As we move into the new Rotary year I look forward to supporting our clubs and members. I was so glad for the time some of us spent together at the District 7090 Changeover on Saturday, June 22nd. It was great to see old friends and meet new ones. Thanks goes out to IPDG Scott Marcin and I trust that we will all continue to Create Hope in the World by sustaining the mental health ideals we have all built together. I hope when people from across the District meet that we can check in on this and many of the other past initiatives and tell stories of how themes from previous years have inspired us to do good in the world.
I also would like to express my thanks to those who have led our District this past year. It has been a great privilege. I also look forward to visiting each club this coming year and working with a great team of Rotarians drawn from many clubs who have stepped up to help. This selfless act of service to fellow Rotarians is all and only about supporting club projects and member activities for this coming year.
I know that this time of year is ideal for club leaders to review activities from previous years, consider doing (or reviewing) the club’s strategic plan, and setting goals for 24/25 in Rotary Club Central. Creating impact and projects comes from many discussions with community partners and other leaders. Our District Conference is on Saturday, October 25, 2024, and I would like all of us to bring a few of our club partners together for a meaningful conversation on volunteering and opportunities. You are welcome to help out by joining the organizing team.
The theme for 24/25 is The Magic of Rotary. I hope this coming year that each and every one of you will have some amazing – inspirational – magical – personal experiences that are impactful, fulfilling, and fun. We don’t know what the future holds, but I believe – I know – we are an organization that is talented, prepared, and at the ready to help. I look forward to a District 7090 contingent heading to the International Convention in Calgary in June 2025. I feel that every time we get together we really make the best magic: The Best of Friends. Thank you.
Our district’s strategic plan is now available on the district website HERE.
District 7090 is made up of many volunteers who give their time to enable the district to achieve its mission. The operational leadership of the district is the District Governor and District Council. District Council meets on a regular basis to deal with two broad areas:
1. the “operational aspect” of the daily, monthly and annual aspects of the functioning of a large, multi-national voluntary organization and,
2. the areas of focus for the current year as outlined in the current Strategic Plan.
Both are essential for the stability and growth of the district. The first maintains a continuum of the ongoing elements; the second captures the “do different” or “do more of” activities that have been identified in the District Survey and Report Card.
The implementation of the Tactics and Goals in the Strategic Plan are monitored during the year with reports to District Council at each meeting. Chairs responsible for specific tactics report on their actions since the previous meeting, the “level” of implementation for each tactic and their actions being put into place prior to the next meeting.
Interested in strategic planning for your club? Contact Robert Morrow (robertmorrow@bell.net)
Starting 1 July, Rotary and Rotaract clubs can designate a contact person for “Programs for Young Leaders!”
Who are Programs for Young Leaders contacts? They will facilitate connections among a club’s youth programs leaders, program participants, and the larger Rotary community.
The people appointed to this role will also amplify ideas and input from young leaders and foster the creation of safe and inclusive programs.
When you designate a Programs for Young Leaders contact for your club, that person will receive updates from Rotary International, information about activities and events, and other support.
Your club may already have one or more elected or appointed roles such as Club Interact Chair, Club Youth Exchange Officer, RYLA Chair, Youth Services, or New Generations Chairs with clearly defined responsibilities. This role is to identify one person in your club to receive important information and updates from Rotary. This new role is not designed to take on new or additional operations or administration responsibility of young leader programs but to facilitate better communication between your club and Rotary.
Learn more about who’s eligible to be a Programs for Young Leaders contact and the responsibilities of the role HERE. Then, appoint a contact in My Rotary
Dedication of Red Oak Tree in Memory of Karen Oakes
Immediately after the official District Changeover event on June 22, 2024, was complete, the Rotary Club of Welland invited all guests to the dedication of a red oak tree in memory of Karen Oakes.
Welland Rotary President Tammy Morden began the dedication ceremony.
“Rotary is an organization full of individuals who believe in Service Above Self. Each member participates and is worthy of recognition for it. But every once in a while, there is someone who touches so many, in different ways, at different levels, that they glow in a sky full of bright stars. Karen Oakes was like that.
Our club is pleased, and it is our honour to have placed this Oak tree here in the Rotary Club of Welland Park in her name. There is more that this tree and Karen had in common than the sound of their names. Oak trees are known to be symbols of strength, endurance, power, and ancient wisdom. Karen lived up to that well in how she shared her quiet and enduring support with those around her. See more of Tammy's remarks at "read more..."
I will ask you, Wolf to come and say some words, and then help me to unveil the memorial plaque that will remind us all, each time we see it, of what we strive to be.”
Rotarian Wolf Lindemann came forward to talk in more detail about the life of Karen. He also suggested that she had a soft spot for Welland Rotary and felt welcome every time she visited. He thanked the Club for commemorating Karen’s memory in this way.
Valerie Bailey-Phillips was honored at a luncheon on June 26th held after the annual General meeting of the District's Gift of Life (GOL) committee. The luncheon was held at the Meng Teh Restaurant in Fort Erie. A letter of appreciation by GOL International President, Rob Raylman, was read, and a plaque was presented by Brenda Small, Operations Consultant for GOL International. President Raylman emphasized the many contributions made by Valerie. A Paul Harris Fellow award was presented by Michael Sommer, President of the St. Catharines South Club, in recognition of Val’s work for GOL. Our District Governor, Scott Marcin, gave an inspiring address about GOL and Val’s contributions and Pat Castiglia offered comments about Val’s many qualities that enhanced her role as Chair. Valerie will continue as a member of the Board of Directors.
Pictured at the recognition luncheon for Valerie Phillips on 6/26/24, (L to R): Brenda Small , GOL International Operations Manager, presenting a recognition plaque to Valerie Bailey-Phillips, District 7090 GOL Chair.
HIP members help build home on Reserve on Bruce Peninsula.
Jim and Marjorie Dawson, Co-chairs of Rotary District 7090’s Rotary Honouring Indigenous Peoples, participated in a two-day Habitat for Humanity build in the community of Chippewas of Nawash Unceded First Nation on the Bruce Peninsula.
A group was organised by John Bedell from Fort Erie to bring a diverse group together to build homes on the reserve. This collaboration, through the Grey Bruce Habitat organisation, has helped build nineteen homes on the reserve since 2016.
PHOTO 1: Jim centre right in back row with white hat and Rotary shirt and Marjorie kneeling in front.
There is a large need for new housing on the reserve as families grow and people come back to the community (something that was accelerated during COVID). The community is very supportive of the project with band councillors, the Chief and the housing manager taking time to visit the site and welcome the Habitat team and members of the community hired as apprentice construction managers.
PHOTO 2: Jim Dawson and brother-in-law Jim Powell working on a temporary shelter for Habitat workers at the new build site.
In blazing hot weather, two teams of eight worked on two locations- re-purposing a former library into temporary housing for three families and the start of a brand new two-bedroom home. When the team arrived, the foundation was just being poured so we literally built the house from the ground up. The build was using the very efficient ICF Styrofoam block construction and over the two-day build, the team assembled the greater part of the form to pour the basement walls. It was a very rewarding experience to take a group of people who did not know each other and build into a cohesive team to build much needed homes.
I got the call at 4:00 in the afternoon, “Scott, it’s Earl. Can you be at the Greenhouses at 8:30 tomorrow morning?” It was Earl Knauss, of the Rotary Club of Hamburg. It is now growing season for the farms in Erie County, and as a result, the Farm to Family Program, begun by Earl and adopted by the members of the Rotary Club of Hamburg, was ready to spring into action. “Yes, I will be there,” I enthusiastically responded.
I got to Zittel Farms greenhouse at 8:30 a.m. Earl Knauss, all 92 years of him, was already waiting and putting together the order of pick-up and delivery. We were to get cucumbers, zucchini, corn on the cob, and potted strawberry plants. Afterwards, it was off to the Resurrection Life Food Pantry in Cheektowaga for delivery. There we met director, Kim Reynolds, who warmly greeted us, showed us the immense facility, and then thanked Earl for his contributions to their food pantry program.
It was a rewarding morning to be a Rotarian, but for Earl, it was just Tuesday, and plans for lining up volunteers for the Wednesday food pickup had to be made. This effort will continue all throughout the growing months, and the pickups will change based on the food being picked at that time. And you can be certain that Farm to Family, Earl Knauss and the Rotary Club of Hamburg will be ready to pick up and deliver those foods to those most in need in our community. They will be making a difference. They will be making someone’s life just a little bit better than it was before.
Earl Knauss is the example of what it means to be a Rotarian.
RC Buffalo Sunrise had a rousing send off, welcome in, and much more on June 18, with 40 attendees at the Saturn Club.
Outgoing President Melanie Rushforth delivered an inspiring summary of our club’s accomplishments and welcomed Paige Mason as our newest Paul Harris Fellow.
DG Scott Marcin and DGE Dave Alexander both provided congratulations and helped members focus on the Rotary year ahead.
DG Scott inducted our new president Timothy Priano, who promised an exciting year ahead.
The highlight of the breakfast meeting, even in a sudden burst of rain, was the presentation by our Youth Exchange student, Liliane Guimaraes from Olympia, Brazil. In recounting her experiences as a YE student, Lili shed copious tears of gratitude, and many of her friends and club members shed some tears as well. She was particularly grateful for her host family, Greg and Jill Norton, and the many club members who provided memorable experiences this past year. Lili has been a treat!
PHOTOS (L to R):
1) Paige Mason and outgoing president Melanie Rushforth
2) Incoming president Timothy Priano, DG Scott Marcin, Melanie Rushforth
The Rotary Club of Ellicottville experienced a successful wrap-up for this past year.
Area Governor, Paula Fidurko attended our final meeting of the year on June 20th with 16 members and a prospective new member in attendance. She praised the membership for how far we have come collectively in re-grouping (we were down to 8 members in 2022 and finished this year off at 21 or 25 – depending on final dues payments). She applauded our great strides in the number of members, volunteers as Friends of Rotary, scholarships, fund-raising, etc.
Ellicottville introduces their new officers for the 2024-202 Rotary year.
Rotary Club of Ellicottville Fund Raiser – Can you say Chili without having your mouth water?
The Rotary Club of Ellicottville is excited and eagerly anticipating a mouth-watering fundraiser coming up on Saturday, September 28th.
Our energetic and innovative committee, consisting of Christina Anderson, Brenda Smith and Diane Carlson, are the brains and creativity behind a Chili Cookoff and Fundraiser at upstairs Madigan’s from 4pm to 7pm.
Cooks have almost five months to perfect their recipes and can enter to be a contestant for $25 at evlrotaryclub@gmail.com.
There will be prizes for 1st 2nd and 3rd place, with judging to take place live at the event.
There will be a basket raffle on the premises and, prior to the event, an on-line auction. Stay tuned for updates!
Rotary Club of Fonthill celebrates the humanitarian contributions of the Pelham community through the Paul Harris Fellowship Awards
This annual gathering was held this year at the Town of Pelham’s Meridian Community Centre on June 5th.
The Paul Harris Fellow Award is one of the highest honours Rotary can bestow upon an individual. Recipients are Rotarians and community professionals and volunteers, in recognition of their outstanding contributions, exemplifying the highest ideal in Rotary, which is “Service above Self.”
This year the club was pleased to honour two club members, two community members and one retiring Charter member.
Gail Levay – Charter Member - retiring
In recognition of her long-standing contributions to the Fonthill club, Gail was awarded a lifetime honourary membership, as well as her second Paul Harris Fellowship. Club President Carolyn Mullin gave an extensive account of Gails history with the club.
A detailed article published by fellow retired Charter member Cathy Berkhout-Bosse is posted on myPelham.com .
PHOTO: Retiring Charter Member and Paul Harris Recipient Gail Levay with her Lifetime Honorary Membership Certificate
Congratulations to all recipients and a special thank you to all who attended this memorable celebration.
The Rotary Club of Grand Island inducted a new Club President, Secretary and confirmed Directors on Wednesday June 12th. After 4 years as President, Sherry Miller, passed the gavel to President Elect Faye Teluk. Donna Wilde was inducted as Club Secretary in absentia. The remaining board members were confirmed for the remainder of their terms with Dr Brian Graham affirmed for another 3 year term.
The club recognized Sherry Miller for her dedication during a challenging 4 year term.
PHOTO (L to R): 2024-25 GI Rotary Board: AG Tommy Gerbasi, Dr Brian Graham, Michelle Lockett, Faye Teluk, Sherry Miller, Diane Garey, Chris Learman, Mike Billoni.
The Rotary Club of Hamburg honored its president and three Rotarians in ceremonies in a year-end event at the Taylor Road Cabin on June 11 that typically includes the induction of a new president but did not this year. President Tim Straube was presented a Rotary Gavel plaque and diamond presidential pin in appreciation of his year of service that would normally end June 30 with the Rotary calendar, but Straube has agreed to remain as president for an additional year. Three Rotarians were honored as Paul Harris Fellows, signifying outstanding support to Rotary, a global organization founded in Chicago in 1905. The Rotary Club of Hamburg was founded in 1942 and is one of 95 clubs within District 7090. Photo 1 – Rotarian Tom Johnston presents President Tim with his awards. Photo – President Tim is shown with Paul Harris Award recipients from left: Liz Angelbeck, Jeff Kusche and Jim Loomis.
Hamilton AM club members enjoyed a visit and speech by 7090 District Governor (DG) Scott Marcin at their June 12 morning meeting.
Scott previously graced the club's Christmas Breakfast at Hess Street School on December 20, but this was his "Official Visit" to the Hamilton AM Club during his term as District Governor. Scott spoke very eloquently about his fascinating year as DG and his admiration for the many Rotary members he had the pleasure to meet on his visits to each District 7090 club during his term.
Scott recognized the contributions to the District by Hamilton AM club members such as Anne Bermingham, a past club President and Past District Governor; Cheryl Gzik, who has tirelessly supported the District's Youth Exchange Program; and John Dalgleish, a club Past-President who will play the role of District Treasurer for 2024 - 2025.
Scott encouraged all members to create their own, personal "Elevator Speech" that they can use with those they meet to spread the good word about Rotary. Scott's presentation was entertaining, warm, and well received by Hamilton AM club members.
"Oh, the shark, babe, has such teeth, dear And it shows them pearly white"
OK, so Mac Lashley sure has those pearly whites but that is his only similarity to this historic song by Bobby Darrin about a knife wielding criminal in the London underworld. Maybe that Mack the Knife also wore distinctive foot ware? Who dares wear running shoes to a Rotary meeting or formal event - our Mac does!
At the Hamilton AM Club's Wednesday, July 26 morning meeting Mac gave a great review of the highlights of his year as Club President. He and his board team hit many highlights: increased membership, financial stability, engaging club meetings, interesting club socials and, of course, our historic Imagine Summer Gala which raised over $100,000 for the planned Keaton House Hospice.
Mac is dynamic, thoughtful, and challenging - just the kind of effort needed to motivate members and keep the Rotary spirit alive! Elizabeth Ward polled members at the meeting; asking them to write down a few adjectives to describe Mac Lashley. The list was amazing - the kind of accolades you often don't hear until the funeral. If it's your funeral, you don't get to enjoy them but at this meeting Mac heard them all and "felt the love"!
I don't know if Mac can sing (I can hardly hear him talk, he speaks so fast!) but if he can, he can serenade us any time he wants, and we will listen. Thanks, Mac, for a great Rotary year!
"Yes, that line forms on the right, babe Now that Macky's back in town Look out, old Macky's back"
The Rotary Club of Jamestown, NY announces its annual Rotary Charity Golf Classic to take place on Monday, July 15 at the beautiful Moon Brook Country Club on Route 60 in Jamestown. The tournament will begin with a Shotgun start precisely at 11:30 am with a bag lunch on the course followed by hors d’oeuvres and dinner stations to finish the afternoon and of course award the prizes.
Registration is $175.00/person and you may choose your own format - scramble or best ball (best 2 of 4).
This year the field is limited to 96 players so contact Max Eimiller at 716-338-5626 immediately to register.
More information and registration and sponsorship forms are available HERE.
In an effort to get more funds to support student scholarships, the Lewiston/NOTL Rotary Club sold their famous hot dogs on Center Street at the Lewiston Gardenfest on June 15 and 16. The Club was gratified by an overwhelming response from the public. Rotarians from Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Montana and India stopped by to exchange greetings. The Club will again sell hot dogs at the Lewiston Art Festival on August 10 and 11. Please come by and say hello. Look for Lewiston/NOTL member Tommy in his “infamous” Hot Dog Hat.
It's the event that COVID and A Torrential Rainstorm Could NOT Kill!
For the 38th time, the Proudly Bi-National Rotary Club of Lewiston, NY & Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON (Lewiston/NOTL) played host to the District and held our Garden Party and Theater event on June 29th. It was a Sell Out at the Shaw Box Office and at our Club. After a delightful light brunch, friends of the Club from all over District 7090 enjoyed a matinee performance My Fair Lady. The Club thanks all their friends in the District who went out of their way to support our Club. The Friendly Bi-National Host Club on the Niagara Frontier between NY and Ontario invites their Rotary friends to visit their Hot Dog Stand at the Lewiston Art Festival August 10 and 11 (look for Tommy wearing the "Infamous Hot Dog Hat") and look for news about the performance of "The Odd Couple" with cabaret seating in Lewiston in October.
In March, Lincoln Rotarians Alice Klamer, Margaret Andrewes & Sue Foster visited a Pilot Project in Paley Centro, a rural and remote community of approximately 1,000 people in Paquip Health District in Guatemala. Forty-two TBAs were trained with great success through our first Global Grant project. There, we observed early-years programming for the children of different age groups and their mothers or caregivers.
For the “Survive to Thrive” Global Grant proposal, the first step is to complete a Community Assessment. This must be completed and approved by Rotary International. Once approval is gained, Rotary International will assign a Global Grant Number and post the online application for completion and submission by the Rotary Club of Guatemala Sur as the host sponsor with support by the Rotary Club of Lincoln as the International Sponsor.
The cost for the Assessment is approximately $15,000 US. We expect to split this cost with RCL & Rotary Club of Guatemala Sur and International Needs.
On May 28 at our Club assembly a Motion was approved.
MOTION: To afford up to $5,000 USD from the 2023-2024 RCL Budget as Lincoln Rotary’s share of the estimated cost of a community assessment in advance of applying for a Global Grant to fund the establishment of Nutrition & Early Child Development Programs in two or more communities in the Health District of Paquip, Department of Chimaltenango, Guatemala
We will now confirm with the Rotary Club of Guatemala Sur and International Needs of $5000 US each and complete the community assessment needed for the Global Grant application.
On April 30 we celebrated the induction of three new Paul Harris Fellow recipients presented by our Lincoln Rotary Club. District Governor Scott Marcin, and District Governor-elect David Alexander, both joined us for a beautiful evening at the Megalomaniac Winery in Lincoln. The Grimsby evening Rotary President and President-elect and some members as well as some St. Catherines Rotary guests were also present. A Paul Harris fellow is a person bestowed with Rotary's Highest Honour. Recipients are Rotarians and other community members in recognition of "Service Above Self"
Lockport Welcomes RI Fellowship of Cycling, US/Canada Vice President, Tom Drennan from District 6060, to cycle the Erie Canal
The Rotary Club of Lockport, NY, is welcoming past District Governor (6060 Eastern Missouri), Tom Drennan, this July.
Tom holds the role of Vice President of the RI Fellowship of Cycling US/Canada (Cycling 2 Serve). Through the RI C2S fellowship, Tom reached out to fellow member, Shelley Unocic (2023-24 President) with the Lockport Club. She and her club will welcome Tom on July 9th as he begins his ride starting in Niagara Falls.
He plans to arrive via Amtrak from Chicago early on July 9, with his bicycle and whatever his saddlebags will hold. He will embark on the start of his 385-mile quest to cycle the Erie Canal. He plans to navigate his way north to where his journey will officially begin at the American Falls. Tom will be joined by current Lockport members, Unocic and Dick Mullaney, club secretary. The 32-mile route will take them from the Falls region into Lockport that afternoon. He will be hosted overnight by Rotarians Steve and Cyndy Cotten. Several members of the club will meet for an evening of fellowship following the day’s ride.
The next morning the ride will continue eastbound along the canal with overnight stops planned in Rochester, Weedsport, Rome, Mohawk, and Amsterdam before hopping on and Amtrak to Schenectady. From there he’ll finish his adventure the last 30 miles to Albany before he boards a plane back home on July 15th.
Ironically, Ms. Unocic will be riding much of Tom’s route in reverse, starting on July 21st. She will be partaking in her 5th Empire State Ride to end cancer, benefiting Roswell Park Cancer Institute. With over 300+ riders alongside, they start on Staten Island in New York City and will pedal 560+ miles over seven days, before arriving at Niagara Falls, NY. She proudly represents Rotary on this ride and has met Rotarian riders from California and St. Thomas.
PHOTO: Shelley Unocic representing with her C2S jersey on the 2023 Empire State Ride from NYC to Niagara Falls. She will start her 7-day 560-mile ride on July 21, 2024.
On June 17, Niagara County Central-Niagara Falls USA Rotary held its installation of new officers and a presentation of Scholarships ceremony at the Wurlitzer Event Center in North Tonawanda, NY.
Tim Carter, supported by his board, returns as President for another year.
With three School Superintendents as members, this Club has tremendous youth programs, sponsoring two active Interact Clubs, forming a third, and working on establishing a Rotaract Club. In addition, four student scholarships were awarded at this meeting. With involvement in the Greenway, an EcoCampus initiative, a Great Lakes Watershed Cleanup at Wilson Tuscarora Park, Antique Show fundraisers and a highly successful Dictionary Project unique to this Club, it is a shining star on the Niagara Frontier.
PHOTO 1 (L to R ): President Tim Carter is administered the oath by Dave Seaman
PHOTO 2 (L to R): Rotarian Barry Johnson and Rotary Club Secretary Amy Kauderer present a Scholarship Award to Niagara Falls, NY High School Student Isabella Maynard
A free, fun filled morning for families to learn, play and connect with various resources in the community!
Families enjoyed free refreshments by the Rotary Club of Niagara Falls, Niagara Catholic District School Board EarlyON book/toy giveaway and outdoor play program, Mobile Closet clothing free shopping, Public Health Dental Bus, Library free book giveaway, Niagara Falls Firefighters, Switzer Bus Line, Community Health Centre information, Facepainting, Chicks on Sticks and music by Dan the Music Man. A great time had by all!
Many thanks to the Rotary Club of Niagara Falls for donating funds to purchase refreshments. Also, thank you to Rotarian Paul Bright for giving us a great deal on the Timmie’s coffee and Timbits!!
A HUGE thank you to the following Rotarians for volunteering their time on Saturday June 22, 2024, to distribute the refreshments:
Barbara Greenwood, Mac Mekawi, Kent and Pam McDonald and John Beyer. Thank you for bringing smiles to over 300 people who needed water and freezies to keep cool and a nutritious fruit snack. Thank you for supporting this community project!
The Little Lending Library was a District initiative in 2021 in which many participated. Our club got the plans and the idea but didn’t follow through for various reasons until this month. We are happy to report that the new unit has been installed in the north end of Niagara Falls right next to a park and has been stocked with books from the Birchway Book Riot, a women’s support organization that raises funds through donated books from the community each year.
It’s another example of a partnership between organizations that is mutually supportive and it fits one of Rotary’s key areas of focus of literacy. It will be monitored and stocked as necessary with more books as it is used.
If any other clubs are interested in building a library, please contact Rotarian John Beyer at the Niagara Falls Rotary club.
If you ever get the chance to attend a Rotary International Conference GO! You won’t be disappointed.
You will meet like-minded Rotarians from all over the world. You will hear top notch speakers on a variety of topics related to the key actions of Rotary. You will be inspired and forever changed as a Rotarian.
In June 2025, the RI Convention is hosted in Calgary, Canada!!
I and my Co-President Elect, June Mergl, had the opportunity to attend the Rotary International Convention in Singapore, in June, 2024. What an experience! It has given us ideas to consider as we begin our year as Co-Presidents of the Rotary Club of Niagara Falls, Canada.
PHOTO (L to R): June Mergl, Rotary Club of Niagara Falls Co-President 2024-2025; Jennifer Jones, Past-Rotary International President 2022-2023; and Donna Dalgleish, Rotary Club of Niagara Falls Co-President 2024-2025
On Thursday evening, 30 May, RCNS members and friends gathered together to participate in one of the iconic tourist events offered in our local area - a Grand River Dinner Cruise. As organized by Gail Catherwood (wearing her Membership Committee hat this time), the event unfolded in absolutely perfect conditions. What a terrific time everyone had! There was a great turnout of 33 cruisers; 17 Sunrisers with 16 family/friends joining in. All of this, to discover a wonderful dining and cruising adventure in our own backyard! Add to that, the real possibility that a few of those invited are now interested in joining!
A group photo of those enjoying the evening at the 'Read more ...' tab
RCNS members, Jim & Marjorie Dawson travelled to Pikangikum First Nation in North-West Ontario last week to provide canoe training for three Gr 7 classes and the outdoor education class at EB school in Pikangikum. See several of the canoe training photos and read more about their most recent visit in their ongoing commitment to Pikangikum, at the 'Read more ...' tab.
What a great way to be "Honouring Indigenous Peoples"!
Here are some pictures from the citizenship ceremony hosted by the Rotary Club of St. Catharines. There were fourteen candidates, from seven different countries, with the youngest in grade 1. Rotary St. Catharines put on a lunch for all candidates, their families, and all other attendees. It was a moving ceremony, something we missed out on during the recent pandemic. I am very glad I attended the celebration.
With July being Rotary's transition month, this ceremony is akin to the ceremony being held by many a Rotary club. Instead of moving from club President to the next, these candidates moved from one citizenship to being Canadian.
Spring Grocery Store Food Drive Nets $4400 for Food4Kids!
The Rotary Club of St. Catharines Lakeshore was able to collect over $4400 in cash and food donations at our Spring Food Drive, held in one afternoon (Friday May 31) at both NOFRILLS locations in St Catharines — Welland Ave & Lake and Lakeshore Road.
Volunteers staffed tables at each location for a two hour shift, either 1-3 or 3-5 p.m. with a driver picking up food and transporting it to the St. Catharines Food4Kids office during and at the end of the drive.
Finally, volunteers worked at the office to unload, sort and count donations.
A BIG thank you to everyone who participated from Food4Kids Chair Marlene.
The Rotary Club of St. Catharines South's first event of the Leaders For Global Impact Speaker Series on June 18th, 2024, was a tremendous success, raising awareness and funds for international projects. Utilizing a pay-what-you-can model to ensure inclusivity, the event featured keynote speaker Dr. Yousef Haj-Ahmad of Norgen Biotek, who announced a $50,000 donation. The event, attended by over 50 people and emceed by Najeeb Syed and Saban Basic, highlighted various projects supported by the club, such as Gift of Life International and Shelter Box. Additional contributions totaled over $4,900, with significant support from sponsors and the donation of the event space by Najeeb Syed. This innovative approach encourages us to explore diverse fundraising strategies to enhance our fundraising efforts.
Join Us for an In-Person Talk with Abdul Aziz Memon
We are excited to invite you to an in-person talk with Abdul Aziz Memon, Rotary Foundation Trustee, Polio Plus Chairman, and Chairman of TMSG. Mr. Memon will speak at our club meeting on October 8, 2024, at Loft 123 in St. Catharines from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM. He will address the critical issues of malnutrition and polio, providing insights and solutions based on his extensive experience.
Abdul Aziz Memon is a highly respected figure in the Rotary community and beyond. As a Rotary Foundation Trustee and Chairman of both Polio Plus and TMSG, Mr. Memon has been instrumental in leading initiatives that combat malnutrition and eradicate polio. His dedication and leadership have made significant impacts on global health, particularly in vulnerable regions.
Get Your Tickets: Tickets for the event can be ordered via this link. We encourage all members to attend this enlightening session and join us in supporting the fight against malnutrition and polio.
This event is organized by the Rotary Club of St. Catharines South. We look forward to seeing you there and working together to make a difference. - Najeeb Syed
The Westfield-Mayville Rotary Club held its change over ceremony as it has for 95 years!
Mike Harrington, outgoing President, presented our new President, Janese Berkhouse (3rd term) with the club gavel.
Additionally, Mike presented Dan Smith with his Level 5, Paul Harris Pin.
Mike was presented with a Rotary attaché bag as thanks for his leadership over the past two years and to accompany him as he continues his work as Assistant Governor in Chautauqua County!
The officers and board members took their oath of office and are ready for a new Rotary year!!!
PHOTO: Outgoing President Mike Harrington presents gavel to Janese Berkhouse
This is just one more reason for what we do and why we fund raise all year!
Service above self to our local communities!!!
We support summer recreational opportunities in Westfield, NY. PHOTO (L to R): Mike Harrington, Westfield-Mayville Rotary Club President, Andrew Webster, Westfield Recreation Director, and Patty Benton, Community Service Chairperson, presenting a check for $500 for the Westfield Summer Swim Program).
Sangkoo Yun, of the Rotary Club of Sae Hanyang, Seoul, Korea, is the selection of the nominating committee to become Rotary International’s president for 2026-27.
With transplant changes afoot, Rotary members push to end global organ shortages. One kidney donor crisscrosses continents in his SUV to dispel fears about giving