ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY

District 7430 Environmental Sustainability
                      
Caring for our environment is now Rotary’s 7th Area of Focus, and presents a very exciting challenge for clubs to tackle on a local, regional, national, and international level.
 
Rotary members are addressing environmental issues the way they always do: coming up with projects, using their connections to change policy, and planning for the future.
 
In June 2020, The Rotary Foundation Trustees and the Rotary International Board of Directors voted unanimously to approve the Environment as Rotary’s 7th Area of Focus.  Rotary supports activities that strengthen the conservation and protection of natural resources, advance environmental sustainability, and foster harmony between people and the environment.
 
District 7430 has quickly committed to this area of focus. Efforts are being led by the District’s Environmental Sustainability Team. 
 
Rotarians and their community partners around the globe are taking action in:
 
  • Protecting and restoring land, coastal, marine, and freshwater resources
  • Enhancing the capacity of communities to support natural resource management and conservation
  • Supporting sustainable agriculture, fishing, and aquaculture practices
  • Addressing the cause of climate change by reducing the emission of greenhouse gases
  • Strengthening ecosystems and communities affected by climate change
  • Supporting education initiatives that promote behavior that protects the environment
  • Advocating for sustainable consumption to build an economy that uses resources more efficiently
  • Addressing environmental justice issues and public health concerns
 
RECENT NEWS                                                    
 
CALENDAR
February 7, 2024
ESRAG Meeting
Rotary International at COP28
Register online at: https://esrag.org/event/
 
April 20, 2024
Rotary Day of Service - A Focus on the Environment
club environmental projects throughout the District
 
April 26, 27, 28, 2024
Environmental Exhibit at District Conference
Bethlehem, PA
 
April 27
Environmental Breakout Session
District Conference
Bethlehem, PA
 
May 24, 2024
WASH Rotary Action Group
World Water Summit 16 - Sustainable Sanitation - we can't wait
 
 
 
CLUB ENVIRONMENTAL LEAD
 
Many Rotary Clubs have already appointed a Club Environmental Lead or champion, someone who is interested in the environment and is willing to organize environmental projects within the local community and be a local advocate for Protecting the Environment.
 
 
ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY PROJECT IDEAS for ROTARY CLUBS 
 
 
GRANTS AVAILABLE for ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY PROJECTS
DISTRICT GRANT APPLICATIONS FOR THE ROTARY YEAR 2024-2025 ARE DUE MARCH 31, 2024
 
Your club is encouraged to apply for a District Grant to help fund an environmental sustainability project in your community.  The Grants Committee can help you with the application.
 
Your club may also consider working on a project with a Rotary club from another area of the world.  Clubs are being encouraged by The Rotary Foundation to apply for Global Grants for activities that protect or restore the environment.
 
RESOURCES
 
Team Members, Mission, and Purpose
 
 
 
Environmental Resources for Rotary Clubs
Organizations that can act as an informational resource or partner for environmental projects and activities.
 
Environmental Sustainability Rotary Action Group (ESRAG) is the group of Rotarians who were instrumental in getting “Supporting The Environment” recognized as an Area of Focus. Their experience, expertise, and organization are great resources for Rotarians.
 
Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene Rotary Action Group (WASHRAG) supports and ensures sustainable long-lasting clean water, sanitation, and hygiene programs to communities in need.
 
Rotarian Action Group for Endangered Species (RAGES) supports worldwide initiatives to protect and save endangered species.
 
Home Page Stories
HURRICANE RELIEF FOR ZONES 33 & 34
ROTARIANS TEAM UP FOR HURRICANE RELIEF
 
A fund has been established to assist recovery efforts via donations for Rotary Zones 33 and 34. There are two ways to access the fund to make donations: https://www.rizones33-34.org/disaster-relief/ or use the QR code in this story that will take you directly to the same page. 
 
The zones have 501(c)3 status so donations might be tax-deductible; be sure to check with your own financial advisors.
 
District leaders in the most affected areas will be asked to submit request for funding to a group of seasoned leaders, many of whom have significant disaster relief experience. The group will make recommendations for grants that will support the efforts of volunteers by providing equipment, tools, storage, mobile storage, and more. The goal is to raise enough money through donations to amplify the efforts of volunteers. 
 
HANWASH 
HANWASH Opportunities for District 7430
 
Rotarians maximize the impact of our service projects by including them in ongoing programs. Such is the success of The Haiti National Water, Sanitation and Hygiene Initiative. PRIP Barry Rassin, District 7020 and the Haitian water and sanitation authority met in 2018 to organize a program with a goal of providing potable water in Haiti, then served to only 43% of rural residents. The Initiative is a long-term, multi-stakeholder effort whose vision is to bring water, sanitation, and hygiene education (“WASH”) to all Haitians. Initial partners incorporated Hanwash, Inc. (“Hanwash”) to act as a “coordinating organization” through The Rotary Foundation. Hanwash works with Haitian Rotary Clubs, international Rotary partners, and the Haitian government in WASH projects targeting five Haitian communes. 
 
The communes in our pilot program are Cavaillon, Ferrier, Leogane, Pignon, and Terre Neuve. Hanwash has coordinated infrastructure valued at USD $2,583,834, impacting 26,615 lives. That means $98 can improve the WASH life of an individual. Hanwash lets contracts for drilling water wells and installing water distribution systems, and we educate, set goals, and monitor and evaluate projects. We begin with WASH education to improve hygiene in communes before installing water service. Next, we develop a baseline study to determine what wells and water systems exist, whether they function, and where our next work will best impact the lives of Haitians. Contractors and staff enter data into an mWater software program. We engage commune officials to make sure each project is locally run and maintained. We develop community action planning tools. Local Rotary Clubs engage us to assist with global grant projects. We also offer an Adopt-a-Well program through which individuals, Clubs and Districts can fund specific water wells. Monies also come from a donor-advised fund, USAID, and individual donors. We gratefully accept small donations.
 
Our mission aligns stakeholders to a set of Core Values and commercial principles. This alignment enhances local capacity, delivers value, and ensures sustainability of WASH investments. Our five Core Values are: (1) local leadership and decision-making, (2) collaboration with partners and volunteers, (3) planning and continuous improvement, (4) sustainable impact, and (5) long-term commitment. Principles include (a) a pay-for-service approach to drinking water, (b) competitive procurement of contracts, and (c) management of conflicts of interest. Rotarians serve in operations with paid personnel to run HANWASH and oversee WASH investments. Rotarians also serve on our Board of Directors, managing an executive director. We build rapport with stakeholders by engaging Haitians as directors, project managers, and contractors.
 
Please join us. Perhaps you can help on one of our subcommittees: (1) Finance, Legal & Administration, (2) Haiti Liaison, (3) Champion Partnerships, (4) Projects Support, (5) Marketing & Donor Relations, (6) District 7020 Engagement, and (7) Monitoring & Evaluation. We seek skilled volunteers and Rotarians with relationships that can result in financial development. Maybe you can help increase our impact!
 
Learn more by contacting Bob Hobaugh at rotarianbob@hometownu.biz
 
  
DISTRICT LEARNING PLAN
District 7430 Learning Plan for 2024-2025           
                        
Event 
Date
Time
Audience
Presenter
Presidents’ meeting
Monday 11/11/24
5:30-6:00 PM
Club Presidents & AGs
DG Katie Farrell
Learning Opportunity:
OUR FOUNDATION
Monday 11/11/24
6:00-7:00 PM
All District 7430 Rotarians
PDG Cindy Hornaman
Club Runner NOVA presentation – ZOOM
Register on the district website
Monday 11/18/24
6:00-7:00 PM
District Committee Chairs, AGs
Club Presidents and Secretaries
Club Runner representative
Pre PETS
ZOOM
Tuesday 11/19/24
6:30–8:00 PM
All PEs
DGE Mary Cook
PE Listening sessions 
Wednesday 11/20/24 Guiseppe’s Pizza, Warminster
Thursday 11/21/24 Brookside CC, Pottstown
Monday 11/25/24 Starlite Diner, Rt 100 Fogelsville 
6:30 PM
All PEs – choose a session
DGE Mary Cook
Presidents’ meeting
Action Plan
Monday 12/9/24
5:30-6:00 PM
Club Presidents & AGs
DG Katie Farrell
Learning Opportunity:
ALL ABOUT CLUBRUNNER
Monday 12/9/24
6:00-7:00 PM
All District 7430 Rotarians; intro and advanced sessions
Club Runner Representative
Presidents’ meeting
Monday 1/13/25
5:30-6:00 PM
Club Presidents & AGs
DG Katie Farrell
Learning Opportunity
GRANT TRAINING
Monday 1/13/25
6:00-7:00 PM
All District Rotarians
PDG Cindy Hornaman
Pre-PETS – Session 2 ZOOM
Tuesday 1/14/25
6:30-8:00 PM
All PEs
DGE Mary Cook
Presidents’ meeting
Monday 2/10/25
5:30-6:00 PM
Club Presidents & AGs
DG Katie Farrell
Learning Opportunity
CONFLICT RESOLUTION
Monday 2/10/25
6:00-7:00 PM
All District 7430 Rotarians
Dr. Bob Gordon
MAPETS
Friday 2/21/25-Sat 2/22/25
Feb 20 night optional
Required of all PEs
MAPETS team
Presidents’ meeting
Monday 3/10/25
5:30-6:00 PM
Club Presidents & AGs
DG Katie Farrell
Learning Opportunity
TELLING YOUR STORIES
Monday 3/10/25
6:00-7:00 PM
All District 7430 Rotarians
Public Image Committee
4 Way Speech Test Contest Regionals
Saturday 3/22/25
 
TBD
4 Way Speech Test Committee
7430 Conference
April 4– April 6
 
All District  Rotarians
Hershey Lodge
Presidents’ meeting
Monday 4/14/25
5:30-6:00 PM
Club Presidents & AGs
DG Katie Farrell
District Learning Assembly
Saturday 5/3/25
8:00 – 2:00 PM
All District Rotarians
VCS Team
Presidents’ meeting
Monday 5/12/25
5:30-6:00 PM
Club Presidents & AGs
DG Katie Farrell
Learning Opportunity:
YOUTH SERVICES
Monday 5/12/25
6:00-7:00 PM
All District 7430 Rotarians
Youth Services Panel
Presidents’ meeting
Monday 6/2/25
5:30-6:00 PM
Club Presidents & AGs
DG Katie Farrell
 
SHELTERBOX
SHELTERBOX RESPONSE TO HURRICANES
 
Many Rotarians are asking about a possible ShelterBox response in the aftermath of hurricanes Helene and Milton. While the situation is being monitored, ShelterBox does not respond unless asked to by the appropriate government body. At present, FEMA, the Red Cross, and state and local response teams are managing the situation and have not requested participation by ShelterBox. In lieu of deploying, ShelterBox USA made a $100,000 contribution to relief efforts.
 
Want to know more about ShelterBox and Rotary? You can view a 40-minute webinar about how Rotary and ShelterBox work together. The video highlights ShelterBox’s response to the September 2023 earthquake in Morocco that killed nearly 3,000 people and injured 5,600 more https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6GeR6-_XAR8. The ShelterBox response was aided by having aid prepositioned in Turkey so we could deploy more rapidly with a shorter supply line. This is made possible by your generous support of the "Stock the Box" campaign. Learn more at https://www.shelterboxusa.org/ .
 
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 ShelterBox, either as a co-Ambassador or Club Champion.
 
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ROTARY YOUTH EXCHANGE
Question: What do you get when you cross a Rotarian with an exchange student? 
Answer: World Peace! One person at a time. 
 
 
District 7430 has a reputation for organizing a great exchange program. We coordinated with three neighboring districts for our welcome orientation in September. The students enjoyed each other’s company and made new friends. These relationships will develop over the years and many will last a lifetime. 
 
This fall the District Youth Exchange Committee has several trips planned so the students are able to explore our countryside. October was our Halloween celebration and a trip to explore Philadelphia. Do you have a “must-see American attraction” to recommend? Reach out to one of our committee members and let us know. We’d love to have you share the experience with our group of students.
 
 
District 7430 is actively seeking our 2025-26 class of outbound exchange students. Do you know anyone 15-18 years old who wants to spend an academic year abroad? We are hosting outbound interviews on Sunday, December 8. Prior to the district interview, we will have someone from our committee meet with the student and their parent(s) to explain the commitment and ensure parental approval. Our goal is to have 10 students, so, on average, we need 25% of the clubs to participate. If you haven’t done an exchange before, please ask our committee how to experience it this year and then host your own student next year. It really is a positive life-changing experience for the adults and students alike.
 
 
 
Check out our website www.rotary7430yep.org for additional details.
 
 
MEMBERSHIP
MEMBERSHIP –– IT'S OUR PRIORITY
 
Let's grow our clubs. To date this Rotary Year, we are at a +28! We can do it! Our goal for the year is +100.
 
We can:
  • Keep our current members engaged.
  • Publicize all of the community service and activities we do.
  • Invite potential new members to our meetings and service projects.
 
Think Rotary every day!
VIBRANT CLUB SUMMIT WRAP-UP
Rotary District 7430 Hosts Vibrant Club Summit
 
On September 14, 67 Rotarians from 27 Rotary Clubs in District 7430, along with a guest from District 7410, gathered for the Vibrant Club Summit. The event featured a keynote address by Chris Etienne, Rotary International Director for Zone 32, who highlighted the Rotary Action Plan’s key priorities: Engage, Adapt, Reach, and Impact.

Following the keynote, facilitators provided valuable resources and facilitated discussions, allowing Rotarians to exchange stories and ideas on fostering vibrant Rotary Clubs within their communities. Participants left with a deeper understanding of the new Rotary Action Plan toolkit and strengthened connections and friendships with D7430.

VIBRANT CLUB SUMMIT WRAP-UP
Rotary District 7430 Hosts Vibrant Club Summit
 
On September 14, 67 Rotarians from 27 clubs in District 7430, along with a guest from District 7410, gathered for the Vibrant Club Summit. The event featured a keynote address by Chris Etienne, Rotary International  Director for Zone 32, who highlighted the Rotary Action Plan's key priorities: Engage, Adapt, Reach, and Impact.
 
Following the keynote, the facilitators provided valuable resources and facilitated discussions, allowing Rotarians to exchange stories and ideas on fostering vibrant Rotary Clubs within their communities. Participants left with a new understanding of the new Rotary Action Plan toolkit and strengthened connections and friendships with D7340.
DGE REPORT
To all of our current presidents, presidents-elect and assistant governors,
 
It is such an honor for me to serve you next year as our 2025-26 District Governor. Presidents-elect, please let me know if this is your first time being your club’s president.
 
Club Presidents, if your club doesn’t have a president slated for next year, please consider becoming an Encore President, where the focus of your training will be on succession planning, website design, and membership growth among other areas. Succession planning and attracting more members are areas of focus for my fellow 2025-26 District leaders, and we are happy to offer this curriculum. 
 
Assistant Governors, like the presidents of our clubs, your role is critical to the success of our district, and we are offering an AG track in both Pre-PETS and PETS. For our experienced AGs, your knowledge is important to pass along, so we hope to see you there as well. 
 
Please save the following dates and more information will be coming out as the dates get closer. 
 
Tuesday, Nov. 19: Pre-PETS Session 1 Zoom  6:30 – 8:00 P.M. 
 
Listening Sessions (choose one) – 6:30 PM 
 
Wednesday, Nov. 20: Giuseppe's Pizza, Warminster
Thursday, Nov. 21:    Brookside CC, Pottstown
Monday, Nov. 25:       Starlite Diner, Route 100, Fogelsville
 
At these sessions, we want to know your club’s strengths and areas of need to help us build our district’s plan.  Please RSVP to me and include which location you will be attending.
 
Tuesday, Jan. 14: Pre PETS Session 2  Zoom  - 6:30 – 8:00 PM
 
REQUIRED Attendance: Friday, Feb. 21; Saturday, Feb. 22: PETS – Valley Forge Casino, King of Prussia. The district pays for your hotel and meals. I hope you are all there! There will also be an event Thursday evening, Feb. 20, which will be optional, but recommended.
 
Thanks,
 
Mary L. Cook
District Governor-Elect
 
FOUNDATION MONTH 
 
.
IT’S HERE: It is Our Rotary Foundation Month.
  • What are you and your Club doing to celebrate Foundation Month?
  • Do you have a foundation presentation scheduled at one of your club meetings?
  • Are you highlighting the projects your club participates in with grants from the Foundation?
  • Tuesday, November 19, our Rotary District 7430 Day of Giving—so easy
Plan for a club presentation during Foundation month. Contact District 7430 Rotary Foundation Chair, Cindy Hornaman at hornamca@ptd.net
  • Grant application period for the Rotary Year 2025-2026 Begins November 1, 2024 and continues through March 30, 2025. Let’s make an impact by utilizing our foundation! Club Presidents, President-Elects, Assistant Governors, Foundation Area Coordinators have all received e-mails. 
 Come join us in our Rotary District 7430
A logo with a flower and textDescription automatically generated
When: Saturday, March 8, 2025
5:30 pm-8:30 pm
William Penn Inn
1017 DeKalb Pike
Gwynedd, PA   19436
Come for Foundation Support, fellowship, fun and maybe some surprises…
Happy hour, hot and cold appetizers, hot station buffet
PUBLIC IMAGE
What's In Your Inbox?
 
Do you find it confusing to understand your newsletters/bulletins? Which do you, as a member, send information to for publication? Which, as president of your club, do you send stories to? What's the difference?
 
There are generally three types of newsletters in District 7430:
 
Club Bulletin
Your club may publish a bulletin that is specific to your club's interests. It may include service projects that are ongoing, information about new members, upcoming events, your commitments, members' birthdays and anniversaries, and other information that is pertinent only to your club. You would contact the editor in your club for information about the newsletter.
 
Vibrant Club News, or VCN
The VCN is published by the District. It is published quarterly, and includes information, usually sent in by your club's president or public image chair, about what different, interesting, successful, or exciting projects or programs your club has produced over the previous quarter. You can also include your upcoming fundraisers, and invite other clubs to attend. Photos are very welcome, but please send them separately, not embedded in Word or as copies of copies. Karin Suttmann, editor of the VCN, sends out approaching deadline emails in plenty of time for clubs to decide what they will send in for that quarter. For information, or to send her articles to publish (which are accepted all year, not just at deadline time): ksuttmann@jlmedia.com
 
Share...the Magic of Rotary
"Share" is the District Newsletter. Up until this year, this newsletter changed names with every new District Governor (DG). Last year it was The Beacon. Next year... we'll discuss that next year. This newsletter is sent to all active members and honorary members. The information is not geared to one kind of member. It is not the place for clubs to advertise their individual events or accomplishments. Instead, it is for District-wide programs, events, news, and for the kind of information that will help every Rotarian become a stronger member, leader, and participant in Service Above Self. It is published monthly, with the goal of being delivered on the first of the month at 8 a.m. (except in July, when it arrives after 1 p.m. due to changeovers). Deadlines are published in each issue, and they are usually no later than the 20th of the previous month, to allow time for proofreading. For information, or to submit articles, contact the editor, Marlene Heller, at: marleneheller@mac.com.
 
VIBRANT CLUB SUMMIT

Don’t Miss Out - Register for the Vibrant Club Summit Today!

Join us for an electrifying day of collaboration, innovation, and inspiration at this year's Vibrant Club Summit on Saturday, September 14! People of Action know that turning vision into reality requires a solid plan. Rotary’s Action Plan is our roadmap to bringing more people together to create lasting, positive change in an evolving world. By focusing on four key priorities—Increase Our Impact, Expand Our Reach, Enhance Participant Engagement, and Increase Our Ability to Adapt—we empower our clubs to grow in membership, boost public awareness, and strengthen our foundation for impactful projects.

The Vibrant Club Summit is your chance to dive into the Rotary Action Plan through dynamic, interactive workshops and collaborative sessions. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn, connect, and grow. Register today to ensure your club is on the path to vibrancy!

September  14, 2024 8:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Advanced Technology Center at Montgomery County Community College
Register TODAY
 
ROTARY YOUTH EXCHANGE
Many of you are aware of our District's support and involvement with the Rotary Youth Exchange program which helps build world peace one student at a time. How many of you are aware we offer a short term exchange program that lasts 6-8 weeks as well as the long term exchange program that lasts an academic year? This summer D7430 supported two outbound and two inbound students. Alisa arrived from Finland in late June and was hosted by Sylvana and her family with the support of the West Reading-Wyomissing Rotary Club. They toured many local gems in PA, went to Philadelphia, NYC, Washington, D.C. and even canoed through Canada. The girls participated in the Rotary Club's 4th of July activities including the Field of Honor celebration ceremony and marching in the local parade. All this happened in three weeks! As you read this newsletter August 1st, Sylvana is exploring Finland and learning about its culture. We look forward to hearing about her adventures when she returns.   
 
The Emmaus Rotary club also supported a short-term exchange. Kyra, a local Emmaus student, started her exchange in Austria with Pamina's family. As of the writing of this announcement, we are waiting to hear about her adventures in Austria. The girls are traveling to the USA together and Kyra will expose Pamina to our local communities. NYC, Philadelphia, Washington, D.C., and they have plans to visit the Emmaus Rotary Club, and attend an Iron Pigs game.  
 
Please reach out to Rose Galeano-Phillips at RotaryRose@gmail.com for more information about youth participating in the direct family-to-family short-term exchange next summer. There is no cost to the club for the short-term exchange. Students pay the airfare, insurance, and a minimal participation fee. 
 
In just a few short weeks we will welcome the inbound long-term exchange class of 2024-25. D7430 is hosting six students. You will have the opportunity to meet them at various district events throughout the year. If you have a special place, meal, or activity you would like to share with the students, please reach out to the committee to let us know and coordinate the details. We also have four outbound students who will be spending 10 months abroad starting in August.
 
We are always welcoming new committee members to serve as much or little as you are able. We typically meet in person in connection with our student gatherings and other times Zoom together to square up details for events. Help as you are able. For some of our gatherings it’s as easy as donating snacks and beverages. Check out our website for more information. Rotary7430YEP.org
 
Believe it or not, it’s time to start contacting your local high schools to determine if they have any students aged 15-18 who are interested in studying abroad 2025-26. Applications will start being accepted mid-September 2024. We don’t want to rush the summer but we want to be prepared for the fall. Grace Clancy is our outbound student coordinator for D7430. Grace can be reached at clancygrace@hotmail.com.
 
Linda Kennedy is the District Youth Exchange Chairperson and can be contacted at yepchair7430@gmail.com if you have any additional questions. We hope you have the opportunity to interact with these wonderful students and learn about their experiences.
 
 
 
ERADICATING POLIO

Polio Eradication and Rotary’s Focus
on Disease Prevention and Treatment

We look forward to honoring World Polio Day on October 24. Polio eradication has remained Rotary’s #1 priority . . . and nothing about it has been easy. Their efforts to achieve this have been tireless.

District 7430 honors the Horsham Rotary Club for hosting this year’s Race to Zero in our district. The family-friendly Race to Zero is being held on Sunday, October 13, at Simmons Elementary School, Babylon Road in Horsham. Join us! Register Here!

The Rotary Foundation is equally determined in its efforts to spread the message about the power of vaccines to save lives. As we support the 2024 Race to Zero, let's focus on the Call to Action, that emphasizes the Area of Focus: Disease Prevention and Treatment. Rotary is encouraging us all to bring the message of the miracle of vaccines home – home to our OWN communities.

Feel free to contact me to speak to your Club about Polio Eradication and about ideas of fun projects on how your Club can support these efforts in YOUR Community.

Yours in Rotary service,

Carol Ferguson

Email: d7430endpoliocarol@gmail.com

 

DISTRICT LEARNING PLAN
District 7430 Learning Plan for 2024-2025                                   
 
 
Event 
Date
Time
Audience
Presenter
Presidents’ meeting
Monday 10/14/24
5:30-6:00 PM
Club Presidents& AGs
DG Katie Farrell
Learning Opportunity:
CONFLICT RESOLUTION
Monday 10/14/24
6:00-7:00 PM
All District 7430 Rotarians
Dr. Robert Gordon
Public Image: Strategy,  Social Media and Your Club
October 29, 2024
TBD
All Rotarians
Public Image Committee
Presidents’ meeting
Monday 11/11/24
5:30-6:00 PM
Club Presidents & AGs
DG Katie Farrell
Learning Opportunity:
OUR FOUNDATION
Monday 11/11/24
6:00-7:00 PM
All District 7430 Rotarians
PDG Cindy Hornaman
Pre Pets
ZOOM
Tuesday 11/19/24
 
All PE’s
DGN Mary Cook
Presidents’ meeting
Action Plan
Monday 12/9/24
5:30-6:00 PM
Club Presidents & AGs
DG Katie Farrell
Learning Opportunity:
ALL ABOUT CLUBRUNNER
Monday 12/9/24
6:00-7:00 PM
All District 7430 Rotarians
Club Runner Representative
Presidents’ meeting
Monday 1/13/25
5:30-6:00 PM
Club Presidents & AGs
DG Katie Farrell
Learning Opportunity:
GRANT TRAINING
Monday 1/13/25
6:00-7:00 PM
All District 7430 Rotarians
PDG Cindy Hornaman and the Grant team
Presidents’ meeting
Monday 2/10/25
5:30-6:00 PM
Club Presidents & AGs
DG Katie Farrell
Learning Opportunity
FUNDRAISING
Monday 2/10/25
6:00-7:00 PM
All District 7430 Rotarians
Gwenn Carr and Panel
Presidents’ meeting
Monday 3/10/25
5:30-6:00 PM
Club Presidents & AGs
DG Katie Farrell
Learning Opportunity
TELLING YOUR STORIES
Monday 3/10/25
6:00-7:00 PM
All District 7430 Rotarians
Public Image Committee
7430 Conference
April 6 – April 8
 
All District  Rotarians
Hershey Lodge
Presidents’ meeting
Monday 4/14/25
5:30-6:00 PM
Club Presidents & AGs
DG Katie Farrell
Presidents’ meeting
Monday 5/12/25
5:30-6:00 PM
Club Presidents & AGs
DG Katie Farrell
Learning Opportunity:
YOUTH SERVICES
Monday 5/12/25
6:00-7:00 PM
All District 7430 Rotarians
Darlene Scott and Youth Services Panel
Presidents’ meeting
Monday 6/2/25
5:30-6:00 PM
Club Presidents & AGs
DG Katie Farrell
 
SHELTER BOX
Want to know more about Shelter Box and Rotary? You can view a 40-minute webinar about how Rotary and Shelter Box work together. The video highlights Shelter Box’s response to the September 2023 earthquake in Morocco that killed nearly 3,000 people and injured 5,600 more https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6GeR6-_XAR8. The Shelter Box response was aided by having aid prepositioned in Turkey so we could deploy more rapidly with a shorter supply line. This is made possible by your generous support of the Stock the Box campaign. Learn more at https://www.shelterboxusa.org/ .
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 below:
 
ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY
Fund an Environmental Project with a Grant
 
 
As clubs are developing projects for which they plan to apply for a District Grant, they may want to consider an environmental project. Here are some ideas.
 
Tree Planting Projects
In the U. S. every year we lose an estimated 36 million trees in cities and urban areas and rural towns. Your local parks and nature centers are always looking to replace dying trees. Why not develop a project where your club supplies the trees and helps the parks or nature center staff to plant them.
 
Waterway Restoration Projects
Most of the streams and rivers in Eastern Pennsylvania have erosion issues and are overrun with invasive plant species. Work with a local watershed association, Trout Unlimited, county or municipal parks department in restoring stream banks and planting native plants in a riparian buffer. Your grant could fund native plants.
 
Pollinator Projects
Help to restore our diminishing native bee populations by planting a pollinator garden in your community. Your District Grant project could include the purchase of native plants and materials to build bee boxes.
 
Community Composting Facility Projects
One third of waste in landfills is food waste. Plan a project in your community garden or nature center where residents could bring their kitchen waste to be composted. Your grant could fund compost bins, collection buckets, and educational materials.
 
Keeping Food Waste Out of Landfills
Work with your local schools on a food composting project that will prevent so much food waste from ending up in landfills. You could help your school purchase waste bins and other materials needed to redirect the food waste in school cafeterias.
 
District Grants could be used to fund any of these environmental projects. Your District Environmental Sustainability Team has examples of grant projects in each of the project types listed. Give me a call if you would like to discuss specifics on these or any type of environmental project. District Grant applications are due the end of March 2025.
 
Terry Reed
Chair, District Environmental Sustainability Team
610-743-0818
terry.reed731@gmail.com
 
GLOBAL GRANT IN CAMBODIA
Rotary District 7430 Partners in Life-Changing Global Grant in Cambodia
Reported by Mike Orbin
 
I recently returned from a mission to Cambodia, where I witnessed the transformative impact of Rotary District 7430’s Global Grant GG2343143. This grant, focused on improving living conditions, has brought hope and better health to many families in the Pursat Region of Cambodia. I am thankful to the Allentown Rotary Club for contributing the initial funds to the Rotary Foundation in support of this project.
 
This is also a shining example of Rotary’s commitment to creating lasting change in communities around the world. The collaboration of the Rotary Club of Pursat and the non-profit organization of Sustainable Cambodia has been instrumental in driving these efforts. Sustainable Cambodia was founded in 2003 by Richard Allen, a member of the Rotary Club of Gainesville (D-6970), Florida. Sustainable Cambodia has been empowering rural Cambodian families by helping them create a sustainable quality of life with safe water and sanitation, sustainable incomes, healthy food, and quality education for their children.
 
On this trip, I had the profound experience of escorting Sok Yi, a Cambodian student my wife Alicia, a member of the Emmaus Rotary Club, and I have been sponsoring, back to her home in Cambodia after successfully undergoing scoliosis treatment at Shriners Children’s Hospital in Honolulu. I first met Sok Yi in person at the Rotary-sponsored Kravanh Bright Future Center school she was attending. This medical treatment, which involved Halo Traction and Spinal Fusion Surgery plus some major dental work and vision screening, was initiated by me and coordinated with the help of Rotarians on the Sustainable Cambodia volunteer Board of Directors and with Sustainable Cambodia staff in Pursat Province and funded by donations from Rotarians and other supporters worldwide, with Shriners Hospital for Children providing all medical services for free. Sok Yi’s journey culminated in her return home four inches taller, straighter and healthier. This marks a significant improvement in her quality of life, allowing her to live with greater comfort and now giving her the opportunity to further her studies in information technology at a university in Phnom Penh, where she is applying for a scholarship.
 
Interested in learning more? The 2nd Quarterly Report and photos from my visit are available online (Click on 2ndQuarterly Report of Global Grant GG2343143  and Photos from Pursat Region)
We encourage all Rotarians to stay informed and continue supporting these vital efforts. You can also join a trip with other Rotarians to Cambodia sponsored by Sustainable Cambodia this November 2024 and January 2025 to see the positive impact Rotary is having on the children and villagers in rural Central Cambodia (click on link to Visit SC in Cambodia-Sustainable Cambodia Trips to learn more).
 
Links:
For more information and/or a presentation to your Club, contact Mike Orbin, Bethlehem Morning Star Rotary Club.
 
ROTARY YOUTH EXCHANGE
D7430 Rotary Youth Exchange 
 
It’s back to school time for many and to the Rotary Youth Exchange committee it means welcoming our next group of exchange students. This year we are fortunate to have six students in our district. The first chance to meet them is during our inbound orientation September 6-8 in the Horsham area. If you want to learn more about the exchange program, let us know and we’ll share more details. 
 
How can you and your club get involved now?
 
1. Recruit 15-18 year-old-students who want to study abroad for the 2025-26 academic year or for the Short Term Exchange program the summer of 2025. Applications will be accepted starting in October. District interviews are December 8.
2. Find host families willing to open their doors to an incoming exchange student. (Typically, we divide the year into 2-3 different families for each student. The host families must be in the same school district for consistency for the student.)
3. Join our committee – we meet monthly with the students and take them on short trips or experiences to enhance their time in the States.
 
Want to explore the exchange student program for our district? Check out the website: Rotary7430YEP.org  If you want to attend any of our events, please email the contact. We don’t put exact location details online because they are minors and the site is public.
Help us make this the best year of their lives!
 
*If you have season tickets to sports or theater or a great vacation home or access to something unique to the United States, please share your treasures with these students. We’d be happy to connect you to the students to make their exchange year the best it can be.
 
Ana from Brazil sponsored by the Rotary Club of Willow Grove
Anaya from India sponsored by the Rotary Club of Allentown West
Antek from Poland sponsored by the Rotary Club of Bethlehem Morning Star and Bethlem
Emi from Agrentina sponsored by the Rotary Club of Emmaus
Leander from Germany sponsored by the Rotary Club of Kutztown
Zoe from Switzerland sponsored by the Rotary Club of West Reading-Wyomissing
 
Linda Kennedy, Chair  YEPChair7430@gmail.com
Carolyne Jordan, RYE Public Image ship934me@gmail
 
ROTAPLAST
D7430 Rotaplast Team Needs Your Financial Support!
What is a Smile Worth? It’s Priceless When Lost!
 
Imagine your child being born with a cleft lip or palate and your family not having health care insurance or money to fix the problem. There are children faced with these malformities who will never get the medical help they need and deserve. Children must learn to speak with a nasal lisp or struggle with eating issues because of a deformed palate. 
 
Rotaplast International and our District 7430 Rotaplast volunteers work collaboratively to help children and families worldwide by eliminating the burden of cleft lip and/or palate. Rotaplast sends medical and non-medical teams to provide 100-percent-free reconstructive surgery. That’s right, FREE surgeries for every patient we serve. This, to our team, is the Magic of Rotary.
 
Did you know that one surgery only costs $800? Would you or your club consider sponsoring a surgery or partial surgery? Any amount will help us come closer to our large fundraising goals.
 
Do you want to learn more about our 2024 Medellin, Columbia mission trip? A trip where surgeons performed 101 procedures and saved the smiles of 81 patients? Rotarians who traveled to Columbia are willing to visit your club to share the compelling stories and pictures of this amazing humanitarian effort to save these beautiful children’s smiles. 
 
Together we can bring hope to children who count on us to bring the Magic of Rotary to them. Please reach out to Steve Kendra at stevenkendra@gmail.com or Darlene Scott at dscott8956@gmail.com to donate or schedule a club presentation. 
 
 
VIBRANT CLUB SUMMIT
 
 
 
 
 

Announcing Our Keynote Speaker
for the Vibrant Club Summit!

We are thrilled to announce that Chris Etienne, Zone 32 Rotary International Director, will be our keynote speaker at this year's Vibrant Club Summit on September 14. Chris will speak virtually and brings a wealth of knowledge and experience in the Rotary Action Plan. We are excited to hear insights that will inspire and empower your club to thrive.

The Vibrant Club Summit will feature engaging and interactive sessions focused on increasing our impact, expanding our reach, enhancing participant engagement, and increasing our ability to adapt. Join us for a day of learning, sharing, and networking with fellow Rotarians committed to making a difference. Register now for the Vibrant Club Summit hosted by Rotary District 7430 on September 14 at Montgomery County Community College Blue Bell campus.

Don’t miss this opportunity to be part of an event that promises to inspire and energize our efforts in making a lasting impact. Secure your spot today and be ready to be inspired by Chris Etienne and collaborate with fellow Rotary members.

Register now and join us for a day of innovation, collaboration, and growth!

Registration link: https://rotarydistrict7430.org/event/vibrant-club-summit-hosted-by-rotary-district-7430/

 
FOUNDATION
December is a season of giving and celebration.
  • Are you highlighting the projects your club participates in with grants from the Foundation?
  • Grant  application period is now! The Rotary Year 2025-2026 Grant Application period  began November 1, 2024 and goes through March 30, 2025. Let’s make an impact by utilizing our foundation! Club Presidents, President-Elects, Assistant Governors, Foundation Area Coordinators have all received e-mails.
  • Grant training is January 13, 2025. Go to the district7430.org website calendar to register. Once you register you will receive a link. 
Join us in our Rotary District 7430
When: Saturday, March 8, 2025
5:30 pm-8:30 pm
William Penn Inn
1017 DeKalb Pike
Gwynedd, PA   19436
 
Come for Foundation support, fellowship, and fun, and maybe some surprises…
Happy hour, hot and cold appetizers, hot station buffet
 
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
PUBLIC IMAGE

Exciting Public Image Updates

from the

Brand Center and Learning Center!

Brand Center:

We're thrilled to announce the addition of new resources to the Brand Center, including two impactful radio ads. These ads are designed to tell the public who we are and what we do. Use the search bar to type 'radio' to see all our radio content. Consider asking radio stations in your community to air them:

  1. "We Are Rotary" Ad: This ad highlights how Rotary members solve problems and address community needs, inviting others to join us in taking action.
  2. "Vaccinating Every Child Under Five" Ad: This ad underscores the effectiveness of vaccines and Rotary’s steadfast work to eradicate polio alongside our partners.

In the coming weeks, Rotary Showcase will be retired to make way for the Service Project Center (SPC). This dynamic and feature-rich hub will offer improved tools for managing your projects, better speed, and streamlined processes.

Learning Center:

Check out the new course Using Rotary's Trademarks. This course will teach you how to correctly use Rotary names and trademarks for your club, district, or other Rotary entities such as Rotary Action Groups or Rotary Fellowships. Learn how to align these with Rotary’s vision and brand to effectively promote your events and service projects, enhancing recognition in your community. (Be sure to log into My Rotary first.)

Stay tuned for these exciting updates and make the most of these new tools and resources!

Do you have Public Image questions or are you looking for a public image speaker? Reach out to our team via Amy Sheller, District 7430 Public Image Chair at amycsheller@gmail.com

 

MEMBERSHIP
Leveraging Our Strengths to Boost Membership Engagement
by Valerie Deneen
 

For many Rotary Clubs, boosting membership engagement can be challenging. One approach shared by leadership expert Dr. Marcus Buckingham argues that focusing on developing strengths (instead of trying to improve weaknesses) leads to higher engagement, productivity, and satisfaction.

How Can We Apply This to Our Clubs?
  • Identify and Use Member Strengths: Create a brief survey asking club members to list their top three strengths or request that members take the High 5 Strengths Test. Use the results to invite members to take on roles or join committees where they can make the biggest impact.
  • Build on What's Already Working: Collaborate with other clubs to share ideas for successful fundraisers and service projects rather than create new events from scratch.
  • Leverage Community: Use our well-established community relationships to develop meaningful projects and attract new members.
We can work together to create Rotary Clubs where members feel valued and connected by embracing a strengths-based approach to membership engagement.

Has your club tried a similar approach? Feel free to email me at vdeneen@gmail.com to share your insights and experiences. I would love to hear from you!
STEM YEA
STEM YEA (Youth Explorer Academy)
By the Numbers
 
We received 75 student names, 60 of whom were cleared for Registration. Of those, 55 students actually arrived at check-in on Thursday, July 11. We hired five certified teachers; one bowed out a few days before with COVID-19 symptoms. Five amazing college interns from Kutztown University, Cornell University, and Drexel University worked with the students during our three-and-a-half-day adventure as we “Searched for Life on Mars.” 
Over 20 District 7430 Rotary Clubs sent students, and 46 District 7430 Rotarians did not let the high temperature stop them from walking the students across campus or assisting with check-in and check-out. 
Our thanks to each of you who participated in this fantastic event. You have touched the future by working with these young scientists.
 
Pictured are the volunteers on Sunday who helped with the final additions to the projects, cleaning the dorms and preparing for the Celebration Dinner.
 
ROTARY YOUTH EXCHANGE
 
Rotary Youth Exchange Programs
 
Many of you are aware of our District's support and involvement with the Rotary Youth Exchange program that helps build world peace one student at a time. How many of you are aware that we offer a short-term exchange program that lasts 6-8 weeks, as well as the long-term exchange program that lasts an academic year? 
 
This summer D7430 supported two outbound and two inbound students. Alisa arrived from Finland in late June and was hosted by Sylvana and her family with the support of the West Reading-Wyomissing Rotary Club. They toured many local gems in PA, went to Philadelphia, NYC, Washington, D.C. and even canoed through Canada. The girls participated in the Rotary Club's 4th of July activities including the Field of Honor celebration ceremony and marching in the local parade. All this happened in three weeks! As you read this newsletter August 1st, Sylvana is exploring Finland and learning about their culture. We look forward to hearing about her adventures when she returns.   
 
The Emmaus Rotary Club also supported a short-term exchange. Kyra, a local Emmaus student, started her exchange in Austria with Pamina's family. As of the writing of this article, we are waiting to hear about her adventures in Austria. The girls will travel to the USA together and Kyra will expose Pamina to our local communities: NYC, Philadelphia, Washington, D.C., and they have plans to visit the Emmaus Rotary Club, and attend an Iron Pigs game.  
 
Please reach out to Rose Galeano-Phillips at RotaryRose@gmail.com for more information about youth participating in the direct family-to-family short-term exchange next summer. There is no cost to the club for the short-term exchange. Students pay the airfare, insurance and a minimal participation fee. 
 
In just a few short weeks we will welcome the inbound long-term exchange class of 2024-25. D7430 is hosting six students. You will have the opportunity to meet them at various district events throughout the year. If you have a special place, meal, or activity you would like to share with the students, please reach out to the committee to let us know and coordinate the details. We also have four outbound students who will be spending 10 months abroad starting in August.
 
We are always welcoming new committee members to serve as much or little as they are able. We typically meet in person in connection with our student gatherings and other times we Zoom together to square up details for events. Help as you are able. For some of our gatherings it’s as easy as donating snacks and beverages. Check out our website for more information. Rotary7430YEP.org
 
Believe it or not, it’s time to start contacting your local high schools to determine if they have any students aged 15-18 who are interested in studying abroad 2025-26. Applications will start being accepted mid-September 2024. We don’t want to rush the summer but we want to be prepared for the fall. Grace Clancy is our outbound student coordinator for D7430. Grace can be reached at clancygrace@hotmail.com.
 
Linda Kennedy is the District Youth Exchange Chairperson and can be contacted at yepchair7430@gmail.com for any additional questions. 
 
We hope you have the opportunity to interact with these wonderful students and learn about their experiences.
 
 
ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY
Sponsor a Rotary Community Corps
to Prioritize Local Environmental Projects
 
A Rotary Community Corps (RCC) is a group of non-Rotary members who share our commitment to changing the world through service projects. RCC members partner with Rotary clubs to plan and carry out projects in their communities. Think about forming an RCC in your community with a focus on the environment. It’s a way to engage your neighbors and friends who may not be interested in becoming a Rotarian, but who want to do environmental projects. By elevating the knowledge, voices, and talents of local people with deep awareness about local environmental priorities, we can co-design sustainable projects with long-term community support to advance environmental priorities.
 
You can learn how to form a Rotary Community Corps at www.rotary.org/en/our-programs/rotary-community-corps
 
Have you wondered how you can join in the District Environmental Sustainability Team’s efforts to help clubs plan and carry out environmental projects? It’s very easy. Give me a call and I’ll tell you what we’re doing and I’ll explain how to join our next team meeting on Zoom on Tuesday, August 13, at 7:00 p.m.  
 
We will be brainstorming ways to get more clubs involved in environmental projects that go beyond highway, stream, trail, and park cleanups, particularly planting pollinator gardens and community gardens, plastics recycling, and tree plantings. We will also be discussing new programs to roll out for clubs including developing projects on keeping food waste out of landfills. We would love to have you join in the fun. Everyone is welcome.
 
Terry Reed
Chair, District Environmental Sustainability Team
610-743-0818
DGE REPORTS
For me, the best thing about attending a Rotary International Convention is meeting with like minded people from around the world on a myriad of topics. The House of Friendship with its hundreds of  tables displaying projects from around the world is worth the admission of attending.  
 
What interests you? As my District Governor trainer, Herb,  says all of the time, "Let their feet do the voting." Is it our Polio Eradication efforts? Is it the environment? Is it anyone of our other Areas of Focus? 
 
Is it a special Fellowship group? 
 
I belong to two fellowships: BREW (Beers Rotarians Enjoy Worldwide) and RWAF (Rotary Wine Appreciation and Fellowship). To find a list of all of our Fellowships, click on https://www.rotary.org/en/our-programs/more-fellowships
 
Are you part of a Rotary Action Group? I belong to the Rotary Action Group for Peace. To find out more on all of our Action Groups click on: https://my.rotary.org/en/take-action/empower-leaders/rotary-action-groups. 
 
My suggestion is join a Fellowship and Action Group now, find their pages on Facebook, and start making connections.
 
Some Events Planned for YOU:
 
Saturday, June 21, 2025 6:00 PM District 7430 Dinner – Details coming soon.
 
Monday, June 23, 2025 Zones 28 and 32 Beyond Borders Dinner at the Calgary Zoo. Details coming soon.
 
Tuesday, June 24, 2025 at 6:00 PM BREW's Calgary Beer Bash. Details coming soon.
 
What are your fellowships? Action Groups? Email me at marycook7430@gmail.com and I will find out when they are meeting. 
 
I hope you join the 30 of us from District 7430 in Calgary. To register: https://convention.rotary.org/en-us/
 
YAHOO!
 
DISTRICT LEARNING PLAN
District 7430 Learning Plan for 2024-2025
 
Event 
Date
Time
Audience
Presenter
Presidents’ meeting
Monday, 8/12/24
5:30-6:00 PM
Club Presidents & AGs 
DG Katie Farrell
Learning Opportunity: OUR LEARNING CENTER
Monday, 8/12/24
6:00-7:00 PM
All District 7430 Rotarians
Edmond Colon
Presidents’ meeting
Monday, 9/9/24
5:30-6:00 PM
Club Presidents & AGs
DG Katie Farrell
Presidents’ meeting
Monday 10/14/24
5:30-6:00 PM
Club Presidents& AGs
DG Katie Farrell
Learning Opportunity:
CONFLICT RESOLUTION
Monday 10/14/24
6:00-7:00 PM
All District 7430 Rotarians
Dr. Robert Gordon
Presidents’ meeting
Monday 11/11/24
5:30-6:00 PM
Club Presidents & AGs
DG Katie Farrell
Learning Opportunity:
OUR FOUNDATION
Monday 11/11/24
6:00-7:00 PM
All District 7430 Rotarians
PDG Cindy Hornaman
Presidents’ meeting
Action Plan
Monday 12/9/24
5:30-6:00 PM
Club Presidents & AGs
DG Katie Farrell
Learning Opportunity:
ALL ABOUT CLUBRUNNER
Monday 12/9/24
6:00-7:00 PM
All District 7430 Rotarians
Club Runner Representative
Presidents’ meeting
Monday 1/13/25
5:30-6:00 PM
Club Presidents & AGs
DG Katie Farrell
Learning Opportunity:
GRANT TRAINING
Monday 1/13/25
6:00-7:00 PM
All District 7430 Rotarians
PDG Cindy Hornaman and the Grant team
Presidents’ meeting
Monday 2/10/25
5:30-6:00 PM
Club Presidents & AGs
DG Katie Farrell
Learning Opportunity
FUNDRAISING
Monday 2/10/25
6:00-7:00 PM
All District 7430 Rotarians
Gwenn Carr and Panel
Presidents’ meeting
Monday 3/10/25
5:30-6:00 PM
Club Presidents & AGs
DG Katie Farrell
Learning Opportunity
TELLING YOUR STORIES
Monday 3/10/25
6:00-7:00 PM
All District 7430 Rotarians
Amy Sheller and the Public Image team
7430 Conference
April 6 – April 8
 
All District 7430 Rotarians
Hershey Lodge
Presidents’ meeting
Monday 4/14/25
5:30-6:00 PM
Club Presidents & AGs
DG Katie Farrell
Presidents’ meeting
Monday 5/12/25
5:30-6:00 PM
Club Presidents & AGs
DG Katie Farrell
Learning Opportunity:
YOUTH SERVICES
Monday 5/12/25
6:00-7:00 PM
All District 7430 Rotarians
Darlene Scott and Youth Services Panel
Rotary International Conference 
May 21-25
 
All District 7430 Rotarians
Calgary
Presidents’ meeting
Monday 6/2/25
5:30-6:00 PM
Club Presidents & AGs
DG Katie Farrell
 
Shelter Box
District 7430 Tops ShelterBox Donations
 
Thanks to the generosity of D7430 Rotarians and Clubs, we are the leading district in the US in donations to ShelterBox for the current Rotary year. Hero clubs for the year to date are:
 
Gold (≥$5,000)
Silver (≥$3,000)
Bronze (≥$1,000)
Kutztown
Bethlehem Morning Star
Allentown
Willow Grove
Bluebell
Allentown West
 
Hatboro
Central Perkiomen
 
 
Fleetwood
 
 
Horsham
 
 
Newtown
 
 
Perkasie
 
 
Quakertown
 
 
Wyomissing-West Reading
 
Please consider adding your club to the list before the end of the year.
Many are asking about ShelterBox in Gaza. Distributing tents and boxes is not feasible as there are no camps for families to stay. Instead, ShelterBox has been distributing tarps and tools to allow families to repair damaged structures along with tarps, blankets, warm clothing, solar lights, and water purification kits. ShelterBox staff continues to monitor the situation in Gaza to determine when a full deployment might be feasible.
Contact D7430 Shelter Box Ambassador Bill Tuszynski (267-374-1631; bill.tuszynski@gmail.com) to schedule a presentation to your club or to reserve the box and tent for a club event.
 
 
Environmental Sustainability
Teaching Kids About Pollinators
 
The District Pilot Pollinator Garden is located at Camp Edmar near Kutztown. The facility is a Boy Scout and Girl Scout camp that was founded in the early 1950s by the Kutztown Rotary Club. The club still supports the camp seven decades later. 
 
On Saturday, June 8, there will be a gathering of Scouts at the camp to learn all about pollinators and their biological function in pollinating plants. Rotarians will be involved in the educational session. The Scouts will also be building bee boxes to create habitat for pollinator insects and planting some flowering trees adjacent to the gardens. The public is invited to the event to be held between 10:00 am and noon. You can view the three pollinator gardens that were planted last fall and funded through a Rotary District Grant. Come on out!
 
More clubs have been joining in on the soft plastics recycling initiative that can earn your club a park bench for your community. Collect 1000 pounds of plastic bags and plastic film (the soft stuff) and The Trex Company will send you a free park bench. It’s easy, you don’t have to store the plastic (your local grocer will take it), and you will help keep plastics out of our streams, highways, neighborhoods, and landfills. Call me to discuss the specifics.
 
Terry Reed
District Environmental Sustainability Chair
610-743-0818
 
 
Foundation Update
 
IT’S A NEW ROTARY YEAR!
 
  • As we begin our new Rotary Year—let’s FOCUS: Foundation!
  • Our giving to the Foundation has such amazing impact in all of our clubs, both locally and internationally. What can YOU DO to provide donations for all of our projects? 
  • Let’s tell our stories about our projects through the Foundation using our Public image tools.
  • Let’s increase our membership by focusing on our projects and allowing members of our community to get involved to view our impact.
  • And our new “NEWS”: Our Journey to the Next Million started in the Rotary Year 2021-2022 with the goal of our District 7430 Donations to the Rotary Foundation to exceed one million dollars. Although all the numbers are not yet final, WE HAVE DONE IT! Our giving at press time exceeded $1 Million...we were at $1,303,099 and counting!
  • Our Polio donations have exceeded our goal: we are now at $36K!
  • Our Annual Fund Donations are now at $259,398 – and we have work to do for more contributions to the Annual Fund.
Thank you so much to everyone. Let’s now Make the Magic Happen! 
2024 Convention Wrap up
Rotary International Convention – Singapore
May 2024
 
I attended my very first Rotary International Convention in beautiful Singapore and it was incredible!
 
Since 1910, the Rotary convention has combined fellowship with Rotary business and inspired attendees with notable guest speakers, workshops, and messages from Rotary leaders.
 
This year, over 13,000 Rotarians from around the world attended the convention. Plenary and breakout sessions focused on global priorities such as mental health awareness and wellbeing, and peace and fostering world understanding. In addition, there were many tactical presentations on Rotary Action Plan priorities such as membership growth.
 
Next year’s Rotary International Convention will be held in Calgary, Canada, on June 21-25. Calgary is home to people of more than 240 ethnicities who speak 165 languages. It will also provide the opportunity to attend the world-famous Calgary Stampede https://venues.calgarystampede.com, which will begin several days after the 2025 convention ends.
After attending a Rotary International convention, you will be forever changed by the sense of purpose and belonging in the world’s largest service organization dedicated to world peace and prosperity.  
I am so grateful to be part of this organization, and specifically, our amazing District.
 
Katie Farrell
District Governor District 7430
 
Photo: “The Gem” waterfall inside the Singapore Airport
 
 
Membership

Membership in Focus

As we enter our new Rotary year, we are always refocusing, reimagining and reinventing. Most clubs have a new president at the helm and with that come some fresh ideas and initiatives. As our District Membership Team grows, we are focused on you and your clubs and we want to help you grow. Our new RI president, Stephanie Urchick, has challenged us to grow our district by 100 net new members. That may seem like a lofty goal, but it is possible. Let’s set our sights high and surpass our expectations. Let the Rotary Magic begin!

 

District 7430 Changeover
Our Rotary District 7430 Changeover Celebration

 On June 20, 2024 we celebrated our Annual Rotary District 7430 Officer Changeover Celebration. With over 100 Rotarians at the William Penn Inn- it was truly a celebration. Rotarians from all around our district enjoying the fellowship of one another.
 

DG Diane presented a review of the activities of the 2023-24 Rotary Year along with several recognitions of service and accomplishments.
Our Past District Governors held the annual Council of Governors meeting where DG Diane reviewed the 2023 -2024 Rotary Year and DG for 2024-2025 Katie shared visions and plans for the next Rotary Year.
 
 
Each year we hold a “pass the gavel” ceremony going from the most senior governor and ending with our new DG and future District Governors.
The pinning of Katie Farrell as our new DG and official banner exchange from the Bethlehem Club to the Warminster Club ended the evening with DG Katie presenting the district’s new vision and goals for our new Rotary Year starting today, July 1, 2024.
 
 
 

 
The Welcome Mat
 

 

Rotaplast Update from Medellin

 

I’ve recently completed my first Rotaplast mission. We traveled to Medellin, Colombia and our team of volunteer Rotarians and medical specialists provided cleft lip and/or palate surgeries for over 80 children. Some children walked for over three days with their parents to come out of the remote areas for this life-changing procedure. Our humanitarian medical team even trained local interns and medical students on how to care for and support these children. Education and sustainability are a big part of Rotaplast. Working ourselves out of a job in Colombia is part of the mission.  

The main thing I came home with from this mission was a reinforcement of not how different life was there, or the people were in Colombia – it was how similar we were. Parents with tears of joy seeing their children now with a better chance to be free, strong, and supported in their communities.There were non-profit organizations offering new shoes to each child, some wearing them, I’m sure, for the first time in their lives. There was a government doing the best they could to support this effort by providing transportation, housing, and support. Local Rotarians worked with us every day to help in any way they could. They provided lunches, transportation, and translators for us, and educated us on their efforts to serve their community with love. Mucho Gusto, by the way, means “it’s nice to meet you.” I feel like I heard that phrase a thousand times during our mission. And you know what? It really was. 

Travel Opportunity
Embark on an Unforgettable Journey to Ancient Cambodia with Fellow Rotarians
Join Rotarians on an Extraordinary Adventure with Sustainable Cambodia
Announcing an incredible opportunity for Rotarians to explore the rich history and vibrant culture of Cambodia while making a significant impact on local communities. Rotarians from around the world are invited to join a 10-day excursion organized in partnership with Sustainable Cambodia. This journey promises to be more than just a tourist trip—it is a chance to witness firsthand the transformative power of Rotary projects in remote areas of Cambodia.
Trip Highlights
During this unique trip, participants will explore some of Cambodia's most iconic and historic locations. Highlights include:
  • Phnom Penh: Discover the heart of Cambodia's capital city, rich with historical significance and cultural landmarks.
  • Siem Reap:
  • Pursat Province: Venture far off the typical tourist routes to visit village families and see the direct impact of Rotary projects in these remote communities.
 
STEM YEA
 
The Magic of STEM YEA
(STEM YOUTH EXPLORER ACADEMY)
 
Join us as a volunteer for STEM YEA July 11-14 at Kutztown University. Volunteers walk the students from the dorms to the South Dining Hall and the labs and classrooms on the north side of the campus. We have certified teachers and college interns to manage the STEM and project-building sessions. Volunteers assist underserved seventh graders in planning a trip to Mars. You will learn much more about Astrobiology than when you attended school!
Experience the magic of community and shared purpose at STEM YEA. Witness 60 students from 20+ clubs in our district come together and blossom into scientists over a four-day period. The best part? There are no charges for you to attend, have breakfast or lunch with us, or join us for an evening show in the Kutztown Planetarium. We're all in this together, and we can't wait to have you join us! 
Come to Kutztown University for a few hours to “do good in the world.”
 
(Photo shows last year's STEM YEA graduates wearing their official lab coats)
 
To volunteer, click the link below.
 
ROTARY FRIENDSHIP EXCHANGE
 
 
Would your club like to participate in an international hosting opportunity?
Here's your chance! We are looking for a club to host  2-3 nights, 10 Australians coming to our district from Sept. 17 to Oct. 1, 2024. They are a lot of fun and speak English. (Australian English, anyway!)
 
The hosts provide a place to sleep, and breakfast, and as a group, take them to see things of interest in your immediate area. Any activity with a fee they pay for themselves.
 
If you'd like to meet new people and make lifetime friends, please email deeleng@gmail.com or call her: 610 428 3355 to discuss this opportunity.
Meet Your DGE
Meet your District Governor-Elect
 
Hi! My name is Mary Cook and I have been a Collegeville Rotarian since 2007. I am interested in connecting with all current President-Elects. Please connect with me at marycook7430@gmail.com or our 25-26 district facilitor, Herb Klotz, at herbk.rotary@gmail.com
 
My husband, Doug, and I started our Rotary journey in the early 90s when we hosted our first exchange student from France. We were living in Maine at the time. Doug was the charter president of the KennebunkPortside Rotary. We only hosted Gael for two weeks in the summer and on vacations, but it was enough for me to know this was a very impressive program. 
 
From 1991 – 2012, we hosted nineteen YEP students and befriended many more. In 2006, our oldest daughter went to Recife, Brasil for her exchange. 
 
Another favorite program that I was part of in Maine was a Rotary youth program called Friends Forever, which is a peace-building program that involves students in 8th and 9thgrades. Friends Forever is now its own 501c3. 
 
Youth and peace are important areas of focus for me as well as the environment. Collegeville Rotary started a soft plastics recycling program last year. By working with local citizens and coordinating with a church group, we have taken close to 1,000 pounds of soft plastics out of our waste stream. 
 
I wish DG Katie all the magic that Rotary has to offer! 
 
 
Mary L. Cook
 
Collegeville Rotary

DISASTER GRANT AT WORK IN UKRAINE
In the wake of a devastating crisis in Ukraine, a beacon of hope emerged from an unexpected collaboration between Rotary districts. It all began nearly two years ago, during the Zone 28/32 Conference in Toronto, where four past governor classmates initiated a dialogue that would set the stage for a remarkable journey of impact!

Aware of the opportunity provided through The Rotary Foundation Disaster Grants program, the idea of pooling resources to maximize aid took shape. With the enthusiastic support of then DG Len and Foundation Chair Cindy, the ambitious goal of securing a grant of $100,000, was set in motion. Pooling efforts with other districts, the collective strength amplified their impact. District 7430, though its contribution seemed modest, played a crucial role in making the full impact possible.

As the grant unfolded, tangible results began to surface. A mobile water filtration system, AQUASET-RO 1000, was acquired directly from the supplier. Medical and dental supplies, along with essential winter clothing, were procured and transported to Ukraine, reaching thousands in need.

The thermal clothing, in particular, proved invaluable in the harsh winter, providing comfort and protection to those enduring the bitter cold. Meanwhile, the water purification unit brought safe drinking water to villages between Mykolaiv and Kherson, benefiting thousands of residents.

Borys Bodnar, a Ukrainian Rotary member, attested to the significance of these efforts, emphasizing how the thermal clothing and water purification system were instrumental in sustaining communities through ongoing hardships.

Tony Preston, the project coordinator echoed this sentiment, acknowledging the undeniable success of the project, evidenced by the overwhelming demand for aid. While the exact number of lives touched may never be fully quantified, the impact undoubtedly spans tens of thousands, with countless individuals receiving crucial medical care and comfort during their time of need.

Through collaboration and unwavering dedication, Rotary districts came together to make a tangible difference in the lives of those affected by the crisis in Ukraine. This story stands as a testament to the power of connection in Rotary and taking collective action in the spirit of humanitarianism.
 
Environmental Protection
Protecting Our Waterways
 
There is a new collaboration between the United Nations Environment Programme and Rotary. Through this partnership, Rotarians are encouraged to clean up, protect, and monitor their local waterways. The strategic partnership aligns with both the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals and Rotary’s environment area of focus.
 
The partnership “brings together Rotary’s community-based solutions and UNEP’s technical expertise,” RI President-elect Stephanie Urchick said when announcing the partnership in January. 
 
At the center of the partnership is a program enabling Rotary and Rotaract clubs to make commitments to the health of their own nearby waterways. Called “Community Action for Fresh Water,” the program encourages clubs to organize river cleanup days, raise awareness in their communities about the importance of healthy waterways, conduct basic water quality tests, and report their findings.
 
These locally based activities are crucial to protecting the environment on a global scale, says Rafael Peralta, regional director and representative for the UNEP’s office for North America.
 
To participate, Rotary and Rotaract clubs can identify a local body of water (river, lake, wetland, or natural reservoir) and commit to protecting and restoring it. They can then engage with the local community and other relevant groups to identify any major threats to the body of water and ultimately develop a plan of action in coordination with nongovernmental organizations, private enterprises, or government agencies.
 
If your club is interested in learning more, and perhaps adopting a waterway in your area, you can reach out to the District Environmental Sustainability Team for some guidance.
 
 
The District Pilot Pollinator Garden at Camp Edmar in the Kutztown area is thriving. The Kutztown Rotary Club led an effort on the Rotary Day of Service to remove leaves and weeds from the garden beds. It appears that all 130 plants survived the winter with no frost, deer, or rabbit damage. Our fingers are crossed that the bees and other pollinator insects will show up soon.
 
 
A big thank you to all the Rotarians around our District who participated in an environmental project this spring. Your work to clean up our communities, plant trees, and create pollinator gardens grows every year.  The District Environmental Sustainability Team appreciates all the work you do. We’re looking for more Rotarians to join our team. Please consider it.
 
Terry Reed
District Environmental Sustainability Chair
 
 

STEM YEA
 
YEA! YEA! It’s time to Register for STEM YEA 2024!
 
Registration for STEM YEA 2024, our District-wide STEM event for rising seventh graders, has begun. The deadline for registration is May 1, 2024. Tuition for your sponsored student is $375. 
The event is being held from July 11-14 at Kutztown University. The theme is “Astrobiology: The Search for Life on Mars.”
Students are nominated by their schools and sponsored by their local Rotary Clubs. The nominated students should be: 
  • Motivated to learn in the areas of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics.
  • Likely to enjoy and succeed in an overnight academy 
  • Unable to access STEM enrichment activities.
Please check our website for more information STEM Youth Explorer Academy | Home (stemyea.com) or contact Rolf Schlake (rolf.schlake@gmail.com) or Gwenn Carr (gwenn.carr@verizon.net.
 
FOUNDATION

It’s contribution time! Have you made your contribution to the Rotary Foundation? Your contribution enables us to implement projects locally and around the world. Please consider giving before June 30.
 
IT IS PEACE SCHOLAR APPLICATION TIME
 The Rotary Peace Fellowship application for fully funded 2025 fellowships is now available for both our master’s degree programs and our professional development certificate programs. The application deadline is May 15. Candidates can learn more and start an application:https://my.rotary.org/en/peace-fellowship-application .
Let us have our District sponsor an applicant. You can contact Bill Hunter at wdh3@lehigh.edu
 
Our Rotary Foundation Dollars at work – International Projects:
Did you ever hear of the country Burkina Faso? Burkina Faso is in the Sahel region of West Africa. The Sahel region ranks among the lowest on the United Nations Development Program Human Development Index (HDI). For the first time, our District is supporting a global grant in this country under the leadership of Kate Hoath from the Souderton-Telford Club. The grant is helping over 200 (and more in the future) students in a middle school by providing: equipment/materials and installation of water for toilet blocks, including hand-washing stations with sinks, equipment/materials and installation of solar panels/batteries for the middle school, and books/desks for basic education. The project had been delayed for quite a while due to country conflict. We are now very excited that the work has begun. Way to go Souderton-Telford!
 
Our Rotary Foundation Dollars at work – Local Projects
Mental Health issues are being addressed by our Easton Club with “Mindfulness Matters.”
This is a project being implemented in conjunction with the Local YMCA to address mental health needs for children as well as seniors.
Public Image: 

ACTION PLAN: EXPAND OUR REACH

 
Inbox Zero?
 
When you send an email through ClubRunner, do you check your stats, to see how many of your club members are receiving and opening your emails? This is an important, even crucial, part of your public image work. What’s the point of taking hours putting together a bulletin or organizing an email campaign to your members if fewer than 2/3 of your email list will be reading your emails? (See image below for a stats report)
 
Within the last few months, ClubRunner has begun putting a warning on the home page of your website when you are logged in, after you click “Member Area,” letting you know that there are unresolved mailing errors. It looks like this:
 
Attention Needed: There are blocked emails that require your attention. As a result, some recipients may not be receiving emails. Review the Blocked Email list here.
 
It also appears on the District’s home page, so that I can see there are 42 pages of members in our district whose email addresses are blocked from receiving mail through ClubRunner. Some of those addresses have been blocked since 2016.
 
Some of the reasons for emails being blocked include names not being recognized by a business, probably because the member has changed jobs but did not update the email address. Many have marked Rotary email as spam. Several have spelling errors somewhere in the address. 
 
It would be a huge help to your club and your district if you cleaned up your club’s email list. During a meeting, ask your members to look at their profiles on CR and check their emails. If they have downloaded the CR mobile app, it shouldn’t take more than four minutes to complete. If they have listed Rotary email as spam, you may want to have another kind of discussion with the member; do they know they did that? Did they feel they get too many emails from your club? 
 
At the district level, we do try to keep the emails you receive to a minimum. If you are reading this, thank you. Your email is clear!
 
 
Marlene Heller
Editor
The Beacon