Greetings:
I hope the month of April, memorialized as the month whose “showers bring May flowers,” was as exciting for you as it was for the District. Just two more months in this Rotary year and we will begin a new year under the capable leadership of our current District Governor Elect, Syed Alirahi.
The Greater Mt. Vernon Rotary Club:
April was a special month for the District with the chartering of The Greater Mt. Vernon Rotary Club, the third Club charted this year. I thank everyone who worked to make this dream into a reality. What once was a satellite club of the Bronx Club is now a full-fledged and chartered Rotary Club of their own! This is a material testament to the successful strategy we have employed that continues the growth of our District while continuing our 3-year legacy as the number one district in our zone for membership growth. When a new club is chartered, or someone joins an existing club, new leaders emerge and our ability to serve a broader range of communities, neighborhoods, and people expands also.
Bermuda:
For the past three years, the District has worked to develop and share a President-Elect Training Seminar (PETS) tailored specifically to the leadership of the four Rotary clubs that serves the nation of Bermuda. We held such a meeting for the presidents-elect and a general learning component for the total Rotary membership. The session we held in April was the most successful session to date. Special shout out to Area Governor Peronia Browne for her outstanding on-the-ground planning and overall leadership.
Staten Island:
The Rotary clubs of Staten Island again hosted their annual 5-Club Luncheon at the Staten Island Catering Hall. This event routinely draws significant numbers of Rotarians and dignitaries and recognizes organizations and institutions that have partnered with them to jointly engage in life changing projects. This year was no exception. Special recognition to Area Governor Frank Wilkinson for spearheading this event and consistently galvanizing the clubs.
Chinatown Rotary:
I had the pleasure of attending the Chinatown Rotary Club’s mixer along with Rotary clubs from Brooklyn, Staten Island, Wallstreet, New York City, Harlem, and White Plains that focused on the renewed spirit of Rotary Clubs in collaboration, networking, and unity. They featured a presentation about Feng Shui and Qigong that helped attendees learn how to enhance their health and mental well-being.
Information Sessions:
It has been my intention to charter a Rotary Club in the South Bronx before my term as District Governor concludes. I have thus far hosted three information sessions right across the street from where I grew up. To date, we have 17 interested with 5 applications in hand. They have selected officers and are committed to getting the additional numbers of participants to move forward with the charter application. Your support is greatly appreciated.
District Conference:
The venue is set! The 2024 District Conference will be help on Saturday, June 29 from 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM at the historic Yankee Stadium! The cost has been reduced from $199.00 to $195.00 per attendee. Please be sure to register as there will be no walk-ins at the Stadium. The policy at Yankee Stadium is everyone must be registered and their names on file with them, or they will not be allowed to enter.
Telephone and tell a friend to join us for this historic and commemorative occasion. The QR code and the link are available on the District website.
Clubs are also encouraged to sponsor an Interact or Rotaract member at the conference. We are planning for a souvenir journal and encouraging clubs to take a page, and/or sponsor an activity, (the entertainment, videographer, cost of producing the journal).
The deadline for journal ads is June 15. All ads and photos should be sent to this exclusive email address: districtconference7230@gmail.
We are also creating a video presentation of projects in the district during the year. Please send your club name and photos to districtconference7230@gmail.
We have a Conference Committee in place being led by Rotarian Sharlene Brown of the Bronx Rotary Club.
If you would like to serve, please let me know directly at lorenr1rotary@gmail.com, or send us your contact information at districtconference7230@gmail.
The District Conference will be in two parts;
Part 1 - Business Session (for club presidents and electors), will take place on Thursday, June 20 via zoom for the purpose of voting on proposed changes to the District Bylaws and The Manual of Administrative Procedures (MAP).
Part 2 – Yankee Stadium venue will include:
- Paul Harris Recognitions/Luncheon
- Individual and Club Recognitions
- Finals of the District Speech Contest
- Memorial Recognition of Club Members
- Food! Music! Fun!
- And much more!
- Parking will be free for the first 200 cars!
Rotary Foundation:
I repeat my comments from last month and put a plug in for the Rotary Foundation. The Foundation is, as District 7230 Rotary Foundation Chairperson, Past District Governor Eric Storberg likes to say, the “crown jewel” of Rotary. It is through this vehicle, which has the highest rating possible for foundations, that we get the opportunity to do the amazing and life-altering projects and services we do to the tune of $26M in district grants, $15M in disaster response grants, $55M to global grants, and 1 program of scale grant annually of $2M, which totaled $98M in 2022-2023. 50% of the money we give through our District comes back three years later for us to do projects in our communities. In 2022-2023, we were able to distribute $30,000 in grants, ranging from $1,200 to $2,500. Rotarians who give $1,000 or more to the Rotary Foundation in a year, are recognized as Paul Harris Fellows at a luncheon. The recognition and luncheon will be celebrated this year at the iconic Yankee Stadium during our District Conference.
Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA):
RYLA is an intensive Youth Leadership experience to help youth develop their skills while having fun and making connections with other youth that could be lifetime friendships. We had the date set, youth scheduled, counselors at the ready, before our illustrious leader, DGN Garrett Capobianco, had a physical relapse with an injury he sustained as a long-time firefighter. Unfortunately, this will take him out of the loop for 6-8 weeks. Consequently, 2024 RYLA has been postponed until 2025. This now affords you ample time to identify and sponsor one or more youth in grades 7-9 (must be 17 of younger at the time of the event) as participants once it is rescheduled.
Closing:
My year as District Governor is quickly coming to a close. Once my birthday passed on May 8, I knew for sure I was closing in on the finish line. I want to take a moment to thank each and every one of you, my fellow Rotarians of District 7230, for your sustained support and the tremendous projects you have completed and some still being worked on this year to make life better for people worldwide. I could never have imagined so many like-minded people who have committed themselves to giving service above self and are a part of this district. As I visited your clubs, I learned so much about your projects and efforts, and tried to share a bit of inspiration and encouragement that you continue and even increase the impactful work you are doing. At the risk of repeating myself (from last month), I am humbled to say that I have been a part of all of you because you have allowed me to be part of your life through Rotary.
Many of you will be in Singapore when you read this message on our District website. I know you are having an amazing time and will return with amazing stories. Our District Governor Elect, Syed Alirahi, will be there as will his lovely wife, Shazia. If you see them, make sure that you spend some time with them. They are a wonderful couple who will lead this District to even higher heights. While on the subject, please plan on celebrating his installation on June 15, 2024. The information and registration link are on the district website.
Finally, keep our District Governor Nominee, soon to be our District Governor Elect, Garrett Capobianco in your heart and in your thoughts. His resiliency as a former firefighter is fortified by his strong constitution and ability to heal quickly. In fact, to the amazement of his medical team, Garrett is making a remarkably swift and complete recovery.
I hope to see and continue hearing about your projects, seeing your name as one of those who have registered for the 2024 Rotary District 7230’s District Conference, and celebrating with you at the iconic Yankee Stadium!
“Not ME, but WE!”
Rev. Dr. J. Loren Russell
District Governor 2023-24
District 7230
Create Hope in the World
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