September was a busy and inspiring month filled with club visits, District Council, special events, Zone training, and many opportunities to see Rotary in action on both sides of our border.I had the honour of visiting the Rotary Club of Brantford Sunrise, where President Jerry Lawlor and members gave me a warm welcome, with PDG Reg Madison providing my introduction.
This dynamic club, along with its innovative Paris Satellite Club, combines fellowship and service through events such as the Duck Derby, Canada Day Beer Tent, and Trip of the Month fundraiser.
At the Rotary Club of Hamilton, President Stewart Wynne and members shared some of their tremendous work, including the Christmas Tree of Hope and their Rotary Summer Literacy Program, which has been changing children's lives for more than 25 years. Having attended the summer program myself, seeing the joy of the children was a wonderful reminder of how Rotary can truly change lives.
Our District Council was held in Lockport on September 12 in a hybrid format, demonstrating Rotary's ability to adapt and provide opportunities for everyone to participate. Following the meeting, Rotarians and community members attended “Rotary Wants Your Help to Stop Human Trafficking,” learning about Project Mona's House and its connection to our Human Trafficking Global Grant initiative.
While in Lockport, I also visited the Rotary Club of Lockport, where President Amanda Henning warmly welcomed me. Lockport is one of five U.S. clubs helping lead our District's fight against human trafficking. A special acknowledgement goes to Paul Lehman, our District Paul Harris Society Coordinator, for his leadership in bringing clubs together across Western New York and Southern Ontario around Human Trafficking Awareness and Prevention.
My visit to the Rotary Club of Lewiston-Niagara-on-the-Lake brought plenty of fellowship and fun! President Ronald Danielewicz and his merry group of Rotarians even welcomed me with my very own DG song! The club has a wonderful history of service, including more than 55 years at the Lewiston Art Festival Hot Dog Sale, participation in the Great Lakes Watershed Cleanup, and leadership in our Human Trafficking Global Grant initiative.
I also attended the Niagara-on-the-Lake Rotary Gala, where I witnessed Rotary teamwork at its best.When the weather forced a last-minute change from the outdoor venue, Joe Will generously offered his winery.
Within hours, Rotarians moved the event and made it a success. Rotarians working together—that's Rotary in action!
One of my most meaningful moments was joining my home club, the Rotary Club of Lincoln, for the unveiling of a beautifully hand-carved Peace Pole at Rotary Park in Beamsville.The words “May Peace Prevail on Earth” have taken on a much deeper meaning for me since visiting Hiroshima and the site of the atomic bombing this summer.
That experience profoundly impacted me.
Peace is not merely something we hope for—it begins within ourselves, our families and our communities and extends throughout the world.
Each of us has a role in making those words a reality.
September also took me to the Rotary Zone Conference in Cancun, where more than 1,000 Rotarians representing 15 countries and 76 Districts came together to learn, exchange ideas, and explore ways to grow Rotary and improve the member experience.I was fortunate to meet Tom Gump, who established the first Rotary cause-based club focused on human trafficking, and was honoured to participate in a Youth session with Rotary International President Yinka Babalola. I returned home energized and look forward to sharing what I learned with our District.
As I reflect on September, what stands out most is not the number of meetings or events—it is the people behind them. From supporting children and promoting peace to protecting our environment and addressing human trafficking across an international border, I continue to see what becomes possible when Rotarians work together.
That is how we Create Lasting Impact.
May Peace Prevail on Earth.
Yours in Rotary,
Joanne Serkeyn
District Governor
Rotary District 7090
District Governor
Rotary District 7090