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MENTAL HEALTH & AWARENESS
Mental Health & Wellness Committee
By Sharon Levan, Diane Donaher, David Weiskotten
 
May is Mental Health Awareness Month! The District 7430 Mental Health & Wellness Committee recognizes the work of the West Reading/Wyomissing Mental Health Initiative!
The West Reading/Wyomissing Rotary Club has taken an important step by establishing a Mental Health Committee. We are sharing the steps we’ve taken to get this initiative off the ground, in case it may benefit other clubs considering a similar effort.
Steps Our Club Has Taken (And YOUR Club can too!)
1. Identifying Leadership and Members:
We began by seeking a volunteer to lead the committee and opened it up to interested club members willing to serve on it.
2. Initial Planning Meeting:
Once we formed the group, we held a planning meeting to brainstorm what members wanted the committee to achieve.
3. Compiling and Refining Ideas:
The gathered ideas were reviewed and discussed during the next meeting, leading to the creation of three primary objectives:
  • Education: Raise awareness about the importance of mental health wellness among Rotarians and the broader community through our website and social media.
  • Ending Stigma: Foster greater understanding of mental health conditions and work to reduce the stigma surrounding them.
  • Encouragement: Inspire and empower fellow Rotarians and community members to pursue their own paths to mental health wellness.
 
Committee Initiatives:
Currently, we are focused on two key projects:
 Including a mental health message in our meeting agenda to keep the topic front and center.
 Hosting quarterly guest speakers to discuss different aspects of mental health.
We understand that our goals may evolve over time as the needs of our community and members change, but these initiatives provide us with a strong foundation for now.
We hope sharing our experiences inspires other Rotary Clubs to start similar initiatives and prioritize mental health within their communities. Together, we can make a meaningful difference.
Please check out the attached ideas for your club to consider for May meetings to recognize Mental Health Awareness month. (Click READ MORE)
 
DISTRICT7430 LEARNING PLAN 2024-2025
Event 
Date
Time
Audience
Presenter
 
 
 
 
 
District Learning Assembly
May 5, 7, 8, 2025
6:30 PM
Please see below for more information and a link
DGE Mary Cook
Presidents’ meeting
Monday 6/2/25
5:30-6:00 PM
Club Presidents & AGs
DG Katie Farrell
 
Monday, May 5 - Presidents-Elect and Assistant Governors, 6:00 PM
On Monday, May 5th, we will meet with all our incoming Presidents-Elect and Assistant Governors.
Our agenda includes 3-year planning goals, conflict resolution, and a review of the district calendar.
 
Wednesday, May 7 - Club officers (Treasurer, Secretary, Public Image, Membership, Foundation) and District Committee Leadership chairs, 6:30 PM
On Wednesday, May 7th, we will meet with all our club secretaries, treasurers, membership chairs, public image chairs, foundation chairs, and district committee chairs. We will be in separate breakout rooms, sharing ideas and getting tips and advice from Rotarians with experience in each area.
 
Thursday, May 8 - Past District Governors 6:30 PM 
On Thursday, May 8th, we will meet with all past District Governors to discuss how we can work together to help achieve our key goals in several areas.
 
 
SHELTERBOX
ShelterBox Update
 
Thanks and congratulations to the 16 clubs achieving Hero status (≥$1,000) through March 2025. The generosity of individual Rotarians and clubs enables the life-saving work of ShelterBox, both here and abroad, and you should be proud of what you are doing.
ShelterBox has now provided over three million people with life-giving support in its 25 year history. ShelterBox is responding in Myanmar following two devastating earthquakes in April.
 
To learn more about the work of ShelterBox and our partnership with Rotary, visit www.shelterboxusa.org.    
Gold (≥$5,000)
Silver (≥$3,000
Bronze (≥$1,000)
Kutztown
Bethlehem Morning Star
Ambler
Willow Grove
Pottstown
Bethlehem
 
 
Blue Bell
 
 
Doylestown
 
 
Fleetwood
 
 
Harleysville
 
 
Hatboro
 
 
Horsham
 
 
Montgo New Britain
 
 
Quakertown
 
 
Springfield Township
 
 
West Reading- Wyomissing
 
Do you want a ShelterBox presence at a club event or do you need a presentation to your club? Contact D7430 Ambassador Bill Tuszynski at bill.tuszynski@gmail.com or 267-374-1631 to put us on your calendar. Contact Bill if you are interested in getting more involved with Shelter Box, either as a co-Ambassador or Club Champion. We are actively looking for a co-Ambassador to serve alongside Bill and share in handling club presentations as well as sharing the “Box” with clubs.
 
Current deployments as of March 2025:
 
 
ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY
APRIL IS ENVIRONMENTAL MONTH
 
This is Environment Month in Rotary. Protecting the Environment – it’s one of Rotary’s areas of focus. Rotarians share an interest in protecting our common legacy: the environment. Rotarians around the globe are committing themselves to activities that strengthen the conservation and protection of natural resources, advance ecological sustainability, and foster harmony between communities and the environment.  
 
In District 7430, we’re celebrating our focus on the environment by once again holding the Rotary Day of Service on April 19. On that day and throughout this month, Rotarians will be 
 
  • Cleaning up streets, highways, waterways, trails, community parks, and neighborhoods.
  • Planting and maintaining pollinator gardens
  • Planting trees
  • Creating riparian buffers along streams
  • Collecting and recycling single-use plastics
  • Planting community gardens
 
On April 19 at 1:00 pm, the Kutztown club and the District Environmental Sustainability Team will be getting the District’s pollinator garden at Camp Edmar back in shape for spring. Come on out and help us get the garden beds ready for the arrival of the pollinator insects. The garden is located near Kutztown.
 
And, this month we’ll be starting another District-led project administered by the Collegeville Rotary Club. With the project funding coming from a District Grant (just like the Camp Edmar pollinator garden), we will be helping the Perkiomen Valley School District expand PV Woods, two arboretums located at their middle schools. 
 
The project will address the need for hands-on outdoor education while fostering ecological awareness and biodiversity conservation. The gardens will be designed using the Fibonacci sequence, a naturally occurring mathematical pattern that supports optimal plant growth and pollinator attraction.
 
The gardens will serve as outdoor classrooms where students can engage in STEM learning, environmental studies, and artistic exploration. Featuring native plants and trees that support butterfly, bird, and bee populations, the spaces will provide real-world applications for mathematical concepts and ecological principles. Rotarians will be directly involved in the planning, planting, and educational outreach components, offering workshops and engaging with students and community members to foster a deeper connection with nature.
 
You are invited to come out and help us do the initial planting of the gardens this spring. Dates will be announced shortly. The project will serve as a pilot for us to show other schools in our District how to create their own environmental learning center.
 
The Environmental Sustainability Team has also been working on ways that we can help schools keep food waste our of landfills by composting it. We’ll have more details on this in the coming months.
 
And finally – We encourage you to take individual actions that reduce your Carbon Footprint. While you can help create systemic change, there are also countless opportunities to be taking small personal actions that inspire your friends and family to do the same.  The Internet is loaded with ideas on reducing your footprint. 
 
It’s Rotary’s Environment Month.  Let’s get out and make a difference.
 
Terry Reed
Environmental Sustainability 
 
CAMP NEIDIG

By now all clubs should be actively recruiting students for camp.  If you are interested in  assistance, you can reach out to Jonathan Joseph Hoster <jjhoster@syr.edu>.

The entire Camp Neidig experience is designed to hone students’ leadership skills and to encourage them to take what they learned and apply those skills to their school and community activities in the future. The program is offered at no cost to the students or their families, thanks to the generosity of the Rotary Clubs of District 7430. Learn more at www.campneidig.com and contact Camp Neidig Committee Chairs Wendy Body at wgbody@yahoo.com or the Camp Director Dr. Stephen Burnham at s_burnham@conradweiser.org. 

Watch RYLA video on the camp experience from the campers.

Take an opportunity to listen to a former camper video.

We are in need of a camp nurse.  If you are a RN or LPN and would like to join us for this wonderful opportunity, please reach out to Mrs. Body or Dr. Burnham.  This is a paid position.  

We hope you will join us at “Neidig Night” on Monday, June 16th at 6pm. It’s the best family dinner and closing celebration.  Please order your chicken bbq tickets by Friday, May, 30, 2025.  (Veggie burger is also available.) $20 per person. All are welcome.

 

SUSTAINABLE CAMBODIA
 
District Conference Update:
Winner of the 10-Day Excursion to Cambodia 

CONGRATULATIONS to LORETTA OTTINGER, Fleetwood Rotary Club, for winning the free 10-Day Excursion to Cambodia at the multi-District Conference at the Hershey Lodge. Loretta’s free raffle entry at the Sustainable Cambodia information table in the House of Friendship was randomly selected on Saturday evening.
 
The prize consists of waiving the price to participate in a 10-Day Excursion Trip with fellow Rotarians through Cambodia organized by the Rotary Club of Pursat and Sustainable Cambodia (a $1,090 value – single occupancy). Loretta is registered for the January 2026 trip -- “I am excited about the Cambodia trip.”
 
Consider joining Loretta and other Rotarians from around the world in January 2026. Spots are available for just $995 per person (double occupancy) or $1,090 (single occupancy). (Not Included: Flights to/from Cambodia, travel insurance, personal expenses.)
 
More than just a vacation, this journey offers an extraordinary opportunity to witness the life-changing impact of Rotary projects. Explore Cambodia’s breathtaking landscapes, walk among ancient temples, and connect with communities benefiting from Rotary’s support. 
 
Please visit this link: Visit SC in Cambodia - Sustainable Cambodia to download a brochure providing more information about these tours and to reserve your trip. The tours are organized and hosted by the Rotary Club of Pursat and Sustainable Cambodia. There is also a November 2025 trip.
 
If you have any questions, please contact Michael Orbin, Bethlehem Morning Star Rotary Club, and volunteer member of the Sustainable Cambodia Board of Directors: 610-703-4292, morbin@ptd.net
 
 
 
FRIENDSHIP EXCHANGE
 
Rotarians in District 7430 traveled to Argentina on a Friendship Exchange in March. Besides eating a lot of beef, they enjoyed seeing the amazing projects of the local Rotary clubs, and meeting the Rotarians. 
 
Friendship Exchanges are a great way to visit another country. Instead of staying in hotels, you stay in the homes of Rotary members, and become instant friends. Meet some of the other 1.4 million Rotarians around the world! Watch for the next Friendship Exchange. You can participate in the United States by opening your home to visitors from another district or participate by traveling to another part of the world. As a Rotary member, you are never without friends, anywhere in the world.
 

Front row, L to R: Rose Galliano Phillips (Kutztown club); Alicia Ruiz Orbin (Emmaus club); Dee Eng (Emmaus club); Mayor of Villa Angostura; Cindy Hornaman (Emmaus club); aide in tourism bureau

Second row, L to R:  Mike Orbin (Bethlehem Morning Star); Dave Phillips, head of tourism bureau; Herb Klotz (Allentown West club); Christian Schultz, next president of Passport Club,Villa Angostura; Francesco Orzans RFE chair, 4912 Passport Club, Chris Hornaman, Gary Rohrbach (Emmaus Club)

MENTAL HEALTH & WELLNESS
Mental Health & Wellness Committee
By Diane Donaher, Committee Chair
 
As we get ready to enjoy the new growth of flowers and trees (unless you have allergies!) it’s an opportunity to think about how being outside in nature can really help us deal with anxiety and other mental health challenges.
Spotify has launched the Take a Beat campaign, redefining how we use music for mental wellness. This initiative encourages users to take mindful pauses with curated playlists, designed to uplift and calm. By integrating music into daily routines, listeners find a source of comfort and resilience. It’s a simple yet powerful way to help individuals hit pause and reconnect with themselves! It takes just a minute to download: https://open.spotify.com/genre/0JQ5DAqbMKFI0dU3sFNssi
 
And for a more aggressive (and funny!) mental health and wellness message, here’s a commercial from ASICS featuring Succession actor Brian Cox, emphasizing the powerful connections between movement and mental wellness – don’t be a slave to your desk! Just 15 minutes of activity can help reverse the negative effects of prolonged sitting, fostering better mental and physical health. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pBu3T-eLH1U
 
May is Mental Health Awareness month. Spend some time this month finding a resource, speaker or video that has inspired you on your mental health and wellness journey to share with your club members. Have someone from your school district come in to talk about how young people are handling their mental health issues or someone from the county office to share resources available to all ages. Or maybe you plan a group walk in nature in place of a club meeting. The World Wildlife Federation has a “Prescription for Nature.” Watch this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pBu3T-eLH1U&t=60s
ROTARY YOUTH EXCHANGE
ROTARY YOUTH EXCHANGE UPDATE
 
Youth Exchange is alive and well in our district! Thank you to the clubs who support our mission of building peace one student at a time. This year we’ve made some changes to the long term program and are offering multi-district gatherings with the students as our class size is down to 6 inbound students.We would love to see this group grow again in the future. Let Linda Kennedy know if you’d like to have a speaker at your club about Youth Exchange and how it benefits everyone involved. Linda’s email is YEPChair7430@gmail.com.
February – We took a trip to NYC to see MJ the Musical and attended the Friday night dinner of MAPETS for the parade of flags.
March – We postponed our trip to DC with the anticipation of the government shut down. We took the students to the Landis Valley Museum in Lancaster to show them the Amish heritage and followed that up with a lunch at Shady Maple, a shopping trip to King of Prussia and then off to Linda’s home for a sleepover. The following day we went to Elmwood Park Zoo for a few hours before sending the students back to their host families. We pack in a lot of activities, but we want them have a variety of activities and make the most of their time together.
April – you will find the students at the District Conference in Hershey. Please talk with them about their experiences and share some of your favorite spots they should visit before they head to their home countries in June. We will have a booth at the trade show to highlight our program and an opportunity to donate a few dollars to the cause.
Please start searching for the 2026-27 students now. We  will be having interviews in Nov/Dec 2025. If your club is hosting a student starting this August, please help your youth exchange officer find host families.  The hardest part of the role is identifying families to open their hearts and homes to these students.  
We have a few students interested in short-term exchange this summer. We will have more details in the next newsletter. If long term exchange isn’t an option, please consider the short term exchange in either 2025 or 2026. Contact Rose Galeano-Phillips at RotaryRose7430@gamil.com
RYLA

Exciting News: New RYLA at Camp Neidig Video Available!

We’re thrilled to announce the release of a brand-new RYLA at Camp Neidig video, showcasing the impact of this life-changing leadership experience for young people. This engaging video captures the spirit of teamwork, personal growth, and leadership development that makes RYLA such a valuable opportunity for high school students.

How Your Club Can Use This Video:

✅ Share with High School Guidance Counselors & Teachers – Help spread the word to students who would benefit from attending. Provide the link in outreach emails to high school counselors, teachers, and club members.
✅ Post on Your Club’s Website – Highlight your club’s commitment to youth leadership and  embed the video on pages about youth programs.
✅ Share on Social Media – Inspire engagement by posting the video on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
✅ Play at Club Meetings – Showcase the impact of RYLA and encourage member support for this incredible program.

Let’s work together to expand RYLA’s reach and empower the next generation of leaders! Watch and share the video today. https://youtu.be/2CBoekl6K3o?si=aGr40vk-Afp4CNGz 🎥✨

We are in need of a camp nurse.  If you are a RN or LPN and would like to join us for this wonderful opportunity, please reach out to Mrs. Body or Dr. Burnham.  This is a paid position.  

We hope you will join us at “Neidig Night” on Monday, June 16th at 6pm. It’s the best family dinner and closing celebration.  Please order your chicken bbq tickets by Friday, May, 30, 2025.  (Veggie burger is also available.) $20 per person. All are welcome.

FOUNDATION NEWS
Have you made your contribution to the Rotary Foundation yet this year? Help make an impact with all of the projects that we implement in our communities.
COUNCIL ON LEGISLATION & RESOLUTIONS
 
Rotary International empowers Rotarians (i) to suggest the rules of Rotary to the Council on Legislation (COL) and (ii) to suggest to the Council on Resolutions (COR) proposed Resolutions relating to actions to be taken by the RI Board or The Rotary Foundation Trustees.
This means that the terms of Rotary International’s Constitution, its Bylaws or the Standard Rotary Club Constitution can come from Rotarians as proposed Enactments to the COL. Further, Rotarians may suggest a policy change as a Resolution to the COR that would require actions to be taken by the Board or the Trustees. 
 
How does a Rotarian propose an Enactment? 
Enactments should address structure, not policy, process or procedures. Proposed Enactments are drafted by reference to the constitutional documents sought to be changed using legislative slash marks (for deleted words) and underlines (for words to be added). The Rotarian acts through that Rotarian’s Club or District. An Enactment approved by Club vote must also be approved by the related District at the conference or other agreed upon legislative meeting, or through Club ballot before it can be submitted. Endorsements are required to be submitted by December 31 two years ahead of the COL meeting with a purpose and effect section. The proposed enactments were submitted by December 31, 2023 for the COL to be convened April 14-17, 2025. Learn more at https://my.rotary.org/en/learning-reference/about-rotary/councils.
 
How does a Rotarian propose a Resolution? 
Proposed Resolutions should address the Rotary world, rather than its Constitutional Documents, and request the RI Board or Foundation Trustees to take action. Proposed Resolutions are drafted in two parts: (i) a preamble of supporting information which argues for the resolution and (ii) the action itself, including that the proposer wants the Board or Trustees to take the action. The best proposals include the proposed action to be adopted by the Board or Trustees. The Rotarian drafts a proposed Resolution for adoption first by the Rotarian’s Club, then the related District. After the District Action, the proposer attaches the Club endorsement and causes the District Governor to supply the DG Endorsement.
 
It must be submitted by June 30, 2025 for consideration at the COR scheduled for October 2025. The COR votes annually on proposed Resolutions submitted annually on this schedule. Proposed resolutions should be submitted within 45 days of DG Endorsement. The proposer submits to the committee for review of defects. If deemed defective, the proposer may submit it for a later Council on Resolutions. If the Committee submits the proposed Resolution to the Committee on Resolutions, a positive vote sends it to the Board or Trustees. Learn more: How to Propose Resolutions.
 
PDG Bob Hobaugh serves as our District 7430 Representative to the Council on Legislation and Council on Resolutions. He and all other Representatives vote on proposed Enactments and proposed Resolutions. You can reach Bob at RotarianBob@hometownu.biz. 
 
 
ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY
Getting Youth Involved in Environmental Projects
 
The Environmental Sustainability Team heard a presentation in February from Ken Hamilton who directs a student-led environmental organization in the Pottstown area. Ken is Executive Director of GreenAllies, whose mission is to empower and support students as they become environmental sustainability leaders.
 
GreenAllies owns and manages a nature center on a 17-acre farm located north of Pottstown where they have gardens, trails, and other environmental features. It’s basically an outdoor education center and community space. From this farm, called Althouse Arboretum, the kids plan and initiate environmental projects in the area and provide environmental education. There currently are students from five high schools who are involved in the program.
 
The students are the leaders of GreenAllies. And, they are spreading the word about environmental leadership for youth by training high schoolers outside the immediate area. They have held conversations and training sessions with students and teachers across Pennsylvania and even out of state. Their goal is not to establish clubs, but to develop a network of student-led groups that plan and do their own environmental projects where they live.
 
We are trying to connect GreenAllies with high school students who may be interested in starting an environmental initiative in their school. We thought that a good place to start is with our Interact Clubs.
 
GreenAllies will be holding a High School Conference on Saturday, March 8, at Montgomery County Community College in Pottstown. It’s not too late to sign up. www.green-allies.org. Call me if you would like to discuss it.
 
And, if students from your Interact Club can’t make it to the March 8 conference, we would welcome the opportunity to connect them with GreenAllies to learn how they can kick off an environmental initiative in their school.
 
Oh, and don’t forget that April is Environment Month in Rotary. Hope your club is planning to do an environmental project either on the Rotary Day of Service on April 19 or sometime during the month of April. If you need ideas, visit the “Supporting the Environment” page under Service on the District website.
 
Terry Reed
Chair, District Environmental Sustainability Team
610-743-0818
terry.reed731@gmail.com
CONFLICT RESOLUTION
Understanding Conflict
 
Did you know our Rotary District has a Conflict Resolution Policy?
 
  1.4.1 Conflict Resolution Policy
The intent of this policy is to provide a framework for resolving conflict between all District 7430 Rotarians that affects the function and/or the physical or social environment, including members, clubs, committees, and the district.
All Rotarians are encouraged to resolve conflicts through direct dialogue whenever possible to promote goodwill and better friendships. Should conflicts not be resolved in this manner:
  1. Club conflicts-discuss with club leaders
  2. District and Committee Conflicts-discuss with District Leadership
 
Our Rotary International Learning Center has interesting courses on understanding conflict. The “Essentials of Understanding Conflict” contains the following topics:
  • What is conflict?
  • What is your conflict management style?
  • How can you resolve conflict?
  • Resources for further learning
 
In addition, this course offers links to interesting tools and various organizations that can help us as we learn more about resolving conflicts. Go to MyRotary.com to start the course. (https://my.rotary.org/en). 
MENTAL HEALTH & WELLNESS
How do children learn to manage feelings?
 
by David Weiskotten, Committee Member
Easton Rotary Club
 
A mother with several energetic young children came to see me for help with parenting. She said there were frequent outbursts and a lot of arguing among the kids. They didn’t listen well when she tried to guide and support them. Family life felt very tiring and chaotic. She was describing children who could not manage their thoughts and feelings, resulting in uncontrolled and disruptive behavior. 
 
This mom did an excellent job of supporting and nurturing her children. But like many families, life was hectic and fast-paced, resulting in a lack of consistency and structure. 
 
Early in our work together, we discussed the joy and benefits of family meals in creating structured family time. But their apartment was too small to accommodate a table big enough for everyone, so they ate in shifts, with the kids alternating between video games and eating. Gradually, we worked out a plan. 
 
Through friends and neighbors, the mother came up with a piece of plywood and two sawhorses. So, while their mother prepared dinner, the kids all had jobs assembling the table, collecting chairs, putting out an old sheet as a tablecloth, and placing the necessary plates and utensils. And each had a responsibility for cleaning up and washing dishes. Homework and quiet time came immediately afterward.
 
The kids felt responsible, valued, and connected in this daily routine. Dinner became a safe time to share and feel heard. Over time they got more involved in picking the menu and preparing food. One of the kids made cloth napkins for everyone and two others decorated the sheet with drawings.
 
After a week or two, the mother reported that the kids were calmer, better behaved, and listening more often. 
 
So, what do kids need from us adults in order to develop the ability to manage thoughts and feelings in healthy ways? In addition to the love and attention that all children need, consistency and structure in a safe environment are absolutely necessary. Kids need time with adults in which they can share and explore the myriad thoughts and feelings that their developing brains experience (many of which can be confusing and scary), and learn that this is normal and manageable in healthy ways. We do this as parents, teachers, coaches, neighbors, relatives, and anyone else who spends time with young kids. 
 
Structure and consistency are good for us adults too, providing calm and comfortable breaks from all of our responsibilities. Meals provide excellent opportunities. Breakfast and dinner routines in particular offer great bookends to the day. Start a dinner routine in which each person shares one good thing that happened that day or one thing each is looking forward to. Or how about Friday night ice cream sundaes or Saturday morning pancakes? Depending on their ages, get the kids involved in preparation and cleanup.
 
What is one way you can help children in your world manage their feelings?
SHELTER BOX
Shelter Box
Thanks, and congratulations to the 11 clubs achieving Hero status (≥$1,000) through December 2024. Once again, D7430 is a leading district both in terms of participating clubs and dollars donated. The generosity of individual Rotarians and clubs enables the life-saving work of ShelterBox, both here and abroad and you should be proud of what you are accomplishing.
 
ShelterBox will be in the House of Friendship at the District Conference. Be sure to visit us there to learn more and to schedule a presentation to your club. We will have the “Big Check” if you want to do a photo-op recognizing your club’s donation.
 
Gold (≥$5,000)
Silver (≥$3,000)
Bronze (≥$1,000)
Kutztown
Bethlehem Morning Star
Blue Bell
 
Pottstown
Doylestown
 
 
Horsham
 
 
Montgo New Britain
 
 
Quakertown
 
 
Springfield Township
 
 
West Reading- Wyomissing
 
 
Willow Grove
 
Do you want a Shelter Box presence at a club event or do you need a presentation to your club? Contact D7430 Ambassador Bill Tuszynski at bill.tuszynski@gmail.com or 267-374-1631 to put us on your calendar. Contact Bill if you are interested in getting more involved with Shelter Box, either as a co-Ambassador or Club Champion.
Current deployments as of February 2025:
 
SUSTAINABLE CAMBODIA
Meet Sichiv Sek, Rotary Club of Pursat, Cambodia
Student Sponsorship Coordinator at Sustainable Cambodia
 
 Meet Sichiv Sek (first name pronounced See-chew). Sichiv is part of the young leadership team at Sustainable Cambodia (SC) in Pursat Province in Cambodia. Mike Orbin (Bethlehem Morning Star Rotary Club) is sponsoring Sichiv’s visit to the United States to participate in our multi-District Rotary Conference at the Hershey Lodge on April 4-6. We will host an Information Table at the Friendship House, featuring the work Rotarians have been doing in Pursat Province including the current Rotary Global Grant 2343143, in which District 7430 is a major partner. You will learn about Cambodian villagers’ and children’s life and needs, plus opportunities to get involved and how you can go to Cambodia on a 10-day excursion with the Rotary Club of Pursat to see the must-visit places in Cambodia, visit village families, and experience the impact of Rotary projects in the remote villages of Pursat Province. 
 
If your Club is interested, Sichiv would love to be a speaker at your Club meeting if you meet on Monday morning (April 7th), or Thursday (April 10th), or Friday (April 11th). She returns to Cambodia on Saturday, April 12th.
 
Sichiv is the Educational Sponsorship Coordinator for SC and is committed to providing youth from poor rural families in Pursat the opportunity to learn and attend enrichment classes in Rotary-sponsored schools. She helps identify children in need, coordinates sponsorship support, and engages them in youth clubs and leadership activities. She also teaches English and is a new member of the Rotary Club of Pursat.
 
This past year, she successfully organized the first-ever SC student alumni reunion. Alumni contributed generously to support ongoing SC students’ needs and are now networked through an online group. Since Rotarians founded SC, there have been 20 graduating classes of 12th-grade students, with 421 graduates. Of these, 298 completed college with a professional degree, 116 are currently attending university, and seven pursued vocational training and secured good careers.
 
Sichiv, herself from a poor rural family, started with SC as a student, graduated from grade 12, and went on to a Cambodian university on an SC scholarship. She graduated from the University of Management and Economics and returned to become part of the SC team. She is married and has a son. Sichiv has been working for SC since 2016. Her first position was as a librarian, and she was trained by the SC education team and international Rotary volunteers. In 2017, she was promoted to be an English teacher, and in 2019 she became a vice principal. In 2022, she became the Sponsorship Manager, responsible for identifying sponsors to support the education of rural children. In her role as Sponsorship Coordinator at SC, she personally helps connect hundreds of children in each of SC’s two main schools with their international sponsors.
 
She is part of the young leadership team inspiring hope, confidence, and determination for the local villagers and children to create a better life and future for themselves.
 
If you would like Sichiv to speak at your Club meeting, please contact Mike Orbin at 610-703-4292 or via email at morbin@ptd.net.  Please stop by the Sustainable Cambodia Information Table at the Conference and say hello to Sichiv.
 
Michael Orbin
Bethlehem Morning Star Rotary Club
Website for SC: https://sustainablecambodia.org/
 
ROTARY YOUTH EXCHANGE
The Magic of Youth Exchange!
 
January is always a fun time in Youth Exchange because our next class of outbound students discovers their country assignment. So far this year we have four students who have completed the application process for Youth Exchange and are approved to travel. There is still time to enroll in the program, so if you know of someone 15-18½, connect them to Linda Kennedy, our District Chair. Yepchair7430@gmail.com
 
Thanks to Ambler and Blue Bell for sponsoring Caiden to go to Chile!
Thanks to Bethlehem and Bethlehem Morning Star for sponsoring Leo to go to Argentina!
Thanks to Doylestown for sponsoring Brayden to go to Germany!
Thanks to West Reading-Wyomissing for sponsoring Eva to go to Italy!
 
These students are going to have an amazing year! Over the next six months, we will gather as a group and guide the students for a successful exchange through orientations and trips. Our current inbound class helps with that experience as well. Are you a former exchange student and want to help with the program? Let us know! We are currently looking for host families for the next inbound class of students for the academic 2025-26 year. Even if your club is not sending out an exchange student, they can host one next year. You need to find 2-3 host families in the same school district and someone from the committee will guide you through the rest. Let Linda know you’d like to participate! yepchair7430@gmail.com
 
Is an academic year too long for your student to be away? Did you know Rotary has a Short-Term Exchange Program? Applications are now open for the Short-Term Youth Exchange Program, a six-week summer cultural exchange for youth aged 15 to 18½. Participants will live with a host family, immerse themselves in a new culture, and build lasting international friendships. This program offers a unique opportunity to broaden horizons and create unforgettable memories. If you have any questions, please reach out to rotaryrose7430@gmail.com.
 
Enjoy some photos from our events in January. We had an international pot luck dinner created by our students at Gail Micca’s home. It was a fantastic feast! The following weekend we had a multi-district event, attended the PA Farm Show, and visited the State Capitol in Harrisburg. We can always use more volunteers either for a day or for a year. Reach out to any committee member if you’d like to join us.
 
RYLA
Rotary Clubs Supporting RYLA 
at Camp Neidig: 
Key Dates and Updates
We are excited to announce that of our 44 Rotary clubs, 33 have generously stepped up to sponsor 102 students for the upcoming RYLA at Camp Neidig! If your club would still like to sponsor a student, please contact the camp director Dr. Stephen Burnham (s_burnham@conradweiser.org). This incredible show of support will provide students with an unique opportunity to develop their leadership skills while learning more about Rotary and its mission.
As we gear up for another successful year, we want to remind all participating clubs of the important dates and deadlines to ensure everything runs smoothly:
  • February 28: Campers must be registered by this date. Afterward, Jonathan Hoster will start contacting the high school listed on your registration to help recruit students
  • May 1: A Zoom meeting will be held for parents to provide important information (a recording will be available for those unable to attend).
  • May 23: Camper registration deadline—please ensure all student information is submitted by this date.
  • May 30: Deadline to register for the BBQ (absolute final deadline is June 5).
  • June 3: Staff and camper headcount must be finalized and submitted to the camp.
  • June 13–16: Camp Neidig takes place!
This year’s camp promises to be an unforgettable experience for these students as they connect with peers, grow as leaders, and gain valuable insights into service and community engagement. Please help us to get students enrolled. At this point we only have six out of 102 registered, so we need your assistance to ensure we hit the maximum number. Just a reminder to submit your payments. Please click on the following link for details: Club Commitment Form – Where to send the check and financial responsibility.
 
If you have any questions or need assistance with any of the deadlines, please don’t hesitate to reach out via Camp Neidig’s contact page. 
Thank you to all the clubs for your continued commitment to shaping the leaders of tomorrow!
 
 
 
ROTARY LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE
A Rotary Leadership Institute (RLI) is planned for you on Saturday, March 22, at DeSales University Center, 2755 Station Avenue, Center Valley, PA. The sessions will start at 8:00 a.m. and run through 2:30 p.m.

Here's your chance to learn more about Rotary from trained facilitators and fellow Rotarians!

Get ready for an interactive learning experience as we offer parts I, II, III, and Graduate courses. 

For only $125 or $50 for Rotaractors, you'll gain invaluable knowledge and skills to benefit your Rotary service. 
To encourage your club to attend, the club with the highest attendance will be recognized at the event, and each person will receive a gift.
 
To register for RLI, please visit our website, https://rlinea.org/ and register for our district event on Saturday, March 22, at DeSales.
You can also register for the District 7450 event at Temple University Ambler Campus on March 29 at the same link if you cannot make the March 22 event.
 
For information, please contact Event Chair Loretta Ottinger, at Loretta.Ottinger@gmail.com, text/call 610-914-5947, or Bob Hobaugh, Regional Vice Chair, at rotarianbob@hometownu.biz.
 
SHELTER BOX
Shelter Box Response to California Fires
 
The devastating Los Angeles wildfires—Palisades, Eaton, Hurst, and Lidia—have become the most destructive in the city’s history. Over 180,000 people have been displaced, and thousands of homes have been destroyed. 
At the Pasadena Convention Center, now serving as an Emergency Evacuation Shelter for more than 1,000 evacuees, many families face extraordinary challenges. Most have lost everything, and many come from low-income communities with nowhere else to turn. In a gesture of solidarity, ShelterBox USA has provided our high-thermal blankets, LuminAID solar lights, and personal bags to support these families in their time of need. These items have been urgently requested by the local shelter to provide comfort and safety for people needing assistance.
 
ShelterBox USA has been coordinating today’s distributions with our partner, Rotary in District 5280 and its District Governor in the heart of Los Angeles, Albert Hernandez. As Albert explained:
"A lot of our members have lost their homes in the last three days...I'm here with ShelterBox USA dropping off some essential items that this evacuation center has requested...in partnership we are trying to give people a sense of normalcy and hope." 
ShelterBox USA will continue to monitor the emergency and remains in close communication with Rotary leadership from Districts 5280, 5300, and local shelters to monitor needs and understand additional ways to assist.
 ShelterBox USA remains committed to standing with families impacted by this crisis and will keep you updated as the situation develops. Your continued support makes it possible for Shelter Box to offer comfort and solidarity when it is needed most.
 
Do you want a Shelter Box presence at a club event or do you need a presentation to your club? Contact D7430 Ambassador Bill Tuszynski at bill.tuszynski@gmail.com or 267-374-1631 to put us on your calendar. Contact Bill if you are interested in getting more involved with Shelter Box, either as a co-Ambassador or Club Champion.
 
Current deployments as of December 9, 2024:
 
MENTAL HEALTH & WELLNESS
Mental Health & Wellness Committee
By Diane Donaher, IPDG and Chair
 
So here we are in February, the month where LOVE is in the air! As Rotarians, we are philanthropists promoting the “love of humanity.” And what we do with our time, talent, and treasure through our Rotary service certainly demonstrates love in our communities and around the world.
 
It’s also a good time to stop and check in on love for ourselves. Are you showing yourself compassion? In today’s fast-paced, high-pressure world, self-compassion is more important than ever. It’s easy to get caught up in a cycle of self-criticism, comparing yourself to others, and striving for perfection. However, practicing self-compassion can not only improve your mental and emotional well-being but also enhance your physical health.
Self-compassion, as defined by Dr. Kristin Neff, a leading researcher in the field, means accepting your imperfections and recognizing that struggles are a universal part of being human. In doing so, you cultivate resilience, inner peace, and a greater sense of well-being.  
 
I love watching Rotarian Heidi Sensenig on Instagram, creating beautiful art in real time. (I’ve always wanted to try pottery – and she is amazing!). Watching her “at the wheel” I can’t imagine how many times she’s had to start over on a project, but she has a heart that sees the bigger picture and I sense her self-compassion as she leans into her work.  
 
Author Brené Brown says “Talk to yourself like you would to someone you love.” This quote serves as a reminder that self-compassion begins with gentleness in our thoughts and actions toward ourselves. Replace harsh self-criticism with gentle encouragement. For instance, if you’re feeling discouraged about not meeting a goal, remind yourself, “It’s okay. I tried my best, and I can try again tomorrow.” Be like Heidi!
 
4-WAY TEST SPEECH CONTEST
Invitation to Join the 4-Way Test Speech Contest Program
Empowering the Next Generation of Leaders
 
We are thrilled to extend an invitation to your Rotary club to join the 4-Way Test Speech Contest program, an enriching opportunity that empowers high school students in your area. This prestigious contest not only fosters public speaking skills, but also encourages ethical decision-making and leadership qualities in young people.
Contestants from 2024 District Finals

Why Participate?

  • Inspire Future Leaders: Provide students with a platform to voice their thoughts, build confidence, and develop essential life skills.
  • Engage Your Community: Strengthen your club’s connection with local schools and families, showcasing your commitment to youth development.
  • Experience the Excitement: Be part of a dynamic and inspiring event that brings together talented young speakers from across the region.

Contest Details

The contest is open to all high school students in your area. Each club will hold its own contest before the Regional Competition on March 22. The winners of the five Regional Contests will then compete at the District Final on Saturday, April 5, at the Hershey Lodge. Speech Contest materials can be found on the District 4Way Test Speech Contest page.

Join Us!

Whether your club has been a long-time participant or is new to the program, we warmly welcome your involvement. The District Event is always filled with enthusiasm and camaraderie, making it an unforgettable experience for all attendees.
We encourage clubs that have not participated recently or are considering joining for the first time to seize this opportunity. Your participation will make a significant impact on the lives of young people and contribute to the vibrant spirit of this esteemed program.

Next Steps

To join the 4-Way Test Speech Contest program, please contact Anna Richter, District Chair, or your Regional Coordinator listed below. 
Thank you for your continued dedication to Rotary’s mission of service and leadership. We are eager to assist you in getting started and answering any questions you may have.
Region
Regional Coordinator
North: Allentown, Allentown West, Easton, Bethlehem, Bethlehem Morningstar, Emmaus, Nazareth, Slatington, Lehigh Valley Passport, Whitehall Area
 Anthony Moyer, anmoyer@eastpennsd.org
 
West: Birdsboro, Fleetwood, Hamburg, Kutztown, Muhlenberg, Reading Spring Township Centennial, West Reading-Wyomissing
 Carloyne Jordan
 ship934me@gmail.com
 
South: Ambler, Blue Bell, Central Bucks, Upper Perkiomen, Saucon, Center Valley, Hatboro, Norristown, North Penn, Souderton-Telford
 Sarah Toback
 sarahtoback@gmail.com
East: Doylestown-Horsham, Huntington Valley-Churchville, Newtown, Springfield Township/Flourtown, Warminster, Warrington, Willow Grove, Montgo-New Britain
 Anna Richter, Interim
 arichter21@comcast.net
 
Central: Boyertown, Collegeville, Pennridge-Perkasie, Pottstown, Quakertown, Spring-Ford, Harleysville
Nicole Matz, 
Nicole.matz1@gmail.com
 
 
 
FOUNDATION
Posted on Jan. 25, 2025
Do you broken heart  Rotary?    
Support the Rotary Foundation!
  • In January we had 81 Rotarians attend our Grant Training Webinar—we now have 137 Rotarians grant certified! Now is the time to select your club projects for the Rotary Year 2025-2026 so we can have a lasting impact in all the projects that we implement.
  • Has your club submitted the MOU yet for 2025-2026? 22 clubs are in—let’s get all 42 clubs working on a project!
  • Do you know what Rotary’s Programs of Scale are?
The Rotary Foundation created Programs of Scale to support Rotary member-led, evidence-based programs that have already demonstrated success. Scaling proven programs will benefit more people and foster policy development and sustainable programs.
 
2024 Programs of Scale award recipient
 
Partners for Water Access and Better Harvests in India is a five-year evidence-based program designed to improve livelihoods of over 60,000 rural farmers across four states in India through the implementation of sustainable agriculture and water management practices. Farming communities will gain knowledge and skills in resilient agricultural practices such as drip irrigation, layered cropping, and fruit tree cultivation. The program will also use rainwater harvesting systems such as check dams and retention ponds to increase groundwater availability for farming by 40%, improving crop yield and productivity.
 
Do you know that the North Penn Rotary club celebrated its Centennial anniversary this past year?
The club utilized a Foundation district grant to implement a kiosk for the Lansdale Borough.
 
 
 
 
Come join us in our Rotary District 7430  
 
When: Saturday, March 8,2025
5:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m.
William Penn Inn
1017 DeKalb Pike
Gwynedd, PA   19436
Cost $49
Who can attend?
YOU!
 
Come for Foundation Support, fellowship, and fun and maybe some surprises…
Happy hour, hot and cold appetizers, hot station buffet
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
 
 
 
 
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