Welcome to Rotary District 7570
We are People of Action
TOGETHER, WE
TRANSFORM
TOGETHER, WE
CONNECT
TOGETHER, WE
INSPIRE
TOGETHER, WE
SAVE LIVES
TOGETHER, WE
FIGHT HUNGER
TOGETHER, WE
EMPOWER
TOGETHER, WE
MENTOR
Rotary District 7570
Meet The District Governor
Bret Hrbek joined the Rotary Club of Front Royal in 2001 and became a board member in 2016, serving as club president in 2019-2020. He served as District Youth Coordinator and Interact Chairman from 2019-2023 and chaired the district’s Youth & Peace in Action Implementation Committee in 2020-2021. In 2017 Bret traveled with Rotarians from across the nation in a National Immunization Day delegation to India to deliver polio vaccinations. Bret is a member of the Paul Harris Society, the PolioPlus Society, the Bequest Society, a benefactor and a RLI graduate. Bret and his wife, Jessica, are Major Donors. Besides Rotary, Bret is a member of the Board of the Community Foundation of the Northern Shenandoah Valley and president of the Zeta Beta Tau Foundation.
Governor's Message | May 2025
May means Youth Service—and also cake (Not cookies, but lots of cake)
May is one of my favorite Rotary months—not just because it’s my birthday month (hint, hint…), but because it’s Youth Services Month. In my own club, May is when we award scholarships to deserving high school seniors, recognize rockstar educators and invest in the future—not just of Rotary, but of society itself.
As Whitney Houston once sang, “I believe the children are our future, teach them well and let them lead the way.” And if that’s not enough musical inspiration, I offer you philosopher Hannah Arendt, who said, “Every generation, civilization is invaded by barbarians—we call them ‘children.’” Both statements are true. Kids are the future… and they do occasionally invade your fridge, your schedule and your sanity. But that’s where the Magic of Rotary comes in.
Rotary gives us the tools to turn those tiny barbarians into compassionate, capable, community-minded leaders. And we start early! With EarlyAct clubs in elementary schools, we introduce service as something joyful and bigger than self. Through Interact, our middle and high school students begin to truly internalize “Service Above Self” while building projects (and character) that prepare them for the next step. By the time they hit college, they’re already hunting down a Rotaract Club like it’s a limited-edition Taylor Swift album.
Then there’s Rotary Youth Leadership Academy (RYLA)—one of our district’s crown jewels. Each year, RYLA brings together bright, motivated high school students from across District 7570. They leave with stronger leadership skills, broader perspectives and friendships that often last a lifetime. Watching my daughter Annie attend, I’ve seen firsthand the confidence and community it builds.
A few weeks ago, while flipping through the Rotary Club of Tazewell’s 75th Anniversary book from 2002, I stumbled on a RYLA section. As I read the description, something felt oddly familiar. Then I looked at the picture… and saw one of my high school classmates. And then—there I was! Center-parted 1990s hair and all. That RYLA experience was my first Rotary event and my first time on the Virginia Tech campus. Who knew what doors that one moment would open?
And speaking of life-changing experiences—let’s talk Rotary Youth Exchange, one of our most powerful peace-building programs. Every year, young people from our district and across the world live with host families, attend school in a new country and immerse themselves in a completely different culture. They return wiser, more empathetic, and often, multilingual (or at least fluent in awkward dinner table small talk). My family has hosted three exchange students, each with their own quirks, stories and yes—occasional challenges—but I wouldn’t trade those experiences for anything. Whether you host, sponsor or simply support the program, you’re part of something extraordinary.
So this May, I encourage every Rotary Club to invest in the next generation. Whether it's launching a new youth program, supporting scholarships, mentoring a young person or simply bringing your own kids, grandkids or nieces and nephews to events, remember: we are planting seeds. We are building cathedrals we may never enter, but that doesn’t make them any less sacred.
And if you need a reason to eat cake this month—now you’ve got two. Youth Services Month... and, of course, my birthday. I may be turning 51, but deep down I’m still just a well-behaved barbarian with a Rotary pin.
Rotary Club of Lexington Sunrise
The Rotary Club of Lexington Sunrise provided grant funds for the Rockbridge Area Health Center’s (RAHC) School Based Health Center at Rockbridge County High School. Club Rotarians toured the clinic, exam areas, and the behavioral health room at an Open House on April 23, 2025. The clinic is open not only to students but also to the public.
Photo: l-r RAHC Strategic Projects Director Brian Sims, Rotarian/PE Ruth Parsons, Rotarian/International Services Chair Monty Kennedy, RAHC Director of Development Patti Cook, Rotarian Woody Sadler and RAHC Volunteer Liam Stilwell. Not pictured: Rotarian/RAHC Board Member Clay Devening.
Rotary Club of Wytheville Celebrates 100 Years!
Congratulations to the Rotary Club of Wytheville for your 100 years of service!
Visit our Facebook page for more photos of the event...
Become a Peer Mentor at the National Center for Healthy Veterans
Become a Peer Mentor at the National Center For Healthy Veterans, Valor Farm in Altavista, VA.
Those who attended Conference will remember Jake who spoke and their hope that more Rotarians in our district are now familiar with this organization.
Core Competencies
• Demonstrate a confident, dependable presence that motivates and inspires peers.
• Effectively instruct others while remaining open to feedback and guidance.
• Follow all directives and expectations as outlined by the Lead Peer Mentor.
• Carry out assigned duties according to the program’s schedule and structure.
• Allow all disciplinary actions or course corrections to be handled by the Lead Mentor or a designated appointee.
Oversight Responsibilities
• Maintain daily journaling practices.
• Turn off and submit phones during designated times.
• Participate fully in all scheduled programming.
• Attend and engage in physical training (PT).
• Exhibit punctuality in all areas of responsibility.
• Collaborate effectively with Farm Staff in daily tasks and routines.
Training & Development
• Complete all required Peer Mentor training.
• Shadow experienced Peer Mentors and progressively assume leadership responsibilities.
• Actively participate in the following programs: Resilience God Style and Military Reboot.
• Achieve certification in both programs as a qualified facilitator and instructor.
Service & Support
• Support Patriots in Equine Therapy and Horsemanship.
• Assist in Dignified Work, including farm and ranch chores that promote responsibility, discipline, and teamwork.
Rotary Club of Harrisonburg
In April the Rotary Club of Harrisonburg installed a Peace Pole at Harrisonburg Mennonite Church.
Peace Pole dedication by Harrisonburg Mennonite Church pastor
President Shannon Porter and HMC member Ken Horst at the Peace Pole
Rotary Club of Forest
In April the Rotary Club of Forest dedicated Peace Parklet in Lynchburg
This small area contains a Peace Pole and park bench and was provided by the Rotary Club of Forest. There are Peace Poles in over 200 countries, on every continent, bearing the phrase “May Peace Prevail on Earth” in multiple languages. Our Peace Pole includes that phrase in English, German, French, Japanese, Mandarin Chinese, Russian and Arabic. This is the second Peace Pole installation in the Lynchburg area, and the first Peace Pole installation by a Rotary Club in this area.
Rotary Friendship Exchange | Let's go to Brazil!
Let’s Go to Brazil!
We are thrilled to relaunch the Rotary Friendship Exchange (RFE) program with a brand-new adventure—and you’re invited! District 7570 is headed to Brazil’s District 4640 (the beautiful western region of Paraná), and we’d love for YOU to be part of this unforgettable journey.
When’s This Happening?
- Outbound to Brazil – March 2026
- Inbound from Brazil – September 2026
What’s It All About?
You’ll be welcomed into the homes of warm, generous Rotarians in Brazil—sharing meals, stories, laughter, and life. It’s the most magical part of any RFE! You’ll return home with lifelong friends and unforgettable memories… and then, you’ll get the joy of hosting them here in District 7570 when they visit us in the fall of 2026!
Who Can Join?
All District 7570 Rotarians, spouses, and family members are welcome to apply. The outbound team is capped at 12 awesome adventurers—so don’t wait! If selected, you’ll also commit to helping host and support the inbound team in September 2026.
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Destinations within District 4640 are being finalized now, but one thing’s for sure: Iguazu Falls is on our radar! This jaw-dropping natural wonder—taller than Niagara and twice as wide—is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a must-see.
How Will It Work?
Expect at least 10 days of guided fun and cultural immersion, with a flexible, go-with-the-flow mindset required. You can even add on personal travel in South America before or after the official exchange.
What’s the Cost?
- Round-trip airfare to Brazil: Currently running about $1,100 from most airports in our district to São Paulo
- In-country travel: Affordable (domestic flights/trains)
- Total estimate: Around $2,000 per person, depending on your choices and spending style
Who’s Leading the Way?
- Burt & Donna Duren – D7570 RFE Committee Chair and seasoned RFE travelers
- Odilete Herget & Dalzira Silveira – Our amazing contacts and leaders from Brazil’s District 4640
- Download the Outbound Application Form
- Send it to Burt Duren at [email protected]
- Spots are first-come, first-served—so don’t wait!
Get ready for the adventure of a lifetime—Rotary-style!
Facebook Posts
Peace doesn’t happen by accident — it takes passion, persistence… and yes, funding. 🕊️🌍
At our District Conference, Rotarians came together to support the Rotary Peace Centers, raising over $2,500 to train the next generation of global peacebuilders.
From laughter-filled fundraisers to heartfelt giving, we turned a weekend of connection into real-world impact.
Because when we invest in peace, we invest in a better future for all.
Thank you to everyone who gave. You’re part of something powerful.
#RotaryPeaceCenters #PeopleOfAction #MagicOfRotary #Peacebuilder #ServiceAboveSelf #RotaryDistrict7570
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🤝 Partner Sponsor Thank You 🤝
Rotary is all about partnerships — and we’re so grateful for yours!
To our PARTNER sponsors: thank you for investing in service, connection, and leadership across our district.
Your support helps clubs grow, projects launch, and ideas become impact. Together, we’re doing more — and doing it better.
Here’s to a partnership with purpose!
#Rotary7570 #PartnerSponsor #TogetherWeServe #ServiceAboveSelf #ThankYou
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We’re this close to making history. 🧡💉🌍
Thanks to the generosity of our District Conference attendees at Pints for Polio, we raised $2,091 to help End Polio Now — bringing us closer than ever to wiping this disease off the face of the earth.
Polio remains in only a few places, but it takes all of us to finish the fight.
Thank you to everyone who raised a glass and raised hope.
💪 Let’s keep going.
🌐 Make your contribution at www.endpolionow.org
#EndPolio #PeopleOfAction #PintsForPolio #RotaryDistrict7570 #ServiceAboveSelf #MagicOfRotary
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💫 Thank YOU for the Magic of Rotary! 💫
Because of your presence, passion, and participation, the 2025 District 7570 Conference was more than a weekend — it was a movement.
🎉 355 attendees
💵 $24,362 donated
🌍 100+ hours of service
🧒 75 youth inspired
🎤 11 powerful speakers
We planted peace, shared hope, gave blood (literally!), and grew Rotary’s impact across the world.
Let’s keep the magic going. 💛
#Rotary7570 #ServiceAboveSelf #PeopleOfAction #MagicOfRotary #RotaryConference2025
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In April the Rotary Club Of Forest VA dedicated Peace Parklet in Lynchburg!
This small area contains a Peace Pole and park bench and was provided by the Rotary Club of Forest. There are Peace Poles in over 200 countries, on every continent, bearing the phrase “May Peace Prevail on Earth” in multiple languages. Our Peace Pole includes that phrase in English, German, French, Japanese, Mandarin Chinese, Russian and Arabic. This is the second Peace Pole installation in the Lynchburg area, and the first Peace Pole installation by a Rotary Club in this area.
#ServiceAboveSelf #rotary7570 Rotary International
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Some of your District Leadership enjoying our monthly call to check in and share! #familyofrotary #rotary7570 ... See MoreSee Less

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Great group of friends and dedicated Rotarians in this call!!
Bummed that I missed it. Got tied up and couldn’t log on in time. PM me what I missed.
Thank you to our District Sponsors
Calgary Awaits

Embark on an exhilarating journey of connection and inspiration at the 2025 Rotary International Convention in Calgary! Engage in riveting discussions, learn from distinguished speakers, and explore enlightening breakout sessions against the backdrop of Calgary’s picturesque beauty nestled amid the Canadian Rockies.
Fueled by friendship and a spirit of collaboration, exchange best practices, ignite innovative projects, and form lifelong connections with fellow changemakers from around the world.
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.
Coming Events
All meetings are in Eastern Time. Please visit our Calendar page to see all upcoming events.
Speaker: Zone 33 RC Team
Topic: Target Audience: District Membership Chairs, ICAs, DGs, DGEs, DGNs, DGNDs and any Rotarian interested in building membership When? Third Monday of each month, 5:00 pm Eastern Time
More info
Speaker: Rotary International Director Patrick and MORE!
More info
Topic: 2025 Annual Meeting for The CART Fund
More info
Speaker: Zone 33 RC Team
Topic: Target Audience: District Membership Chairs, ICAs, DGs, DGEs, DGNs, DGNDs and any Rotarian interested in building membership When? Third Monday of each month, 5:00 pm Eastern Time
More info

WE CONNECT PEOPLE
Rotary unites more than a million people
Through Rotary clubs, people from all continents and cultures come together to exchange ideas, and form friendships and professional connections while making a difference in their backyards and around the world.

WE TRANSFORM COMMUNITIES
We take action locally and globally
Each day, our members pour their passion, integrity, and intelligence into completing projects that have a lasting impact. We persevere until we deliver real, lasting solutions.

WE SOLVE PROBLEMS
No challenge is too big for us
For more than 110 years, we’ve bridged cultures and connected continents to champion peace, fight illiteracy and poverty, promote clean water and sanitation, and fight disease.