ROTARY INTERNATIONAL

DISTRICT 7360  

 

DECEMBER 2013    

   

W HA T ’ S H A P P E N I N G !    

WOW! I cannot believe it is December 23rd. I have no idea where the year went much less the month of December. Here in the Johnston home, signs of the season are everywhere – the tree is decorated, the mantel has the Christmas village, and the sound of holiday music is playing.

As I look forward to spending time with family and friends, I am constantly reminded how fortunate I am. I have a home that is warm, lots of food to eat, and am free of having to worry about the safety of my family from the wraths of war.

I hope that you and your family have a wonderful holiday season and that 2014 brings much joy and happiness to you and your family!

Yours in Rotary Service, Mary Johnston District Secretary and Newsletter Editor      

DISTRICT CALENDAR — DATES TO SAVE

PETS (Presidents-Elect Training) – Feb. 28-March 1 at the Plaza Hotel, Hagerstown, MD 2014 District 7360 Conference – April 25-27 at the Holiday Inn Conference Center, Breinigsville, PA District Assembly – May 17 at the Carlisle Country Club, Carlisle, PA

DGE Jason Piatt’s Installation as District Governor – June 21 at the Waynesboro Country Club, Waynesboro, PA

District 7360 Foundation Dinner – November 15, Green Grove Gardens, Greencastle, PA 2015 District 7360 Conference – May 1-3 at the Radisson, Harrisburg, PA

Check out what clubs are doing by visiting the calendar on DaCdb

Volume  3  Number  6  

 

LONGTIME YOUTH EXCHANGE OFFICIAL RETIRES

by Harry Zimbler

For the past 41 years, Carl Hill has changed lives. According to leaders of Rotary District 7360, Hill has had a direct impact on more than 14,000 lives since becoming involved in Rotary International’s Youth Exchange Program.

Hill recently retired from the Rotary Youth Exchange Program and was honored

by his peers at the Edgewater Acres in Alexandria. Rotarians from Bedford, Carlisle, State College and many other communities celebrated Hill’s long tenure and numerous contributions.

Beginning in 1972, Hill served in a variety of roles for Rotary District 7350 (now 7360) that encompasses central Pennsylvania, western Maryland and northeast West Virginia. Eventually he became the chair of an organization known as ESSEX, Eastern States Student Exchange. ESSEX handles the student exchange process — from recruiting students worldwide to dealing with the United States Department of State securing visas. It’s coverage area runs from Quebec, Canada to North Carolina.

Hill is a great believer in the exchange process as a way for young people to grow, mature and discover how other cultures differ from their own.

Each year, Hill works with several hundred in-bound students arriving from nation’s around the world, as well as the hundreds of out-bound American students heading abroad. It is said to be the least expensive, safest and most valuable student exchange program in existence. Part of his job was to assign students to various school districts in the eastern region. He was also responsible for finding the families that served as hosts.

“I think it’s wonderful to see the out-bound students return and see how their lives have been enriched,” said Hill. “Many have clear goals once they get home. It’s a life changing experience.”

Hill explained that the greatest challenge in dealing with the exchange program is helping students who have great difficulties adapting to cultural changes.

“Occasionally you have a student who just cannot make the transition,” said Hill.

Over the years, Hill has hosted 29 students in his home. Often, he helped support those students who could not afford to pay the exchange fee.

“I have so many fond memories of working in the program. I just returned from visiting 7 of our former exchange students in their home countries,” Hill offered.

It is not unusual for Rotarians to discover that the international students they hosted become members of their families. A young lady from Australia, whose sense of humor was infectious, now has three children and owns two homes in Canberra.

Hill knows of Rotarians who have been invited to weddings in Paris and Tokyo.

Though he will no longer serve as the chair, Hill intends to help the new chair complete the mountains of paperwork required by the United States and foreign governments.

Mark Whitfield (shown right), public works director for State College Borough, has assumed the role of District Youth Exchange Chair.  

MEMBERSHIP RETENTION FOCUS POINTS

We are quickly approaching the mid-year point of our Rotary year and it is a good time to take a look at your club and the emphasis you have put on Membership Retention. During the first half of this year I have provided a variety of focus points for you to consider as we work on strengthening membership and their contributions.

As each club reviews their mid-year goals I would ask that you include the following areas: • Has your overall monthly attendance percentage

increased over last year? A strong club should have monthly attendance of 75% or higher.

• Have you considered adding a Retention Officer to your board? Someone focused on attendance and meeting with those inactive members.

• Have you assigned these inactive members to committee & project chair responsibilities that will allow them to grow and contribute?

• Are your meetings providing a relaxed fellowship opportunity as well as offering programs of interest and value to your membership?

If you can answer yes in each of these areas your retention position is strong and your club is well positioned to grow.

Good luck as you move forward into the second half of our Rotary year and Happy Holidays to you and your family.

Dick Langer, District Retention Chair. Dlanger82@gmail.com 570-971-2414

 

STATE COLLEGE/DOWNTOWN CLUB PLEDGES HOLIDAY AUCTION PROCEEDS

TO BRIDGES TO PROSPERITY

The Penn State Chapter of Bridges to Prosperity provided a briefing to the Rotary Club of State College/Downtown at its November 14 meeting. Bridges to Prosperity is a non-profit organization that seeks to build footbridges over impassable rivers in impoverished rural areas across the globe. Through construction of bridges, residents of these communities are provided with better access to healthcare, education, and economic market opportunities. To date, Bridges to Prosperity has built over 130 bridges in 16 countries connecting 650,000 people to schools, doctors, and jobs. In addition to the actual implementation of bridges, Bridges to Prosperity educates impoverished communities on the methodologies of bridge design, construction, and maintenance, so the communities will have lifelong access to these essential needs.

Founded by a Rotarian, Bridges to Prosperity (B2P) and Rotary Clubs have worked together closely for more than ten years. Bridges to Prosperity is also a cooperating organization of the Rotary Foundation. The Penn State chapter was founded in the Spring of 2013 and is composed of a dedicated core of engineering students. The chapter is supported by Penn State’s Department of Civil Engineering.

In the summer of 2014, Penn State Bridges to Prosperity will assist the community of Membrillo, Panama through the construction of a cable-stayed pedestrian bridge. The bridge will provide the 1,500 members of Membrillo year-round access to critical school and medical facilities located on the other side of the river. This past summer three Penn State Bridges to Prosperity officers (Jennifer Kearney, Zach Makarewicz, and Priscilla de la Guardia) traveled to Membrillo and surveyed the future bridge site.

The Rotary Club of State College/Downtown has agreed to donate all proceeds from its holiday auction to benefit this project.

 

STATE COLLEGE SUNRISE SPONSORS NEW INTERACT CLUB

The inaugural ceremony for the new Interact Club at the Delta Program of the State College School District was held on November 6 during the regular weekly meeting of the Sunrise Rotary Club. Twelve Interact Club members, their faculty advisor (Deb Steinberg), the Delta Program Director (Jon Downs), the Assistant Governor (Debbie Fudrow), and District Interact co-coordinators (Mary Jane Smith and Ann Dunlavy) participated in the celebration. After self-introductions by the Interact Club members, President Alyssabeth Campbell described the programs and activities that the members are involved in. Sunrise President Dan Hendey presented the Club Charter to Interact President Campbell.

GALETON ROTARY NEWS

The Galeton and Renovo Clubs held a joint meeting for the first time in 35 years. The meeting on Tuesday Oct. 29 renewed a yearly event that started in the 70s and was held for a number of years. Thirty Rotarians and guests met at Deb's Restaurant in Cross Fork, PA. Guest speaker was Dave Ford, District Governor Elect. Shown are: DGND Dave Ford, Area 2 Asst. Governor Pete Folk, Area 3 Asst. Governor Brent Jones, Doug Reeves, President Galeton Club, and Pattie Rauch, President Renovo Club.

The nominating committee presented the following slate of officers for 2014-2015. Pete Folk - President, John Ryan - Vice President, John Zeigler - Secretary, and Dr. Joe Iaquinto - Treasurer. The nominees were elected unanimously. Plans are underway for the annual mid-year meeting which will occur the first Thursday in January.

Again, interesting programs have been presented. Programs included a presentation on the Ole Bull Music Festival, Charles Cole Hospital's surprise visit honoring recently retired physician and Rotarian Dr. Mike Callahan. Mike retired after 38 years service to the Galeton Community. Another interesting program was based on the history of the two hospitals that were located in Galeton during the boom lumber years. Some interesting pictures and artifacts from the school of nursing were displayed.

 

ST. MARIA GORETTI HIGH SCHOOL NATIONAL HONOR SOCIETY INDUCTEES

INCLUDES THREE INTERACTORS

Pictured, from left, are St. Maria Goretti High School National Honor Society inductees Emilee Watson, William Snyder, Kate Levangie, Emily Coogan, Claire Vietri, Amanda Meinschein, Lyric McNeil, Meghan Lynch, Dominic Popescu, Wade Gorman, Michael Ewing, Tyler Caruso, Katie D’Addato, Jenna Katrina and Abbey Eich. Not pictured: Dominic Lagana. St. Maria Goretti High School announced that 16 new members were inducted into the National Honor Society. The new members include senior Tyler Caruso, and junior classmen Emily Coogan, Katie D’Addato, Abbey Eich, Michael Ewing, Wade Gorman, Jenna Katrina (Interact member), Dominic Lagana, Kate Levangie, Meghan Lynch (Interact President), Lyric McNeil, Amanda Meinschein, Dominic Popescu (Interact Parliamentarian), William Snyder, Claire Vietri and Emilee Watson. Honor society members pledge to uphold the principles of scholarship, leadership, service and character.

To become a member, students must achieve a 3.7 grade-point average and be approved by a faculty committee. The students selected are academic and moral leaders who contribute significantly to their school and community.

The honor society at St. Maria Goretti participates in service projects, such as Habitat for Humanity work days and tutoring on campus. The chapter also raises money throughout the year for St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, the Vikram Kodali Scholarship, and a local family in need at Christmas.

The induction was held Nov. 14 in the parish center at St. Ann Roman Catholic Church adjacent to Goretti’s campus. St. Maria Goretti is a college preparatory, coeducational Catholic school off Oak Hill Avenue in Hagerstown.

PENN STATE ROTARACTORS PREPARE FOR THON

At the meeting of State College Rotary Club on December 3 at the Nittany Lion Inn, officers of the Penn State Rotaract Club updated Rotarians on their drive to support Penn State’s THON 2014. Last year, the student club sponsored by local Rotary Clubs raised over $10,000 in support of the world’s largest student-run philanthropy. This year so far, the group has already raised nearly half their target amount through canning in the York area and soliciting donations in the local community as they aim to beat last year’s total. Local Rotarians and others are invited to join the effort by donating at giveto.psu.edu/THON-PennStateRotaractClub.

Shown left to right are: Demi Chen and Nicole Knabb, Rotaract THON Co-Treasurers, and Cameron Miller, Rotaract THON Family Relations Chair. Named "Outstanding Student Organization of the Year 2012-13" at Penn State's University Park Campus, the Penn State Rotaract Club is jointly sponsored by the Sunrise, Downtown and State College Rotary Clubs. “Who would be interested in a garden containing flowers of one species or one color only? Variety has been truly said to be the spice of life. Sameness is monotonous, depressing.” — (Paul, Harris This Rotarian Age)

 

LEWISTOWN ROTARY CLUB & LEWISTOWN KIWANIS HAVE JOINT HOLIDAY

PARTY/FUNDRAISER Lewistown Rotarians and Kiwanians kicked off the Holiday Season with their second annual combined party. More than 100 Rotarians, Kiwanians and their guests enjoyed a festive evening at the Lewistown Country Club that was a combination fund raiser and party. Each member was asked to bring an inexpensive wrapped gift to be auctioned off, as well as a non-perishable food item that would be appropriate for giving to the children in the "power pack" program of the Lumina Center. Participants enjoyed an attitude adjustment hour prior to dinner which was then followed by a fun hour or so of the auctioning of mystery gifts. President Mick Abrashoff was joined by his Kiwanis counterpart, President Bill Herkert, in welcoming the members and guests. The invocation was given by our own Fr. David Zwifka.

Following dinner, President Mick introduced Marie Mulvihill, Executive Director of the Mifflin-Juniata United Way, who spoke briefly on the Coalition of HOPES (Help Offering People Essential Services) and its energy bank program which would be the beneficiary of the auction.

He then introduced our recently returned Rock 'n Roll Larry Schardt, who, with the help of Jim Tunall selecting the gifts and Kiwanian Ken Fisher and his wife Ruth handling the money side, conducted the mystery auction. With Jim suggesting that he could perceive the contents of the festively wrapped packages, Larry "milked" the Christmas Spirit in the attendees to raise more than $1100 from the auction. It was noted afterward that Jim batted 1.000 in his guesses – he was wrong every time!

Following the auction, Kiwanis President Bill Herkert closed the party, but not before he solicited a resolution that we do a repeat of the affair next year. It was adopted unanimously.  

 

   

LONG MEADOWS CLUB NEWS

The Affordable Care Act (ACA), aka "ObamaCare", was the presentation topic at a recent meeting of Long Meadows Rotary. Representatives Connie Richardson and Tamika Fitzgerald of "Door to HealthCare" discussed outreach, education, and enrollment services related to the ACA. Door to HealthCare, a program of Healthy Howard, Inc., partners with 12 organizations through Western Maryland to be the official source for information about new health insurance options in your local community and serves the Maryland counties of Allegany, Carroll, Frederick, Garrett, Howard, and Washington. The aim of the Door is to help Maryland citizens navigate and understand the health care coverage choice available to them. According to Richardson and Fitzgerald, more than 60 trained and certified staff will be available throughout the community to help citizens with questions and concerns. Citizens can get personal support for making the right choices; assistance with signing up for health insurance; and practical answers about new changes in health care. Citizens need to be aware of tax credits to help pay for premiums; a new insurance marketplace offering choices for consumers, and expansion of Maryland Medical Assistance (Medicaid). Rotary is an international organization of people dedicated to serving their communities to make them better places to live.

From Left: Ed Lough, Rotarian; Connie Richardson, Healthy Howard, Inc.; Dr. Sal DiMercurio, Rotarian; Tamika Fitzgerald, Healthy Howard, Inc.; Kennedy Boone, Rotarian; Donna Long, Rotary Club President-Elect; Ron Bowers, Rotary Club President.    

 

Literacy and reading-to-learn were topics of a recent meeting of the Rotary Club of Long Meadows. The principal of Ruth Ann Monroe Primary School, Kathleen Forrest and reading intervention teacher Chanda Dobrzanski discussed the "Reading Cafe", which is an opportunity for volunteers to share their love of reading with a small group of students, over breakfast, in the Ruth Ann Monroe school cafeteria. The purpose of the cafe is to instill a love of reading in the students that the volunteers work with. The volunteers are trained to use a model of teaching called "Read TO me, then read WITH me" and then engage the students in rich discussion about the books that the groups read. Forrest said this program is a great volunteer opportunity for people who are looking for a meaningful and purposeful opportunity to celebrate students' reading abilities and growth.

From left: Kennedy Boone, Rotarian; Ron Bowers, Rotarian, Sila Alegret-Bartel, Rotarian; Kathleen Forrest, principal; Chanda Dobrzanski, reading intervention teacher; Dr. Howard Weeks, Rotarian. Missy McCray recently spoke about the Arc of Washington County to the Rotary Club of Long Meadows. McCray is director of maintenance at the Arc of Washington County, which works to ensure that people with developmental disabilities have a place to call home. The Arc's Adult Residential Services program provides not just a place to live, but also the best quality of life, said McCray. The program currently operates more than 50 residences throughout the county and serves 160 men and women. Founded in 1952, the mission of the Arc of Washington County is to promote community involvement, independence, and dignity for children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

From Left, Kennedy Boone, Rotarian; Missy McCray, director of maintenance, Arc of Washington County; Dr. Ric Behan, Rotarian; Ron Bowers, Rotary club president. The Rotary Club of Long Meadows is proud to announce that another of its members has achieved the coveted status of "Paul Harris Fellow". Sila Alegret-Bartel is the latest of the club's members to earn this distinguished award. A Paul Harris Fellow is a Rotarian who has contributed a certain level of funds to the Rotary International Fund, which is established for projects intended to improve conditions for humans everywhere.

Caption: From Left: Bob Nitzell, Rotarian; Sharon Ruppenthal, Rotarian; Sila Alegret-Bartel, Rotarian; Kennedy Boone, Rotarian. Christmas cheer filled the ballroom at the Ramada Hagerstown as the Rotary Club of Long Meadows enjoyed a capella caroling by students from the Williamsport High School. Scrooges and grinches were nowhere to be seen and a good time was had by all as the club enjoyed Rotary fellowship and mirth.

 

Pictured by Sharon Ruppenthal, from left to right, top to bottom: The Weeks, The Long and The Mitch, The Roses, The Behans, The Morriseys, The Abdullahs, The Nitzells, The McConnells, The Ruppenthal and The Dahlgren

VOLVO GROUP TRUCKS DONATE TO WASHINGTON COUNTY ROTARY CLUBS

Volvo Group Trucks presented donations to Washington County’s Rotary in the amount $2,000 for this year’s (2013) Rotary Literacy Initiative as well as $1,000 per club for activities involving educating area children.

The Volvo Group’s Hagerstown facility has been a strong corporate member of the community and a major economic driver in the region for over 50 years. The site has been home to heavy-duty powertrain development and production since it opened as a Mack Trucks, Inc. facility in 1961. The Volvo Group acquired Mack and the Hagerstown plant in 2001, and since then has invested more than $350 million to modernize the facility, and install new production capability to produce the world’s cleanest burning heavy-duty diesel engines and advanced transmissions. In 2012, the plant produced more than 45,000 engines and 21,000 transmissions for Volvo Group brands.

We are grateful for the donations made to the Washington County Rotary Clubs and the Rotary Literacy Initiative. Thank you Volvo!

SHEPHERDSTOWN ROTARY HELPS TOWN GEAR UP FOR CHRISTMAS

The Shepherdstown Rotary Club took advantage of good weather November 16 to decorate the town's iconic McMurran Hall building and the town Christmas tree for Shepherdstown's upcoming Christmas celebration.

The Club has performed this service for the community each year for many years.

Shown above are some of the members of the decorating crew. (Back row, left to right: Bill Gaestel, Connie Hamman, Alex Shaw, Terry Anderson, John Loeffler. Middle row: Dana Orsini, Dave Miljour, Dale Homan, Eric Burnell, Dick Klein. Front Row: Cassiana Robey, Salle Mickley, Monica Lockett, Tom Jones, Peter Smith, Bill Howard.

 

The town's Christmas celebration will begin formally the evening of November 29 with an opening ceremony, tree lighting, and Santa's arrival. Thereafter, a wide range of events are set for each weekend until Christmas. For a full schedule see the Christmas in Shepherdstown website at www.christmasinshepherdstown.com.

SHENANDOAH CLUB NEWS  

Shenandoah Club and Ringtown Club have gone together to purchase a ShelterBox for the Phillipines. Shenandoah Club I installed a new member, Carol Hollenbach who is a representative of Mrs. T's Pierogies in Shenandoah, PA. We welcome Carol's enthusiasm and know she will be an asset to our Club.

Shenandoah Club had a Community Shredder Event on Wednesday, November 27 from 9am to 12 noon at the local school district parking lot. It was open to Shenandoah and surrounding communities and was open to the public, free of charge.

Shenandoah Club is providing free blanket throws to the local Nursing Home patients the week before Christmas. We did provide poinsettias in previous years but this year we've become more practical.

Shenandoah Club held it's annual Christmas Party at Francesco's Restaurant in Shenandoah on Wednesday, December 18 for members and their guests. It was as always a very enjoyable time for everyone as Karpy provided the hilarious entertainment for the evening.

WILLIAMSPORT PA CLUB NEWS

Rotary Club of Williamsport, PA recently held a coat drive – “Operation Warm Up”. All coats were then donated to The Salvation Army.

Pictured are Club President, Steve Cassotis on left and on right Club Member and Public Relations/Program & Fund Development for The Salvation Army, Tony Perrotta.

MIFFLINBURG INTERACT COLLECTS STUFFED ANIMALS

Thanks to the generosity of so many, The Mifflinburg Interact Club has collected over 30 large bags/boxes of gently used stuffed animals to send to the orphans in Honduras. My Spanish classes also made homemade cards to send with these stuffed animals to add a little extra smile for the children. We are about to embark on touching so many lives so far away if even for a moment! Thank you everyone for your contributions!

UPDATES ON THE MIFFLINBURG INTERACT CLUB

1. Our Interact Member, Samantha McCall has been chosen to be an exchange student for the 2014-2015 school year. We are so excited for her!

2. Our students donated over 30 large bags/boxes full of stuffed animals for the stuffed animal drive for Father's Hope and my Spanish classes created homemade cards to send along to Honduras with cheerful sayings in Spanish for the orphans.

3. Our Interact Club will be collecting all new/unwrapped toys for the Toys for Tots for the Marine Corps. We are helping the Social Studies department in loading these toys into the Marine Corps. trucks for transport.

4. On December 12, 13 and 14 our Interact students will be working/volutneering their time at the Lion's Club food stand at the Christkindel Market in Lewisburg.

5. The Interact Club will be holding a David's Awesome Cookies and Pretzel nuggets fundraiser for our general operating funds. This fundraiser will begin on December 16 and end on January 16. Money is due at the time of the order. I can send order forms should you want to place an order.

6. Our Interact Club ordered new t-shirts, long sleeve shirts and 1/4 zip pullovers for the school year. We ordered a couple extra tees and long sleeve shirts. If you would like to purchase a shirt, let me know-selection limited.

 

CURWENSVILLE CLUB DELIVERS DICTIONARIES

Curwensville Rotary President Bill Williams and Treasurer Brian Wingard distributed dictionaries to excited third graders of the Curwensville and Grampian schools this month. The annual project gives each child a dictionary of their very own to use throughout their academic careers. Pictured in the photo are Mr. Williams and Mr. Wingard with Mrs. Swatsworth’s class in Curwensville. Also receiving the books were the classes of Mr. Wassil and Mr. Irwin in Curwensville and Mrs. Clark’s class in Grampian.  

   

BLOOMSBURG CLUB’S INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS FOR NOVEMBER AND DECEMBER

Bloomsburg Rotary's November International Student of the Month is Huong Vu Quynh Do who presented the customs, culture and cuisine of her native Viet Nam. Huong lives in a small coastal village in South Viet Man. She is majoring in Accounting & Finance at Bloomsburg University. She is pictured with Samiul Haque who is scheduled to present his country, Bangladesh, in December.

Dr. Alicia Redfern: Chair of the Women’s Leadership Council of the Susquehanna River Region thanked the Bloomsburg Rotary for their support of the Dolly Parton Imagination Library.

She showed a video from Dollywood and gave an update on the Women’s Leadership Council. The book she is holding is every child’s favorite “The Little Engine That Could”, the first in the series of monthly books. The Bloomsburg Rotary provided a community meal recently. The High School Interact Club provided astounding Wait Staff service. Eighty-four guests attended and an additional forty take-out meals were ordered.

Rotarians and family member workers are pictured: From left: Blair Staley, Paul Moran, George Agbango, Tony Zilz and children Audrey and Nathan, Phil Pelletier and grandchildren Colleen Fish and Caillie Fish, John Thomas, Bruce Musser and Karen Wood. Not pictured: Christina and Dave Magolis, Dave Ford and Jim Cleary. The Bloomsburg High School Interact Club provided astounding Wait Staff service.

Pictured are the Interact Club: From left: Nicole Albertson, Paige Morgans, Max Taylor, Andrea Heckman, Keira Frazier, Evan Ball, Emily Dubartell, Kristina Kurelja. Not Pictured: Maria Zumbo, Kelly Knorr, Lauren McGinty.

 

Bloomsburg University Rotaract(R) Club and Bloomsburg High School Interact(I) Club are affiliated with the Rotary Club and joined in the holiday party.

First row from left are: Kristina Kurelja(I)-Publicity Coordinator, Emily DuBartell(I)-President, Sharon Benner-Rotary District 7360 Governor, Tony Zilz-Rotaract Advisor, Tyler Tamaro(R)-Historian. Second row: Max Taylor(I)- Secretary, Ann Shelter(I)-Vice President, Kelly Knorr(I)-Treasurer, Andrea Heckman-Interact Advisor, Garth Ritter(R), President, Dana Worzel(R)-Historian.

The Bloomsburg University Chorale and the BU Husky Singers entertained for the Danville and Bloomsburg Rotary members and family at the Treefest party. Pictured is the BU Chorale.

Bloomsburg and Danville Rotary Clubs joined for a Holiday party at the BTE Treefest. From the left: David Ford, Rotary District 7320 District Governor Nominee; Ines Carroll, Rotary Ass't Governor; Tony Zilz,Event Organizer; Irvin Wright, Bloomsburg Rotary President; Sharon Benner, District 7320 Governor; Kwok Ngai, Rotary Foundation Chairperson .

Samiul Haque, a junior at Bloomsburg University, is pictured between John Thomas, President-Elect of the Bloomsburg Rotary, and Dr. Madhav Sharma, Head of the International Student Program. Samiul is a junior with a major in

Accounting and Finance, a minor in Chinese and a concentration in International Business. He speaks 5 languages and gave a great talk on the culture, lifestyle, birth and educational system of his native country, Bangladesh.

"Deeds preceded the written word. After service had been rendered in manifold forms, the word “Service” with all its varied meanings and implications, was written in the Rotary plan." (Paul, Harris This Rotarian Age)

 

THE LEWISBURG SUNSET ROTARY CLUB HELD 6TH ANNUAL

BREAKFAST WITH THE GRINCH DAY, SATURDAY, DECEMBER 14th

 

Saturday, as the snow began to fall, time is 6:30 am, Fred Teichman had already prepped the kitchen, stirred up pancake batter, and prepared several pans of sausages. Soon thereafter, Mary Ferster was on her fourth batch of delicious pancakes.

An early day, by 8 am, Doug & Dawn Sprenkle, Chris & Nancy Stratton, Kelly Komula, Tere Rill, Peg Bouton, Elizabeth Eckley & our Pres Vickie Zimmerman had made hot chocolate,

orange juice, set tables with condiments, utensils, napkins, milk, water, cups, donned Santa hats, and taken care of many other details.

Hank Baylor had set up his DVD player and begun the annual holiday Grinch movie. Irene Henninger was greeting at the front door. Pete Henninger and Dustin Derr were ready to collect tickets.

Jack Bennett and Nani Randall, our balloon masters ~ trained by the balloon master Scott Fritz, were ready to pass out candy canes, flowers, swords, puppies, kittens, and hats, all made from balloons.

Our youth exchange student Valoria Coca Narvaez (Bolivia) and host sister Mama-craa Appiah-Padi picked up the slack for making balloons and keeping the little ones happy!  

As things got rolling, Chris, Nancy and Dawn were ready at the serving table. Rick Wible had set up his giant Grinch inflatable in front of the building to welcome all.

Mr. Grinch himself had arrived, and we had already served our first 20 guests! By 8:30 a.m. the dining room was nearly full!

We welcomed Leigh Wible, who helped seat guests and monitor tables, John Kador to help make more hot chocolate and transport food, Anna Beth Payne, who helped to clear

tables and check on guests, Karen Teichman with her camera, who also helped to seat guests and monitor tables when we were crowded. Hank was a greeter at the dining room door and helped guests find their way to the food, drinks, and importantly, Mr Grinch! Kelly stepped in the help serve food. Elizabeth continued to monitor and clear tables, and Tere and Peg even found themselves helping to set up additional tables when we needed them. Bob Komula stopped by for moral support and pitched in to help us all clean up.

 

A terrific day for all (including little one year old Georgia below)!

 

PLEASANT GAP CLUB HOLDS ANNUAL HOLIDAY DINNER

On December 5, 2013 the Pleasant Gap Club held its annual holiday dinner at the Central PA Institute of Technology. With the generous support of several local business and volunteer help from local boys and girls scout troops the PG Club hosted over 200 seniors from the Spring Township area to a turkey and ham dinner with all the fixings, holiday musical entertainment, and everyone went home with a variety bag of fresh fruit. A great time

was had by all in attendance.

PG Club President Dave Witherite gives opening remarks welcoming all the evening’s festivities.

The PG Club exchange student from Mexico joins musical guests in singing Feliz Navidad.

A young aspiring musician, he joins in on the spoons.

PG Club President Elect Perry Courter working with kitchen staff to help prepare the meal.

Sixth Annual Grinch Breakfast

Over 200 people served as the snow came down outside! Young and young at heart came out to enjoy a great

breakfast & visit with Mr.Grinch! Seems that the

Grinch breakfast ends up being a great fundraiser but an even

greater community service event!

Join us 12/13/14!

 

MUNCY CLUB NEWS

Muncy Rotary Club members Linda Myers (left) and Susana Falck and members of the community assemble 165 toiletry bags to be distributed at the Son Light House center for senior citizens from the Muncy, Hughesville and Montgomery area.

BERKELEY SPRINGS HOLDS ANNUAL CHRISTMAS PARTY

The Berkeley Springs Rotary Club had their Christmas party on Friday, December 13,2013 at Treasurer Luke Christie’s house. Delicious food was provided by Earthdog Café and dinner was followed by a Yankee Christmas Gift Swap.

TYRONE CLUB NEWS

On Dec 10th the Rotary Club of Tyrone and the Kiwanis Club of Northern Blair County joined together at the Bull Pen for the annual Christmas Party. Entertainment for the evening was the Tyrone High School Pops Extension. A special guest, Santa Claus arrived to hand out presents to kids and adults. Pictured to exchange student Em. Wondering what she is asking Santa for Christmas?

On Wed Dec 11th the Rotary Club of Tyrone held the annual party for the residents of the Pennsylvania House with Entertainment by the Tyrone High School Pop Exten-sions singing a medley of Christmas carols.

The Rotarians and Em passed out cake, fruit, coffee & punch to the residents.  

   

 

BEDFORD CLUB NEWS

COMMUNITY ORGANIZATION OUTREACH During this year, Club members met with local civic organizations to learn more about their community support and to see how our Club might help them address unmet needs. As a result of these discussions, the first of various assistance projects took place when members of our club met at the Everett Library and helped clean out their basement area. Lacking a camera and a

“before” photo, one erstwhile member went back and photographed the “after”. Readers must use their imagination to envision the “before”! CLUB CHRISTMAS PARTY The Club’s annual Christmas party took place recently at the Bedford Tavern, owned by Club member Jeff Rinscheid. This end of year event was well attended by members, their children and grandchildren. In two photos, Santa listens intently to children’s requests and hands out an early Christmas gift to each young attendee.

Past president, Gary Shaffer entertains our group with music. A good time was had by all! We love Santa! SALVATION ARMY BELL RINGING This is the Club’s 11th year in a row bell ringing to support the Salvation Army, receiving over $21,000 in donations during the first ten. Here, Club member Garry Goss takes his turn with the kettle and the bell.

WILLIAMSPORT MD CLUB NEWS Charlie Brown Christmas at the Williamsport, MD Springfield Barn took place for the 5th consecutive year. In spite of the snow, many families looked and admired more than 100 decorated Christmas trees. This event sponsored by the City of Williamsport is a must see. A local caterer provides hot chocolate and cookies. Volunteers - members of Williamsport, MD Rotary Club along another local service club -- serve as hosts in the passing out of the above mentioned condiments. The first year had a few trees decorated with left over merchant donated holiday items. This has grown to a point where the barn is now filled and the trees are decorated by local businesses and groups. Our Rotary Club is proud of its living Christmas tree and to be a host.

 

SHEPHERDSTOWN ROTARY CLUB HONORS MIDDLE SCHOOL BAND TEACHER

The Shepherdstown Rotary Club has presented its 2013 Vocational Service Award to Shepherdstown Middle School band teacher Chadsley (Chad) Conant. The award is given each fall to an outstanding community member who embodies values and principles that exemplify Rotary values, especially service above self and a commitment to high ethical standards. The presentation was made at the Club’s November 19 weekly breakfast meeting at the Bavarian Inn in Shepherdstown.

Shown are from left to right: Shepherdstown Rotary President Paul Woods; Donovan Frye, one of Ms. Conant's students who is the son of Rotary member Holly Morgan Frye; Ms. Conant; Shepherdstown Middle School Principal William Kerlina; and Rotary member John Loeffler.

A 1978 Cum Laude graduate of Middlebury College, Conant considered a career in foreign-language translation but eventually moved to Kearneysville with her husband, Tom, and began to raise a family. While her children were young, she played bassoon in Shepherdstown's Millbrook Orchestra and became a music tutor. She decided she had found her calling and went back to school to earn a teaching certificate (and later a Master's degree) in Music from Shepherd University. She taught band at Shepherdstown Elementary School and other elementary schools in Jefferson County from 1997 to 2008, and then assumed her current position at Shepherdstown Middle School. Since she came to the Middle School, the School's Concert and Jazz bands have excelled. Both bands have received "Superior" ratings at every festival they have attended, the Concert band has been selected as the best in the state once, and the jazz band has received that honor twice. Ms. Conant herself has received many honors, including a Distinguished Graduate Award in Professionalism from Shepherd University in 2010, the West Virginia Band Director of the Year Award in 2012, and the Shepherdstown Middle School Teacher of the Year Award in 2013. Accepting the award, Ms. Conant said her bands' accomplishments would not have been possible without the strong support the band program has received from the community.

CHARLES TOWN CLUB NEWS

The Charles Town Rotary Club, at their regular weekly meeting on Tuesday, December 3, distributed the proceeds from their Christmas for Charities fundraiser. The venue for the event was the Hollywood Casino at The Charles Town Races. The Club donated the event's proceeds of $22,700 to various charitable and community service entities. Pictured are those persons who represented the recipients of the donations along with some Club members The C T Rotary Club would like to thank any and all that made this event such a success. Happy Holidays to all!

FRONT ROW LEFT TO RIGH: Nelson Parkinson, Club President; Diane Goode, Birthright; Tina Branson, Shenandoah Women's Center; Lydia McBride, Boys and Girls Club; Arlene Fernandz-Anderson; Jefferson Hospital Women's Imagining; Major Steve Story, Salvation Army; SECOND ROW LEFT TO RIGHT: Doug Giles, Jeff Co. Community Ministries; Dan Rowzie, Good Shepherd Care Givers; Laura Storm, Young Lives; Marcella Genz, C T Library; Vickie Shean, Eastern Panhandle Free Clinic, Maria Lorensen, Hospice Building Fund and General Fund; Marty Kable, Club Foundation Chairman; Roger Dailey, Meals on Wheels; Steve Brewer, Old Opera House; Nancy Chapman, co-chairman of event; THIRD ROW LEFT TO RIGHT: John Sherwood, Eastern Panhandle Red Cross; Ed Smith, Independent Fire Co.; Luther Mumaw, Friendship Fire Co; Mike Mood, Middleway Fire Co. Woody Garrett Shepherdstown, Fire Co. Pete Doughtery, Kiwanis Christmas Toy Shop and Citizens Fire Co.; Bob Back, Meals on Wheels. Those not pictured Blue Ridge and Bakerton Fire Companies and CASA.

 

Rotary Club of Charles Town preparing to be in the Christmas Parade held on December 7 in Charles Town and Ranson.

Members of the Rotary Club of Charles Town gathered for a delicious Holiday luncheon at their December 17th meeting. Following lunch they enjoyed a session of thieves Christmas. Pictured are three of the members swapping gifts.

DOWNTOWN LOCK HAVEN DECORATES TREE FOR POLIO ERADICATION

Downtown Lock Haven Rotary Christmas Tree to Eradicate Polio is on display at the Ross Library Main Street Lock Haven. Literature on Rotary’s Help to Eradicate Polio is displayed with the tree to educate the public on one of Rotary’s chief projects. The tree was auctioned off Sat. December 14.

MERCERSBURG CLUB HELPS SANTA Every holiday season, the Rotary Club of Mercersburg raises funds to help buy clothes and toys for children in the Tuscarora School District who might otherwise not have a very merry Christmas. This year we helped one hundred and twenty-three (123) families and gave gifts to two hundred and eighty-eight (288) children.

Local businesses and members of our community give the funds for this Rotary project which we call Santa’s Toy Box. Seventy dollars is spent on each and every child. One half of the money is spent on clothes and one half is spent on toys. The Rotarians shop for ALL the clothes and toys selected especially for each child by their parent or parents. Each child receives at least five gifts. The Rotary Club of Mercersburg purchases all of the wrapping paper, gift tags and tape to wrap the gifts. The Rotarians also make personal donations to the Santa’s Toy Box fund. The Rotarians wrap all the gifts (over 1,500) with the help of the 9th grade students from the Mercersburg Academy. The Sunday before Christmas (December 22nd) five Rotarians will don a Santa suit and travel throughout our school district to deliver the gifts directly to the children in their homes. This year, because we have so many children, two local fire departments will help us with the deliveries.

 

Our club took over this project in 1991 and we hope to continue to sponsor this project in the years to come. We are most fortunate as would not be able to handle the project without the whole-hearted support of our community. This we have always had. We are sincerely blessed.

POTTSVILLE ROTARY CLUB NEWS

Paul Harris Recognition – We had two Pottsville Rotarians receive Paul Harris pins recently.

Emily Peron, daughter of Rotarian Frank Peron, was presented a Paul Harris pin by Dick Drukker, District Foundation Chair, who was in attendance doing a program on Foundation. I

Pete Yasenchak was presented his Paul Harris second sapphire by Mary Sitcoske. Congratulations to Frank and Pete, both long-time Pottsville Rotarians.

We also had a group of Rotarians who volunteered their time on Thanksgiving morning to assist the local Knights of Columbus Food Drive. President-Elect Eric Lieberman is shown presenting a check of funds donated by Club members, and he is pictured with Denise Ressler, Jeff Zwiebel, Frank Peron and Karen Ferenchick, who also volunteered that morning.

 

EMPORIUM CLUB NEWS

Emporium Rotary Club inducted 10 new members in 2013 and has now grown to 63 members! Newest members Josh Parslow and Kristie Bennardi joined the club in December.

Emporium Rotarians braved the cold to sell chili and corn muffins again this year at the Chamber of Commerce “Christmas in the Wilds”.

Emporium Rotary is making plans for its annual Wine & Cheese Gala Fundraiser to be held February 22nd at St. Mark’s O’Connell Hall here in Emporium. For ticket information, contact any Emporium Rotarian.

SHAMOKIN CLUB NEWS

Santa, Mrs. Claus and an elf arrived in Shamokin on the Shamokin Rotary Club sleigh.

Later in December, Santa visits the local communities for two weeks. Each child receives a toy and a picture with Santa. Hundreds of local children visit with Santa each year.

 

You Asked For RLI in Eastern, PA - We’ve Got IT!

Saturday, March 29, 2014

At Lycoming College in Williamsport, PA Cost: $75.00

Offering Parts I, II, III

Graduate & Faculty Training (by invitation only)

Register by printing the form at rlimainline.org

Or print the form in this newsletter And mail it today!

Register soon!

Courses will only be held if sufficient registration!

 

 

R! LI Main Line USA Division 2013-2014 Course Day Registration RLIMainLine.org The Rotary Leadership Institute

Event: DISTRICT 7360 COURSE DAY Date: March 29, 2014 Location: Lycoming College, Williamsport, PA Cost: $75.00 Course Selection: PART I PART II PART III GRADUATE FACULTY PLEASE CIRCLE ONE COURSE ONLY NOTE: All registrants must take the courses in order and can only take one course per day. We use all registrations received up to March 15th to determine the specific courses we offer. As a result, we need to you to register ASAP.

 PLEASE PRINT CAREFULLY!

 Name: _________________________________________________________________

 Badge Name: ____________________________________________________________

 Address: ________________________________________________________________

 City:___________________________ State: _________ Zip: _____________________

Telephone: (H) (_____)__________________ Telephone: (B) (_____)_______________

E-mail Address:___________________________________________________________

Rotary Club Name:______________________________________ District: __________  

Number of Years in Rotary: _________________________________________________  

   

Signature: Date:    

Return this form with payment to:  

RLI Main Line USA, P.O. Box 208, Bovard, PA 15619 Make checks payable to: RLI Main Line USA

 Registration fees are non-refundable. All registrations received after March 15th will incur a late payment fee of $10.

 

All course days start with Registration 7:30 a.m. Classes 8 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. - breakfast, lunch and coffee breaks included.

 

The District 7330 Leadership is continuing their practice of reimbursing District 7330 Rotarians for their registration fees (excluding any late fees). Their procedure requires the participant to register, pay and complete the Course Day. Afterwards, the District will issue reimbursement to the entity issuing the check: the Rotarian or Club.

 11.20.13 Page 1-1

 

 

   

Governor-nominee Form  

District governor candidate:

Please complete and sign this form, have your club secretary sign it, and submit it to the district nominating committee.

 

Governor year of service Family name Name as it should appear on your badge Member, Rotary Club of

District Zone RI membership ID number

First name Middle initial        

Classification

 

 Language(s) you wish to use for communicating with RI (listed in order of fluency): Read Speak

   

For each of the following categories, please circle only one language per category. International Assembly: English French Japanese Korean Portuguese Spanish Publications in 6 languages:

English French Japanese Korean Portuguese Spanish

Publications in 9 languages:

English French German Italian Japanese Korean Portuguese Spanish Swedish

 

Publications in 14 languages:

Arabic Chinese English Finnish French German Hindi Italian Japanese Korean Portuguese Spanish Swedish Thai

 Spouse/Partner Information (if applicable) Family name Name as it should appear on your badge

 First name Middle initial

E-mail Gender Male Female    

For each of the following categories, please circle only one language per category.  

International Assembly: Chinese English French German Hindi Italian Japanese Korean Portuguese Spanish Swedish

Publications in 6 languages:

English French Japanese Korean Portuguese Spanish

 

 For Rotarian Spouses/Partners only: Member, Rotary Club

 RI membership ID

of number

 

   

Governor-nominee Data Form  

   

All signatures on this page must be handwritten (electronic signatures are not acceptable). CANDIDATE’S STATEMENT I hereby state that I understand clearly the qualifications, duties, and responsibilities of the office of district governor as set forth in the RI Bylaws and that I am fully qualified for said office and willing and able, physically and otherwise, to assume and fulfill the duties and responsibilities of that office and to perform them faithfully. Further, I have read and agreed to abide by the district governor code of ethics, as detailed in the Rotary Code of Policies. I agree in advance to accept the decision of the RI Board concerning my election to office without recourse to any non-Rotary agency or other dispute resolution system and further accept that any court costs and attorney's fees incurred by RI in enforcing this agreement shall be reimbursed by me in their entirety. I understand that if selected, I must attend, for their full duration, the governors-elect training seminar in my zone and the International Assembly to be held the Rotary year before taking office. I have read this form in its entirety and certify that all the information provided on this form is true and correct.

 Date Signature CLUB’S STATEMENT OF CANDIDATE’S QUALIFICATIONS The candidate herein mentioned is a member in good standing of the Rotary Club of . The club further attests that this member has been duly suggested for the office of district governor under RI Bylaws 13.020.4 and meets the qualifications as specified in RI Bylaws 15.070 and that the club membership information on this form is accurate.

 Date Club Secretary’s Name Club Secretary’s Signature CERTIFICATE OF NOMINATION The Rotarian named on this form is a member in good standing of the Rotary club listed and was duly nominated for district governor in accordance with the provisions of the RI Bylaws.

 Date District Governor’s Name District Governor’s Signature

   District governor: Please e-mail this form to your CDS representative by 30 June.