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Together We Help Save Lives

Welcome to the E-Club of Heritage New York

Our Club was chartered on 18 January 2019.
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.”

Club President joins District Governors to welcome visiting DGE from Pakistan

Club President Shamim Begum joined past, present, and future District Governors in welcoming visiting District Governor Elect Skakeel Khani of District 3271 Pakistan. The gathering was organized by District Governor Syed Alirahi at the Royal Palace Restaurant in White Plains. DGE Shakeel is visiting New York on his way to the International Assembly in Orlando Florida. Among those present were Past District Governors Mahbub Ahmad (2019-20), George McKinnis (2021-22), Martin Schulman (2022-23), current District Governor Syed Alirahi, and First Lady Shazia Alirahi, District Governor Elect Garrett Capobianco, District Governor Nominee - our very own Dr. Maksud Chowdhury and District Governor Nominee Designate Serkan Ceylan. DGE Shakeel was joined by his wife and PDG Dr Pir Ibrahim Shah from his District. Also joining the gathering was Area Governor and District Secretary Bina Ahmad.

DGE Shakeel spoke about the Smart Village program in his District, which has been visited by past RI President Jennifer Joines, Incoming President Mario, and past RI Director Drew Kessler. He has donated his land and organized funds for the construction of these small homes for people affected by the floods. The homes are constructed with local materials and the residents themselves take part in building the homes, being trained by senior engineers. Each home is constructed on a raised platform so that future floods do not affect them. There is a community center, mosque, a school as well as gardening areas. DG Syed presented DGE Shakeel with a plaque commemorating his visit.

President Shamim, DGE Maksud and AG Bina expressed their interest in DGE Shakeel's Smart Village Program possibly raising funds for portions of the project. DGE Shakeel and his wife presented caps and scarves embroidered by hand by local artisans in the village. The DGE invited all to visit the Village as his guests.

On the following day, AG Bina and PDG Mahbub invited the visiting DGE and his wife and our District's first couple to their home for afternoon tea.

Second Blood Drive on 21 April

Heritage E-Club and its sponsored Snart Rotaract Club are sponsoring their second Bllo Drive. on Sunday 21 April 2024. It will be held at the Smart Medical Care Center in Jamaica, NY from 10 am to 2:30 pm.

Registration is required to secure your slot for the drive. Please register by clicking on this link or scanning the QR code on the flyer on the left.

A Blood Collection Drive is crucial for saving lives for several reasons:

Emergency Situations: In times of emergencies such as accidents, natural disasters, or medical emergencies like surgeries, blood transfusions can be life-saving. Having an adequate supply of blood readily available ensures that patients receive the critical care they need without delay.
Medical Treatments: Many medical conditions, such as cancer, blood disorders, and chronic illnesses, require regular blood transfusions as part of their treatment. Without access to a sufficient blood supply, patients may face complications or setbacks in their recovery process.
Diverse Patient Needs: Different patients require specific blood types and components based on their medical conditions and compatibility. By regularly hosting blood drives, organizations can ensure a diverse and comprehensive blood inventory that meets the needs of a wide range of patients.
Unforeseen Circumstances: Blood supply can quickly deplete due to unforeseen circumstances such as sudden spikes in demand, seasonal fluctuations, or public health crises. Hosting regular blood drives helps maintain a consistent and reliable blood inventory to address such situations promptly.
Community Support: Blood drives serve as a tangible way for communities to come together and support one another. By donating blood, individuals can directly contribute to saving lives within their community and beyond, fostering a sense of solidarity and goodwill.
Public Health Preparedness: Adequate blood supply is an essential component of public health preparedness. By proactively hosting blood collection drives, organizations contribute to strengthening the healthcare system's resilience and ability to respond effectively to health crises and emergencies.

Overall, blood collection drives play a pivotal role in ensuring access to safe and timely blood transfusions for patients in need, ultimately saving countless lives and improving health outcomes for individuals and communities alike.

President Maksud Chowdhury Selected to head District in 2026-27

DG Rev. Dr. J. Loren Russell has announced that Dr. Maksud Chowdhury, President of the Rotary E-Club of Heritage, NY has been selected by the District Nominating Committee to be the District Governor for 2026-27. Dr. Chowdhury will immediately become the District Governor Nominee Designee (DGND). On 1 July this year, he will become the District Governor Nominee (DGN), transitioning to District Governor-Elect (DGE) on 1 July 2025. He will officially take over as District Governor on 1 July 2026, succeeding Garrett Capobianco.

Dr. Chowdhury is a pediatrician by profession and was awarded "President of the Year" at the District Conference last year for his leadership in growing membership in his club from 20 to 36, sponsoring a community-based new Rotaract Club, and as well as forming a new Satellite Club. His wife, Dr. Shamim Begum is the President-Elect of their Club, and his two adult children are also Rotarians. Here is a link to Dr. Chowdhury's bio.

Dr. Chowdhury becomes the 4th District Governor of our DSistrict who is of South Asian origin and the second Bangladeshi-American to be selected for this position.

DG Loren also confirmed the selection by the Nominating Committee of Peter De Nicola of the White Plains Club, as District Treasurer for the Rotary years 2024-25 and 2025-26. He congratulated both DGND Maksud and Treasurer-Elect Peter on their selection.

Heritage Club sponsors a new Satellite Club

The Rotary E-Club of Heritage NY has been at the forefront again by boosting the standing of our D7230 as the leader in membership growth. In October, our newest Club, the Rotary Satellite Club of Heritage Health was chartered with 8 new members. Its focus is on health initiatives. This is the 3rd active Satellite Club in our District. Together with the new full Club, and the 8 new members in the Hope Rotary Club, The Disrict has added 37 new members to our District rolls since 1 July.

Rotary has had satellite clubs since 2013. At first, satellite clubs were for people who wanted to join Rotary but didn’t have a large enough group to start a club. Unlike regular Rotary clubs, which require 20 members to start, a satellite club can form with just eight members. Satellite clubs also give community members and Rotarians the chance to make a positive difference in a club environment that often differs from their local Rotary club.

Like all Rotary clubs, satellite clubs hold regular meetings, have bylaws and a board, and get involved in community service projects. A local Rotary club sponsors the Satellite club and provides advice and support. Satellite club members are Rotarians. Officially, they are members of the sponsor club.

Club holds Blood Drive and CPR Training

It was an amazing Saturday, packed with not one, not two, but three impactful activities. The Rotary E-Club of Heritage, NY, the Smart Rotaract Club - our newest Rotaract Club, organized the day in partnership with the Pediatric Education Development Society International (PEDSI). The morning began with a workshop for International Medical Graduates and medical students who are preparing to get into US Residency Programs. Nearly 30 attendees benefitted from this training workshop.

While this program was in progress, a mobile blood collection van from the New York Blood Center pulled up outside the Smart Medical Center in Jamaica, Queens, and began preparations for collecting blood from donors who had signed up earlier. By the end of the day, some 45 people had donated blood including Heritage Club President, Dr. Maksud Chowdhury, Smart Rotaract President Dr. Rummanu Yeasin, and Sunshine Club member Ashfaque Salim..

Present during the course of the day were District Governor-Elect Syed Alirahi, representing the DG, Vice-Governor PDG Mahbub Ahmad and Area 5 AG Bina Ahmad who also represented our sister Sunshine Club as it's Charter President.. Also, present were the Area Governor for Area 9 Abit Ragbeer, Treasurer and Past President of the Westchester Rotary Club, Shazia Alirahi, and the President of the Hicksville South Rotary Club (District 7255) Mizan Rahman.

The day was far from over as just after a quick pizza and chicken fingers lunch provided by the Heritage Club, the CPR Training program began, led by American Heart Association-certified CPR Instructors. Some 30 young people took part and were awarded certificates of completion.

President Maksud, thanked the Rotary leaders for attending and demonstrating the District's support for his Club and the young Rotaractors.. He introduced DGE Syed who talked about Rotary being a family and thanked the young people for taking this training. Vice-Governor PDG Mahbub applauded the Rotaractors and young people for giving up their Saturday to learn to be of service to others. He said the willingness to be of service comes from the heart and just by being here today, they have proven that they all have hearts for service. In her short remarks, AG Bina particularly thanked the Rotaractors who, within months of their establishment, had already established a new standard of Rotaractor's service to the community.

Here are a few pictures.

Club Provides CPR Training & Information Session on Vaping

The Heritage NY E-Club is the first new Club formed in the district in 2019, after a number of decades of no new Clubs. Since then, it has flourished, now having 38 members and has won the Presidential citation in its first two years.

Last Sunday, 4 December, the Club, in collaboration with Pediatric Education Development Society International (PEDSI), organized an amazing program – providing certified CPR training to nearly 20 young kids and some adults, coupled with informative sessions on Vaping and the importance of exercise. In addition, two senior Psychiatrists were on hand explaining to both, the parents and the children, the importance of communication and understanding particularly in view of the generational and cultural gap.

In all, the event that began at 9 am was attended by 35 students, parents as well as District officials and Club members. DG Marty welcomed everyone and at the end of the 90-minute-long CPR training, handed over the certificates to the attendees. One woman, pushing back tears, said, “Some years ago, my husband died right in front of me. I could not help because I did not know how to. If I had known CPR then, I could have helped him. Now I can help others in need”.

Following a short coffee and snack break, the program resumed, this time with a Zoom component adding to the number of attendees. Pulmonologist Dr. Naeema Chowdhury, from Philadelphia discussed the dangers of vaping and how the vapors damage the lungs. She explained that in the US, unlike in Europe, vaping pods are unregulated and are freely available to anyone, including children. Big tobacco companies, trying to make up for revenues lost due to the strict regulation on tobacco products, are now targeting young people with child-friendly flavors of vaping products. The ingredients in these products, not being regulated, also contain lead and other deleterious substances, some of which are highly addictive. The students and parents actively participated in the ensuing discussion. “I never knew vaping products are so harmful,” said one surprised student.

Dr. Ryan Chowdhury joining the Zoom session from Washington, DC explained the importance of exercise. He said any movement of the body is beneficial. He suggested swimming, biking, running or even walking to keep the body muscles functional and healthy.

In the final segment, two Psychiatrists, Dr. Munibur R. Khan Chief Psychiatrist, Creedmoor Psychiatric Center, and Dr. Quazi Rahman, Child Psychiatry, Medical Director, NYC Child Center spoke about the difficulties of parent-child relationships due to generational and cultural gaps.

DG Marty also presented the pins and certificates to three new Paul Harris Fellows of the Heritage Club, President Dr. Maksud Chowdhury, First Lady Dr. Shamim Begum and Vice-President Dr. Nasrin Khan. Also present at the event from the district, were Executive Secretary PDG Mahbub Ahmad, District Rotary Foundation Chair PDG Mary Shackleton and Area Governor Bina Ahmad.

Molloy University Honors President Zaki with Lifetime Achievement Award

Club Past President S. Zaki Hossain was honored by Molloy University with a Lifetime Achievement Award at the First Molloy University Gala on Friday, 4 November at Garden City Hotel. The Gala also raised more than $400,000 for student scholarships.

Accepting the Award President Zaki said Education is key to success. "If you want to earn, you have to learn", he said. President Zaki has been a trustee of the University. Molloy officials said, "A mechanical engineer who found success in the coffee industry manufacturing "K-Cups" has donated $2 million to Molloy University.

Zaki told the crowd that after he emigrated to the United States from Bangladesh, he increasingly felt the importance of applying education to the “real field.” His gift will help do exactly that, officials said, as Molloy increases programs that train people already working in their fields to keep up with the latest advances. The programs will also help shape undergraduate curricula to help meet the current needs of various industries including the health sector and businesses, said James P. Lentini, Molloy’s president.

Past President Zaki, the founder, and CEO of Pintail Coffee got his start in the coffee industry with the development of some of the first manufacturing technology for small coffee cartridges known as "K-Cups," He ended up using proceeds from this technology for charitable work through Pintail. The Farmingdale-based business donates 100% of its profits to hunger-relief organizations. A Muslim whose wife is chair of the board of the Long Island Muslim Society — a mosque in East Meadow founded by Bangladeshi immigrants — President Zaki said his donations to a Catholic university were an example of interfaith cooperation.

“I am a human being first,” he said. “I like to work with humanity. God created all of us. If I can make God’s creation happy, I will be happy.”

To show support for President Zaki, also attending the Gala were Membership Chair - his wife, Rahat, PDG Mahbub, AG Bina, VPs Nasrin, and Shahper, Past President Nurul Alam, members Nausheen and Nazmul Khan. Also present were Sunshine Club members Tarin and Lubna Anwar.

It was a wonderful ceremony with a sumptuous dinner at the Garden City Hotel. Congratulations to President Zaki.

Club Begins District Grant Project with Interactive Sessions Raising Awareness in Support of Women and Children

Our District Grant-funded project "Support for Women and Children" is very much underway with two sessions already completed. The objective of this project is to bring awareness among the women and young children who are potential targets of abuse and then to empower them. It will consist of lectures, workshops, therapy, and individual discussion sessions.

Conceived of and developed by Club Vice-President Dr. Nasrin Khan, the project was written up by past President Dr. Nazrul Islam and the Club Board approved it for presentation to the District Grants Committee for a Grant. The budget is $4,000.00 to cover the costs of speakers, lecture materials, and technological logistics. The Club is contributing $2,000.00 from its members, with the District approving the matching grant.

Following approval by the district and the Rotary Foundation, the first session under the Grant was held on 15 October at the East Meadow Library with Dr. Anca Amighi as the main speaker. The second session was held on 5 November at the Hicksville Library with Rehab Coach Leyla Messcha as the main speaker. Both sessions were well attended. Club President Dr. Maksud Chowdhury opened the sessions while Dr. Nasrin provided the introductions and led the discussions afterward. Both interactive sessions focused on "Communications Improvements in Asian American Family dynamics" District AG Bina attended the first session.

Abuse and isolation can lead to not only threats to the women's physical safety but also psychological disorders. Similarly, children in immigrant families face different challenges at home and outside which may impact their mental health severely. Members of minority groups are the worst sufferers who cannot seek assistance due to hesitation and lack of finance. These sessions aim to address these issues and raise awareness

At both sessions, President Maksud presented certificates of appreciation to the speakers. Membership Chair Rahat Hossain handed over gifts to the Speakers. Light Refreshments were served, and a raffle was held

Club begins 2022 with Winter supplies Distribution

As Rotarians we are always looking for ways to make a difference in our community or communities around the world. Rotary is all about helping people in need - Service Above Self.

Our Club began the new year amidst the seemingly never-ending pandemic We cannot be bystanders while we see needs all around us. So we partnered up with a like-minded sister organization to help out our neighbors who are in need. The Heritage E-Club of New York. in collaboration with Long Island Muslim Society (LIMS) raised funds and purchased winter supplies - blankets and like items for distribution in a very needy neighborhood of Jamaica, New York. Care was taken to enure that the recipients were in real need and had not received winter supplies previously.

Thanks to new member Raihan Rahman and his mother Club Rotarian Mursheda Rahman, who together coordinated the project. Club members Rahat Hossain and Past President Zaki Hossain among others, contributed to this worthwhile project. Donned in bright yellow vests emblazoned with the Rotary logo, volunteers loaded a minivan a carted the supplies to the distribution point, where the handed out the supplies.