As a native Floridian, I've been through my share of hurricanes! Hurricane Irma is bigger and stronger than anything we've ever seen. She is leaving devastation in her path and it's multiplied by being right on the heels of Hurricane Harvey. Even more hurricanes are lining up to create, literally, a perfect storm.
Our help will be in great demand for recovery efforts across the islands, in Florida, and up and down the east coast. We've been called PEOPLE of ACTION and the need for our services will be long lasting.
Please see the information from Disaster Aid USA (by clicking here) and a flyer on continued fundraising efforts for Hurricane Harvey relief (click here) and coordination of a matching gift from the Rotary Club of Carlisle. A $5000 matching gift has also germinated in the Rotary Club of Harrisburg thanks to a generous donor. The Rotary Club of Lancaster is still collecting thousands of dollars in relief finding. And John Bailey with Bailey Coach is back at it again with busses heading south with more relief. Rotarians can visit Rotary.org for the most up-to-date information on Hurricane Harvey relief efforts or to contact RI by writing to relief@rotary.org. Every act of kindness and support, no matter how large or small, made in public or in private, is important and greatly appreciated. I'm sure countless acts of relief are happening throughout District 7390 and I thank you all for your leadership and generosity. I stand in awe, appreciation, and with you in continued prayer.
Our Disaster Relief Committee is getting legs to respond as best we can. Until then, let's continue to support our emergency crews and first responders with our prayers and financial donations as they meet immediate needs.
Shout out to the 14 Rotary Clubs that hosted me in August! During my visits I installed many NEW MEMBERS including 5 at the Rotary Club of Gettysburg and 3 more at the Rotary Club of Hanover and 5 more at the Rotary Club of Uptown York! Congratulations and WELCOME to all of the new members!
Shout out to the Rotary Club of West York… a huge storm hit as I was traveling to the club and power went off at the venue. No worries, this club (the smallest club in the district) went into quick action and we caravanned to an alternate location nearby and I had a great cheeseburger to boot! A new member was attending his very first meeting and didn’t mind the disruption at all! By the way, the Rotary Club of West York is looking for a banner stand. If any club has an extra one lying around, please contact Club President Errick Milindi.
Shout out to everyone involved in Youth Exchange! On August 26, District 7390 welcomed 9 students. Please join me in saying hello and welcoming Henna from Finland and Paul from Franc; both hosted by the Rotary Club of York. Kazuki from Japan is hosted by the Rotary Club of York - North. Yu Ting Lin from Taiwan is hosted by the Rotary Club of Mechanicsburg-North. Sarah is from Belgium and hosted by the Rotary Club of Harrisburg. Leopoldo from Germany is being hosted by the Rotary Club of Lancaster. Gustavo from Brazil is hosted by the Rotary Club of Carlisle. Magaly from Chile is hosted by the Rotary Club of Lititz. And Marta from Spain is hosted by the Hershey Rotary Club. Many thanks to the Youth Exchange coordinators in every club and thanks to Linda Spotts, Youth Exchange District Chair as well as Walt Tilley, YE Inbound Chair and everyone involved in planning and facilitating an excellent welcome event. Youth Exchange is one of Rotary’s greatest assets for developing peace and understanding around the world. It was thrilling to be a part of our local efforts.
The most powerful force in the promotion of international understanding and peace is exposure to different cultures. The world becomes a smaller, friendlier place when we learn that all people — regardless of nationality — desire the same basic things: a safe, comfortable environment that allows for a rich and satisfying life for our children and ourselves. Youth Exchange provides thousands of young people with the opportunity to meet people from other lands and to experience their cultures. This plants the seeds for a lifetime of international understanding. The deadline to commit to hosting an inbound student for 2018-19 is Friday, October 13, 2017. Please click here to complete the form for hosting!
The deadline for Clubs to submit 2018-19 Outbound applications is Friday, October 13, 2017. Students are required to attend the interviews on Saturday, November 11 & 12, 2017 at Penn State York.
Two Completed applications with original signatures in blue ink and color photos.
A color photocopy of your passport. (Applications must include a copy of a valid passport. To be valid, a passport must not expire before February, 2020. Students cannot be placed until the student has a valid passport. Students without passports should apply for them immediately. Students who have passports that expire before February, 2020 should renew passports immediately. Please do not wait!)
Signed ESSEX Youth Exchange Guidelines, Conditions & Rules
Signed ESSEX Independent Travel Rules
Signed Outbound Student Code of Conduct
Country Selection List (Top 5)
District 7390 Application Fee of $100 - check made payable to Rotary District 7390 YEP.
District training day will offer a Public Image Seminar, Membership Seminar, Grant Training Seminar and an overview of the Rotary Foundation. The day will begin with registration and hot breakfast buffet from 7:30 a.m. until 8:15 a.m. There will be 3 one hour break-out sessions that everyone will attend in rotating groups. At the conclusion of the break-out sessions a luncheon will be held from 12:15 p.m. to 1:15 p.m. with an overview of the Rotary Foundation. The day will conclude at 1:30 p.m. The cost to attend is $50 per person and will include a booklet with handouts specific to Membership, Public Image, Grants and the Rotary Foundation.
For those who may not be familiar with the Four Way Test ESSAY contest, this is an essay contest open to ninth graders which asks the students to write an essay limited to 1500 words on the topic: “The Four Way Test” and What it Means to the Conduct of My Daily Life.
Last year, we had twelve clubs submit essays. We are looking to add a few more this year. Here are some tips to get your club going.
Appoint a committee or chairperson within your club to run the contest.
Get in touch with a high school or high schools in your service area and see if they are willing to offer the contest. Preliminary points of contact might be a principal, vice-principal, guidance department, or chair of the English department at the school. The contest is open to both public and private schools.
If a school is interested, consider going to the school and speaking to the students. Tell them about Rotary and what Rotary is doing in their community. Tell them about the Four Way Test. This is a great way to get the students enthused about the contest and a great way to spread the word about Rotary.
Consider holding a mini-contest within your club. The District provides monetary rewards to the top three essays in the District Competition. Consider offering a contest at your club, awarding additional prizes to top finishers (money or otherwise) and submitting your club’s contest winner to the District Contest. My club does this every year and invites the top five finalists and their families to a meeting. The students read their essays and then we publicly award them monetary prizes. It is the program for the morning meeting and goes over very well with the members.
Start now! Essays for consideration in the District Contest are due March 2, 2018 which may seem a ways away. But understand that many schools and teachers plan curriculum and extracurricular contests (such as essay and speech contests) months in advance and will need to consider whether they can fit this contest into their plans so getting an early start is imperative.
I am happy to serve as a resource for you. Either e-mail me at stevengrubb@comcast.net, or call me at (717)576-8145 with any questions/ideas.
This is a great contest. You will be amazed at the insights freshmen in high school have about the 4-Way test. The essays will not only surprise you, but they will motivate you as a Rotarian.
Finally, let me ask you for a few things:
Is your Club in?!? If you are planning to submit an essay this year, please let me know. I’d like to get a mailing list going of the clubs I know are participating.
Who is a point of contact at your club? If you are participating, please provide the name and e-mail of the person overseeing the project at your club. Even if it may not be in the works for this year, if you have someone at your club who is considering this as a future project, let me know that person’s name and e-mail address so I can keep him or her posted on updates and events.
Would you consider being a judge for the district competition? A panel of five (5) is ideal and we are always looking for fresh insights on the judging panel. Respond to me if you are interested.
Thanks for your consideration and I hope you’ll consider continuing/starting the essay contest this year.
One of the world’s most widely printed and quoted statements of ethics is The 4 Way Test, which was created in 1932 by Rotarian Herbert J. Taylor. Adopted by Rotary in 1943, The 4 Way Test has been translated into more than a hundred languages and published in thousands of ways. It asks four questions of the things we think, say and do. High school students (Sophomores, Juniors & Seniors) can compete in the Four-Way Test Speech Contest.
During the months of September and October, a local contest will be held by a school/Rotary Club or both, to determine who advances to the next level. Three students can move up to the mid-level from any Club or school Contest. The fee to continue to the Mid-level contest is $75.00 per contestant. The fee is traditionally paid by a Rotary Club. The Mid-level Contest is assigned to the participant. Students can register for the mid-levels by clicking here!
During the months of November & December mid-level contests will be held in each of five mid-level areas. The winner of each of the five mid-levels will compete in the finals at the Rotary District Conference. In order to receive a prize, the contestant must speak at the finals. The finals will be held at the Hilton Hotel in Harrisburg on Saturday, April 28, 2018.
The time has come to begin the nominating process for our District Governor 2020-21. In this way we will continue our three-year projection for District 7390’s leadership.
I encourage all D7390 Clubs to survey your membership and suggest a qualified candidate for the District Governor Nominee 2020-21. Suggestions must be made in the form of a resolution adopted at a regular Club meeting and certified by the Club Secretary. You may suggest a Rotarian from another Club so long as you first obtain the concurrence of the Club where the proposed candidate is a member.
Every club has an outstanding leader who could be a potential District Governor. Look around and ask yourself, who is that person in my club? It is the person who is a good leader, interested, involved, gives financially to Rotary and The Rotary Foundation and is helpful to other members. Ask that person about his or her interest in serving as District Governor. We all need to give encouragement and “plant the seed” for others to move forward.
When submitting a candidate for 2020-21 Governor, the following must be submitted: the Club resolution and the Governor Nominee Data Form (DG App 2020-21).
Hurricane Harvey made landfall in Texas on August 25th as a Category 4 hurricane. To date 19+ trillion gallons of rain have fallen; rainfall records for the continental U.S. have been shattered. Estimated damage costs will exceed $160 billon. Under the direction of FEMA, local response personnel along with organizations such as the Red Cross, Samaritan’s Purse, and the Salvation Army respond first to save lives, protect property, and provide basic human need. As flood waters begin to recede, people return to evaluate the damage to homes, businesses and infrastructure. Volunteers are needed at this stage to “muck out” – remove flood soaked wall board, flooring and personal items to prevent the spread of mold and disease. Rotarians can best assist with these immediate efforts by donating to the Red Cross, Samaritan’s Purse, the Salvation Army, church-based groups – or through Rotary.
Our District has been in contact with Texas District 5840. Donations can be made through the Carlisle Rotary Club Foundation. A local Rotarian has offered up to a $5,000 match for district-wide donations. Make checks payable to the Carlisle Rotary Club Foundation and send to Carlisle Rotary Club Foundation, PO Box 301, Carlisle, PA 17013. Please send by Saturday, September 30th. These donations will be used for immediate response needs and for possibly future recovery work. Click here for a printable flier.
Rotary Means Business District 7390 will have more consistent scheduling going forward with events scheduled around the 15th of each month in the calendar year. For 2017 events will be as follows: 12 September hosted by Carlisle; mid-October hosted by Gettysburg; 14 November hosted by Harrisburg Keystone; mid-December hosted by Lancaster Penn Square. As for 2018, each area of the district will have one event per quarter with the Southern Tier kicking the year off in mid-January, Northern Tier in mid-February; and Eastern Tier in March. This pattern will hold in each succeeding quarter of 2018. Hopefully, this will help with RMBer planning regarding attending as many of the opportunities as possible.
Explore the little-known back roads of Amish Country in Lancaster County, PA. We offer a choice of a 12-mile, 23-mile, and metric century routes through the heart of PA Dutch Country. On-site registration opens at 6:30am and runs until 10:30am and cyclists can start at their leisure during these times. Rest stops, featuring drinks, snacks and whoppie pies, and support are available until 1pm. Registration is $50. For more information, check out www.amishclassic.com or email info@amishclassic.com.
RSVP Now!! The Rotary Club of Carlisle will host the next Northern Tier (greater Harrisburg area) RMB networking event on Tuesday, 12 September at the Hoffman Funeral Home and Crematory (2020 West Trindle Road, Carlisle) with the event starting at 5:30 and ending at 7:30 pm. Click here to Register NOW! The cost is a non-refundable $10 for great heavy hors d'oeuvres, soft beverages, water, wine and beer. Hoffman Funeral Home and Crematory is providing the venue and covering catering costs. Thank you Hoffman! Make great business connections, enjoy wonderful fun and fellowship, and bring potential Rotarian guests. Do not miss this networking opportunity.
The Rotary Leadership Institute (RLI), better understood as the University of Rotary, is coming again to our district on SATURDAY, OCTOBER 14. This seminar will be held at Central Pennsylvania College from 8:00 a.m. until approximately 2:30 p.m. A wonderful breakfast and lunch will be provided. Levels I, II, and III as well as the graduate course are planned. These courses are especially important for newer members to get them jump started into the wider world of Rotary and for those who are assuming increasing responsibility in their clubs. Information and registration is available here! Questions? Please contact PDG John Judson (drjudson@aol.com or 717-877-0871).
The Denver Ephrata Area Club will be having two fundraising events in September! We hope to see you at one of them!
The Denver Fair September 12-16 with a Gold Fish Stand using ping pong balls and Fish Bowls and giving away Pepperidge Farm Goldfish as prizes. The Denver Fair is located in the Denver Memorial Park on Main Street in Denver PA. We have free entertainment, contests, rides, animal exhibits, fruit & vegetables displays, commerical exhibits and craft exhibits for you to enjoy. There is no admission to our Fair. There is a charge for parking but those proceeds go to the local Fire Company, Boy Scout Troop and Church. Shed the stress and worry of everyday life and enjoy a fantastic time at our hometown Fair!
The Ephrata Fair September 26-30 with a dime toss into glassware which the player gets as a prize.
The Rotary Club of Gettysburg is again sponsoring the Capitol Steps comedy show in Gettysburg at the Majestic Theater. This show will be the best show to hit Gettysburg this year. Come and join the fun and support the Rotary Club as it raises funds for its Community Fund. All proceeds will benefit the local charities supported by the Rotary Club. There are two shows on September 23, one at 2 PM and one at 8 PM. Good seats are still available. Go to www.gettysburgmajestic.org to reserve your seats today.
The Carlisle Rotary Annual Golf Tournament will be held Monday, September 25, 2017 at the Carlisle Country Club with a 12:30 p.m. shot gun start. The tournament is open to Men’s/Women’s/Mixed foursomes. Participants may assemble their own foursome or request to be placed on a team. Four person teams will play a scramble format. Please list your players on the entry form. Places will be filled on a first come, first served basis. Click here for a registration form!
The Rotary Club of Mechanicsburg-North is hosting its annual Beer and Wine Festival from 3 pm to 7 pm on Saturday, September 23, 2016. The festival will be held rain or shine at Central Penn College, located at 600 Valley Rd, Summerdale. The event will celebrate local and regional craft breweries and wineries. Beer and wine vendors will be on-site for ticket holders' tasting pleasure.
The following breweries will be participating in the Beer & Wine Festival: The Millworks Brewery; Market Cross Pub & Brewery Carlisle; Tröegs Independent Brewing; Ever Grain Brewing Co.; Molly Pitcher Brewing Company; Rhone Brew Company; Harty Brewing Company; Touchstone Brewery; Lydian Stone Brewing Company; Boneshire Brew Works; Zeroday Brewing Co.; Rubber Soul Brewing; South County Brewing Co.; Appalachian Brewing Company; Desperate Times Brewery; and Big Hill Ciderworks.
Larsen Meadworks, Jan Zell Wines & Ciders, and The Vineyard and Brewery at Hershey will be sampling wines. Additionally, representatives from the Pennsylvania Wine & Spirits stores will be providing samples of wines from the Chairman’s Selection.
Festival goers can purchase food from a local food truck. The local band Second Time Thru will provide musical entertainment throughout the afternoon.
The Rotary Club of New Holland will be hosting its 2nd Annual Rotary Rocks benefit concert on Oct 14, 7-10PM at Funck's Restaurant in Leola. Join us for an evening of live music and fun to benefit those in need in the New Holland area. Donations will benefit a great local non-profit organization, CrossNet Ministries, and their Food Pantry and Power Packs programs, as well as help the club send students to RYLA. Entertainment will be provided by The Reed Brothers Band (featuring Rotary Club of New Holland President, Trevor Reed) and the Slack Adjusters (featuring Rotary Club of New Holland Treasurer, Erin Varley).
Explore the little-known back roads of Amish Country in Lancaster County, PA. We offer a choice of a 12-mile, 23-mile, and metric century routes through the heart of PA Dutch Country. On-site registration opens at 6:30am and runs until 10:30am and cyclists can start at their leisure during these times. Rest stops, featuring drinks, snacks and whoppie pies, and support are available until 1pm. Registration is $50. For more information, check out 
.jpg)
.jpg)
The Rotary Club of Gettysburg is again sponsoring the Capitol Steps comedy show in Gettysburg at the Majestic Theater. This show will be the best show to hit Gettysburg this year. Come and join the fun and support the Rotary Club as it raises funds for its Community Fund. All proceeds will benefit the local charities supported by the Rotary Club. There are two shows on September 23, one at 2 PM and one at 8 PM. Good seats are still available. Go to 
