Welcome to the August 2026 issue of the District 7430 Rotary Roundup
I don't have time for this.
You're an adult smack dab in the middle of life. A house, a job, a family. You're not just in the “sandwich” years, you're a triple-decker club, on toast and on time. Then… an illness, an accident, employment restructuring, the car breaks down, a pipe leaks, you're out of milk, and it's time to get those school supplies. You tell yourself you got this and expertly navigate…oh, sorry, the word is "pivot." You're tired.
It puts some realistic context around membership and why service organizations are experiencing a decline.
DG Sensenig discusses this in his article and encourages us to think outside the box and offer simple ways to get involved in Rotary.
People of Action have never been needed more than now.
Let's get to it! Enjoy the newsletter! ~Karin Suttmann, Warminster
District Governors Message
Jeremiah Sensenig
The focus for August is Membership & New Club Development Month. One thing that has struck me when attending international meetings and Conventions is the variety of club types that exist. If your club is thriving and growing, then keep building on what is working. If your club is struggling to find and retain members, then it may be time to look at mixing things up. Do not be afraid to experiment with your meeting format and schedule. If you feel like your club is unwilling or unable to change, contact a district leader in Membership or me personally, and we will show you how to create a companion club with fresh ideas and purpose. In the last 10 years, Rotary has been evolving rapidly, and they are encouraging clubs and members to think outside the box, and meet potential members where they are. We need to eliminate the friction that stands between people in your community who just want to serve and make it better, and offer simple ways to get involved in Rotary!
Remember, our goal this Rotary year is to charter four new companion or new clubs in our District and grow membership by 75 people (net).
Jeremiah Sensenig has begun visiting clubs in District 7430. Rotarians will meet Sensenig and hear about our overarching strategy to Create Lasting Impact. He'll be touching on rolling goals that integrate past, present, and future leadership, expanding youth and professional development, sustaining the Rotary Foundation, and the importance of using data and technology to optimize clubs. You can find DG Sensenings schedule on theDistrict Calendar.
STEM YEA 2026 Was A Blast!
Sixty-four students attended STEM YEA 2026 at Kutztown University from July 9-12. Twenty-five District 7430 Rotary Clubs sponsored students.
Dr. Anthony (Tony) Moyer, of the Emmaus Rotary Club, served as the Director. Five certified teachers engaged and instructed STEM YEA students during the event. Seven interns who attended 2025 RYLA Camp Neidig assisted the teachers and the Rotarian volunteers from multiple clubs throughout the District.
Plans are underway for STEM YEA 2027. Please contactgwenn.carr@verizon.netfor moreinformation. STEM YEA team members are always available to visit your club to provide the STEM YEA story.
Areas of Focus
Last month, we outlined the Rotary International Areas of Focus and generally when, during the fiscal year, we shine a light on them. In the next two months, we'll be talking about Basic Education and Literacy, and Community Economic Development. Clubs will be pivoting toward back-to-school community service, signature summer fundraisers, and local youth engagement initiatives. If you're looking for ideas, check outlast month's newsletter.
Save the Date: District Learning Opportunity
Mark your calendars for this learning opportunity: CLUB ACTION PLAN SUMMIT
The event is planned for Saturday, October 10th and will be held at Moravian University in Bethlehem. You will learn about many topics for planning club success through seminars and workshops. More details will follow.
Take Care of Business, It's Worth the Admin
Clubs are encouraged to keep their online calendars, websites, and social media up to date. This allows the club to be exposed to anyone searching for news and opportunities, and enables effective communication. D7430 Public Image resources integrate with today's technology to help spread the Rotary message with more ease than ever before. But it all starts with YOU. Need help on where to begin? Contact your Assistant Governor, or Public Image chairperson Gail Landis (West Reading Wyomissing) to get started.
~ CLUB NEWS ~
In Memoriam: Vince Raffeo, Collegeville Area Rotary
District 7430 joins the Collegeville Area Rotary Club in mourning the passing of Rotarian Vince Raffeo. Affectionately known as “Uncle Vince,” he celebrated a life full of love and accomplishment before peacefully passing away at the age of 93 on July 3, 2026.
Hatboro Rotary Club is firing up for the annual LOBSTER POT fundraiser!
The annual Lobster Pot fundraiser will take place on Saturday, September 12, 2026, at a new location: College Settlement Camp, 600 Witmer Road in Horsham, PA. Crack into a whole lobster or fire up a juicy steak, your choice, $45 tickets each include salad, corn, roll, and dessert. There will be a live DJ, great company, and a cause worth celebrating as every dollar raised supports local community charities. Tickets are $45 a piece, and kids eat free with a hot dog dinner. Clickhere for more information.
Warminster Rotary Club is getting ready to plant a Peace Pole
A new Peace Pole will soon be planted in Warminster, PA, by the Warminster Rotary Club. There are over 250,000 Peace Poles worldwide, over 20,000 having been planted by Rotary clubs. In District 7430, poles can be found in Newtown, Easton, and Wyomissing, to name a few. Warminster will plant the pole at the Hartsville Fire Company, and it will be part of their 9/11 Memorial. It will also commemorate America's 250th anniversary.
The Doylestown Rotary Club staged its massive signature community fundraiser over the weekend of July 18-19, 2026.
The event brought thousands of spectators to downtown Doylestown to view a capped showcase of over 500 classic cars and trucks. This event generates thousands of dollars in proceeds to fund local grants and community causes.
Pottstown Rotary Club: July 4th and America 250
Pottstown organized and hosted the community's primary Independence Day Parade down High Street on July 4th. The event partnered with the Switchpoint Foundation to tie the parade into regional America 250 milestone celebrations. The clubs' iconic Giant Rotary Duck mascot was deployed as a central feature of the parade.
Kutztown Rotary Club in the news
Kutztown Rotarians ran a targeted regional baby shower initiative throughout July to support local families in need. Members were also mobilized to volunteer and manage setups for the annual Das Awkscht Fescht event that happened on July 31st.
September 12, 2026, at a new location: College Settlemen
