Dear District Governor Rev. Dr. J. Loren Russell and the entire 2023-24 District 7230 Team,
I hope this message finds you well and filled with the same sense of pride and accomplishment that resonates throughout our district after a truly extraordinary year of service. As we reflect on the past year, it is clear that under your leadership, District 7230 has achieved remarkable milestones and strengthened our community in profound ways.
First and foremost, I want to express my deepest gratitude for your unwavering dedication and inspiring leadership throughout the year. Your vision and guidance have been instrumental in steering our district towards new heights of success and impact.
One of the standout achievements of this year has been the significant growth in membership. This is a testament to the inclusive and welcoming atmosphere fostered by your leadership, which has attracted new members eager to contribute to our shared mission of service.
The participation of our district in the Rotary Day of Service was another highlight, showcasing our collective commitment to making a positive difference in the lives of those in need. Your emphasis on community engagement and meaningful service has truly made an impact that will resonate far beyond this year.
Moreover, the image of District 7230 has never been stronger, thanks to your strategic initiatives and effective communication efforts. Your leadership has elevated our district's reputation and visibility, reinforcing Rotary's role as a force for good in our communities.
Lastly, I want to commend you and the entire team for the resounding success of the District Conference held on 29 June at the prestigious Yankee Stadium. It was a momentous occasion that brought together Rotarians from across the district to celebrate our achievements, share ideas, and renew our commitment to service above self. The event was a testament to your meticulous planning and dedication to ensuring a memorable and impactful experience for all attendees.
In closing, I am deeply honored to be part of District 7230 under your leadership. Your passion, dedication, and tireless efforts have inspired us all to strive for excellence and continue making a meaningful difference in the world. Thank you once again for your outstanding service and for making this past year one of the most successful in our district's history.
With heartfelt appreciation and warm regards,
Syed Alirahi
District Governor
Syed Alirahi took on the mantle of District Governor for Rotary International District 7230 (D7230) for the upcoming 2024-25 term, following a ceremony held at Castle Royale on Saturday, June 15th. The installation, conducted by RI Director-Elect Chris Etienne, was attended by nearly a hundred Rotarians from across the district.
The evening commenced with a Meet-and-Greet session, transitioning into a formal ceremony where various dignitaries, including representatives from local, state, and congressional offices, honored Alirahi with proclamations and citations for his community service. Among them were US Congressman Jamaal Bowman, NY State Senator Andrea Stewart-Cousins, NYS Assembly Member Mary Jane Shimsky, Westchester County Executive George Latimer, Greenburgh Town Supervisor Paul Feiner, and Elmsford Mayor Robert Williams. The Westchester Association of Fire Chiefs and the Elmsford Fire Department also honored the DG. See all proclamations & Congratulations.
Outgoing District Governor Rev. Dr. J. Loren Russell highlighted the district's achievements during the past year, praising D7230 as the leading growth district in North America in terms of membership.
After a buffet dinner, RI Director-Elect Chris Etienne delivered a poignant address, sharing her personal Rotary journey and emphasizing the impact of Rotary's global efforts, particularly in polio eradication.
The highlight of the evening was the formal installation of Syed Alirahi as District Governor for 2024-25. Alirahi expressed gratitude to his supporters, acknowledging the mentorship of outgoing DG Russell and the guidance of past district leaders. He also shared his family's deep-rooted involvement in Rotary, noting that he, his wife Shazia, their five daughters, and their husbands are all committed Rotarians.
In his inaugural remarks, Alirahi called upon his newly installed district team, comprising Area Governors, Vice-Governor, Deputy Governors, District Secretary, Committee Chairs, and Committee members, urging them to continue Rotary's mission of service and community impact.
The installation ceremony marked the official beginning of Alirahi's term, which starts on July 1st, 2024, promising a year dedicated to advancing Rotary's humanitarian goals locally and globally.
In a display of remarkable harmony and collaboration, the Rotary Clubs of Bermuda came together to jointly celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Hamilton Club. Led by a dedicated committee, comprised of members from all four clubs on the island, the festivities unfolded seamlessly over a four-day period, presenting a united front that belied the individual club distinctions.
The culmination of this collective effort was a grand gala, befitting the occasion, which provided an opportunity for the community to applaud the collaborative spirit of the team. Adding to the festivities, a golf outing and fundraiser held on Saturday attracted participants from far and wide, including some with limited golfing skills, like one member who humorously likened their technique to dribbling a basketball down the fairway.
However, amidst the laughter and celebration, the event also served a charitable purpose. A raffle and fundraiser aimed at bringing district Rotarians from the US to Bermuda resulted in the selection of PDG Marty Schulman as the fortunate individual to join the festivities. Gratitude was expressed to all who contributed, with any remaining funds earmarked to support the district-wide speech contest winner's presentation at the upcoming district conference alongside the US winner.
The success of this centennial celebration underscored not only the enduring legacy of the Hamilton Club but also the power of collaboration within the Rotary community.
Marlene is survived by her husband, her son Alexander and his wife, Susan; her son Marc and his wife, Lara; her two grandchildren, Jack and Sadie; her sister-in-law Sarah Fambrough; her niece Susan Fambrough, and daughter Anne Estelle; her nephew John Fambrough and his wife, Sandy, and son Josh Hitt; her relatives in Düsseldorf; sister-in-law Rebecca Oberföll; and niece and nephew, Sophie and Max Oberföll. Marlene will be missed dearly by her husband, sons, grandchildren, relatives, friends far and wide, neighbors and community for her nurturing, caregiving, loving and maternal nature.
Sustainable Education: Library for students
Under this project, both Sunshine NY Rotary Club and Rotary Club of Chittagong North jointly distributed books and educational supplies among several hundred students of an elementary school in a small remote, underprivileged village.
Both clubs jointly contributed towards the Installation of a water filtration system for students and faculty of Social Science Faculty of the University of Chittagong,- the second largest public university in Bangladesh. This initiative has benefitted more than 500 students and staff vt to providing them access to purified water. Sunshine NY Rotary Club’s International Director, Ashfaque Salim was present during the formal opening of the water filtration system.
Subsidizing low-cost housing for the homeless.
The third joint project being implemented by the Sunshine NY Rotary Club and Rotary Club of Chittagong North is also in Chattogram where a donation is going to be made for housing of homeless people. Twenty homeless people are to have their own shelters for living under this project.
50 illustrated children's books were distributed to the young girls at the Monu Mia and Sultana Girls Orphanage in Chandpur. The books written by a veteran teacher, and purchased by the Club Charter President were each stamped with the Sunshine NY Rotary stamp. They were picked up by Rotarian Nazrana Yeasmin of the Rotary Club of Dhaka Phoenix for distribution to the children.