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
“What are you excited about? What are your club's challenges? How can the district help you?”
Those are a few of the questions that have been asked of incoming presidents and many of our district committee chairs. Wonderful conversations have been had and I have learned so much from the Rotarians that I have had the opportunity to chat with. There is so much wisdom in our membership.
To our district committee chairperson, the most important question to ask a volunteer (in my humble opinion): “Do you want to continue in your role?”
As volunteers, how many of us are doing our ‘jobs’ because no one will step into the role? You know, when I was the aquatic director at one of the largest YMCAs in our area, being a manager was kind of easy. People got paid to do their jobs and if they didn’t complete their responsibilities, they didn’t have a job for very long. In the volunteer world, none of us gets paid for our labor. But if we have a passion for service and love what our organization does for our communities, then it doesn’t matter until we are burned out. I see part of my responsibilities, as incoming district governor, is to help our members know they are not alone; to help all of us build our ‘human resource’ departments so we can get the jobs done. There is a saying in the volunteer world – ‘don’t water the weeds’ or in my current profession – ‘you can’t do CPR at the morgue.’
Our communities need us. When you drive into our towns and see that Rotary wheel on the side of the road it means there are caring people up ahead. It is each of our jobs to lighten the load of our club and district leadership so we can continue to do good and always ask “Hey, I know CPR, can I help?"
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.
For the fourth straight year, the District Environmental Sustainability Team is encouraging our clubs to participate in the “Rotary Day of Service – A Focus on the Environment.” We have set aside Saturday, April 19, as a day when clubs throughout the District are asked to do an environmental project in their communities. If you haven’t done so already, it’s time to start planning. In past years, clubs have done a variety of environmental cleanups – highways, trails, streams, parks, and community spaces. Other clubs have planted pollinator gardens, trees, and native plants on streambanks (riparian buffers). If April 19 doesn’t work for your club, maybe you can plan for another day in April to help celebrate Rotary’s Environment Month.
District Grants to Support Environmental Projects
March 31 is the due date for submitting an application for a District Grant. You may want to think of an environmental project that you could partially fund through a District Grant. How about a stream restoration project? Or maybe a tree-planting project or pollinator garden in a local park. You could contact a watershed association or parks department or nature center to get them involved in planning the project.
Keeping Food Out of Landfills
The West Reading-Wyomissing club currently is sponsoring a food waste composting project in the City of Reading at a local arts center. The GoggleWorks has community gardens, and now with the help of a District Grant has a composting facility in the gardens. People in the neighborhood surrounding the arts center bring their food waste to the gardens to be composted. The District Environmental Sustainability Team is currently working on how to develop food composting projects with school cafeterias. Stay tuned for details in the months ahead.
Plastics Recycling
Our personal goal should be to refrain from using soft plastic materials completely. It’s almost impossible to do so. We are inundated with soft plastic materials in our society. Just think about how widespread is its use – grocery and shopping bags, bread bags, water and soft drink overwrap, pallet wrap, shipping envelopes, dry cleaning bags … it goes on and on. It truly is hard to avoid using this material that helps fill up landfills and finds its way into streams and all along the roadsides. Well, there is a way to help keep plastics out of landfills. Have your club join the NexTrex Plastic Bag & Film Recycling Program. More and more of our District clubs are doing it. Collect 1000 pounds of plastic in one year, and receive a free park bench made of Trex material. The Hamburg club is up to four benches in four years. www.nextrex.com.
Environmental Display at the Multi-District Conference.
Our District Environmental Sustainability Team will be joining the environmental group from District 7390 (Central Pennsylvania) at the Multi-District Conference in Hershey in April. We will have a joint display in the House of Friendship showing Rotarians some successful environmental projects from clubs in our two Districts.
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!
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!
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.
Join Rotary members as we unwrap the magic at the Multi-District Conference. This wonderful event offers celebration, inspiration, and fellowship with Rotary members from Districts 7390, 7410, 7430, and 7490. The conference will highlight our commitment to peacebuilding as we address today’s challenges: poverty, discrimination, ethnic tension, lack of access to education, and the unequal distribution of resources. Click Here to Register for the full conference or the Saturday-only option.
Don’t miss the registration deadline for our Multi-District Conference. Secure your spot by registering hereby February 28th to be part of an event that will inspire your own Rotary journey. Book your hotel online here or call directly. The conference will focus on Rotary’s commitment to peacebuilding and how we can make the greatest impact on lasting change. We are embracing the concept of peace with greater cohesion and inclusivity, broadening our definition of peacebuilding, and finding more ways for people to get involved. Do not miss this valuable opportunity to gain experience, connect, and have a positive impact. Plus, enjoy a range of family-friendly activities while visiting Hershey, PA—the sweetest place on earth!
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.
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
Rotary? 
onds to increase groundwater availability for farming by 40%, improving crop yield and productivity.
ary 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.
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