RIPE Mark Maloney’s Rotary Theme for 2019 – 2020 is “Rotary Connects the World”. How true this has proved out to be in my life.
In November 2015, while attending Rotary UN Peace Conference in NYC, I witnessed a Rotarian (Lucy) from the state of New South Wales, Australia receive a recognition for her work in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). Later that evening at JFK Airport, we happened to be in same waiting area for our flight home. I introduced myself and congratulated her on receiving the special recognition. Lucy said, “It was for work I do for” Clay Partners.
I was awe struck because few years before meeting Lucy, a Rotarian from our district, Janny Jinor, was chosen as a Peace Scholar to complete an eight week course in Conflict Resolution in Bangkok at Chulalongkorn University. Prior to being selected as our Peace Scholar, Janny had completed an assignment in the DRC for John Hopkins University. The work was for healing and nurturing mentally and sexually wounded women. Many were marginalized, traumatized, disfranchised, and sexual assaulted by their husbands, rape victims and often left as the sole supporter for the family.
Upon meeting Lucy, I thought, what an opportunity to connect Lucy with Janny. A digital introduction was made and they collaborated on several joint projects. “Rotary Connects the World”.
In October of this year, I led a team of Rotarians from our district on a Rotary Friendship Exchange to Thailand. In Thailand I was able to Connect with Janny who now resides in Bangkok and our Bangkok team was invited to dinner in her spacious 30th floor condo for scrumptious Asian African Cuisine. Another connection was made with our Bangkok team. Janny has been invited back to Chula several times as visiting Instructor and has connected with other Peace Scholars some of which are members of our global Rotary E-Club, Social innovators (RESI). Our very own Dr. Janny Jinor has completed her PhD and now has an established practice.
On New Year’s Eve, Corine and I were celebrating with friends and I ‘overheard’ a young student say she was going to Australia and I inquired as to where? To New South Wales she replied. Immediately I thought of Lucy of which I immediately fired off an email (1AM here was ~ 1PM there) requesting a connection with our friend’s daughter. Much to my surprise I received an immediate reply of absolutely! Our friend’s daughter, her mom and dad were met by Lucy a few days ago and another connection was made.
As Paul Harvey would say “Now you know the rest of the story.” Rotary Connects the World.
Come Sail-ebrate the 2019 Rotary District Conference with your fellow Rotarians, guests and friends aboard the Royal Caribbean Allure of the Seas departing October 20, 2019. Enjoy 7 days at sea aboard one of the most luxurious cruise ships in the world.
We will be updating the conference website with more information on the Rotary on-board and off-board activities as they are developed, but you can go ahead and register now for a cruise and conference to remember!
Questions?
Contact: Mr. Domenic Cortese Group Leader Daytime:(716) 583-0029 Evening:(716) 759-2609 Daytime:(716) 683-2100
Brazilian Sao Paulo Rotary District 4480 will host District 7090 Vocational Training Team (VTT) and provide the opportunity to experience the medical expertise of the Brazilian world renown medical facilities and personnel in Cancer, Ophthalmology and/or Heart and Coronary procedures areas. The team will be in Brazil departing May 8th and returning May 28. The goal of the VTT is to share best practices, research, help others and improve quality of life.
Pictured center bottom is Team Leader Jennifer Schoenhals, behind her is (left to right) is Anna-Marie Wysynski, Thomas Gerbasi, and Claire Harkness.
Team Leader, Jennifer Schoenhals, RPh is a member of the Niagara Falls Sunrise Club and has been a Rotarian for 24 years. She has been a Pharmacist for nearly 35 years plus owns and manages Fall Pharmacy in Niagara Falls, Ontario. She has expertise in Compounding and is the creator of several customized medications.
Anna-Marie Wysynski HBSc, MD from Burlington, Ontario is the Medical Director at Vitality Anti-Aging Centre. She also has 15 years as an Emergency Physician at Alexandra General Hospital practicing allopathic medicine. As a general practitioner, she is knowledgeable in all areas of medicine, including oncology, ophthalmology and cardiology among others. Anna-Marie is also experienced in integrative medicine focusing on lifestyle and spiritual/introspective practices that transfers across nations and ethnicities.
Thomas Gerbasi, MD is a Pediatrician from Lewiston, New York who retired from his practice in July 2018. He is a board certified pediatric specialist with special training in teaching medical students. His expertise includes treatment of children with cancers as well as congenital heart disease working with District 7090 Gift of Life Committee for 18 years. His experience also includes various areas of ophthalmological disease. Tom is a Paul Harris Fellow, and member of the Lewiston-Niagara on the Lake Club, having held positions of President and currently Secretary.
Claire Harkness from Hamilton, Ontario is a very energetic Registered Practical Nurse at Juravinski Hospital in Hamilton, Ontario working on an Oncology/GI unit. The Juravinski hospital is the only site in the region treating all cancers and is home to the region's only stem cell transplant, acute leukemia and blood cancer programs. In addition, Claire is also enrolled in full-time studies doing a collaborative degree completion program through Conestoga College and McMaster University to obtain her Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Claire is a member of the Rotaract Club at McMaster University, former Rotary Youth Exchange student to Newcastle AU, and is a Paul Harris Fellow.
Lisa Bishop:Effective July 1, 2019 Lisa Bishop has agreed to step into the role of Director of Service Projects for District 7090. She will be replacing John DePaolo whose term ends on June 30, 2019. Lisa is a member of the Rotary Club of Delhi and has been very involved at the District level. She currently serves as Assistant Governor for Area 1, and recently served as the 2018 District Conference Co-Chair. Lisa is passionate about Rotary and is dedicated to finding ways to serve others. As the Director of Service Projects, Lisa will oversee the International, Vocational, Literacy and Community Service Committees. If you are interested in serving on any of these committees, please email Lisa at lisabishop@icloud.com.
Angela Carter: PDG Kevin Crosby will be completing his term as Membership Director at the end of this Rotary year. We are pleased to announce that Angela Carter, a member of the Rotary Club of Hamilton Tonic has accepted the position of Membership Director effective July 1, 2019. Anglea has served the District in many different capacities and will be a tremendous asset in her role on the Membership Team. As the Director, she will oversee the New Member Orientation, Rentention, Recruitment, Accessibility and Global Rewards Committees. If you are interested in serving on one of our Membership teams, please email Angela at angela@angelacarter.ca.
Julie Klotzbach: The Rotary Club of Akron Newstead is pleased to announce that their President, Julie Klotzbach, will be stepping up to fill the role of Assistant Governor for Area 12 which was recently vacated by Keith Artis. District 7090 would like to thank Keith for all of the time, effort and passion that he poured into his role as Assistant Governor. It is because of the dedication of Rotarians like Keith that our lubs are able to thrive and be #changemakers!
Rob Benzel: As a Past President of the Rotary Club of Lancaster-Depew, Rob Benzel carries a skill set that will serve him well as our newest Assistant Governor for Area 11. Recently, Katie Biggie had to step down from her role which she has served in for 2 years. District 7090 would like to recognize Katie for all of the help she has given to the clubs in her Area. Dedicated Rotarians like Katie are the glue that help to hold our Area clubs together.
John Weismantel: No photo.
The Rotary Club of Ellicottville is honored to have their sitting president step into the role of Assistant Governor for Area 15. John will start his term as AG immediately and will replace Rotarian Lisa Yaggie who served our district for 3 years in this role.
Shirley Molloy: District 7090 is thrilled to welcome Shirley Molloy as the newest Assistant Governor for Area 3. Shirley will replace Allyson Wenzowski who resigned her position in December. Shirley is a member of the Rotary Club of Dundas Valley Sunrise.
It seems a long time to the next Christmas season, but the Rotary Club of Grimsby has already kicked of its 2019 signature funding raising and community event.
Pictured right is Marilyn Cornell, 2019 Fantasy of Tress organizer - for the second year, Mario Bruno, General manager of Grimsby Hyundai and Jim Howden, Past President. They are wearing the Red Scarfs that kick off the 20th Anniversary campaign. The kick off launched on January 30th, which was both a cold and snowy day.
Last year the event raised $21,000 for local charities. Each year the event continues to grow and evolve.
On Feb 9th, members of the Rotary Club of Le Roy kicked off a new partnership under the Pink Flamingo of Change with the Hope Center of Le Roy, NY. The Hope Center currently provides various programs for all ages in the community including an after-school program for youth, a support program for mothers of young children and a meeting place for the “more mature”. They are expanding into the building next door on Main Street in Le Roy.
The paint job pictured left, involved stalwart Rotarians Tammy Arneth, Andy Rich and Jim Ellison. They were supported by Jim Frascati who provided some excellent bruschetta at his restaurant during a social which followed the painting. Also, please note the presence of “Penelope, the club's Pink Flamingo” who accompanied them on the new venture into hand-on projects in the local community.
Rotary Club of Fonthill member, and District Governor Nominee (2020-21), Frank Adamson is not taking retirement well. Not if you think retirement means slowing down, doing less, or taking it easy. Quite the opposite; Adamson was recently named the 2018 Pelham Citizen of the Year by the Fonthill & District Kinsmen. In other words, the year 2018 for Adamson was busy, busy, busy, as he participated in ways big and small in initiatives around town, while running his business and conducting the business of being a higher-ranking Rotarian within District 7090.
"What this award does is encourage others to get out in the community and help out. Go help with a food drive, pick up garbage, or join or help a service club,” he told a reporter at the Welland Tribune.
Adamson’s list of volunteering is long indeed, and goes back many years for the former paramedic turned fitness club owner. Before joining the Rotary Club of Fonthill, Adamson spent a couple of years with the club in Welland. A former hospital administrator, he also joined the United Way board before moving to the Cambridge area to become executive director of the United Way there. He was also involved with the Ontario Paramedic Association and taught at Niagara College for 11 years. As a founding member of Heart Niagara, Adamson taught CPR and defibrillator use to thousands of people over the years.
During his time as a Fonthill Rotarian, he has served on the board for several years, including as President, and he founded the Niagara Mudfest event, which has raised funds for many worthwhile causes. To learn more about him, visit the 7090 website profile.
Many of Adamson’s former and current Rotary club friends will join him March 5, 2019 at the Old Pelham Hall to celebrate his honour as 2018 Pelham Citizen of the Year.
Recently, at its February 19, 2019 meeting, the Rotary Club of Westfield Mayville presented Janese Berkhouse with her first Paul Harris Fellow. Janese, who is the Immediate Past President of the Rotary Club of Westfield-Mayville, received this special honor for her contributions to The Rotary Foundation of Rotary International.
Pictured with Janese is Foundation Chair Jim Wakeman who made the presentation
The Rotary Club of Kenmore and their sponsored Interact clubs at Kenmore East and Kenmore West performed their annual Purple Pinkie Project fundraiser in the Ken Ton School District in late January. The volunteers painted Purple Gentian Violet on the pinkie finger of students who donated a dollar toward Polio eradication. The students wear their purple pinkie badge of honor as a reminder of the impact they have made. They also receive a lifesaver piece of candy as a thank you and to symbolize the life they have saved with the donation.
The heaviest of the lifting was shouldered by teams of Kenmore Interactors performing the event at 5 different schools. It was also made possible, however with help from Rotarians in neighboring Amherst Rotary and some special EarlyActors from the Clarence YMCA club. Pictured (left) is the Gabe Maddalena family who visited their home club's meeting, Rotary Club of Amherst, with newly acquired expertise on how to execute the fundraiser.
Pictured are (L to R) Gabe, wife Kim and their two children, Anna and Anthony, Fiona Barretto, President Mike Randall.
The kids' EarlyAct Club is soon to be chartered. The famous Pink Flamingo was on hand to witness the festivities.
Pictured (right) at Franklin Middle School is Kim and Anna Maddalena with Kenmore Rotarian Larry Coon.
Also volunteering at the event was the University of Buffalo Rotaract Club President Evan Gestwick who helped provide supplies through a grant that his club received through the 2018 District Conference Shark Tank Competition.
$8400 was generated for Polio vaccines after $1400 was raised and matched (1:1) by Kenmore Rotary and (2:1) by the Gates Foundation.
On Saturday, February 16, 30 teams of six players packed the dining hall of The Gow School in South Wales, NY, for the East Aurora Rotary Club’s Quiz Night. Some groups came with loaded with snacks and a bevy of (mostly adult) beverages, a clear indication they were ready to have some fun. Each team was invited to come up with a creative team name to distinguish themselves as they competed through four rounds of trivia on topics including science and nature, and sports and leisure. With each question, the teams would write down their answers on a sheet that would be turned in at the end of the round, making this trivia challenge a test of knowledge, rather than speed.
Pictured left, members of Team Copernicus gather around a photo of their mascot, Nicolas Copernicus, as they competed in the East Aurora Rotary’s annual Quiz Night at the Gow School.
All teams were invited to come up with creative team names to identify themselves throughout the night.
As 4 Rotarians feverishly graded quizzes at the conclusion of the each round, there were further opportunities for bonus points. With the admission of $1, each team member had the opportunity to participate in “dead or alive” rounds that could help them earn bonus points for their team. All participants stood along the perimeter of the room, and the emcee would ask a multiple-choice question that had two possible answers. The responses would be recorded by a raised or lowered hand, and those who were incorrect would be eliminated. After a number of questions had been asked, the few left standing were awarded bonus points for their team.
The night was complete with food, drinks, a 50/50 drawing and a large basket raffle with over 70 donated prizes from Rotarians and area businesses. This year’s Quiz Night was sold out, as many of the teams are regular participants, who look forward to this event every year. It is always a great fundraiser for East Aurora Rotary, and the club would like to extend a thank you to its member, Dr. Amy Suda, for her organizing and hosting of the event, as well as the several Rotary volunteers who made the night a success.
The Gow School’s dining hall was packed with 30 teams of trivia buffs on Saturday night. Through several rounds of questions straddling numerous topics, teams jockeyed for first place position. The winner of this year’s Quiz Night, sponsored by the East Aurora Rotary Club, was the team “Questions and Banthas.”
Rotary Club of Lancaster-Depew members recently enjoyed a tour of the Hull House and lunch at the Hull House Tea Room. Significant restoration progress has been made since the club last visited - a few years ago.
Pictured above, president Ken Graber presents a club check to Hull House Executive Director Gary Costello.
Built at the time the Erie canal was being dug, Hull House is the oldest stone structure in Erie County.
The Snoezelen Room is a welcome oasis for both children and adults who regularly participate in the many programs offered by Community Living at its C.D. Hopkins Centre in Beamsville. When Lincoln Rotarians learned that this well-used space was in serious need of an uplift, they jumped at the opportunity to meet with France Vaillancourt, Executive Director, Community Living Grimsby, Lincoln and West Lincoln, and scope the project.
Over the past few months, the club has worked with Community Living staff to undertake the project valued at $4500. With a new coat of paint, new wheelchair accessible carpeting, old furnishings cleaned and repaired along with the installation of three new pieces of equipment, the Snoezelen Room is open for use again.
Snoezelen Multi-Sensory environments are relaxing spaces that help reduce agitation and anxiety but they can also engage and delight the user, stimulate reactions and encourage communication. There is no restriction in terms of age or ability. Snoezelen is for everyone living with challenging behaviour, autism and brain injury. For more details -Snoezelen
Lincoln Rotary was enabled in this project by The Rotary Foundation (TRF). Established 102 years ago as the charitable arm of Rotary International, TRF helps Rotary members change lives and improve communities all over the world. It is through TRF District Grant Program that the club secured 50% of the funding required to cover the project.
Rotarian Martha Kralt highlights, “It’s an exceptional opportunity to be able to double the value of the funds raised by the club for doing good things in our local community. With our TRF District Grant, Lincoln Rotary was able to purchase new equipment in addition to affording the basic upgrades required for this project all in support of Community Living, an essential service organization in our community.”
On Thursday November 29, 2018, over 60 Rotarian curlers met at the St. Catharines Golf & Country Club for the 43rd Annual "Bill Ford" Bonspiel, held in honour and memory of long-time Rotarian (and avid curler) Bill Ford. Jointly sponsored by the Rotary clubs of St. Catharines; St. Catharines South and St. Catharines Lakeshore, participants enjoyed lunch, dinner and a free try at a Closest to the Hole Golf contest held at the golf club’s indoor virtual reality golf course facility.
The winning team for 2018 was skipped by Dennis Gilmore from the Rotary Club of Niagara Falls Sunrise. He was joined by vice Bruce Raham; second Ged Leahy and lead Jim Hooper. PDG Reg Madison was also a participant as skip of the Brantford AM team, which finished fourth overall.
Pictured (left to right) are Rotarians Frank Parkhouse, Brian Hughes and Don Fretz, all from St. Catharines South Club.
We invite all curlers to mark Thursday November 21, 2019 on their calendars for this year’s event!
Did you know that Rotary International has recognized January as Vocational Service Month? On January 22nd, over 140 students had the opportunity to explore different careers. The day was filled with professionals talking about their careers and the career opportunities in their respective fields.
Grade 7 & 8 students at Cathy Weaver School started the day off with a motivational talk from local artist Dejehan Hamilton. Dejehan is an alumnus of the CORE Kids After School Program both as a participant and volunteer, and a former camper in the Rotary Summer Literacy Program. Recording artist, songwriter, musician, entrepreneur and international award-winning speaker: Dejehan Hamilton, went from a poverty stricken environment to a being the first Canadian steel pan graduate on scholarship at the prestigious Berklee College of Music.
Students had the opportunity to learn about several different career paths and opportunities through speakers, presentations and hands on activities. Topics included Trade Skills, Entrepreneurship, Emergency Services and Athletes with two athletes speaking to the students including a Hamilton Ti-Cat.
The Career Exploration Day is part of the ongoing CORE Kids Programing supported by the Rotary Club of Hamilton and our funding supporter the Hamilton Community Foundation ABACUS Project. The goal of the event is to expose the students to various career paths, encouraging them to explore opportunities in education and provide them with positive role models in our community.
The Rotary Club of Norfolk Sunrise had community members trying to “Catch the Ace” for a very long time. The draws were held each Friday at the Port Dover Legion. It was never anticipated the Ace of Spades would be revealed with the 52nd card and would last the full 40 weeks, the maximum number of weeks allowed by County gaming rules. Every week, until the Ace was revealed, a lucky winner received $500 in prize money. In total $100,000 was raised with $30,000 going to the winner, $20,000 given out in weekly draws, and $50,000 going to Rotary for distribution into the community.
On January 4, 2019, a standing-room-only crowd attended for the final night, The excitement was electric until the Ace of Spades was revealed and the winner, Nadia Waiton, was announced and took home the $30,000 winner’s cheque. This fundraising event had supporters on their feet each time a winner was announced. In the end, it came down to the last envelope, which by the process of elimination, had to be the Ace of Spades. The crowd erupted when the winner of this progressive draw was finally announced.
This popular fundraiser was organized by The Rotary Club of Norfolk Sunrise once before and that too yielded a successful response, running its full course, just as the event did this year. Thanks to all the Rotarians who volunteered for this event. A special note of gratitude goes to the Rotarian organizers - Gail Catherwood, Gail Bouw, and Sue O’Dwyer. Their leadership and dedication is what made this fundraising event such a great success! Our community will certainly benefit from this fundraising initiative.
Pictured above from left to right: Rotarians - Sue O’Dwyer, Gail Bouw, and the Winner - Nadia Waiton, holding the winning Ace of Spades. Pictured right: Rotarian Gail Catherwood, Catch the Ace Organizer ready to spin for a winning ticket.
The Rotary Club of Niagara Falls, ON handed out the last of our Winter Survival Kits to the Niagara Falls Soup Kitchen. The Winter Survival kits are compromised of various items such as gloves, winter hats and toiletries.
On that same night, club members volunteered their time serving dinner to the patrons of the Soup Kitchen. It is always a great opportunity to give back to the community by helping others during this cold winter season.
Additional kits were provided to the Salvation Army.
Effective July 1, 2019 Lisa Bishop has agreed to step into the role of Director of Service Projects for District 7090. She will be replacing John DePaolo whose term ends on June 30, 2019. Lisa is a member of the Rotary Club of Delhi and has been very involved at the District level. She currently serves as Assistant Governor for Area 1, and recently served as the 2018 District Conference Co-Chair. Lisa is passionate about Rotary and is dedicated to finding ways to serve others. As the Director of Service Projects, Lisa will oversee the International, Vocational, Literacy and Community Service Committees. If you are interested in serving on any of these committees, please email Lisa at 
.
Julie Klotzbach: The Rotary Club of Akron Newstead is pleased to announce that their President, Julie Klotzbach, will be stepping up to fill the role of Assistant Governor for Area 12 which was recently vacated by Keith Artis. District 7090 would like to thank Keith for all of the time, effort and passion that he poured into his role as Assistant Governor. It is because of the dedication of Rotarians like Keith that our lubs are able to thrive and be #changemakers!
Dedicated Rotarians like Katie are the glue that help to hold our Area clubs together.
Shirley Molloy: District 7090 is thrilled to welcome Shirley Molloy as the newest Assistant Governor for Area 3. Shirley will replace Allyson Wenzowski who resigned her position in December. Shirley is a member of the Rotary Club of Dundas Valley Sunrise.
It seems a long time to the next Christmas season, but the Rotary Club of Grimsby has already kicked of its 2019 signature funding raising and community event.
The Rotary Club of Buffalo Sunrise and its City Honors Interact Club (CHIC) volunteering at the Food Bank. 
saved with the donation. 
