Welcome to the Rotary Club of Westchester, NY

Serve to Change Lives

We were chartered in December 2020 as the Rotary Club of Fairview-Mt. Vernon. To better serve our community we changed our name to Rotary Club of Westchester in March 2021
Rotarians have a vision: “Together, we see a world where people unite and take action to create lasting change — across the globe, in our communities, and in ourselves.”

Amber Alirahi is our Newest President

1 July 2024 was a historic day for our Club. Amber Alirahi took over as President of our Club. Not only is she our Club's youngest member, she has now become the District's youngest Club President. The youngest daughter of our Charter President, Amber has just graduated from New York University. And she just got married in June. Her husband Shahzaib Siddiqui is also a Rotarian.

President Amber was installed at a ceremony attended by District Governor Loren Russell, and other District Leaders. In a message to Club members President Amber said she was " deeply honored and grateful for the opportunity to serve as your President. Your trust and support mean the world to me. Together, we can achieve incredible things and make a lasting impact in our community." She thanked all members for their dedication and commitment and urged to continue to inspire each other and make this year truly remarkable!

DG's Newsletter - August 2024

Dear Rotarians, Rotaractors, and Friends of District 7230:

As we embark on the new Rotary year, I am filled with optimism and enthusiasm for the journey ahead. Our theme for this year, "Together," encapsulates our commitment to unity, collaboration, and shared purpose. Let us strive to achieve our goals by working hand in hand, embracing the diversity and strengths of our vibrant district.

**Leadership Meeting on July 1st**
Our Rotary year began on a high note with the well-attended Leadership Meeting on July 1st. This event brought together Past District Governors (PDGs), our District Governor-Elect (DGE), our District Governor Nominee (DGN), Deputy Governors, Area Governors, District Committee Chairs, and many other esteemed leaders of our district. The gathering, followed by a fellowship Dinner, was a testament to the dedication and commitment of our Rotary leadership, and it set the stage for a year of impactful service and fellowship.

**Club Visits and Installations**
Following the Leadership Meeting, I had the honor of visiting several clubs across our District to install club presidents and officers. These visits were incredibly inspiring, as I saw firsthand the enthusiasm and dedication of our members. Each installation ceremony is a dual celebration - of the leadership that will guide our clubs in making a difference in our communities and thanking the outgoing leadership for their service.

**A Call to Rotaract and Rotary Clubs**
To our Rotaract and Rotary clubs, I extend a heartfelt invitation to harness the Magic of Rotary. engage with your communities, innovate in your projects, and foster an environment where every member feels valued and empowered. Your efforts not only make a tangible difference but also inspire others to join our mission of service above self. I am pleased to announce that in advance of “Membership and New Club Development Month” in August, we have just applied for a New Rotaract Club with 12 members to join the ranks of our District. We are expecting quick approval.

**District Committee Chairs**
Our District Committees play a crucial role in supporting our clubs and advancing our goals. I am grateful for the dedication of our committee chairs, who bring expertise and passion to their roles. Together, we will address key areas such as membership growth, community service, and Rotary Foundation support. If you wish to join any of our Committees to share your passion and talents, please get in touch with any of our Deputy Governors.

**August is Membership & New Club Development Month**

During the month Rotary Clubs around the world focus on membership in Rotary. Let each of us chip in to build our Organization. Each of you is a Membership Ambassador. Talk to your friends and relatives about Rotary, post your Rotary activities on your social media pages. Sponsor a friend or two into your Club, or if you think you have 8 or 20 of them, contact our Membership Committee membership@rotary7230.org to set up a new Satellite Club or a new Club. Let us go for it.

**Looking Ahead**

As we move forward, let us remember the power of collaboration and the impact we can achieve when we work together. I encourage each of you to actively participate in district events, share your ideas, and support one another. Together, we can make this Rotary year one of the most successful and fulfilling yet.

Thank you for your unwavering commitment to Rotary. Let us continue to inspire, connect, and transform our communities.

Yours in Rotary Service,

Syed Alirahi
District Governor 2024-25
Rotary District 7230

Our Charter President is now District Governor

Syed Alirahi took on the mantle of District Governor for Rotary International District 7230 (D7230) for the upcoming 2024-25 term, following a ceremony held at Castle Royale on Saturday, June 15th. The installation, conducted by RI Director-Elect Chris Etienne, was attended by nearly a hundred Rotarians from across the district.

The evening commenced with a Meet-and-Greet session, transitioning into a formal ceremony where various dignitaries, including representatives from local, state, and congressional offices, honored Alirahi with proclamations and citations for his community service. Among them were US Congressman Jamaal Bowman, NY State Senator Andrea Stewart-Cousins, NYS Assembly Member Mary Jane Shimsky, Westchester County Executive George Latimer, Greenburgh Town Supervisor Paul Feiner, and Elmsford Mayor Robert Williams. The Westchester Association of Fire Chiefs and the Elmsford Fire Department also honored the DG. See all proclamations & Congratulations.

Outgoing District Governor Rev. Dr. J. Loren Russell highlighted the district's achievements during the past year, praising D7230 as the leading growth district in North America in terms of membership.

After a buffet dinner, RI Director-Elect Chris Etienne delivered a poignant address, sharing her personal Rotary journey and emphasizing the impact of Rotary's global efforts, particularly in polio eradication.

The highlight of the evening was the formal installation of Syed Alirahi as District Governor for 2024-25. Alirahi expressed gratitude to his supporters, acknowledging the mentorship of outgoing DG Russell and the guidance of past district leaders. He also shared his family's deep-rooted involvement in Rotary, noting that he, his wife Shazia, their five daughters, and their husbands are all committed Rotarians.

In his inaugural remarks, Alirahi called upon his newly installed district team, comprising Area Governors, Vice-Governor, Deputy Governors, District Secretary, Committee Chairs, and Committee members, urging them to continue Rotary's mission of service and community impact.

The installation ceremony marked the official beginning of Alirahi's term, which starts on July 1st, 2024, promising a year dedicated to advancing Rotary's humanitarian goals locally and globally.

Rotary Club of Westchester, NY Club Officers Installation Dinner

The Rotary Club of Westchester, NY hosted a Club Officers Installation Dinner on July 1, 2023, at 6 PM at Royal Palace in White Plains, NY.

On this special occasion, Outgoing Club President Shazia Alirahi reflected on the achievements of the previous year and looked forward to the success of the new club officers. The club members honored Past District Governor George McKinnis and Past District Governor Mary Shackleton for their hard work and excellence.

District Governor Rev. Dr. J. Loren Russell who took over as Governor on this day, administered the oath of office to the 2023-24 Club Officer. He highlighted his theme for the year "We, not Me". Among those present were Immediate Past District Governor Marty Schulman, Past District Governors Mahbub Ahmad and Lora Archer, as well as Area Governor Bina Ahmad. Club Charter President and District-Governor-Elect Syed Alirahi was a special guest.

Incoming President Maher Pathan and her Team of 2023-24 Club Officers raised their hands taking their respective oath of office. Other District Officers were also present to cheer up the new Club Team and encourage them. Among those taking office ae President-Elect Amber Alirahi, Treasurer Shazia Alirahi, and International Director Nelson Diaz.

Rotary International Convention in Melbourne

Rotary Club of Westchester NY members attended the Rotary International Convention in Melbourne, Australia, on May 27, 2023. .Rotary International First Woman President Jennifer Jones and Rotary Club of Westchester NY First Woman President Shazia Alirahi meeting at RI Convention.