rotary Club of Harrisburg: Alicia Frederick, Robert Parish, Reuben Pettiford, Kelly Myers
Rotary Club of Mount Joy: Christopher Neiles
Rotary Club of Paradise: Adam Naugle
Rotary Club of West Shore: Jonathan Suhirman, Rick Sample
Rotary Club of York: Brittany Reese, Melissa Rosario, Dan Byrnes, Scott Krauser, Aaron Ranck
Rotary Club of York-North: Lisa Vaughn, Donna Phillips
The Rotary Club of Hanover is inviting all Rotarians in District 7390 to a presentation by Michael McGovern, Chair of the International Polio Plus Committee at Rotary International and John Nanni, 2022 recipient of Rotary International Service Award for a Polio Free World. Together they will present “Polio Plus-The Last Mile’’. Join us Tuesday, September 20, 2022 at 12:00 Noon (Markets of Hanover Ballroom, 1649 Broadway, Hanover). Please click here to register in advance!
Diversity is one of Rotary’s longstanding core values and greatest strengths! That is why RI President Jennifer Jones is encouraging each of us to do more to be a welcoming and inclusive organization. Rotary District 7390 is aiming to do just that! Join us for a for a brainstorming session via Zoom on Monday, August 1st at 6:00 p.m. All Rotarians are invited to this session! We want to hear your thoughts! Click here to RSVP today! . Find out more about this initiative and others by clicking here.
You are Invited to the First Meeting of the District 7390 DEI Committee!
The Rotary Club of Carlisle held its Annual Christmas in July celebration for the senior citizens who live at 1 and 2 West Penn apartments in Carlisle. The event consisted of providing snacks for the seniors, singing Christmas carols, telling fun facts about Christmas and door prizes. The Piece de resistance was the arrival of Santa in his Summer attire, telling jokes that the elves must have written. Every elderly resident was also given a Goody bag that consisted of toiletries, hand sanitizer, shampoo, washcloths, toothbrushes, toothpaste, etc. Everyone was so appreciative of what we did. We also had family members of Rotarians helping as well. It was a great time for everyone involved!
In partnership with the Rotary District 7390 RMB Steering Committee, the Rotary Clubs of Carlisle and Carlisle Sunrise will host the 62nd RMB in-person networking meeting on Wednesday, August 17, 2022 thus restarting RMB in our district. This will be the first RMB in-person meeting since the COVID-19 pandemic hit full force in March 2020.
The meeting will be held on Wednesday, August 17 at the Frederick House on 219 N Hanover Street, Carlisle, PA from 5:30 to 7:30 PM. Thanks to our Major Sponsor Hoffman Funeral Home and Crematory the event will be FREE and will have light refreshments consisting of hors d’oeuvres, wine, beer, soft drinks and water.
Mark your calendars and register at https://bit.ly/3z5DSfh so you can restart old connections and make new ones. Bring family of Rotary and potential Rotarian guests so they can see the value RMB adds to Rotary.
Remember given the trust that living by the Four Way Test engenders, the purpose of RMB is that Rotarians should help fellow Rotarians by doing business with them and referring others to them in order to build stronger businesses, stronger communities, stronger members, stronger Rotary Foundation, stronger clubs, and ultimately a stronger Rotary International.
If you've been contemplating honoring a hero, time is running out! There are only 11 flags remaining that don't have a sponsor attached to them. For our fellow Rotarians, the club will accept sponsorships through Sunday, September 4, and payment may be made via PayPal.
Please help us make this Flags for Heroes a sell-out event!
All are welcome to attend the dedication ceremony which will be held on Monday, September 12 from 11:00 am - Noon at the Penn Harris Hotel in Camp Hill.
Your sponsorship and/or attendance goes a long way in helping us make a difference in the community, encouraging our small club and its members, and spreading the Rotary message!
Rotary Club of West Shore Flags for Heroes - ONLY 11 FLAGS REMAIN!
Join us for a great in-person event! Beer. Wine. Music. Food for purchase. Fundraising for local community needs. What a great way to spend a Saturday afternoon!
Saturday, September 17, 2022 from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m.
What are you doing August 8th? Come out to Langan Financial Group (1863 Center Street, Camp Hill) from 5:30-7:30 for out Puppies and Prosecco event!
Each ticket comes with two complimentary glasses of Prosecco. There will be raffles, door prizes, puppies and so much more.
Each ticket is a minimum of a $20 donation. Each ticket gets you two glasses of Prosecco and acess to petting puppies.
All money raised at this event goes toward sending high school students to RYLA. RYLA is a youth leadership summer camp at Messiah College and our club sends 10 local students a year.
Congratulations to Hershey Rotarian Paul Thompson on being named the 2022 Packy Award winner. The award is given in memory of Purnell “Packy” Payne, who is regarded as one of the all-time major contributors to the Club’s promise of Service Above Self. Paul has been a member of the Hershey Rotary Club for 15 years. He and his wife, fellow Rotarian Maria Thompson, have visited more than two dozen Rotary Clubs around the world and attended four Rotary International conferences. Paul served as Club President in 2019-2020 and will be Rotary District 7390 Governor in 2024-2025. He and his family have hosted numerous Rotary Exchange students to build goodwill with people worldwide. Thanks to Paul for being an incredible ambassador for Rotary!
The Rotary Club of Gettysburg doesn’t rest on a holiday! They get to work with community partners to make some money to give back to needy folks and have fun in the process! Congrats Gettysburg RC Club on supporting A Gettysburg Fourth!
Today I had the pleasure of launching the first of many summer club visits with the wonderful members of the Rotary Club of Hummelstown! Thank you Hummelstown Rotarians for the warm welcome and all the wonderful ways you serve the community!
From DG Juliet: My 4th club visit with the mighty Rotary Club of Eastern York County! The club had a raffle to benefit the husband of a member who died of COVID-19. Care, compassion, fun, and service describe this club best!
From DG Juliet: club visit 6 was with the wonderful Uptown York Rotary Club under the energetic leadership of President Jose Santiago. They are a diverse club that has attracted new members this past year and have goals to do that further as they IMAGINE ROTARY. They epitomize their motto of “Lifting Spirits through Community Service” and lifted mine with their incredibly warm welcome and hospitality! If you want to be lifted up, drop into their club meeting every Thursday evening at 5:30 PM at Rockfish Public House!
DG Juliet’s 2nd club visit as part of her District 7390 “impact” tour (look out Jennifer Jones) was conducted with the wonderful members of 2 clubs -Palmyra PA Rotary Club and Northern Lebanon Rotary Club. These small but mighty clubs have a history of generous Foundation giving, long standing service and members who have served for decades as role models in their communities. Palmyra VP Ben was a great host (thanks for the DQ ice cream) and Eric went above and beyond to provide technology in the pavilion. Thanks everyone!!
District Governor Juliet has been busy since the start of the new Rotary Year!
The Rotary Club of York East has celebrated its annual “Changing of the Guard” at Heritage Hills on Tuesday, June 28th. Rotarians joyfully commemorated a year of service to their community, the world and meaningful friendships. The “Changing of the Guard” salutes outgoing President Sandra Graham and welcomed Karen Comery as the incoming President. The club also commemorates the past year’s accomplishments and sets course for the upcoming year. Approximately 40 members attended the event including the past District Governor Greg Staub.
The award recipients of a Paul Harris Fellowship Award sets an example for many by their contributions to our community. Their personal involvement makes the community a better place in which to live. The Paul Harris Fellowship Award is named for Paul Harris, who founded Rotary more than 112 years ago. The Paul Harris Fellowship Award is one of the highest honors Rotary can bestow upon a person. Recipients are Rotarians and community professionals, in recognition of their outstanding contributions, exemplifying the highest ideal in Rotary in placing “SERVICE ABOVE SELF.” This honor accompanies a donation of $1,000 (US), in the recipient’s name, to Rotary International’s “Annual Program Fund,” which supports Rotary’s world-wide programs. Many other notable figures have been named as Paul Harris Fellows, including U.S. President Jimmy Carter. Locally, the Rotary Club of York-East has recognized local community members who are pictured left to right. (Robert Elser, Friedel Liebe-Elser, Vicki Dick, Don Wonders, Robert Straw, Lydell Nunn, Bill Gierasch, Sandi Graham, Peter Lutz, Margaret Lutz, Elizabeth Wolf, Becky Disney and Past District Governor Greg Staub)
York-East Installs New Leadership and Awards Paul Harris Fellowships
On June 29th, The Rotary Club of York installed Glenn Miller of York College as the 2022/2023 Club President. Miller’s term begins July 1. He succeeds Jackie Summers whose term ends June 30th. Miller was presented for induction by Tony Campisi, Chairman of the Glatfelter Insurance Group.
Miller serves as Senior Director of Philanthropy for York College of Pennsylvania. He is also a priest on staff at Saint James Episcopal Church in Lancaster. Miller has been active in the York community for many years. In addition to more than 10 years in the Rotary Club, he serves on the boards of directors of the Rotary Club’s charitable arm, the York County History Center, RabbitCares (chair), the charitable arm of Rabbit Transit and the York Symphony Orchestra. He has previously served on the boards of the York County Four Chaplains Memorial (past president), the York Area Housing Group, 3PRide of Rabbit Transit, and the Wheatland Chorale (past president).
The Rotary Club of York is the 26th largest Rotary Club in the world, and has served the York community for over a century, bringing together business and civic leaders. The club’s motto of “service above self” has led to immeasurable contributions to programs serving York City and county, as well as scholarships for young people.
On Wednesday, June 22, The Rotary Club of York's President Jackie Summers and Past President Jody Keller honored Kathy Pindzola and Sarah Reinecker with Service Above Self awards. Kathy and Sarah are Founders of York Suburban Education Foundation's (YSEF) Impact Foundation, a committee of students dedicated to helping other students. Since its inception in 2015, the Impact Foundation has provided students who need a helping hand with basic necessities, such as clothing, food, hygiene products, laundry detergent, school supplies, and furniture and appliances.
Thank you, Kathy and Sarah, for helping to meet the needs of local students through your philanthropic actions. You both are a true example of placing Service Above Self!
Following a commitment to alternative meeting options, Club members are invited to monthly Service on a Monday projects. Most recently numerous RCH members met to assemble “welcome home” kits for people transitioning from homelessness to a new residence.
Partnering with Christian Churches United (CCU), RCH members were hosted by club member Bob Geiger, VP of Sales, at the Penn Live/PA Media Group headquarters to place home cleaning supplies, toiletries and other basic household starter goods into trash cans and laundry baskets. Assembled kits will soon be distributed to some thirty people.
Steve Schwartz, CCU Director of Development and active member of RCH helped coordinate matching the needs of the community with the power of Rotarians. Club member Meghan Bachmore coordinated the RCH luncheon for attending members including COVID sign-in protocols and numerous other details to make the event a success.
Darrel Reinford, Executive Director of CCU and Leah Payne, Manager of CCU’s HELP Ministries Program which will distribute the kits, joined the group to extend a heart-felt thank you for the recipients. Leah noted that many hands make large tasks move to completion quickly. She also noted that transitioning from homelessness to a residence often calls for a larger need than just food, furniture or clothing, and that these kits will be much valued in helping families get established in their new home.
It took two vans to transport the assembled cleaning kits to CCU.
In addition to those mentioned above, RCH members attending included: President Matt Staub, Ted Reese, Frank Frailey, Peggy Grove, Will Everhart, Scott Stevens and his two children, Walter Prediger, Bob Saline, Tom Johnston and Joe Bedard.
Service Above Self!
Getting team breakdowns and assembly instructions.
Walter and President Matt inspect final assembled kits.
Bob Geiger transports kits from assembly area to curbside.
CCU Executive Director Darrel Reinford awaits transportation vans.
The Rotary International Motto "Service Above Self" Shines Again at the Rotary Club of Harrisburg
Rotarians from District 7390 met in Houston, Texas with other Rotarians from around the world to be inspired and celebrate all that is Rotary. Over 10 District clubs were represented and we had a blast! Pictured are members from Rotary Clubs of Harrisburg, Mechanicsburg-North, Hershey, Elizabethtown, and Carlisle-Sunrise. To read daily stories from the convention posted by DGE Juliet go to the District Blog at https://d7390rotaryblog.wordpress.com
The next Rotary Convention in May 2023 is in Melbourne Australia. Special discounts can be obtained through June 12th! Travel to this amazing location and have fun with thousands of fellow Rotarians!
Your 2021-2022 support of The Rotary Foundation will make it possible for Rotary to fund hundreds of Global and District Grants, administer childhood immunizations to eradicate Polio, and generate dollars to provide Disaster Response especially to Ukraine. In fact, District 7390 Rotarians have contributed approximately $75,000 this year to disaster response. Every donation helps improve lives and communities around the world.
There is still time to realize your annual giving goals. Fulfilling pledges to the Paul Harris Society ($1,000 annually) and the district PolioPlus Society ($100 annually) are key to the work of the Foundation. If you have not completed your pledge for this year, please help the district finish strong before the end of the month.
Donations to PolioPlus will be matched 2 to 1 by the Gates Foundation. The number of Polio cases in the world is rising, now up to six according to John Kramb, Region 39 Polio Now Coordinator. And, a new country, Mozambique, reported a new case in the last two weeks.
End of year Rotary Foundation deadlines:
CHECKS - Both the postmark on the envelope and the date written on the check must be no later than Thursday, 30 June 2022, and processed by the bank no later than Thursday, 7 July 2022. Mailed to: The Rotary Foundation, 14280 Collections Center Drive, Chicago, IL 60693
CREDIT CARD - www.rotary.org/give - Must be authorized on or prior to midnight on 30 June 2022 CST. For security purposes, please do not send credit card contributions electronically or via email.
WIRE TRANSFERS - Wire transfers must be initiated prior to Thursday, 30 June 2022 and received by Wednesday, 6 July 2022.
SECURITIES - Stock, mutual funds or other gifts of securities must be received prior to Thursday, 30 June 2022.
LIFE INCOME AGREEMENTS & DONOR ADVISED FUND GIFTS - The same deadlines for checks and securities apply. Please contact planned giving at plannedgiving@rotary.org for transfer instructions.
The deadlines apply to individual members giving and donations made by Rotary clubs. Gifts received before the end of June will be credited for this year. The attachment also contains a link to The Rotary Foundation Contribution Form.
On behalf of Governor Greg Staub and the district leadership team, we thank you for supporting The Rotary Foundation. You are making a difference! Questions may be directed to Anna-Mae Kobbe, District Rotary Foundation Chair at amkobbe@gmail.com.
Finishing Strong….End of Year Rotary Foundation Contributions
Please join us for our 28th Annual Golf Tournament & Crab Feast on Friday, July 15th which benefits our three local libraries: Paul Smith in New Freedom, Mason Dixon in Stewartstown, and Arthur Hufnagle in Glen Rock.
Sponsorships are available!
Golfers welcome!
You can attend just for the crab/chicken feast if you don't want to golf.
The RI Convention starts this weekend! Are you attending? If yes, let us know! For those who can’t attend in person there is a virtual option as noted below. DGE Juliet will be there and reporting from Houston on our district FaceBook page and the District Rotary blog at: https://d7390rotaryblog.wordpress.com/
Can’t make the #Rotary22 convention in person? Join virtually for $75 from 11 May (12:00 a.m. Chicago time) through 31 August 2022. Register now at https://on.rotary.org/38XbelV
RYLA will be held June 12-16, 2022 at Messiah University. The RYLA Family Night Celebration is a culminating event that will end the RYLA Conference on Thursday, June 16, 2022. Rotarians and guests are encouraged to attend! Family Night Celebration reservations can be made by clicking here. The cost is $15 per person.
A reception with heavy hors' deouvres will begin at 6:00 p.m. and will be followed by the celebration program at 6:45 p.m. The conference Choir & Band will both perform and the Conference Leadership Awards will be presented.
At the 2022 Rotary District 7390 Conference, DG Greg had the honor of presenting several awards to Rotarians in District 7390. The next time you see these awesome Rotarians, congratulate them on their dedication to Rotary!
The Regional Service Award for a Polio-Free World
The Regional Service Award for a Polio-Free World was established by the Trustees of the Rotary Foundation in order to recognize outstanding work in the field of the eradication of Polio. To be considered for the award, a Rotarian must have active personal service in the effort to eradicate polio. Outstanding service in the field of advocacy and fundraising efforts that supports Rotary’s PolioPlus program may also be considered.
In the 2021-2022 Rotary year, Past District Governor John Kramb was selected to receive the Regional Service Award for a Polio-Free World. PDG John has been on several NID trips to India, hosts multiple events per year to raise funds toward the eradication of Polio and currently serves as the End Polio Now Coordinator for Region 39W. Congratulations John!
District 7390 Outstanding Service Award
The District 7390 Outstanding Service Award is presented to one District Rotarian per year. We are looking for a Rotarian that has served in a District leadership role or done dynamic, innovative work on a District Committee for three or more years. This person should have also crafted or contributed to a well-developed strategy to achieve District goals and ultimately made the District stronger.
The 2021-2022 recipient of the District 7390 Outstanding Service Award is Past District Governor Alden Cunningham. Alden is a member of the Rotary Club of Carlisle. He served as District 7390 Governor in 2005-2006 and is a member of the Paul Harris Society and a Major Donor to The Rotary Foundation. Alden is receiving the District Outstanding Service Award for his dedicated service to Rotary Means Business and the District Awards committee. Alden implemented Rotary Means Business in the District and created District centered awards to honor Rotarians in District 7390. Thank you Alden for your dedication to Rotary, Rotary Means Business and through honoring Rotarians with awards. Congratulations Alden!
D7390 Lifetime Achievement Award
The be eligible for the Lifetime Achievement Award, Rotarians are required to have at least 25 years of Rotary membership and demonstrate effective work at the Club and District levels.
The 2021-2022 recipient of the District 7390 Lifetime Achievement Award is Past District Governor Connie Spark. Connie is a member of the Rotary Club of York-East. She joined Rotary in 1996 and served as District Governor in 2009-2010. She was a GSE team member in 1994-1995 and a GSE team leader in 2000-2001. Connie is a graduate of the Rotary Leadership Institute and has attended the last 16 International conventions. Connie has a passion for Humanitarian Medical Missions and has either lead or participated in 35 mission trips.
Connie has the been very involved in the York-East Rotary Club and at the District and Zone levels of Rotary. She served as the District Rotary Foundation Chair, a member of the Grant committee, a District Lane chair, and now at the Zone level as an Assistant Regional Rotary Foundation Coordinator. Congratulations Connie!
Rotary International Service Above Self Award
Rotary's highest honor is the Service Above Self Award. It recognizes Rotarians who demonstrate Rotary's motto, Service Above Self, by volunteering their time and talents to help others. The award is internationally competitive and is granted to no more than 150 Rotarians worldwide.
DG Greg had the honor of presenting the Rotary International Service Above Self Award to Kathleen Stoup. Kathleen is a member of the Rotary Club of Carlisle. She has demonstrated outstanding humanitarian service with over two decades of transformational efforts in Kenya. Her work in Kenya has improved the lives of thousands of Kenyans in the very poor and isolated areas of Kilimombogo and Thika.
Kathleen has developed longstanding ties and built trust with local leaders and Rotarians. These relationships have helped to make projects in Nairobi successful. The projects have been to expand dental support capabilities, water infrastructure and education and training in water usage plus improving eye care. Back at home, she has successfully raised significant funds to help with cancer treatment in the Carlisle area and devoted herself to local area beautification as a Master Gardener. Kathleen’s work on the District 7390 Grants Committee has brought to fruition many grants over the years. She is a compassionate leader that has shown the ability to “Make it Happen” again and again. Kathleen has had many accomplishments over the years with no expectation of recognition. She truly embodies “Service Above Self”. Congratulations Kathleen!
We hope we can count on you this year to sponsor a Flag for your Hero and to help us share the word with others by passing along this information and the sponsorship forms to friends and family. Sponsorships are available on both an individual and a corporate basis. Corporate sponsorship entitles the sponsor to receive 5 flags to honor heroes as well as a corporate banner that will be on display with the beautiful American Flags flying in the breeze.
This year our Flags will proudly fly for a two-week period starting May 21, 2022, through June 5, 2022, at the New Freedom Heritage Green. Medallions on sponsored flags will be placed on the flags as in past years and will be given to the sponsors when the flags are removed.
Join us for a patriotic Dedication and Remembrance ceremony at the New Freedom Heritage Green site 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, May 28, 2022.
The Mechanicsburg Club has been working on a Global Grant for the community of Metalillito, El Salvador since it was approve in September of 2019. All of the part of the grant have been completed and about $18,000 of the funding remains. The club plans to petition The Rotary Foundation for permission to use these funds to build more composting toilets for the growing community which has identified a need for 35 more units. Continue reading below for the full story of the club's work with this community.
Background The community of Metalillito in El Salvador was urgently needing to solve the problem of maintaining and enhancing their water system. Metalillito is a poor community with about 310 families and over 1,000 people located in a south-west hilly area of El Salvador. The Rotary Club of Mechanicsburg learned of the community while drilling a District Club Grant funded well nearby in 2011. Metalillito was in desperate need of a sanitation solution at that time. They had a well-organized community group (ACAPOME) that was seeking solutions, but they lacked to money and technical expertise to solve their problem. It’s a long story but the club was able to obtain a Global Grant for $123,888 (GG1420733) and construct 203 composting toilets and a 100 m3 water storage tank in 2015. We developed a relationship with the host Rotary Club of San Salvador Noroeste to do the project. Seven Mechanicsburg Club members visited the community and the Noroeste Club in February 2016. They were very pleased with the project and honored by the welcome which they received.
Current Project
Beginning in late 2017, the community prepared some documents describing their need for a way to have a sustainable water system. They saw the primary problem was the high electricity cost. Their proposed solution was a solar power system. This idea was informally presented to the Rotary Foundation which responded that a comprehensive/sustainable proposal was required. The global grant application was developed and consisted of three major areas: 1) Solar electric panels connected to the ground water pump and the utility’s grid with associated training in maintenance, 2) Office computer and printing equipment with associated training in development and management of a water system, and 3) Hygiene and Sanitation training.
After collecting the required information GG1984786 for $47,218 was submitted and was approved on 9/16/2019. There were several issues with actually getting the funds but they were received in December 2019. Further delays were caused by revised, but lower quotes so the project did not start until March 2020. That is when COVID-19 started and it greatly impacted the project until September 2020. By December 2020, the solar panels had been installed but the utility did not approve their operation until April 2021. In the meantime, the community and the Rotary club celebrated the solar panel installation on 12/6/2020 and the first global grant progress report was submitted on 12/17/2020.
In April 2021 the solar panel maintenance training was completed. The final software installation with utility operation training and community hygiene training was accomplished in January 2022. The project is completed as designed and a progress report was submitted on April 19, 2022.
The project has over $18,000 of unspent funds. We will be asking The Rotary Foundation to use those funds to build more composting toilets. The size of need is being documented and quotes for the work are being sought.
On May 18, 2022, the Rotary Club of Colonial Park Foundation will award $82,000 in scholarships to 31 high school students from the five schools in their area. This year, the Foundation received 339 applications from students for the 21 different scholarships available. Randy Sibert, President of the Foundation said, “this was a record number of scholarships for us and an increase of 141 scholarship applications more than last year.” Scholarship amounts ranged from $500 to $21,000.
Since 2002, the Rotary Club of Colonial Park and the Foundation have given $254,900 to organizations in the community and $688,908 in scholarships for a total in 2022 of $943,808. The Rotary Club is anticipating going over the one-million-dollar mark in 2023!
Rotary Club of Colonial Park Awards $82,000 in Scholarships
The Rotary Club of Hershey partnered with District 7450, RC of Quito Occidente and other clubs to help fund a project to improve community health in Ecuador. This $111,000 project assisted 350 individuals in 70 families.
The family and community health project focused on health promotion, disease prevention and treatment. Through workshops and on-line sessions, training was provided about healthy lifestyles and disease prevention. Diagnosis, treatments, rehabilitation were provided in areas including nutrition, sex education, drug abuse prevention, HIV/AIDS, and dental care in an effort to improve overall health in the community. Many young people involved demonstrated learning disabilities that were addressed by the project.
Photos demonstrate training and care provided.
Rotary Club of Hershey - Healthy Families, Ecuador
As we seem to be in the early phase of possibly a second Cold War, it might be useful to see the first Cold War through the life of an Army officer who served on many fronts of that war from Germany to the Pentagon in Washington, DC, from Vietnam to Korea, and from Mexico to Nicaragua. Colonel (R) Alden M. Cunningham experienced levels of war from a mix of conventional and guerilla war in Vietnam, to a no war no peace armistice in Korea, and to insurgency in Nicaragua. In the 1980s, he wrote award winning articles regarding Mexico's National Security and US Strategic Options in Nicaragua.
This autobiography captures all phases of his life of Leadership in Service both as an Army senior Foreign Area officer defending our nation and as a former officer of Rotary International doing good in the world. His book is available on amazon.com (Kindle), barnesandnoble.com (Nook), and other platforms for $4.99 plus tax. Please consider buying the online version of this autobiography written by a fellow Rotarian and 38 year member of Rotary District 7390. Thank you.
The York-East Rotary Club awarded two $1,500 scholarships to senior students, Matthew Althouse from York Suburban and Holly Ilgenfritz from York County School of Technology. They both participated in the Student of the Month program.
Two junior students were also chosen, Kalyn Paradis from York Suburban and S’Arion Kent . The juniors will attend RYLA (Rotary Youth Leadership Awards) at Messiah University in June.
The scholarship awards were presented to the students at the clubs meeting on April 26. Near the end of the school year the club selects a student from each school based on an application which the students submit and the interactions that occur at the meetings. As always, when listening to students, club members feel reassured that the future of America is bright.
On Feb 25th, Rotary International issued a statement on the conflict in Ukraine. The statement read, in part “It is a tragic and sad time for the people of Ukraine and the world. At Rotary, we are deeply concerned by the deteriorating situation in Ukraine and the escalating loss of life and humanitarian hardship there. Rotary International will do everything in its power to bring aid, support and peace to the region.”
To address this global concern at a local level, The Rotary Club of York’s Charitable Endowment Fund (CEF) Board approved a matching Disaster/Emergency Relief grant for up to $5,000. During the month of March, Rotary Club of York members were encouraged to donate to this critical and timely need.
As a result of generous donations from Rotary Club of York members, the CEF was able to well exceed its initial goal of $5,000. At the April 27th weekly meeting, Bryan Tate, CEF President and Jackie Summers, Rotary Club of York President, presented a check for $25,000. This money will be donated to the Ukraine Humanitarian Crisis Recover Fund at the Center for Disease Philanthropy (CDP), a non-profit organization dedicated to helping donors maximize their impact through expert resources.
Photo Caption:
Bryan Tate, York Rotary Charitable Endowment Fund (CEF) President and Jackie Summers, Rotary Club of York President, proudly display a check for $25,000 to aid those impacted by the war in Ukraine. The donation, which will go to the Ukraine Humanitarian Crisis Recover Fund at the Center for Disease Philanthropy, was made possible by a matching $5,000 grant from the CEF and generous donations from members of The Rotary Club of York.
Your $100 contribution to The Rotary Foundation can help provide textbooks for one elementary school in Zambia, provide a hearing aid for a deaf child in Pakistan, buy de-worming tablets for 112 children in the Philippines, pay for cataract operations for three blind people in India, or provide 230 blankets for the elderly in the winter months of Korea.
Will you commit today to donating $100 or more per year to The Rotary Foundation and start making a difference in people’s lives?
Rotarians Unite to Send Medical Aid to Ukraine
Rotary members in North America, Argentina, and Europe are collaborating with a U.S.- based association of Ukrainian health care workers to collect and ship more than 100 tons of critical medical supplies to Ukraine. The effort was built off of connections Marga Hewko, president of the Rotary Club of Chicago, had forged with the Ukrainian medical community in Chicago. Rotary clubs have pooled their resources to secure donations from equipment manufacturers and purchase supplies which are then flown over to Europe for distribution within Ukraine
When passion and raw determination are added to the miracle of modern vaccines, great things happen. Over the last 30 years, Rotary and its partners in the Global Polio Eradication Initiative have seen the reduction of polio cases worldwide, by 99.9 percent. But, as long as polio and the many other vaccine preventable diseases still circulate anywhere in the world, children in the US are still vulnerable and must continue to be vaccinated.
Over the last 2 years, the world has seen unsurpassed death and illness from yet another virus. In reading the Rotary International and The Rotary Foundation Position Statement onCOVID-19 Vaccination, I am reminded that we have even more work to do. Here we are in the early months of 2022, with more than 950,000 American deaths as a result of COVID-19. As a Rotary member and polio survivor, I am particularly aware of the important role vaccines play in halting the spread of disease. With that in mind, we must continue to support polio immunization efforts around the world, just as we continue to support the effort to mitigate COVID-19.
What can we do? We can be sharing fact-based vaccination information. Rotarians throughout our state are supporting our PA Immunization Coalition(s). I have personally had the opportunity to speak out, along with another Rotarian survivor, for the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia about the realities of life after experiencing the effects of a vaccine preventable disease. I was one of three polio survivors who were given the opportunity to answer this call in a blog by the PA Immunization Coalition (PAIC).
We can be volunteering at vaccine clinics and holding blood drives. We can be distributing packets of vaccine information that encourage vaccine acceptance, to day care centers, physicians and clinics. We have a lot we can be doing in our District to answer this call.
Engage with your Rotary Club to learn more about how you can get involved as a partner supporting these efforts in your community. We are doing this not only for ourselves, but for future generations.
We have witnessed the truth first hand. Vaccines Work!
(A fun time on Saturday, April 23. In the picture along with the scouts and scout leaders are Rotarians Mira far left, Dr. Willis sixth from left in back and Linda Spotts to the far right.)
A fun morning on Saturday, April 23 with the Rotary Club of Susquehanna Township and other volunteers. The hour went really fast, and the scouts liked the tree planting and are interested in coming back to help us with the 2 elm trees yet to be purchased. The elm trees were not readily available for Saturday’s planting.
We provided the tools, trees, mulch and water and The junior and cadette scouts did the digging, planting, watering and mulching. Each of the 3 teams of scouts gave their dogwood a name – Gertrude a red dogwood, Ray a white dogwood and Jeri a red dogwood.
What a great project! A big thank you to Ralph for allowing us to plant trees on Susquehanna Union Green so that our club could fulfill a request from Janet Donovan, CEO of Girls Scouts in the Heart of Pennsylvania, to partner with a scout troop for tree planning in the township.
Susquehanna Township Partners with Girl Scouts to Plant Trees
The eradication of Polio is still Rotary’s number one humanitarian goal. John Kramb is the End Polio Now Coordinator for our Zone, and he has developed a presentation for clubs. To schedule John to speak at your club, please email him at pdgjohn2015@gmail.com.
The current insurance program policies are expiring on 1 July 2022, and Risk Management is working on renewing them for the 2022-23 policy year. New policies will be purchased to provide continuous coverage and we will strive to maintain coverage as broad as the expiring policies.
Here are some insights provided to us during the initial stage of the renewal process:
Communicable Diseases Exclusion: The 2022-23 general liability policy likely will again contain a communicable diseases exclusion applicable to COVID-19.
Liquor Liability Coverage: The 2022-23 general liability policy likely will contain an endorsement that excludes coverage for “bodily injury or property damage caused by, in whole or in part, alcoholic beverages sold, served, or furnished while any liquor license is required and is not in effect." The current general liability policy provides liquor liability coverage and does not have restrictions such as this. In anticipation of this change, please verify whether a liquor license is required as part of your event and apply early if you determine one necessary. PLEASE NOTE: Our District insurance chair spoke to RI regarding this policy change. Their response is this: To speak using layman’s terms, it means the policy contains an endorsement that excludes coverage for incidents where a liquor license was required but wasn’t obtained in advance of the event.
Insurance Marketplace Conditions: The insurance marketplace has proven challenging. Insurance companies continue to raise their rates due to the increasingly frequent occurrence of catastrophic losses (severe storms, tornados, and wildfires) and the monetarily punitive amounts of damages being handed down by juries. We expect that this will affect insurance assessments and the Program. A premium credit will be issued due to the Program's favorable history as far as losses, and this will in part mitigate increases in premium.
Updates to Rotary Liability Insurance Starting July 1
Join WITF and Rotary 7390 Tuesday, May 24 at 6pm at the WITF Public Media Center in Harrisburg as we host the 2022 Teacher Impact Awards Banquet. Help us make this a special in-person event honoring dedicated teachers.
The buffet style hors d’oeuvres banquet is open to the public and recognizes outstanding professionalism, classroom leadership, and significant contributions made by teachers across our region during this past year. The event also provides an opportunity for the community to say “Thank You” to our educators for their commitment and dedication to our students.
We’ll present awards to seven K-12 teachers in public and private schools in the Rotary District’s seven county area which includes: Adams, Cumberland, Dauphin, Lancaster, Lebanon, Perry, and York. Plus, we’ll screen special video profiles of each educator highlighting their exemplary work in the classroom.
Tickets are $35 per person. Tickets must be purchased by May 18. Reserve your spot now!
Watch the broadcast premiere of the 2022 Teacher Impact Awards television special on WITF TV June 23 at 8pm or stream on-demand beginning June 23 through the PBS Video app.
York-North Rotary will be hosting a Summer Festival at PeoplesBank Park on June 11 from 12:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m., to fund “Math is a Superpower”. The festival will feature live music, food, wine, beer, spirits, small games of chance and more will be featured. Please support this valuable math program, by joining us on June 11 at PeoplesBank Park.
Rotary Club of York-North has partnered with the York County Literacy Council to provide free, custom mathematics education, “Math is a Superpower.” Rotary Club of York-North will fund the program while the York County Literary Council will provide the training. This course is designed for individuals who are not in the education system and in need of remedial math education, including multiplication and division of fractions and decimals.
Graduates of this program will then qualify to enroll in the ManufacturingPathway Training Program, provided by the Manufacturers’ Association. Employment opportunities, with the Manufacturers’ Association membership companies, will become available following successful completion of both courses. Math as a Superpower will positively impact individuals, employers, and our community. The 8- week course, will meet two times per week from 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m., beginning September 20, 2022. The classes will be held at Career Link, 841 Vogelsong Road.
Rotary York-North has been in existence for over 30 years, providing service above self to local and international communities. Some successful programs to date are:
Funding for students in need in local school districts and local organizations
Providing services for homeless families, nursing home residents, and individuals with disabilities
Building an all-inclusive playground and supporting the Rotary Baseball field at Cousler Park
In today's society, bikers often get a bad rap. Previously, bikers were rough and tumble people that were part of a gang. That is no longer the case. Many bikers ride for recreation, and are productive members of society. They even do rides to raise awareness and money for charitable causes.
One of the causes supported by motorcycling Rotarians is the eradication of Polio. Many of the rides in which we participate also serve as a means to raise money for PolioPlus.
This particular fundraiser is designed to raise money over most of this riding season, and I ask for your support. Click here to support this effort!
You donation will be matched by the Gates Foundation two to one, and will count for your Paul Harris points.
The Rotary club of Eastern York recently applied for and received grant money to sponsor the new Kreutz Creek Library. The library moved out of an old trailer to its new location in the renovated building formerly used at the Hellam Township Police and municipal office. The club purchased mostly educational items and other items such as white boards, Nilo multi-activity childrens play table with stools, toy storage bags, storage cart with trays, and a toaster oven. The cost was $4,318 for items purchased for the library. The club was reimbursed $2,159. The total approved grant was $5,000.
Pictured with the four way test sign from left to right is Rotarian John Mann who facilitated the purchasing and application of grant, Library Manager Jennifer Johnson, and Club presenting Sharon Stoner.
The picture in the Children’s section is also Jennifer Johnson as she gave our club the tour of the new library.
The 5th running of this annual 5K benefit event is totally on the campus of Brethren Village directly across from the Lancaster Airport. The looped route winds around the lightly traveled community roads. With minimal elevation changes this will prove to be a fast and enjoyable course. Held rain or shine, the event will be professionally chip timed by Second Wind Race Timing.
Join us in beautiful Lancaster County just south of Lititz for this kick-off event to The Rotary Club of Lancaster’s Wheels and Wings Festival into the afternoon on the grounds of the Airport.
This race is a fundraiser. The proceeds of Wheels & Wings and 5k support the Rotary Club of Lancaster’s Summer Youth Experience. The summer program, funded in partnership with the United Way of Lancaster, supports more than a thousand city youth between the ages of five through seventeen. The program addresses the “achievement gap” and gives them fun things to do that develop leadership skills and helps prevent the “summer slide” in school. Benefits also support other service programs of our Club locally, nationally and globally through Rotary International, a network of over 32,000 clubs in 200 plus countries.
During World Immunization Week, 24-30 April, let’s advocate for polio eradication and the importance of vaccines to the health and well-being of our communities.
Vaccines are one of the greatest advances of modern medicine. They’re safe, effective, and save millions of lives each year. Our progress in the fight to end polio is proof that vaccines work.
The Global Polio Eradication Initiative estimates that the polio vaccine has saved more than 20 million children around the world from paralysis. We need to continue vaccinating children against polio, because as long as the poliovirus circulates anywhere, it is a threat everywhere.
Here’s how you can support Rotary’s efforts during World Immunization Week:
Use the World Immunization Week Toolkit for graphics and sample posts to share on social media with the hashtags #EndPolio and #VaccinesWork.
Donate to PolioPlus to help Rotary and our partners deliver polio vaccines to vulnerable children. Or start an online fundraiser using Raise for Rotary and share it with your friends, colleagues, and family members. All contributions will be matched 2-to-1 by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.
Rotary districts can give District Designated Funds (DDF) to PolioPlus to help meet our goal of raising $50 million each year to eradicate polio.
Join with Rotary to promote the power of vaccines to protect children and save lives
Our Daily Bread, located in York, Pa. is a soup kitchen that provides breakfast and lunch Monday through Friday for anyone who comes in. It has been in operation since 1983 and is aided in its operations by volunteers who help to serve meals to the less fortunate. On average, more than 100 meals are served each day. Members of the Rotary Club of York-East participate at Our Daily Bread on the last Tuesday of months which have 5 Tuesdays. One March 29th 2022 members Sandra Graham, Diane Yocum, Wendy Keesee and Bill Gierasch volunteered to serve lunch.
The Rotary Club of Hanover’s, Ralph Jodice, taught the Junior Achievement Program, Our Nation, to both of Mrs. Sherry Chroniger’s 6th grad social studies classes at St. Teresa of Calcutta in McSherrystown. JA Our Nation is 5 classes teaching students about the free market economy, innovation, careers, getting and keeping the job, and the linkages of today’s global economy. Junior Achievement has in class programs available for grades K through 8 and day long programs for 9th through 12th grades. For grades K through 8, JA produces and provides complete, easy to follow lessons plans for each grade. The 9th through 12th programs are developed and managed by experienced professionals, and you are there to assist and help facilitate the program. All are fun, rewarding and educational. Check them out at https://www.jascpa.org/ Have your club join in the JA fun today!
The Harrisburg Keystone club wants to say THANK YOU to all our fellow Rotarians who came out to support our 3rd annual Capital City Classic Cornhole. We are crunching the final numbers, but it looks like we raised right around $3,000.00!
We’d also like to CONGRATULATE our 2022 District 7390 Rotary Cornhole Champions—“Team Juliet,” our own DGE Juliet Altenburg and “DGE Spouse”Rob Altenburg from the Mechanicsburg North Club. Who knew that our incoming DG was such a cornhole ringer?
And don’t worry . . . you’ll all get your chance next to try take home that beautiful Rotary trophy to your club and dethrone “Team Juliet” as they come back to defend their title at next spring’s tournament. Start practicing your beanbag toss now!!!
Pictured L-R (Back Row): Jack Greenawalt, Nate McWilliams, Melissa Kopp-Smith (Club President), Carmen Calderon (Club President-Elect), Rick Dickerson, PDG John Anthony
Front Row: Martha Wolf, Charity Welch, Karen Anthony, Paul Duryea
The D7390 Passport Club was charted in November 2020. The Club meets virtually the 1st and 3rd Thursday of every month at 7:00 p.m. The Club is planning to hold in-person socials several times throughout the year. On Thursday, March 31, Club members met at Iron Hill Brewery in Lancaster for an evening of fun! PDG John Anthony joined the meeting and presented the Clubs Charter to President Melissa Kopp-Smith and membership certificates were presented to all Club members in attendance. PDG John Anthony also had the privilege of presenting a Paul Harris Fellowship to Club member Martha Wolf.
Rotary Club of York and the York Rotary Charitable Endowment Fund have just opened the 2022 round of their Rotary Club community grants. York Rotary Grants provide valuable funding support to address the changing needs of York through grant programs focused on improving our local community. Grants of $2,500-$15,000 will be awarded to projects or programs in 2022 taking place July 1, 2022-June 31, 2023 that align local fields of interest with Rotary International’s focus to take action on our world’s most persistent issues.
The fields of interest chosen for 2022 and examples projects/programs that would fall under these fields follow. The Rotary Club grants committee only accepts letters of interest that fall under one or both of these interests.
Economic Development (Growing Local Economies)
Programs and projects helping low-income families achieve lasting financial security, or promoting equal economic opportunities
Events designed to draw people to a community and increase financial impact to the local economy
Educational programs in job training or that help residents start their own local business.
Peace (Promoting Peace & Social Justice)
Programs and projects designed to reduce community violence/crime
Events to bring people together to promote peaceful dialogue and address community divides
Educational programs promoting peaceful resolution to conflict
Programs, projects and events to promote equal rights and equitable opportunities for all York residents
Letters of Interest by York County based non-profit organizations can now be submitted for projects and programs that meet these focus areas until April 8, 2022 at 5:00pm EST. Full grant guidelines and online Letter of Interest applications can be found here. Letters of Interest addressing one or both fields of interest that are selected to move to the full application stage can request $2,500-$15,000. All LOI applicants will be notified of their status by 5/2/2022.
The York East Rotary Club voted to donate over $5,000 to disaster relief for refugees fleeing Ukraine due to the recent invasion of Russian military forces. The first $2,500 of member donations was matched by the club.
The club's president, Sandi Graham, issued the challenge to club and community members to add to the fund. The club said that the money raised by the Rotary International Foundation will be used to disburse funds in Ukraine and in countries bordering Ukraine who are providing water, food, medicine and clothing to refugees.
With 46,000 clubs across the globe, Rotary is one of the world's largest humanitarian organizations, and has made peace the cornerstone of its global mission. Our club is joining other Rotary clubs in our region in supporting this effort. We are hopeful that even those who are not members of our club will recognize they have an opportunity to directly help the mostly women and children who are fleeing for their lives. Many may be wondering how to help. You don't have to be a Rotary member to donate to this effort.
The United Nations has estimated that millions of people have already fled Ukraine to avoid the devastation caused by the advance of Russian troops, the club said.
The Rotary Club of Gettysburg welcomed Peter Miele, Executive Director of the Seminary Ridge Museum and Education Center and a fellow Rotarian from the Rotary Club of Gettysburg. His presentation was entitled "The Civil War: Inside and Outside the Seminary Ridge Museum and Education Center." He shared how stately Schumaker Hall, built in 1832 and where the museum and education center is housed, was an integral part of Civil War and, in particular, the Battle of Gettysburg.
The museum has lots to offer with interactive exhibits and special tours of the cupola with its grand views and its perfect vantage point for see the advancing southern forces. Their website may be visited at www.seminaryridgemuseum.org.
The Conference will be held Friday, May 6 & Saturday, May 7, 2022 at the Best Western Premiere (800 East Park Drive, Harrisburg, PA 17111). There are several registration options available.
The Four-Way Test Speech contest finale will be held on Friday, May 6 from 5:00 to 6:00 p.m. A reception with heavy hor's d'oeuvres will immediately follow the conclusion of the contest.
On Saturday, May 7 you can either choose the "Grow Rotary" track or the "Leadership" track. You will stay with the track you choose throughout the day. The Leadership track will feature "managing change and conflict" and "creating high performing teams". Grow Rotary will focus on creating a culture of engagement, ways for clubs to attract and retain members, promoting the public image of your Club, and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.
How do we create a safe and more resilient world for girls as we re-open societies post-pandemic? While progress in girls’ education, health and status has been made, since Covid-19 access to education, health, and health systems has been limited and the incidence of early child marriage has increased significantly.
Join Rotary International and UNICEF 25-26 March to explore community-based solutions to create a safe and resilient world for girls. Hear inspiring stories from Rotary People of Action Honorees and conversations from Rotary and UNICEF experts on topics that affect girls around the globe:
Education - remote learning
Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) – hygiene + education
Violence Prevention – ending child marriage
Mental Health – online safety
Don’t miss an event that will focus on empowering girls and setting them up for healthy, hopeful, and thriving futures.
Check Out How the Rotary Club of Harrisburg Takes “Zooming” to New Levels
Pre-pandemic at the Rotary Club of Harrisburg (RCH), meager attempts to broadcast meetings to members not able to attend the luncheons was done with a single smartphone to “broadcast” on Facebook Live.
Then came the pandemic shutdown. So, RCH leadership and tech-savvy members got creative.
Zoom meetings became the replacement for shaking hands or a pre-meeting conversation. Next came 2020-2021 President James Good and Executive Director Addeline Alaniz-Edwards as broadcast production icons. Just for a brief period the Club could meet in person, but with lots of limiting restrictions, many members preferred continued connecting via Zoom.
Seeing the Covid restrictions ramping back up, 2021-2022 President Matt Staub initiated the purchase of a sophisticated conference sound and video system called the “Owl.” Bring in the all-volunteer Tech Team of Shaun Eng and Nathan Hartwick (co-chairs), Karen Good, Bob Saline, Scott Stevens and President Staub and the online connection continues to become increasingly sophisticated.
With timely funding from the board, a sound board was added to capture speakers and online presentations when needed. The forementioned member volunteers took on roles of porting equipment, connecting a growing number of equipment and cords and dedicating their meeting time to monitoring the various systems and member online participation. Pre- and post-meetings, all of this is equipment is slugged up and down steps at the Rotary office to and from the Hilton by Addeline Alaniz Edwards.
President Staub and members of the Tech Team are “standing by” to counsel any Rotary club considering adding or upgrading their broadcast capabilities. For more information, contact President Staub at matthew.c.staub@gmail.com
Is your Club considering a "Broadcast" option for meetings?
The CDC released new COVID-19 safety guidance on 2/25/22. Guidance is now dictated in part on COVID-19 hospitalization rates in combination with positive cases. Indoor mask wearing is recommended in counties with high community levels.
As of 3/10/22 all counties in District 7390 are currently at a low level.
Regardless of community level, people may choose to wear a mask at any time. People with symptoms, a positive test, or exposure to someone with COVID-19 should wear a mask. Vaccinations including boosters are still highly encouraged to keep yourself and others at low risk for contracting and transmitting COVID-19.
Planning for RYLA 2022 is well underway! We are excited to host RYLA as an in-person Conference at Messiah University (One College Avenue, Grantham, PA) from Sunday, June 12 to Thursday, June 16, 2022. The DEADLINE to submit a RYLA APPLICATION is April 8, 2022!
Registration for the 2022 RYLA will be completed on-line! Please click here to view the on-line application. Students will need to follow a few steps to complete the application:
They will need to complete the RYLA 2022 Waiver form. That will be signed by the student and parent using docusign. The directions to complete the waiver are at the top of the RYLA application page. You can view the waiver by clicking here.
The student will complete the application. When you view the application, any field that is marked with an asterisk is a required field. They will not be able to submit the application until every field is completed. That includes uploading the waiver and their photograph.
Once the student completes the application, I will forward it to the Club for approval.
The club will need to mail a $500 check for each applicant to the District office (515 South George Street, York, PA 17401). Checks made payable to "Rotary District 7390 RYLA".
Contact DGE Juliet Altenburg at dgjuliet2022@qrpc.com if you would like to join the committees listed below!
DEI Committee – This new Diversity-Equity-Inclusion committee is being launched to support Rotary International’s commitment to fostering a welcoming and inclusive environment in our Rotary Clubs. PDG Hector Ortiz will be the Committee Chair. To read more about RI’s commitment to DEI go to: https://www.rotary.org/en/about-rotary/diversity-equity-and-inclusion
Women in Rotary Committee –
A top priority for Rotary is growing and diversifying our membership to make sure we reflect the communities we serve. Currently just 28% of Rotary Members in District 7390 are women and even fewer are in leadership positions. As we welcome Rotary International’s first woman president Jennifer Jones, lets plan activities to not only attract more women into Rotary but celebrate women Rotarians throughout our District and beyond. Those activities can include business networking, service, leadership development and FUN! Anyone is welcome to join regardless of gender orientation.
2022-2023 RI President Jennifer Jones
2023 District Conference Planning Committee – join DGE Juliet in planning the 2023 District Conference which will take place in the Spring of 2023. This event doesn’t need to be a typical “conference” at all. Let’s discuss options including a District wide service activity or social event! Non-Rotarian partners and friends are welcome!
Jaclyn Victor with America250PA was a guest speaker at our weekly meeting. The Pennsylvania Commission for the United States Semiquincentennial (America250PA) was established by the legislature and Governor in 2018 to plan, encourage, develop and coordinate the commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States, Pennsylvania’s integral role in that event, and the impact of its people on the nation’s past, present, and future. America250PA hopes to engage all citizens of the Commonwealth, from all 67 counties, bring the Commonwealth’s history into the conversation so Pennsylvanians can better understand the origins and multiple perspectives of issues facing our Commonwealth & nation today, use history to encourage and inspire future leaders, celebrate the contributions of Pennsylvanians to our Commonwealth’s history but also to our Nation’s history, leave a lasting impact on the next generation.
“Epic” isn’t just the adjective Jaclyn chose to describe America 250. It is also an acronym describing the program’s goals:
Educate: America 250 is working with the National Liberty Museum to create civics programs for students.
Preserve: Preserving history – especially local history - is a key goal of America 250. Special bronze bells will be placed at local historic sites around the state and included on a map in an effort to promote historical stories that most people don’t know about. Coleman gave an example: A bell will be placed at the Dennis Farm in Susquehanna County, which is the longest freely owned African-American farm in the country. “That’s an asset and a gem to have here in our commonwealth, and most people don’t know about it.”
Innovate: All colleges and universities in Pennsylvania are invited to take part in the Direct Effect Innovation Challenge. In challenges each year through 2026, students will work to create an “integrated strategy to celebrate and innovate” that will support America 250 PA.
Celebrate: Coleman said America 250 PA will aim to celebrate every county. This is why it’s important for each county, and even the municipalities within them, to pass the America 250 PA resolution and appoint a representative to get involved.
This community has a wealth of history and it goes back longtime and we all think of the York as the first Capital.
10 Scholarships Announced to Award Nearly $40,000 in 2022
Rotary Club of York and the York Rotary Charitable Endowment Fund recently announce its 2022 scholarships available for York County college students. York Rotary provides financial support for the academic success of York students seeking high education. Thanks to the generous support of Club members, York Rotary Scholarships have been established to reward the academic success, community service, and student determination of York residents attending college, university, trade or technical school.
Students wishing to apply for York Rotary Scholarships can learn more and begin the online application process by visiting www.YorkRotary.org/Page/Scholarships. The “Apply Here” button allows students to create an account and apply to the scholarship where they meet the criteria. Application deadline is May 1, 2022. Questions on applying or about the online application should be directed to Faith Elmes, Scholarship Coordinator, at felmes@tfec.org.
The scholarship web page provides information about each scholarship stewarded by York Rotary, along with each scholarship’s criteria, amount of the award being given, and biographical information about the scholarship and Club member donor. The following is a list of all scholarships being offered:
“Service Above Self” Scholarship – two-year $2,500 scholarship – high academic achievement and community service for college juniors
Non-Traditional Student Scholarship – one-time $3,000 scholarship – York County students enrolled later in adulthood in technical or trade school, college or university
Bush Scholarship – four-year $1,000 scholarship – high academic achievement
Mangold Scholarship – four-year $1,250 scholarship – high academic achievement
Kranich Scholarship – one-year $2,000 scholarship – any area of study
Diehl Scholarship – one-year $1,000 scholarship – Engineering major with a preference for York City students
Smith Scholarship – one-year $3,000 scholarship – Agriculture major
Kahley Scholarship – one-year $1,000 scholarship – Music major with a preference for William Penn or York Suburban
Hayes Scholarship – one-year $3,200 scholarship – Equine studies major for college junior, senior or graduate student
Wagman Scholarship – one-year $2,000 scholarship – Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree at York College for junior or senior
Rotary Club of York Launches New Scholarship Process
The community is invited to join The Hershey Rotary Club for the return of its annual fundraiser, April 9, 2022 at The Hershey Lodge. All proceeds benefit non-profit organizations in the community.
The evening features dinner, and silent and live auctions featuring many must-have items including jewelry, artwork, dining, travel, and unique Hershey memorabilia.
The Hershey Rotary Club annually supports many local organizations, as well as some regional and international ones. Organizations supported in recent years include Hershey Food Bank, Ronald McDonald House, Mohler Senior Center, Hershey Volunteer Fire Company, Love INC, Hershey Area Playhouse, Cocoa Packs, Hershey Community Chorus, Hershey Derry Township Historical Society, Hershey Public Library, Hershey Symphony Orchestra, Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts, and many more.
Tickets are $100 per person. Learn more about purchasing tickets, donating auction items, or sponsoring the event by visiting the Club’s website at www.HersheyRotary.org
Hershey Rotary Plans 52nd Annual Auction to Benefit Local Charities
Donate to Rotary International Disaster Response Fund: https://my.rotary.org/en/disaster-response-fund All donations collected now through 4/30/22 can be accessed as expedited grants by Districts in countries bordering Ukraine to provide relief to refugees including water, food, shelter, medicine, and clothing. All donations count toward Paul Harris points.
Donate to ShelterBox:https://www.shelterboxusa.org/the-ukraine-crisis-explained/ShelterBox is an official Rotary International partner in Disaster Relief and now has a team in Poland working to support Ukraine refugees. Executive Director Kerri Murray has been sharing updates with CNN on how more than 20,000 women and children per day enter Poland’s train stations. ShelterBox is there to offer them clothing, shelter, and comfort. Donations can now be made specifically to support Ukraine in any amount.
The CDC released new COVID-19 safety guidance on 2/25/22. Guidance is now dictated in part on COVID-19 hospitalization rates in combination with cases. Indoor mask wearing is recommended in counties with high community levels. As of 3/4/22 all counties in the district are currently at a low level. Regardless of community level, masks should be worn in individuals who are high risk for contracting severe disease or who have people in their household who may be high risk. Vaccinations including boosters are still highly encouraged to keep yourself and others at low risk for contracting and transmitting COVID-19. Find out your COVID-19 Community Level by going to: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/your-health/covid-by-county.html
What Prevention Steps Should You Take Based on Your COVID-19 Community Level?
What Prevention Steps Should You Take Based on Your COVID-19 Community Level?
We were honored to have Mike Grandy, former president of Red Lion Controls, be our guest at our weekly meeting. Mike was born in the United Kingdom, and started his career as a freelance developer of computer games. From the games world, he moved into industrial software development via a path that is too complex to explain. He worked on some of the very first Human-Machine Interface products as far back as 1986, and can thus honestly claim to be one of the few people in the world with nearly 30 years' experience in this field. Mike's path took him through a series of start-ups in the late eighties and early nineties, to the founding of a company called Paradigm Controls in 1993, where he was responsible for the development of the software and firmware for a range of operator interface terminals. Paradigm caught the eye of Red Lion Controls, and was acquired by Red Lion Controls in 1996. Mike continued to run the company in the UK until moving to the United States in July 1999 to join Red Lion in Pennsylvania as Vice President of Engineering. Five months later, Mike was promoted to President at the age of 31.
Now Mike has his own consulting firm and helps to promote the manufacturing industry for the Pennsylvania Manufacturers’ Association. The Association is a statewide nonprofit trade organization representing the manufacturing sector in Pennsylvania’s public policy process. Headquartered just steps from the state capitol in Harrisburg, PMA works to improve Pennsylvania’s ability to compete with other states for investment, jobs, and economic growth. The pandemic has changed so many things about the world we live in today especially the labor market where continuing education and manufactory opportunities are extremely important. PMA along with their public support partners including K-12 educators, community colleges, workforce development boards, economic development organizations are tackling a range of issues including improving the workforce pipeline, aligning training with industry needs, improving infrastructure, addressing regulatory barriers or facilitating business-to-business networking. The agenda is to change the image of manufacturing to high tech, high pay and a lifelong challenging career.
The Rotary Foundation (TRF) is strengthened every time a Rotarian makes a gift to support the humanitarian work of Rotary International. District 7390 Rotarians are leaders in philanthropy.
On behalf of the District Leadership Team and all those who advocate for TRF, I want to say “thank you” for supporting our foundation and the amazing work made possible by your gifts. Even in a pandemic and with increasing consumer costs, you continue to help address some of the most critical needs locally and around the world.
Your support of our most recent Share Some Love campaign and the Zones 28 and 32 Gala and Fundraiser held Wednesday evening were greatly appreciated. Annual gifts by sustaining, Paul Harris Society, and PolioPlus Society members help District 7390 achieve foundation goals.
All gifts to the Annual/Share Fund, End Polio Now campaign, or any of the other TRF programs allow Rotary to Serve to Change Lives.
Rotary International celebrated its 100th year of service in 2005. That year RI President Carl-Wilhelm Stenhammar asked every Rotary club to mark the occasion in a distinct way. The Rotary Club of Harrisburg (RCH) planning team chose to design the Youth Community Development Team as not just a one-year event but a commitment to serve youth and our community in perpetuity.
RCH member Meghan Bachmore leads an ice breaker activity.
Seventeen years later RCH members serving as YCDT coaches and the 2022 student participants have taken the original concept to new heights and have incorporated innovative technologies.
RCH leaders are taking time to inspire 36 students from John Harris, SciTech, Central Dauphin and Bishop McDevitt High Schools in the areas of team building, assessing community needs, fundraising, grant writing/evaluation, public speaking, and volunteerism. This year coaches and participants have been meeting at the Camp Curtin YMCA, as well as virtually.
RCH YCDT committee members include Marion Alexander, Meghan Bachmore, Gillian Byerly, Jennifer Doyle, Brad Gebhart (co-chair), Andy Phillips (co-chair), Jessica Ritchie and Jill Tenny.
While there are perceived and real outcomes of the YCDT program such as increased confidence in the participating students; transformed attitudes; broadened perspectives and new friendships plus increased understanding across cultural and socioeconomic boundaries, the specific objectives laid out by the Rotary Club of Harrisburg are to:
1) Increase students’ exposure to the greater Harrisburg community and their awareness of local resources.
2) Develop and improve students’ oral communication & presentation skills.
3) Increase students’ application of collaboration, negotiation, compromise, and persuasive skills.
4) Provide students with a forum to serve the community and demonstrate an impact.
These objectives of the YCDT program are achieved through a REAL experience. Participants identify a specific area of community focus, raise money toward providing a solution to that need and select a community organization to receive the YCDT grant funding and participant community service hours.
This year’s YCDT members chose to dedicate efforts on mental health issues facing young people. Request for proposals were written and send into the community with an astounding record of 22 returned requests.
On February 16, RCH coaches and the participants (via Zoom) discussed how to successfully prepare for the critical step of raising the $5,000. RCH coaches with incredible credentials in fundraising included Gillian Byerly and Jessica Ritchie leading an hour-long session on peer-to-peer fundraising. Content included having a personal plan, leveraging personal contacts, planning the pitch and learning how to make “the ask.” Jennifer Doyle led a discussion on “What Makes A Good Grant Application.” The students broke into breakout groups and narrowed the 22 grant applicants to five finalists.
To spur competition, the participants are divided into teams. This year’s six teams chose the names Forces L’invissible, Makin A Difference, Turtle League, Team Penguin and Crew Leaders.
The “Forces” create their team poster.
The teams also incorporated modern-day technology into their fundraising plan. They will use an online donation platform, business cards with QR codes, Instagram and Tiktok to add new dimensions to raising the important funds needed to address the needs of the selected final request recipient.
The students will interview representatives from the five finalists and select a winning grant recipient on Wednesday, May 18.
RCH members were encouraged to make contributions to the YCDT by April 30, 2022. Social media apps were customized for members and traditional checks can be sent to Harrisburg Rotary Foundation re: YCDT, 3310 Market Street, Rear 2nd Floor, Suite A, Camp Hill, PA 17011.
Team “Make’n a Difference” present their poster to the group.
Founding Youth Community Development Team Plan Hits New Levels of Philanthropic Importance
The Mechanicsburg Rotary Club as part of its ongoing support to the Mechanicsburg Area Meals on Wheels (MAMOW) replaced the deteriorated door to the the walk-in freezer/refrigerator and assembled new storage racks. Funding for the $3,872.70 project provided by the club plus a matching grant from The Rotary Foundation via the local Rotary District 7390.
(L to R): Tom Burson, Treasurer, Rotary Club of Mechanicsburg (RCM), Chuck Sutton, K&D installer; John Mengel, Vice President, MAMOW and member RCM; and Zack Wileman, K&D installer. Pictured with the installed new door on February 3, 2022.
The Mechanicsburg Rotary Club replaced the deteriorated door to the the walk-in freezer/refrigerator and assembled new storage racks. Funding for the $3,872.70 project provided by the club plus a matching grant from The Rotary Foundation via the local Rotary District 7390.
The Mechanicsburg Area Meals on Wheel (MAMOW) has a walk-in freezer/refrigerator which is attached as a permanent part of the building structure. The door is opened and closed dozens of times a day, so after roughly 20 years the bottom seals and hinges are worn out. The bottom structure is warped is such a way the automatic closure does not function. Parts were not available to repair. The project replaced the entire door with a retro fitted door assembly. The door was attached to the wall and included extending the temperature monitoring gages and light switch on the new frame. The range was purchased from and installed by K&D Factory Services, Inc., Harrisburg, PA.
(L to R): John Petire, Club Foundation Chair; Dave Burns, member; Darrell Westby, Member; and John Mengel, club member and MAMOW Vide-President. Pictured with just assembled new racks on January 19, 2022.
The existing racks were deteriorated and unstable. Club members assembled new racks which were provided by MAMOW as part of this project.
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 fun
On April 24th starting at 12pm (with 11am pre-registration), the 5K Run for Education organized by the Rotary Club of Mechanicsburg North will be taking place at the Panther Prowl, an event organized by the East Pennsboro Panther Foundation and East Pennsboro High School Track Team at the East Pennsboro High School Track in Enola, PA. The One Mile Color Fun Run for kids begins at 1pm and will feature a Color run through obstacles. There will be medals for top female and male runners in the 5K Run for Education and medals for ages groups in the One Mile Color Fun Run. Proceeds from the 5K Run for Education will go for sponsorships for deserving seniors in the East Pennsboro High, Cumberland Valley High and Cumberland-Perry Vocational Techincal schools. Proceeds from the One Mile Color Fun Event will benefit the East Pennsboro Panther Foundation and East Pennsboro High School Track Team. Medals will be given for best times by sex and age group at the both 5K Run and One Mile Color Fun Run
Where: East Pennsboro High School Track, 425 Shady Lane, Enola
When: In person registration begins at 11am, the 5K Run for Education is at noon and the One Mile Color Fun Run at 1pm on April 24th (Sunday)
ROTARY 4-WAY TEST ESSAY CONTEST DEADLINE IS APPROACHING. This is a reminder for those clubs participating in, or thinking about participating in, the Rotary 4-Way Test Essay Contest. Your club's winning essay is due to be submitted to the district office no later than March 11, 2022. This year's essay topic is "Is it the Truth? How I Define What is True in my Life." Full details about the contest can be found on the District Website: https://www.rotary7390.org/page/four-way-test-essay-contest and please feel free to contact Steve Grubb with any questions at stevengrubb@comcast.net. We look forward to reading your club's winning essay!
Rotary Club of Harrisburg met on the last Monday of January at the Camp Curtin YMCA to assemble period supply kits for Harrisburg students, in a partnership with the Period Project Harrisburg.
Rotary members used an assembly line process to organize sanitary supplies and packed approximately 300 kits for distribution. The kits will be distributed to teens with periods by L.O.O.P.’s after school programs. The hygiene supplies were donated to the Period Project through a donation drive coordinated by the ZONTA Club of Harrisburg-Hershey.
Participating in the assembly line process were Past President Andy Rebuck, Karen Good, Nancy Fodor, Vice President Ellen Brown and President Matt Staub.
This Service Above Self project even caught the eye (camera) of Fox43 news, as well as ABC TV 27. A segment was aired on both stations numerous times and ABC 27 named the Rotary Club of Harrisburg as the week’s Home Town Heros. Rotary Executive Director Addeline Alaniz Edwards was interviewed. You can view the coverage at the following links.
As stated by Alaniz Edwards, period hygiene supplies are an expensive need that is often overlooked by social programs. People with periods are often embarrassed to ask for them, and they may miss school or work or even risk their health by following unsafe hygiene practices.
You can view footage from the Fox43 by clicking on this link.
Paul Thompson has been a member of the Rotary Club of Hershey for the past 15 years. Paul served on the District Global Grant Scholarship committee, President of the Hershey Rotary Club a member of the Board of the Hershey Club, and has been involved with Rotary Youth Exchange.
Paul and his Rotarian wife Maria have four grown children who participated with them in various Rotary projects. Two of their children were outbound youth exchange students and as a family they hosted eleven inbound youth exchange students.
Paul’s academic degrees include a Bachelor of Arts, a Master of Security Studies, a Doctorate and a Master of Jurisprudence, and a Doctorate of Law and Policy. He has travelled to six continents, lived in several nations for extended periods of time, and he is conversant in German, French, and Turkish.
In his professional career, Paul was a Naval officer for 25 years. He was assigned to operational assignments as a line officer on Amphibious deployment in the Mediterranean and Atlantic; as an attached in the U.S. Embassy in Turkey; as a JAGC officer in trial and appellate military justice positions; and in front-office policy assignments as Chief counsel to the Commander of Atlantic Naval Air Force and to the Chief of Naval Operations, and as an Executive Assistant to three successive National Security Advisors, while a staff member at the National Security Council.
Following his career in the Navy, Paul turned to Academic pursuits. He served for over a decade as a Professor of Law and National Security at the National War College in Washington, and the for the past decade as Associate Professor of Homeland Security at Penn State University.
Rotary District 7390 Governor 2024-2025 Nominated!
MARK YOUR CALENDARS FOR A PRESIDENT ELECT PICNIC AT ADAMS COUNTY WINERY! On Saturday, June 11, Noon – 3 PM, all Club President Elects are invited to a FREE picnic hosted at Adams County Winery, 531 Peach Tree Rd, Orrtanna, PA hosted by DGE Juliet and the District Leadership Team.This is a family event so bring the kids and partners for a fun OUTDOOR gathering to make new friends, get energized about your year ahead, and celebrate warm weather and a time of connection at long last!Food for grilling and beverages will be provided. Wine and beer will be available for purchase from the winery!Register at:https://rotary7390.org/event/president-elect-picnic/. Special thanks are extended to PDG John Kramb and the owner of Adams County Winery for donating the space.
The District Governor and Club President Installation is happening Thursday, June 23rd from 5 PM – 7:30 PM at the Lodge at Liberty Forge, Mechanicsburg. This will be a CASUAL event with an outdoor cocktail hour. REGISTRATION IS NOW LIVE at: https://rotary7390.org/event/district-governor-installation/
“Rotary District 7390 Club Presidents 2022-2023” LinkedIn Group: DGE Juliet has formed a LinkedIn group for 2022-2023 D7390 Club Presidents. This group will be a way for current President Elects to connect with one another, offer support, share best practices, and stay informed from District Leadership about the latest District and RI news both during their time as President Elects and as Presidents in the 2022-2023 Rotary Year. Look for the group on LinkedIn and submit a request to join!
As the Omicron variant continues to surge in our District, the District Safety Committee is committed to educating Rotarians on the latest CDC Guidance and best practices which prevent transmission of COVID-19. This topic will be a regular feature in the Rotary Reporter.
COVID-19 Prevalence in District Counties as of 1/14/22 ranges from 35 – 42% in our District. (Source:https://bit.ly/3riOcvr )
Pennsylvania statistics over one week period 1/7 – 1/14 (Source:https://bit.ly/3riOcvr )
Newly reported cases: 138,930 to 159,928
Positivity rate: 33% to 36%
Average daily COVID Hospitalizations: 5711 to 7516
Average daily COVID 19 on ventilators: 613-664
Safety Precautions
Masking is still recommended indoors by the CDC regardless of vaccination status for all the counties in our Rotary district due to COVID-19 positivity rates exceeding 5% . The most effective masks to wear to prevent acquiring and transmitting the highly contagious Omicron variant are surgical masks particularly when participating in indoor group activities. Read more at: https://time.com/6139169/n95-best-mask-omicron-covid-19/
Rotary International Position Statement on COVID-19 Vaccination
On December 17, 2021, RI President Shekhar Mehta and TRF Chair, John Germ published the position statement of Rotary International on COVID 19 vaccination. Key points included support for global COVID-19 vaccines and a call to action for Rotarians to support vaccination in their communities and combat misinformation. To read the full statement go to: https://bit.ly/3I6oGjP.
On Thursday, January 20th, incoming Rotary International President Jennifer Jones announced her presidential theme “Imagine Rotary”. During her presentation to District Governor Elects from around the world she focused on dreaming “big” and harnessing the powering of partnerships to turn dreams into reality. Key goals asked of every incoming District Governor were to charter two new Rotary clubs in their district and achieve Rotary International’s goal of membership comprised of 30% women. Click here to read more about her inspirational presentation!
Rotary International President Elect Jennifer Jones announces 2022-2023 Presidential Theme
So, come and compete to take home the title and trophy of being this year’s District 7390 “Rotary Cornhole Champion” along with $100 seed money to go toward your club’s next service project.
In addition to the regular prizes of up to $250 in cash cards for the overall winning teams, this year we’ve added this special new Rotary Champion category and prize for the top-performing team in our district. Other gift cards and two ABC Mug Club memberships will also be raffled off throughout the day.
Ticket prices include a buffet and one complimentary beverage per person. You can continue to enjoy your favorite ABC brews at the cash bar throughout the event.
Registration cost:
$50 per team of two
$10 per person for a spectator ticket
So, come and join the Harrisburg Keystone Rotary Club on Saturday, March 26 from 11 am – 4 pm for a fun afternoon of Cornhole, Beer, and Rotary Fellowship at the Appalachian Brewing Company on 50 N. Cameron St. in Harrisburg. Hang out with friends, make new ones, and raise money for service projects all at the same time!
Learn more and grab your ticket before they're gone at capitalcitycornhole.org. We look forward to seeing you there!
It begins tomorrow! From February 12 through 19 you can support The Rotary Foundation (TRF) and receive 100 Foundation points. This will be the only time this Rotary year that matching points will be offered.
Why are matching points important? Matching points help members become a Paul Harris Fellow, a designation for those supporting TRF with a combined total of 1,000 (cash and points). Earned points are banked in your Rotary account and when cash and points reach 1,000, the individual becomes a Paul Harris Fellow and receives recognition from TRF.
This current Share Some Love promotion being conducted this week of Valentine Day is described below. Thanks for supporting TRF so Rotary can do more to Serve to Change Lives.
Share Some Love (dollars) with The Rotary Foundation (TRF) and District 7390 will Share Some Love with you by donating Foundation points to your Foundation account in celebration of Valentine’s Day.
A donation of at least $100 made to TRF’s Annual Share Fund or the PolioPlus Fund between February 12 & 19, 2022 qualifies you to receive 100 Foundation points.
Points are like cash. Points help you become a Paul Harris Fellow or reach the PHS +1 to PHS +8 recognition levels faster and easier.
Consider honoring a friend, family member, or Rotary colleague when you contribute. Share Some Love knowing that your donation is making a difference and recognizing someone you know at the same time.
To receive your 100 Foundation points, send a copy of your receipt (include your member number) to office@rotary7390.org.
There are four ways to donate:
Donate on-line by clicking here! You will need a credit card and a member access account on the RI website.
Send acheck made payable to The Rotary Foundation (or use your credit card). Download and fill out the donation form. Click HERE to secure the form. Mail the completed form to the address listed at the bottom of the form.
Donate by phone. Call the Rotary Contact Center at 866-976-8279 Monday—Friday 8 am to 5 pm CST. Have your credit card ready to contribute.
Enroll in The Rotary Foundation’s recurring giving program, Rotary Direct. Click here to go to the Rotary Direct Enrollment Form.
Thanks for supporting The Rotary Foundation. Your contributions to TRF make it possible for Rotarians to successfully address some of life’s most challenging issues by supporting education, promoting peace, fighting disease, providing clean water, sanitation, and hygiene, saving mothers and children, growing local economies, and protecting the environment.
Questions regarding Rotary Foundation contributions and programs can be directed to your Club Foundation Chair or District Rotary Foundation Chair, Dr. Anna-Mae Kobbe at amkobbe@gmail.com.
Only contributions made between February 12 & 19 are eligible.
9:00 AM– 11:00 AM: Learn from Conflict Resolution expert Nabil Oudeh as he teaches us techniques in navigating difficult conversations and building positive relationships in our clubs. President Barry Buckingham, Rotary Club of Colonial Park will build on Nabil’s teaching points to showcase how his club worked to engage and energize its members.
11:00 AM -12:30 PM: PRE-PETS session for President Elects
As the Omicron variant continues to surge in our District, the District Safety Committee is committed to educating Rotarians on the latest CDC Guidance and best practices which prevent transmission of COVID-19. This topic will be a regular feature in the Rotary Reporter.
COVID-19 Prevalence in District Counties as of 1/14/22. (Source:https://bit.ly/3riOcvr )
Average daily COVID Hospitalizations: 5711 to 7516
Average daily COVID 19 on ventilators: 613-664
Safety Precautions
Masking is still recommended indoors by the CDC regardless of vaccination status for all the counties in our Rotary district due to COVID-19 positivity rates exceeding 5% . The most effective masks to wear to prevent acquiring and transmitting the highly contagious Omicron variant are surgical masks particularly when participating in indoor group activities. Read more at: https://time.com/6139169/n95-best-mask-omicron-covid-19/
Rotary International Position Statement on Vaccination
On December 17, 2021, RI President Shekhar Mehta and TRF Chair, John Germ published the position statement of Rotary International on COVID 19 vaccination. To read the full statement go to: https://bit.ly/3I6oGjP. Key points of the statement are:
Global vaccination is the path to ending the pandemic and the emergence of new variants.
Rotary endorses and strongly encourages vaccination for all individuals including our members who are currently able to be vaccinated against COVID-19.
In areas where COVID-19 is surging, communities are facing extreme challenges, health systems are overwhelmed, and contentious rhetoric is dividing us. It is critical that the virus be contained so that the world may begin to heal.
Misinformation has become an “infodemic” that hinders the fight against COVID-19. In line with our Four-Way Test, Rotary International and The Rotary Foundation are committed to providing our members with science-based information.
Those children for whom vaccines are not currently available are at significant risk. Until vaccines are available for all children, the vaccination of adults is the best way to protect children who cannot be vaccinated. Pediatric admissions for COVID-19 are rising precipitously in areas of low vaccination.
Rotary salutes health care workers everywhere as they continue to provide lifesaving services. Local recognition of these heroes by each of our clubs can help to encourage them to continue their important work. Rotary abhors any harassment and attacks on healthcare workers.
Vaccines have proven to be one of the greatest advances of modern medicine. The World Health Organization estimates that vaccines save between 2 to 3 million children’s lives each year, and the Global Polio Eradication Initiative estimates the polio vaccine has saved more than 19 million children from paralysis.
Vaccines are safe, effective and are responsible for eliminating or controlling many other vaccine-preventable diseases such as smallpox, measles, rubella, and Ebola. And now, there is the opportunity to end the COVID-19 pandemic through vaccines.
Need an out-of-the-ordinary gift for Valentine’s Day? No worries, the Rotary Club of Lancaster Penn Square has you covered with their sixth annual Hearts for Lancaster and Pets fundraiser. Celebrate your love by selecting a sentiment below which will be displayed on a heart on a lamppost in downtown Lancaster.
Proceeds from our “lovely” fundraiser will fund projects which will positively impact the people of Lancaster.
We will beginhanging hearts on February 2nd and take them down on February 19th. So, take your special someone for a stroll downtown to search for your heart and while you are there grab a drink, lunch or dinner, and shop!
When the hearts are taken down at the end of the celebration, they will be recycled and/or resold next year. However, if you would like to physically purchase and keep your heart, the cost would be an additional $45. Let us know if you would like this option at lpsrotary@gmail.com and we will make arrangements for payment and delivery. Orders will not be taken after February 8th.
Do you feel motivated to action? Five tornadoes ripped into Kentucky and multiple states on December 11th. How will our District respond? Will we send funding to D6710 in Kentucky? Will we raise funds for a specific identified project? Maybe we send volunteers to rebuild homes? What other types of disaster relief should D7390 coordinate? Unfortunately, Mother Nature continues to cause havoc and destruction in the form of hurricanes, floods, tornadoes and earthquakes – there is no end to the assistance we can provide.
Can you serve on the Disaster Relief Committee? Our current committee has been active for fifteen years, it is now time to identify new, younger, freshly inspired Rotarians.
At this writing, damage across Kentucky and several other states is being evaluated. Disaster relief organizations will make decisions on where help is needed; they will identify those families eligible for rebuilding assistance; and they will establish volunteer housing locations. All of this takes time, several months. In the meantime, D7390 would like to know who may be interested in traveling to a disaster area for a week to restore homes. All skill levels are needed and welcome.
You can celebrate Rotary International’s 117th birthday, raise funds for The Rotary Foundation TRF) and have fun on Wednesday, February 23, 2022. The Gala will begin virtually at 8:00 PM Eastern Time.
The Gala will be packed with messages from Rotary leaders including Jennifer Jones, Rotary International President Elect, updates on Foundation programs, and entertainment by such groups as the One Voice Children’s Choir.
Your Gala ticket includes a TRF contribution of $100. Your gifts will be a fully credited donation to TRF and you will receive a charitable tax receipt and related Paul Harris Fellow points. District 7390 will receive full credit toward our Foundation Goals.
All donations to TRF will be distributed 75% going to the Annual Fund and 25% going to the PolioPlus Fund. The portion credited to the PolioPlus Fund will be matched 2 to 1 by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.
Zones 28 and 32 represent 43 districts in Canada, France, Bermuda, and the northeastern United States. Last year $200,000 was raised for the Foundation.
When members of the Rotary Club of the West Shore heard that Mission Central was low on winter hats, gloves, and scarves, they assembled the masses and collected items to help those in need keep warm. Several hundred items were collected on short notice… just in time for the bitter cold temps that are in the forecast.
Pictured L to R: Club president Rod Hite, Erin Sunday, Bim Arthun, and Mission Central’s Stephanie Titzel.
It's time. In fact, there is no better time than now. We have more knowledge, more resources and more OPPORTUNITIES than ever in the history of Rotary. NOW is the time to take ACTION! Who must take action? WE must take action. WE the District, WE the Club, WE the Rotarian. What kind of ACTION?
Last week, my newly moved-in neighbor came across the street and introduced himself. We chatted for a while about neighborhood things... about neighborly things... and then he asked... "Do you know if there are any service organizations around here"?
Say what!!?? He beat ME to the question! Shame on me.
Folks, there are members of our community who are looking for ways to give back.
I was having coffee with a business associate a few months back. During our conversation he spoke of how he and a few other business folks in his community were looking for ways to help their town. Guess what WE talked about for the next 20 minutes ... :)
We are putting together a team to help our clubs and our members learn how to better Grow their Rotary.
In addition, we have put together a presentation to offer to all clubs during their regular meeting that discusses: The State of Membership, Types of Membership and ideas on how to build membership. Let's work together to spread the news of Rotary... to share the Opportunity of Rotary with all who wish to have a hand in making their world a better place.
Reach out to me to join the team or to schedule a club presentation. I can't wait to see what we can do together!!
We want to thank all the amazing volunteers form the York East Rotary who have continued to help us in our Christmas red kettle efforts. We also want to thank all the people in the community and the donors who have donated to our red kettles. It's because of you that we can continue to provide our rental, utilities, & food services, adult & youth programs, after-school programs, and many more to our wonderful York community.
Thank you and God bless! Pictured: Bill and Carolyn Gierasch
York-East Participates in the Salvation Army Red Kettle Efforts
Rotary Club of Lancaster South and the Interact Club of Lampeter Strasburg, a Rotary affiliate, participated in the Wreaths Across America program at Ft Indiantown Gap on Saturday, December 18, 2021. Rotary Club of Lancaster South sent 3 participants and Lampeter Strasburg sent 16 people to help other groups lay over 41,000 wreaths on the headstones of soldiers interred at the military installation. The goal was to lay a wreath on every eligible grave. An hour long ceremony preceded the wreath laying effort.
Lancaster-South Participates in Wreaths Across America
Five tornadoes ripped into Kentucky and multiple states overnight Saturday, December 11, 2021. The storm originated in Arkansas and touched down in Missouri and Tennessee before making its way into western and central Kentucky.
Our District, 7390, has a long history of helping communities devastated by natural disasters. We have gathered funding and volunteers to provide relief supplies, building materials and volunteers to rebuild homes, and funding to re-establish libraries.
In Kentucky there are immediate needs: homes have been destroyed, Christmas trees and presents lost, employment ended. District 6710 in western and central Kentucky has started a Disaster Relief drive.
MONETARY DONATIONS can be made to:
Additionally, D6710 is collecting GIFT CARDS for food, gas, etc., to support displaced disaster victims. Please send only gift cards for major retailers or Visa, Master Card gift cards.
Gift Cards can be sent to: DG Gail Story, 2215 Outer Circle Drive, Crestwood, KY 40014.
We are sending you this information now since there are immediate needs and you may desire to make a donation before year end.
As D7390 has done in the past, we will continue to monitor the extent of recovery needs. We will keep you informed as specific projects may develop that require financial support or the need for volunteers to restore homes.
If you have any questions/recommendations, do not hesitate to contact: Peg Sennett, 717-630-8281, pegsennett@hotmail.com.
Holiday Greetings from the District 7390 Leadership Team.
Wishing you and your family a healthy and happy 2022!
Pictured from left to right PDG John Anthony, DGE Juliet Altenburg, DG Greg Staub, and DGN Fred Gellert. Missing from photo District Secretary Melissa Kopp-Smith
The Rotary Club of the West Shore recently made a generous donation to the Camp Hill Fire Department for a new projector screen in their training room. We are happy to support our first responders who do so much to keep us and our communities safe!
Pictured left to right: Bim Arthun, President-Elect of The Rotary Club of the West Shore, Mark Simpson, Chief of Camp Hill Fire Co., Jack Sellers, President of Camp Hill Fire Co., H. Rod Hite, President of The Rotary Club of the West Shore
West Shore Makes Donation to Camp Hill Fire Department
Friday 2/25 and Saturday 2/26 - Mid Atlantic PETS in Valley Forge PA: Meet incoming RI President Jennifer Jones and have fun networking and learning with President Elects from four Rotary districts. Registration is now LIVE. Register at http://www.mapets.org/.
NEW “Rotary District 7390 Club Presidents 2022-2023” LinkedIn Group: DGE Juliet Altenburg has formed a new LinkedIn group for 2022-2023 D7390 Club Presidents. This group will be a way for current President Elects to connect with one another, offer support, share best practices, and stay informed from District Leadership about the latest District and RI news both during their time as President Elects and as Presidents in the 2022-2023 Rotary Year. Look for the group on LinkedIn and submit a request to join!
2022-2023 Club President Training and Networking Opportunities
We see the decision to vaccinate as a civic and humanitarian imperative. Rotary is not a political or religious organization, it is a service organization and this is the lens through which we are advising you of our position.
Global vaccination is the path to ending the pandemic and the emergence of new variants. Rotary endorses and strongly encourages vaccination for all individuals including our members who are currently able to be vaccinated against COVID-19. In areas where COVID-19 is surging, communities are facing extreme challenges, health systems are overwhelmed, and contentious rhetoric is dividing us. It is critical that the virus be contained so that the world may begin to heal. To that end, the purpose of this statement is to reinforce Rotary’s position.
Misinformation has become an “infodemic” that hinders the fight against COVID-19. In line with our Four-Way Test, Rotary International and The Rotary Foundation are committed to providing our members with science-based information.
Rotary International staff at One Rotary Center were required to be vaccinated by 10 October 2021, as a criterion for employment after that date. RI’s employee vaccination rate stands at over 99 percent.
Globally, Rotary is actively engaged in assuring equity in vaccine access to all people. Our efforts have included advocacy with the G-20, and a proof-of-concept program with GAVI/COVAX to leverage our frontline experience with polio eradication to facilitate vaccine delivery in several low- and middle-income countries where Rotarians are active. While we know many clubs are already deeply involved in COVID-19 prevention, we are working on additional strategies to multiply our collective efforts. GAVI/COVAX is a partnership including WHO and UNICEF focused on global access and delivery of COVID-19 vaccines.
Those children for whom vaccines are not currently available are at significant risk. Until vaccines are available for all children, the vaccination of adults is the best way to protect children who cannot be vaccinated. Pediatric admissions for COVID-19 are rising precipitously in areas of low vaccination.
Rotary salutes health care workers everywhere as they continue to provide lifesaving services. Local recognition of these heroes by each of our clubs can help to encourage them to continue their important work. Rotary abhors any harassment and attacks on healthcare workers.
Rotary and Rotaract clubs are encouraged to
set good examples by being exemplary role models;
redouble their efforts to support COVID-19 treatment, prevention, and vaccination efforts.
Vaccines have proven to be one of the greatest advances of modern medicine. The World Health Organization estimates that vaccines save between 2 to 3 million children’s lives each year, and the Global Polio Eradication Initiative estimates the polio vaccine has saved more than 19 million children from paralysis. Vaccines are safe, effective and are responsible for eliminating or controlling many other vaccine-preventable diseases such as smallpox, measles, rubella, and Ebola. And now, there is the opportunity to end the COVID-19 pandemic through vaccines.
The eradication of polio remains a goal of the highest order for Rotary. We can apply the lessons we have learned in fighting polio to the efforts in responding to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Regards,
Shekhar Mehta John Germ President, Rotary International Chair, The Rotary Foundation
Rotary International and The Rotary Foundation’s Position Statement on COVID-19 Vaccination
With the conclusion of the 2021 Council on Resolutions (COR), I am pleased to provide you with the Report of Action. In this report, you will find: • A letter from Council Services • Resolutions that were adopted • Vote tallies for the adopted items
Voting results for all 2021 resolutions can be found on My Rotary.
Please note that the deadline for submitting resolutions to the 2022 COR is 30 June 2022. A link to the submission form, plus helpful resources, can be found on the Councils page of My Rotary.
Little League: President Jackie Summers presents a check to Al Sykes of the York City Little League for $2,500 from proceeds from the Rotary Club of York’s 2021 Love Fore Community Fundraiser.
YWCA: President Jackie Summers presents a check for $10,000 to Jean Treuthart, CEO of the York YWCA. This donation was from proceeds from the Rotary Club of York’s 2021 Love Fore Community Fundraiser and will be used to support the YWCA’s Racial Justice programs.
On December 11, 2021 York East Rotary helped to expand and organize the food pantry at the First Church of The Brethren on Kingston Road in York, Pa. In addition to awarding a $5,000 grant to the project for shelving, refrigerator and supplies, club members joined church members to move the pantry into the new space. This ongoing generosity has enabled us to address the needs in our community, including food insecurity, which has unfortunately increased due to the effects of the pandemic.
The York-East Rotary has awarded $10,000 in grants to 4 local nonprofits in the York community. Each year the York-East Rotary grants to deserving projects and programs in the region. These worthy local organizations received grants for various needs and projects this year. Representatives from each organization attended our weekly meeting and received their grant awards.
Our club looks forward to this day each year because it is such a great feeling to give and learn how the money is being used within our community.
Thank you to everyone that donates to our organization through the various fundraisers that we hold each year. Without you we would not be able to provide these organizations with the funding that they need to make York a better place to live.
Pictured for left to right:
Randy Byrnes – Cornerstone Youth Home
Laura O’Grady – York Day Nursery
Chris Izzo - York East Rotary Grant Committee Chairman
Mary Esther Andersen – First Church of the Brethren
Carlisle Rotary Clubs present a check for over $26,500 to Safe Harbour. The funds were raised during Rotary’s annual holiday auction. Pictured from left to right are David Kammerer, President of the Carlisle Sunrise Rotary Club, Geoff Mangelsdorf, President of the Carlisle Rotary Club, Scott Shewell, Safe Harbour President and CEO and Paul Edger, Chairman of Safe Harbour’s Board of Directors.
Each year Carlisle’s two Rotary Club Presidents identify one project or organization to be the focus of their holiday auction. Selected this year was Safe Harbour, a 501(c)(3) organization that provides a continuum of housing and supportive services for homeless and nearly homeless individuals and families in our communities.
Given the amount that Rotary has raised during previous auctions, a goal of $20,000 was set to be applied toward Safe Harbour’s $30,000 planned renovation of their emergency shelter bathrooms that are essential to keep their residents safe and healthy. To reach this goal, Rotary’s auction had two components this year. First, an online auction to allow community participation, and second, a silent and live auction conducted during Rotary’s annual dinner at the Comfort Suites on 10 December.
The online auction bidding took place from 3 to 10 December and raised just over $2,000. The dinner auctions raised over $5,800. Additionally, over $17,300 was raised in sponsorships by members and friends of both Rotary Clubs bringing the total for the auction to over $26,500. Achieving this goal was only possible thanks to the generosity of Rotarians and local businesses who donated items to be auctioned.
While Rotary’s dinner was cancelled last year due to COVID, club members were extremely happy to be back in person for their annual gala. As has become a tradition, each club recognized the recipient of their annual distinguished Rotarian award. The Carlisle Sunrise Rotary Club recognized Past President Dodie Wise as the “Buzz Coho Distinguished Service Citation” recipient The Carlisle Rotary Club recognized Past President Dan Monken as their “Four-Way Test Award” recipient. Also recognized with the Paul Harris Fellow Award was John W. Gleim, Jr. for his outstanding support of the Sunrise Club’s tree planting project along the Cumberland Valley Rail Trail.
Carlisle Rotary Auction Exceeds Goal, Raises Over $26,500 For Safe Harbour
There is always something to learn about Rotary. That is the nature of a dynamic organization responding to change. And we have had our share of change!
Join us via Zoom on February 17, 2022 from 5:30 – 6:30 for an interactive overview of Rotary Basics.
We will highlight the basics of Rotary International and its philanthropic arm, The Rotary Foundation, as well as offering resources available through our District 7390 and your local Club. Initially promoted as a new member orientation, this one-hour recap is appropriate for any Rotarian or prospective Rotarian, regardless of tenure.
With 1.2 million Rotarians around the world, there are nearly that many opportunities to engage. We want to help your Rotary passion burn bright!
The initiative is a tax efficient way for Rotarians to support The Rotary Foundation. You can make a difference today and save on taxes when you support The Rotary Foundation through your IRA.
Why Consider a Charitable Gift via an IRA?
Your gift will be used today, allowing you to see the impact during your lifetime.
You pay no federal income taxes on the transfer.
The transfer generates neither taxable income nor a tax deduction, so you benefit even if you do not itemize your deductions.
Fulfill existing pledges or use your IRA to make a new three-year pledge, and receive recognition in the pledge year to achieve Major Donor or Arch Klumph Society.
There could be opportunities to establish a named fund with gifts or commitments of $25,000 or more.
Know as a trusted steward of your gift, The Rotary Foundation will use your investment to help make the world a better place!
You are encouraged to seek the advice of your financial and/or legal advisor to determine if this is the best strategy for you.
Planning for the Future? An individual retirement account can also be used as a tax-wise giving strategy if you’re considering including The Rotary Foundation in your estate plans. To include the Foundation as a beneficiary, please use the legal name and federal tax ID listed below. Legal name: The Rotary Foundation of Rotary International Legal address: 1560 Sherman Ave, Evanston, IL 60201-3698 - Federal tax ID number: 36-3245072.
Share the good news of your bequest by notifying your Foundation representative or report it at www.rotary.org/yourlegacy.
Questions? Contact PDG Kevin Cogan at kcogan71@gmail.com
Saturday 2/19 – PRE-PETS at Messiah College from 9 AM – 2 PM. A portion of this day will be available to all Rotarians. Stay tuned for more information and registration link by January.
Friday 2/25 and Saturday 2/26 - Mid Atlantic PETS in Valley Forge PA: Meet incoming RI President Jennifer Jones and have fun networking and learning with President Elects from four Rotary districts. Registration is now LIVE. Register at http://www.mapets.org/.
NEW “Rotary District 7390 Club Presidents 2022-2023” LinkedIn Group: DGE Juliet Altenburg has formed a new LinkedIn group for 2022-2023 D7390 Club Presidents. This group will be a way for current President Elects to connect with one another, offer support, share best practices, and stay informed from District Leadership about the latest District and RI news both during their time as President Elects and as Presidents in the 2022-2023 Rotary Year. Look for the group on LinkedIn and submit a request to join!
2022-2023 Club President Training and Networking Opportunities
We are excited to share that the District 7390 You Tube channel (“rotary7390”) has been relaunched and will feature all the latest District 7390 videos of District events and trainings. The most recent videos found there are those from the Foundation Dinner held at the Lodge at Liberty Forge on 11/18/21. We encourage you to share the following videos with your clubs and use them at your own events:
D7390 "Walk In" Video which played during the cocktail hour and could be used as a background video at club meetings or events: https://youtu.be/bx4CNK4MUPY
Additional videos featured at the Foundation Dinner posted on the site include:
Short video featuring D7390 global grant scholars Jenna and Katie who are studying in London and thanked us from afar: https://youtu.be/k1DXfmbTdNM
Thank You video from Dr. Mark Gestring, Chair of American College of Surgeons Committee on Trauma Stop The Bleed (“STB”) program, thanking District 7390, Rotary Club of Mechanicsburg-North, and Penn State Holy Spirit Medical Center on supporting STB through distribution of bleeding control tourniquets which saved two lives: https://youtu.be/jcfnYsPQSMM
While there check out two fantastic District Membership trainings hosted by District Trainer PDG Una Martone featuring two RI recognized speakers on how to grow membership. These can be featured at club meetings or membership committee meetings.
Andy Rebuck’s wife, children and grandchildren devourered pancakes with Rotary smiles.
Pancakes, get your pancakes! For 24 years, the Rotary Club of Harrisburg (RCH) has flipped pancakes before the annual Homecoming parade and football game at the Harrisburg High School. Those pancakes feed nearly 1,000 hungry fans and most often raised approximately $30,000 supporting student initiatives.
The RCH Pancake Breakfast has not only raised thousands of scholarship dollars, but it has been a time of member camaraderie and Service Above Self benefiting students at the Harrisburg School District. Unfortunately, for a second year of Covid-related concerns the School was simply unable to safely open its doors for our volunteers and guests.
Undaunted, the RCH Pancake Breakfast Committee reimagined a means to transform pancakes into much needed scholarship funding for deserving HSD students, assistance for homeless students and the purchase of young persons’ dictionaries.
Under the theme of “Pancakes For A Purpose (PFAP)”, chairs Marion C. Alexander, Past President Karen Paris and “pancake flippin’” committee members have fashioned a way to raise money, engage RCH members and fill empty bellies with fantastically flipped pancakes.
The chairs were excited when members Steve Schwartz and Sue Ward-Diorio put forth a two-pronged idea.
First, the PFAP committee members delivered all the necessary fixings for a pancake breakfast to five different area organizations. The organizations in turn griddled and serve more than five hundred hungry folks.
RCH members packed pancake preparation pieces production style.
Second, each of the RCH members were asked to pledge $100 to the Harrisburg Rotary Foundation. The members received the pancake ingredients so they could flip cakes for family and friends. With plans for this to happen in the week of November 8, the committee asked the members to take lots of photos of everyone sharing in the great delights of a pancake breakfast. RCH added these photos to their wide-reaching website and social media. Participating members were entered into a raffle for fame, fortune and fun.
An attainable goal of $15,000 was set with a suggested stretch goal of $23,000. This would fund the $15,000 for student initiatives as well as supporting $8,000 for student college scholarships.
Area businesses and agencies also stepped up with title sponsors of UPMC and UPMC Health Plan and included generous support from Peggy Grove Enterprises, Highmark, M&T Bank, Harrisburg University, Hersha Hotels, Foundation for Enhancing Communities, Iron Valley Real Estate, Central PA Food Bank, Hospice of Central PA, MT Weatherization, Harrisburg Pharmacy, PA Media Group – Patriot New, Best Western Hershey, Harrisburg Public School Foundation, Parthemore Funeral Home, Mid Penn Bank and Edwin L. Heim Company. Lamar Outdoor will be providing billboards featuring Rotary throughout the area.
Member and sponsor support raised $22,500. Just as importantly, the creative thinking and implementation will feed pancakes to some hungry folks in the Harrisburg area and care for Harrisburg school children and college support for others.
Pancakes For A Purpose: Rotary Club of Harrisburg Members Never Let a Pandemic Get in the Way of Service..."We Just Get Creative!"
The 2021-2022 Rotary Four Way Test Speech Contest is underway! The 2022 Mid-Level Contests will be held virtually in February and March of 2022. Students who advance from club level competitions throughout Rotary District 7390 will be assigned to one of three Mid-Level Contests. Students will be contacted with the zoom details and login.
There is NO specific prompt for the 2021-2022 Four-Way Test Speech Contest. However, all speeches need to be based around the Rotary Four-Way Test.
Up to two students will advance from each Mid-Level Competition to compete at the Finale during the Rotary District 7390 Conference on Saturday, May 7, 2022 at the Best Western Premier The Central Hotel and Conference Center (800 East Park Drive, Harrisburg).
The Annual District 7390 Foundation dinner was held Thursday, November 18, 2021 at The Lodge at Liberty Forge in Mechanicsburg. There were approximately 110 Rotarians and guests in attendance. It was a wonderful evening that showcased the good works of the Clubs and Foundation related programs in our District.
The event started with a reception that honored the Major Donors, Paul Harris Society Members, Benefactors and Bequest Society Members in the District. DGN Fred Gellert gave remarks on the generosity of our District and commented briefly on how the funds donated are used. A spirited reception for all attendees immediately followed. At 6:00 p.m. DGE Juliet Altenburg invited everyone to take their seats and she welcomed the crowd.
Sharon Bailey Soullier (Southern York County) reported on a Global Grant Water Project the club is working on in the Dominican Republic in the Southwest portion near the Haiti border. They are applying for a global grant to provide funding to maintain a current well that will provide clean drinking water and also to drill a second well. The grant will include piping throughout the village and solar electricity.
DGE Juliet Altenburg presented on a District grant project the Mechanicsburg-North Rotary Club facilitated. They purchased tourniquets for the East Pennsboro Police Department. This was part of the Stop The Bleed program that also provided training to the Police Officers and other first responders on how to effectively apply the tourniquets. DGE Juliet told a story about a 10-year old boy whose life was saved by an East Pennsboro Police Officer who applied one of the tourniquets.
Rotary Global Grant scholarship chair Ed Hauck talked about the program and what some of our previous scholars are doing. These are impressive young people who are building careers in one of Rotary's seven areas of focus. We currently have two scholars that are both studying in Great Britain.
PDG John Kramb and IPDG John Anthony presented Foundation giving awards from the 2019-20 and 2020-21 Rotary years.
Congratulations to the Clubs that received Awards!
2019-2020 100% Foundation Giving Clubs - This recognition is given to clubs that achieve 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, Hanover, Lancaster-Hempfield, Northern Lebanon County, Palmyra, West Shore, York-North
Every Rotarian Every Year (EREY) banners were presented to Clubs that achieved a minimum Annual Fund contribution of $100 per capita during the Rotary year, with every dues paying member contributing at least $100 to the Annual Fund during the 2020-2021 Rotary year.
Lancaster-Hempfield, Northern Lebanon County, York-North
These Clubs had the highest annual fund per capita giving in the 2019-2020 Rotary year: 1. Mechanicsburg 2. Hanover 3. Mechanicsburg-North
The EREY(Every Rotarian Every Year) recognition is given to clubs that achieve a minimum Annual fund contribution of $100 per capita during the Rotary year, with every dues paying member contributing at least $100 to the Annual fund. The recipients are Carlisle-Sunrise, Northern Lebanon, Palmyra, and York-North!
The Rotary Club of Mechanicsburg received a Global Grant streamer for a water project in El Salvador.
The following Clubs are receiving a certificate of appreciation for their financial support to the End Polio Now: Countdown to History Campaign during the 2019-2020 Rotary year.
Carlisle, Elizabethtown, Gettysburg, Harrisburg, Lancaster Penn Square, Lancaster-Sunrise, Lititz, Mechanicsburg-North, Mount Joy, Uptown York, York, York-East, York-North
The following Clubs had the highest annual fund per capita giving in the 2020-21 Rotary year: 1. West York 2. Lititz 3. Harrisburg
The following Clubs had the highest annual fund giving during the 2020-2021 Rotary year: 1. Harrisburg 2. York 3. Lancaster
The following Clubs had the highest total Foundation Giving during the 2020-2021 Rotary year: 1. York 2. Harrisburg 3. Gettysburg
Rotary Global Grants Scholarships fund an awardee’s first year of graduate study abroad in one of Rotary’s seven Areas of Focus (listed below). Candidates must live in or attend college in District 7390, which encompasses Adams, Cumberland, Dauphin, Lancaster, Lebanon, Perry and York counties in Pennsylvania.
Scholarship highlights…
Plan to pursue career in one of Rotary’s Areas of Focus (listed below).
Award is for first year only of graduate studies abroad
District 7390 will not fund any applicant’s study which is for the second or later year of a multi-year graduate study program abroad.
Minimum study budget of $30,000 per year. Award capped at $30,000.
Must be proficient in language of host country.
Based on…
Academic merit
Studying a Rotary Area of Focus
Residence in or attendance at a college in District 7390
Rotary’s Areas of Focus are…
Promoting peace
Fighting disease
Providing clean water, sanitation, and hygiene
Saving mothers and children
Supporting education
Growing local economies
Supporting the environment.
The deadline to apply for a Global Grant Scholarship is January 21, 2022. The interviews will be held February 12, 2022 and applicants MUST be available for the interviews on that date.
WHAT DOES THE ROTARY FOUNDATION DO WITH ITS MONEY?
The Rotary Foundation spends charitable contributions on multiple programs - from the eradication of polio, to scholarships, vocational training teams, Rotary Peace Centers, and humanitarian projects. The funds are used for programs and projects Rotarians feel passionate about. With a four-star rating by Charity Navigator for thirteen years in a row and 1.2 million Rotarians over-seeing the funds at a grassroots level, I have all the confidence in the world that our funds through Rotary are in amazing hands doing amazing work here and abroad.
You can read stories and see the details of our Foundation’s financials in our most recent Annual Report.
Shawn Smith and Daysha Illarza from the United Way reviewed the ALICE program with the York-East club. ALICE is an acronym for Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed, is a new way of defining and understanding the struggles of households that earn above the Federal Poverty Level, but not enough to afford a bare-bones household budget. For far too many families, the cost of living outpaces what they earn. These households struggle to manage even their most basic needs - housing, food, transportation, child care, health care, and necessary technology. When funds run short, cash-strapped households are forced to make impossible choices, such as deciding between quality childcare or paying the rent, filling a prescription or fixing the car. These short-term decisions have long-term consequences not only for ALICE families, but for all of us. ALICE is your child care worker, the cashier at your supermarket, the gas attendant, the salesperson at your big box store, your waitress, a home health aide, an office clerk. ALICE cannot always pay the bills, has little or nothing in savings, and is forced to make tough choices such as deciding between quality child care or paying the rent. One unexpected car repair or medical bill can push these financially strapped families over the edge. In York County, 32% of households live below the ALICE threshold. With no savings and already unable to afford basic necessities, already fragile ALICE households are now facing the unprecedented economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Lost wages or tips, disruptions to child care and school-based support, and increased medical bills can all impact ALICE’s survival budget. United Way of York County helps bridge the gap for financially struggling families with short-term support and also helps build a path to self-sufficiency for the future. Impactful long-term solutions through the United Way of York County Impact Fund has improved the quality of life for many York County Families
On Saturday morning, October 6th, nine members of the York North Rotary Club picked up litter on a 2 1/2 mile section of Greenbriar Road in York. As part of the Adopt-A-Highway program, York North picks up litter along this road in both the spring and the fall.
Passes for cooking classes, antique child’s desk, golf packages, sports memorabilia, gift cards galore, memberships, and so much more await you! These unique items are up for bid December 3-10 at https://www.32auctions.com/CarlisleRotaryAuction2021. This online charity auction is hosted by The Rotary Club of Carlisle and the Rotary Club of Carlisle-Sunrise as explained in the auction brochure.
Proceeds from this year’s auction benefit Safe Harbour, a non-profit organization that provides a continuum of housing and supportive services for homeless and nearly homeless individuals and families in our communities. “We are very thankful that the Rotary Clubs chose Safe Harbour this year,” says Scott Shewell, Safe Harbour’s President and CEO. “Our historic building requires a comprehensive renovation of our emergency shelter bathrooms to keep our residents safe and healthy. The projected cost of the renovations is $30,000.”
Rotary's goal for the auction is to surpass $20,000. And, things are off to a great start. More than $14,000 has already been raised through very generous sponsorships by Carlisle Rotarians. “Reaching our $20,000 goal through the online auction itself will depend on the community’s help and generosity,” says Carlisle Rotary Club President Geoff Mangelsdorf. “Local businesses have been very generous with their donations. We are hoping for maximum participation at our auction site or for people to simply send donations to provide support to Safe Harbour.”
David Kammerer, President of the Carlisle Sunrise Club, explains that over the past 20 years, Carlisle's two Rotary clubs have raised over $300,000 to support international water projects in Africa and Central America. He adds, “More recently, auctions have supported projects in the Carlisle community. In 2019, $20,000 was raised to support Domestic Violence Services of Cumberland and Perry Counties (DVSCP). Last year our first online auction raised $20,000 to support The Arc of Cumberland & Perry Counties (CPARC)”
Bill Blankmeyer, the Fundraising Chair for the auction notes the Carlisle Rotary Club Foundation is a 501(c) (3) organization, EIN: 16-1634172. If you have questions or would like to make a donation, please contact Blankmeyer at blankmeyer66@comcast.net or (717) 590-7229.
Carlisle Rotary Online Auction to Support Safe Harbour
District 7390 Global Grant Scholarship Committee Seeking Vice Chair
The Vice Chair would be an understudy to the current District Chair in order to prepare for the eventual assumption of District Chair responsibilities within five years.
A sampling of the personal experiences that could make you an excellent candidate:
Past Rotary International Foundation Ambassadorial or Global Grant Scholar
Graduate‐level study abroad
Extended Study Abroad (one year or longer) in a country where English is not the native language
Advisor or mentor at an institution of higher learning to students seeking foreign graduate level scholarships or fellowships
Participation in the selection and awarding of graduate scholarships or fellowships at an institution of higher learning
Experience with the Grant process of the Rotary International Foundation
Responsibilities of All Committee Members
Participation in annual Interviews and recommendation of Global Grant Scholarship candidates to the Rotary International Foundation
Willingness to remain in contact with assigned Global Grant Scholarship awardees during their year abroad and for a number of years after their return from their Global Grant Scholar (GGS) year, thus building a cadre of Global Grant Scholar alumni.
Fellow Rotarians and District Leaders, preparations for the 2022 Council on Legislation (COL) are in full swing. The COL is an in-person meeting where representatives gather every three years to debate and vote on legislation proposed by clubs, districts, the RI Board, the general council, or conference of RIBI, and the Council.
There are two types of legislation, enactments, and position statements. Enactments seek to change Rotary’s constitutional documents (the RI Constitution, RI Bylaws, and the Standard Rotary Club Constitution); whereas position statements seek to state a position of Rotary International and are only proposed by the Board of Directors.
Please CLICK HEREfor the Proposed legislation for the COL to be held in spring of 2022. If you have any inclination in one of the proposed enactments, please let me know by emailing your points of view. I will certainly consider it before deciding on it.
Statements of Support and Opposition
Clubs and district conferences may use the online form to submit statements of support, opposition, or general comments regarding legislation. Click here for the online form.
Club statements must be submitted or confirmed by the club’s president and district statements must be submitted or confirmed by the governor.
Statements may be in support of, in opposition to, or as a comment on an item of legislation. You must explain why you are supporting, opposing, or wishing to make a general comment in the submission. Comments without substance, links to other materials, or comments that may be offensive will not be published at the discretion of the chair. For example, the statement “I support this item” does not include an explanation and would not be published.
The deadline for submitting statements is 10 January 2022 and they may not exceed 2,000 characters. A separate form should be used for each statement. Please note that it is our practice to merge substantially similar statements, with each submitter being listed on one statement.
If you have any questions about the information in this email or about the 2022 Council on Legislation, please do not hesitate to contact your COL representative PDG Hector Ortiz (richie1166@msn.com).
September 10, 2021 - the day before the 20th anniversary of the terrorist attack on the United States - the Rotary Club of the West Shore held its Flags for Heroes Dedication Ceremony. Friends, family, sponsors, and heroes gathered to remember the sacrifices made by so many in our community and beyond.
We are grateful to our corporate sponsors and to each individual flag sponsor. Your decision to recognize a special someone has an extensive reach as proceeds from the event stay in the local community to help those in need.
Plans are already underway for the 2022 Flags for Heroes event. You won't want to miss it!
If the video does not display, please click here to view it!
Members of the Rotary Club of the West Shore were on hand to provide refreshments to walkers at the 2021 Vickie's Angel Walk which was held on Saturday, October 9, 2021.
Walkers were very appreciative to find free cold water along the route. Their appreciation turned to excitement when they also saw free candy!
While there were many "thank you" comments from the walkers, we especially appreciated hearing, "I knew you'd be here. Thank you for doing this for so many years."
The mission of Vickie's Angel Foundation is to provide temporary financial support to local families struggling to make ends meet during their battle with cancer. Vickie's husband, Mickey Minnich, started the walk in 2003 to honor his wife who lost her courageous battle with cancer that same year.
We are happy to support such a great event and program that helps those in need.
For more than two decades the Rotary Club of Harrisburg (RCH) Pancake Breakfast has not only raised thousands of scholarship dollars, but it has been a time of member camaraderie and service above self thus benefiting students at the Harrisburg School District. Unfortunately, a second year of Covid-related concerns has put the in-person fun fundraiser on hold.
Undaunted, the RCH Pancake Breakfast Committee has reimagined a means to transform pancakes into much needed scholarship funding for deserving HSD students, assistance for homeless students and the purchase of young persons’ dictionaries.
Under the theme of “Pancakes For A Purpose (PFAP)”, chairs Marion C. Alexander, Past President Karen Paris and “pancake flippin’” committee members have fashioned a way to raise money, engage RCH members and fill empty bellies with fantastically flipped pancakes.
This year’s Pancakes For A Purpose will embrace two different initiatives…both wrapped around those loveable round pancakes.
First, the PFAP committee members will deliver all the necessary fixings for a wonderful pancake breakfast to different area organizations. (Participating at publication time are: Bethesda Mission, Downtown Daily Bread and the Market Square Presbyterian Church Sunday morning feeding program. The organizations in turn will griddle and serve more than hundreds of hungry folks. The Rotary Club of Harrisburg offers a big, big “Thank You” those organizations.
Second, each of the RCH members are asked to pledge $100 to the Harrisburg Rotary Foundation. The members then will receive the pancake ingredients so they can flip some cakes for family and friends. With plans for this to happen in the week of November 8, the committee is also asking the members to take lots of photos of everyone sharing in the great delights of a pancake breakfast. RCH will then add these photos to their wide-reaching website and social media.
Participating members will be entered into a raffle for fame, fortune and fun.
The photographs in this article are from the 2019 Pancake Breakfast. Thank you RCH Rotarians.
Pancakes For A Purpose: Rotary Club of Harrisburg Members Never Let A Pandemic Get In The Way Of Service
Saturday 2/19 – PRE-PETS at Messiah College from 9 AM – 2 PM. A portion of this day will be available to all Rotarians. Stay tuned for more information and registration link by January.
Friday 2/25 and Saturday 2/26 - Mid Atlantic PETS in Valley Forge PA: Meet incoming RI President Jennifer Jones and have fun networking and learning with President Elects from four Rotary districts. Registration goes live in mid-November at http://www.mapets.org/.
NEW “Rotary District 7390 Club Presidents 2022-2023” LinkedIn Group: DGE Juliet Altenburg has formed a new LinkedIn group for 2022-2023 D7390 Club Presidents. This group will be a way for current President Elects to connect with one another, offer support, share best practices, and stay informed from District Leadership about the latest District and RI news both during their time as President Elects and as Presidents in the 2022-2023 Rotary Year. Look for the group on LinkedIn and submit a request to join!
2022-2023 Club President Training and Networking Opportunities
The Heine Weber Smoke House which is located on the grounds of the 1719 Herr House Museum, has been in need of a new roof. Thanks to a grant from the Rotary Club of Lancaster South, the smoke house now has that new roof. The smoke house is an integral part of the museum, providing visitors with the experience of an important element of food preservation in the 18th century. Smoking pork shoulders, hams and bacon was an effective way of preserving meat for families who could afford to do so. During the annual Maize and Snitz Festival each October, the smokehouse is opened up and visitors can see and learn about the process of smoking meat. The 1719 Herr House, built in that year by Christian and Anna Herr, is the oldest surviving house in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. It is the oldest original Mennonite meeting house still standing in the Western Hemisphere. The repair work was completed by Ashlin Woods Carpentry, Inc. The grant was a joint contribution from the Rotary Club of Lancaster South and Rotary District 7390.
Lancaster-South Uses Grant to Repair Smoke House roof of 1719 Herr House Museum
2022 Mid Atlantic President Elect Training (PETS) – This mandatory education for all current President Elects is taking place in-person Friday February 25th and Saturday, February 26, 2022 with an optional evening of education on Thursday, February 24th. Location: Valley Forge Hotel and Casino in Valley Forge, PA. EXCITING NEWS: 2022-2023 RI President Jennifer Jones will be joining us in person as a keynote speaker! To read more go to http://www.mapets.org/ Registration will go live on November 1st!
District 7390 PRE-PETS: This education will occur the weekend before MAPETS on February 19th, from 9 AM – 2 PM at Messiah University. A portion of the day will be open to all Rotarians. More information will be coming!
Since 2013, the Gates Foundation has matched every $1 Rotary commits to polio eradication 2-to-1. In January 2020, the Gates Foundation announced that they will continue to match 2:1 every new dollar Rotary commits to polio eradication up to $50 million per year through 2023!
Rotary has contributed more than $2 billion to fight polio, including matching funds from the Gates Foundation, and countless volunteer hours since launching its polio eradication program, PolioPlus, in 1985.
Thank you for supporting Rotary and leveraging your generosity!
You can help end polio by making a gift to the PolioPlus Fund at endpolio.org.
If video does not appear, please click here to watch a video about the Iron Lung.
Upcoming Rotary Club Presidents and Executive Directors eagerly plan for the 2022-2023 Rotary year at the 2021 Large Club Conference in Cincinnati, Ohio. President-Elect Nominee Aaron Jacobs (York), Executive Director Lynne Morrison (York), Executive Director Addeline Alaniz Edwards (Harrisburg), and President-Elect Beth Mihmet (Harrisburg) all attended the Conference.
The Rotary Clubs of Mechanicsburg North and Mechanicsburg, Mother Hubbard's Custom Cabinetry and Fairway Independent Mortgage Company will host the 62nd Rotary Means Business District 7390 networking event since our beginning in 2014 on Thursday, November 11 from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. at Mother Hubbard's Custom Cabinetry, 5309 E. Trindle Road, Mechanicsburg, PA. The event is FREE and in honor of Veterans Day donations can be made to the Rotary Veterans Initiative which helps veterans succeed by supporting their education, training, and job search opportunities. Go to https://www.tfec.org/funds/rotary-veterans-initiative/ to donate.
The networking event will be in person and virtual via Zoom. Masks are optional. The in-person networking event is limited to 25 persons so register at https://bit.ly/RMBvets21 as quickly as possible. See you there!
On November 18th the annual “Foundation Dinner” will take place at the Lodge at Liberty Forge in Mechanicsburg PA. The focus this year will be to celebrate the great work of Rotary clubs and individual Rotarians during a year of intense need in our communities. A video is being developed featuring the great work of clubs that participated in district grant projects and global grants during the 2020-2021 Rotary Year. There is still time to submit a photo to DGE Juliet of your project in time for inclusion in the video!! Additionally, we would like to feature organizations that have been on the receiving end of your club’s generosity! We will give them a table in the cocktail area to showcase their organization. Other highlights of the evening will include:
4:30 – 5:00 PM Reception for Major Donors, Paul Harris Society Members, Benefactors, Bequest Society Members and Arch Klumph Society Members. There will be a cash bar and hors d'oeuvres. This is by invitation only!
5:00 – 6:00 PM Cocktail hour featuring club projects past and present. Would your club like to showcase a project you are proud that could prompt other clubs to join you or duplicate what you have done? Click here to email DGE Juliet to secure a table!
6:00 – 8:30 PM Dinner, club awards, club presentations, greetings from our global grant scholars in London, and more…
Members of the Rotary Club of Harrisburg (RCH) gathered at the Salvation Army in Harrisburg for a unique service opportunity with the Salvation Army of Harrisburg.
After getting assignments, instructions and a box lunch the Rotarians were given a brief overview of the various works performed by the Army volunteers at the facility. According to Rotarian/participant Karen Good, “it was so encouraging to hear of lives being helped and changed by food distribution, cooking classes and various events for children provided by the Salvation Army.”
RCH members were guided through various task by Army staff member Megan Bachmore.
Karen Paris (past RCH President) stuffed envelopes. Andy Reebuck (past RCH President) and Karen Good raised their hands to do trash duty around the facility. That meant pick up trash, cleaning out the cans and washing mats from the kitchen.
Other attending RCH members, Shaun Eng and Gail Rebuck, Wendall Hoover, Sue Ward Diorio and Alex Rajis. put together recipe bags to accompany food distribution received from the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank.
Photos by RCH Member Karen Good.
Rotary Club of Harrisburg get their projects overview on who does what.
RCH member Alex Rajis and Past President James good count out spice packets for the soup recipe.
Past President Karen Paris and Gina Rebuck inspect the bags for distribution
Andy Rebuck puts some muscle into getting the packed bags to the right area for ultimate distribution.
Harrisburg Volunteers Help Salvation Army Spiff Up Their Facility and Concoct Soup Kits for Those in Need
On October 2, members from the York-North Rotary Club repainted the playground buildings at Cousler Park. This completed a two year project to return the playground structures to their original condition.
A 2021/22 Club Grant, sponsored by the Rotary Club of Hanover, provided Windy Hill Senior Center in Spring Grove with a new commercial freezer, two Rolling Serving Carts and two Food Carts. Windy Hill serves over 1,100 seniors annually with programs and services including a nutrition program. Meals are provided on location, carry-out and Meals-On-Wheels. From March 2020 to February 2021, over 22,000 take-out meals and over 24,000 home delivered meals have been provided. The Freezer enables the Center to increase meal storage capacity to better serve their older adult population in Spring Grove and Hanover, address food insecurities and increase freezer storage by 53%. The 2 wire rolling racks and 2 stainless food carts will store and transport take-out meals after they are assembled and transport frozen meal boxes within facility.
Pictured: Tammy Miller, Executive Director and Tracy Haper, Assistant Director of Programming.
Special thanks to Rotarian Scott Kurz , Minuteman Press, for providing the magnetic signage.
The District 7390 Safety Committee has published a COVID-19 update that contains the latest update on community transmission of COVID-19 in the counties of our District and some best practices to consider as we approach the holidays.
Please click here for new guidance on club gatherings and staying healthy as we spend more time indoors in the months ahead.
Join us via Zoom on November 10, 2021 @ 5:30 for an interactive orientation.
We will highlight the basics of Rotary International and its philanthropic arm, The Rotary Foundation, as well as offering resources available through our District 7390 and your local Club.
You are now one of 1.2 million Rotarians around the world, with nearly that many opportunities to engage. We want to help you find your Rotary passion!
Pictured from left to right: Todd Kurl, Tim Koller, Greg Kern and Jim Craft
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. The club has been doing it since 1998 and occasionally finds treasures and lots of trash (cans, cups, bags, and tires).
The time has come to begin the nominating process for our District Governor 2024-2025. In this way we 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? Is it me? 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.
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; reporting promptly to RI; 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 related activities. 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.
Candidates must be well versed with the District 7390 Bylaws, revised May 2018, and its intent. Candidates must also be familiar with the Constitution and Bylaws of Rotary International as published in the 2016 Manual of Procedure.
Please contact the District office (office@rotary7390.org or 717-854-7842) if would like more information about applying to be District Governor 2024-2025. Please keep in mind that it is each Club’s duty to the District and Rotary International to give serious consideration to suggesting candidates for District Governor. Your suggestion for District Governor 2024-2025 must be received in the District Office by December 10, 2021, to be considered by the Nominating Committee. Interviews for the 2024-2025 District Governor will be held Wednesday, January 5, 2022 at a location to be determined.
Seeking Nominations for District 7390 Governor 2024-2025
Whitaker Center Honors Rotary Club of Harrisburg Member Cami Grimm as a Woman to Watch in the 2021 Celebration of Women in Stem Awards Program
Whitaker Center for Science and the Arts will honor Cami Grimm, Manager at Brown Schultz Sheridan & Fritz (BSSF) and Rotary Club of Harrisburg member, as part of the 2021 Women of Impact: Celebrating Women in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) Awards Program. Cami was selected as part of the Women to Watch Class of 2021, which recognizes women younger than 40 who have significant accomplishments and success in STEM.
Cami has more than five years of public accounting experience and specializes in providing audit and review services to for-profit and nonprofit entities, with a concentration in working with family-owned and closely held businesses. She is a key member of BSSF’s Employee Benefit Plan (EBP) Practice management team. Outside of the Firm, Cami is a passionate volunteer with Big Brothers, Big Sisters of the Capital Region. She is also a Board Member of the Harrisburg Rotary Club and serves on the Rotary’s Public Relations Committee, as well as the Carlisle Area Chamber of Commerce.
“Cami is a talented and driven member of our Firm who is passionate about helping her clients, team members and community achieve extraordinary outcomes,” said Ken Wolfe, President and Managing Principal. “She serves as a trusted leader within our EBP Practice management team, as well as various internal committees within our Firm. Along with serving as a leader at BSSF, she also serves as a leader in the community. She is well-deserving of the recognition as a Woman to Watch, and we are proud and excited to celebrate her and the other honorees at the Women in STEM Awards Program in September.” (In this photograph, she is surrounded by her co-workers.)
Sixteen women and one organization were selected by Whitaker Center for their significant contributions to the fields of science, technology, engineering and math.
The Women in STEM Awards Program is an annual event to recognize the contributions of women in STEM throughout Central Pennsylvania and support the Whitaker Center’s Girls in STEM Initiative, which encourages girls in Central Pennsylvania to develop an interest in STEM and foster equitable pathways to STEM careers. The 2021 event will be held on September 22 at the West Shore Country Club in Camp Hill, Pennsylvania.
Whitaker Center Honors Rotary Club of Harrisburg Member Cami Grimm
District 7390 is honored to receive the Zone 32 Award for the Most Money Donated to the Rotary Foundation of all Districts during the Rotary Year 2020/2021. This recognition could not have happened without the hard work of the D7390 Foundation Chair, PDG John Kramb and other volunteers who worked hard to keep us informed and motivated to give. That said, this award is for each and every Rotarian in our District who gave of their resources this past year. As District Governor 20/21, I could not be more proud of how our District members stepped up, in the midst of a global pandemic, and offered their Rotarian generosity in effort to help others. Rotarians worldwide are among the most generous people on earth... and the members of Rotary in District 7390 are at the top of that class. Thank you, each and every one of you, for seeing the vision and taking action. As Paul Harris once said: "Whatever Rotary may mean to us, to the world it will be known by the results it achieves". In Gratitude, IPDG John Anthony
District 7390 Receives Zone 32 Award for Highest Foundation Giving
It is time to start planning your club’s 4-Way Test ESSAY Contest. This year’s essay prompt will be: Is it the Truth? – How I Define What is True in My Life. We are looking forward to receiving essays from 9th grade high school students which address questions like: What is true? Where is truth found? Is truth important? Is truth relative? Submissions for the 2021-22 District 7390 contest are due March 11, 2022. Contest rules, critical dates, and information for both Rotarians and Students are available at the District 7390 Website: https://www.rotary7390.org/page/four-way-test-essay-contest. Any questions or requests for further information can be directed to project chair, Steven Grubb, at stevengrubb@comcast.net.
Join the Rotary Club of New Holland for a fun evening of dinner and live music in support of Lighthouse Vocational Services, which provides vocational services for persons with developmental disabilities. Enjoy a buffet dinner and be entertained by the classic rock and alternative rock sounds of Sam I Am, and the rock/funk/blues mix of The Reed Brothers Band.
Tickets are $25 per person and includes a buffet dinner. Cash bar also available. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit the Rotary Rocks Eventbrite page.
You Are Invited to the 5th Annual Rotary Rocks Benefit Concert
Herb joined Rotary in 2011 and is a member of the Allentown West Rotary Club near Allentown, PA. He is currently a Zone 32 Assistant Coordinator for 4 Eastern Pennsylvania districts. In 2021-22, Herb will be the Zone 32 Rotary Coordinator. Herb was the 2019-20 District 7430 Governor and District 7430 Membership Chair from 2016-18. He played a key role in developing and implementing a strategic action plan to grow district membership which included both building vibrant existing clubs and adding new innovative clubs. From 2016-19, District 7430 increased its membership in 3 of the 4 years, added 4 new clubs and 4 satellites and had a net gain of nearly 100 members.
Herb is a retired chemical engineer and a charter member of Engineers without Borders – Lehigh Valley Professionals and has been actively involved in partnering with Rotary on global and district grant projects in Sierra Leone, Africa, and the Dominican Republic. He has traveled to both locations on multiple occasions.
Posted by Anna-Mae Kobbe, District Rotary Foundation Chair
Sign up today for Rotary Direct and make your giving to The Rotary Foundation quicker and easier. With just a minimum contribution of $10 you can begin using Rotary Direct. And, each contribution is acknowledged at the time of your donation.
Click here to follow the information guide instructions to set up your Rotary Direct giving. You will be able to specify a frequency of monthly, quarterly, or annual contributions.
With World Polio Day October 24 and November is Foundation Month now is a great time to establish your Rotary Direct account. Then make your contributions to celebrate these two important dates by using Rotary Direct.
Posted by Juliet Altenburg, Strategic Planning Chair
Our District is in the process of developing a strategic action plan which will provide direction for District initiatives starting July 1, 2022, through June 30, 2025. To create the best plan possible, we need your input through the completion of the following short questionnaire that will help District Leadership understand how best to serve YOU and your club in doing good in the world. The plan we develop will be based on Rotary International’s four priority areas described at Action Plan | My Rotary:
Priority 1 Increase our Impact
Priority 2: Expand Our Reach
Priority 3: Enhance Participant Engagement
Priority 4: Increase our Ability to Adapt
Click here to complete the questionnaire by Friday, October 8, 2021.
Results will be shared in an anonymous fashion in the future with all District Rotary Clubs. Specific Name and contact information will not be shared with anyone beyond the District Leadership Team (DG, DGE, DGN, DGND, Executive Secretary.) Thank you for your input and all the good you do in the world!
Bob Straw, Response Manager for American Red Cross and fellow Rotarian, started his morning on 9/11 at 8:30 a.m. at the York Fair. A child, Matthew Potter, 7, had been hurt and later died after riding on a roller coaster, and the Red Cross had first aid stations there.
At about 9 a.m., he heard the news that the first plane had hit the World Trade Center. As part of his training with the Red Cross Aviation Incident Response Team, he called in to Washington, D.C., and was put on standby to go to New York. Other local members were assigned to Arlington, VA and other locations.
In the days following, 9/11, all air travel was shut down. A team of local Red Cross members went to Shanksville for a fourteen day assignment. They'd need to hold two memorial services — the first on Sept. 17, the other on Sept. 20 — and each had to be equally special. Organizers also had to make sure they represented the different faiths of the passengers and crew members.
When these kinds of events happen, the goodness and the devotion and the dedication of these people really shine.
York-East Hosts Speaker from the American Red Cross
It was a pleasure hosting Karen Groh, President and CEO of the Lebanon Valley Chamber of Commerce, at our meeting this morning. As guest speaker, she addressed the present state of affairs in local and regional business as well as the highly successful SCORE program which assisted the Myerstown Vitality Partnership in planning and achieving its strategic goals. She also addressed the staffing issues plaguing many businesses here and throughout the country and illustrated how the issue is a bigger issue that just getting people to work. Thanks Karen for your friendship and expertise.
(Pictured with Karen Groh is Tom Maiello, President of the Myerstown-ELCO Rotary.)
Myerstown-ELCO hosts CEO of Lebanon Valley Chamber of Commerce
It's that time of year! Our annual Community Change Grants are now open for applications. This beloved program aims to provide support to our growing network of advocates, grassroots organizers, organizations, and agencies using innovative, engaging, and inclusive programs and projects to create tangible change at the community level.
We are looking to fund projects that:
Increase physical activity and active transportation in a specific community
Work to cross engage people and organizations newer to the efforts of walking and moving and walkability
Demonstrate a culture of antiracism and inclusive health and design
Support and cultivate connected, active and deeply engaged communities
Thanks to our Active People, Healthy Nation Partners for funding these catalytic projects.
And this year, General Motors is funding ten additional $1,500 Community Change Grant projects in designated towns and cities with GM facilities!
As World Polio Day approaches, the Rotary community is getting ready to amplify our message about eradicating polio to protect the world’s children from this devastating disease.
Together, we’ve made tremendous progress. Now it’s time to intensify our fight to make polio the second human disease ever to be eradicated. Last year, the World Health Organization’s African region was certified free of wild poliovirus, showing that eradication is possible even in very difficult circumstances. The wild poliovirus remains endemic in just two countries: Afghanistan and Pakistan. We can use World Polio Day to advocate for the support we need to end polio in countries where it still paralyzes children.
Inspire action Take action for World Polio Day by promoting the importance of polio eradication, raising funds, and planning events. Let’s engage our communities in the fight against polio — because as long as polio exists anywhere, it remains a threat everywhere.
Use the World Polio Day Toolkit to find resources and tips for planning activities and promoting a polio-free world. Inspire others to join us by hosting virtual and community events, creating fundraisers, and sharing posts on social media. Click here!
Register your club’s participation in World Polio Day to show how Rotary, Rotaract, and Interact clubs around the world are taking action to eradicate polio. If you register your events, fundraisers, and promotions by 14 October, you’ll get early access to a download of Rotary’s World Polio Day Global Update one week before the program will be shown on 24 October on Rotary’s Facebook page and endpolio.org.
Use Raise for Rotary to start an online fundraiser to benefit The Rotary Foundation’s PolioPlus Fund for World Polio Day. Then, share it with your network! The top Raise for Rotary World Polio Day 2021 fundraisers will be featured on My Rotary.
In honor of the Uptown York Rotary Club’s 10th anniversary, the UYRC is hosting a bus trip fundraiser benefitting its community grants program to the Flight 93 National Memorial on Saturday, October 16. We will be traveling is style via Bailey’s Rotary-branded motor coach!
If you’ve never been please consider joining us - it’s a very moving experience. See flyer attached. Click here to purchase tickets. Tickets include transportation, lunch, and snacks. We are following the CDC and PA Department of Health COVID-19 guidelines that are in place on the day of the event. Note: the event is rain or shine - tickets are not refundable but are transferable.
The latest data from the Centers for Disease Control indicates that all counties in our district during the seven-day period ending 9/16 have a “High” rate of COVID-19 transmission (>10% positivity rate. Source: https://covid.cdc.gov/covid-data-tracker/#datatracker-home ) Four-week trends are noted below with the column on the far right being the most recent rate.
Adams 6% - 8% - 9% -11%
Cumberland 8% - 9% - 11% -10%
Dauphin 11% - 11% -11% -14%
Lancaster 8% - 9% - 10% -11%
Lebanon 8% - 9% - 10% -14%
Perry 12% -11% - 15% -14%
York 7% - 10% - 10% -12%
The CDC recommends mask wearing indoors for everyone regardless of vaccination status in areas with substantial or high transmission rates of COVID-19. Why? Even vaccinated individuals can acquire and transmit the highly contagious COVID-19 delta variant although in vaccinated people rates of hospitalization and death are low. If you are a Rotarian that has tested positive for COVID-19 within 2 weeks of being in-person with club members, please remember to notify your clubleadership so all members who were in your presence can be notified and take the necessary precautions to mitigate virus spread and illness. It is important that clubs also convey this information to speakers and guests at their events including students. Read more on what to do for a community-related exposure at: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/php/public-health-recommendations.html Did you know the FDA approved the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine? If you aren’t vaccinated, do it now not just for yourself, but for our children and neighbors around the world.
Join us for an afternoon at the beautiful Hershey Gardens for a garden reception and silent auction to benefit Hershey Rotary’s community support programs. The reception will include hors d’oeuvres, a cash bar, and live musical entertainment. The silent auction will include one of a kind items and other unique opportunities for your bidding!
100% of the net proceeds from the auction & reception are used for charitable purposes. Organizations supported in recent years include Hershey Food Bank, Ronald McDonald House, The Mohler Center, Hershey Volunteer Fire Company, Love INC, Hershey Area Playhouse, Hershey Community Chorus, Hershey Historical Society, Hershey Public Library, Hershey Symphony, Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts, and many more. Hershey Rotary Club is also very active in supporting youth through our Student of the Month program, Service Above Self Scholarships, and the International Youth Exchange program.
Ticket Price: $100/person
Visa and Master Card will be accepted for auction items and registration.
To donate an auction item, to advertise in the auction program, to be a sponsor, and to register, contact Tracy Creer at 717-220-1558 or creerm@sbcglobal.net by September 20, 2021.
Rotary’s members are our greatest strength. When our membership is strong, our clubs are more vibrant, Rotary and Rotaract is more visible, and our clubs have more resources to help communities flourish. Let’s examine the state of Rotary’s membership: who is joining, who is leaving, and the opportunities we all have to help Rotary grow.
Join us for the first webinar in our Engaging Members + Delivering Value series, The State of Membership. There will be two sessions offered:
LIVE: Thursday, 23 September 11:00 Chicago time (UTC-5). *Interpretation will be provided in French, Portuguese, and Spanish. See the time in a city near you.
Pictured L-R: IPDG John Anthony, PDG Hector Ortiz, PDG Dennis Zubler, PDG Connie Spark, PDG Kevin Cogan, PDG Janice Black, DGN Fred Gellert, PDG Anna-Mae Kobbe, DG Greg Staub, PDG Paul Burkhart, PDG Al Alley
The Past District Governors and current District Leadership in Rotary District 7390 meet annually for a social gathering that is hosted by a Past District Governor. IPDG John Anthony and his lovely wife Karen volunteered to host the PDG dinner in 2021. On September 8th several PDGs and current District Leadership gathered at Roots of My Land Ecuadorian Family Restaurant in Harrisburg. It was a wonderful evening that featured traditional Ecuadorian dishes and fellowship. DG Greg Staub gave some brief remarks regarding the state of Rotary District 7390 and emphasized that we need to focus on rebuilding our membership this Rotary year.
PA State Senator Chris Gebhard of the 48th Senatorial District was a guest speaker at a recent Myerstown-ELCO Rotary meeting. Senator Gebhard (r) is pictured with Club President Tom Maiello.
Rotary Club of Lancaster South is holding a motorcycle ride/pancake breakfast fundraiser on September 25, 2021. This event will benefit the affordable housing programs at Tenfold, which was created by the merger of Lancaster Housing Opportunity Partnership and Tabor, as well as funding our philanthropic work in our community. The event will be held at the Willow Street Fire Company in Willow Street PA with breakfast starting at 9 a.m. until noon, and will feature three great rides in Lancaster and York Counties. These are self guided tours with maps and .gpx files provided by the organizers. To register or for more information, click this link or paste this URL into your browser, https://tinyurl.com/99j69bbd.
Lancaster South Motorcycle Ride/Pancake Breakfast Fundraiser
Central Penn Business Journal has selected Addeline Alaniz Edwards, Executive Director for the Rotary Club of Harrisburg, as a Forty Under 40 recipient.
Forty Under 40 recognizes professionals 39 years of age and younger who have been successful in the Central Pennsylvania area. Honorees, chosen by the Central Penn Business Journal editors, were selected based on professional accomplishments, community service and commitment to inspiring change.
"The 2021 Forty Under 40 honorees are Central Pennsylvania's future leaders. Their professional accomplishments, community service and commitment to inspiring change are extraordinary," said Suzanne Fischer-Huettner, senior group publisher of the Central Penn Business Journal. "These honorees help to make Central Pennsylvania a wonderful place to live and to work. The Central Penn Business Journal is pleased to celebrate their accomplishments."
Addeline is a member and two-time Past President of the Harrisburg Keystone Rotary Club, and she currently serves on the club’s Board of Directors. A dedicated Rotarian since 2012, Addeline is a multiple Paul Harris Fellow and enjoys coordinating fundraising efforts such as the 0.5K and the Polar Plunge for her club.
Edwards is a graduate of Rotary Leadership Institute, Judge/Bradley Leadership School and Leadership Harrisburg Area’s Community Leadership Series.
Addeline and her husband Josh live in Camp Hill with their 3 kids. Addeline enjoys music, beer, tubing on the Yellow Breeches and lounging by the patio campfire.
Forty Under 40 honorees will be hosted Oct. 14 at a celebration from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the Hilton Harrisburg's outside terrace, One North Second Street in Harrisburg. However, due to the uncertainty around the COVID-19 pandemic, this event may move to an online format or to a combination of an online and in-person event.
Honorees will also be profiled in a magazine that will be inserted into the Oct. 15 issue of Central Penn Business Journal and will be available online at CPBJ.com.
Celebrating 37 years of journalistic excellence, Central Penn Business Journal is a multimedia news source that publishes a regular print and online edition and breaks news daily on its website, CPBJ.com and numerous other business-oriented publications.
Addeline Alaniz Edwards Named as 2021 Forty Under 40 Honoree
The Rotary Club of York is proud to announce Rachel Stockslager as the Donna E. Hayes Equine Scholarship recipient. Rachel attended the weekly club meeting at the Country Club of York on August 25 and received the $ 3,000 scholarship check. She is starting her senior year at Centenary University as an Equine Science major. A 2017 graduate of Susquehannock High School, Rachel is the daughter of Greg and Karyn Stockslager from New Freedom, PA.
PHOTO (L to R): Student Education Chair Diane Merino, Hayes scholarship recipient Rachel Stockslager, and Rotary Club of York member Alvin Hayes.
The Paul Harris Award recognizes Rotary members and friends of The Rotary Foundation who elect to contribute to the Rotary Foundation, PolioPlus Fund, or approved global grants.
The purpose of the Paul Harris Award is to honor and thank individuals for their generous, ongoing support of The Rotary Foundation.
York East Rotary recognized the following members on August 24th at the Leg Up Farm meeting. (Left to Right) Bob and Friedel Elser, Greg Kern, Chris Izzo, Bill Gierasch, Hunter Mink, Linda Gorter and Tim Koller.
Greg Staub, following a 16-year commitment to Rotary, assumed the role of District 7390 Governor and son Matthew on the same day assumed the role of President of the Rotary Club of Harrisburg (RCH) this July 1, 2021.
Greg Staub, the senior Staub, and member of the Rotary Club of Hanover since 2005 took on leadership roles quickly serving as Club Membership Chair from 2013 to 2016. In 2016-17 he took on the role of Club president and simultaneously serving as District Assistant Governor from 2017 through 2019.
In 2019 he was selected as District Governor-Nominee and in 2020 became District Governor elect and now serves as the Districts Conference Chair from 2021 to 2022. He concurrently serves as Rotary International Convention Promotion Chair through 2022.
In his professional life, Greg Staub is a Managing Partner and Chief Investment Officer of PSI Capital Management, a registered investment advisory firm headquartered in Lancaster, PA. Staub states, “I am grateful each day for the opportunities I have had both professionally and personally through Rotary. Rotary is how I make sure that others have those same opportunities “
Matt Staub, the younger, has emulated dad’s all-in Rotary philosophy of Service Above Self.
During 2017 to 2020 he took on the Co-Chair function of the Rotary Club of Harrisburg’s Haiti Water Project and in April 2017 joined a water treatment project in a remote mountain village as the Harrisburg Club lead the installation mission with six Harrisburg Club members, Past-District Governor John Judson MD, family members and a Hershey Club Rotarian. The project was part of the District’s Water Project for Haiti and was coordinated with the local Rotary Club of Verrettes, Haiti.
Since 2018, Matt Staub has served on the board of the RCH concentrating on both international and local service projects. During May, 2021 he was active helping maintain and plant new fauna in the Harrisburg Pease Gardens on Front Street.
Matt says of his growing Rotary commitment, “Since joining the Rotary Club of Harrisburg in 2014, I have been blessed with multiple opportunities. After moving to a new city, The RCH offered a great opportunity for fellowship allowing me to interact with Harrisburg’s finest community leadership while offering me countless service opportunities and a chance to be a positive force locally and in the world.”
It is clear both Staubs relish leadership roles in Rotary and will be making their positive marks on the future of many local, national and international Rotary Clubs and initiatives.
Next Step & Generation as Father & Son Assume Roles in Rotary Leadership
September is Literacy Month, an opportunity for Rotarians to focus our awareness of literacy and education needs in our own communities and internationally. Now, just in time for Literacy Month, BELRAG (Basic Education and Literacy Rotary Action Group) and Save the Children are pleased to announce a funding opportunity to support clubs’ innovative approaches to early childhood education in rural America.
In June 2018, Rotary and Save the Children US embarked on a partnership, Together We Read, to increase literacy rates in rural communities through research-based early learning initiatives. The partnership unites Save the Children’s expertise in children’s early literacy programs with Rotary’s expertise in connecting community leaders and driving public awareness – all with the aim of increasing educational outcomes for young children living in poverty.
This initiative offers Rotary Clubs an opportunity to apply to for funding of $5,000-$10,000 for community based initiatives that support Kindergarten readiness and early literacy. Up to ten projects will be funded. Proposals are due September 30, 2021. See below RFP for criteria, project examples, and application form.
This is an excellent opportunity for Rotarians to receive support for their involvement in early education and literacy projects in their own communities. BELRAG is pleased to partner with Save the Children on this initiative and appreciates their generosity in funding these grants for US based Rotary literacy projects.
You are also invited to become involved with BELRAG. Together, we will ensure that every child and adult has opportunity to lead productive, fulfilling lives as literate individuals. If you would like more information about BELRAG, please visit the website www.BELRAG.org.
The speaker at the Rotary Club of Mechanicsburg-North on September 2 is Rotary International Director Valarie Wafer. She is the Chair of RI Diversity Equity and Inclusion Emphasis. Her topic will be RI’s Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Policy, News and Developments. We would like to invite anyone who would want to hear her speak on this topic. We will be meeting via Zoom. The meeting is at 7:30 AM and the zoom link is https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83501772605?pwd=dStlV2FCb0V5YURTem1uQUJzVUVJZz09
York North Rotary Club presented a donation and also volunteered to help Servants in their mission to provide home repairs for low-income and disabled homeowners. On July 26th, seven members of York North built a platform and stairs to assist a couple in northern York County. This is the sixth year that North York has been assisting Servants in these projects.
Rotarian John Kramb poses with other members of the International Fellowship of Motorcycling Rotarians. They met in Maggie Valley, North Carolina for their first group ride in over a year. COVID, you know. The riders came from Pennsylvania, Virginia, North Carolina, California and other states. They had a memorial service for two members who passed last year, and rode a couple of hundred miles in the twisty, windy roads of the Blue Ridge.
The latest data from the Centers for Disease Control indicates that all counties in our district during the seven-day period ending 8/31 have a “High” rate (red counties on map) of COVID-19 transmission (>10% positivity rate). (Source: https://covid.cdc.gov/covid-data-tracker/#datatracker-home )
The CDC recommends mask wearing indoors for everyone regardless of vaccination status in areas with substantial or high transmission rates of COVID-19. Why? Even vaccinated individuals can acquire and transmit the highly contagious COVID-19 delta variant although in vaccinated people rates of hospitalization and death are low. If you are a Rotarian that has tested positive for COVID-19 within 2 weeks of being in-person with club members, please remember to notify your clubleadership so all members who were in your presence can be notified and take the necessary precautions to mitigate virus spread and illness. It is important that clubs also convey this information to speakers and guests at their events including students. Read more on what to do for a community-related exposure at: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/php/public-health-recommendations.html Did you know the FDA approved the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine? If you aren’t vaccinated, do it now not just for yourself, but for our children and neighbors around the world.
Club Safety Liaison List for 2021-2022
Last year our District formed a Safety Committee and encouraged clubs to appoint a “Club Safety Liaison” who would serve as the recipient and distributor of safety guidance to their club from the District Safety Committee. Although clubs are not mandated to have this position, assigning this position to an interested club member remains highly encouraged. Duties include:
Acting as a recipient for safety information distributed by the District Safety Committee and assuring that information is conveyed to all club members.
Acting as a resource for club members during the planning of in-person events to assure safe practices are considered and instituted appropriately.
Acting as a contact for the District Safety Committee if input is needed on district wide safety initiatives.
Club Presidents should submit the name and contact information for their Safety Liaison to DGE Juliet Altenburg at DGJuliet2022@qrpc.com. See below for the current Club Safety Liaisons the District has on file. The District Safety Committee also welcomes ANY club member interested in either attending our meeting or joining our passionate group to reach out to Chair Juliet Altenburg for meeting information! The next meeting of the committee will be on October 6th. Our focus is to support our clubs in keeping themselves and the communities they serve safe not only from COVID-19 but any activity that poses a safety risk.
SPY is an 8 week summer school for "at risk" first through third graders in the Carlisle School District that aims to keep their learning levels up in reading and math through the summer break. The Carlisle Rotary club recently completed a renovation project for SPY, utilizing a matching grant from District 7390. The grant allowed SPY to renovate their "calming café," where the children can go to calm down if they get over excited. The grant installed counters and repaired and repainted walls.
Pictured: Carlisle president, Geoff Mangelsdorf, reads to the kids at the Summer Program for Youth (SPY).
Fresh from a Caribbean vacation with his wife, and fellow Rotarian, Karen, Past President James Good (2020-21) flew in to pass the gavel to incoming President Matt Staub of the Rotary Club of Harrisburg.
While the transfer of the responsibilities and office are momentous, this was the first in-person luncheon meeting of the Club since the start of the global pandemic – 483 days. Both the Club and the Hilton Harrisburg followed critical CDC protocols.
During his inaugural address, President Matt spoke of his three main goals for his 21-22 leadership year.
Goal 1 Wheel Turning Full Speed Ahead – “As we move forward, we will focus on goals for our Club – the first of which is extraordinarily simple – we will get the Rotary wheel turning at full speed. Our Club held up very well (during the pandemic). A few projects did not happen for reasons beyond our control such as our annual pancake breakfast fundraiser, the Youth Community Development Team (YCDT, and youth exchange. These projects need our full support now more than ever.”
All across Rotary, district conferences, president-elect trainings, international and large-club conferences were all moved online, trimmed, or even cancelled. People logged on from anywhere, any time, but the connections weren’t always strong, and ideas flowed a little less freely. Service stubbornly persisted, but for a long-time, fellowship was absent.
Not anymore!
Goal 2 Membership – “Our second goal is to grow our membership by introducing as many people as possible to the purpose and vision of Rotary. I’ve never been a fan of setting a number. We lost 17 of our members during the pandemic. But I’m asking our member’s help in gaining 10+ members this year. More importantly, if we do the right things for our Club and community, members will follow.”
Goal 3 Move Rotary Forward with Strategic Planning – “Now my final goal. I believe, as I know many of you believe, that our Club is the crown jewel of District 7390. Our club has spanned 7 generations and boasts 11 past presidents who went on to be District Governor. As a dynamic large club, we have an obligation not only to serve our community, but to lead, to innovate and to shape the future of Rotary.
Past Rotary International Director Jeffery Cadorette has challenged us to ask ourselves to say,” If we were to invent Rotary today, would it look like it does?” The answer, obviously, is no. So, let’s work to make Rotary what current and future Rotarians want it to be, and what our communities and our world need it to be.”
Staub adds,” I have been told that our late Bob Hansen was the first in the District to encourage our Club to adopt strategic planning. Strategic planning has clearly been instrumental in our Club’s distinguishing itself over the years. Our Club has not had long-term strategic plan for 5 years. We’re overdue. We will be working on a deliberate, coordinated plan with input from Club leadership, from ALL of our members and from the communities we serve.
“We are all Rotarians. Together we have the obligation to shape the future of Rotary for the next seven generations, and to do so in a manner where the promise and purpose of Rotary established by Paul Harris so many years ago is not lost but delivered. As Rotarians we have the opportunity to do such great things. Every single day is an opportunity to live this year’s Rotary International Presidential Theme from Shekhar Mehta – Serve to Change Lives. Now, let’s go do it. Let’s have a great Rotary year!”
“By all accounts”, says Addeline Alaniz Edwards, Executive Director of the Rotary Club of Harrisburg (RCH) and Past President of the Harrisburg Keystone Rotary Club, “our collaborative service event on Monday, August 2, was amazing!”
For the Rotary Club of Harrisburg event, nearly 30 members assembled 500 period hygiene kits for the Period Project Harrisburg. Inter-club and community group interaction during this event demonstrates a perfect example of Rotary International’s theme of Service Above Self. Alaniz Edwards gives credit to her home club, the Harrisburg Keystone Rotary Club, for providing her the first experience with a very critical need in local and international communities.
L to R Ellen Brown, Susan Anthony, Walter Prediger, Becky Boone, Matt Tenny
Becky Boone from Harrisburg Keystone Rotary had organized tampon drives for the Harrisburg and Steelton/Highspire school districts. Then she came to help HRC assemble approximately 500.
Period hygiene supplies are one of the most overlooked monthly expenses in a family's budget. When community assistance organizations provide budget coaching for folks getting back on their feet or discussing basic needs, it's rarely even mentioned. Maybe it's embarrassing to some people. It's unfortunate that people experiencing period poverty will miss school or work-- or even worse-- use unsafe hygiene practices that can cause medical issues-- because those who can easily assist with this need are too embarrassed to even talk about it.
During the RCH event, Savory Occasions donated lunch for the volunteers and the Girl Scouts of the Heart of Pennsylvania office provided the kit assembly location and hand sanitizer to be distributed. LOOP Ministries and the Latino Hispanic American Community Center arranged distribution of the packages to Harrisburg residents. This distribution included Harrisburg School District students who may not be able to afford hygiene supplies for their monthly periods.
Alaniz Edwards states, “We at the Rotary Club of Harrisburg are proud to support the Period Project Harrisburg and are thankful for their valuable service to the Harrisburg community."
Back row: Lee Tyre, Lisa Tyre, Brianna Tyre, Wil Everhart, Susan Anthony, an unidentified helper, Matt Tenny, Jill Hanes, Matt Tenny, Charlotte Tenny, Addeline Alaniz Edwards, Becky Boone, Toni Mark, Meghan Bachmore, Walter Prediger Front: Jill Tenny, Ellen Brown, Janet Donovan, Una Martone
The Rotary Club of Harrisburg distribution included Harrisburg School District students who may not be able to afford hygiene supplies for their monthly periods. The District one of the long-standing partners with the RCH.
The Rotary Club of York Awards the $1500 Carol Wagman Nursing Scholarship
The Rotary Club of York Student Education Committee selected Zachary Gibbs as the recipient of the Carol Wagman Nursing Scholarship. Zachary attended the weekly club meeting on August 4 and received the $ 1,500 scholarship for his continued studies towards his Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) at York College of Pennsylvania. A 2018 graduate of South Western High School, Zach is scheduled to graduate with his BSN degree and a Neuroscience minor December 2022.
PHOTO (L to R): Rotary Club of York member Carol Wagman, Zachary Gibbs, and Rotary Student Education Chair Diane Merino
The Rotary Club of York Awards $ 5,000 Scholarship
Congratulations to AbigailWurzbach, the inaugural recipient of the Rotary Club of York Student Education Chair’s Scholarship. The scholarship is based on the Rotary International motto ‘Service Above Self’ and community service and has a total value of $ 5,000, two installments of $ 2,500 for her junior and senior years of college. Abigail attended the weekly club meeting at the Country Club of York on August 11 and received the scholarship check. She is starting her junior year studying Business, Non-Profit Management and Entrepreneurship at York College of Pennsylvania. A 2019 graduate of York Catholic High School, Abigail is the daughter of Rich and Missy Wurzbach from Brogue and expects to graduate May 2023.
PHOTO (L to R): Scholarship recipient Abigail Zurzbach and Rotary Student Education Chair Diane Merino.
The Student Education Committee of the Rotary Club of York held personal interviews on June 17 for “Non-Traditional Student” Scholarships. A “Non-Traditional” Student is one who does not attend post-secondary education directly following graduation from high school. Instead, they select to enter the workforce, start a family, or enter the military. At a later date, they decide to pursue a degree and usually work and attend school simultaneously for a few years to earn a degree.
Jasmine Cross, Lindsey Hershner, and Melissa Raup were able to attend a recent club meeting at the Country Club of York to receive their $ 2,400 “Non-Traditional Student” scholarship.
Jasmine Cross works full-time as a Behavioral Health Technician and is a Psychology student at Penn State University – York campus. Lindsey Hershner owns and works at her hair salon and attends HACC – York campus where she is scheduled to graduate in December 2022 and continue schooling to become a Registered Nurse. Melissa Raup is working towards her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Addiction from Aspen University while working full-time as a Incident, Quality and Risk Manager in the Residential ID department at Bell Socialization Services.
The Rotary Club of York has been proudly awarding these “Non-Traditional Student” scholarships since 2012 and have financially assisted 21 students with over $ 32,000 to achieve their educational goals! For more information about the scholarship program, please contact Rotary Club of York Student Education Administrator Renea Oberdick at roberdick@yorkrotary.org.
Photo L TO R: Lindsey Hershner, Student Education Administrator Diane Merino, and Jasmine Cross
Photo L TO R: Melissa Raup and Diane Merino, Student Education Administrator
Members of York East Rotary endured the heat and humidity to pull weeds surrounding the pond at the Leg Up Farm in Mount Wolf. Leg Up Farm is the only pediatric therapy facility in the country to provide physical, occupational, speech and aquatic therapy, behavioral health services, nutrition counseling, therapeutic horseback riding and educational and recreational programming under one roof.
A big “Thank You” goes out to Greg Kern, Reid Kern, Kris Pollick, Karen Comery and Chris Izzo for helping on Saturday.
Rotary Club of Lancaster South is holding a motorcycle ride/pancake breakfast fundraiser on September 25, 2021. This event will benefit the affordable housing programs at Tenfold, which was created by the merger of Lancaster Housing Opportunity Partnership and Tabor, as well as funding our philanthropic work in our community. The event will be held at the Willow Street Fire Company in Willow Street PA with breakfast starting at 9 a.m. until noon, and will feature three great rides in Lancaster and York Counties. These are self guided tours with maps and .gpx files provided by the organizers. For more information, please contact Dan Hess at dvhess@comcast.net or visit our website at https://lancsouthrotary.org/event/motorcycle-ride-pancake-breakfast/. Early registration opens August 1, 2021 and closes on September 15, 2021. Register before September 15 and single rider with breakfast will cost $35, and rider with passenger and breakfast will cost $45. After September 15, fees are $40 and $50 respectively.
Motorcycle Ride/Pancake Breakfast Fundraiser - September 25
Check out the latest post on the District Blog at https://bit.ly/3ep3iKh featuring an article by Passport Club President Melissa-Kopp Smith! While you are there subscribe to the Blog to get articles mailed directly to your inbox.
Subscribing is easy and located at the bottom of the homepage.
The Passport Club welcomes visitors and is looking to partner with area Rotary Clubs on service activities. Read more on the blog about how to connect with Melissa and the passionate members of this club!
Rotary Club of Lancaster South provided three $1,000 college scholarships to the following high school seniors who graduated in the Spring and are attending college in the Fall - Alexander Knapp a Lampeter-Strasburg graduate attending George Mason University, Delaney Reitnauer a Penn Manor graduate attending Delaware State University and Faith Redcay a Solanco graduate attending Longwood Gardens Professional Horticulture Program.
Michael Newsome is Gov. Tom Wolf’s Secretary of Administration. When the governor called upon him to serve, he had been mostly retired for three years, still working a part-time job as a member of the state Liquor Control Board, but spending more time playing golf with his wife, traveling, doting on his grandson. Life was good, and he enjoyed retirement, more than he thought he would. But the governor – who was also an old friend, a man he had known for decades and worked with saving Wolf’s family business from bankruptcy – called, and he took the job, recalling that he once told him that if there was anything he could do for him, just call.
Newsome grew up in the South, in poverty, in public housing and, during his youngest years, in a house that didn’t have an indoor bathroom, raised, for the most part, by a single mother, one of nine kids. It was while he was working at the York Daily Record that he became aware of Tom Wolf. And it was during a period of friction between Wolf – and members of the York business community – and the newspaper that the two men became acquainted. Newsome joined the Wolf Organization as a senior vice president and controller. He was later promoted to chief financial officer until he retired.
On June 12, 2021, the Rotary Club of York-North dedicated a bench at Cousler Park in memory of Lynn S. Kilker, former member of the club from 1996 to 2010. Lynn always unselfishly gave of herself to help others less fortunate. Lynn's husband, Paul, and his immediate family, friends and co-workers were in attendance for the dedication. The bench is located behind Rotary Field, a project our club has sponsored for many years.
The Gold Star Garden started with the dream of Cher Kondor, a fellow York East Rotarian and American Gold Star Mother who lost her son, SPC Martin W. Kondor, in 2004. (“Gold Star” is a term derived from American Gold Star Mothers Inc., who were formed in 1928 as a family response to the many lives taken during the first World War. Now, Gold Star is applied to family members who have lost a loved one serving in the U.S. military.) Eight years later, with the help of board members, the City of York, and the Gold Star families of Pennsylvania, her dream of creating a memorial for all veterans came true.
You will find here all the names of the Pennsylvania fallen in the war on terror. In addition all the York County fallen from the time of the founding of the American Gold Star Mothers are also inscribed on the black Pennsylvania granite Wall of Honor. This living monument is a gathering place for those who want to commemorate, remember the fallen and celebrate the lives of our intrepid sons and daughters who volunteered to protect this country.
Pictured L to R: Cher Kondor, Sandi Graham, Club President
The Rotary Club of York is proud to introduce their officers for the 2021-2022 year.
(Photo – L to R) President-Elect Glenn Miller, President Jackie Summers, and President Elect Nominee Aaron Jacobs (not pictured: Doug Berman, Financial Vice-President/Treasurer).
The Rotary Club of York, currently ranked 24th largest the world in membership, holds weekly hybrid club meetings (in-person at the Country Club of York and on zoom) every Wednesday at noon. The 2021-2022 Rotary International Theme is "Serve to Change Lives". For more information, please contact Executive Director Lynne Morrison at lmorrison@yorkrotary.org.
The Rotary Club of York Announces 2021-2022 Leadership
2020-2021 Rotary Club of York President Anne Druck honored Past District Governor Paddy Rooney with a Presidential Citation at the Wednesday, June 30, 2021 club meeting at the Country Club of York. Paddy, a member for 14 years, including President 2016-2017; was awarded for his outstanding “Service Above Self”, loyal dedication, and unwavering commitment to the Rotary Club of York. The Club bid Paddy a heartfelt goodbye and best wishes on his move to the Raleigh, NC area. (Pictured L-R: Rotary Past President Anne Druck and Past District Governor Paddy Rooney)
As Rotarians our stories are an important way of sharing the meaningful ways we serve our communities and how we are inspired by the good work of our fellow club members. One way to share your stories is through the District 7390 blog. Examples of topics can include a member spotlight, service activities that you are proud of, and innovative ways your club is making the community a better place. To learn more, go to: https://d7390rotaryblog.wordpress.com/contributor-guidelines/ While you are there subscribe to the blog, so stories go into your email inbox. Subscribing is easy. Go to the blog homepage at https://d7390rotaryblog.wordpress.com/ and scroll down to the bottom. Don’t be shy! Celebrate your club and its members by submitting a story!
District 7390 has a meetup group comprised of 132 members that acts as a way for people in the community to volunteer for service activities. It is called the “Service Above Self” meetup group and anyone can join for FREE. When you join you will be asked if you are a Rotarian. Once approved you will be given the ability to post your club’s events including fundraisers, service activities and even club meetings to an audience beyond Rotary. Join at https://www.meetup.com/Service-Above-Self/
Join the Service Above Self Meetup Group to Advertise Club Events!
The Penn State Extension is looking for Rotary Club volunteers to participate in a Research Study geared toward assessing and enhancing safe food preparation practices for group gatherings. FREE food will be delivered to participants as part of the study. Click here to learn more!
Please contact Lynne James at Lsj11@psu.eduby July 15th to participate!
Participate in Penn State Food Safety Research Study!
District 7390 Governor, Greg Staub on the left, installed the Rotary Club of Hanover’s Officers for the 2021-2022 Rotary year on Tuesday, 5 July. Standing next to Greg from left to right is: Brandon Gething, President; Kathi Fuhrman, President Elect; Christy Lucus, Board Member; Terry Gingrow, Treasurer; Mary Kay Bernosky, Board Member; Chris Helt, Past President; and Warren Risk, Board Member.
Professional development is right at your fingertips with the Rotary Learning Center, which offers members a range of interactive courses on navigating Rotary's online tools and developing leadership skills to prepare for new Rotary roles.
Are you a new member looking to learn more about Rotary or a Club Leader looking for resources to prepare you and strengthen your knowledge base?
Remember - Anyone with a My Rotary account can take a free course in the Learning Center. Among the many courses available are How to Run a Webinar, How to Propose Legislation, Rotary Club Central Resources, and role-specific selections such as President, Secretary and Treasurer.
One of the most popular courses is Strengthen Rotary, which teaches members to incorporate Rotary values into everyday activities. The Rotary Club Central Resources course, another popular offering, helps members set goals and improve membership information.
At a glance the Rotary Learning Centre carries information on the following topics:
Get started by finding the Learning Center under the LEARNING & REFERENCE tab on Rotary.org or simply go to https://www.rotary.org/learn (You will need a My Rotary account to access)
Participants can monitor their progress via their own personal dashboards which registers and monitors your status through each course and as well awards points based on your completed Learning plans.
Members may not be aware but the Learning Center also generates a Leaderboard and if you are the competitive type, you may be interested in following our District and Global Leaderboards and see where you fit. Have some FUN while learning!
At a small gathering on Saturday, June 26, 2021 dedicated to the installation of new District Leadership for the 2021-2022 year, DG John Anthony reflected on his past year as District Governor of District 7390. In honor of his many contributions to our district including his passion, dedication and unrelenting optimism, we feature his reflections to the audience. Thank you DG John for your leadership during the many challenges and triumphs of the year!
2020-2021 - ROTARY OPENS OPPORTUNITIES
Wow! How Prophetic was THAT Theme! Do you remember your very first Roller Coaster Ride?
But wait....first you had years of anticipation as you needed to GROW. You were not ready even if you thought you were.... you weren't... You waited and you waited. And then finally, the year came. The year YOU were tall enough to ride the BIG Roller Coaster. But wait again... first were weeks and then days of anticipation. You worked on a plan. What is the front cart like? Too scary?
You spoke to others who had taken the ride before. You took in as much advice as you could. You lined up the people you would go with on the ride. You felt prepared... you felt nervous... you felt excited... and you were ready! Then the day came. More anticipation. More planning. You made sure not to eat or drink too much.
Finally you were in line. You patiently waited and you were ready. And you watched others as they exited the ride watching for any hint of knowledge they would bestow through their expressions or comments. And you positioned yourself to be in the front car... because you believe... that's the BEST place to be. Finally you are in your seat... strapped in... locked in ... ready to rock! And what a ride it was!! And then... it was over. WAY TOO SHORT... But AWESOME!!
Was the ride what you thought it would be? Did you scream the entire time? Grab onto the person next to you for security? Did you throw up a little? Laugh a little? Cry a little? Now what???
What an incredible year we have had.
The entire District Team stepped up their game working in their area to bring value to the clubs. Re-working, Re-structuring, Recreating, and Creating. Our Rotarians came together to strengthen OPPORTUNITIES for service by strengthening and expanding current programs such as... Rotary Means Business, Rotary Veterans Initiative, Teachers Impact Awards, Pints for Polio, Planning and educating for RYLA, Planning and educating for Youth Exchange, Pre-pets, MA Pets, Global Scholarships, A Virtual Conference, And SO much more...
Our Rotarians came together to create so many NEW OPPORTUNITIES including...Safety Committee, Communication Committee, Polio Plus Society, Billboard Campaigns, Mentor Program for new members, Ride for Polio, Monthly District Development Sessions, Monthly Leadership Calls for Club Leaders, Service Page, District BLOG, DG VLOG, Speakers Bureau, 72+ Initiative, Grant Certification Programs, Grant Programs to help smaller clubs get grants for their communities, and SO much more... and we added a New Club!
SO many leaders who made SO much happen. It was incredibly heartwarming to watch the passion and the drive offered by so many leaders and volunteers. The Presidents and leaders throughout the district Opened the Doors of Opportunity for Service to their clubs, their members, and their community which seemed to have been closed. And the members...the members found OPPORTUNITIES to continue to BE ROTARIANS. To offer service above self. In Clean Water Projects and Helping with COVID Vaccinations and easter egg hunts and helping in food pantries and helping local veterans and helping children in so many ways and in helping the environment with many Tree plantings and community garden projects and so much more locally and globally. And So much more...
Can you imagine a world without Roller Coasters? I cannot. BUT it is my time to let the next person in line. The next super excited, well trained and ready leaders... to have the front car. I CANNOT adequately express my gratitude for every single team member who helped to make this year a success. I CAN however, just as so many before me have, promise that I am NOT getting off the roller coaster. Nope the ride is too fun...too important...
You will find me with so many other wonderful PDGs, sitting in the back of the coaster, offering support and service, because like you all, we love the ride. We love Rotary. We love being of Service Above Self. It has truly been an honor to be your District Governor this year. Thank you for the opportunity to be of service to you. Rotary will CONTINUE to OPEN OPPORTUNITIES through all of you. Thank you all for ALL that YOU do EVERY day for your Community, for your World, and for Rotary. District Governor Greg.... best wishes on this incredible ride. We are buckled in and ready to roll. - District Governor John Anthony, 2020-2021
DG Greg Staub taking the oath of office.
DGE Juliet Altenburg & DGN Fred Gellert taking the oath of office.
PDG John Anthony receiving his PDG pin from PDG Una Martone.
2021-2022 District Leadership!
A great group of PDGs in attendance along with the current District Leadership.
The Rotary Club of York presented the “Service Above Self” Award to Jason McSherry in honor of his heroism in rescuing his neighbor from a house fire.
Pictured from left: RCY member, Kevin Schreiber; Jason McSherry; RCY Member Jeff Vermeulen; RCY Member Silas Chamberlin.
The Rotary Club of York’s Literacy Committee presented checks from proceeds raised from the Club’s Literacy Book Drive to two local organizations to provide books for their childcare centers.
Pictured from left: RCY Member Deb Harrison; Carmen Banzaca, Child Development Center at First Church of the Brethren; Major Tom Babbit, Salvation Army; RCY Member Sarah White
The Mechanicsburg North Rotary Club will be sponsoring a Golf Tournament on Monday, September 13 at the Carlisle Barracks Golf Course. The tournament is open to 133 golfers, and includes 18 holes of golf, open driving range, hole-in-one, putting, long drive, and closest to the pin contests. The tournament begins with a 1 PM shotgun start, preceded by a lunch. The cost is $125 per golfer. This is a fundraiser for Mechanicsburg North Rotary Club Community Veterans and Youth Projects. Proceeds from the tournament will support numerous programs for veterans and students within the local area. Our Rotary Veteran’s Initiative provides scholarship funds at Central Penn College, HACC and PSU Harrisburg to help with costs. An active mentoring program provides even more greatly needed help. Other proceeds will be applied to additional veteran and youth programs like these: • Hampden Township Veteran’s Park • VA Hospital Aquarium Project • High School Senior Scholarships including Students of the Month/Year • High School Leadership Training, including East Pennsboro High School InterAct Club • Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) • Rotary Youth Park • High School Speech and Essay Contests • High School International Youth Exchange. Sponsorship opportunities are available. To register or to sponsor a hole, carts, lunch, dinner or general sponsorship, contact us at rcmngolf@email.com. You can register at Tee It Up for Veterans & Youth with Mechanicsburg North Rotary Tickets in Carlisle, PA, United States (ticketleap.com)
The Rotary Club of York will hold it's Annual Golf, Tennis and Croquet Outing at the Country Club of York on Monday, September 13, 2021. Rain date is Monday, 9/27
PDG Paddy Rooney recently presented PDG Ben Hoover with the District 7390 Lifetime Achievement Award from the 2019-2020 Rotary year. Please continue to read his remarks when presenting the award:
"As we all know, this disjointed time caused by the pandemic, has disrupted all our lives and schedules for the past 16 months or more. The result was that I, along with so many others, found our plans and intentions abruptly interrupted in March of 2020. I was then still serving as Rotary District Governor and one of the great joys at the end of that year of service is the opportunity to recognize those individuals who have given so much to our District over the year and over a lifetime of service. Alas that was not to be.
And that was particularly disappointing for me since one of the awards I was looking forward to presenting was to be the recognition of a man who has exemplified for me and countless others the spirit and presence of Rotary in so many ways over the years that it is almost impossible to count. But today we get to rectify that omission and now come to present a Rotary lifetime achievement award to Dr. Ben Hoover.
Most of you know that Ben has been a member of this club and a Rotarian for more than 50 years. But there are members and there are Rotarians and I believe that Ben is one of the latter. His work, his service, his commitment and his dedication all speak to that presence Ben has been recognized in our community as a true servant leader and one who is passionately committed to our common purpose and goal of being a Rotarian. His service as President of this club and then as District Governor in the year 2008-09 under the theme “Make Dreams Real” a goal he has continued to exemplify from that day to this with his ongoing involvement in club and District committees, particularly his chairmanship of the Global Scholar grant award committee, all of which speak to his desire to put service above self.
Additionally, Ben has been a mentor to many Rotarians who have followed him in this club and I count myself as one of those fortunate enough to have benefited from such mentorship. When I was thinking about applying for the position of District Governor, Ben was one of the first people with whom I spoke. His support, encouragement and kindness urged me forward and when I assumed the office in 2019 there was no one else I would have wanted to pin me with the District Governor pin, than Ben Hoover.
Many special people have served Rotary over the past 100 plus years of our existence. Many have been examples of commitment and dedication. Many have served long and faithfully. And today I wish to add to their ranks another man who has truly exhibited all those qualities and more and done it in abundance; a man who has shown himself to be that model of true service above self; a man who has truly lived a lifetime of service.
My fellow Rotarians I would ask you to join with me and congratulate our friend, colleague and fellow Rotarian Dr. Ben Hoover as we present him with this lifetime achievement award on behalf of our club, our District and Rotary International. Congratulations Ben."
PDG Ben Hoover Receives District 7390 Lifetime Achievement Award
You are invited to a Celebration of Life for John Judson, Past 7390 District Governor (2014-15) and Rotary Club of Harrisburg President (2010-11).
The Celebration will be held Wednesday, July 14, 2021 at the Rife Center on the East Campus of Bethany Village in Mechanicsburg, PA. The family will be receiving in person guests in the Center’s lobby between 1 and 2 p.m. The Celebration of Life will begin in the Auditorium at 2 p.m. An outdoor reception will follow.
Guests may attend in person; however, seating is limited. Unvaccinated attendees will be required to wear masks and sanitation stations will be available.
If you would like to attend in person, please RSVP to ruthjudson@hotmail.com by 4 p.m. Thursday, July 8. Please provide your name, name of guest, phone number and e-mail address. We plan to alert those attempting to attend in person if seating is or is not available. When seating is at capacity, you may view the Celebration via Zoom.
We will Zoom the Celebration portion and provide the Zoom link closer to the event.
Jack Detwiler has been a member of the Rotary Club of Harrisburg for 27 years and recalls working on or chairing the Club’s Ecology Committee for most of those years. Annually, he has coordinated the Club’s judging and awarding of a prize for students winning the Capital Area Science and Engineering Fair (CASEF).
According to Detwiler, “Our committee members are asked to serve as judges for student entries from area schools. This year we received 15 presentations to review. This year’s judges included President-Elect Matt Staub, Past President Jeff Boswell and me. There was a wide range of topics from 15 candidates.”
CASEF is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) membership organization and a PA EITC Innovative Educational Program initiative. For these competitions, CASEF follows performance standards of the Society for Science and the Public (ISEF) with a goal focused on promoting the understanding and appreciation of science. That organization sees the critical role science and engineering play in our society: to inform, educate, and inspire. CASEF provides a scoring guide to provide consistency of presentation quality.
It is no surprise the 2021 CASEF student competition were virtual. Instead of live presentations this year competitors will submit short videos. Fair award dates in 2021 were March 8-11, 2021. CASEF participants submitted their projects to a centralized web. Detwiler says, “All judging is done blind meaning the judges do not know the names of those submitting a presentation. We are in the Special Award Category at the RCH and we present a $750 check to the student winning in the Senior Division.”
This year’s winner and RCH Grand Champion is Sam Koda a sophomore at Hershey High School for his project to determine which lanternfly traps are more effective and cost efficient. He noted in his presentation, “There are no commercially available traps for these insects, but of the four systems I tested, the most effective can be homemade for just over .50 cents per trap.”
According to Valerie Knowles the CASEF Director, “Recent events confirm that it is very evident that we need to be encouraging young scientists to find solutions to life’s greatest challenges and prepare a healthy and sustainable future.”
Public and private schools in the 41 Central Pennsylvania service area are eligible to register in the CASEF. Senior division grand champions advance to compete in the International Science and Engineering Fair and the highest scoring projects of the junior division enter the Broadcom MASTERS competition.
Detwiler believes he’s seen, “Projects ranging from beetles to stream water studies. Detwiler noted, “Last year's winner of the Rotary Ecology Award was Kathryn Miller, a sophomore at Carlisle HS. She demonstrated how Oxbenzone in sunscreen effects and eventually kills coral polyps. She did this project in the lab with actual coral polyps.
Says Detwiler, “Over the years some of our winners actually did their experiments in various creeks and streams in the Central PA area, such as Madeline Grossman, a senior at Cumberland Valley HS in 2017 with her project, 'It's All "Creek" to me, or Kyle Wise a senior at Carlisle High School with his project, "D-Netting vs. Leaf Bagging; Which Macro Invertebrate Collection is the most accurate."
Most notably he adds, “One of our previous winners was Eric Horstick from East Pennsboro High School. His project was how Moss could be used to temper the effects of Acid Mine Drainage. He credits Rotary with inspiring him in his future studies. He went on to get a PHD and currently works for National Institute of Health.”
Anyone who has ever golfed or organized a golf fundraiser knows that tons of work precedes the actual event. Then there is lots of help behind the scenes and “on the course” to make everything run smoothly.
Rotary Club of Harrisburg members stepped up to the needs of the day to help make the Christian Churches United and Help Ministries Golf Outing a huge success.
Christian Churches United of the Tri-County Area (CCU) is a partnership of over 100 Christian congregations in Dauphin, Cumberland and Perry Counties working together with concerned individuals, public and private funders, and numerous partner agencies to support our neighbors in need.
HELP Ministries a program of CCU is often referred to as "The HELP Office." Help Ministries is a social service hub in Dauphin County, providing a comprehensive approach to homelessness and poverty alleviation through crisis resolution, emergency aid, and housing assistance.
Harrisburg Rotary members and friends worked behind the scenes to ensure golfers could concentrate on their game. Signs were put in place, beverage and food made available and no hitch would complicate a day of fun and funding important causes.
Members Frank Frailey, President James Good and Bruce Grossman move supplies into place.
New member Meghan Bachmore moved directional and descriptive signs into place.
President James Good enjoys fellowship with Aisha Mobley, CCU’s Community Mobilization Coordinator.
Taking a much need break are Frailey, Grossman, Bachmore, Alex Rajis, member Brad Gebhart, Addeline Alaniz Edwards and daughter Sophie.
Rotary Club of Harrisburg Members and Friends Ensure Others a Great Day of Golf and Fundraising
The 2021 Virtual Convention will be better than ever, opening more innovative opportunities to learn and to engage with the family of Rotary, near and far. You’ll be able to network in virtual lounges, meet new partners in service, and join fun activities with Rotary members from around the world.
The West York Rotary Club proudly announces six recipients from the 2021 graduating classes for the West York Rotary Club/Clair D. Worley Scholarships. Selected for the $1500.00 awards are Brian Kramer and Cole Shaub from Spring Grove Area High School, Thomas Urrunaga and Jacqueline Kizka from West York Area High School, and Lydia Eifert and Lauren Waits from Dover Area High School.
The Color Code is a world renowned personality assessment that helps build self awareness and helps members of working teams understand how to best leverage one another’s strengths. Unlike some personality assessments that focus only on behaviors, The Color Code unveils each individual’s Driving Core Motivation which answers WHY we do what we do. This understanding can help improve the success of any “team” in Rotary: boards of directors, committees, leadership teams, etc. On Monday, June 14, PDG Una Martone will facilitate a condensed version of The Color Code training for participants in the District Development Session. All registrants will be email instructions for taking The Color Code personality assessment and a link to a free version of the test.
District Food Safety Education with Research Opportunity!
The Penn State Extension is looking for Rotary Club volunteers to participate in a Research Study geared toward assessing and enhancing safe food preparation practices for group gatherings. FREE food will be delivered to participants as part of the study. Click here to learn more!
Please contact Lynne James at Lsj11@psu.eduby July 1st to participate!
The Peace Garden is a tranquil garden along the Susquehanna River two blocks north of the Governor’s residence at Maclay Street. This reflective stretch of fauna and sculptures is the result of nearly 30 years of collaboration between the city of Harrisburg and the Harrisburg-Hershey chapter of the international Physicians for Social Responsibility (PSR).
PSR has primary responsibility for designing, planting and maintaining the Peace Garden and the city provides routine maintenance like mowing the grass, removing broken limbs, installing benches as is does throughout Riverfront Park.
Since 2018 the Rotary Club of Harrisburg leadership and members have made the Garden a major annual project. 2021 has been no exception. In early May of this year, volunteers from the Physicians for Social Responsibility and the Rotary Club of Harrisburg completed the annual bed cleaning and planting flowers.
The PSR and its amazing long-time leader Dr. Jim Jones, developed and maintain this beautiful garden as a thought-provoking message about world peace. Michael Lehman was the designer of the Peace Garden and Gwen Lehman have been overseeing the garden for at least 5 years with an "artistic eye." Ann Marie Judson and the late Dr. John Judson, Past RCH President and District 7390 Governor, have been members of PSR since the late 1980s.
PSR Harrisburg-Hershey is an affiliate of International Physicians for the Prevention of Nuclear War. It is an organization of physicians committed to two issues safeguarding humanity; environmental protection as well as prevention of nuclear war. Common areas of concern are famine, drought exacerbated by climate change, poor water sources, air and ground contamination. The international group received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1985.
RCH President-elect Matt Staub was on hand to make beauty happen. Staub sees our Club’s work with the Peace Garden as, “an important demonstration of Rotary International’s People of Action branding campaign. These community outreach efforts demonstrate what happens when community leaders in Rotary join together.”
Helping tend and beautify the Garden this year were RCH members Bruce Grossman, David Morrison, Beth Mihmet, Toni Mark and Ann Marie Judson.
One of three sculptures in the park by surgeon and artist Dr. Frederick Franck, a colleague of Albert Schweitzer, “Hiroshima” depicts a vaporized victim of the atomic blast whose only remain was a silhouette shadow on nearby concrete. This sculpture suggests the indomitable resilience of mankind, even in the wake of annihilation.
Volunteers Join To Beautify Harrisburg’s Peace Gardens
On Saturday, June 12, 10 a.m. - noon, Hershey Rotary Club will be volunteering to help the Derry Environmental Action Committee (DEAC) clean up a portion of the creek that runs along Cocoa Avenue, near Fishburn Road (and behind the former PNC Bank building).The Derry Environmental Action Committee is a group of neighbors and friends in Derry Township who work to preserve the natural surroundings and keep Hershey clean and livable.
This is a particularly family-friendly event and a great opportunity to introduce someone to Rotary. Sign up to volunteer with your partner/spouse/friend/child/grandchild.
A Celebration of Life for PDG John Judson will be held Wednesday, July 14 at 2:00 p.m. at The Rife Center at Bethany Village in Mechanicsburg. Please mark your calendars!
A 2020/21 Club Grant, sponsored by the Rotary Club of Hanover, provided the Hanover Area Council of Churches with a new oven and griddle. HACC prepares 52,000+ meals annually for its various programs: free hot lunches 365 days a year and breakfast two days a week through the Provide-A-Lunch program, delivered home meals through Meals-On-Wheels, and food for individuals and families in the Homeless Shelter. Food insecurity hinders people from meeting their full potential in regards to employment and family care. For some folks, the Provide- A-Lunch program is the primary meal of the day. The Meals-On-Wheels program provides meals to those home-bound with physical restrictions impeding their ability to prepare their own meals. Pictured are (l.tor.) Rotarian Peg Sennett, Joan Potter Coordinator of PAL and MOW, and Mirna Wildason, Interim Executive Director and new Rotarian.
Both dedicated to humanitarian efforts, seniors Katie Mercer ’21 and Jenna Thoretz ’21 have been awarded Rotary Global Grant Scholarships to continue to pursue meaningful work. An international network of leaders dedicated to improving their home communities and those around the globe, Rotary International focuses their work on promoting peace, fighting disease, providing clean water and sanitation, maternal and child health, supporting education and literacy, and growing local economies, and the Rotary Global Grant Scholarships empower students like Mercer and Thoretz to advance this important work.
Learn more about Mercer’s and Thoretz’s experiences at Gettysburg College, and what they hope to accomplish in the future with their scholarships.
Her favorite class at Gettysburg was Global Health with Prof. Amy Dailey. The course, Mercer says, set her on the path of studying global health, and credits Dailey with being a very important part of her Gettysburg experience.
“My four years at Gettysburg have been extremely impactful in shaping my graduate school path. My advisor, Dr. Amy Dailey, has been extremely supportive and helpful not only during this process but through my time as an undergraduate student discovering my interests in global health. She has inspired me with her work and allowed me to grow as a researcher by assisting in her community-based research projects,” stated Mercer.
After graduating from Gettysburg in May, Mercer will study at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine to continue her studies. The scholarship will allow her to engage with leading researchers and advocates in the field of global health, as well as support her research around the Rotary’s goal of disease prevention and treatment.
“I hope to someday use my specialization in the control of infectious diseases to create disease management, tracking, and treatment programs alongside humanitarian organizations in areas of conflict,” said Mercer. She continued, explaining that “The violence of war/conflict extends far past the battle lines; it causes system-wide destruction and degradation of human life. I plan to use my degree to bridge these health gaps and hopefully contribute, in some small part, to the improvement of health around the world.”
Mercer also recognized how her time working for CPS has played a role in teaching her to identify such gaps, and given her impactful life skills.
“CPS has taught me how to ask critical questions, analyze issues of intersectionality, and understand social mechanisms impacting biological processes. These Gettysburg experiences have helped me to grow and motivated me to pursue a career where I can continue to do so.”
Of being named a recipient of the scholarship, Mercer said, “Although I always knew what I wanted to study, at times it felt like I would never be able to make a real impact. Knowing that I have the support of an international organization like the Rotary Foundation gives me confidence and grounding that the things I am working on are important.”
Thoretz credits these varied experiences with preparing her to take this next step in her academic career: “Gettysburg provided me with incredible educational opportunities that prepared me to apply for the scholarship. My professors and mentors have been instrumental in helping me develop my academic interests and apply them to work in the community and in internship experiences.”
Her experience extended beyond the Gettysburg campus, too, where she had the opportunity to study global health and development policy in Geneva, Switzerland, through the Center for Global Education. “[The experience] exposed me to the humanitarian community and ignited a passion that I have been able to continue back at Gettysburg through my coursework and research.”
Upon graduating, Thoretz hopes to continue the work of improving international development and humanitarian systems worldwide, and will pursue a Master of Science in international development and humanitarian emergencies at the London School of Economics in the fall.
“Upon completion of my graduate degree, I intend to re-invest the education I receive into improving international development and humanitarian systems worldwide,” Thoretz says of her future aspirations. “In working with humanitarian organizations, I plan to be an advocate for the special consideration of women in all development and humanitarian initiatives. In addition, I hope to shift focus from international actors to local actors in order to build more sustainable solutions to economic development.”
Thoretz shares that she is most looking forward to having access to an international network of Rotarians working on similar issues, and towards a shared vision for the future.
Bright futures
“This honor is an incredible opportunity,” says Thoretz. “Not only does it allow me to pursue graduate education, but it allows me to forge connections with like-minded individuals through Rotary. I am incredibly grateful to the Rotarians in Gettysburg for providing me with this life-changing opportunity,” stated Thoretz.
When asked what the scholarship means to her, Mercer agreed that the connections are paramount: “The… scholarship will not only provide me financial assistance and the capability to attend graduate school but to connect with other international advocates through Rotary who are engaging in the field I am studying.” She sums it up simply, saying, “This honor means more than words can describe.”
For both Mercer and Thoretz, the scholarship not only means the financial support to help fund their future research in London, but also the career-launching support of an international organization that will connect them with colleagues and allow them to fully pursue their future aspirations in the world.
Katie Mercer and Jenna Thoretz receive Rotary Global Grant Scholarships, are headed to study in London
On Saturday May 22, the Rotary Club of Lancaster South helped plant trees and bushes at the Stevens Greenland Cemetery in Lancaster City. Six Lancaster South club members along with three members from the Penn Square Rotary Club joined more than fiKy (50) people from the Lancaster community with the project which included cleaning headstones, removing debris, and doing general cleanup. The Lancaster South Club also donated 16 rhododendron bushes to the cemetery.
The Stevens Greenland Cemetery has a lot of history and many stories of African-American soldiers who fought in the Civil War, Spanish- American War, both World Wars and the Korean War. There are also individuals buried in the cemetery that were community leaders of Lancaster City in the past whose last names still have deep ties to Lancaster City. A special Memorial Day ceremony entitled “Honoring Our Forgotten Heroes” will be held on May 31, 2021 at 11:00 am to honor the veterans and others buried in the cemetery.
Lancaster-South Service Project at the Stevens Greenland Cemetery
As part of their ongoing service project, Hanover Rotarians and their spouses filled food bags for Ruth’s Harvest. Ruth’s Harvest provides much needed food for children in need every Friday. Hanover Rotarians are Terry Gingrow, Walt Maust and Ralph Jodice. Spouses are Betsy Gingrow, Judy Risk and Judy Jodice.
In January, District Governor John Anthony shared Rotary International’s Call to Action regarding Vaccines. Our Hanover Rotary Club has accepted the challenge to combat vaccine hesitancy. We partnered with the York/Adams Immunization Coalition and the PA Polio Survivors Network to put together 1,000 vaccine information packets in both English and Spanish, containing credible vaccine resources. With COVID safety in mind, we are working together to make this happen, so these packets can be distributed to all parents in our area.
The Rotary Club of York’s Student Education Committee congratulates Maya Fetrow as the Edwin P. Mangold Rotary Scholarship recipient. The scholarship has a value of $ 4,000 ($ 1,000 x 4 years) towards her undergraduate studies in Molecular biology at the University of Pittsburgh. The Rotary Merit Scholarship was established in April 2007 from the estate of Rotarian Edwin P. Mangold. Maya is the daughter of Daniel and Jennifer Fetrow and is a 2021 graduate of Dover Area High School. She was presented the scholarship check at the May 12 Rotary Club of York club meeting at the Country Club of York.
The Rotary Club of York Awards Merit Scholarship
Maggie Scarborough, daughter of Robert and Jennifer Scarborough, was recognized at the May 12 meeting of the Rotary Club of York as the recipient of the Charles and Alma DIEHL Scholarship. A 2021 Kennard-Dale High School graduate, Maggie was awarded the $ 1,250 scholarship check to begin her studies at Virginia Tech as a Chemical Engineering major. The scholarship is made possible through the Charles W. Diehl, Jr. Rotary Education Fund of the York County Community Foundation.
L to R: Rotary Club of York President Anne Druck, Maya Fetrow, and Student Education Committee Chair Diane Merino.
L to R: Rotary Club of York President Anne Druck, Maggie Scarborough and Student Education Committee Chair Diane Merino.
I am asking you and/or your club for support for a project in India that falls outside the boundaries of Rotary Foundation parameters.
DG Rajan Gandotra of D3250 (Bihar and Jharkhand in India) is a personal friend of mine, and I have stayed with him and his wife (Anju) twice on my visits to India. Our district conducted a global grant with them a few years ago.
You have heard in the news how severe the COVID crisis in India is. They are critically short of oxygen throughout the country. DG Rajan is raising funds to purchase oxygen concentrators for the hospitals in his area. Getting amounts transferred to a Club Bank Account in India is a big challenge. The bank account has to be FCRA Compliant. (Foreign Currency Regulation Act). And to get official permission to do so can take months.
They have set up a GoFundMe Page (https://gofund.me/4790490e) wherein this US $ 3000 motivated by you or any additional amount can be immediately transferred by May 20th 2021. This amount will be used to purchase Oxygen Concentrators in US / Singapore itself and shipped to India. Four clubs have joined to collect US $ 70000 in this mission.
I have personally donated $1000 to this cause, and hope that you and/or your club will do the same.
On April 27th, the CDC released new guidance for vaccinated people allowing them the freedom to use fewer precautions. Now fully vaccinated people can gather in small outdoor gatherings with fully vaccinated family and friends with no masks. The Pennsylvania Department of Health still requires that masks be worn at indoor gatherings regardless of vaccination status. This is important to keep in mind as more Rotary clubs are moving to in-person activities including club meetings, fundraisers, and service events. Read more at: https://bit.ly/33lWs27
District Food Safety Education with Research Opportunity!
On Monday, May 24th, at 6 PM the Penn State Extension will be providing FREE Zoom education to Rotarians on food safety. This education is especially timely as many of us plan outdoor picnics with our club members and families. Our speaker is Lynn James, MS, RDN, LDN, Senior Extension Educator, Food Families & Health & Food Safety & Quality teams, Penn State Extension, Adams County. Lynn will also invite attendees to participate in a special research study involving the delivery of free food to the participants home, creation of a meal, and post meal education on what SHOULD have been safe food preparation. Join in on this free and educational event over the dinner hour. YES, YOU CAN EAT YOUR DINNER IN THE ZOOM ROOM. 😊 Register at: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZ0vd-GgrDkuHtTg5yg8BG8R57lLu2gbbi6Z
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
COVID-19 DISCON Breakout session available on demand!
On May 2nd, Dr. Angela Shen from the Vaccine Research Center at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia presented a session on COVID-19 at the multi-district conference. The session included information on its history, prevalence, and the steps all of us as Rotarians can take to end our Pandemic once and for all. View this excellent presentation at: https://youtu.be/zDuFUfxcpJA
Congratulations to Four Way Essay Contest Winner Sophie Ahrens from Red Lion High School! Sophie presented her winning essay last week at DisCon2021 for a Zoom audience that was deeply moved by her courage and willingness to share such a personal story of how the Four Way Test inspires her to keep on living every day. With her permission we share her winning essay on the District Blog at: https://d7390rotaryblog.wordpress.com/ We applaud Sophie for her willingness to share her challenges which will help so many others who don't have the same courage!
D7390 Four Way Essay Contest Winner’s Moving Essay featured on District Blog
On Monday, May 23rd, at 6 PM the Penn State Extension will be providing FREE Zoom education to Rotarians on food safety. This education is especially timely as many of us plan outdoor picnics with our club members and families. Our speaker is Lynn James, MS, RDN, LDN, Senior Extension Educator, Food Families & Health & Food Safety & Quality teams, Penn State Extension, Adams County. Lynn will also invite attendees to participate in a special research study involving the delivery of free food to the participants home, creation of a meal, and post meal education on what SHOULD have been safe food preparation. Join in on this free and educational event over the dinner hour. YES, YOU CAN EAT YOUR DINNER IN THE ZOOM ROOM. 😊 Register at: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZ0vd-GgrDkuHtTg5yg8BG8R57lLu2gbbi6Z
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
District Food Safety Education with Research Opportunity!
On Wednesday, May 12 from 8:00 to 9:00 p.m. EDT, Zones 28 and 32 are holding an hour of virtual speakers and entertainment to raise funds for The Rotary Foundation (TRF). Jennifer Jones, Rotary International President Nominee 2022-23, Mike Govern, Chair of the PolioPlus program, Past International President, Barry Rassin, and Drew Kessler, RI Director Nominee (speaker at our Tri-District conference) are just a few of the Rotarians who will bring you messages about Rotary’s signature effort to eradicate polio and open other doors of opportunity. Entertainers include Alex Lifeson, Canadian guitarist/rock legend with the Canadian band, Rush.
You may ask, “Why 8:00 to 9:00 p.m.?” Zones 28 and 32 represent Rotarians in Bermuda, Canada, France, and the United States which means this event will span 6 time zones. Finding a time that worked for thousands of Rotarians takes planning.
Tickets to the virtual event are available by going to trellis.org/rotary-gala. Tickets are $110 USD plus applicable fees, of which $100 is a fully credited donation to TRF - you get a charitable tax receipt and 100 Paul Harris Fellowship points, and your District gets credit towards their Foundation goals.
Rotarians, their clubs, and Districts are reaching the goals they have set for Foundation donations this year. The donation will be directed 75% to the Annual Fund of TRF and 25% to the PolioPlus fund. This event provides a unique opportunity to support TRF and make a difference in the world.
Anna-Mae Kobbe, Ph.D.
Rotary District Foundation Chair-Elect
Zones 28 and 32 VIRTUAL ROTARY FOUNDATION GALA & FUNDRAISER
You never forget the teacher who makes a difference…
In a year like no other, teachers deserve a round of applause! Help us celebrate educators who made an extra-special impact. Join WITF and Rotary 7390 as we recognize and celebrate 14 outstanding teachers who go the extra mile to make a difference in the lives of their students.
Due to the pandemic, we were unable to hold an awards ceremony last year. So, this year’s virtual online event will be super-sized as we celebrate the Teacher Impact Awards Class of 2020 and 2021 together.
On Saturday April 24, the Rotary Club of Lancaster South sponsored a service project at the 1719 Herr House Museum. Tiffany Fisk, Manager at the Herr House welcomed us, and gave us a brief orientation to the site and a bit of its history. The task was to clear the overgrown kitchen garden, which was a patch of weeds when we began. By noon the group had filled 24 lawn and leaf bags and four wheelbarrows of weeds and the garden was completely cleared, ready for restoration as an exhibit of historic plants and gardening. Another flower bed with a display of old mill stones was weeded as well. Six Rotarians, five members of the Lampeter Strasburg Interact club with their advisor, and one spouse, accomplished this work. Ideas emerged for finding opportunities for future collaboration with the students in the Interact Club, as well as the possibility for continued partnership with the 1719 Herr House Museum. It really was an enjoyable morning, with wonderful spring weather in a beautiful setting, and good people to share the work.
Lancaster-South Service Project at the 1719 Herr House Museum
On May 19, 2021, the Rotary Club of Colonial Park Foundation will award 22 students $71,000 in scholarships for the school year 2020-21. The Foundation awards scholarships to Dauphin County Technical School, Central Dauphin East, Central Dauphin, Harrisburg Christian and Bishop McDevitt High Schools. Scholarships range in amounts from $500 to $21,000.
In late 2013, the Rotary Club of Colonial Park authorized the formation of the Rotary Club of Colonial Park Foundation. The purpose of the Foundation includes, but is not limited to, the following: to help meet the educational, charitable, community enhancements and benevolent needs of organization and individuals within Lower Paxton Township and surrounding communities; and other communities where disasters have occurred.
In 2016 the Rotary Club of Colonial Park Foundation raised funds from donors in the Rotary club to start a scholarship program for students in the Central Dauphin School District and Dauphin County Technical School. During our first year of awarding scholarships, the Foundation granted $20,000 for one nursing scholarship, $10,000 for one engineering scholarship and $15,000 from our golf tournament to sponsor three $5,000 scholarships to HACC. Currently we offer scholarships to five high schools in our area. Unless specified by the donor, which some scholarships are, the students may apply to any accredited college program of their choice.
Randy Sibert, President of the Rotary Club of Colonial Park Foundation states: “Since 2002, the Rotary Club of Colonial Park and the Rotary Club of Colonial Park Foundation, has awarded $603,908 in scholarships. When you add our community giving funds to organizations in the area, our total scholarships and community giving totals $825,808.”
World Immunization Week (WIW) 2021 comes as COVID-19 vaccines are being rolled out around the world, and vaccination is unprecedentedly the focus of daily news cycles and everyday conversations. The milestone, which will take place from Saturday, 24 April to Friday, 30 April, serves as a chance to broaden the conversation about the polio program’s contributions to global health, including its support of equitable COVID-19 vaccine rollout. This year’s community-wide WIW theme is “vaccines bring us closer,” which aims to build on the current public spotlight on vaccines and reach a wider audience beyond immunization partners with important messages about vaccine efficacy and safety.
The polio program delivers more than the polio vaccine. Polio health workers also respond to #malaria, #Ebola, #measles, and now #COVID19 – strengthening health systems and working toward improved health for all. #EndPolio #VaccinesWork
York East Rotary members (from left) Deborah Klinedinst, Tim Koller, Tony Molinaro, Charles Wurster, Greg Kern, Reid Kern (Greg’s son) and Greg Klinedinst (not Pictured) participated in a recent cleanup effort. The club picks up litter along Edgewood Road between Prospect Street and Kingston Road.
Since April 13, 2020, the York-North Rotary Club has been supplying over 100 sandwiches per week to Our Daily Bread soup kitchen. The soup kitchen provides breakfast and lunch to 150 – 200 people in York, and the York-North Rotary Club has been assisting them in this effort. Fifteen club members have been taking turns every three weeks to make peanut butter & jelly sandwiches, package them (along with some cookies), and deliver them to Our Daily Bread. These sandwiches are offered to everyone who visits the soup kitchen to take home with them, as a meal for later in the day.
At the one-year anniversary of this service to our community, the York-North Rotary Club has already delivered over 5000 sandwiches, along with coffee, oatmeal, potato salad, and other food staples. After the COVID 19 guidelines are relaxed, the York North Rotary Club plans to continue to provide food staples and to volunteer from time to time to serve food at Our Daily Bread.
The following tribute to PDG Chuck Cenkner was printed on Penn Live
Amid these times of political, social and healthcare concerns, we wanted to reflect on the loss of a Harrisburg area leader, Charles L. Cenkner. Chuck, who passed on Feb. 15, had an extensive background in finance. His calm, competent ways made him an ideal leader for the Capital Area Cosmopolitan Club, which he served as club Treasurer and Vice Chairman in 2020. He was especially active in its fundraising for diabetes projects, including the Setebaid Service Summer Camp for diabetic children in Pennsylvania. Setebaid has established the Charles Cenkner Memorial Fund to remember his life and legacy and is accepting contributions. Chuck lived in Shipoke, where his quiet, tireless manner made him a hero in helping to keep this neighborhood clean. Chuck was also active in Rotary, serving as District Governor in 2002-2003 and working diligently on efforts to eradicate polio globally. In 2011, he received Rotary’s Distinguished Service Award. We pray that Chuck finds peace and is happily reunited with the love of his life, Marilyn. William M. Dallam and friends of Chuck Cenkner
In tribute to Charles L. Cenkner, a respected community leader
Following Hurricane Maria in 2017, District 7390 raised $30,386.00 specifically for Puerto Rico recovery efforts. It took some time for us to identify an appropriate project and in January 2020 we sent a check in the full amount to the Jane Stern Community Libraries to cover recovery and operating costs at two of their satellite locations in Toa Baja and Mameyal. Unfortunately, COVID 19 has slowed the recovery process; schools and libraries have been operating on a spotty virtual basis which has slowed their progress in offering expanded programs.
We received a report dated March 16, 2021 showing a remaining balance of $13,025.94 along with plans to shortly return to a normal schedule where they can again offer school library programs during the day and community programs in the evenings that include language and literacy programs for adults, teens and children, along with early education play areas with books and toys, and reliable internet access for digital resources.
Rotary District 730 is recognized as a Major Sponsor at the Library’s main entrance and on their website, social media, and print material.
UPDATE ON THE JANE STERN COMMUNITY LIBRARY PROJECT IN PUERTO RICO
The Harrisburg Rotary Foundation is the charitable arm of the Rotary Club of Harrisburg which was founded in 1911 as the 23rd club in all the world.
The Foundation is funded by Club members and Club-sponsored fundraisers. The Foundation typically disburses about $50,000.00 per year in college scholarships, grants to the Harrisburg School District, local charitable organizations, programming for local youth, local and international service projects.
In addition to the normal service and support, from March 2020 to April 2021, the Rotary Club of Harrisburg has donated the unused portion of the members’ meal budget to organizations who have been supporting those who need extra help during the pandemic.
Prior to the pandemic, members typically enjoyed lunch, Club updates and a notable speaker most every Monday at the Hilton Harrisburg in the center of the city.
To date, Foundation has donated an additional $30,400.00 from the lunch budget to the following organizations since March 2020.
American Red Cross- Central PA Chapter
Bethesda Mission
Boys and Girls Club
Central Pennsylvania Food Bank
Downtown Daily Bread
Hanna's Pantry
Hospice of Central Pennsylvania
Humane Society of Harrisburg Area
Jewish Community Foundation's Food For Children Campaign
Latino Hispanic American Community Center
Rotary Foundation's Polio Plus Fund
Salvation Army- Harrisburg Capital City Region
Save the Bananas
Shalom House
YMCA- Camp Curtin Branch
YWCA of Greater Harrisburg
Harrisburg Club’s Foundation Donates Lunch Meeting Funds to 16 Non-Profits While While Socially Distancing
Many of you have asked about our Rotary-United Nations activities, especially regarding the popular United Nations Days, we had pre-covid.
Recently our friends in NYC District 7230 helped to coordinate a virtual UN day, with lots of great content and speakers. Below are links to archive videos of the first 3 sessions.
I have also been doing Zone and District presentations on the 75th anniversary and history of Rotary’s founding contribution to the UN. Below is an archive video from a recent RID 3860 celebration event, hosted by Banilad Metro RC in Cebu, Philippines. My UN presentation starts at about the 11:40 minute mark. 75th Anniversary Celebration of Rotary & the United Nations
We hope you enjoy this information on our Rotary-United Nations partnership. Please like and subscribe to receive notice of new videos when uploaded.
With best regards.
Doug V
PDG Doug Vincent, D7080 ON, Canada
Rotary UNAC United Nations Rep
RCMP Federal Community Police Advisor
744797 CR 17, Woodstock, ON N4S 7V7 +1 519-537-3753
We are excited to offer a $ 5,000 scholarship to someone dedicated to community service and serving others while enrolled in college! Applications are currently being accepted for this inaugural scholarship. Eligible applicants are current full-time undergraduate college students enrolled for their junior year this fall 2021. All scholarship criteria, including the downloadable application, are available on www.yorkrotary.org/downloads. Completed applications must be received before the May 31, 2021 deadline. Contact Student Education Administrator Renea with any questions officeassist@yorkrotary.org.
THE ROTARY CLUB OF YORK STUDENT EDUCATION CHAIR’S SCHOLARSHIP
This is the 17th annual golf tournament sponsored by the Rotary Club of Colonial Park will be held Friday, May 21, 2021. The tournament is named after Past President Norman P. Hetrick, who passed away on June 30, 2009. Norm was president of the Rotary Club of Colonial Park during the Rotary year of 2001/2002. As President, it was Norm’s goal to raise funds for community projects and organizations, especially to benefit students in area schools and the Harrisburg Foundation.
The Colonial Park Rotary Club is designating the proceeds from the golf tournament to be used as scholarships for three students who would not have the ability to pay for tuition. These scholarships can be used at any accredited post-secondary educational institution. Three eligible graduating seniors from Dauphin County Technical Schools will each be awarded a $5,000, one-year scholarship. Over the past 17 years, the club has awarded more than $180,000 towards providing scholarships to local students and assisting civic non-profit organizations. The Colonial Park Rotary Club is working to make this the best year ever!
The Rotary Means Business Fellowship (RMBF) gained Rotary International approval as a business networking fellowship in 2013 and has been growing ever since. It now has over 100 Chapters worldwide covering every continent except Antarctica (penguins may be joining soon) and almost 1,000 individual paid members. The Purpose of the RMB Fellowship, i.e., the “what” and the “why” follow: Rotary Means Business encourages Rotarians to support the success of their fellow Rotarians by doing business with them, and by referring others to them. After all, we follow the Four Way Test so trust is built into all parts of Rotary. As a result, the RMBF helps develop stronger businesses, stronger communities, stronger members, stronger Rotary Foundation, stronger Clubs, and ultimately a stronger Rotary.
Chapters may be formed in varying ways – a group of Rotarians in a geographical area may decide to form a chapter, a part of a District may form a chapter, or the chapter may be formed based on a District-centered/managed model. Chapters join the RMBF to use the logo and RMB brand name for a modest annual fee. There is no requirement that chapter members join the Fellowship as individuals but this is recommended. Chapter leaders are required to join the RMBF. Individual annual memberships or lifetime memberships are available at a reasonable cost.
The RMBF provides its members and Chapters many benefits to include being part of a growing worldwide Rotary business networking movement with the opportunity to exchange views with Rotarians from around the world. When you join and fill out your member profile, you automatically are part of a global Rotarian “Yellow Pages”. For local chapters when more and more of the members join the RMBF, the chapter has effectively created its own “Yellow Pages” since if you search the database for a particular US state and a particular profession the name of local members in that profession will pop up. The RMBF also is developing a Mentoring database, which will allow Rotarians to mentor other Rotarians that seek advice in various fields. You can also promote your business networking events on the RMBF website at www.rotarymeansbusiness.org.
To find out more regarding forming a Chapter or joining as an individual, please consider stopping by the RMBF virtual booth in the Hall of Friendship. Members of the RMBF Board of Directors to include the Chair and Vice Chair will be able to answer your questions and point you to the best path to join as a Chapter and/or an individual.
Hall of Friendship times are as follows:
Friday evening April 30 - 6:00 to 7:00 PM
Saturday morning, May 1 - 8:30 to 9:30 AM
Saturday evening, May 1 - 6:00 to 7:00 PM
Sunday, morning May 2 - 10:30 to 11:15 AM
See you there!
ROTARY MEANS BUSINESS FELLOWSHIP: OPPORTUNITIES TO JOIN AS AN INDIVIDUAL OR A CHAPTER AT THE TRI-DISTRICT CONFERENCE
Although Supporting the Environment has recently become a standalone area of focus, over the past 5 years, more than $18 million in Foundation global grant funding has been allocated to environment related projects. Click Here.
Past Rotary President Gary C.K. Huang says that with the global population reaching near eight billion, protecting the environment is increasingly important.
It is time for us to use our collective resources to invest in a smart and efficient way to protecting our environment,” says Huang. “We are qualified to take this initiative because we are a global group of problem solvers with diversified talents.
The Rotary Foundation will be supporting activities that strengthen the conservation and protection of natural resources, advance environmental sustainability, and foster harmony between people and the environment. If you want to learn more see the Rotary Foundation Areas of Focus Policy Statements by Clicking Here
From the Rotary web page: Rotary shares an interest in protecting our common legacy: the environment. We are committed to supporting activities that strengthen the conservation and protection of natural resources, advance ecological sustainability, and foster harmony between communities and the environment. We empower communities to access grants and other resources, embrace local solutions, and spur innovation in an effort to address the causes and reduce the effects of climate change and environmental degradation.
To do projects that have a larger impact, and broader reach, ongoing donations to the Rotary Foundation will be needed to permit Rotarians to plan and implement global grant projects. One way to assure that funds are there when we need/want them is to make gifts that are targeted towards supporting the environment via the world fund. The interest from these donations will then be directed only to global grants that are focused on this new area of focus into perpetuity.
Consider being a donor leader in supporting this new area of focus.
Supporting the Environment: A New Area of Focus and New Opportunities Coming July 2021
The Rotary Club of York is currently accepting applications for $ 2,000 WHITELEY EDUCATIONAL LOANS for full-time, undergraduate college students. All criteria and downloadable applications are available on the club’s website www.yorkrotary.org/downloads. The deadline to receive a completed application is May 31, 2021. Contact Student Education Administrator Renea with any questions officeassist@yorkrotary.org.
York Accepting Applications for Whitely Educational Loans
Rotary Means Business District 7390 hosted a Virtual RMB networking event on March 24 for which 23 Rotarians registered and 16 or 17 attended. The event had members of the Rotary Clubs of Carlisle, Carlisle Sunrise, Hanover, Harrisburg, Harrisburg Keystone, Mechanicsburg North, Lancaster Hempfield, Lancaster Penn Square, Paradise, and York North attend along with two out-of-district guests from the Chicagoland Chapter of the Rotary Means Business Fellowship. Also, another guest was from New Jersey but had attended Chicagoland events and another guest was from New York and is the Vice Chair of the RMB Fellowship.
Scott Stevens, the President of the Governing Board of District 7390 RMB, ran a very smooth and fun meeting during which a lot was accomplished and great business connections were made. Linda Kemp, the co-founder of the Chicagoland RMB Fellowship Chapter # 100, gave a brief talk about two very helpful networking apps (HiHello and Bomb Bomb) and discussed her upcoming hybrid (in person and virtual) Chicagoland RMB networking event on April 15 at the newly renovated Chicago-area home of Rotary International founder Paul Harris. District Governor John Anthony gave a short presentation regarding the upcoming virtual District 7390 Conference April 30 to May 2. Everyone had a chance to give their elevator pitch concerning their businesses and then the meeting broke down twice into smaller groups for more in depth discussion giving everyone a chance to know one another better.
All in all the 61st RMB District 7390 networking event gave everyone an opportunity for great fun, fellowship, and successful business networking. RMB District 7390 and the RMB Fellowship will be prominent parts of the upcoming district conference. Please do not miss this opportunity to participate again in Rotary Means Business.
Missed the bus with applying for a 2021-2022 District Grant?
No worries!
You can still “HOP ON THE BUS” with us!
While the March 15 deadline for submitting the Form of Intention for 2021-2022 District Grants may have already passed, you can still be a part of a District Grant by joining our multi-club, district-wide project. You can learn more about the project on our club’s website HERE or by watching DG John Anthony’s VLOG HERE.
We are still in need of ONE MORE CLUB to be a grant partner along with the Harrisburg Keystone, West Shore, Mechanicsburg North, and Littlestown clubs! And even if you already have your own District Grant project lined up, you can still join other clubs, such as the Lancaster South and Perry County clubs, that have generously donated to this project in addition to their own club projects. Our club has set up a donation link HERE, and each donation, whether from clubs or individuals, help us reach our $25,000 District Grant goal and push this bus a little closer to finish line!
Just as a reminder, we’re also offering to match up to $500 of each club’s donations (Read more about the matching challenge HERE). So far, that’s already added up to $2150 in additional money going towards the project.
We know that by working together we can multiply the good that we can do in the world. Thank you so much for your consideration!
Yours in Rotary,
Meg & Duke
P.S. For any questions related to the project, please feel free to reach out to us here:
Applications are currently being accepted for the Carol Wagman NursingScholarship. Eligible applicants are York College of PA students enrolled in the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program in their junior year or above. All criteria, including the downloadable application, are available on www.yorkrotary.org/downloads. The application deadline is May 31. Please contact Student Education Administrator Renea with any questions at officeassist@yorkrotary.org
Rotary Club of York Carol Wagman Nursing Scholarship
The Rotary Club of York is currently accepting applications for the $ 3,000 Donna E. Hayes Equine Scholarship. Eligible applicants are current full-time students in the EQUINE field of study in college (majors including management, studies, science, therapy, business, etc.). The application and informational letter are available on www.yorkrotary.org/downloads. Please contact Student Education Administrator Renea Oberdick with questions officeassist@yorkrotary.org. The application deadline is May 31, 2021.
Here are recent graduate (and Tech Services staffer) Kyle Wall with Computer/Business Education Teacher Mr. George and Secondary Principal Dr. Ebert getting familiarized with the wide array of new digital cameras, lavalier microphones, lighting, and portable green screens made possible through a generous donation from the Rotary Club of Northern Lebanon County.
The Northern Lebanon Secondary School wants to thank Elaine Ludwig and the entire Rotary Club of Northern Lebanon County for investing in broadcasting, journalism, and communications education!
Northern Lebanon Rotary Donates Equipment to Local High School
Rotary District 7390 RMB will host the 61st RMB networking event on Wednesday March 24 at 4:00-5:30 PM via Zoom. As with most Zoom events, there will be no charge, but you must register to receive the Zoom link. Registration can be made through the following link: http://bit.ly/RMBmarch2021
The value of continuing education can never be underestimated.
For many years, Rotary Club of Harrisburg (RCH) members have financially and functionally support high school students from area schools attain valued scholarships. The scholarship awards are for $2,000 each. It is estimated the Club members have funded hundreds of scholarships.
According to Scholarship Chair Curt Stutzman, “Our committee has been supporting four students for quite some time now. Typically, we select one student from each of the four area school districts in our Club’s footprint. I say, typically, because one year our committee had tied scoring sheets.”
Students from John Harris High School, Harrisburg Sci Tech, Steelton-Highspire High School and Bishop McDevitt High School are encouraged every year to submit detailed applications. Committee members score the applications using a scoring system that looks at a number of factors, including financial need, rank in class, an essay and more. Committee members review the submissions and make the final scholarship determinations.
Stutzman says, “The RCH pancake breakfast held in October each year is the largest fundraiser for the Club. Most of the scholarship funding comes from the proceeds. Occasionally, as in the case of the tied scoring, we need to request additional funding from the Club’s Foundation coffers.”
Stutzman has been the Scholarship Committee’s chair for four years. When asked why he serves, he said, “I like to be of service in ways that I can help and this is one way to do that for our Club. I enjoy the interaction with the students at the lunch when we host them to present the awards. I like to hear their goals and plans for their future.
Over my years as a committee member and chair, I’ve seen many of these students as future leaders in our community and hope they eventually become engaged Rotarians. I also think my being detail oriented helps in updating the application and tabulation of the scores.”
Students frequently send thank you notes like this one, “Thank you so much for this opportunity, this really means a lot to me and my family! Thank you again.” A.C.
Members of the Scholarship Committee include Karen Cullings, Carolyn Dumaresq, Michael Eby, Peggy Grove, Betty Hungerford, Curt Stutzman (Chair), Michele Tantardini and Sue Ward-Diorio.
RCH Members Support Future Leaders Through A Decades Long History of College Scholarship Funding
Celebrating 75 Years of Joint International Service
The United Nations (UN) serves as a global forum where countries raise and discuss the most difficult issues, including problems of health, climate, education and peace. Since helping to charter the United Nations in 1945, Rotarians and the United Nations have worked together toward peace and addressing humanitarian issues worldwide.
In September 2020, the United Nations reaffirmed its commitment to leave no-one behind, protect our planet, promote peace, engage young people and be better prepared for future crises. These are opportunities for us to take action.
On 10 April 2021, join people of action from around the world for an online event “75 Years of Action,” celebrating Rotarians’ lasting support of the United Nations and the Sustainable Development Goals.
This event- a live premier of reflections and flash talks with first-hand experiences- will emphasize UN officials and Rotarians’ shared values and ongoing history of empowering and connecting people to opportunities through a series of flash talks and brief discussions.
Dr. Dave Zuilkoski, President, and Dr. Erik Orndorff, President-Elect, of the Paradise Club of Rotary in Lancaster County have decided to “put their money where their bellies are” when it came to charitable fundraising ideas during this COVID pandemic! Dr. Z and Dr. O are superintendents of the Conestoga Valley School District, and Pequea Valley School District, respectively. Knowing that in-person fundraising events were limited or non-existent per safety guidelines, they looked no further than each other for inspiration.
“We both knew we could lose a few pounds and figured out a way to have a healthy competition that would benefit our local charities,” Dr. Z stated. Dr. O added, “we’ve never taken ourselves too seriously, so putting ourselves out there for a weight loss challenge was a great way to get funds and food for our local charities.” Conestoga Valley Christian Community Services (CVCCS) in Conestoga Valley, and The Factory Ministries in Pequea Valley are two local organizations that help those in need, to include a food pantry at both locations.
The premise of the local “Biggest Loser: CV v PV” is that for every pound that Dr. Z or Dr. O lose, people can sponsor them either monetarily or with food items. For example, people can donate a per pound amount (i.e., $1 per pound lost, or one food item per pound lost), or can make a straight fixed amount donation (i.e., $25 or a bag of groceries). This 90-day challenge began on February 1, with the final weigh-in being held on April 30. So far, it’s been nip and tuck! (No pun intended!)
In addition to this Rotary-sponsored event, both school districts have opened up the weight loss program to their faculty and staff and have made it part of their respective wellness programs. The partnership between the Paradise Club and the local school districts is beneficial to both the charitable organizations and the individuals in the two districts!
For more information, check out the introductory video or visit the two districts’ website to find out how you can donate to make a difference!
Paradise Club of Rotary Biggest Losers for a Good Cause
Let me share a focus for your club moving forward.
Rotary International has established a Taskforce for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
District 7390 is forming a new committee to assist clubs with growth through Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. If you are interested in joining this committee please email PDG Dennis Zubler, dennis.zubler@gmail.com
A top priority for Rotary is growing and diversifying our membership to make sure we reflect the communities we serve and are inclusive of all cultures, experiences, and identities. We're creating an organization that is more open and inclusive, fair to all, builds goodwill, and benefits our communities.
To help us achieve our goal, the RI Board of Directors passed a diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) statement: As a global network that strives to build a world where people unite and take action to create lasting change, Rotary values diversity and celebrates the contributions of people of all backgrounds, regardless of their age, ethnicity, race, color, abilities, religion, socioeconomic status, culture, sex, sexual orientation, and gender identity.
Rotary will cultivate a diverse, equitable, and inclusive culture in which people from underrepresented groups have greater opportunities to participate as members and leaders. Making diversity, equity, and inclusion a priority is everyone's responsibility — from Rotary members to staff at the Secretariat.
The eradication of Polio is Rotary International's number one promise to the world. It is our largest global project. We have made much great progress over the years, yet there is still much to be done. The infrastructure of the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (of which RI is a partner) has most recently been used to combat COVID. Now countries around the world are re-instituting Polio vaccinations for their children. And Rotary is there to help.
But it is intuitively obvious to the most casual observer that the effort needs money in order to keep going. So, I am asking you to make a special donation of at least $100 to the PolioPlus Fund. This would be over and above your normal annual donation to PolioPlus.
And, if you do, I will:
Personally obtain the commemorative coin (actually, I already have them)
Personally mount the coin in a coin display thing-a-ma-jig. (Actually, I already have these, too)
Personally purchase the padded envelop (news flash, I already have these, too)
Personally address the aforementioned padded envelop to you. My personal handwriting is sure to be a collector’s item some day.
Personally mail you an official US Mint one dollar coin which commemorates the discovery of the Polio vaccine. (actually, my bookkeeper will mail it since the post office is on the way to work for her.)
So then, I buy the coin. I buy the coin display thing-a-ma-jig. I buy the padded envelope. I will hand address the envelop in nearly calligraphy-like perfection. Or at least legible enough for the post office. I pay for the postage.
And all you need to do is make a one-time contribution to PolioPlus. Over and above your normal PolioPlus donation.
Here is how you do it. Select endpolo.org or myrotary.org. After you sign in, look in the upper right-hand corner of the home page for the DONATE button. Click that button and follow the easy-to-understand instructions. You will get Paul Harris points AND, more importantly, you will join thousands of Rotarians across the world in eradicating a horrible disease.
To get the coin, just email me a copy of your receipt from TRF to pdgjohn2015@gmail.com and I will get the coin in the mail to you, with my personal thanks. Oh. And this offer is limited to the first seventy-seven people who respond. That's all the coins I have left.
Join members of my club who have already made a special contribution to PolioPlus.
Join us in Rotary's number one mission! And thank you.
We are excited to be your guides as we set out exploring new opportunities together. Our path will take us into a world of leadership, learning, fellowship and fun! All from the comfort of your own home!
This exciting adventure will also include the opportunity to join with fellow Rotarians safely in service throughout the three districts!
If the video does not appear, please click here to view it.
We are gathering information on service activities that have taken place in the District or that your club is planning to complete. The projects will be listed on this page and will not be taken off. This page will showcase the good works of Rotarians and Rotary Clubs in District 7390!
Submit your service activity information today by clicking here!
This weeks District Blog features PDG Ben Hoover who is celebrating his 50th Rotary anniversary as a 3rd Generation Rotarian. You will be inspired by Ben’s incredible life of service and all the opportunities that enriched Ben’s life as a result of his time with Rotary. Read more at: https://wordpress.com/view/d7390rotaryblog.wordpress.com
Check our our Member Spotlight on the D7390 Rotary Blog!
To better assist clubs that are experiencing financial hardship or have not completed a club project in the last two years, the District Club Grants Committee has established two new grant opportunities for Rotary District 7390 Clubs.
Pre-Funded District Club Grants provide Rotary District 7390 Clubs with advanced funding for a District Club Grant (DCG) that may not otherwise have the financial resources to fully fund a DCG up front. Clubs showing financial need may request up to $2,500 in DCG funding.
District Micro Grants of $500 is available for clubs that are experiencing financial difficulties and have not completed a District or Global in the last two years.
For more information and the applications to apply, please click here. DG John Anthony and District Grant Committee Co-Chair Amy Spotts also discuss these two new grants in the 2/26 VLOG.
The members of the Rotary Club of New Holland are mourning the loss of their fellow member, Titus Musser, who passed away on February 11, 2021. Having joined the club in 1961, Titus was a dedicated, long-time member, and served as its past president, Secretary and Treasurer. Titus was just as dedicated to Rotary on an international level and was recently awarded the Paul Harris Fellow +5 pin shortly before his death. Titus retired from his excavating business after 60 years, was very involved in the retirement community where he lived, and enjoyed gardening and woodworking. In the photos, you can see an example of Titus’ woodworking craftsmanship in the model he built of a one-room schoolhouse he attended as a child. All of us in the club thank you, Titus, for your inspiration and dedication to our club. You will be missed!
The District has a Meetup Group which is open to all Rotarians to join free of charge. It’s a place to see service opportunities, fundraisers, and education AND post your own club’s activities. Go to https://www.meetup.com/Service-Above-Self/ and click “Join”. DGN Juliet Altenburg will then approve you and make you an “event planner” so you can post all your club’s activities. This site is open to the public so it is a great way to advertise all your events and reach out to the community and other clubs.
Join the District 7390 Service Above Self Meetup Group
For the third year in a row, members of the Harrisburg Keystone Rotary Club were #FreezinforaReason as part of the Capital Area Polar Plunge!
This Special Olympics fundraiser is normally held at the lake of Gifford Pinchot State Park. To limit social contact during the COVID-19 pandemic, this year's event was held virtually, similar to the "Ice Bucket Challenge." Over $650,000.00 has been raised by Virtual Polar Plunge Participants across the state to empower Pennsylvania's Special Olympics athletes.
This year's Rotary team, Addeline Alaniz Edwards, Robert Ihlein, Becky Boone, and John Abel have raised nearly $700.00 so far! Help the team meet its goal of $1,000.00. Visit https://www.classy.org/team/336704 to donate.
Rotary Club of Harrisburg Members Make a Difference in Someone’s Troubled Life!
Maybe you believe in giving people a second chance, maybe a third; maybe beyond. That seems to be the common denominator of those Rotary Club of Harrisburg members serving on the Care Court outreach.
Started in 2009 by two exceptional Rotarians The Honorable Yvette Kane United States District Judge for the Middle District of Pennsylvania and then Rotary Club of Harrisburg president and known people activist Karen Snyder. The dynamic duo brought a concept of caring and compassion in the court to life.
Care Court is designed to give those who were incarcerated a hand up. It gives them someone outside the federal court system to help face the challenges of everyday life when they may have had no role model or languished too many years in “the system.” Since its founding, the Care Court concept has been a role model for other similar programs around the nation. In-person meetings are currently on hold due to the pandemic restrictions.
In a unique approach, Care Court is a completely voluntary commitment at all levels. Those adults leaving incarceration who are seeking that second chance, members of the regional federal judicial system and, of course, our Club’s members/volunteers make the Care Court a reality today.
RCH Care Court Chair Richard Utley notes, “one of our most unique gifts to the mentee is a fresh perspective on what they can accomplish with the right attitude and direction.” Participants, volunteers from the judicial system and Rotary volunteers typically meet monthly to provide a support group and get updates. Utley noted that during the pandemic, meetings are on hold, but he hopes they resume soon.
Prior to the pandemic, RCH Care Court committee members met directly with their assigned participants on an as needed and mutually agreed basis. Often these meetings allowed RCH mentors to just listen or help navigate the unfamiliar and challenging life outside imprisonment. It is hoped in-person meetings can resume.
A long-time committee Karen Paris adds, “We often help participants with practical stuff like budgeting, developing a resume for a job, listening to family challenges or just talking over a cup of coffee. The mentors often find that their personal life experiences are just what the mentee needs to start making the right decisions in life.”
A Care Court volunteer working in the federal judicial system, Daniel Karhnak, Senior US Probation Officer, first volunteered in 2013. Having started as a probation officer he knew he wanted to work in the judicial system as he likes, “helping people learn how to make better decisions. Helping them think more clearly and weigh the consequences of their actions.” While this sounds so simple to many of us, He sees many of those “in the system” come from broken homes and have had little positive parental support in life.
Karhnak also complimented the Rotarian volunteers’ engagement. “Rotary mentors are a key component and are absolutely essential to the success of this program.”
The Rotary Veterans Initiative is looking for mentors in the following fields: Computer Information Security, Computer Networking/Penetration Testing/IT/Cyber Security, and a Physician.
Mentors can be from our network of district Rotarians or from their friends and acquaintances that may be experts in these areas. Please contact PDG Alden Cunningham at amccjc2@gmail.com if you can mentor or have anyone that has agreed to be a mentor for a student veteran from Harrisburg Community College. Thank you.
Bringing a new member into your club is exciting – you’ve met the challenge of recruitment and want to share all of Rotary with your new member!
Losing a member of your club is disheartening – how could that person possibly not have caught the Rotary passion that we all share?!?!
District leadership would like to help you with the challenge of mentoring, engaging and keeping your members – hence, the formation of a Committee!
DG John Anthony has entrusted Elizabeth Wolf (York-East) with getting this committee up and running. He has spoken about it with every club during the course of his official visits. Do you have an interest in helping with this effort? As always, with a district activity, those who participate expand their network, their understanding of the incredible scope of Rotary and their commitment to Rotary.
The Rotary Club of Mount Joy invites our friends and neighbors to volunteer a little time at Rotary Park in Mount Joy. If you enjoy playing in the dirt, the Spring Workday and Community Celebration is for you! Join in on Saturday, April 10 AM – drizzle or shine – from 8:00 AM until 2:00 PM (Rain date is April 24).
More than ever, your help is needed! The annual workday helps us prepare the park for the season and is being planned as a 2021 community celebration. Rotary Park is home to Hotchkiss, Merchandiser, and Don Pop Staley Fields. The park is a great place to play ball, take a brisk walk, or lounge at the picnic tables while the little ones play at the tot-lot. If you want to help polish this lovely community gem, consider joining the Rotary team for a few hours.
Mark your calendar now for Saturday, April 10. Help us plan by registering before April 7th. To register or ask a question, send an email to Dave Christian at dave@dcalarch.com or call him at 717-492-4295 (daytime)/717-653-2622 (evenings). Join the Rotary team that Saturday at the Fairview Park entrance, across the street from the former Lions’ Club Pool entrance. Additional parking may be found off the Market Street entrance.
Please bring your tools and dig in! Individual and group opportunities exist for all ages and at all skill levels. Your email address will also help us keep you informed of workday details as they develop. (Softball anyone?) A complimentary breakfast and lunch will be provided to our volunteers. Please provide an estimate of the number of people you are planning to bring to the event when you register.
If the April 10th date does not work for you, there are other opportunities to get involved. Contact Dave at the numbers above to volunteer to keep the park beautiful throughout the growing season. Help with weeding, mulching, or other hands-on projects this summer. Give your family, team, church, workplace, or club a chance to develop their community spirit this year.
Visit the Rotary Club of Mount Joy’s Facebook page to learn more about Rotary and the Mount Joy Club’s activities. If you are interested in being a guest at either the Tuesday noon or Thursday evening meetings, call Randy Wolgemuth at 717-468-6128 or send an email to mountjoypres@gmail.com.
Pictured left to right Mindy Merkey and Sandy Christian.
The tree picture: yellow shirt Dave Christian, with back to the photographer is Brian Ebersole, and the other adult is Scott Everhart. The children are helpers who just stopped by that day we do not have their names.
If anyone has questions the PR says to contact Dave Christian. That is the best info. I will be out of the area in April.
The COVID-19 Risk Mitigation Guidance document is now updated on the District 7390 webpage by clicking here. Additions include:
New Rotary International Position Statements outlining the importance of Rotary Clubs advocating for COVID-19 vaccines, risk mitigation practices, and service activities aimed at supporting public health efforts during the pandemic.
New CDC guidance on best practices for mask wearing including covering the face/nose and “double masking” to optimize protection.
An emphasis on avoiding food consumption during club meetings to minimize virus transmission based on the lack of mask wearing.
A new Appendix F titled “Club Safety Liaison Position Description”.
The District Safety Committee is encouraging clubs to appoint a “Club Safety Liaison” who would serve as the recipient and distributor of safety guidance to their club from the District Safety Committee. Ideally this person would also assure safe practices are considered during any in-person activities of their club. Club Presidents should submit the name and contact information for their Safety Liaison to DGN Juliet Altenburg at DGJuliet2022@qrpc.com.
Interested in participating in vaccine distribution? There are several ways to help within our district! Just go to the links below to learn more!
Advertise your club’s support for mask wearing on a Digital Billboard!
Due to the generosity of Lamar Advertising, Rotary Clubs in our District can purchase an electronic billboard for just $100 to show how they provide “service above self” in the community. One way to use your billboard is to highlight a member wearing a mask! Learn more at: https://www.rotary7390.org/documents/en-us/be47eb30-b95e-49e9-9910-abe333f99761/1
Experts Needed in develop and implement District Crisis Management Plan
Rotary International now requires that every District develop a Crisis Management Plan. We are looking for a team of experts to help us create this plan and also serve as a member of the Crisis Management Team (CMT). This team would function as a subcommittee within the District Safety Committee. Please contact DGN Juliet at DGJuliet2022@qrpc.com if you or someone you know, is willing to help. Membership in Rotary is not a requirement to lend your expertise. To read more about this project go to: https://my.rotary.org/en/document/developing-crisis-management-plan
The Rotary Club of Gettysburg has been distributing dictionaries to third grade students for many years. The club usually meets in a bar for happy hour to put Rotary labels on the dictionaries. That wasn’t possible this year but the Rotarians were determined to get the dictionaries to the students. President-elect Larry Redding and Foundation Chair Anna-Mae Kobbe chaired this year’s effort. Masked Rotarians met in the Gettysburg Times distribution depot with the garage door open to prepare the dictionaries. About 800 dictionaries will be distributed to students in Bermudian Springs, Upper Adams, Conewago Valley, Gettysburg, and Fairfield school districts as well as Saint Francis Xavier Catholic School, Saint Teresa of Calcutta Catholic School, Vida Charter School and Gettysburg Montesorri School.
Incoming Rotary International President Shekhar Mehta urged members to become more involved in service projects, saying that caring for and serving others is the best way to live because it changes not only other people’s lives, but also our own.
Mehta, a member of the Rotary Club of Calcutta-Mahanagar, West Bengal, India, revealed the 2021-22 presidential theme, Serve to Change Lives, to incoming district governors on 1 February during the Rotary International Assembly. The assembly, a yearly training event for district governors-elect, was originally set to take place in Orlando, Florida, USA, but was held virtually because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Mehta spoke about how participating in service projects through Rotary changed him as a person and made him empathize more with the needs of others. Soon after joining his club, he helped carry out projects that benefited rural communities in India.
Some of the poor conditions he saw in those communities strengthened his commitment to service. “I truly understood the plight of my brethren,” he said.
Mehta participated in initiatives that brought artificial limbs to children, clean water and sanitation to homes, and better health care facilities to communities.
“Rotary kindled the spark within me to look beyond myself and embrace humanity,” he said. “Service became a way of life for me and I, like many others, adopted the guiding philosophy that ‘Service is the rent I pay for the space I occupy on this earth, and I want to be a good tenant of this earth.’”
Mehta encouraged district governors-elect to lead by example during their term and inspire Rotary and Rotaract members to participate in projects that have measurable and sustainable impacts. He’s asking each club to conduct a Rotary Day of Service.
“At the end of your term as district governor, you should feel that because of your leadership, because of your inspiration to Rotarians and Rotaractors, the world has changed for the better because of the service done by them during the year,” he said.
An international commitment theme of Rotarians around the world is Service Above Self. These three simple words guide Rotary International members everywhere to serving others. Since 1911 members of the Rotary Club of Harrisburg (RCH) have taken the service commitment to heart. Starting in 1977 particularly active members have been recognized by their fellow club members with the Community Service Award.
While there is no financial award for these community spirited individuals, the recognition from fellow members is a, “celebration of Rotary service and its transformative impact on my life,” says the 2020 and 43 recipient Susan L. Anthony. Nominations are made from the potential recipient’s service and performance with organizations not related to the person’s work within the Rotary Club of Harrisburg.
Nominated from the vast majority of her approximately 200 RCH colleagues, Anthony was recognized for her years of working with numerous boards of non-profits and human service organizations in the region. Among those most recent board positions are the HANNA Foundation (HANNA’s Pantry), the Susquehanna Art Museum and the Dauphin County Library System. Her contributions to such organizations often include leadership direction, project development and coordination and have been known to last years and often decades.
According to Anthony, “While I may have helped organizations I believe in by providing food for hungry bodies through the HANNA’s Pantry or food for the soul and spirit through the Susquehanna Art Museum; I’m the one receiving the blessings of personal enrichment and a sense of satisfaction.” A select list of other organizations Anthony has counseled include the Mayor’s Commission on Literacy, president of the Council for Public Education, president of the Pennsylvania Public Relations Society and the Pennsylvania News Media Association.
Even her work world was centered in community enhancement. For 30 years, Anthony worked for the Patriot-News organization in the community service department then serving as the director for 20 of those years. The organization’s premier community-focused events were the internationally recognized Newspaper in Education (NIE) program saluting student achievements including the Central PA Spelling Bee, Central PA Scholastic Art and Writing and the Capital Area Science and Engineering Fair.
“I am particularly proud that one of our NIE Projects in collaboration with the Harrisburg School District raised the reading comprehension of elementary aged children by 30 percent and was awarded the acclaimed Young Reader Prize by the World Association of Newspapers,” adds Anthony.
Rotary Club of Harrisburg’s 43rd Community Service Award winner Susan L. Anthony outside of HANNA’s Pantry.
Rotary Club of Harrisburg’s 43rd Community Service Award winner Susan L. Anthony (person waving) helps pack literature bags for Dauphin County Libraries To distribute to young readers.
Regional Leader Receives Prestigious Rotary Club of Harrisburg’s 43rd Community Service Award
We are pleased to announce the launch of the new District 7390 blog which will feature the good people and good work of Rotarians throughout District 7390! Unlike the Rotary Reporter, the blog will be a place for Rotarians to share the stories BEHIND the news. Examples of stories can include innovative club service projects, member spotlights, and ways your club is impacting the community.
Go to http://d7390rotaryblog.wordpress.com/ to read our first featured post submitted by members of the Harrisburg Keystone Club! While you are there, subscribe to the blog by scrolling down to the bottom of the homepage and inserting your email address. By doing so, you will automatically get happy stories delivered to your in-box once they get posted. We hope to publish stories weekly but need authors! Go to the “Contributor Guidelines” on the blog for submission guidance.
This new platform was launched as a project of the new District Communications Committee chaired by Passport Club member Patricia Green-Rodgers. Contact her at patricia@stoneofsconefarm.com with questions, suggestions, and ways you would be willing to share your expertise in spreading the good work of Rotary in our community.
Colonial Park Rotary Club is hosting an INDOOR MINI GOLF OUTING on February 6 with tee times starting at 10:00 a.m., 12:30 p.m. and again at 2:00 p.m. Register your team of 4 people! The cost to register a team is $100.00. This is a fun for every age event! You will will play an 18 hole mini golf course set up in the building of Colonial Golf and Tennis Club (4901 Linglestown road Harrisburg, PA).
Sponsor this unique event:
Event Sponsor - $1,500.00 - Identification on all promotional materials; Signage throughout the “golf course”; Three foursomes for the tournament, any flight
Gold Level Sponsor - $1,000.00 - Special signage and Two foursomes any flight
Silver Level Sponsor - $750.00 - Special signage and one foursome, any flight
Bronze Level Sponsor - $500 - Special signage and one foursome, any flight
In the project, they will work with an implementing agency called FEDICAMP. They are proposing to put modern latrines in 140 rural homes. These farmers are in networks supported by FEDICAMP. Their partner club is the Matagalpa Rotary Club in Nicaragua.
So they are looking for help with funding and also can channel some donations through your club in order to trigger matching money. Total project cost is $74000—but have a $20000 foundation grant. Commitments of about $10000 thru two clubs (Matagalpa and Fanwood scotch Plains Club).
Anyone who is interested in participating, please contact Brooks Smith at smithjbrooks25@gmail.com.
Club Seeking International Partner for Global Grant
In a year like no other, every teacher deserves an award! Help us celebrate educators who made an extra-special impact. 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 2021 Teacher Impact Awards!
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 special awards ceremony on May 26, 2021.
Carlisle Rotary Clubs present a check for $20,592.33 to CPARC. The funds were raised during Rotary’s annual holiday auction. Pictured from left to right are Mike Zick, President of the Carlisle Sunrise Rotary Club, Anne Couldridge, CPARC Executive Director, Justin Doty, President of the Carlisle Rotary Club and Bill Blankmeyer, Rotary Auction Coordinator.
Each year Carlisle’s two Rotary Club Presidents identify one project or organization to be the focus of their holiday auction. Selected this year was the Arc of Cumberland & Perry Counties (CPARC), a 501 (c) (3) organization that provides support, training, and opportunities to people with intellectual disabilities.
Rotary’s goal was to match the $20,000 that was raised last year. However, the fear was that this simply could not be done due to the ongoing pandemic. The first challenge was Rotary’s holiday dinner was cancelled due to COVID-19 public gathering restrictions. Since the auction has traditionally been conducted at the dinner an alternate solution was required. Not to be dissuaded, Rotary Club Presidents Justin Doty and Mike Zick suggested the auction be conducted online.
This challenge was taken up by the auction coordinator, Rotarian Bill Blankmeyer, to find an auction platform that would support Rotary’s needs. Fortunately, thanks to recommendations from previous online auctioneers in the community, the 32 auctions platform was found to be very affordable and user friendly.
However, a new challenge developed as to where to store and eventually distribute the 100+ auction items. The solution came from Rotarian Michelle Crowley, President of the Carlisle Chamber of Commerce who offered storage space at the Chamber building which also served as a perfect location to facilitate the distribution of the items once the auction was over.
The online auction bidding took place from 4 to 13 December and raised just over $7,000. In support of the auction, over $13,000 was raised in sponsorships provided by members of both Rotary Clubs, bringing the total for the auction to $20,592.33. This was only possible thanks to the generosity of Rotarians and local businesses who donated items to be auctioned and the tremendous support from community participants in bidding during the auction.
The last challenge was the snow storm on 16 December that hampered the distribution of auction items at the Chamber building. As the last item was picked up on 21 December everyone was glad the auction saga was finally over and extremely thankful that Rotary’s fundraising goal for CPARC was exceeded.
On January 11th, Club Presidents Justin Doty and Mike Zick presented the check to CPARC’s Executive Director, Anne Couldridge at a brief ceremony outside CPARC’s building. Couldridge was extremely appreciative of Rotary’s donation stating “the funds would be applied to the ongoing financial costs associated with helping the people we support stay healthy during these unprecedented times.”
While Rotary’s dinner had to be cancelled this year, the tradition of recognizing each club’s annual distinguished award recipient continued by presentations at regularly scheduled club meetings currently being conducted via zoom. The Carlisle Sunrise Rotary Club selected Past District Governor Kevin Cogan to receive the “Buzz Coho Distinguished Service Citation.” The Carlisle Rotary Club selected Past President Carol Lennon to receive their “Four Way Test Award”.
Carlisle Rotary Auction Overcomes Challenges to Reach Goal Set for CPARC
Rotary International “Call to Action” encourages Rotarians to promote COVID-19 Vaccination
The Board of RI and Trustees of the Rotary Foundation met during a joint session and agreed that Rotarians have a major role to play not only in Polio eradication but COVID-19 eradication through the promotion of vaccine distribution. In their “Call to Action” published December 15, 2020, RIP Holger Knaack and Rotary Foundation Chair KR Ravindran outlined strategies including working jointly with local partners to “combat the powerful, growing force of vaccine resistance and misinformation” in our communities. It is our civic duty as Rotarians to join forces with others to eradicate disease and save lives through vaccination and risk mitigation strategies. To read the entire letter, click here to go to the district website safety page.
COVID-19 Vaccine Safety and Distribution Plan highlighted at Press Briefing
On Tuesday, January 14, a press briefing was held by Governor Tom Wolf, Secretary of Health Rachel Levine, and a Dr. Cynthia Chuang from Penn State Hershey Medical Center regarding the COVID-19 vaccine including its safety and plans for distribution. To view this excellent video click here. To view new information on where to obtain the vaccine in PA, please click here.
You are invited to the Next Safety Committee Meeting February 3rd, at 7 PM.
The next District Safety Committee meeting will take place on February 3rd, at 7 PM via Zoom. We encourage any Rotarian to join our committee at any time or to attend as a guest. Agenda items will include District Involvement in promoting COVID-19 vaccination and developing District Wide Education on COVID-19 risk mitigation and vaccination support. Additionally, we will be reviewing a submission from a club on how to reduce risks associated with an in-person service event. We invite all clubs to reach out to us in similar ways to seek out recommendations on how to keep members and the public safe. Contact Committee Chair DGN Juliet for more information. DGJuliet2022@qrpc.com
COVID-19 has caused us to take a pause in our normal way of operating. Yet, your District 7390 team, led by District Governor John Anthony, is hard at work on behalf of each of us. This blog is a primary source for stories and information about how local clubs, and their members, are making a difference in their communities and globally. Duke Adams, President-elect of the Harrisburg Keystone Rotary Club, is one of them. Read his article and consider how you can help Duke to provide the children of Liberia, West Africa, a safe way to go to school.
This blog is a product of the newly formed communications committee. We are recruiting members. Do you enjoy spreading the good news about our District’s accomplishments? Do you have eyes and ears on great stories that are happening at your local club level? Are you ready to collaborate with other organizations of like thought and vision in a way that makes District 7390 stronger?
We are more than 2100 strong. Good work and good people have gotten us where we are today. You each bring what is valuable to the whole. We can do this together in support of countless community services. Let us hear from you. Great ideas start with imagining the possibilities and the drive and determination to get to the finish line. Ready! Set! Go!
Yours in Service,
Patricia Green Rodgers
Chair, District 7390 Communications Committee
patricia@stoneofsconefarm.com
District 7390 Is As Great As We Can Imagine Together
DGE Greg Staub is pleased to announce the appointment of Anna-Mae Kobbe, Ph.D. to serve as the District Rotary Foundation Chair (DRFC) beginning July 1. She will follow current DRFC John Kramb who will complete his term of office June 30, 2021.
Although Anna-Mae is relatively new to District 7390, she has been a Rotarian since 2000 when she was inducted into the Rotary Club of College Park, Maryland. She held numerous positions at the club level including Club Foundation Chair and Club President 2008-09. Also active in District 7620 (Central Maryland and Washington, DC), her involvement included District Paul Harris Society Chair, member of the District Scholarship Committee, Assistant Governor, and District Governor 2016-17. She was the District 7620 Foundation Chair in 2018-19. It is a requirement that DRFCs have served as District Governor.
Anna-Mae is retired from the Federal Government. Her career with the Department of Agriculture’s Land Grant University System includes service with the University of Missouri and University of Tennessee Extension Services and at USDA Headquarters in Washington, DC. Following retirement, she was a Visiting Professor at the University of Kentucky.
Dr. Kobbe and her husband, Rotarian Doug Newell, moved to Fairfield, PA in 2019 and transferred their memberships to the Gettysburg Club. They are Rotary Foundation Paul Harris Fellows, Paul Harris Society members, and Level II Major Donors. Anna-Mae is a new member of the District PolioPlus Society. Anna-Mae serves as Club Foundation Chair for the Gettysburg Club and serves on the recently- formed District Safety and Communications Committees.
“District 7390 is indebted to Past District Governor John Kramb for his years of leadership as DRFC. We are grateful to John for his efforts to grow support for The Rotary Foundation and to advocate for high quality district and global grants. His work on the District Million Dollar Journey resulted in a total of $1,650,742 raised for The Rotary Foundation,” said Staub.
PDG John will continue to serve as the End Polio Now Coordinator for Rotary International Region 39. In this role, he works with districts to focus polio eradication fundraising efforts to meet Rotary’s goal of a world free of polio.
If you would like to reach out to Anna-Mae, please do so at amkobbe@gmail.com.
I am pleased to report your District Governor Nominating Committee has met and recommended Frederick J. Gellert, Rotary Club of Carlisle-Sunrise, to serve as your District Governor for the 2023-2024 Rotary year.
Fred Gellert was raised in Detroit, Michigan and moved to Carlisle for employment at the Army War College. Fred retired from the U.S. Army as a Colonel after 30 years of service. He served in infantry assignments and then became a force manager working at senior-level headquarters to implement changes in organizational structure, resourcing, and operations. Fred is currently working at the U.S. Army War College as an instructor in leadership and management, science and technology and the Asia-Pacific region. In this position, he trains senior officers in strategic leaderships and the creation and resourcing of military forces at the national level.
Fred holds a bachelor’s degree in Physics from Wayne State University, a Master’s degree in Astrophysics from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, and a Master’s degree in strategic studies from the U.S. Army War College.
Fred joined the Rotary Cub of Carlisle-Sunrise in 2012 and served as Club President twice and as the Club membership chair for three years. At the District level Fred served as an Area Membership Coordinator and is currently serving as an Assistant Governor. He is a member of the Paul Harris Society, the Polio Plus Society, and is committed to becoming a Major Donor in 2021.
In accordance with the guidelines established in article 14 of Rotary International Bylaws, you are hereby advised of this recommendation. Any Club may submit a challenging candidate for consideration provided this club has previously suggested such candidate to the nominating committee. The challenging candidates must be submitted no later than January 27, 2021 in conformity with article 14.020.8 in the Rotary International ByLaws. In the absence of such action or any other objections, Frederick J. Gellert will be designated as District Governor Nominee for 2023-24.
Many thanks to PDG Paddy Rooney and the members of the District Governor Nominating Committee for their diligent and timely actions.
Rotarian Frederick Gellert Selected to be 2023-2024 District 7390 Governor
YWCA York is holding an upcoming Courageous Conversation on Building Authentically Diverse Boards on 1/25 at 6:30PM. The goal is to engage boards of directors and their CEOs/EDs in a candid conversation on why diversity in its many forms makes for stronger, more productive organizational governance. The Courageous Conversation model includes guidelines for small group conversations following a presentation by a speaker.
The speaker for this event is outstanding! Kimberly Ellison-Taylor has a finance and tech background and is currently working at Oracle. Last month she joined the Mutual of Omaha board and is a national speaker on inclusive leadership topics.
Our organization is equally committed to diversity, equity and inclusion and we hope that you will be able to participant in this important community conversation. We would like everyone to come away with the commitment to achieve greater board diversity over the next year.
Feel free to share this invitation widely. There is no fee for this event thanks to a sponsorship by White Rose Credit Union.
President John Bomberger and Cy Fritz presented $1120.00 in checks, that were collected from our club members, to the Loft Community Partnership in Millersville. The Loft supports the needy families in the Penn Manor School System. Every Wednesday they are serving around 200 families. John and Cy had an opportunity to observe the volunteers in preparing for the Food Pick-Up that evening and had the opportunity to ask several questions about their operation. They were extremely grateful and thankful for our support as their need continues to grow. A great big thank you to our Rotary Club members for the excellent response to our Food Bank Drive in an effort to help the food insecurity in our service area.
On Saturday, December 19 five Rotarians from Lancaster South Rotary Club met at a storage facility near Millersville to move office supplies and equipment for the local affiliate of National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). Rotarian Dave Cope of Classic Lancaster Cabinetry in Willow Street generously provided his large box truck to make the move. Lancaster South President John Bomberger coordinated the Service Project with Lancaster NAMI board member Donald Grabowski, who is also President of the Rotary Club of Elizabethtown. Of special note, the President of the local NAMI affiliate Vivian Spiese (back row left) shared her respect and appreciation for Rotary and mentioned that her father was a member of the Columbia and Mt. Joy Rotary Club for many years before his passing.
Lancaster South Rotary Club created 50 gift bags of assorted items (tissues, toothbrush, toothpaste, chapstick, comb, lotion, hand sanitizer, orange, apple, chocolates, whole wheat chips) for the residents at Oak Leaf Manor South Personal Care facility, and delivered them on Tuesday December 22, just in time for Christmas. A gift box of assorted candies, cookies, pretzels, etc. was given to the staff. Special thanks to PJ Roberts, club secretary and Dan Hess, club vice-president for helping to assemble the gift bags and to Oak Leaf staff for distributing the bags to the residents. Lancaster South is looking forward to the day we can return to the facility for in-person meetings. Currently the club is meeting via Zoom.
Habitat for Humanity Project is a great collaboration between Yorkk-East & York North. The clubs volunteered on December 4th and 5th at the Habitat (701 Chestnut Street, York) project. The work day projects were dry walling, mudding & painting. Our clubs with the help of a Rotary Foundation grant contributed $10,000 to the project. York Habitat for Humanity is a volunteer driven, Christian housing ministry that builds safe, decent, and affordable homes in partnership with lower-income York County residents living in substandard housing.
York Habitat Photo Pictured Left to right:
Greg Kern (York East Rotary), Kasey Lofties (Habitat for Humanity), Patrice Joseph (York North Rotary), Kyle King (York East Rotary President)
Rotarians working at Habitat for Humanity
York-East & York-North Rotarians Partner with Habitat for Humanity
If the video does not show, please click here to watch a video of DG John interviewing PDG Kevin Cogan regarding the 72+ Program.
The District 7390 virtual Foundation Dinner in November announced a program called 72+ which makes suggestions to everyone about tax savings opportunities for charitable giving provided by the government’s SECURE Act and CARES Act. The 72+ program urges senior Rotarians to give strong consideration to making a contribution to The Rotary Foundation from their IRA. This especially applies when one reaches age 70.5 to make a Qualified Charitable Contribution (QCD) or when one must take a Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) upon and after age 72 (hence the program name 72+). There are significant tax savings provided by the SECURE and CARES Acts. The 72+ program is further explained in a informative brochure produced by District 7390 by clicking here.
The Rotary Club of York sadly announces the retirement of long time Executive Coordinator, Bert Oberdick. Bert has faithfully served the Rotary Club of York for nearly 30 years, overseeing dozens of active committees, providing meeting details, working closely with the Rotary Club of York Board of Directors and the Charitable Endowment Fund Board, invoicing, tracking and reporting all financials, and so much more! Bert has always exemplified the Rotary Four Way Test and consistently models the values of Rotary. March 31is scheduled to be Bert’s last day.
Rotary Club of York Announces the Retirement of Long-time Executive Bert Oberdick
Hanover Rotarians Dave Erlemeier, Warren Risk (and his wife Judy), and Ralph Jodice (and his wife Judy) packed food bags for Ruth’s Harvest as part of the Club’s ongoing community service project. On Friday’s, Ruth’s Harvest gives needy children in the local area 7 meals to take home for the weekend to help to ensure they do not go hungry.
Hanover Rotarians Pack Food Bags for Ruth's Harvest
If your club would like to do a District Grant but doesn’t have a project yet, well, have I got a solution for you!
“Hop on the Bus” with the Harrisburg Keystone Rotary Club to partner on a District Grant that will purchase a school bus for the children and greater community of Monrovia, Liberia in Africa. In addition to the safety and educational benefits this bus will provide for Liberian students, it will also assist the community with transportation, provide jobs for women, and continue the efforts of youth empowerment in Liberia. To learn more about the need and benefits of this project, you can watch our “Hop on the Bus” video.
To make this project a reality, our club is partnering with YesLiberia, a local non-profit that is spearheading the effort, and several Liberian non-profits, including YMCA Liberia, Educate the Future Liberia, the Rotary Club of Sinkor, and the Rotaract Club of Monrovia. And you can join our “Hop on the Bus” project too!
Our goal is to optimize the District Grant by partnering with as many District 7390 Clubs as possible to reach the $12,500 maximum goal. To sweeten the pot, we are offering up to $500 of matching funds for any of your clubs that are ready to Hop on the Bus! Step right up, Ladies and Gentlemen. Everyone’s a winner on this Rotary project!
We are very excited about this project and would like to talk with you more about it. We would be available to answer any questions individually or to do a presentation for your club to provide more details. Please contact Meg Ramey and Duke Adams for more information.
Rotary Club of York is hiring a new Executive Director to provide staff leadership to the 24th largest Rotary Club in the world! We are looking for a goal-oriented self-starter with an entrepreneurial approach to help drive the future of Rotary Club of York and our Charitable Endowment Fund. Click here for the full job description and application instructions.
Join our team: Rotary Club of York Executive Director!
As the new year approaches, the Rotary District 7390 4-Way Test ESSAY Contest deadlines approach. Hopefully you have planned or are in the process of planning your club’s contest for this year. We have a fresh, new essay prompt that we hope will be timely and thought provoking to the students: Is it the Truth? – How I Define What is True in My Life.
The contest is open to 9th grade high school students. Submissions by your club to the 2020-21 District 7390 contest are due March 5, 2021. Contest rules, critical dates, and information for both Rotarians and Students are available at the District 7390 Website. Any questions or requests for further information can be directed to project chair, Steven Grubb, at stevengrubb@comcast.net.
Dr. John P. Judson passed away peacefully on November 29, 2020 at Harrisburg Hospital. John is survived by his wife of 56 years, Ann Marie, and their 5 children, Ruth Judson of Arlington, VA, Andrea Judson of Baltimore, MD, Sarah Salkeld (Brett) of Severna Park, MD, Therese Karl (John) of Rye, NY, and Chris Judson of Winnipeg, Canada; 6 beloved grandchildren, Chloe, John Vincent, Leah, Sophia, Owen, and Nate; his siblings Joyce Hartzell of Vancouver, WA, Mary Hutton of Kennesaw, GA, Michael Judson of Isle of Palms, SC, Margaret Easton of Sandpoint, ID, and Patricia Riehm of Athens, GA; and many extended family members. He was born July 14, 1939 in Washington DC, the son of the late John Hobart Judson and Joyce Duffield. He married Ann Marie Uhl on June 20, 1964; she has often described their long marriage as a loving partnership. John was educated at Villanova University, Georgetown University Medical School, did his surgical residency at Yale New Haven Hospital, and later a cardiothoracic surgical residency in Salt Lake City, UT. John's passion for medicine as a general and cardiothoracic surgeon included work in Blacksburg, VA; the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN; Texas Tech University in Lubbock, TX; Benton Harbor, MI; and Harrisburg, PA. For over 50 years John volunteered at Hopital Albert Schweitzer in Haiti, serving as the Medical Director from 1997-1999 along with Ann Marie. He was an avid pilot, volunteering to transport patients through Angel Flight Mid-Atlantic. His long-time involvement in Rotary included roles as President of the Harrisburg Club, District Governor, and Rotary International grant efforts. Those who knew John will remember him as a man who deeply loved his family and had a tireless commitment to medicine and his patients. As one who pursued life with integrity and passion, he was always there with a listening ear and readiness to help others. He cherished his relationships and stayed connected to friends and family near and far. A Celebration of Life for John is planned for July 14, 2021 at 7pm at Market Square Presbyterian Church, 20 S 2nd Street, Harrisburg, PA. In the spirit of John's life of service, the family requests that donations be made in his memory to: Hopital Albert Schweitzer www.hashait.org; Market Square Presbyterian Church www.marketsquarechurch.org; Harrisburg Rotary Foundation www.HbgRotary.org (for Peace Garden or Haiti Projects); Physicians for Social Responsibility Pennsylvania www.psrpa.org www.pennlive.com/obits
Rotary International must receive proposed enactments, including confirmation of the district’s endorsement from the governor, by 31 December 2020. If you would like to propose any new enactments to the COL, please send that information to the District office by December 20, 2020. To help you and your district prepare legislation, we have updated the How to Propose Enactments and Resolutions course in Rotary’s Learning Center. You can also read about submission requirements in our How to Propose Enactments guide. If you have any questions about the Councils, please email council_services@rotary.org.
STUDENT REGISTRATION DEADLINE EXTENDED TO JANUARY 31, 2021!
District 7390 will support a virtual Four Way Test Speech Contest in 2020/2021. Students who have already competed in a club level contest are welcome to register for the Virtual Mid Levels. Upon registration, students will be assigned to one of the four Virtual Mid Levels in an equitable process that will ensure fair numbers and diversity across the board. The finale will be facilitated virtually in conjunction with the District Conference between April 30-May 2, 2021. Details are still in progress with the District Conference Planning Committee. All new materials are uploaded to the district website at this link. https://rotary7390.org/page/four-way-test-speech-contest
New this year, students will be asked to deliver their speeches in the framework of “Life in the Pandemic.” This can include, but is not limited to actual experiences in their life; their observations of reactions & responses during the pandemic; school during the pandemic; physical distancing and safety measures; and expectations about the “new normal.”
It's hard not to wonder what PDG Ken Roberts would have done with the Four Way Test Speech Contest in this unusual year! Hopefully, this direction would do him proud. His legacy continues through this important program.
On December 10, 2020 Governor Tom Wolfe announced temporary Protective Mitigation measures in an attempt to halt increasing community spread of COVID-19 which is severely impacting the capacity of hospitals to treat patients. Positivity rates in PA are now at 40% and 5,850 patients are currently hospitalized due to the virus alone. This past week close to 1,100 new deaths from COVID-19 were reported across Pennsylvania which is the highest mortality rate to date from the virus. The measures outlined in his news release https://www.governor.pa.gov/newsroom/gov-wolf-sec-of-health-announce-new-protective-mitigation-efforts-to-put-pennsylvania-on-pause-through-early-january/ and summarized in the graphic below, will be effective 12/12/20 through 1/4/21. As Rotarians focused on Disease Eradication it is vital that we heed the call of our local officials in supporting mitigation efforts in whatever way possible. We ask that all Rotary Clubs cease in-person meetings during this 3 week period, and if applicable, any gatherings that fall within the categories of the outlined mitigation plan. To view a special message from District Governor John Anthony on this topic please go to: https://youtu.be/sGr9WaKJjY8. Thank you for all of your support in serving the community in this very special way.
The Council on Resolutions of Rotary International met online from 15 October to 15 November 2020. In accordance with section 9.150.1. of the RI Bylaws, I am issuing this report on the actions taken by the Council. 30 resolutions and one enactment were transmitted to the Council. The Council adopted 11 resolutions and the enactment. Of the resolutions, nine were recommendations to the RI Board and two were recommendations to The Rotary Foundation Trustees. The Board and the Trustees will consider the resolutions at their upcoming meetings. The enactment will take effect in one month. At the end of this report is an Opposition to Legislation Report Form. In accordance with section 7.090.3.3. of the RI Bylaws, any club may use this form to record its opposition to the adopted enactment only. Oppositions may not be submitted on resolutions. Completed forms must reach Council Services by 23 December 2020. Please note that a club should complete and return the form at the end of this report only if it wishes to oppose the adoption of enactment 20E-01. If a club does not wish to oppose the action of the 2020 Council on Resolutions, no action is required. While it is rare, if the required number of votes in opposition are filed regarding the enactment, the item will be considered suspended. A ballot of all Rotary clubs will then be conducted according to the provisions of section 9.150. of the RI Bylaws. Based on the results of the ballot, the suspended item will either be nullified or reinstated. Should you have any questions about the Council on Resolutions or the adopted items, please contact Council Services at council_services@rotary.org. The deadline for submitting resolutions to the next Council on Resolutions is 30 June 2021.
On Wednesday, December 9, Rotary Means Business District 7390 will host a virtual Zoom meeting from 4:00 to 5:00 p.m. The event is FREE so bring your favorite drink and hors d’oeuvres and let’s get RMB going again.
Once registered, you will be given a meeting ID and password and the link to join. Also, as you may know, you can go to Zoom.com and click on the “Join the meeting” link and put in the meeting ID and password. See you there!
A tremendous success for West Shore Rotary Club’s first year of “Flags for Heroes” fundraiser. The Club displayed 160 flags along Route 15 in Camp Hill over Veterans Day.
For more years than most Rotary Club of Harrisburg (RCH) members can remember, the cost of a lunch at the downtown Hilton Hotel has been included in their dues.
As we all continue to navigate the holiday season amidst a resurgence of the COVID-19 pandemic, it is with great pride that the RCH members have donated more than $20,000 from the lunch budget to more than 10 local and regional non-profits.
The RCH Board began donating the unused portion of weekly meal budget on behalf of Club members as a way to assist all of the important local organizations who are bravely fighting to keep Harrisburg families fed and protected during this desperate time in our nation’s history.
In addition to the countless hours of typical service and support the Rotary Club of Harrisburg members provide, the lunch monies have provided much need cash donations to the following organizations since March 2020:
American Red Cross- Central PA Chapter
Bethesda Mission
Central Pennsylvania Food Bank
Downtown Daily Bread
HANNA's Pantry
Hospice of Central Pennsylvania
Humane Society of Harrisburg Area
Rotary Foundation's Polio Plus Fund
Salvation Army- Harrisburg Capital City Region
YMCA- Camp Curtin Branch
YWCA of Greater Harrisburg
According to President James Good, “As the 23rd Rotary Club in all the world, our members have been serving the Harrisburg community since 1911. Continuing upon our tradition of Service Above Self, the Harrisburg Rotary Foundation, the charitable arm of the Club, typically disburses about $50,000 yearly in college scholarships, grants to the Harrisburg School District, local charitable organizations, programming for local youth, local and international service projects.
Rotary Club of Harrisburg Turns COVID Missed Lunches Into Welcomed Donations To Regional Non-profits
Living up to their school motto of being "Doers of the Word," the Interact Club at Delone Catholic High School (McSherrystown, PA) has not allowed the pandemic to stop their good deeds! This group of young people has connected to their community in several ways that include a non-perishable food collection that was donated to Roots for Boots, a 501c3 that hosts a food bank for veterans in need; a school wide toy drive for Toys for Tots; a garden clean-up on the school grounds; 125 handwritten Thanksgiving cards for residents in local nursing homes, and they will be participating in the Boxes of Joy program through Cross Catholic Outreach. Caught doing good, these students are to be commended for all of their accomplishments that have truly made a difference to others by putting service over self! (photo is of food donation to Roots for Boots)
The Harrisburg Keystone Rotary Club is hosting a vision clinic in Harrisburg this spring. If you are an optometrist, optician, or ophthalmologist, your expertise is needed to help make the event happen. Please consider giving a day of your time to this community service event. The clinic will be run by Mission-Vision.org with help from Rotary volunteers and you.
Dates & Times: Friday, April 9, 2021 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. & Saturday, April 10, 2020, 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Location: Harrisburg Brethren in Christ Church (2217 Derry Street, Harrisburg, PA 17104
Details: Please see https://mission-vision.org/the-mobile-clinic-experience/
Patients will register in advance. You will simply arrive at the clinic location early enough to become familiar with the location and equipment.
Mission Vision treats patients of all different ages both young and old who come from low income or disadvantaged communities. We often work with the homeless, elderly, unemployed, veterans, and school aged children who otherwise would not have access to the eye exams and treatments we provide.
Our exams are designed to both provide for an eyewear prescription, while screening for ocular eye diseases. We screen for Macular Degeneration, Color Blindness, Astigmatism, Glaucoma, etc. Since we do not dilate their eyes, we do not give out written or oral eye prescription, only free glasses.
There are 4 separate stations of the clinic: 1) Check-in, 2) Technician’s pre-testing station, 3) Doctor’s station, and 4) Optician’s station where the frames are picked if needed and fit appropriately for the client.
How it works: “Using our unique delivery model, we are able to cost-effectively provide and make sure that eye care and prescription eye wear go directly to the people with the most need. Collaborating closely with partner organizations, we identify those most in need and we are able to educate them on the importance in maintain good eye health. All mobile clinics are staffed by dedicated and caring medical professionals, as well as trained staff members and volunteers. Upon arrival, patients are greeted by the clinic coordinator who then checks them in and reviews their medical history. From there, an optometric technician screens them for distance and near visual acuity, eye motility, visual field, auto-refractions, pupil response, intraocular pressure, color vision and depth perception. Next, a state licensed optometrist performs a thorough eye exam to determine whether or not prescription glasses are needed. If, however, during the course of the exam, any medical condition requiring further evaluation is detected, the optometrist will explain the situation and provide a referral. With an impressive sampling of frames (donated brand new by major eyewear manufacturers) to choose from, patients make their selections with the help of an optician who also takes the necessary measurements to ensure a perfect fit. Two to three weeks later, the prescription glasses are first inspected and labeled by Mission Vision staff and then delivered back to the partner organizations (https://mission-vision.org/the-mobile-clinicexperience/). Progressive no line glasses are not available. Clinics are restricted to age 5 and older. When we treat a patient at one of our clinics, there is nothing more satisfying than seeing the joy on their face when given the gift of clear vision for the first time.
If you would like to volunteer or learn more, please contact Dawn Brotherton at dawnbrotherton@gmail.com or 717-623-1843.
Thanks for your consideration! Harrisburg Keystone Rotary
Your expertise as an eye professional is needed. Can you help?
End Polio Now! We are this close and Rotary District 7390 is working to make a difference. The Ride to Eradicate Polio event raised nearly $1,000 which grows to nearly $3,000 thanks to matching gifts from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. But we can do more. We have these great long sleeved event t-shirts on hand and will gift one for each $25 donation to End Polio Now. They are navy blue with the Ride to Eradicate Polio graphic shown. Simply click here to make your gift and then enter your address and shirt information! The awesome event shirt will be mailed to your address. We have another $1,000 in potential contributions with your help! Thank you for participating.
The Rotary Club of Carlisle and the Rotary Club of Carlisle-Sunrise are asking for your support of their annual holiday auction. The proceeds from this year’s auction will benefit the Arc of Cumberland & Perry Counties (CPARC), a 501 (c) (3) organization that provides support, training, and opportunities to people with intellectual disabilities and their families. The goal is to match the $20,000 that was raised at last year’s auction that benefited the Domestic Violence Services of Cumberland and Perry Counties. Click here for the auction brochure.
The auction is open to the public and provides an excellent opportunity to advertise for your organization or business by donating gift cards or certificates for services. It is also an excellent way to donate items that you might want to get out of your attic such as handcrafted Items, artwork and collectibles. To donate an item or to learn more about the auction, please contact Bill Blankmeyer at blankmeyer66@comcast.net or (717) 590-7229.
The auction runs from 4 to 13 December and is a great way to do your Christmas shopping and to support CPARC. Click here to view the auction site!
District 7390 Rotarians and RMBers I want to share with you information regarding the Rotary Network, which also contains a Rotary Network video done by RI in conjunction with District 6450 and its Chicagoland Chapter of the RMB Fellowship. It contains an overview of the Rotary Network at www.rotarynetwork.org and its mission to help Rotarians get through COVID and prosper in the future after COVID-19. Also, please post your business information in the Rotary Business Directory, which is a FREE service of the Rotary Network. This is in effect a Rotary worldwide "Yellow Pages" and it is FREE so please participate Click here to view the Rotary Business Directory.
Click here to view the October 22 Global Meet presentation by Professor Subramoney, a business and management consultant in India and globally, regarding the steps necessary for businesses to take in the time of Covid-19 and beyond. I hope you find it useful!
Friends - we have launched a fun and easy way for you to support us in our efforts to help the community. COVID-19 has affected our ability to hold fundraising events, but we all know that the needs of our community remain. To help us raise funds, we are having an online raffle! We have some GREAT items available, and it's easy and affordable to purchase tickets for your chance to win some great items.
The greatest thing is that only 50 chance for each item will be sold .. very good odds .. for this to be a success though, we need to drive traffic to our Facebook page .. https://www.facebook.com/DenverEphrataRotary/
Please follow us and share the link as much as you can ..
Blackstone 22" Griddle Yeti Wine Bottle Cooler Lego 3-in-1 Set Power XL Air Fryer Roomba Vacuum
Each of these items are BRAND NEW, and chances will start as low as $5.00 for some items!
All proceeds allow the Denver-Ephrata Area Rotary Club to continue making charitable donations to important non-profit organizations like Ephrata Area Social Services. EASS needs to purchase a handicap accessible van and our club is committed to helping them with this, but we need your help!
Rotary Global Grants Scholarships fund an awardee’s first year of graduate study abroad in one of Rotary’s six Areas of Focus (listed below). Candidates must live in or attend college in District 7390, which encompasses Adams, Cumberland, Dauphin, Lancaster, Lebanon, Perry and York counties in Pennsylvania.
Scholarship highlights…
Plan to pursue career in one of Rotary’s Areas of Focus (listed below).
Award is for first year only of graduate studies abroad
District 7390 will not fund any applicant’s study which is for the second or later year of a multi-year graduate study program abroad.
Minimum study budget of $30,000 per year. Award capped at $30,000.
Must be proficient in language of host country.
Based on…
Academic merit
Studying a Rotary Area of Focus
Residence in or attendance at a college in District 7390
Rotary’s Areas of Focus are…
Promoting peace
Fighting disease
Providing clean water, sanitation, and hygiene
Saving mothers and children
Supporting education
Growing local economies.
The deadline to apply for a Global Grant Scholarship is January 10, 2021. The interviews will be held February 13, 2021 and applicants MUST be available for the interviews on that date. For more information, click here!
Rotary contact: Edward A Hauck, District 7390 Global Grants Scholarship Committee at hauckedward@gmail.com or (717) 293-8687.
York-East Rotary members volunteer to pick up trash and litter along Edgewood Road between prospect Street and Kingston road. The effects generally coincide with PennDOT’s Road Cleanup Days. Participants in the recent effort included (from left) Greg Kern, Kyle King, Ben Marchant, Todd Kuri and (not pictured) Tim Koller.
The time has come to begin the nominating process for our District Governor 2023-2024. You are encouraged to suggest a qualified candidate for the District Governor Nominee 2023-2024. Suggestions must be made in the form of a resolution adopted at a regular Club meeting and certified by the Club Secretary. You may suggest a Rotarian from another Club so long as you first obtain the concurrence of the Club where the proposed candidate is a member.
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. Ask that person about his or her interest in serving as District Governor. We all need to give encouragement and “plant the seed” for others to move forward.
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; reporting promptly to RI; 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 related activities. 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.
Please keep in mind that it is each Club’s duty to the District and Rotary International to give serious consideration to suggesting candidates for District Governor. Your suggestion for District Governor Nominee 2023-2024 must be received in the District Office by December 11, 2020 to be considered by the Nominating Committee. Interviews for the 2023-2024 District Governor will be held Monday, January 11, 2021. A location is yet to be determined.
District Governor 2023-2024 Nominations Due December 15
The Rotary Club of York Student Education Committee has selected its first recipient of the Carol Wagman Nursing Scholarship, Jenna Hufnagle. Jenna was awarded a $ 2,000 scholarship towards her York College of Pennsylvania education. A 2017 graduate of York Suburban High School, she is currently a junior Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) major. Jenna is employed by WellSpan as a Nursing Assistant for the Nursing Resource Team at York Hospital.
A Rotary Club of York member for over 5 years, Carol Wagman established the Carol Wagman scholarship in 2018. This scholarship is set up to help York County High School graduates fulfill their educational goal pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree from York College of Pennsylvania. For more information about the student scholarship program, please contact Rotary Club of York Student Education Administrator Renea Oberdick at officeassist@yorkrotary.org.
The Rotary Club of York Awards $ 2,000 Scholarship to a York College Nursing Student
It is with great pride that we announce the chartering of The Rotary Club of District 7390 Passport. This newest addition to our District has submitted all the necessary paperwork and is awaiting the official charter. We will be holding a virtual Charter Night celebration on Tuesday, November 17 at 5:30 p.m.
If you cannot join us for the Charter Night celebration, please remember that you are always welcome to make up at any District 7390 Passport Club meeting!
Many ESRAG members have been hard at work on the Feral Freon™ collection project. Rotarians are needed NOW for last 17 U.S. cities in pilot project. Do you live in or near these locations?Or do you have friends, relatives, or Rotary contacts near these cities? Are you available to volunteer to contact Rotary clubs to help find contacts?
Contact Ariel Miller with questions or to sign up.
If you live in one of these American cities and volunteer a four hours on two different days before the end of October, you can help ESRAG permanently prevent the escape of 50,000 tonnes of Freon™, an incredibly potent greenhouse gas. The impact will be equivalent to taking 9,463 gas-powered cars off the road for an entire year.
Most cities in the pilot have only 100 pounds of Freon – just a few cylinders – to collect this fall. Freon is non-flammable, non-explosive, and non-corrosive.
Only 17 of the cities in the pilot project are left to cover do not yet have Rotary champions: help us cover them!
For the pilot project to succeed, we need 2-4 volunteers from a Rotary Club within 50 miles of each city. This link explains the minimal time and storage space required, and the tasks that the Rotarians will carry out to document and prepare the cylinders for collection and destruction.
If this pilot project succeeds, and we can move into the next phase - ESRAG will have the chance to earn as much as $1 million by the end of 2021 to fund projects that slow global warming, such as wind and solar projects, reforestation, reducing food waste, and educating girls.
Thank you for your support of this project!
Jennie Lewis
Eastern North America Regional Chapter Chair, Environmental Sustainability Rotary Action Group (ESRAG)
Environmental Sustainability Rotary Action Group (ESRAG)
The weather was sunny with a slight breeze and laughs were being shared on the green by approximately 70 golfers on Tuesday September 22nd. The Rotary Club of York East’s annual Golf Tournament was off and running with golfers taking the course at Briarwood Golf Club for a good cause.
“We are very happy to have it and I think our strong response this year is a result of a lot of other things not taking place, so people were happy to come to our event,” Rotary Club member said.
Now in its 17th year, the golf tournament has always supported local groups. And as it has the last couple of years, the tournament has benefited local charities Catholic Harvest Food Pantry, New Life for Girls, Big Brothers, Big Sisters, Susquehanna Heritage, Salvation Army, Veterans Gold Star Garden, York County Veterans Court and York Rescue Mission.
Rotary members believe they have a shared responsibility to take action on both local and our world’s most persistent issues.
Pictured left to right: Becky Disney, Committee Chair, Major Thomas Babbitt, Salvation Army, and Kyle King, Club President.
Sponsor a Star on the American Flag with a $200 donation. The first 50 Star Sponsors will be recognized on a beautiful plaque to be posted around the community. Please provide your name, contact information, and/or the name of the person you'd like to honor in the comments or send an email to “sycrotary@gmail.com” Thank You!
With the recent construction at the Shrewsbury 83 Interchange, your local civic organizations are looking to install a 40' flagpole to fly the American Flag and a "Welcome to Southern York County" sign at the interchange. We need your help in raising funds so we can make this dream a reality.
The New Freedom Lions Club, New Freedom VFW Post 7012, Shrewsbury Area Centennial Lions Club and Southern York County Rotary Club are working together to sponsor the new Shrewsbury Exit 4 Ramp on Interstate 83. We could use your support!
Current Project Needs: 1. Welcome sign welcoming travelers to Southern York County (estimate $6k-$8k) 2. 40’ flagpole with pole mounted lighting fixture (estimate $2.5k) 3. American made USA and PA flags ($400)
Once construction on the interchange is complete, our organizations will work together to install the above items as well as provide perpetual upkeep of the interchange through basic maintenance and litter cleanup.
How You Can Help: 1. Donate to help us purchase the above mentioned project needs. Any amount helps. 2. Sponsor a star on the American flag with a $200 donation. After the interchange is completed and all project items are installed we will host a ceremony honoring all Star Sponsors. 3. Share our fundraiser! The more you share the more community members are able to help contribute to this project.
Show your civic pride and love for Southern York County! Make a donation in any amount to help us create a beautiful and welcoming entrance to Pennsylvania!
Fellow District 7390 Rotarians and RMBers, Rotary International has developed what it calls the Rotary Network to help Rotarians in the time of COVID-19 and beyond. It consists of six key areas: Career Services, Business Networking (the RMB Fellowship and its 104 Chapters worldwide), the Rotary Business Directory (a sort of worldwide Rotary Yellow Pages), Vocational Mentoring, Financial Information, and Sharing Ideas (a Rotary BLOG). Please go to www.rotarynetwork.org and check the site out. After that please open the Rotary Business Directory and enter your business contact information along with a brief phrase on what your business is about.
Right now there is one entry from our district from a Rotarian business in Lebanon. I think what happens is when you go to the Business Directory you should see all the nearby area Rotarian businesses. I am hoping to confirm this by having District 7390 Rotarians post on the Business Directory, and then we can see whether this will serve as a Yellow Pages function for us - a sort of "first stop" when we are looking for services Second, I want to get your feedback on the Rotary Network itself. Does this have value for you? Will you use it? Thank you for your support.
RMBers, here is an opportunity to be part of a virtual international RMB Fellowship event hosted by two Indian Chapters in Bangalore and Pune India but also including Chapters from Brazil, Mexico, the USA and more. The RMB Fellowship Event ( a chance to see how the RMB Fellowship of which we are Chapter # 4 operates internationally) will take place on Thursday, October 22 and will begin at 9:30 AM Eastern time on that date. This is an opportunity to hear interesting speakers and make international connections in the wider world of the RMB Fellowship. Even if you regard your business as essentially local, you may learn something valuable and make unexpected connections that will help your business.
If you decide to join the meeting, please send the following information to Sachin Gururaj at sachingururaj@gmail.com: your name, club name,phone number with country code [US country code is +1 (001)], email address, Rotary classification (vocation/business), do you wish to be contacted by phone or email for any business opportunities and if you do what is your preferred local time to receive a call. Please send your RSVP with this info directly to Sachin Gururaj by email and copy Alden Cunningham amccjc2@gmail.com.
Jennifer E. Jones, a member of the Rotary Club of Windsor-Roseland, Ontario, Canada, has been nominated to become Rotary International’s president for 2022-23, a groundbreaking selection that will make her the first woman to hold that office in the organization’s 115-year history.
Jones will officially became president-nominee on 1 October if no other candidates challenged her.
Jones says she sees Rotary’s Action Plan as a catalyst for increasing Rotary’s impact.
“As we reflect upon our new strategic priorities, we could have never envisioned that our ability to adapt would become our North Star during what is inarguably the most profound time in recent history,” Jones said in her vision statement. “Silver linings rise out of the most challenging circumstances. Using metric-driven goals, I will harness this historic landscape to innovate, educate, and communicate opportunities that reflect today’s reality.”
As the first woman to be nominated to be president, Jones understands how important it is to follow through on Rotary’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Statement. “I believe that diversity, equity, and inclusion … begins at the top and for us to realize growth in female membership and members under the age of forty — these demographics need to see their own reflection in leadership,” Jones said. “I will champion double-digit growth in both categories while never losing sight of our entire family.”
Jones is founder and president of Media Street Productions Inc., an award-winning media company in Windsor. She was chair of the board of governors of the University of Windsor and chair of the Windsor-Essex Regional Chamber of Commerce. She has been recognized for her service with the YMCA Peace Medallion, the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal, and Wayne State University’s Peacemaker of the Year Award, a first for a Canadian. Jones holds a Doctor of Laws (LL.D.).
A current Rotary Foundation trustee, Jones has been a Rotary member since 1997 and has served Rotary as RI vice president, director, training leader, committee chair, moderator, and district governor. She played a lead role in Rotary’s rebranding effort by serving as chair of the Strengthening Rotary’s Advisory Group. She is the co-chair of the End Polio Now Countdown to History Campaign Committee, which aims to raise $150 million for polio eradication efforts.
Jones recently led the successful #RotaryResponds telethon, which raised critical funds for COVID-19 relief and was viewed by more than 65,000. Jones has also received Rotary International’s Service Above Self Award and The Rotary Foundation Citation for Meritorious Service. She and her husband, Nick Krayacich, are members of The Rotary Foundation’s Arch Klumph Society, Paul Harris Society, and the Bequest Society.
The members of the Nominating Committee for the 2022-23 President of Rotary International are: Robert L. Hall, Dunwoody, Metro Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Bradford R. Howard Oakland Uptown, California, USA; Per Høyen, Aarup, Gelsted, Denmark; Peter Iblher, Nürnberg-Reichswald, Zirndorf, Germany; Ashok Mahajan, Mulund, Mah., India; Sam Okudzeto, Accra, Accra, Ghana; Eduardo San Martín Carreño, Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain; Takeshi Matsumiya, Chigasaki-Shonan, Chigasaki Kanagawa, Japan; Michael K. McGovern (secretary), Cape Elizabeth, Maine, USA; José Alfredo Pretoni, São Paulo-Sul, São Paulo, Brazil; Saowalak Rattanavich, Bang Rak, Bangkok, Thailand; Hendreen Dean Rohrs, Langley Central, Surrey, British Columbia, Canada; Kenneth M. Schuppert, Jr (chair)., Decatur, Alabama, USA; Ravindra P. Sehgal, Belur, West Bengal, India; Noel Trevaskis, Merimbula, Tura Beach, Australia; Giuseppe Viale, Genova, Genova, Italy; and Chang-Gon Yim, Daegu-West, Daegu, Korea.
Rotary Leadership Institute Hosted by D-7390 Registration for the Harrisburg, Oct. 24, 2020, Virtual RLI is now open!
Please plan to attend the next Rotary Leadership Institute (RLI) hosted by D7390, which will be held virtually on Oct. 24, 2020. Please save the date and register at your earliest convenience. 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.
When can I attend RLI? Saturday, October 24, 2020, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. via zoom.
Ready to register? Go to www.rlinea.org. Look at the schedule on the left-hand menu and click on "More Info". Then click on Read More below to see the step by step instructions.
Registration closes October 20, 2020! The cost is $25.00.
Course Levels: Parts I, II, III, and Graduate (The graduate-level will focus on Fundraising)
Questions? Contact PDG Hector Ortiz, RLI Site Chair at richie1166@msn.com or 717-608-0444.Please register NOW for the Oct. 24, 2020 virtual RLI at www.rlinea.org
The Rotary Club of Red Lion-Dallastown Annual Student Scholarship Chicken BBQ When: Sept 26th, 2020 Minimal Contact pick up from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Living Word Community Church (2530 Cape Horn Road, Red Lion, PA 17356) $8.50 per dinner: includes 1/2 chicken, baked potato and butter, applesauce, and roll
On September 22, 2020 the Rotary Club of York East announced their 2020 Grant recipients. Each year the club raises funds from its annual golf outing and other charitable events. The grant committee accepts applications and awards those grants that benefit humanitarian projects in the local community.
$1,000 to York Literacy Council for their health literacy program
$2,000 to York County United Way for their ready Freddie program
$2,500 to Golden Connections for their dementia family support program
$3,000 to YMCA for the East York Branch for teaching children to swim for free
$5,000 to York Habitat for Humanity including a matching grant from District Rotary 7390
Congratulations to these great organizations!
Pictured left to right – Kyle King, President Rotary York East, Joe Kirkenir YMCA, Stephanie Bennett York Literacy Council, Natalie Williams United Way, Dan Callaway Golden Connections and Chris Izzo Committee Chair person. (Not pictured is Tammy Morris York Habitat for Humanity)
Since 1995, teams at the Byrnes Health Education Center have been dedicated to educating and inspiring people of all ages to make healthy choices. Over these 25 years, our team has delivered over 7.5 million health education lessons to children, young adults, and their parents. The Center reaches communities stretching throughout South Central Pennsylvania and to participants thousands of miles away who reach us via internet. In the midst of a global public health pandemic overlaid with existing, long-term health needs and challenges, our mission is as relevant and vital today as it was decades ago.
While we are unable to host our 25th Birthday celebrations now, we look forward to the moment when conditions will allow us to physically gather and commemorate the Center’s first quarter century of delivering preventive health curriculum.
In the meantime, we invite you to help tell our story. Your memories can help us tell the impact the many dedicated BHEC team members have had on our communities. We want to hear from students, teachers, parents, community members, board members, volunteers – anyone who experienced the Center or shares our passion for health education. If we shared a connection, please tell us:
If you attended any education program, who was your memorable health educator? How did they impact you?
How did something you learned make a difference to your health or the health of someone you love?
If you attended childbirth classes at the Center, how did that impact your childbirth experience?
Did you pursue a career in the field of health care because of what you experienced at the BHEC? Why?
If you served on a board or working committee, what was your experience? How did you see the impact of health education on the community?
If you were you the recipient of a recognition such as the Founder’s Celebration of Life Award, how did the recognition amplify your work?
As a teacher who accompanied your students to the Center, what impact of the visit did you see on your students?
As a parent whose child has come to the Center, what did your child learn? Did you ever visit the center as a child yourself?
Please email your story to birthday@byrneshec.org or drop it via USPS/mail to 515 S. George Street, York, PA 17401 - Attention: Birthday
We would love to hear from you and, with your permission, to share some of your stories. As we look forward to future, in-person celebrations, we hope to collect a treasure of memories that only you hold.
25 Years of Service at the Byrnes Health Education Center - Help Us Tell Our Story!
Rotary Club of Lancaster South provided a total of $3,000 in college scholarships this year - $1,000 to three high school seniors who graduated in the Spring and are attending college this Fall - a Lampeter-Strasburg graduate attending the University of Pittsburgh, a Penn Manor graduate attending the University of Alabama and a Solanco graduate attending Hood College. The $1,000 was sent directly to each respective college/university in the student's name.
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 second time in the club’s nine-year history that grant applications were solicited from the public, and the Community Giving Committee is excited to announce the results.
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.
A $1,000 grant was awarded to the Byrnes Health Education Center for Clearing the Air: Vaping Education & Prevention for York City 8th Grade Students. The program will teach about the dangers of vaping.
The Rotary Club of York will receive $1,000 towards its Kiwanis Lake Clean Water Project. Kiwanis Lake is one of the most noteworthy and beautiful water features within York City. The Rotary Club of York will help to repair and restore Kiwanis Lake back to its glory. The York City Parks team and Rotary's Preserve Planet Earth Committee have looked extensively at the issues affecting Kiwanis Lake. There are five critical pieces that must and will be addressed: humane wildlife management, aeration system installation, flood gate repair, smart lake technology utilization and bringing back floating fountains with lights.
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.
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 usually meets at 5:30 p.m. on Tuesdays on the second floor of Rockfish Public House, 110 N. George Street, York, Pennsylvania 17401. During this time however, the club is meeting virtually. Visit www.uptownyorkrotary.org to learn more.
Bell Socialization Services
From L to R: Joyce Santiago, Uptown York Rotary Club President, Rebecca Young of Bell Socialization Services and Judy Chambers, Co-Chair of Uptown York Rotary Club Community Grants Committee
Byrnes Health Education Center
From L to R: Joyce Santiago, Uptown York Rotary Club President, Anne Bahn, Executive Director; Lyndsey Macklemore, Director of Development and Judy Chambers, Co-Chair of Uptown York Rotary Club Community Grants Committee
Rotary Club of York
From L to R: Aaron Jacobs, PPE Committee Chair of Rotary Club of York and Judy Chambers, Co-Chair of Uptown York Rotary Club Community Grants Committee
Susquehanna Service Dogs From L to R: Judy Chambers, Co-Chair of Uptown York Rotary Club Community Grants Committee, Sarah Mewhirter, SSD Director of Donor Relations; Holly Wise and SSD Buster.
My name is Marilyn Bedell. I am a member of the Rotary Club of Lebanon, NH, USA. I am passionate about Rotary and the Rotary Foundation. This is why I was happy to accept Past Rotary President Ravi Ravindran’s invitation to be the Endowment/Major Gift Adviser for Rotary Zone 32. In this role, I cover all the clubs and Rotary districts in New England, parts of New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania…and Bermuda.
Your District Governor and District Rotary Foundation Chair have asked me to periodically share information with you about opportunities to make major gifts and endowments to the Rotary Foundation.
It is my hope that you already know about opportunities to give to our #1 priority PolioPlus and to our Annual Programs Fund/Share (the money that help fund global and district grants). I have found that not as many Rotarian know about opportunities to make outright larger gifts and endowments to the Rotary Foundation.
Maybe it is because of Covid-19, or maybe it is because of my background as an oncology nurse, I continue to think about what I want my legacy to be. How do I want to be remembered? By giving funds to the Rotary Foundation’s Endowment Fund, there is a chance that long after I leave this earth, others will remember me as they do the good work of Rotary around the world.
Through major gifts, and the endowment we have planned, my husband and I hope others will understand how much we have learned through Rotary; how Rotary has transformed our lives; and how being part of Rotary has been a blessing beyond compare.
We have designated some funds to go to Annual Programs Fund/Share. It is my hope that the interest from our endowed funds will continue to help Rotarians in my district do global and district grants that will make a difference in lives of people in my district and around the world. In addition, we are giving some funds to support our Rotary Peace Fellows. We are committed to prepare individuals to do the work of peace building rather than war. Giving to any charity will happen only if the gift has meaning to you.
As you may already know, Rotary has seven areas of focus:
Promoting peace
Fighting disease
Providing clean water, sanitation and hygiene
Saving mothers and children
Supporting basic education and literacy
Growing local economies
Supporting the environment.
Consider the area of focus that brings you the most joy, and then consider supporting it via donations to the Rotary Foundation’s Endowment Fund. Can’t make up your mind which area of focus is your priority as you think they are all important, you can always make a gift to the World Fund which will be used to support all areas of focus. Please remember, gifts of any size are welcomed.
For information about becoming a Major Donor or a Bequest Society member, click here
The new District 7390 Safety Committee is proud to announce publication of its first resource for Rotary Clubs titled “Keeping Club Members and the Public Safe: Rotary District 7390 COVID-19 Risk Mitigation Guidance.” The Publication will be a “living” document with frequent updates as new guidance emerges on COVID-19 transmission and prevention based on national and state recognized sources such as the Center for Disease Control (CDC) and Pennsylvania Department of Health. The document can be found on the district website by clicking here.
Next steps for the Safety Committee include creating a repository of signage for use by clubs in addition to ongoing webinars on COVID-19 from healthcare experts. Please direct all questions, comments, suggestions for improvement, and presentation requests to:
Juliet Altenburg RN, MSN Past President, Rotary Club of Mechanicsburg-North 2022-2023 District Governor Rotary International District 7390
Sincere appreciation is extended to the members of the D7390 Safety Committee and District Leadership for all their support in the creation of this guidance. We also wish to thank all the clubs throughout the District in being role models of safety as you serve the public and be of support to one another during this challenging time!
Keeping Club Members and the Public Safe: Rotary District 7390 COVID-19 Risk Mitigation Guidance
Thank you Rotary Club of Harrisburg and Lamar Advertising for the awesome Youth Exchange billboards! If you see one while you're out and about in the Harrisburg and surrounding area ~ please snap a photo and send it to us! #rotaryyouthexchange#RotaryClub23
CONGRATULATIONS ROTARIANS - This week Rotary International President Holger and Rotary Foundation Chair K. R. Ravindran announced that the African region has been certified free of the wild poliovirus. This has been a decades long effort across 47 countries of the African region and would not have been possible without the efforts of Rotarians around the world and our partners to create a polio free world.
Rotarians in District 7390 have been committed over the past 30 years to raising funds to immunize children worldwide and our efforts are paying off. You should be proud of the difference that Rotary have made in the lives of millions of children by eliminating this dreadful disease.
I want to thank you for your past efforts and ask that you recommit to helping us raise funds to finish Rotary’s number one initiative of eradicating polio. Rotary is still committed to raising $50 million a year for this effort.
As such, we are launching the District 7390 Polio Plus Society and are inviting you to join our efforts to continue to raise funds to eradicate polio. To become a member of the District 7390 Polio Plus Society you are asked to commit to making an annual donation of $100 or more to The Rotary Foundation’s Polio Plus Fund until the last two countries, Afghanistan and Pakistan, are certified free of the wild polio virus.
We hope that with your commitment in joining the District 7390 Polio Plus Society, we will make a significant increase in our contributions to the eradication of polio.
A Zoom Summit will be held on September 3rd beginning at 7:30 p.m. for any Rotarian who is in charge of the Interact Club in their club and for those interested in forming an Interact Club for their club. This Summit will be one hour and the discussion will be on how clubs are dealing with COVID as it relates to their Interact Club and how we can learn from each other in helping the Interact Clubs. Contact office@rotary7390.org for information on logging into the call.
The Rotary Clubs of Carlisle and Carlisle Sunrise hosted a very successful and well run 59th RMB event overall and second Zoom networking meeting on Thursday, August 20 with 19 Rotarians and guests attending from six District 7390 clubs (Carlisle, Carlisle, Sunrise, Hanover, Harrisburg, Harrisburg Keystone, and Mechanicsburg North). Michelle Crowley Hornick from the Greater Carlisle Chamber of Commerce and a representative of the Small Business Development Center gave an update on the business situation in our area and the impact Covid-19 continues to have on it as well as the resources available to help businesses deal with it. Scott Stevens, the master of the Circle and RMB District 7390 Chair, ran the event a little like "Hollywood Squares" and everyone had a chance to talk about their business or project. Stay tuned for our next RMB event.
On March 6, 2020, the Rotary Club of Hanover hosted their 6th annual Tastefest event – the Club’s largest fundraiser – about two weeks before COVID19 closures in PA. The evening was designed to celebrate the area’s independently owned restaurants, bakeries, and specialty beverage businesses while raising funds for local non-profits. Always a sold-out event at a total of 400 tickets but the majority of the money is raised through sponsorships, including major contributor, Hanover-area State Farm agents (Sue Beckner, Ryan California, and Devon Ellis). This year, funds were distributed to primarily benefit Hanover Area Council of Churches -Ruth's Harvest, Hanover YWCA Safe Home, Olivia’s House, Roots for Boots, Jessica & Friends, and the Family Readiness Group of the Hanover Armory. Over the past six years, the Rotary Club of Hanover has raised an average of over $33,000 at each Tastefest event.
We all have someone we look up to. Perhaps it's a family member or friend who inspires us to be a better person, or someone who lives "Service Above Self" in their daily life. Our HERO.
The Rotary Club of the West Shore invites you to honor that person through our premier fundraising event, Flags for Heroes. By sponsoring a flag in your hero's name, you will join with hundreds of others in making a bold statement that says:
We Honor you, Hero.
We Encourage you, Hero.
We Recognize you, Hero.
We Offer thanks to you, Hero.
Don't miss your chance to be part of this event! The powerful and emotional display of sponsored flags will take place the week of September 4-12, 2021, along the Taylor Bridge Bypass (1250 Camp Hill Bypass).
DG John Anthony created a VLOG series highlighting various committees throughout the District. Watch the most current video today!! Click here to watch past videos!
The Rotary Club of York Student Education Committee has selected its first recipient of the Donna E. Hayes Equine Scholarship, Margaret Brice. Margaret was awarded a $ 3,000 scholarship for her senior year this fall at Penn State University as an Animal Science major and Equine Science minor. She will resume her position as a live-in working student at the Penn State Quarter Horse Barn. Margaret was home-schooled in Duncannon and spent her summer working on a ranch in Montana.
A Rotary Club of York member for over 24 years, Alvin Hayes established the Donna E. Hayes scholarship in 2017 in honor of his late wife, who was very active in the equestrian circle in York County. This scholarship is set up to help students attain their educational goals in the equine field of study and further the local equine community. For more information about the student scholarship program, please contact Rotary Club of York Student Education Administrator Renea Oberdick at officeassist@yorkrotary.org.
I am going on my annual cross-country motorcycle ride, and would like to raise money for Polio Plus. The ride will be anywhere from 8,000 to 10,000 miles long, depending on how sore my hindquarters get.
As a polio survivor, its an important project for me. I have been blessed to visit India four times to participate in National Immunization Days.
On August 3, 2020 Aaron Jacobs, Rotary Club of York, detailed their Kiwanis Lake project. York City’s Kiwanis Lake is one of the most prominent water features in our community and the Rotary Club of York has identified this landmark community legacy to be its focus project by repairing and restoring the lake as well as adding new ‘Smart Lake Technology’. Aaron outlined plan to have Kiwanis Lake functioning better than it ever has by 2021 and showing our community the tremendous impact that York Rotary has.
Although this is a man-made body of water, it has become a haven for aquatic life and park visitors year-round. Unfortunately, the lake has suffered in recent decades due to changes in the upstream environment, failing mechanical and maintenance features as well as an imbalance of wildlife, lake nutrients and water quality.
The Student Education Committee of the Rotary Club of York held virtual interviews June 16 for “Non-Traditional Student” Scholarships. A “Non-Traditional” Student is one who does not attend post-secondary education directly following graduation from high school. Instead, they select to enter the workforce, start a family, or enter the military. At a later date, they decide to pursue a degree and usually work and attend school simultaneously for a few years.
La’Tarsha Livingston and Melissa Rosario have been awarded a “Non-Traditional Student” scholarship with a value of $ 3,600. La’Tarsha is a part-time employee of WellSpan Health and a student at HACC – York campus where she is studying to be a nurse.
Melissa works full-time at Voith US and will complete her education from York College of Pennsylvania with a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration in 2021.
The Rotary Club of York has been proudly awarding these “Non-Traditional Student” scholarships since 2012 and have financially assisted 19 students with $ 25,200 to achieve their education goal! For more information about the student scholarship program, contact Rotary Club of York Student Education Administrator Renea Oberdick at officeassist@yorkrotary.org.
Time to start planning your club’s 4-Way Test ESSAY Contest. Unlike just about everything else in our lives, a written essay is one thing that COVID-19 cannot reach. Sitting down at a home computer and writing an essay is safe and can be done in a socially distant manner (maybe even without a mask!). So if any of your club’s projects are delayed or cancelled this year, this is a great time to consider starting an Essay Contest.
We have a fresh, new essay prompt this year: Is it the Truth? – How I Define What is True in My Life. We are looking forward to receiving essays from 9 th grade high school students which address questions like: What is true? Where is truth found? Is truth important? Is truth relative? Submissions for the 2020-21 District 7390 contest are due March 5, 2021. Contest rules, critical dates, and information for both Rotarians and Students are available at the District 7390 Website: https://www.rotary7390.org/page/four-way-test-essay-contest. Any questions or requests for further information can be directed to project chair, Steven Grubb, at stevengrubb@comcast.net.
The Rotary Club of York will host their Love Fore Community Golf/Croquet/Tennis Benefit on Monday, September 14, 2020. Click here for more information!
The next District Development session features Kevin Engle, Membership Chair Extraordinaire and credited for launching the "alternate meeting time" craze that has swept throughout the district. The focus is on MEMBERSHIP! Kevin will address “10 Tips to Growing Your Club” and Creativity & Flexibility in membership.
Join us on Monday, August 10 from 6-7 PM. Pre-registration is required!
The Rotary Club of Lancaster South recently held their summer Food Bank Drive to support the Solanco Neighborhood Ministries Food Bank. Since the Rotary Club has been meeting by Zoom, the Club’s Board of Directors suggested that the money normally spent for meals would be contributed to our Food Bank Drive. One thousand eight hundred forty dollars ($1,840.00) was collected by the club and was delivered to the Food Bank. Thanks to our Rotarians for stepping up to the challenge to alleviate food insecurity in our area.
On Monday, July 20, 2020 seven members of the Rotary Club of Harrisburg packed boxes for Central Pennsylvania Food Bank.
Since meeting virtually, Rotary Club of Harrisburg has donated $2,400.00 from the Club’s unused Monday meeting lunch budget to Central Pennsylvania Food Bank.
The Food Bank implemented extra safety precautions to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Operations have been moved to the Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex to allow space for social distancing.
Pictured are club members Harry Derrick, Matt Staub, James Good (Club President 2020/21), Kris Pedaprolu, Karen Good, Addeline Alaniz Edwards and Una Martone (PDG).
Rotary Club of Harrisburg Commits to Reducing Hunger by Aiding the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank During the Pandemic and Economic Crisis
Before the worldwide Coronavirus pandemic took over our day-to-day lives, our own, Charlie Santiago and a group of caring professionals became real-life miracle workers for over 400 children in the Dominican Republic.
In situations, life on the island for many of the countries youngest (and poorest) citizens can be very rough. When you need immediate dental care and do not have access to it, life can become outright unbearable.
Charlie Santiago and a team of medical professionals worked tirelessly to bring much needed relief to local communities in dire need of all the help they can get.
During a 5-day period, the team treated over 400 children. Some of the more heartbreaking cases involved multiple extractions, and children in unbearable pain. With outdated equipment, a faulty generator that needed fixing every day, and a lack of air-conditioning, the team persevered through it all.
Making it all worthwhile were the children. Some in excruciating pain when they arrived, left with wide smiles and eyes full of gratitude. Amidst these multiple successes, Charlie commented there were still many more children that were turned away as capacity, and the overall conditions of the facility, made it impossible to safely treat everyone.
Molly Grady, daughter of long-time Dominican project supporter and participant Dr. Grady says, "The Dominican Project through Rotary has become an essential part of my life because of my Dad who was an active member. Since his passing two years ago, I vowed to carry out his legacy and to honor him by joining the mission in his place. The Rotarians from all the participating clubs (i.e. Baltimore, Harrisburg, Wellsboro, West Shore, and Dominican) have become a second family to me.
“Each year in the Dominican, I see my Dad’s legacy in the Rotarians, the community, and the traditions. I have the privilege to live through what he helped establish and that is the absolute greatest blessing. This mission holds a special place in my heart because of how much it meant to him." Founding outreach strategist Robert Hall, HRC member and District 7390 Past District Governor, worked tirelessly with Dr. Grady and others for decades to help make the mission a continuing success. Co-planner gain this year was Jack Haskins previously a member of the HRC and now a member in the Baltimore Club.
When the pandemic subsides, making it safe to return, Charlie is working with the local Dominican Rotary club to ensure that they find a local clinic that can support a higher capacity, and provide better equipment for future trips to the region. As of now, his planning is targeting November for their next visit as soon as they receive clearance locally.
If you feel you would like to help in advance planning or on the next trip, please contact Charlie at 717 230-0610 or csantiago@nyl.com. Please help this critical outreach continue the decades of service the Rotary Club of Harrisburg has been a major pillar of this program.
Great Job Charlie and the Entire Team! GO ROTARY!!!!
Harrisburg Rotary Members Making a Dental Difference in the Dominican Republic
The Rotary Clubs of Hummelstown, Northern Lebanon County & Palmyra are hosting their annual golf tournament on Friday, August 21. Click here for more information!
Well, maybe the smiling faces of dozens and dozens and dozens of 3rd grade students in the Harrisburg School District receiving the gift of a dictionary.
Rotary Club of Harrisburg members were absolutely thrilled to present more than 600 students with this wonderful gift.
The RCH team had the opportunity to visit every classroom and outline the many features of these books. Members talked about the word "polio”, found the definition in the directories and noted that Rotary Clubs all around the world are engaged in eradicating this disease.
Just one of the many extraordinary community outreaches conducted by RCH members either around the world or in the community; especially if you love to see little folks smiling.
Is there anything better than the smiling face of a child?
It is with great excitement that I share the news that a new committee is being formed in our District aimed at keeping our members and the public safe during our global pandemic and beyond. Details of the new District 7390 Safety Committee are attached including an invitation to submit your interest in supporting the effort. Even if you can’t volunteer for the committee please don’t hesitate to reach out to me to express the different kinds of resources and guidance your club would find useful.
Now is a time for all of us to support one another in keeping ourselves, our families and the public safe during this uncertain time. The District is here to support you and I look forward to sharing my expertise as a nurse in helping the effort.
The 2020 Southern York County Rotary Golf Tournament will take place on July 17th at 1:00pm at Bon Air Country Club. And yes, the traditional crab feast will still follow at 6:00pm! Click here for all the details! You can also register online!
The course is in incredible condition this year! Social distancing measures will be in place for your safety and the golf course is the perfect place to spread out and get some fresh air. Proceeds benefit Southern York County Libraries and other Rotary projects, we thank you for your support!
Deadline to register is July 10th, hurry up and claim your spot before registration fills up. Any questions please contact Eric Anderson at 410-365-7086.
The 2020 Southern York County Rotary Golf Tournament will take place on July 17th at 1:00pm at Bon Air Country Club. And yes, the traditional crab feast will still follow at 6:00pm! Click here for all the details! You can also register online!
The course is in incredible condition this year! Social distancing measures will be in place for your safety and the golf course is the perfect place to spread out and get some fresh air. Proceeds benefit Southern York County Libraries and other Rotary projects, we thank you for your support!
Deadline to register is July 10th, hurry up and claim your spot before registration fills up. Any questions please contact Eric Anderson at 410-365-7086.
The York-East Rotary Club is hosting their 17th annual golf tournament on Tuesday, September 22nd, 2020 at noon. The event will be held at Briarwood Golf Club - East course. Golfer registration cost $90 per person and sponsorships are available. We'd love for you to join our club and help us raise money for local charities and our Students of the Month program. Please contact Becky Disney at bdisney@greaterpawv.wish.org for more info or click here to download a flier. Thank you!
Invitation to Join Nurses in Rotary Fellowshipby Juliet Altenburg, President Rotary Club of Mechanicsburg-North, District 7390 DGND
The Rotary International Theme for June is Rotary Fellowships. When I explored the fellowship page of the RI website, I was amazed at all the different groups there are and ways to form friendships with other Rotarians.
There was one group I saw that was missing that I had an interest in - Nurses in Rotary. So, sparked by my desire to meet other nurse Rotarians, I formed a new Rotary International fellowship group called "Nurses in Rotary".
I am inviting you all to reach out to nurses you know in your clubs to invite them into my group. Or if you give me their name there is a way for me to personally invite them through my fellowship page. My group is located at this link: https://my.rotary.org/en/exchange-ideas/groups/nurses-rotary-0
Looking forward to meeting my fellow nurses in District 7390 and from around the world. (A nurse from Nigeria just joined!)
Here is an overview:
Nurses in Rotary Fellowship
Created: 6-Jun-2020
Nurses more than ever play a significant role in responding to the health needs of our communities in a variety of settings. As Rotarians we can leverage our expertise and influence to do more good together than alone in our professions. The purpose of this group will be to share ideas on how to use our Rotary platform to meet the medical needs of our communities while also nurturing friendships among each other to support each other during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond.
The Rotary Club of Gettysburg recently donated $30,000 to South Central Community Action Programs to help the organization assist families impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
COVID-19 and the temporary closing of local businesses has significantly impacted Adams County residents, according to SCCAP Chief Executive Officer Megan Shreve. Many essential workers were laid off, lost work, or had increased costs due to the pandemic. The Rotary Club of Gettysburg and its membership are committed to making sure this crisis does not become a life altering event for Adams County families, Rotary President Brad Hoch said.
“We are so appreciative of this grant from the Rotary Club of Gettysburg,” Shreve said. “Powered by Rotary, we will be able to provide coordinated assistance designed for long-term stability. No one should lose housing or have difficulty getting back to work because of a pandemic that was out of their control. These funds, aimed at helping individuals impacted by COVID-19, will be used to prevent eviction, get people quickly housed, assist with legally operating childcare for workers, or assist with items needed for work or transportation to work. These flexible funds allow us to do what a family needs to get them back on their feet, and we are so grateful for the help.”
The Rotary Club of Gettysburg Board of Directors felt “now is not the time to sit it out on the sidelines,” Hoch said. “When the national moratorium on home and rental evictions lapses, the hardship will worsen,” Hoch said. “Now is the time to do what we can. We cannot sit with cash in our pockets.” The $30,000 donation, presented Tuesday, is in addition to a $15,000 donation the Rotary Club of Gettysburg award to SCCAP last month. If a $5,000 grant the club applied for through its district is approved, the Rotary Club of Gettysburg’s total assistance to Adams County residents through SCCAP will be $50,000, Hoch said. “Many of us know director Megan Shreve. Many of us have seen the valuable work that SCCAP has done in our community for decades,” Hoch said. “However, board members were justifiably concerned about making a $30,000 donation without adequate oversight and financial accountability. We appreciate Megan and SCCAP understanding our concerns and commitment to timely and accurate reporting of results.”
The funds Rotary donated to SCCAP were made possible through a reserve account created seven years ago by its board under the leadership of then-president Mike Hanson. “At least seven Rotary presidents and dozens of board members and general members have expended hours in the search for a ‘Wow’ project. They have worked to accumulate, to grow and to steward club resources waiting for a moment in time when our help could make a decisive difference in the lives of our friends, our neighbors,” Hoch said.
The Rotary Club of Gettysburg is currently meeting the second and fourth Mondays of each month at noon via the Zoom video conferencing app. Anyone who wishes to learn more about the club and its commitment to assisting people in Adams County and throughout the entire world should email rotaryclubofgettysburg@gmail.com. “Our club only becomes stronger if our membership is strong. We invite those who have a commitment to service to consider membership,” Hoch said.
Rotary Club of Gettysburg donates $30,000 to SCCAP
On Monday, June 29 Rotary Means Business District 7390 will host a virtual Zoom meeting from 5:30 to 7:00 pm featuring Gordon Denlinger, Director of the National Federation of Independent Businesses and former state representative, who will be speaking about the business situation in Southcentral PA and prospects for the future in the time of COVID-19. This will be followed by a virtual Circle wherein participants will have a chance to talk about their businesses and how they have been affected by COVID-19 and what they have done to survive. Obviously, the event is FREE so bring your favorite drink and hors d’oeuvres and let’s get RMB going again. Please RSVP quickly to be on the spreadsheet and only the first 50 RSVPs will be able to join the meeting. RSVP NOW at https://bit.ly/2020RMBvirtual
Once registered, you will be given a meeting ID and password and the link to join. Also, as you may know, you can go to Zoom.com and click on the “Join the meeting” link and put in the meeting ID and password. Here is the chance to get the big picture on business in PA and share best practices to survive and thrive going forward. See you there!
Congratulations to PDG Una Martone (Harrisburg) and Victoria Connor (Uptown York). Una and Victoria are nominees for the Central Penn Business Journal's Circle of Excellence recognition. To be considered for the recognition, women honorees have sustained leadership roles in their choice of profession, through mentorship and in their community. They are at the pinnacle of their careers and true icons of their industry. Below is the complete list of nominees:
Victoria Connor York County Bar Association/York County Bar Foundation
Susan Graham Susan Graham Consulting
Una Martone Leadership Harrisburg Area
Lisa Myers Boyer & Ritter
Tina L. Nixon UPMC Pinnacle
For more information, or to join the event, please visit:https://www.cpbj.com/event/women-of-influence/
Central Penn Business Journal Circle of Excellence Nominees Include Two Rotarians
All are welcome to join us for the installation of DG John Anthony and the 2020-2021 District Leadership Team, the 2020-2021 Club Presidents & Assistant Governors. RIDE (Rotary International Director Elect) Valarie Wafer will be joining the call to make a special presentation!
Please contact the District Office (office@rotary7390.org) for information on joining the zoom call for this kick-off of the 2020-2021 Rotary year!
The Mount Joy Rotarians gave the community a reason to celebrate on Saturday, May 30. Their famous Rotary French Fries and hot dogs were free for the asking. Freshly made in the Rotary Fry wagon, the free lunch was carried to waiting cars by Rotarians looking for ways to give back to the local community.
The community responded by enjoying nearly 800 hotdogs and 400 pounds of French Fries. Though freely given, the Rotary Club held out a donation bucket to support the Mount Joy Food Bank. Rotary Co-President, Greg Sallade reported, “The donations from the community were $795.41. That will all go to the Food Bank … we will also make a donation to the Fire Dept. for their help. So, it was a pretty successful event.”
Discover how you can make a meaningful contribution in your community and beyond through Rotary. Weekly club meetings are held at The Gathering Place in Mount Joy on Tuesdays at noon. Alternately, visit us from 5:30PM to 6:30PM at Twisted Bine on Main Street in Mount Joy.
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.
This will be my last note as District Governor in our weekly newsletter. On Tuesday we will have the opportunity to join with DGE John Anthony as he assumes his new office of District Governor and to celebrate DGN Greg Staub and DGND Juliet Altenburg as they move into their new roles as DGE and DGN respectively. I want to begin by thanking them for being a great leadership team, for being so dedicated and committed and for all the support they have offered to me over the past year. I am confident that with these fine leaders in place our District will be well served into the future. Thank you John and Greg and Juliet for all that you have done and I know will do in the years ahead and please know that you have my promise of support as you assume your new roles and responsibilities.
And since the transition takes place on June 30, this is an opportunity for me to step back and reflect upon the year which is now rapidly drawing to a close and to offer a word of thanks and deep gratitude for all that this year has meant to me.
I hope it does not sound trite on my part to say that these last 12 months have been a unique experience and one which I will treasure for the rest of my life. It has been a pleasure and joy to serve District 7390 as Governor – a pleasure because I really did have a lot of fun and a joy because I got to see and experience firsthand the amazing and wonderful work that is being done by so many of our clubs and their members to make our communities and our world a better place to be. I enjoyed so very much the opportunity to visit clubs, meet their boards, work with their Presidents and share in their enthusiasm for this family we call Rotary. So my thanks do indeed go to all those who welcomed me to their clubs, listened to me, laughed at my bad jokes and shared their vision of how their communities can be a better place in the future. I have learned from all of you to value the depth and breadth of Rotary and to see it, even more clearly than when I started, for the amazing organization it is. And a particular word of thanks to the Presidents of those clubs who have carried the vision of Rotary to their members, leading them through the difficult days of this pandemic, nudging them when they needed it and generally being a cadre of leaders of whom we can all be very proud.
And it is with gratitude that I offer a word of thanks to all the Past District Governors who over the past three years have offered me their words of support and encouragement, wisdom and advice. We always build on those who have gone before us and it is with deep gratitude and respect that I recognize all the PDGs of District 7390 for their work on behalf of Rotary.
And I would be remiss if I did not offer a word of deepest thanks to Melissa our District Executive, without whom I could not have made it through the year. As the fount of all knowledge about our District and Rotary in general, Melissa helped me navigate the pitfalls and get the work done. Having a new Governor each year cannot be easy but Melissa’s sense of humor and gracious patience was greatly valued by me and I suspect all the DGs who have gone before me for the past 14 years. Thank you Melissa so very much.
The last few months have been difficult for many of us on a personal and perhaps a professional level as well. We have all had to learn how to adapt in the face of this novel coronavirus as our world seemed to shift on its axis. I am grateful for all those clubs and their leadership who stepped up to the plate, figured out how to run Zoom and Go to Meeting, restructured their fundraising events and continued to award their scholarships. Yes it was and is disappointing that we are not yet meeting face to face. It was particularly disappointing for me to have had to cancel our District Conference and not be able to schedule it in other ways. It has been hard not to recognize in person those who have earned recognition for their contribution to Rotary over the past year or indeed our clubs for their fine work. But in the midst of those regrets I remain deeply grateful for those who have led, cheered and encouraged us to keep being the best that Rotary can be.
So looking back on the year, I will be the first to admit that I did not achieve all that I set out to do. I did not fulfill all my goals and aspirations. And sometimes I just failed to get it done. But I hope that, if nothing else, I have shared with you during this year my passion and love of Rotary and what I believe is our common goal, to leave this world a better place than when we came into it. You have all heard me say that Rotary makes a difference in somebody’s life each and every minute of each and every day. As that great philosopher Mr. Rogers was so fond of saying, “Life is for service” and I hope that my life this past year has been a model of such service and indeed that the service we have shown together in District 7390 will last far beyond this year and into the lives of those who will come after us.
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.
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
This will be my last note as District Governor in our weekly newsletter. On Tuesday we will have the opportunity to join with DGE John Anthony as he assumes his new office of District Governor and to celebrate DGN Greg Staub and DGND Juliet Altenburg as they move into their new roles as DGE and DGN respectively. I want to begin by thanking them for being a great leadership team, for being so dedicated and committed and for all the support they have offered to me over the past year. I am confident that with these fine leaders in place our District will be well served into the future. Thank you John and Greg and Juliet for all that you have done and I know will do in the years ahead and please know that you have my promise of support as you assume your new roles and responsibilities.
And since the transition takes place on June 30, this is an opportunity for me to step back and reflect upon the year which is now rapidly drawing to a close and to offer a word of thanks and deep gratitude for all that this year has meant to me.
I hope it does not sound trite on my part to say that these last 12 months have been a unique experience and one which I will treasure for the rest of my life. It has been a pleasure and joy to serve District 7390 as Governor – a pleasure because I really did have a lot of fun and a joy because I got to see and experience firsthand the amazing and wonderful work that is being done by so many of our clubs and their members to make our communities and our world a better place to be. I enjoyed so very much the opportunity to visit clubs, meet their boards, work with their Presidents and share in their enthusiasm for this family we call Rotary. So my thanks do indeed go to all those who welcomed me to their clubs, listened to me, laughed at my bad jokes and shared their vision of how their communities can be a better place in the future. I have learned from all of you to value the depth and breadth of Rotary and to see it, even more clearly than when I started, for the amazing organization it is. And a particular word of thanks to the Presidents of those clubs who have carried the vision of Rotary to their members, leading them through the difficult days of this pandemic, nudging them when they needed it and generally being a cadre of leaders of whom we can all be very proud.
And it is with gratitude that I offer a word of thanks to all the Past District Governors who over the past three years have offered me their words of support and encouragement, wisdom and advice. We always build on those who have gone before us and it is with deep gratitude and respect that I recognize all the PDGs of District 7390 for their work on behalf of Rotary.
And I would be remiss if I did not offer a word of deepest thanks to Melissa our District Executive, without whom I could not have made it through the year. As the fount of all knowledge about our District and Rotary in general, Melissa helped me navigate the pitfalls and get the work done. Having a new Governor each year cannot be easy but Melissa’s sense of humor and gracious patience was greatly valued by me and I suspect all the DGs who have gone before me for the past 14 years. Thank you Melissa so very much.
The last few months have been difficult for many of us on a personal and perhaps a professional level as well. We have all had to learn how to adapt in the face of this novel coronavirus as our world seemed to shift on its axis. I am grateful for all those clubs and their leadership who stepped up to the plate, figured out how to run Zoom and Go to Meeting, restructured their fundraising events and continued to award their scholarships. Yes it was and is disappointing that we are not yet meeting face to face. It was particularly disappointing for me to have had to cancel our District Conference and not be able to schedule it in other ways. It has been hard not to recognize in person those who have earned recognition for their contribution to Rotary over the past year or indeed our clubs for their fine work. But in the midst of those regrets I remain deeply grateful for those who have led, cheered and encouraged us to keep being the best that Rotary can be.
So looking back on the year, I will be the first to admit that I did not achieve all that I set out to do. I did not fulfill all my goals and aspirations. And sometimes I just failed to get it done. But I hope that, if nothing else, I have shared with you during this year my passion and love of Rotary and what I believe is our common goal, to leave this world a better place than when we came into it. You have all heard me say that Rotary makes a difference in somebody’s life each and every minute of each and every day. As that great philosopher Mr. Rogers was so fond of saying, “Life is for service” and I hope that my life this past year has been a model of such service and indeed that the service we have shown together in District 7390 will last far beyond this year and into the lives of those who will come after us.
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
Working with the Adams County United Way, ten members of the Rotary Club of Gettysburg and many other volunteers served Breakfast with Santa at the Gettysburg Hotel on December 1. The Gettysburg Rotarians were joined by four international students from Gettysburg College. Over 1,200 meals were served to the hungry crowd.
The Rotary Club of Gettysburg took part on November 30 in the community effort in Gettysburg sponsored by the Sgt. Mac Foundation to place wreathes on the graves of Veterans. The National Wreath Project has evolved to placing wreaths at the graves of Veterans at Quantico National Cemetery and Gettysburg National Cemetery in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. In 2017, over 11,000 wreaths were placed at both cemeteries. This year, a similar number were placed.
In a Summer Cultural Exchange, students spend three to six weeks in their host country visiting with another family and seeing another part of the world. The Short-term Exchange Program arranges for the student's family to host a matching student from another country in return. This program provides an excellent opportunity to experience a new culture in a brief period of time. Like the long-term exchange, the short-term exchange requires a sponsoring Rotary Club in each country, and students are selected on the basis of a written application and interview process.
Parents should be prepared to cover the cost of travel, health insurance and a few other costs for the STEP student. Candidates should complete an application and submit it their sponsoring Rotary Club. Remember - all applications MUST BE TYPED and signatures on the application MUST be in BLUE INK. The sponsoring Rotary Club will hold an interview and, if appropriate, send the student to the District Interviews/training session on January 26, 2019.
You can find more information regarding the Short-Term Exchange Program, please click here!
A supporter of Rotary and the efforts to end polio, York, Pennsylvania-based Bailey Trailways is creating awareness by dedicating themed graphics on its new 2018 Van Hool CX45. Since 1985, Rotary has contributed nearly $1.2 billion and countless volunteer hours to the protection of more than two billion children in 122 countries. The disease remains endemic in three countries including Afghanistan, Nigeria, and Pakistan. Other countries remain at risk for imported cases.
Polio is a highly infectious disease that causes paralysis and is sometimes fatal. As there is no cure, the best protection is prevention. For as little as 60-cents-worth of vaccine, a child can be protected against this crippling disease for life. After an international investment of more than $9 billion, and the successful engagement of over 200 countries and 20 million volunteers, polio could be the first human disease of the 21st century to be eradicated.
To help create awareness of this need, John Bailey, President of Bailey Coach and a Hanover Rotarian, created a Rotary Coach with his newest Van Hool CX45 coach that he took delivery of this year from ABC Companies, the exclusive distributor of Van Hool coaches in the U.S. Bailey has also donated four weeks use of this coach to do humanitarian work in the eastern U.S. with Rotarians assisting in the efforts.
The coach has been showcased at several events including the Hanover, Pennsylvania Rotary Club luncheon event in October with special guest speaker, John Nanni, a 64-year polio survivor and Rotarian. Nanni, who chairs the Delaware district 7630 Rotary spoke of his experience to continue efforts of building awareness that this disease remains an endemic throughout the world.
Bailey Trailways is no stranger to designing theme coaches or sharing its resources for charity. Bailey themed his first to honor the military and dedicated it to his father, WWII veteran, Captain J. Bailey. They have also themed coaches for York County Visitors Bureau, Rotary Club and one for Gold Star Families. The company believes highly in giving back to the community and to those in need. They operate an annual veterans trip where they transport 425-plus veterans on eight coaches to Gettysburg for a museum and tour experience as well as to participate in a wreath laying ceremony at the Eternal Light Peace Memorial. They also played a very active role in hurricane relief efforts in Texas and Florida in which they sent nearly one million pounds of supplies that they collected.
Bailey Trailways creates polio awareness with new Van Hool CX45
Rotary Global Grants Scholarships fund graduate students who are interested in studying abroad in one of the six Areas of Focus for Rotary. Candidates must live in or attend college in District 7390, which encompasses Adams, Cumberland, Dauphin, Lancaster, Lebanon, Perry and York counties.
Scholarship highlights…
Graduate studies abroad
Plan to pursue career in field of study
1 to 2 year scholarship
Minimum of $30,000 per year
Must be proficient in language of country
Based on…
Academic merit
Studying a Rotary Area of Focus
Residence in or attendance at a college in District 7390
Rotary’s Areas of Focus are…
Peace and Conflict Prevention/Resolution
Disease Prevention and Treatment
Water and Sanitation
Maternal and Child Health
Basic Education and Literacy
Economic and Community Development.
The deadline to apply for a Global Grant Scholarship is January 12, 2019. The interviews will be held February 16, 2019 and applicants MUST be available for the interviews on that date. Successful applicants can begin their studies as early as the fall of 2019.
The Paul Harris Society designation was recently bestowed upon two members of the Colonial Park Rotary Club. The Paul Harris Society designation is to honor and thank individuals for their generous, ongoing support of the Rotary Foundation of Rotary International. The award is named for Paul Harris, who founded Rotary International in 1905.
The membership of the Colonial Park Rotary Club are very proud to award this special honor to Genevieve Peters and her daughter Marianne Flickinger. Genevieve is the widow of and Marianne is the daughter of William H. Peters, Jr. who was a charter member and the first president of the Colonial Park Rotary Club when it was started back in 1951.
The Rotary Club of Gettysburg is taking part again this year in the Gettysburg Community Breakfast with Santa, sponsored by the Adams County United Way. The breakfast will be held on December 1 and serves over 700 local people. The Rotary Club of Gettysburg is one of the sponsors and this year is sponsoring low income families so they can attend the event. Families from the local homeless shelter and the local shelter for abused family members are being sponsored by Rotary.
District 7390 Disaster Relief Committee is supporting hurricane relief in New Bern, North Carolina through financial support and a volunteer work crew.
Tax deductible donations can be sent to Carlisle Rotary Foundation with a notation for ‘FCDR, New Bern N.C.’ Send your donation to Carlisle Rotary Club Foundation, PO Box 301, Carlisle PA 17013. Donations will be accepted through January 15, 2019. Donations will be sent to Fuller Center Disaster Rebuilders, a 501C3 non-profit, who has made a commitment to assist the people of North Carolina rebuild their homes. The donations will be used for materials and supplies as volunteer crews rebuild the homes of qualified home owners.
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 Full Center Disaster Rebuilders. 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. Would you like to volunteer? No previous skills required, home repair experience helpful. Experienced Crew Chiefs Rotarian Phil Lehman and Chris Erickson will be leading the week. Volunteer housing will be at Cornerstone Church, cost is $100.00 pp for weekly accommodations/meals. Minimum age 18. Open to Rotarians and non-Rotarians. Mark your calendar. More information to follow as we get closer to the date.
Forest Fire damage – Paradise California
Rotary Club of Paradise California is collecting tax deductible donations. Donations will provide gift cards to fire victims and first responders. Send donations directly to Paradise Rotary Foundation, c/o Scheer Memorial Chapel, 2410 Foothill Blvd, Oroville CA 95966.
Here in D7390 we gathered around the Thanksgiving table to give thanks for all of our blessings -- including the ability to live in this beautiful, safe section of our country. Hurricanes, major flooding, forest fires do not haunt us; we are surely blessed. And now we move on to the Christmas season, unscathed by concerns about where to live and how to rebuild. Can we share some of our good fortune with fellow countrymen not so fortunate? Make your donation today.
The Youth Exchange students from Districts 7390 & 7620 spent the weekend together in Washington DC. They visited the Capitol, American Indian museum, National Gallery of Art, Air & Space Museum, Smithsonian, Lincoln Memorial, Jefferson Memorial, the Mall and more. The students all had a great time!
Every club has an outstanding leader who could be a potential District Governor. Is that person you? Are you a good leader, interested, involved, give financially to Rotary and The Rotary Foundation and helpful to other members?
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.
Qualifications for a District Governor are specified in detail in the Bylaws of Rotary International as published in the Rotary Manual of Procedure. These qualifications should be studied carefully before you decide to become a candidate. Interviews for the 2021-22 District Governor will be held Thursday, January 10, 2019 at the Byrnes Health Education Center in York.
The Rotary Club of Lancaster will host the 47th RMB networking event in the history of RMB in Rotary District 7390 and the 11th event of the 2018 RMB season at EZ Marketing, 111 Centerville Road, Lancaster, PA on Wednesday, December 12 from 5:30 to 7:30 pm. The event will be FREE thanks to the following event sponsors: EZ Marketing, Renovations by Garman, Anonymous, Lee Horn – Edward Jones, and DeBord-Snyder Funeral Home & Crematory, Inc and will include tasty hors d’oeuvres and wine, beer and soft beverages. RSVP NOW!
Make many great connections for your business or project and enjoy the fun and fellowship of RMB. Bring potential Rotarian guests and family of Rotary!
On Saturday, October 20, 2018, twenty two trees were planted in York City by the Preserve Planet Earth Committee and members of the Rotary Club of York, PA. The trees included a variety of species ranging from Cleveland Pear, Lilac, Hornbeam, and Linden Trees. Members of the Preserve Planet Earth Committee, members and family members of the Rotary Club of York, PA and cadets from the Bearcat Battalion of York High's JROTC troop removed stumps, rocks, bricks and concrete in existing tree wells to plant 22 trees in downtown York. 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 free direct delivery of water for all the trees. Finally a BOO-RA gung-ho award to Dennis Baughman and John Klinedinst who actually removed a dead tree by hand in order to plant a new live one at the York Academy.
The blue blob has been revealed. Re-installed on November 12, 2018 the lovely centerpiece on Mount Joy’s Town Square has been refurbished and is again counting the hours of our days. In 2002, in honor of Mount Joy’s Sesquicentennial the original Mount Joy Rotary Club Clock was installed.
This summer our town clock was whisked away to be completely updated, repaired, and repainted. Thanks to the many sponsors and loads of French fry enthusiasts for helping to give her a tune-up and facelift.
During the Mount Joy Winterfest on Saturday, December 1, the clock will be dedicated to the community. At 6:45, the Rotary Club of Mount Joy, Mayor Tim Bradley, and Santa Claus himself will reveal the new face of time in Mount Joy.
I want to thank all of you who organized and participated in our Pints for Polio events. There were 27 events held throughout the District and many clubs partnered together. This provided an opportunity to socialize with other Rotarians, introduce community members to Rotary and to raise money for polio eradication.
I had the pleasure to attend several of the events and enjoyed the fellowship and fun! I wish I could have attended all of them. When the results are in, I will let you know how much we raised for polio eradication. The funds will go towards Rotary’s commitment to raise $50 million annually.
November is Rotary Foundation month. The Rotary Foundation is OUR Foundation. It is supported by the Rotary family and supports the work that we do. The Foundation continues to be the engine that drives Rotary, allowing clubs and districts to aspire to do larger, more ambitious projects with transformative and sustainable impact.
YOU are making a difference in your community and around the world. I am pleased to say that we approved 27 District Club Grants this year. This was an increase of 4 from last year. In some of the District Grants, multiple clubs came together to fund a community-based project. Examples of the grants are:
Repairing equipment at a scout camp.
Providing new and used farm equipment at the Wittel Farm. Which is dedicated to growing fresh vegetables to help feed the hungry.
Medical supplies.
Equipment for schools and parks.
And many more.
Recently we had two vocational training teams that went to Malawai to provide treatment and train health care workers. Dr. Bob McClenathan led the Eye Care Team and PDG Connie Spark led the Medical Team. Several Rotarians from our District joined Rotarians from other countries on these trips. Currently we are supporting a global grant in the Philippines which provides cardiac surgery for children born with congenital heart defects. And, another grant in Ecuador to provide detection of hearing loss in children from newborn to 5 years of age. This grant also provides training to their families and health professionals.
As I've made my visits to clubs in the District, I have been pleased to hear that several clubs are in the process of developing global grant proposals for the first time.
Have you made your donation to the Rotary Foundation yet? If not, I am asking you to consider making a donation during Rotary Foundation Month. Rotary makes it easy for you to make your donation in a way that fits your financial needs. You can make a one-time donation or a recurring donation on your credit card. To do this, go to https://www.rotary.org/en/donate.
BE THE INSPIRATION IN SUPPORTING OUR ROTARY FOUNDATION
When we are looking at the one day events scheduled within the next 30 days that still need more than 10 volunteers, we consider those events in the “Red Zone”. With 129 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 November 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!
* this is not a complete listing of all events in the next 30 days…only the schools where over 10 volunteers are still needed
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
If you would like to volunteer, please contact JA at 717-843-8028. Find more information by clicking here!
The Colonial Park Rotary Club recently honored ten students from Central Dauphin High School, Central Dauphin East High School, Bishop McDevitt High School and the Dauphin County Technical School that attended the 58th annual “Rotary Youth Leadership Awards Conference” known as RYLA that was held June 10th – 14th at Messiah College in Grantham, PA. Representing Central Dauphin High School were Arjun Ray, Rosa Azzato and Taylor Brown. Representing Central Dauphin East High School were: Matthew “Matt” Egner and Judith “Judy” Kyei-Poku. Representing the Dauphin County Technical School were: Polina Rosas and Letrele Roberts. Representing Bishop McDevitt were: Luke Lombardi and Samantha “Sam” Knipple. Also honored was Lower Paxton Township resident Patrick Elter from Trinity High School. The five day RYLA Conference provides an intense leadership training program for outstanding young men and women from public and non-public secondary schools in Rotary District 7390 from the counties of Adams, Cumberland, Dauphin, Lancaster, Lebanon, Perry and York, Pennsylvania. The program focus was on the development of moral courage, the disposal and concentration of effort, a sense of priority, humor, good judgement and The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership.
John Nanni visited the Rotary Club of Hanover on October 29 to make a presentation Polio, Post-Polio Syndrome & Polio Plus. John is an active member of the Rotary Club of Middletown-Odessa, Delaware. He's served as Club Secretary, Website Committee Chair, served on the District PolioPlus Committee and is Club President Elect for 2019-20. He's given over 150 Polio Talks from Rhode Island to North Carolina. “The 3 P’s in my Life: Polio, Post-Polio Syndrome and Rotary’s PolioPlus”. John is a polio survivor (Class of 1953), paralyzed from his neck down for 6 months just prior to the Salk Vaccine distribution. He now uses a wheelchair for most of his daily mobility due to severe Post-Polio Syndrome issues.
John is pictured with the Rotary Club of Hanover and the Rotary wrapped bus from Bailey Coach.
The Rotary Club of Harrisburg will host the 46th RMB networking event of Rotary District 7390’s RMB history and the 10th event of the 2018 RMB season on Thursday, November 15 at the Capitol Blue Cross Retail Store 4500 Marketplace Way, Enola, PA. The event is FREE thanks to major sponsor Capitol Blue Cross and tasty hors d’oeuvres and adult (wine/beer) and soft beverages will be served. The event begins at 5:30 and ends 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. Bring potential Rotarian guests and family of Rotary!
Harrisburg Hosts Rotary Means Business on November 15
The Rotary Club of Hanover hosted a wonderful RMB networking event on October 11 at Elsner Engineering Works, Hanover, PA with 27 Rotarians and guests attending from seven clubs representing all areas of District 7390. The event was FREE thanks to event sponsors Elsner Engineering Works; ASIX Quality; Ledge, Inc.; Traditions Mortgage; and York Traditions Bank. Many young Rotarians enlivened the event which enjoyed much fun/fellowship and many great connections were made. Thank you to the Rotary Club of Hanover for making this networking event so worthwhile for all concerned and to Elsner Engineering Works for providing such an interesting venue. Well done all!!
Thank you to the Hanover Event Sponsors and RMB Major Sponsors Hoffman Funeral Home and Capital Blue Cross.
This past spring, the Rotary Club of Shippensburg lost one of our most dedicated members, Ra Kligge, who passed away on May 11, 2018. Ra was a passionate and devoted Rotarian and a lead volunteer and inspiration for many of our projects and programs. He is and will continue to be greatly missed by the members of our club and other Rotarians, his family, friends and community.
To honor and remember Ra Kligge, the Rotary Club of Shippensburg Foundation has set up a separate fund dedicated to Ra’s memory. The money raised in this fund will be used to start and continue projects that were a part of Ra’s vision while he was with us. We would like to carry on these activities and programs that Ra was so zealous about. To do so, we are asking that anyone who is able to, please consider making a donation towards this fund. Your contributions will be used to carry out Ra’s ideas and to make our community a better place.
If you would like to contribute, checks can be made payable to The Rotary Club of Shippensburg Foundation. Please include “In Memory of Ra Kligge” on the memo line so we can be sure to allocate your contribution to this fund. All contributions can be mailed to the following address: Rotary Club of Shippensburg Foundation (PO Box 572, Shippensburg, PA 17257).
Thank you for your consideration and help in keeping Ra’s spirits alive.
Shippensburg Foundation Sets Up Fund in Memory of Ra Kligge
The Rotary Club of Harrisburg is going BIG this year! Sure, this Club continues to do big things in their community, but this year they are letting everyone in town know about it with a big billboard initiative.
President, Andy Rebuck, accepted the gavel in July promising the membership lots of complimentary billboards with three neat strategies.
First, each week a member is invited to give a 120 second update on their role in the Club. Then they receive a Service Above Self coffee mug, and as Andy would say, “their mug (photo) is proudly displayed on a People of Action billboard.”
Second, the Club hosts “Good News Reporting” with a goal of raising $5,000 total this year for the Polio Plus funds and members who report are entered into a drawing and are featured on End Polio Now billboards.
Third, everyone loves new members and wants to jump up and down to shout hooray and welcome, and this year Harrisburg is featuring new members on a billboard.
If you are reading this note and wondering how this is possible, please note that the Club President also happens to be VP/GM of a local billboard company. His advice is if you like this idea, you might want to send a note to your local billboard company asking them to consider similar support—and of course invite them to join your Club.
We certainly hope you are all having a big year in Rotary and if we can provide any more information or assistance with this idea, please contact our Club Administrator, Addeline Alaniz-Edwards, info@hbgrotary.org.
During my DG John May's visit to the Rotary Club of Paradise he met Robert (Bob) Espenshade who has achieved 62 years of perfect attendance. Visiting that day was Orville Lauver from the Rotary Club of Red Lion-Dallastown who completed his 54th year of perfect attendance in September. Mr. Espenshade was on the Pequea Valley school board when PDG Ann Keim was hired as the school superintendent.
This year, clubs across our district are hosting 25 Pints for Polio events to raise money for END POLIO NOW! Rotary International committed to raise $50 million a year for three years towards eradicating polio. The money we raise will be matched 2-1 by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. Last year we raised $9000 and our goal is to increase that by 25%.
I encourage you to attend one or more of the events and support our initiative. If you are not able to attend one of the events, I am asking that you make a donation to The Rotary Foundation Polio Plus Fund. Donations can be made online at www.endpolionow.org Your donations can be made in honor of someone, such as your children or grandchildren or in memory of someone.
As I have traveled around the district I've been asked questions about Rotary’s Global Polio Eradication Initiative and I am sure some of you have been asked questions also. I wanted to share with you this document that Rotary International prepared with simple answers to some common questions from Rotarians. Click here to view the article. I found it very interesting and helpful.
On October 24, Rotary will be hosting a live stream event from the College of Physicians in Philadelphia, known as the birthplace of American Medicine. The event starts at 6:30 p.m. Information on how to live stream the event can be found here. This event will be recorded to be viewed later.
We all have a part to play in the eradication of polio. This is the time for us to raise awareness of what Rotary is doing, to raise the needed funds and TO BE THE INSPIRATION TO END POLIO NOW.
In early October of 2018, the York-East Rotary Club participated in a road clean-up crew. One of the group found a $1 bill and gave it as a Happy Dollar at the next club meeting!
One small part of the recent Eye Care Vocational Training Team to Malawi was providing low vision care to people with albinism. Here are photos of a few of our patients who received photochromatic spectacles, sunglasses with a unique tint just for them, sunscreen, and a telescope to improve distance vision. Rotary Club of Lancaster, with partner clubs Elizabethtown, Mechanicsburg North, Lancaster Penn Square, and Northern Lebanon County, sponsored this Global Grant project that included training of local eyecare practitioners in the diagnosis and treatment of glaucoma, strabismus, albinism, diabetes, and a few other maladies. Ten Rotarians from our district, or friends of Rotary, were joined by Danish colleagues to complete this amazing project.
Hershey Rotary Club held its annual 4-Way Test Speech Contest on October 10. 1st place was awarded to Jose Mendez; 2nd place to Ty’Jhon Hall; 3rd Place to Desmond Primus. Jose and Ty’Jhon will be participants in the Rotary District 7390 Midlevel contest, to be held on November 10 in Harrisburg.
Pictured L to R: Elisabeth Milligan, Tori Wentland, Njambi Womak, 3rd Place Winner Desmond Primus, 2nd Place Winner Ty’Jhon Hull, and 1st Place Winner Jose Mendez.
The Rotary Club of Gettysburg participated in the United Way of Adams County Day of Caring on Saturday, Sept. 29. A team of Rotarians canvassed the community looking for homes that could use free smoke detectors. The detectors were installed Saturday, Oct. 6 and Rotarians were there to help. The event was sponsored by the American Red Cross who will supply the detectors. Pictured, from left, are: Peter Lagerberger, Martha Lagerberger, Scott Wehler, Bill Braun, and Bonnie Braun.
Carlisle Rotarians had a friendly wager on the football game between Penn State and Ohio State on September 29: The losing fans would wear the winning team's colors at the next Rotary meeting. It was a heartbreaker, but the Buckeyes were victorious and the Nittany Lion fans good-naturedly donned the Ohio State garb for the meeting. And the shout of "Just wait 'til next year!" echoed throughout the room!
Lancaster-South Rotarian Chuck Sawicki is overjoyed to announce the launch of his new book “On Mentoring: Lessons Learned During an 80-Year Journey”. In this book , Chuck shares his intuitive personal mentoring style that goes beyond the old “one size fits all” model. It demonstrates the benefits of connecting people and communities.
Most of of us want to help our community, most of us want to create meaningful change, and most of us want to teach those around us the skills we have picked up along the way. But sadly, most of us aren’t quite sure where to start. Chuck is certain this book will assist you in that effort.
For over 20 years, the Rotary Club of Gettysburg has cleared trash along a two mile section of Route 30 just east of Gettysburg. The club clears trash two times each year, spring and fall. On Saturday, September 22, 2018, the club again cleared trash as part of its commitment to the Gettysburg community.
Join the Rotary Club of Mechanicsburg North, Mechanicsburg Rotary Club, West Shore Rotary Club, Hampden Township Veterans Recognition Committee and other community partners in planting trees at the Hampden Township Veterans Park in honor of veterans. Even one hour of support will be greatly appreciated since every hour counts as a match toward the grant that purchased the trees!
Date: Saturday, October 6th
Time: 8 AM – 1 PM
Location: Hampden Township Veterans Park, 4345 Marketplace Way, Enola, PA
The Rotary Club of Mechanicsburg North has created a Meetup group called Service Above Self to engage the community in supporting fundraisers and service activities with their club. There is no fee for joining the group and membership is open to anyone. Check out the Service Above Self Meetup by going to: https://www.meetup.com/Service-Above-Self/
There are lots of fun events planned for Pints for Polio! Here is a list of what is scheduled so far! If your club is planning to host a polio fundraiser in October, please contact Melissa in the District office at office@rotary7390.org so it can be added!
York-North
October 3
6:00 - 8:00
Wyndridge Farm (885 S. Pleasant Ave, Dallastown)
Uptown York
October 4
5:30 - 8:30
Collusion Tapworks (105 S. Howard St, York)
York-East
October 5
6:00 - 8:00
Mexitaly (2440 E. Market St, York)
Lancaster
October 10
Stoner Grille (605 Granite Run Dr, Lancaster)
Perry County
October 11
5:00 - 8:00
River Bend Hop Farm & Brewery (1800 Lower Bailey Rd, Newport)
Harrisburg-Keystone
October 16
Appalachian Brewing Company (50 N. Cameron St, Harrisburg)
Lebanon
October 17
Snitz Creek Brewery (7 N. 9th Street, Lebanon)
York-East
October 20
6:00 - 8:00
Mexitaly (2440 E. Market St, York)
New Holland
October 23
5:00 - 9:00
Brady's Pub (856 W. Main St, New Holland)
Elizabethtown
October 23
6:00 - 9:00
Funk Brewing (28 S. Market St, Elizabethtown)
Northern Lebanon
October 23
6:00 - 7:00
Eagle Hotel (101 E. Main St, Fredericksburg)
Carlisle-Sunrise
October 24
5:00 - 11:00
Market Cross Pub (113 N. Hanover St, Carlisle)
Elizabethtown
October 24
6:00 - 9:00
Cox Brewing (276 Heisey Quarry Rd, Elizabethtown)
Lancaster Penn Square
October 24
6:00 - 8:00
Federal TapHouse (201 N. Queen St., Lancaster)
Mech, Mech-North & West Shore
October 24
Appalachian Brewing Co (6462 Carlisle Pike, Mechanicsburg)
Red Lion/Dallastown
October 24
6:00 - 9:00
Great America Saloon (20 Dairyland Sq, Red Lion)
October 25
October 25
6:00 - 9:00
Moo Duck Brewery (79 S. Wilson Ave, Elizabethtown)
York
October 27
Downtown York Brew Pub Tour
York
October 28
Downtown York Brew Pub Tour
Mount Joy
October 30
5:00 - 8:00
Rosie's Tavola (114 E. Main St, Mount Joy)
Mount Joy
November 1
11:00 - 9:00
Harvey's Main Street BBQ (304 E. Main St, Mount Joy)
Mount Joy
November 1
4:00 - 8:00
Twisted Bine (93 E. Main St, Mount Joy)
Mount Joy
November 5
5:00 - 8:00
Bube's Brewery (102 N. Market St, Mount Joy)
Thank you to all the establishments that are participating!
The Rotary Club of Hanover and the District 7390 Southern Tier RMB Steering Committee will host the ninth RMB networking event of the 2018 season and the 45th in its history on Thursday, October 11 at Elsner Engineer Works, Inc, 475 Fame Ave, Hanover, PA. The event will run from 5:30 to 7:30 with dinner and drinks included. The event is free for those who RSVP. Thank you to the following sponsors: Elsner Engineering Works, Inc., ASIX Quality, LLC, Ledge Inc, Traditions Mortgage, and York Traditions Bank!
Contact Craig Aiello of the Rotary Club of Hanover at craig@asixquality.com or call him at 717-451-0568 for more information. Make great connections for your business or project and enjoy the fun and fellowship of RMB. Bring potential Rotarian guests!
Thank you to our Hanover event sponsors!
Thank you to our 2018-19 RMB Major Sponsor!
Rotary Means Business Hosted by Hanover on October 11
As Rotarians, we are all committed to the Rotary ideal of Service Above Self. It’s great to see that we are not alone. To that end, I thought you might be interested in attending an upcoming breakfast event on Sept 27 featuring Lloyd Reeb, of the Halftime Institute, titled “Get Going on Your Transition from Success to Significance.” The attached flyer provides detailed information on the event and a link to register. The Halftime Institute was founded by Bob Buford after he authored the well-known book, Halftime. Lloyd Reeb, an accomplished business leader himself and author of the book, From Success to Significance, took the reins at Halftime when Bob retired about 15 years ago. Lloyd is sharp and engaging, and his work with various Lancaster groups, including LBC and LCBC, has been very well-received and impactful. His presentation on 9/27 is geared toward people who have experienced success in business, yet also possess a dose of selflessness that drives them to make a meaningful impact for the good of others.
The September 27 event is put on by The Business Exit Advisors of Central PA, a local group of business advisors (of which Rotarians Steve Bell and Frank Arcoleo, both past Club Presidents, are members) that was formed in 2008 for the purpose of positioning businesses and their owners for the eventual/inevitable sale, transition, or merger. They are essentially an affiliation of professionals (attorneys, CPAs, financial planners, mergers and acquisitions advisors, management consultants, etc.) who work in concert to help business owners plan and execute the transition process in a well-considered and coordinated fashion. The group’s web address is: https://paexitadvisors.com/v2/.
Inviting Rotary Club members and prospective members to this event would be a great way to reinforce the kinds of values that are near and dear to all Rotarians. Seating is limited to somewhere around 200-240 people, so if you are interested, you may want to sign up fairly soon. They’re not at capacity yet, but often registrations flood in at the last minute. Click here for a printable flier.
DG John May reserved a block of 15 rooms for the Rotary International Convention in Hamburg, Germany. The date of the reservations are from May 31 to June 5, 2019 and the rate is $248 euros ($287.34 dollars current exchange rate). The rooms are "standard" rooms. If you are interested in one of the rooms, please contact DG John May at johhmay3@gmail.com. Please view the rooms on the hotel website at www.nh-hotels.com/hotel/nh-hamburg-mitte
Reserved Block of Rooms at the International Convention 2019
Rotarians around the world are creating educational opportunities for our youth. Many of the Rotary Clubs in District 7390 are involved in their local school districts. They support educational programs and provide scholarships for post-secondary education. Some even provide student loans to assist with college education.
We are fortunate in the United States that public education is available to all children.
I would like to share with you what one Rotarian in our District has done to provide an education and a future for children in his native country. Dr. Rodrique Mortel is a member of the Rotary Club of Hershey. I met Dr. Mortel when I worked at the Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center. Dr. Motel was a professor in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology. He served as Chairman of the Department for 13 years before becoming Associate Dean and the first director of the Penn State Cancer Center. Dr. Motel had a very distinguished career but never forgot where he came from.
Dr. Mortel grew up in extreme poverty in Haiti. His family was evicted from their house because they could not pay $4 a month in rent. His mother said this would not have happened if she had been educated. The words she spoke were etched in his heart and he was determined to get an education and someday build a house for her.
In 1997, Dr. Mortel established the Mortel Family Charitable Foundation to educate economically, socially and intellectually deprived children in Haiti. They select the poorest of the poor to participate in an educational system that now ranges from pre-school to adult literacy. The pre-school opened in 2001 in Saint Marc, Haiti and had 508 students enrolled in 2017-18. The secondary school opened in 2011 and had an enrollment of 585 students in 2017-18. A pre-school was opened in 2015 for 3 and 4 year olds and had an enrollment of 191 students last year.
In 2016, The Mortel High Hopes for Haiti Foundation was established and the operation of the schools was transferred to this foundation. For more information about the school, visit the website at https://www.highhopesforhaiti.org
The Mortel Family Charitable Foundation continues to thrive. You can read about its current and future programs at http://mortelfoundation.org
Both foundations continue to work towards the same goal of empowering Haitians through education and forming competent and compassionate future leaders of the country.
Rotary’s theme this year, BE THE INSPIRATION definitely describes Dr. Mortel and the work that he has done and is doing in Haiti.
At the Rotary Foundation dinner on Thursday, November 8, several Clubs were recognized for their generous giving to the Rotary Foundation during the 2017-18 Rotary year.
Global Grant Streamers
Just like the military services launch campaigns on the battlefield, Rotary International has launched campaigns for which global grants are made available and applied in six areas of focus. The military services are awarded varying color streamers for successful campaigns. District 7390 is proud to award streamers to Rotary clubs which successfully apply their time, talent, and resources in support of the areas of focus. Each focus area has an identifiable colored streamer on which the country and year of execution is embroidered. The Rotary Clubs of Hanover (Philippines 2018), Harrisburg-Keystone (Ecuador 2018), Lancaster (Malawi 2018) and York-East (Malawi 2018) each received a Green streamer for Disease Prevention and Treatment.
Highest Annual Fund Giving
York
Hanover
Lancaster
Highest TOTAL Foundation Giving
York
Lancaster
Hanover
Highest Annual Fund Per Capita Giving
Hanover ($378.57)
Mechanicsburg-North ($342.66)
Colonial Park ($319.75)
100% Foundation Giving Clubs
The Rotary Clubs of Eastern York County, Hanover, Mount Joy, Northern Lebanon County, Palmyra, Southern York County and West York all 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 2017-18 Rotary year: Annual fund, Polio Plus fund, approved global grants or the Endowment fund.
EVERY ROTARIAN, EVERY YEAR CLUBS (EREY)
This recognition is given to clubs that achieve 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. Congratulations to Hanover, Mount Joy, Northern Lebanon County, Palmyra and West York!
END POLIO NOW
The Rotary Clubs of Carlisle, Elizabethtown, Gettysburg, Harrisburg, Hershey, Lancaster, Lancaster-Sunrise, Lititz, Mechanicsburg-North, Perry County, Southern York County, Uptown York and York are received a certificate of appreciation for their financial support to the End Polio Now: Countdown to History Campaign during the 2017-18 Rotary year.
2017-18 Presidential Citations
2017-18 RI President Ian Riseley said that Rotary is defined not by who we are, but by what we do. He said we answer the question “What is Rotary?” with our actions, by making a difference through our service. However each of us chooses to serve, we do it because we know our service makes a difference in the lives of others. Whether we are building a new playground or a new school, improving medical care or sanitation, training conflict mediators or midwives, we know that the work we do will change people’s lives – in ways large and small – for the better. Whatever motivation each of us had for joining Rotary, it is the satisfaction we find in Rotary that causes us to remain, the satisfaction of knowing that week by week, year by year, we are part of Rotary: Making a Difference. In 2017-18, the Rotary Clubs of Elizabethtown, Hanover, Harrisburg-Keystone, Mechanicsburg, Mechanicsburg-North and Shippensburg made a strong and positive difference in their communities. They achieved goals related to Rotary’s three strategic priorities: to support and strengthen clubs, focus and increase humanitarian service and enhance Rotary’s public image and awareness.
Join the Rotary Club of Myerstown-ELCO on a trip to The Holocaust Museum in Washington D.C. on Friday, November 16th. The bus will depart from Wengers (251 S. Race St, Myerstown) at 7:00 a.m. and return to the same location at approximately 9:30 p.m. The cost is $45 per person (Includes transportation and gratuity). Your lunch in DC and a dinner stop on the way home will be at your own expense. During our journey Tom Maiello will share his expertise regarding the Holocaust and information regarding the museum and exhibits.
RSVP to Rose Walmer - 717-866-8403 or rose@wengers.com Checks may be made payable to Myerstown-ELCO Rotary and mailed to: Rose Walmer – 310 W Park Ave., Myerstown, PA 17067 Proceeds benefit the Myerstown-ELCO Rotary Club.
Sushil Kumar Gupta, of the Rotary Club of Delhi Midwest, Delhi, India, is the selection of the Nominating Committee for President of Rotary International for 2020-21. He will be declared the president-nominee on 1 October if no challenging candidates have been suggested. Gupta wants to increase Rotary’s humanitarian impact as well as the diversity of its membership. “As individuals, we can only do so much,” Gupta said in a statement. “But when 1.2 million Rotarians work together, there is no limit to what we can achieve, and in the process, we can truly change the world.” Gupta has been a Rotarian since 1977 and has served Rotary as district governor, training leader, and resource group adviser, and as a member, vice chair, or chair of several committees.
Sushil Kumar Gupta, of the Rotary Club of Delhi Midwest, Delhi, India, is the selection of the Nominating Committee for President of Rotary International for 2020-21. He was awarded an honorary Doctor of Science degree by the IIS University, Jaipur, in recognition of his contributions to water conservation. He has also received the coveted Padma Shri Award, the fourth-highest civilian award in India, conferred by the president of India for distinguished service to tourism and social work. Gupta has also received the Distinguished Service Award from The Rotary Foundation for his support of its humanitarian and educational programs.
He and his wife, Vinita, are Major Donors to The Rotary Foundation and members of the Arch Klumph Society. Gupta is chair and managing director of Asian Hotels (West) Ltd., and owner of Hyatt Regency Mumbai and JW Marriott Hotel New Delhi Aerocity. He has served as president of the Federation of Hotel and Restaurant Associations of India and on the board of directors of Tourism Finance Corporation of India Ltd. He is the president of Experience India Society, a public-private partnership between the tourism industry and the government of India that promotes India as a tourist destination. He is also vice chair of the Himalayan Environment Trust and serves on the board of Operation Eyesight Universal in India.
To learn more about Sushil Gupta, read this interview and vision statement outlining his goals for Rotary.
Sushil Kumar Gupta selected to be 2020-21 Rotary president
Rotary Day at the United Nations celebrates two organizations’ shared vision for peace and highlights the critical humanitarian activities that Rotary and the UN lead around the world.
The event also honors people who make a positive difference in their community, their country, or around the world. Each year, about 1,000 guests attend.
Who attends?
Rotary Day at the United Nations is open to the public. The audience includes:
Rotary International president and Board of Directors, Rotary Foundation Trustees, other Rotary leaders, and Rotary club members
Leaders from the United Nations
Experts from other nongovernmental agencies
Renowned humanitarians
Young leaders who attend to exchange ideas, learn about the UN, and meet international leaders
Rotary Day at the UN 2018
Under this year’s theme of “Youth Innovation: Crafting Solutions to Emerging Challenges,” Rotary will honor six innovators who are under age 35. More than 750 participants will attend the event on Saturday, 10 November, at the United Nations Information Centre in Nairobi, Kenya. Rotary leaders, UN officials, and humanitarian experts will educate and inspire participants to find innovative strategies for addressing humanitarian challenges at local, regional, and global levels.
General and breakout sessions will address the UN Sustainable Development Goals and how to harness the technological revolution for good, as well as young people’s role in creating change. A special session on the environment will highlight the importance of environmentally sustainable development and offer concrete actions that everyone can take to ensure a clean and healthy world.
The event will feature an Innovation Fair where Rotary clubs, businesses, and other organizations will exhibit humanitarian projects and cutting-edge technology that can help address the challenges we face.
The event is open to Rotary members and guests. REGISTER HERE!!
The Rotary Club of Gettysburg will host A Rotary Oktoberfest on Oct. 13 at Battlefield Brew Works, 248 Hunterstown Road, Gettysburg.
Music will be provided by the nine-piece German band Egerlander from 2 to 6 p.m. Ticket includes meal of a German Beer Brat or hamburger, kraut, potato salad and more served by Rotarians. All food sales will benefit The Rotary Club of Gettysburg. Beer, wine and liquor will be available for purchase separately at the event.
All proceeds benefit the Rotary Benevolent Fund at the Adams County Community Foundation in memory of John W. "Jack" Phillips, a 46-year Rotarian and Community Foundation founder who died Aug. 18, 2018. Advanced tickets will be available at the Gettysburg Times, Battlefield Brew Works or by clicking here. Tickets will also be available at the door.
Strap on your lederhosen and get ready to dance the afternoon away!
The Boy Scouts from BSA Troop 39 introduced the Rotary Club of Mount Joy to Peach Dump Cake during the regular Rotary meeting on Tuesday, August 21. Troop 39 Scouts also conducted a knot training demonstration for the members. President Mark Rorabaugh opened the program with a quote from Boy Scout founder Robert Baden-Powel, “The spirit is there in every boy; it just has to be discovered and brought to light.”
The delicious peach dump cakes were made in traditional Dutch Ovens on the Gathering Place grounds. Assisting in the preparation and serving the cakes were Ross Cray, Kyle Klink, Jordan Echterling, Nick Golden, Dillon Greenig and Liam Laffey. The Scouts were under the direction of Scoutmaster Clay Golden.
For more details and pictures, review the Mount Joy Rotary Club’s Facebook page. If you are interested in being a guest at a Rotary Club meeting call Mark Rorabaugh at 717-653-4717.
The Colonial Park Rotary Club awarded its annual Colonial Award to Rex Rothrock. The Colonial Award is given each year to a member of the community that has done an outstanding job of volunteerism and has made a major commitment to the betterment of our community. (Pictured L-R) Colonial Park Rotary Club Immediate Past President Melanie Walderon, Rex Rothrock, Deanna Rothrock and Colonial Park Rotary Club Foundation President Randy Sibert
Arch Klumpf, considered to be the father of The Rotary Foundation, said in 1930: "Money alone does little good; Individual service is helpless without money; The two together can be a godsend to civilization." Service to our local and global communities is our mission as Rotarians. Financial support for service projects is available to Rotary clubs through grants directly from the District (District Club Grants) and from The Rotary Foundation (Global Grants). Generally speaking District Club Grant projects are for smaller, usually local, projects whereas Global Grants are for larger international projects. All clubs are encouraged to make use of these grants and the Foundation Coordinators as well as members of the Grant Committee stand ready to answer questions and assist as needed.
Clubs requesting grants must meet two basic requirements. First, the club must have a current Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed by the club president and president elect. Secondly, at least one, and preferably two or three, club members must complete the on-line grant training within the current or past Rotary year and must appear as one or more of the contact persons for the grant.
District Club Grants
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. Clubs must submit a grant intention form by March 15, 2019 for a grant in the 2019-20 Rotary year. The full application will be due April 30, 2019.
Global Grants
International projects with budgets exceeding $35,000 are best served with a Global Grant (GG). Due to District and Rotary International matching, properly qualified clubs may have the money raised for a project multiplied by 3.5 - i.e. A club raises $10,000 and can then do a project with budget of $35,000. This requires a strong relationship with a Rotary club (known as the host club) in the country where the project is to be done, a needs assessment, and documentation that the project is sustainable. The project must fit into one of Rotary International's six areas of focus.
Our goal is for all Clubs to participate in Rotary Grant projects for international or local community service. Grant seminars are provided by the District throughout the year to help Rotarians better understand the grant process.
The Rotary Clubs of Carlisle and Carlisle Sunrise hosted a tremendously successful RMB networking event on Tuesday, August 14 at the Hoffman Funeral Home and Crematory in Carlisle with 49 Rotarians and guests attending from nine district clubs (Carlisle, Carlisle Sunrise, Colonial Park, Hanover, Harrisburg, Harrisburg Keystone, Mechanicsburg North, Uptown York, and York). Hoffman Funeral Home and Crematory became a major sponsor by providing not only a great venue but also handling all the catering and beverage needs. Chris Hoffman and his able staff did a great job for RMB for the second consecutive year. Thank you Chris. Thanks also to the Rotary Clubs of Carlisle and Carlisle Sunrise for being great hosts for the event. Clearly, many excellent connections were made and much fun and fellowship enjoyed by everyone.
The 4-Way Essay Contest, open to 9th Grade Students in District 7390, has undergone some major modifications for 2018-19. First, the topic of the essay has changed. The Four-Way Test originated when Herbert J. Taylor wrote the four familiar questions in the course of transforming a failing aluminum company to a thriving, profitable one. Seizing upon this history, this year we will ask 9th Graders to write an essay on How Rotary’s Four Way Test helps me confront or deal with the issue of failure? We felt this topic was particularly appropriate as recent studies are showing that the younger generation is experiencing spikes in anxiety and depression stemming from difficulty in handling adverse situations. We are hoping the Four-Way Test can be a resource for students as they confront these issues in the coming years. We are also planning to change the essay prompt on a yearly or bi-yearly basis to keep the contest fresh and relevant to students.
Second, over the past several years, clubs were asked to coordinate with 9th Grade English teachers who would do an initial screen of the essays prior to submitting the best ones to the sponsoring club for evaluation. If this works for you – great! No need to change. Some clubs, however, expressed that teachers were losing interest in the contest and burning out after several years of participation. No knock against these hard-working teachers, but giving them, essentially, another set of papers to “grade” is a lot to ask. We are now encouraging clubs to think of creative ways to receive entries to the contest. For example, you may choose to coordinate with a teacher to offer the contest at schools in your service area, but instead of having the students submit their entries through the teacher, have the students mail or e-mail the essays directly to your club for review. How you receive the entries is now up to your Club. We are hoping that flexibility in this area will make the contest more attractive to local Rotary clubs, and will generate many more entries.
Finally, we are stressing that you make the contest available to ALL ninth-grade students in your service area. This includes public and private schools, as well as home schooled students. Many home-schoolers have parent groups that may allow you to reach out to a number of home school students through one communication. Also, don’t forget about cyber schools. If you have a contact with a cyber school, see if they might consider offering the contest to their students. Please be cognizant, however, that the contest is limited to cyber school students who physically reside in our district.
The new, revamped Essay Contest rules and critical dates are available here! It is time to start organizing! We hope that you will consider getting involved in this exciting new chapter for the essay contest.
The Rotary Club of New Holland will hold its 3rd annual Rotary Rocks community benefit concert on September 14, 7-10 PM, at Funck's Restaurant in Leola (365 W Main St, Leola). Join us for an evening of live music and fun to benefit those in need in New Holland and surrounding communities. Proceeds from the event will be used to help support the expansion of the CrossNet Food Pantry. Entertainment will be provided by the classic rock and alternative rock sounds of the Slack Adjusters and the rock/funk/blues mix of The Reed Brothers Band. Both bands feature Rotarians from the New Holland club.
The Rotary Leadership Institute is an opportunity to meet with other Rotarians, share experiences, and learn new skills to take back to your club. It's amazing what informed and enthusiastic Rotarians can do to improve their clubs, their communities, and the world.
You don't have to be in the leadership chain to benefit from this institute. If you want to learn more about this wonderful organization that we call Rotary, and find out what you can actually do to start changing the world, put attendance on your schedule. Join us Saturday, October 13, 2018 from 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Central Pennsylvania College (600 Valley Road, Summerdale). Register HERE!!
What is RLI? A leadership and development program to strengthen Rotary Clubs through education, collaboration and the exchange of ideas among its future Leaders. A three-part curriculum facilitated by experienced, trained faculty members engaging participants through open discussion, problem solving and creative role-play.
When can I attend RLI? Saturday, October 13, 2018 from 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Central Pennsylvania College (600 Valley Road, Summerdale, PA 17093).
What will I learn at RLI? More about Rotary, The Rotary Foundation, Membership, Ethics, Service Projects, Communications, Strategic Planning and Analysis. You’ll also make new friends, and enjoy fellowship and networking opportunities.
Course Levels: Parts I, II, III and Graduate
Where can I find more information about RLI? www.rlinea.org
Posted by District Governor John May on Aug 10, 2018
As a membership driven organization, members are the lifeblood of Rotary and our clubs. As of July 1, 2018 our District membership was 2313. We ended last year with only one less member than when we started July 1, 2017. Kudos to all of you for your hard work this past year. However, I believe we can reverse the trend that our district and many others have experienced with either declining membership or no growth. I believe that if we work together and think creatively, we can accomplish this.
There is an article in the August issue of The Rotarian magazine, “Step Right Up!” - by Geoffrey Johnson. The article shares 10 tips that one Rotary Club in Edina, MN did to increase their membership. In addition, the article highlights five suggestions for increasing membership that I feel are worthy of considering. They are:
Look to young Rotarians for fresh perspectives
Appeal to local volunteers
Emphasize service
Embrace diversity
Get them in the door
I recently spoke with a young professional in their mid 20’s who had been a Rotarian but left because his job was relocated to another community. I asked him if he had joined another Rotary Club and he said no. When I asked why, he told me many of the same things mentioned in the above article – the cost, doesn’t want to commit to a weekly meeting, etc. However, he is interested in the networking and service aspects of Rotary without the structure that seems to come along with most clubs.
I think this information presents us with the opportunity to develop new clubs that address the needs of this segment of our community.
I found the section, Appeal to Local Volunteers, interesting. The Roc City Rotary Club in Rochester, New York developed a creative way to showcase Rotary to non-profit organizations in their community. They describe this as a “service oriented dating game”. This reminded me of the networking that is developed through Rotary Means Business.
For the past several years we have talked about making our clubs more diverse – increasing membership of people of color/ethnicities and women. RI President Barry Rassin said that for Rotary to serve our communities well, we need to represent our community in terms of age, gender, ethnicity and background. Recently District 5150 reached out to their LGBTQ community since they were under-represented and created a new club. The Rotary Board also approved an LGBTQ Fellowship Group at their June Board meeting. https://rotaryserviceblog.org/2018/08/01/new-rotary-fellowship-brings-together-lgbt-community/
We need to start reaching out to people who might not know about Rotary or who feel they wouldn’t fit in. We need to become a more inclusive organization.
Membership recruitment is two pronged:
To continue recruiting new members to keep our clubs vibrant and relevant.
Establish new clubs utilizing new models that attract individuals who don’t fit into our legacy clubs.
Expanding locations of Rotary clubs is how our district grew in the past and how Rotary International grew and reached into all the corners of the world.
Resources are available to you from the District Membership Committee.
August is Rotary Membership and New Club Development month
The purpose of the Rotary District 7390 awards committee is to ensure all deserving Rotarians and clubs in D7390 receive the awards/recognition they merit each Rotary year. The committee will make district and club leaders aware of available awards; as a rule, district and club leaders must be the ones to ensure the purpose of the committee is fulfilled each Rotary year. Leaders lead!!!
There are many awards available from either Rotary International or the District. Click here to view the complete list and nominate a deserving Rotarian!
We are coming up on the first anniversary of Hurricanes Harvey and Maria. Texas has made strides in restoring homes and communities impacted by a Category 4 hurricane on August 25th 2017. As previously reported, D7390 sent $10,000 to Fuller Center Disaster Rebuilders to assist with the set-up of the volunteer camp. Later, $6,500.00 was sent to round-off the $36,000 needed to purchase materials for a home adopted by the Rotary Club of Space Center in Houston. The family story is typical of those served with disaster relief. Cody and Maxine married in 1948; Cody served in WWII. They bought a home on Neil Street in 1963 and adopted two infants, a boy and a girl. The daughter is now the live-in caretaker for her parents. Disaster rebuilds are often directed to the elderly. With homes destroyed and limited resources, all too often the elderly are in poor health and, consequently, do not have the resources to rebuild or to move to a safe, accommodating environment. Your donation dollars were well spent in completing a rebuild that was both safe and secure for this husband and wife.
The $27,016.00 collected for Puerto Rico remains in the Rotary Club of Carlisle Foundation account. Hurricane Maria was so totally and invasively destructive that the island is struggling to recover. We have not been successful in finding a project, but will keep our avenues of contact open and will report back to our district Rotarians when a decision is made.
The Rotary Club of Perry County sponsored Annaka (Annie) Wolfe to spend the 2017-18 Rotary year as a Rotary Youth Exchange student ambassador in Peru. Annie recently made a presentation to the Club about her experience. Annie is pictured with Exchange Program Liaison, Patti McLaughlin, and one of this year's co-Presidents, Tom O'Connell.
The Rotary Clubs of Carlisle and Carlisle Sunrise recently celebrated Christmas in July with the residents of One and Two West Penn. With help from members of Carlisle Victory Circle and the Carlisle High School Cheer Leaders, the residents enjoyed snacks, singing, door prizes and a visit from Santa (aka Dan Monken) himself. Each resident was then given a gift bag of goodies provided the Rotary Clubs. Here, Santa participates in a cheer with the Carlisle High School Cheer Leaders during the party at One West Penn.
During the Christmas in July celebration at Two West Penn, a fire alarm sounded, so the party was moved outside while members of Carlisle Fire and Rescue secured the building. Here Santa kicks up his heels with the Carlisle High School Cheer Leaders.
Bob and Kay McClenathan, from the Rotary Clubs of Lancaster and Lancaster Penn Square, hosted an African themed dinner event in July to raise money for the Rotary Foundation’s PolioPlus Campaign. They invited 27 Rotarians from around District 7390, and friends of Rotary, to enjoy an event with an array of decorative items recalling the Dark Continent, from wooden carvings, fabrics with African themes or the patterns of indigenous critters, to artistic representations of tribal masks and shields. The dinner meal was copied from a White House dinner reminiscent of the high quality food served in 4 and 5 Star lodges of the best Game Parks of East Africa, and included ostrich donated by a generous Rotarian in Illinois and seafood donated by a Rotarian here! The guests were entertained with a storyline right out of history books, with a few games, puzzles and twists. It was a memorable evening that raised over $6200 for our fight against the crippling disease.
The Rotary Club of York, Southern Tier Steering Committee, and hosting venue the York Revolution Stadium along with sponsors such as Bailey Coach, Exit Strategy Solutions, the York County Economic Alliance, Kelley Payroll, Etzweiler Family Funeral Services, and Bartlett Tree Experts held a dynamic and very fruitful RMB networking event on July 26 at the York Revolution Stadium. An estimated 40 Rotarians and guests (potential Rotarians and family of Rotary) from at least nine Rotary clubs (Carlisle, Gettysburg, Hanover, Harrisburg, Harrisburg Keystone, Uptown York, York-East, York, and West Shore) attended the event. Many great connections were made and much fun and fellowship enjoyed enhanced even more by the baseball game being played and the great food. The event organizers, Rebecca Hanlon and John Bailey, really hit a walk-off home run with this great event. Well done all!!
Active shooter incidents can happen anywhere at any time. First responders must prepare. Proper response requires equipment to ensure responder safety.
Brian Wasylyk, deputy chief of Gettysburg Fire Department, discussed this recently at a Rotary Club of Gettysburg meeting. The all-volunteer, donor-funded department already finds budgeting a challenge. New needs add to the burden.
Two Rotarians, Jody Dickey, owner of Confederate Woods Veterinary Hospital, and Jane Hyde, president of Gettysburg Hospital, listened carefully to Wasylyk and stepped up to help. Confederate Woods and Wellspan donated funds so the department could purchase six sets of ballistic vests and helmets and first aid equipment such a tourniquets.
Pictured with some of the equipment are, from left: Rotarian Jane Hyde, Gettysburg Hospital president; Russell McCutcheon, Gettysburg Fire Department public information officer; Rotarian Jody Dickey, owner of Confederate Woods Veterinary Hospital; Brian Wasylyk, Gettysburg Fire Department deputy chief.
The Rotary Club of York was pleased to honor Rotarian Marsha Bornt at the club meeting on July 18, with a 3-diamond pin and crystal piece for her support of The Rotary Foundation annual fund. Marsha has been a member of the club for 10 years, and has served as chair of the Global Grants Committee and President for the 2016-17 Rotary year. She has secured funding for grants for toilets in India and Ghana, a Fish Freezer and sanitation systems in Ghana, and needed items for orphanages and schools in these areas. Marsha has also shared her gifts as a medical doctor by providing gynecological surgical services while on medical missions to these and other parts of the world, to improve maternal health care in those countries. Congratulations, Rotarian Marsha Bornt, who is living this year’s motto “Be the Inspiration”.
The Colonial Park Rotary Club awarded its annual Colonial Award to Rick Zeiders. The Colonial Award is given each year to a member of the community that has done an outstanding job of volunteerism and has made a major commitment to the betterment of our community.
Colonial Park Rotary Club Presents the Annual Colonial Award
(front row/ far left/ seated) Colonial Park Rotary Club Immediate Past President Melanie Waldron joined by volunteers from community organizations
The Colonial Park Rotary Club recently celebrated its annual Community Giving Day by presenting donation checks totaling $13,060 to the following community organizations: Shalom House, Dauphin County East Shore Library, Boys & Girls Club, Panther Ram Nutrition Program, Someone To Tell It To, St. Pauls- St. Barnabus Program, Underground Skate Park Ministry, CONTACT Helpline, Linglestown Fire Department, Owen’s Foundation, Colonial Park Rotary Foundation, Lower Paxton District Grant Petanque Courts Project, Dauphin County Technical School’s Building Construction Cares Program, Paxtonia Fire Department, Girls on the Run Program, Colonial Park Fire Department, Friendship Community Center, Natalie Cribari Drug Awareness Program, Cupboard of Calvary Food Pantry, Pan Ram Field Day, Team Scott Inspire Foundation, Junior Achievement Program, Lawton Elementary Playground Reconstruction Project, and the YMCA of Greater Harrisburg.
We all get many, many, emails from Rotary and on Rotary related topics. I’m respectfully requesting you give your attention to this one. Our topic is the upcoming event planned from September 20-22 in Montreal.
Formerly known as the Zone Institute, we have renamed it the Zone Conference. So, what’s the same, and what’s different. The Institute was originally designed to motivate, inspire, and educate past, current and incoming district governors. That has not changed. We want and need as many past governors in attendance because we know there is a critical mass of that talent and leadership that can make an event magical. The pledge of the entire planning team is that the event will be worthy of your time and resources.
What has changed. Historically attendance at a Zone Institute was restricted to those in the Governor line. If that wasn’t you, you weren’t allowed to register for the entire event. What we know though, and there are examples repeated over and over again, is that club and district Rotarians who have been able to interact with District Governors (past, present, and future) they get inspired by them and become more engaged in our organization. They get more involved. They aspire to higher levels of leadership, some of them even getting on the Governor track. (Our organization and our Zones need more of that engagement NOW)
We decided to facilitate that process and open up Montreal to ALL Rotarians. We want to facilitate and be a catalyst for that engagement between our Governors (and their knowledge, leadership skills, and commitment) and club and district Rotarians. The goal is that it will be meaningful for all. The goal is that the event will speak to all who attend.
Share the link with Rotarians in your club and in your area. (please)
Register! (please)
Come and enjoy the wonderful city of Montreal.
Come and renew old friendships, and create new ones.
Mingle with RI President Barry Rassin and his wife Esther and other Rotary leaders from around North America.
Participate in the facilitated discussion group breakouts. Share your knowledge. Glean new morsels to take back home with you.
Be inspired by world class speakers.
On behalf of the entire Montreal planning team, we look forward to being with you in September. We appreciate you. Thanks for your consideration. Reach out to me personally with any questions.
The Family of Rotary Committee of the Elizabethtown Rotary Club has scheduled a bus trip to Washington DC on Thursday August 23rd to see the Phillies vs. Nationals baseball game. Utilizing the National's "Strike Out Polio" program, $5 of every ticket will be donated to Rotary's PolioPlus . We will be traveling in style using the themed "End Polio Now:" motorcoach from Bailey Coach. The bus will leave Elizabethtown at 8:45 am for the 1 pm game. Tickets are $75 each.
Join Millersburg Rotary Club for the 2018 Tasting Tour of Millersburg presented by Mid Penn Bank on Saturday August 11 from Noon until 4pm. Participants will stroll through downtown Millersburg savoring local food and drink. Enjoy the historic ambiance of our business district and relax along the scenic vistas of River Front Park.
Your ticket will unlock multiple venues within one square mile where various locally produced food and drink flavors await. 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 install a Fossil & Prints Dig Pit in the Ned Smith Center's Nature's Discovery Play Area and to support Millersburg Rotary Club's youth programs including: Rotary Youth Leadership Training, Drug Prevention Education Field Trip to the Byrnes Health Education Center, Earth Day Seedling Distribution, Rotary Student of the Month, Millersburg Boy Scout Troop #151. Rotary International supports the eradication of Polio, promotes peace, and strives to make a difference in our local communities and around the world.
Tickets are $25 in advance and if there are any tickets left (only 200 tickets will be sold), they will be available for $30, cash only, on the day of the event at Mid Penn Bank's Union St Millersburg Branch.
Sponsors include: Mid Penn Bank MI Metals, Inc Thermo Fisher Scientific American Legion Post 326 Millersburg Moose Lodge 59 Ketner Law Office Virginia Lee Embroidery Polly Rubendall JCT Realty Boligs Propane Coleman’s Military Surplus Chris Dietz Scott Meckley Deibler, Straub, and Troutman Insurance
Venues & Food Producers: Mid Penn Bank (Swing @ Lykens Valley & Rachel’s Soft Pretzels) Millersburg Hardware Company (River Bend Hop Farm and Brewery) Burrell’s Florist (Lykens Valley Creamery) Gallery on the Square (Broad Mountain Vineyard) The Furniture Center (The Winery at Hunters Valley) Special Moments Bridal (Wanda’s Heavenly Cupcakes) Everyday Blessings Gift Shoppe (TBD) Millersburg Historical Society (Jacob Light’s National Clock) Millersburg Passenger Train Station (Shaffer Venison Farms & Indian Trail Country Market) Manor House Gifts (Riverview Candies) TVP Colonnade Theater (Movie Popcorn) Schiano’s Italian Restaurant & Pizzeria Max’s Grille & Sports Bar 717 Pizzeria Wooden Nickel China Star
The 38th Annual Carlisle Rotary Golf will be held Monday, September 10, 2018 at the Carlisle Country Club. The event’s registration is 11:30 AM to 12:30 PM with a Shotgun start at 12:30 PM. Complimentary range balls are provided to our players. Soft spikes & proper golf attire required.
A fun filled four person scramble will be played to allow players of all skill levels a chance to join in the event. Team awards will be presented. Players may assemble their own foursome or request individual placement. Also awarding prices for longest drive and closest to the pin. Mulligans will also be sold at registration and there will be additional CASH games on the course.
At approximately 5:00 pm there will be a cash bar, awards ceremony and dinner along with a sports memorabilia silent auction.
The Rotary Clubs of Carlisle, Carlisle Sunrise and the Northern Tier Steering Committee will host the eighth RMB networking event of the 2018 season and 44th in its history on Tuesday, August 14 at the Hoffman Funeral Home and Crematory, 2020 W. Trindle Road, Carlisle, PA. The event will run from 5:30 to 7:30 with heavy hors d’oeuvres, wine, beer, and soft beverages. The networking event will be FREE thanks to the event sponsor Hoffman Funeral Home and Crematory.RSVP Now!! Make great connections for your business or project and enjoy the fun and fellowship of RMB. Bring potential Rotarian guests and invite family of Rotary!
Northern Lebanon Rotary Club President Melanie Ann Schaeffer M.F.A. handed over the gavel to incoming president Nigel Foundling. As Melanie began her year as President, she announced that she would dedicate the 2017-18 Rotary year and our service to Charter member Ruth Deitz who served as an inspiration and role model to all. Ruth exemplified “Service Above Self”. We must ask ourselves if we took up the mantel. As Melanie reviewed her year, she saw much the Northern Lebanon Rotary Club did to serve the Community and the world at large.
I am honored to serve as your District Governor for the 2018/19 Rotary year. I look forward to working with you and being an inspiration through Rotary.
Let's thank Immediate Past District Governor Una Martone for her leadership during the 2017-18 Rotary year. What an outstanding year it was!
Many of us recently returned from the International Convention in Toronto where we heard many inspirational speakers and met Rotarian friends from all over the globe. A number of the keynote speakers’ presentations were recorded and are available by clicking here. I encourage you to take time to watch the videos. They are informative and inspirational. One, which I found very interesting, was a presentation by Marie-Paule Attema, a Rotary Peace Scholar who was a young girl in Rwanda during the time of the genocide. This is an example of Rotary Foundation dollars at work.
There was also an update on the eradication of polio from Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General World Health Organization. He reported that last year there were 22 cases of polio in 2 countries, Afghanistan and Pakistan. This year the work will continue in Nigeria and hopefully it will be the next country declared polio free.
In the closing session, Barry Raskin, 2018/19 RI President, said the beginning of everything in Rotary is INSPIRATION. INSPIRATION to make the world a better place, to make the future better for our children and to give hope to those we will never meet.
Each of us needs to be INSPIRED by what we can accomplish together and be the agent for change in our clubs, our communities and around the world.
The Harrisburg Keystone Rotary Club largely focuses on service projects in the Allison Hill, Steelton and Highspire areas, and we appreciate Marci’s history of leadership on our service committee in these efforts. During the 2017-2018 Rotary Year, Marci also was instrumental in organizing and carrying out a successful fundraiser to contribute to disaster relief in Puerto Rico. Our club is proud of our contributions to our local and global communities, which cannot be accomplished without the efforts of Rotarians like Marci who emulate Rotary’s motto of “Service Above Self.” On behalf of the board, I am honored to name Marci Mowery Harrisburg Keystone Rotary Club’s Rotarian of the Year. ~Addeline Alaniz Edwards, outgoing president
Pictured L-R: Addeline Alaniz Edwards, outgoing president (left), and Marci Mongeau Mowery, Keystone's Rotarian of the Year
Mount Joy’s Rotary Clock has been removed from its downtown location. Where did it go? Off to Lititz where watch and clockmaker Bob Desrochers is currently refurbishing it. The timepiece will be returned in good working order by the end of summer. Look for a special ceremony bringing this landmark back to the hub of Mount Joy.
Taking advantage of the clock’s temporary vacancy, the corner of Marietta Avenue and Main Street has been re-landscaped by the Rotarians who regularly meet at Bube’s Brewery on Thursday evening, the Club’s new alternate meeting site. Pictured above are Rotarians: Greg Sallade, Jack Garner, Dave Christian, Gary Ebersole (special guest), Cris Rhyner and Tim Melhorn.
While most of the funds for cleaning, repairing, and repainting the clock were raised this spring under the direction of Randy Wolgemuth, the Club needs an additional $2,500 to meet the refurbishment costs.
To address the shortfall, the Rotary Club of Mount Joy will be offering hot, delicious fries, hot dogs and cold beverages at Mount Joy Chamber of Commerce’s Music in the Park events on July 29 and August 5. Find the Fry Wagon at the corner of Delta and Marietta Avenue and help bring back the clock!
For more details and additional pictures, check out the Rotary’s Facebook page. Interested in being a guest at either our Tuesday afternoon or Thursday meetings? Call Joanne Pinkerton at 717-653-5911
The Rotary Club of Mount Joy ably led by President Joanne Pinkerton hosted a wonderful RMB networking event on Thursday, June 28 at the Gathering Place, Caterers, Mount Joy, PA with 24 Rotarians and guests attending from the following 10 clubs: Carlisle, Colonial Park, Elizabethtown, Hanover, Harrisburg, Harrisburg Keystone, Hershey, Lancaster, Lancaster Penn Square, Mount Joy. Event sponsors included District 7390 RMB (provided a dollar grant), Randy Wolgemuth of Koser Jewelers (provided the adult and soft beverages), and Joanne Pinkerton of The Gathering Place Caterers (provided the best spread of delicious foods ever). All of these sponsors made possible a free event. Thank you sponsors! Another noteworthy aspect of the event was the number of young Rotarians or young about-to-be Rotarians that attended and made the event even more friendly and full of fun and fellowship. Additionally, many great connections were made.
The Rotary Club of Lancaster will host the sixth RMB networking event of the 2018 season and the 42nd in its history on Wednesday, June 27 at the Stoner Grille, 605 Granite Run Drive, Lancaster, PA. The event is free with a cash bar and hors d’oeuvres/snacks will be available and Rotarians and guests might consider dining at the Stoner Grille after the event. The event will begin at 5:00 and end at 7:00 pm. RSVP Now!! Make great connections for your business or project and enjoy the fun and fellowship of RMB. Bring potential Rotarian guests and invite family of Rotary!
The Rotary Club of Red Lion - Dallastown is proud to recognize long-time Club member Vernon Tyson for achieving the Paul Harris +3 award. Pictured is Vernon Tyson on the left and District 7390 Group Area Foundation Coordinator, Lew Elicker.
Randy Sibert, President of the Rotary Club of Colonial Park Foundation announced the winners of the 2018 Rotary Foundation Scholarships at a recent luncheon of the Rotary Club of Colonial Park. The winners are: Cecilia Acri, Central Dauphin High School, Nursing Scholarship for $21,000; Peace Okiye, Central Dauphin East Hight School, Engineering Scholarship for $10,000; Jocelyn Fleisher, Central Dauphin High School; Chanel Dingle, Dauphin County Technical School and Agatha Chmielewski, Bishop McDevitt High School were the winners of the Norman P. Hetrick Scholarship at $5,000 each; Sydney Breen, Central Dauphin High School, Act of Kindness Scholarship for $1,000 and Tyler Villegas and Ally Yoder, Central Dauphin High School were winners of the Gary C. Clemens Scholarship at $1,000 each for a total of $49,000.
The Rotary Club of Colonial Park awarded the following students $1,000 each; Peace Okiye, Central Dauphin East; Alassandra Avril Valdez, Central Dauphin; Arrietta Janai Putnam, DCTS; Alexandria Cristian Baez Ferrers, Harrisburg Christian and Daley Ryan, Bishop McDevitt.
Since 2002, the Rotary Club of Colonial Park has awarded $372,708 to students for scholarships and adding the amount of money the club has donated to local organizations in the community the total reaches $571,658.
Applications for the 2018/19 school year scholarships will be available at the guidance office of each of the above listed schools at the beginning of the school year in September.
Hanover Rotary Club President Ralph Jodice was recently the speaker at a Memorial Day service in East Berlin, PA. Ralph is a retired US Air Force Lieutenant General. He spoke about the importance of Memorial day and how special hometown remembrance services are. Pictured with Ralph is Rotary Executive Secretary Melissa Bruck. Melissa also served as emcee for the East Berlin service.
Hanover President Ralph Jodice Speaker at Memorial Day Service
It’s certainly not a headline that Paul Harris and his contemporaries would have ever imagined. But it’s true. The Business Woman of the Year award was presented to District Governor Una Martone during the 24th Annual Business Women’s Forum on May 23 at Messiah College’s new state-of-the-art High Center.
The award was presented by the Carlisle Area Chamber, Harrisburg Regional Chamber & CREDC, and West Shore Chamber to honor one inspirational woman from our region based on the criteria of professional leadership, community leadership, and personal leadership.
In her acceptance remarks, Una acknowledged fellow Rotarian, Karen Snider, who passed away last year. Karen challenged Una to extend her leadership capacity within Rotary and is the person who nominated her for the role of District Governor. Una then encouraged other women, in the over 200-person audience, to accept leadership roles when they are presented. She went on to say: “If my experience can set an example for any other woman to believe in herself and LEAD, then I couldn’t be more pleased with the outcome! My purpose has always been to support those around me in being the best they can possibly be. It applies to my work at Leadership Harrisburg Area; my service in Rotary District 7390; and in every aspect of my personal life.”
Past Business Woman of the Year honorees are: 2017 Dr. Karen Scolforo, Castleton University 2016 Patricia Husic, Centric Bank 2015 Lisa Stokes, BRP Entertainment 2014 Sr. Romaine Niemeyer, Holy Spirit Hospital 2013 Donna Schankweiler, Journal Multimedia 2012 Debra Pierson, Pierson Computing Connection
Rotary District Governor Una Martone Named Business Woman of the Year
The Rotary Club of Hershey hosted a super successful RMB networking event at Troegs Independent Brewing’s Barrell Room the night of May 16 with easily over 40 attendees perhaps as many as over 50 attendees from eight Rotary District 7390 clubs: the Rotary Clubs of Carlisle, Hanover, Harrisburg, Harrisburg Keystone, Hershey, Mechanicsburg North, Palmyra, and York. Thanks to the strong leadership of Group C Assistant Governor Ray Delo, Rotary Club of Hershey Club President Mike Kinney, and the efforts of the hosting club committee the event, which marked the 41st RMB networking event of Rotary District 7390 RMB District-Centered Model’s history, was an unqualified success providing the basis for many great connections being made and much excellent fun and fellowship enjoyed. Kudos too go to Troegs Independent Brewing for providing such a perfect venue and such great beer ably dispensed by Charley who gave a very fine review of the history and vision of Troegs Independent Brewing. Special mention to the Rotary Club of Palmyra who attended the event with an especially large group of their Rotarians and made an award presentation to a local businessman. Well done all.
Hershey Hosts Magnificently Successful RMB Networking Event May 2018
The Rotary Club of Harrisburg Keystone successfully “branched out” on Saturday, April 21, to plant a tree for each of its 30 members as part of this year’s Rotary Day of Service. Planning for the project started earlier in the year when we partnered with the Paxton Creek Watershed Education Association. One of their goals is to improve water quality by stabilizing stream banks, and to that end, the association happily offered to donate trees from its nursery for our project.
To identify a good location for planting, Keystone reached out to the Capital Area Greenbelt Association to see if there was a need for trees along its 20-mile trail encircling the City of Harrisburg. CAGA members knew of an area along Spring Creek that needed help with more trees for the riparian buffer along the trail. The spot was accessible by vehicle and close to Keystone’s focus service area, Harrisburg’s Alison Hill neighborhood. A CAGA volunteer who also is an environmental biologist marked the locations along the trail for the donated oak, hawthorn and crabapple trees.
On the morning of the event, two Keystone members went to the nursery and packed 30 small trees and their gallon containers into the back of a pickup truck and drove to the greenbelt site, where they were joined by eight additional volunteers. Everyone got busy digging holes, and planting and watering trees. All of the trees were secured in their new homes within an hour.
Keystone is proud to have taken part in the district’s day of service and contribute to Rotary International’s global goal of planting 1.2 million trees this year. We are also proud to have partnered with area individuals and organizations to enhance and protect our vital natural resources. We thank our new partners for their assistance, and hope we can go on to bigger and better projects together.
Harrisburg Keystone Club "branches out" to plant trees
Congratulations to the following Rotarians and Clubs that received awards!
District Governor's Citation - Carlisle, Carlisle-Sunrise, Elizabethtown, Hanover, Harrisburg, Harrisburg-Keystone, New Holland, York
District Outstanding Service Award - Linda Spotts (Susquehanna Township)
The Rotary Foundation District Service Award - Trevor Reed (New Holland), Cher Kondor (York-East)
Dogged Pursuit Award - Kathleen Stoup (Carlisle)
Best Club Awards - Extra Small: New Holland, Small: Mechanicsburg, Medium: Harrisburg-Keystone, Large: Carlisle-Sunrise, Extra Large: Mechanicsburg-North, Extraordinary: York
District Lifetime Achievement Award - PDG Albert Alley (Lebanon)
RI Service Above Self Award - Joe Rebman (Elizabethtown)
Hello everyone! I’d like to take this moment to extend a very Happy Mother’s Day to all the moms who are Rotarians in District 7390. New moms, seasoned moms, grand moms, and all the people who have taken on the role of MOM in any capacity, deserve to be celebrated.
As moms, we are often the first teachers and role models for our children. We have such an enormous responsibility to nurture our children and shape them to somehow contribute to this world and make a difference. As Rotarian Moms, we have an added responsibility to demonstrate SERVICE ABOVE SELF and the 4-WAY TEST to our children. As Rotarian Moms, we also have the added challenge of balancing motherhood with our commitment to Rotary and the service projects & activities associated with membership. As Rotarian Moms, we have the benefit of community networks, friendships, and international fellowship that we can pass on to our children ~ no matter what age they are.
When I joined the Rotary Club of Harrisburg in 2006, my son Michael was 10 and my daughter McCaffrey was 7 years old. For the past 12 years, they have experienced Rotary through me and alongside me every step of the way. Rotary has enriched all of our lives. With much attention toward engaging women in Rotary, it is so important for us to communicate this message outward ~ MOTHERHOOD AND ROTARY CAN PEACEFULLY CO-EXIST! I’ve seen it at all levels throughout District 7390 and I’ve experienced it myself. So, congratulations to all the women who have successfully woven Rotary into their families. Shout out to the women who manage professional careers, happy families, and lives of service. You are all rock stars. Happy Mother’s Day!
A record eight Valparaiso University graduating seniors and recent alumnae have received Fulbright U.S. Student Program awards for English Teaching Assistantships for the 2018–2019 academic year from the United States Department of State and the William Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board.
“These young women are a credit to Valpo and to our faculty, and our success this year with the Fulbright program is simply outstanding,” said Mark L. Biermann, Ph.D., provost and executive vice president for academic affairs. “This achievement is a confirmation of the exceptional education students receive at Valparaiso University, and I am confident that these bright young women will continue to represent us well in their future endeavors.”
In all, Valpo had 11 applicants, nine semi-finalists and eight finalists for Fulbright grants this year. In the past 15 years, 43 Valpo students and alumni have been named Fulbright finalists.
“Having this many Fulbright finalists makes this a record-breaking year on our campus, but more than that, these remarkable women’s accomplishments epitomize values at the heart of our University’s mission: global engagement, meaningful service and academic excellence,” said Jon T. Kilpinen ’88, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences.
The 2018 Valparaiso University Fulbright finalists are:
Kathryn Fogleman ’17, finalist for an English Teaching Assistantship in Timor L’Este. Kathryn received her degree in international relations and humanities. In 2016, she received a CAPS (Calling And Purpose in Society) Fellowship to serve at Venn Strategies in Washington, D.C. This is the inaugural year for Fulbright grants in Timor L’Este, and Kathryn is one of two finalists being placed there.
The eight Valpo finalists are among more than 1,900 U.S. citizens who will study, conduct research and teach abroad for the 2018–2019 academic year through the Fulbright U.S. Student Program. Recipients of Fulbright awards are selected on the basis of academic and professional achievement as well as a record of service and leadership in their respective fields.
“I am delighted so many Fulbright committees across the United States and around the world this year recognized what we know to be true about our students,” said Anna R. Stewart, Ph.D., assistant dean in the College of Arts and Sciences and Fulbright program advisor at Valpo. “These remarkable women are setting off to do good and important work in the world. Indeed, they already have.”
Since its inception in 1946, the Fulbright Program has provided more than 380,000 participants — chosen for their academic merit and leadership potential — with the opportunity to exchange ideas and contribute to finding solutions to shared international concerns.
The May Community Service event for the Rotary Club of Gettysburg was held on May 3 at the Lincoln Elementary School in Gettysburg. Members of the club prepared over 100 sets of meals for hungry children in the Gettysburg and other area schools. The Gettysburg Club has teamed up with Ruth's Harvest to provide those meals and performs this meal assembly several times each year.
For the April 21, 2018 Rotary Day of Service and Arbor Day, the Millersburg Rotary Club partnered with Millersburg Borough, Millersburg Boy Scout Troop 151, and the Millersburg Lions Club to plant 15 trees in the first phase of the MYO Park Centennial Renovation Project. We planted rosebud, pink dogwood, swamp white oak, and scarlet red oak trees. After lunch, we helped paint the Millersburg Ferry Boats in preparation for their preseason Coast Guard inspection.
The Rotary Club of Hanover, family members, the Borough of Hanover Shade Tree Commission and the local Forest Service gathered at Longarm Reservoir on Saturday to plant 60 trees for our Day of Service. Another 20 tress, which the club purchased, are already planted at various locations around Hanover. The weather was perfect, everyone had fun and as one member said; “it was nice to have fellowship outside of our normal meeting time and location.” The Mayor of Hanover will honor the Rotary Club of Hanover for their service to the community with a Mayor’s Proclamation.
The Hummelstown Rotary Club is proud to announce that the 26th 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 22, 2018 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 $230,000 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.
For 24 hours, “SHARE” your support for Rotary by going online to donate during the “GIVE LOCAL YORK” event. The Rotary Clubs of York County will be raising funds to purchase and train a drug detection dog for the York County District Attorney’s office, The Drug Task Force and the Sheriff’s Department to combat the opioid and heroin abuse and overdose crisis in York County.
Your donation will help to rid our communities of drugs and save the lives of our children, grandchildren, and first responders.
The Rotary Club of Carlisle Sunrise planted 20 Japanese Zelkova trees along the Big Spring High School cross country course Saturday April 21st as part of the Club’s Day of Service.
The tree planting was in support of Rotary International President Ian Riseley’s global project to plant a tree for every one of the 1.2 Million members of Rotary International during his Presidential year.
The Sunrise Rotary Club performed this project using Rotary District matching grant funds and as part of their commitment to perform Community Service.
The Club worked with Rick Gillam, the Big Spring School Districts manager of Buildings and Grounds and Sam Sheeler, the Districts’ maintenance manager on the planning for this project. The School District used their tractor and auger to drill the holes for the trees.
Eighteen Sunrise Rotarians, assisted by the sons of two members along with two members of the Big Spring High School’s National Honor Society worked a total of over 125 volunteer hours to plant, fertilize, water, stake and mulch the 20 six to ten foot tall trees in less than three hours.
As six members of the Rotary Club of Carlisle Sunrise are graduates of the Big Spring School District, the school is an integral part of the Club’s community.
Someday soon, families, spectators and athletes will enjoy the shade and clean air that these trees will provide as they cheer on their favorite cross country runners.
Drone picture courtesy of Ace Drone Services, Carlisle, PA.
We had approximately 20 volunteers who completed 16 blankets that are made of fleece with fun themes for children. The blankets are being donated to the YWCA York’s ACCESS York program. This program is a domestic abuse shelter in York that has intake safe houses for women and their children who are displaced due to violence. The children will be given a reusable bag that will contain a blanket, and age appropriate book, and a stuffed animal. There are different bags for boys and girls and different age groups. The bags with the blankets will be presented to Jean Treauthart, a Downtown York Rotarian and the execuative director of YWCA York’s Access York program, on May 9, 2018 at our weekly meeting.
On Saturday, April 14, 2018, a team of Rotarians from the Downtown York Rotary Club’s Preserve Planet Earth Committee, friends, and family members helped to plant 20 trees throughout the city of York. Some of the species of tree that were planted were Locust, Hawthorn, Ginkgo, Lilac, Hornbeam, and Black Gum. The 20 trees were planted on East Market, East Cottage, South George, Duke, Beaver, College, West Princess, and East Philadelphia Streets. During this service time the volunteers enjoyed a time of fellowship, hard work, and the reward of helping to enhance the tree canopy of the City of York.
15 Rotarians from the Harrisburg Rotary Club spent several hours cleaning up Riverfront Park and the Verbeke Street Island which leads to the Broad Street Market from Front Street. A tiring, but very successful day.
As part of its Earth Day celebration, members of the Rotary Club of Gettysburg and Gettysburg College Rotaract Club worked on April 21 cleaning up a two mile section of Route 30 just east of Gettysburg. The clubs remove trash from this section of Route 30 two times each year as part of their environmental commitment to the community.
The New Oxford Interact Club along with Rotary Members cleaned the Bonneauville Park as a way to give back on the day of service on April 21. Pictured (L-R): Briana Garcia, Ivan Garcia, Mrs. Stein, Alex Garcia, Colin Rockey, Donaji Lozada and Angeles Lozada
The Southern Tier of District 7390 hosted a very successful first RMB Opportunity Summit at the District 7390 Conference in Harrisburg, PA, USA on Friday, April 27 with 27 Rotarians and guests (future Rotarians) attending from the Rotary Clubs of Carlisle, Colonial Park, Hanover, Harrisburg, Harrisburg Keystone, Hershey, Lancaster South, Mechanicsburg, Paradise, and York. All enjoyed a very informative talk by Mr. Kevin Shivers, the Executive State Director of the National Federation of Independent Businesses. His talk focused on how to make our communities in PA stronger through the strengthening of local small businesses by less regulation and emphasizing what he called “gardening” (cultivating small businesses) and not “hunting” that is looking for the big company to come into PA such as Amazon.
After the talk everyone shifted to the Circle exercise and had a very dynamic and fast-moving networking exercise followed by the social or cocktail hour where many great connections were made. Kudos to DG Una Martone for integrating RMB into the Conference, to John Bailey for securing our speaker, to Alaine Keisling for setting up our event spreadsheet and survey, and to Scott Stevens for being the Circle Master. Finally, thank you to all who participated and made the event worthwhile for everyone attending. Photos show cocktail connections and the fun and fellowship of RMB helped greatly by the “No Last Call” band.
Ian H.S. Riseley of New Zealand, the current President of Rotary International, challenged the 35,000 Rotary clubs around the world to plant one tree for each member as part of Rotary’s efforts to enhance environmental sustainability. The Rotary Clubs of Mechanicsburg, Mechanicsburg-North, and West Shore accepted that challenge and undertook a project to plant 100 trees. The trees will be planted at the Hampden Township Veterans Park, located at 4345 Marketplace Way, Enola. The clubs are working in concert with Hampden Township and the Hampden Township Veterans Recognition Committee.
Funds for the project are made possible in part by a $14,425 matching grant from the TreeVitalize Grants Program which is managed by TreePennsylvania. PennFuture applied for the grant which is being managed by the clubs. The AMES Companies, Inc. in Hampden Township is a partner in the project, donating wheelbarrows, shovels, and other hand tools. Good's Tree and Lawn Care of Harrisburg is offering technical assistance.
The Rotary Club of Hanover made donations to three local charities and nonprofits from the proceeds from their largest annual fundraiser, Tastefest. Donations were made to Ruth’s Harvest, Roots For Boots and The Family Readiness Group. Ruth’s Harvest places over 260 meals weekly into the hands of needy children in the Hanover area. Roots For Boots assists veterans in need in the Hanover area. The Family Readiness Groups assists families of soldiers assigned to the Hanover National Guard Amory.
The Rotary Club of Hanover made a donation from their Community Gifts Committee Fund to Sweet Charities for their annual Band and Brew fundraiser. Sweet Charities assists cancer patients in the local Hanover area.
The Rotary Club of Hanover made a donation from their Community Gifts Committee Fund to the Hanover Hospital Auxiliary and to Disabled By Love.
Members of the Rotary Club of Hanover, spouses and children assisted in packing food bags at Ruth’s Harvest. Ruth’s Harvest delivers over 260 bags of food on Fridays to local area grammar schools so needy children in the Hanover area do not go hungry on weekends.
On Saturday, April 14 Club members and their families met to package approximately 350 Colorado Blue Spruce seedlings to prepare for Club members to read to the Kindergarten classes in the Red Lion Area School District. Members read the book, "The Legend of The Birthing Day Tree" written by Robert A. Gingerich. Club members also presented seedlings to each of the students to take home and plant with their parents. In the attached photo are the Club and family members who assisted with the packaging.
The Red Lion - Dallastown Club conducted a Chicken Barb-b-que on Saturday April 7 during which they sold 369 Chicken dinners along with various baked goods. Funds from the sale will be used to fund the Club's students initiatives in the Dallastown Area and Red Lion Area school districts. The initiatives include Student of the Month recognition, RYLA scholarships for two students from each school district, and college scholarships. The day became a family event when several of the Club member's family assisted with the sale.
Millersburg Rotary Club, in conjunction with Millersburg Borough and the Millersburg Lions Club, will be planting trees in MYO Park on April 21 at 9am in observance of Arbor Day and the Rotary Day of Service. Immediately following the tree planting, the party will move across the swinging bridge to spend the afternoon scarping and painting the Millersburg Ferry Boats in preparation for their 2018 operating season. Community minded volunteers are invited to lend a hand, shovel, and/or paint brush.
Mark your calendar for these 2018 Millersburg Rotary Club events:
May 5 – Cherry Blossom Festival Food Stand and Raffle Ticket Sale
June 23 – Rotary Golf Tournament at Lykens Valley Golf Resort (8am Tee Time w/ lunch included)
August 11 – Tasting Tour of Millersburg (Tours begin at Mid Penn Bank at 12:30pm)
November 10 – Cruisin’ the Cosmos: Post Cards from the Universe (featuring NASA’s Jerry Bonnell, 7pm at the Ned Smith Center)
The Millersburg Rotary Club meets on the 2nd & 4th Mondays of every month at the Wooden Nickel at 6:15pm. Feel free to visit with us.
Millersburg Rotary Club supports the following local initiatives: Millersburg Boy Scout Troop 151, Millersburg Area School District’s 5th grade field trip to the Susan P. Burns Center for Drug & Alcohol awareness, sends one student each from Millersburg & Halifax ASDs to the annual Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) Camp at Messiah College, Millersburg Area Middle & High School Students of the Month, Millersburg Music and Athletic Awards Night, and other local projects.
Millersburg Rotary Announces Upcoming Service Project & 2018 Event Dates:
DG Una was nominated for the Business Woman of the Year Award by the Business Women's Forum and the Luminary Award by the West Shore Chamber of Commerce!
If you would like to attend the Business Women's Forum luncheon on May 23 at Messiah College, please click here. Let's have a great showing from Rotary D7390 to support our Governor!
The Luminary Award will be presented on August 25th at the Radisson in Camp Hill. You can find more information about that award by clicking here.
SHOUT OUT to the Rotary Club of Carlisle for their support of the Carlisle YMCA’s Summer Sizzle Youth Camp.
SHOUT OUT to the Rotary Club of Uptown York whose members dedicated their time and efforts to clean Liberty Park and the Gear Garden in York. In doing so, they tried to bring on Spring!
SHOUT OUT to the Rotary Club of Hanover for their continued support of the Roots for Boots program. Sgt Mike Geib and his service dog, Cookie Dough, are pictured here with Hanover Rotarian Christy Lucas.
SHOUT OUT to the Denver-Ephrata Area Rotary Club for their support of Ephrata Rehab Services for the good works they do in the community.
SHOUT OUT to Past District Governor John and Anne Marie Judson on receiving the Exemplar of International Peace and Peaceful Coexistence Award by the Harrisburg Peace Promenade. In his brief remarks, PDG Judson said “Peace keeping is as easy as looking at a problem and solution from the lens of the Four Way Test.” PDG John and Anne Marie Judson of the Rotary Club of Harrisburg, are pictured with fellow Harrisburg Rotarian, Peggy Grove.
SHOUT OUT to Past District Governor, Tom Davis (2003), on receiving the 2015 Lifetime Achievement Award. In a long overdue presentation, Tom received his award this past Saturday during the District Advisory Council Meeting. Congratulations and thank you for a lifetime of service. PDG Tom Davis of the Rotary Club of Hershey, is pictured here with PDG Chuck Cenkner of the West Shore Rotary Club.
SHOUT OUT to members of the Rotary Club of Perry County and Rotary Club of Millersburg for their combined efforts to scrape and paint the Millersburg Ferryboats and Barges. Looks like they had the one sunny day for their service project!
Spring is in the air… well, somewhat. Nonetheless, Rotarians, Rotary Clubs, and Rotary District 7390 are springing into action. Our energy can overcome the cold, wet, even snowy weather!
In an all new approach to grant training, District 7390 unveiled an ONLINE GRANT TRAINING module today. All Rotary Clubs in the district are invited to become QUALIFIED to apply for a grant during the upcoming Rotary year. Through the ONLINE GRANT TRAINING, at least one member of that club must watch all three grant training videos and then complete a quiz related to The Rotary Foundation, District Club Grants, and Global Grants. A successful score is 7 out of 10 correct answers. All of the details and directions are found on the district website at this link: http://www.rotary7390.org/sitepage/grant-training. Many thanks to the team who turned this idea into reality. Led by Past District Governor & District Rotary Foundation Chair John Kramb, the team included Nigel Foundling, Cher Kondor, Bob McClenathan, District Governor Elect John May, and Amy Spotts. Thank you all for your hard work, your creativity, and your expertise. It is our hope that more clubs become qualified. More qualified clubs means that more projects can benefit our local communities and the world! And let’s not forget, the more people who contribute to The Rotary Foundation, the more District 7390 gains back, three years later, to support the projects of YOUR CLUBS.
In other exciting news, the District Wide Day of Service this Saturday, April 21. Kudos to everyone who has already participated in tree planting, street cleaning, and other projects in their communities and good luck to everyone who is planning to participate on Saturday and in the coming weeks. Please send photos of Rotarians in action. I would love to share and recognize all of the localized efforts as part of the collective event.
Finally, as you know, the District Conference is scheduled for Friday, April 27 and Saturday, April 28. Registration is still open and registration by individual day or by dinner only is a great option for those who can’t make the whole event. I can promise you now that there will be fun, education, inspiration, surprises, and opportunities to create many Rotary moments with great friends, and friends that you haven’t met yet. A special (super) gift will be provided to everyone who attends. The dinner and awards celebration on Saturday night will include prizes for the best dressed Super Heroes. Come in costume ~ spandex with caution! For full details and to register, click on this link: http://rotary7390.org/event/district-conference-1/
The Rotary Club of Hershey and Group C will host the fifth RMB networking event of the 2018 season on Wednesday, May 16 at Troegs Independent Brewing, 200 East Hershey Park Drive, Hershey, PA. The event is FREE with a cash bar and hors d’oeuvres provided. The event will start at 5:30 and end at 8:00 pm. RSVP NOW!!Make great connections for your business or project and enjoy the fun and fellowship of RMB. Bring potential Rotarian guests!
Hanover Rotarians Christy Lucas and Ralph Jodice were judges for the 6th grade at the St. Teresa of Calcutta’s STEM fair in McSherrystown. Students identified a problem and developed a possible solution using STEM principles.
The District 7390 Day of Service is soon upon us! While some clubs will be operating on slightly different dates because of other calendar conflicts, the District has a total of 14 clubs participating on or around April 21. We hoped for greater participation in the Day of Service, but we know our clubs complete service projects in their communities throughout the year. Which is a wonderful thing!
A wide range of activities are planned for the Day of Service. They include tree planting (Perry County, Mechanicsburg and others), community clean up (Gettysburg), ball field preparations for Little League (Elizabethtown), working with Habitat for Humanity on a house renovation (Lancaster Penn Square), planting a community garden (Red Lion-Dallastown), and making blankets (York). Of particular note is the working relationship between three clubs - Mechanicsburg-North, Mechanicsburg and West Shore – who will plant 100 trees in Veteran’s Park.
We are grateful for all the clubs who chose to participate in this Day of Service. All are to be commended for continuing to put Service Above Self!
The RMB Opportunity Summit on Friday, April 27 from 3:30 to 5:00 at this year's District 7390 Conference will feature Mr. Kevin Shivers, Executive State Director National Federation of Independent Business in Pennsylvania. He will speak regarding current business opportunities for small and independent businesses in Pennsylvania and the state and national political environments and what that may mean for small and independent businesses in PA.
The event will begin with everyone having an opportunity to very briefly introduce themselves by stating the name, Rotary club, and the nature of their business. After that the speaker will be introduced, give his talk and answer questions. Following the program, there will be an opportunity to network during the social hour that will take place before the dinner.
Your payment for the district conference's Friday programs and dinner covers this event but please RSVPhere for the event so we can more accurately tell how many will be there plus provide everyone attending with a spreadsheet with everyone's contact and business information.
Rotary Means Business Opportunity Summit - April 27
The Lancaster Sunrise Rotary Club will be having its 15th annual Ride For Literacy on Saturday May 12, 2018. The event will help promote literacy in Lancaster County. Riders are able to choose between three leisure routes: 10, 21, or 43 miles, or combine rides to enjoy the longer challenge of a metric century. All rides begin and end at Manheim Township Community Park. The park is located approximately one mile west of Route 501 on East Petersburg Road, Lancaster. The event will be held rain or shine. All proceeds benefit literacy efforts in Lancaster County through the Literacy Council of Lancaster/ Lebanon, the Lancaster Sunrise Rotary’s local school reading program and the club’s international mission to improve eye sight in Ethiopia and other international locations. sign up on Active.com by following this link: https://www.active.com/lititz-pa/cycling/races/ride-for-literacy-2018?mailingId=bfb047e5-2c08-42c4-a0a1-9f958e6bbbe9&recipientId=751D7869-D42D-4746-B732-D3654EECD104
Join us in our fight against the Opioid Crisis by sponsoring the 25th Annual Elizabethtown Rotary Golf Major! This year’s tournament is being held Thursday, June 14th, 2018 at Conestoga Country Club in Lancaster.
Elizabethtown Rotary Club continues to reach out to business leaders in the community who are looking for membership in a fun, youthful, engaged and committed service club, or who want to form a great partnership to contribute to the public good. We are hoping that your business will become and/or continue to be part of our team.
Please view the brochure for additional information. We hope you can join us for a great day of golf, food, fun and fellowship at the Conestoga Country Club. We are requesting businesses to help the cause through sponsorship or donation of items for auction.
We anticipate a full afternoon of golf, with fantastic prizes, so there are many ways for you to get involved. We hope that we can partner with YOUR business at some level this year to help our club fight the opioid crisis by funding strategies to identify and service at risk students. Thank you for giving this your thoughtful consideration.
Marie Cusick, a multimedia reporter for WITF was a recent speaker at the Colonial Park Rotary Club. She spoke about Marcellus Shale Natural Gas Production in Pennsylvania and its positive impact of creating employment opportunities . Pennsylvania is the second largest state in this country in the amount of natural gas that is produced by a sophisticated process of hydraulic fracturing of Pennsylvania’s large shale reserves. Pictured L-R: Colonial Park Rotary Club President Melanie Walderon and Marie Cusick
Now that you are registered for Convention, have you thought about transportation to get there? Do you want to sit back and relax in style while spending time with other District 7390 Rotarians? We have chartered a deluxe motorcoach that will be vinyl wrapped with Rotary bling to take you there!
The bus will leave on Saturday, June 23 and return on Thursday, June 28.
The bus will leave from Dicks Sporting Goods (Kenneth Road) in York at 6:00 a.m. on June 23. Then travel to the Radisson Hotel Harrisburg (1150 Camp Hill Bypass, Camp Hill) for pick-up at 7:00 a.m. You can leave cars parked at Dick’s, but please have someone drop you off at the hotel.
We will stop for breakfast, lunch and a few other brief stops to stretch your legs. Arrival in Toronto will be around 5:00 p.m.
The return ride home will leave Toronto around 6:00 a.m. on Thursday, June 28 and arrive back to Camp Hill around 4:00 p.m. and York around 5:00 p.m.
Cost—$200 per person
Please contact Melissa Bruck (office@rotary7390.org or 717-854-7842) to reserve your seats. Payment must be made by check or cash. Sorry - no credit cards accepted for the bus transportation.
Rotary Club of Mount Joy invites you to shred those old documents. Safe, Convenient, and Free! Join the Rotarians at Milanof-Schock Library, 1184 Anderson Ferry Road on Saturday, April 28 from 9AM to 11:00 AM. Find the professional team from Tri-State Shredding on-site and destroy those old papers.
The service is free on April 28. The Rotary Club of Mount Joy will also collect non-perishable food donations for the Mount Joy Food Bank that day. Donations may be made on site that day for the Rotarians to deliver to the Food Bank.
Your personal identity are safer when those private papers are cleared out of your home or business. According to Consumer Report, you should keep income tax returns, income information, and tax reducing expense receipts for seven years. Other important papers also have a shelf life you should know.
Consumer Reports provided the following information at https://www.consumerreports.org/taxes/how-long-to-keep-tax-documents/ on March 8, 2018. “Store ATM, bank-deposit, and credit card receipts only until you reconcile them with your monthly statements … unless you need them to support your tax return. Keep insurance policies and investment statements until new ones arrive.
“You'll want to hold onto loan documents until the loan is paid off. If you own one or more vehicles, hold onto the titles until you sell them. If you have investments in stocks, bonds, mutual funds, or anything else, keep the investment purchase confirmations until you sell the investment.
“Essential records such as birth and death certificates, marriage licenses, divorce decrees, Social Security cards, and military discharge papers should be kept indefinitely. Also hold on to defined-benefit plan documents, estate-planning documents, life-insurance policies, and an inventory of your bank safe deposit box...”
The Rotary Club of Lancaster Penn Square hosted a super successful RMB networking event on March 14 at The Hotel Lancaster with 33 Rotarians and guests from nine district clubs (Lancaster, Lancaster Penn Square, Lancaster Sunrise, Lancaster Hempfield, Lancaster South, Mount Joy, Mechanicsburg North, Lebanon, and Harrisburg) attending. Kudos go to the Rotary Club of Lancaster Penn Square and its President Gary Davis for arranging such a successful networking event and to The Hotel Lancaster for providing such an outstanding venue. Also, Kudos to Rob Gallagher, Eastern Tier RMB Champion, for doing such a great job promoting the event. Finally, special Kudos to Scott Stevens, Northern Tier Assistant Director, for his innovative and fun running of the Circle exercise as shown in the photo that accompanies this report. Well done all!
Lancaster Penn Square Hosts Success RMB Event on March 14
Rotary clubs of Carlisle (noontime) and Sunrise recently donated $10,000 to the Cumberland County Historical Society in support of benches at the pocket park located adjacent to the Society’s building. Pictured are (left) Rena Geesaman, President, Rotary Club of Carlisle-Sunrise, and Kathleen Stoup, President, Rotary Club of Carlisle, as they “rest” on the benches, while Jason Illari holds the check presented by both clubs. Funds for the donation were raised at the Rotary clubs’ annual Christmas party and auction held in December.
In addition to the park benches, funds are also given for “Rest & Refresh”, Carlisle’s local water project. Visitors to the pocket park and the Historical Society can “rest” on the benches and “refresh” with bottled water donated by the Rotary clubs. The bottles are labeled with World Water Facts, which explain the need for water and sanitation in many poor places in the world.
From 19 to 23 March 2018, Hanover Rotarian, Club President and Junior Achievement (JA) Coordinator, Ralph Jodice, taught the Junior Achievement Program, Our Nation, to both 6th grade classes at St. Teresa of Calcutta in McSherrystown. The JA Our Nation Program consists of five, 45 minute classes teaching students about our free market economy, entrepreneurship and innovation, the importance of STEM skills in the work force, potential careers, and how the United States is tied to the global economy. The first picture is of Mrs. Tiffany Stultz’s class. The second picture is of Mrs. Sherry Chroniger’s class.
Additionally, on 15 March 2018, Hanover Rotarians Bert Elsner, Bob Miller and Mike Cooper supported JA’s STEM Summit at South Western High School in Hanover.
At the District Training Assembly on March 17, participants took place in a discussion on leadership. Everyone was asked to think about a person, anyone, who had greatly influenced their lives and who had significantly invested in their success and well-being. People mentioned teachers, coaches, parents, mentors, bosses, a full gamut of people ~ NOT necessarily people with important “leadership” titles.
Next, we took the discussion a step further and talked about what qualities they associated with the people who had influenced or invested in them. Again, the list was broad. Some of the common qualities mentioned were honesty, sincerity, listening, trust, accountability, dedication, love, compassion, generosity, determination… and more.
The discussion really defined the people who have had the greatest impact on most of our lives as servant leaders. The term SERVANT LEADER was probably never even known by any of the people we thought of, but the definition fits. Servant leaders invest in the growth and development of other people FIRST. They approach every situation with listening and they value people first. They influence and inspire us and we become more successful as a result.
You can always tell a servant leader by the group of people around him or her. If someone is surrounded by committed, empowered, enlightened leaders, that someone is a servant leader whether they even know it or acknowledge it. It’s an easy application in Rotary ~ there are so many servant leaders. They might not always have the biggest titles or the most responsibility, but they have the heart of the people and their influence yields healthy relationships built on trust and loyalty.
So, I offer up this recap of the District Training Assembly activity and suggest that everyone reading this note take a moment and think of someone who greatly influenced your life in a positive way. What was it about that person that influenced you and how can YOU carry on that legacy to have greater influence and impact on those around you? How can you apply the influence, inspiration, and support in Rotary? Just imagine how much we could accomplish if we all supported one another’s success just a little piece more!
Thank you all for your service and for your servant leadership.
The 18th Annual Comedy and Magic Spectacular on Saturday, April 14, 2018 at 7:00 p.m. features four national acts including, comedy jugglers the Gizmo Guys, Jason Hudy, a rising star in the world of illusion based magic, the amazing quick change artist duo Stoil and Ekaterina, with 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. Proceeds go toward 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.
Click here for tickets!! or they can be purchased at the customer service counter at Darrenkamps and the L-S YMCA location. Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for children age 12 and under. For more information visit lancsouthrotary.org.
Performing as the Gizmo Guys, Allan Jacobs and Barrett Felker have amused audiences around the world. They put the comedy in comedy juggling. One of the greatest acts in the history of “throwing up” The Gizmo Guys are excited to be with us this year. Based in New York City, Allen and Barrett have traveled the country with their unique style of teamwork. Making impossible things happen with clubs, balls, machetes, and diablos while fighting gravity and cracking jokes, is further enhanced by inviting YOU onstage. Don’t worry, it is always safe, never embarrassing and is why they are in such demand.
Jason Hudy is THE rising star in the world of illusion based magic. He has amazed audiences and performed all over the USA and throughout Asia. With 1,000 shows on the resort island of Saipan, followed by a guest appearance in the world famous “House of Magic” in Macau, China. Add 6,500 other shows the previous 12 years in theaters, amusement parks, casinos, you’d think he’d be a little weary. NO WAY. His energy, poise and professionalism will show you why he is “the one to watch.”
Stoil and Ekaterina combine color, music, magic and the fabulous art of quick-change to create a high energy show that will leaving you ask – how did they do that? Their amazing act that has taken them around the world in style and to great accolades. Originally from the Eastern European nation of Bulgaria, these two now live in Los Angeles. And, please give them a special welcome as new American citizens.
R.G. Smith, MC
Master Of Ceremonies, longtime show producer/director, R.G. returns this year to guide the audience through this excellent entertainment experience. He’ll keep things moving and has a few new things to share.
A check in the amount of $3020, representing donations finalized in December, 2017 from members of the Rotary Club of Harrisburg (RCH), was presented on March 5, 2018, at a meeting of the Rotary Club of Harrisburg. Mrs. Helen Sajer, co-founder of the Pennsylvania Wounded Warriors (PAWW) organization accepted the donation from RCH President Sam Levine and Joan Prescott, Chair of the Rotary PAWW Committee.
The PAWW is an independent statewide non-profit 501(c)(3) organization providing support to Pennsylvania Wounded Warriors and their families and to Veterans in Crisis. Mrs. Sajer and her late husband, Maj. General Gerald Sajer, formed the non-profit organization in 2006. The PAWW staff consists entirely of volunteers who donate their time and expertise on behalf of Pennsylvania's veterans.
On March 8th the Rotary Club of Mechanicsburg North welcomed their local trauma center – Geisinger Holy Spirit - to present an exciting program called Stop The Bleed (STB) and provide the hospital with a donation to purchase a bleeding control kit for a local school. Stop The Bleed is a national initiative that aims to teach bleeding control techniques to the public so that lives can be saved prior to EMS arrival. Pennsylvania’s trauma centers are interested in partnering with their local rotary clubs to not only feature STB at a rotary meeting but also support them in purchasing bleeding control kits for every school and public area within Pennsylvania. Rotary clubs can find the location of their closest trauma center by going to http://ptsf.org/index.php/our-trauma-centers/trauma-centers. To learn more about Stop The Bleed go to: https://www.bleedingcontrol.org/.
Pictured left to right are Jennifer Hudson (GHS PI Coordinator), John Anthony (RCMN President), Dale Dangleben MD (GHS Trauma Medical Director) , Rebekkah Stanko (GHS Injury Prevention Coordinator) and Steve Grubb, club member and board member of the East Pennsboro Education Foundation (EPEF). EPEF equally shared in the donation toward an STB kit for a local school.
Mechanicsburg-North Welcomes Exciting Program called STOP THE BLEED
Is your Club looking for a speaker on Polio? Deborah Stambaugh, a Polio Survivor and head of the Hanover Post-Polio Group would like to make polio presentations to clubs in our District. Check out their website www.papolionetwork.org and contact Deborah if you would like more information.
The Rotary Club of York will host the fourth RMB networking event of the 2018 season on Wednesday, April 18 at the Historic Shady Lane Green House and Garden Building, 475 Shady Lane, Manchester, PA, which is accessible from Route 83 and North George Street. The event will only cost $15 per attendee for hors d'oeuvres, wine, beer, soda, and water thanks to Shady Lane owner Steve Kohr and Kohr & Sons Construction. The event will start at 5:30 and end at 7:30. RSVP Now!! Make great connections for your business or project and enjoy the fun and fellowship of RMB. Bring potential Rotarian guests!
In case you missed it last week, check out the video by DG Una Martone highlighting women in Rotary. Click here to view the video.
Shout Out to the exceptional women who are rocking district-wide leadership positions this year and, in doing so, serving as role models for the women in their clubs and all the women who have yet to join Rotary!
Female Leaders in D7390:
Past District Governors
Ann Keim, 2001, Rotary Club of Paradise Janice Black, 2006, Rotary Club of Harrisburg Connie Spark, 2009, Rotary Club of York East Helen Redding, 2011, Rotary Club of Littlestown
Club Presidents
Carlisle - Kathleen Stoup
Carlisle-Sunrise - Rena Geesaman
Colonial Park - Melanie Walderon
Gettysburg - Deb Geesey
Harrisburg-Keystone - Addeline Alaniz-Edwards
Lancaster-Sunrise - Beth Mack
Mechanicsburg - Amy KS Bockis
Mount Joy - Joanne Pinkerton
Myerstown-ELCO - Mary Morrissey
Northern Lebanon County - Melanie Schaeffer
Perry County - Jairee Counterman
Susquehanna Township - Kathy McCool
Uptown York - Amy Chamberlin
York - Di Hershey
District Leadership
Michele Legge, Assistant Governor Group B Betty Hungerford, Area Membership Coordinator Group B Beth Mihmet, District Conference Chair Linda Spotts, Youth Exchange Chair Kathleen Stoup, Global Grants Sub Committee Co-Chair Amy Spotts, District Club Grants Sub Committee Co-Chair Cher Kondor, Public Image Chair
Uganda posed both a challenge and a great opportunity for the members of the Vocational Training Team (VTT) lead by District 7390’s PDG (and optometrist) Connie Spark of York East RC. The opportunity was to teach and expand the knowledge and skills of doctors and students at Entebbe Hospital in Nkuma, near Lake Victoria. The challenge was to meet the health needs of as many residents as possible during the 10-day mission.
PDG Spark put together an international medical team from the U.S., Brazil, and Den-mark. The mission consisted of three parts: Train, Sustain, and Teach: Train doctors, Sustain the practices and enable them to Teach others. This concept is integral to the VTT concept and will result in continued health care after the team has departed. The mission provided treatment in vision care, dental procedures, women’s health, and pediatrics, malaria prevention, as well as general health. Physicians on the team spent their morn-ings training local personnel to carry on the medical work after the team was gone. Meanwhile, local Rotarians and Rotaractors got the word out that free medical and vision services were available in the afternoons. And patients came by the thousands!
The vision team worked tirelessly to screen hundreds of patients and provide the correct vision care and glasses. Demand was strong; most locals have never seen an eye doctor nor had their vision tested. In conjunction with the Association for Albinism, Dr. Robert McClenathan and his team treated many young people with albinism for low vision, skin conditions and other related issues. It is thought that body parts of albino Africans are good luck, and as a result, these people are often attacked. Meanwhile, the nine-member dental team brought a full new operatory of equipment including a digital X-ray and autoclave, thanks to the amazing generosity of the Dentsply Corporation.
“After each lecture we gave a live demonstra-tion of the procedure that was taught and then supervised the students in the clinic practicing what they just learned,” Dr. Dave Zelley said. “The students were highly enthu-siastic and will fill the need for dental care professionals. It is much better to teach and in that way provide care to thousands of pa-tients for decades to come.”
One component of the Uganda mission wasto disburse 12,000 malaria nets in remote villages. After a ferry ridge across Lake Victo-ria and a trip across red clay roads, the medical team found a comatose elderly woman and transported her back to Nkuma where she received the treatment she needed to recover from malaria, the leading cause of illness in this African region.
PDG Connie notes, “This $140,000 mission will bear fruit for years in the future. The health care workers we trained will con-tinue to practice their new techniques in this growing nation.“
After a full day of rest, some of our Rotarian partners from RC Makati Southeast and I visited the Cardiac cath lab of the Philippine General Hospital. We were expected by Dr. Jonas del Rosario, our volunteer doctor who repaired 33 indigent "Braveheart" children with hole-in-the-heart defects.
My wife Luz and I, asked him to schedule three more children during our visit since we raised additional funds outside of the global grant AND we wanted to witness the procedure first hand. My wife had to be with her family so I had to go myself. Vivien, Past President of the RC Makati Southeast Club picked me up at our hotel together with Past District Governor Sue. We met another Rotarian, Noemi at the hospital.
On the transcatheter repair schedule was ATHENA, a 4 year old girl from Cagayan, way up north in Luzon. She was referred to Dr. Jonas by a physician in the province where they do not have the facility or capability to repair her PDA (Patent ductus arteriosus). The family is poor but they were helped by a support group, "Pray for a Warrior," (see her Mom's shirt). The group provided her with the means to bring Athena to Manila and funds to pay for temporary living quarters while they are in Manila.
Athena was already sedated when we arrived so I never had a chance to talk to her or take a good picture of her. This patient was sponsored by our newly-minted internist son, Dr. Eric Socrates. Instead of giving us Christmas presents, he gave us a check to cover the expenses needed for the repair of one child.
Athena's mother was most appreciative of all the help a lot of people and organizations have given her to facilitate the repair of her daughter's heart. She was shedding tears of joy after Athena's surgery. I suppose this is how all the parents of all the 33 children we have reached through Operation Braveheart feel.
Dr. Jonas welcomed us to the cadiac cath room so we could watch the entire procedure. He showed me the device that he was about to implant into Athena's patent ductus arteriosus in order to close it. It's on the collage - the extremely tiny device is mounted on a tip of the delivery catheter. It is like a tiny umbrella that is collapsed when it is introduced into the femoral vein and threaded towards the heart. When close to the target (the patent orifice), the device is opened and manipulated to make sure it is properly positioned for optimal closure. You can see the device in place on the angiogram. Dr. Jonas demonstrated to us on the monitor how the dye that flowed through the PDA before closure is no longer flowing through after the procedure. Athena is now cured of this defect and will live as normal as her peers are.
Multiply this experience 33 times over - this is how our Club's Operation Braveheart has touched the lives of so many children and their families.
Thank you everyone for your support of Operation Braveheart.
Marilia Parreiras Campos, a District 7390 Exchange Student in 2005-2006 from Brazil, visited Carlisle and spoke to the Rotary Club of Carlisle at its meeting on February 22, 2018. She came to Carlisle to visit Rotarians, host parents and friends at Boiling Springs High School. In attendance at the Rotary meeting were host parents Vicki and Brian Geigus and high school counselor Scott McQuaid and Kathy McQuaid.
She talked about her experiences here and how being an exchange student gave her confidence to do well after returning to Brazil. She is now a lawyer and working to improve conditions in her country.
At the time Marilia was in our community, the Club’s Student Exchange Chair was Tom Williams, who encouraged her to study law and go into government service. He is quite proud that she took his advice.
Her Rotary counselor was Juan Garcia-Tunon, who has remained in contact over the years and encouraged her to return to Carlisle for a visit. Juan had provided several pictures he had taken of her while she was a student here. Among those displayed on power point at the meeting, were pictures of her as prom queen and as a graduate in cap and gown.
The Rotary Club of Gettysburg Charity Dodgeball Challenge on March 4 raised $350 for Ruth's Harvest! Each team played for a local charity and 100 percent of the proceeds benefited the winning team's charity. Team Dodge Ma Ball captured the crown and $350 will be donated to Ruth's Harvest Gettysburg in their name! Other teams were County of Adams 1, playing for United Way of Adams County; County of Adams 2, playing for United Way of Adams County; YW Warriors, playing for YWCA Gettysburg & Adams County; Main Street Gettysburg, playing for Main Street Gettysburg; LK5K, playing for The Linda Kranias Memorial 5K, inspired by Stacy Hobbs; and Salted Nuts, playing for Adams County Foster Parent Association. Team YW Warriors consisted of Rotarians Alex Hayes, Ashley Andyshak Hayes and Adrienne Marvin.
A community event hosted by Executive Women International (EWI) and supported by Leadership Harrisburg Area (LHA) is featuring Rotary International Vice President Dean Rohrs on Thursday, March 15 beginning at 5:30 PM at the Radisson. This event is open to the public. An opportunity like this comes once in a blue moon and I encourage everyone to try and attend. In fact, bring your family members, friends, and associates and let them get a real sense of Rotary in action.
Dean’s story starts in Zambia where she enjoyed a world shielded from apartheid until she was 14 years old. That’s when the revolution made its way to the Congo. Her mother was head of the Red Cross and led the evacuation of many refugees. Dean was called to stand up against the prosecutors and was imprisoned at the age of 16. It was soon after that moment when Dean Rohrs set forth to create a more peaceful world. She harnessed the strength of her fear and scars to foster education, fight disease, and promote peace in some of the most abominable circumstances in some of the most remote areas of the world.
Dean leveraged the power of Rotary International to gain support for her efforts and has broken the cycles of poverty in numerous South African Villages literally saving thousands of young lives. Her story of bringing peace and human understanding to all landed Dean in Canada where she encourages international audiences to become messengers of change.
You don’t want to miss out on this presentation which is sure to be inspirational! For full details and to register online, please click here.
Don't Miss RIVP Dean Rohrs in Camp Hill - March 15
In addition to the donations made to the District fund, other clubs have made direct donations to Rotary Clubs in hurricane areas, the Rotary International Donor Fund, and to relief organizations in both Texas and Puerto Rico.
Distribution of funds for Hurricane Harvey in Texas:
As a direct result of Hurricane Harvey hitting south-eastern Texas on August 25th as a Category 4 hurricane, damage surveys revealed the staggering extent of Harvey’s destruction: 37,000 homes were heavily damaged and nearly 7,000 were destroyed. Fuller Center Disaster Rebuilders reported to the area promptly to offer long-term assistance with disaster recovery; their first volunteers arrived three weeks after the storm.
The D7390 Hurricane Relief fund has supported Fuller Center Disaster Rebuilders in Texas:
$10,000.00 was sent to assist with the set-up of the volunteer camp and to hire caseworkers and construction supervisors.
The Rotary Club of Space Center in Houston TX is raising $36,000.00 to support Fuller Center Disaster Rebuilders’ restoration efforts. Being short $6,500.00, D7390 has sent this amount to the Rotary Club of Space Center Endowment Foundation. $36,000.00 provides funding to purchase the materials necessary to restore two homes.
Distribution of funds for Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico:
The D7390 Hurricane Relief fund balance of $27,016.00 is dedicated to a restoration project in Puerto Rico. A fellow Rotarian from the Rotary Club of Ithaca New York is from Puerto Rico and is working with four Rotary clubs there. Projects in the planning stage include new roofs, appliances, and other restoration efforts.
We will keep you posted as these projects materialize and checks(s) are disbursed to Puerto Rico.
In the spirit of Service Above Self, the $43,566.00 raised by our fellow D7390 Rotarians will provide the finances to restore homes of many families who fell victim to the uncontrollable destruction of hurricane wind and rain.
A few female Rotarians gathered for tea from the Rotary clubs of Carlisle, Carlisle-Sunrise and A District 7000 E-club. One Rotarian was only a member for a few weeks and one member is the current President of the Rotary Club of Carlisle-Sunrise and two past Presidents. The E-club member is a Past President.
The spike in regional and local conflicts around the globe has boosted the need for professionals skilled in waging peace. The fully funded Rotary Peace Fellowship, which covers tuition and living expenses, increases the capacity of current and emerging peace leaders to prevent and resolve conflict through academic training, field experience, and professional networking.
Up to 100 fellows are selected every year in a globally competitive process based on personal, academic, and professional achievements. Fellows earn either a master’s degree or a professional development certificate in peace and conflict studies at one of the Rotary Peace Centers, located within seven leading universities around the world. The over 1100 program alumni are working in over 100 countries as leaders in national governments, NGOs, the military, law enforcement, and international organizations such as the United Nations and World Bank.
Master’s Degree – Building the leaders of tomorrow
15-24 month program at one of our 5 Rotary Peace Centers at leading partnering universities
50 fellows selected annually to earn a master’s degree in fields related to peace and security
Each university offers customized curriculum and a 2-3 month applied field experience
Fellows connect with an international cohort of peace fellows, thought leaders, and a global network of Rotarians
Professional Development Certificate – Strengthening the leaders of today
3 month professional development program at our Rotary Peace Center in Bangkok, Thailand
50 fellows selected annually to earn a professional certificate in peace and conflict studies
Intended for professionals with extensive experience working in peace-related fields
Diverse interdisciplinary program includes 8-weeks intensive classroom study with guest lecturers and 2-weeks field studies
For the master’s program, a bachelor’s degree or equivalent, plus three years of related work experience, and proficiency in a second language (strongly recommended)
For the certificate program, a strong academic background, plus five years of related work experience
Proficiency in English
Excellent leadership skills
The following persons are ineligible for a Rotary Peace Fellowship: A Rotarian; an honorary Rotarian; an employee of a Club, District, or other Rotary entity or of Rotary International; a spouse, lineal descendant (child or grandchild by blood or adopted or not adopted), a spouse of a lineal descendant, or an ancestor (parent or grandparent) of any living person in the foregoing categories.
The Rotary Club of Mechanicsburg North hosted one of the most successful RMB events ever on February 21 at the Hot Frog Print Media offices in Mechanicsburg. RMB had over sixty attendees/RSVPs/guests at the event from over 10 District 7390 clubs representing the greater Harrisburg, Lancaster, Gettysburg-Hanover-York areas within our district. This success was due to the event sponsors Eastern PCM, Fairway Mortgage, Hot Frog Print Media LLC, McKonly and Asbury CPAs, Reilly Insurance LLC, First National Bank and S&T Bank and the Leadership in Service of Club President John Anthony supported by Ed Blum and the Northern Tier RMB team consisting of Joe McNally, Scott Stevens, Alaine Keisling, and John Bailey representing the Southern Tier. Hot Frog Print Media provided a perfect venue for the event and the hors d'oeuvres were delicious and ample thanks to Dash of Salt and Pepper catering headed by Dan and Joanne Dixon. Super Kudos to all and thank you all who attended and made this such a dynamic event with many great connections made and fun and fellowship enjoyed as shown in these photos.
The Rotary Club of Lancaster Penn Square will host the third RMB networking event of the 2018 season on Wednesday, March 14 at The Hotel Lancaster (2nd floor Walnut Room), 26 E Chestnut Street, Lancaster, PA. The event will cost $15 and includes hors d'oeuvres (catered by Isaac's), wine and water thanks to The Hotel Lancaster, which has arranged for free parking at the adjacent Duke Street Garage. The event will start at 5:30 and end at 7:00 pm. RSVP NOW!! Make great connections for your business or project and enjoy the fun and fellowship of RMB. Bring potential Rotarian guests!
The West York Rotary Club would like to congratulate Joshua May, graduate of West York High School, as one of the recipients of the Claire D. Worley Scholarship for 2017/2018. Joshua May graduated in the top 2% of his class from West York High School in 2017. He is currently a freshman Engineer major at Penn State University Park where he maintains a GPA of 4.0. At University Park, Joshua May is a member of different clubs and sport activities. Pictured Joshua May (R) and West York Rotary Club Secretary, Paul Duryea (L)
The Club also congratulates Nicole R. Guise for her amazing work during her first semester of college. Nicole was the recipient of the Claire D. Worley Scholarship bestowed upon one deserving recipient from Spring Grove for the 2016/2017 school year. She received this scholarship at a presentation to the West York Rotary Club during which she shared her hard work in her studies at Penn State York, and her continued dedication in service to others. We are proud to see her already achieving great things in maintaining an excellent GPA while continuing to serve others in leadership role across multiple platforms. Nicole R. guise received a check for $1,000 from the West York Rotary Club to support her education and as celebration for her current and future achievements. Pictured (L) Dr. Nicole R. Guis and (R) Paul Duryea, WYRC Secretary.
Our Rotary Club of Carlisle-Sunrise accepted the haircut challenge issued by Greg "Samson" Hall for 100 percent participation in the 2017 United Way of Carlisle & Cumberland County campaign. As the campaign co-chair, Greg asked "Will it build goodwill and better friendships?" Executive Director Lucy Suter Zander and Sunrise Club President Rena Geesaman are certainly happy friends as they prepare to shear Greg's locks.
Bob Miller, Foundation Chair of The Rotary Club of Hanover, recently presented first time Paul Harris certificates and pins to Ruth Shaffer and Moe Noel. Congratulations and thank you for your support of the Rotary Foundation.
The Rotary Club of Hanover recently recognized (from left to right) President Ralph Jodice, Foundation Chair Bob Miller, Doug Becker, and John Bailey with multiple Paul Harris pins. Congratulations and thank you for your support of the Rotary Foundation.
Doug Barmoy of the Rotary Club of Hanover was recently presented with a multiple Paul Harris pin by Foundation Chair Bob Miller. Congratulations and thank you for your continued support of the Rotary Foundation.
Members of the Rotary Club of Gettysburg gathered at the Gettysburg School District’s Lincoln Elementary School on February 8 to assemble meals for Ruth’s Harvest. Ruth’s Harvest is a not for profit organization that prepares meals for school age children. The meals go home each weekend in backpacks. The food is designed to feed the student for the weekend. The next packing event by Rotarians will be May 4.
All Rotarians are invited to become part of a Bocce Ball League starting in Lower Paxton Township. The Rotary Club of Colonial Park and the Lower Paxton Township Public Works department have made significant improvements to the Bocce Ball courts at Koons Park. The courts have been upgraded to a professional playing surface and league play begins soon. The league will be for both men and women, ages 18 and up.
This season, each team will consist of four (4) players and up to four (4) substitute players. The first session will begin on Wednesday, April 25, 2018 at 6:00 pm with an orientation/practice evening. Depending on the amount of interest, additional week nights or an earlier time slot will be added.
The fee to register for the Wednesday night league is $35.00 per person including substitute players. All equipment is included, and weekly schedules and standings will be sent to each team captain. Team registration fees can be sent to:
Rotary Club of Colonial Park
Attn: Bocce Ball Registration
PO Box 6522
Harrisburg, PA 17112
Make checks payable to: Rotary Club of Colonial Park and put “Bocce Ball Registration” in memo line. Please include the name of the team, the team captain’s name, cell number and email address and each team member’s name and email on a separate sheet of paper. Individuals who do not have enough members for a team can submit their individual information along with their check and they will be included on a team.
For additional information contact Rick Zeiders at 717 576-7673 or the township Parks and Recreation Department at 717-657-5635. The Bocce Ball courts, shuffle board court and horseshoe pits at Koons Park are open to the public any time except during league play. The Rotary Club of Colonial Park will host a Free Community Open House at the courts on Sunday, April 22, 2018 from 1:00-3:00 pm.
SHOUT OUT to the Rotary Club of Lancaster Penn Square for their “Hearts for Lancaster” fundraiser. Dozens of personalized messages on oversized hearts are being hung around Downtown Lancaster and drawing a good bit of attention for Rotary. This program earned some TV coverage recently too! That’s what I call fundraising with heart!
SHOUT OUT to the Hershey Rotary Club for their support Derry Township School District’s production of Peter Pan.
SHOUT OUT to the Elizabethtown Rotary Club for providing school supplies for children in Cambodia through the Color For Kids program (founded by a fourth grade student).
SHOUT OUT to the Rotary Club of Harrisburg for helping to raise over $500 in 20 minutes for students in the Youth Community Development Team who will continue fundraising in support of basic literacy programs.
SHOUT OUT to Rotarian Jess Socrates of the Rotary Club of Hanover and all of the constituents involved with Operation Braveheart. On a recent trip to the Philippine General Hospital, over 30 children received life saving heart surgeries through Operation Braveheart. Their good work continues with support of the Rotary Foundation through Global Grant initiatives. Thank you all for your service.
Some of you know that Leadership Harrisburg Area teaches the concepts of Servant Leadership as part of our programming. Aside from the authentic desire to develop other people, the most critical essential of Servant Leadership, as we teach, is Self Awareness. Self Awareness is not just about knowing your own strengths and weaknesses. Self Awareness is more about understanding how you impact people and situations around you. When you walk into a room, do you bring energy and positivity? When talking with other people, do you make eye contact and truly listen? Do you smile at strangers, make room for a vehicle merging into traffic, hold the door open behind you when walking into a building. As Rotarians espoused to Service Above Self, it certainly makes sense for us to reflect on our interactions and take note of how our attitude and actions are perceived by others. By increasing our own Self Awareness, we are building our capacity to effectively lead our clubs; becoming better at attracting new members; and increasing our ability to serve the community.
A community event hosted by Executive Women International (EWI) and supported by Leadership Harrisburg Area (LHA) is featuring Rotary International Vice President Dean Rohrs on Thursday, March 15 beginning at 5:30 PM at the Radisson. This event is open to the public. An opportunity like this comes once in a blue moon and I encourage everyone to try and attend. In fact, bring your family members, friends, and associates and let them get a real sense of Rotary in action.
Dean’s story starts in Zambia where she enjoyed a world shielded from apartheid until she was 14 years old. That’s when the revolution made its way to the Congo. Her mother was head of the Red Cross and led the evacuation of many refugees. Dean was called to stand up against the prosecutors and was imprisoned at the age of 16. It was soon after that moment when Dean Rohrs set forth to create a more peaceful world. She harnessed the strength of her fear and scars to foster education, fight disease, and promote peace in some of the most abominable circumstances in some of the most remote areas of the world.
Dean leveraged the power of Rotary International to gain support for her efforts and has broken the cycles of poverty in numerous South African Villages literally saving thousands of young lives. Her story of bringing peace and human understanding to all landed Dean in Canada where she encourages international audiences to become messengers of change.
You don’t want to miss out on this presentation which is sure to be inspirational!
PS ~ In case anyone is wondering, my organization, Leadership Harrisburg Area, gains no returns from the event, we are simply a logistics partner and honored to have convened such wonderful organizations as EWI, LHA and Rotary!
Picture yourself on a sunny afternoon in June, golfing with friends and raising funds for a premier organization. Join the Byrnes Health Education Center for the 12th Annual Drive “Fore” Health Golf Outing on June 25 at the Bent Creek Country Club. Located in Lancaster, PA.
Bent Creek boasts " our signature Jay Morrish Championship designed golf course was cited by the USGA as a 'benchmark for golf courses in the Mid-Atlantic region'." Treat yourself and become the support for preventive health.
For additional information or to make your reservations, please contact Debi Beshore at 717.848.3064 ext/ 225 or by email dbeshore@ByrnesHEC.org.
The Center is a District 7390 Project, their mission: to education and inspire people of all ages to make healthy choices. Come out and support this great organization.
Byrnes HEC 12th Annual Drive "Fore" Health Golf Outing
Extensive planning is underway for the annual Rotary Youth Leaders Conference (RYLA). It is the responsibility of the Club President or designated RYLA Conference Chair to submit completed registration forms and fees for your Club’s candidates no later than May 5, 2018 to Melissa Bruck at the Rotary District Office, 515 South George Street, York, PA 17401-2723.
Again, the goal of the District RYLA Conference Committee is to have each Rotary Club in the District be represented by at least one young man and one young woman at the Conference. If the Rotary Club serves an area that has more than one high school, the Club should select at least one male and one female student from each high school. Last year more than 135 students attended! We hope to better that total in 2018. Please attempt to have an equal balance of young men and women.
RYLA will be held Sunday, June 10 to Thursday, June 14, 2018.
REMIND YOUR STUDENTS - THEY MUST ATTEND THE ENTIRE CONFERENCE FROM REGISTRATION THROUGH THE CLOSE OF THE FAMILY NIGHT BANQUET!
VITAL INFORMATION
Students can download the application in PDF format and complete it on-line. PLEASE HAVE YOUR STUDENTS TYPE THE APPLICATION, THEN PRINT, ADD PHOTO AND SIGNATURES AND SUBMIT TO YOUR CLUB FOR APPROVAL.
Students MUST attach a color, head shot, photograph that will be scanned and used in the Conference program. They can also email the photo to office@rotary7390.org.
The Family Night Celebration Event will be held Thursday, June 14, 2018. Cost for Rotarians, parents and guests will be $15 per person for heavy hors d'ouevres. Money will be collected at registration on Sunday. There is no cost for Conferees to attend the banquet.
If your student DOES NOT Attend RYLA, your Club WILL NOT receive a credit or refund!
There are several RYLA scholarships available that a Club demonstrating economic need can apply for. If your Club would like to apply for a scholarship, please send a letter/e-mail to Melissa Bruck, 515 South George Street, York, PA 17401 or office@rotary7390.org. All requests will be evaluated by the RYLA committee. The deadline to apply is March 2, 2018. Clubs that are selected to receive a scholarship will be notified by March 8, 2018. If you have questions on scholarships, please contact District RYLA chair Gary Crissman at ghcrissman@verizon.net or 717-545-6553.
Our District Training Assembly is scheduled for Saturday, March 17, 2018 at the Radisson Hotel Harrisburg (1150 Camp Hill Bypass, Camp Hill). Registration and a hot breakfast buffet will be held from 7:30 a.m. until 8:15 a.m. The training sessions will begin promptly at 8:15 a.m. and conclude at 2:00 p.m. after the luncheon. The cost is $45 per person. All Rotarians are encouraged to attend. It will be helpful in building “esprit de corps” in your Club. The break-out sessions during the morning will be fast-paced and interactive. They are designed to educate us on Rotary topics. At the beginning of the District Training Assembly we will approve the 2018-2019 District budget. Click here to register! Registration deadline is March 9, 2018. Join us at District Training Assembly to learn more about how to “Be The Inspiration”!
As you know by now, the theme for the 2018 Rotary District 7390 Conference is “Celebrating Rotary Super Heroes of our Past, Present, and Future!” Attendees will be invited to dress in super hero attire for Saturday evening festivities. There will be prizes and recognition for the best costumes. I, myself, am looking for my super hero persona and I need your help. If you have creative talents or literary skills, please suggest a super hero name for ME ~ your District Governor, Una Martone! Email your suggestions to me at umartone@leadershipharrisburg.org with Super Hero Name in the subject line. I will select one of the names and PAY FULL REGISTRATION for the winner to attend the District Conference on April 27-28 (not including hotel stay). Your suggestions must be received by February 28th in order to be considered. It’s a bird; it’s a plane; it’s ???????
At just over the half way point of the 2017/18 Rotary year of making a difference, I’d like to provide you with a “State of the District” report. I gave this report live at a leadership dinner on Tuesday, January 30. Maybe it was coincidence that my report was scheduled on the same night that President Trump gave the State of the Union. There was good news and less than good news in both reports ~ and that ends the comparison!
I wish I could report on all of the great and positive impacts that Rotarians are making through vibrant and engaged Rotary Clubs throughout the district. But to truly measure that impact is impossible. I wish I could measure the distribution of hope and happiness that comes along with the service projects and donations being made throughout the district, but the ripple effect of our actions goes on well past our reach. So, there are a few things that we CAN measure and share so that everyone is up to date.
District membership is down overall by 13 members since July 1. The number is a moving target, but membership is currently at 2301.
Of the 43 clubs in the district, only 22 clubs managed to maintain or increase membership since July 1. Yes, that means that 21 clubs lost members in the past 6 months.
Of the clubs that increased membership, Mechanicsburg North leads the pack with a 25% membership increase or 16 new members. Lancaster Penn Square increased membership by 21% equivalent to 2 new members; and Red Lion/Dallastown had a 19% membership increase with 4 new members. Congratulations!
Please remember my request to each club to increase membership by one new female member and one new member under the age of 40. Invite someone to your weekly meeting and let your club speak for itself. The surest way to gain new members it to ask people to join. Its’ up to you!
As a district, our members have contributed a total of $185,365 to The Rotary Foundation (annual fund). If we can replicate this same number in the 2nd half of the year, we’ll be in great shape! Our district would be in great shape in three years when half of our contributions come back to us to be put to work in District Club Grants and Global Grants. I am looking for 43 NEW donors to The Rotary Foundation this year… the equivalent of one new donor from every club. The standard donation is $100, but the range of donations is much broader than that. Most importantly, please give something. Gifts can be made through your club or directly through The Rotary Foundation at this link: https://www.rotary.org/en/donate
As a district, our contributions to Polio Plus through The Rotary Foundation are at $60,629. WOW! Given that one new case of the wild polio virus has been reported in Afghanistan last month, our battle continues and must be ramped up. Thank you to everyone who has made this such a rich and robust number! The Rotary Club of Harrisburg is currently leading the district in donations to Polio Plus. Kudos.
Our District 7390 Facebook page has gained 142 new likes since July 1. We have 805 people engaged with us through Facebook. The goal is 1000. If you haven’t yet liked the District 7390 page, please click on this link to do so! https://www.facebook.com/Rotary.District.7390/ It’s a great way to stay abreast of district news and gain some great content to share on your own social media and the social media channels of your Rotary club too. In addition, Rotary District 7390 has pages on Facebook for Rotary Means Business and Youth Exchange, take a look for them. We are also on LinkedIn as a district.
We have 49 people already registered to attend the Rotary International Convention from June 23-27 in Toronto, Canada. THIS JUST IN, Rotary District 7390 will be providing bus transportation in a Rotary-themed bus courtesy of Bailey Transportation. Stay tuned for details on how to reserve your seat! For more information or to register for the convention, click here: http://www.riconvention.org/en
In the coming months, the leadership team will be working on updating the district’s strategic plan; we are looking forward to a great District Wide Day of Service on April 21 and an awesome District Conference at the Harrisburg Hilton on April 27 – 28. We are working on the creation of a membership “safety net” and look forward to sharing more details as the plans take shape. If you would like to be a part of district-level planning and leadership, please let me know! We have plenty of room for more great ideas, input, and efforts.
This is a critical year for the polio eradication program. Coming off the lowest case count in history in 2017, we begin the new year with the momentum to make polio eradication a reality. In Pakistan and Afghanistan, where a period of typically lower polio transmission is starting, the program is seizing a prime opportunity for progress by strengthening efforts to reach vulnerable children and track polio in the environment. On the global stage this month, polio transition was a key agenda item under discussion at the WHO Executive Board meeting in Geneva. Click here to read the entire newsletter.
Members of the Rotary Club of Gettysburg met Jan. 24 to place Rotary wheel logo stickers on the new computers at the Family First Health Dental Center in Gettysburg. The Rotary Club acquired the computers through a Rotary District 7390 Grant which matched funds from the Gettysburg club.
Gettysburg Rotary Funds Computers for Dental Center
The homeless clients of Downtown Daily Bread have a long list of things they need to survive the winter, and at the top of every list is warm, dry socks. With the wealth of socks received from the Hershey Rotary Clubs challenge with Hershey High School, Daily Bread has been able to hand out a pair to each person that takes a weekly shower, to hand them out to those who shelter with them in their new emergency, overnight men’s shelter (they sleep 38 people each night in addition to the 100 who visit each day), and to anyone who asks or whose feet make a noise as they walk through because they almost all wear holes in their boots or tennis shoes. The homeless are very grateful for the socks!
Downtown Daily Bread has also been sharing the socks. Community nurses from Hershey Medical Center have been given a large number of the socks, especially the women’s and children’s sock that were in the mix. They go to so many low-income and homeless shelters for women providing flu shots and health information, and hand them out to families in great need there. This accomplishes health awareness along with the comfort of socks and pushes the socks out to many groups of needy families.
Also, Lebanon Valley College works with a family shelter and with refugees from the hurricane in Puerto Rico, people who have nothing. The socks are being shared with them and other organizations as well.
The example set by High School and younger students is inspiring many other groups. Susquehanna Township heard about the efforts and decided to “top off” the Hershey sock drive with a hat and glove drive. Harrisburg U and Lebanon Valley College have also been inspired to fund raise for Downtown Daily Bread. Daily Bread is now developing an entire student program around the success of Hershey Rotary Club and Hershey High School.
Downtown Daily Bread just hopes the men’s socks last until the next fundraiser, but they say it is a relief not to have to hoard them. For once, there are enough, and no one has lost their toes this winter.
Carlisle-Sunrise Rotary opened the New Year 2018 with donations totaling $7000 to community support organizations in Carlisle Borough and Cumberland County. The three major recipients are the local United Way ($1000), Hope Station ($830), and Project Share Food Pantry ($730). Leaders of these organizations received symbolic checks illustrating that Sunrise Rotary is "Making a Difference" in our community and in the year to come.
The Rotary Club of Hanover’s Foundation Chair, Bob Miller at the far right, presented multi-Paul Harris pins to 4 members. Pictured from left to right receiving the pins are Warren Miller, Greg Staub (AG), Cork Troxell, and John Bailey. Congratulations on your continued strong support for the Rotary Foundation.
The Rotary Club of Mechanicsburg North will host the second RMB event of the 2018 season on Wednesday, February 21 at Hot Frog Print Media, 114 York Street, Mechanicsburg, PA. The event is free and includes wine/beer/water and soft drinks along with some very tasty hors d'oeuvres thanks to the following sponsors: Eastern PCM; Fairway Mortgage; Hot Frog Print Media LLC; McKonly and Asbury CPAs; Reilly Insurance LLC; First National Bank and S&T Bank. The event will start at 5:30 and end at 7:30. 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!
Mechanicsburg-North to host Rotary Means Business - February 21
The Rotary Club of Gettysburg hosted a super successful RMB networking event on January 16 at the Wyndham Gettysburg Hotel with 30 RSVPs from seven district clubs (Carlisle, Colonial Park, Gettysburg, Hanover, Red Lion/Dallastown Area, York, and West Shore). Despite the bad weather some 24 Rotarians and guests attended the event. A big thank you to the Rotary Club of Gettysburg and the Wyndham Gettysburg Hotel for setting up such a wonderful event where many great business and project connections were made and much fun and fellowship enjoyed. Well done all!
Shout Out to District Governor Elect John May who is spending this week at the Rotary International Assembly in San Diego with incoming DGs representing all 534 Rotary Districts worldwide. Hope you’re enjoying every minute and setting your plans for a GREAT year to “Be The Inspiration.”
Shout Out to all of the current Club Presidents… you’ve turned the corner and are now approaching the home stretch! How can you make the most of these next few months to meet your goals and continue to make a difference? How can District 7390 help?
I am pleased to provide you with the Report of Action related to the 2017 Council on Resolutions (COR). Click here to view the Resolutions that were adopted by the Council on Resolutions. 38 resolutions were transmitted to the Council. The Council adopted 17 (15 recommendations will go to the RI Board and 2 to The Rotary Foundation (TRF for their consideration).
Please note that the deadline for submitting resolutions to the 2018 COR is 30 June 2018. A link to the submission form, plus helpful resources, can be found on the Councils page of My Rotary.
For any District 7390 resolutions for 2018, I encourage you to submit any proposed resolution at least 30 days before the District Conference so it can be considered and endorsed accordingly by the District. Click here for directions on how to submit resolutions.
The Four-Way Test Essay contest in District 7390 was initiated in 2006-07 by the Rotary Club of Mechanicsburg-North in the 9thgrade at Cumberland Valley High School. The winner of their 2007-08 contest presented her essay at the District Conference and was well received. The 2008-09 District Governor challenged other Clubs to have contests in their local schools and agreed that if multiple Clubs did have contests, he would have their winners vie for District honors and prizes. The Clubs responded and three prizes were awarded in 2009 and 2010 with the first place winners presenting their essays at the District Conference.
Approximately 20 Clubs in the District participate in the Essay contest, but why not every Club? Then every 9th grader in our District would know something about Rotary and our 4-Way Test. Think of the positive effect this would have on their lives, Interact Clubs, the public image of Rotary, and the future of Rotary. If your Club has not already indicated interest in the Essay contest for 2017-2018 please contact District Chair, Steve Grubb at stevengrubb@comcast.net.
The deadline to submit your club's winning essay to the District is March 2, 2018. You can find more information about the essay contest by clicking here.
During the holidays, Rich and Wendy Motz were raising money for the Lititz Fire Company through their spectacular Laurel Avenue Christmas lights display. They never imagined that the same volunteer fire company was about to save their daughter-in-laws life. "It just goes to show that you don't know when you'll need the fire company. We are sure grateful they were there for us," says Rich Motz.
On Nov, 13 Rich received a call that his daughter-in-law Misty had been in a car accident that morning. He rushed to the scene and met up with his son as the Lititz Fire company was in the process of extricating Misty from her crumpled car. It only too a few minutes to get her out of the mangled car.
The Motzes are grateful for something called an AMKUS rescue system battery-operated cutter tool. That's what the fire company used to cut through the framework of the car to save Misty. The cutter is like a huge pair of clippers that rips right through metal. In the past, it might have been called the Jaws of Life, but that term is outdated, and the steel used in cars has changed.
Fortunately, the Lititz Fire Company had just received an $11,000 gift from the Lititz Rotary Club as part of the funds raised for community service through the annual Lititz Craft show and the Travelogue film series.
Barry Miller of the Lititz Rotary Club is also impressed by the larger cutter that the Rotary Club funded for the fire company. "That's what the Lititz Rotary Club is all about. We raise money for community services in the Warwick area and throughout Lancaster County that affect local people." he explained, noting that proceeds from the craft show and travelogue are approximately $75,000.
It's gratifying to realize the impact of this tool. Any of us could be in the same situation and it means a lot to know the fire company has the dedicated people and equipment they need," Miller said.
Our exciting Rotary year of service projects, grants, and contributions to address local and global needs experienced another milestone on April 4-6 at our Annual District Conference. Three additional Districts joined us at the Hershey Lodge, as about 400 Rotarians, including 23 Exchange students, gathered to hear from 7 keynote speakers on the theme of Positive Peace. We heard insights on the role of Rotary in Conflict Resolution from Past Rotary International President Barry Rassin, Zone 32 Director, Chris Etienne, the CEO of Hershey Entertainment and Resorts (the Conference sponsor), John Lawn, two Peace Fellows, and our Harrisburg Club colleague, Hagir Elsheikh. Every speaker was a Rotarian and each highly committed to the advancement of greater understanding and goodwill. 
named after her young son. The Mission supports families through guidance, collaborative partnerships, and advocacy for those who cannot advocate for themselves. Kareem's Mission is a registered 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to supporting individuals with autism and their families.
Four Rotarians from our District, PDG Connie Spark, Harrisburg Rotarian Hagir Elsheikh, Hershey Rotarian Maria Thompson, and I joined the senior leadership of RI and a thousand other Rotarians from around the world to engage in dialogue about the Rotary goal of greater understanding, goodwill, and peace, the 4th object of Rotary, as announced by Paul Harris, in 1921, at the RI Convention in Edinburgh--over a hundred years ago! 
“Martin and Me”, a heartfelt essay in Rotary magazine (February 2025), was written by Charles D. Allen (better known as Chuck), a member of the Rotary Club of Carlisle Sunrise. The essay is filled with Chuck’s recollections of the civil rights movement over the years and the inspiration of Martin Luther King, Jr. in shaping his life. He writes about Dr. King’s “presence” in his family and his work to ”bend the arc of the moral universe toward justice”. On becoming a Rotarian, Chuck writes that, “The better I got to know Rotary and the more closely I studied the writings and speeches of Dr. King, the more similarities I see between his teaching and the Four Way Test.” He notes the desire of Dr. King that his efforts be beneficial to all.
PDG Juliet Altenburg, District Membership Chair
Aaron is the immediate past President and has been a very dedicated member of the Rotary Club of York for over 16 years, with perfect attendance. He is a Paul Harris Fellow+3, a Legacy Society Member, and continues a proud second-generation Rotary family tradition, beginning when his father chartered the Rotary Club of York-North. Aaron is the current Chair of the Service Project Development Committee, and served as the Preserve Planet Earth Chair for 10 years. He has served on his Club Membership, Finance, and Foundation Committees, and currently serves on the District Membership Committee.
Pictured: Tim Koller, Sandy Graham, Jim Norton and Jeff Snyder
Very best wishes for the holiday season, as Rotary families and friends gather to reflect on the many joys and challenges of this year, and become excited about goals and resolutions for 2025. Guided by the core values of diversity, integrity, fellowship, leadership, and service, we can develop the Rotary Object of friendship and fellowship as we advance understanding, good will, and peace, all of which enable us to engage in service above self.
At the Rotary Club of York’s November 13th meeting, Club members in attendance and guests who are veterans or active duty military were honored during the Club’s annual Veterans Day meeting.
During the event, PDG Hector Ortiz launched the District Positive Peace Initiative and inspired all Rotarians to become individual advocates through taking the peacebuilder course at 
On Sunday, October 20, over a dozen Rotarians from five Clubs joined the Ride to Eradicate Polio, biking between Columbia and Marietta, where they enjoyed lunch, in a biker’s bar, of sorts. It was a quick and delightful way to raise a thousand dollars for the cause! There are still opportunities this month to participate in club Polio fundraisers. 
Myerstown-ELCO
Myerstown-ELCO Students of the Month
Dear Rotarians,
Later in the week, Celestine from Belgium met with her host Club in Hershey and over snacks described how she played in a soccer game the very next day after her arrival. The event hosts, Brian and Julie Harris, requested that Paul Harris also join the event and treated him like a lost cousin.
It was a profound week for our District, as our YE team, our RMB team, and our Hosting Clubs demonstrated great commitment to the youth movement, and clearly advanced the opportunity for understanding, goodwill, and ultimately peace, at every level, as doors to world fellowship were flung wide open.
Wednesday, September 11, 2024, was the dedication ceremony for the RCWS's 5th Annual Flags for Heroes event.
Matthew A. Robinson has supported Flags for Heroes since its first year in 2020. Dennis Owens has been the event emcee for four of the five years. Now we have a chance to show our support to Matthew and Dennis. 
As a part of this month’s theme addressing Membership and New Club Development, there is a three part experiential homework assignment for you to undertake.
Further Ruminations on Leadership Month, the Rotary theme for July.
Hello District 7390 teammates. This is my final DG note to you. Hard to believe we are at this point in the year. It seems like yesterday I was contemplating what to tell you in my first DG note. I will say more tomorrow night at the DG Installation in Hershey, but for now let me simply offer my heartfelt thanks for all you have done and continue to do to support your community, your club, our district, and the goals of Rotary International. I stand in awe of all I have seen this year. Your individual and collective efforts are generous, effective, and appreciated. I also thank you for the confidence and support so many of you have provided to me this year as I served in the governor role. Bravo to our District Leadership Team and so many others who make this district a success. Leading a Rotary District is a team sport!
How to Order Tickets:
Hello Rotarians. What an incredible adventure I have had in Singapore at the 2024 Rotary International convention. While I look forward to being home, I won’t forget the incredible energy among the 12,000-plus Rotarians as we learned from each other all that Rotary is doing and will be doing. Every facet of Rotary was on display throughout the 4 day and the breakout sessions were excellent learning opportunities. I came away with a new appreciation for the emphasis Rotary International is placing on Peacebuilding and addressing environmental concerns.
Hello Rotarians. As you read this note, I am experiencing long flights to Singapore to join thousands of Rotarians at the Rotary International Convention 26-30 May. There are 8 of us from District 7390 attending. Having been to two other Rotary International Conventions, I know this will be a wonderful experience learning all that is going on in Rotary and meeting hundreds of Rotarians from around the world. Immediately after this convention, reservations for the next convention in Calgary, Alberta Canada will go on sale. Please plan to join the experience in Calgary. And if not next year, the following year is in Taipei, Taiwan and the year after that is Honolulu, Hawaii (a place I can highly recommend).
Greetings all. Hard to believe it is May already. There are only 2 months left in the Rotary Year. Where does the time go? I trust your club experience is going well and you are enjoying time with your fellow Rotarians. Keep up the energy. Our incoming 2024-2025 club and district leaders are busy preparing for the start of the year on July 1st. Check in with your club’s President-elect and see what plans they are formulating for the next Rotary year and where you might offer assistance and volunteer leadership. The same is true for our district-level committees and programs. Many hands make light work, and we will all be better for your individual efforts.
Hello Rotarians! Another great week of Rotary in action. And in one week we will gather for the first part of our District Conference. I look forward to seeing those who have registered. Remember that even if you do not plan to join us for the formal conference events on Friday night and Saturday afternoon, you are encouraged to come out for one of the service projects on Saturday morning. The hosting organizations will be glad for your time and effort and our community environment will benefit. Thank you in advance for your help.
Happy spring in district 7390! Each week I get to go to one or more club’s activities and it is great to see our wonderful Rotarians in action. Thank you for all that you are doing to serve others in your communities.
Greetings on a chilly spring day. I hope your Rotary experience continues to be great. Mine is awesome!
Education
What a great week we have had. Loving the weather! I know our clubs and Rotarians remain active doing service in our communities. Warm weather makes it just a little more fun. Last week I visited the Susquehanna Township club, my 41st and last official Governor visit. I am elated that I got to visit each of our clubs and experience the camaraderie that is a Rotary club while learning about all the projects, giving, and challenges each club undertakes. Even our smallest clubs are doing great things for their communities. It is an honor to serve in Rotary with you and I am inspired each time I interact with Rotarians. Thank you.
Hello Rotarians. Maybe spring weather is here? Whether we have some more of that less warm weather coming or not, Rotary is an all-season sport and I’m glad we continue to serve year-round. Thanks for all you are doing in our communities and our world.
So far I have greatly enjoyed studying in the UK. I have had the opportunity to study alongside leading scholars in the field of international development and education, taking a variety of classes in the field. For instance, I have taken a course on the Role of the State in Education and in the Future of Learning in the Digital Age. Additionally, on campus, I have taken on the role of ESOL A1 Coordinator for the North East Solidarity and Teaching project. Essentially, this involves teaching refugees in the area English to better assist them in their integration within the UK and in the North East. In this role, I coordinate weekly lessons and manage a team of volunteers for our beginner-level classes. This semester, I will complete an international field placement, which will provide me with practical experience in education within an international context. I have also had the chance to explore the North quite a bit, and I was even able to see the castle in which the Harry Potter films were made.
As the world seems to be erupting in chaos, a bright light of international cooperation and peace came to the York East Rotary Club meeting. He is Amadi (Mohammed) Mphande from Mfuwe, Zambia. Mfuwe’s rural village is located in the Southeastern area of Zambia, Africa near the South Luangwa National Park. His first time on an airplane and his first snow fall, Mfuwe shared his village’s recent experience with a team of Medical, Eye-Care and Dental Care volunteers lead by local York-East Rotarian Connie Spark. Two-thirds of Zambians live below the poverty line with a monthly income of $211.00 US. There is a great need for medical supplies and medical professionals.
The District Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee is happy to welcome Vladimir Beaufils as the new Leader of the Committee. Vlad is a member of the Rotary Club of Harrisburg since 2022 and is the Chair of its DEI Committee. Vladimir was born in Haiti, where he lived in hiding for wo years before escaping to the US in December of 1960. 
Share Some Love (dollars) with The Rotary Foundation (TRF) and District 7390 will Share Some Love with you by donating Foundation points to your Foundation account in celebration of Valentine’s Day.
Carlisle Supports Eye Care in KENYA
I am pleased to announce that the District Governor Nominating Committee has met and is recommending Rebecca Zalit, Rotary Club of Palmyra, to serve as our District Governor for the 2026-2027 Rotary year. 
Marilyn Nevy Cruz 
Pallavi Gowda, DO, MHA
Justin Saltzman
$15 provides polio vaccines to protect children for a lifetime 
Greetings District 7390 Rotarians,
November is Foundation Month and on Saturday, November 4, the District held its annual Rotary Foundation Dinner, resulting in a festive celebration and recognition of our many Clubs and Members who made the past year such a great success, together with a realistic depiction of the present need for more peacebuilding and how we can each participate, followed by positive declarations about promising future initiatives for our District, all that interspersed with a compelling District achievement video and live music from students in the Spartan Modern Band of the Milton Hershey School, a local life-changing educational institution that participates in a joint Interact Club with Derry Township High School. That was a long paragraph, but so was the Dinner.
Speaking of Rotary service, our own PDG John Anthony from the Mechanicsburg North club was designated as the Mechanicsburg Man of The Year by the Downtown Mechanicsburg Partnership. The award dinner was a wonderful celebration of John and all his work to make Mechanicsburg a great place to live. True to John’s serving spirit, he added to the evening’s program 20 non-profit organizations that do charitable work in the Mechanicsburg area. Each organization got 2 minutes to describe themselves and their work. Rotary was well represented by Mechanicsburg North club President David Blain. That part of the program was a wonderful display of humanitarian efforts at the local level and a testament to all the work John does to enhance lives in Mechanicsburg and elsewhere. Congratulations to John on this well-deserved honor and thanks to all our Mechanicsburg area Rotarians for their service above self.
Two weeks ago, the governor line leaders attended the Learning to Lead conference in Toronto hosted by Rotary Zones 28 and 32. These Zone level conferences are held each year in late September and are open to all Rotarians, especially those in or assuming leadership positions. The break-out sessions were informative, energizing, and useful for club members. One trainer asked, “who do you lean on and who do you hold up?” That question resonated with me and I pass the question to you for your reflection. I ask club leaders to consider sponsoring one member, or a few, to attend next September. You will get back energized Rotarians with new knowledge. Thanks go to PDGs Connie Spark, Hector Ortiz, and Una Martone for serving as trainers and facilitators. These experienced and successful leaders are critical to making these learning sessions beneficial to all. Thank you for your time, talent, and work on our behalf. Also of note, there was a fundraising event for the Rotary Foundation called “Bouncing for the Foundation.” Volunteers from the 40 districts in attendance strapped on Zorb bouncy balls and sumo-style battled for bragging rights. I represented District 7390 and most importantly survived the experience. Thanks to those Rotarians who donated in our district and in the other districts, we raised $103,000 from the event. Awesome! You can Google “Zorb ball rentals” to see if this might make sense as a club fundraising activity.
I will close this note by acknowledging the horrific events that are on-going in the Middle East. One of Rotary’s focus areas is on Promoting Peace and this past week has highlighted the desperate need for peacebuilding. The district leaders are discussing how we as a district can support peacebuilding. As we gather information and develop a plan, I’ll communicate how Rotarians and clubs might support Rotary’s peace efforts.
WHTM-TV anchor Dennis Owens has agreed to emcee our event for the third year in a row. Dennis understands all that goes into being a hero, including the sacrifices they make. He did a phenomenal job at the previous dedication ceremonies (viewable on the 
We're also excited to welcome Tracey C. Jones as our featured speaker this year! Tracey is nationally known for her leadership expertise, as well as her ability to connect on a core level with her audiences. You can learn more about Tracey by visiting her 
Last week, I had the pleasure of attending the “Life on Land” conference led by our RI Director Drew Kessler and hosted by District 5010 in Anchorage, AK. The conference focus was on environmental issues broadly and the Arctic in specific. I was joined by our District Governor-elect Paul Thompson and his wife Maria, both from the Rotary Club of Hershey. This was a wonderful experience, and a great example of the many opportunities Rotary offers to serve, learn, and lead. Alaska is an amazing place and we learned about Alaska’s place in the world and our nation, the positive governance structures that are working well to share opportunities with native peoples, and the changing Arctic environment and its impacts on the rest of the globe. As one of the speakers said, “the Arctic is a global Arctic.” As we find more of these learning opportunities in Rotary, I’ll be sure to get the details published.
Another learning opportunity closer to home is our upcoming Rotary Leadership Institute (RLI) that takes place at Central Penn College on September 16th. RLI has three parts to the course plus a graduate seminar for those that have completed the three parts. We have 24 Rotarians registered and are ready to go for Part 1 and the Graduate Seminar. We need more teammates to join us for Parts 2 and 3 as there is a required minimum number of students. For those that have completed Parts 1 or 2, please consider registering for our course. While there are other RLI Sessions throughout the year (see RLI NEA website), this is the one course this Rotary year close to home. No better time to take the next step in your Rotary learning journey. Registration is available on the District 7390 web site, lower left corner under the calendar entry for the RLI.
Past District Governor Greg Staub has been appointed chair of District 7390's Major Donor and Paul Harris Society programs. These significant programs of The Rotary Foundation (TRF) recognize members who make major gifts to TRF.
I have been thinking about the journey that has gotten me to the point of district leadership in Rotary. Each of us has our own story of how we came to Rotary, what experiences we have had, and what Rotary has come to mean for us. I am enjoying reflecting on my 11 years in Rotary and thinking about what the next decade of service might look like for me. Maybe you are thinking about some similar reflections. As you do, I am open to hearing your stories and ideas as we consider the future of Rotary in our club and district. 
PDG Juliet Altenburg, RN, MSN
Begin your adventure with the optional Princess cruise from Vancouver, B.C. to Anchorage via Whittier, exploring the deep green of the coastal mountains, the varying blues of our glaciers and the wonderful wildlife scenery that is Alaska. Enjoy Alaska’s beauty with your fellow Rotarians and the wonder of glaciers that are quickly disappearing in Glacier National Park. Join our local Rotarians for a dinner in the home, and talk to real Alaskan residents to find out all you ever wanted to know about the arctic and hiking, fishing or hunting in the wilderness. Alaska is globally significant for its large tracts of intact habitats and their role in conserving biodiversity and storing carbon while supporting traditional and cultural uses. What better place to learn about environmental sustainability while enjoying the beauty of Alaska with your fellow
Rotarians.
Elizabeth “Beth” Mihmet, is the Associate Director of Planned Giving at Dickinson College in Carlisle and an active member of the Rotary Club of Harrisburg for more than eight years. Beth earned her BS from Colgate University (English and Art) and her MBA from Temple University. She served as the 22-23 Club President and is a board member for Leadership Harrisburg Area (LHA). In her free time, Beth enjoys hiking, bicycling on Pennsylvania’s rail trails and reading. She lives in Mechanicsburg with her wife, Sarah Myers. Beth is excited to chair the District 7390 DEI committee with Marcellus Taylor and continue the work that PDG Juliet Altenburg started last year. She is motivated to help Rotarians build more inclusive club cultures with a focus on belonging and fun. Beth is committed to helping Rotarians find the resources/people they need to strengthen their clubs and serve as an ambassador to members of the LGBTQ+ community searching for welcoming service organizations. Beth can be reached at 
Marcellus Taylor, Ed.D. serves as Director of Health Equity at the Partnership for Better Health. He joined the foundation in 2021 and leads a portfolio of grants and initiatives focused on advancing health equity. He mobilizes strategies to engage historically marginalized communities and people with lived experience through the sharing of power and decision making, towards addressing health disparities and shaping a more equitable future.
The Brand Center is continually updated with new materials to help you promote your club! You’ll find tips on raising awareness of Rotary, ready- made print and digital ads, images, videos, audio clips, templates to download, and more. These resources allow you to create messages that show your community that Rotary members are people of action making a difference.
Rotary in the media
What's your story?
This year we will be partnering with the East Pennsboro Education Foundation and the East Pennsboro High School Track team in an event called Panther Prowl which also includes a One Mile Color Fun Run for Kids. We hope to grow this event by getting food trucks, entertainment/music and additional children’s activities. Make it into a real spring community festival!
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The District 7390 Leadership is proud to welcome our newest team member District Governor Nominee Designate Mary Brunski! Mary will become District Governor during the 2025-2026 Rotary Year.
The Rotary Clubs of Yellow Breeches, Mechanicsburg-North, D7390 Passport and West Shore will sponsor and host the 65th RMB networking event along with Fairway Mortgage Corporation, Mother Hubbard's Custom Cabinetry, and the Classic Rock Design Center (venue sponsor). The event will take place at the Classic Rock Design Center, 135 W Allen Street, Mechanicsburg, PA, on Wednesday, February 15 from 5:30 to 7:30 PM. The event is FREE and will include the usual light hors d'oeuvres along with wine, beer, soft drinks and water. 
Since this week is a time of thanks, I want to take this opportunity to express how thankful I am for every Rotarian in our District! You are not only role models of service for your local and international communities but enthusiastically take on the important role of serving and supporting one another through life’s many challenges. During these last five months of club visits and event gatherings, I have been inspired by your kindness, camaraderie, and big hearts for service whether it is hands-on or through your generous financial giving. You have uplifted me in unexpected and delightful ways, so I give THANKS for YOU! Have a safe and happy holiday everyone! 
With the Russians now targeting infrastructure, there is obvious concern for Ukrainians surviving the winter.
Medical Equipment in Argentina
We are encouraging clubs to move forward with your Four-Way Test Speech Contests and send your Club contest winner to the District Mid-Levels. Students can register for the Mid-Levels by clicking 
District 7390 recently transferred $29,025 of District Designated Funds (DDF) to PolioPlus to support Rotary’s signature project of polio eradication. “Our District Allocations Committee is pleased to make these funds available to recognize World Polio Day,” said Governor Juliet Altenburg.
Chuck Sawicki has experienced a lot in his 80-plus years on this planet.
On Tuesday, October 18, 2022, Kathi Fuhrman, President of Fuhrman Creative and President of the Rotary Club of Hanover gave a fantastic presentation on Strengthening your Digital Rotary Club Presence. To view this presentation on demand go to this link:
The RC of Carlisle, working with the RC of Thika, Kenya, is implementing a global grant project for water for personal consumption and agricultural development in a poor village in Kenya. The project takes place at a children’s safe home that houses about 100 youngsters ages infant through high school. It also benefits the local community.
Rotarians from 7390 joined friends from Rotary clubs in Maryland, Virginia and District of Columbia for a rendezvous in Georgetown, MD on the Sassafras River. As members of the International Yachting Fellowship of Rotarians (IYFR), Chesapeake Bay Fleet, they gather monthly in warm weather months at various locations on the upper Chesapeake Bay for fellowship and discussions about their various clubs’ activities and projects----as well as sharing experiences about maintaining and operating their boats.
Carlisle-Sunrise, Northern Lebanon Co, and York build small houses in Ecuador
The Rotary Club of Carlisle-Sunrise recently hosted Carlisle’s noon club for a presentation about that club’s water project in Kenya. In attendance was Meshack Kishoyian Sinkira (known as Kish) the International Officer from Kenya at the US Army War College, Carlisle. Rotarians from Carlisle first became acquainted with Kish at a meeting of RC of Hershey.
PDG Alden Cunningham (Carlisle) has a book available for purchase through Amazon! 
Most recently RC of Carlisle and district 7390 contributed to a global grant for an Eye Care Program in Nairobi, which is currently being implemented in schools in poor areas of Nairobi. 
Norma Jean Park was awarded the district 7390 Rotary Scholarship for graduate study at the University of Essex, Brighton, England, where she will earn a Master of Arts degree in Food and Development. The Global Grant award is valued at $30,000 with $16,675 from #7390 District Designated Funds and $13,325 from The Rotary Foundation.
On June 29th, The Rotary Club of York installed Glenn Miller of York College as the 2022/2023 Club President. Miller’s term begins July 1. He succeeds Jackie Summers whose term ends June 30th. Miller was presented for induction by Tony Campisi, Chairman of the Glatfelter Insurance Group.
The Mechanicsburg Club has been working on a Global Grant for the community of Metalillito, El Salvador since it was approve in September of 2019. All of the part of the grant have been completed and about $18,000 of the funding remains. The club plans to petition The Rotary Foundation for permission to use these funds to build more composting toilets for the growing community which has identified a need for 35 more units. Continue reading below for the full story of the club's work with this community.
After collecting the required information GG1984786 for $47,218 was submitted and was approved on 9/16/2019. There were several issues with actually getting the funds but they were received in December 2019. Further delays were caused by revised, but lower quotes so the project did not start until March 2020. That is when COVID-19 started and it greatly impacted the project until September 2020. By December 2020, the solar panels had been installed but the utility did not approve their operation until April 2021. In the meantime, the community and the Rotary club celebrated the solar panel installation on 12/6/2020 and the first global grant progress report was submitted on 12/17/2020.
When passion and raw determination are added to the miracle of modern vaccines, great things happen. Over the last 30 years, Rotary and its partners in the Global Polio Eradication Initiative have seen the reduction of polio cases worldwide, by 99.9 percent. But, as long as polio and the many other vaccine preventable diseases still circulate anywhere in the world, children in the US are still vulnerable and must continue to be vaccinated.
Women in Rotary Committee –
Jaclyn Victor with America250PA was a guest speaker at our weekly meeting. The Pennsylvania Commission for the United States Semiquincentennial (America250PA) was established by the legislature and Governor in 2018 to plan, encourage, develop and coordinate the commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States, Pennsylvania’s integral role in that event, and the impact of its people on the nation’s past, present, and future. America250PA hopes to engage all citizens of the Commonwealth, from all 67 counties, bring the Commonwealth’s history into the conversation so Pennsylvanians can better understand the origins and multiple perspectives of issues facing our Commonwealth & nation today, use history to encourage and inspire future leaders, celebrate the contributions of Pennsylvanians to our Commonwealth’s history but also to our Nation’s history, leave a lasting impact on the next generation.
We were honored to have Mike Grandy, former president of Red Lion Controls, be our guest at our weekly meeting. Mike was born in the United Kingdom, and started his career as a freelance developer of computer games. From the games world, he moved into industrial software development via a path that is too complex to explain. He worked on some of the very first Human-Machine Interface products as far back as 1986, and can thus honestly claim to be one of the few people in the world with nearly 30 years' experience in this field. Mike's path took him through a series of start-ups in the late eighties and early nineties, to the founding of a company called Paradigm Controls in 1993, where he was responsible for the development of the software and firmware for a range of operator interface terminals. Paradigm caught the eye of Red Lion Controls, and was acquired by Red Lion Controls in 1996. Mike continued to run the company in the UK until moving to the United States in July 1999 to join Red Lion in Pennsylvania as Vice President of Engineering. Five months later, Mike was promoted to President at the age of 31.
On April 24th starting at 12pm (with 11am pre-registration), the 5K Run for Education organized by the Rotary Club of Mechanicsburg North will be taking place at the Panther Prowl, an event organized by the East Pennsboro Panther Foundation and East Pennsboro High School Track Team at the East Pennsboro High School Track in Enola, PA. The One Mile Color Fun Run for kids begins at 1pm and will feature a Color run through obstacles. There will be medals for top female and male runners in the 5K Run for Education and medals for ages groups in the One Mile Color Fun Run. Proceeds from the 5K Run for Education will go for sponsorships for deserving seniors in the East Pennsboro High, Cumberland Valley High and Cumberland-Perry Vocational Techincal schools. Proceeds from the One Mile Color Fun Event will benefit the East Pennsboro Panther Foundation and East Pennsboro High School Track Team. Medals will be given for best times by sex and age group at the both 5K Run and One Mile Color Fun Run
Paul Thompson has been a member of the Rotary Club of Hershey for the past 15 years. Paul served on the District Global Grant Scholarship committee, President of the Hershey Rotary Club a member of the Board of the Hershey Club, and has been involved with Rotary Youth Exchange.
MARK YOUR CALENDARS FOR A PRESIDENT ELECT PICNIC AT ADAMS COUNTY WINERY! On Saturday, June 11, Noon – 3 PM, all Club President Elects are invited to a FREE picnic hosted at Adams County Winery, 531 Peach Tree Rd, Orrtanna, PA hosted by DGE Juliet and the District Leadership Team.This is a family event so bring the kids and partners for a fun OUTDOOR gathering to make new friends, get energized about your year ahead, and celebrate warm weather and a time of connection at long last!Food for grilling and beverages will be provided. Wine and beer will be available for purchase from the winery!Register at:
“Rotary District 7390 Club Presidents 2022-2023” LinkedIn Group: DGE Juliet has formed a LinkedIn group for 2022-2023 D7390 Club Presidents. This group will be a way for current President Elects to connect with one another, offer support, share best practices, and stay informed from District Leadership about the latest District and RI news both during their time as President Elects and as Presidents in the 2022-2023 Rotary Year. Look for the group on LinkedIn and submit a request to join!
Safety Precautions
Safety Precautions
We want to thank all the amazing volunteers form the York East Rotary who have continued to help us in our Christmas red kettle efforts. We also want to thank all the people in the community and the donors who have donated to our red kettles. It's because of you that we can continue to provide our rental, utilities, & food services, adult & youth programs, after-school programs, and many more to our wonderful York community.
Carlisle Rotary Clubs present a check for over $26,500 to Safe Harbour. The funds were raised during Rotary’s annual holiday auction. Pictured from left to right are David Kammerer, President of the Carlisle Sunrise Rotary Club, Geoff Mangelsdorf, President of the Carlisle Rotary Club, Scott Shewell, Safe Harbour President and CEO and Paul Edger, Chairman of Safe Harbour’s Board of Directors.
The initiative is a tax efficient way for Rotarians to support The Rotary Foundation. You can make a difference today and save on taxes when you support The Rotary Foundation through your IRA.
NEW “Rotary District 7390 Club Presidents 2022-2023” LinkedIn Group: 
NEW “Rotary District 7390 Club Presidents 2022-2023” LinkedIn Group: DGE Juliet Altenburg has formed a new LinkedIn group for 2022-2023 D7390 Club Presidents. This group will be a way for current President Elects to connect with one another, offer support, share best practices, and stay informed from District Leadership about the latest District and RI news both during their time as President Elects and as Presidents in the 2022-2023 Rotary Year. Look for the group on LinkedIn and submit a request to join!
2022 Mid Atlantic President Elect Training (PETS) – This mandatory education for all current President Elects is taking place in-person Friday February 25th and Saturday, February 26, 2022 with an optional evening of education on Thursday, February 24th. Location: Valley Forge Hotel and Casino in Valley Forge, PA. EXCITING NEWS: 2022-2023 RI President Jennifer Jones will be joining us in person as a keynote speaker! To read more go to 
The Rotary Clubs of Mechanicsburg North and Mechanicsburg, Mother Hubbard's Custom Cabinetry and Fairway Independent Mortgage Company will host the 62nd Rotary Means Business District 7390 networking event since our beginning in 2014 on Thursday, November 11 from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. at Mother Hubbard's Custom Cabinetry, 5309 E. Trindle Road, Mechanicsburg, PA. The event is FREE and in honor of Veterans Day donations can be made to the Rotary Veterans Initiative which helps veterans succeed by supporting their education, training, and job search opportunities. Go to 
A 2021/22 Club Grant, sponsored by the Rotary Club of Hanover, provided Windy Hill Senior Center in Spring Grove with a new commercial freezer, two Rolling Serving Carts and two Food Carts. Windy Hill serves over 1,100 seniors annually with programs and services including a nutrition program. Meals are provided on location, carry-out and Meals-On-Wheels. From March 2020 to February 2021, over 22,000 take-out meals and over 24,000 home delivered meals have been provided. The Freezer enables the Center to increase meal storage capacity to better serve their older adult population in Spring Grove and Hanover, address food insecurities and increase freezer storage by 53%. The 2 wire rolling racks and 2 stainless food carts will store and transport take-out meals after they are assembled and transport frozen meal boxes within facility. 
The District 7390 Safety Committee has published a COVID-19 update that contains the latest update on community transmission of COVID-19 in the counties of our District and some best practices to consider as we approach the holidays. 
It is time to start planning your club’s 4-Way Test ESSAY Contest. This year’s essay prompt will be: Is it the Truth? – How I Define What is True in My Life. We are looking forward to receiving essays from 9th grade high school students which address questions like: What is true? Where is truth found? Is truth important? Is truth relative? Submissions for the 2021-22 District 7390 contest are due March 11, 2022. Contest rules, critical dates, and information for both Rotarians and Students are available at the District 7390 Website: 
It was a pleasure hosting Karen Groh, President and CEO of the Lebanon Valley Chamber of Commerce, at our meeting this morning. As guest speaker, she addressed the present state of affairs in local and regional business as well as the highly successful SCORE program which assisted the Myerstown Vitality Partnership in planning and achieving its strategic goals. She also addressed the staffing issues plaguing many businesses here and throughout the country and illustrated how the issue is a bigger issue that just getting people to work. Thanks Karen for your friendship and expertise.
The CDC recommends mask wearing indoors for everyone regardless of vaccination status in areas with substantial or high transmission rates of COVID-19. Why? Even vaccinated individuals can acquire and transmit the highly contagious COVID-19 delta variant although in vaccinated people rates of hospitalization and death are low. If you are a Rotarian that has tested positive for COVID-19 within 2 weeks of being in-person with club members, please remember to notify your club leadership so all members who were in your presence can be notified and take the necessary precautions to mitigate virus spread and illness. It is important that clubs also convey this information to speakers and guests at their events including students. Read more on what to do for a community-related exposure at: 
Central Penn Business Journal has selected Addeline Alaniz Edwards, Executive Director for the Rotary Club of Harrisburg, as a Forty Under 40 recipient.
The speaker at the Rotary Club of Mechanicsburg-North on September 2 is Rotary International Director Valarie Wafer. She is the Chair of RI Diversity Equity and Inclusion Emphasis. Her topic will be RI’s Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Policy, News and Developments. We would like to invite anyone who would want to hear her speak on this topic. We will be meeting via Zoom. The meeting is at 7:30 AM and the zoom link is 
SPY is an 8 week summer school for "at risk" first through third graders in the Carlisle School District that aims to keep their learning levels up in reading and math through the summer break. The Carlisle Rotary club recently completed a renovation project for SPY, utilizing a matching grant from District 7390. The grant allowed SPY to renovate their "calming café," where the children can go to calm down if they get over excited. The grant installed counters and repaired and repainted walls. 
Fresh from a Caribbean vacation with his wife, and fellow Rotarian, Karen, Past President James Good (2020-21) flew in to pass the gavel to incoming President Matt Staub of the Rotary Club of Harrisburg. 
The Rotary Club of York Awards the $1500 Carol Wagman Nursing Scholarship
Rotary Club of Lancaster South is holding a motorcycle ride/pancake breakfast fundraiser on September 25, 2021. This event will benefit the affordable housing programs at Tenfold, which was created by the merger of Lancaster Housing Opportunity Partnership and Tabor, as well as funding our philanthropic work in our community. The event will be held at the Willow Street Fire Company in Willow Street PA with breakfast starting at 9 a.m. until noon, and will feature three great rides in Lancaster and York Counties. These are self guided tours with maps and .gpx files provided by the organizers. For more information, please contact Dan Hess at 
Check out the latest post on the District Blog at 
Michael Newsome is Gov. Tom Wolf’s Secretary of Administration. When the governor called upon him to serve, he had been mostly retired for three years, still working a part-time job as a member of the state Liquor Control Board, but spending more time playing golf with his wife, traveling, doting on his grandson. Life was good, and he enjoyed retirement, more than he thought he would. But the governor – who was also an old friend, a man he had known for decades and worked with saving Wolf’s family business from bankruptcy – called, and he took the job, recalling that he once told him that if there was anything he could do for him, just call. 
The Rotary Club of York is proud to introduce their officers for the 2021-2022 year. 
"As we all know, this disjointed time caused by the pandemic, has disrupted all our lives and schedules for the past 16 months or more. The result was that I, along with so many others, found our plans and intentions abruptly interrupted in March of 2020. I was then still serving as Rotary District Governor and one of the great joys at the end of that year of service is the opportunity to recognize those individuals who have given so much to our District over the year and over a lifetime of service. Alas that was not to be.
Jack Detwiler has been a member of the Rotary Club of Harrisburg for 27 years and recalls working on or chairing the Club’s Ecology Committee for most of those years. Annually, he has coordinated the Club’s judging and awarding of a prize for students winning the Capital Area Science and Engineering Fair (CASEF).
A 2020/21 Club Grant, sponsored by the Rotary Club of Hanover, provided the Hanover Area Council of Churches with a new oven and griddle. HACC prepares 52,000+ meals annually for its various programs: free hot lunches 365 days a year and breakfast two days a week through the Provide-A-Lunch program, delivered home meals through Meals-On-Wheels, and food for individuals and families in the Homeless Shelter. Food insecurity hinders people from meeting their full potential in regards to employment and family care. For some folks, the Provide- A-Lunch program is the primary meal of the day. The Meals-On-Wheels program provides meals to those home-bound with physical restrictions impeding their ability to prepare their own meals. Pictured are (l.tor.) Rotarian Peg Sennett, Joan Potter Coordinator of PAL and MOW, and Mirna Wildason, Interim Executive Director and new Rotarian.
On Monday, May 2
On May 2nd, Dr. Angela Shen from the Vaccine Research Center at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia presented a session on COVID-19 at the multi-district conference. The session included information on its history, prevalence, and the steps all of us as Rotarians can take to end our Pandemic once and for all. View this excellent presentation at: 
ongratulations to Four Way Essay Contest Winner Sophie Ahrens from Red Lion High School! Sophie presented her winning essay last week at 
On Monday, May 23rd, at 6 PM the Penn State Extension will be providing FREE Zoom education to Rotarians on food safety. This education is especially timely as many of us plan outdoor picnics with our club members and families. Our speaker is Lynn James, MS, RDN, LDN, Senior Extension Educator, Food Families & Health & Food Safety & Quality teams, Penn State Extension, Adams County. Lynn will also invite attendees to participate in a special research study involving the delivery of free food to the participants home, creation of a meal, and post meal education on what SHOULD have been safe food preparation. Join in on this free and educational event over the dinner hour. YES, YOU CAN EAT YOUR DINNER IN THE ZOOM ROOM. 😊 Register at: 
The following tribute to PDG Chuck Cenkner was printed on Penn Live
Following Hurricane Maria in 2017, District 7390 raised $30,386.00 specifically for Puerto Rico recovery efforts. It took some time for us to identify an appropriate project and in January 2020 we sent a check in the full amount to the Jane Stern Community Libraries to cover recovery and operating costs at two of their satellite locations in Toa Baja and Mameyal. Unfortunately, COVID 19 has slowed the recovery process; schools and libraries have been operating on a spotty virtual basis which has slowed their progress in offering expanded programs.
The Rotary Club of York is currently accepting applications for the $ 3,000 Donna E. Hayes Equine Scholarship. Eligible applicants are current full-time students in the EQUINE field of study in college (majors including management, studies, science, therapy, business, etc.). The application and informational letter are available on 
Here are recent graduate (and Tech Services staffer) Kyle Wall with Computer/Business Education Teacher Mr. George and Secondary Principal Dr. Ebert getting familiarized with the wide array of new digital cameras, lavalier microphones, lighting, and portable green screens made possible through a generous donation from the Rotary Club of Northern Lebanon County.
ary Club of New Holland are mourning the loss of their fellow member, Titus Musser, who passed away on February 11, 2021. Having joined the club in 1961, Titus was a dedicated, long-time member, and served as its past president, Secretary and Treasurer. Titus was just as dedicated to Rotary on an international level and was recently awarded the Paul Harris Fellow +5 pin shortly before his death. Titus retired from his excavating business after 60 years, was very involved in the retirement community where he lived, and enjoyed gardening and woodworking. In the photos, you can see an example of Titus’ woodworking craftsmanship in the model he built of a one-room schoolhouse he attended as a child. All of us in the club thank you, Titus, for your inspiration and dedication to our club. You will be missed!
Incoming Rotary International President Shekhar Mehta urged members to become more involved in service projects, saying that caring for and serving others is the best way to live because it changes not only other people’s lives, but also our own.
We are pleased to announce the launch of the new District 7390 blog which will feature the good people and good work of Rotarians throughout District 7390! Unlike the Rotary Reporter, the blog will be a place for Rotarians to share the stories BEHIND the news. Examples of stories can include innovative club service projects, member spotlights, and ways your club is impacting the community.
Colonial Park Rotary Club is hosting an INDOOR MINI GOLF OUTING on February 6 with tee times starting at 10:00 a.m., 12:30 p.m. and again at 2:00 p.m. Register your team of 4 people! The cost to register a team is $100.00. This is a fun for every age event! You will will play an 18 hole mini golf course set up in the building of Colonial Golf and Tennis Club (4901 Linglestown road Harrisburg, PA).
The Board of RI and Trustees of the Rotary Foundation met during a joint session and agreed that Rotarians have a major role to play not only in Polio eradication but COVID-19 eradication through the promotion of vaccine distribution. In their “Call to Action” published December 15, 2020, RIP Holger Knaack and Rotary Foundation Chair KR Ravindran outlined strategies including working jointly with local partners to “combat the powerful, growing force of vaccine resistance and misinformation” in our communities. It is our civic duty as Rotarians to join forces with others to eradicate disease and save lives through vaccination and risk mitigation strategies. To read the entire letter, 
COVID-19 Vaccine Safety and Distribution Plan highlighted at Press Briefing
Yours in Service,
Although Anna-Mae is relatively new to District 7390, she has been a Rotarian since 2000 when she was inducted into the Rotary Club of College Park, Maryland. She held numerous positions at the club level including Club Foundation Chair and Club President 2008-09. Also active in District 7620 (Central Maryland and Washington, DC), her involvement included District Paul Harris Society Chair, member of the District Scholarship Committee, Assistant Governor, and District Governor 2016-17. She was the District 7620 Foundation Chair in 2018-19. It is a requirement that DRFCs have served as District Governor.
Fred Gellert was raised in Detroit, Michigan and moved to Carlisle for employment at the Army War College. Fred retired from the U.S. Army as a Colonel after 30 years of service. He served in infantry assignments and then became a force manager working at senior-level headquarters to implement changes in organizational structure, resourcing, and operations. Fred is currently working at the U.S. Army War College as an instructor in leadership and management, science and technology and the Asia-Pacific region. In this position, he trains senior officers in strategic leaderships and the creation and resourcing of military forces at the national level. 
President John Bomberger and Cy Fritz presented $1120.00 in checks, that were collected from our club members, to the Loft Community Partnership in Millersville. The Loft supports the needy families in the Penn Manor School System. Every Wednesday they are serving around 200 families. John and Cy had an opportunity to observe the volunteers in preparing for the Food Pick-Up that evening and had the opportunity to ask several questions about their operation. They were extremely grateful and thankful for our support as their need continues to grow. A great big thank you to our Rotary Club members for the excellent response to our Food Bank Drive in an effort to help the food insecurity in our service area.
e local affiliate of National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). Rotarian Dave Cope of Classic Lancaster Cabinetry in Willow Street generously provided his large box truck to make the move. Lancaster South President John Bomberger coordinated the Service Project with Lancaster NAMI board member Donald Grabowski, who is also President of the Rotary Club of Elizabethtown. Of special note, the President of the local NAMI affiliate Vivian Spiese (back row left) shared her respect and appreciation for Rotary and mentioned that her father was a member of the Columbia and Mt. Joy Rotary Club for many years before his passing.
Dan Hess, club vice-president for helping to assemble the gift bags and to Oak Leaf staff for distributing the bags to the residents. Lancaster South is looking forward to the day we can return to the facility for in-person meetings. Currently the club is meeting via Zoom.
Habitat for Humanity Project is a great collaboration between Yorkk-East & York North. The clubs volunteered on December 4th and 5th at the Habitat (701 Chestnut Street, York) project. The work day projects were dry walling, mudding & painting. Our clubs with the help of a Rotary Foundation grant contributed $10,000 to the project. York Habitat for Humanity is a volunteer driven, Christian housing ministry that builds safe, decent, and affordable homes in partnership with lower-income York County residents living in substandard housing.
The Rotary Club of York sadly announces the retirement of long time Executive Coordinator, Bert Oberdick. Bert has faithfully served the Rotary Club of York for nearly 30 years, overseeing dozens of active committees, providing meeting details, working closely with the Rotary Club of York Board of Directors and the Charitable Endowment Fund Board, invoicing, tracking and reporting all financials, and so much more! Bert has always exemplified the Rotary Four Way Test and consistently models the values of Rotary. March 31 is scheduled to be Bert’s last day. 
Hanover Rotarians Dave Erlemeier, Warren Risk (and his wife Judy), and Ralph Jodice (and his wife Judy) packed food bags for Ruth’s Harvest as part of the Club’s ongoing community service project. On Friday’s, Ruth’s Harvest gives needy children in the local area 7 meals to take home for the weekend to help to ensure they do not go hungry. 
Dr. John P. Judson passed away peacefully on November 29, 2020 at Harrisburg Hospital. John is survived by his wife of 56 years, Ann Marie, and their 5 children, Ruth Judson of Arlington, VA, Andrea Judson of Baltimore, MD, Sarah Salkeld (Brett) of Severna Park, MD, Therese Karl (John) of Rye, NY, and Chris Judson of Winnipeg, Canada; 6 beloved grandchildren, Chloe, John Vincent, Leah, Sophia, Owen, and Nate; his siblings Joyce Hartzell of Vancouver, WA, Mary Hutton of Kennesaw, GA, Michael Judson of Isle of Palms, SC, Margaret Easton of Sandpoint, ID, and Patricia Riehm of Athens, GA; and many extended family members. He was born July 14, 1939 in Washington DC, the son of the late John Hobart Judson and Joyce Duffield. He married Ann Marie Uhl on June 20, 1964; she has often described their long marriage as a loving partnership. John was educated at Villanova University, Georgetown University Medical School, did his surgical residency at Yale New Haven Hospital, and later a cardiothoracic surgical residency in Salt Lake City, UT. John's passion for medicine as a general and cardiothoracic surgeon included work in Blacksburg, VA; the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN; Texas Tech University in Lubbock, TX; Benton Harbor, MI; and Harrisburg, PA. For over 50 years John volunteered at Hopital Albert Schweitzer in Haiti, serving as the Medical Director from 1997-1999 along with Ann Marie. He was an avid pilot, volunteering to transport patients through Angel Flight Mid-Atlantic. His long-time involvement in Rotary included roles as President of the Harrisburg Club, District Governor, and Rotary International grant efforts. Those who knew John will remember him as a man who deeply loved his family and had a tireless commitment to medicine and his patients. As one who pursued life with integrity and passion, he was always there with a listening ear and readiness to help others. He cherished his relationships and stayed connected to friends and family near and far. A Celebration of Life for John is planned for July 14, 2021 at 7pm at Market Square Presbyterian Church, 20 S 2nd Street, Harrisburg, PA. In the spirit of John's life of service, the family requests that donations be made in his memory to: Hopital Albert Schweitzer 
On Wednesday, December 9, Rotary Means Business District 7390 will host a virtual Zoom meeting from 4:00 to 5:00 p.m. The event is FREE so bring your favorite drink and hors d’oeuvres and let’s get RMB going again. 
Living up to their school motto of being "Doers of the Word," the Interact Club at Delone Catholic High School (McSherrystown, PA) has not allowed the pandemic to stop their good deeds! This group of young people has connected to their community in several ways that include a non-perishable food collection that was donated to Roots for Boots, a 501c3 that hosts a food bank for veterans in need; a school wide toy drive for Toys for Tots; a garden clean-up on the school grounds; 125 handwritten Thanksgiving cards for residents in local nursing homes, and they will be participating in the Boxes of Joy program through Cross Catholic Outreach. Caught doing good, these students are to be commended for all of their accomplishments that have truly made a difference to others by putting service over self! (photo is of food donation to Roots for Boots)
The Harrisburg Keystone Rotary Club is hosting a vision clinic in Harrisburg this spring. If you are an optometrist, optician, or ophthalmologist, your expertise is needed to help make the event happen. Please consider giving a day of your time to this community service event. The clinic will be run by Mission-Vision.org with help from Rotary volunteers and you.
End Polio Now! We are this close and Rotary District 7390 is working to make a difference. The Ride to Eradicate Polio event raised nearly $1,000 which grows to nearly $3,000 thanks to matching gifts from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. But we can do more. We have these great long sleeved event t-shirts on hand and will gift one for each $25 donation to End Polio Now. They are navy blue with the Ride to Eradicate Polio graphic shown. Simply 
The Rotary Club of York Student Education Committee has selected its first recipient of the Carol Wagman Nursing Scholarship, Jenna Hufnagle. Jenna was awarded a $ 2,000 scholarship towards her York College of Pennsylvania education. A 2017 graduate of York Suburban High School, she is currently a junior Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) major. Jenna is employed by WellSpan as a Nursing Assistant for the Nursing Resource Team at York Hospital. 
Or do you have friends, relatives, or Rotary contacts near these cities? Are you available to volunteer to contact Rotary clubs to help find contacts?
The weather was sunny with a slight breeze and laughs were being shared on the green by approximately 70 golfers on Tuesday September 22nd. The Rotary Club of York East’s annual Golf Tournament was off and running with golfers taking the course at Briarwood Golf Club for a good cause.
Jennifer E. Jones, a member of the Rotary Club of Windsor-Roseland, Ontario, Canada, has been nominated to become Rotary International’s president for 2022-23, a groundbreaking selection that will make her the first woman to hold that office in the organization’s 115-year history.
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The Rotary Club of Red Lion-Dallastown Annual Student Scholarship Chicken BBQ
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On March 6, 2020, the Rotary Club of Hanover hosted their 6th annual Tastefest event – the Club’s largest fundraiser – about two weeks before COVID19 closures in PA. The evening was designed to celebrate the area’s independently owned restaurants, bakeries, and specialty beverage businesses while raising funds for local non-profits. Always a sold-out event at a total of 400 tickets but the majority of the money is raised through sponsorships, including major contributor, Hanover-area State Farm agents (Sue Beckner, Ryan California, and Devon Ellis). This year, funds were distributed to primarily benefit Hanover Area Council of Churches -Ruth's Harvest, Hanover YWCA Safe Home, Olivia’s House, Roots for Boots, Jessica & Friends, and the Family Readiness Group of the Hanover Armory. Over the past six years, the Rotary Club of Hanover has raised an average of over $33,000 at each Tastefest event.
The Rotary Club of York Student Education Committee has selected its first recipient of the Donna E. Hayes Equine Scholarship, Margaret Brice. Margaret was awarded a $ 3,000 scholarship for her senior year this fall at Penn State University as an Animal Science major and Equine Science minor. She will resume her position as a live-in working student at the Penn State Quarter Horse Barn. Margaret was home-schooled in Duncannon and spent her summer working on a ranch in Montana. 
I am going on my annual cross-country motorcycle ride, and would like to raise money for Polio Plus. The ride will be anywhere from 8,000 to 10,000 miles long, depending on how sore my hindquarters get.
On August 3, 2020 Aaron Jacobs, Rotary Club of York, detailed their Kiwanis Lake project. York City’s Kiwanis Lake is one of the most prominent water features in our community and the Rotary Club of York has identified this landmark community legacy to be its focus project by repairing and restoring the lake as well as adding new ‘Smart Lake Technology’. Aaron outlined plan to have Kiwanis Lake functioning better than it ever has by 2021 and showing our community the tremendous impact that York Rotary has.
All are welcome to join us for the installation of DG John Anthony and the 2020-2021 District Leadership Team, the 2020-2021 Club Presidents & Assistant Governors. RIDE (Rotary International Director Elect) Valarie Wafer will be joining the call to make a special presentation!
The Mount Joy Rotarians gave the community a reason to celebrate on Saturday, May 30. Their famous Rotary French Fries and hot dogs were free for the asking. Freshly made in the Rotary Fry wagon, the free lunch was carried to waiting cars by Rotarians looking for ways to give back to the local community..png)
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.
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.
The Rotary Club of Gettysburg took part on November 30 in the community effort in Gettysburg sponsored by the Sgt. Mac Foundation to place wreathes on the graves of Veterans. The National Wreath Project has evolved to placing wreaths at the graves of Veterans at Quantico National Cemetery and Gettysburg National Cemetery in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. In 2017, over 11,000 wreaths were placed at both cemeteries. This year, a similar number were placed.
In a Summer Cultural Exchange, students spend three to six weeks in their host country visiting with another family and seeing another part of the world. The Short-term Exchange Program arranges for the student's family to host a matching student from another country in return. This program provides an excellent opportunity to experience a new culture in a brief period of time. Like the long-term exchange, the short-term exchange requires a sponsoring Rotary Club in each country, and students are selected on the basis of a written application and interview process.
A supporter of Rotary and the efforts to end polio, York, Pennsylvania-based Bailey Trailways is creating awareness by dedicating themed graphics on its new 2018 Van Hool CX45. Since 1985, Rotary has contributed nearly $1.2 billion and countless volunteer hours to the protection of more than two billion children in 122 countries. The disease remains endemic in three countries including Afghanistan, Nigeria, and Pakistan. Other countries remain at risk for imported cases..png)
The Paul Harris Society designation was recently bestowed upon two members of the Colonial Park Rotary Club. The Paul Harris Society designation is to honor and thank individuals for their generous, ongoing support of the Rotary Foundation of Rotary International. The award is named for Paul Harris, who founded Rotary International in 1905.
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The Rotary Club of York was recently featured in YRK magazine.
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The Colonial Park Rotary Club recently honored ten students from Central Dauphin High School, Central Dauphin East High School, Bishop McDevitt High School and the Dauphin County Technical School that attended the 58th annual “Rotary Youth Leadership Awards Conference” known as RYLA that was held June 10th – 14th at Messiah College in Grantham, PA. Representing Central Dauphin High School were Arjun Ray, Rosa Azzato and Taylor Brown. Representing Central Dauphin East High School were: Matthew “Matt” Egner and Judith “Judy” Kyei-Poku. Representing the Dauphin County Technical School were: Polina Rosas and Letrele Roberts. Representing Bishop McDevitt were: Luke Lombardi and Samantha “Sam” Knipple. Also honored was Lower Paxton Township resident Patrick Elter from Trinity High School. The five day RYLA Conference provides an intense leadership training program for outstanding young men and women from public and non-public secondary schools in Rotary District 7390 from the counties of Adams, Cumberland, Dauphin, Lancaster, Lebanon, Perry and York, Pennsylvania. The program focus was on the development of moral courage, the disposal and concentration of effort, a sense of priority, humor, good judgement and The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership..jpg)
John Nanni visited the Rotary Club of Hanover on October 29 to make a presentation Polio, Post-Polio Syndrome & Polio Plus. John is an active member of the Rotary Club of Middletown-Odessa, Delaware. He's served as Club Secretary, Website Committee Chair, served on the District PolioPlus Committee and is Club President Elect for 2019-20. He's given over 150 Polio Talks from Rhode Island to North Carolina. “The 3 P’s in my Life: Polio, Post-Polio Syndrome and Rotary’s PolioPlus”. John is a polio survivor (Class of 1953), paralyzed from his neck down for 6 months just prior to the Salk Vaccine distribution. He now uses a wheelchair for most of his daily mobility due to severe Post-Polio Syndrome issues..jpg)
This past spring, the Rotary Club of Shippensburg lost one of our most dedicated members, Ra Kligge, who passed away on May 11, 2018. Ra was a passionate and devoted Rotarian and a lead volunteer and inspiration for many of our projects and programs. He is and will continue to be greatly missed by the members of our club and other Rotarians, his family, friends and community.
r making a donation towards this fund. Your contributions will be used to carry out Ra’s ideas and to make our community a better place.
During my DG John May's visit to the Rotary Club of Paradise he met Robert (Bob) Espenshade who has achieved 62 years of perfect attendance. Visiting that day was Orville Lauver from the Rotary Club of Red Lion-Dallastown who completed his 54th year of perfect attendance in September. Mr. Espenshade was on the Pequea Valley school board when PDG Ann Keim was hired as the school superintendent.
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VISIT THE GOOD SAMARITAN SCHOOL AND JAMES STINE COLLEGE* SPONSORED BY THE HERSHEY ROTARY CLUB
In early October of 2018, the York-East Rotary Club participated in a road clean-up crew. One of the group found a $1 bill and gave it as a Happy Dollar at the next club meeting! 
Hershey Rotary Club held its annual 4-Way Test Speech Contest on October 10. 1st place was awarded to Jose Mendez; 2nd place to Ty’Jhon Hall; 3rd Place to Desmond Primus. Jose and Ty’Jhon will be participants in the Rotary District 7390 Midlevel contest, to be held on November 10 in Harrisburg.
The Rotary Club of Gettysburg participated in the United Way of Adams County Day of Caring on Saturday, Sept. 29. A team of Rotarians canvassed the community looking for homes that could use free smoke detectors. The detectors were installed Saturday, Oct. 6 and Rotarians were there to help. The event was sponsored by the American Red Cross who will supply the detectors. Pictured, from left, are: Peter Lagerberger, Martha Lagerberger, Scott Wehler, Bill Braun, and Bonnie Braun.
Carlisle Rotarians had a friendly wager on the football game between Penn State and Ohio State on September 29: The losing fans would wear the winning team's colors at the next Rotary meeting. It was a heartbreaker, but the Buckeyes were victorious and the Nittany Lion fans good-naturedly donned the Ohio State garb for the meeting. And the shout of "Just wait 'til next year!" echoed throughout the room!.jpg)
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pact as well as the diversity of its membership. “As individuals, we can only do so much,” Gupta said in a statement. “But when 1.2 million Rotarians work together, there is no limit to what we can achieve, and in the process, we can truly change the world.” Gupta has been a Rotarian since 1977 and has served Rotary as district governor, training leader, and resource group adviser, and as a member, vice chair, or chair of several committees.
The Boy Scouts from BSA Troop 39 introduced the Rotary Club of Mount Joy to Peach Dump Cake during the regular Rotary meeting on Tuesday, August 21. Troop 39 Scouts also conducted a knot training demonstration for the members. President Mark Rorabaugh opened the program with a quote from Boy Scout founder Robert Baden-Powel, “The spirit is there in every boy; it just has to be discovered and brought to light.”
The Colonial Park Rotary Club awarded its annual Colonial Award to Rex Rothrock. The Colonial Award is given each year to a member of the community that has done an outstanding job of volunteerism and has made a major commitment to the betterment of our community. (Pictured L-R) Colonial Park Rotary Club Immediate Past President Melanie Walderon, Rex Rothrock, Deanna Rothrock and Colonial Park Rotary Club Foundation President Randy Sibert
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The Rotary Club of New Holland will hold its 3rd annual Rotary Rocks community benefit concert on September 14, 7-10 PM, at Funck's Restaurant in Leola (365 W Main St, Leola). Join us for an evening of live music and fun to benefit those in need in New Holland and surrounding communities. Proceeds from the event will be used to help support the expansion of the CrossNet Food Pantry. Entertainment will be provided by the classic rock and alternative rock sounds of the Slack Adjusters and the rock/funk/blues mix of The Reed Brothers Band. Both bands feature Rotarians from the New Holland club.
As a membership driven organization, members are the lifeblood of Rotary and our clubs. As of July 1, 2018 our District membership was 2313. We ended last year with only one less member than when we started July 1, 2017. Kudos to all of you for your hard work this past year. However, I believe we can reverse the trend that our district and many others have experienced with either declining membership or no growth. I believe that if we work together and think creatively, we can accomplish this.
The Rotary Club of Perry County sponsored Annaka (Annie) Wolfe to spend the 2017-18 Rotary year as a Rotary Youth Exchange student ambassador in Peru. Annie recently made a presentation to the Club about her experience. Annie is pictured with Exchange Program Liaison, Patti McLaughlin, and one of this year's co-Presidents, Tom O'Connell.
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Active shooter incidents can happen anywhere at any time. First responders must prepare. Proper response requires equipment to ensure responder safety.
The Rotary Club of York was pleased to honor Rotarian Marsha Bornt at the club meeting on July 18, with a 3-diamond pin and crystal piece for her support of The Rotary Foundation annual fund. Marsha has been a member of the club for 10 years, and has served as chair of the Global Grants Committee and President for the 2016-17 Rotary year. She has secured funding for grants for toilets in India and Ghana, a Fish Freezer and sanitation systems in Ghana, and needed items for orphanages and schools in these areas. Marsha has also shared her gifts as a medical doctor by providing gynecological surgical services while on medical missions to these and other parts of the world, to improve maternal health care in those countries. Congratulations, Rotarian Marsha Bornt, who is living this year’s motto “Be the Inspiration”. 
The Colonial Park Rotary Club awarded its annual Colonial Award to Rick Zeiders. The Colonial Award is given each year to a member of the community that has done an outstanding job of volunteerism and has made a major commitment to the betterment of our community.
The Family of Rotary Committee of the Elizabethtown Rotary Club has scheduled a bus trip to Washington DC on Thursday August 23rd to see the Phillies vs. Nationals baseball game. Utilizing the National's "Strike Out Polio" program, $5 of every ticket will be donated to Rotary's PolioPlus . We will be traveling in style using the themed "End Polio Now:" motorcoach from Bailey Coach. The bus will leave Elizabethtown at 8:45 am for the 1 pm game. Tickets are $75 each..jpg)
Join Millersburg Rotary Club for the 2018 Tasting Tour of Millersburg presented by Mid Penn Bank on Saturday August 11 from Noon until 4pm. Participants will stroll through downtown Millersburg savoring local food and drink. Enjoy the historic ambiance of our business district and relax along the scenic vistas of River Front Park.
Northern Lebanon Rotary Club President Melanie Ann Schaeffer M.F.A. handed over the gavel to incoming president Nigel Foundling. As Melanie began her year as President, she announced that she would dedicate the 2017-18 Rotary year and our service to Charter member Ruth Deitz who served as an inspiration and role model to all. Ruth exemplified “Service Above Self”. We must ask ourselves if we took up the mantel. As Melanie reviewed her year, she saw much the Northern Lebanon Rotary Club did to serve the Community and the world at large..jpg)
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urg Keystone Rotary Club largely focuses on service projects in the Allison Hill, Steelton and Highspire areas, and we appreciate Marci’s history of leadership on our service committee in these efforts. During the 2017-2018 Rotary Year, Marci also was instrumental in organizing and carrying out a successful fundraiser to contribute to disaster relief in Puerto Rico. Our club is proud of our contributions to our local and global communities, which cannot be accomplished without the efforts of Rotarians like Marci who emulate Rotary’s motto of “Service Above Self.” On behalf of the board, I am honored to name Marci Mowery Harrisburg Keystone Rotary Club’s Rotarian of the Year. ~Addeline Alaniz Edwards, outgoing president.jpg)
Mount Joy’s Rotary Clock has been removed from its downtown location. Where did it go? Off to Lititz where watch and clockmaker Bob Desrochers is currently refurbishing it. The timepiece will be returned in good working order by the end of summer. Look for a special ceremony bringing this landmark back to the hub of Mount Joy..jpg)
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The Rotary Club of Red Lion - Dallastown is proud to recognize long-time Club member Vernon Tyson for achieving the Paul Harris +3 award. Pictured is Vernon Tyson on the left and District 7390 Group Area Foundation Coordinator, Lew Elicker. 
Randy Sibert, President of the Rotary Club of Colonial Park Foundation announced the winners of the 2018 Rotary Foundation Scholarships at a recent luncheon of the Rotary Club of Colonial Park. The winners are: Cecilia Acri, Central Dauphin High School, Nursing Scholarship for $21,000; Peace Okiye, Central Dauphin East Hight School, Engineering Scholarship for $10,000; Jocelyn Fleisher, Central Dauphin High School; Chanel Dingle, Dauphin County Technical School and Agatha Chmielewski, Bishop McDevitt High School were the winners of the Norman P. Hetrick Scholarship at $5,000 each; Sydney Breen, Central Dauphin High School, Act of Kindness Scholarship for $1,000 and Tyler Villegas and Ally Yoder, Central Dauphin High School were winners of the Gary C. Clemens Scholarship at $1,000 each for a total of $49,000.
Hanover Rotary Club President Ralph Jodice was recently the speaker at a Memorial Day service in East Berlin, PA. Ralph is a retired US Air.png)
Force Lieutenant General. He spoke about the importance of Memorial day and how special hometown remembrance services are. Pictured with Ralph is Rotary Executive Secretary Melissa Bruck. Melissa also served as emcee for the East Berlin service. 
The Rotary Club of Harrisburg Keystone successfully “branched out” on Saturday, April 21, to plant a tree for each of its 30 members as part of this year’s Rotary Day of Service. Planning for the project started earlier in the year when we partnered with the Paxton Creek Watershed Education Association. One of their goals is to improve water quality by stabilizing stream banks, and to that end, the association happily offered to donate trees from its nursery for our project.
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A record eight Valparaiso University graduating seniors and recent alumnae have received Fulbright U.S. Student Program awards for English Teaching Assistantships for the 2018–2019 academic year from the United States Department of State and the William Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board..png)
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The May Community Service event for the Rotary Club of Gettysburg was held on May 3 at the Lincoln Elementary School in Gettysburg. Members of the club prepared over 100 sets of meals for hungry children in the Gettysburg and other area schools. The Gettysburg Club has teamed up with Ruth's Harvest to provide those meals and performs this meal assembly several times each year.
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As part of its Earth Day celebration, members of the Rotary Club of Gettysburg and Gettysburg College Rotaract Club worked on April 21 cleaning up a two mile section of Route 30 just east of Gettysburg. The clubs remove trash from this section of Route 30 two times each year as part of their environmental commitment to the community.
The Southern Tier of District 7390 hosted a very successful first RMB Opportunity Summit at the District 7390 Conference in Harrisburg, PA, USA on Friday, April 27 with 27 Rotarians and guests (future Rotarians) attending from the Rotary Clubs of Carlisle, Colonial Park, Hanover, Harrisburg, Harrisburg Keystone, Hershey, Lancaster South, Mechanicsburg, Paradise, and York. All enjoyed a very informative talk by Mr. Kevin Shivers, the Executive State Director of the National Federation of Independent Businesses. His talk focused on how to make our communities in PA stronger through the strengthening of local small businesses by less regulation and emphasizing what he called “gardening” (cultivating small businesses) and not “hunting” that is looking for the big company to come into PA such as Amazon. 
Ian H.S. Riseley of New Zealand, the current President of Rotary International, challenged the 35,000 Rotary clubs around the world to plant one tree for each member as part of Rotary’s efforts to enhance environmental sustainability. The Rotary Clubs of Mechanicsburg, Mechanicsburg-North, and West Shore accepted that challenge and undertook a project to plant 100 trees. The trees will be planted at the Hampden Township Veterans Park, located at 4345 Marketplace Way, Enola. The clubs are working in concert with Hampden Township and the Hampden Township Veterans Recognition Committee. 
DG Una was nominated for the Business Woman of the Year Award by the Business Women's Forum and the Luminary Award by the West Shore Chamber of Commerce! 
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The District 7390 Day of Service is soon upon us! While some clubs will be operating on slightly different dates because of other calendar conflicts, the District has a total of 14 clubs participating on or around April 21. We hoped for greater participation in the Day of Service, but we know our clubs complete service projects in their communities throughout the year. Which is a wonderful thing!
The Lancaster Sunrise Rotary Club will be having its 15th annual Ride For Literacy on Saturday May 12, 2018. The event will help promote literacy in Lancaster County. Riders are able to choose between three leisure routes: 10, 21, or 43 miles, or combine rides to enjoy the longer challenge of a metric century. All rides begin and end at Manheim Township Community Park. The park is located approximately one mile west of Route 501 on East Petersburg Road, Lancaster. The event will be held rain or shine. All proceeds benefit literacy efforts in Lancaster County through the Literacy Council of Lancaster/ Lebanon, the Lancaster Sunrise Rotary’s local school reading program and the club’s international mission to improve eye sight in Ethiopia and other international locations. sign up on 
Join us in our fight against the Opioid Crisis by sponsoring the 25th Annual Elizabethtown Rotary Golf Major! This year’s tournament is being held Thursday, June 14th, 2018 at Conestoga Country Club in Lancaster.
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Marie Cusick, a multimedia reporter for WITF was a recent speaker at the Colonial Park Rotary Club. She spoke about Marcellus Shale Natural Gas Production in Pennsylvania and its positive impact of creating employment opportunities . Pennsylvania is the second largest state in this country in the amount of natural gas that is produced by a sophisticated process of hydraulic fracturing of Pennsylvania’s large shale reserves. Pictured L-R: Colonial Park Rotary Club President Melanie Walderon and Marie Cusick
Now that you are registered for Convention, have you thought about transportation to get there? Do you want to sit back and relax in style while spending time with other District 7390 Rotarians? We have chartered a deluxe motorcoach that will be vinyl wrapped with Rotary bling to take you there!
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The Rotary Club of Lancaster Penn Square hosted a super successful RMB networking event on March 14 at The Hotel Lancaster with 33 Rotarians and guests from nine district clubs (Lancaster, Lancaster Penn Square, Lancaster Sunrise, Lancaster Hempfield, Lancaster South, Mount Joy, Mechanicsburg North, Lebanon, and Harrisburg) attending. Kudos go to the Rotary Club of Lancaster Penn Square and its President Gary Davis for arranging such a successful networking event and to The Hotel Lancaster for providing such an outstanding venue. Also, Kudos to Rob Gallagher, Eastern Tier RMB Champion, for doing such a great job promoting the event. Finally, special Kudos to Scott Stevens, Northern Tier Assistant Director, for his innovative and fun running of the Circle exercise as shown in the photo that accompanies this report. Well done all!
Rotary clubs of Carlisle (noontime) and Sunrise recently donated $10,000 to the Cumberland County Historical Society in support of benches at the pocket park located adjacent to the Society’s building. Pictured are (left) Rena Geesaman, President, Rotary Club of Carlisle-Sunrise, and Kathleen Stoup, President, Rotary Club of Carlisle, as they “rest” on the benches, while Jason Illari holds the check presented by both clubs. Funds for the donation were raised at the Rotary clubs’ annual Christmas party and auction held in December.
From 19 to 23 March 2018, Hanover Rotarian, Club President and Junior Achievement (JA) Coordinator, Ralph Jodice, taught the Junior Achievement Program, Our Nation, to both 6th grade classes at St. Teresa of Calcutta in McSherrystown. The JA Our Nation Program consists of five, 45 minute classes teaching students about our free market economy, entrepreneurship and innovation, the importance of STEM skills in the work force, potential careers, and how the United States is tied to the global economy. The first picture is of Mrs. Tiffany Stultz’s class. The second picture is of Mrs. Sherry Chroniger’s class. .png)
Hudy, a rising star in the world of illusion based magic, the amazing quick change artist duo Stoil and Ekaterina, with 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. Proceeds go toward 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. 
A check in the amount of $3020, representing donations finalized in December, 2017 from members of the Rotary Club of Harrisburg (RCH), was presented on March 5, 2018, at a meeting of the Rotary Club of Harrisburg. Mrs. Helen Sajer, co-founder of the Pennsylvania Wounded Warriors (PAWW) organization accepted the donation from RCH President Sam Levine and Joan Prescott, Chair of the Rotary PAWW Committee.
On March 8th the Rotary Club of Mechanicsburg North welcomed their local trauma center – Geisinger Holy Spirit - to present an exciting program called Stop The Bleed (STB) and provide the hospital with a donation to purchase a bleeding control kit for a local school. Stop The Bleed is a national initiative that aims to teach bleeding control techniques to the public so that lives can be saved prior to EMS arrival. Pennsylvania’s trauma centers are interested in partnering with their local rotary clubs to not only feature STB at a rotary meeting but also support them in purchasing bleeding control kits for every school and public area within Pennsylvania. Rotary clubs can find the location of their closest trauma center by going to 
PDG Spark put together an international medical team from the U.S., Brazil, and Den-mark. The mission consisted of three parts: Train, Sustain, and Teach: Train doctors, Sustain the practices and enable them to Teach others. This concept is integral to the VTT concept and will result in continued health care after the team has departed. The mission provided treatment in vision care, dental procedures, women’s health, and pediatrics, malaria prevention, as well as general health. Physicians on the team spent their morn-ings training local personnel to carry on the medical work after the team was gone. Meanwhile, local Rotarians and Rotaractors got the word out that free medical and vision services were available in the afternoons. And patients came by the thousands!
Marilia Parreiras Campos, a District 7390 Exchange Student in 2005-2006 from Brazil, visited Carlisle and spoke to the Rotary Club of Carlisle at its meeting on February 22, 2018. She came to Carlisle to visit Rotarians, host parents and friends at Boiling Springs High School. In attendance at the Rotary meeting were host parents Vicki and Brian Geigus and high school counselor Scott McQuaid and Kathy McQuaid.
into government service. He is quite proud that she took his advice. 
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The West York Rotary Club would like to congratulate Joshua May, graduate of West York High School, as one of the recipients of the Claire D. Worley Scholarship for 2017/2018. Joshua May graduated in the top 2% of his class from West York High School in 2017. He is currently a freshman Engineer major at Penn State University Park where he maintains a GPA of 4.0. At University Park, Joshua May is a member of different clubs and sport activities. Pictured Joshua May (R) and West York Rotary Club Secretary, Paul Duryea (L)
Claire D. Worley Scholarship bestowed upon one deserving recipient from Spring Grove for the 2016/2017 school year. She received this scholarship at a presentation to the West York Rotary Club during which she shared her hard work in her studies at Penn State York, and her continued dedication in service to others. We are proud to see her already achieving great things in maintaining an excellent GPA while continuing to serve others in leadership role across multiple platforms. Nicole R. guise received a check for $1,000 from the West York Rotary Club to support her education and as celebration for her current and future achievements. Pictured (L) Dr. Nicole R. Guis and (R) Paul Duryea, WYRC Secretary.
Our Rotary Club of Carlisle-Sunrise accepted the haircut challenge issued by Greg "Samson" Hall for 100 percent participation in the 2017 United Way of Carlisle & Cumberland County campaign. As the campaign co-chair, Greg asked "Will it build goodwill and better friendships?" Executive Director Lucy Suter Zander and Sunrise Club President Rena Geesaman are certainly happy friends as they prepare to shear Greg's locks.
Bob Miller, Foundation Chair of The Rotary Club of Hanover, recently presented first time Paul Harris certificates and pins to Ruth Shaffer and Moe Noel. Congratulations and thank you for your support of the Rotary Foundation.
SHOUT OUT to the Rotary Club of Lancaster Penn Square for their “Hearts for Lancaster” fundraiser. Dozens of personalized messages on oversized hearts are being hung around Downtown Lancaster and drawing a good bit of attention for Rotary. This program earned some TV coverage recently too! That’s what I call fundraising with heart!
nce in a blue moon and I encourage everyone to try and attend. In fact, bring your family members, friends, and associates and let them get a real sense of Rotary in action. 
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Members of the Rotary Club of Gettysburg met Jan. 24 to place Rotary wheel logo stickers on the new computers at the Family First Health Dental Center in Gettysburg. The Rotary Club acquired the computers through a Rotary District 7390 Grant which matched funds from the Gettysburg club.
Carlisle-Sunrise Rotary opened the New Year 2018 with donations totaling $7000 to community support organizations in Carlisle Borough and Cumberland County. The three major recipients are the local United Way ($1000), Hope Station ($830), and Project Share Food Pantry ($730). Leaders of these organizations received symbolic checks illustrating that Sunrise Rotary is "Making a Difference" in our community and in the year to come.
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The Rotary Club of Hanover’s Foundation Chair, Bob Miller at the far right, presented multi-Paul Harris pins to 4 members. Pictured from left to right receiving the pins are Warren Miller, Greg Staub (AG), Cork Troxell, and John Bailey. Congratulations on your continued strong support for the Rotary Foundation..JPG)
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During the holidays, Rich and Wendy Motz were raising money for the Lititz Fire Company through their spectacular Laurel Avenue Christmas lights display. They never imagined that the same volunteer fire company was about to save their daughter-in-laws life. "It just goes to show that you don't know when you'll need the fire company. We are sure grateful they were there for us," says Rich Motz.