In this year of serving as District Governor, I have had such an amazing experience. I have the opportunity to visit so many clubs at their meetings and for fund raisers, making new friends and learning about the amazing things that are being done by Rotarians in their communities, and making me feel so welcome. It has really been an uplifting experience for me.
This year, as many of you know, RI President Gord McInally, asked us to "Create Hope in the World", bringing optimism to those most in need, and in particular, he asked us to bring a focus to the issue of Mental Health. He asked us to review our own needs in our club and our communities, and help remove the stigma of this issue, which affects so many of us personally. As I have spoken about this issue, it has surprised me how many of us have stories to share about their own struggles or those of people close to them. It has been my hope that our clubs will continue to create the safe spaces necessary for these matters to be discussed among ourselves, creating Hope in that situation.
So, please keep bringing optimism to our communities and to your clubs, and continue to "Create Hope in the World"
The Great Lakes Watershed Cleanup initiative is an effort that has grown from a District 7090 service project covering a small portion of Lake Ontario and Lake Erie to a multi-District plan to focus Rotarians’ attention on all five of the Great Lakes and the streams and waterways feeding them. Our goal every year is to make this the single largest cleanup event ever planned, coinciding with Earth Day (April 22).
The Great Lakes contains almost 20% of the world’s fresh water and is arguably the largest source of fresh water on the planet.
It borders eight states and two provinces and has 9,577 miles (15,323 kilometers) of shoreline.
So far, 15 Districts, 100’s of Clubs, and thousands of Rotary volunteers have agreed to participate.
We will be joining over one billion people worldwide working on projects together in their communities on Earth Day.
We urge all Clubs, Rotarians, Rotaractors, Interactors, and friends, to plan and organize an event to take place on or around April 2.
Support will be available to each Club to help to organize the event.
Correspond with the District contacts to provide cleanup event date(s), location, and lead contact person for each event.
The act of volunteering is a cornerstone of our work together. You may be interested in promoting peace, international projects, belongingness, helping others learn, or have technical skills - all in the act of meeting new friends.
Rotarians are welcome to open the following link to the Opportunities tab on our District website (CLICK HERE) to review and volunteer for leadership roles in our District.
Club leaders are welcome to mention these opportunities at future club meetings (hint, hint).
Reach out to current District committee chairs to find out more. Attend a meeting. Bring a friend.
Of course, at times this isn’t for you - you may be reading this right now - but you know someone who might be ideal for a position. Make the connection! Many have found they have gained many valuable experiences from a District committee or initiative that has opened up their Rotary worldview and enriched their club efforts.
Rotarians are Lifelong Learners and Lifelong Leaders! At a recent Chautauqua County Chamber of Commerce meeting, Rotarians made up the majority of those in attendance. Rotarians are active in our communities, lead and support our local businesses, and sponsor community events and causes. We are People of Action, and we love our mission of Service Above Self!
We challenge those reading this outstanding newsletter to take a look around at your next community meeting or event and see how many Rotarians are in the crowd!
How about reaching out just a bit further and inviting a few potential Rotarians to your Club’s next Service project?!
Rotarians from left to right include: Dan Heitzenrater – President & CEO Chautauqua County Chamber of Commerce; Ellen Luczkowiak – Account Manager City of Dunkirk; Michele Starwalt Woods – Small business owner at MDStar Presentations in addition to Scholarship Coordinator at Northern Chautauqua Community Foundation; David Dengler – Small business owner at Larson-Timko Funeral Home; Ken Morris – CEO Brooks TLC Hospital; and Jody Falkner – Small business owner at JF Grant Consulting Services in addition to Interim Executive Director United Way of Northern Chautauqua County.
The Ongoing Work of the Niagara Greenway Rotary Steering Committee Seeing a need to assist in the effort to protect, enhance, and preserve the 36-mile corridor of the Niagara River from its confluence at Lake Erie to the terminus at Lake Ontario, the Niagara Greenway Rotary Steering Committee (NGRSC) was formed as a friends group of the Niagara Greenway Commission. Since then, nine District 7090 Rotary clubs (Buffalo, Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus, Buffalo Sunrise, Grand Island, Kenmore and Tonawandas Satellite Club, Niagara County Central, Lockport and Lewiston- NOTL) have adopted portions of the Shoreline Trail, pledging to help clean up and enhance their sections, Corporations and School Districts such as NOCO, Casella, Ken-Ton Schools, Niagara Wheatfield, and Riverside High schools have joined in as partners. City and Erie and Niagara County governments and state agencies are partners.
Over the past five years, much has been accomplished. Rotary themed benches, bike racks, bike repair stations, pollinator gardens and interpretive signage have been put in place. Invasive species have been tamed and litter is routinely cleaned up. It is a pleasure to walk and ride bicycles along this beautiful trail in any season.
Importantly, a new generation of youth are being introduced to this precious asset in our region.
We invite Rotary groups in 7090 doing similar work on behalf of the precious resource of water to connect with us for a sharing of ideas and resource opportunities.
We are very enthusiastic about the upcoming District 7090 Conference. We shall be doing a presentation, and encourage new Rotarians as well as our supportive current Rotarians to attend this informative session. In addition, we shall have a table in the Friendship House where we shall be selling our famous Platters chocolate hearts. Hearts from My Sweet,Sweet World were sold to Canadian members this year for Valentine’s Day. A purchase of 500 hearts was made of which over 400 were sold. The remainder will be for sale on Mother’s Day, May 12th. On the Canadian Side, please email valerie@hagersvillerocks,com for orders. This did not occur on the U.S. side because of illness and the lack of other Board members who could visit clubs. Clubs are encouraged to take orders for hearts in their clubs. If sent to Pat in advance of the District Conference, club orders will be ready for pick up at the conference. We shall be selling dark, milk, and orange chocolate hearts for $10.00 American. Canadian members may also buy hearts if they wish but should be prepared to pay with American dollars. Individuals may also purchase, and are encouraged to purchase, hearts at the conference. Remember our motto: Buy a Heart, Save a Heart.
District 7090’s Gift of Life project continues its efforts to provide cardiac surgery for children in underserved countries who would otherwise die from congenital heart defects. This Rotary year we are happy to introduce three new Board members from Canadian Clubs. They are Margaret Andrews from the Lincoln Club, Carol Lipsett from the Niagara on the Lake club, and Cathy Henry from St. Catharines South. They joined chair Valerie Phillips and longtime member Dr. Pam Milroy from the Caledonia Club. Valerie succeeded founder PDG John Rydzik in 2009. Members on the U.S. are Dr. Pat Castiglia, Vice-Chair and treasurer (Hamburg club) and Dr. Tom Gerbasi (Lewiston-NOTL). We continue to need new Board members for U.S. representation. If anyone is interested in joining us, please contact Pat at ptcas34@gmail.com Membership on this Board is a great way to become involved in the district and requires attendance at only four Board Zoom meetings.
The Rotary Foundation Scholarship Committee of District 7090 introduces the 2023-2024 scholarships. This year there are three scholarships for deserving high school graduating students.
Two - $1000.00 USD awards
One - $1,500.00 USD award for a student with a median family income of less than $37,000 USD/year or $50,337.39 CDN/year.
Criteria:
*Applicant must be within the boundaries of District 7090 at application and in final year of high school education with a commitment for full time, post-secondary (college, university, community college) education.
* A résumé of community service and/or volunteer activities completed, plus a 100-word paragraph about the impact these experiences have had on you.
* An essay of 750 words describing: why you chose your career/education path, and what community service/volunteer activities you plan to participate in.
* Optional: letter of reference from any community member (not a family member).
For a full description (including the Rotary’s conflict of interest policy) and download the application, CLICK HERE.
Timeline: Application deadline is April 12, 2024 with awarded scholarship no later than June 28, 2024. ** We encourage each club to each out to their local high school(s) to announce this opportunity**
Completed applications will be accepted by email only and submitted by the local Rotary Club.
The Holley Rotary Interact Club was started 8 years ago by Jessica Mandigo and my father, John Heise (a former District Governor of 7090). Jessica had attended RYLA that year, where Interact was talked about.
In the past 7 years our Interact Club has grown to over 100 members! Holley is a very small town. We have one stop light. Our school grades 7-12 have fewer than 500 kids. Last year another Holley Rotarian started an EarlyAct Club (they have been working grades 4-6 right now). They have over 40 members!
We have made sandwiches for the homeless, collected personal hygiene items for the needy, done a Day of Caring, helped make Veterans Day cards with the Elementary School kids, and participated in Soles4Souls. A favorite activity is every fall we help clean up the local cemetery.
Almost all of our activities are done outside of school hours, making it a true community service group.
Lockport Rotary Interact and EarlyAct clubs prepared Valentine cards for Seniors
This year to celebrate Valentine’s Day, DeSales EarlyAct Club and Lockport High School Interact Club created more than 100 Valentine cards! Both clubs continue to follow Rotary’s motto of “Service Above Self” by “spreading love” to the residents of Elderwood at Lockport.
Top Photo: EarlyAct officers L-R: Pres. Lauren, Sec. Rileigh, V.P. Jude
Bottom Photo: Interact members L-R: Camryn and Arden
🚀 Get ready to kick off March with a Special Networking Event crafted for Rotaractors, Rotarians, and vibrant guests in their 20s and 30s!
📅 Date: March 01, 2024 (Friday)
⏰ Time: 7:00 pm Onwards
📍Location: The George Hamilton Restaurant and Brewery (152 King St W, Hamilton, ON L8P 1A6, Canada)
Elevate your social circle and professional network in an atmosphere tailored for the dynamic community of Rotaractors, Rotarians, and energetic guests buzzing with excitement. But wait, the night doesn't end there! Channel your inner rockstar with karaoke starting at 9 pm.
Each February the District 7090 Rotary Youth Exchange Program organizes a trip with our students to Algonquin Park. If you are not familiar with this trip, you are probably asking yourself, “Why in the world would we take a bunch of teenagers to Northern Canada in the middle of winter where there is no running water or central heat?”
The answer is simple: our goal is to provide the students in the program the most memorable experience of their exchange year. The Rotary Outdoor Leadership Experience has been going on for almost 40 years and is a unique feature of our district. It is held in February so that our recently selected outbound students can interact with our inbound students in challenging circumstances that force students out of their comfort zone. The trip is an opportunity for our outbound students to experience being away from home in an unfamiliar place with new people before they head out on their exchange year. The trip allows our inbound students to reflect on the challenges of their exchange and inspire them to finish the year strong. It is a marvel to see kids from all over the world and from all walks of life come together and bond like they have been friends for decades. For some of the students, it is a turning point in their exchange year and for others it is the spark that gives their exchange year a deeper meaning.
In a world where cultural exchange and mutual understanding are more crucial than ever, the Rotary Club of Fonthill proudly continues its tradition of participating in the Rotary International cultural youth exchange program. Every year, this program opens doors for over 8000 youth aged 15-18, offering them the opportunity to explore and live in countries across the globe.
At the heart of the Rotary Youth Exchange program lies a noble mission: the promotion of world peace and understanding. Young individuals from our communities eagerly apply and are carefully selected and prepared to embark on a life-changing journey, spending up to a year immersed in a foreign culture. While these adventurous souls venture abroad, the sponsoring Rotary Clubs, including the Rotary Club of Fonthill, extend their hospitality to students from foreign lands, introducing them to the richness of Canadian and North American cultures.
"After experiencing a year abroad, our exchange students return home brimming with excitement and newfound appreciation for global diversity," says Mike Taylor, Rotary Youth Exchange Officer. "Their journey not only enriches their lives but also fosters a deeper understanding of our interconnected world."
Now, more than ever, we invite members of our community who share our vision of promoting world peace and understanding to consider the invaluable opportunity of hosting one of these exceptional students. Whether for a period of three months or longer, hosting a Rotary exchange student offers a unique chance to embrace diversity, equity, and inclusion while providing a nurturing environment for young minds to flourish.
Fonthill Rotary looks to enlist 3-4 families per year to host our students for 3-4 months at a time and we are actively recruiting for one family for this year’s student as well as looking ahead at our next student who will be arriving at some point in August.
Fonthill Rotary looks to enlist 3-4 families per year to host our students for 3-4 months at a time and we are actively recruiting for one family for this year’s student as well as looking ahead at our next student who will be arriving at some point in August.
Join us in fostering global connections and building bridges of understanding, one host family at a time. If interested or if you have any questions at all please reach out to Mike Taylor at taylor.mikey03@gmail.com.
Are You Ready For The Total Sun Eclipse Coming April 8th?
The Rotary Club of Grand Island has graciously invited Dr. Kevin Williams, the esteemed Director of the Whitworth Ferguson Planetarium at SUNY Buffalo State University and Associate Professor of Geosciences, to deliver a captivating presentation on the upcoming Solar Eclipse. Open to all.
When: Saturday, March 2, 2024 Time: 1:30 PM Where: Grand Island High School Auditorium
As many of you may know, Western New York (WNY) is situated directly within the "Path of Totality" for the solar eclipse on Monday, April 8, 2024. This rare phenomenon, where the moon completely covers the sun, promises an unforgettable celestial spectacle. It's a unique opportunity, especially since WNY is perfectly positioned for this event, attracting enthusiasts and visitors in large numbers.
We encourage you to join the Grand Island Rotary at this free educational event. Dr. Williams's expertise offers a fantastic chance to deepen our understanding of this astronomical event.
The "Growing Readers" and Rotary Meat Raffle will run on Saturday, March 9 at the Cristoforo Colombo Society Hall at 2223 Pine Avenue - Niagara Falls New York 14301.
Have you ever attended a meat raffle event?
They are a party, combining tailgating, bidding on excellent meat, a basket raffle and 50/50 chance drawings.
Get a group of your friends together and buy a table to have a party and support a good cause.
Tickets are $10 per participant, and a table has 10 seats. Bids on meat is a dollar a bid.
Interested volunteers will arrive at 5:30 pm. Doors open at 6 pm. The Meat Raffle portion of the evening will start at 7 pm. We expect the event to wrap up around 9:30 pm.
"Growing Readers" puts books into the hands of infants and toddlers when they attend their 2nd, 6th, 12th, 18th and 24th month well-baby visit!
If you are interested in sponsoring a table and need tickets you can contact Jude Kuehne at judekuehne@gicsd.org or call 716-773-8801.
If paying by check, please address it to the Rotary Club of Grand Island and put Meat Raffle tickets in the memo field.
June 22-23: The Dragons are coming back to Norfolk in June ... and we in the Rotary Club of Norfolk Sunrise are now seeking help from the community to make the 2024 event even more successful than was the case in 2023.
Last year, we raised $26,000, we supported the Cancer Support & Resource Program with a $6,500 donation and we made additional donations to 11 other local community charities. We benefitted from the support of 6 corporate sponsors, we hosted 23 teams (500 participants, including local community teams competitive teams from across Ontario) and we entertained 2,000 enthusiastic spectators many who shopped local while in Waterford for the day.
Given this exposure,
- we are seeking teams to participate with us. We expect that most of the dragons from last year will return but are also looking for additional proposals. If you are interested and can put together a team, we’d love to hear from you; and
- we are seeking sponsors to help us. Your corporate sponsorship of $5,000 will ensure another successful fundraising event that benefits so many in Norfolk County. In addition, your business and your contribution will be advertised on the Invasion of the Dragons website and our Facebook page, on signage throughout the park at the event and by MC/DJ announcements throughout the event day.
Note the event poster at the 'Read more ...' tab below. Are you interested in helping us? For further information send us your interest/query to rotarydragonboatsnorfolk@gmail.com. We will respond to every expression of interest.
The major fundraiser for the Batavia Rotary Club concluded with the grand prize drawing, but the real winners are the many local organizations that receive support from Rotary all year long.
"This is the major fundraiser that allows our club to make so many contributions to the community, such as $18,000 in college scholarships to area students each year," said President Susie Ott.
Rotary is also contributing $250,000 toward the Healthy Living Campus under construction on Main Street, a joint project for the YMCA and United Memorial Medical Center.
Most recently, Rotary has offered a $150,000 matching pledge for the renovation of the local hospital's Intensive Care Unit, Mrs. Ott said.
"Fundraisers like this Corvette event are critical for helping us help others," said Lisa Ormsbee, who co-chairs the event with Laurie Mastin. Once again, the grand prize winner receives the choice of a Corvette or $50,000. The winning ticket that was drawn in January belongs to former Batavia resident Ned Chatt.
The drawing was live on Facebook and District Governor Scott Marcin attended.
PHOTO: Taking it to the bank … Former Batavian Ned Chatt receives a check for $50,000 as the grand prize winner of the Batavia Rotary Club’s major fundraiser. Pictured are, from left, Club President Susie Ott, Mr. Chatt, Event Co-Chair Laurie Mastin, and Ed Leising from the Club’s Foundation Board.
Several members of the Rotary Club of Brantford-Sunrise were pleased to attend and participate in the 2nd Annual Priceless Art Auction, hosted by the Satellite Club of Paris (sponsored by the Brantford-Sunrise Club) on February 23. Instead of bidding with money to get the art of their choosing, participants bid with pledges for hours of community service. Over $6,000 worth of art was donated by local artists, and over 500 volunteer hours were raised in support of the community, surpassing last year’s fundraising efforts!
A reminder to all Rotary Clubs about the 4th Annual Rotary Club of Brantford-Sunrise Online Auction, running from April 18 to 28, 2024. Once again, all proceeds from this year’s auction will continue to support PARS and its pediatric programs. To register or donate, go to https://event.auctria.com/5412950e-1d6a-4747-99f2-cac29797932b/.
For many 7090 Rotary clubs there is an addition to the Four Way Test: Will it be fun? The answer is YES. BSR members gathered for a post-holiday party, graciously hosted by Jill and Greg Norton in late January. Highlights of the evening were the induction of new member Paige Mason by President Melanie and an energetic White Elephant exchange. Top prize winner was PE Timothy Priano, who won the coveted toilet plunger.
PHOTO: (L) Paige Mason, (R) Melanie Rushforth
PHOTO: (L) Stan Simmons and Liliane, our effervescent Brazilian YE student capped off the evening with a Portuguese/English karaoke rendition of “The Girl from Ipanema”. Great fun!
Early Spring brings members back to more serious business. Completing the Pollinator Garden on our adopted Niagara River Greenway Trail section and becoming involved in a potential Human Trafficking grant project are action items going forward.
Recently, the Rotary Club of Nairobi-Madaraka (D 9212, Kenya) received three grants from LG (Life is Good), in support of projects in which they are involved in Kenya. The club is currently implementing a District Matching Grant with the Rotary Club of Dundas Valley Sunrise; it is hoped that this partnership will continue in the 2024 – 2025 Rotary Year with a Collaborative District Grant. There has been interest expressed regarding a Vocational Training Team possibility and even a Friendship Exchange; this would help to bolster even further the relationship between the two Districts.
The Nairobi-Madaraka Club is a young club – founded in 2012 by former Rotaractors and has an average age under 40 among its nearly 50 members. They are into “sweat equity” in their projects, helping to renovate the school library project (Maktaba Project) that the Dundas Valley Sunrise Rotary Club supports, along with the District. The grant that the club received from LG amounted to 6 million Kenya shillings – the equivalent of US$38 000! Part of this money will help to provide more books and computers for the Friends Integrated Centre in Kariobangi North in the City of Nairobi.
PHOTO: Joel Wandurwa (far left), president of the Rotary Club of Nairobi - Madaraka and two members of his executive receive a cheque from LG in support of their local community projects.
District Gov. Scott Marcin worked with the Rotary Club of Hamburg on Feb. 1 to prepare an amazing meal for the folks at the Buffalo Ronald McDonald House. Local Chef Krista Van Wagner joined us to prepare penne bolognaise, focaccia and tiramisu. Shown from left are: Gov. Marcin, Rotarians Eileen Hotho and Colleen Gibbons with Chef Krista, former owner/chef of Curly's restaurant and culinary instructor at Global Concepts Charter School.
The Rotary Club of Hamburg on a sunny Saturday (Feb. 3) held their annual Craft and Vendor Show at the Hamburg Moose Hall. Shoppers and Rotarians were enthusiastic about the diverse items at the show, from spices to beautiful candles and a variety of hand-knitted hats and mittens. Many of the shoppers were, in fact, Rotarians as evidenced in this photo.
Hamilton-After-Five recognised the outstanding leadership of Pinkie Mothibedi of Botswana by sponsoring her being named as a Paul Harris Fellow. Pinkie Mothibedi has been instrumental over many years in helping our club locate and mentor successful Peace Fellowship applicants from Botswana. Pinkie is a graduate of the Makarere University Peace Fellowship Certificate program. She is a community development expert focusing on disability issues in Botswana. In her words: “I believe in collective inclusion of all persons and … policy implementation that addresses the rights of Persons with disabilities” Pinkie’s leadership has been instrumental in the strong bond between our club and colleagues in Botswana – especially the Okavango Delta region. In her work and in her relationship with our club she truly is a person who has worked successfully in furtherance of friendly relations among peoples of the world. - Bob Munroe
“Secrets Revealed by Hamilton, Ontario Celebrity, Jayne Eastwood”
Most Rotary Clubs have new members complete brief "Classification Talks" as a way of introducing themselves to the membership. In the case of new member, Jayne Eastwood, she has such a storied biography - actress, comedienne, bon vivant, that she was invited to be guest speaker at the January 24, 2024, club meeting. Jayne has been featured in over three hundred stage, movie, and small screen productions in her career.
To get the "full story" and show Jayne's talents at their best, she was interviewed by Past-President, Mark Ewer using "Talk Show" format. Sure enough, facing some probing questions by Mr. Ewer (who was, by the way, dressed resplendently for the occasion), Jayne answered with alacrity, but unfortunately no one really knew how truthfully! When asked if she had ever beat her three children she replied "never" but did admit to some sketchy home cooking!
Jayne has offered to help "pump up" Hamilton AM entertainment by members and will be an outstanding contributor to future club events, we are sure.
The session ended with a rousing version of "Day by Day", the famous hit song from one of Jayne's early productions, Godspell!
Members of the Rotary Club of Jamestown helped at the 2nd Annual YWCA Jamestown "Coldest Night of the Year" Fundraiser on February 24. Also participating: members of the Falconer and Greater Jamestown AM Rotary Clubs. Object: to raise funds for the YWCA’s Transitions Supportive Housing Program, said Rotary Wheelers team captain Marion Beckerink.
Rotary Club members were some of the many local groups rallying behind this community effort, building teams, finding sponsors, and participating in the walk. Beckerink explained, “Many people don’t realize how quickly circumstances can change for some people who end up without a roof over their heads, this event allows families and club members to help neighbors sleep in a warm, safe, environment, all while enjoying a walk around the City of Jamestown and still be home before dark.”
Two different routes were offered to the walkers: a 2-kilometer loop around downtown Jamestown and a 5-kilometer loop through downtown Jamestown and including the Riverwalk. The effort ended with a light meal at 6 p.m.
Transitions Supportive Housing provides safe and affordable housing and service-enriched case management to women and children who are homeless or at risk of being homeless. The program offers opportunities for residents to identify their capabilities and develop the new skills necessary to be successful at healthy independent living.
Sue Kellogg, YWCA Board President said, “We are so thankful for Rotary’s enthusiastic support of this event. Transitions Supportive Housing brings essential support to women in our community.”
The Rotary Club of Kenmore has teamed up with Cardiac Crusade, a 501(c)(3) charity, to register AED (“automated external defibrillator”) locations in Kenmore, Buffalo, and surrounding areas. This initiative’s mission is to save lives by providing, to 911 systems and the general public, instant access to AED locations in case of sudden cardiac arrest.
Cardiac Crusade, in partnership with PulsePoint, is providing 911 systems with free access to a map of verified AEDs located closest to a sudden cardiac victim, enabling 911 operators to direct bystanders to AED locations during an emergency.
"Our mission is to make a difference in our community and around the world. Joining Cardiac Crusade to register AED locations is an opportunity for us to make a meaningful impact in our community, by helping to save lives IN our community," said Kenmore Past President, Larry Coon.
Cardiac Crusade works with volunteer groups such as Rotary Clubs, Kiwanis, Scouts BSA, and student groups to register AED locations in their communities. To get started, volunteers and leaders can access “Get AED Locations on the Map in YOUR City - A Step by Step Guide” from the Cardiac Crusade website, https://cardiaccrusade.org/.
PHOTO L to R): Kenmore Rotary members Brandon Blatz, John (Blue) Hannon and Larry Coon holding recently registered AEDs
The grey dismal sky brings on Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) of which, John Hopkins University says " . . . that shorter days and less daylight may trigger a chemical change in the brain leading to symptoms of depression. " Some people may find themselves at a very bad place this time of the year.
As part of the RI president's emphasis this Rotary Year on Mental Health, and as the Club's contribution to the District Wide Day of Service, the Lewiston/NOTL Rotary Club, in conjunction with the Niagara County Board of Mental Health and Substance Abuse, publicized the 988 Mental Health Crisis Service 24 hours Hotline that is in place in the US and Canada that offers " free confidential support, guidance, information, referral and intervention as needed."
The Annual Not To Be Missed Valentine's Social was held yet again by the Lewiston/NOTL Rotary Club. As Valentines is all about hearts, our little Bi-National Club strongly supports the work of District 7090 Gift of Life, contributing to their global grants that help repair the congenitally deformed hearts of children around the world.
We can do good in the world, but why not enjoy ourselves as we do? Building goodwill and better friendships one heart at a time.
On Wednesday February 14th the Rotary Club of Lincoln Ontario Canada in partnership with the Niagara Native Garden Club presented their second talk of their eco-series. The eco-series takes place once a month and invites everyone in the community to a free, drop-in seminar on an environmental topic, held at the Fleming Community Centre in Beamsville.
Sean James https://www.facebook.com/sean.james.12/ gave a fascinating and informative talk on the benefits of treating soil, not only for healthy plants but for a healthy planet. We also learned about invasive species, including the worst offenders and how we can learn to control them.
Last week the Club hosted their annual Trivia Night Fundraiser! 400 people were in attendance, including District Governor Scott Marcin and DG elect Dave Alexander. Lots of great fun, food and prizes were won. The Club made just over $13,000 through the work of a wonderful committee and some volunteers from the community.
The presentation is already completed, so if another Club is interested in hosting a Trivia night themselves, contact Rotarian John Beyer. For a donation to our Club, we’d be willing to help you host your own event. You get the prizes, venue and participants and we’ll supply the program. It’s a great fundraising event!
Thank you to everyone who attended the event and volunteered!
The Goettler Foundation and the Rotary Club of Niagara on the Lake have teamed up with the Misool Foundation to fund a $65,000 coral reef restoration project in the Misool Marine Reserve of Raja Ampat. Raja Ampat is an archipelago located in the western Pacific Ocean off Indonesia’s southwest coast. The Misool Marine Reserve is the largest of its kind in Raja Ampat. Coral reefs are often referred to as the “rainforest of the sea” and the Misool reefs are the highest priority for conservation. Dr. Mark Erdmann, marine biologist, coral reef ecologist, and Vice President of Conservation International’s Asia-Pacific marine programs says that "Misool represents one of the most pristine reef systems left on earth — one of only a handful of places in the universe where biodiversity is improving rather than declining." Raja Ampat is one of the most biodiverse places on the planet.
Coral reefs benefit an estimated 1 billion people, either directly or indirectly, from the many ecosystem services they provide. Despite their importance, coral reefs face numerous threats, including climate change, coral bleaching, overfishing, pollution, and habitat destruction. Using a technique called coral transplantation, the Misool team of coral farmers including marine scientists, Misool Rangers and university students, create artificial reefs from wire mesh frames on areas of broken coral. Living corals are transplanted onto these frames, and cleaned and monitored so that they have the best chance of survival. Over time, these reefs will grow naturally, providing new habitat for fish, corals, and other reef creatures. The Goettler Foundation/Rotary Club of NOTL Reef Restoration and Environmental Education Project scales up Misool’s transplantation activities through community engagement, data collection and monitoring. The project engages high school students through a series of educational and practical activities, designed to empower the local community to become changemakers and guardians. The Goettler Foundation and the Rotary Club of Niagara on the Lake are pleased to support Misool’s coral reef restoration efforts but are elated to be engaging Raja Ampat youth in shaping a brighter, sustainable future for their community. Carol Lipsett, President of the Rotary Club of Niagara on the Lake “thanks the Goettler Foundation for their ongoing support of our work and specifically for their support of this critical reef restoration project.”
According to the latest estimates, as many as 13 million children in the United States live in "insecure" homes. Imagine not being able to not have access to simple tools of arts and education, like crayons and colored pencils, or just a notebook! That's why the Olean Rotary Club and Rotary District 7090 try to help those in need at Operation Warm Hearts, located at 920 North 4th Street, by buying almost $2,000 of art and education items last week, including 96 school bookbags. The supplies were purchased with a District 7090 Rotary grant that was awarded to the Olean Club to promote children’s experiences in the arts. These amazing backpacks were assembled with developmentally appropriate items for specific age groups. Eight current members of the Rotary Club put together 96 school bookbags filled with age-appropriate art and educational items like high quality watercolor sets, paint brushes, rulers, scissors, stickers, drawing pens, coloring books, puzzle sets, sketch books, and oil pastels kits for children at the upcoming events at Operation Warm Hearts and throughout the year. Anyone who would like to help with the next grant, please donate to the Olean Rotary Club Community Improvement Fund established by the Olean Rotary Club. This fund supports Lincoln Park gazebo repairs and renovations and other community projects. To donate through the Cattaraugus Region Community Foundation, visit cattfoundation.fcsuite.com/erp/donate/create?funit_id=1196 - Paula Bernstein
The Rotary Club of St. Catharines Lakeshore recently held its Winter Trivia Night at Merriton Community Centre in St. Catharines. Almost 300 Trivia enthusiasts packed the hall with the Richard Martinelli Team finishing on top. As winners, the Martinelli Team received top prize money of $300 and the much sought after Lighthouse Trophy. The team included John Holierhoek, Stavros Papavasiliou, Kelly Pyke, Kevin Paxton, Nick Venneri, Bill Albert, Julius Daquioag and Richard Martinelli.
Featuring 100 questions developed by the Club’s own quizmasters over 7 rounds, this annual team event (tables of 8) features free hot dogs, popcorn and a great time for all involved (participants and volunteers alike).
Watch for our Fun Fall Trivia Night coming in November! Details to be announced.
The Rotary Club of St. Catharines South (RCSS) and the Rotary Club of Karachi (RCK) united in 2018, signing an MOU to combat malnutrition among children under five and pregnant and lactating mothers in Pakistan, where 250,000 children die annually, and 42 percent of children under five are stunted. This collaboration birthed the Trust for Malnutrition and Stunted Growth (TMSG), with esteemed Rotarians such as Aziz Memon of RCK and Najeeb Syed of RCSS serving as trustees. To date, TMSG has touched the lives of 42,000 children and 8,000 mothers across 20 cities in Pakistan. Through over 64 operational clinics, TMSG not only screens individuals but also provides essential therapeutic food under medical supervision, free of charge to those in need.
Mental health and self-care were the focus of a few recent Rotary Club of Waterdown initiatives.
The Membership committee organized a “Rest, Relax and Chill” session at a local yoga studio, Yogashala, in January. Those who attended took part in meditation and gentle poses, followed by a social time with coffee and treats.
The Community Service committee hosted Hot Cocoa for the Soul Skate at the Rotary skating loop at Memorial Park. Originally scheduled to coincide with Bell Let’s Talk Day, the weather didn’t cooperate and the skate was postponed to Jan. 31. Rotary volunteers handed out hot chocolate and were joined by representatives from Lotus Counselling for a fun evening.
In addition to these events, the Community Service Committee recently donated $3,200 to Flamborough Connects to develop a “caring for the caregiver” mental health program that will provide respite and resources for community members who care for loved ones.
At the Rotary Club of Welland’s Curling Social on Tuesday February 13th, District Governor Scott Marcin had the privilege of making some presentations to Welland Rotarians.
He talked about the importance of donating to The Rotary Foundation and its humanitarian and educational programs.
He called upon Rotarian Peter Inman to come forward and be recognized for his donations to The Rotary Foundation through the Clubs Members’ annual donations.
DG Scott stated that "it gives me great pleasure to present you with the emblems of appreciation given to a Paul Harris Fellow – a certificate and pin. We congratulate you, and we thank you for your commitment to the programs of The Rotary Foundation".
DG Scott went on to say that "today we have the privilege of recognizing a Club Member who is a multiple Paul Harris Fellow. He asked Rotarian David Alexander to come forward to receive not one, but two multiple Paul Harris Fellow pins. He presented David with PHF +5 and +6 pins. “Your gifts are truly selfless actions and demonstrate your commitments to our common goals of world understanding and peace". He noted that David was the district Governor Elect.
PICTURED (L to R): DG Scott, Peter Inman, DG Scott, DGE Dave Alexander
At the Rotary Club of Welland’s 6th Annual Curling Social, held at the Welland Curling Club on February 13, 2024, President Tammy Morden, along with Community Service Chair Peter Inman and Past President Vic Kerschl, presented a cheque to Marla Smith, Director of Development for the Niagara Children’s Centre. The cheque, in the amount of $6,606.15, is the second installment of a 5-year commitment for the Centre’s satellite office at the YMCA in Welland. The donation is being used for the purchase of therapy supplies and equipment.
The Club is no stranger to supporting the Centre, being involved as a charter member in 1964, a contributor to the capital campaign expansion in 1996 and a regular supporter over the years. Niagara Children’s Centre helps children and youth “be their best.” It is the go-to resource, a one-stop organization, supporting more than 5,300 children and youth in Niagara every year. Whether it's communicative, developmental, physical and/or behavioural goals, they have it covered.
President Tammy Morden stated it was a pleasure to continue our long-term relationship with the Niagara Children’s Centre.
PHOTO (L to R): Vic Kerschl, Tammy Morden, Marla Smith, Peter Inman
What a great night it was for celebrating Rotary Scholars of the Month from 4 local high schools!!! "Community Service" was a major criterion for eligibility. Students, families, school administrators and Rotarians gathered together for student recognition and fellowship! VP Janese Berkhouse welcomed the students and their families. Following the presentations, club members provided a light dinner and dessert. Here they are! From Sherman Central School: Elliot Thompson From Brocton Central School: Kristi Crandall, Richard Lundin & William Lanski IV From Chautauqua Lake Central School: Lizzie Hammond, Evan Swanson & Megan Blakeslee From Westfield Academy & Central School: Hannah Tenamore, Dawn Fleck & Kimberly Delcamp
As an avid sports fan, President Stephanie Urchick is well-positioned to light the lamp, clear the bases, and split the uprights. Whatever the sports metaphor, she’s destined to keep Rotary in the winner’s circle
Second woman takes office as president of Rotary InternationalOne-year term will prioritize adapting to changing times and advancing peaceEVANSTON, Ill., USA – 25
The Rotary Club of Milwaukee revitalized its city’s riverfront with a contribution from a local landowner — a strategy that could work in other communities.
he newly formed Rotary Club of Beirut Pax Potentia, Lebanon, which focuses on peacebuilding, has its origins in a project funded by a Rotary Foundation global grant
In this year of serving as District Governor, I have had such an amazing experience. I have the opportunity to visit so many clubs at their meetings and for fund raisers, making new friends and learning about the amazing things that are being done by Rotarians in their communities, and making me feel so welcome. It has really been an uplifting experience for me.
The Great Lakes Watershed Cleanup initiative is an effort that has grown from a District 7090 service project covering a small portion of Lake Ontario and Lake Erie to a multi-District plan to focus Rotarians’ attention on all five of the Great Lakes and the streams and waterways feeding them. Our goal every year is to make this the single largest cleanup event ever planned, coinciding with Earth Day (April 22).
The act of volunteering is a cornerstone of our work together. You may be interested in promoting peace, international projects, belongingness, helping others learn, or have technical skills - all in the act of meeting new friends.
Rotarians are Lifelong Learners and Lifelong Leaders! At a recent Chautauqua County Chamber of Commerce meeting, Rotarians made up the majority of those in attendance. Rotarians are active in our communities, lead and support our local businesses, and sponsor community events and causes. We are People of Action, and we love our mission of Service Above Self!
ns from left to right include: Dan Heitzenrater – President & CEO Chautauqua County Chamber of Commerce; Ellen Luczkowiak – Account Manager City of Dunkirk; Michele Starwalt Woods – Small business owner at MDStar Presentations in addition to Scholarship Coordinator at Northern Chautauqua Community Foundation; David Dengler – Small business owner at Larson-Timko Funeral Home; Ken Morris – CEO Brooks TLC Hospital; and Jody Falkner – Small business owner at JF Grant Consulting Services in addition to Interim Executive Director United Way of Northern Chautauqua County.
The Ongoing Work of the Niagara Greenway Rotary Steering Committee Seeing a need to assist in the effort to protect, enhance, and preserve the 36-mile corridor of the Niagara River from its confluence at Lake Erie to the terminus at Lake Ontario, the Niagara Greenway Rotary Steering Committee (NGRSC) was formed as a friends group of the Niagara Greenway Commission. Since then, nine District 7090 Rotary clubs (Buffalo, Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus, Buffalo Sunrise, Grand Island, Kenmore and Tonawandas Satellite Club, Niagara County Central, Lockport and Lewiston- NOTL) have adopted portions of the Shoreline Trail, pledging to help clean up and enhance their sections, Corporations and School Districts such as NOCO, Casella, Ken-Ton Schools, Niagara Wheatfield, and Riverside High schools have joined in as partners. City and Erie and Niagara County governments and state agencies are partners.
The Rotary Foundation Scholarship Committee of District 7090 introduces the 2023-2024 scholarships. This year there are three scholarships for deserving high school graduating students.
The Holley Rotary Interact Club was started 8 years ago by Jessica Mandigo and my father, John Heise (a former District Governor of 7090). Jessica had attended RYLA that year, where Interact was talked about.
Lockport Rotary Interact and EarlyAct clubs prepared Valentine cards for Seniors
Top Photo: EarlyAct officers L-R: Pres. Lauren, Sec. Rileigh, V.P. Jude
🚀 Get ready to kick off March with a Special Networking Event crafted for Rotaractors, Rotarians, and vibrant guests in their 20s and 30s!
Each February the District 7090 Rotary Youth Exchange Program organizes a trip with our students to Algonquin Park. If you are not familiar with this trip, you are probably asking yourself, “Why in the world would we take a bunch of teenagers to Northern Canada in the middle of winter where there is no running water or central heat?”
At the heart of the Rotary Youth Exchange program lies a noble mission: the promotion of world peace and understanding. Young individuals from our communities eagerly apply and are carefully selected and prepared to embark on a life-changing journey, spending up to a year immersed in a foreign culture. While these adventurous souls venture abroad, the sponsoring Rotary Clubs, including the Rotary Club of Fonthill, extend their hospitality to students from foreign lands, introducing them to the richness of Canadian and North American cultures.
The Rotary Club of Grand Island has graciously invited Dr. Kevin Williams, the esteemed Director of the Whitworth Ferguson Planetarium at SUNY Buffalo State University and Associate Professor of Geosciences, to deliver a captivating presentation on the upcoming Solar Eclipse. Open to all.
Have you ever attended a meat raffle event? 
SAVE THE DATE! A reminder to all Rotary Clubs about the 4th Annual Rotary Club of Brantford-Sunrise Online Auction, running from 
June 22-23: The Dragons are coming back to Norfolk in June ... and we in the Rotary Club of Norfolk Sunrise are now seeking help from the community to make the 2024 event even more successful than was the case in 2023. 
Ancaster AM Rotarians recently served soup to the students at the Dr. J Edgar Davey Elementary School in North Hamilton. 
- Murray Green
The major fundraiser for the Batavia Rotary Club concluded with the grand prize drawing, but the real winners are the many local organizations that receive support from Rotary all year long. 
Several members of the Rotary Club of Brantford-Sunrise were pleased to attend and participate in the 2nd Annual Priceless Art Auction, hosted by the Satellite Club of Paris (sponsored by the Brantford-Sunrise Club) on February 23. Instead of bidding with money to get the art of their choosing, participants bid with pledges for hours of community service. Over $6,000 worth of art was donated by local artists, and over 500 volunteer hours were raised in support of the community, surpassing last year’s fundraising efforts!
For many 7090 Rotary clubs there is an addition to the Four Way Test: Will it be fun? The answer is YES. BSR members gathered for a post-holiday party, graciously hosted by Jill and Greg Norton in late January. Highlights of the evening were the induction of new member Paige Mason by President Melanie and an energetic White Elephant exchange. Top prize winner was PE Timothy Priano, who won the coveted toilet plunger.
PHOTO: (L) Stan Simmons and Liliane, our effervescent Brazilian YE student capped off the evening with a Portuguese/English karaoke rendition of “The Girl from Ipanema”. Great fun!
Recently, the Rotary Club of Nairobi-Madaraka (D 9212, Kenya) received three grants from LG (Life is Good), in support of projects in which they are involved in Kenya. The club is currently implementing a District Matching Grant with the Rotary Club of Dundas Valley Sunrise; it is hoped that this partnership will continue in the 2024 – 2025 Rotary Year with a Collaborative District Grant. There has been interest expressed regarding a Vocational Training Team possibility and even a Friendship Exchange; this would help to bolster even further the relationship between the two Districts.
District Gov. Scott Marcin worked with the Rotary Club of Hamburg on Feb. 1 to prepare an amazing meal for the folks at the Buffalo Ronald McDonald House. Local Chef Krista Van Wagner joined us to prepare penne bolognaise, focaccia and tiramisu. Shown from left are: Gov. Marcin, Rotarians Eileen Hotho and Colleen Gibbons with Chef Krista, former owner/chef of Curly's restaurant and culinary instructor at Global Concepts Charter School.
The Rotary Club of Hamburg on a sunny Saturday (Feb. 3) held their annual Craft and Vendor Show at the Hamburg Moose Hall. Shoppers and Rotarians were enthusiastic about the diverse items at the show, from spices to beautiful candles and a variety of hand-knitted hats and mittens. Many of the shoppers were, in fact, Rotarians as evidenced in this photo.
Hamilton-After-Five recognised the outstanding leadership of Pinkie Mothibedi of Botswana by sponsoring her being named as a Paul Harris Fellow. Pinkie Mothibedi has been instrumental over many years in helping our club locate and mentor successful Peace Fellowship applicants from Botswana. Pinkie is a graduate of the Makarere University Peace Fellowship Certificate program. She is a community development expert focusing on disability issues in Botswana. In her words: “I believe in collective inclusion of all persons and … policy implementation that addresses the rights of Persons with disabilities” Pinkie’s leadership has been instrumental in the strong bond between our club and colleagues in Botswana – especially the Okavango Delta region. In her work and in her relationship with our club she truly is a person who has worked successfully in furtherance of friendly relations among peoples of the world.
“Secrets Revealed by Hamilton, Ontario Celebrity, Jayne Eastwood”
Members, family & friends had a great time at our annual Blues & Brews Fundraiser. 
Members of the Rotary Club of Jamestown helped at the 2nd Annual YWCA Jamestown "Coldest Night of the Year" Fundraiser on February 24. Also participating: members of the Falconer and Greater Jamestown AM Rotary Clubs. Object: to raise funds for the YWCA’s Transitions Supportive Housing Program, said Rotary Wheelers team captain Marion Beckerink.
The grey dismal sky brings on Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) of which, John Hopkins University says " . . . that shorter days and less daylight may trigger a chemical change in the brain leading to symptoms of depression. " Some people may find themselves at a very bad place this time of the year. 
The Annual Not To Be Missed Valentine's Social was held yet again by the Lewiston/NOTL Rotary Club. As Valentines is all about hearts, our little Bi-National Club strongly supports the work of District 7090 Gift of Life, contributing to their global grants that help repair the congenitally deformed hearts of children around the world. 
On Wednesday February 14th the 
Last week the Club hosted their annual Trivia Night Fundraiser! 400 people were in attendance, including District Governor Scott Marcin and DG elect Dave Alexander. Lots of great fun, food and prizes were won. The Club made just over $13,000 through the work of a wonderful committee and some volunteers from the community.
The Goettler Foundation and the Rotary Club of Niagara on the Lake have teamed up with the Misool Foundation to fund a $65,000 coral reef restoration project in the Misool Marine Reserve of Raja Ampat. Raja Ampat is an archipelago located in the western Pacific Ocean off Indonesia’s southwest coast. The Misool Marine Reserve is the largest of its kind in Raja Ampat. 
According to the latest estimates, as many as 13 million children in the United States live in "insecure" homes.
Rotary St. Catharines has inducted 5 new members since November 2023… 2 on February 22.
The Rotary Club of St. Catharines Lakeshore recently held its Winter Trivia Night at Merriton Community Centre in St. Catharines. Almost 300 Trivia enthusiasts packed the hall with the Richard Martinelli Team finishing on top. As winners, the Martinelli Team received top prize money of $300 and the much sought after Lighthouse Trophy. The team included John Holierhoek, Stavros Papavasiliou, Kelly Pyke, Kevin Paxton, Nick Venneri, Bill Albert, Julius Daquioag and Richard Martinelli.
The Membership committee organized a “Rest, Relax and Chill” session at a local yoga studio, Yogashala, in January. Those who attended took part in meditation and gentle poses, followed by a social time with coffee and treats.
At the Rotary Club of Welland’s Curling Social on Tuesday February 13th, District Governor Scott Marcin had the privilege of making some presentations to Welland Rotarians.
At the Rotary Club of Welland’s 6th Annual Curling Social, held at the Welland Curling Club on February 13, 2024, President Tammy Morden, along with Community Service Chair Peter Inman and Past President Vic Kerschl, presented a cheque to Marla Smith, Director of Development for the Niagara Children’s Centre. The cheque, in the amount of $6,606.15, is the second installment of a 5-year commitment for the Centre’s satellite office at the YMCA in Welland. The donation is being used for the purchase of therapy supplies and equipment.
What a great night it was for celebrating Rotary Scholars of the Month from 4 local high schools!!! "Community Service" was a major criterion for eligibility. Students, families, school administrators and Rotarians gathered together for student recognition and fellowship! VP Janese Berkhouse welcomed the students and their families. Following the presentations, club members provided a light dinner and dessert.
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