Welcome to the September 2026 issue of the District 7430 Rotary Roundup
One Child, One Teacher, One Pen, and One Book can Change the World! ~Malala Yousafzai
By the time this newsletter lands in your email, schools have reopened, and the miracle of learning is taking form for another school year. September recharges all of us as we wind down from scorching (and sometimes smoky) summer days.
It's not just about the kids.
All of us have been given the gift to learn, to try something new, to embrace a need, and to change a life.
This is Rotary.
Enjoy the newsletter! ~Karin Suttmann, Editor, Warminster
District Governors Message
Jeremiah Sensenig
In September, we as Rotarians take a moment to consider access to education for every child around the world.
Many of our clubs in the district contribute to their local schools through supply drives and book donations. We recognize exceptional students and provide educational opportunities through our STEM YEA and Camp Neidig Programs.
We support Interact programs at local High Schools, and opportunities to compete in our Four-Way Speech Contest.
We support a better understanding of the world for young people through our youth exchange program.
Globally, it has struck me that access to clean water in many places is the key to education. When families have access to clean water, young people can spend their days in school getting educated, rather than "fetching" water. Rotary has a variety of programs that support clean water supply in underserved communities.
If your club has a vibrant youth service program, keep up the good work. If it does not, consider supporting one of our many district programs, or starting your own.
Welcome Susan Nensteil as District 7430's Administrative Assistant. She supports the District Governor team and District committees, helping keep operations smooth across our clubs and members while ensuring strong continuity and communication with Rotary International. Susan is an active member of the Allentown Rotary Club, where she enjoys serving as treasurer and newsletter editor. She retired in 2024 as finance manager of the Lower Macungie Library after bringing her experience as a development director to both nonprofit organizations and higher education. Beyond Rotary, Susan is president of Women Graduates-USA, a life member of AAUW (American Association of University Women), and a founding member and current treasurer of The Friends of the Lower Macungie Library. She makes her home in Lower Macungie Township with her cat, Frankie, who just may make an appearance on Zoom.
STEM YEA 2026 Welcomes First Rotarian Teacher
Len Reed, a member of the Emmaus Rotary Club, joined STEM YEA 2026 as a teacher. He is the first STEM YEA teacher to be a Rotarian.
Len, a member of the Emmaus Rotary Club, shares the following about his experience with STEM YEA as a Rotarian, an educator, and a member of the Environmental Sustainability Committee.
“My experience with STEM YEA this year as both an educator and Rotarian had me completely rethink how I rolled out my 8th-grade science class. Our first week now starts with a STEM Launch week as students work together on mini projects to learn what scientists do. Each day's activity has a theme: Curiosity, Collaboration, Evidence, Communication, and Optimism. I think it's important to tie optimism into STEM education because that is the core mission of teaching science. I want to empower young people to be the innovators who solve the big problems our planet faces. That requires optimism.
As a member of the Rotary District Environmental Sustainability Committee, every meeting and every project has started with an optimism that we can make a difference. Whether planting pollinator gardens, planning local creek clean-ups, or our current plan to roll out composting programs in local schools to cut down on landfill use, the core message is hope through action and education. That was my favorite part of the STEM YEA program. It was both the optimism of the young people taking part and our optimism in their growing abilities to learn how to solve complex problems in the future.”
BELRAG features STEM YEA
BELRAG is Rotary International's Basic Education and Literacy Rotary Action Group. Rotarians from 41 countries are participants. Their August newsletter featured D7430's STEM YEA program, raising awareness across the globe! Check it out by clicking here.
ANNOUNCING: The Club Action Plan 2.0 Workshop, 10/10/26
Register Now! On October 10, 2026, Rotary District 7430 will host a Club Action Plan 2.0 Workshop at Moravian University in Bethlehem from 8:00 am to 2:00 pm.
This immersive session explores Rotary's Four Priorities and Four Key Functions, offering practical tools to help clubs build or refine their Action Plan.
ENGAGE: Developing a Membership Plan. This workshop will help clubs design a membership experience that attracts, retains, and develops Rotarians.
REACH: Develop a Public Image Plan. Clubs will learn how to elevate club's visibility and how to tell their story clearly, consistently, and in ways to connect with your community and attract partners and prospective members.
IMPACT: Develop a Signature Service Project. This session will help clubs design one meaningful, measurable project that reflects your club's strengths, meets community needs.
ADAPT: Develop a Club Management & Culture Plan. Clubs will learn how to build a flexible, forward-thinking club culture supported by effective management practices and long-term planning.
ICYMI (In Case You Missed It): Public Image Made Practical
If you missed our District 7430 Learning Session: Public Image Made Practical – Broaden Your Impact on August 10—or want to revisit the content—you can view the PowerPoint anytime from our D7430 website or by clicking here. The session introduced the District 7430 Public Image Team and highlighted resources and practical opportunities and tools to strengthen your Club’s digital presence. Whether you’re looking for inspiration, practical support, or strategies to elevate your club’s story, the Public Image Team is ready to help you shine all year long. * All are WELCOME to join the Public Image Team Meetings 2nd Tuesday of the month at 5:30 pm along with our hands on focused topic Quarterly PI Resources & Impact Forum Nov. 10, Feb. 9 and May 11.
Donald Lockard, Easton
Reflects on 50 Years of Being a Rotarian
Rotary Don Lockard of the Easton Rotary Club recently reflected on his 50 plus years in Rotary. His dedication to Rotary started with his grandfather, William Eisenhardt. He and his wife Pat strive to live the Rotary Motto, "Service Above Self"" and adhering to the “Four Way Test.” Don actively served as the Exchange Committee chairman locally and with the District. He has also served as a club Director, Club President and a member of the Easton Foundation Board of Directors. Please take a moment to read Don's story (click here).
Polio Plus Campaign begins
For more than four decades, Rotary has led one of the most ambitious public-health missions in history: the complete eradication of polio. District 7430 and our clubs have been a part of this story, raising funds, building awareness, and standing shoulder-to-shoulder with global partners to ensure every child receives lifesaving protection. The 2026 Engagement Campaign begins in October. Information about events and how you can support this cause can be found on by clicking here.
14 Clubs achieve the 2025-26 RI Club Excellence Award from Rotary International
Rotary International annually recognizes clubs that have demonstrated a commitment to achieving their goals. In the past fiscal year, 14 clubs in District 7430 reached this prestigious achievement. Congratulations!
Allentown West
Allentown
Bethlehem Morning Star
Blue Bell
Doylestown
Fleetwood
Horsham
Kutztown
North Penn
Pennridge-Perkasie
Quakertown
Souderton-Telford
Springtownship Centennial
West Reading-Wyomissing
~ CLUB NEWS ~
Springfield Township Rotary Club Flourtown
Springfield Township Flourtown Rotarians had an incredible summer packed with activities showcasing the power of Rotary! Their annual Georgia Peach sale raised $1500 for Rotary causes. Club members collected and distributed school supplies. The club sponsored three students at STEM YEA, made a healthy donation to PIFBS (Pitchin In Baseball & Softball), an organization that provides equipment to underserved youth around the world, and funded a portable generator for the Ukraine Resilience Campaign.
Hatboro Rotary Club annual LOBSTER POT fundraiser
The annual Lobster Pot fundraiser will take place on Saturday, September 12, 2026, at a new location: College Settlement Camp, 600 Witmer Road in Horsham, PA. Crack into a whole lobster or fire up a juicy steak, your choice, $45 tickets each include salad, corn, roll, and dessert. There will be a live DJ, great company, and a cause worth celebrating as every dollar raised supports local community charities. Tickets are $45 a piece, and kids eat free with a hot dog dinner. Clickhere for more information.
Spring Ford Rotary Club is Uncorking and Cooking
Spring Ford Rotarians have been active in both the Limerick Community day (8/15) and the Royersford Community day (9/15) celebrations. But their BIG EVENT is Limerick Uncorked on Saturday, 10/3 at the Limerick Township Park. This annual wine, food and beer fest raises funds for the local community. Wineries, craft brews, eateries, food trucks, musi, cornhole tournament and much more will happen at the event. Click here for more information on Limerick Uncorked. SFRC is adding a new event to its portfolio and holding an inaugural Chili Chowder Cook-Off on 10/4 to benefit the Adopt-A-Family program.
River Towns Rotary: Elder Fraud Awareness Event
On 10/16, River Towns Rotary Club will hold an elder fraud prevention forum to teach individuals how to recognize, prevent and recover from today's most common scams targeting older adults. Six speakers are scheduled for the evening. This event is for older adults, caregivers, families, professionals, and anyone who wants to help end elder fraud.
Easton Rotary Club: Party Kits and Bingo
Easton Rotarians are currently working on a birthday cake/party kit project to support the local food pantry ProJeCt of Easton. These kits include a cake pan, cake mix, icing, candles, card, party hats, and more. ** Mark your calendars for Boo Bingo on 10/31 at the Palmer Fire Company in Easton, which is a ERC fundraiser.
Upcoming Events - September 2026
Many clubs are joining together for a district-wide gathering at this year’s Celtic Classic Tartan Parade in historic Bethlehem on September 26th. These include:
Bethlehem Bethlehem Morning Star Hamburg Spring Township Centennial Boyertown Collegeville Spring-Ford Souderton-Telford
Rotarians across the district are preparing for their annual Golf Outings, often supporting local food pantries or scholarships for local students.
Birdsboro Emmaus Perkasie Pottstown West Reading-Wyomissing Quakertown Upper Perkiomen
A few local clubs are planning seafood-themed fundraisers to benefit hunger assistance.
Hatboro – Annual Lobster Pot Dinner – September 12 Pottstown – Annual Clambake – September 9
District Governor team and District committees, helping keep operations smooth across our clubs and members while ensuring strong continuity and communication with Rotary International. Susan is an active member of the Allentown Rotary Club, where she enjoys serving as treasurer and newsletter editor. She retired in 2024 as finance manager of the Lower Macungie Library after bringing her experience as a development director to both nonprofit organizations and higher education. Beyond Rotary, Susan is president of Women Graduates-USA, a life member of AAUW (American Association of University Women), and a founding member and current treasurer of The Friends of the Lower Macungie Library. She makes her home in Lower Macungie Township with her cat, Frankie, who just may make an appearance on Zoom. 
us years in Rotary. His dedication to Rotary started with his grandfather, William Eisenhardt. He and his wife Pat strive to live the Rotary Motto, "Service Above Self"" and adhering to the “Four Way Test.” Don actively served as the Exchange Committee chairman locally and with the District. He has also served as a club Director, Club President and a member of the Easton Foundation Board of Directors. Please take a moment to read Don's story (
September 12, 2026, at a new location: College Settlemen
craft brews, eateries, food trucks, musi, cornhole tournament and much more will happen at the event. 
