Mary Shackleton's Trip to Pakistan

The global eradication of polio remains Rotary International’s number one philanthropic objective.  The road to END POLIO NOW runs through the country of Pakistan, one of two countries where the disease remains endemic.  To see first-hand the good work going on in Pakistan, Zone 33 End Polio Now Coordinator Nancy Barbee and I recently visited Karachi.  We were the guests of Past Trustee of The Rotary Foundation Aziz Memon, Chair of the PolioPlus Committee for Pakistan, and the Rotary family of Karachi.
 
Mary Shackleton's Trip to Pakistan Mary Shackleton 2026-02-04 05:00:00Z 0 End Polio Now,GPEI,Karachi Rotary,Mary Shackleton,PeopleofAction,Polio Eradication

Yonkers-Yonkers East Promotes LifeVac Program

The Rotary Club of Yonkers-East Yonkers is pleased to distribute a number of LifeVac anti-choking devices to public-facing businesses and organizations in Yonkers, at no cost to the recipient, thanks to a generous grant from Westchester County.  LifeVac units will be distributed to eligible organizations on a first-come, first-served basis, while supplies last, so that they can be used to protect the public in an emergency.
 
Ryan Warner (left) helps demonstrate how to use LifeVac
 
"These devices are designed to help save a life in the event of a choking emergency and provide an added layer of safety for residents, seniors, and visitors alike. Initiatives like this truly make Yonkers a safer and more caring community," said Mayor Mike Spano.
Yonkers-Yonkers East Promotes LifeVac Program Lester Nathan 2026-02-02 05:00:00Z 0 LifeVac,Rotary,ServiceAboveSelf,Yonkers-East Yonkers Rotary

Record-breaking Filibuster for Community Projects Raises $6,000

On December 6 and 7, 2025, the Rotary Club of Yonkers-East Yonkers successfully completed its record-breaking Filibuster for Community Service Projects, a 25.5-hour continuous public speaking marathon dedicated to raising funds for local community service initiatives.
 
The event marked a milestone for the Club and the City of Yonkers, showcasing the power of sustained civic engagement, creativity and collective action. Thanks to the generosity of sponsors, donors and viewers, the Club raised $6,000 to support youth programs, community safety efforts and assistance for families in need in Yonkers.
 
Record-breaking Filibuster for Community Projects Raises $6,000 Alan Gray 2026-02-02 05:00:00Z 0 Filibuster for Community Service Projects,PeopleofAction,Rotary,ServiceAboveSelf,Yonkers-East Yonkers Rotary
Rep. George Latimer Addresses Polio Eradication Lester Nathan 2026-02-02 05:00:00Z 0 George Latimer,PeopleofAction,Polio Eradication,Rotary,Rotary International

An Evening in Good Taste (Feeding Westchester)

Dear Westchester Club Presidents,
 
I am reaching out to you with the support and encouragement of our District Governor Garrett Capobianco, because the 20+ Rotary Clubs of Westchester have a wonderful opportunity to come together to support one of the most vital service organizations in our county, FEEDING WESTCHESTER. We can do this by joining forces and resources to fund a RESTAURANTEUR LEVEL SPONSORSHIP for their upcoming event, An Evening in Good Taste, taking place on April 16th, 2026.
 
An Evening in Good Taste (Feeding Westchester) Lester Nathan 2026-02-01 05:00:00Z 0 District 7230,Evening in Good Taste,Feeding Westchester,PeopleofAction

District 7230: Advancing Our Plan for Success at Sarah Lawrence College

District 7230 Rotarians gathered at Sarah Lawrence College in Yonkers on November 1 for a powerful day of leadership training, collaboration, and strategic visioning. Building on the momentum of our Bermuda session, this training brought together club leaders and members from across the district to further strengthen “Our Plan for Success” and deepen alignment with the Rotary International Action Plan.
 
Throughout the day, district leaders guided engaging conversations on how we can continue to expand our reach, increase our impact, enhance participant engagement, and embrace greater adaptability. These discussions were focused not only on understanding the Action Plan, but on putting it into motion across our New York clubs.
 
Yonkers-Yonkers East President Alan Gray gave an entertaining presentation
District 7230: Advancing Our Plan for Success at Sarah Lawrence College Lester Nathan 2026-01-13 05:00:00Z 0 District 7230,OurPlanForSuccess,PeopleofAction,Rotary,RotaryActionPlan,RotaryLeadership,ServiceAboveSelf

Peekskill Rotarians Step Up at the Annual Turkey Trot to Support Local Families in Need
 

Rotarians from the Rotary Club of Peekskill once again demonstrated what it means to live “Service Above Self” as they proudly marched in the community’s annual Turkey Trot, supporting Caring for the Hungry and Homeless of Peekskill, Inc. This beloved local event brings residents, volunteers and leaders together each year to raise awareness and resources for vulnerable families, and our Rotarians showed up in full spirit to stand with their neighbors.
 
 
Peekskill Rotarians Step Up at the Annual Turkey Trot to Support Local Families in Need  Lester Nathan 2026-01-13 05:00:00Z 0 District 7230,Peekskill Rotary,turkey trot
Rotary Club of Harlem Packs Over 30,000 Meals at “Food for the Soul” Community Event  Lester Nathan 2026-01-13 05:00:00Z 0 District 7230,Food for the Soul,Rotary Club of Harlem

Rotary Club of Metro NYC Holiday Social & Care Packages Project

This week, District Governor Garrett Capobianco and District Governor Nominee Serkan Ceylan joined the Rotary Club of Metro NYC for their second annual Holiday Social & Care Packages Project, a beautiful blend of fellowship and service.
 
Rotarians came together to write heartfelt holiday cards and assemble and wrap holiday care kits for families at the Sanctuary for Families Domestic Violence Shelter.
 
Rotary Club of Metro NYC Holiday Social & Care Packages Project Lester Nathan 2026-01-13 05:00:00Z 0 District 7230,Metro NYC Rotary,ServiceAboveSelf

District 7230: Strengthening Our Plan for Success in Bermuda
 

District leaders came together for a day of leadership training and collaboration in Bermuda, bringing District 7230’s vision of “Our Plan for Success” to life. The session focused on how clubs can align with the Rotary International Action Plan, a roadmap designed to help Rotarians expand their reach, increase their impact, enhance participant engagement and strengthen adaptability.
 
District 7230: Strengthening Our Plan for Success in Bermuda  Lester Nathan 2026-01-13 05:00:00Z 0 Bermuda Rotary,District 7230,PeopleofAction,Plan for Success

District Rotarians Celebrate Fellowship and Service in Bermuda

District 7230 Rotarians in Bermuda came together for an evening filled with connection, celebration and service, reflecting the true spirit of Rotary fellowship. The gathering brought together members committed to strengthening Rotary’s mission and building bonds that extend beyond borders.
 
 
 
District Rotarians Celebrate Fellowship and Service in Bermuda Lester Nathan 2026-01-13 05:00:00Z 0 Bermuda Rotary,Paul Harris award,PeopleofAction,Peronia Browne,ServiceAboveSelf

Rotary Club of Hamilton Featured in the Royal Gazette for Advancing Community Awareness on Ocean Science

The Rotary Club of Hamilton, Bermuda continues to shine as a leader in promoting education, environmental awareness, and meaningful dialogue within District 7230. The club was recently featured in The Royal Gazette for hosting an impactful luncheon with Dr. Craig Carlson, President and CEO of the Bermuda Institute of Ocean Sciences (BIOS). This event exemplifies Rotary’s commitment to fostering informed communities and supporting initiatives that address some of the world’s most pressing environmental challenges.
Rotary Club of Hamilton Featured in the Royal Gazette for Advancing Community Awareness on Ocean Science Les Nathan 2026-01-13 05:00:00Z 0

Zone Summit Polio Walk

Rotary Zones 32 and 38 came together under the uplifting theme “Better Together” for this year’s Zone Summit, a powerful reminder of what’s possible when Rotarians unite for a common purpose.
 
At sunrise, participants laced up their shoes for an early morning Walk for Polio, taking steps that symbolize Rotary’s unwavering determination to end polio for good. Among those joining the walk were Olayinka Hakeem Babalola Preba Babalola (Rotary International President Elect 2026-2027) and his wife (Preba Babalola) whose presence underscored the global commitment to this life-changing mission.
 
Zone Summit Polio Walk Lester Nathan 2026-01-12 05:00:00Z 0 District 7230,End Polio Now,Walk for Polio,Zome Summit

New Interact Club A Joyful Finale to the Rotary Year!

On Thursday, June 5, we wrapped up Rotary Year 2024-25 with a proud and heartwarming moment at the Hop Lee Restaurant in the heart of Chinatown, NYC — the formal chartering and induction of the Interact Club of Chinatown! 🎉

District Governor Syed Alirahi led the ceremony, officially welcoming 19 bright and passionate young leaders as members of our newest Interact Club — the third new Interact Club established in our District this year! 👏🌟

DG Syed administered the oath to the Club’s Charter President and warmly inducted the new Interactors. Co-Presidents Evelyn Isaacs and Esther Yip, along with their fellow officers and members, proudly represented their new Club, full of energy, ideas and a deep commitment to serving their community. 💫

Rotary’s youth programs like Interact are more than just clubs — they’re incubators for compassion, leadership and global citizenship. Sponsored by Rotary Clubs, Interact Clubs are for students ages 12-18, empowering them to connect with leaders in their communities and beyond, while organizing service projects, building friendships and learning the value of "Service Above Self." 🌍🤝

 

 

  
     
 
New Interact Club A Joyful Finale to the Rotary Year! Mahbub 2025-06-05 04:00:00Z 0 #Rotary7230 #Interact7230 #RotaryYouth #ServiceAboveSelf #ChinatownNYC #NewGenerations #RotaryFamily #RotaryInAction #LeadershipStartsYoung #InteractClub #YouthEmpowerment

New Rotary District Governor Garrett Capobianco Installed with Tradition, Heart—and a Heavy Necklace
 

At a ceremony equal parts tradition, emotion, and Rotary pageantry, Garrett Capobianco of the Scarsdale Rotary Club was officially installed as District Governor for Rotary District 7230 for the 2025-2026 year. The event took place at the elegant Scarsdale Woman’s Club, a fitting venue for a moment both ceremonious and personal.
 
Though his term officially begins on July 1, Garret Capobianco’s journey to District Governor kicked off two and half years ago.  His installation ceremony began with a heartfelt moment: reciting the oath of office, administered not by a random dignitary but by his daughter and fellow Rotarian, Victoria Capobianco. The incoming Governor, visibly moved, called her “the most important person in my life,” setting the tone for an evening filled with warmth and a palpable sense of community.
 
Following the oath came Rotary’s symbolic handover rituals. Outgoing Governor Syed Alirahi of the Westchester Rotary Club placed the storied District Governor necklace—a weighty chain bearing the engraved names of all past DGs—around the newly-minted Governor’s neck. “It’s like wearing the history of Rotary 7230 around your neck—and maybe a few pounds of stainless steel,” one attendee quipped.
 
Then came the passing of the ceremonial Rotary gavel inscribed with the words, “The best is yet to come.” It’s more than just a tool for calling meetings to order—it’s a baton in a relay of service and leadership.
 
 
 
New Rotary District Governor Garrett Capobianco Installed with Tradition, Heart—and a Heavy Necklace  Mahbub Ahmad 2025-06-01 04:00:00Z 0

Rotary District 7230 Celebrates Generosity and Global Impact at Annual Paul Harris Dinner
 

On Thursday evening May 29, Rotary District 7230 hosted its annual Paul Harris Dinner, honoring the district’s most committed supporters of The Rotary Foundation. The event, at J.C. Fogarty’s in Bronxville, attended by 45 distinguished donors, celebrated Paul Harris Fellows, Major Donors, Benefactors, and Arch Klumph Society members whose contributions continue to transform lives globally.
 
Opening the evening was District Rotary Foundation Committee Chair (DRFC) and Past District Governor (PDG) Eric Storberg, who welcomed guests and emphasized the Foundation’s role in Rotary’s mission of Service Above Self.
 
The highlight of the evening was the keynote address by PDG Mahbub Ahmad, Chair of the District Grants Sub-Committee. With passion and humor, PDG Mahbub praised attendees as “heroes with checkbooks” and shared powerful stories that illustrated the real-world impact of their generosity.
 
“Every dollar you give creates a story,” he said. “Sometimes it’s a comeback story, sometimes a love story, but always—always—a story of hope.”  PDG Mahbub said donors to The Rotary Foundation, which has been awarded the highest 4-star rating by Charity Navigator for 16 consecutive years, are helping rewrite the futures of many lives around the world.
 
     
     
Rotary District 7230 Celebrates Generosity and Global Impact at Annual Paul Harris Dinner  2025-05-30 04:00:00Z 0

Highly Successful 2025 District Conference.

Our much-anticipated District Conference on Saturday, April 5, 2025, at the beautiful Terrace-on-the-Park, was a huge success.  Nearly 130 District Rotarians joined us on a day when we celebrated our shared successes, honored our clubs and strengthened our vision for the future.
 
It was a conference to remember.   One of our District's young leaders - Raaid Ahmad, Membership Chair of the Sunshine Rotary Club - successfully delivered an outstanding keynote address that was appreciated by all and has so far garnered over 1100 views.  Twelve Clubs presented their projects, the presenters being recognized by a Magic of Rotary medal.  Plaques were also given out to District officers and Board members, recognizing them for their service. Tributes were paid to those of us we lost during the year.  

  
Highly Successful 2025 District Conference. Lester Nathan 2025-04-05 04:00:00Z 0

Presidents-Elect join Learning Seminar

Presidents-Elect from the six Districts of the Mid-North-East Rotary alliance joined a two-day Learning Seminar from the evening of 20 March to the afternoon of 22 March.  This year the traditional PETS was renamed the Mid North East Presidents-Elect Learning Seminar (MNE PELS).
 
Mid-Northeast Presidents-Elect Learning Seminar (PELS) is a premier learning event for Rotary President-Elects and Assistant Governors.  Mid-Northeast PELS provides the required knowledge to serve as Club President or Assistant Governor, as well as inspiration and motivation.  Mid-Northeast PELS is a 6-District, 300+ clubs learning event, with the atmosphere of a mini-Rotary International convention.  The 2025 PELS continued to be the in-person event it was in 2022, 2023, and 2024. The speakers, District Governors-Elect, educators, committee, and discussion leaders all had one thought in mind:  equip and excite Club Presidents-Elect and Assistant Governors for their year of service.
 
The highlight this year was the presence of  RI President Nominee Sangkoo Yun as a Keynote Speaker and Director Chris Etienne.  Also present and speaking at a Plenary session was Past Rotary Director and Treasurer Drew Kessler.  The Presidents-Elect had small group sessions on Planning the year ahead, Conducting effective meetings, Engaging club members, attracting new members, Preparing to lead, Public Image, Service in the community and Fundraising for the Rotary Foundation.  The Assistant Governors has separate sessions on strategy, addressing challenges, and knowing the resources available.  There were two panel discussions on membership and Public Image.
 
On Saturday, at the District meeting, the District budget for 2025-26 was unanimously approved.  The budget held the line on per capita dues with no major changes.  District Governor-Elect Garrett Capobianco spoke about continuing the successful strategies of the past years emphasizing the importance of membership growth.
 
On both days, each District had a decade-themed hospitality suite.  The theme for D7230 was the 50s.  All in all the 2-days were filled with learning, fellowship and fun.
Presidents-Elect join Learning Seminar 2025-03-24 04:00:00Z 0

Serkan Ceylan selected as District Governor 2027-28 

Serkan Ceylan, President of the Rotary Club of Scarsdale, has been selected as the District Governor for 2027-28.  DG Syed Alirahi made the official announcement in an email sent to all District members.
 
President Serkan has assumed the role of District-Governor Nominee Designee (DGND) for the balance of the Rotary Year.  On July 1 2025, he will transition to District Governor Nominee (DGN).  The following year, he will become the District Governor Elect (DGE) and on 1 July 2027 he will take over as District Governor.
 
DGND Serkan's Rotary life began in July 2006 when he joined the Rotary Club of Bodrum-Karia in Turkey, serving as Club Secretary, and then President in 2013-14.  He moved to the Rotary Club of Scarsdale in 2022, serving as the President for the current Rotary year.  He is also the Chair of the RYLA Committee this year.
 
Welcoming DGND Serkan to the District Leadership Team, DG Syed asked District Rotarians to join him "in congratulating DGND Serkan and offering him your support as he steps into this important leadership role. We look forward to his vision and dedication in guiding District 7230 in the years ahead."
 
 
Serkan Ceylan selected as District Governor 2027-28 2025-02-16 05:00:00Z 0

Newest Club Celebrates Charter Ceremony

Our newest Club - the Rotary Club of Pioneers, New York was chartered on 29 October 2024.  Following a period of organization, the Club celebrated its Charter ceremony and installation of Club Officers marking the beginning of a new chapter filled with service, fellowship, and impactful initiatives! .  Club Officers, members, and Rotarians from 4 other Clubs were joined by more than 50 well-wishers at the Skyline Hall, in Ozone Park on 10 February.  The Chief Guest was DG Syed Alirahi and District First Lady Shazia Alirahi.  Also attending were Club Advisor PDG Mahbub Ahmad and Area Governor Bina Ahmad.
 
President-Elect Shahnewaz Rahim opened the ceremony with the 4-way Test and the Thought of the Day, followed by welcoming the DG and the District officials.  She then introduced Charter President Noor.  DG Syed first installed the Charter President followed by the installation of Club Officers and Charter members.  Each Charter member received a welcome package with a Charter member Certificate signed by the DG, a Charter member pin and the Rotary Basics booklet.
 
In his remarks, DG Syed warmly congratulated President Noor, Club Officers, and all members on the establishment of the Club, saying "the event marks a significant moment in the Club's continued commitment to making a difference in our community and beyond".  He presented the Charter President with a plaque.
 
Charter President Noor thanked all guests saying this milestone represents "our commitment to service, unity and the transformative power of Rotary."  He spoke about his Club's projects already undertaken and his plans for the coming months.  The club produced a colorful 8-page brochure that included messages from the RI President, the DG, the Club Advisor, the Area Governor, a display of photos of all members as well as pictures from their Club meetings.
 
The ceremony concluded with a sumptuous dinner.
 
 
 
   
 
Newest Club Celebrates Charter Ceremony 2025-02-12 05:00:00Z 0
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