Perry County Pints for Polio
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Wednesday, September 11, 2024, was the dedication ceremony for the RCWS's 5th Annual Flags for Heroes event.
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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.
A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words....
2025 District Conference Registration NOW OPEN
District Conference - April 4-6, 2025
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!!!
BRING THE WHOLE FAMILY and FEEL THE MAGIC!!!
Total Conference registration is $325 until September 30, then registration will increase to $350. Just want to attend on Saturday? Saturday ONLY registration is $200.
Friday, April 4
| 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. | Rotarian Check-In |
| 5:00 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. | Welcome Reception |
| 6:30 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. | Opening Session & Dinner |
Saturday, April 5
| 7:00 a.m. - 8:00 a.m. | Breakfast |
| 8:30 a.m. - 9:45 a.m. | Plenary Session #1 - Peace |
| 10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. | Plenary #2 - Peace Fellowships |
| 12:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m. | Lunch with Keynote Speaker |
| 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. | District Sessions - Four-Way Test SPEECH Contest Finals and ESSAY Winner Presentation |
| 5:00 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. | Major Donor Reception |
| 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. | Dinner with Keynote Speaker |
| 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. | Entertainment & Fundraiser with Dueling Pianos |
| 9:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m. | Hospitality Suite with DJ |
Sunday, April 6
| 8:30 a.m. - 9:30 a.m. | Breakfast & Speaker |
| 9:30 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. | Memorial Service |
| 10:15 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. | Announcement of 2026 District Conference |
| 10:30 a.m. | Conference Officially Ends |
Sponsorship Opportunities are also available! Click here to find more information!
A New Beginning in Creating Positive Peace in Our Communities
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 Message from the Governor
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.
One important step would be for each Member to check out this site: www.positivepeace.academy/rotary
Become a PEACEBUILDER!!
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.
Yours in Rotary,
DG Paul Thompson
Call for Veterans Business Bootcamp Volunteers!
The Rotary Veterans Initiative (RVI) together with the Penn State Harrisburg LaunchBox is hosting our 2nd Veteran’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.
If interested, please complete this short form! https://forms.gle/p5SSBr1i67AAgoas6
Thanks for considering!
Rick Coplen
C: 717-706-0380
Chair, Rotary Veterans Initiative
York Recognizes Major Donors
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!
District Learning Assembly - October 26
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.
Cost: $25 per Rotarian
Registration Deadline: October 21, 2024
RVI Sponsoring Second Veterans Business Bootcamp
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.
A Message from the Governor
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!
West Shore Flags for Heroes Dedication
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.
Learn More About Making a Difference in the World!
Happy Labor Day
SAVE THE DATE for the Annual District Rotary Foundation Dinner
The Annual District 7390 Rotary Foundation Dinner will be held Saturday, November 9 at the Gettysburg Hotel! More information coming soon!
Fall Fest 2024
The Foundation of Membership and Club
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.
Encourage PEACE - Install a PEACE Pole
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.
Learn More About Rotary Youth Exchange
Make a Difference By Donating to The Rotary Foundation!
It's All About the Clubs
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!
In Rotary,
DG Paul Thompson
Zone Forums
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
Southern York County Present Check to Troopers Helping Troopers Foundation
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.
ShelterBox All-Hands Rotary Roundup
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.
To Register: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZwkdOCppj4uGtWL8ptnOC98Q_6AoVLjZn0C
Unable to attend? Register anyway and after the event you will receive a link to the recording.
A Magic Key to Membership and Club Development
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.
Thanks for everything, Jill. What a legacy!
How Can Your Club Make a Significant Impact?
Last Chance to Attend the Rotary Means Business - September 12
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.
REGISTER TODAY!
Lancaster Craft Beerfest - August 24
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!
District Office Closed - August 12-15
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.
Carlisle Golf Tournament - October 7
Southern York County Golf Tournament - September 26
The Relevance of Rotary to Member, Club and Community
Fellow Rotarians,
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
York-East Awards Paul Harris Fellows
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.
Be A Part of the Magic of Rotary!
2024 Carlisle Rotary Golf Outing
2025 RI Convention - Calgary, Canada
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.
2025 District Conference Registration is OPEN
Join us for the Multi-District Conference
April 4-6, 2025
The Hershey Lodge, Hershey, PA
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!!!
April 4-6, 2025
The Hershey Lodge, Hershey, PA
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!!!
A Message from the Governor
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.
Rotary Friendship Exchange Seeking Hosts in D7390!
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.
Giving Just 1% to the Rotary Foundation!
A Message from the Governor
Leadership in Action
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.
Sally’s topic for her studies: PEACE.
Pictured L-R: Travis Soprano, Sally Aldrich
Register TODAY for the October 12 Rotary Leadership Institute!
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.
Questions? Contact Melissa Kopp-Smith at office@rotary7390.org or 717-854-7842.
StormFest 2024 - An Environmental Showcase
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!
Joe McNally, District Environment Committee Chair
Celebrate the MAGIC of ROTARY!
Youth Exchange Rebound Presentations
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.
A Message from the Governor
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.
Best wishes,
DG Paul Thompson, 2024-2025
District Installation Event
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)
Past District Governors
Lancaster-Sunrise Awards Grants
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:
- Power Packs
- Anchor Lancaster
- Second Grace
Happy 4th of July
Rotary's Vision Statement
But what does it mean?
Together we see a World
Where PEOPLE unite
and TAKE ACTION
to CREATE … LASTING CHANGE
ACROSS the GLOBE
in our communities
and in ourselves
Yes these are nice words.
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
Youth Exchange Creates Lasting Friendships!
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
A Message from the Governor
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).
A grateful and humbled DG,
Fred.
June 2024 Rotary Foundation News
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.
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
District Rotary Foundation Chair – amkobbe@gmail.com
Uptown York Awards Grants to the York Community!
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.
York-East Rotary Club Enhances Logos Academy Library with Weekly Book Donations
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
PDG Hector Ortiz Represents RI President Gordon McInally
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.
You're Invited - Army War College International Fellows Luncheon
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.
District Office Closed June 17-24
The Rotary District Office will be closed June 17-24. All emails and voicemails will be answered on June 25.
Outstanding RYLA Conferees Announced at the Closing Celebration
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)
Rotarian Input Needed on District Service Questionnaire!
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 here by June 21, 2024. Thank you in advance for your willingness to share your time and talents with us!
If you have Children, Think about everything you have given them.
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Fun, Christmas, Home, Education, Youth Sports, Birthday Parties
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.
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A Note from the Governor
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.
DG Fred.
Hosted by Rotary Club of Mechanicsburg-North: Trail Care Day at LeTort Spring Garden Preserve - June 18 @ 9:00 a.m.
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.
To learn more about this event and sign up, please go to the KTA website at: https://www.ktahike.org/ktacpctrailcare.html
Details on what to bring will be listed.
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.
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.
Southern York County Awards Scholarships
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.
Southern York County Golf Tournament & Crab Feast
See No Evil, Hear No Evil, Speak No Evil
We all have seen this before.
See no evil, Hear no evil, Speak no evil.
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.
Fun In Singapore
DGE Paul Thompson and York Club President-Elect Courtney Piccolo pose for a picture in Singapore!
37th Annual Rotary Strike-Out Hunger Night
How to Order Tickets:- 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.
York-East Awards Scholarships
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.
Juneteenth Celebration in Harrisburg
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!
Rotary Means Business Was a Huge Success!
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!
Thank you to the Event Sponsors!!
A Message from the Governor
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!
I’ll see you around the district.
DG Fred
Flags for Heroes Presented by Southern York County
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.
Create Hope in the World
“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
A Note from the Governor
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.
I’ll see you around the district.
DG Fred.
Memorial Day
Rotary Club of York Beautifies Downtown!
The Rotary Club of York did a major beautification project on Continental Square in York City. Check out the project
Fox 43 New Coverage - If the video does not show, please click here.
Wheels & Wings Festival & 5K
Northern Lebanon County Golf Tournament
Children are the FUTURE of the World!
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!
Rotary Night at the Museum - Installation of DG Paul Thompson
What % of your Rotary Club Giving is International?
Give this a thought: What is Service Above Self?
Who is a Rotarian?
- 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.
Rotary Club of Littlestown Celebrates 96 Years!
If the video does not show, please click here to view the history of the Rotary Club of Littlestown!
Rotary Club of York Plants Trees
The Rotary Club of York planted trees in York. Check out the video here!
A Message from the Governor
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.
I’ll see you around the district.
DG Fred
York Plants Trees!
Rotary Spring 2024 by LA
A Message from the Governor
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.
Yours in Rotary,
DG Fred.
Littlestown Corn Hole Tournament
News from the District Finance Committee!
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.
2024 District Conference in the Books!
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.
DG Fred Gellert presented the following Awards:
- Dogged Pursuit - PDG Juliet Altenburg (Mechanicsburg-North)
- District Outstanding Service Award - PDG Anna-Mae Kobbe (Gettysburg)
- District Lifetime Achievement Award - Linda Spotts (Susquehanna Township)
Perry County Golf Outing
York-East Cleans Up the Gold Star Garden
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.
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
Zone 28/32 Education
Zone 28/32 Upcoming Live Membership Education
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
District 7390 Membership On Demand Education
- 4/30/24 Rotaract Presentation featuring Zone Membership Lead Abit Ragbeer: https://us02web.zoom.us/rec/share/92kPr1b6wlAD3d32GVCYoXMKSjCXibQoQqgzSw92JYkxiUU29J8f7QANlPVU5qXS.gos7WCYeaBC8GdRG Passcode: .PM6BBFG
District Wide Day of Service - April 20
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!
- Project #1 - Kings Gap Educational Center (500 Kings Gap Road, Carlisle) (Click here to Register!), Click here for additional Information about the Kings Gap Project - Contact for Project - Larenda Twigg
- Project #2 - Susquehanna River (Click to view the 2 options available) Contact for Project - Joe McNally
- Project #3 - Quittie Creek Nature Park (536 Bachman Road, Annville) (Click here to Register!) Contact for Project - Rebecca Zalit
Rotary Means Business - May 23 in Harrisburg
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.
Thank you to our Sponsors:
A Message from the Governor
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.
See you around the district.
DG Fred.
Elizabethtown Golf Major
Perry County Golf Fundraiser
Carlisle Rotary Disc Golf Fundraiser
Carlisle Rotary Flowers for Scholars
York Rotary Recognizes Paul Harris Fellows and Paul Harris Society Members
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.
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.
Calling all Rotarians to Participate in the Leadership Harrisburg Area Volunteer Fair!
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!
Rotary Opportunity to Support Refugee Families
Church World Services (CWS) Harrisburg supports our region's refugees as they resettle, integrate, and thrive 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 donate your time, go to: Get Involved - CWS Harrisburg
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.
Safety Town
FREE Networking Event in Hershey!
128 Hillcrest Road, Hershey, PA!
A Message from the Governor
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.
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.
DG Fred.
Last Chance to Register for the District Conference - April 19 & 20
Join us for the Annual D7390 Conference!
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.
CONFERENCE REGISTRATION WILL CLOSE ON APRIL 10, 2024 AT 12:00 NOON!
A Message from the District Governor
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.
YIR,
Fred.
York-East Presents Paul Harris Fellowships
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.
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York-East Rotarians Participate in Road Clean Up
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
Rotary Club of York Launches Community Grants
$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
2024 Panther Prowl Rotary 5K Run for Education
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!
- Register at Panther Prowl 5K Run for Education and One Mile Color Fun Run (runsignup.com)
- More information at www.mechanicsburgnorthrotary.org
Increasing Our Impact Through Rotaract!
EducationOn 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!
Hershey Rotary Club's 54th Annual Fundraising Dinner & Auction
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
REGISTER TODAY!!
A Note from the Governor
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.
DG Fred.
Wishing you the Luck of the Irish!
Resilience - Free Community Movie and Panel Discussion
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!
Click here for more information and to register!
Music, Stories & a 4-Course Dinner!
Rotary Leadership Institute - October 12!
York Celebrates International Women's Day
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!
Dinner for a Cause!
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.
Tickets available at: https://www.gather256.com/event-details-registration/uptown-york-rotary-club-fundraiser-dinner
D7390 Passport Club Holding Chicken BBQ Fundraiser
York-East Supports Logos Academy
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.
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
A Note from District Governor Fred Gellert
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.
I love Rotary! See you around the district.
DG Fred.
An Update from Our Global Grant Scholar
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.Sincerely,
Ali Husaini
DEI Education Opportunities
April 6, 2024:
- 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.
- Register at: Meeting Registration - Zoom
April 18, 2024:
- 7 PM- 8:30 PM – Zones 28 and 32 DEI Committee Quarterly Conversation Session
- Topic: The Four Way Test
- Click here to register!
International Women's Day
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.
York-East Welcome a Club President from Zambia
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
Hanover Recognizes Rotarians for Years of Service
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:
- Paul Berg – 5 years
- Tammy Miller – 5 years
- \Karen Nelson – 5 years
- Rebecca Prehoda – 5 years
- Torren Ecker – 10 years
- MaryBeth Hockenberry – 10 years
- Chris Stock – 10 years
- Tammy Gobrecht – 15 years
- Mike Hockenberry – 15 years
- Mark Riggs – 15 years
- Brad Beaumont – 20 years
- Elinor Rebert – 20 years
- Ellen Brown – 25 years
- Doug Becker – 40 years
- John Gerken – 55 years
Growing Rotary By Fostering a Culture of Belonging
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.
Membership News
Growing Rotary through Education
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/
District Membership Recordings
- Companion Clubs including IMPACT Clubs and Next Gen Clubs presented by District 7430 on 2/5/24: Recording Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/rec/share/m48yZApd4YqO_mtNz7ujr3eyeZOfkjY5MXypD2HD4Eh-KsJUqSc834W9IQYttVx_.aqfNy3T_QKUhyyaq Passcode: j8NNp0i?
- 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
Next District Membership Committee Meeting: Tuesday, February 27th at 6:30 PM. New members and drop-ins are welcome. Get the zoom link by registering at: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZUudeCtqTkrH9I4Ge0MYVmm4_U9f0oCkKOF
Note from the District Governor
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.
I’ll see you around the district.
DG Fred.
Mechanicsburg-North Beer & Wine Festival
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.
RYLA 2024 Registration NOW OPEN!
The RYLA Application deadline is April 12, 2024
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.
Want to learn more about RYLA! Scan the QR Code!
Register TODAY for the District Learning Assembly!
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!
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER TODAY!
February is Peacebuilding and Conflict Prevention Month
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.
Growing Rotary by Fostering a Culture of Belonging
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.
Recent Harrisburg Transplant "Sings" About the Power of Rotary Club of Harrisburg Connections
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
REGISTER TODAY! District 7390 Annual Conference - April 19 & 20, 2024
Join us for the Annual D7390 Conference!
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.
Friday, April 19 - U.S. Army Heritage and Education Center (950 Soldiers Drive, Carlisle, PA 17013)
| 4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. | Meeting of Past District Governors and Current District Leadership |
| 5:00 p.m.- 6:00 p.m. | Cocktail hour, Fellowship and Facility Tours of Army Heritage Center |
| 6:00 p.m. - 6:45 p.m. | Buffet dinner |
| 6:45 p.m. - 7:45 p.m. | Finals of the Four-Way Test Speech Contest & Presentation of the Winning Essay |
| 7:45 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. | Keynote Speaker - Dr. Michael Lynch (Professor at the U.S. Army War College) |
| 8:30 p.m. | Closing Remarks & Adjournment |
Saturday, April 20 - Heritage Hills Resort (2700 Mount Rose Avenue, York, PA 17402)
| 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. | District Wide Day of Service (There will be 3 Projects to choose from) |
| Project #1 - Kings Gap Educational Center (500 Kings Gap Road, Carlisle) Contact for Project - Larenda Twigg | |
| Project #2 - Susquehanna River (More info to come) | |
| Project #3 - Quittie Creek Nature Park (536 Bachman Road, Annville) (Click here to Register!) Contact for Project - Rebecca Zalit | |
| 1:30 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. | Registration for Conference Sessions |
| 2:00 p.m. - 2:45 p.m. | Session #1 - Brian Flom (PA State Government Talent Department) |
| 3:00 p.m. - 3:45 p.m. | Session #2: Environment - Dr. Michele Devlin (U.S. Army War College) |
| 4:00 - 4:45 p.m. | Session #3: Why Grow Rotary - PDG Yavuz Atila (RI President's Representative) |
| 5:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. | Cocktail hour and Fellowship |
| 6:00 p.m. - 7:15 p.m. | Dinner |
| 7:15 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. | Keynote Speaker PDG Yavuz Atila and Awards |
| 8:30 p.m. | Closing Remarks and Adjournment |
- 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!
Growing Rotary Through Education
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!
Rotary Means Business - February 29
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 29 from 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:
AmeriChoice Federal Credit Union
McKonly & Asbury
Rotary Club of West Shore
Rotary Club of District 7390 Passport
Rotary Club of Mechanicsburg North
Rotary Club of Yellow Breeches
Joseph T. Simpson Library
Fairway Independent Mortgage of Mechanicsburg
Venue Sponsor The Rolls Royce Museum.
SPONSORS are Welcome!
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!
RYLA Informational Meeting
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!
2022-2023 District 7390 Annual Report NOW Available!
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!
Music, Stories & 4-Course Dinner! Yum!
Questions? Contact Crystal Hartz (Rotary Club of Colonial Park) at
717-443-3998 – cell phone
Annual District Grant Training
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.
Click here to watch the training video and complete the quizzes!
Support The Rotary Foundation - Earn Foundation Points February 11-17
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 a check 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.
From the International Service Lane
Carlisle Supports Eye Care in KENYAFor 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.
Colonial Park Foundation Announces Scholarship Applications
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.
2026-2027 District Governor Selected!
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.
Virtual RLI (Rotary Leadership Institute)
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!
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.
Closer to the date of the RLI, you will receive a link for the sessions.
A Note from the Governor
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.
Yours in Rotary, DG Fred
Rotary Presidential Theme to be Eliminated Starting in 2025-2026
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.
Grow Rotary by Learning Best Practices from District 7620!
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.
You MUST pre-register for the meeting to receive the Zoom link. Click here to register!
The presentation will be recorded and posted on the District 7390 You Tube Channel for On Demand viewing.
We are grateful to the panel of speakers representing District 7620:
Marilyn Nevy Cruz D7620 Assistant Governor (Area 7)
D7620 Youth Services Chair
Past President, Rotary Club and Rotaract Clubs of Washington, D.C.
Charter member, RI Membership Society, Gold Level
Honored at RI Convention Service Above Self Reception for sponsoring 72 members in her Rotary career.
Member, Rotary Club of Washington, D.C.
Pallavi Gowda, DO, MHARotary Club of Potomac Passport, President, https://potomacpassportrc.org
Rotary Club of Potomac, Past President https://rotaryclubofpotomac.org/
Rotary Action Group - Mental Health Initiatives (RAGMHI), Board
Rotary Action Group Against Slavery (RAGAS)- Ambassador
Rotary Fellowship of Military Veterans- Member
Justin Saltzman2021-2022 President, RC of Frederick
Risk Management
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:
U.S. Rotary Insurance Portal: rotary.hylant.com
Username: rotary@hylant.com
Password: Rotary1905 Email: rotary@hylant.com Phone: (419) 259-2710
The Hylant Group's Client Service Specialists are available to assist you and your club Monday-Friday and here are their business hours by time zone:
Eastern: 8:30 AM-4:30 PM
Central: 7:30 AM-3:30 PM
Mountain: 6:30 AM-2:30 PM
Pacific: 5:30 AM-1:30 PM
Insurance Broker | Risk Management | |||
Hylant Group | Julita Brzozowska, Risk Manager | Carol Dietz, Risk Management Senior Specialist | Jacob Kolar, Insurance & Risk Management Analyst | Ann Berdahl, Claims & Insurance Manager |
1-419-259-2710 | 1-847-424-5394 | 1-847-424- | 1-847-866- | 1-847-866-3125 |
5245 | 3138 | |||
York Rotary Foundation Invites Scholarship Applicants
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.
New Year's Resolution - Participate in the District 7390 Speech & Essay Contests!
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.
Happy New Year!
Rotary Membership On Demand Education
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/
Lancaster-Hempfield Rings the Salvation Army Bell
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.
What Happens When you Give to the Rotary Foundation?
$15 provides polio vaccines to protect children for a lifetime 
$50 provides clean water to communities that need it 
$100 helps individuals gain vocational training 
$150 provides a handwashing station to educate students on good hygiene 
Supporting Toys for Tots in a Festive Way
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.
Join the Polio Plus Society Today!
Dear Fellow Rotarians,
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!
Hershey Awards Community Grants
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.
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 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.
Is Volunteering one of your Resolutions for 2024? Junior Achievement has you Covered!
Below is a snapshot of volunteer opportunities for January and early February. 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 Lisa Vaughn at lvaughn@jascpa.org
The link below will show the full list of openings through the end of the school year.
Thank you for considering sharing your time with us in 2024!
Successful RMB Held On November 30 in Hershey
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!
Lancaster-Hempfield Completes Project at Amos Herr Park
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*
York Rotary Foundation Presents A Check in Support of York County Hispanic Coalition's Three Kings Day
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.
District 7390 Recognized for Excellence in Grant Reporting
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.
A Message from the Governor
Greetings District 7390 Rotarians,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.
I’ll see you around the district.
2023 Council on Resolutions - Report of Action
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
Carlisle Rotary Celebrates the Carlisle-Sunrise Club's 20 Years of Service and Raises over $26,000 for a Global Grant Project in Togo
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.
York-East Holds Successful Pints for Polio!
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.
Red Lion/Dallastown Focuses on Mental Health Awareness
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".
Rotary Veterans Initiative (RVI) Continues to Help Veterans and Strengthen our Central PA Communities
- 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.
- At the Rotary Club of Carlisle weekly luncheon on November 9th, 2023:
- 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:
- Make an online donation at https://www.tfec.org/funds/rotary-veterans-initiative/ (or)
- 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
York-North Hosts Two 101-Year Old WWII Veterans
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.
Uptown York Hosts a Pints for Polio Event
Southern York County Participates in a Human Rights Day Panel Discussion
2024-2025 Global Grant Ambassadorial Scholarships
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.
Happy Thanksgiving
The Rotary Foundation Dinner and its Many Courses
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.
Click here to view photos from the dinner!
See you next year, or tomorrow.
DGE Paul
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 | The following Clubs had the highest annual fund per capita giving in the 2022-2023 Rotary year:
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 | 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. | |
 | 2022-2023 Best Club Awards
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Seeking DG Candidates for 2026-2027
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
- A completed Governor Nominee Data Form including a resume 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).
District Membership Committee Webpage
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!
Carlisle Rotary Auction to Support a Global Grant Project in Togo, West Africa
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.
A Message from the Governor
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.
See you around the district,
DG Fred
Veterans Rotaract Club
Zone 32 Membership Education Opportunities
- 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.
- Part 1 "How to Build a Successful New Club from the Ground Up"
Job Club for Veterans
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.
District Bus Trip to RI Headquarters - March 2024!
Volunteer Opportunities with Junior Achievement
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.
To learn more about a specific program, please click HERE - I am also happy to answer any questions.
District 7390 Ride to Eradicate Polio
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.)
York-East Pints for Polio a HUGE Success!
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.
RMB Networking Event in Hershey - November 30
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.
Thank you to our sponsors!
RI Statement on the conflict in Israel and Gaza
World Polio Day is Almost Here!
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.
- Visit the World Polio Day Resources webpage and find content you can share.
- Pitch a story about World Polio Day and your club’s contributions to eradicating polio to a local media outlet.
- Learn about the two vaccines used to stop polio transmission — inactivated polio vaccine and oral polio vaccine.
Resources for Polio Awareness and Fundraising
D7390 Global Grant to be Featured at Zone Foundation Webinar
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
A Message from the Governor
District 7390 teammates,
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.
York County Commissioner Candidates Appearance at York Rotary on October 25
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.
Zone Membership Webinar
Our second webinar in the series will be on Tuesday, October 17 at 7PM Eastern time. Click here for the Zoom link.
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.
Seeking Talented Rotarians to Support District and Club Public Image Efforts
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!
District Membership Committee Launches Monthly Webinars
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 the Brand 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 Governors Citation Awarded to Two Additional Rotary Clubs
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
October 5 RMB Lancaster Networking Event a Huge Success!
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!
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Thank you to our Sponsors!
The Rotary Club of New Holland is now the Rotary Club of Eastern Lancaster County
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.
Email: ELANCO.Rotary@gmail.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/ELANCO.Rotary
Volunteer with Junior Achievement!
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.
Rotary Day at the Barnstormers: A great example of successfully Expanding our Reach!
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!
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Successful RLI held in D7390
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!
Upcoming Rotary Means Business in Lancaster County!
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.
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Family Fun Day on October 1
14 Elizabethtown Rotarians Invade RI Headquarters
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
Rotary Foundation Dinner
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.)
District Governor Elect Paul Thompson
REGISTER TODAY!
West Shore Flags for Heroes Dedication
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.
Congratulations 2022-2023 Rotary Citation and District Governor Citation Recipients!
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 more about 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.
Pet Vaccination Clinic
Movie Night at the Allen Theatre
Rotary Means Business
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.
A Message from the Governor
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.
Youth Exchange Informational Meeting - September 12
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.
Click here to register for the Zoom Meeting!
York-East Awards Paul Harris Fellowships
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
Schedule a RYLA Program for your Club!
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.
2023 RLI Faculty of the Year Award Presented to PDG Una Martone
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!
Upcoming Pints for Polio Events!
We are heading into WORLD POLIO WEEK!
Don't forget to support one of these local Pints for Polio Events!
If your Club is holding a Pints for Polio event, please email the information to Melissa at office@rotary7390.org.
Click on the dates below for more information on each Pints for Polio Event.
October 23 (York-East) Victory Athletic Association
October 23-27 (Hummelstown) Rubber Soul Brewing Company
October 24 (Harrisburg-Keystone) Appalachian Brewing Company, Harrisburg
October 24 (Carlisle-Sunrise & Carlisle Sunset) - Market Cross Pub
October 25 (Mechanicsburg-North) Appalachian Brewing Company, Mechanicsburg
October 27 (Elizabethtown) Moo-Duck Brewery
October 29 (Palmyra) Sinkhole Saloon
Hawaii Fire Relief Efforts
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.
Mark Merriam, District Governor
Rotary District 5000, Hawaii, USA
The Rotary Club of Kahala Sunrise is collecting physical donations for those affected by the wildfires in Maui. Click here for more information.
You can also make a donation directly to The Rotary Foundation Disaster Response Fund. These donations count towards your PHF giving.
District Membership Committee
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!
Rotary Day at the Lancaster Barnstormers!
ROTARY DAY AT CLIPPER MAGAZINE STADIUM
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!
Tickets will be emailed to you from ordertracking@tickets.com in 48-72 hours.
3rd Annual Ride to Eradicate Polio!
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.
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER TODAY!
From the International Service Lane
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.
For more information about the Peace Fellowship Program contact: Kathleen Stoup kathleenstoup@yahoo.com or go to rotarypeacecenters@rotary.org
Staub to Chair the District Major Donor and Paul Harris Society Programs
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.
Message from the Governor
Rotarians,
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.
Yours in Rotary Service,
DG Fred.
SAVE THIS DATE: Saturday, November 4, 2023
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.
Best wishes,
DGE Paul Thompson
Chair, 2023 District 7390 Foundation Dinner Party
Last Chance to Register for the Rotary Leadership Institute (RLI)!
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.
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER TODAY!
Let's Grow Rotary Together!
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!
PDG Juliet Altenburg, RN, MSN2022-2023 District Governor
2023-2024 District 7390 Membership Chair
Member, Rotary Club of Mechanicsburg-North
Mechanicsburg-North's Beer & Wine Festival
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.
York-East Rotary Celebrates 50 Years of Sponsoring Safety Town
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.
To see more: https://www.facebook.com/safetytownyork.org
Upcoming Golf Outings!
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!
Rotary Life on Land Symposium - Connecting the World through Sustainability
How does sustainable living benefit humanity?
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.
Alaska is the place to be in 2023!
Click here to learn more!
Meet the 2023-2024 Leaders of the District 7390 Diversity-Equity-Inclusion Committee!
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
New District Finance Committee Forming
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.
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
Past District Governor 2020-21
District Finance Chair 2023-24
Rotary District 7390
Feed and Read Program
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.
Youth Exchange Rebound Night on August 13
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.
Register today!!!
67th Rotary Means Business - August 29
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.
Congratulations 2022-2023 & 2023-2024 Leadership!
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!
York Welcomes home Honorary Rotarian and Gold Medalist Loretta Claiborne!
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-East Awards Grants
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.
Fall Fest on October 7, 2023
Eastern York County Sponsors EYWI in Wrightsville
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.
Happy New Year Rotary!
Rotary Club of Shippensburg Rings Bell for last time celebrating 99 years of Service
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!
Successful RYLA 61!
Check out the video of the 2023 RYLA Conference! If the video does not load, please click here to view it!
Volunteers Needed for 4-Way Test Speech Contest
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.
District 7390 Office Closed!
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!
Rotary's People of Action: Champions of Inclusion
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.
Urinetown: The Musical
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.”
Tickets can be purchased online at https://carlisletheatre.showare.com/
$29.50 general admission/ Senior or Military Special $24.50/College Students $15/ Youth ages 7-17 $12
END POLIO NOW!
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!
Dave Getz
D7390 PolioPlus Chair
Contributions NEEDED for Rotary's Annual Fund
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
Rotary Saves Lives with STOP THE BLEED(R)
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/
66th RMB Held in D7390!
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.
Gettysburg Rotarians Volunteer at Ruth's Harvest
The Rotary Club of Gettysburg volunteered to fill bags of food for Ruth's Harvest on May 17th.
Colonial Park Foundation Awards Scholarships
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!
Happy Memorial Day!
19th Annual Ride for the Community
Subscribe to the District 7390 Blog for stories from the RI Convention
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.
End of Year Club Awards
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.
Rotary's Got Talent!
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
York-East Volunteers at Gold Star Garden
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.
Youth Exchange Volunteers Needed!
ShelterBox Hero Recognitions
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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)
Looking for the adventure of a lifetime? Our 4 day Yosemite Trek, Aug 13-16, is filling up fast. Follow this link for more information https://www.shelterboxusa.org/adventurers-trek-yosemite/.
ShelterBox has provided aid to over 2.5 million people since 2000, we could not have reached them without clubs like yours.
Bike Rodeo - May 20
STOP THE BLEED© Classes at Central Penn College highlight value of Rotary-Community Partnerships
On April 24th the value of partnerships in our Rotary District was illustrated through the hosting of two STOP THE BLEED© classes that taught life-saving techniques on how to control bleeding prior to EMS arrival. The partners that joined forces to conduct the sessions were:
- Rotary District 7390
- Central Penn College
- Penn State Holy Spirit Medical Center
- Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center
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.
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Pictured left to right:
- Justin Heimrich, RN, Trauma Program Manager, Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center
- Sunny Goodyear, RN, Injury Prevention Coordinator, Penn State Holy Spirit Medical Center
- DG Juliet Altenburg, RN, Executive Director, PA Trauma Systems Foundation
- Amy Bollinger, RN, Injury Prevention Coordinator, Penn State Milton Hershey Medical Center
