District 7210 Updates Vol. 10

• "This New Year, let's commit to making a difference through service, remembering that even small acts of kindness can create a ripple effect of positive change."

This month, my message is a little more personal than usual. As many of you know, my Rotary journey began over 40 years ago, thanks to my dad. He brought me to my first Rotary meeting, and together we worked on service projects, served meals, and fundraised tirelessly. He taught me early on the profound value of helping others.

Last week, we lost my dad at the age of 91.

In 2009, we began attending meetings regularly, and on January 6, 2010, I was inducted into the Warwick Valley Rotary Club by none other than my dad. With his encouragement, I joined the club's board and later served my first term as club president in 2014-2015, a role in which I had the honor of him installing me. Over the years, he continually motivated me to stay involved—not just at the club level, but to explore opportunities to serve at the district level.

When I became an Assistant Governor, my dad was always there to offer advice. When I considered stepping forward as a candidate for District Governor, he was wholeheartedly supportive. During the 2 ½ years of preparation for this role, he was my sounding board, the person I turned to when I needed to think things through. Having him join us on last year’s District Conference Cruise and be present for my installation as District Governor is a memory I will treasure forever.

His was a life well-lived, one that truly embodied Rotary’s motto, Service Above Self. As I reflect on his life, I’m overwhelmed with gratitude for his decision to introduce me to this incredible organization.

As we take a moment to remember the Rotarians we’ve lost this year, let us honor their legacies by living out Service Above Self. Even the smallest acts of kindness can create ripples of change in the lives of others. Over the past few days, I’ve learned even more about the quiet, impactful ways my dad touched lives—whether by simply listening, offering thoughtful advice, or helping without any fanfare.

Let us take inspiration from those who came before us and continue to touch lives and make a difference, no matter how big or small.

Together, we can honor their memory by carrying their spirit of service forward.

Leo

This week, I wanted to reshare a video that holds a special place in my heart, in honor of my dad. His life was a testament to the power of kindness, and this video resonates deeply with the lessons he taught me.

There is so much wisdom in its simple yet profound message: kindness matters. Whether it's a small gesture or a grand act of generosity, spreading kindness can transform lives.

Let’s honor those who’ve inspired us by making kindness a part of our everyday lives. Together, we can make the world a brighter place.

Congratulations to last month's trivia winner, Jonah Triebwasser , from the Red Hook Rotary!

This week's Trivia Question:

What is the name of the official magazine of Rotary International, and when was it first published?

Respond Here with the correct answer to be entered to win a spot at next year's District Conference and weekly prizes.

Yep-we are still bribing you to read our email 😀

Feel free to look up any answer, it's not a test of what you know but a way of learning just a little bit more about Rotary.

Have a Club Visit coming up? We have lots of prizes for our Club Visits too!

Twenty-six Rotary Clubs participated in the district's Warming Hudson Valley campaign, collectively reporting the collection and donation of approximately 3,500 coats for adults and children. These coats were distributed to community organizations dedicated to supporting individuals in need of warm winter clothing. In addition to coats, many clubs also contributed scarves, gloves, and hats, further extending their impact. Well done, Rotarians! Your generosity is making a difference!

Mark your calendars! This year’s Epic Day of Service is set for Saturday, May 17, 2025, and it continues to grow to epic proportions! Due to its remarkable expansion—now involving 3,000 Rotary Clubs across 10 states and 7 countries—the event has officially become a 501(c)(3) organization with its own board and trustees.

New Website for Project Registration & Fundraising

Starting January 17, 2025, Rotary Clubs will be able to enter their project descriptions on the new Epic Day of Service website. This platform will help create public awareness, increase participation, and even facilitate fundraising for club projects.

For clubs choosing to fundraise through the website:
* All donations collected from members, friends, and the public will flow back to the participating Rotary Club, minus a small administrative fee for credit card processing.
* Donations are tax-exempt, but IRS guidelines require that all funds raised through the website must be directed to a 501(c)(3) organization. This means either the local Rotary Club (if it holds a 501(c)(3) status) or another designated 501(c)(3) entity must receive the funds.

Haven’t Chosen Your Club’s Epic Day of Service Project Yet?

Now is the time to identify a high-impact, long-term benefit project for your community. Need inspiration? Consider:

• 🍦 Hosting an ice cream social at a senior center
• 🐣 Organizing an Easter egg hunt for children in a local park
• 🩸 Running a blood drive
• 🧴 Assembling toiletry bags for homeless shelters
• 🐶 Supporting a local animal shelter
• 🌳 Cleaning up trails, roadsides, or parks
• 🪦 Restoring and maintaining a local cemetery
• 🥫 Holding a food drive to benefit community food banks

Need More Information?

For any questions regarding the Epic Day of Service 2025, reach out to David Green at dgreen1056@aol.com or 845-527-2283.

Let’s make this year’s Epic Day of Service the most impactful one yet! 💙💛 #RotaryInAction #EpicDayOfService

Looking for the best way to learn about Rotary? We think this is it! 🌟

District 7210 is hosting four "Come Learn About Rotary" Meet-Up Nights—an exciting opportunity to introduce potential new members to our incredible organization. These gatherings are a great way to connect, learn, and explore how Rotary makes a difference in communities near and far.

📅 Event Schedule:
🔹 March 3, 2025 – Rotary Clubs of Rockland (Regions 8 & 9)

📍 Nanuet Restaurant, Nanuet, NY

🔹 March 4, 2025 – Rotary Clubs of Columbia, Greene & Ulster (Regions 1 & 2)

📍 Best Western Plus, Kingston, NY

🔹 March 5, 2025 – Rotary Clubs of Dutchess & Putnam

📍 Daddy O’s, Hopewell Junction, NY

🔹 March 6, 2025 – Rotary Clubs of Sullivan & Orange (Regions 5 & 6)

📍 Resorts World Catskills, Monticello, NY

⏰ All events run from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Registration is required (link to follow).

Come meet fellow Rotarians, explore the impact of Rotary, and discover how you can be a part of something bigger! 🌍💙

We can’t wait to see you there!

The D7210 Public Image Team is here to make promoting your club easier! Whether it’s designing eye-catching flyers, creating engaging Facebook posts, or enhancing your club's overall presence, we’ve got you covered.

-What We Can Help With:

• Flyer design
• Social media graphics (like Facebook and Instagram posts)
• Tips for boosting your club’s visibility

Reach out to Todd Bowen and his team for guidance and support. They’re ready to help your club shine!

💬 Contact Todd today to get started!

Let us know how we can assist you in spreading the word about all the great things your club is doing! 🌟

Does your club have an event/fundraiser coming up? Share it with Todd Bowen, tcbow14@gmail.com and he will upload it to the district calendar and include it in the monthly District Happenings email.

Don’t forgot to tag us on Facebook (Rotary District 7210) or Instagram so we can share some of your posts. Also, connect with us on LinkedIn!

🔹 RYLA: District RYLA Subcommittee Chairs have reached out to Club Presidents to confirm their RYLA Chair for this year. We’re actively working with school principals to support clubs in student outreach and selection.

🔹 Youth Exchange: The program is transitioning to the ESSEX system for inbound and outbound students. While some clubs may have concerns about costs, work is underway on a matching grant program to ensure all interested students can participate, regardless of zip code. These students serve as ambassadors for Rotary, their clubs, and the U.S.—now more than ever, we need young peacemakers and goodwill representatives. Consider getting involved!

🔹 Interact: The program is thriving, with students leading impactful projects across District 7210. Some schools and clubs still need support to establish Interact programs. District-wide Interact meetings are being planned for the second semester, providing students with even more opportunities to serve and grow.

🔹Join Us! The Youth Services Subcommittees work year-round to support clubs and provide valuable resources. If you or a fellow Rotarian are passionate about youth engagement, we invite you to join us! With more hands, the work is lighter, and together, we can shape the future of Rotary and our world.

🔹Contact Lori James at lorijames.rotary@gmail.com or (845) 798-1770 to learn more or get involved. Let’s make the Rotary Magic happen for our youth! 🌟 #RotaryYouth #FutureLeaders

Rotary Trustee Mark Maloney’s January message shares the important relationship between our members’ vocations and Foundation giving. He recognized how Foundation supporters include teachers, engineers, health care professionals, builders and more. Each member’s vocation is vital to successful service projects our clubs do through Foundation grant funding. Regular Foundation giving by our members allows us to continue to make the world a better place. The most convenient way to do this is through ‘Rotary Direct,’ which provides a simple way to make monthly, quarterly or annual contributions. (Ask your club’s Foundation Chair for more information.) Mark Maloney's thought to start the new year: “Remember by supporting The Rotary Foundation every contribution — no matter the size — adds to the momentum driving meaningful change. Let’s make this year an unforgettable one — for us and for the people whose lives we will touch.”

📅 January 28, 2025
⏰ 7:00 PM
📍 Zoom (Link to follow in a separate email)

What does it take to build a fun and engaged Rotary club? Come ready to share your success stories and gain new ideas to energize your club! Don’t miss this opportunity to connect, learn, and inspire. See you there!

This weekend on RadioRotary on Sunday, January 19, 2025, co-hosts Kathy Kruger and Jonah Triebwasser will be talking with CaraMia Bacchiochi about helping the homeless with the great work of Hope on a Mission

Listen to Radio Rotary on Sundays on “The Beacon” on 92.5 and 920AM along with 96.5 and 94.3FM and WBNR at 1260AM and WLNA at 1420AM Sundays at 7:00 a.m. or https://www.wghq.fm/ or ask Alexa to play "WGHQ" or at 7:30 a.m. or on WBPM 92.9 FM or https://www.929wbpm.com/player/ or ask Alexa to play "WBPM."

Anytime at www.RadioRotary.org (past episodes also available)

Anytime at www.RadioRotary.org

Our committee continues to grow and evolve! While we skipped a formal January meeting due to the holidays, we hosted a special Zoom session with Dr. Frank Burke, founder of the RTM Protocol, to explore this innovative mental health approach. Full committee activities resume in February!

Committee Growth & Membership

We proudly welcome members from these District 7210 Rotary Clubs:
📍 Warwick Valley | Poughkeepsie-Arlington | Wappingers Falls | Rhinebeck | Red Hook | E-Club | Goshen | West Point | Minisink | Kingston | Spring Valley | Wallkill East | Walden
📍 Your Club Can Be HERE!

Also, we’re honored to have:
✅ DG Leo R. Kaytes | DG-Elect Beau Oloendorf | DG-Nominee Carrie Hernandez
✅ Non-Rotarians Judy Battista & Alex Stewart
✅ Orange County Mental Health Commissioner Lacey Trimble

Ongoing Initiatives & Updates

🔹 Guest Speakers – Mental health professionals share insights & resources at every meeting.
🔹 Club Updates – Participating clubs showcase their mental health initiatives.
🔹 RAGMHI Chapter Status – Our application to establish District 7210 as an official Rotary Action Group for Mental Health chapter is awaiting final approval.

This year’s District Conference will take place in the heart of our district at The Inn at Bellefield in Hyde Park on June 7-8. This unique location offers a chance to come together locally, allowing our members to either commute or spend the weekend. This year's conference promises an inspiring lineup of programs and keynote speakers that will enhance our understanding of Rotary’s mission and provide fresh insights into service and leadership.

Beyond the sessions, the conference will be packed with opportunities for fun and connection, giving attendees a chance to unwind, network, and strengthen friendships. Whether you're looking forward to learning something new, reuniting with friends, or making memories with fellow Rotarians, this conference is set to be a highlight of the year. Make plans to join us for an unforgettable experience!

• January 23: Pre-PELS Session 1 via Zoom (PE'S at 7PM, Encore Presidents at 8PM)
• February 6: Pre-PELS Session 2 via Zoom (PE'S & Encore Presidents @ 7PM)
• February 20: Pre-PELS Session 3 via Zoom (PE'S & Encore Presidents @ 7PM)
• February 22: District Team Learning Seminar at New Paltz HS (2025-26 District Committee Chairs & AG's)
• March 3 or 5: Pre-PELS AG Session (@ 7PM)
• March 6: Pre-PELS Session 4 via Zoom (PE'S, Encore Presidents at 8PM)
• March 20-22: MNE PELS at Hanover Marriott, Whippany, NJ (PE's & AG's)
• April 5: Learning Center Live at New Paltz HS (ALL members!)
• May 3: District Learning Assembly at New Paltz HS (ALL members!)
• June 7-8: District Conference at The Inn at Bellefield, Hyde Park, NY (ALL members!)
• June 21-25: Rotary International Convention in Calgary, Alberta Canada (ALL members!)

Take part in this transformative, one-of-a-kind event and experience the Magic All Around at the 2025 Rotary International Convention in Calgary, Canada 21-25 June 2025. Learn more and register here.

Help us build a great slideshows that tell our Rotary story!

Keeping members informed between meetings is essential for boosting engagement in your club. Does your club have an effective way to communicate updates and events? Share your methods with us! We'll gather all submissions and share them with everyone next month, providing fresh ideas to enhance communication and connection in your club.