Welcome District Governor for 2024-2025
Katie Farrell
If you have never met Katie Farrell, you are in for a treat. Katie is unique, with both strong executive action experience and an even stronger ability to have fun and good times.
As a member of the Warminster club for the past 17 years, Katie has been active in many levels of club activities including Past President. At the District level, Katie has assisted with organization of the 2018-2019 District Conference activities and Annual Fund Chair of the Foundation Committee.
Katie has over 40 years of healthcare experience and specific skills in strategic assessment and planning, resource management and capital project development. Her current full-time position is CEO of Jefferson - Lansdale Hospital. Prior to becoming part of Jefferson Health, Katie served as Chief Executive Officer of Warminster Hospital. She obtained her bachelor of science degree in business administration from Delaware Valley College and her master’s in business administration (healthcare focus) from LaSalle University.
Katie is also very involved with the local community as a member of the Greater Harleysville and North Penn Senior Services Board of Directors.
Let’s Welcome our 2024-2025 District Governor as we all “Make the Magic Happen.”
As we enter our new Rotary year, we are always refocusing, reimagining and reinventing. Most clubs have a new president at the helm and with that come some fresh ideas and initiatives. As our District Membership Team grows, we are focused on you and your clubs and we want to help you grow. Our new RI president, Stephanie Urchick, has challenged us to grow our district by 100 net new members. That may seem like a lofty goal, but it is possible. Let’s set our sights high and surpass our expectations. Let the Rotary Magic begin!
As we begin our new Rotary Year—let’s FOCUS: Foundation!
Our giving to the Foundation has such amazing impact in all of our clubs, both locally and internationally. What can YOU DO to provide donations for all of our projects?
Let’s tell our stories about our projects through the Foundation using our Public image tools.
Let’s increase our membership by focusing on our projects and allowing members of our community to get involved to view our impact.
And our new “NEWS”: Our Journey to the Next Million started in the Rotary Year 2021-2022 with the goal of our District 7430 Donations to the Rotary Foundation to exceed one million dollars. Although all the numbers are not yet final, WE HAVE DONE IT! Our giving at press time exceeded $1 Million...we were at $1,303,099 and counting!
Our Polio donations have exceeded our goal: we are now at $36K!
Our Annual Fund Donations are now at $259,398 – and we have work to do for more contributions to the Annual Fund.
Thank you so much to everyone. Let’s now Make the Magic Happen!
Hi! My name is Mary Cook and I have been a Collegeville Rotarian since 2007. I am interested in connecting with all current President-Elects. Please connect with me at marycook7430@gmail.com or our 25-26 district facilitor, Herb Klotz, at herbk.rotary@gmail.com
My husband, Doug, and I started our Rotary journey in the early 90s when we hosted our first exchange student from France. We were living in Maine at the time. Doug was the charter president of the KennebunkPortside Rotary. We only hosted Gael for two weeks in the summer and on vacations, but it was enough for me to know this was a very impressive program.
From 1991 – 2012, we hosted nineteen YEP students and befriended many more. In 2006, our oldest daughter went to Recife, Brasil for her exchange.
Another favorite program that I was part of in Maine was a Rotary youth program called Friends Forever, which is a peace-building program that involves students in 8th and 9thgrades. Friends Forever is now its own 501c3.
Youth and peace are important areas of focus for me as well as the environment. Collegeville Rotary started a soft plastics recycling program last year. By working with local citizens and coordinating with a church group, we have taken close to 1,000 pounds of soft plastics out of our waste stream.
I wish DG Katie all the magic that Rotary has to offer!
Join us as a volunteer for STEM YEA July 11-14 at Kutztown University. Volunteers walk the students from the dorms to the South Dining Hall and the labs and classrooms on the north side of the campus. We have certified teachers and college interns to manage the STEM and project-building sessions. Volunteers assist underserved seventh graders in planning a trip to Mars. You will learn much more about Astrobiology than when you attended school!
Experience the magic of community and shared purpose at STEM YEA. Witness 60 students from 20+ clubs in our district come together and blossom into scientists over a four-day period. The best part? There are no charges for you to attend, have breakfast or lunch with us, or join us for an evening show in the Kutztown Planetarium. We're all in this together, and we can't wait to have you join us!
Come to Kutztown University for a few hours to “do good in the world.”
(Photo shows last year's STEM YEA graduates wearing their official lab coats)
From June 14-17, Camp Neidig welcomed enthusiastic campers for an unforgettable experience. Upon arrival, many campers felt apprehensive and secluded. However, the welcoming atmosphere and engaging activities quickly dissipated their initial uncertainties. Camp Neidig's well-structured program and dedicated counselors ensured every camper felt included and valued. Through interactive workshops and team-building exercises, campers bonded with their group leaders and each other. Problem-solving stations brought students together to accomplish tasks, teaching them teamwork and collaboration.
The heart of Camp Neidig's success lay in these group discussions, which fostered empathy and deeper understanding among campers. By sharing personal experiences, campers developed genuine connections, transforming initial apprehension into camaraderie. These interactions provided a platform for campers to express themselves openly, learn from each other, and build lasting friendships.
At the closing ceremonies, the theme, "Inside Out," inspired by the Pixar movie, guided campers through their emotions, fostering unity and personal growth. The camp concluded with the Kauffman BBQ dinner and closing ceremony at 7:00 pm. During the ceremony, the six groups—each representing a different emotion from the movie: red (anger), orange (disgust), yellow (joy), green (fear), blue (sadness), and purple (surprise)—shared their cherished memories and newfound friendships. The event concluded with the announcement of Jose Rios, sponsored by the Whitehall Rotary Club, as Camper of the Year.
As the students departed, campers were no longer the same individuals who had arrived four days earlier. Camp Neidig provided a transformative experience, equipping them with tools to navigate their emotions and forge strong, supportive relationships. The camp's impact was evident in the newfound confidence in the leadership skills and their forged relationships with one another.
Twenty-nine Rotary Clubs sponsored students for Camp Neidig in 2024 which allowed 91 students to add RYLA (Rotary Youth Leadership Awards) to their personal resumes and include leadership training in their life experiences. Please keep Camp Neidig top of mind as you begin the 2024-25 Rotary year. It would be an amazing feat to have all the clubs in District 7430 send at least one student to camp for this outstanding experience. Additional information about costs and timing will be communicated this fall.
Would your club like to participate in an international hosting opportunity?
Here's your chance! We are looking for a club to host 2-3 nights, 10 Australians coming to our district from Sept. 17 to Oct. 1, 2024. They are a lot of fun and speak English. (Australian English, anyway!)
The hosts provide a place to sleep, and breakfast, and as a group, take them to see things of interest in your immediate area. Any activity with a fee they pay for themselves.
If you'd like to meet new people and make lifetime friends, please email deeleng@gmail.com or call her: 610 428 3355 to discuss this opportunity.
On June 20, 2024 we celebrated our Annual Rotary District 7430 Officer Changeover Celebration. With over 100 Rotarians at the William Penn Inn- it was truly a celebration. Rotarians from all around our district enjoying the fellowship of one another.
DG Diane presented a review of the activities of the 2023-24 Rotary Year along with several recognitions of service and accomplishments. Our Past District Governors held the annual Council of Governors meeting where DG Diane reviewed the 2023 -2024 Rotary Year and DG for 2024-2025 Katie shared visions and plans for the next Rotary Year.
Each year we hold a “pass the gavel” ceremony going from the most senior governor and ending with our new DG and future District Governors. The pinning of Katie Farrell as our new DG and official banner exchange from the Bethlehem Club to the Warminster Club ended the evening with DG Katie presenting the district’s new vision and goals for our new Rotary Year starting today, July 1, 2024.
I’ve recently completed my first Rotaplast mission. We traveled to Medellin, Colombia and our team of volunteer Rotarians and medical specialists provided cleft lip and/or palate surgeries for over 80 children. Some children walked for over three days with their parents to come out of the remote areas for this life-changing procedure. Our humanitarian medical team even trained local interns and medical students on how to care for and support these children. Education and sustainability are a big part of Rotaplast. Working ourselves out of a job in Colombia is part of the mission.
The main thing I came home with from this mission was a reinforcement of not how different life was there, or the people were in Colombia – it was how similar we were. Parents with tears of joy seeing their children now with a better chance to be free, strong, and supported in their communities.There were non-profit organizations offering new shoes to each child, some wearing them, I’m sure, for the first time in their lives. There was a government doing the best they could to support this effort by providing transportation, housing, and support. Local Rotarians worked with us every day to help in any way they could. They provided lunches, transportation, and translators for us, and educated us on their efforts to serve their community with love. Mucho Gusto, by the way, means “it’s nice to meet you.” I feel like I heard that phrase a thousand times during our mission. And you know what? It really was.
Embark on an Unforgettable Journey to Ancient Cambodia with Fellow Rotarians
Join Rotarians on an Extraordinary Adventure with Sustainable Cambodia
Announcing an incredible opportunity for Rotarians to explore the rich history and vibrant culture of Cambodia while making a significant impact on local communities. Rotarians from around the world are invited to join a 10-day excursion organized in partnership with Sustainable Cambodia. This journey promises to be more than just a tourist trip—it is a chance to witness firsthand the transformative power of Rotary projects in remote areas of Cambodia.
Trip Highlights
During this unique trip, participants will explore some of Cambodia's most iconic and historic locations. Highlights include:
Phnom Penh: Discover the heart of Cambodia's capital city, rich with historical significance and cultural landmarks.
Siem Reap:
Pursat Province: Venture far off the typical tourist routes to visit village families and see the direct impact of Rotary projects in these remote communities.
I attended my very first Rotary International Convention in beautiful Singapore and it was incredible!
Since 1910, the Rotary convention has combined fellowship with Rotary business and inspired attendees with notable guest speakers, workshops, and messages from Rotary leaders.
This year, over 13,000 Rotarians from around the world attended the convention. Plenary and breakout sessions focused on global priorities such as mental health awareness and wellbeing, and peace and fostering world understanding. In addition, there were many tactical presentations on Rotary Action Plan priorities such as membership growth.
Next year’s Rotary International Convention will be held in Calgary, Canada, on June 21-25. Calgary is home to people of more than 240 ethnicities who speak 165 languages. It will also provide the opportunity to attend the world-famous Calgary Stampede https://venues.calgarystampede.com, which will begin several days after the 2025 convention ends.
After attending a Rotary International convention, you will be forever changed by the sense of purpose and belonging in the world’s largest service organization dedicated to world peace and prosperity.
I am so grateful to be part of this organization, and specifically, our amazing District.
Katie Farrell
District Governor District 7430
Photo: “The Gem” waterfall inside the Singapore Airport
Rotary year, we are always refocusing, reimagining and reinventing. Most clubs have a new president at the helm and with that come some fresh ideas and initiatives. As our District Membership Team grows, we are focused on you and your clubs and we want to help you grow. Our new RI president, Stephanie Urchick, has challenged us to grow our district by 100 net new members. That may seem like a lofty goal, but it is possible. Let’s set our sights high and surpass our expectations. Let the Rotary Magic begin!
Meet your District Governor-Elect
From June 14-17, Camp Neidig welcomed enthusiastic campers for an unforgettable experience. Upon arrival, many campers felt apprehensive and secluded. However, the welcoming atmosphere and engaging activities quickly dissipated their initial uncertainties. Camp Neidig's well-structured program and dedicated counselors ensured every camper felt included and valued. Through interactive workshops and team-building exercises, campers bonded with their group leaders and each other. Problem-solving stations brought students together to accomplish tasks, teaching them teamwork and collaboration. 
d, campers were no longer the same individuals who had arrived four days earlier. Camp Neidig provided a transformative experience, equipping them with tools to navigate their emotions and forge strong, supportive relationships. The camp's impact was evident in the newfound confidence in the leadership skills and their forged relationships with one another. 
Use code D7430-5457
There were non-profit organizations offering new shoes to each child, some wearing them, I’m sure, for the first time in their lives. There was a government doing the best they could to support this effort by providing transportation, housing, and support. Local Rotarians worked with us every day to help in any way they could. They provided lunches, transportation, and translators for us, and educated us on their efforts to serve their community with love. Mucho Gusto, by the way, means “it’s nice to meet you.” I feel like I heard that phrase a thousand times during our mission. And you know what? It really was. 
.png)
