Welcome to the April edition of our monthly newsletter! This month we are talking about your Rotary Bucket List! I hope you enjoy hearing about mine and reflecting on where you are at in the journey with your Rotary goals! Additionally, I have mentioned some other events and fun challenges coming up and promised links! Here you go!
As always, THANK YOU for all that you do on behalf of Rotary International and your local Rotary club. Rotarians are the most inspiring, passionate and dedicated bunch of people I’ve ever known and I am so honored to be serving as your District Governor! And remember… there is still time to check off goals from your Rotary Bucket List!
The Pink Flamingo of Change was enjoying the tropical surroundings when he was lured into a photo opp. DGE Bob Artis and Rotaract Chair Larry Coon met to make plans to encourage Rotaractor attendance to the Rotary International Convention in Hawaii in June 2020. The flamingo overheard them saying that Rotary clubs that want to sponsor a Rotaractor to attend should put the funds aside in their upcoming annual budgets for 2019-2020. Just a friendly reminder from the flamingo!
Current District Rotaract Representative, Dan Hamlin, recently shared his take on attending the Convention in Toronto and Rotary Supporting convention attendance. “In 2018, District 7090, through the support of several Rotary clubs, organized the sending of multiple Rotaractors to the Rotary International Convention, and the Rotaract pre-convention. I can say with full certainty my attendance there is a pivotal reason why I am the current DRR and a member of the Rotary Club of BNMC. The impact of attending such an event has been extraordinary. I believe it is critical that we work to make attendance at the convention a possibility for Rotaractors in 2020 and beyond. It will directly lead to the growth of Rotaract and Rotary in District 7090. If finances can be allocated from Rotary clubs throughout the District for sending Rotaractors to the Rotary International Convention, we could all work together to help make this a reality. I would be very happy to spearhead the discussion with Rotary clubs as to why this is a vital contribution. The Convention has opened my eyes to the full potential of Rotary, and I believe the same would be true for other Rotaractors that receive the opportunity to attend.”
Now flocks of Pink Flamingos are joining Rotaract clubs in hopes of being sponsored to get back to tropical weather. In fact, it turns out that luring the flamingos and the DGE only takes a little bit of key lime pie because it's both their favorite. No animals were hurt during the photo shoot!
Pictured are Larry Coon, District 7090 Rotaract Chair (left) and Bob Artis, District 7090 Governor Elect (right).
The Rotaract Club of the University at Buffalo held a garbage pickup during the month of April on Maryvale Drive in the Town of Cheektowaga. Altogether, they cleared over one dozen full bags of garbage off the side of the road. They are especially grateful for the Town of Cheektowaga Police Department, who provided an officer for the entire day for their safety. Local residents came out of their homes to thank these Rotaractors (one even brought them a box of Girl Scout Cookies!)
This semester, this Rotaract Club also held a fudge fundraiser for a young man local to the University at Buffalo who lost his battle with cancer; all profits went to the Anthony V. Mannino Foundation for Cancer Research in his memory.
The Rotaract Club of the University at Buffalo looks to continue in their efforts with their winnings from the 2018 District Conference Shark Tank event. If you know of an after school program that would like to participate in the Purple Pinky Project, please contact President Evan Gestwick at evangest@buffalo.edu.
MESSAGE: Unfortunately, one week after UB Rotaract member Alexis Linck-Entwistle spearheaded the cleanup event in her Cheektowaga neighborhood, her life turned upside down. A massive multi-dwelling fire destroyed nearly everything she owned except her car and laptop. Alexis got out safely but her cat Katrinah perished. She is now struggling to put her life back together and could use some help. Words of encouragement or contributions to help Alexis rebound would be a huge help to her, and may be sent to: Alexis Linck-Entwistle 9352 Roberts Rd. Sauquoit, NY 13456. Suggestions are debit or gift cards from Target, Walmart or gas stations, or if preferred, simply checks payable to Alexis. Questions can be directed to Larry Coon at Lorenzocoon@yahoo.com. Thank you very much for any kind gestures.
The Rotary Club of Norfolk Sunrise kept calm and “shamrocked on” at its annual Bargains, Bling and Blarney event held on St Patrick’s Day at the Greens of Renton Golf Club in Simcoe. This was a ladies only event and there was no hesitation to wear lots of green and Irish bling. A friend is like a four leaf clover – hard to find and lucky to have, and all felt fortunate that many Rotary friends attended this sold out event.
The ladies of Norfolk County brought a re-gifting item from their closets or found a gently used item to bring to the event. The venue was decorated in a St. Patrick’s Day theme. It was noted that none of the four leaf clovers were ironed because Rotarians did not want to “press their luck”! The Sunday afternoon event included a delicious lunch covered by the entry ticket. The ladies registered for their bidding paddles and donated their re-gifting items that were placed on the silent auction tables with bid sheets. After lunch, the live auction started. Items were generously donated by local merchants and Rotary members. Rotarian Nancy Sherwin was the lucky winner of the “key in the lock” fundraising draw and she generously donated back the handcrafted earrings that were specially created for this event. The earrings were put up for auction and yielded a substantial amount.
At the end of the day, this event was a pleasure to host and a public service was offered as the ladies were encouraged to clean out that overstuffed re-gifting closet. The Rotarians organizing this event are congratulated for their hard work and enthusiasm in making this event so successful. Committee members included: Gail Catherwood, Yvonne DiPietro, Mary Mercato, Tina Milea, Bettyann Carty, Lucine McKay, and Cathy Harrop. In keeping with this theme is the wish that "your troubles be less and your blessings more, and nothing but happiness comes through your door."
Pictured (left) is Rotarian Mary Mercato (far right) and her two daughters Julia Pauls and Flo Barreto enjoying the competition of bidding for a live auction item. Pictured (right) is Abbey Schebesch of Simcoe bidding during the live auction.
On March 19th the Rotary Club of Dundas held a social evening and celebrated two Rotarians. They are Alan Moffett who has 50 years as a Rotarian and Dr. Kanwal Shankardass with 40 years of perfect attendance! Pictured are the two amazing Rotarians. The evening included Rotarian John Attridge who provided a fascinating 3 -D photo contest.
In March President Marguerite Ward was awarded the “Women of Distinction Award – Life Time Achievement Award” at the YWCA Annual Gala event. Marguerite emphasized her role in Rotary in both her acceptance speech, and with the media.
The board of directors for the club held a visioning workshop on April 10th to determine a focus for the club and to begin to strategize steps to be more vibrant in attracting new members and serving its community better.
On April 1, 2019, exactly 99 years to the date that the Rotary Club of Welland received its charter, the club held a one-year to our 100th Anniversary kick-off social event, hosted by the Welland Historical Museum. Approximately 100 people attended, including past-presidents, former members, Paul Harris Fellows, representatives from several area Rotary clubs, club Sponsors, donor recipients, some past district governors, Welland government officials and guests. Your TV (Cogeco) produced a video of the evening’s events which can be seen on our website: www.wellandrotaryclub.com.
Pictured: Welland Rotary One Year to 100th Kick-Off, (L to R) Mayor Frank Campion and President David Alexander.
President David Alexander welcomed everyone to the countdown to our 100th Anniversary, saying, “The theme this year has been ‘Be the Inspiration’. I am sure we have all been inspired by those changemakers amongst us. We have put together blankets, interesting speakers, sweated the details, had fun along the way. Rotarians are truly People of Action. Our values are based around Service Above Self. When you help others, when you take on some of the most persistent human development challenges, whether it is here at home, or with our partners around the world, you truly find your humanity and how what you do makes a difference."
President David asked Welland’s Mayor Frank Campion to make some remarks. Mayor Campion expressed gratitude for all of the work the Rotary Club of Welland has done for the community during the past 99 years, especially in donating to city directed causes such as the original Cross Street swimming pool in 1939-1940, assisting with the purchase of 2 Well Trans buses during the 1980s and 1990s and contributions to city playgrounds and ice rinks. He stated, "The city is looking forward to working with the Rotary Club of Welland on its Legacy Project."
President-Elect Don Thorpe presented the Rotary International video: A Century of Doing Good noting that Rotary International has done many wonderful things in its 114-year history. Our club was started by 25 community minded citizens. Welland Rotary was the 644th Club chartered in the world, what was then referred to as the International Association of Rotary Clubs. We have a long history of which to be proud. We know that one of the first donations was to the Underprivileged Boy's Camp Morgan's Point. We started one of many large donations to the Welland Hospital in 1935. In the 1930s, local Rotary members were involved in helping what was then referred to as ‘Crippled Children’. In 1964, Welland Rotary, along with the Rotary Club of St. Catharines and the Rotary Club of Niagara Falls, the Port Colborne Lions and the May Club of St. Catharines were charter members of what is now the Niagara Children’s Centre. We have made a difference!
Without service clubs like the Rotary Club of Welland, which raises funds to improve the lives of others less fortunate, communities and citizens, both local and international, would not have the facilities nor the life expectancy they have today. We have survived for 99 years and we will continue to embrace Rotary’s motto “Service Above Self”. Please mark your calendars for Saturday, April 4, 2020 when we will officially celebrate our 100th Anniversary at a gala. This is your first invitation!
In March 2018, in recognition of its 100th Anniversary on April 1, 2020, the Rotary Club of Welland invited proposals from Rotarians and Welland citizens for ideas for a Legacy Project. Seven proposals were received and reviewed by the Anniversary Committee. A City of Welland proposal, recognized for its creativity and commitment to developing a legacy park which supports the physical and emotional well-being of the community along the Welland Recreational Waterway, was selected.
On March 19, 2019, the City of Welland and the Rotary Club jointly announced the 100th Anniversary Legacy Project. Welland Rotary will contribute $100,000 to this community Legacy Project initiative. This notable recreation area, to be named ‘Rotary Club of Welland Park’, is located south of Lincoln Street on the west side of the Welland Recreational Waterway.
Partially developed with docks, a new skateboard park, and bicycle/walk paths, it is envisioned to be a multi-faceted recreational site where we will be able to reflect Rotary’s values and mission.
“I’d like to thank the Rotary Club of Welland for their significant financial contribution and continued volunteerism to our community. This contribution and the creation of the Rotary Club of Welland Park, builds on the momentum generated along with the investments made to create a public space and an interregional destination designed to bring more families and individuals to our recreational waterway to enjoy new amenities and programming,” said Welland Mayor Frank Campion. “We look forward to partnering with Rotary on a park concept over the next twelve months and incorporating this into our multi-phase canal redevelopment strategy.”
“The Rotary Club of Welland looks forward to developing a public space in Welland that includes a place where we are able to reflect our values and mission,” said David Alexander, Rotary Club of Welland President. “We received a number of great ideas that I hope, in the future, we will also be able to consider.”
Pictured (left to right) are Don Thorpe, President-Elect, Mayor Frank Campion and President David Alexander.
The Rotary Club of Dunkirk-Fredonia hosted the Northern Chautauqua Young Professionals group during the April 11th meeting. Their 30+ members represent a variety of professions throughout the local region and the club engages in service projects to support the community. Therefore, the club is exploring the possibility of turning the group into a community Rotaract club.
Rotarian Kevin Kearns, V.P. of Vice President for Advancement, Engagement, and Economic Development at SUNY Fredonia (third from left) hosted our speaker of the week, Marnie Lavigne, CEO of Launch NY (2nd from left). Pictured also are some of the young professionals in attendance.
On Friday March 15, 2019, the NiagaraUSA Chamber of Commerce held its 2019 annual dinner in celebration and recognition of business excellence at the Seneca Niagara Resort and Casino. The honorees were Vos Manufacturing for business of the year, the Cornell Cooperative Extension Niagara County for industry insider in agriculture, Discover Niagara Shuttle for industry insider for tourism, Norma Higgs for Father Joseph L. Levesque award for community advocacy, Niagara University for green manufacturing sponsored by National Grid and Ron Anderluh for NiagaraUSA Chamber Chairman’s award. Some Rotarians of the Rotary Club of Niagara Falls, NY attended the event to support Ron Anderluh for a well deserved award. Ron is the current president of the Rotary Club for the second time. In 1978, he became the youngest president of the club. Ron’s activism in community affairs is admired and gratifying for all. Congratulations to all the fine honorees for a job well done!
Pictured (left to right) are Rotarians Ron Anderluh, John Ambrose Cooper and Don King.
Recently, representatives of the Rotary Club of Lincoln attended the 17th Annual Outstanding Business Achievement Awards Gala Dinner Honouring Business Excellence in Lincoln, hosted by the Lincoln Chamber of Commerce. Lincoln Rotary was there to present the Pathways to Opportunity Co-op Education Employer Recognition Award. Lori Love of EZ Rock 105.7 was once again the wonderful Master of Ceremonies for the evening.
The Pathways to Opportunity Award represents a unique collaboration among Rotarians, educators and businesses in the community. As President Sue Foster noted, " As Rotarians, we channel our commitment to service at home and worldwide through Five Avenues of Service. Two of these being Vocational Service and Youth Service. So, it is in our service commitment that the Rotary Club of Lincoln works with the Chamber and Beamsville District Secondary School to celebrate businesses that go out of their way to support co-operative education."
The 2019 Pathways to Opportunity Award recipient was Shopper's Drug Mart Beamsville. Congratulations to Associate Owner & Pharmacist, Siva Sivapalan & Store Manager Julie Phoenix.
Pictured (left to right) are Matt Wilson BDSS Principal, Sue Foster President Rotary Club of Lincoln, Siva Sivapalan owner/pharmacist Beamsville Shoppers Drug Mart, Julie Phoenix store manager.
On April 4, 2019, the Rotary Club of Albion's meeting was scheduled as a Vocational Day and Albion Rotarians visited Baxter, a local manufacturer in Medina, NY. Baxter has been around for more than 85 years, pioneering significant medical innovations that have changed healthcare. From the first commercially produced intravenous solutions to today’s leading acute nutritional, renal and surgical care innovation, Baxter is committed to providing leading healthcare solutions. (Baxter’s “Our History” taken from https://www.baxter.com/our-story)
The company's tour guides were Kevin Foley, Plant Manager and Patrick Pettengill, Engineering Manager. The Baxter Spectrum IQ is the heart of what they do in this facility. Pictured left demonstrating the Baxter Spectrum IQ is Kevin Foley. Pictured right enjoying the tour, are the club's Rotarians.
After the tour, Rotarians had a delicious lunch catered by Sourced Market & Eatery in Medina, NY and some Peanut Bitter & Jelly cookies that were donated from Orleans Community Health.
Samantha “Sami” Vagg, who leads the Rotary Club of Le Roy's Interact club, has inspired the Revitalization Committee of Ogdensburg, NY to duplicate her Hometown Heroes Banner Project.
In February of 2018, the Interact leadership briefed the Village of Le Roy Board and gained permission to buy and put up 21 banners showing those members of the community who are on active duty with the U. S. Armed Forces. The banners were incredibly well received by the local community and grabbed the attention of a visitor from Ogdensburg who was visiting Le Roy last summer. She got in touch with Sami for information. Sami provided her with “the research and leg work done by our AMAZING Rotary Interact Club last year, and I was conferenced in on a presentation to their Village. The Village approved the project, and the banners will be up for Memorial Day. “ See the article below: https://www.ogd.com/ogd/ogdensburg-pride-and-beautification-commission-to-launch-hometown-heroes-project-20181115
The Rotary Club of St. Catharines South is staying calm and carrying on. We are losing a member or 2, but inducting a new member and hope to induct more by the end of the year. One issue is how to predetermine if an interested potential new member has the “response ability” to succeed in one fashion or another as a member of Rotary. The club's membership committee is looking into that. The best way to ensure that members stick around is to get them involved, especially by getting them thinking about climbing on the ladder to become president eventually. If not climbing on that ladder, they tend to fall off it at some point.
The club's Brock University Rotaract club is hosting their “First Vote” event on May 8. This is for High School students who are going to be able to vote in federal and provincial elections for the first time. They are bused in from all over Niagara to hear from Political Science professors and current public office holders. Attached is the photo of Rotary President Elect Robert Eagle handing our club’s donation cheque for “First Vote” to Rotaract President Hope Tuff-Berg. If Hope looks familiar, it is because she is in a photo promoting the Hamburg RI Convention!
The "South Club” will be hosting it’s second annual comedy night on Friday, May 31. Tickets are only $25. Call President Dan Toppari at 905-227-9288 if you are interested.
Literacy International Rotarian Action Group (LITRAG) Chair, PDG Carolyn Johnson from Massachusetts visited with the Rotary Club of St. Catharines Lakeshore at a recent meeting to personally present the club with the LITRAG “2018 International Literacy Award”. The award is accompanied by a cheque for $500.00 U.S. for use in the club’s “School to Home Reading Program”. This program competed against Rotary clubs across 12 countries to win the award.
This literacy program, now in its 9th year, purchases “leveled” reading books for selected Students in Grades 2 – 4. We also supply personalized carrying cases for Students, recruit & schedule volunteers from Brock University, Niagara College, the Community and Rotary. Students read to the Volunteer, take their book home to read with their family and the process repeats weekly from October thru to April. We offer experience & needed Community hours & references to our Volunteers and encourage families to participate in their child’s learning at an early age. Our Program is documented, monitored & evaluated to help teachers & families pin point specific needs. Reading Levels have increased by 4 – 9 levels!
Pictured (left to right) PDG Carolyn Johnson, Volunteer John Ellison, President Ellen Wodchis & Literacy Committee Co-Chair Milica Kovacevich.
On April 17, over 100 Niagara Rotarians representing 12 Niagara and 2 western New York clubs gathered in fellowship at a Joint Luncheon organized by the Rotary Club of St. Catharines Lakeshore. Our keynote speaker was City of St. Catharines Mayor (and Rotarian) Walter Sendzik (pictured left) who spoke about the overall global efforts made by Rotary, and in particular the efforts made in St. Catharines to create a ‘Compassionate City”. Supported at all levels by Council, City staff and residents, this initiative can be summarized from the website www.compassionatestc.ca as: “The wealth and well-being of our city is measured by the health and well-being of everyone. As a growing city we are not immune to the challenges of other cities: poverty, homelessness, mental health and creating prosperity for all. These are challenges that we must work collectively to address. There are many aspects to a compassionate city. Get involved in something that’s meaningful for you whether it’s helping the homeless, on the sports field, at your business, helping seniors living in isolation or at your place of worship. We have what it takes to make St. Catharines a place where everyone belongs. The success of our city depends on our residents, community partners, schools and businesses working together. We must set goals, identify challenges and together find solutions to make this great city even greater socially, economically, environmentally and culturally."
On Saturday, March 30th, the Rotary Club of Medina launched a new fundraiser. It was the club's first “Business First Comedy Night”, held at The White Birch Golf Course. Over 50 people attended the event. Opener Dan Mahoney entertained everyone by citing everyday observations while headliner Blaine Kelly thrilled the crowd with his hysterical musical comedy and upbeat tempo! Pictured left is headliner Blaine Kelly.
An audience member won the drawing for a two foot tall chocolate Easter Bunny. The Rotary Club also raised money through a 50/50 Raffle. According to President Cal, "The three best things coming from our Comedy Night was (1) the audience thoroughly enjoyed themselves, (2) everyone is asking us to hold another comedy night, and (3) a member of the audience wishes to become a member of our Rotary Club!"
On April 10th the Club was visited by Gregory Hallock, Executive Director of GO ART! Mr. Hallock spoke to the club about GO ART!’s new program TechART – a program that gives students access to new computer equipment and training. Pictured right is GO ART!’s Executive Director Gregory Hallock (left) with Rotary Club President Carl Tuohey.
The Rotary Club of Hamburg held its 16th Annual Breakfast with the Bunny pancake breakfast on Saturday, April 13 at Oakwood Manor, Hamburg. The popular event supports Rotary programs, particularly those earmarked for children, throughout the year.
Pictured (right) Rotarians and volunteers dish up pancakes, sausages, pastries and juice for hungry families. Rotarian Dave Evans (pictured left) served as emcee for the event.
Many children visited the Easter Bunny on his gilded throne and participated in coloring contests and face-painting.
ogram that would like to participate in the Purple Pinky Project, please contact President Evan Gestwick at 
generously donated back the handcrafted earrings that were specially created for this event. The earrings were put up for auction and yielded a substantial amount. 
The Rotary Club of Dunkirk-Fredonia hosted the Northern Chautauqua Young Professionals group during the April 11th meeting. Their 30+ members represent a variety of professions throughout the local region and the club engages in service projects to support the community. Therefore, the club is exploring the possibility of turning the group into a community Rotaract club. 
medical innovations that have changed healthcare. From the first commercially produced intravenous solutions to today’s leading acute nutritional, renal and surgical care innovation, Baxter is committed to providing leading healthcare solutions. (Baxter’s “Our History” taken from 
er cities: poverty, homelessness, mental health and creating prosperity for all. These are challenges that we must work collectively to address. There are many aspects to a compassionate city. Get involved in something that’s meaningful for you whether it’s helping the homeless, on the sports field, at your business, helping seniors living in isolation or at your place of worship. We have what it takes to make St. Catharines a place where everyone belongs. The success of our city depends on our residents, community partners, schools and businesses working together. We must set goals, identify challenges and together find solutions to make this great city even greater socially, economically, environmentally and culturally."
ts Rotary programs, particularly those earmarked for children, throughout the year.