Service and the Community

The UN and Rotary

New York's Times Square

I recently attended UN Day with Rotary at the United Nations. Here most of the major leaders in Rotary joined together for common causes to learn and teach each other how to better Rotary and change to world. I arrived in New York City on the evening of Friday October 31st to attend dinner with the current Rotary International President in Chinatown. There were just under 200 in attendance, and I am certain by now the RI president knows me by name. Either way it was a great evening shared with so many like minded individuals. The following morning I arrived at the UN for our Rotary Day. With hundreds in attendance, I listened to numerous speakers talk about the continued efforts of Rotary with the fight against Polio and other diseases. Of the speakers some talked about youth in Rotary others talked about water, human trafficking and peace. At different points between sessions Rotarian's were given the opportunity to voice their concerns and ask questions. There were a number of UN representatives present that listened, commented and moderated the sessions.

I think it was clear the message for the weekend shows the extreme dedication of every Rotarian to make the world a better place. I am honored to be a part of such an amazing organization and look forward to attending next year to gain more ideas and continue the drive to make this a perfect world.

UN Conference Room

DC Living allows for Backyard Destinations

Younger population moving in, and backyard destinations become ever so popular.

If you have lived in the DC area for a number of years you already understand the benefits of living here.  If you are new to the area WELCOME, you are bound to love it here.  After the dust settles from the nations politics DC is still home to about 632,000 Americans (2012).  Looking back at 1940 we had nearly 900,000 residents and now the population is trending back upwards with the desire to move back into the city and immediate surrounding neighborhoods.   So you ask yourself what is the drive for the population to move inward?  We are looking at the younger demographics... age 25 - 34 is now the largest age bracket in the District.  The younger population just graduating college or only about 7-10 years out want to be within walking distance or metro distance to work.  It is not because they are lazy it is merely because they realize if they want to be out in the suburbs they can travel to get there.  There are also other economic factors involved, which I wont get into but this is the general reason motivating their decision.  Traveling is not an issue nowadays with all the different types of car share programs and rental services provided.  All you have to do is get up and go...

Cabin in Somerset PA

I was recently in Pennsylvania enjoying a weekend by the creek which compelled me to write this article.  With further research I have realized we have plenty of travel destinations within three hours of living from the DC Metro.  Now we can enjoy these destinations when we want on our time.  Families are using these destinations to build or rent vacation homes, ranches,  or retreats but keeping their primary residence in the city.



Backyard Destinations

Golfing trip in PA

There are countless backyard destinations to enjoy within 2-3 hours of DC  a few of them are:

Deep Creek Lake
Deep Creek Lake which sits just 3 hours outside of DC in Western Maryland and 30 minutes off of Interstate 60.  Deep Creek is home to the Wisp Ski Resort, but if skiing is not for you make sure you check it out during the warmer months for the other land and water sports.  Deep Creek welcomes golfers of all skill levels with at least four golf courses in the vicinity.  You can always find cabins for rent or sale at deep creek lake.

Somerset PA Fire and Ice Festival
http://www.festivalsinpa.com

Somerset and Rockwood PA
Get back to nature in Somerset and Rockwood PA.  You are probably thinking, Where is Somerset?  Well Somerset and Rockwood are also very similar to Deep Creek, just 3 hours outside of DC but located in PA.  Somerset is another Skiing destination (Seven Springs Mountain Resort).  During the warm months Somerset and Rockwood will allow you to reach the outdoorsman in you. Fishing, Hunting, Rafting, and Camping are all at your disposal.

Maryland's Eastern Shore
The Eastern shore has a variety of quaint places to visit for either day trips or over night stay.  Some options include St. Michaels, Crisfield and Smith Island.  A number of Marylanders enjoy second homes in these destinations.               www.PatrickDeLeonibus.com

Crabbing Boats, Maryland's Eastern Shore
http://www.thehulltruth.com/

The Beginning of Great Service

     As we are already a week into August, I reflect back on the last two months and the start of great things to come. As many of you may know I have recently Joined the Rotary Club of Federal City (Washington, D.C.) and became a Charter Member this past February. This has been a very rewarding experience the last few months. Our club just completed the New Officer Installation Ceremony on July 20th where I will hold the Secretary position for another term. I was honored and surprised to receive the award for Rotarian of the Year at that same event. We have done many things since our start to help better our community and soon the world.
     Our club has had a great start in Rotary and I look forward to the difference we can make and the lives we can change.

Patrick DeLeonibus and Rotary
 District Governor Bill Fine

     This past week in August we hosted the RYLA North America Conference here in Washington, D.C. We had over 300 Delegates and 51 different Countries represented. I was given the task of Director of Hospitality. We worked with the youth of Rotary and helped inspire leadership in everyone. There were a number of great speakers and Ambassadors who helped make this event special.

     Rotary International President Gary Huang of Taipei, Taiwan flew in to join us for our opening ceremonies on August 3rd. He spoke about the new theme of Rotary ("Light up Rotary") and our continued goal of complete eradication of Polio. Rotary Federal City