Welcome to Rotary District 7430
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District 7430 News
MENTAL HEALTH & AWARENESS
Mental Health & Wellness Committee
By Sharon Levan, Diane Donaher, David Weiskotten
 
May is Mental Health Awareness Month! The District 7430 Mental Health & Wellness Committee recognizes the work of the West Reading/Wyomissing Mental Health Initiative!
The West Reading/Wyomissing Rotary Club has taken an important step by establishing a Mental Health Committee. We are sharing the steps we’ve taken to get this initiative off the ground, in case it may benefit other clubs considering a similar effort.
Steps Our Club Has Taken (And YOUR Club can too!)
1. Identifying Leadership and Members:
We began by seeking a volunteer to lead the committee and opened it up to interested club members willing to serve on it.
2. Initial Planning Meeting:
Once we formed the group, we held a planning meeting to brainstorm what members wanted the committee to achieve.
3. Compiling and Refining Ideas:
The gathered ideas were reviewed and discussed during the next meeting, leading to the creation of three primary objectives:
  • Education: Raise awareness about the importance of mental health wellness among Rotarians and the broader community through our website and social media.
  • Ending Stigma: Foster greater understanding of mental health conditions and work to reduce the stigma surrounding them.
  • Encouragement: Inspire and empower fellow Rotarians and community members to pursue their own paths to mental health wellness.
 
Committee Initiatives:
Currently, we are focused on two key projects:
 Including a mental health message in our meeting agenda to keep the topic front and center.
 Hosting quarterly guest speakers to discuss different aspects of mental health.
We understand that our goals may evolve over time as the needs of our community and members change, but these initiatives provide us with a strong foundation for now.
We hope sharing our experiences inspires other Rotary Clubs to start similar initiatives and prioritize mental health within their communities. Together, we can make a meaningful difference.
Please check out the attached ideas for your club to consider for May meetings to recognize Mental Health Awareness month. (Click READ MORE)
 
Read more...
SHELTERBOX
ShelterBox Update
 
Thanks and congratulations to the 16 clubs achieving Hero status (≥$1,000) through March 2025. The generosity of individual Rotarians and clubs enables the life-saving work of ShelterBox, both here and abroad, and you should be proud of what you are doing.
ShelterBox has now provided over three million people with life-giving support in its 25 year history. ShelterBox is responding in Myanmar following two devastating earthquakes in April.
 
To learn more about the work of ShelterBox and our partnership with Rotary, visit www.shelterboxusa.org.    
Gold (≥$5,000)
Silver (≥$3,000
Bronze (≥$1,000)
Kutztown
Bethlehem Morning Star
Ambler
Willow Grove
Pottstown
Bethlehem
 
 
Blue Bell
 
 
Doylestown
 
 
Fleetwood
 
 
Harleysville
 
 
Hatboro
 
 
Horsham
 
 
Montgo New Britain
 
 
Quakertown
 
 
Springfield Township
 
 
West Reading- Wyomissing
 
Do you want a ShelterBox presence at a club event or do you need a presentation to your club? Contact D7430 Ambassador Bill Tuszynski at bill.tuszynski@gmail.com or 267-374-1631 to put us on your calendar. Contact Bill if you are interested in getting more involved with Shelter Box, either as a co-Ambassador or Club Champion. We are actively looking for a co-Ambassador to serve alongside Bill and share in handling club presentations as well as sharing the “Box” with clubs.
 
Current deployments as of March 2025:
 
 
ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY
APRIL IS ENVIRONMENTAL MONTH
 
This is Environment Month in Rotary. Protecting the Environment – it’s one of Rotary’s areas of focus. Rotarians share an interest in protecting our common legacy: the environment. Rotarians around the globe are committing themselves to activities that strengthen the conservation and protection of natural resources, advance ecological sustainability, and foster harmony between communities and the environment.  
 
In District 7430, we’re celebrating our focus on the environment by once again holding the Rotary Day of Service on April 19. On that day and throughout this month, Rotarians will be 
 
  • Cleaning up streets, highways, waterways, trails, community parks, and neighborhoods.
  • Planting and maintaining pollinator gardens
  • Planting trees
  • Creating riparian buffers along streams
  • Collecting and recycling single-use plastics
  • Planting community gardens
 
On April 19 at 1:00 pm, the Kutztown club and the District Environmental Sustainability Team will be getting the District’s pollinator garden at Camp Edmar back in shape for spring. Come on out and help us get the garden beds ready for the arrival of the pollinator insects. The garden is located near Kutztown.
 
And, this month we’ll be starting another District-led project administered by the Collegeville Rotary Club. With the project funding coming from a District Grant (just like the Camp Edmar pollinator garden), we will be helping the Perkiomen Valley School District expand PV Woods, two arboretums located at their middle schools. 
 
The project will address the need for hands-on outdoor education while fostering ecological awareness and biodiversity conservation. The gardens will be designed using the Fibonacci sequence, a naturally occurring mathematical pattern that supports optimal plant growth and pollinator attraction.
 
The gardens will serve as outdoor classrooms where students can engage in STEM learning, environmental studies, and artistic exploration. Featuring native plants and trees that support butterfly, bird, and bee populations, the spaces will provide real-world applications for mathematical concepts and ecological principles. Rotarians will be directly involved in the planning, planting, and educational outreach components, offering workshops and engaging with students and community members to foster a deeper connection with nature.
 
You are invited to come out and help us do the initial planting of the gardens this spring. Dates will be announced shortly. The project will serve as a pilot for us to show other schools in our District how to create their own environmental learning center.
 
The Environmental Sustainability Team has also been working on ways that we can help schools keep food waste our of landfills by composting it. We’ll have more details on this in the coming months.
 
And finally – We encourage you to take individual actions that reduce your Carbon Footprint. While you can help create systemic change, there are also countless opportunities to be taking small personal actions that inspire your friends and family to do the same.  The Internet is loaded with ideas on reducing your footprint. 
 
It’s Rotary’s Environment Month.  Let’s get out and make a difference.
 
Terry Reed
Environmental Sustainability 
 
CAMP NEIDIG

By now all clubs should be actively recruiting students for camp.  If you are interested in  assistance, you can reach out to Jonathan Joseph Hoster <jjhoster@syr.edu>.

The entire Camp Neidig experience is designed to hone students’ leadership skills and to encourage them to take what they learned and apply those skills to their school and community activities in the future. The program is offered at no cost to the students or their families, thanks to the generosity of the Rotary Clubs of District 7430. Learn more at www.campneidig.com and contact Camp Neidig Committee Chairs Wendy Body at wgbody@yahoo.com or the Camp Director Dr. Stephen Burnham at s_burnham@conradweiser.org. 

Watch RYLA video on the camp experience from the campers.

Take an opportunity to listen to a former camper video.

We are in need of a camp nurse.  If you are a RN or LPN and would like to join us for this wonderful opportunity, please reach out to Mrs. Body or Dr. Burnham.  This is a paid position.  

We hope you will join us at “Neidig Night” on Monday, June 16th at 6pm. It’s the best family dinner and closing celebration.  Please order your chicken bbq tickets by Friday, May, 30, 2025.  (Veggie burger is also available.) $20 per person. All are welcome.

 

SUSTAINABLE CAMBODIA
 
District Conference Update:
Winner of the 10-Day Excursion to Cambodia 

CONGRATULATIONS to LORETTA OTTINGER, Fleetwood Rotary Club, for winning the free 10-Day Excursion to Cambodia at the multi-District Conference at the Hershey Lodge. Loretta’s free raffle entry at the Sustainable Cambodia information table in the House of Friendship was randomly selected on Saturday evening.
 
The prize consists of waiving the price to participate in a 10-Day Excursion Trip with fellow Rotarians through Cambodia organized by the Rotary Club of Pursat and Sustainable Cambodia (a $1,090 value – single occupancy). Loretta is registered for the January 2026 trip -- “I am excited about the Cambodia trip.”
 
Consider joining Loretta and other Rotarians from around the world in January 2026. Spots are available for just $995 per person (double occupancy) or $1,090 (single occupancy). (Not Included: Flights to/from Cambodia, travel insurance, personal expenses.)
 
More than just a vacation, this journey offers an extraordinary opportunity to witness the life-changing impact of Rotary projects. Explore Cambodia’s breathtaking landscapes, walk among ancient temples, and connect with communities benefiting from Rotary’s support. 
 
Please visit this link: Visit SC in Cambodia - Sustainable Cambodia to download a brochure providing more information about these tours and to reserve your trip. The tours are organized and hosted by the Rotary Club of Pursat and Sustainable Cambodia. There is also a November 2025 trip.
 
If you have any questions, please contact Michael Orbin, Bethlehem Morning Star Rotary Club, and volunteer member of the Sustainable Cambodia Board of Directors: 610-703-4292, morbin@ptd.net
 
 
 
FRIENDSHIP EXCHANGE
 
Rotarians in District 7430 traveled to Argentina on a Friendship Exchange in March. Besides eating a lot of beef, they enjoyed seeing the amazing projects of the local Rotary clubs, and meeting the Rotarians. 
 
Friendship Exchanges are a great way to visit another country. Instead of staying in hotels, you stay in the homes of Rotary members, and become instant friends. Meet some of the other 1.4 million Rotarians around the world! Watch for the next Friendship Exchange. You can participate in the United States by opening your home to visitors from another district or participate by traveling to another part of the world. As a Rotary member, you are never without friends, anywhere in the world.
 

Front row, L to R: Rose Galliano Phillips (Kutztown club); Alicia Ruiz Orbin (Emmaus club); Dee Eng (Emmaus club); Mayor of Villa Angostura; Cindy Hornaman (Emmaus club); aide in tourism bureau

Second row, L to R:  Mike Orbin (Bethlehem Morning Star); Dave Phillips, head of tourism bureau; Herb Klotz (Allentown West club); Christian Schultz, next president of Passport Club,Villa Angostura; Francesco Orzans RFE chair, 4912 Passport Club, Chris Hornaman, Gary Rohrbach (Emmaus Club)

ROTARY YOUTH EXCHANGE
ROTARY YOUTH EXCHANGE UPDATE
 
Youth Exchange is alive and well in our district! Thank you to the clubs who support our mission of building peace one student at a time. This year we’ve made some changes to the long term program and are offering multi-district gatherings with the students as our class size is down to 6 inbound students.We would love to see this group grow again in the future. Let Linda Kennedy know if you’d like to have a speaker at your club about Youth Exchange and how it benefits everyone involved. Linda’s email is YEPChair7430@gmail.com.
February – We took a trip to NYC to see MJ the Musical and attended the Friday night dinner of MAPETS for the parade of flags.
March – We postponed our trip to DC with the anticipation of the government shut down. We took the students to the Landis Valley Museum in Lancaster to show them the Amish heritage and followed that up with a lunch at Shady Maple, a shopping trip to King of Prussia and then off to Linda’s home for a sleepover. The following day we went to Elmwood Park Zoo for a few hours before sending the students back to their host families. We pack in a lot of activities, but we want them have a variety of activities and make the most of their time together.
April – you will find the students at the District Conference in Hershey. Please talk with them about their experiences and share some of your favorite spots they should visit before they head to their home countries in June. We will have a booth at the trade show to highlight our program and an opportunity to donate a few dollars to the cause.
Please start searching for the 2026-27 students now. We  will be having interviews in Nov/Dec 2025. If your club is hosting a student starting this August, please help your youth exchange officer find host families.  The hardest part of the role is identifying families to open their hearts and homes to these students.  
We have a few students interested in short-term exchange this summer. We will have more details in the next newsletter. If long term exchange isn’t an option, please consider the short term exchange in either 2025 or 2026. Contact Rose Galeano-Phillips at RotaryRose7430@gamil.com
RYLA

Exciting News: New RYLA at Camp Neidig Video Available!

We’re thrilled to announce the release of a brand-new RYLA at Camp Neidig video, showcasing the impact of this life-changing leadership experience for young people. This engaging video captures the spirit of teamwork, personal growth, and leadership development that makes RYLA such a valuable opportunity for high school students.

How Your Club Can Use This Video:

✅ Share with High School Guidance Counselors & Teachers – Help spread the word to students who would benefit from attending. Provide the link in outreach emails to high school counselors, teachers, and club members.
✅ Post on Your Club’s Website – Highlight your club’s commitment to youth leadership and  embed the video on pages about youth programs.
✅ Share on Social Media – Inspire engagement by posting the video on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
✅ Play at Club Meetings – Showcase the impact of RYLA and encourage member support for this incredible program.

Let’s work together to expand RYLA’s reach and empower the next generation of leaders! Watch and share the video today. https://youtu.be/2CBoekl6K3o?si=aGr40vk-Afp4CNGz 🎥✨

We are in need of a camp nurse.  If you are a RN or LPN and would like to join us for this wonderful opportunity, please reach out to Mrs. Body or Dr. Burnham.  This is a paid position.  

We hope you will join us at “Neidig Night” on Monday, June 16th at 6pm. It’s the best family dinner and closing celebration.  Please order your chicken bbq tickets by Friday, May, 30, 2025.  (Veggie burger is also available.) $20 per person. All are welcome.

FOUNDATION NEWS
Have you made your contribution to the Rotary Foundation yet this year? Help make an impact with all of the projects that we implement in our communities.
COUNCIL ON LEGISLATION & RESOLUTIONS
 
Rotary International empowers Rotarians (i) to suggest the rules of Rotary to the Council on Legislation (COL) and (ii) to suggest to the Council on Resolutions (COR) proposed Resolutions relating to actions to be taken by the RI Board or The Rotary Foundation Trustees.
This means that the terms of Rotary International’s Constitution, its Bylaws or the Standard Rotary Club Constitution can come from Rotarians as proposed Enactments to the COL. Further, Rotarians may suggest a policy change as a Resolution to the COR that would require actions to be taken by the Board or the Trustees. 
 
How does a Rotarian propose an Enactment? 
Enactments should address structure, not policy, process or procedures. Proposed Enactments are drafted by reference to the constitutional documents sought to be changed using legislative slash marks (for deleted words) and underlines (for words to be added). The Rotarian acts through that Rotarian’s Club or District. An Enactment approved by Club vote must also be approved by the related District at the conference or other agreed upon legislative meeting, or through Club ballot before it can be submitted. Endorsements are required to be submitted by December 31 two years ahead of the COL meeting with a purpose and effect section. The proposed enactments were submitted by December 31, 2023 for the COL to be convened April 14-17, 2025. Learn more at https://my.rotary.org/en/learning-reference/about-rotary/councils.
 
How does a Rotarian propose a Resolution? 
Proposed Resolutions should address the Rotary world, rather than its Constitutional Documents, and request the RI Board or Foundation Trustees to take action. Proposed Resolutions are drafted in two parts: (i) a preamble of supporting information which argues for the resolution and (ii) the action itself, including that the proposer wants the Board or Trustees to take the action. The best proposals include the proposed action to be adopted by the Board or Trustees. The Rotarian drafts a proposed Resolution for adoption first by the Rotarian’s Club, then the related District. After the District Action, the proposer attaches the Club endorsement and causes the District Governor to supply the DG Endorsement.
 
It must be submitted by June 30, 2025 for consideration at the COR scheduled for October 2025. The COR votes annually on proposed Resolutions submitted annually on this schedule. Proposed resolutions should be submitted within 45 days of DG Endorsement. The proposer submits to the committee for review of defects. If deemed defective, the proposer may submit it for a later Council on Resolutions. If the Committee submits the proposed Resolution to the Committee on Resolutions, a positive vote sends it to the Board or Trustees. Learn more: How to Propose Resolutions.
 
PDG Bob Hobaugh serves as our District 7430 Representative to the Council on Legislation and Council on Resolutions. He and all other Representatives vote on proposed Enactments and proposed Resolutions. You can reach Bob at RotarianBob@hometownu.biz. 
 
 
CONFLICT RESOLUTION
Understanding Conflict
 
Did you know our Rotary District has a Conflict Resolution Policy?
 
  1.4.1 Conflict Resolution Policy
The intent of this policy is to provide a framework for resolving conflict between all District 7430 Rotarians that affects the function and/or the physical or social environment, including members, clubs, committees, and the district.
All Rotarians are encouraged to resolve conflicts through direct dialogue whenever possible to promote goodwill and better friendships. Should conflicts not be resolved in this manner:
  1. Club conflicts-discuss with club leaders
  2. District and Committee Conflicts-discuss with District Leadership
 
Our Rotary International Learning Center has interesting courses on understanding conflict. The “Essentials of Understanding Conflict” contains the following topics:
  • What is conflict?
  • What is your conflict management style?
  • How can you resolve conflict?
  • Resources for further learning
 
In addition, this course offers links to interesting tools and various organizations that can help us as we learn more about resolving conflicts. Go to MyRotary.com to start the course. (https://my.rotary.org/en). 
ROTARY YOUTH EXCHANGE
The Magic of Youth Exchange!
 
January is always a fun time in Youth Exchange because our next class of outbound students discovers their country assignment. So far this year we have four students who have completed the application process for Youth Exchange and are approved to travel. There is still time to enroll in the program, so if you know of someone 15-18½, connect them to Linda Kennedy, our District Chair. Yepchair7430@gmail.com
 
Thanks to Ambler and Blue Bell for sponsoring Caiden to go to Chile!
Thanks to Bethlehem and Bethlehem Morning Star for sponsoring Leo to go to Argentina!
Thanks to Doylestown for sponsoring Brayden to go to Germany!
Thanks to West Reading-Wyomissing for sponsoring Eva to go to Italy!
 
These students are going to have an amazing year! Over the next six months, we will gather as a group and guide the students for a successful exchange through orientations and trips. Our current inbound class helps with that experience as well. Are you a former exchange student and want to help with the program? Let us know! We are currently looking for host families for the next inbound class of students for the academic 2025-26 year. Even if your club is not sending out an exchange student, they can host one next year. You need to find 2-3 host families in the same school district and someone from the committee will guide you through the rest. Let Linda know you’d like to participate! yepchair7430@gmail.com
 
Is an academic year too long for your student to be away? Did you know Rotary has a Short-Term Exchange Program? Applications are now open for the Short-Term Youth Exchange Program, a six-week summer cultural exchange for youth aged 15 to 18½. Participants will live with a host family, immerse themselves in a new culture, and build lasting international friendships. This program offers a unique opportunity to broaden horizons and create unforgettable memories. If you have any questions, please reach out to rotaryrose7430@gmail.com.
 
Enjoy some photos from our events in January. We had an international pot luck dinner created by our students at Gail Micca’s home. It was a fantastic feast! The following weekend we had a multi-district event, attended the PA Farm Show, and visited the State Capitol in Harrisburg. We can always use more volunteers either for a day or for a year. Reach out to any committee member if you’d like to join us.
 
ROTARY LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE
A Rotary Leadership Institute (RLI) is planned for you on Saturday, March 22, at DeSales University Center, 2755 Station Avenue, Center Valley, PA. The sessions will start at 8:00 a.m. and run through 2:30 p.m.

Here's your chance to learn more about Rotary from trained facilitators and fellow Rotarians!

Get ready for an interactive learning experience as we offer parts I, II, III, and Graduate courses. 

For only $125 or $50 for Rotaractors, you'll gain invaluable knowledge and skills to benefit your Rotary service. 
To encourage your club to attend, the club with the highest attendance will be recognized at the event, and each person will receive a gift.
 
To register for RLI, please visit our website, https://rlinea.org/ and register for our district event on Saturday, March 22, at DeSales.
You can also register for the District 7450 event at Temple University Ambler Campus on March 29 at the same link if you cannot make the March 22 event.
 
For information, please contact Event Chair Loretta Ottinger, at Loretta.Ottinger@gmail.com, text/call 610-914-5947, or Bob Hobaugh, Regional Vice Chair, at rotarianbob@hometownu.biz.
 
4-WAY TEST SPEECH CONTEST
Invitation to Join the 4-Way Test Speech Contest Program
Empowering the Next Generation of Leaders
 
We are thrilled to extend an invitation to your Rotary club to join the 4-Way Test Speech Contest program, an enriching opportunity that empowers high school students in your area. This prestigious contest not only fosters public speaking skills, but also encourages ethical decision-making and leadership qualities in young people.
Contestants from 2024 District Finals

Why Participate?

  • Inspire Future Leaders: Provide students with a platform to voice their thoughts, build confidence, and develop essential life skills.
  • Engage Your Community: Strengthen your club’s connection with local schools and families, showcasing your commitment to youth development.
  • Experience the Excitement: Be part of a dynamic and inspiring event that brings together talented young speakers from across the region.

Contest Details

The contest is open to all high school students in your area. Each club will hold its own contest before the Regional Competition on March 22. The winners of the five Regional Contests will then compete at the District Final on Saturday, April 5, at the Hershey Lodge. Speech Contest materials can be found on the District 4Way Test Speech Contest page.

Join Us!

Whether your club has been a long-time participant or is new to the program, we warmly welcome your involvement. The District Event is always filled with enthusiasm and camaraderie, making it an unforgettable experience for all attendees.
We encourage clubs that have not participated recently or are considering joining for the first time to seize this opportunity. Your participation will make a significant impact on the lives of young people and contribute to the vibrant spirit of this esteemed program.

Next Steps

To join the 4-Way Test Speech Contest program, please contact Anna Richter, District Chair, or your Regional Coordinator listed below. 
Thank you for your continued dedication to Rotary’s mission of service and leadership. We are eager to assist you in getting started and answering any questions you may have.
Region
Regional Coordinator
North: Allentown, Allentown West, Easton, Bethlehem, Bethlehem Morningstar, Emmaus, Nazareth, Slatington, Lehigh Valley Passport, Whitehall Area
 Anthony Moyer, anmoyer@eastpennsd.org
 
West: Birdsboro, Fleetwood, Hamburg, Kutztown, Muhlenberg, Reading Spring Township Centennial, West Reading-Wyomissing
 Carloyne Jordan
 ship934me@gmail.com
 
South: Ambler, Blue Bell, Central Bucks, Upper Perkiomen, Saucon, Center Valley, Hatboro, Norristown, North Penn, Souderton-Telford
 Sarah Toback
 sarahtoback@gmail.com
East: Doylestown-Horsham, Huntington Valley-Churchville, Newtown, Springfield Township/Flourtown, Warminster, Warrington, Willow Grove, Montgo-New Britain
 Anna Richter, Interim
 arichter21@comcast.net
 
Central: Boyertown, Collegeville, Pennridge-Perkasie, Pottstown, Quakertown, Spring-Ford, Harleysville
Nicole Matz, 
Nicole.matz1@gmail.com
 
 
 
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