Sturbridge Rotarian Otto Prohaska Dies from Tragic Accident – Family Needs Our Help
Otto Prohaska, a Rotarian for more than 35 years and President-elect of our Sturbridge Club, was gravely injured in an accident on Monday, August 26 while volunteering at the Club’s annual golf tournament. He succumbed to his injuries overnight on August 30, leaving behind his wife Julie and son Adrian. His family needs our help, and we’ve created a donation page through our District Charity Fund. Please click here to donate.
Everyone was enjoying the tournament when a thunderstorm approached, and the course needed to be cleared. Otto climbed aboard the back of a golf cart, from which he fell and struck his head on the pavement, resulting in multiple skull fractures and severe bleeding. He was transported to UMass Medical Center where he underwent emergency surgery. Despite heroic efforts, doctors were unable to save his life.
Otto had dedicated his life to service, both as a Rotarian and throughout his career. He joined Rotary in 1988 and was named Rotarian of the year by the Sturbridge Club for the 2022-2023 Rotary year, where he was known for both his kindness and intelligence. Professionally, he led a medical startup focused on novel cell and gene-based therapies designed to cure cancer, autoimmune, infectious, and rare diseases. His company, TransCytos, discovered a way to deliver these treatments at low cost and sought to make them available to patients and hospitals worldwide. Otto and his family committed all their resources to this effort, which leaves Julie and Adrian in a precarious position due to this tragedy.
District Governor Joyce adds “Our hearts go out to Otto's wife Julie and their son Adrian, on the loss of their husband and father. We ask that you consider a donation to support them with the unforeseen expenses imposed by this terrible accident. As Rotarians, we want to warmly embrace these members of our Rotary family in their time of need. Thank you so much.”
District 7910 has already sent a significant donation to the Prohaska family, and we ask that you consider helping to the extent that you can. Here again is the link to contribute through our District Charity Fund. Please also consider sharing this request for help on your social media. Finally, please keep Otto, Julie and Adrian in our thoughts and prayers. Thank you for your support.
The next workshop entitled Wow! Strategies to Increase Your Club’s Impact looks to be powerful. Club presidents and their membership chairs will receive practical strategies to increase club membership.
Have you ever seen a Zorb Ball competition? Have you made a contribution to the Rotary Foundation? Have you ever wanted to share in bragging rights? Well now is your chance!
DGE Johnny Ahern will be representing our amazing District 7910 in a Zorb Competition in Toronto for the Zone 28 & 32 Leadership training!
Mike McGovern, Chairman of the Rotary International Polio-Plus committee, shared with us that polio vaccinations would begin as soon as it was safe for our workers. Supplies are already in place on the border. "I cannot emphasize how difficult this is in an active war zone."
On Saturday, the news broke: The World Health Organization and its partners are gearing up for an ambitious mass vaccination campaign in the Gaza Strip after an 11-month-old boy contracted the Palestinian enclave’s first case of polio in 25 years.
We received a project idea from the Rotaract Club of Toronto - a portable desk for school children in rural areas of the third world so that they need not sit only on the floor to do their school work. Developed in South Africa, it provides a desk and chair with a solar-powered light.
Our goal this year is that at least half the clubs submit their applications and win an Award to be presented at the District Conference in May. Setting goals in writing is the first step in achieving those goals. Let's learn together how to use the Rotary tools to ensure the success of all our clubs.
On Sept 25 Joyce will hold the first in a series of monthly Open Doors meetings. All Presidents are asked to attend, and to bring with them anyone in the club who will be involved with the task under discussion.
Rotary International has sent our District a Certificate of Appreciation for achieving at least a 90% compliance with reporting requirements for grants during the Rotary year 2023-24. Our Clubs engaged in a total of 21 District grants, for which we provided $32,237 in funding, which comes back to us directly because of our member donations to the Rotary Foundation. These grants supported environmental projects, food insecurity relief, education, veterans and so much more.
Photo: 1. Members of the Athol-Orange club built two bridges along the North Quabbin Trail.
Want to increase membership in your club but haven't had success? The single best way to sign up new members to your club is to be the positive "IMPACT" in your local community. When your club makes a significant impact in your community, citizens interested in service will seek out and want to join your club.
District 7910 is seeking members interested in helping our clubs chart their path forward and create a strategic success plan. Visioning helps clubs grow membership, execute impactful service projects, develop leaders, increase Foundation support and much more. It allows club members the opportunity to dream about what their club could become, and then turn those dreams into reality. We are seeking members to join our Visioning Team.
This year District 7910 had two high school students participating in the Rotary Youth Exchange Short Term program. Oliver Moon, 17, was sponsored by the Weston Wayland Rotary Club, and Andrew Giordano, almost 16, was sponsored by the Neponset Sunrise Rotary Club. Both students chose to go to Spain for their exchange and were matched with Spanish students of similar age and interests. While away, both Oliver and Andrew made new friends, learned about Spanish culture, and got to practice their Spanish skills.
Photo: Oliver Moon and his host brother Tristan in Murcia, Spain. July 2024.
It is the beginning of this year’s nominating cycle for our District leadership positions and this is an exciting time for District 7910. We are seeking candidates who wish to help lead District 7910 as we work to do good in the world. The following opportunities are available:
• District Governor 2027-2028 • District Treasurer 2025-2028 • Two District Trustees 2025-2028
Let's Play Golf Together!!! Help support the Marlborough Rotary Club's Homeless Women Initiatives. September 11, 2024 8am Juniper Hill Golf Course Northborough, MA
The Wachusett Area Rotary Club will be holding our signature event and main fundraiser, our annual Golf Tournament, on Monday, September 16th at Oak Hill Country Club in Fitchburg. Please consider supporting us through purchasing one of our sponsorship or golf packages.
There have been many ways to raise money for the Rotary Foundation and the chance to win a hippo may be one of the most unique. That is the first prize in this fundraiser and second and third are substantial amounts of cash.
Join us for the 27th Annual Weston & Wayland Rotary Club Antique & Classic Car Show on September 28, 2024.
The show is located in Weston Town Center at 11 Townhouse Road, Weston, MA. Rain or shine it promises to be another great event for car owners and families alike. Show cars are encouraged to arrive between 8:00 and 10:00 am. Guests will be welcomed from 8:00 am to ~ 3:00 pm.
Otto Prohaska, a Rotarian for more than 35 years and President-elect of our Sturbridge Club, was gravely injured in an accident on Monday, August 26 while volunteering at the Club’s annual golf tournament. He succumbed to his injuries overnight on August 30, leaving behind his wife Julie and son Adrian. His family needs our help, and we’ve created a donation page through our District Charity Fund. 
The next workshop entitled Wow! Strategies to Increase Your Club’s Impact looks to be powerful. Club presidents and their membership chairs will receive practical strategies to increase club membership.
Have you ever seen a Zorb Ball competition? Have you made a 
Mike McGovern, Chairman of the Rotary International Polio-Plus committee, shared with us that polio vaccinations would begin as soon as it was safe for our workers. Supplies are already in place on the border. "I cannot emphasize how difficult this is in an active war zone."
We received a project idea from the Rotaract Club of Toronto - a portable desk for school children in rural areas of the third world so that they need not sit only on the floor to do their school work. Developed in South Africa, it provides a desk and chair with a solar-powered light.
Our goal this year is that at least half the clubs submit their applications and win an Award to be presented at the District Conference in May. Setting goals in writing is the first step in achieving those goals. Let's learn together how to use the Rotary tools to ensure the success of all our clubs.
Rotary International has sent our District a Certificate of Appreciation for achieving at least a 90% compliance with reporting requirements for grants during the Rotary year 2023-24. Our Clubs engaged in a total of 21 District grants, for which we provided $32,237 in funding, which comes back to us directly because of our member donations to the Rotary Foundation. These grants supported environmental projects, food insecurity relief, education, veterans and so much more.
Want to increase membership in your club but haven't had success? The single best way to sign up new members to your club is to be the positive "IMPACT" in your local community. When your club makes a significant impact in your community, citizens interested in service will seek out and want to join your club.
District 7910 is seeking members interested in helping our clubs chart their path forward and create a strategic success plan. Visioning helps clubs grow membership, execute impactful service projects, develop leaders, increase Foundation support and much more. It allows club members the opportunity to dream about what their club could become, and then turn those dreams into reality. We are seeking members to join our Visioning Team.
This year District 7910 had two high school students participating in the Rotary Youth Exchange Short Term program. Oliver Moon, 17, was sponsored by the Weston Wayland Rotary Club, and Andrew Giordano, almost 16, was sponsored by the Neponset Sunrise Rotary Club. Both students chose to go to Spain for their exchange and were matched with Spanish students of similar age and interests. While away, both Oliver and Andrew made new friends, learned about Spanish culture, and got to practice their Spanish skills.
It is the beginning of this year’s nominating cycle for our District leadership positions and this is an exciting time for District 7910. We are seeking candidates who wish to help lead District 7910 as we work to do good in the world. The following opportunities are available:
Let's Play Golf Together!!!
The Wachusett Area Rotary Club will be holding our signature event and main fundraiser, our annual Golf Tournament, on Monday, September 16th at Oak Hill Country Club in Fitchburg. Please consider supporting us through purchasing one of our sponsorship or golf packages.
There have been many ways to raise money for the Rotary Foundation and the chance to win a hippo may be one of the most unique. That is the first prize in this fundraiser and second and third are substantial amounts of cash..jpg)
Join us for the 27th Annual Weston & Wayland Rotary Club Antique & Classic Car Show on September 28, 2024.
The most fun you’ll have playing a game that takes under 3 minutes to learn! Cash Prizes, Raffles, 50-50, Cash Bar !
Rotary & District 7910 Resources
Learn about Rotary club and district roles, as well as their impact on your community. Find resources and tools that support members in these roles..png)
