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.

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.

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, 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.

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


 

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.   

 

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

• 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

• 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!