Recently, District 7090 hosted a Rotary Friendship Exchange from Thailand, District 3360. The team of 24 was comprised of twelve Rotarians; one past district governor, ten past presidents and one guest.
Pictured is the RFE team with Dick Beyers "The Destroyer", a WWWF Champion and wife. Both are members of DG Melisa's club, the Rotary Club of Akron. These are but a few of the highlights of participating clubs:
The Rotary Club of Niagara Falls, ON and Niagara Falls Sunrise treated the team to a Canadian Day celebration and turning on the falls lights, visits to wineries and of course, the team's favorite, shopping, as well as Niagara Falls on the Canadian side.
Then on to be hosted by the Rotary Club of Welland where they saw the Welland Canal in action, moving tons of cargo through narrow locks. They also met the mayor and other city dignitaries.
Visiting the Rotary Club of Dunkirk-Fredonia they were treated to a fly-in breakfast with several members taking a vintage airplane ride. They were treated to a visit to the University of New York at Fredonia, as well as an annual Italian festival.
The Batavia and Le Roy clubs took the RFE team to see the beautiful nature of Letchworth State Park and, of course, Niagara Falls on USA side. Then they went on to attend one of America's favorite summer sports, baseball; for most of the team this was the first time watching in person and up close.
The Rotary Club of Clarence took the team to visit and explore the diversity of our religious faiths by visiting churches of different beliefs. They also involved the team in a hands on project: food packing at Buffalo City Mission.
They were hosted by Rotarian Shefali Clerk of the Rotary Club of Amherst South for their farewell party.
The Rotary Club of Niagara Falls, Ontario has had a busy and fun June and early July. Eight members and two spouses attended the Rotary International Convention in Toronto and had a great time. Arriving home from the convention, the club participated with other District 7090 clubs to host twelve Rotarians on a Friendship Exchange from Thailand. Clubs from Buffalo, Niagara Falls ON and Welland were involved. Ron Lyons, the club's International Service Director arranged three full days of touring in Niagara Falls escorting the guests to Welland. Our guest Rotarians were home hosted by club members. Five of the Thai Rotarians attended the RI Convention in Toronto and seven flew in to Buffalo via New York.
Pictured are the Thai visitors with President Jim Craig at the club's meeting on July 3rd.
The Rotaract Club of the University at Buffalo held their chartering ceremony on Tuesday, June 19, aboard the USS Little Rock, which is part of the Buffalo Naval Park, located in beautiful downtown Buffalo. Between ticket sales and the 50/50 raffle, they were able to raise over $2,000 for their operational budget for the upcoming academic year. The club would like to thank their donors, Bing’s Catering and Flying Bison Brewery, as well as the attendees for the support they received in the form of ticket purchases.
The Rotaract Club of the University at Buffalo will be entering its third year of operation, and looks to continue assisting with planting trees at Lake LaSalle, located on UB North Campus, under the direction of Molly Dreyer, a recent UB graduate. The club will also use funds raised during this campaign to move forward with their own projects, including a coat drive and a food recovery initiative.
Over the Canada Day weekend, the Rotary clubs of Waterdown and Flamborough AM held their 9th Annual Oh Canada Ribfest, a fundraiser for the two Rotary clubs. From the photos, it looks like Governor Melisa was having a great time posing with awardees.
On the right, do you think DG Melisa was trying to explain to Bucky, the event's mascot, what a #Changemaker is?
The Rotary Club of Westfield-Mayville recently contributed $500 in support of the Village of Westfield Recreation Department’s pool program for youth at its Welch Field Pool, which was opened to the public on August 13, 1967. The Westfield-Mayville Rotary Club was the original lead organization that encouraged the Westfield Village Board officials to accept its swimming pool proposal, and it raised about $50,000 during the 1960’s towards construction costs.
Andrew Webster, Westfield Recreation Department Director, accepted this Rotary club’s $500 donation and came to its June 19 meeting to thank the group and to speak about the pool and various aspects of the Westfield Welch Field Summer Program. Webster stated, “The Village of Westfield Recreation Department is one of only three in Chautauqua County, with the other two being in Dunkirk and Jamestown, more urban settings. As far as I know, our Welch Field Pool is the only public outdoor pool in the county. Last year, the pool celebrated its 50th anniversary. The Rotary Club of Westfield-Mayville played the major role in establishing the pool. We are very grateful for this Rotary club’s support and its $500 contribution.”
He continued, “About 75% of our summer recreation activities involve the pool program. Annually we need at least $3,000 in donations to help offset associated costs, such as the four to five lifeguards, pool chemicals and minor expenses. We offer 100 open swims during the summer, and both youth and adult programs. The donation from your Rotary club will help us to continue to offer free swimming for youth under the age of 18, including swim lessons and swim team opportunities.”
Though the pool program is the most popular, Webster noted that the Westfield Recreation Department also offers field activities and a drama program. There are numerous outdoor activities, indoor games, field trips, arts and crafts sessions, special events, a skate park, free movies in Moore Park and Welch Field, special events and a bike tour. There are youth, adult and family programs.
After Webster concluded his presentation to the Rotary Club of Westfield-Mayville, he had an opportunity to meet and briefly speak with Steve Elliott, the only current club member who remembers this organization’s campaign to establish the Welch Field Pool. Elliott, who has been a continuous member of Rotary since 1960, said, “Members of our Rotary club worked really hard to have this public pool become a reality. We had a lot of fundraisers, such as chicken barbecues, to raise the thousands of dollars that were needed.” Pictured is Steve Elliot (left) with Andrew Webster.
In the 1960’s this Rotary club led a campaign to generate support of its pool proposal and it then raised about $50,000. Other groups and individuals helped to raise another $25,000 to build the pool. On May 9, 1967, a ground-breaking ceremony for the pool was held. The pool and a bathhouse were open to the public on August 13, 1967. Thanks to an anonymous individual, the girls’ locker room of the bathhouse was recently renovated. The Rotary Club of Westfield-Mayville is proud of its history with the Welch Field Pool.
On Monday, June 25, 2018, the Rotary Club of Waterdown hosted their changeover meeting with several guests present to recognize PDG Bob Bruce with The Rotary Foundation Distinguished Service Award. PDG Bob was nominated for this award by PDGs Karen Oakes and John VanLaar with endorsement by IPDG Marlee Diehl. Bob was escorted to the front of the room by IPDG Marlee and DG Reg Madison. Others PDGs in attendance were PDGs Don Hilborn, Art Wing, Joe DePaolo and DGE Melisa Schrock with numerous other PDGs sending their congratulatory wishes to Bob.
Pictured left to right are PDG Art Wing, PDG Joe DePaolo, PDG Don Hilborn, PDG Karen Oakes, PDG Bob Bruce, PDG Marlee Diehl, DG Reg Madison and DGE Melisa Schrock.
The Rotary Club of Waterdown is notably proud of this recognition to their fellow Rotarian Bob Bruce as he was one of only 50 possible recipients from around the globe recognized for their exceptional service to The Rotary Foundation. Well done, Bob!
It was a great evening of laughter and fellowship as Rotarians and guests celebrated many other significant milestones, including new member inductions, anniversaries, honouring special Rotary Foundation supporters as well as a review of the exceptional year under the leadership of President Sabih and welcoming incoming President Sue to the helm.
On Monday of the Rotary International Convention, delegates have the opportunity to venture into the community surrounding the convention and be “home hosted” by a Rotarian (and significant other) in their homes. Occasionally, the venue has been a centralized barbecue or other meal, but, for sure, being in a Rotarian’s home for a few hours, sharing Rotary stories and ideas is a wonderful way to “get away” from the hustle and bustle of the convention.
This year, District 7090, under the leadership of Anne Bermingham, hosted about 150 people for dinner on Monday, June 25th. They came by bus – and that was an adventure in itself as a bad car accident closed the Queen Elizabeth highway and changed a 1 hour trip into a 3 hour trip from Toronto to Hamilton; however, Anne quickly reorganized and we extended the stay of our guests for an extra hour or so. Pictured left is Anne Bermingham, center front, with her guests at her home in Highview.
Talk about hospitality! Rotarians stepped up from all over the area - the Rotary club of Hamilton AM, Hamilton, Hamilton After Five (Tonic), Hamilton Mountain and Dundas Valley Sunrise all got involved. Some Rotarians hosted two couple, four couples or even ten couples in their homes. The Hamilton Mountain club entertained 20 at the yacht club, the Rotary Club of Hamilton After Five (Tonic), had 18 at Rotarian Marcel Mongeon’s back yard. One Rotarian, Michael Howes, hosted the couples at his boat dockside. People were entertained on boats, in gardens and backyards and around dinner tables in Stoney Creek, Hamilton, Ancaster, Aldershot and Dundas.
It was an amazing effort by many amazing people. MANY, MANY thanks to all those who were willing to host, transport or do any of the other many roles to make this a successful evening; but special thanks to our bus monitors – David Williams, Leo Johnson, Tim McClemont, and Rotaractor, Jelaine Foster – as well as our fearless leader, Anne.
Pictured right is a photo taken by hosts Helen and Wayne Massey, Rotary Club of Dundas Valley Sunrise, at their home as the group was preparing to disperse having been wined (lots) and dined on Wayne’s special treatment of steak and salmon, preceded by charcuterie and salad, and then topped off with strawberry cake and rhubarb crisp and icewine. The guests are Tom and Stephanie Smith from Tsawassen, British Columbia, Karen and Ted Ellis from East Rutherford, Texas, and the hostesses with the MOSTEST, Helen Massey and Lynne Morrow.
District 7090 was the only District in Zone 24 with more than 2,000 members to increase its membership in the 2017-18 Rotary year.
Over the 2017-18 Rotary year, District 7090’s membership grew by 40 from 2,124 on July 1, 2017 to 2,164 on June 30, 2018. District 7090’s membership growth last Rotary year came from an increase of 46 new members in our new Rotary E-Club of Social Innovators (RESI) with the membership of all other District 7090 clubs collectively decreasing by 6 members.
Our membership growth during the 2017-18 Rotary year further solidified District 7090’s position as the largest Rotary District in Zone 24 East by widening our lead over District 7070, that includes the City of Toronto, York Region and Durham Region, which lost 36 members from 2,003 on July 1, 2017 to now sits at 1,967 members as of June 30, 2018.
Within all of Zones 24 & 32, membership decreased in the 2017-18 Rotary year by 1,207 from 60,415 on July 1, 2017 to 59,208 on June 30, 2018.
In fact, among the Zone 24 Districts with more than 2,000 members on July 1, 2017, District was the only one to increase its membership during the 2017-18 Rotary year.
District 5050 (BC and Washington State) stayed at 2,511 members from July 1, 2017 to June 30, 2018; while District 5060 (parts of B.C. & Washington State) lost 32 members from 2,637 to 2,605 and District 5370 (parts of Alberta, B.C., Saskatchewan & Northwest Territories) lost 94 members from 2,130 to 2,036 over the same period.
As a result, District 7090’s membership passed District 5370 to become the third largest District in Zone 24 during the 2017-18 Rotary year.
Karen Sawicz, right, was sworn in as the new president of the Rotary Club of Albion on Thursday night by Tracy Ford, Assistant Governor. This will be the third time she will be the president of the club. She is the owner and publisher of The Lake Country Pennysaver and Orleans Hub.
Mike Bonnewell, right, receives a plaque and president’s pin from Rotarian Ed Fancher after Bonnewell served the past year as president. Bonnewell is the superintendent of Albion Central School. He also was named a Paul Harris Fellow, the club donating $1,000 in his name to the Rotary Foundation for its humanitarian work.
Members of the board of directors take their oath of office including, from left: Mary Anne Braunbach, Heidi Truschel, Doug Farley, Deb Boyer, Ed Fancher and Mike Bonnewell. Dick Remley, Bruce Landis and Becky Karls are also on the board. AG Tracy administered the oath.
The Rotary Club of Jamestown held its annual Recognition Dinner recently at Moon Brook and honored its outgoing officers and directors including President Joelle Washer as well as inducting its new President Katie Geise.
President Joelle was presented with a Paul Harris Fellow Recognition for her leadership in 2017-18. In receiving her award, Ms. Washer is entitled to name another individual to also be honored and she chose her husband Dana Washer. She stated, "Dana is my rock. Without him, I would be unable to participate in all of the volunteer activities I have been involved with.” Pictured left (Left to Right) are Greg Jones, Rotary Foundation Chair congratulating Joelle and Dana. Pictured right (Left to Right) are Lisa Yaggie, Assistant Governor installing Katie Geise as President for 2018-2019.
The Rotary Club of Hamburg on July 11, 2018, recognized member, Patricia Castiglia, for exemplary service, giving her a few special gifts from the club from the recent Rotary International Convention held in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Hamburg Rotarians who attended the convention: Dale and Barbara Stanley, Lisa Avery and Eileen Hotho brought back a convention t-shirt, visor and travel tags for Castiglia who has served as president two times, currently chairs two district committees and most recently has served as club secretary for two consecutive terms. Pat is shown modeling her new swag.
Throughout the 107-year history of the Rotary Club of Buffalo, it has given back to the City of Buffalo through the generous contributions of its many members. To date, the club has given out over $1.9 million in local grants.
Buffalo Rotarians are very concerned with the future of children in the community and understand the impact that local libraries have on the lives of those children. On June 27, 2018, the club presented the Buffalo and Erie County Public Library System with a major project grant award, “Rotary Reads – Kids Club”, in the amount of $116,675 for the rehabilitation of the children’s sections of 8 City of Buffalo libraries. This project was selected from over 30 applicants.
Pictured left – Kathy Trost and Jill Dunn present a $2,000.00 check to Sydney Sanders from EFD Explorer Program. For the third year in a row the Rotary Club of Ellicottville Foundation for Youth donated $2,000.00 to the Ellicottville Fire Company. This donation will help fund new members in 2018 for the EFD Explorer Program. This program, in conjunction with the Boy Scouts of America, provides an opportunity for any child (aged 13 – 16) to become a volunteer fireman in training. Zach Golley, Kyle Germain and Daniel Tapikin are 3 young men from the Explorers who have joined the regular ranks of the Volunteer Firefighters over the past years.
“This type of program fits perfectly with the Rotary Foundation for Youth’s mission and we are happy to help," said Kathy Trost, Secretary of the Rotary Club of Ellicottville. She continued, “Our intention is to try to support two new members every year. We believe that this helps the Volunteer Fire Company maintain and grow the EFD who provide a tremendous service to our community." Jill Dunn added, “We are able to provide this funding because of the generous support for our fundraisers like Tuscan Moon.”
"The high cost of equipment for volunteers has been a limiting factor for growth of the program. This generous donation will help us grow the program and add much needed help to the company," said Debbie Golley from EFD.
There are currently seven members of the Explorer program. Explorer members get to participate in meetings, work nights, as well as in fire and ambulance calls. During work nights they learn about various fire trucks and equipment, like airpacks and they get to practice running the hose. While attending an actual fire, there are restrictions to what they can do to ensure safety, while allowing them to learn. At the scene they report to the assistant chief or captain for their assignments.
On Wednesday, June 27th the East Aurora Rotary Club hosted their 2018 Induction Dinner. Members welcomed new President Bob Young and also inducted Jim Schneider, Paul Blowers and Ted Borowiak as new board members for next year.
Pictured is (left to right) 2017-2018 President Doug Harty with 2018-2019 President, Bob Young.
A chance meeting on a bus when attending the Rotary International Convention in Atlanta (2017) lead to a visit from Rotarians from Cupertino & San Jose clubs on their way to Rotary International Convention held in Toronto June 23-27, 2018.
The nine Californians, after an exchange of e-mails, were invited to attend the Rotary Club of Lincoln's Changeover, where the old board finishes their term and the new president and board begins their term for the new Rotary year. The club called it the "Carry On" as the president and board have all agreed to stay on for a second year.
Attending from California were members of the Rotary Club of Cupertino: Orrin Mahoney, Outgoing Governor District 5170, Hung Wei, Membership Director, District 5170, Helene Davis, 2018-19 Club President, and her husband, Jim, and Rotarians Dana Stern, Jayne Ham and Janet Breen.
In addition, Kathleen Thomas from the Rotary Club of San Jose, Janel Breen from the Rotaract Club of Silicon Valley and Collin Breen, District 5170 Governor of Rotaract.
An exchange of flags with President Sue Foster and then the barbecue and fellowship began.
The group from California were billeted by member Barb Mitges and her husband, George, as well as member Ron Kielstra and his wife, Ingrid. A two-night stay with a tour arranged for Friday and then a ride to Burlington to catch the Go Train on Saturday where the group would be attending the convention in Toronto.
A chance meeting, an exchange of contact information and the meeting of like-minded Rotarians that became friends.
On Wednesday, June 20, 2018, The Rotary Club of Niagara Falls hosted their Annual Golf Tournament at Grand Niagara Golf Club. It was a great success with over 70 golfers, and due to the committee’s hard work, the tournament managed to raise $7,700.00!
Thank you to Meadows I.D.A and Beatties Basics for sponsoring the event! We also had a great deal of businesses and Rotarians throughout our community who donated prizes for our raffle table, and who also sponsored the event by signing up to be a hole sponsor.
It was a fun and successful day, and the Rotary club looks forward to next year’s golf tournament already booked at Grand Niagara for June 19, 2019!!
Looking for a way to get involved in the District? Looking for a way to support the successful on-boarding of new Rotarians? We have the perfect role for you!
Join the District New Member On-Boarding Committee and help plan, develop and implement strategies and activities that support the successful orientation of new Rotarians to their club, the district and Rotary International. Our work supports the growth and development of the membership in our clubs/district, creates tools, hosts training sessions and more. Committee meetings are online via Zoom once per month the second Thursday of each month at noon. For more information, contact Tamara Coleman-Lawrie at tamara@d7090.org.
Have you visited our District 7090 Resource Food Truck lately? Check out the tasty recordings and PowerPoint presentations from our great series of webinars on membership – including topics like “5 Key Elements of an Effective Membership Plan,” “Recruiting & Retaining Young Professionals,” and “Best Practices for Onboarding New Members.” You may want to share these treats with other members of your club. They’re non-fattening, but might result in added members to your club. You can find the Food Truck parked here.
Rotary Club of Lancaster-Depew held the first meeting of their new year on Thursday. Shown above are Robert Benzel, Immediate Past President, with President Ken Graber and President Elect Adam Guglielmi, following his swearing in.
The group is readying for their second annual Antique & Classic Car Show to be held early August. See Club Events section of newsletter.
This was the theme of the Rotary International Convention which recently took place in Toronto, Ontario. District 7090 was out in full force, with over 300 Rotarians in attendance. As the incoming District Governor, this was the major kick off for my Rotary year and what a blast my husband John and I had! We had the opportunity to hear some amazing speakers such as Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Her Royal Highness Princess Anne, current and incoming RI Presidents Ian Riseley and Barry Rassin and many, many more! The speeches were electrifying, the House of Friendship was overflowing with amazing projects, and the Rotary vendors hocking the latest in Rotary “fashion” were everywhere!! However, in my opinion, the best part of it all, was connecting with old and new friends alike. As my husband tells it, “Every 5 feet we ran into someone we knew, and she’d spend another 10 minutes talking!” While I’d like to say he’s exaggerating, the truth is… he’s not! I love to talk to people about Rotary. Put me in a venue with 26,000+ of my favorite kind of people and “poof” … I’m in my version of heaven!! How can you NOT talk about Rotary! Couple that with meeting other Rotarians and Rotaractors from our own district and you have nothing short of a recipe for great success!! We talked, collaborated, brainstormed and got really excited about how to bring this inspiration back to our district! I saw once “shy” club presidents getting excited about partnership connections; I watched as some of our Rotaractors started dreaming of water projects that we could collaborate with in New Mexico. I ran into my fellow district governors who were also getting ready to start their governor year like myself. We talked about our fears, our plans and our goals – celebrated with some drinks and just enjoyed the overwhelming joy of being at the convention, getting ready to Be The Inspiration!
Now our new Rotary year has started, and I am so excited to be on this journey with you! Sometimes the thought of trying to be inspirational is a bit overwhelming. Take this article for example! Imagine the pressure of writing your very first newsletter article as the District Governor. No pressure at all. As I sat down to write this, I hoped that Inspiration would just ooze right out of my brain to my fingertips and translate into an amazingly written piece worth framing!! Not so much. I put way too much pressure on myself and had a brain freeze instead! So, I went “back to basics” and made of list of everything I’ve been doing since my official role started. And then it happened… inspiration came so fast and furious I wasn’t sure how to keep up, or how to keep this article under 10 pages... (just kidding, it’s not that long!).
I draw my energy and inspiration from YOU, the Rotarians I am honored to serve this year. I was invited to the changeover ceremonies for the Rotary Clubs of Fonthill and Niagara On The Lake as some of my first official duties. What a pure honor it was, to meet the club members, listen to the projects and achievements of the clubs and to hear the hopes, dreams and goals of the incoming presidents! As you’ve heard a million times from other district governors before me – it is truly a humbling experience. Between these two clubs they have used grants to help fund a computer and skills program targeting women and youth through Niagara Peninsula Homes, funded a sensory room in conjunction with the Red Roof Retreat, and raised thousands for dollars for Polio Plus and other local programs!
Next I met Sue Collins and Ryan Bridge from the Rotary Clubs of Waterdown and Flamborogh AM respectively. Together, these two clubs host the wildly successful Waterdown Ribfest. Practically every member of their clubs participated in one way or another to make this fundraiser a success. I was invited to attend and help “serve some suds”. But in true Rotary spirit – once I arrived my duties expanded, and I could not have been more thrilled to pitch in and help out! At one point in the day, I had the pleasure of sitting down with President Sue and asked her what her vision was for her year. The vision she shared was moving, inspirational and almost brought me to tears. Sue’s dream is to help her club realize their goal of building more affordable housing for the elderly in her community. Wow. Not much more I can say about that. The level of “Service Above Self” that I see everywhere I go is just amazing. Everywhere I look, I see #Changemakers! People tirelessly dedicated to being People of Action. Rotarians dedicated to improving the communities they live in and even the ones they don’t.
My goal for this year, is to share this inspiration with all of you. To connect us with each other. To open your eyes to the larger world of Rotary. To inspire you to take action and create lasting change. I truly believe that we need to look no further than our own district, to see first-hand, the up close and personal impact that we as Rotarians are making in our own communities and around the globe! I am so proud to be serving you and our district. Thank you for giving me this incredible opportunity! Please follow me on Facebook at Melisa Schrock – Rotarian. There you will find updates on what other clubs are doing, learn about new initiatives from Rotary International, and get a glimpse into a “day in the life” of a district governor! Some days, you might be moved to tears, other days you’ll laugh at my crazy life – but I promise that every day will be inspired!!
If you don't like What you got Why don't you change it If your world is all screwed up Rearrange it
Raise a little Hell, raise a little Hell, raise a little Hell Raise a little Hell, raise a little Hell, raise a little Hell
If you don't like what you see Why don't you fight it If you know there's something wrong Why don't you right it
Raise a little Hell, raise a little Hell, raise a little Hell Raise a little Hell, raise a little Hell, raise a little Hell
If ever a song was handcrafted and tailor made to sum up the personality, enthusiasm, and absolute spunk of a human being, than “Raise a Little Hell,” by Trooper, is the banner song for Melisa Schrock, District Governor Elect of 7090. Melisa embodies a new vision, an inner strength, a purposeful direction to lead, govern, solidify, and expand the Rotary Mission; one we all know and love. Her formidable savvy and grit is contagious...so look out District 7090 Rotarians, are you ready to “Raise a little Hell?”
Almost a decade and a half ago, this Energizer Bunny, an eternally optimistic, charismatic, and service above self kind of gal; our very own Melisa Schlock's world changed, when she became a Rotarian and joined the Rotary Club of Akron. Not only did she discover an additional and profound purpose in her daily existence, but she also found the love of her life; her soulmate and best friend, John Schrock. While both of these dynamos lived and worked in Akron, they did not know one another. As the stars aligned in the Rotary heavens and blue and gold fate would have it, that all changed during one Business to Business Tradeshow where the future lovebirds had display booths directly next to one another. John was an Akron Club Rotarian; Melisa had never heard of Rotary and John invited her to a meeting. As John’s guest, she attended her very first Rotary meeting in April of 2003 and became a member in June of the same year. “If you don’t like what you got, Why don’t you change it?”
That grand moment of becoming a Rotarian and following through with active participation, supported her during a challenging but not back breaking, life situation. The struggle, hurt, and emotional hardship of divorce was ever present in our District Governor Elect’s life in 2003. Melisa has commented that she was going through, “a horrid divorce at the time, I joined Rotary and it gave me a whole new group of friends who became my strength that saw me through some dark days. Rotary gave me the opportunity to help people.” Her lifelong passion and hope of helping others came to fruition as a new Rotarian while her heart and soul was supported by newfound Rotary friends; the rough spot started to heal and morph into a shiny new interior and exterior. “If you’re world is all screwed up, rearrange it!”
“Rotary was the bomb, I didn’t think it could get any better,” says Melisa, when reflecting upon her early years as a Rotarian. Yet, it did get better; the Rotary Mission, Melisa’s passion, and the profound desire to graciously and bravely live up to service above self, soared exponentially to new heights when Melisa went to Africa in 2013. Stepping off the comfort and security of an international jet plane and descending steps into the unknown, a world of “...poverty, disease, starvation, everywhere! Children were hungry; women and their little ones walked miles each day for water; girls were not allowed to attend school, homes were literally huts which were made of mud. It was just SO much to process and completely overwhelming.”
Doing all, being all, donating all, isn’t possible for every Rotarian. Melisa is the type of individual who rolls up her sleeves, walks in the mud, trudges through the poverty and contaminated water, to be a #changemaker. She fully embraces the fact that she is unable to donate one million dollars to the End Polio Now campaign; she admits she has not orchestrated massive global grants to build hospitals in third world countries, but in Melisa’s words, the moment she saw the fruits of her work in Africa, she knew she “...made a big difference to the people in African Villages and it made an even bigger impact in my heart.”
The gentleman, friend, business partner, and Rotarian that Melisa married is a second dad to her two beautiful, intelligent, and young Rotarian at heart daughters, Lindsay and Erin. Another generation has sprung forth, service above self has flourished, and the girls have been involved in Rotary from the time they were 3 and 5 years old. Selling 50/50 tickets, helping at spaghetti dinners, Christmas auctions and highway clean ups, as well as starting an Early Act Club at their school, to joining Interact Club. Lindsay accompanied Mom to the RI convention in Atlanta and discovered her passion in learning about Human Trafficking and is now looking for ways to become more involved locally. Erin has been inspired by Mom’s trip to Africa and subsequently went with Mom on a Service trip to Haiti and has been selected for Youth Exchange and will be going to Paraguay this year! During the Christmas Break Erin and Mom went to the Dominican Republic for a service project with their Interact Club. The future Gov chaperoned 9 hormonal, excitable, and overly talkative teenage girls. Who will be the Rotarian in our District to find Melisa’s Super Hero Cape? She surely most sport one on occasion! “I’m raising Rotarians; we are truly a family of Rotarians,” Melisa often states in that proud Akron Club, District 7090, RI, sort of way! This “Raising a Little Hell” DG Elect gleefully sings about the love that she never knew. Her heart belongs to her faith, her hubby, her children, and our Rotary! We are now all, future “Hellraisers!”
Fellow Rotarians, be prepared for this vigorous and enlightened gal who truly has been Raising Hell in the best way possible since 2003! Let’s go 7090...be inspired to partake in an international service project, sign up to work one more community event, and let your Rotarian commitment and pride shine, for all to see. Hang on tight, it’s going to be a superb District 7090 kind of year! Be a #changemaker that welcomes “Raising a Little Hell,” let your Rotarian beliefs and pride burn bright as we welcome our District Governor, the one...the only... Melisa Schrock!
By the way, husband John, surprised Melisa with a 50-1, birthday party following the changeover ceremonies. Yes, the man bakes - cakes, cupcakes and surprises! For more photos of the changeover, go to https://www.facebook.com/RotaryDistrict7090/.
This past spring semester the Buffalo State Rotaract Club participated in a whole host of events, including two bake sales and volunteer opportunities to help with its host club, the Rotary Club of Amherst South's events. Additionally, the club participated in its first annual Earth Day Shoreline Pickup. Its main fundraising event was the H.O.P.E Haiti fundraiser.
During the months of February and April, the club held two bake sales. Its no bake peanut butter chocolate bars and vegan chocolate chip pumpkin cookies were delicious and resulted in combined sales of over $570. During March, members participated in the Rotary Club of Amherst South's 5th Annual Bowl-A-Thon. There members raised funds by participating on two teams of 4-5 members and were able to bowl, win prize basket raffles, and enjoy food with friends. During April, Rotaract members helped the Rotary clubs of Western New York, Buffalo State’s Great Lakes Center, the Greenway Commission, along with the West Side Rowing Club perform a trash clean up at the Black Rock Canal. Members aided in reducing the amount of nearby trash, invasive plants and debris.
Its main fundraising event was the H.O.P.E. Haiti fundraiser held to raise money to improve the main community library for the community of Borgne, Haiti. This event was held at the Marcy Casino on April 26th. The event included live music, a cash bar, hors d'œuvres, and over 60 raffle baskets. From this event, the Buffalo State Rotaract Club along with the help of Nutrition Club and PHI-Upsilon Omicron and the Equal Opportunity Program raised $4,657 for the community of Borgne, Haiti!
The Rotary Club of Niagara Falls, New York held another high profile guest speaker luncheon meeting on Wednesday, June 6, 2018, at the beautiful Savor Restaurant on the downtown campus of the Niagara County Community College Culinary School. Edward Riley, the guest speaker, is the Hotel Niagara developer. He discussed detailed plans for the city's landmark restoration, which should be completed by 2020. He also described his latest completed project, the Hotel Syracuse. In the audience were community leaders, including Mayor Paul A. Dyster, Councilman Chris Voccio and School Superintended Mark Laurie, among others.
The Hotel Niagara of yesteryear hosted these prominent guests - US President John F. Kennedy, Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis, Jr., Joe DiMaggio, Marilyn Monroe while filming the movie Niagara in 1952 and Al Capone. In 2008, the hotal was listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
The event was very well attended and the eloquent delivery presentation of developer Ed Riley received quite enthusiastically. The club intends to invite him back in the future for the project updates.
While volunteering in Sri Lanka in July 2017, Neil Chopp, met the dedicated men and women in the Rotary Club of Kelaniya, near the capital city of Colombo. Eight months prior, Neil Chopp and Bill Armstrong initiated a plan in which the Rotary Club of Dundas and the Rotary Club of Dundas Valley Sunrise would support a clean water project in the country of Sri Lanka. Sarath Gunawardane, Chairman, Projects, of the Rotary Club in Kelaniya acted as the primary contact regarding the process and completion of the reverse osmosis (R.O.) plant project. A $6,500.00 grant would be necessary for the construction of the R.O. plant; each Dundas club allocated $2,250.00 toward the project with an additional $2,000.00 matching grant from District 7090.
A team of six Rotarians from Rotary Club of Kelaniya together with the Sri Lanka Civil Defence Department (who would take over the maintenance/security of the plant and the sustainability of the project) worked to find a suitable location to fix the R.O. plant. A village called Kabithigollawa was selected where there have been several people affected by Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD). Some of these victims either have received kidney transplants or are undergoing periodic dialysis treatment. The village selected has about 500 people, who would be the beneficiaries of clean water for drinking and cooking purposes. We selected a vendor who has installed several such R.O. plants in CKD affected areas in the North Central province. Incidentally the vendor is part of a Buddhist organisation whose single objective is to alleviate the sufferings of CKD affected people and does the installations of R.O. plants on a non-profit basis. Additionally, these R.O. plants were the least costly.
The selection of the location was done in November 2017. The construction work; however, could not begin due to the monsoon which prevailed in December/January period. The local community took part in clearing the location, cleaning up an existing water well and formed a leadership team to support the Sri Lanka Civil Defence Force in the sustainability of the project. The construction of the plant house began in February 2018.
A leadership team among the villagers was formed to oversee the operation during construction and thereafter. The Sri Lanka Civil Defence Force (with the consent of the hierarchy of the SL Civil Defence Department) was requested to take over the management where a nominal amount will be charged from the consumers (Cents 50 per litre of water) as maintenance cost for the replacement of filters and other consumables. The vendor will continue to do the service maintenance of the plant. The expected long-term impacts of this projects are:
To purify polluted water and provide pure water with the intention of preventing disease.
Making purified water available for a village and its local schools.
Improving the villager’s health, productivity and happiness.
The Rotary clubs of Dundas with the overseas partner, the Rotary Club of Kelaniya, worked diligently to provide the villagers of Kabithigollawa with sustainable access to safe and clean drinking water. Reports are forthcoming from Sri Lanka on the activation and commissioning of the R.O. plant on 19th of May 2018.
Saying goodbye is never easy, but on June 3, 2018 about 40 Rotarians and guests gathered at Johnson Estate Winery in Westfield, NY, to honor the four Australian Vocational Training Team members from Rotary District 9790 and to enjoy appetizers and a delectable multi-course dinner with samplings of quality wines of Johnson Estate. This VTT “Farewell to U.S.” Rotary dinner was the send-off celebration for VTT Leader Les Mitchell and Members Elizabeth Mace, Jonathan Van Popering and Ross Abberfield, who were in the U.S. area of our Rotary District 7090 from May 23 to June 3 to learn more about fruit farming in the western NY region. Experience topics included production, pest control, water management, geography, labor methods, government influences and marketing. From June 4 through 16 the VTT members have been touring the Canadian side of our Rotary District.
Johnson Estate Winery proprietors Fred and Jennifer Johnson welcomed all to the venue and were wonderful hosts. Fred Johnson was an outbound VTT member to the Melbourne area of Australia from February 25 to March 19, 2017.
The Rotary Club of Westfield-Mayville was the host club of this VTT special dinner. Dan Smith, Westfield-Mayville Rotarian and District 7090 VTT Chair, led the program. Special recognition was given to the VTT Committee and Coordinators Janet Walker (U.S.) and Tom O’Neill (Canada) for their great efforts with coordinating the VTT schedule and wonderful experiences. Also, thank you was given to the host families in the U.S. who shared their homes and who helped to make the VTT members feel welcome in various communities. Gratitude was extended to the many farms, businesses, and other sites who offered tours.
Each of the four VTT members offered highlights of what they learned about fruit farming in this region, how it differs from that in Rotary District 9790 in Australia, and what their goals were for incorporating various aspects of their educational experience with their professions. The evening concluded with Team Leader Les Mitchell strumming the guitar while the team members led everyone in the singing of a rousing rendition of “Waltzing Matilda.”
The VTT members presented Janet Walker with a basket of beautiful flowers in gratitude for her hard work with coordinating their jam-packed schedule of many valuable experiences during their U.S. stay. Various parting gifts of trading club banners and also some shirts were given to the team members. To our new Aussie VTT friends, we say, “G’day, mates,” as we bid them farewell from the U.S. part of Rotary District 7090 and wish them many wonderful experiences in Canada and safe travels back to Australia!
Pictured above, some of the special attendees at the June 3 "Farewell to U.S." dinner at Johnson Estate Winery in Westfield, NY were (left to right) VTT Leader Les Mitchell, District 7090 VTT Chair Dan Smith, VTT Member Jonathan Van Popering, Johnson Estate Proprietors Fred and Jennifer Johnson, VTT Member Elizabeth Mace, VTT Member Ross Abberfield and VTT Coordinator (U.S.) Janet Walker.
On June 7th the Rotary Club of Hamilton held its annual Rotary Celebrates evening at the prestigious Hamilton Club. The annual event is an opportunity to celebrate the Rotary year, recognize President Brad Spencer for his accomplishments during the 2017-18 Rotary year and to welcome incoming President Nancy Baker.
Rotarians and friends enjoyed an evening reception on the outdoor patio followed by a buffet dinner and then the presentation of awards. The Rotary Club of Hamilton celebrated the many projects and initiatives that they participated in the 2017-18 Rotary year. Over 9,000 local children & youth benefited from the multiple projects and initiatives of the club this year. Some of these projects include the Rotary Summer Literacy Project, Books, Books, Books and the CORE Kids After School Project. The 2017-18 Rotary year was very busy with many service projects and initiatives.
The Rotary Club of Hamilton also presented two Paul Harris Fellows at the event. The Past Presidents' nomination committee selected two worthy recipients from the nominations made by club members.
The internal award was presented to Past President & Rotarian Kevin Anstee. Kevin was recognized for his ongoing efforts and behind the scene work. Taking on the role of treasurer during his year as President, creating our new procedures without a club administrator and setting up the club's financial records with a new bookkeeper going line by line. Kevin is very involved in all Rotary activities, fundraising and service projects often bringing his children to help and showing them how important service above self is. Congratulations to Rotarian and Past President Kevin Anstee.
The external award was presented to Ryan Ellis. Ryan grew up in Freelton and went on to play professional hockey. He is currently a defenceman with the Nashville Predators of the NHL. Ryan continues to give back to the community with various appearances in Nashville, but has continued to give back to his hometown of Hamilton. He started Ell4Kids Foundation to raise funds to support building play structures for kids. Over the past 3 years, 4 playgrounds have been built so kids can be safe and have fun while playing. Last year North Central Park (Keith Neighbourhood) received a new play structure and this summer Woodlands Park will receive one. As part of the event in July at Woodlands Park, our Rotary Summer Literacy kids will help with the build and Ryan will visit the participants. The Elly4Kids Foundation has supported other great causes in Hamilton including our Rotary Children’s Christmas Celebration each year. Congratulations to Ryan Ellis.
Early June, the Rotary Club of Dunkirk-Fredonia said a sad goodbye and fond farewell to its amazing international exchange student Matheus di Silva Santos from Brazil. Pictured (right) are Youth Exchange committee members Doug Manly and Brenda Hayes, and (left) Matheus and members of his three host families: the Davises, the Kinkellas and the Powell Fortnas.
On May 23, the Rotary Club of Lewiston, NY and Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON was delighted to welcome Greg Lidstone to become a member of the club as well as rejoice that Leslie Scibilia (past president x2 ) was able to rejoin the club after an absence of a few years.
Pictured are President Ron Danielewicz with Greg Lidstone (classification, Neuro Rehab Therapist), Leslie Scibilia (classification, Counseling for Children with Special Needs) and newer members Jayne and Don Anderson, who have been involved in the hospitality industry in restaurants, banquet facilities and casinos. The club takes great pride in adding this diversity of professions to its membership and notes, "Diversity in membership makes Rotary more welcoming for all!"
Linda Dunn, a Westfield resident and a 31-year member of the Rotary Club of Westfield-Mayville, was honored with her Paul Harris Fellow +1 (Level 2) during the club's May 19, BBQ & Auction fundraiser at Eason Hall in Westfield. Jim Wakeman, the club's Foundation Chair, made the presentation and gave Dunn her pin. The hundreds of community members and many Rotarians offered their congratulations to Dunn, who said, “I thought this presentation was for someone else, and was quite surprised when I was asked to come forward. Thank you!”
Dunn has shown dedicated commitment to her Rotary club, her community and beyond. She served as the Rotary Club of Westfield-Mayville’s second female president in 1996-1997, and throughout the years as club treasurer, youth exchange chair and board member. In addition, she has chaired numerous club events. Always willing to help, Dunn’s guidance and insights from her years of leadership experience, as well as her quick wit, are welcomed by club members.
She is a former Mayor of the Village of Westfield and business owner. Her strong commitment to volunteerism is shown by her many years of involvement with various community and area organizations. Some of Dunn’s activities include serving as The Patterson Library Board of Trustees Member and Chautauqua Hospice & Palliative Care Board Member. Also, she assists with the Chautauqua County Historical Society and the McClurg Museum.
An avid traveler, Dunn’s visits to many other countries have provided her with firsthand experiences of global concerns and the importance of The Rotary Foundation’s significant projects and programs and their positive impact on many people. The Rotary Foundation, which has distributed over 3 billion dollars, was named by the Society of Fundraising Professionals as the outstanding 2017 charity in the world.
The Rotary Club of Westfield-Mayville proudly congratulates Linda Dunn on earning her PH Level 2 Award and commends her on her many years of dedicated service and countless hours of volunteerism.
The Rotary Club of Flamborough AM Club along with the Rotary Club of Waterdown helps children during the summer supporting a project known as FOOD4KIDS. The project supports children in the Waterdown school area, with snacks over the weekend, so that they do not go hungry. They are currently looking at including a second school. Pictured are Rotarians Margaret Robertson and Frank Spiridoulias enjoying themselves while packing food.
The Rotary Club of Dundas Valley Sunrise held its most successful Shredding Day community service project diverting 13 000 lbs. of paper from landfill to recycling and earning $4000 in the process. After 5 years, the event that runs each spring and fall is so ingrained in the community that folks often take home empty banker boxes to fill for the next Shredding Day. It is great to know that the club is making a difference and members feel it when many community members refuse to take change from their payment because, “This is Rotary. Keep the change!”
Besides the sweat equity of club members like Wayne Massey, a number of member grandchildren like Ethan Stoltz volunteer and receive credit towards their high school community service hours. Pictured are Ethan and Wayne.
Hundreds of children (and parents who wished they were!) explored over 20 workshops on June 2 in Hamilton's spacious Gage Park. Activities ranged from dance to puppetry, play with clay and T-Shirt making and too many more to mention here. A dedicated committee, led by Hamilton AM Rotarian and Founder Sharon Levy-Cohen, continually came up with new activities for the 8th annual event so there was something for every one. Also, every child left with a free book, donated by Frontier College and First Book Canada. There was magic in the air in the Magic Tent where Hamilton AM Rotarian Tim Dickins and two colleagues enthralled everyone with their prestidigitation! No worries about hunger with Hamilton AM Rotarian Paul Reardon on the Hot Dog Cart! This event is hosted by the Rotary Club of Hamilton AM and supported by many local businesses including the Hamilton Spectator. This was the club's 8th Annual Imagine in the Park children's arts festival and the the biggest one to date!
On Tuesday May 29, 2018, the Rotary Club of Niagara Falls held their 10th annual Lilac Luncheon. Fifty years ago the club purchased 100 lilac bushes to build the Memorial Lilac gardens. But, this year, the club wanted to learn about the Indigenous people whose land this once was. Jim Hill, the superintendent of heritage for the Niagara Parks Commission took the Rotarians on a walking tour of Queenston Heights after speaking to them during lunchtime about the role that Indigenous people played during the Battle of Queenston Heights. Jim Hill was an amazing guest speaker and shared with the Rotarians that they were eating lunch at the spot where 12,000 years ago, it was part of “massive” Lake Iroquois, which started draining out toward the Atlantic Ocean. What a fantastic Lilac Lunch and learning experience!
The Rotary Club of Norfolk Sunrise held its changeover on Monday, June 18. A comparison of banner sizes left poor incoming president Keith Jones at a loss! Not to worry President Keith. You will get the right sized banner before long. So will the rest of our incoming presidents. Hang tight!
Pictured here Keith Jones and outgoing President Gail Catherwood comparing their banners - and hoping to tease incoming DG Melisa.
And now, the end is near and so I face the final curtain….how time has flown! It seems like I was just starting my year and here we are just days away from a new Rotary year-end, the start of another very exciting year with Melisa Schrock, the #Changemaker, the incoming District Governor for 2018-19. Speaking of Melisa, we celebrated the District Changeover in Akron last Saturday at their home. What a very different and fantastic event! John Schrock did a fabulous job in organizing and conducting the event in their back yard and a great time was had by all. Seen here, is the property with Rotarians - a small Rotary planet on a beautiful day for a changeover. Thanks, Paul McAfee for the changeover photos - yes, a drone was involved.
Many thanks to the District Leadership Team and all the Club Presidents for making this year so special for Loretta and me. In addition to the many results we’re so proud of, we were shown such wonderful hospitality at the official club visits and functions we attended. It was indeed a memorable year on so many fronts. I wish each Rotarian could experience a year like this to truly understand Rotary and what Rotary is and does. Our deepest gratitude goes to all of District 7090 for Making a Difference and making so many special memories and friends.
While I may have thought the load would lessen as we neared the end of my DG year, I was wrong. It has been an especially busy time in May and June, starting with attendance at the Rotary Club of Dundas' 70th anniversary. What a wonderful night highlighted by the sharing of the history of the club. President Judy Shepalo, who had to step up at the last minute as president, has done a great job leading the club.
Then the Australians came to town. The Erie Canal was the venue for the Australian Vocational Training Team to District 7090, hosted by the Lockport club. A very interesting speaker contributed to the brunch as a welcome and prelude to their ride up the canal. Then it was Lobsterfest at the Harry Howell Arena in Waterdown hosted by the two Dundas clubs. Another great event with two happy people going away with wheelbarrows of beverages.
Our next stop was the Waterdown club’s annual Paul Harris night where we enjoyed a wonderful evening of fellowship, food and new Paul Harris Fellows. Next it was on to Queenston for the Niagara Falls Lilac Luncheon and a very interesting presentation and tour of the history surrounding the War of 1812. Congratulations to organizer Barbara Greenwood and President June Mergl for hosting a memorable event.
Into the month of June and our busy schedule continues. Early June we were back to the US for the final District Council meeting of my year where our new Strategic Plan was approved. It will be introduced in July. Later that week we were again hosted by the Rotary Club of Niagara Falls, this time to welcome the visiting Vocational Training Team to Canada for the balance of their visit before returning to Australia on June 16th. Thank you to Chair Dan Smith and our VTT committee, all the Rotarians and clubs who hosted Elizabeth, Jon, Ross and Team Leader Les. They were most impressed by the kindness and hospitality of the Best of Friends District.
We returned to Lockport a few days later for a very different Paul Harris evening. We installed 16 new Paul Harris Fellows that evening! President Ellen Schratz should be so proud of the Rotary Club of Lockport becoming an “All Paul Harris” Club. Up next for us was a first in our district as both in-bound and out-bound Youth Exchange Students were joined by host parents, past exchange students, RYLA grads and Rotaractors for a spectacular event. Hats off to the YE committee for this new initiative. That same Sunday, Phil and Paula Race, Brantford Sunrise, hosted a farewell BBQ for the Australian team where we said our final good-byes.
Within days I was with members of our College of Past District Governors to bring them up to speed on the progress of the district. Dean Nick Norton welcomed the attendees. In addition to my talk, DGE Melisa, DGN Bob and DGND Frank addressed the group prior to a lively and healthy exchange. Later that week there was one more Paul Harris evening, as Buffalo Sunrise honored two outstanding citizens at their gathering.
Finally, we had a most enjoyable time at the RYLA dinner in Fredonia at the State University of New York. I presented Certificates of Appreciation to Sue O’Dwyer for her many years of leading RYLA and to Mike Taylor for his Youth Exchange service over the past 4 years. We are pleased that Darren Luong has stepped up to replace Sue and Jill Norton will replace Mike.
One last tribute to someone so very special to me, my official aide and spouse Loretta. She gave so much to me in handling tasks and giving incredible support. Loretta you are very special and I owe you a huge debt of gratitude. Thank you so much!
And to all Rotarians and spouses, thank you for an unbelievable year and thank you so much for Making a Difference! Now let’s rally around our new DG Melisa #CHANGEMAKER!
The Rotary Club of Lockport celebrated its distinction as a 100% Paul Harris Fellows Club at its annual dinner on Wednesday, June 6, at the Spring Lake Winery. Pictured are 16 new Paul Harris Fellows, along with District Governor Reg, who attended this momentous event.
The Rotary Club of Hamburg supported an initiative of Rotary International in securing and helping to plant trees at the Town of Hamburg’s 18 Mile Creek Golf Course this week. President Jerry Bastedo thanked Gullo’s Garden Center for donating 31 trees (crab apple and flowering pear) to the service club’s effort. Ian H.S. Riseley, 2017-18 President of Rotary International, asked all clubs throughout the world to plant a tree for each member, with an expected total of more than 1.2 million new trees planted by July 1, the beginning of a new Rotary year. Rotary’s effort is part of an ecological effort to counteract global warming. Additional trees will be planted at the Taylor Road Cabin and Park.
Pictured are from left, Rotarians Dale Stanley, Barb Stanley, Patricia Castiglia, John Nowak, Jerry Bastedo, Jack Flint, Brandi Reed, Amanda Black and Amy Rooth.
The Rotary Club of Lincoln purchased thirteen new storage lockers, which are installed at Khazimula Children's Centre (www.khazimula.co.za) located in Lidgetton, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. The locker project was made possible through a matching District 7090 grant. It has now been completed and the project report has been submitted to the District.
Khazimula provides a safe and loving environment for some thirty homeless children, 6-18 years. Since the centre opened in 2007, it has been home to more than 270 vulnerable children. The purpose of the new lockers is to provide the children with a secure place for their personal belongings and a sense of dignity in having their own private space. Pictured are the lockers received and installed.
In other club news: A barbecue was hosted by the club and Torrie Warner a member of the VTT from Canada that visited Australia last year. Torrie owns and operates a local farm in Lincoln. A great time touring the farm, barbecuing some steaks and ribs and getting to know and exchange ideas with our visiting Auzzies.
Rotary Club of Lancaster-Depew President Rob Benzel and honorary member Doris Huber had the pleasure of delivering the Baby of Liberty Doll to the lovely home of Dr. Jim Burdick, our Area 11 raffle winner. The donated doll was designed and produced by Doris Huber. Proceeds of the raffle go to the It Happened to Alexa Foundation, which benefits women that have been sexually abused. The clubs joined together for an Area 11 project that ended up creating over 200 clothing and cleanup kits for donation to ECMC. Shown in the photograph are Dr. Burdick and Doris. Photo by: Rob Benzel.
In other news, the club is pleased to give five college scholarships this year: four go to Lancaster High School graduating seniors and one to a graduate of Depew High School. Early on scholarships were in the form of Interest Free Loans. However in 1959, they transformed into the present grant form. Therefore, this marks the 60th year that Rotary Club of Lancaster-Depew has given back to the community this way.
The clubs in Area 1: Rotary Club of Norfolk Sunrise, Rotary Club of Simcoe, Rotary Club of Delhi, and the Norfolk Rotaract Club, have a lot to celebrate this week. They banded together with a public image piece highlighting Rotary and the Area 1 clubs. Dave Douglas from RCNS spearheaded the project and about 10,000 copies will be circulated to Norfolk County residents this coming week.
The Rotary Club of Hamburg, at its June 12 annual spring picnic, recognized two of its own with a Paul Harris Fellow. From left, are Club President Jerry Bastedo, Patricia Castiglia, placing the pin on the lapel of recipient Jim Loomis, Tom Johnston and recipient Tim Hoelscher. Both Jim and Tim have served the Rotary Club of Hamburg and the greater community well as active members.
In other news, at its June 5 meeting, the club awarded $1,000 college scholarships to local high school seniors. From left are Rotarian Earl Knauss, Hamburg High School student Aydon Stormer, Frontier High School Student Tom Notto, Rotary President Jerry Bastedo, St. Francis High School student Dante Guizzotti and Rotarian Patricia Castiglia.
And, at its May 29 meeting, Rotarians welcomed Hamburg High School students Dakota Reynolds and Christina Birt, along with their parents, and Hamburg High School Academy of Finance teacher Krissy Lawrence. The students shared photos and spoke to the Rotary Club about their recent experience at Rotary District 7090’s SLAP SHOT Program in Welland, Canada. The club sponsored the students who were referred by Ms. Lawrence, who herself once attended the Rotary Leadership Youth Award, RYLA program for college students. Pictured are from left, Rotarian Tim Hoelscher, who also works with the Hamburg Finance Academy, Christina Birt, Dakota Reynolds and President Jerry Bastedo.
The Rotary Club of St. Catharines Lakeshore recently recognized Dr. Al Scales with a Paul Harris Fellow. Al is the club's Youth Services Chair and liaison officer with 4 local high schools. He is involved in coordinating candidates to Slapshot and RYLA and ensures the club’s presence at all convocation ceremonies.
The Ultra-Poor make up over half of the estimated 797 million people living in extreme poverty. As Nelson Mandela observed, “Overcoming poverty is not a gesture of charity. It is an act of justice. It is the protection of a fundamental human right; the right to dignity and a decent life. While poverty persists, there is no true freedom.” In 2015, 193 countries, together with the World Bank and the United Nations (UN), jointly declared an intention to achieve one of the most ambitious goals in human history: “By 2030, nobody will live in extreme poverty, anywhere in the world.”
What is required now is a shared, multi-sector commitment to immediately direct the resources and enact the policies required to do so.
On Thursday, June 28, 2018, immediately following the Toronto Rotary International Convention, District 7090’s Rotary E-Club of Social Innovators (RESI) will host - at the Westin Harbour Castle Toronto Hotel, 1 Harbour Square, Toronto, Ontario M5J 1A6 - an Ending Ultra-Poverty Summit. For more information on the summit and tall ships event please click here.
The 2018 District Conference was launched by DGE Melisa Shrock on May 5, 2018 at Club Leadership Training. District Conference 2018 - ROTARY RESET, will be a fun ONE DAY District Conference held on Saturday October 20, 2018, at the low cost of $100, including dynamic speakers, engagements projects focusing on water & sanitation, polio eradication and awareness, literacy and more....all encouraging you to, Be The Inspiration in 2018-19. The main conference runs 8:30 am -4:30 pm and includes fun food experiences for breakfast, lunch & coffee breaks.
ROTARY RESET is to be held at the Niagara-on-The-Lake Community Centre easily accessible to the historic old town, local craft stores, world class theatre, breweries and wineries that make Niagara-on-the-Lake a destination of choice for weekend getaways. Come for the day or add on a night or two as you choose at local Bed & Breakfast, Hotel or motel, for a getaway and more Rotary fellowship.
Come for one day or stay the weekend! Extra opportunities you may want to add on are (to be added on website soon), Friday Evening at the wonderful Oast Brewery in their, Hayloft Room, for a relaxed evening of music and fellowship for those arriving the night before. On Saturday evening, more fun with a meet & greet social, onsite dinner and “Shark Tank Event” whereby Rotaractors compete for funding for their charity projects and yes, the sharks are past district governors putting them through their paces.
Once again, the Rotary Club of Hamilton AM is delighted to participate in the Rotary Youth Exchange program. At a recent meeting outbound student Skye Balice, pictured, was a guest and told us about her preparation for the year ahead in Zagreb, Croatia. She has been learning about youth exchange and participating in district events, but now has the contact information for her first host family so the anticipation is growing. Skye has a special interest in mental health issues and is looking forward to learning about the difference between Canada and Croatia in provision of programs.
The club is looking forward to hosting our incoming student Simona Schumacher from Switzerland.
Join my husband John and I for a relaxing afternoon in our hometown of Akron, New York. We will be celebrating the outstanding accomplishments of District Governor Reg Madison and his fantastic team of hardworking Rotarians. Tickets are $40US each and can be purchased online at www.rotary7090.org - also see Upcoming Events in this newsletter. Please register by June 1, 2018. We look forward to welcoming you to our home and celebrating another great Rotary Year!
The Rotary Club of Hamilton held its annual Past Presidents' Day on May 10th. The Past Presidents' Day is an opportunity to acknowledge and celebrate those who have led our Rotary Club.
For the past 105 years, the Hamilton club has brought together business and professional leaders in the name of Rotary. As Hamilton’s oldest and original Rotary club, we are honoured to have many great leaders serve as president.
There were 18 past club presidents in attendance this year. Our past presidents have demonstrated Rotary’s motto “Service Above Self”. Each past president was provided a special plant, to enjoy and be reminded about the seeds they planted and to enjoy and what the growth and bloom.
Holley recently inducted its youngest member, 19 year old Jessica Mandigo. Jessica was a SLAPSHOT participant two years ago. Upon returning to her high school Jessica provided the leadership for forming an Interact Club at Holley High School. She served as its first President and oversaw its growth from 15 members to 39 members. Jessica is now attending a local community college while also working in retail. After expressing an interest to Rotarian John Heise about being part of a community service organization, Jessica was invited to join the Holley Rotary Club.
In the photo, Holley Club President Brian McKeon welcomes Jessica to the club with her name badge and a club golf shirt.
12 Niagara Area Rotary clubs had the annual joint club luncheon on April 18th at Club Roma in St. Catharines. Hosted by the Rotary Club of St. Catharines South, we had 115 Rotarians come together for fellowship, to see a slide show reflecting the various service projects of each club and to hear a great guest speaker, Ellen Schwartzel, Deputy Commissioner from the Commissioner’s Office of the Environment. The theme of the meeting was Earth Day and the luncheon was held just before world Earth Day. One of the highlights was a special video message from RI President Ian Riseley. We also raised $413 for Polio Plus from the generous cash donations at each table. Attached is a picture of the 12 club presidents or club representatives.
The Rotary Club of Hamburg inducted Mark Kurzberg April 17, 2018. Rotary President Jerry Bastedo, right, conducted the ceremonies welcoming Kurzberg who relocated from his native Massachusetts recently to join Key Bank.
The Rotary Club of Hamburg has also welcomed into its ranks Dr. Richard Hughes, who transferred his membership from the Mohawk Valley Rotary Club to Hamburg. Dr. Hughes joined the local club after becoming superintendent of the Frontier Central School District and relocating from the Adirondacks area of New York State. Rotary President Jerry Bastedo, right, is shown with Dr. Hughes.
The Rotary Club of Brantford donated $2,000.00 to Grandview Elementary School for fundraising efforts put on by faculty. The Autism Classroom teacher, Kat Trinder, is fundraising for the creation of a Snoezelen room in the school to promote positive mental health among all of the students and staff members. The Snoezelen room is a multi-sensory environment that is comprised of soothing lights and sounds, cultivating aromas, comfortable seating, and gentle movements to encourage the user to meet their sensory needs and find their focus when they are feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or upset. They’re fundraising goal is $30,000 and with this donation they’re currently at $8,000 raised.
Ellis Katsof, a member of the Rotary Club of St. Catharines, has been sharing the finding from his new book, “Life 3.0: Protirement NOT Retirement" at local Rotary clubs. He will now be speaking at the Rotary Convention in Toronto this June.
Life 3.0: Protirement Not Retirement
Tuesday, 26-Jun-2018, 15:00-16:00, Room 718B
You are invited to explore “protirement” through the eyes of 100 baby boomers — men and women who reached the next chapter of their lives and wondered, “What’s next?” This session will provide you with advice from people who’ve already begun the third chapter of their lives, thriving in 17 different “protirement activities.” Learn how your Rotary world fits into this exciting protirement lifestyle.
Workshop Description:
People are living 20 or more years after they retire’ as a result, Boomers have reinvented the retirement concept; retirement is no longer a destination for Boomers. Few people develop thoughtful retirement “lifestyle plans” before they retire. Research has shown that developing lifestyle plans, along with financial plans, BEFORE retirement, results in a more fulfilled retirement/protirement and a more comprehensive financial plan.
Based on advice from 100 retired people, from all walks of life, including many Rotarians, this Workshop will teach participants how to use a simple “Protirement Lifestyle Planning Framework”. Participants will learn why it is important to make lifestyle changes while still working, to enhance their Protirement.
Clarence Rotarian Dominic Cortese (left) is presented with his PH+3 pin as he is welcomed into the Paul Harris Society by District 7090 Paul Harris Society Coordinator Jim Morabito, also of Clarence. Dominic becomes the 5th member of the club to join the Paul Harris Society, which signifies a significant annual contribution to The Rotary Foundation. More and more Rotarians are embracing the top-rated foundation as they become aware of all the good provided by The Rotary Foundation worldwide. And consequently, they are naturally drawn to the prospect of doing more by virtue of society membership. Are you next? Contact Vincent J. (Jim) Morabito at the Rotary Club of Clarence, NY to learn more.
The Rotary Club of Lewiston, NY & Niagara-On-The-Lake , ON celebrated the 80th Anniversary of its' Chartering by successfully sponsoring its 4th annual "Pints & Polish Platter" Autism fundraiser at historic Gadawski's Restaurant on April 21, 2018. Over 100 attendees enjoyed fine Polish cuisine, micro-brew and Polka music while helping to support the Autism Spectrum Disorder Center at Oishei Children's Hospital .
The club was grateful that District Governor Reg & Loretta, PDG Karen Oakes & Wolfe, PDG Dick Earne and friends from Niagara Falls, NY and Grand Island, NY Rotary clubs honored this historic milestone in the life of the club by attending.
Pictured are Rotary President, Ron Danielewicz, presenting Center Coordinator, Jana Mertz, with a $1500.00 donation.
On Thursday, April 20, 2018, the Niagara Falls Education Foundation, Inc. held its 8th Annual Scholarship and Alumni Recognition dinner supporting Niagara Falls City School District Students. The Rotary Club of Niagara Falls, NY, participated as one of the scholarship sponsors for the first time. The club is hoping to make this event a constant as Basic Education and Literacy is one of the Six Areas of Focus of Rotary International. Niagara Falls, NY Rotarian Judie Glaser presented the club's scholarship award to Ms. Ariana Sanders. Judie is the club’s Public Relations Chair and also the Public Relations Director at the Niagara Falls School District.
Our Swiss inbound exchange student, Lara Braun, recently shared her experiences with Holley Rotarians and their partners. After the meal, Rotarians were treated to a special Swiss cake baked by Lara. There was one cake left, which was auctioned off for the Rotary Foundation. It raised $100. Pictured left is the Holley Rotary family with Lara’s host families. Pictured, right is Lara and Rotarian Dave Mitchell who successfully bid on the remaining cake.
Batavia Rotary hosted its second annual “Meat Raffle”. It was held on April 21, 2018, at the Sacred Heart Social Center. The Meat Raffle started last year as a way to replace our annual car raffle. It has been a huge success both years. The event was sold out this year with 371 participants. This event is “tailgate style” where we encourage people to bring whatever snacks and food they would like for a great night of fun! Participants bought chances to win packages of meat, from hamburger to bacon and steaks to shrimp. There were also side raffles for chances to win prizes which included A Wheelbarrow of Booze (what goes better with Meat?), A Grill, Lottery Tree, A Yearly Membership to the YMCA and more! The club is already looking forward to next year.
The Rotary Club of Hamilton’s commitment to literacy continues as the Rotary year nears an end. On June 12, 2018, Hamilton Rotarians will hold their annual Books, Books, Books Program making sure every child has a book at home.
The Books, Books Books program offers children the opportunity to select a book encouraging them to read at home. Every child will receive a book at Cathy Wever School as part of this program. Over 750 students will enjoy the gift of literacy. This Rotary year, the Rotary Club of Hamilton in partnership with the Hamilton Public Library and FBC have given out over 3,200 books. The Books, Books Books program was started 2 years ago as part of the club’s literacy initiatives which include the Rotary Summer Literacy Program. “It is a wonderful day, as you see the excitement of the faces of children when they get their book,” said President Elect Heather Moroz.
Michael Hahn Membership chair inducted David Fisk and Phil Goodwin into the Rotary Club of Lincoln at its morning meeting on May 8, 2018, with President Sue Foster doing the pinning.
David Fisk (pictured left) is a twenty-year Rotary veteran from Guelph/Wellington Rotary Club, who moved to the area. He checked out the club's website when looking for a club to become involved again. After an invitation to a meeting and joining some of the club's social activities, he decided the Rotary Club of Lincoln was the club for him on his Rotary journey.
Phil Goodwin (pictured right) also recently moved into the area and friend, Barb Mitges, one of our Lincoln Rotarians invited him to a meeting. After a Fireside Chat and joining us in some social events, Phil decided to join Rotary.
According to President Sue, "Both David and Phil have jumped in with both feet and become involved with fundraising and programs. We are confident both are great additions to our Rotary family".
On Tuesday April 17, 2018, at Twenty Valley Public School, a very successful Bike Safety Rodeo was held. The Rotary Club of Lincoln, in partnership with Heart Niagara, put on the safety rodeo for grades 5 & 6 students. Community partners included Public Health, School Boards, School Board's Transportation Consortium, Active Transportation groups and Municipalities. Funding is from the Government of Ontario and the Rotary Club of Lincoln.
Certified CAN-BIKE instructors ( Canada's leading cycling education program) taught cycling safety, such as hand signals, required safety gear, bicycle/helmet fit, bike safety, traffic safety and rules of the road. Bike mechanic volunteers Rotarian Michael Hahn and community volunteer Jarret Gnys from Mountainview Cycling did a thorough inspection of the kids bikes and did minor repairs such as brake adjustment inflating tires, brake line replacement and installation of bells if the bike did not have one. Thank you David Fisk official pump mechanic insuring all tires inflated to required specifications and Valerie Pitt the official bell installer for the rodeo. Rotarians Martha Kralt, Barb Mitges, Sue Foster and community partner Christine Hahn helped with the instruction and provision of snacks for the participants.
Yolanda Henry, an invested volunteer with the Tabitha Foundation, shared its goals and accomplishments of "Building Dreams for Cambodia's Poor" at a recent Rotary Club of St. Catharines Lakeshore meeting.
The Savings Program is the cornerstone of Tabitha's work. It encourages families to save their money in order to break the cycle of poverty. How it works is families achieve 4 to 6 dream items each year, ranging from basic necessities like a cooking pot, a sleeping mat, a bicycle and/or a child's education. Tabitha's relationship with a family will last for approx 5 to 7 years. This is long enough to allow families to break the cycle of poverty and graduate to complete financial independence.
Besides the Savings Program, the Foundation's team of volunteers builds homes, wells, schools and is currently invested in the building of a hospital to serve the health needs of women.
Tabitha Foundation is a registered Canadian charity. 2% of all funds raised in Canada are used for Canadian Administration. For more information go to www.tabitha.ca
The Rotary Club of Ellicottville has donated a bench in the Ellicottville Memorial Library to honor their great friend Bob McCarthy. Bob was always strong supporter of the library and was involved in establishing the Rotary Tree project in the library. So when the library decided to add benches (created by Bart Frank) around the tree in the entrance to the library, the club felt it was fitting to honor Bob with his own bench.
If you don’t know - the tree sponsored by 25 members of the Royal Oak Society was designed and made by the late Simon Griffis. As part of the funding every year a class from ECS spends a day at Essex Arts Center in Buffalo designing and creating leaves for the tree. Bob’s bench also is adjacent to a Brian Naber stone sculpture of Bob and donated to the library by Jane & Paul Hilbert. You will find creations by Bob throughout the library which had a special place in his heart.
Bob McCarthy was known as the “Voice of Ellicottville” and is sorely missed by many in our town. In early December, the Rotary Club of Ellicottville holds “Bob McCarthy’s Irish Christmas” to support his favorite cause, Santa’s Workshop.
If you are down Ellicottville way, please take some time to visit the library and tip your hat to Bob. You may hear a little blarney if you listen hard enough.
The Rotary Club of Norfolk Sunrise "RCNS" planted 50 trees in 90 minutes along the Norfolk Sunrise Trail beside the Lions Park in Simcoe, ON. The Norfolk Environmental Stewardship Team (NEST) helped. Pictured is the team of RCNS and NEST. RCNS members Jim Peters and Andy Kooistra are absent from the photo but were critical members of the crew; it was Andy that ran the skid steer with auger to drill the holes. The Rotarians were quite proud of their cool new yellow #RotaryNorfolkSunrise #RotaryatWork shirts.
On April 23, members of the Rotary Club of Fonthill joined current and former staff, along with students and community members for a special tree planting at E.L. Crossley Secondary School in Fonthill. Members of the school’s Interact Club and teaching staff spent time honouring the memory of Sharon Keller, a special science teacher who passed away suddenly last fall. A teacher at the school since the beginning of her career in the mid-1980s, Ms. Keller, as she was known to her students, was much more than an amazing educator; she was an environmental leader and tireless promoter of all things science and technology. In her honour, the club donated a tulip tree, which has been planted on the west side of the school property.
During the sunny Monday event, the club also donated several maple trees to the school, which the Interact Club will help plant in various places around the school property.
The tree planting was done in time for Earth Day activities, but also to fulfill the request of Rotary International President Ian Risely, who asked that 1.2 million trees be planted in 2018 around the world. This represents one tree for every Rotarian.
On March 23, 2018, Rotaractors from McMaster Rotaract Club travelled to Hess Street Elementary School in Hamilton to facilitate an Arts & Music Session for their after-school program. The children, from grades two to eight, were delighted by workshops on ukulele playing, origami folding, and bracelet making. Furthermore, they were introduced to the various causes of Rotary International and ways of getting involved. McMaster Rotaract Club is looking forward to more collaborations with local schools. For more information about this project, or interest in joining or collaborating with McMaster Rotaract Club, please email rotaractatmac@gmail.com, call 416-558-7188 or contact us on the "McMaster Rotaract Club" Facebook page.
Rotaract Clubs in District 7090 are growing, and filled with young adults excited to engage in service at home and abroad! Our clubs need referrals from Rotarians to help continue this growth. Every Rotarian knows a handful of young adults (ages 18-30) in their family, at work, and in their communities. Imagine how District 7090’s membership would grow if every member referred one Rotaractor! If you know of a civic-minded young adult interested in joining the Rotary family, please directly contact one of these Rotaract Clubs or send potential membership referrals to Rotaract Co Chair, Larry Coon at loreenzocoon@yahoo.com or call 716-870-9721.
Rotary International Convention and Rotaract PreConvention
The District 7090 Youth Services would like to thank all of the Rotary clubs who are directly or collectively sponsoring Rotaractors to attend the RI Convention in Toronto. Over 25 Rotaractors from our district are registered for either the Preconvention or the Convention, and that number is still growing! This is an amazing opportunity for our Rotaractors to meet others from around the world to encourage fellowship and collaboration between our clubs and districts! It's not too late for Rotaract members, or PROSPECTIVE Rotaract members to register to participate in the Convention, scheduled for Friday and Saturday, June 22-23rd. District Rotaract Representative, Matthew Falcone (mfalcone@buffalo.edu) can assist with registration, or reasonably priced accommodations at the University of Toronto, where many Rotaractors will be staying for the Convention.
Suggested arrival is the evening of Thursday, June 21 to avoid Friday morning traffic and to be ready to hit the ground running Friday morning at the Pre Convention. Some Rotaractors are also attending the Rotary portion of the Convention Sunday to Wednesday, June 24-27. These young adults are poised to experience Rotary in a way that will have a fantastic, lasting impact! Don't miss out on a chance for our Rotary Family members to have an experience of a lifetime!
Rotary E-Club of Social Innovators (RESI) Member Rosalind Lockyer, pictured on left, (from Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada) and RESI Corporate Partner CARE USA’s Director of Global Education Programming Joyce Adolwa (from Atlanta, Georgia, USA) both received the global Woman of the Decade for Community Leadership Award before 2,000 people attending the Women Economic Forum in New Delhi, India on Saturday, April 28, 2018.
The following are links to news articles from the Canadian and Northern Ontario press about RESI Member Rosalind Lockyer being honored with this prestigious award:
Ontario Ministry of Economic Development & Growth’s Office of Social Enterprise has called Rosalind: “one of the most remarkable social entrepreneurs in the world”, see: www.wef.org.in/rosalind-lockyer/.
Rosalind shared the stage with 8 other remarkable women from around the world, including Joyce Adolwa (Director, Global Education Programming at RESI Corporate Partner CARE USA), see: www.wef.org.in/joyce-adolwa/.
On May 7, 2018, RESI Member Howard Weinstein (from Sao Paolo, Brazil) was notified by the Global Social Benefit Institute (GSBI) at Santa Clara University’s Miller Center for Social Entrepreneurship in California’s Silicon Valley that he had been chosen to participate in GSBI’s 2018 TECh Accelerator Program consisting of the following parts: (continued)
Our 1st Inbound VTT (Vocational Training Team) to visit District 7090 will be from Australia’s District 9790 and will focus on Fruit Farming aspects. See attached Bio’s. They will experience many aspects of production, pest control, water management, geography, as well as explore labor methods, government influences, and marketing avenues.
They will tour the US from May 23rd arriving in Buffalo and then touring our upper regions of the District where there are multiple Fruit Farming venues. They will be staying with Rotarian Host Families in Lockport, Medina, Holley, Clarence, and Westfield.
Starting June 4th, they will tour the CA side of our District with its plentiful Fruit Farming venues. The Hosts will be in Vineland, Beamsville, Brantford and Simcoe. They will depart on June 16th from Toronto.
For the detailed schedule and bios of the team, click here or go to the District website - www.rotary7090.org, in the header menu click on Our Rotary Work, The Rotary Foundation, then Vocational Training Teams. The schedule and the bios will be in the left-hand menu on the VTT page.
Special thanks go out to the VTT Committee and Coordinators Tom O’Neill (CA) and Janet Walker (US), plus all the participation by the 22 Host Families.
District 7090’s membership has continued to grow over the last month with the result that it has increased by 106 members since July 1, 2017 to reach 2,230 members as of May 14, 2018.
Over the last two months, District 7090’s membership has grown by 28, which is second in Zone 24 only to District 5060, which is the largest district in Zone 24 and has grown by 29 to 2,735.
District 7090’s membership growth so far this Rotary year has come from an increase of 54 members in our 67 previously existing Rotary Clubs and 52 new members in our new Rotary E-Club of Social Innovators (RESI).
Our membership growth during the last two months has further solidified District 7090’s position as the largest Rotary District in Zone 24 East by widening our lead over District 7070, that includes the City of Toronto, York Region and Durham Region, which has added 14 members to now sit at 2025 members as of May 14, 2018.
Within all of Zone 24, District 5050 (parts of B.C. & Washington State) with 2,592 members as of May 14, 2018 has grown by 14 members over the last two months; while District 5370 (parts of Alberta, B.C., Saskatchewan & Northwest Territories) with 2,114 members as of May 14, 2018 has grown by 10 members over the same period.
The Rotary Club of Buffalo Vocational Services Committee held it’s 14th Annual Trade Show at Templeton Landing. With over 40 different businesses participating, the event was very well attended by the public and Rotarians. Vocational Services provided free food and drink for everyone.
As we get closer to the end of a very successful Rotary year I want to reach out and thank our club presidents, membership chairs and the district membership committee led by Kevin Crosby for reversing our declining membership. Yes, we are doing very well; at the end of April we posted active membership of 2256, our highest number since May of 2016! One club I’d like to highlight is the E Club of Social Innovators, who chartered in December. They contributed 57 members, with an outstanding female membership of 46%. Thank you Club President Gordon Crann and Membership Chair Howard Weinstein! To all those clubs who have seen growth this year, (there are too many to mention) many thanks for Making a Difference!
If there is a disappointment for this year it’s the results of club and individual contributions to the Annual Fund – the fund that the district receives 50% of in three years! At April month-end our result was only $175,000, a far cry from the $300,000 we achieved last year. At this time last year only two clubs had not contributed; this year it’s 10 clubs. You don’t have to be a math genius to recognize the limited amount of funds we’ll have three years from now for district grants, scholarships and the Vocational Training Team. Hopefully clubs and individuals will step up and improve the situation before we are out of time.
Now, on to sharing the joys of serving as your district governor.
It started with an absolutely phenomenal turnout for our District Council meeting in St. Catharines. It was so good to be joined by a number of club presidents as well as so many of the district leadership team. Remember council meetings are open to all and our final meeting of the year is June 2nd at Hyatt Place Hotel in Amherst. Register on the district's website.
The next event was a pleasant journey to the Dundas Valley Sunrise club to assist with a Paul Harris presentation and receive the club’s Annual Fund contribution. This was followed by a lunch meeting of all the Niagara clubs (see photo of presidents and presidents-elect) hosted by President Jeff Thomas of the St. Catharines South club. The guest speaker’s topic (trees) inspired the cake that is pictured.
We enjoyed a wonderful evening at the Lincoln Paul Harris function at 13th Street Winery to pay tribute to two individuals, Andy Fluit and Alice Klamer. It was a gorgeous setting for the event so well hosted by President Sue Foster and Assistant Governor Margaret Andrewes.
Then we were off on a trip to historic Gadawski’s in Niagara Falls, NY for a fun-filled 80th anniversary celebration of the Lewiston, NY Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON club. Loretta, Karen Oakes and Wolfgang enjoyed great food, great fun and President Ron Danielwicz is a treat with the microphone.
Our next stop was the Prince of Wales Hotel in Niagara-on-the-Lake for another Paul Harris evening. President Bill French along with event chair Howard Kudlats are to be commended for their hospitality and the organization of a very classy event at a classy and historic location. Congratulations to the Paul Harris recipients!
The highlight of the week came with a return to St. Catharines where President Vicky Rudachuk and the St. Catharines club hosted a citizenship luncheon. What a thrill to participate and meet the 30 some individuals who became Canadian citizens. It was my first opportunity to participate in a citizenship function and was especially meaningful as my grandfather emigrated to Canada and a homestead in Saskatchewan in March of 1911.
The last weekend in April was a busy one. A freak accident with my safety razor caused us to miss the Delhi club’s annual Looney Auction (we’ll try again next year!). We did host DGE Melisa and her husband John that night, and they attended the Looney Auction. Saturday morning, Melisa, DGND Frank Adamson and I attended Slapshot. That night we all attended the Brantford Sunrise Fish Fry. Sunday morning I was back at Slapshot for their final segment - talk about energy! It was a thrill to see and hear the commitment from these 100 young leaders. I wish all Rotarians could experience the qualities and dedication of these students. My gratitude goes out to chair Rob Nagy and his entire team for a fantastic leadership weekend for these 100 young people.
That same weekend RESI member Rosalind Lockyer and corporate member Joyce Adolwa were honored with global awards in New Delhi, India in front of 8,000 attendees. Congratulations to Rosalind and Joyce for receiving the prestigious Woman of the Decade for Community Leadership from the Women Economic Forum for their extraordinary work – a fitting honour. Yes, Rotarians do Make a Difference!
Then it was on to Port Dover (home of the Friday the 13th motorcycle invasion) for an Area 1 four-club meeting hosted by president Hadley Jackson of the Simcoe club. At this well attended event at the Port Dover Yacht Club, two individuals were surprised with Paul Harris awards. It was a wonderful gathering with an interesting speaker. I was joined by DGE Melisa and John and Assistant Governor Lisa Bishop.
The final event was a very different fundraiser by the Hamilton AM club titled Tacos, Tapas and Tequila. It was great to see many friends once again. I must say I learned a lot about Tequila and enjoyed all the different things that the committee organized. Hats off to president Jane Blums and Assistant Governor Marta Stitler.
And last but not least by any means was the Club Leadership Training session in downtown Buffalo at Erie Community College. The first-time location was a great spot for DGE Melisa to shine and encourage us all to Be the Inspiration! All the verbal feedback I received at lunch and after the event was very positive and kudos go to chair Anne Bermingham and her committee for organizing an outstanding 20 sessions. Thank you also to the many presenters and the participants for a great day.
June will be a very busy month with council on the 2nd, the district changeover on the 16th and convention in Toronto as well as many club functions! Keep Making a Difference!
First, I wanted to take this opportunity to thank you for all that you have done or are doing for our organization. Just as our collective humanitarian efforts accomplish more than any of us could individually, it is the collective effort of all of you that allows our organization to operate year in and year out. We appreciate you.
Some of you receiving this are long time friends and acquaintances in Rotary. Some are relatively new. Some of you we have not yet had the privilege of working with. Regardless, we need each of you to consider the following:
September 20-22, 2018, we will be holding the first ever Zone 24/32 Conference. Oh wait you say, we've had Rotary Institutes for years. Right you are. So what's the difference? This event is open to ALL Rotarians. Past Officers, incoming officers, current officers, AG's, district Rotarians, club Rotarians. Everyone!
Why you might ask? It is our belief and experience that non governor types get incredibly motivated, energized, and engaged when they can interact and engage with you who are more experienced and have a different knowledge base (possibly higher Rotary IQ) and skill set. We've seen it over and over. So now we're going to get intentional about it. We're eliminating the silos and allowing for and encouraging growth through collaboration.
That will only be successful if YOU are there. It doesn't matter how long ago you were Governor. We want you back. It doesn't matter how long it has been since you've been to a Zone event, we want to celebrate you. We stand on your shoulders. All of us do. Welcome back. Welcome home.
I am simply the Convener. There is an extraordinary team of people planning an outrageously exciting event. This is YOUR event.
This month, the Niagara Falls Rotary Club Foundation donated $10,000 to purchase a rowing (sculling) boat for the Niagara Falls Rowing Club. The Niagara Falls Rowing Club is a non-profit community organization. The boat will also be used to teach youth how to row and to enhance the Rowing Club’s ability to offer more programming to youth and young children within our community.
The boat honours 2 very special Rotarians and has their names on it - George Dalby and Jack Collinson. The club is planning a "boat christening" in a few weeks.
The Hamilton AM Club celebrated Cinco de Mayo in style. Our second annual spring fundraiser featured great fellowship for a great cause; programs for children and youth in Hamilton's north end. Tapas included home made Pico de Gallo and Guacamole. Decorations were sent straight from Mexico for an authentic touch, and the highlight of the evening was Tequila tasting, brands that most of us have never seen, all imported personally (by Rotarians) from Mexico. A highlight of the evening (to accompany the Tequila tasting) was the Mexican Lotaria (Bingo), played with picture cards and kidney beans. Everyone was a winner, with prizes handed out and $1,000 raised just from the Lotaria! The proceeds for the evening should top $15,000, including sponsorships, ticket proceeds, and the rare Tequila auction. Everyone who attended was given a lovely gift tequila glass to take home.
The event also builds on our club's partnership with the Rotary Club of Valladolid, Yucutan, where the Rotary Club of Hamilton AM has helped fund drinking fountains in the community of Tamuy.
Just as the Mexican forces celebrated victory over the French troops on May 5th of 1862, attendees at the Cinco de Mayo Club Leadership Training (CLT) walked away feeling victorious, inspired, and energized as they had participated in dynamic workshops including “Show Me the Money;” “New Club Flexibility,” It’s Not a Zoo,” and “Circle the Wagons,” amongst many other empowering and thought provoking sessions. Workshops were hosted by DG Reg Madison, DGE Melisa Schrock, PDG Kevin Crosby and a host of influential business leaders, marketing experts, and dynamic Rotarians.
Built in 1901, the majestic and architecturally brilliant former Buffalo Post Office now home to Erie Community College, was the setting for the lively and engaging morning and afternoon events. Each moment from registration, to coffee breaks to a sit down lunch and breakout sessions offered the opportunity for seasoned Rotarians to network with their longtime friends while they welcomed and imparted Rotarian pride and knowledge to dozens of new Rotarians who are ready to make their own clubs and District 7090 shine throughout the upcoming Rotary year.
A brand new Rotarain, Nehal Mahran of the Ancaster Evening Club, stated that she was thankful her President, Celine Legret encouraged her to attend the CLT as it offered Nehal a chance to network with professionals from many career paths and discover how, “Rotary all comes together and inspires Clubs to collaborate in the future.”
Veteran Rotarians, such as Lorne White from the Rotary Club of Ft. Erie, were eager to be part of the day, once again. This particular longtime Rotarian is a two time past president, has attended multiple CLTs and Lorne staunchly believes that participating in these fun-filled and informational district events helps to keep clubs active. He happens to be is a great role model not only for his club but for the district by being an active member and devotedly bringing district information and events back to his fellow Rotarians.
Boisterous laughs, newfound friendships, and soon to be experts in social media could be found exiting room 412 after the workshop "Social Media" presented by Paul McAfee and Lisa Mueller was complete. The Cinco de Mayo theme resonated as participants discovered that # hashtagging is not just for millennials, and the power and creativity it holds for even the smallest of clubs is quite useful! Rotary Trivia games, The Rotary Foundation successes and challenges, vocational service ideas, and becoming effective leaders were topics brought back to dozens of clubs and, as at any Rotary event, the tasty food and camaraderie were proportioned in exact measure.
Congratulations to all who attended the CLT of 2018; committee members are sure to see you next year and with many of your fellow seasoned and newbie Rotarians!
The Rotary Club of Hamilton offers a free after school program for inner city children. Part of the program is the opportunity to experience the great Canadian sport of Curling.
For 12 weeks students walk to the Victoria Curling Club to learn the sport. Rotarian John Clinton mentors these young people as they learn basic skills, how to sweep and curl. At each curling session, students receive a healthy snack and gain a better understanding of skills such as teamwork and communication. The last session, the students have the opportunity to have a game and then enjoy a pizza party. Thanks to this great partnership with the Victoria Curling Club, students have access to join their Little Rocks Curling program on weekends, covered at a reduced fee by Hamilton Rotary.
This year, Victoria Curling Club recognized Rotary’s partnership by putting the Rotary logo on the ice for an Under 18 Curling Bonspiel. It was exciting to watch the rocks sliding over the Rotary logo and to see kids engaged in this sport!
The members of the Rotary Club of Hamilton conducted a hands on service project - volunteering to purchase and make dinner for family members staying at the Mark Preece House on March 1st 2018. The Thyme4Dinner volunteer program engages volunteers to prepare a meal for the families staying at the house.
Mark Preece was a young, respected physician working in the Intensive Care Unit at Hamilton Health Sciences until his untimely death in 1997. While undergoing specialized cancer treatment in the United States, Mark’s family and friends experienced first-hand the value and support of a welcoming, affordable residence during such a difficult time. In honour of Mark, friends and colleagues worked for years to bring the Mark Preece Family House into existence.
The Mark Preece Family House is located close to the Hamilton Health Sciences’ General Hospital site, a prime focus site for Critical Care, Trauma Services, Burn Unit and a full range of Cardiac Surgery and Services. Until now, there has been no affordable place for patients’ families to stay near to their bedside. This creates an unnecessarily stressful situation for those involved.
After a long, stressful day at the hospital, a home cooked meal is very appreciated by all of the families staying at the Mark Preece House. The Rotarians prepared dinner for 30 people. Dinner included beef burritos, homemade guacamole, Mexican rice, salad and chocolate cake.
Working together to prepare a meal was a great service and team building project. Knowing that you are making a special meal for the family members - priceless.
Rotary Club of Lancaster-Depew President Rob Benzel gladly distributed more checks for the club’s local giving this month. Shown are a presentation following their breakfast meeting at Russell’s, to LEAF. LEAF is a foundation formed by educators to fund things that cannot be ordinarily purchased with regular funds, and directly benefits students.
Following that same vein, an annual sponsorship is made to the Lancaster Opera House to fund a summer youth theater projects, for students interested in exploring acting and stage.
G. Robert Moeschler Jr., a member of the Rotary Club of Buffalo for 47 years, passed away on March 11, 2018. Bob generously remembered Rotary with a $50,000 gift to the Buffalo Rotary Foundation. Bob was a Paul Harris Fellow, Chairman of the District Conference in 1988, Chairman of Sunshine Day at Cradle Beach Camp, and Chairman of the Annual Outing for about 15 years. Bob’s father, G. Robert Moeschler, Sr was a Buffalo Rotarian for 25 years.
Rob Nagy sent in this excerpt from the president of Brantford Rotary, Lance Calbeck, (pictured on left) regarding a fundraiser the club is involved with. "One of the perks of being club President is getting your mug in the news. Today, Bob Cassie came to our meeting and wrapped up the 18th Great Northern Ride. Over $212,000 from a group of guys who combine their love of snowmobiling with some serious fundraising. The money raised goes directly to the Lansdowne Children’s Centre Foundation. Well done fellas, well done."
Members of the Flamborough AM Rotary Club had a social evening in March at Flamboro Race Track, including dinner and a Race named after them.
Pictured (left to right) are Sherry and Duncan Bell, President, Frank Keelan, Past President, Margaret Robertson, Chair of Public Relations, Dan Posavad, Youth Services Chair, Ryan Bridge, President Elect, and Frank Spiridoulias, Community Services Chair.
Apparently, the Rotary horse, named HOWMACFIESTY, did not win, but fun was had by all.
The 24th International Curling Fellowship of Rotarians was held from April 6 to April 13 at the Lanarkshire Ice Rink, Hamilton, Scotland. This fellowship event is held every two-years either in Scotland, Canada or the USA.
Rotary Club of Grimsby was proudly represented (pictured left to right) by Bill Hughes aka Skip, Sharon Rizzuto, Wayne Fertich and Charles Daly.
Grimsby was playing in the Friendship Division of 14 teams and Bill Hughes skipped his rink to a first place finish in a 7 team Round Robin with 5 wins and one loss. They advanced to the semi-finals but lost to Perth, Scotland.
All members of the Grimsby Team Rink were smartly dressed with the Canadian flag proudly displayed on their trousers.
Rotary Club of Jamestown held it's 5th Annual Fire & Ice Ball at Chautauqua Suites recently. The Ball is one of the club’s annual fundraisers. As attendees entered the event, they were able to view pictures of projects our club has directly been involved with or donated to in the past both locally and internationally.
This year the raffle prizes included a vacation package to the Grand Mayan in Nuevo Vallarta, Mexico and an ice blue diamond jewelry set. During the event there was also a silent auction where attendees were able to bid on some amazing prizes.
The Rotary Club of Welland is beginning to plan for its 100th Anniversary on April 1, 2020 (not an April Fool’s joke). The club has been actively involved both locally and internationally. In fact, the first international support was in 1941 in support of the British War Victims.
Welland Rotary was a charter member of what is now the Niagara Children’s Centre in St. Catharines, and began it’s support for, what was then referred to as, crippled children, in 1945-1946.
To celebrate 100 years of Rotary service, the club has initiated a call for proposals from the public, Rotarians and former Rotarians for a legacy project. The project should reflect the Objects of Rotary that include: Making a Difference, Service Above Self, Community Service and Goodwill that can, in the broadest sense, benefit Welland residents and visitors to this great city.
The project will have up to a $100,000 nominal value, based on up to a $100,000 contribution from the Rotary Club of Welland. The project value could be significantly more if it can attract sponsors, partners, matching funds or grants from foundations, etc. The club is looking for donations toward it’s $100,000 contribution, with all donations eligible for a Canadian income tax receipt.
The Rotary Club of Niagara Falls held its 20th Annual Trivia Night fundraiser at Club Italia on February 21, 2018. The event was a great success with over 400 people attending, raising $14,000.00 for the Rotary Club to donate back into our community for those in need!
The 50/50 draw and raffle table was also a great success. The club sends thanks to everyone who donated prizes and to the many volunteers and attendees.
The Rotary Club of Hamburg recently inducted Jill Martucci into its membership. President Jerry Bastedo, right, conducted the ceremonies welcoming Ms. Martucci who is employed in the Enterprise Risk Management Division of the Bonadio Group. At left is Rotarian Tyler Shaw, her sponsor.
Leslie Burow was the 7th member to be inducted into the Rotary Club of Norfolk Sunrise Rotary family this year. She was introduced to Rotary through her 15 year-old daughter who pursued an opportunity to do a short term student exchange which was communicated to her high school by our Rotary Youth Exchange Committee. Her daughter is going to Italy and now, as a result, we are thrilled to have her mother as our newest member!
Pictured (left to right) are Keith Jones, President Elect, Leslie Burow, newest RCNS member, Lucine McKay, Past President.
GRANT PROMOTES SELF ESTEEM BUILDING IN REMOTE COMMUNITY
The Rotary Club of Norfolk Sunrise has been working with Pikangikum First Nation in northwestern Ontario for five years. This year, Rotary teamed up with supplier Algonquin Outfitters, OPP and the Rotary District 7090 to help outfit the school’s outdoor program with $4500 worth of camping and canoeing equipment so that the school now has the ability to outfit complete canoe trips and hiking adventures.
Jim Dawson, a long time Norfolk Sunrise Rotary member, commented, “Formerly, the outdoor program had to travel outside the community to participate in an annual canoe trip, the culmination of the spring outdoor program. Now with the canoe packs, life jackets and water filters supplied under this grant, the students can also go on more local trips, weekend trips right from the community which has ideal canoe trip conditions and best of all - this can be done in a much more cost-effective manner”.
The Rotary District provides matching funds to help local projects be able to do more with the funds raised locally. In this case, some of the funding came from the popular “Catch the Ace” progressive lottery which was held at the Port Dover Legion last year (and will be starting again April 6).
The outdoor program is very important in building self esteem, resilience, confidence in traveling in the wilderness and provides training for future careers in adventure tourism and outfitting. Because of the support by Rotary over the past few years, including yearly visits by Rotarians Jim and Marjorie Dawson to help with canoe training, the program is now going to be expanded to include the fall term next year.
The Pathways to Opportunity Award represents a unique collaboration among Rotarians, educators and businesses in the Lincoln community. In its commitment to both Vocational and Youth services, the Rotary Club of Lincoln is pleased to work with the Chamber and Beamsville District Secondary School to celebrate businesses that go out of their way to support co-operative education.
Each year, approximately 110 Grade 11 and 12 BDSS students spend between one and four periods of each school day over four months in the workplace. This would not be possible without the voluntary participation of some 50 businesses and organizations. In essence, the companies are providing ‘pathways to opportunity’ experiences that help students find their way to post-secondary employment, career and education opportunities.
To select the Pathways Award recipient, the BDSS Co-op Education Department uses the following criteria:
The opportunity to engage in a meaningful work experience
The mentoring relationship provided to the student during the work term
Going above and beyond to support students at their co-op placements
The Rotary Club of Lincoln is pleased to announce that the 2018 Pathways Award recipient is Conversations Cafe' & Bistro. For more information go to: http://conversationscafe.squarespace.com/#about
Pictured aremembers of the Lincoln Chamber, Mayor Sandra Easton, Deborah (with the award) & David Dueck, Sue Foster President Rotary Club of Lincoln, members of Lincoln Chamber.
The Rotary Club of Lincoln recently welcomed Oluf Lauridsen, as its newest member. Michael Hahn was the sponsor and performed the induction ceremony. Oluf is a retired tennis professional and instructor.
Pictured is President Sue Foster presenting the Rotary pin to Oluf.
In eighteen months members of the Rotary Club of Westfield-Mayville raised $11,715.46 and donated it to The Rotary Foundation PolioPlus Fund for Polio eradication efforts. This organization had set an original goal of raising $10,000 within two years. On April 10th, thirty-two Rotary International Zone 24E and District 7090 officials, guests and club members gathered at Brazill’s On Main in Westfield for the official announcement and dinner celebration, which was titled “PolioPlus-apalooza.”
This Rotary club had been challenged by an anonymous, local foundation to raise $10,000 in two years, through new fundraisers, each with an educational component about the disease of polio. The Rotary Club of Westfield-Mayville energetically met its challenge. The club first submitted its major donation of $11,715.46 to The Rotary Foundation (TRF) PolioPlus Fund, and then the local foundation generously made its major contribution of $10,000.
Because the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation is offering a $2:1 match of all donations, the Westfield-Mayville Rotary Club played a significant role in generating $65,146.38 in the fight against polio. A single dose of the polio vaccine costs about sixty cents. The polio virus remains in Afghanistan, Nigeria and Pakistan.
Polio (poliomyelitis) mainly affects children under 5 years of age. According to the World Health Organization, “Cases due to wild poliovirus have decreased by over 99%, since 1988, from an estimated 350,000 cases then, to 22 reported cases in 2017. As a result of the global effort to eradicate the disease, more than 16 million people have been saved from paralysis. As long as a single child remains infected, children in all countries are at risk of contracting polio.” (Source: WHO Media Centre, Mar. 2018 Fact Sheet.) To date in 2017, only 7 new cases of the wild polio virus have been identified. (Source: WHO Global Polio Eradication Initiative; polioeradication.org, Apr. 2018.)
Jim Wakeman, Rotary Club of Westfield-Mayville Foundation and PolioPlus Challenge Chair, announced, “As we celebrate the achievement of our club’s goal, and recognize the fantastic efforts of all those who were involved, it is most important that we especially remember the end result. Because of our efforts, 108,577 children will receive doses of the polio vaccine. These children will not suffer the effects of this crippling and sometimes paralyzing disease, nor will their lives be forever negatively impacted by it.”
Rotary International Zone 24E Foundation Coordinator Karen Oakes stated, “This truly is an amazing achievement by the Rotary Club of Westfield-Mayville. It is a major contribution in support of global polio eradication efforts.”
Rotary District 7090 Governor Reg Madison said, “How proud I am of this Rotary Club for its PolioPlus Challenge campaign efforts. When I first learned that this organization had not reached, but surpassed its challenge goal, I was overwhelmed and just cried tears of joy. This is a remarkable accomplishment.”
Pictured (left to right) are Sue Hammond - Club Public Relations Chair; Karen Oakes - Rotary International Zone 24E Foundation Coordinator; Reg Madison - Rotary District 7090 Governor; Pat Castiglia - Rotary District 7090 End Polio Now Chair; Jim Wakeman - Club Foundation and PolioPlus Challenge Chair; and Janese Berkhouse - Club President.
During the April 10th special gathering of 32 Rotary Club of Westfield-Mayville members, Rotary dignitaries and guests at Brazill’s On Main in Westfield, three club members were honored with their first or next level of the Paul Harris Fellowship. The award recipients were Tracy Bennett, Dan Smith and Sue Hammond.
The Westfield-Mayville Rotary Club recognition ceremony was held in conjunction with this group’s “PolioPlus-apalooza” celebration for the club having surpassed its PolioPlus Challenge goal. Jim Wakeman, Club Foundation Chair, led the recognition ceremony. Janese Berkhouse, Club President, proudly congratulated the club’s three newest PH Award recipients, as follows:
Tracy Bennett, Rotary Club of Westfield-Mayville Treasurer, was presented with his first Paul Harris Fellow by Reg Madison, Rotary District 7090 Governor. Bennett, who joined Rotary in 2015, is a certified public accountant. He was challenged by District Governor Madison to continue earning PH Awards in order to receive the Major Donor recognition, which is given when cumulative donations reach $10,000.
Dan Smith, Westfield-Mayville Rotary Youth Services Chair, was honored with his Paul Harris Fellow+1 (Level 2) recognition. Smith also serves as the Rotary District 7090 Vocational Training Team Chair. He was proudly given his award and congratulated by District Governor Madison. Smith, who joined Rotary in 1998, served as Westfield-Mayville Rotary Club President in the 2001-2002 club year. His profession is computer software sales.
Sue Hammond, Rotary Club of Westfield-Mayville Public Relations Chair, received her Paul Harris+3 (Level 4) recognition from Karen Oakes, Rotary International Zone 24E Foundation Coordinator. Hammond, who joined Rotary in 2008, served as Westfield-Mayville Rotary Club President for two consecutive terms, 2010-2012. She is a retired high school principal.
Linda Dunn, a fourth Westfield-Mayville Rotarian who also earned her next level of the Paul Harris Fellow recognition, was unable to attend this event.
Pictured (left to right) are Jim Wakeman, DG Reg Madison, Tracy Bennett, Dan Smith and Sue Hammond.
This part of the Rotary year is always a rewarding time as we move along in the final quarter. Pleasant activities such as attending club meetings to receive polio and/or Foundation contributions, Paul Harris events, Rotaract meetings, fundraisers, inducting new members and club anniversaries. Before I share a few of these experiences, I have to express a concern. That concern – Rotarian participation in District activities and registering on a timely basis. It’s happening again now with Club Leadership Training at Erie Community College in downtown Buffalo on May 7th. Friday, April 20th is our contractual deadline for providing food numbers and yet as I write this, we are nowhere close to anticipated numbers. Why do we procrastinate? Please, get on the district website now and register! It will be a great event with sessions for everyone.
Now – back to those experiences I mentioned. First off, the induction of two new members at the Waterdown club with President Sabih was a special occasion. What made this fantastic for me was that Annette Nyland, a Rotarian since only October, referred them both, making her responsible for three new members in that short space of time! I wish all clubs had an Annette!
Another highlight was the Westfield-Mayville’s club PolioPlus-apalooza. What a great evening! An anonymous donor came forward two years ago and offered to match up to ten thousand dollars for new money raised by the club for polio. Over the two years, numerous events raised a total of $11,715.46. The $21,715.46 total was then doubled by the Gates Foundation contribution, resulting in a total of more than $65,000 for Polio Plus! An incredible event that brought big smiles to District Polio Chair Pat Castiglia and Zone 24E Foundation Coordinator Karen Oakes. Thanks to President Jan Berkhouse and club Foundation chair Jim Wakeman for their leadership! And to all the club – job well done!!! Pictured (left to right) Karen Oakes, DG Reg, Pat Castiglia, Jim Wakefield and Jan Berkhouse.
Thanks to Doug Harty, President of East Aurora, for a warm reception at their breakfast meeting to receive club donations to Polio Plus and the annual fund.
Finally, the Niagara Falls and Niagara Falls Sunrise clubs hosted a Paul Harris evening on April 16th to present Paul Harris Fellows to six recipients. Unfortunately, we couldn’t attend because of the spring ice storm that weekend. To BJ Romans and all the Rotarians, again our regrets and I’m sure it was a wonderful evening!
By the time you read this, I will have had the pleasure of collecting and presenting Foundation money to the Dundas Valley Sunrise club, we will have attended a joint luncheon meeting of all the Niagara clubs, the Lincoln Paul Harris evening, a Rotaract event at the University of Buffalo, and will have celebrated the 80th birthday of the Lewiston-Niagara club! What a fantastic experience to see, first-hand, these clubs Making a Difference!
The latest Rotary Leadership Institute was held at Niagara County Community College, Sanborn, New York on March 24. The day saw 35 + Rotarians (26 registrants and facilitators) meet to discuss all things Rotary.
Another 9 District 7090 Rotarians completed the RLI program and were presented with their certificates and RLI pins. The Rotarians receiving their certificates and pins from PDG Jack Amico (pictured in blue t-shirt), along with a congratulations were in alphabetical order: Fiona Barretto, Cynthia Cotten, Bill French, Lauren Humphrey, James Mott, Bernard Neziol, Ellen Roth, Sabih Uddin and Michael Woods.
The RLI committee is now beginning its work for the next RLI courses to be held during the next Rotary Year which starts July 1. Watch the District website for dates once they are finalized.
We are exploring other options as well as it relates to the delivery of RLI. Also, there are graduate courses for RLI Grads, and delivery of these courses in District 7090 is also being explored. Stay tuned!!
If you joined Rotary in the last 12 months, or if you have members in your club who have joined in the past year, we are offering a free webinar for new Rotarians:
This webinar will help new Rotarians learn about the wonderful world of Rotary from the club, to the district, to the Zone, to The Rotary Foundation, and to the 1.2-million-member organization known as Rotary International. Tune in on May 23 and find out what it’s all about.
To write a press release for the District 7090 Newsletter, pick a single newsworthy topic, compose a concise headline (optional), and write the body copy so it answers the basic questions about who, what, where, when and why you are announcing. (Assume your audience knows nothing about it). The release can contain helpful links to documents or websites. For the purpose of District newsletter, please include photo as a named attachment. Also preferred - a word document attached with the narrative.
The Rotary Club of Niagara County Central completed its 12th annual gifting of dictionaries to third grade students in the Niagara Wheatfield Central School District. Rotarian, the late Joseph B. Emmons, began this project locally in 2006. Emmons wife, Rotarian Marsha Emmons, proudly continues his worthwhile endeavor to bring these keepsakes of written knowledge to the students.
The Dictionary Project co-chairs, Marsha Emmons and David Evans, were joined by fellow Rotarians; President Pat Sullivan, Past President, Tom Grimm, and the Niagara Wheatfield Central School Superintendent, Daniel Ljiljanch to distribute 240 dictionaries. The third grade recipients attend Tuscarora Indian, West Street Elementary, Errick Road Elementary, and the Colonial Village Elementary Schools.
CEO Mary French founded The Dictionary Project in 1995 to provide personal copies of dictionaries to third grade students in South Carolina public schools. It has grown into a national organization. To date, over 28 million dictionaries have been donated to children in the United States and internationally. The Rotary Club of Niagara County Central has provided over 7,000 dictionaries to the third grade students in Central Niagara County.
The Rotaract Club of Niagara was pleased and honoured to be a part of 2018’s Coldest Night of the Year (CNOY), which took place the evening of February 24th. CNOY is a nationwide event that raises awareness and funds for individuals and families experiencing hunger, homelessness, and hurt all across Canada. The walk began at 5:15 pm in 121 locations throughout the nation, and consisted of over 19,000 participants. Rotaract Niagara contributed seven walkers at three of the 121 locations: Niagara Falls, St. Catharines, and Welland. With the help and support of many sponsors including Rotarians, family and friends, and others, the event was a success. After the walk, Rotaract Niagara raised just over 1,800 dollars, tripling the initial goal they had set out to accomplish. Rotaract also ran a bottle drive, collecting bottles from sponsors and wineries in the region in order to increase funds.
Each location walked in support of an established initiative that provides support systems and resources for community members in need. St. Catharines teams raised money for Start Me Up Niagara, which provides support to those facing difficult life changes such as unemployment or mental illness. Pictured above, is the St. Catharines team looking enthusiastic during its 10K walk. In Welland, walkers supported Open Arms Missions, which aims to meet the physical and spiritual needs of the community. Pictured on the right, the Welland team with Leslie Bellingham of Open Arms Missions. Last but not least, Niagara Falls walkers raised funds for Project SHARE, an initiative that mobilizes resources for those under the poverty line.
As of yet, CNOY has reached 99% of its 4.5 million dollar goal, and is still accepting donations until March 31st. This walk takes place every year, and provides an opportunity for all participants to learn about the struggles that so many Canadians face, and contribute to the organizations that are working to identify and meet the pressing needs of millions of Canadians. Visit www.cnoy.org for more information.
Recently, the Rotary Club of Lincoln welcomed John Teibert (pictured on left) District Director of the Rotary Foundation and Lincoln Rotarian Alice Klamer (pictured on right) to share their experiences and passion for The Rotary Foundation (TRF).
To find out more about this speaker opportunity, send John Teibert an email inquiry. He or someone from the District Foundation Committee would love to come talk to you about all things relating to The Rotary Foundation.
Eighteen months ago, the Rotary Club of Westfield-Mayville accepted a challenge from a local, anonymous foundation. Dubbed by the club, the PolioPlus Challenge, the club endeavored to raise $10,000 by this spring in order to have this local foundation match the club’s funds up to $10,000. The conditions of the challenge - fundraising events had to be new ones, include as many club members as possible, and had to raise awareness about the disease of Polio. All of the proceeds were to be donated to the PolioPlus Fund of Rotary International to aid polio eradication efforts. With its successful ‘Pancakes Against Polio’ event, the Rotary Club of Westfield-Mayville, along with strong community support, raised more than the needed $10,000.
Pictured, a Brocton Interactor serving up additional helpings of pancakes at the club's fourth and final event, the ‘Pancakes Against Polio’ charity fundraiser breakfast on March 10, 2018, held in the Brocton Central School Cafeteria. It was a flipping success! 700-plus pancakes later, another $2,334.38 was raised to donate to the PolioPlus Fund to aid in the fight against Polio, and the challenge was met.
The presentation of a Paul Harris Fellow was made to Jim Oliver at RCNS breakfast meeting on February 27, 2018, by President Gail Catherwood for his dedication to the elimination of Polio.
Jim created the ‘Ride for Rotary’ as a fundraiser to support the End Polio campaign. It is an annual one day summer ride for motorcycle enthusiasts. Participants pay a nominal fee to register for the group ‘ride’, and then tour collectively, have lunch, and share in fellowship. All proceeds go to inoculate children against polio. To date, this event has raised enough money to inoculate 25,000 children.
Congratulations Jim! Thank you to all supporters and participants of the ‘Ride for Rotary’ campaign to End Polio Now.
The Rotary Club of Brantford has been recognized for its contributions to the city’s economic development. The club was honoured with the Brantford Ambassador Award by the city’s economic development advisory committee at the recent 2017 Industrial Appreciation luncheon held at the Brantford Golf and Country Club.
Pictured are (left to right) President Lance Calbeck and Robert Ham - Economic Development Officer City of Brantford.
Tim Hoelscher, left, was honored by the Rotary Club of Hamburg recently when he was presented with the Paul Harris Fellow. President Jerry Bastedo, right, is shown presenting Tim the pin and certificate. Tim is a self-employed CPA and a 10-year member of the club which meets at 6 p.m. Tuesday evenings at JP Fitzgerald’s Restaurant in Hamburg.
Pictured is Ellicottville Rotarian Jim Salamone presenting a $250 check to Judy Brown, Treasurer of the Ellicottville Historical Society in honor and memory of the club's good friend, Bob McCarthy. Bob, who passed away about a year and a half ago, is still a presence very much missed in Ellicottville. Rotary was one of several organizations that Bob promoted and supported. He always encouraged the club to consider assigning a portion of the funds it raised to the Ellicottville Historical Society. Jim Salamone commented, "Ellicottville Rotary intends to continue with Bob’s tradition of supporting this great group we also feel it is an integral part of our community."
The Ellicottville Historical Society & Museum started in September of 1956 and was formed for the purpose of studying & preserving the historical record of the Ellicottville and its vicinity. The Historical Society holds meetings every second Wednesday evening from May through October on various historical topics. The Rotary Club of Ellicottville is proud to help the society continue to fulfill its mission of studying and preserving local history for generations to come.
The Rotary Club of Lincoln inducted, not 1, 2 but 3 new members into the Rotary family at its meeting on Tuesday, March 13, 2018.
Pictured celebrating (left to right) is President Sue Foster along with new members, John Maynard, Anna Murre and Valerie Pitt. Doing the induction duties, Membership Chair Michael Hahn.
On February 16, 2018, the Rotary Club of Buffalo tried something new as a fund raiser, a Roaring 20’s Gala was held at the Tonawanda Castle, complete with dance instructors to teach us how to do the Charleston! There was also a surprise in store. A gentleman from Batavia had the band stop the music, then got down on one knee and proposed to his girlfriend - she said yes! Guests, dressed in their finest 20’s attire, loved the event and many were already asking if we will have it again next year. The Roaring 20’s was a great success thanks to the work of Past President Laurie Albertsson and her committee!
Pictured (on right, in red) Rotarian Therese Vita and friends having a roaring good time.
On February 28, 2018, the Mount St. Mary's Hospital Foundation honored the Rotary Club of Lewiston, NY & Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON at a gala dinner in recognition of its many years of community support. This is especially significant for the club, as April 20, 2018, will mark the 80th anniversary of its chartering.
Club President Ron was invited to the podium to make a few acceptance remarks. Pictured are (left to right) Mount St. Mary's Hospital Foundation Executive Director Julie Berrigan, Mount St. Mary's Hospital President & CEO Gary C. Tucker, and President Ron Danielewicz.
Area 1 Assistant Governor Lisa Bishop was on hand to induct a very welcome new member, Tracy Winkworth, brought to the Rotary Club of Norfolk Sunrise through her colleague and friend Jenni Mudge-Winters who came back to the club also this year, after a few years of sabbatical. Tracy is the owner and operator of the Cooking Studio as well as Liaison College South Coast, a chef school in Brantford. Maybe she will teach her new Rotary family a few tricks in the kitchen!
Pictured (left to right): Jenni Mudge-Winters, Tracy Winkworth and AG Lisa Bishop.
The Rotary Club of Welland hosted its first curling social (since 1965) on February 20, 2018. 75 people attended, drawn largely from the community. Participants ranged in age from 12 to 91 (of course that was Rotarian Freddie Farnham) and were, for the most part, first time curlers. Welland's Youth Exchange Student Manon Hody from Belgium eagerly participated experiencing curling for the first time in her life. 14 rinks faced off in a round robin set of games. The Welland Curling Club provided instruction for the curlers. Both the Fonthill and Fort Erie Rotary clubs entered rinks. There were also two Special Olympic rinks joining in the fun. After all the hard work of curling (and rooting for curlers), everyone retired to the lounge for wings, pizza, drinks and socializing.
Grand Island Rotary’s Meat Raffle to support Growing Readers, has been declared successful. A full house gathered at the K of C Hall, bidding for excellent meat packages and waving dollars at runners. GI partnered with a Grand Island school committee dedicated to buying ‘Read-to-Me’ books to be given by local pediatricians to new parents, encouraging them to read to their babies and toddlers. The combined forces brought out both attendees and workers.
The Le Roy Rotary Interact Club is comprised of over 100 Le Roy Jr/Sr High School Students who have shown an interest in community leadership and have a general desire to better their hometown community. Within their club meetings, they identified several issues and have ultimately decided that they would like to honor our local active duty military personnel through a project they’ve named, “Le Roy Rotary Interacts Hometown Hero’s Project.”
Student representatives from each grade 7-12, involved in the Interact Club attended the Le Roy Village Board meeting on February 5, 2018, to request their support. The students put together an impressive presentation describing the project details and how they plan to fund it. They brought along two local Marines to describe their experiences in the military. One of the Marines noted that he went into this line of work to serve his country, not expecting any recognition but that this is a wonderful, and much appreciated project.
The Rotary Interact students requested permission to utilize Main Street light poles, as well as support from our local Department of Public Works to assist in hanging the banners. The decision from the board was unanimously approved and the students were applauded for their great work.
For updates on this project, and to what it as it unfolds, be sure to check out the Le Roy Rotary Facebook page.
Members of District 7090's newest Rotary club, the Rotary E-Club of Social Innovators (RESI) are participating at significant international events.
On February 10, 2018, RESI member Prabha Sankaranarayan, who is Co-Founder and CEO of Mediators Beyond Borders International (MBBI), was a panelist for the “No Sustainability, No Peace” breakout session at Rotary International’s Presidential Environmental Sustainability and Peace Conference on February 10, 2018 in Vancouver, B.C. Also, this month, Prabha is being joined by RESI club member, Vicki Isler, as members of the MBBI contingent participating in the United Nations’ 62nd Session of the Commission on the Status of Women in New York City. Where, on March 16, 2018, Prabha was a panelist for “Women Using Technology to Advance Agency, Advocacy, Capacity, & Peace” at the Church Center for the United Nations, 797 1st Avenue in Manhattan.
Representatives of the Rotary clubs in Simcoe, Ontario are planning to launch Rotary Lager at an upcoming Eat and Drink Norfolk festival which celebrates the culinary aspects of Norfolk County. Rotary Lager has been brewed by a prominent craft brewery and canned featuring the Rotary wheel along with the Four Way Test. Stocked by several private clubs and restaurants in the area, the beer will be sold at all Rotary fundraisers throughout the Summer. Rotary Lager is also available in the Rotary districts served by the Rotary Clubs of Guelph and Peterborough.
Pictured:Gerry Goddard, Rotary Club of Simcoe, Gail Catherwood, President, Norfolk Sunrise Rotary, Yvonne Di Pietro, Norfolk Sunrise Rotary, Hadley Jackson, President, Rotary Club of Simcoe, Dave King, President Elect, Rotary Club of Simcoe. Absent from photo, but equally involved is Alayna Simpson, President of Simcoe Rotaract
Members of the Rotary Club of Lancaster-Depew were honored to have well-known television news broadcaster, Mary Alice Demler, as a guest speaker at a luncheon meeting in February. Mary Alice treated the club to stories about her career in broadcasting and also shared about her efforts to promote volunteerism in the western New York community. Unfortunately her work schedule of 3:00 pm – midnight, precludes her attendance at meetings, especially to her former Buffalo Sunrise Club.
In recognition of her individual service and her former role as a Rotarian, individual members and the club presented a contribution to PDG Jack Amico for the Gift of Life program in her honor. Pictured is Mary Alice speaking to the club.
It all began at a autumn 2011 Rotary meeting that our Youth Exchange outbound student Coco Lee attended - she was there to share her year experience when the letter came in from a inbound New Zealand student that needed housing. Coco said to me, "Hey Nancy, you’d be a Great Host Mom." To be truthful I had never thought of it before … but upon reading Leigh’s bio and having been to New Zealand, it was meant to be .
So in January 2012, this tall blonde landed in Canada. We were both anxious and a tad nervous, but it didn’t take long before we both knew it was the best experience ever for both of us. Leigh’s year in Canada was enriched by all the young people who welcomed her, plus my own family. And, my home was filled with young people and laughter as the year flew by.
A year later Leigh’s mother came to Canada for a visit, and Leigh has returned to Canada two times. After I retired in 2016, I visited them in the Capitol of New Zealand, Wellington and visited the Rotary club that sponsored Leigh. What a thrill that was!
Every one of us has had our Rotary “Moment” – that moment when it suddenly hits you, “This is why I do what I do!!”. For each of us, it’s something different. For many of you, it continues to evolve. Sometimes, they’re even “funny” and can leave you smiling saying, “I love these people!!”
The first weekend in March is the weekend District 7090 offers the final training for our presidents elect. I’ve attended this as an incoming club president and I’ve also attended for the past few years as a DG - in training. This year was “my year”. My opportunity to Be the Inspiration for our future leaders, and to Make a Difference! No pressure. Friday night we had a fantastic speaker, Rotary International Director Elect Jeffry Cadorette, who did an amazing job at inspiring the crowd. Saturday morning would be my opportunity to inspire our incoming presidents elect who would all be going to bed with this speech fresh in their minds. Again, no pressure. I tossed and turned all night, with knots in my stomach - knowing just how critical my talk on Saturday morning was going to be! If I don’t inspire this group, and the district fails and no body sets goals or grows membership, it will all be my fault. If I ramble and talk on and on about nothing of importance, and they fall asleep... all will be lost and it will all be my fault. (If you haven’t figured it out yet, I’m an extreme type-A personality and bear the responsibility of just about everything on my shoulders).
Saturday morning came and thankfully, the words came too. I was charged up, excited, rolling along in my speech...really putting it out there... hitting all the targets... and then it happened. My phone rang. Loudly. From my back pocket. Mortified, I tried to ignore it while I reached around to discretely shut the ringer off. But of course, no luck. Deciding I needed to own the moment, I pulled the phone out in front of everyone - apologizing for the interruption - and acknowledged that I was receiving a call from... my daughter? (Funny... she knows where I am)... trying to FaceTime me? (Are you kidding me right now). In true Rotarian/Parent spirit, they began shouting “Answer It” - “Point the Camera on us” - “Take the call”. So.... I did! As they video feed opened and my daughter connected to see a room full of Rotarians - all waving and shouting greetings - the look on her face was priceless... like “Oh Boy, maybe this wasn’t such a good idea”. We exchanged pleasant greetings (through my gritted teeth) and she says “Whatcha doing?” (REALLY??) I replied, “Oh not much, remember that training I mentioned... of ALL of the incoming presidents that I had to do?? Well, you’re calling in the middle of it!!” Laughter from the crowd, blood draining look from her face and extreme embarrassment on mine. “Oh, so is this not a good time?” (More laughter as everyone can hear the conversation due to the microphone in my hand picking up the audio). “No honey, it's really not. I’ll call you back later - have a good time at your youth exchange orientation - love you, BYE!!” Just as I close in to push that precious red button to “end call” the microphone picks up a frantic plea from my daughter, “MOM. WAIT. MOM!! MOM!! DON’T HANG UP YET!!” I look out over the room, everyone is on the edge of their seats, you could have heard a pin drop... what’s wrong?? What’s happened?? I hesitantly ask, “What’s wrong Erin??” And my beautiful, sweet, precious 17 year old daughter says.... “What do you think I should wear today??” The room erupts with laughter which is immediately followed by all kinds of suggestion for her attire. At this point, beyond mortified doesn’t even come close to explaining how I felt. I politely told her to “figure it out” and I abruptly hung up!!
Fellow Rotarians, THAT was a Rotary Moment for me. Because in that moment, all of my presidents elect realized.... I am no different than all of you. I am a wife, a mother and I am a Rotarian with an amazing assignment for next year. I am not better than you, and I have no different issues than you. I have a family that sometime takes a backseat, but understands and fully supports “why I do what I do.” At that moment in time, I felt the love and overwhelming support from everyone in that room and the true spirit of my Rotary friendships took center stage. I am so thankful for each and every one of you and I can’t wait to serve you and our district as District Governor in 2018-2019!
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It’s hard to believe but we are almost in the final quarter of the Rotary year and as a district, 7090 has certainly been ‘Making a Difference!’ We’ve taken giant strides in making up lost ground with membership. I’m so grateful to all the clubs who have made a positive contribution, including our membership committees led by PDG Kevin Crosby and our new Rotary E-club of Social Innovators (RESI). We’ve recovered much of the ground we lost over the last couple of years but there is still a long way to go. We all need to ask our ourselves as Rotarians, “When did I last ASK someone to a club function or tell them about Rotary?” Part of our role as Rotarians is to do that!
We do know that come year-end, a significant number of terminations will occur. They will affect not only the financial health of our clubs but that of the district, our zone and Rotary International! We do need to grow: to have more hands to do the wonderful work in our communities and the world, to lessen the load on many of our over-burdened members and to lead to lower club, district and RI dues. Yes, there is strength in numbers and each of us, by doing our part, can make our clubs a better and more fulfilling part of our Rotary lives.
A second focus for the final quarter of 2017-2018 is to ensure that the contributions to The Rotary Foundation and the Annual or Share Fund are adequate enough to provide significant funds for our district activities three years from now. Remember: half of what we as clubs and individuals contribute to this fund come back to our district to allow us to continuing “Doing Good!” Once June 30th arrives, our total contribution, divided by two, is what our District Foundation will have to allocate three years from now.
My final challenge is to remind clubs to be up to date on Rotary Club Central with their goals and accomplishments. You should also be cognizant of the Brand Center and Rotary Showcase to ensure your club’s ability to earn the Rotary Citation, the district Lighthouse Award and the Governor’s Trophy.
As I write this we are enjoying the last few days of our break from the cold winter weather of southern Ontario and western New York. It is always so nice to get away, yet there is no place like home and we are anxious to get back. Our trip began with a wonderful visit with Lucinda and Wayne General in Phoenix. As many of you recall, Lucinda was Ian Risely’s representative at our district conference in October. It was great to see them and enjoy their southern hospitality.
We then spent a week in beautiful Sedona and in spite of snowfall on two of the days, enjoyed the splendor of the rock formations and learned so much about the area of the red rock! We spent time in Sun Lakes with long-time friends before our sojourn to Tucson and more Rotary friends. Rotary is an incredible organization and no matter where you go you have the opportunity to make new friends and lasting relationships.
There are a number of important decisions and discussions that will take place at our District Council meeting on April 7th at the Best Western Hotel & Conference Center in St. Catharines. I’m hopeful that we have great attendance from the district leadership team. I remind everyone that these meetings are open to all district Rotarians. Thank you for all you do in Making a Difference in your communities and in the world!
Everyone shops! Whether it is for our everyday necessities or special purchases, we are all buying goods and services. Why not save money and give back to Rotary at the same time.
Take Amazon.com for example. Amazon's program will donate a percentage of your purchase to your favorite charity? If you choose Rotary, Amazon will donate up to 6% back!
Rotary Global Rewards is a program that has enlisted many businesses to donate a percentage of the proceeds from online purchases by Rotary members to Rotary International. In some cases, the businesses also offer special discounts on sales of merchandise and services to Rotarians. Rotary clubs will receive recognition points for the contributions resulting from Global Reward purchases made by members.
Rotary Global Rewards are offered on many of your everyday items:
Retailers
Hotels
Flights
Florists
Entertainment
Sports Tickets
Dining
Car Rentals
Insurance Products
Health & Wellbeing
In order to participate in the program you must have your Rotary International login. You can register through RI at www.my.rotary.org and create a password. Once you are logged in, simply click on Member Center and then Rotary Global Rewards.
For questions, contact District Chair Shefali Clerk.
District 7090’s membership has continued to grow over the last month with the result that it has climbed back over 2,200 to reach 2,202 members as of March 15, 2018.
Our membership growth during the 2017-18 Rotary year has solidified Rotary District 7090’s position as the largest district in Zone 24 East by widening our lead over District 7070, which includes the City of Toronto, York Region and Durham Region, (only other district in Zone 24 East with more than 2,000 members) sitting at 2011 members, respectively, as of March 15, 2018.
Within all of Zone 24, District 7090 is third largest - trailing District 5060 (parts of B.C. & Washington State) with 2,706 members and District 5050 (parts of B.C. & Washington State) with 2,578 members, respectively, as of March 15, 2018.
District 5370 (parts of Alberta, B.C., Saskatchewan & Northwest Territories) - with 2,104 members as of March 15, 2018 - is the remaining district in Zone 24 to exceed the 2,000 members level.
Well of course it’s the Club Leadership Training (CLT) event coming up on Saturday May 5th. This event exudes that feeling of growth and renewal that comes at this time of year, and will provide the tools you need to enhance your Rotarian experience. During a recent discussion with our incoming DG Melisa Schrock I was reminded of a quote from Socrates about not focusing on fighting the past, but instead on building the new, or in Melisa’s words,“Stop watering the weeds!” Yes, registration is now OPEN so act now to register and learn how to ‘grow’ your Rotarian future.
District 7090 is in process of creating a new three year strategic plan. In advance of its March 17th strategic planning session, 56 individuals from the district participated in sounding boards, confidential webinars where input was gathered from presidents, immediate past presidents, Rotarians under 40, Rotarians with less than 3 years of service as well as assistant governors and other District Council members.
The group that met to plan out the strategic plan were also given a number of interesting statistics about Rotary 7090 and the state of our district today:
Did you know that… the average age of Rotarians in our district is 58 years old and 33% of the Rotarians in our district our women.
Did you know that our District has had a 4% growth in membership year to date? That is an accomplishment worth celebrating.
Did you know that only 19% of clubs in our district are highly involved in youth services – participating in youth exchange, Rotaract, Early Act, etc.? Yet these younger adults are the future of Rotary.
Using statistics and input from sounding boards, five strategic directions with measurable goals were drafted on March 17. Stay tuned. There will be more in the month of April about the plan and the role each of you can play in strengthening our district.
CLUBS - act now - last chance to register students for SLAPSHOT 2018! Clubs can sponsor up to 5 high school students ages 15-18 for this fantastic leadership/growth program. Interact Club members are perfect candidates, as are POTENTIAL Interact members! It's only $350CND/$275US per person with benefits far beyond this investment. The SLAPSHOT weekend scheduled for April 27-29, 2018 is all about building leadership skills, self-confidence, and bonds among new cross-border friends - a perfect experience to get Interact Clubs started and to invite our youth to join the Rotary Family!
These links take you to details on both SLAPSHOT [and RYLA] including application and registration forms. The SLAPSHOT registration deadline is 3/31. Club, completing and sending this fillable form will reserve your space.
Through the great efforts of Tamara Coleman Lawrie (Rotary Club of Welland) and her District New Member On-boarding Committee and our amazing District Executive Secretary, Pene Hutton, clubs can now access a treasure trove of resources to support their membership development efforts. We’re talking guides, best-practices, checklists, surveys, videos, webinars, etc.
Go to our district website (rotary7090.org) and click on “Our Rotary Work” in the menu bar at the top of the Home Page. Then, select “Rotary Membership” from the drop-down menu. This opens a sub-menu that includes links to information for new Rotarians, Club Resources, Member Resources, and lots of other good stuff. You will be amazed at the number and variety of useful resources to help you recruit members, orient new members, and retain the members you have. Go ahead, make like a pirate, and help yourself to these treasures!
Grimsby Rotary @Noon had another successful Mayor’s Charity Gala, February 3, 2018, with sold-out seating at the Casablanca Winery Inn located in Grimsby. Pictured right, some Rotarians enjoying the event.
District Governor Reg Madison spoke on the accomplishments of Rotary, including being “this close” to ending Polio. He also extended an invitation to attend the RI International Convention in Toronto in 2018.
This year’s Mayor’s Gala will largely go to support Nelles Manor, a historic home built in 1798 in Grimsby, Ontario which was recently converted to a museum.
On February 2, 2018, President June Mergl (photo center) and Rotarian Eugene Oatley (right), delivered winter survival packs to the Salvation Army. Each backpack was filled with essentials such as hats, gloves, sleeping bags and personal items, which will be delivered to those in need throughout Niagara.
Survival packs were also donated to outreach programs at Southminister United Church and St. Andrew's United Church and donated to a fellow Rotarian who has made a connection with people in need of the kits.
The club is happy to have helped the needy during this cold time of year.
District 7090’s new global Rotary E-Club of Social Innovators (RESI) was chartered by Rotary International on December 15, 2017 with the Rotary Club of Brantford and the Rotary Club of Brantford Sunrise as its co-sponsors.
There were 40 RESI charter members on December 15th. RESI has since added 11 new members from Belgium, Canada, Ghana, Liberia, Nicaragua, Scotland, Spain and United States.
RESI is a model of balanced diversity. Not only is RESI truly global with members on 6 continents (i.e., Africa, Asia, Australia, Europe and North America and South America, including Central America), but its gender balance is almost perfect with 25 women and 26 men among the 51 RESI Members currently.
The Rotary Club of St. Catharines South recognized its 50th Anniversary on February 15, 2018. And, on February 5th, at the club's celebratory meeting, District Governor Reg Madison presented President Jeff Thomas with a citation certificate recognizing the momentous occasion.
Attending the lunch were 15 of the 49 past presidents who were asked to share a highlight from their year as club president. As President Thomas stated, "It was because of the hard work of the past presidents, that the shape of the club was formed and its history of doing good has created the foundation for the current club to work from, and has made my role easier as your president.”
Also in attendance were DGE Melissa Schrock, DGN Bob Artis and AG Frank Adamson.
Recently, RCNS inducted a new member who was introduced to the club by a good friend who has been a host parent for the club's Rotary Youth Exchange student. Jennifer Maxwell had just moved to Simcoe from Hagersville and needed to meet members of the community. Friend, Lisa, suggested the Rotary Club of Norfolk Sunrise. Jennifer is working with the Child Crisis Centre and is very much looking forward to being active in Rotary fundraising projects.
Welcome to Rotary, Jennifer!
Pictured (L to R): President Elect Keith Jones, new member Jennifer Maxwell, Past President and Membership Chair Lucine McKay.
We are excited to announce that the Rotaract Club of Niagara has become official. The official chartering and induction of officers celebration was held at Rose City Kids in Welland in January, where club executives and members received the honorary bell, gavel, and banner. Rotaract exists under the umbrella of the Rotary club, and consists of young professionals and students that wish to make a difference both locally and globally. There are currently over 9,500 Rotaract clubs in 177 countries worldwide, and Rotaract Niagara is excited to become a part of this growing number.
The Rotaractors are looking forward to getting actively involved in the community in order to meet pressing needs that exist both locally and internationally. They are grateful for all of the support and enthusiasm received. Rotarians from sponsoring clubs (Fonthill, St. Catharine’s, and Niagara Falls Sunrise) participated, as well as District Governor Reg Madison, and many others. Rose City Kids (RCK) hosted the official celebration, and core founders and leaders of RCK gave a tour of their facilities, including the newly renovated RCK Youth Centre. Rotaract Niagara hopes to begin a partnership with Rose City Kids, and has been inspired by the difference they have made in the community and in the young lives in Welland. The club is currently working on their very first initiative, which is to fundraise and participate in the Coldest Night of the Year, happening February 24th, 2018. Click of the Coldest Night of the Year to support them. You can also get involved by contacting the club through email (rotaractniagara@gmail.com) or facebook (@RotaractNiagara).
Pictured (L to R): Fonthill Rotary Club President Paul Snack, DG Reg Madison, Niagara Rotaract Club President Naasson Huyler, as well as Vice President Ryan Huckla, Secretary Tyler Neal, and Treasurer Dale Hall.
The Rotary Club of Norfolk Sunrise was able to donate $3500 of its CTA funds to the Farm to School program - as coordinated between RCNS member Jim Peters and Sharon Smyth of the Children’s Nutrition Network. This is a CNN initiative to bring local fruit and vegetables to elementary level children in the name of better nourishment. With RCNS' help in part, this year alone, the CNN has been able to deliver 957 cases of apples, 633 cases of cucumbers, 1118 bags of strawberries and 56 cases of tomatoes!!
In response, the teachers asked the children to show their thanks. See their gratitude displayed in this collage of post cards that were sent to RCNS.
Recently, the Rotary Club of East Aurora donated $13,000 to the East Aurora Middle School STEM lab. The lab focuses on efforts to expand learning in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math.
The club is also applying for a Rotary grant to provide additional funds for the STEM program, along with its own fundraising efforts. The club has learned about the STEM programs starting at Parkdale Elementary to the East Aurora High School from meetings with East Aurora school administrators and technology teachers. With hundreds of East Aurora students using the STEM lab at the middle school annually, the donations from the club can be used to help purchase computers and related equipment for our East Aurora students.
Pictured (L to R): East Aurora School Superintendent Brian Russ, Board President Mary Beth Covert, Middle School Tech Teacher Natalie Dutton, Middle School Principal Matt Brown and Rotarians - AJ Block, Amanda Larkowski and Ted Borowiak. (photo provided by East Aurora Advertiser, photo by Marty Wangelin).
On January 24, 2018, Rotarians from Niagara County Central, Niagara Falls USA, Albion, and Grand Island clubs, as well as the leadership from District 7090 met at Niagara County Community College (NCCC) in Sanborn NY. They wanted to meet the new leadership of the college and welcome him to Niagara County.
William Ross, Chairman of the NCCC College Board (fellow Rotarian) welcomed them. Ross introduced Dr. William Murabito, Interim President of NCCC, and Vice-President Michael Dombrowski. The Rotarians were impressed with the updates about the college and the new Sanborn Learning Commons - scheduled to open in the fall of 2018.
Pictured (L to R): John Cooper (Area Governor), William Murabito (NCCC Interim President), Reg Madison (District Governor, and William Ross (Chairman of NCCC Board).
NCCC’s link to Rotary began when Ernest Notar, first President of NCCC (1963-1975) was Governor of Rotary District 7090 from 1981-1982. It is great to see the relationship continues today.
Pictured is Rotarian Yolanda Czyzewski-Bragues, proud member of the Rotary Club of Hamilton AM, enjoying her copy of the Rotarian while lounging on the beach in Zihuatanejo, Mexico.
Yolanda is also the Vice President of the Polish Canadian Congress, Hamilton Branch, is married to Victor Bragues, from Portugal and they and their children have friends and family all over the world. Hence, Rotary is very important to Yolanda as it helps build bridges to communities. She is currently the club's social chair and chair to one of the club’s major fundraisers, the Drams & Disco event happening in April of 2018.
The first ever EarlyAct club sponsored by the Rotary Club of Fonthill presented a cheque for $10,000 to the Me to We organization to build a new school in Manac, Haiti. Teacher Tim Droppert and his team of forty primary school kids from AK Wigg Public School in Fonthill, Ontario organize an annual ball hockey tournament fundraiser each spring. Combining creativeness and hard work their 5 year goal was met in just two years. Incredible work!
Next on their agenda - bringing fresh water to a needy community. ‘Go Wigg Go....Go Wigg Go’!
Clarence Rotarian and District 7090 Paul Harris Society coordinator Jim Morabito has a busy February awarding several Rotarians Paul Harris recognition.
Pictured (L to R): Jim Morabito and Joe King, who was awarded a PH +1 to go along with his 55 years of perfect attendance!
In the second picture (right) are first cousins Jim Morabito and Jill Northway. Jill joins her late father in becoming a Paul Harris Fellow. Placing this pin on Jill was special for the cousins as their fathers were 2 of the 5 original charter members of the Rotary Club of Clarence. Both brothers retired from Rotary with 41 years perfect attendance and in addition to having their family continue with good work of Rotary they are remembered thru an educational scholarship awarded every year to a Clarence High School student who shows exceptional business talents.
Pictured next (left) are Kevin Petho and Jim Morabito as Kevin receives his first PH Fellow recognition. GREAT work, Kevin!
Pictured right (left to right): DGN Bob Artis, Rotarians Bob Geiger, Paul Harris Society Member Jim Morabito, PHS Member Joe Floss, Joe King, Vince Amigone, and Clarence Rotary Club President Keith Artis. Members Geiger, Floss, King, and Amigone each were awarded the Paul Harris Fellow recognition.
The Clarence Rotary Club is both a EREY (Every Rotarian Every Year) and Sustaining club. In addition, several members have elected to join the Paul Harris Society to further their commitment to The Rotary Foundation. These members are available to speak to your club and share why they choose to make The Rotary Foundation their "Charity of Choice".
The Rotary Club of Hamburg recently inducted two new members into its ranks. Club President Jerry Bastedo, middle, conducted the ceremonies welcoming Ryan Brunner, left, of the Baillie Lumber Company, and Tyler Shaw, of GCW Capital into the 76-year-old service organization.
The Rotary Club of Hamburg supports projects on the local, national and international level. Locally, it coordinates Warm the Children, provides college scholarships to Hamburg and Frontier high school students and is one of the four service organizations that coordinates the Burger Fest each July.
It’s no secret that those with less influence and/or power could be treated poorly by those with more. Recent events in the news prove that this can happen at all levels within our society, even in exclusive communities. Child and Family Services of Buffalo is a United Way organization that has provided for the needs of children and families. Child and Family Services have fought for education, safe and healthy environments, and the care for those children and families, for more than 140 years.
Pictured (L to R): Mary Cornwell, BNMC Rotary Member and Chief Development Officer at Child and Family Services, Lauren Gorlick (Speaker) Community Relations Coordinator for Haven House, and Mike Woods, BNMC Rotary President Elect.
At the BNMC Rotary Meeting on February 5, Lauren Gorlick, Community Relations Coordinator for Haven House, a facility founded in 1979 by Child and Family Services, spoke to about 16 members at Gates Vascular Institute on the medical campus in downtown Buffalo. Rotary members brought various items with them to the meeting from a pre-distributed list of current needs, which were donated to Haven House.
The best referrals for new Rotaract members come from Rotarians! Do you know of community-minded young adults attending college or university near these existing clubs? Please suggest to them to make contact to attend a meeting and help these clubs grow! Also, young adults who are already in the workforce are able to join the Community Clubs.
As always, thank you for the support of Rotaract, a program of future Rotarians!
District 7090 is in need of a District Treasurer for the term starting July 1, 2018. If you secretly love to categorize expenses and create color-coded pie charts, then you may have what it takes to be our next District Treasurer! Bonus points if your spouse teases you about how often you log in to the personal finance app on your smartphone! For a full job description, click here. For more information, please contact Melisa Schrock DGE.
District 7090 is in the process of assembling a new Public Image team. Paul McAfee, member and Charter President of the Rotary E-Club of SOWNY, has agreed to lead the District 7090 Public Image Committee as it reestablishes itself. Nine Rotarians in the District have been identified who have professional marketing, communications, or media relations experience and who have expressed an interest in the new District 7090 Public Image Committee. Paul is talking to each of these to determine their levels of interest. He will hold a first meeting of the new committee in late February.
The new committee will develop its goals and communications activities, starting from a blank slate. Support of membership growth among the district’s clubs, and support of the clubs’ efforts to expand awareness of their activities in their local communities, will comprise elements of the committee’s communications priorities.
Anyone interested in participating on the new District 7090 Public Image Committee can contact Paul McAfee.
A great opportunity exists for Clubs to leverage their hard earned dollars through Rotary grants. Qualified Clubs can apply for a District Designated Grant to help locally or internationally. The District will match the Club’s contribution up to $2000. February is the month to apply for a District Designated grant. The application form can be found on the District website under 2018-19 Foundation grants. If your Club is considering applying for a District grant, please contact Sandie Yeater.
Global grants are larger grants and have an international partner. They can be applied for at any time.
Clubs who have received approval for a 2017-18 District Designated Grant should have their projects well underway. Final reports are due at the completion of the project. The report form is on the District website under Foundation, select District & Global Grants 2017-18.
Every one of us has had our Rotary “Moment” – that moment when it suddenly hits you, “This is why I do what I do!!”. For each of us, it’s something different. For many of you, it continues to evolve. I’d like to share with you a Rotary Moment I recently experienced at the recent International Assembly I attended in San Diego, California! For those of you who aren’t familiar with what International Assembly is, let me offer a brief explanation. This week long training is the final step in the journey to becoming District Governor. All of the incoming District Governor Elects (all 537!) gather to meet in person with the incoming Rotary International President Elect and to find out what the next “theme” will be for the upcoming Rotary year. Before I left, almost every past District Governor in our district reached out to me, to offer words of wisdom and to tell me that this was going to be the BEST experience of my life. I had no idea…..
Just when I thought my Rotary experience could not get any better, along came International Assembly! Imagine all of the thrill and excitement you feel when you are with your fellow club members doing “something for the good of Rotary”. Now take that energy, enthusiasm and excitement and kick it up a notch… no wait, kick it up about 100 notches!! Then, you will be close to understanding the level of energy and excitement that fills the halls of the week long experience known as International Assembly! I met Rotarians from every corner of the globe! The friendships were instantaneous, and will be life long. The connections were priceless. The experience… there are simply no words. When the theme for 2018 was finally released “Be the Inspiration” I had no doubt that this year will truly be one of the most memorable, incredible experiences of my life. More importantly, it has inspired me to try and make this upcoming year, the same for YOU!
So get ready everyone! I’m charged up and ready to hit the ground running on July 1, 2018 - fully committed to Be The Inspiration you need to move you along your Rotary journey!
The pace of the role of District Governor has certainly slowed in terms of club and area visits but the volume of emails, phone calls and Zoom meetings remain so that one certainly cannot become bored. I’d like to begin with a kudo to the Grimsby at Noon club for hosting a wonderful Mayor’s Gala and inviting Loretta and I to participate. Aside from the venue, food, Rotarians and guests, the most impressive was the amount of involvement and success in the community with Habitat for Humanity. Well done!
It was also a pleasure to be a part of the 50th anniversary of the chartering of the St. Catharines South club along with DGE Melisa, DGN Bob and DGND Frank. The highlight had to be the comments from presidents of the past – both enlightening and entertaining. Thanks to all who had a hand in the planning and execution of a great luncheon.
I continue to hear from our Rotaract clubs in arranging visits to them all. I look forward to getting to know all our Rotaractors in the district and share the magic of Doing Good in this world. If your Rotaract club does not have a date yet, please email me at reg@d7090.org so we can arrange one.
Remember how I’ve said, “The more I know about Rotary, the more I know I don’t know about Rotary.” That certainly proved to be the truth when we attended the first of six Rotary Peace Conferences scheduled this year by President Risely. What a wonderful experience, from some rare Vancouver sunshine to a lineup of great speakers on a variety of subjects related to the environment. I’m so pleased that I took this opportunity to attend a Peace Conference. The final of the six will be held in Chicago, our Rotary birthplace late in the Rotary year. There is also a Peace Summit in Toronto just prior to the convention if anyone is interested in a new experience.
I am so pleased with our positive membership numbers so far this year. In spite of the terminations at the end of the calendar year to minimize paying RI dues for non-members we are still in a positive position at plus 65 at the end of January. Although it is tops among Zone 24’s seventeen districts, we are still down 23 members from the start of the 2016-2017 year. So let’s not get lackadaisical, it is the duty of every Rotarian to ask others to join Rotary and turn around our decreasing club, district and zone numbers. As they say, ‘let’s keep the pedal to the metal!’
Thanks to the team that both planned and executed our on line PETS this year! Led by Al Lutchin and Susan Czyrny the two Zoom sessions were very well done and helped our presidents of 2018-19 get a good start to their year. I’m anxious to review the feedback when it is available. Next is Multi District PETS in Toronto March 2nd and 3rd and then Club Leadership Training Saturday, May 5th in Buffalo. We hope many of you will join your president elect to take advantage of the event and strengthen your club.
Well, off to the Area 2 meeting, my area, and where I spent three very interesting years as assistant governor with the two Ancaster, two Brantford and the Caledonia club. I urge you all to step up our Rotary actions to Makean even bigger Difference in the remaining Rotary year!
Video Conference: Tuesday, February 20th at 7:00 PM. Rotarians and Rotaractors, please join us for a group conversation using Zoom. Details to join below.
The Rotary International Convention being held in Toronto this June is a once in a lifetime opportunity for us since it's in our own backyard! 40,000 new friends from around the world want to meet you, share their cultures and their Rotary and Rotaract experiences!
On We'll have a group discussion about the Rotaract Preconvention in Toronto June 22-23, 2018 and our plan to help as many Rotaractors attend (together) as possible. Rotaractors represent our next generation of Rotarians! Potential Rotary Club sponsorship will also be explored. (Rotary Club Officers, please consider adding this item to your next Board meeting agenda). Other ideas to discuss will be: Rotaract Club challenges, membershipgrowth opportunities and interclub collaboration on projects. So please call or log on using the directions below this coming Tuesday, February 20 at 7pm. This will kick off a series of monthly or twice monthly meetings to support and develop our Rotaract community.
As of December 31, 2017, District 7090 was the only district in Zone 24 to have grown by more than 50 members gaining an additional 51 members during the first half of the 2017-18 Rotary year.
So far in 2018, District 7090 has continued to grow to the point where the total District 7090 membership has now grown to 2,196 from 2, 124 on July 1, 2017, for an overall growth (as of February 13, 2018) of 72 members this Rotary year with 45 of our total membership growth resulting from a combination of the chartering of our new global Rotary E-Club of Social Innovators (RESI) and the existing District 7090 clubs growing by 27 members!
A gigantic THANK YOU to all of those who could make it to the online information session on all things SlapShot and RYLA.
As promised, click on the link below to see a brief summary of key points when submitting your registrations for SLAPSHOT and RYLA. https://youtu.be/xQ38zKnli88
The next Rotary Leadership Institute (RLI) is scheduled for March 24, 2018 and will be held at Niagara County Community College, Sanborn, New York. (Canadian Rotarians – The college is located just across the US border so very little extra travel is involved!)
With 10 District 7090 Rotarians completing Part III of RLI at Niagara Community College at Niagara-on-the-Lake in December, 2017 over 100 District 7090 Rotarian have completed RLI since District 7090 started offering RLI.
Some of these “graduates” have now become facilitators.
Please join us in Sanborn, New York – we look forward to seeing you there. Registration fee is $75.00 US (most clubs will reimburse you for registration)
Fans of the television series, Star Trek: Next Generation, are familiar with the character known as “Data.” Yeah, that’s not the data we’re listening to.
The five committees on our district’s Membership team are starting to collect data about the demographics, practices, experiences, and opinions of the Rotarians who comprise our district. We’re using online surveys, online focus groups, and other tools to help us get an accurate picture of where we are, so we can identify where we need to go and where we want to invest our efforts.
So, if you receive a survey or are asked to participate in a discussion group, we hope you will understand that the purpose is to gather data and ideas that will help us provide the most useful support for clubs as they seek ways to grow their membership and ensure the engagement and satisfaction of their members. We also ask that club secretaries keep their membership data up to date so the cumulative data we gather from our district database is current and accurate.
The Batavia Rotary Club hosted its 29th annual girls’ basketball tournament at Genesee Community College on January 3rd and 4th. The Four teams playing in this year’s event were Attica, Batavia, Cal-Mum and Notre Dame. Notre Dame dominated the final game to capture the Rotary championship trophy, beating Cal-Mum, 43-35. The consolation game was Batavia against Attica with Batavia pulling ahead in the last minutes of the third for the win over Attica, 44-36.
The D7090 Member Recruitment Committee is excited to announce it has a team of 8 members so far: Gordon Crann (Chair), Catherine Bonifant, Keith Flexman, Paul Leon, Tammy Otminski, Wendy Sanders, Howard Weinstein and (as ex-officio) Membership Director PDG Kevin Crosby. The team held its first meeting online using Zoom on December 21, 2017. At the start of the meeting, PDG Kevin outlined the broad strategies and goals for developing members in District 7090.
Some of the ways discussed to help existing clubs improve their member recruitment efforts, included:
Online Recruitment Webinar;
Focus on Recruitment in Future Monthly District Membership Newsletter;
Grand Island School Holiday Concert showed more than talent – students thinking KINDNESS! The Rotary Club of Grand Island combined their December meeting with the Kaegebein School Holiday Concert, preceded by dinner in the cafeteria. Tables were decorated with KINDNESS CHAINS where Early Act students had made a link after they performed a Random Act of Kindness at home or school. School teachers and administrators are finding that the negative: Don’t Bully does not work nearly as well as the Positive: Try Random Acts of Kindness! A great chance for Grand Island Rotarians to see what really works well in developing kindness and service in youth, while minimizing awful instances of bullying.
This past Fall semester the SUNY College at Buffalo’s Rotaract Club had an incredible semester with countless rewarding events to engage in. Rotaract members had a significant increase in the amount of participation this semester. Our events and fundraising drives additionally ended up being very prosperous.
Throughout the semester Rotaract members participated in a whole host of events. Total member hours of participation increased from 157 hours from the previous semester to 273 hours! Members participated in our Rotaract bake sales and volunteer work sites such as the Asha Sanctuary and Habitat for Humanity. Rotaract held two bake sales this semester within the September and November months. Combined sales raised over $500.
Though it is not unusual for Rotary clubs, groups who strongly believe in community and world service, to have in their membership one or two sets of members who are also partners, what is unique about the Rotary Club of Westfield-Mayville is that it has a long history of having member couples. In fact, this Rotary Club may be the only club in Rotary District 7090 that lays claim to having six sets of married couples.
The Westfield-Mayville Rotary Club was chartered in 1929. Its club membership aspect is notable in that Rotary International did not admit women as members until May 1987. Prior to then, the Westfield-Mayville Rotary had “Rotary Anns,” women who helped with various Rotary service projects and fundraisers, though who were not recognized as members.
On Saturday December 16, 2017, the Oakwood Cemetery in Niagara Falls, New York held its annual Wreaths Across America ceremony conducted by director Tim Baxter. The Rotary clubs of Niagara Falls, NY and Niagara County Central participated as a community joint venture exercise. Although it was very cold outside, it was heart-warming to honor our fallen veterans. After the ceremony, everyone was generously treated to coffee and hot chocolate drinks.
The Rotary Club of Hamburg recently inducted two new members to club. Rotary President Jerry Bastedo, right, conducted the ceremonies welcoming Michelle Hanley, second from left and Amy Rooth, third from left, both realtors with Howard Hanna Real Estate Services. Far left is Rotarian Lisa Avery who sponsored the two new members.
The two Rotary clubs in Dundas, Ontario decided to have a social event for local businesses and professionals. Judy Shepalo the president of the Rotary Club of Dundas and membership chair Karin Schuett along with Neil Chopp joined with the Dundas Valley Sunrise director of membership Ralph Montesanto and member Jan Southall to discuss what could be done. After much discussion the committee decided the event would be a combination of Rotary awareness and vocational service with a soft sell for new members.
A list of town businesses and professionals was prepared and 200 invitations to attend the January 9 event at the Dundas Museum were hand delivered by committee members. Twenty folks RSVP’d while others just showed up.
On January 10, the Lewiston/Niagara-on-the-Lake Rotary Club was entranced by two tales of achievement. Juanita Finn, winner of one of the club's Rotary scholarships told the club about her journey from an orphanage in Columbia, to an adolescence in Lewiston and on to becoming a biology major at John Carroll University. Then, the club heard from Irwin Printup, who told the club about how, after a stint in the Marines, she proceeded to become an artist and illustrator who has deepened the appreciation of the Iroquois Culture.
Pictured on the left (L to R) Lori Finn, Juanita Finn and Rotary Club President Ron Danielewicz, and on the right (L to R) President Ron, Irwin Printup and Rotarian Louise Maggard.
In early December, the Rotary Club of Kenmore holds its annual Christmas party to raise funds to provide a nice Christmas to local families in need. These families may be single parent households, they may be going through a tough financial situation or they may just need a helping hand during this time of year. Whatever the circumstance, Operation Santa is there to help and has been helping the community for over 30 years, thanks to Rotarian Joseph Starck.
This year, Kenmore teamed up with the Kenmore Fire Department. The fire department held its own community party to collect toys and, along with a generous gift from Northwest Bank and the very giving residents at Schofield Residence, Kenmore Rotary was able to assist in a much greater capacity. As a club, Kenmore purchased gifts for 21 children from 5 families. The fire department brought an empty rescue vehicle to Rotary Club of Kenmore President Tom Lang's office, and all the gifts were loaded for delivery. We are looking forward to another successful team effort for Christmas 2018.
For an event that was not going to happen again it is sure has left guests feeling just as cheery as previous tours and left a buzz in the air for the weeks to follow. The Dunnville Christmas House Tour was taken over by the Rotary Club of Dunnville. Rotarian Adam Heeg just had to see this tour happen again. The tour has taken place several times over the years with the intention to raise awareness of the great little town several thousand people call home and give surrounding communities something great to say about Dunnville, and did they ever have something to say! Comments such as, “You just gave the big city tours competition!”. And, “Each home was so unique with a different décor and theme.”
We often take for granted the comfort in a home cooked meal. Growing up, you probably never understood why it was so important to Mom and Dad to have family meals together every night. You forget the camaraderie and enjoyment that comes from the laughter, conversation and home cooking shared around a dinner table. Moments and memories like these become especially important during times of crisis and turmoil. For this reason, the Rotary Club of Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus (BNMC) has adopted the Kevin Guest House as one of its original and on-going service projects. The Kevin Guest House is the nation’s first healthcare hospitality house inviting any patient or family member, local or out-of-town, a warm and peaceful place to stay while a loved one undergoes medical treatment. Since the inception of the BNMC Rotary Club, its members have volunteered each month to cook and serve dinner to any patient staying at KGH. The club values the importance of caring for others, and has been fortunate to learn how friendship and food can lighten the burden someone else carries.
The Rotary Club of Lancaster-Depew is pleased to announce it has recently awarded two Paul Harris Fellows.
Pictured here (on the left), 50-plus year member and past president (1964-65) William Kotansky received a PHF+1, having received his first PHF in 1983. Of over 50 PHFs that the club has bestowed among members over the years, Bill received the 5th. Bill has been instrumental in many projects for Rotary including the construction of the club's concession stand. A stand that has provided funding for dozens, likely over 100 need-based college scholarships. Bill was also recognized for his long-standing membership and participation, by Rotary International earlier this year. The award was presented by Robert Benzel, club president and District Governor Nominee Robert Artis.
On the right, Mark Jerge, General Manager of Russell’s and Honorary Member of the club received a PHF as well. Mark is an Honorary Member that participates on a level with an Active Member. He attends meetings, joins in and helps in any way he can, that his time allows. Mark’s award was presented by Robert Benzel, club president and John Huber, past president.
Well here we are halfway through the first month of 2018 and less than six months remain for us to Make a Difference. As you read this, DGE Melisa Schrock will be busy at the International Assembly in San Diego, along with 528 classmates, receiving the training for her year as Governor of our Best of Friends District. It’s hard to believe that a year ago, Loretta and I were there, going through intensive training and evening socials to prepare us for 2017-2018. I await Melisa’s return to find out about her experience and learn about the new theme for her year.
It’s a great feeling to know that the bench strength of the district has improved with the addition of Frank Adamson of the Fonthill club. Frank will follow Bob Artis as District Governor in 2020-2021. Now if we could only get more of our clubs creating their succession plans to have President Elects and President Elect Elects in place each year. Hats off to those clubs who have managed to do this.
One day, reading The Rotarian magazine, we came across an article on Rotary fellowships. We want you to know that the concept and practice of fellowships has moved our Rotary experience to a deeper level. First, we went on line to investigate the many fellowships that interested us. Would it be the beer, wine, social media or RV’ing? Why not all of them!!
Strategic planning is an organization's process of defining its strategy, or direction, and making decisions on allocating its resources to pursue this strategy! Just the sound of that makes me all giddy inside!! Are you the kind of person who would enjoy developing a forward-thinking approach to District 7090’s vision and strategic plan? It’s time for us to review our plan and to set the vision for the next three years, and we could not be more energized to take on this challenge. We have achieved outstanding growth and development in key leadership areas, as well as improvement to our membership initiatives as a result of our last strategic planning done in 2015. Now it’s time to review our plan and goals as we move into a time of unprecedented changes to the way we “do” Rotary! We are looking for your valuable input and feedback to this process. If you are interested in getting involved, please reach out to IPDG Marlee Diehl. Marlee, along with her team, will be putting together surveys and focus group discussions on this very topic, and we want to hear from YOU! This is your chance to be a part of the exciting changes taking place in District 7090! Don’t wait… contact Marlee today!
Every one of us has had our Rotary “Moment” – that moment when it suddenly hits you, “This is why I do what I do!!”. For each of us, it’s something different. For many of you, it continues to evolve. I’d like to share with you some Rotary Moments I recently experienced with a group of high school students and Interact Club Members from Akron High School. This past Christmas holiday, I was fortunate enough to co-chaperone a service trip to the Dominican Republic with 9 girls, ranging in age from 17 to 21. Some were Akron High School alumni and some were current Interact students. All were engaged and excited to demonstrate Service Above Self. Our trip took us to Bani, Dominican Republic, where we worked at the Elizabeth Seton Nutrition Center, doing some hands-on service projects. The girls spent the past 6 months hosting various fundraisers to help raise money to contribute towards the future expansion of classrooms at this Center. In addition, they offered “sweat equity” by constructing walls, painting and transplanting fruit trees. The lessons they learned about service and helping others was priceless.
Rotary Club of Buffalo President Elect Bill Larkin (pictured left) and President Mike Sendor (right) spent the day at Buffalo City Mission working on Service Above Self day. Twenty-six Buffalo Rotarians and two youth exchange students volunteered at the Food Bank, the Buffalo City Mission, Goodwill and Ronald McDonald House. The club also has an ongoing mentoring program at Lorraine Elementary, which takes place during the school year.
On December 11, Rotary Youth Exchange students staying in Niagara were the guests of Cindy Forster MPP (Member of Provincial Parliament), Welland. Organized by Nicholas Bodo and in attendance were pictured (left to right) Nicholas Bodo, Welland Rotarian, Mike Taylor, Fonthill Rotarian, Anna Antalfalvi, YE student from Hungary, Manon Hody, YE student from Belgium, Haloise Blais, YE student from France, and Federico Roman Holt, YE student from Paraguay.
WOW! Who knew that pancakes and sausage patties would be such a hit? On Saturday, December 2, 2017, The Rotary Club of Norfolk Sunrise (RCNS) played host to the Norfolk community. Reportedly, this "pay it forward" to the Norfolk community event was an over the top success.
There were a total of 120 adults and 110 kids served over the 2-hour event. A huge increase over last year's 80 guests. The Junior Farmer's building in Simcoe was the perfect venue with lots of space for the kids to play without restrictions. The Christmas blow-ups were fascinating to the kids and the colouring table was never empty....simple things in life are still so important. Having Santa, Mrs. Claus and the Elves on location was pretty special too!
On Monday, December 4, the Rotary Club of Lockport had a good turn out of Rotarian volunteers along with several fine young members of the Lockport High School Interact Club. Together, they worked to cook turkeys and serve a meal to at least 185 visitors to the local Salvation Army's facility. The club participates in this event yearly and is currently exploring opportunities for more of this joint service in the coming year.
On Friday, December 1, residents and members of the Akron-Newstead business community gathered with Rotarians and their guests at the Akron Fire Hall for a festive evening featuring food, friends, fellowship, and community-outreach.
The approximately 120 people that attended the 28th annual fundraiser were treated to hors d'oeuvres, cocktails, and the soulful sounds of Saxman Slim. The event featured an Angel Tree, Theme-Basket Raffle, Silent Auction, and the ever-popular Mystery Gift Auction – where wrapped gifts of unknown content are auctioned off to the highest bidder.
What do flying foxes, an arid climate and clay soils that are about 250 million years old have in common? These are some of the challenges facing fruit farmers in the Melbourne area of Australia as outlined by Frederick (“Fred”) Johnson, Jr. during his November 28 presentation for the Rotary Club of Westfield-Mayville’s Rural-Urban Day special program. Area high school students, some school staff and agricultural community members were invited as guests. Including Rotarians, 49 people were in attendance. This event was held in the fellowship hall of the United Methodist Church in Westfield, NY.
Pictured, Fred Johnson, Jr. visited a 150-plus year old Shiraz vineyard at the Tahbilk Winery in the Goulburn Valley wine region of Australia during his VTT experience in late Feb. and early Mar. 2017.
The Rotary Club of Hamburg Sunrise recently presented a $200 donation to the Rotary Club of Hamburg in support of its Warm the Children Program. The Rotary Club of Hamburg has administered the Warm the Children Program since 2007, with 100 percent of all donations going directly to the organization which provides brand new, warm winter clothing to children in need throughout the Southtowns. Shown presenting the check is Cathy Rybczynski, president of the Hamburg Sunrise Rotary Club and accepting the donation is Jerry Bastedo, president of the Rotary Club of Hamburg.
The Rotary Club of Hamburg once again participated in the Hamburg Holidays Santa Claus Parade on November 25, 2017. The Easter Bunny was featured on their float as the club promoted its annual Breakfast with the Bunny that is set for March 24. Pictured is the Bunny, the truck float, a 1948 Ford F3 built in Buffalo and driven by Rotarians Dale and Barb Stanley, granddaughter Haley is seated in the driver's seat and came along for the ride.
EarlyAct members at St. Andrew School in Welland decided to decorate their school Christmas tree with angels. Each angel has a gender and age of a member of the community who needs help this Christmas. As Welland Rotarian Nick Bodo observed, "This is a beautiful expression of what Christmas is about and what Rotary stands for."
District 7090’s new global Rotary E-Club of Social Innovators (RESI) charter application was submitted to RI headquarters on December 15, 2017, requesting a December 2017 start date, and sponsored by the Rotary Clubs of Brantford and Brantford Sunrise. At its founding, the RESI is a model of balanced diversity. Not only is RESI a truly global e-club with members on 6 continents (i.e., Africa, Asia, Australia, Europe, North America and South America), but its gender balance is perfect with 20 women and 20 men among the 40 Founding RESI Members.
Greetings fellow Rotarians, especially all ‘newbies’. Please make sure that you have blocked Saturday May 5, 2018 in your Calendar. This is the date to discover the value of the Club Leadership Training event. As a new Rotarian, I attended my first event in 2017, and was so impressed with the subjects covered that I joined the organizing committee! Check the Flyer below for more details on this ‘must-attend’ event. See you there!
The Fantasy of Trees is a Rotary Club of Grimsby annual fundraiser and is expected to raise $15,000 or more this year through silent auction and lottery proceeds. There were 40 decorated trees in the raffle with another 60 items in the raffle and silent auction. The event ran from November 24th to December 10th this year.
Pictured here is Assistant Governor Margaret Andrewes purchasing the first raffle tickets from Clarence McCloskey at a sponsor reception on December 9th. President Jim Howden looks on.
It’s hard to believe that yet another calendar year is coming to a close in just a few weeks. How time flies and yet I marvel at all the good that our clubs in D7090 manage to accomplish each day and each year. For this and many more things you do in Making a Difference I thank you.
Quite the ride and what an experience is how I’d phrase my five and a half months serving you, one I wish every Rotarian could experience. Your understanding and commitment to our great causes would be so much more reinforced and rewarded. Some of the highlights of the past month include the following:
A Guess Who is Coming to Dinner party at the home of Paul and Margot Kneale where members of the two Brantford clubs mix and join at member homes for a wonderful evening
Presenting President Lance Calbeck a certificate from RI President Ian Risely marking the Rotary Club of Brantford's charter on December 1st, 1917
A wonderful Paul Harris luncheon for the St. Catharines South club (pictured right) and another by the Hamilton AM club where John Janisse thrilled the crowd with his rendition of My Christmas Gift to You. Congratulations and thank you to all the Paul Harris Fellows
The Akron-Newstead Christmas party where over $20,000 was raised in a few hours and the fabulous Turkey Roll dinner party hosted by the Hamilton Mountain Rotary. Talk about promptness in completing the evening.
And the trip to Rochester for the 92nd annual Eastern Hills dinner featuring RI President 2019-2020 Mark Daniel Maloney as guest speaker. You may want add this to your list of events to attend for next year.
I enjoyed the company of the two youth exchange students from Brantford, Sanne and Steffi when we traveled to the Buffalo Bills stadium for their fun weekend with all the district’s exchange students. All of them are wonderful people and I encourage clubs to make it a priority to get involved in this program whether alone or partnering with other clubs
And I saved the best for last! I was so pleased to attend the Niagara Falls Sunrise event with PDG Dick Earne and AG David Berry for the induction of the EarlyAct club at Pathways Academy. Pictured is President Harry Walker (on right) with me. Harry deserves much of the credit for this new club! Last time he was president of his club he established an Interact club! Thanks Harry, You are making a Difference!
On Monday, December 11th, the Rotary Club of Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus "BNMC Rotary" celebrated the holiday season together at Coco Bar & Bistro. The evening was complete with with festive apparel, delicious hors d’ouvres and bountiful gift donations for two local charities. Hats, gloves, socks and scarves were collected for the Buffalo City Mission along with new, unwrapped children’s toys for Child & Family Service’s Adopt-a-Family Program. BNMC Rotary wishes D7090 clubs a merry and bright new year!
Pictured here, Past District Governor Jack Amico, on left, recently accepted a donation from the Rotary Club of Lancaster - Depew President Robert Benzel, further fulfilling the club’s $10,000 pledge to the District 7090 Million Dollar Challenge.
The Rotary Club of Lewiston, NY & Niagara-on-the-Lake held it's Annual Christmas Party at the Como Restaurant in Niagara Falls, NY and used that occasion to give out donations to worthy organizations in the communities we have served on both sides of the Niagara River since 1938.
Pictured (left to right) are Club Secretary Tom Gerbasi, Sister Beth Brosner from Heart Love and Soul Food Kitchen, Sam Pappalardo from Camp Hope (a project of Niagara Hospice), Betty Alexander & Cindy Grant from Newark Neighbours in NOTL, and Club President Ron Danielewicz.
The Batavia Rotary celebrates its 97th year with the residents of the Genesee County Nursing Home on December 17th. Santa’s elves were busy buying 215 gifts which will be distributed to all of the residents along with a calendar. There will be plenty of singing, dancing and fun to be had by all.
The Rotary Club of Lincoln recognizes all Rotarians, the production team, sponsors, community partners and supporters for the success of its 14th annual production of the Rotary Club of Lincoln Lamplighter Tour! “It was a privilege and pleasure to work with an extraordinary team of actors, writers, directors, crew and all the volunteers who commit their time and effort to make this show come to life each November!” said Sandra Bacon, producer. This year the event involved about 100 community partners and volunteers.
Pictured is the cast and crew both Rotarians & community volunteers that participated this year at the wrap-up party held November 19th.
At the Rotary Grant Management Seminar held November 25, 2017 in Niagara Falls, Canada, DG Reg Madison presented President Sue Foster of the Rotary Club of Lincoln the banners it earned during the Rotary year 2016-2017, as recognized officially on November 3rd at the District's Foundation Dinner at Salvatore's Italian Gardens Restaurant. Lincoln Rotary received the Every Rotarian Every Year Club banner, 100% Member Participation Club banner, 100% Foundation Giving Club banner, US$100 Average Giving 100% Member Participation Club banner.
On Thursday, December 7, 2017 the Rotary Club of Niagara Falls Sunrise proudly co-hosted the Inaugural Meeting of the new Niagara Falls Earlyact Club at Pathways Academy, 6642 St. Thomas More Drive, Niagara Falls, Ontario. Reg Madison, District Governor, as well as PDG Richard Earne, Chair, EarlyAct Committee for the district, were in attendance to induct this newly formed EarlyAct club into Rotary District 7090. This is the first EarlyAct club for the City of Niagara Falls, Ontario. The Rotary Club of Niagara Falls Sunrise is looking forward to mentoring and seeing what the future holds for this newest generation of Rotarians.
The Rotary Club of Williamsville members volunteered at Eastern Hill Mall on December 9, from 9am to 5pm ringing the bell in support of the Salvation Army’s annual “RedKettle” fund raising drive.
The Rotary Club of Williamsville celebrated its 14th consecutive year of working with Gateway Longview on its “Adopt an Angel” campaign on December 8, 2017, when items collected by the club were dropped off to the program assistants by Rotarians Bill Thuman and Frank Ralabate. The annual event assists infants through young adults 21 years of age who participate in behavioral health, special education, residential treatment and community-based programs at Gateway Longview.
The Holley Rotary Club participated in the village of Holley’s Night of Lights event. Club members braved the cold weather on the evening of Saturday, December 2, selling hotdogs, candy canes and beverages to event goers. It was a very nice night to get in front of the Holley community, perform a needed service and shine the light on their local Rotary club. The club's newest Rotarian, Dr. Krista Wiley, DVM, was recognized for her good work in the community and honored with Citizen of the Year award.
On December 6, the Rotary Club of Brantford Rotary Sunrise welcomed Todd Pipe from the St. John’s Ambulance to demonstrate what to do if someone is choking. Motivated by a recent close call of one of our members and past president, Kevin Davis, Todd demonstrated the abdominal thrust technique for dislodging obstructions to airways. While the members of the audience hopes it will never have to use it, they intend to be ready just in case a choking situation were to arise.
In May, the Rotary Friendship Exchange folks from Western Australia D9465 visited us. Now, in October, it was our turn to visit them. We arrived in Perth on October 5 and worked our way south to Albany on the Southern Ocean and then back through Bunbury on the Indian Ocean and finally back to Perth for our departure on October 19. We were hosted magnificently. Wined, dined and treated to parties, dances and local areas of interest. We saw more kangaroos than Crocodile Dundee.
Each of us had our own highlights. One of mine was the visit to the ANZAC (Australia New Zealand Army Corp) Museum in Albany, the port where their soldiers departed en masse for Gallipoli in WWI. My wife Barb’s was holding a baby white kangaroo.
Norfolk Sunrise and Welshpool Rotary Clubs celebrate their 21st year of reciprocal youth exchange. Pictured here are our Welshpool Exchange students who spent a week with our Norfolk students in October. They experienced many highlights during their stay, such as: agriculture, Six Nations, Wonderland, and Niagara Falls, to name a few. Our Norfolk Exchange student candidates will travel to Welshpool in March, 2018 for the reciprocal part of this fabulous program!
Coats for Kids is alive and well in Norfolk. RCNS recently held their annual event. There were items left over so Rotarian Dave Nicolle, (biggest kid in photo) visited Mount Pleasant Elementary School to drop off some of our event’s overflow of coats and knitted goods. The children, in the kindergarten class there, run their own program of giving items of warmth to kids by kids. RCNS was able to serve their own event and support this school’s program of helping others in need. What a great way to serve others who are not so fortunate and to support these children who are learning to serve others at such a young age! Rotarians in training!
You are invited to attend the 2018 Rotary International Convention, 23-27 June in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, where there is Inspiration Around Every Corner. http://www.riconvention.org/en/
Consider registering before 15 Decemberto take advantage of early registration of $335. (You can cancel by 4/30/18.) Registration costs increase to $410 through 3/31/18 and $495 on 4/1/18. Details on accommodations, transportation, home hosting, etc. are located on our district webpage.
We are accepting registrations for the next Rotary Leadership Institute (RLI) which will be held at Niagara College, 135 Taylor Road, Niagara-On-The-Lake, Ontario on December 2, 2017.
The Dunkirk Fredonia Rotary Club, with financial assistance from a District 7090 Grant, recently purchased a grape press for the Chautauqua County Rural Ministry. The press will be used to process grape juice from surplus grapes, and distribute the juice to the 20 food pantries in Chautauqua County that Rural Ministry supports.
The photo shows the grape press, surrounded by key individuals. From left to right they are: Kathleen Peterson, Executive Director of Chautauqua County Rural Ministry; Andrew Messina, Gleaning Project Coordinator; Bridget Majka, Director of Programs; Fred Babar, Warehouse Technician; Roberto Fred, Farmer; Dave Tiffany, Dunkirk Fredonia Rotary President; Joe McFall, Dunkirk Fredonia Rotary President Elect.
Recently, the Town of Pelham recognized the Rotary Club of Fonthill and singularly some Fonthill Rotarians at its volunteer recognition night.
Pictured from left to right are Fonthill Rotarians Lance Wiebe, who was recognized for his work with the Town of Pelham Canada Day committee; Rotarian Frank Adamson who earned the Peer Award; and President Paul Snack representing the Rotary Club of Fonthill as the 2017 Community Corporate Recognition Award recipient.
Two of the major commitments of my year are now behind me, namely the official club visits which were completed on Thursday, November 2nd and the annual District Conference. The visits were an incredible experience for Loretta and I. We were blown away by the amount of good being done by each club in their community and around the world. We were accorded the finest hospitality at every visit and will treasure the memories made. And I must share with you how impressed we were by the wonderful Rotarians we met in every club! Thank you ‘Best of Friends’ District!
I was blessed with amazing support from my official aide and spouse Loretta, who accompanied me on all but three of our visits. Her assistance was invaluable and I don’t have words to describe the effort she put in. From organizing each visit and the materials required, to lugging the equipment, taking notes, assisting with the thank you emails, and to the critiques of my performance after each visit to improve my presentations and meetings with the boards. I am so grateful for her sacrifices of her own interests to provide the Service Above Self!
The District Conference was a resounding success. We began with a wonderful get together with Past District Governors and spouses on Thursday evening. We want to more frequently involve these experienced and dedicated Rotarians to take advantage of their counsel in the days and years ahead. The annual meeting and luncheon on Friday was so well attended that extra chairs and tables had to be brought in. Thank you to all that attended. For a look at the event, check out the photo link on the upper right hand corner of this newsletter.
Pictured left: "hairs' DG Reg speaking at the annual business meeting". Thanks to my good friend, PDG Ralph, who while sharing his Rotary moment, couldn't wait to point out that while we share the same initials "RM", we do not share the same pate. He thought to even us up and presented me with a head of hair.
On October 24th, The Rotary Club of Niagara Falls, Ontario celebrated World Polio Day with an in-club End Polio fundraising event during the District Governor's visit that same day! The club members sold farm fresh eggs (the cartons had polio banners on them), End Polio cookies, and welcomed DG Reg with an End Polio Cake, as well as auctioning off two baskets of goodies.
The club raised $5,510 for End Polio now, due to a large donation from a grateful person who was helped, as a child, by the club when she had polio. She stated that her life would not have been as great if it were not for the help of the Rotary Club of Niagara Falls. She and her husband wanted to assist Rotary International's End Polio Now initiative by giving a generous donation.
Sandra Brown, a Westfield, NY resident, was recently recognized with a Paul Harris Fellow by the Rotary Club of Westfield-Mayville. This distinction was given to her during this Rotary Club’s Oct. 14 Gold Rush public event at Eason Hall in Westfield.
Pictured is Sandra Brown (center) receiving her Paul Harris Fellow Recognition. She is accompanied by Club President Janese Berkhouse (left) and Club Community Service Chair Tom Berkhouse (right) who were the co-nominators for this award recipient.
The Rotary Club of Fonthill celebrated World Polio Day by lighting the Town Arches with Mayor Dave Augustyn on the right back row and Rotary Exchange Student - Fed, from Paraguay, kneeling front right. It was a great day promoting Rotary and Polio Eradication.
In support of the Westfield Memorial Hospital’s RED (Renovate our Emergency Department) Campaign, the Rotary Club of Westfield-Mayville recently made a $5,000 donation. This Rotary Club has a long history of supporting the hospital, including helping to establish it 75 years ago.
Pictured is Patricia Gaughan DiPalma (center), Westfield Memorial Hospital Foundation Executive Director, receiving a $5,000 donation to the Westfield Memorial Hospital's RED (Renovate our Emergency Department) Campaign from the Rotary Club of Westfield-Mayville as presented by Club President Janese Berkhouse (left). DiPalma, who was the guest speaker at the Oct. 24 meeting of this Rotary Club in Westfield, was introduced by Rotarian Dan Smith (right).
From Batavia to Brantford, over 100 Rotarians from all over District 7090, attended a celebration of World Polio Day at Niagara Falls, Ontario. The magnificent Niagara Falls was alight with the colours of Rotary in recognition of our world wide success in almost eradicating this disease. At a short reception prior to lighting the falls, attendees were reminded of the cost of this success, with a short moment of silence in remembrance of those that lost their lives in this effort. We are indeed "This Close" and looking forward to the day when the last 2 countries are Polio Free. While the call to come participate in the lighting of the Falls was open to all 7090 clubs and Rotary supporters, a big shout out to all the clubs in the Niagara region for getting this project done!
In October representatives from the Rotary Club of Hamilton A.M., Marta Stiteler and her husband Ron Rubin traveled to Tamuy, in the Yucutan peninsula. They were delighted to participate in the dedication of a drinking fountain installed at an elementary school, an ongoing project that the Rotary Club of Hamilton AM has helped fund with its partner Rotary Club of Valladolid, Mexico.
Pictured here are the students enjoying their new fountain.
The Rotary Club of Orchard Park is proud to announce that it has made a $4,000 donation to the Rotary Club of San Juan, Puerto Rico for its use in providing hurricane relief to its thousands of helpless citizens. The Orchard Park club issues a challenge to all other District 7090 Clubs to match that amount. For each matching sum the Orchard Park Rotary will add $100 to it's gift.
To contact at the Rotary Club of San Juan Puerto Rico is its president Ken McGrath. The contact at the Rotary Club of Orchard Park is its president Bill Wagner.
The Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus Rotary Club spent a Sunday morning planting trees at a not-for-profit housed near the medical corridor, Community Services for the Developmentally Disabled. CSDD is an organization that provides personalized and customized services such as workforce opportunities and housing for those with disabilities. The organization recently moved into their new workspace on Jefferson Avenue in Buffalo. BNMC Rotary planted four trees to help spruce up the grounds around the new building in response to the vision created by RI President Ian H.S. Riseley who challenged every Rotary club to make a difference and plant one tree for each of its members. Protecting and caring for the environment around the world is one of Rotary’s primary concerns. BNMC Rotary plans to continue to work to plant trees around its medical campus!
The Brantford Rotary Club hosted their 4th Annual Perch Fry on September 30th 2017. The event was held under the club's tent behind The Boys & Girls Club with live music provided by Last Band Standing and Barcode. The event attracted approximately 250 people and sold close to 300 tickets. The event was catered by the Sherwood Restaurant alongside local beer and wine. One lucky attendee won a Crown Verity BBQ worth approximately $5000 which was donated by Crown Verity. Net proceeds of the event are used to support our ongoing obligations to The Boys & Girls Club of Brantford with final numbers being tallied but we expect approximately $13,000 in proceeds from this event.
The Rotary Club of Hamilton AM kicked off its annual “Diamonds and Denim” BBQ auction. Upwards of 400 people gathered at the Ancaster Fairgrounds for an evening of fellowship, fun and fund raising. The club reports that it reached its goal of close to $70,000 to be used for community projects.
In September, the club also saw the first of its community projects for this year. Hamilton Food Share has a brand new refrigerated truck that can be used to pick up and deliver fresh food to the many agencies that help people who need a hand up. The club's contribution was combined with others from Hamilton to make this dream a reality for the hard working team at Hamilton Food Share.
The Holley Rotary Club has recently added a new member, Dr. Krista Wiley. Krista owns and operates Wiley’s Ark, a veterinary clinic in the Village of Holley. Pictured is Krista being inducted.
Reportedly, the club is very proud in the strides it has made in social media fundraising by gaining its Facebook non-profit status and launching its inaugural Christmas Miracles Fundraiser on its FB page. Funds from this effort will be donated to needy families to provide gifts and essential items for their children for Christmas. You can check it out here!
The three Rotary clubs of Area 6: St. Catharines, St Catharines Lakeshore and St. Catharines South came together to participate in a flag raising ceremony at St. Catharines City Hall in support of World Polio Day.
In a partnership to bring attention to ending polio around the world, UPMC Chautauqua WCA and the Rotary Club Of Greater Jamestown AM joined together to raise awareness. In recognition of World Polio Day on October 24, UPMC Chautauqua WCA illuminated the front of the hospital in a symbolic blue to raise awareness about the importance to end polio and prevent illness.
Pictured are several of the Greater Jamestown AM Rotarians along with hospital leadership at the front entrance of UPMC Chautauqua WCA.
The Rotary Club of Lewiston/ Niagara-On-The-Lake is contacting senior citizen centers and knitting clubs to help facilitate "Project Amigo." The organizations are being asked to knit or crochet squares to be used for afghans that will be distributed to poor families of students in Mexico who are being sponsored by Project Amigo. This is a charity that supports students from Colima in rural western Mexico so that they can create their own educational opportunities and better their quality of life.
The Rotary Club of St. Catharines reports that its 40 foot container left the Warehouse of Hope on November 2, 2017 and is expected to be received by fellow Rotarians in St. Maarten on November 15, 2017. The club sends a shout out to all who contributed to assist in the club's endeavour to help in the rebuilding of St. Maarten, due to the devastation of Hurricane Irma.
Recently, Friday Ekpe from the Rotary Club of Hilltop Calabar, District 9140 Nigeria attended a meeting of the Rotary Club of Hamilton Mountain. Friday presented his club's banner to President Judi Emerson who also presented Rotarian Friday with their club banner.
The Rotary Club of Lincoln participated in a tree planting at Greenmeadow Park on October 21, 2017. It was a beautiful day at the park as the Rotary Club of Lincoln, Ontariogreen and the neighbourhood community as they all joined together to plant 50 more native trees and shrubs.
The Rotary Club of Grimsby recently participated in bike friendly community enhancement, by joining the Active Transportation Committee and the Town of Grimsby in supporting the growth of cycling in the region by the installation of a “FIX-IT” bike repair stand in the downtown core. The club obtained a matching grant from the Rotary Foundation, the Grimsby Active Transportation managed the project and the Town of Grimsby installed the equipment and will maintain it. The Downtown Improvement Association also installed a number of additional bike stands in the downtown core. The “FIX-IT” stand includes an air pump and all the tools necessary to adjust a bike and to change tires. The Town hopes to move its bronze designation from Bronze to Silver from the Share the Road Coalition with the addition of this equipment.
Pictured here is a photo op for one of the local newspapers. In the picture is Paul McLenachan, Grimsby Active Transportation, Sarah Sweeney, Director of Recreation, Facilities and Culture, Town of Grimsby and Jim Howden, President, Rotary Club of Grimsby.
A HUGE THANK YOU goes out to the Rotarians and Rotary clubs who sponsored Rotaractors to attend the District Conference! We really appreciate your support! Nearly 2 dozen young adults participated side by side with Rotarians all day Saturday, taking part in the Rotary sessions.
On September 20, 2017, District Governor Reg Madison welcomed the US club presidents and AG's to a dinner meeting at the Hyatt Place Hotel in Amherst, New York. The first such meeting in the district for current club leaders to meet and share ideas as to how there are being MAD (making a difference) in their communities and the world.
In the photo are Area 9 presidents, from (left to right): President Patrick Sullivan of the Niagara County Central Rotary Club, President Michael Heigel of the Grand Island Rotary Club, President Ron Anderluh of the Rotary Club of Niagara Falls, New York and John Ambrose Cooper, Area 9 Assistant Governor.
The Rotary Club of Hamilton Mountain & S.C. Johnson were recently recognized for their donations to the CYO Marydale Park.
Shown second from the right is The Monsignor Murray Kruetsch of the Diocese of Hamilton. On the left Bruno Uggenti and on the right Clement Feierabend both from the Hamilton Mountain Rotary. The picture shows a sign that will be erected at Marydale Park showing both names.
Marydale Park on the Hamilton Mountain is Ontario's first barrier-free Park. At Marydale Park, no one is left out.
Every year, we celebrate those Rotarians who have passed on during the period between our District Conferences. This year we were privileged to honor the following District 7090 Rotarians by the reading of the name, the ringing of the bell and by walking a rose from the back of the room to the vase in the front. It is quite a moving experience, led by our own PDG Charlotte Herlong, 2004-2005. Here is a copy of the complete program with the honor roll of those we remembered.
The Rotary Club of Niagara Falls, ON held their 30th Annual Lobsterfest on September 15th at Club Capri. The event hosted 300 guests, who all enjoyed a wonderful dinner buffet, including all you can eat fresh Atlantic lobster. The evening ended with music, dancing and Rotary fun! There was also a fantastic silent and live auction, which consisted of multiple items donated from people and businesses throughout our community, raising $6200.00.
Lobsterfest was not only an exceptional social evening, but also managed to raise in total over $14,000 for the Rotary Club of Niagara Falls, Ontario to put back into our community, helping those in need.
Many children wish for toys, a bike or electronics. Some just simply want warm, winter clothing. That’s the mission of Warm the Children, sponsored for the past 11 years by the Rotary Club of Hamburg. The Rotary Club of Hamburg has begun collecting donated funds to purchase new, warm winter clothing for youngsters whose families are in need of assistance this year.
Schools, churches and human service agencies identify families in need from the following areas: Hamburg, Angola, Blasdell, Brant, Derby, Eden, Lake View, Evans and North Collins. Parents will shop at Sears in the McKinley Mall, accompanied by volunteers, who pay for clothing selected with purchase orders from the Warm the Children Fund. Last fall, 450 children from more than 140 families were helped. “My family is so very appreciative of the new winter clothing for my children,” expressed a grateful mom, following a trip to Sears.
The Rotary Club of Buffalo welcomed new member Brian W. Roche. Brian is the Executive Director of the Buffalo & Erie Co Military & Naval Park. He served in the United States Coast Guard for 36 years, 1980-2016, receiving numerous medals. He is on the board at Independent Health and the YMCA and Chairman of the Coast Guard Honor Guard Association. Brian received his Master of Science in Quality Systems Management from the National Graduate School. He is married to the former Helen Freeman from Swansea, South Wales. They have 2 children and live in Clarence.
District Governor Reg and Loretta Madison visited the Rotary Club of Niagara Falls, NY for the Official Club Visit. Governor Reg was presented the key to the City by Niagara Falls, NY Mayor Paul Dyster, and inducted new Rotarian Judie Glaser while he was there, after delivering an uplifting presentation on growing Rotary.
26,000 pounds of food collected making Beamsville Lion's Food Drive a huge success! Nearly 200 volunteers and a host of sponsors were involved. "It would be impossible for us to have a successful undertaking without the involvement of our vested community," said CCWN executive director Carole Fuhr.
A great example of Making a Difference by partnering, some of the Rotary Club of Lincoln's Rotarians, friends and family helped the Lion's achieve success for the 2017 Beamsville Lions food drive for Community Care West Niagara!
The Rotary Club of Holley held its annual Beefeater’s Dinner October 7th and had a great turnout. The club Rotarians and friends served 170 pounds of sliced roast beef in three and one-half hours and had a lot of fun doing it. The club knew where to get some helpers - their Interact Club, Youth Exchange students, and spouses and partners.
Reportedly, all in all, it was a great event to rub elbows with the people in their community and raise funds for future projects.
Do you know someone who uses a wheelchair for mobility? Do you know someone who has significant hearing loss, or poor vision? What if this person wanted to attend a meeting or other event at your Rotary club? What if they wanted to join your club? Could you accommodate them?
This is a topic many of us probably don’t give much thought to, unless a specific situation comes up. Yet, as Rotarians, most of us would opt to provide accessibility to our activities for people with disabilities if it were brought to our attention.
What a busy time - club visits, the Grant Management Seminar, the Zone 24 Institute, our District Conference, World Polio Day, the Foundation Dinner and the International Convention. I plan to share information on all of these events in this newsletter, in reverse order of how they’re listed above.
In just eight months our district and four others will host the International Convention in Toronto June 23-27, 2018. I urge you to register prior to December 15th; the price goes up on the 16th and hotel accommodation will be further away from both the Air Canada Centre and the Toronto Convention Center the longer you delay. This is our opportunity to welcome the world of Rotary to our doors and it’s my hope that we will support the convention with much bigger numbers than ever before.
Prior to the convention, on Thursday, June 21st and Sunday, June 24th, Rotarians visiting from around the world will have the opportunity to tour the Niagara area. During their visit, Niagara Rotarians are invited to host these visitors in their homes. Buses will arrive at 4:30pm and depart at 7:30pm from Niagara College on Glendale. Please think about playing host to our visitors. More details to come from John Crossingham when he returns from Australia.
On Monday, June 25th, Hamilton and immediate area clubs will also have an opportunity to home host visitors as buses and/or the train will bring attendees to their areas for three hours of hosting. Clubs in this area will be contacted shortly for volunteers.
Our Foundation giving was excellent last year. We’d like you to be part of the celebration at Salvatores Italian Gardens at 6:00 PM on Friday, November 3rd. Register on the District website.
I am so proud of our clubs, so many participating in World Polio Day activities on Tuesday, October 24th. I want to single out two activities. First, the E Club of SOWNY for their virtual march across Canada participation to both raise awareness and raise funds for the eradication of polio. This event is listed in this newsletter's club events section. And second, an event that I hope will attract Rotarians from all clubs to the Table Rock Welcome Centre at Niagara Falls, ON (6650 Niagara Parkway) to view the lighting of the Falls in Rotary colors. Please arrive about 9:30pm and park across from Table Rock. Tell the parking attendant you are a Rotarian and parking is free. The Rotary colours begin at 10 PM for 15 minutes. Please wear your Rotary jacket, hats and gear, and bring your banners or signs. This is a great opportunity to get media coverage so let’s have a great turnout! Thanks to all the organizers for their ingenuity and results!
The District Conference begins Friday evening, October 27th at the White Oaks Resort & Spa (253 Taylor Rd, NOTL) with a reception at 6:00. We’re hoping you’ll be there. Registration is still open and you can register for the entire conference or just those times you can be there. Go to the District website and register now! It promises to be an exciting event with great speakers, breakout sessions, fabulous food and fellowship.
Starting the celebration of World Polio Day a little early, Tom Gerbasi (L), Rotary Club of Lewiston/Niagara-on-the-Lake Secretary, presented to District 7090 Governor Reg Madison (R) the club's annual contribution to Polio Plus - Rotary's effort to eradicate Polio.
The Rotary Club of Norfolk Sunrise had an uplifting meeting with DG Reg and his charming wife Loretta on October 3, 2017. The room was buzzing with excitement, and Reg certainly lived up to expectations and delivered a focused and inspiring message about Making A Difference through Rotary.
A special treat, Reg inducted two alumni from Norfolk Sunrise who have returned to club rolls - Jenni Mudge-Winters and George Cornfield. In photo Jenni and George looking elated to be back, between Lucine, membership Chair, and Governor Reg. The club is excited to have them back and expects they will be a super asset to its membership. Also at the visit, the club welcomed a prospective member, Sue Finnie (aka Steve Malo's sister) and Assistant Governor Lisa Bishop who introduced Reg.
Kindergarten students in the Sherman, Westfield, Chautauqua Lake, Ripley and Brocton School Districts in Chautauqua County, NY/USA are the proud owners of new books to take home and share with their family members thanks to the Rotary Club of Westfield-Mayville. Representatives of the Rotary club recently visited kindergarten classrooms in the five school districts, gave brief talks and presented 208 children with copies of the book We Can Get Along: A Child’s Book of Choices (Payne, Lauren Murphy. Free Spirit Publishing, c. 2015. ISBN: 978-1-63198-027-5).
Kindergarteners (front, left to right) Emma Oehlbeck and Ethan Taylor were two of all Sherman Central School students of this grade level who received their own copies of the book We Can Get Along by Lauren Murphy Payne from the Rotary Club of Westfield-Mayville on Sept. 28. Also pictured are (row 2, left to right) Sherman CSD kindergarten teacher Jennifer Benedetto, Westfield-Mayville Rotary Club President Elect Mary Swanson, Club President Janese Berkhouse, Club District Grants and Foundation Chair Jim Wakeman, and Sherman CSD kindergarten teacher Maureen Bogdanowicz.
Over the past number of years the Rotary Club of Ellicottville has been funding equipment to provide special training to community youth. Working with the Library, Rotary has been supplying laptop computers for anyone to use when in the Library, this year providing two new laptops to begin to replace older models.
Pictured (L-R): Laura Flannigan (Library Director), Marcia Stoddard, Tina Barrett, Greg Cappelli & David Blanchard, Kathy Trost (Rotary Club of Ellicottville), Reg Madison (Rotary District Governor).
The Rotary Club of Ellicottville, in discussions with Ellicottville Library Director Laura Flannigan decided to provide a fun way to get kids involved with robotics and coding. Laura wanted to have some after school workshops to open up these exciting disciplines to our local students. There will also be kits available for use by anyone interested in creating outside of the formal workshops.
District 7090 Governor Reg Madison inducted four new members into the Fonthill Club on October 4th.
Pictured (L - R): President Paul Snack, Jody Vizza Chair of Corporate Membership, Cesar Maldonado and Maria Pozas, Co-chairs of Couple Membership, and Brianna Willard, Chair of Young Rotarian Membership, along with Governor Reg Madison.
The Akron-Newstead Rotary Club and Akron Central Schools are teaming-up to fight childhood hunger by bringing the Blessings in a Backpack program to Akron Elementary School this September. Blessings in a Backpack (BIB) is a 501(c)3 organization that mobilizes communities, individuals, and resources to provide food on the weekends for elementary school children across America who might otherwise go hungry.
"The numbers are staggering", says Akron-Newstead Rotary Club President John Gehl. "According to BIB, more than 16-million children in this country live in households that struggle with food insecurity and it only costs $100 to purchase food to feed one child on the weekends for an entire 38-week school year."
The District Conference is right around the corner! Now is the time to get our young adults to join us for a fun filled day of fellowship and collaboration. As your new District Chairman of Rotaract, I respectfully ask you to pledge support of part of the cost for one or two Rotaractors/or RYLArians (future Rotaractors) to represent your Rotary Club at The White Oaks Resort on Saturday October 28th. Click on Read more to find out how.
Registrations are now open for the next Rotary Leadership Institute(RLI) which will be held at Niagara College, 135 Taylor Road, Niagara-On-The-Lake, Ontario on December 2, 2017.
When was the last time you stepped on a landmine? Probably never — aren’t we fortunate. If you live in Cambodia, Iraq or Syria, to name a few, you may have not been so lucky.
Registrations have closed for the next Rotary Leadership Institute which will be held on Saturday, September 23, at the Niagara County Community College in Sanborn, New York, but on Sunday, September 24, registration opens for the December 2, 2017 session being held at Niagara College, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario campus. The third and final RLI session for the 2017 - 2018 Rotary year is scheduled for March 24, 2017 at Niagara County Community College, once again in Sanborn New York.
Rotary Club of Hamburg members and friends recently enjoyed a tour of historic sites in the Buffalo Harbor area in downtown Buffalo and Canalside on a Buffalo DOUBLE DECKER bus. The tour, narrated by owner/operator “Officer O’Connor" (Joel Dombrowski) was historically factual and very entertaining. Members are considering an upcoming murder mystery or ghost tour.
On Sunday July 30th, the Rotary Club of Niagara Falls, ON launched a brand new Rotary event to raise funds for the new YWCA shelter home for families. The local chapter of the YWCA (a nonprofit organization) provides shelter, food and assistance to women and families in poverty throughout the Niagara Region.
The event was hosted by the Fort Erie Race Track, where about 200 people attended to support the event and enjoyed an amazing buffet lunch at the Prince of Wales Dining Room, while betting on horses and enjoying a beautiful view of the track.
The one-day event managed to raise $6,000.00 for the new YWCA shelter home for families.
The Rotary Club of St. Catharines has resumed its Breakfast Program serving the children at Lincoln Centennial School early every morning of every week during the school year. The menu varies each day to include a protein, a fruit and a starch. Of course, the students’ favourite day is pancake day! Rotarian volunteers as well as community volunteers are scheduled to prepare, cook, serve and clean up breakfast five days a week. The club started the breakfast program seven years ago and it is very well received by the students, parents, and teachers at the school.
For several years, the Rotary Club of Norfolk Sunrise has supported the Children's Nutrition Network (CNN) by donating funds in support of a program that made apples available to the children of our local schools. This program has been so successful that, now, it is able to stand on its own without our seed money.
Bearing this success in mind, the CNN is now aiming to expand the scope of the program to include a much wider range of farm fruits and vegetables and, in so doing, to better develop a good sense of nutrition in our young people. As we did in helping to get the apple program going, RCNS is pleased to support the CNN in their aim to expand and better their farm-to-school program.
The Rotary Club of Grimsby recently donated $1,000 to the annual Amethyst for ALS fundraiser. This money will be used in support of patient care and equipment services for residents suffering from ALS in the West Niagara area. Hamilton Health Services currently assists 350 patients with ALS ( Lou Gehrig's disease) and as yet there is no cure.
It is hoped that other Clubs in the Hamilton area would consider the annual Amethyst for ALS fundraiser as one of the charities supported.
Pictured here is President Jim Howden presenting cheque to Amethyst for ALS supporter Paul Murphy.
Paul Murphy was a member of Rotary for many years and is currently a honorary member of the Grimsby Club.
The pieces are STILL literally coming together for this major project that will shout Rotary from the corner of State and Union in Lincoln Park in Olean, NY.
District Governor Reg Madison visited the Silent Policeman, work-in-progress, on Tuesday, August 22 after his official club visit. Pictured, left to right, are DG Reg, Mary Kay Worth – AG Area 15 and Project Coordinator, Club President Patti Gulnac, and Stone Artist Isaiah Rashad II.
The placement of the 18 inch, custom made, bronze Rotary Wheel on the top shouts out “ROTARY!” The four sides of the base capture the 4-way test of what Rotarians say, think and do. Carving is expected to be completed this month. The completed monument will be 9.5 feet tall.
...The District Membership Machine that is. Recruiting new members and retaining current members is a basic goal for all our clubs. At the District level, we are actively developing more resources and support to assist clubs in achieving their membership goals. We have four new District committees:
Congenital heart disease is the number 1 birth defect worldwide. Each year, 1.3 million children are born with congenital heart disease. Sadly 93 % of them are born in a country that cannot provide them the necessary Lifesaving care. For over 4 decades, the Global Network of Gift of Life has been a beacon of hope for children with heart disease and their parents. In surveying the 76 Gift of Life programs around the world, more than 27,600 children from 78 countries have received care. The strategy is to develop sustainable pediatric cardiac centres of excellence and the empowerment of doctors and nurses to treat children in their own country or region of birth. Support from Rotary clubs and districts, and healthcare partners have created such centres in Uganda, El Salvador, Jamaica and Romania helping to ensure that reliable care will be provided to children in those areas. The reach has extended this year to provide hope to children in the Middle East.
District grants give Rotarians freedom in determining how to best spend funds donated to The Rotary Foundation in their district. Each Rotary year, districts may apply for one district grant, which can be used to support one or more projects, based on that district’s interests and needs.
The Rotary Foundation funds district grants with District Designated Funds (DDF). Each year, your district may request up to half of your available DDF, which in turn represents half of your district's Annual Fund donations from three years earlier. This system, known as SHARE, enables Rotarians to benefit from the short-term investment of their donation dollars.
To review the Foundation Committee’s 2017-2018 District Spending Plan which includes the individual club’s approved District Grant, please follow this link…. Or go to the District 7090 website, click on the District Committees tab, go to The Rotary Foundation, follow to the District and Global Grants, then District and Global Grants 2017-2018 and look for the file “2017-2018 Approved District Grants”.
Thanks to kindhearted participants and generous sponsors, the Rotary Club of Westfield-Mayville’s “PolioPlus Challenge” Charity Miniature Golf Tournament scored a hole in one with raising $2,431 for the fight against polio. This event, which was held on the morning of August 19 at Webb’s Miniature Golf in Mayville, NY, featured 12 foursome teams competing for great prizes, a putting contest, a silent auction, an informational display about polio, refreshments and lots of laughs.
The following message is designed to give District clubs and members some direction in the wake of the recent disasters. I thank PDG Karen Oakes for her significant role both at our recent District Council meeting and with this message.
Yes, The Rotary Foundation is collecting emergency funds to help victims of Hurricanes Harvey and Irma, see details around the two Donor Advised Funds (DAF) below, that have been set up to accept donations. Please note that both of these DAFs are US based and may not be appropriate for your charitable giving requirements.
To quote, Don Mebus, Rotary club of Arlington, Texas, "The power of Rotary is the Foundation's ability to pull help from around the world while local clubs provide immediate relief in their own communities."
When disaster, be that fire, floods, hurricane winds, earthquakes, torrential rains and mudslides or other tragedies, does strike, we, Rotarians, want to step up and provide our assistance, our compassion and our funds in many cases. Rotarians and Rotary International have long been recognized for their ongoing community service programs, and for providing disaster assistance, i.e. after “first responders” have completed their tasks of providing emergency and life-saving services.
With all respect for the many personal outreaches already underway in our District, we draw your attention to the following information extracted from the Rotary International home page, http://www.rotary.org. under My Rotary, What’s New, "Find out how you can help victims of Hurricanes Harvey and Irma". Read more. Click on the Read more.
Two Rotary Foundation donor advised funds have been set up to accept donations for disaster relief and recovery in response to Hurricanes Harvey and Irma:
You can contribute by check or wire transfer or online with a credit card. You'll need to provide the DAF account name and number listed above. If you would like a credit card receipt, please check the address box to share your address with Rotary.
As well, Rotary's partner, ShelterBox, continues to provide support to families displaced by the storms as well as other disasters around the world.
Each of us is encouraged to consider our personal level of support based on our own convictions and after due consultation with our trusted advisors for any income tax or financial implications.
Wow!! That is the only word I can summon from my mind that describes best our experience of our first 25 official club visits. The venues, the hospitality shown us, the humongous list of activities that are Making a Difference in communities in the District and the world, but most of all the people, the Rotarians we’ve met who have impressed us. If you were attempting to solidify your belief and commitment to Rotary there is no better way than to first read of the multitude of good being done by all of our clubs and then days or weeks later visit those clubs and see the faces and get to know the phenomenal people behind it all. Yes, you do so much good in this world, you are Making a Difference! I am so proud to be your Governor!
Above, I am "the guy in the funny glasses" with the Rotary Club of Stoney Creek! What a way to start the day! Below, Grand Island welcomed us with a Making a Difference cake! Just two of many memorable club visits.
One thing I have noticed is there are a limited number of clubs who to date have entered their Foundation and Rotary Citation goals on the new improved Rotary Club Central. I would urge those who have not yet done this to please make it a priority in the coming weeks so both the District and Rotary International will have a picture of what to expect in this year. After all, you wouldn’t leave on a trip without knowing where you were going. On the 19th, we meet with the Canadian club presidents and the following night the U.S. club presidents where assistance will be provided to ensure this important task is completed.
We had a lengthy discussion at District Council about the many tragedies that have befallen us recently; forest fires in British Columbia, Manitoba and California, the devastation of hurricanes Harvey and Irma and we’ll be providing guidance by a communication to clubs and a posting of the message on the District website homepage.
It is difficult to fathom that officially fall is almost upon us; where did the summer go? I ask all clubs to consider some type of activity in their communities on Tuesday, October 24th, World Polio Day. We are ‘This Close’ to eradicating this horrible disease from the face of the earth and do need to let our public know of our involvement and passion by some activity in each of our communities. Whether it is handing out information to our public or a fund raising event, let’s take this opportunity to blow our horn about ending polio!
October also marks the date of the 2017 District Conference and I urge you to please register for this outstanding event at the White Oaks Conference Centre, Resort and Spa. The event begins Friday, October 27th and concludes prior to noon, Sunday, October 29th. The mix of fellowship, great speakers and breakout sessions at this fabulous location will indeed be a treat. There is something for everyone and you can choose your participation for the weekend from the complete conference package to a buffet style selection on the website http://www.districtconference7090.org/. Please join us for a wonderful weekend of fun, fellowship and growth in Rotary!
Next month also means that many of the District leaders will be attending the Zone 24 Conference in Hartford and I’ll share our experience with you next month. So have a happy and safe Halloween! Thanks for all you do Making a Difference!
A Spectacular Club Event: The 2018 RI Convention in Toronto.
Here’s an idea for a great event that current and new members of your club are likely to describe as “the experience of a lifetime. In late June (23-27), 2018, the Rotary International Convention will be in Toronto. If you’ve been to an RI Convention, you know it’s a truly amazing and inspiring spectacle. If you haven’t been to one, this is your best opportunity. It won’t get any closer than this one!
NOW is the time to start talking about taking your club members on a group excursion to the RI Convention in Toronto. It will be fun and inspiring. It will build camaraderie among your members and it will help your new members understand and appreciate the great big world of Rotary. There could easily be 50,000 Rotarians from all around the globe. Your club members will come home with a renewed passion for Rotary and inspired to take your club to new heights.
We often think that the homeless or marginalized members of our community have it harder in the winter with the cold weather. But often, things are worse in the summer. Statistics show that homeless people are more likely to die from dehydration related diseases in the summer, than exposure in the winter.
This sobering fact shocked President June Mergl of the Rotary Club of Niagara Falls, Ontario. The Club teamed up with a support group in Toronto called Engage and Change through their initiative called “Project Water: The Water Line to the Homeless.” President Mergl had seen information about their organization, and that they give out cases of water and summer survival kits to organizations with links to the homeless for distribution directly to them. After an application was approved for 50 cases of water and as many survival kits as possible, a new Rotary hands-on community project was born. Engage to Change was thrilled to get their first organization in Niagara Falls to connect and work with.
On August 2nd, the Rotary Club of Fort Erie invited IPDG Marlee Diehl to bring 7090 to Fort Erie by formally swearing in its 2017-18 President Flo Odding.
IPDG Marlee also assisted in the induction of new members Ian Johnston, pictured in the yellow shirt, and Nancy Dumbrell, second from the right, explaining the larger world of Rotary.
On August 12th and 13th the Rotary Club of Lewiston/Niagara-On-The-Lake sold hot dogs at the Lewiston Arts Festival (sponsored by the Lewiston Council on the Arts). The club has been serving hot dogs for over 40 years at the festival. The tradition was started by Al DiMino, one of founders of the Tops supermarkets chain.
Pictured with Dr. Thomas Gerbasi, in his famous hot dog hat, is Anthony DiMino, owner of the Lewiston Tops and Al's son.
It is because of the continued support of the DiMino family that the Lewiston/NOTL Rotary is able to donate the funds generated from the endeavor to the Mount St. Mary's hospital maternity unit for the purchase of needed medical equipment. The dedicated nurses from that maternity unit have also partnered with the club to staff the booth and raise awareness in the community of both Rotary and the maternity services at the hospital.
“It took me a long time to get this book through the process,” said Rotarian Bob Terreberry, Greater Jamestown AM, New York. “Writing it was the easy, fun part of the publishing process.” Bob provided his Rotary meeting’s program and told his fellow Rotarians about his writing project that had just come to fruition. “I’ve been reading mysteries for years,” said Terreberry, “and, seriously, it was fun writing one.” Pictured (left to right) is Bob with club president Steve Hayes.
Murder at Maple Springs debuted in October of 2016 and Terreberry explained how he has been enjoying the hustle of getting the book into the hands of the readers. He has performed on “the library circuit” and is just beginning to visit with book groups that have all read his first attempt at writing a full length novel. “The discussions with these reading groups is instructive for me and we all have a good time hashing over the characters and the story line,” said Terreberry.
Jordana Armstrong, an advertising professional with extensive experience in transit advertising, has become the newest member of RCNS. She delivered her Classification Talk on Tuesday morning to a very enthusiastic audience of Sunrisers.
While earning her BSc. in Psychology from Dalhousie University, Jordana indicated she got really excited in a course about the psychology of advertising, so after graduating from Dalhousie she enrolled in an Advertising Grad Certificate program at Sheridan College. Jordana says that despite trying it out at an advertising agency, she discovered it was not for her! She tried magazine advertising and enjoyed that, but magazine publishing was on a decline in 2007 - 2008 so she accepted an offer to work with Pattison Outdoor. At Pattison, she worked on the transit side (a bus is a moving billboard) of advertising and did well as a transit advertising specialist, transferring to the company's head office in Toronto.
The Rotary Club of Niagara County Central annually awards scholarships to students at Niagara Wheatfield, Starpoint, and Wilson High Schools. Six $1,000 scholarships were awarded to High School Seniors: Zachary Beyer (Wilson), Jennifer Darlak (Wilson), Courtney Day (Niagara Wheatfield), Dylan Dickey (Starpoint), Madison Klidonas (Niagara Wheatfield), and Jake Toczek (Starpoint)
Jake Toczek received the Stanley Sadlo Scholarship award. Stanley was an owner of Sadlo Lumber who helped to shape future carpenters. Madison Klidonas received the Jack Fechner Scholarship award. Jack believed in educating the youth of today for tomorrow’s needs.
These outstanding students were selected based on interviews with the scholarship committee, letters of recommendation, outstanding qualities in leadership, involvement in the community, clubs and extracurricular activities, and their potential to succeed both academically and in future careers.
Pictured bottom row (left to right): Madison Klidonas, Jennifer Darlak, Courtney Day, top row (left to right): Dylan Dickey, Jake Toczek, Zachary Beyer.
The Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus Rotary Club was well represented at the BNMC Summer Block Party, August 9th, held in front of Roswell Park Cancer Institute’s Kaminski Park & Gardens. There was food, live music, activities and health and wellness information along with community organizations from the medical campus and surrounding neighborhoods.
The participation of the BNMC Rotary brought awareness to the many service projects being done by their club on the medical campus. Attending on behalf of the BNMC Rotary was President Andrea Scibetta, Sean Brennan, Susan Czyrny, Marti Gorman and Sarah Wagner.
The Rotary Club of Hamburg inducted new member John Nowak into the club recently. Nowak is a former member of Rotary in the Virgin Islands and is retired from the Boy Scouts of America. He relocated to Western New York to join family members. Pictured are Nowak, left, and President Jerry Bastedo.
Canaan Delgado recently visited the Rotary Club of Hamburg to speak to the club about his experiences as an exchange student in Spain sponsored by the Rotary Club of Buffalo. Pictured are Delgado, left, and President Jerry Bastedo.
The Rotary Club of Jamestown participated in the 2017 Chautauqua Lake Dragon Boat Race. Rotary was highly visible during the event with its bright blue shirts emblazoned with the Rotary wheel! Fun was had by all who participated. The proceeds of the event will benefit the Chautauqua Lake Association.
Harold L. Ruslander has been a dedicated member of the Rotary Club of Buffalo since April 19, 1967. This year Harold was awarded a pin for 50 years of perfect attendance by club President Paul Hurley, Jr. on June 29, 2017! Harold had to travel a great deal on business and made friends all over the world by going to Rotary meetings where ever he was. Harold is a Paul Harris Fellow and Benefactor of The Rotary Foundation.
Pictured is Harold (left) receiving his 50 year pin from President Paul.
Westfield resident Patricia (“Patty”) Benton was recently welcomed back as a member of the Rotary Club of Westfield-Mayville. Benton, who served as president of this Rotary club in 1995-1996, took a hiatus of several years for professional reasons. Her membership was sponsored by Rotarian Tom Berkhouse. Pete Bills, Club Membership Chair, conducted the installation ceremony on July 25 at The Parkview in Westfield.
Benton is now retired from her former vocation in the food service industry. She most recently was employed for several years by the Westfield Academy & Central School District as its cafeteria manager. She decided the time was right to rejoin Rotary. Benton said, “As a former Rotarian, I enjoyed participating in the meetings and events, all of which contributed to a better village, a better country and a better world community. I wish to be a part of that again.”
July - a month of transition. Justin Bester, now a past-president, welcomes President Cameron Johnston. This is not the first time Cameron has been at the helm. Cameron was also the 4th president of the Rotary Club of Brantford Sunrise serving 1996-1997. Thank you Justin and welcome Cameron.
The third annual Bushels of Books program of the Lockport Rotary Club was a delightful experience. Rotary held its story time and book distribution on June 23 at the Lockport YMCA. The children were divided into two age groups of K-2nd and 3-4th graders, and were supervised by the excellent staff of the YMCA Afterschool Program. Reading Rotarians were children's author Cyndy Cotten, Maria Biano, and Jackie Davis. The program was coordinated by Literacy Chair Jackie Davis and YMCA Youth Director Laurie Ferris.
The Rotary Club of Lockport collected approximately 175 new books, at 5 different locations. It sends a special thanks to DeSalles Catholic School, the YMCA, The Palace Theater, and the Lockport High School Interact Club for serving as collection sights, in addition to Rotary. The club advertised Bushels of Books LCTV's Community Bulletin Board, Facebook, and Clubrunner.
Have you ever thought about the number of people in your community who are served by your local food bank? Well, the Dundas Valley Sunrise Rotary Club in partnership with St. Mark’s United Church and Dundas In Transition have. There are 120 families (400 individuals) in the Dundas community who are served by the Salvation Army Dundas Food Bank. For the past six years the community garden (paid for by the Rotary Club of Dundas Valley Sunrise) on the corner of Creighton and Governor’s Roads has been tended to by a variety of volunteers who built, maintain, plant and harvest. Of the 48 raised beds, 24 are dedicated to the Dundas Food Bank. Every Monday and Wednesday morning volunteers do the harvesting. The Rotary club is discussing the notion of starting a Rotary Community Corps to take over the management of the garden.
Pictured, Barb Montesanto, is a regular harvester and coordinates the picking crew.
The Rotary Club of Flamborough AM celebrated its Paul Harris evening with 3 new Paul Harris Fellows being recognized. Shawna, Scott and Wendy were not only surprised at having received this honour, but thoroughly enjoyed the evening of celebration.
It’s hard to imagine that 45 days have elapsed since my term as your Governor began. It seems like the older you get the faster the time flies! Just 320 days left to continue ‘Making a Difference’ with you, the wonderful Rotarians of the Friendship District!
Reflecting on those early days brings memories of July 1, Canada’s 150th birthday and spending most of the day in our beer tent at Brantford’s annual Canada Day celebration (serving, not drinking). Then later a wonderful fundraiser called Food 4 Kids with the Waterdown and Flamborough clubs, (my omelet took top honours at the event).
Days later, the Flamborough AM club hosted a great Paul Harris night followed by our trip to Welland, hosted by the Niagara area clubs, to greet the returning Tour du Lac bike riders. Talk about collaboration, the Niagara area clubs banded together to raise almost $100,000 for the building of a new cancer center in Fonthill and their bike riders road over 900 kilometres for the cause around Lake Ontario.
We did have an opportunity to stay in Brantford for a BBQ hosted by the president of our Brantford Sunrise Club, Cam Johnston, at his home. It was a super event for the members who were able to attend and our thanks go out to Cam and Vicky. Good news followed with the appointment of Roger Mann of the other Brantford Club as Assistant Governor for Area 2 replacing Marty Schure.
I accompanied the co-chairs and some committee members of the upcoming District Conference on another visit to the fantastic site of White Oaks Resort to finalize plans. All of our speakers and breakout sessions have been finalized and we are now getting the website up to speed to provide you with all the information. Don’t forget that if you register by August 31st, you could be the second winner of an upgrade to a beautiful suite for the weekend. Paul Roth of the Lincoln Rotary Club was our first winner!
Just a few days ago, Loretta and I began our series of club visits. Thanks to President Nyree Segui, the board and all of the members of the Dunnville club who made our visit a most memorable one. As pinch-hitting AG Margaret Andrewes said, “Dunnville set the bar pretty high for future meetings”. By the time this is published, we will have visited 3 more of our clubs.
By the end of the month we will be at 69 clubs with the addition of a new E Club for Social Innovation. At last count, the club had 30 charter members from many different parts of the world. They have plans to grow to 200 or more with members in various time zones able to participate at more convenient times. Thanks to a new member of Kevin Crosby’s Membership Committee, Gordon Crann, who has led this incredible accomplishment since only July 1. A big thank you Gordon to you and your colleagues for really Making a Difference. We look forward to your charter night!
Michael Hahn ( Membership Chair) introduced and the Rotary Club of Lincoln welcomed its two newest members, Martha Kralt and Jim Bowman (pictured right to left). They join 1.2 million other Rotarians making a profound difference in the world. President Sue Foster gave them their Rotary pins and new member packages.
The Rotary Club of Lancaster-Depew hosted its’ first ever Car Show on August 8, 2017.
Shown here, Club President Robert Benzel presents the “People’s Choice” award to Edward Carlsen, Jr. for his fully restored 1981 Delorean. All winners received plaques or certificates and gift certificates from Simply Itatiano and Camellia Gardens Restaurant. Major sponsors of the show included Lake Shore Savings Bank and Russell’s Steaks, Chops & More.
Officials of Schofield Care recently recognized the support of the Kenmore Rotary Club and Kenmore Rotary Foundation with a plaque unveiling at Schofield’s new Welcome Center, located in the lobby of Schofield Residence. With its $6,000 donation, the Kenmore Rotary Foundation helped to fund the transformation of Schofield’s reception desk into a more open and spacious Welcome Center, according to a prepared statement. The center includes information on Schofield Care’s services as well as events and reception personnel.
Pictured: Edward Gray, president of Schofield Residence,displays the new Welcome Center plaque with Richard Graham, president of the Kenmore Rotary Foundation, and Thomas Lang, president of the Kenmore Rotary Club.
On Monday, June 19th, Andrea Scibetta was sworn in as President of the Rotary Club of Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus (BNMC). Andrea is a charter member of this club, which was founded in 2014, and within three short years has become one of the largest clubs in District 7090. She is the third president to hold this office in this club.
Pictured is Andrea with RI President Ian Riseley at the Atlanta Convention.
The Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus has raised money to support the Health Sciences Charter School, Anti Malaria Foundation, Himalayan Health Care, Bihari Relief Foundation, Amor & Heritage, Kevin Guest House Expansion Security System, Ride for Roswell, Polio Plus, Rotary International Foundation, Moot Center Carden, and YIMBY Community Event. They also join Rotary's mission to eradicate polio from the world.
Andrea will be serving a one year term, and is looking forward to leading her club in Making a Difference in their community!
The newly merged Rotary Club of Dunkirk-Fredonia held a very successful Fly-In Breakfast on Sunday, July 9 at the Dunkirk, NY Airport. The Fly-In Breakfast was the 53rd rendition and attracted 1,200 attendees which made the club more than $4,000 for local charitable projects.
More than a dozen private planes flew in for the event, with many providing sight-seeing flights. Several helicopters and historic Ward War II planes also were present. More than thirty club members worked to make the event a big success.
At the District 7090 DG Changeover and Awards Luncheon held on Sunday, June 25, 2017 at the Brantford Golf & Country Club, it was announced that 2016-17 Rotary E-Club of Southern Ontario – Western New York (SOWNY) President Gordon Crann had won 3 awards.
Gordon is pictured on left with fellow Rotarian PDG Aziz Memon of Rotary Club of Karachi.
As the club reflects back on its award winning 2016-17 Rotary year, its successes held commonality in increasingly connecting District 7090 to Rotarians, Rotary Clubs and Rotarian Action Groups around the world, as follows:
Only 12 days into the new Rotary year, the new District 7090 Member Recruitment Committee has identified the minimum 20 charter members for a global Rotary E-Club of Social Innovators, who come from Australia, Brazil, Canada, France, Ghana, India, Liberia and the United States. We are continuing to invite more people around the world to join us as charter members to increase our numbers beyond the minimum 20.
So far, the high-profile people who have agreed to be charter members of the global Rotary E-Club of Social Innovators include:
It’s here, another Rotary year, another theme and yet another Governor. The past themes were all well thought out and served us well. But for me there’s something special about Ian Risely’s theme and how his goals and the goals I have for the district are so much in sync. My head spins with new thoughts and ideas about how we, the ‘Best of Friends’ District, impact our communities and our world. We do make a difference. And when this year ends I’m hopeful that we will have contributed to a significant difference.
DG Reg MADison with Wayne Fyffe, District 7090 Canadian Chair of RI Convention promotion (Toronto 2018) are pictured together at this year's convention in Atlanta where they heard about President Ian's 2017-2018 theme Making a Difference.
Under IPDG Marlee’s leadership we had a wonderful year Serving Humanity. I know she is pleased and grateful for our support and the results in her year, particularly the outstanding Foundation contributions that allowed PDG Karen Oakes to achieve her goals and get our district back to a level that has been shrinking the last year or two. Karen developed a Foundation team that has served the district and Rotary well and we wish her well as she moves to her new role as Zone 24 East Foundation Coordinator. And I wish her successor John Teibert the very best as he takes the reins of the Foundation team.
We have a solid District Leadership Team but we do need volunteers to serve in a variety of positions to give us bench strength, provide experience in succession planning and build a stronger group. The proverb, ‘many hands make light work’ resonates as I think of where we could go. If you have areas of interest and would like to explore possible opportunities with the district team, please Email me at reg@d7090.org and we’ll arrange to chat about it.
The Rotary Club of Niagara County Central recently held its officer installation dinner at Knead the Dough in Ransomville.
Pictured is the board of directors for 2017-2018 as follows: Sitting (left to right) are Dave Evans, Marsha Emmons, John Cooper, Assistant Governor (not a board member), and standing (left to right) Chuck Ventura, Dave Seaman, Pat Sullivan, president, Amy Kauderer, secretary, Roger Anders, sergeant at arms, and Tom Grimm.
The club's 2017 ‘Rotarian of the Year’ award was presented to both Dave Evans and Chuck Ventura who consistently exhibit “Service Above Self”.
Rotary Club of Lancaster-Depew is pleased to announce that it gave out five college scholarship awards this past month. The scholarships were presented to the following graduating seniors: Joanna Budzynski, Daniel Buscaglia, Dominic Occhino, Christopher Stein, and T'Ahjan Willis.
Following that, Brian Williams (pictured right) was thanked for his service to the club this past year as president and the gavel was passed to Robert Benzel (left) for the 2017-18 year.
Pounds of pennies and stiff competition among the Chautauqua Lake Central School students in grades 7-12 during a recent “Pennies for Polio” penny war week resulted in the CLCS Student Administration, event sponsor, raising $934.48 for the Rotary Club of Westfield-Mayville’s PolioPlus Challenge. The winning grade level was the freshman class. In addition to the penny war, information about polio and Rotary International’s efforts to eradicate the crippling disease was disseminated to CLCS students, faculty and staff.
At the June 19 check presentation event were (pictured left to right) CLCS Superintendent and Rotarian Ben Spitzer, SA Co-Adviser Jennifer Davis, Rotarian Sue Hammond, SA President Samantha Gleason, SA Co-Adviser Michelle Rowe, Rotarian and PolioPlus Challenge Chair Jim Wakeman and CLCS Secondary Principal Josh Liddell.
The Rotary Club of Fonthill was able to make a $5,000 donation to Big Brothers Big Sisters of South Niagara from the proceeds of the Pelham Mudfest Challenge 2017.
Pictured are Rotarians Frank Adamson, left, Paul Allen, second from left, and Paul Snack, far right, making the check presentation at a recent club meeting, to Barb Van Der Heyden, representative of the organization.
Once a month, members from the Rotary Club of Hamilton Mountain spend their lunch hour cleaning up their adopted park, the McQuesten Community Park.
On June 10th, the club participated in a concession street festival on Hamilton Mountain. Rotarians distributed free water to festival attendees. There was quite a bit of interest displayed at the tent and especially in the Gift of Sight display of the global grant project that the club did in partnership with the Rotary Club of Navsari, Gujarat, India (District 3060).
On July 4th, Buffalo Rotarian Ravinder K. Bansal set out from Buffalo on a solo flight around the world in this single-engine Cessna 400 to raise money for a hospital in his hometown of Ambala, India.
You can follow his trip on http://raviworldflight.com/ where he will write on his blog and include photos. He estimates the trip will take about 6 weeks. His hometown and the hospital are unaware of his mission, the mission being to bring awareness for cancer and raise $750,000 to buy an urgently needed MRI machine for 'Rotary Ambala Cancer and General Hospital' in Ambala Cantt.,India.
Paul Harris, a Chicago attorney, formed the first Rotary Club in 1905 so professionals with diverse backgrounds could exchange ideas, form meaningful, lifelong friendships, and give back to their communities. Today we, as Rotary, are an international organization of business and professional leaders united worldwide, who provide humanitarian service, encourage high ethical standards in all vocations, and help build goodwill and peace in the world.
The Rotary Club of Niagara County Central was chartered by Rotary International on June 23, 1987. Thirty years later the club is still active and supportive in the community. The club recently and proudly presented Past President Tom Grimm with a Paul Harris Fellow, the highest form of recognition for a Rotarian. Tom joins the remarkable company of individuals throughout the world, all recognized for their devotion to the ideal of good will, peace and understanding.
District Governor Nominee Bob Artis and his wife, Corine, are pictured with Dr. Sylvia Whitlock, the first female Rotary club president. As DGN Bob recounts, "Corine and I were fortunate to meet her in the "HOF" House of Friendship at the recent RI Convention in Atlanta. She shared her quest for membership in Rotary and the long fight, all the way to the Supreme Court. She spoke eloquently and gracefully about her journey."
Rotary Club of Flamborough AM and Rotary Club of Waterdown celebrated their jointly held 8th Annual Ribfest on Canada's 150th Birthday. 50,768 people passed through the Ribfest gates for great ribs and entertainment.
Pictured (right) are some of the volunteer staff, consisting of Rotarians and friends, at closing. There were another 200 volunteers who are missing from the photo. Pictured (left) is a favorite volunteer who helped move (or at least hold up) the many chairs it took for so many attendees.
The weather held up great and the club is grateful to all who helped and attended making this a successful event.
Register before July 31st for the District Conference to have your name entered in a draw to have your room at the White Oaks Resort & Spa upgraded to a truly Deluxe Suite for free! Deluxe Suites feature a super cozy king size bed. If you feel steamy after soaking in your deep soaking tub you can cool yourself in your separate shower or step outside on your private balcony and watch the sunset.
TRAINING SESSIONS. Please save the following dates for the upcoming Rotary Leadership Institute Training Sessions.
September 23, 2017 – Niagara County Community College, Sanborn, New York
December 2, 2017 - Niagara College, Niagara-on-the-Lake Campus, Ontario
March 24, 2018 – (Tentative) Niagara County Community College, Sanborn, New York
If you have taken Part 1 or Part 2 of the RLI training we would love to see you at one of these sessions in order for you to continue on your RLI journey! Also, if you have been thinking about attending the RLI training but haven’t yet made the leap - here is your opportunity! Watch for an e-mail in early August which will have a link to register for the September 23, 2017 session. Invitations to the later sessions will be sent approximately six to eight weeks before the session. We would love to see you on one of these dates.
FACILITATOR TRAINING. Are you a graduate of the Rotary Leadership Institute training sessions? Are you passionate about sharing your knowledge about Rotary?
This year, I’m hoping to provide more webinars, seminars, workshops and other activities and resources to help clubs achieve their goals for membership development. Although I think I know what the major challenges are for member recruitment and retention, I like to do a reality check every once in a while. So, I would appreciate hearing from Rotarians in our district about your perceptions of the biggest challenges facing your club when it comes to recruiting new members and retaining the ones you have. Please send your top three challenges to me at kevin@d7090.org. Your input will help us prioritize our membership development efforts this year.
For her 60th birthday, Barb Mitges received a gift of $600 from Jennifer Hopkins, former Lincoln Rotarian to be given to a charity of her choice. It just happens that Barb, while at the 2016 District Conference in Batavia, discovered District 7090's Gift of Life program and decided she wanted to support that charity. This program brings children to the Children's Hospital in Buffalo and Sick Kids, (the Hospital for Sick Children), in Toronto for cardiac surgery. Barb was struck by the faces on its brochure and the fact that, since 1996, our district's Gift of Life program has been able to save 44 children.
The Buffalo Rotary Foundation recently awarded two $5000 grants. The first went to Gerard Place for medical training equipment for women. The second grant went to Seneca Babcock Community Center for playground equipment.
Pictured are two Youth Exchange Student participants ready to enter the annual Heritage Days Parade with the Rotary Club of Ancaster. It has become club tradition to promote Youth Exchange by having locally hosted students ride with their country flags, greeting the crowd. This year’s participants were well-received especially by their friends who gathered to cheer them on.
With the addition of two more members already in June, the Rotary E-Club of Southern Ontario – Western New York (SOWNY) continues to grow its membership.
On June 1, 2017, Georgina Bencsik from Woodbridge and Ottawa, Ontario joined the E-Club of SOWNY. Georgina’s career spans advocacy, consulting and senior management roles. She has spent most of her career as an advocate and director for various organizations and issues concerning art, business, culture, environment, sustainability, media, fashion, film, public relations, public policy, finance, real estate, taxation, health, education, transportation, infrastructure and human rights with a strong voice for Canada’s diversity and multiculturalism. A graduate of the University of Toronto, she has served as an Academic Board member on the University of Toronto Governing Council. Since 2008, Georgina has been Managing Director of 1 Media Inc., and Political Editor of Toronto Waterfront Magazine.
On May 17, 2017, Adventures in Citizenship Program participants E.J. Holmes, Deanna Haas, Evan Court and Noelle Adams spoke to the Rotary Club of Brantford Sunrise about their trip to Ottawa with 190 other young Canadians selected for the program. Participants visited the Parliament Buildings and listened to members speak about their roles. They also visited the Indigenous Health Center and learned about the ‘Seven Generations’ along and the War Museum and spoke with war veterans about their experiences. They observed 24 new Canadians become citizens, joined in a traditional French dinner with square dancing, and enjoyed many more experiences. According to the 4 participants, this is an amazing program.
Thank you to all Rotarians and your families in Rotary District 7090. I know we are one big extended family with all the love of families and with some of the foibles too. It has been my honour/honor to have been your District Governor this year. Bill and I have relished in attending your club meetings and events; it was wonderful getting to know you better. We tried some things:
Holding our District Conference at Batavia Downs Gaming and Horseracing - Working with the majority of our clubs stepping up to purchase the meals for their local food bank and most came to join in the fun and camaraderie, which helped us have a terrific conference. We even figured out how to get the packages into Canada with little difficulty thanks to helpful Rotarians.
Hey, our hat making success stories and pictures traveled far and wide, as I discovered at the recent Rotary International Convention in Atlanta. Many of my classmates in Zones 24 & 32 referenced your millinery talents.
Who would have thought a stationary bike-a-thon would earn over $6000 US for End Polio? Our inbound Youth Exchange & some Rotaract students led by AG David Greenfield had great fun doing a spinning class to earn the bucks.
We currently have only had 6 cases of wild polio globally in 2017. Still a way to go! At the convention, $1.2B US was pledged by countries, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and other philanthropic organizations. This helps, but doesn't get us to the endgame. It is still going to depend on Rotarians continuing to step up and contribute so our donations may be matched two to one by the Gates Foundation.
Five years ago the Rotary Club of Clarence began their journey to aid the town of Wangchan, Thailand in achieving sustainable, fresh water. Wangchan is located in the Northern part of Rayong Province in Eastern Thailand and is home to approximately 2500 people.
Thailand is known as the land of 1,000 smiles, and any traveler that has visited this tropical landscape quickly understands its moniker. The welcoming Thai smile immediately makes you feel at home and it is infectious. Thailand is a constant juxtaposition from soaring skyscrapers to lush jungles; crowded city streets to empty glowing beaches.
On Thursday, June 15, guests were treated to a terrific dinner and program presented by this year's RYLArians. Approximately 40 students participated in the week long leadership development program on the campus at State University of NY at Fredonia. "A perfect number and a perfect week", said, RYLA Chair Sue O'Dwyer, of the students and her leadership development team.
In the photo, left to right, RYLA Chair, Sue O'Dwyer, Laura, sponsored by Rotary Club of St. Catharines, Laurel, sponsored by Rotary Club of Greater Jamestown AM, Governor Marlee, (who literally just drove in from RI Convention in Atlanta), Matthew, sponsored by the Rotary Club of Buffalo Sunrise, and Zak, sponsored by the Rotary Club of Fredonia.
Once again, the Amherst South sponsored Rotaract Club (Buffalo State Rotaract Club) has had an incredibly successful and rewarding semester! Collectively our amazing Buffalo State Rotaract members, officers and Amherst South Rotarians came together to participate in events in order to make a positive impact on our campus, local and international community. Our Rotaract team would like to extend our thanks and appreciation to all of the members who take time out of their days to volunteer even with their very busy schedules!
The Rotary Club of Hamburg marked 75 years of community service with a banquet at the Wanakah Country Club in Hamburg on June 6. In attendance were District Governor Marlee Diehl, DGE Reg Madison, DGN Melissa Shrock and District Grant Treasurer Don DeMeo, along with past district governors John Rydzik and Jack Amico and his wife, Mike. State, county, town and village elected officials presented proclamations congratulating and commending the Rotary Club of Hamburg for its longevity and service to the community.
The pieces are literally coming together for this major project that will shout Rotary from the corner of State and Union in Lincoln Park in Olean, NY.
The stone was moved from temporary storage in Allegany to Lincoln Park on May 19.
The club hosted a major fund raiser on May 23 raising significant dollars to help finance our signature project. There are too many to thank, but club members, community members, the City of Olean, our stone artist Isaiah Rashad II, the Cattaraugus Region Community Foundation, and Crandall’s Memorial have been PHENOMENAL!
Rotary Club of Grimsby and Community Living, Grimsby, Lincoln and West Lincoln held the annual Festival of Arts on June 3rd. The weather was ideal and over 1,500 adults and children turned out for the event. Over the years the event has expa
Over the Canada Day weekend, the Rotary clubs of Waterdown and Flamborough AM held their 9th Annual Oh Canada Ribfest, a fundraiser for the two Rotary clubs. From the photos, it looks like Governor Melisa was having a great time posing with awardees. 
to disperse having been wined (lots) and dined on Wayne’s special treatment of steak and salmon, preceded by charcuterie and salad, and then topped off with strawberry cake and rhubarb crisp and icewine. The guests are Tom and Stephanie Smith from Tsawassen, British Columbia, Karen and Ted Ellis from East Rutherford, Texas, and the hostesses with the MOSTEST, Helen Massey and Lynne Morrow.
Bonnewell served the past year as president. Bonnewell is the superintendent of Albion Central School. He also was named a Paul Harris Fellow, the club donating $1,000 in his name to the Rotary Foundation for its humanitarian work..jpg)
all of the volunteer activities I have been involved with.” Pictured left (Left to Right) are Greg Jones, Rotary Foundation Chair congratulating Joelle and Dana. Pictured right (Left to Right) are Lisa Yaggie, Assistant Governor installing Katie Geise as President for 2018-2019.
The Rotary Club of Hamburg on July 11, 2018, recognized member, Patricia Castiglia, for exemplary service, giving her a few special gifts from the club from the recent Rotary International Convention held in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Hamburg Rotarians who attended the convention: Dale and Barbara Stanley, Lisa Avery and Eileen Hotho brought back a convention t-shirt, visor and travel tags for Castiglia who has served as president two times, currently chairs two district committees and most recently has served as club secretary for two consecutive terms. Pat is shown modeling her new swag. 
Rotary Club of Lancaster-Depew held the first meeting of their new year on Thursday. Shown above are Robert Benzel, Immediate Past President, with President Ken Graber and President Elect Adam Guglielmi, following his swearing in. 
convention, getting ready to Be The Inspiration!
I draw my energy and inspiration from YOU, the Rotarians I am honored to serve this year. I was invited to the changeover ceremonies for the Rotary Clubs of Fonthill and Niagara On The Lake as some of my first official duties. What a pure honor it was, to meet the club members, listen to the projects and achievements of the clubs and to hear the hopes, dreams and goals of the incoming presidents! As you’ve heard a million times from other district governors before me – it is truly a humbling experience. Between these two clubs they have used grants to help fund a computer and skills program targeting women and youth through Niagara Peninsula Homes, funded a sensory room in conjunction with the Red Roof Retreat, and raised thousands for dollars for Polio Plus and other local programs!
realize their goal of building more affordable housing for the elderly in her community. Wow. Not much more I can say about that. The level of “Service Above Self” that I see everywhere I go is just amazing. Everywhere I look, I see #Changemakers! People tirelessly dedicated to being People of Action. Rotarians dedicated to improving the communities they live in and even the ones they don’t.
eyes to the larger world of Rotary. To inspire you to take action and create lasting change. I truly believe that we need to look no further than our own district, to see first-hand, the up close and personal impact that we as Rotarians are making in our own communities and around the globe! I am so proud to be serving you and our district. Thank you for giving me this incredible opportunity! Please follow me on Facebook at 
If ever a song was handcrafted and tailor made to sum up the personality, enthusiasm, and absolute spunk of a human being, than “Raise a Little Hell,” by Trooper, is the banner song for Melisa Schrock, District Governor Elect of 7090. Melisa embodies a new vision, an inner strength, a purposeful direction to lead, govern, solidify, and expand the Rotary Mission; one we all know and love. Her formidable savvy and grit is contagious...so look out District 7090 Rotarians, are you ready to “Raise a little Hell?”
cookies were delicious and resulted in combined sales of over $570. During March, members participated in the Rotary Club of Amherst South's 5th Annual Bowl-A-Thon. There members raised funds by participating on two teams of 4-5 members and were able to bowl, win prize basket raffles, and enjoy food with friends. During April, Rotaract members helped the Rotary clubs of Western New York, Buffalo State’s Great Lakes Center, the Greenway Commission, along with the West Side Rowing Club perform a trash clean up at the Black Rock Canal. Members aided in reducing the amount of nearby trash, invasive plants and debris.
Its main fundraising event was the H.O.P.E. Haiti fundraiser held to raise money to improve the main community library for the community of Borgne, Haiti. This event was held at the Marcy Casino on April 26th. The event included live music, a cash bar, hors d'œuvres, and over 60 raffle baskets. From this event, the Buffalo State Rotaract Club along with the help of Nutrition Club and PHI-Upsilon Omicron and the Equal Opportunity Program raised $4,657 for the community of Borgne, Haiti!
Early June, the Rotary Club of Dunkirk-Fredonia said a sad goodbye and fond farewell to its amazing international exchange student Matheus di Silva Santos from Brazil. Pictured (right) are Youth Exchange committee members Doug Manly and Brenda Hayes, and (left) Matheus and members of his three host families: the Davises, the Kinkellas and the Powell Fortnas.
Tent where Hamilton AM Rotarian Tim Dickins and two colleagues enthralled everyone with their prestidigitation! No worries about hunger with Hamilton AM Rotarian Paul Reardon on the Hot Dog Cart! This event is hosted by the Rotary Club of Hamilton AM and supported by many local businesses including the Hamilton Spectator. This was the club's 8th Annual Imagine in the Park children's arts festival and the the biggest one to date!
club. President Judy Shepalo, who had to step up at the last minute as president, has done a great job leading the club.
rfest at the Harry Howell Arena in Waterdown hosted by the two Dundas clubs. Another great event with two happy people going away with wheelbarrows of beverages.
Our next stop was the Waterdown club’s annual Paul Harris night where we enjoyed a wonderful evening of fellowship, food and new Paul Harris Fellows. Next it was on to Queenston for the Niagara Falls Lilac Luncheon and a very interesting presentation and tour of the history surrounding the War of 1812. Congratulations to organizer Barbara Greenwood and President June Mergl for hosting a memorable event.
The Rotary Club of Lockport celebrated its distinction as a 100% Paul Harris Fellows Club at its annual dinner on Wednesday, June 6, at the Spring Lake Winery. Pictured are 16 new Paul Harris Fellows, along with District Governor Reg, who attended this momentous event. 
The Rotary Club of Hamburg supported an initiative of Rotary International in securing and helping to plant trees at the Town of Hamburg’s 18 Mile Creek Golf Course this week. President Jerry Bastedo thanked Gullo’s Garden Center for donating 31 trees (crab apple and flowering pear) to the service club’s effort. Ian H.S. Riseley, 2017-18 President of Rotary International, asked all clubs throughout the world to plant a tree for each member, with an expected total of more than 1.2 million new trees planted by July 1, the beginning of a new Rotary year. Rotary’s effort is part of an ecological effort to counteract global warming. Additional trees will be planted at the Taylor Road Cabin and Park. .jpg)
Khazimula provides a safe and loving environment for some thirty homeless children, 6-18 years. Since the centre opened in 2007, it has been home to more than 270 vulnerable children. The purpose of the new lockers is to provide the children with a secure place for their personal belongings and a sense of dignity in having their own private space. Pictured are the lockers received and installed. 
Rotary Club of Lancaster-Depew President Rob Benzel and honorary member Doris Huber had the pleasure of delivering the Baby of Liberty Doll to the lovely home of Dr. Jim Burdick, our Area 11 raffle winner. The donated doll was designed and produced by Doris Huber. Proceeds of the raffle go to the It Happened to Alexa Foundation, which benefits women that have been sexually abused. The clubs joined together for an Area 11 project that ended up creating over 200 clothing and cleanup kits for donation to ECMC. Shown in the photograph are Dr. Burdick and Doris. Photo by: Rob Benzel.
news, the club is pleased to give five college scholarships this year: four go to Lancaster High School graduating seniors and one to a graduate of Depew High School. Early on scholarships were in the form of Interest Free Loans. However in 1959, they transformed into the present grant form. Therefore, this marks the 60th year that Rotary Club of Lancaster-Depew has given back to the community this way.
The clubs in Area 1: Rotary Club of Norfolk Sunrise, Rotary Club of Simcoe, Rotary Club of Delhi, and the Norfolk Rotaract Club, have a lot to celebrate this week. They banded together with a public image piece highlighting Rotary and the Area 1 clubs. Dave Douglas from RCNS spearheaded the project and about 10,000 copies will be circulated to Norfolk County residents this coming week.
Earl Knauss, Hamburg High School student Aydon Stormer, Frontier High School Student Tom Notto, Rotary President Jerry Bastedo, St. Francis High School student Dante Guizzotti and Rotarian Patricia Castiglia.
chool Academy of Finance teacher Krissy Lawrence. The students shared photos and spoke to the Rotary Club about their recent experience at Rotary District 7090’s SLAP SHOT Program in Welland, Canada. The club sponsored the students who were referred by Ms. Lawrence, who herself once attended the Rotary Leadership Youth Award, RYLA program for college students. Pictured are from left, Rotarian Tim Hoelscher, who also works with the Hamburg Finance Academy, Christina Birt, Dakota Reynolds and President Jerry Bastedo..png)
Join my husband John and I for a relaxing afternoon in our hometown of Akron, New York. We will be celebrating the outstanding accomplishments of District Governor Reg Madison and his fantastic team of hardworking Rotarians. Tickets are $40US each and can be purchased online at 
Rotary club, we are honoured to have many great leaders serve as president.
Holley recently inducted its youngest member, 19 year old Jessica Mandigo. Jessica was a SLAPSHOT participant two years ago. Upon returning to her high school Jessica provided the leadership for forming an Interact Club at Holley High School. She served as its first President and oversaw its growth from 15 members to 39 members. Jessica is now attending a local community college while also working in retail. After expressing an interest to Rotarian John Heise about being part of a community service organization, Jessica was invited to join the Holley Rotary Club.
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Rotary President Jerry Bastedo, right, is shown with Dr. Hughes. 
The Rotary Club of Brantford donated $2,000.00 to Grandview Elementary School for fundraising efforts put on by faculty. The Autism Classroom teacher, Kat Trinder, is fundraising for the creation of a Snoezelen room in the school to promote positive mental health among all of the students and staff members. The Snoezelen room is a multi-sensory environment that is comprised of soothing lights and sounds, cultivating aromas, comfortable seating, and gentle movements to encourage the user to meet their sensory needs and find their focus when they are feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or upset. They’re fundraising goal is $30,000 and with this donation they’re currently at $8,000 raised
Our Swiss inbound exchange student, Lara Braun, recently shared her experiences with Holley Rotarians and their partners. After the meal, Rotarians were treated to a special Swiss cake baked by Lara. There was one cake left, which was auctioned off for the Rotary Foundation. It raised $100. Pictured left is the Holley Rotary family with Lara’s host families. Pictured, right is Lara and Rotarian Dave Mitchell who successfully bid on the remaining cake. 
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On March 23, 2018, Rotaractors from McMaster Rotaract Club travelled to Hess Street Elementary School in Hamilton to facilitate an Arts & Music Session for their after-school program. The children, from grades two to eight, were delighted by workshops on ukulele playing, origami folding, and bracelet making. Furthermore, they were introduced to the various causes of Rotary International and ways of getting involved. McMaster Rotaract Club is looking forward to more collaborations with local schools. For more information about this project, or interest in joining or collaborating with McMaster Rotaract Club, please email 
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of all the Niagara clubs (see photo of presidents and presidents-elect) hosted by President Jeff Thomas of the St. Catharines South club. The guest speaker’s topic (trees) inspired the cake that is pictured.
onderful evening at the Lincoln Paul Harris function at 13th Street Winery to pay tribute to two individuals, Andy Fluit and Alice Klamer. It was a gorgeous setting for the event so well hosted by President Sue Foster and Assistant Governor Margaret Andrewes. 
ese 100 young leaders. I wish all Rotarians could experience the qualities and dedication of these students. My gratitude goes out to chair Rob Nagy and his entire team for a fantastic leadership weekend for these 100 young people.
Rotary Club of Lancaster-Depew President Rob Benzel gladly distributed more checks for the club’s local giving this month. Shown are a presentation following their breakfast meeting at Russell’s, to LEAF. LEAF is a foundation formed by educators to fund things that cannot be ordinarily purchased with regular funds, and directly benefits students. 
G. Robert Moeschler Jr., a member of the Rotary Club of Buffalo for 47 years, passed away on March 11, 2018. Bob generously remembered Rotary with a $50,000 gift to the Buffalo Rotary Foundation. Bob was a Paul Harris Fellow, Chairman of the District Conference in 1988, Chairman of Sunshine Day at Cradle Beach Camp, and Chairman of the Annual Outing for about 15 years. Bob’s father, G. Robert Moeschler, Sr was a Buffalo Rotarian for 25 years.
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To write a press release for the District 7090 Newsletter, pick a single newsworthy topic, compose a concise headline (optional), and write the body copy so it answers the basic questions about who, what, where, when and why you are announcing. (Assume your audience knows nothing about it). The release can contain helpful links to documents or websites. For the purpose of District newsletter, please include photo as a named attachment. Also preferred - a word document attached with the narrative. 
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Eighteen months ago, the Rotary Club of Westfield-Mayville accepted a challenge from a local, anonymous foundation. Dubbed by the club, the PolioPlus Challenge, the club endeavored to raise $10,000 by this spring in order to have this local foundation match the club’s funds up to $10,000. The conditions of the challenge - fundraising events had to be new ones, include as many club members as possible, and had to raise awareness about the disease of Polio. All of the proceeds were to be donated to the PolioPlus Fund of Rotary International to aid polio eradication efforts. With its successful ‘Pancakes Against Polio’ event, the Rotary Club of Westfield-Mayville, along with strong community support, raised more than the needed $10,000. 
Area 1 Assistant Governor Lisa Bishop was on hand to induct a very welcome new member, Tracy Winkworth, brought to the Rotary Club of Norfolk Sunrise through her colleague and friend Jenni Mudge-Winters who came back to the club also this year, after a few years of sabbatical. Tracy is the owner and operator of the Cooking Studio as well as Liaison College South Coast, a chef school in Brantford. Maybe she will teach her new Rotary family a few tricks in the kitchen!
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It’s hard to believe but we are almost in the final quarter of the Rotary year and as a district, 7090 has certainly been ‘Making a Difference!’ We’ve taken giant strides in making up lost ground with membership. I’m so grateful to all the clubs who have made a positive contribution, including our membership committees led by PDG Kevin Crosby and our new Rotary E-club of Social Innovators (RESI). We’ve recovered much of the ground we lost over the last couple of years but there is still a long way to go. We all need to ask our ourselves as Rotarians, “When did I last ASK someone to a club function or tell them about Rotary?” Part of our role as Rotarians is to do that!
District 7090’s membership has continued to grow over the last month with the result that it has climbed back over 2,200 to reach 2,202 members as of March 15, 2018.
Grimsby Rotary @Noon had another successful Mayor’s Charity Gala, February 3, 2018, with sold-out seating at the Casablanca Winery Inn located in Grimsby. Pictured right, some Rotarians enjoying the event.
District 7090’s new global Rotary E-Club of Social Innovators (RESI) was chartered by Rotary International on December 15, 2017 with the Rotary Club of Brantford and the Rotary Club of Brantford Sunrise as its co-sponsors.
Pictured (L to R): Jim Morabito and Joe King, who was awarded a PH +1 to go along with his 55 years of perfect attendance!
Placing this pin on Jill was special for the cousins as their fathers were 2 of the 5 original charter members of the Rotary Club of Clarence. Both brothers retired from Rotary with 41 years perfect attendance and in addition to having their family continue with good work of Rotary they are remembered thru an educational scholarship awarded every year to a Clarence High School student who shows exceptional business talents.
Pictured next (left) are Kevin Petho and Jim Morabito as Kevin receives his first PH Fellow recognition. GREAT work, Kevin!
The Rotary Club of Hamburg recently inducted two new members into its ranks. Club President Jerry Bastedo, middle, conducted the ceremonies welcoming Ryan Brunner, left, of the Baillie Lumber Company, and Tyler Shaw, of GCW Capital into the 76-year-old service organization.
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A great opportunity exists for Clubs to leverage their hard earned dollars through Rotary grants. Qualified Clubs can apply for a District Designated Grant to help locally or internationally. The District will match the Club’s contribution up to $2000. February is the month to apply for a District Designated grant. The application form can be found on the District website under 2018-19 Foundation grants. If your Club is considering applying for a District grant, please contact 
The next Rotary Leadership Institute (RLI) is scheduled for March 24, 2018 and will be held at Niagara County Community College, Sanborn, New York. (Canadian Rotarians – The college is located just across the US border so very little extra travel is involved!)
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Grand Island School Holiday Concert showed more than talent – students thinking KINDNESS! The Rotary Club of Grand Island combined their December meeting with the Kaegebein School Holiday Concert, preceded by dinner in the cafeteria. Tables were decorated with KINDNESS CHAINS where Early Act students had made a link after they performed a Random Act of Kindness at home or school. School teachers and administrators are finding that the negative: Don’t Bully does not work nearly as well as the Positive: Try Random Acts of Kindness! A great chance for Grand Island Rotarians to see what really works well in developing kindness and service in youth, while minimizing awful instances of bullying..jpg)
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scholarships told the club about her journey from an orphanage in Columbia, to an adolescence in Lewiston and on to becoming a biology major at John Carroll University. Then, the club heard from Irwin Printup, who told the club about how, after a stint in the Marines, she proceeded to become an artist and illustrator who has deepened the appreciation of the Iroquois Culture. 
We often take for granted the comfort in a home cooked meal. Growing up, you probably never understood why it was so important to Mom and Dad to have family meals together every night. You forget the camaraderie and enjoyment that comes from the laughter, conversation and home cooking shared around a dinner table. Moments and memories like these become especially important during times of crisis and turmoil. For this reason, the Rotary Club of Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus (BNMC) has adopted the Kevin Guest House as one of its original and on-going service projects. The Kevin Guest House is the nation’s first healthcare hospitality house inviting any patient or family member, local or out-of-town, a warm and peaceful place to stay while a loved one undergoes medical treatment. Since the inception of the BNMC Rotary Club, its members have volunteered each month to cook and serve dinner to any patient staying at KGH. The club values the importance of caring for others, and has been fortunate to learn how friendship and food can lighten the burden someone else carries.
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Rotary Club of Buffalo President Elect Bill Larkin (pictured left) and President Mike Sendor (right) spent the day at Buffalo City Mission working on Service Above Self day. Twenty-six Buffalo Rotarians and two youth exchange students volunteered at the Food Bank, the Buffalo City Mission, Goodwill and Ronald McDonald House. The club also has an ongoing mentoring program at Lorraine Elementary, which takes place during the school year.
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WOW! Who knew that pancakes and sausage patties would be such a hit? On Saturday, December 2, 2017, The Rotary Club of Norfolk Sunrise (RCNS) played host to the Norfolk community. Reportedly, this "pay it forward" to the Norfolk community event was an over the top success.
The Rotary Club of Hamburg once again participated in the Hamburg Holidays Santa Claus Parade on November 25, 2017. The Easter Bunny was featured on their float as the club promoted its annual Breakfast with the Bunny that is set for March 24. Pictured is the Bunny, the truck float, a 1948 Ford F3 built in Buffalo and driven by Rotarians Dale and Barb Stanley, granddaughter Haley is seated in the driver's seat and came along for the ride. 
EarlyAct members at St. Andrew School in Welland decided to decorate their school Christmas tree with angels. Each angel has a gender and age of a member of the community who needs help this Christmas. As Welland Rotarian Nick Bodo observed, "This is a beautiful expression of what Christmas is about and what Rotary stands for.".jpg)
Area students who are currently enrolled in their first year of full-time post-secondary education are invited to submit the .png)
The Fantasy of Trees is a Rotary Club of Grimsby annual fundraiser and is expected to raise $15,000 or more this year through silent auction and lottery proceeds. There were 40 decorated trees in the raffle with another 60 items in the raffle and silent auction. The event ran from November 24th to December 10th this year. 
Gift to You. Congratulations and thank you to all the Paul Harris Fellows
Harry Walker (on right) with me. Harry deserves much of the credit for this new club! Last time he was president of his club he established an Interact club! Thanks Harry, You are making a Difference!
On Monday, December 11th, the Rotary Club of Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus "BNMC Rotary" celebrated the holiday season together at Coco Bar & Bistro. The evening was complete with with festive apparel, delicious hors d’ouvres and bountiful gift donations for two local charities. Hats, gloves, socks and scarves were collected for the Buffalo City Mission along with new, unwrapped children’s toys for Child & Family Service’s Adopt-a-Family Program. BNMC Rotary wishes D7090 clubs a merry and bright new year!
Pictured here, Past District Governor Jack Amico, on left, recently accepted a donation from the Rotary Club of Lancaster - Depew President Robert Benzel, further fulfilling the club’s $10,000 pledge to the District 7090 Million Dollar Challenge. 
The Rotary Club of Williamsville members volunteered at Eastern Hill Mall on December 9, from 9am to 5pm ringing the bell in support of the Salvation Army’s annual “Red Kettle” fund raising drive.
The Rotary Club of Williamsville celebrated its 14th consecutive year of working with Gateway Longview on its “Adopt an Angel” campaign on December 8, 2017, when items collected by the club were dropped off to the program assistants by Rotarians Bill Thuman and Frank Ralabate. The annual event assists infants through young adults 21 years of age who participate in behavioral health, special education, residential treatment and community-based programs at Gateway Longview.
Norfolk Sunrise and Welshpool Rotary Clubs celebrate their 21st year of reciprocal youth exchange. Pictured here are our Welshpool Exchange students who spent a week with our Norfolk students in October. They experienced many highlights during their stay, such as: agriculture, Six Nations, Wonderland, and Niagara Falls, to name a few. Our Norfolk Exchange student candidates will travel to Welshpool in March, 2018 for the reciprocal part of this fabulous program!
Coats for Kids is alive and well in Norfolk. RCNS recently held their annual event. There were items left over so Rotarian Dave Nicolle, (biggest kid in photo) visited Mount Pleasant Elementary School to drop off some of our event’s overflow of coats and knitted goods. The children, in the kindergarten class there, run their own program of giving items of warmth to kids by kids. RCNS was able to serve their own event and support this school’s program of helping others in need. What a great way to serve others who are not so fortunate and to support these children who are learning to serve others at such a young age! Rotarians in training!
You are invited to attend the 2018 Rotary International Convention, 23-27 June in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, where there is Inspiration Around Every Corner. 
The Dunkirk Fredonia Rotary Club, with financial assistance from a District 7090 Grant, recently purchased a grape press for the Chautauqua County Rural Ministry. The press will be used to process grape juice from surplus grapes, and distribute the juice to the 20 food pantries in Chautauqua County that Rural Ministry supports. 
se experienced and dedicated Rotarians to take advantage of their counsel in the days and years ahead. The annual meeting and luncheon on Friday was so well attended that extra chairs and tables had to be brought in. Thank you to all that attended. For a look at the event, check out the photo link on the upper right hand corner of this newsletter.
Sandra Brown, a Westfield, NY resident, was recently recognized with a Paul Harris Fellow by the Rotary Club of Westfield-Mayville. This distinction was given to her during this Rotary Club’s Oct. 14 Gold Rush public event at Eason Hall in Westfield.
From Batavia to Brantford, over 100 Rotarians from all over District 7090, attended a celebration of World Polio Day at Niagara Falls, Ontario. The magnificent Niagara Falls was alight with the colours of Rotary in recognition of our world wide success in almost eradicating this disease. At a short reception prior to lighting the falls, attendees were reminded of the cost of this success, with a short moment of silence in remembrance of those that lost their lives in this effort. We are indeed "This Close" and looking forward to the day when the last 2 countries are Polio Free. While the call to come participate in the lighting of the Falls was open to all 7090 clubs and Rotary supporters, a big shout out to all the clubs in the Niagara region for getting this project done!
The Holley Rotary Club has recently added a new member, Dr. Krista Wiley. Krista owns and operates Wiley’s Ark, a veterinary clinic in the Village of Holley. Pictured is Krista being inducted.
The three Rotary clubs of Area 6: St. Catharines, St Catharines Lakeshore and St. Catharines South came together to participate in a flag raising ceremony at St. Catharines City Hall in support of World Polio Day. 
The Rotary Club of St. Catharines reports that its 40 foot container left the Warehouse of Hope on November 2, 2017 and is expected to be received by fellow Rotarians in St. Maarten on November 15, 2017. The club sends a shout out to all who contributed to assist in the club's endeavour to help in the rebuilding of St. Maarten, due to the devastation of Hurricane Irma.
The Rotary Club of Hamilton Mountain & S.C. Johnson were recently recognized for their donations to the CYO Marydale Park.
District Governor Reg and Loretta Madison visited the Rotary Club of Niagara Falls, NY for the Official Club Visit. Governor Reg was presented the key to the City by Niagara Falls, NY Mayor Paul Dyster, and inducted new Rotarian Judie Glaser while he was there, after delivering an uplifting presentation on growing Rotary. 
rting the celebration of World Polio Day a little early, Tom Gerbasi (L), Rotary Club of Lewiston/Niagara-on-the-Lake Secretary, presented to District 7090 Governor Reg Madison (R) the club's annual contribution to Polio Plus - Rotary's effort to eradicate Polio.
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Thanks to kindhearted participants and generous sponsors, the Rotary Club of Westfield-Mayville’s “PolioPlus Challenge” Charity Miniature Golf Tournament scored a hole in one with raising $2,431 for the fight against polio. This event, which was held on the morning of August 19 at Webb’s Miniature Golf in Mayville, NY, featured 12 foursome teams competing for great prizes, a putting contest, a silent auction, an informational display about polio, refreshments and lots of laughs.
Club of Jamestown participated in the 2017 Chautauqua Lake Dragon Boat Race. Rotary was highly visible during the event with its bright blue shirts emblazoned with the Rotary wheel! Fun was had by all who participated. The proceeds of the event will benefit the Chautauqua Lake Association.
a hiatus of several years for professional reasons. Her membership was sponsored by Rotarian Tom Berkhouse. Pete Bills, Club Membership Chair, conducted the installation ceremony on July 25 at The Parkview in Westfield.
lebration (serving, not drinking). Then later a wonderful fundraiser called Food 4 Kids with the Waterdown and Flamborough clubs, (my omelet took top honours at the event). 
lk about collaboration, the Niagara area clubs banded together to raise almost $100,000 for the building of a new cancer center in Fonthill and their bike riders road over 900 kilometres for the cause around Lake Ontario. 
ers who were able to attend and our thanks go out to Cam and Vicky. Good news followed with the appointment of Roger Mann of the other Brantford Club as Assistant Governor for Area 2 replacing Marty Schure.
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month, members from the Rotary Club of Hamilton Mountain spend their lunch hour cleaning up their adopted park, the McQuesten Community Park. 
e some of the volunteer staff, consisting of Rotarians and friends, at closing. There were another 200 volunteers who are missing from the photo. Pictured (left) is a favorite volunteer who helped move (or at least hold up) the many chairs it took for so many attendees.
On May 17, 2017, Adventures in Citizenship Program participants E.J. Holmes, Deanna Haas, Evan Court and Noelle Adams spoke to the Rotary Club of Brantford Sunrise about their trip to Ottawa with 190 other young Canadians selected for the program. Participants visited the Parliament Buildings and listened to members speak about their roles. They also visited the Indigenous Health Center and learned about the ‘Seven Generations’ along and the War Museum and spoke with war veterans about their experiences. They observed 24 new Canadians become citizens, joined in a traditional French dinner with square dancing, and enjoyed many more experiences. According to the 4 participants, this is an amazing program. .jpg)
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On Thursday, June 15, guests were treated to a terrific dinner and program presented by this year's RYLArians. Approximately 40 students participated in the week long leadership development program on the campus at State University of NY at Fredonia. "A perfect number and a perfect week", said, RYLA Chair Sue O'Dwyer, of the students and her leadership development team. 
