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.
Friday, April 19, 2024 will feature a kick-off event at the U.S. Army Heritage and Education Center (950 Soldiers Drive, Carlisle, PA 17013). The evening will have fun and fellowship, but the highlight will be the finals for the District Four-Way Test Speech Contest.
On Saturday, April 20, 2024 a District-wide service project will be held in the morning. At 2:00 p.m. all Rotarians will gather at Heritage Hills Resort (2700 Mount Rose Avenue, York, PA 17402) for some informational sessions until 4:30 p.m. Immediately following the conclusion of the sessions, we will start our celebration of the 2023-2024 Rotary year with a cocktail hour and then the Governor's banquet.
On Friday, April 19, 2024 a kick-off celebration for the District Conference will be held at the U.S. Army Heritage and Education Center (950 Soldiers Drive, Carlisle, PA 17013). The evening will begin at 5:00 p.m. with cocktail hour. A buffet dinner will begin at 6:00 p.m. and the program will begin at 7:00 p.m. The program for the evening will be the finals of the Four-Way Test Speech Contest and the presentation of the winning Four-Way Test Essay.
$65 per person from March 1, 2024 at 12:00 a.m. until April 10, 2024 at 12:00 p.m.
On Saturday, April 20, 2024 we will gather at Heritage Hills Resort (2700 Mount Rose Avenue, York, PA 17402) beginning at 1:30 p.m. Break-out sessions will be held from 2:00 p.m. until 4:30 p.m. Cocktail hour with appetizers will begin at 5:00 p.m. At 6:00 p.m. dinner service will begin. Dinner Choices are: Crab topped tilapia with Beurre Blanc Sauce, Sliced Bistro Tenderloin with Bordelaise Sauce or Penna Pasta Primavera (Vegetarian/Vegan).
$85 per person from March 1, 2024 at 12:00 a.m. until April 10, 2024 at 12:00 p.m.
Total Package (Both Friday Night and Saturday) - This package includes registration for Friday, April 19, 2024 and Saturday, April 20, 2024.
$150 per person from March 1, 2024 at 12:00 a.m. until April 10, 2024 at 12:00 p.m.
Conference registration will close on April 10, 2024 at 12:00 Noon!
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.
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.
York-East members volunteer to pick up trash and litter along Edgewood Road between Prospect Street and Kingston Road twice a year: once in the spring and once in the fall, generally to coincide with PennDOT's Road Cleanup Day. The club has been doing it since 1998 and occasionally finds treasures and lots of trash (cans, cups, bags, and tires). We even found a wallet this year and hope to return it to the owner!
From left to right: Nate Tile, Kris Pollick, Greg Kern, Dan Hoff and Tim Koller
$40,000 To Be Awarded to Community Programs in 2024
Rotary Club of York and the York Rotary Foundation have just opened the 2024 round of their Rotary Club community grants. York Rotary Grants provide valuable funding support to address the changing needs of York through grant programs focused on improving our local community. Grants of $2,500-$10,000 will be awarded to projects or programs in 2024 taking place July 1, 2024-June 31, 2025. York Rotary Grants provide valuable funding support to address the changing needs of York through grant programs focused on improving our local community. Projects must match the grant request with other support.
The fields of interest for 2024 and examples of projects/programs that would fall under these fields follow. The Rotary Club grants committee only accepts letters of interest that fall under one or both of these interests.
CULTIVATE youth success
Programs and projects helping York City residents under the age of 18 prepare for their future as successful students, leaders, and community members.
Events designed to bring youth together to build connection, learning and understanding.
Educational programs to build skills needed for a successful future (No applications for scholarships will be considered. The Rotary Club of York already provides scholarship funding. If seeking a scholarship, please visit https://www.yorkrotary.org/page/scholarships).
IMPROVE the York City Environment
Programs and projects designed to improve the environment in the City of York to benefit its residents and visitors. Environment can be physical improvements to the built environment, the social environment, and/or the cultural environment. Projects under this scope include beautification such as murals, convening conversations to build bridges among communities, sense of place activities, and programs that remove barriers and improve access for all York City residents.
Letters of Interest by York County based non-profit organizations can now be submitted for projects and programs that meet these focus areas until April 5, 2024 at 5:00pm EST. Full grant guidelines and online Letter of Interest applications can be found here. Letters of Interest addressing one or both fields of interest that are selected to move to the full application stage can request $2,500-$10,000 in matching funds. All LOI applicants will be notified of their status by 5/1/2024
All proceeds from the 5K Run for Education will be used for scholarships for deserving seniors at Cumberland Valley, Cumberland Perry Area CTC and East Pennsboro High Schools
Where: East Pennsboro High School Track, 425 Shady Lane, Enola
When: In person registration begins at 11am, the 5K Run for Education is at noon and the One Mile Color Run at 1pm on April 28th (Sunday)
Medals will be given for best times by sex and age group at the 5K Run. We will also give out a monetary gift for the overall male and female winners.
We will have a walking taco stand and the Kona Ice Truck. There will be plenty of kids activities!
On Tuesday, April 30th at 6:30 PM Zone Rotaract Lead Abit Ragbeer will be the featured presenter hosted by our District Membership Committee on Rotaract! In years past, our District had many Rotaract clubs that were university based and disappeared during the COVID 19 pandemic. Abit will educate us how to start new Rotaract Clubs that can be University Based, Community Based or Satellite Clubs. She will also tell us how Rotaract has changed over the years and how it can bring new energy to your club and community. Click here to register and receive the Zoom link!
District Rotaract Club Formation Opportunity: Rotaract Club on Global Issues
Last fall, DGE Paul Thompson and I had a conversation about the great work our Global Grant Scholarship recipients are doing while earning a Master’s Degree in one of Rotary’s seven areas of focus. After Rotary assists them achieve this goal, we lose track of them because we do not have a structure or organization in place for them to stay connected to Rotary. A Rotaract Club on Global Issues for Scholars and former Exchange Students would give them the structure they need to keep connected to Rotary and to each other which could lead to a mentoring and networking social and professional organization as they pursue their careers. The appeal of a passport, online, Rotaract Club is that members can link into meetings and benefit from such associations wherever they are in the world, pursuing academic and professional goals. Plus, the dues are very reasonable for young people in transition!
If you know of a student from your club’s Youth Exchange program who was an out-bound or in-bound student, we think they should be part of this Rotaract Club for Global Issues Scholars too, so please provide me with any contact information you may have from your past in-bound and out-bound students, Global Grant Scholars, and Peace Fellows.
Please send any contact information you have to me at my email address: bhmorgenthal@gmail.com
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!
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
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.
Greetings on a chilly spring day. I hope your Rotary experience continues to be great. Mine is awesome!
Education
District Rotaract Club Formation Opportunity: Rotaract Club on Global Issues
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