Stories

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 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." 🌍🤝

Our Rotary District 7230 team was there in full support — including Deputy Governor & District Membership Chair PDG Mahbub Ahmad, District Executive Secretary & New Club Development Chair Bina Ahmad, and Area Governors Hugh Maynard-Reid and Abit Ragbeer.

In his welcome remarks, DG Syed inspired the new Interactors by saying: “Today, you take your first step into a global family of service-minded individuals. Your passion for making a difference will now be matched with purpose, guidance, and opportunity. You are not just the leaders of tomorrow — you are leaders starting today.”

🌟 Interactors across our District are already making meaningful impact — from community clean-ups and food drives to mental health campaigns and global initiatives. We are incredibly excited to see what the Interact Club of Chinatown will accomplish next!

Welcome to the Rotary family, Interactors of Chinatown — we are so proud of you! 💙

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.

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.

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 the 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 11 hundred views. 12 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.

DG Syed Alirahi spoke about the accomplishments of the district, including bringing in 139 new members, but we also lost over a hundred members. One new Club was chartered. Charter applications for 1 new Rotaract Club and 3 Interact Clubs are pending.

A colorful printed District directory was distributed among the attendees after 3 years. It is a comprehensive publication, containing a pictorial depiction of the year's activities, contact information of all District Officers. Contact information of officers of all Clubs, along with pictures of their respective Presidents, is also part of the Directory. The Directory was printed at no cost to the District.

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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.

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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."

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.