Posted by Reg Madison

MESSAGE FROM DG REG

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.
 
By the time you receive this many members of the District Leadership Team will be in Hartford, CT for the annual Zone Institute that includes districts in Canada, the USA, France and Bermuda. The total number of clubs in Zones 24 and 32 is just under 1900, representing 64,000 members.  The Institute not only provides additional training and inspiration for leaders, it also delivers an opportunity to exchange ideas, make new contacts and enjoy Rotary fellowship.
 
I am so proud to be serving you, the Best of Friends District this Rotary year, with our theme of Making a Difference.  We’ll have completed 61 of our 67 club visits when you are reading this and I wish each of you could go through the experience that Loretta and I are enjoying!   It truly is a life altering, mind-boggling opportunity.  To read, to hear first-hand about all the incredible good you are doing in your communities and the world is an absolutely incredible journey that reinforces “Service above Self” and proves that we are indeed MAKING A DIFFERENCE!
 
Thank you for all you do and thank you for being Rotarians!