Club Corner
Share the exciting, meaningful work that your club is doing. Submissions will be screened and published by Rotary District 7230's Public Image Committee on a regular basis, which reserves the right to not publish and/or edit submissions.
Syed Mahfuz, a dedicated humanitarian based in Japan, recently embarked on a heartwarming journey to Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, with a mission to brighten the lives of children at the Atlas School. Representing the Rotary Club of Sunshine New York in D7230, Syed generously donated 400 handkerchiefs and a much-needed children’s school bus to the school.
The children of Atlas School welcomed Syed with overwhelming joy, expressing their gratitude by waving the handkerchiefs he provided and singing songs in his honor. This gesture of kindness left a lasting impression on both Syed and the entire community.
Originally from Bangladesh and a former Rotaractor, Syed now resides in Japan where he manages his own business alongside his family. As a charter member and International Service Director of the newly established Rotary Club of Sunshine, Syed continues to champion educational initiatives worldwide. He also serves as a Director at the Monu Mia & Sultana Orphanage in Sreepur, Bangladesh, demonstrating his unwavering commitment to humanitarian causes.
Syed's philanthropic endeavors extend beyond Tanzania. In late 2021, he donated a minivan to the Hamilton Rotary Club in Bermuda, aiding an organization dedicated to supporting children affected by gun violence. In 2022, Syed furthered his support by donating three school buses to the same school in Tanzania, marking the Rotary Club of Sunshine's inaugural international project of the year.
Among their diverse international efforts, the Rotary Club of Sunshine has facilitated access to safe drinking water for rural communities in Bangladesh, provided educational resources such as children's books to underprivileged girls, and offered crucial infrastructure support to a girls' orphanage. Closer to home, the club has made significant contributions, including providing food support to immigrant families in the Bronx, donating laptops to autistic children, and collaborating with the sister Rotary Club of Hope, NY, to supply men’s clothing and hygiene items to "The Living Room," a local homeless shelter.
Syed Mahfuz's inspiring journey exemplifies the transformative impact of community service and international cooperation, showcasing how small gestures of kindness can make a world of difference. His dedication to improving lives across continents is a testament to the power of compassion and the enduring spirit of Rotary's mission.
Bermuda's Rotarians with 30 years of service were recognized for their efforts by the Rotary Clubs of Bermuda.
This year, the island’s oldest Rotary Club - the Rotary Club of Hamilton celebrated 100 years of service and friendship.
A Rotary representative said: “Being a member of Rotary for 30 years is a reflection of the strong passion for community service which runs through the veins of these Rotarians.”
“I cannot think of a better way to spend time than to spend it in service of others. Clearly, they think so as well.”
Mansfield Brock, a former Permanent Secretary to the Ministry of Education and the founding chief executive of the Bermuda College, was among those highlighted by the charity.
The club extended the honor to George Cook, Nancy Gosling, Kirkham Kitson, and Neville Tyrrell, of the Rotary Club of Hamilton.
Recognition went to George Cubbon, Gary Edwards, Robert Flath, Delano Ingham, and John Kessaram, of the Rotary Club of Pembroke.
Stephen Lake, Vaughn Mosher, David Sullivan, Dennis Tucker, and James Watlington, of the Rotary Club of Sandys were commended.
The club also recognized Winston Esadaille, Michael Gringley, Henry Hayward, Frederick Ming and Larry Roberts, of the Rotary Club of St George’s.
This year, Rotarians planted a Bermuda cedar in the grounds of the Botanical Gardens as a testament to a century of contributing to the betterment of the island.
• Anyone who has a passion for community service and would like to become a member of a Rotary Club in Bermuda, can send an e-mail to rotaryclubsbda@gmail.com
This article is adapted from the Royal Gazette 24 June 20224
The heart of this endeavor beats with a singular purpose: to equip young learners with the indispensable tool of literacy. Recognizing the pivotal role that reading plays in shaping academic success and empowering future leaders, the two Rotary clubs combined their resources and passion to make a tangible difference.
With unwavering commitment, the clubs embarked on a mission to provide essential resources to Jamaican schools. Over 300 dictionaries, like keys to a treasure trove of knowledge, were distributed with care and purpose. These dictionaries, more than mere books, represent a gateway to a world of imagination, learning, and opportunity for the eager young minds they serve.
Through the gift of literacy, the Rotary clubs have sown the seeds of hope and possibility. They have empowered children to dream bigger, to reach higher, and to believe in the boundless potential of their own minds. By investing in education, they have invested in the future.
But perhaps the true measure of success lies not merely in the number of dictionaries distributed but in the lasting impact forged through collaboration and compassion. The partnership between the Rotary E-Club of Vision NYC and the Rotary Club of St. Andrew, Jamaica, exemplifies the transformative power of collective action. Together, we have proven that when hearts and hands unite in service, the possibilities are limitless.
As we reflect on the journey taken and the lives touched, let us celebrate the profound impact of this literacy project. Let us honor the dedication of Director Hugh and Treasurer Joy Maynard-Reid, whose leadership illuminated the path forward. And let us reaffirm our commitment to serving our communities, knowing that each small act of kindness has the power to change the world.
On 7 April, the Sunshine Rotary Club extended a helping hand to an immigrant family in The Bronx, which had found itself in the throes of adversity. Stricken with the loss of their breadwinner, the family was grappling with the daunting task of navigating life's uncertainties, with a mother now shouldering the responsibility of caring for two young children on her own.
Amidst the shadows of despair, Sunshine Rotary member Shireen Shams emerged as a beacon of hope for this struggling family. Shireen, who had previously assisted the same family through the New Member Grant program, recognized the urgency of their situation and sprang into action once again, receiving prompt approval from the Club Board. Armed with empathy and a fervent desire to make a difference, she embarked on a mission to provide tangible relief to those in need.
Understanding the family's dire need for basic sustenance, Shireen meticulously curated a month's supply of essential groceries. From staples like rice and flour to nourishing lentils and cooking oil, no detail was overlooked in ensuring that the family's pantry would be adequately stocked. Additionally, Shireen included snacks, recognizing the importance of providing not just sustenance, but also a semblance of comfort and normalcy during trying times.
With unwavering dedication, Shireen made arrangements to have the supplies delivered to the family, her actions serving as a poignant reminder of Rotary's commitment to service above self. Through her kindness and the generosity of the Club, she not only provided nourishment for their bodies but also offered a glimmer of hope for a brighter tomorrow.
The Sunshine Rotary Club's efforts exemplify the profound impact that can be achieved when communities unite in solidarity to combat hunger and uplift those in need. As they continue to forge ahead in their mission, one can only imagine the countless lives that will be touched and transformed by their unwavering compassion and dedication to making a difference, one meal at a time.
Rotarian Maher Pathan was describing her experience of the food, grocery and clothing distribution program jointly organized by Sunshine NY and Westchester NY Rotary Clubs held on February 9 at Poughkeepsie in the outskirts of New York.
Under privileged people, mostly from the housing for Afghan and Syrian refugees came and collected the food and clothes.
"They don't get enough food to eat, they don't have warm clothes to wear in this winter. So, they were happy to get all those", said Maher, who is also the President-Elect of the Westchester, NY Club.
"Initially we brought food for 25 people. But later when a larger number of people gathered, we cooked again. Sister Mazida helped me to cook more food and we distributed them among the needy people", she added.
"Lots of exciting things happened on the day. .We cooked the food ourselves. So that everyone gets to eat some home cooked, warm and healthy meals. All the collected clothes were in fine condition, and I made sure they were hygienic enough to wear."
Two elderly women came who have no family. Among them one lost her son in deadly gun violence. There is no one to buy food for this woman. We bought some groceries and dropped them off at their houses in the camp, Maher Pathan said.
The onlookers and the people who stopped by were appreciative of this noble endeavor by Rotarians from two local clubs joining hands.
"Everyone liked the biryani and said that they wanted to eat again. I promised them that someday soon I will cook more biryani and distribute among them", said Maher Pathan.
The Program is small, restricted to twelve High School seniors. The students are split into two groups, led by two facilitators, Yamil Baez and Allenia Robinson. The students use “what if” thinking to develop, all by themselves, their own viable plan for self-employment. Importantly, the skills learnt in this program are as basic as language and math, and are useful in any walk of life. The Program is slated to end on August 15, 2022. Similar programs are planned for several other school districts in Westchester.
DEIS Founder Dr. Wagh, a seasoned Rotarian from RID 3131 (Pune, India) trained the facilitators and supervises the conduct of the Program. PDG Kris Chittur, Charter-President of the Rotary Club of the Hudson Valley, organized this Program. Rotary Clubs interested in running this wonderful program in their areas are welcome to contact Rotary Club of the Hudson Valley at rotaryhudsonvalley@gmail.com
It was an incredible partnership in three countries involving 2 Rotary Clubs two business organizations and a local Charity organization that came together to make this project a reality. International Projects Director of the District newest Club the E-Club of Sunshine New York, Syed Mahfuz who is the owner of Golden Miles Co. in Japan, was on a business trip to Bermuda, where he visited the Rotary Club of Hamilton - the oldest Club in the Island of Bermuda which is part of Rotary International District 7230.
Rotarian Syed also met with his business partner in Bermuda, Happy Van Imports. They had a joint meeting and a visit to the offices of the van company. They agreed that The Hamilton Rotary Club would accept the donation of a mini-van from Happy Van Imports and in turn make it available to GSP - a local charity that assists children left behind from gun violence.
Sunshine Club Charter President Bina Ahmad thanked all involved in this meaningful project and said it was a source of inspiration that her new club could be involved in this project. President Jean Akol of the Hamilton Club and President-Elect Ric Richardson played pivotal roles in identifying the recipient organization and diligently completing all the necessary steps to see the project to fruition.
The formalities took a while to be completed and the vehicle handover finally took place at a meeting of the Hamilton Rotary Club. Mr. Roy Dennison of the Happy Van Imports Co. formally handed over the keys to Ms. Gina Spence of GSP in the presence of Club President Jean Akol and President-Elect Ric Richardson. The vehicle will have the Rotary logo painted on it
After noticing just how many trees had died in the area, Kushner got to work. It took three years of writing to the state legislature, but he’s managed to replace 100 of the dead or damaged trees and is waiting for 30 more. Even now Kushner is thrilled by what his efforts have accomplished.
“I was shocked. I was walking down the street and thought, ‘There’s something different here and I can’t figure it out’ and I’m walking underneath the trees and then it dawned on me. ‘Oh my goodness, they put the trees in,” Kushner said laughing as he walked down a treelined block.
Kushner’s latest efforts are aimed at getting protective fencing for the new saplings. His leadership and example have inspired his community. “When we started putting up the fencing around the trees, other people started seeing what we were doing and said, ‘Hey, that’s a good idea. I guess I’ll do that too,” Kushner said. Over the last couple of years, Kushner says building supers and neighbors alike are making sure the trees near their buildings are well maintained.
“People see the tree pits and the trees and they think, ‘Why can’t we have one in front of our house?’” Kushner said.
Kushner’s hope is that by beautifying the area, business owners will get the attention they need to get back on their feet. At the very least, he hopes the flowers bring his neighbors some cheer. “If putting people in a good mood and a smile on their face doesn’t help. I don’t know what else to do,” Kushner commented. While Kushner waits for his trees and fences, he’s plenty busy helping out with four community gardens in the area. Making sure the flowers in Maria Lall and Bruce’s garden continue to bloom.
“I planted them. I’ve financed them. I’ve been out there getting my hands dirty, just seeing that they get done,” Kushner said. It’s a legacy Kushner hopes to leave behind and with the strength of the community behind him, he has no doubt it will continue for generations to come.
“It’s a massive project. I’ll be dead and hopefully it’ll still be going on,” Kushner joked.
For planting for the future, Jim Kushner is our New Yorker of the Week.
Adapted: from Spectrum News NY 1
At Mid-Island Rotary's 30th anniversary celebration, from left, Diane Arneth (North Shore Club), Assistant District Governor; Frank Wilkinson, president North Shore Rotary; newly installed Mid-Island Rotary President, Linda Aubrey, past President, Bob Moore. | Carmine DeSantis, Secretary of the Mid-Island Rotary Club, and Vice-President Vincent Luongo, who was honored with the Paul Harris Award. |
George Dougherty and daughter Katie, hold up their awards from the Mid-Island Rotary.
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Photos Courtesy Linda Aubrey, Staten Island Advance Link to story on Staten Island Advance |
COVID-19: BRONXVILLE ROTARY CLUB THANKS NEIGHBORS FOR SUPPORTING COVID-19 RESPONSE
COVID-19: HERITAGE ROTARY DONATES MONTH OF GROCERY TO BRONX FAMILIES
COVID-19: PEEKSKILL ROTARY DONATES DISINFECTING FOGGER FOR AMBULANCE CORPS
Club Member Chrissy Meslener informed the Club that the Peekskill Volunteer Ambulance Corp. needed a disinfecting fogger to quickly clean ambulances after a call. Presently they are hand-sanitizing the “rigs” which takes far more time and is not as efficient as a fogger. The disinfecting process has become a challenge as the number of daily calls has increased from approximately 5 to about 25 during the COVID-19 crisis. Improper or inadequate cleaning poses a health hazard to anybody traveling in the ambulance.
In total the Club raised $4,350 in private donations. The wave of contributions was started when one member pledged $1,000 towards this cause if the club was able to raise the rest. Their donation was followed by $1,000 from two more members and along with several other donations, they exceeded the $4,000 asked for. The Ambulance Corp. will purchase Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) with the extra donations.
COVID-19: PLEASANTVILLE, BRIARCLIFF & YONKERS CLUBS JOIN FORCES WITH GULLOTTA HOUSE TO PROVIDE MEALS FOR NEEDY
COVID-19: INWOOD, HARLEM CLUBS PARTNER WITH SALVATION ARMY TO FEED ELDERLY & INFIRM
COVID-19: HERITAGE NY CLUB PROVIDES FUNDS TO AFYA FOUNDATION TO SUPPORT PPE'S FOR ST. JOHN'S HOSPITAL
COVID-19: YONKERS-EDGEMONT SATELLITE CLUB ASSISTS IN PROVIDING SUPPLIES TO LINCOLN MEDICAL CENTER
COVID-19: YONKERS-EAST YONKERS ROTARY TEAMS UP WITH GULOTTA HOUSE TO PROVIDE HOT MEALS
Yonkers Police Department Deputy Chief Rotarian Tim Hodges was with fellow Rotarian Matthew Gullotta handing out hot meals to Yonkers residents, but Yonkers Rotary President Steven Simpson was not able to come, because he was picking up PPE supplies at an airport.
On Tuesday, 21 April, Rotary President Steven Simpson presented Gullotta House their donation check at the Yonkers Community Action Program, as other Club Members joined Deputy Chief Hodges in volunteering in handing out grab-and-go hot meals to those in need.
COVID-19: ELMSFORD ROTARY PROVIDES HOT MEALS FOR ARMY NATIONAL GUARDS
COVID-19: PEEKSKILL ROTARY CONTINUES 2 WEEKLY FOOD DISTRIBUTIONS
COVID-19: GATEWAY ROTARY PROVIDES FOOD FOR HOSPITAL STAFF
COVID-19: BRONXVILLE HELPS LOCAL BUSINESS EMPLOYEES
COVID-19: YONKERS-EAST YONKERS HELPS PACK FOOD FOR HOMEBOUND SENIORS AND DISABLED
COVID-19: HARLEM ROTARY HELPS FEED FAMILIES IN NEED
I had the privilege of stopping by WestCOP today and seeing the operation they have going that is feeding thousands of Westchester residents every week!! I was able to bring 12 boxes of books donated by my business Soulful Synergy, Rotary Club of Harlem and The Book Fairies to help ease the stress on families during these difficult times
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The Hamilton Rotary Interact Club is reflecting on its work to assist the community since its inception nearly five years ago, including donations to groups such as PALS, the Salvation Army, the Bermuda Cricket Board youth division, the Seventh Day Adventist Church, and Warwick Preschool.
A spokesperson said, “As we move into a new decade, we pause to give thanks to Rotary youth who have served our community well. The Hamilton Rotary Interact Club has been enhancing the plight of those who have fallen on hard times for almost five years since its formation.”
“They have helped to prepare supper and serve the needy at the Salvation Army, donated well-needed cups and lids to the Street Feeding Soup Ministry, sold tags for the Bermuda Cricket Board youth division and Feed The Children Ministry, run by the Seventh Day Adventist Church, and hosted and assisted visually blind citizens of the Inspire Bermuda Charity during their most successful tag day.
A fundraising campaign by a youth theatre to send youngsters to train on New York City’s Broadway has been given a boost from Hamilton Rotary Club.
A spokeswoman for Noire said the training trip, scheduled to take place in April, would allow the youngsters to take part in Broadway acting workshops, talkback sessions with Broadway professionals and an intensive training session, at the Neighbourhood Playhouse acting school.
I knew there was no shortage of books, I constantly hear people say they have basements and attics filled with their kid’s books. Where in our neighborhood could these books filled with so much imagination and story go so all the children could be reached? Laundromats! That was my first thought. A long day at the laundry mat waiting for the cycles to go through. Both parent and kids need a distraction to pass the time. What better way to pass the time than with a story a parent and child can share together.
What if Rotary supplied books for kids to read and take home to snuggle with at bedtime? So, Rotary started collecting book which was easy but now where would we put them? Ron, the owner of Sleepy Hollow Laundromat on Valley Street in Sleepy Hollow was happy to welcome us. We set up a small bookshelf and loaded it with books. At the same time McDonald’s wanted to support the local community more and approached Rotary. So, we set up a bookshelf in the lobby at McDonald’s. To our surprise and delight the books were flying off the shelves. One of our Rotarians, Rabbi David Holtz, had built a beautiful bookshelf in excitement for this project and it needed a home. Dr Kothari of 914 Smile Inc opened his waiting room to our bookshelf and has done a wonderful job of filling it in his children’s corner.