August is Membership and New Club Development Month, dedicated to focusing on Rotary's membership growth and retention, as well as the development of new clubs.
It's a time for Rotary clubs to reflect on their membership strategies and explore innovative ways to attract and engage members.
Key aspects of this observance include:
1. Membership Recruitment: Have your club actively seek new members by showcasing the benefits of Rotary, its service projects, and the opportunities it offers for personal and professional development.
2.Member Retention: Keep current members engaged and satisfied with their Rotary experience, through meaningful projects, professional networking opportunities, and personal growth activities.
3.Diversity and Inclusion: Focus on creating a diverse and inclusive environment, reflecting the communities they serve and embracing a wide range of perspectives and skills.
4. New Club Development: Explore opportunities to establish new Rotary or Satellite clubs in communities where there is a need or interest but no existing club, or in underrepresented areas and demographics.
5.Club Innovation: Consider innovations in how your club operates, meets, and conduct your activities, making them more appealing to potential members, especially younger professionals.
6. Public Image and Awareness: Enhance the public image of your club and Rotary and raise awareness about the work Rotarians do. Make them aware of leadership training and opportunities available in Rotary. You might attract individuals interested in service and community leadership.
Please click this linkto access the July 2025 District 7090 Foundation newsletter.
This issue includes the announcement of District 7090 Foundation Scholarship winners, information on the new Polio Plus Society, details regarding District grants for 2025-26, an Endowment perspective, upcoming events for the year, a review of the past year, and more.
The Rotary Foundation Committee members are available as speakers.
We invite you to submit information on your club's Foundation news (new Paul Harris fellows, district, and global grants updates and more,) for inclusion in future newsletters.
As members of Rotary International District 7090 — proudly known as the “Best of Friends” — we are guided this year by the theme “Unite for Good.”
It’s a powerful reminder that when we come together across borders, backgrounds, and beliefs, we can build stronger, more caring communities.
A key part of this mission is embracing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (D.E.I.) — not just as an idea, but as a daily practice in how we serve, lead, and connect.
What is D.E.I.?
Diversity asks us to welcome people from all walks of life — different races, cultures, ages, abilities, identities, and beliefs.
Equity challenges us to recognize that not everyone starts from the same place, and to help remove barriers so all have a fair chance to thrive.
Inclusion calls us to create spaces where every voice is valued and every person feels they belong — not just present, but truly part of the team.
Why is this important in Western New York and Southern Ontario?
Our district stretches across vibrant, diverse communities — from Buffalo and Niagara to Hamilton, St. Catharines, and beyond. We see firsthand the beauty of diversity and the need for connection across lines of difference. D.E.I. helps us honor the past, embrace the present, and shape a future where every neighbor, old or new, has the opportunity to grow, contribute, and lead.
Place: Mutual Riverfront Park, 41 Hamburg St., Buffalo, NY 14204
Fee: Free with a Donation to Polio Plus!
Get your canoes, kayaks and paddle boards out for this FUN-draiser as we raise money, and awareness for the RI Polio Plus Program!
Rotarians and friends are invited to join their fellow Rotarians on the Buffalo River, in their watercraft of choice, for a morning of fellowship, exercise, and paddling, all the while raising monies to help eradicate polio once and for all.
Enjoy fellowship, fun, and snacks, and probably get a little wet in the process!
📌We invite you to join us for a Public Image Huddle the 4th Monday of Each Month at 8:00 AM via Zoom.
This informal session is open to anyone interested in Public Image, whether you’re the Club President, Club Public Relations Chair, Newsletter Reporter, a Committee Member, or just a Rotarian looking for better ways to share your Rotary story.
- JOIN US!
This is the perfect space to: ✔️ Ask questions about Public Image Tools & Strategies ✔️ Share what’s working for your Club ✔️ Connect with others throughout the District
📅 Date: 4th Monday of each Month 🕗 Time: 8:00 AM – 8:45 AM
HIP Y2Y (Youth to Youth) is not just a program; it's a transformative experience that bridges Indigenous and non-Indigenous youth, immersing them in the rich tapestry of Indigenous culture while fostering connections among a diverse group of young people from all corners of Canada.
This extraordinary event will be taking place at Six Nations in Brantford in March 2026.
Through a dynamic mix of activities, interactive workshops, and engaging sessions, youth participants will be encouraged to embrace diversity, build meaningful relationships, and gain a deeper appreciation for Indigenous perspectives and contributions.
This year, with our cross-border district, we will be including students from the US for the first time, so we will be looking to recruit student leaders – 2 from the US and 2 from Canada from our District.
Completely Free: The Y2Y program covers all expenses, including travel to and from the event, accommodations, meals, and museum admissions.
Limited Spots: We are selecting only 50 youth participants, with a balanced representation of 25 Indigenous and 25 non-Indigenous individuals, all aged between 15 and 17. Two students will be selected to go to the event from District 7090
Inclusive: Y2Y welcomes Indigenous, self-identified Indigenous, and non-Indigenous youth from diverse backgrounds, including all genders and those with disabilities, who share a passion for being agents of positive change and are currently enrolled in Grades 9 to 11.
Rotary HIP is seeking funding from clubs to support this life-changing program- please consider a personal or club donation to provide our youth leaders with an opportunity of a lifetime.
On Sunday, September 7, 2025, the Ancaster AM Rotary Club will hold its annual Autumn Stroll Event. This is a large food and wine event where we host over 700 people from the Ancaster/Hamilton area.
The guests are loaded on wagons and taken down the escarpment to the Hamilton Conservation area.
They then stroll among food, wine and beer suppliers for the afternoon. Everything is included in the ticket price. There is also music and dancing if desired.
Tickets are on sale now online.
This is a 19+ event, no children, babies or strollers are permitted, no exceptions.
This can be a loud and busy event, almost like a music concert, while we love them too, please leave pets at home.
The weather is almost always kind to us, but this is a rain-or-shine event!
There are photos and videos taken throughout the day for marketing purposes; purchasing a ticket is providing your permission to the Rotary Club of Ancaster & associates to do so.
The Charitable Receipt can only be issued to the purchaser of the tickets.
There can be no refunds within 30 days of the event, no exceptions.
Our Annual Rotary Chili Cook-Off is back this autumn—and YES, we know it’s early—but hey, early bird gets the chili bean, right?
We’re on the hunt for:
Chili Chefs
Sponsors to help make this the best cook-off yet
Basket item donors to spice up our raffles
It’s a chance to support a great cause, connect with our community, and get your brand front and center at one of our most delicious events of the year.
The BNMC club held their changeover dinner at the West Side Rowing Club. We celebrated the incredible leadership of our outgoing Club President, Sean Brennan. Over the past three years, under Sean’s guidance, we've achieved some truly meaningful things together as a club.
From supporting a member getting a global grant off the ground to build latrines in Nepal, to delivering monthly dinners at Kevin Guest House, organizing annual blood drives for ConnectLife, and even helping restore a fellow member’s wheelchair ramp, giving her the freedom to get out and about on her new motorized chair, these accomplishments reflect the heart and spirit of our club.
Thank you, Sean, for your dedication, compassion, and tireless leadership. Here's to all we’ve done—and all that's still to come!
Welcome, Amir Johnson, Club President for 2025-2026!!
The Rotary Club of the Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus recently dedicated a bench to the memory of John Embow, an area roofer who passed away unexpectedly two years ago.
We also formally installed a bike repair station, all along the Niagara Greenway Trail.
The repair station is located on the bike trail near the Naval Reserve on Porter Avenue in Buffalo.
Purchase and installation of the bench and repair station was a cooperative effort between BNMC and Roofers Local 74.
PHOTO:Past Pres. Tony Billoni, Pres. Amir Johnson, Past Pres. Bryan Bonn, Greg Stevens (Executive Director at Niagara River Greenway Commission, Past Pres. Wendy Sanders, Immediate Past Pres. Sean Brennan, Past Pres. Bob Grinewich
Buffalo Rotarians once again had a fun-filled day with campers at Cradle Beach!
Cradle Beach unites individuals and families, with a focus on empowering children with special needs and the underserved to become their best selves.
They create opportunities for life-changing experiences in a safe and inclusive environment.
This yearly volunteer opportunity gives Rotarians a chance to know more about the camp and work with campers providing games, races, horseback riding and other great activities.
Thanks to Rotarian Nora Eberl for being a mainstay of this volunteer opportunity.
Is there an easier -- and better -- way to fund a worthy cause than by pouring beer and having fun?
The longtime Lewiston/NOTL Rotary Secretary, and Member of the Rotary BREW (Beers Rotarians Enjoy Worldwide) Fellowship, will be supporting Niagara Hospice by pouring beer at Wandering Gypsy Brewing Company, being his usual goofy self and encouraging everyone to have fun, while Club members sell 50-50 tickets.
ALL CASH TIPS go directly to Niagara Hospice. Besides promoting the work of Hospice, this event will help stimulate small business and economic development in Rural Niagara County.
And don't miss the Lewiston/NOTL Hot Dog Stand at the Lewiston Art Festival August 9 & 10 on Center Street. It's been a tradition for over 50 years.
If you prefer musical theater, SAVE THE DATES on October 3,4,5, & 10,11,12 Benefit Performances of the musical NUNSENSE will hit the stage in Lewiston
It is presented by title sponsor Niagara Peninsula Energy, with support from Sunrise Greenhouses, RE/MAX Team Swayze, FBH Group, Civiconnect, Will's Chevrolet, Buick, GMC Grimsby. and the Fleming Foundation.
For those wondering where the money from your donations is used in our community, a recent donation was made to West Lincoln Community Care by Lincoln Rotary to help support their Backpack Program.
"Thank you for taking an interest in West Lincoln Community Care and our Backpack program. We are a registered charity and have been assisting families since 1984. Every August we provide backpacks, lunch bags, all the supplies and school snacks for children of West Lincoln. Last year we assisted 110 students. At this time, we currently already have 102 students registered. Canadian Tire Bank provides every child with a brand-new pair of running shoes and our organization purchases the supplies necessary to equip kids for success in the Fall."
Sharlene Volpatti, Manager – Client Services & Food Bank, West Lincoln Community Care
Following the 2024-2025 activity year, it was time for the Sunrisers to enjoy ourselves at the Waterford Legion and to conclude some essential Club business before our summer break. It was planned as a social moment to have some fun, to reflect on that which we have accomplished, to induct our new Board Directors for 2024-2025, to offer our appreciation to the Co-Presidents team of Ross Gowan & Mary Mercato, both of whom, switched roles at the meeting.
Go to the 'Read more ...' tab to read more and/or to see selected photos from each of these aims. Click on this link to see a compilation of all of the photos of this event as kept on Club Runner data site. We thank Keith Jones who provided emcee guidance through all of this and Gail Bouw and her Club Services team for organizing such a great evening of Rotary fellowship.
Now, for a short summer break - we look forward to our first ever venture into the RibFest business in July as well as several social get-togethers to keep us going until a very challenging fall schedule of business & fun begins in August!
Evidently, the 'Dragons' like it hot ... not even the most serious heatwave in recent memory could dampen the energy for 24 DragonBoat teams (over 500 paddlers) brought to the Dragon Boat Festival in Waterford, Sunday 22 June 2025.
Sponsored once again by the Rotary Club of Norfolk Sunrise (RCNS) and the Cancer Resource Support Program (CSRP), this annual, community event is a major fundraiser for both organizations. Well-over 30 volunteers were onsite including Rotary Sunrisers, CSRP members, family, friends, and students.
On Race Day, the race heats started at 9am and finished up around 4pm. In spite of the record temperatures, spirits ran high throughout the park with many moving to the great music provided and the cheering as race times and winners were announced. Everyone was kept nourished with the local food vendors onsite and entertained with music all day long. Once again this year, we arranged for formal team pictures to be taken behind the wooden dragon boat and paddles made by Abel Enterprises. Again this year, a highlight of the day was the carnation ceremony to remember all those currently battling breast cancer, those in remission and those who have died.
Go to the 'Read more ...' tab for more on this story, the participating teams, notes of our appreciation, our connection to the CSRP and more.
Until next year - Paddles Up! (or maybe down for a wee rest)
Join us for a truly memorable evening under the tent at Burning Kiln Winery In support of The Rotary Club of Simcoe and The Norfolk General Hospital Foundation.
This one-time-only event will feature:
A gourmet menu catered by Devlin's Bistro
A curated wine experience by Burning Kiln Winery
Performances by two live bands
A captivating aerialist performance
A uniquely designed event space created to inspire connection and community
Guests will enjoy an evening of fine food, exceptional entertainment, and meaningful conversation-all in support of advancing healthcare in Norfolk County.
Proceeds from the event will directly benefit the Norfolk General Hospital Foundation, helping fund vital initiatives and improve patient care for our community.
We invite you to be part of this special night. Your presence and support will make a lasting impact.
Sip, savour, and make a difference-September 20th at Burning Kiln Winery.
PRESENTED BY the Rotary Club of Simcoe in support of our 100th Anniversary in Norfolk County.
Wellington Park, 50 Bonnie Dr, Simcoe, Ontario N3Y 3V6
Simcoe Rotary will offer FREE pancakes on Monday (Community Day) at Pancakes in the Park as a token of appreciation for community support.
As they celebrate a century of service, the Rotary Club of Simcoe looks forward to continuing its mission of giving back and fostering strong community connections for years to come.
Ribfest is an annual 4-day fundraising event hosted by The Rotary Club of St. Catharines.
LOCATION: 64 Ontario St, St. Catharines, ON L2R 5J5
This community event brings together food vendors, live music and family-friendly activities.
As one of St. Catharines biggest downtown events, there are over 30,000 annual attendees, 4 days of live music, local vendors offering food, drinks, merchandise, and of course plenty of ribs from your favorite ribbers.
There will be no charge for visitors to enter the park; however, donations for the Rotary Club would be greatly appreciated.
Club Foundation Chair Elaine was pleased to announce at a recent Meeting that Members Sandi and Gary Chard have achieved Major Donor status - one of President Coral's Foundation goals for the Rotary Club of St. Catharines Lakeshore for the 2024-25 Rotary Year.
District Rotary Foundation Chair Lisa Bishop was able to join us for the recognition of their achievement.
On July 8, the Rotary Club of Welland held a Changeover Social, with 41 attendees, including 24 Rotarians. Welland Rotarians and PDG David Alexander inducted new President Ray Tisi and the 2025-2026 Board of Directors.
Past President Paul Leon was presented with a Past President pin acknowledging a successful year of leadership.
President Ray expressed deep honour and humility in stepping into the role. He emphasized a grassroots, member-driven approach to leadership:
Outline strategic goals:
Run the club like a values-driven business: structured, purposeful, and accountable.
Engage in a cycle of listening, deciding, and doing.
Prioritize membership growth and retention, visibility in the community, and partnerships.
Position Welland’s club as a vital part of the global Rotary "franchise".
He referenced the Rotary International theme from President Francesco Arezzo Avita: “United for Good.”
Rotarian Vic Kerschl was presented with a Certificate recognizing 50 years of service to the Rotary Club of Welland and Rotary International. He was President for a two-year term from 1979-1981 and again in 2021-2022. He and his wife hosted several Youth Exchange students and took part in a Rotary Polio immunization trip to India in 2005.
The club recognized the late Gerry Bujold and Fred Farnham, two former Rotarians who contributed greatly to the Rotary Club of Welland and the community at large.
In closing remarks, President Ray Tisi called for unity and active participation. He encouraged members to attend upcoming meetings and consider adding more informal/social gatherings to the calendar.
PHOTO: Welland IPDG David Alexander (centre left) and President Ray Tisi (centre right)
The Williamsville Rotary Club, in collaboration with the Amherst Rotary Club, is pleased to announce the 2025 Classic Car Show and Family Fun Day.
Sunday, August 17th
10:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Northtown Center in Amherst, 1615 Amherst Manor Drive, Williamsville, New York 14221.
Admission: FREE!
Gates open at 9:00 AM for participants registering for the event. Pre-registration for vehicles is available for a fee of $10.00 and must be completed by August 8th. On-site registration will also be accepted for $15.00, with a registration deadline of noon on the day of the event.
Attendees can look forward to an impressive showcase of hundreds of vintage and classic cars, along with customized trucks. Food and beverages will be available, promising an enjoyable day of family entertainment.
We are currently seeking sponsors for this event. Sponsorship provides a fantastic opportunity for local businesses to gain visibility and connect with the community. Sponsors will receive recognition on event materials, including trophies and plaques, and announcements throughout the day. In addition to the car show, the Family Fun Day promises there will be something for everyone to enjoy.
Volunteers are also welcome to join us in making this event a success. Whether you're interested in helping with setup, managing activities, or assisting with registration, your support would be greatly appreciated.
Mark your calendars and bring your family and friends for a day filled with fun, excitement, and nostalgia. We look forward to seeing you there! For more information, to register your vehicle, or to inquire about sponsorship opportunities, please contact us at wojtowiczr@aol.com or visit our website https://williamsvillerotaryclub.org/
16,000 Rotary members and participants from 140 countries registered for the service organization’s international convention in CalgaryCALGARY (25 June 2025) – As Rotary’s international convention in Calgary draws to
Rotary’s ‘Pathways to Peace and Prosperity in Colombia’ program will strengthen local leadership, expand access to social protection, and create entrepreneurial opportunities.
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August is Membership and New Club Development Month, dedicated to focusing on Rotary's membership growth and retention, as well as the development of new clubs.
Please click 
As members of Rotary International District 7090 — proudly known as the “Best of Friends” — we are guided this year by the theme “Unite for Good.”
SAVE THE DATE!
Date: August 16th, 2025
D7090 Public Image Huddle
HIP Y2Y (Youth to Youth) is not just a program; it's a transformative experience that bridges Indigenous and non-Indigenous youth, immersing them in the rich tapestry of Indigenous culture while fostering connections among a diverse group of young people from all corners of Canada.
Marjorie and Jim Dawson (RC Norfolk Sunrise) went on a 
On Sunday, September 7, 2025, the Ancaster AM Rotary Club will hold its annual 
Our Annual Rotary Chili Cook-Off is back this autumn—and YES, we know it’s early—but hey, early bird gets the chili bean, right?
Chili Chefs
Sponsors to help make this the best cook-off yet
Basket item donors to spice up our raffles
It’s a chance to support a great cause, connect with our community, and get your brand front and center at one of our most delicious events of the year.
The Rotary Club of the Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus recently dedicated a bench to the memory of John Embow, an area roofer who passed away unexpectedly two years ago.
Buffalo Rotarians once again had a fun-filled day with campers at 
We need volunteers at our community food booth at the Winona Peach Festival from Friday, August 22 to Sunday, August 24.
The Lancaster-Depew Rotary Club reflects on 2024 as we plan for 2025. 
Why Not Have Fun?
A great night at 
For those wondering where the money from your donations is used in our community, a recent donation was made to 
Rotary Sunset Cocktail Party Fundraiser
Following the 2024-2025 activity year, it was time for the Sunrisers to enjoy ourselves at the Waterford Legion and to conclude some essential Club business before our summer break. It was planned as a social moment to have some fun, to reflect on that which we have accomplished, to induct our new Board Directors for 2024-2025, to offer our appreciation to the Co-Presidents team of Ross Gowan & Mary Mercato, both of whom, switched roles at the meeting.
Evidently, the 'Dragons' like it hot ... not even the most serious heatwave in recent memory could dampen the energy for 24 DragonBoat teams (over 500 paddlers) brought to the Dragon Boat Festival in Waterford, Sunday 22 June 2025.
An Evening in Support of Rotary and The 
Pancakes-In-The-Park August 2 to 4, 2025
Club Foundation Chair Elaine was pleased to announce at a recent Meeting that Members Sandi and Gary Chard have achieved Major Donor status - one of President Coral's Foundation goals for the Rotary Club of St. Catharines Lakeshore for the 2024-25 Rotary Year. 
On July 8, the Rotary Club of Welland held a Changeover Social, with 41 attendees, including 24 Rotarians. Welland Rotarians and PDG David Alexander inducted new President Ray Tisi and the 2025-2026 Board of Directors.
