More than 150 Rotarians, civic leaders, and guests gathered aboard a Skyline cruise on June 7, 2026 to celebrate the installation of Dr. Maksud Chowdhury as district governor of Rotary District 7230 for the 2026–2027 Rotary year. Dr. Chowdhury is the second Bangladeshi-American to serve as district governor of the district, marking a significant milestone in its history.
The ceremony welcomed nine Past District Governors, the Immediate Past District Governor, Assistant Governors, Rotary leaders, and community partners from across Manhattan, the Bronx, Staten Island, Westchester County, and Bermuda. Also in attendance were District 7255 (Long Island) Governor Rose Quaranta and her husband, Past District Governor Arnold Quaranta, reflecting the strong fellowship and collaboration between neighboring Rotary districts. In one of Rotary's most cherished traditions, the ceremonial gavel was passed hand-to-hand through the past district governors before being presented by District Governor Garrett to Dr. Chowdhury, symbolizing the continuity of Rotary leadership. Past District Governor McKinnis administered the oath of office.
Ten students at Public School 213 - Carl Ulman Elementary School in Bayside, Queens, received 10 ipads through a grant by the Rotary Club of Soaring Heights. The project was part of the 2025-26 District Grant in which half of the project cost was funded by the Club and the other half was covered by a District Matching Grant.
Club President Shahnewaz Rahim formally handed over the iPads to School Officials, including Principal Odalis Dejesus and Technology Teacher Jennifer Louizio. President Shahnewaz expressed her “gratitude to everyone who continues to support and highlight the meaningful work of Soaring Heights Rotary. Every act of service strengthens our mission and brings hope where it’s needed most.” Principal Odalis thanked the Rotary Club for stepping forward to provide the children with the much needed iPads.
The school provided the hardware specifications and a list of approved vendors. The club provided the funding and the iPads were configured to the Schools specifications and delivered directly to the school. The school will retain ownership of the iPads and provide them to designated students each school year. The school's Technology Department will ensure that the iPads continue to meet these specifications through periodic inspections. The iPads are expected to have a minimum lifespan of five years.
The Soaring Heights Rotary Club was established in 2025 and this was the Club's first District Grant project.
iPads for Students
2026-06-18 04:00:00Z
0
Rotary,Rotary 7230,Rotary Club of Soaring Heights,Youth Empowerment
As part of EPIC Day of Service 2026, the Hamilton Rotary Club of Bermuda joined forces with its Interact Club and Paget Island Adventures Ltd. to help revitalize a youth center on Paget Island.
Working together, volunteers cleaned and restored the facility, which had been left unused by its previous tenant. Their efforts helped prepare the space for future youth programs, creating a welcoming environment where young people can learn, grow, and connect.
District Governor Garrett Capobianco and district leaders recently traveled to Bermuda to participate in the Presidents-Elect Learning Seminar (PELS), helping prepare incoming club leaders for a successful Rotary year ahead.
The training brought together President-Elects and Secretary-Elects and included sessions on leadership development and district grant applications. During the visit, District Governor Garrett also installed several incoming club presidents as they prepare to lead their clubs in the upcoming Rotary year.
Joining the session via Video Conference, District Governor-Elect Dr. Maksud Chowdhury outlined his vision for the coming Rotary Year - stronger clubs, engaged members, meaningful service, and sustainable growth, saying "Together, we can build a district that is vibrant, inclusive, innovative, and prepared for the future."
A special highlight of the event was the presentation of certificates of appreciation to District Secretary Peronia Browne and Assistant Governor Leslie Grant in recognition of their dedication and Service Above Self throughout the Rotary year.
The Rotary Clubs of Staten Island recently came together for Networking for Good, an evening dedicated to fellowship, connection, and community building. Hosted collaboratively by Staten Island’s five Rotary clubs, Gateway Rotary Club of Staten Island, Mid-Island Rotary Club, North Shore Rotary of Staten Island, South Shore Rotary of Staten Island, and Rotary Club of Staten, the event provided an opportunity for members to strengthen relationships and celebrate the spirit of Rotary.
More than just a networking event, Networking for Good showcased the power of collaboration among Rotarians who share a common commitment to making a positive impact in their communities. Members exchanged ideas, built new connections, and reinforced the partnerships that help drive meaningful service projects throughout Staten Island and beyond.
Service Above Self was on full display as Rotarians from Staten Island’s five Rotary Clubs, Gateway, Mid-Island, North Shore, South Shore, and Staten Island Rotary, came together for the annual EPIC Day of Service at Snug Harbor Cultural Center & Botanical Garden.
Working side by side in fellowship and service, volunteers dedicated their time and energy to beautifying and enhancing community gathering spaces throughout the Snug Harbor campus. The day’s projects included mulching new pathways around Building P, transplanting sunflowers along the farm fence line, planting pollinators, revitalizing insect hotels, spreading woodchips and mulch throughout the South Meadow area, and improving landscaping along Chapel Road, Gazebo Road, and Melville Extension.
From New York to Nigeria, the fight to End Polio Now continues through the power of global Rotary fellowship and service. District 7230 is deeply grateful to Prince Henry Akinyele (District Governor D9111), Rotary International District 9111, and the incredible Nigerian Rotarians for warmly hosting Assistant Governor, Abit Ragbeer, and Public Image Chair, Tasmain Warren, during their visit to Nigeria.
Joining the polio immunization exercise at the Police College Health Centre alongside the District PolioPlus team was a truly unforgettable experience and a powerful reminder that Rotary’s impact is global. Witnessing firsthand the dedication, coordination, and tireless commitment of Nigerian Rotarians to polio eradication left us inspired and deeply moved.
Join Rotary International District 7230 for an elegant afternoon of fellowship, celebration, and leadership as we officially install Incoming District Governor Dr. Maksud Chowdhury and welcome the 2026 District Leadership Team.
Set against the beautiful waterfront backdrop of the World’s Fair Marina, this special occasion will bring together Rotarians, Rotaractors, Past District Governors, family, friends, and community leaders from across the district for a memorable celebration of service and continuity in leadership.
Six Hommocks Middle School students were honored by the Rotary Club of Larchmont as winners of the 2026 Essay Contest during its May 1st at the Larchmont Yacht Club. Club member Marian White has led the effort for the last 24 years, coordinating in September with the Hommocks English Department to determine a relevant topic and then selecting Rotarian essay judges to determine the winners. Each May, families, teachers, Rotarians and special guests have gathered to celebrate the most talented of the young writers.
The Rotary Club of New York and Food Sospeso successfully hosted a special presentation event on May 7, 2026, at the Turkish House in New York City, officially introducing the Food Sospeso Initiative — a technology-driven humanitarian platform connecting restaurants, donors, and verified community organizations to help combat food insecurity across New York City.
The event welcomed more than 50 distinguished guests, including diplomats, Rotary leaders, government representatives, media, nonprofit organizations, and restaurant owners.
Rotary District 7230 is proud to announce that it will spearhead Rotary’s participation in the NYC Pride March for the very first time in the March’s 56-year history. This milestone moment reflects Rotary’s ongoing commitment to inclusion, unity, and service within all communities we serve.
The 2026 NYC Pride March will take place on Sunday, June 28, 2026, and District 7230 invites Rotarians across the district to be part of this historic and meaningful event. Marching together offers an opportunity to celebrate diversity, stand in solidarity, and demonstrate Rotary’s values in action.
Please note that space is limited. Rotarians interested in participating must register in advance. Registration will open on Saturday, April 11, 2026, at 12:00 PM Eastern Time (UTC/GMT-4).
Join us May 9th for a day of inspiration, collaboration, and celebration!
Rotarians and Rotaractors from across our district will come together to share our stories and our successes. We'll learn new ideas to welcome our community, how to tell our Rotary Story and more. We'll also come together for a service project.
And don't miss this chance to hear from our amazing keynote speaker, Michael Sheldrick! Michael is a Co-Founder and Chief Policy, Impact and Government Relations Officer at Global Citizen. Over the past decade, Global Citizen’s campaigns have led to over $35 billion distributed to anti-poverty efforts around the world.
The Rotary Club of Pleasantville invites the community to come together for an inspiring afternoon dedicated to service, connection and impact. The 2026 Generous Pour promises not only an enjoyable experience, but also an opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of many.
This highly anticipated event will bring together community members, local partners and supporters to raise critical funds addressing some of today’s most pressing needs, including food insecurity, mental health support, arts education and student scholarships. Through fellowship and generosity, attendees will help expand access to essential resources and opportunities for individuals and families across the region.
Rotary International is stepping up to the plate, and you’re invited to be part of the action!
Join us at Yankee Stadium as the New York Yankees take on the Baltimore Orioles for an exciting afternoon of baseball, fellowship, and purpose. On Saturday, May 2nd at 1:35 PM, District 7230 Rotarians, family, and friends will gather not just to cheer on our home team, but to help End Polio Now.
The Rotary Club of Larchmont brought energy, music, and community spirit together this weekend with a vibrant Salsa and Swing celebration in support of the Mamaroneck Community Resource Center.
What began as a vision supported by a District Grant has grown into a meaningful partnership focused on opportunity and empowerment. Through this initiative, Larchmont Rotary is collaborating with the Community Resource Center (CRC) to launch a culinary arts program for youth in downtown Mamaroneck, creating pathways for skill-building, creativity, and future career exploration.
The global eradication of polio remains Rotary International’s number one philanthropic objective. The road to END POLIO NOW runs through the country of Pakistan, one of two countries where the disease remains endemic. To see first-hand the good work going on in Pakistan, Zone 33 End Polio Now Coordinator Nancy Barbee and I recently visited Karachi. We were the guests of Past Trustee of The Rotary Foundation Aziz Memon, Chair of the PolioPlus Committee for Pakistan, and the Rotary family of Karachi.
The Rotary Club of Yonkers-East Yonkers is pleased to distribute a number of LifeVac anti-choking devices to public-facing businesses and organizations in Yonkers, at no cost to the recipient, thanks to a generous grant from Westchester County. LifeVac units will be distributed to eligible organizations on a first-come, first-served basis, while supplies last, so that they can be used to protect the public in an emergency.
Ryan Warner (left) helps demonstrate how to use LifeVac
"These devices are designed to help save a life in the event of a choking emergency and provide an added layer of safety for residents, seniors, and visitors alike. Initiatives like this truly make Yonkers a safer and more caring community," said Mayor Mike Spano.
On December 6 and 7, 2025, the Rotary Club of Yonkers-East Yonkers successfully completed its record-breaking Filibuster for Community Service Projects, a 25.5-hour continuous public speaking marathon dedicated to raising funds for local community service initiatives.
The event marked a milestone for the Club and the City of Yonkers, showcasing the power of sustained civic engagement, creativity and collective action. Thanks to the generosity of sponsors, donors and viewers, the Club raised $6,000 to support youth programs, community safety efforts and assistance for families in need in Yonkers.
On Wednesday, January 21st, Congressional Representative George Latimer made a floor speech about Rotary and polio, specifically the current administration's plan to "defund key GPEI partners." The speech was recorded and can be viewed by clicking on this link.
I am reaching out to you with the support and encouragement of our District Governor Garrett Capobianco, because the 20+ Rotary Clubs of Westchester have a wonderful opportunity to come together to support one of the most vital service organizations in our county, FEEDING WESTCHESTER. We can do this by joining forces and resources to fund a RESTAURANTEUR LEVEL SPONSORSHIP for their upcoming event, An Evening in Good Taste, taking place on April 16th, 2026.
District 7230 Rotarians gathered at Sarah Lawrence College in Yonkers on November 1 for a powerful day of leadership training, collaboration, and strategic visioning. Building on the momentum of our Bermuda session, this training brought together club leaders and members from across the district to further strengthen “Our Plan for Success” and deepen alignment with the Rotary International Action Plan.
Throughout the day, district leaders guided engaging conversations on how we can continue to expand our reach, increase our impact, enhance participant engagement, and embrace greater adaptability. These discussions were focused not only on understanding the Action Plan, but on putting it into motion across our New York clubs.
Yonkers-Yonkers East President Alan Gray gave an entertaining presentation
Rotarians from the Rotary Club of Peekskill once again demonstrated what it means to live “Service Above Self” as they proudly marched in the community’s annual Turkey Trot, supporting Caring for the Hungry and Homeless of Peekskill, Inc. This beloved local event brings residents, volunteers and leaders together each year to raise awareness and resources for vulnerable families, and our Rotarians showed up in full spirit to stand with their neighbors.
The Rotary Club of Harlem brought service to life in an extraordinary way during November 22nd’s Food for the Soul meal-packing event, a powerful testament to what can be accomplished when compassion meets collective action. With the help of more than 60 dedicated volunteers, Rotarians worked side by side to package 30,024 nutritious meals for Harlem families and local food pantries.
This week, District Governor Garrett Capobianco and District Governor Nominee Serkan Ceylan joined the Rotary Club of Metro NYC for their second annual Holiday Social & Care Packages Project, a beautiful blend of fellowship and service.
Rotarians came together to write heartfelt holiday cards and assemble and wrap holiday care kits for families at the Sanctuary for Families Domestic Violence Shelter.
District leaders came together for a day of leadership training and collaboration in Bermuda, bringing District 7230’s vision of “Our Plan for Success” to life. The session focused on how clubs can align with the Rotary International Action Plan, a roadmap designed to help Rotarians expand their reach, increase their impact, enhance participant engagement and strengthen adaptability.
District 7230 Rotarians in Bermuda came together for an evening filled with connection, celebration and service, reflecting the true spirit of Rotary fellowship. The gathering brought together memberscommitted to strengthening Rotary’s mission and building bonds that extend beyond borders.
The Rotary Club of Hamilton, Bermuda continues to shine as a leader in promoting education, environmental awareness, and meaningful dialogue within District 7230. The club was recently featured in The Royal Gazette for hosting an impactful luncheon with Dr. Craig Carlson, President and CEO of the Bermuda Institute of Ocean Sciences (BIOS). This event exemplifies Rotary’s commitment to fostering informed communities and supporting initiatives that address some of the world’s most pressing environmental challenges.
Rotary Zones 32 and 38 came together under the uplifting theme “Better Together” for this year’s Zone Summit, a powerful reminder of what’s possible when Rotarians unite for a common purpose.
At sunrise, participants laced up their shoes for an early morning Walk for Polio, taking steps that symbolize Rotary’s unwavering determination to end polio for good. Among those joining the walk were Olayinka Hakeem Babalola Preba Babalola (Rotary International President Elect 2026-2027) and his wife (Preba Babalola) whose presence underscored the global commitment to this life-changing mission.
Special needs children and their families, were given a much-needed break together as a group at a lunch, organized for Thanksgiving day, by the Rotary e-Club of Sunshine, New York. As part of the Club's 2025-26 District Grant project, the event brought together about 55 people most of them special needs children and their care-giving families, at a restaurant in Jamaica, Queens.
It was a break for these families, as they rarely get to go out together as a group. The families got to know each other and the children - some of them already young adults made new friends. The event was put together by club member Mohammed Tofayel Ahmed, who connected the families together.
The gathering also laid the ground work for a new cause-based Club to be formed shortly through the newly-created North American Club Creation Team. Many of the attendees signed up to be charter members of this new Club in formation. Rotarian Tofayel will be the Charter President of the Club.
DGE Dr. Maksud Chowdhury, PDG Mahbub Ahmad and North American Club Creation Team Founding Member Bina Ahmad, as well as representatives of the Rotary Clubs of Promise, Hope, Heritage and Sunshine were also present. Rubaiya Rahman, CEO of the Autism Society Habilitation Organization (ASHO) was a speaker at the event.
To protect the privacy of the special needs children, their pictures are not published.
Thanksgiving gathering for Special Needs Children and their caregivers
2025-12-01 05:00:00Z
0
Community Impact,District 7230,Maksud Chowdhury,Rotary 7230,Sunshine NY Rotary,Youth Empowerment
On Thursday, June 5, we wrapped up Rotary Year 2024-25 with a proud and heartwarming moment at the Hop Lee Restaurant in the heart of Chinatown, NYC — the formal chartering and induction of the Interact Club of Chinatown! 🎉
District Governor Syed Alirahi led the ceremony, officially welcoming 19 bright and passionate young leaders as members of our newest Interact Club — the third new Interact Club established in our District this year! 👏🌟
DG Syed administered the oath to the Club’s Charter President and warmly inducted the new Interactors. Co-Presidents Evelyn Isaacs and Esther Yip, along with their fellow officers and members, proudly represented their new Club, full of energy, ideas and a deep commitment to serving their community. 💫
Rotary’s youth programs like Interact are more than just clubs — they’re incubators for compassion, leadership and global citizenship. Sponsored by Rotary Clubs, Interact Clubs are for students ages 12-18, empowering them to connect with leaders in their communities and beyond, while organizing service projects, building friendships and learning the value of "Service Above Self." 🌍🤝
At a ceremony equal parts tradition, emotion, and Rotary pageantry, Garrett Capobianco of the Scarsdale Rotary Club was officially installed as District Governor for Rotary District 7230 for the 2025-2026 year. The event took place at the elegant Scarsdale Woman’s Club, a fitting venue for a moment both ceremonious and personal.
Though his term officially begins on July 1, Garret Capobianco’s journey to District Governor kicked off two and half years ago. His installation ceremony began with a heartfelt moment: reciting the oath of office, administered not by a random dignitary but by his daughter and fellow Rotarian, Victoria Capobianco. The incoming Governor, visibly moved, called her “the most important person in my life,” setting the tone for an evening filled with warmth and a palpable sense of community.
Following the oath came Rotary’s symbolic handover rituals. Outgoing Governor Syed Alirahi of the Westchester Rotary Club placed the storied District Governor necklace—a weighty chain bearing the engraved names of all past DGs—around the newly-minted Governor’s neck. “It’s like wearing the history of Rotary 7230 around your neck—and maybe a few pounds of stainless steel,” one attendee quipped.
Then came the passing of the ceremonial Rotary gavel inscribed with the words, “The best is yet to come.” It’s more than just a tool for calling meetings to order—it’s a baton in a relay of service and leadership.
On Thursday evening May 29, Rotary District 7230 hosted its annual Paul Harris Dinner, honoring the district’s most committed supporters of The Rotary Foundation. The event, at J.C. Fogarty’s in Bronxville, attended by 45 distinguished donors, celebrated Paul Harris Fellows, Major Donors, Benefactors, and Arch Klumph Society members whose contributions continue to transform lives globally.
Opening the evening was District Rotary Foundation Committee Chair (DRFC) and Past District Governor (PDG) Eric Storberg, who welcomed guests and emphasized the Foundation’s role in Rotary’s mission of Service Above Self.
The highlight of the evening was the keynote address by PDG Mahbub Ahmad, Chair of the District Grants Sub-Committee. With passion and humor, PDG Mahbub praised attendees as “heroes with checkbooks” and shared powerful stories that illustrated the real-world impact of their generosity.
“Every dollar you give creates a story,” he said. “Sometimes it’s a comeback story, sometimes a love story, but always—always—a story of hope.” PDG Mahbub said donors to The Rotary Foundation, which has been awarded the highest 4-star rating by Charity Navigator for 16 consecutive years, are helping rewrite the futures of many lives around the world.
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 a 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 1100 views. Twelve 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.
Presidents-Elect from the six Districts of the Mid-North-East Rotary alliance joined a two-day Learning Seminar from the evening of 20 March to the afternoon of 22 March. This year the traditional PETS was renamed the Mid North East Presidents-Elect Learning Seminar (MNE PELS).
Mid-Northeast Presidents-Elect Learning Seminar (PELS) is a premier learning event for Rotary President-Elects and Assistant Governors. Mid-Northeast PELS provides the required knowledge to serve as Club President or Assistant Governor, as well as inspiration and motivation. Mid-Northeast PELS is a 6-District, 300+ clubs learning event, with the atmosphere of a mini-Rotary International convention. The 2025 PELS continued to be the in-person event it was in 2022, 2023, and 2024. The speakers, District Governors-Elect, educators, committee, and discussion leaders all had one thought in mind: equip and excite Club Presidents-Elect and Assistant Governors for their year of service.
The highlight this year was the presence of RI President Nominee Sangkoo Yun as a Keynote Speaker and Director Chris Etienne. Also present and speaking at a Plenary session was Past Rotary Director and Treasurer Drew Kessler. The Presidents-Elect had small group sessions on Planning the year ahead, Conducting effective meetings, Engaging club members, attracting new members, Preparing to lead, Public Image, Service in the community and Fundraising for the Rotary Foundation. The Assistant Governors has separate sessions on strategy, addressing challenges, and knowing the resources available. There were two panel discussions on membership and Public Image.
On Saturday, at the District meeting, the District budget for 2025-26 was unanimously approved. The budget held the line on per capita dues with no major changes. District Governor-Elect Garrett Capobianco spoke about continuing the successful strategies of the past years emphasizing the importance of membership growth.
On both days, each District had a decade-themed hospitality suite. The theme for D7230 was the 50s. All in all the 2-days were filled with learning, fellowship and fun.
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.
President Serkan has assumed the role of District-Governor Nominee Designee (DGND) for the balance of the Rotary Year. On July 1 2025, he will transition to District Governor Nominee (DGN). The following year, he will become the District Governor Elect (DGE) and on 1 July 2027 he will take over as District Governor.
DGND Serkan's Rotary life began in July 2006 when he joined the Rotary Club of Bodrum-Karia in Turkey, serving as Club Secretary, and then President in 2013-14. He moved to the Rotary Club of Scarsdale in 2022, serving as the President for the current Rotary year. He is also the Chair of the RYLA Committee this year.
Welcoming DGND Serkan to the District Leadership Team, DG Syed asked District Rotarians to join him "in congratulating DGND Serkan and offering him your support as he steps into this important leadership role. We look forward to his vision and dedication in guiding District 7230 in the years ahead."
Serkan Ceylan selected as District Governor 2027-28
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.
President-Elect Shahnewaz Rahim opened the ceremony with the 4-way Test and the Thought of the Day, followed by welcoming the DG and the District officials. She then introduced Charter President Noor. DG Syed first installed the Charter President followed by the installation of Club Officers and Charter members. Each Charter member received a welcome package with a Charter member Certificate signed by the DG, a Charter member pin and the Rotary Basics booklet.
In his remarks, DG Syed warmly congratulated President Noor, Club Officers, and all members on the establishment of the Club, saying "the event marks a significant moment in the Club's continued commitment to making a difference in our community and beyond". He presented the Charter President with a plaque.
Charter President Noor thanked all guests saying this milestone represents "our commitment to service, unity and the transformative power of Rotary." He spoke about his Club's projects already undertaken and his plans for the coming months. The club produced a colorful 8-page brochure that included messages from the RI President, the DG, the Club Advisor, the Area Governor, a display of photos of all members as well as pictures from their Club meetings.