Our much-anticipated District Conference on Saturday, April 5, 2025, at the beautiful Terrace-on-the-Park, was a huge success. Nearly 130 District Rotarians joined us on the day when we celebrated our shared successes, honored our clubs, and strengthened our vision for the future.
It was a conference to remember. One of our District's young leaders - Raaid Ahmad, Membership Chair of the Sunshine Rotary Club - successfully delivered an outstanding keynote address that was appreciated by all and has so far garnered over 11 hundred views. 12 Clubs presented their projects, the presenters being recognized by a Magic of Rotary medal. Plaques were also given out to District Officers and Board members, recognizing them for their service. Tributes were paid to those of us we lost during the year.
DG Syed Alirahi spoke about the accomplishments of the district, including bringing in 139 new members, but we also lost over a hundred members. One new Club was chartered. Charter applications for 1 new Rotaract Club and 3 Interact Clubs are pending.
A colorful printed District directory was distributed among the attendees after 3 years. It is a comprehensive publication, containing a pictorial depiction of the year's activities, contact information of all District Officers. Contact information of officers of all Clubs, along with pictures of their respective Presidents, is also part of the Directory. The Directory was printed at no cost to the District.
Serkan Ceylan, President of the Rotary Club of Scarsdale, has been selected as the District Governor for 2027-28. DG Syed Alirahi made the official announcement in an email sent to all District members.
Our newest Club - the Rotary Club of Pioneers, New York was chartered on 29 October 2024. Following a period of organization, the Club celebrated its Charter ceremony and installation of Club Officers marking the beginning of a new chapter filled with service, fellowship, and impactful initiatives! . Club Officers, members, and Rotarians from 4 other Clubs were joined by more than 50 well-wishers at the Skyline Hall, in Ozone Park on 10 February. The Chief Guest was DG Syed Alirahi and District First Lady Shazia Alirahi. Also attending were Club Advisor PDG Mahbub Ahmad and Area Governor Bina Ahmad.
“No child is safe until every child is vaccinated,” McGovern emphasized, as he outlined the urgent steps needed to achieve zero polio cases. District Rotary Foundation Chair PDG Eric Storberg introduced McGovern, who detailed the challenges in Pakistan and Afghanistan, where wild polio cases have risen, and the situation in Gaza, where a recent outbreak of vaccine-derived polio was successfully contained thanks in large part by Rotary’s dedicated volunteers. These brave individuals worked tirelessly, vaccinating children during limited two-hour windows of ceasefire.
The new members each “aspire” to new heights as they begin their Rotaract journey. The officers were installed by DG Syed Alirahi at an outdoor joint gathering of their sponsor Club – The Rotary Club of Hope New York and the new Club. President Minhaz Ahmed, a former Rotaractor himself. brought together these 11 other Rotaractors. DG Syed presented the Club Charter Certificate to the members. He congratulated them on the new Club and expressed his confidence that they will put their time and energy into serving the community. .png)
