July 2023

District Calendar at-a-Glance

Fourth of July Parade
Tue Jul 04, 2023 08:00 AM
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Rotary District 7450 Night with the Phillies to benefit Polio Plus
Tue Jul 18, 2023 6:40 PM
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Note: To participate in these events, you must still register in advance as indicated in the stories below.

Message from the Governor

Happy New Year, Rotarians! I'm excited to kick off the 2023-24 Rotary year with you. From our new district-wide service opportunities to fun social events, there will be plenty of opportunities for you to get together with your Rotary friends (and make new ones). Interested in joining a District committee? Maybe you've been thinking about attending a conference or training event? There are so many ways to enhance your Rotary experience.

My challenge to you this month is to explore your options and figure out what would make you want to shout about Rotary from the rooftops. Whether it's camaraderie, service, fundraising, leadership skills, or travel, whatever you want to do is out there and ripe for the taking. Why not make this the year that you get the most out of your Rotary membership?

Not sure where to start? Shoot me an email. I'm happy to help!

Let's make it a fun year!

Renee DeCoskey
Governor, 2023-2024

Need Help and Support for Your Club?

We're now in the new Rotary year, which means that the District 7450 leadership has changed. Remarkably, all the Districts and Clubs around the world change each Rotary year, bringing in new and fresh ideas to better serve our communities.

Our District is made up of Rotary volunteers just like you. They are there to help provide information and support for you and your club. The leadership is comprised of the District Governor, Board of Directors, Assistant Governors, and Committee members who specialize in one or more areas to support our mission.

Here is the list of the 2023-24 Rotary District 7450 Leadership team. Become familiar with their names and reach out to them. They are there to help you.

Create Hope in the World: This Year's Presidential Theme

Each new Rotary International president creates a theme for their year. It could be a single thought such as "Imagine" or a multi-word slogan to inspire us.

President Gordon McInally's theme is "Create Hope in the World." He urges members to promote peace in troubled nations, help those affected by conflict, and maintain the momentum of initiatives begun by past leaders.

In addition, McInally wants Rotary members to offer hope to those affected by mental health challenges — a crisis exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.

"Rotary helps create the conditions for peace, opportunity, and a future worth living," he said. "By continuing what we do best, by remaining open and willing to change, and by keeping our focus on building peace in the world and within ourselves, Rotary helps create a more peaceful world — a more hopeful world."

You can watch the official announcement of President McInally's Presidential Theme HERE.

Public Image Matters

Would you like to use the new Presidential Theme in your club's communications?

See below for helpful links. And read on for some rules and best practices involving use of the Presidential Theme.

This may seem counter-intuitive, but the Presidential Theme logo is for internal use only, to motivate existing Rotarians. It is not to be used in public communications. That means it's fine to put the "hope" logo in your weekly newsletter for members, but please don't put it on the flyer for your bowling, bingo, or other public event. The reason? We don't want people to see different logos and get confused. We want them to know and recognize Rotary instantly when they see the Masterbrand "wheel" logo (just like you instantly recognize McDonald's golden arches from far away.)

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Get More from Your Rotary Experience: Join a Committee

One of the ways to make the most of your time in Rotary is to join a District committee. Among the benefits: you'll learn a lot about Rotary, you'll work with and make friends with members from other clubs, you'll feel more connected to this organization, and your help will be much appreciated.
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Strategic Thinking Can Help Your Club Grow

As we begin the new Rotary year, now might be a good time to think about strategic planning and succession planning for your club.

To start, perhaps explore the question "What would it take to make my club irresistible?" Remember that a decline in membership is not the problem. It's a symptom.

If you are a club leader, you can't think in terms only of "my year." Most clubs need more time to accomplish their strategic goals, create a strong impact on their community, and make their club irresistible.

If you ask Gordon McInally anything about his year as Rotary International president, he’ll immediately stop you. “It’s not about my year. It’s about one of Rotary’s years,” he corrects. “I’m a great believer in continuity, and I don’t see the years in isolation.”

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Rotary Youth Leadership Awards Weekend is Back!

The Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) is a robust leadership retreat that has been a pillar of youth development and a catalyst for our student leaders to embrace their inner strengths and make the world a better place!

When: February 2, 3, & 4, 2024
Where: Freedoms Foundation in historic Valley Forge

With a fun 70’s vibe, participants can expect to explore their own inner leadership style, be inspired to find their passion, meet the nationally-known Alex’s Lemonade Stand family and hear about their “why." Students will be encouraged to dream big, and pivot bigger! Real-life lessons will culminate into a team project to address a problem and create, shape and design an enterprising solution! Plus organizers are planning a lot of fun activities such as the RYLA’s Got Talent Show, groovin’ to the jukebox, great swag, and some fitness energizers!

RYLA= a great experience, lifelong leadership skills, new friends, pushing student leaders to examine their own style and strengths and maximizing those qualities!

Information, 2024 documents, and links to Registration are ready to go at www.RotaryDistrict7450.org/ryla.

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Tickets and Tailgate Info for Night with the Phillies

Now that Governor Renee has her customized Phillies jersey, she's ready to throw out the first pitch on Tuesday, July 18th! Join us for the annual Rotary District 7450 Night with the Phillies. You'll see National League Champion Philadelphia Phillies take on the Milwaukee Brewers at 6:40pm.

Invite your friends and family to enjoy an exciting night of Phillies baseball with other Rotarians and friends of our District. Each ticket purchased includes a $10 donation to help eradicate Polio.

Here are your seating and pricing options:

Section 241-242, scoreboard porch area, $30 per ticket and includes a $10 donation for Polio

Section 138, lower level 3rd base line, $47 per ticket and includes a $10 donation for Polio.

Dont miss out! RESERVE your Phillies tickets HERE (click the link, order your tickets – no payment needed online at time of ordering.)

Start the evening with a Pregame Tailgate event in lot M (where it has been in the past.) Just look for the Rotary banner. The fun will start at 4pm. The District will provide hot dogs, snacks and drinks. Feel free to bring a dessert, tomato pie, snacks, etc. to share if you'd like, but it's not necessary.

Order your special Rotary Phillies tee shirt now! Only $20. Just email Kevin Katarynick at distgov2021@gmail.com with your name, email, club, and size (xs, s, m, l xl, 2xl, 3xl).

Monthly Theme: Maternal and Child Health

Imagine if you didn't have enough to eat, couldn't get good health care, and lived in unsanitary conditions.

This is the sad reality for millions of children around the world. In fact, almost 6 million children die each year because of these issues. Saving Mothers & Children is not just one of Rotary International's seven Areas of Focus, it's also the theme for this month.

Click HERE to learn more about how Rotary is helping vulnerable mothers and children so they can live longer and healthier lives.

Member Profile: Ed Olsavicky

By Paul Quintavalla

Ed Olsavicky, a PDG, and member of Westtown Goshen Rotary Club has a confession. His mother was the one that was responsible for him becoming a Rotarian. “I joined Rotary because my mother told me I should join a service organization, and Rotary was the best one in town.” It was 1981 and Ed became a member of the Uniontown Rotary club located one hour south of Pittsburgh.

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Welcome New Members

We'd like to extend a warm welcome to all our new members who joined us in our District this past month.

Mia Brower Ardmore	Frank Cariola King of Prussia	Dave Ellis Central Chester County
Nancy Fromhold Ardmore	Marianne McClatchy Bryn Mawr	Gregory Nardi West Chester
Frederick Ramirez Bristol	Ernesto Tagwerker Chestnut Hill	Catherine Van Vooren Coatesville
Tiffany Varghese Longwood

This Month's Club Community Calendar

Have fun while supporting Rotary District 7450 clubs' efforts to help our community! If you want your club's event listed here, please e-mail details to DistrictDispatch7450@gmail.com.

Event Name	Date/Time	Event Description	Link for Information
Lobster Fest	Saturday, September 25, begins at 5 p.m.	SAVE THE DATE Enjoy a great lobster (or steak) dinner and all the fixings made on the premises. This annual extravaganza benefits Chestnut Hill Rotary's charities.	ChestnutHillRotary.org
Annual Golf Outing	Monday, October 2	Rotary Club of Bristol is presenting its Annual Golf Outing which benefits their scholarship fund and club projects.	bristolrotary5467@gmail.com Sponsor opportunities HERE.