Developing News from the District President-Elect Training Team. The District President-Elect Training Team will be moving PETS 2 training back to the District in 2020. We have had a great run with MDPETS in Toronto for the past decade, however we feel our Presidents-Elect can be well served by keeping the event in the District with less commuting time and a reduced cost. PETS 1 online will continue as per normal.
Please note that MDPETS for this present year’s PEs will be in Toronto on March 1 & 2, 2019 and we ask that Presidents-Elect register for both PETS 1 online and MDPETS through the District web site ASAP.
Looking ahead to the Rotary year 2019 - 2020 we are interested in having three additional Rotarians join our standing committee to rollout PETS 1 online and PETS 2 advanced training. If you are interested, please contact Alexander Lutchin - al@careercompasscanada.com or Susan Czyrny - smczyrny@gmail.com to discuss the opportunity and expectations. The PETS standing committee members will be appointed to a three year term. The one day PETS 2 training event will alternate between Greater Buffalo and St. Catharines/Niagara and will be held in an appropriate venue with easy highway access and be able to accommodate the necessary resources needed.
We hope your club has met the qualifications to apply for district grants. If so this news is for you.
The 2019-2020 district grant application will soon be available on the District 7090 website. We have some changes this year hopefully to allow clubs to pursue larger projects.
The grant application period will be January 10 through March 15 2019.
Project must not start before the grants are approved and the budget is voted into place. The anticipated date is August 1 2019. All successful grant applicants will be informed of the start date as soon as the vote is approved. Grants and reports must be completed by May 1 2020.
We now will match up to $3000 US per project.
Projects will be first come first served until allocated funds are used up.
All phases of the application must be executed and reported on to be eligible for the matching funds.
If funds are not all used after each club has had their first application processed, we are allowing a second project for each club until the fund is fully allocated. If applying for a second project, please mark second project on the application. These second projects are going to be marked and handled first come first serve and approved until the fund is used up.
The district grants subcommittee contacts are listed on the application. Please use us as resource to help get your project approved.
The Rotary Club of Westfield-Mayville recently collected over 112 donated items for four local food pantries in Westfield, Mayville, Brocton and Ripley. Donations were dropped off at KeyBank in Westfield, and they were distributed the week of December 10. Shown are Westfield-Mayville Rotarians Ellen Luczkowiak (left) and Crystal Schrantz (right), two employees of the KeyBank Westfield branch who organized this food drive.
Eight members of the club gathered on November 15 to sign 633 holiday greeting cards, which were delivered in December to residents of veterans' medical facilities and area shut-ins. Plus, another 218 cards were given to Meals on Wheels program recipients and residents of a senior living facility. Shown (left to right) are Rotarians Linda Dunn, Sue Hammond, Mary Swanson, Sheila Chapman (project chair), Patty Benton, Steve Stratton, Jim Wakeman and John Hamels.
Assistant Governor Marta Stiteler takes aim as she learns the use of one of the standard rifles at the Hamilton Armouries where she arranged both an area meeting and a social/educational event for local Rotarians and Rotaractors. What a great evening! Wonderful hospitality from the local reservists under the direction of Lt. Colonel Gary McQueen, a well-attended and conducted area meeting… and, the opportunity to learn what our forces are doing “behind the scenes”. The group did a tour of part of the armouries learning how technology has been used to update artillery fire, and sitting in on a class where rifles and bazookas were being used. The opportunity certainly “hit the mark” and the group targeted a number of areas that they will focus on in the coming months.
On December 1st, Buffalo Rotary President, Bill Larkin, spoke at the annual Tree Lighting at Rotary Rink at Fountain Plaza. The event also included holiday entertainment and visits with Santa. Under the leadership of then President, Joe DePaolo, Rotary Rink was officially dedicated in 1993 as one of our major projects in the City of Buffalo, allowing residents to ice skate for free. In the summer, the Rotary Rink serves as a fountain.
In 2009, the Rotary Clubs of Fonthill, Fort Erie, Niagara Falls, Niagara Falls Sunrise, St. Catharines and Welland joined together to develop a Rotary Mega TV Auction. Prior to this, there were 3 individual TV Auctions, some dating back for over 20 years. This year, we celebrated our 10th anniversary working with what is now YourTV, formerly Cogeco. This is also our second year of on-line bidding.
For these many years, Jack Custers and Darryl Day of YourTV have generously supported our endeavours to raise funds for the good of Rotary. They are part of our organizing committee and contributed vast amounts of personal time to make sure that our event runs seamlessly.
On Friday, November 30, 2018, while on air, it was a pleasure to recognize Jack and Darryl as Paul Harris Fellows on behalf of the 6 founding Mega Rotary TV Auction Clubs – Fonthill, Fort Erie, Niagara Falls, Niagara Falls Sunrise, St. Catharines and Welland. You are both truly deserving for helping us all achieve our goals.
Picture: seated Left Darryl Day; Right – Jack Custers
Grand Island Rotary tried something new this year – G I Chamber of Commerce had Light Up Boulevard parade as holiday season started on December 1. A surprising number of spectators watched us march, including 3 Interactors, with Rotarians at Work banner. A truck with lighted reindeer followed in the gloom. Yes, it was drizzling, but not bitter cold. We even received some good comments on our hardiness!
Grand Island Rotarians teamed up with their Interact groups at GI High School and Middle Schools, plus younger EarlyAct elementary students, to raise funds for the local Salvation Army. Salvation Army’s fund drive at our local Tops supermarket works best when animated, interested, bell ringers catch the eye of patrons; that takes effort, but the reward is cash in the Red Kettle! Half way thru our weekend sessions this holiday season and about $1000 has been raised. Here Rotarian Kyle Clayton, with Mike Malaney, plus Interactor Allison Hill take a break from interacting with patrons, for a photo!
On November 28th, the Rotary Club of Hamburg Sunrise inducted two new members, Rhonda Janks and Greg Roberts. The induction ceremony was conducted by PDG John Rydzik and Past President Mike Reilly. The Rotary Club of Hamburg Sunrise is now at 18 members and growing.
The club also recently held its 17th Annual Veterans Appreciation Dinner on November 17th. Each year the club honors three members of the various posts and awards a scholarship to a veteran currently enrolled at Hilbert College.
November 18 the cast party was held at Trinity United Church and the success of the 15th production was celebrated! "Family Footprints in Lincoln" - The extraordinary team of actors, writers, directors, crew and all volunteers who committed their time and efforts to make this show come to life are to be commended and celebrated as they helped "Make a Difference" in the Lincoln community. Since 2003, the annual tour has enabled the Rotary Club of Lincoln to contribute $190,000 to two significant community projects. As the tour continues to flourish, the club can consider financial support to other community projects.
The funds raised from the Lamplighter Tour are dedicated to building community through special projects that foster civic pride and enable the advancement of cultural and economic development in the Town of Lincoln.
Special thanks to Martha Kralt who took on the role as Producer and her Production Team as this year was a transitional year from an earlier production team, and a first year for Martha.
Bids were flying at the Rotary Club of Akron Newstead’s 29th Annual Christmas Auction that benefits those less fortunate in the local community. Over 100 guests enjoyed a fun evening filled with good fellowship, good food and drink and tremendous generosity. The auction is one of the club’s largest fundraiser with this year’s event realizing nearly $18,000. Guests got into the action through live, Chinese and silent auctions. Also popular was the Rotary Angel Christmas Tree with ornaments that contained Christmas wishes of children. Guests became Angels when they adopted a child’s ornament. It wasn’t surprising that at the end of the evening all the children were “adopted”. The club works closely with the Akron Central School District in identifying where assistance is needed in Akron Newstead. Also, another example of the solid partnership between the club and the school is the high school’s vibrant Interact Club. Some of the club members showed Service Above Self when they were important helpers at this year’s Christmas Auction.
Pictured are(left to right) Mike Bakos, silent auction chair; Christina O’Mallory, Interact advisor; Julie Klotzbach, club president; Marlene Gehl, Chinese auction co-chair and Wally Smith, Chinese auction co-chair.
At their Annual Christmas Party at the Como Restaurant, the Rotary Club of Lewiston, NY & Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON gave donations to help others in need at this time of the year. Pictured are Rotary Club President John Cich and Club Secretary Tom Gerbasi with representatives of the Care and Share Food Pantry, Heart, Love and Soul, and Newark Neighbours. Not Pictured are Maternity Services at Mt. St. Mary ’s Hospital, the Terry Fox Run at Niagara-on-the-Lake, and the Autism Center at Oishei Children’s Hospital.
On November 28, 2018 the club made a donation to help support Camp Hope and Teen Hope, projects of Niagara Hospice, which, every summer, provides a learning experience for children who have experienced a bereavement. Pictured are (L to R) Rotary Club Secretary Tom Gerbasi; Dr Sam Pappilardo, representing Camp Hope, and Club President John Cich.
December 3rd: Rotary Club of Jamestown President Katie Geise welcomed the many members, visiting Rotarians and guests and introduced Norman Lydell, Conductor of the Jamestown High School A’Cappella Choir who is performing their 94th concert series.
Mr. Lydell introduced the choir’s accompanist Brian Bogey, who preceded Mr. Lydell as its director. The choir will perform its annual Vespers concert at First Lutheran Church twice, including on December 16 at 4PM.
A’Cappella was started in 1924 by Miss Ebba Goranson and their Vespers performances have become a precious local holiday tradition. Additionally, The Rotary Club of Jamestown purchased the hand-held electric candles the A’Cappella choir carried in 1959!
The choir performed Kyrie Eleison – normally a processional, but this day, for the sake of time was performed with the choir standing in place on the risers. Other numbers performed included: Carol Noel, All is Well, Winter’s Night, Jesu Bambino, Little Innocent Lamb and several others. The concert ended with the traditional recessional to Silent Night.
The club keeps this traditional meeting to welcome in the Christmas holiday.
The Rotary Club of St. Catharines Lakeshore Club is proud to receive the 2018 Literacy Project Award from the Literacy Rotarian Action Group. The Club’s project, “The School to Home Reading Program” in 4 local schools, offers 3 English and 2 French programs to encourage fluency, comprehension and the joy of reading. Selected students from grades 2 to 5 read to a volunteer (Rotarians & College/University students); take a book home to read to their family and the process repeats weekly from October to April. Leveled books are purchased yearly by the Rotary club and the average rise in literacy is between 4 to 9 levels. “Most Improved Reader Awards" are presented in June.
Foundation Chair, Sandi Chard with the assistance of past President Kent Chisholm, presented a banner to the club recognizing our members’ generous contribution to Polio+. During National Polio+ day last month (November 24, 2018). The club collected an additional donation at the dinner registration desk plus a $400. anonymous donation following the meeting. Our efforts netted over $3,000.
Congratulations to four new members, three of which were inducted at the regular meeting. The club welcomed Susan Knighton, Courtney Usborne and Carol Ann Shaw. Silvia Dimitrova will be inducted in January. Pictured are President Ellen Wodchis, left, followed by Susan, Courtney and Carol Anne.
Christmas isn’t just a day…it is a frame of mind! You made magic happen yesterday for over 725 children at Cathy Wever School. We should all be proud to be Rotarians today. Not only did we have our Rotary Club’s largest hands on service project, but we raised a record amount of funds to cover all the costs associated with the Children’s Christmas Celebration.
There are so many outstanding stories from the Children’s Christmas Celebration. The children, the food, the computers, ice cream, books, gifts, singing, dancing and yes many volunteers helping make this a magical day!
There is nothing in the world so irresistibly contagious as the power of a small group of people who do something good in the world. That is exactly what happened…. We filled tummies and put smiles on the faces of the children. You made Christmas happen for these children.
So many THANK-YOU’s are required – All the volunteers, the sponsors, virtual stocking donors and the members of the Rotary Club of Hamilton who make the Children’s Christmas Celebration possible for 725 inner city children. We could not have done it without the help of each and every one of you.
As we take time over the holiday season to spend time with our own family and friends, may you know that your efforts have made this Christmas special for many children in our community. Thank you!
Take a rest, enjoy the holiday season and remember the words written in Charles Dickens -Scrooge. “I will honour Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all year!”
The Rotary Club of Hamburg partnered with the Salvation Army with food distribution under the bridge of the Buffalo & Erie County Public Library in downtown Buffalo on Veterans Day. Volunteers spent about two hours working with the organization serving hot meals to homeless and individuals in need. Those Rotarians who participated said it was an incredibly rewarding experience.
Pictured from left are: Barbara Stanley, Brandi Reed, Bill Bredenburg, Jack Flint, John Nowak and Maria Guizzotti, along with two unnamed children of Salvation Army volunteers.
Laura Hills from the Rotary Club of St. Catharines is the newest member inducted into the Paul Harris Society on November 10, 2018.
Laura was presented with her Certificate of Membership and a special chevron to wear with her Rotary pin by the District PHS Coordinator Jim Morabito on the left and IPDG Reg Madison on the right.
The Paul Harris Society recognizes supporters of The Rotary Foundation who pledge an annual contribution of $1000.00USD to one (or more) approved TRF categories. Laura joins a select few in District 7090 in PHS membership, and all of us congratulate her on this achievement.
TRF is one of the great foundations worldwide and it's continued 4 star rating (highest available) from Charity Navigator provides confidence to donors that their contributions help to "Make a Difference in the World".
Thank you again, Laura, for your most meaningful commitment to Rotary and The Rotary Foundation.
Pictured left Rotary Club of Clarence President and Paul Harris Society (PHS) member Paul Justinger and member Joe King, on left. Joe is receiving a multiple Paul Harris Recognition to go along with his 55+ years of PERFECT ATTENDANCE.
Vincent Amigone (right) receives his new shirt identifying him as a Paul Harris Society member. Along with his multiple Paul Harris pin and PHS chevron, Vince now has a wonderful Rotary shirt with logo and PHS identifier embroidery to wear at club and community events.
Paul Harris Society member Rick Smith (left) receives his PHS Rotary shirt from District 7090 PHS Coordinator Jim Morabito at a recent club meeting.
There was an amazing turnout at Food4Kids annual breakfast. Food4Kids raises funds to provide a weekly supply of healthy foods for children for weekends. Presently 1400 children receive these nutritious meals Thank you to the Rotary Club of Hamilton Mountain who were the initial donor to fund this cause and are shown here presenting another contribution. Pictured are Bruno Uggenti, Lena Basford Executive Director for Food4Kids, Brenda Campbell, Judi Emerson, Clement Feierabend and Bilal Mirza presenting the donation to Lena Basford.
The Rotary Club of Westfield-Mayville recently collected over 112 donated items for four local food pantries in Westfield, Mayville, Brocton and Ripley. Donations were dropped off at KeyBank in Westfield, and they were distributed the week of December 10. Shown are Westfield-Mayville Rotarians Ellen Luczkowiak (left) and Crystal Schrantz (right), two employees of the KeyBank Westfield branch who organized this food drive..jpg)
Assistant Governor Marta Stiteler takes aim as she learns the use of one of the standard rifles at the Hamilton Armouries where she arranged both an area meeting and a social/educational event for local Rotarians and Rotaractors. What a great evening! Wonderful hospitality from the local reservists under the direction of Lt. Colonel Gary McQueen, a well-attended and conducted area meeting… and, the opportunity to learn what our forces are doing “behind the scenes”. The group did a tour of part of the armouries learning how technology has been used to update artillery fire, and sitting in on a class where rifles and bazookas were being used. The opportunity certainly “hit the mark” and the group targeted a number of areas that they will focus on in the coming months.
On December 1st, Buffalo Rotary President, Bill Larkin, spoke at the annual Tree Lighting at Rotary Rink at Fountain Plaza. The event also included holiday entertainment and visits with Santa. Under the leadership of then President, Joe DePaolo, Rotary Rink was officially dedicated in 1993 as one of our major projects in the City of Buffalo, allowing residents to ice skate for free. In the summer, the Rotary Rink serves as a fountain.
Grand Island Rotary tried something new this year – G I Chamber of Commerce had Light Up Boulevard parade as holiday season started on December 1. A surprising number of spectators watched us march, including 3 Interactors, with Rotarians at Work banner. A truck with lighted reindeer followed in the gloom. Yes, it was drizzling, but not bitter cold. We even received some good comments on our hardiness!
Grand Island Rotarians teamed up with their Interact groups at GI High School and Middle Schools, plus younger EarlyAct elementary students, to raise funds for the local Salvation Army. Salvation Army’s fund drive at our local Tops supermarket works best when animated, interested, bell ringers catch the eye of patrons; that takes effort, but the reward is cash in the Red Kettle! Half way thru our weekend sessions this holiday season and about $1000 has been raised. Here Rotarian Kyle Clayton, with Mike Malaney, plus Interactor Allison Hill take a break from interacting with patrons, for a photo! 
The Rotary Club of St. Catharines Lakeshore Club is proud to receive the 2018 Literacy Project Award from the Literacy Rotarian Action Group. The Club’s project, “The School to Home Reading Program” in 4 local schools, offers 3 English and 2 French programs to encourage fluency, comprehension and the joy of reading. Selected students from grades 2 to 5 read to a volunteer (Rotarians & College/University students); take a book home to read to their family and the process repeats weekly from October to April. Leveled books are purchased yearly by the Rotary club and the average rise in literacy is between 4 to 9 levels. “Most Improved Reader Awards" are presented in June.
Foundation Chair, Sandi Chard with the assistance of past President Kent Chisholm, presented a banner to the club recognizing our members’ generous contribution to Polio+. During National Polio+ day last month (November 24, 2018). The club collected an additional donation at the dinner registration desk plus a $400. anonymous donation following the meeting. Our efforts netted over $3,000.
with his 55+ years of PERFECT ATTENDANCE.
Paul Harris Society member Rick Smith (left) receives his PHS Rotary shirt from District 7090 PHS Coordinator Jim Morabito at a recent club meeting.