After this big wind storm, we hope that all of you are okay. It is our hope that no one experienced more than the loss of electricity, a few missing shingles and downed trees.
If It Is To Be It Is Up To Me! This year’s MDPETS team knocked this training session for our incoming Club Presidents right out of the park! Well done, DGE Reg Madison and team!
While attending this training event’s luncheon, I met up again with a friend of District 7090; DG David Forward* was the luncheon keynote speaker. David is a wonderful speaker, but more importantly he is renowned for his knowledge of Rotary International and our Rotary Foundation and his passion to tell our story in a way that is meaningful and in an entertaining manner. It wasn’t my first time hearing David speak; however, I learned from him again.
This time he recounted a conversation with one of the top insurance salespeople in the US. As David put it, he asked this gentleman how he was able to year after year be the top in sales. This well versed salesperson didn’t spout a new methodology or his own never fail - close, which I sort of expected David to share with us next. No. Here is what the wise and wealthy gent said, “IF IT IS TO BE IT IS UP TO ME.” Just ten-two letter words. This is the gent’s life affirming quote that takes him through all of his activities. Hmmm…
Ever wondered how other Rotary Clubs in District 7090 raise funds? There are a lot of effective techniques. At the District 7090 conference last October, a group of Rotarians got together to share some of these ways. Here are just some of the ideas that were shared:
The Vocational Training Team (VTT) District Committee is pleased to announce we are accepting proposals for the 2017-2018 Rotary Year. The deadline is April 28, 2017. Please see the details and Proposal Application for further information on this link to the VTT page at http://www.rotary7090.org/SitePage/vocational-training-teams.
Hello fellow Rotarians. My name is Jim Morabito from the Clarence, NY club. I'm happy to report that I've been asked to head up the Paul Harris Society (PHS) efforts in District 7090. When you get tapped on the shoulder to assist at the district level, well, who am I to say no. It's an honor and privilege. Truth be told, as a long time Rotarian (over 30 years), multiple PH awardee, and PHS member, I was thrilled to be offered a chance to serve our district , RI, the PHS, and The Rotary Foundation.
For those that may be unfamiliar with the Paul Harris Society, it recognizes continued support for The Rotary Foundation.
Most of us are familiar with the concept of the “elevator speech.” We’ve all been told we should be able to give a succinct 30-second response if someone asks us what Rotary is all about. This is good advice but I think most of us feel like we really need several minutes to adequately describe Rotary. After all, there’s local community service projects, international humanitarian projects, polio eradication, fun and fellowship, interesting and informative speakers, youth leadership programs, youth exchange, Peace Scholars, Doing Good in the World through our Rotary Foundation, etc. etc.
The great and generous heart of the District 7090 Rotary clubs was in action recently. The Rotary Club of Welland’s International Committee was searching for funds to support a project in Candelaria, Philippines.
The club has been working in Candelaria for a few years - previously funding audio-visual educational equipment for 24 elementary schools, 2 special education schools and 5 high schools. The new project arose due to a new strategy by the Filipino government to train high school students in vocational skills to prepare them for the world of work. While teachers were trained, and some new schools built, little was available to provide training equipment in cookery, bakery, electrical, welding etc.
Morgan Bennett (right), Fredonia Rotaract Club Vice President, is all those Rotary things.
She was welcomed by Rotarian Pete Bills (right), Membership Chair and presiding official, at the March 7 meeting of the Rotary Club of Westfield-Mayville at The Parkview in Westfield, NY/USA to update the club (who has supported her efforts for some time). She discussed the goals, service projects and fundraisers of the Fredonia Rotaractors.
President Justin Bester and Past President Kevin Davis make a cheque presentation to Janis Monture, Executive Director of Woodland Cultural Centre, for $10,000. This is the first contribution towards the Save the Evidence Campaign with the goal to raise the necessary funds for repairs and renovations to the Mohawk Institute Indian Residential School. Janis thanked everyone and informed members that the roof renovations are underway and should be completed by the end of June. The Club has set aside another $25,000 for Phase 3 of this campaign which will promote and preserve stories of children who attended the school and to further enhance the museum.
On February 5, the Brantford Rotary Sunrise President Justin Bester and Sandra Micucci presented Shaikh Abu Noman Tarek and the Brantford Muslim Association a cheque for the Syrian Refugee Resettlement Project.
Consistent with the month’s theme of World Thought, the morning meeting started with a Halal breakfast and followed with the presentation – Islam 101: My Faith, Culture & Community. Imam Tarek talked about the Islamic faith and customs and about the association’s long-time role in the community. The morning ended with a reminder of the open invitation for all to the regular Friday afternoon sermons and lunch at the Mosque.
Steve Hatfield, President of Falconer Rotary, visited the Chautauqua Region Community Foundation on Spring Street, Jamestown, NY to present a check for $9000. The purpose of the check is to help fund a scholarship for a graduating senior from Falconer High School and to help fund the Falconer Region Community Fund. A scholarship of $500 will be awarded annually to a Falconer High School senior who demonstrates the Rotary Motto; Service Above Self. The successful senior must maintain a 'B' or better G.P.A., be well-rounded, college-bound, display high ethical standards, demonstrate good will, and serve the community. The Falconer Region Community Fund is a fund to assist the Falconer - Ellington - Kennedy area. Recently $5000 was awarded by CRCF to seven local organizations for their various projects.
Pictured is CRCF Executive Director Randy Sweeney and Steve Hatfield, club president.
Mary Mercato was recently welcomed by the members of the Rotary Club of Norfolk Sunrise. Officially inducted by Keith Jones on February 28, 2017, Mary has said she is excited to be sharing her time and skill set with Rotary. She is retired now following a long career with Norfolk County. She and her husband, Ray, are parents to two daughters and grandparents to four grandchildren.
It was Mr. Sun's idea to have a Chinese Spring Festival Dinner, held on February 26, 2017 and involving guests from the local Chinese-Canadian community, the Rotary Club, and other members of the Lewiston and Niagara-on-the-Lake community. They were joined by a number of Brock University students, Robb McLeod, who is a Rotary Past District Governor who travels widely around the world on Rotary matters, and Charles Burton, a professor at Brock and former Canadian Ambassador to China.
Pictured (L to r) is John Sun, a resident of NOTL with business interests in both China and Canada and Rotary Club President John Hopkins.
The Rotary Club of Niagara Falls Sunrise was privileged to welcome to its breakfast meeting Ayman Krait, a Syrian refugee who now proudly calls Niagara Falls and Canada home.
Pictured with Ayman is BJ Romans, Vice President & Membership Chair.
Rotarians bowled in the annual Crossroads House tournament recently. It was especially poignant this year as the tourney honored longtime Batavia Rotarian, Joe Gerace. Joe loved this tournament and always encouraged us to get out, have a good time and help support the gem of our local end-of-life agency.
Olean Rotary wanted to be a part of the major renovations to Union Street in Olean. On February 7, Olean Rotarian Mary Kay Worth presented to the aldermen and mayor of the City of Olean. The group unanimously supported the vision of bringing the Silent Policeman back to the corner of State and Union.
Pictured left in the photo is the original “Silent Policeman” who stood at the intersection between the 1920s and 40s, literally with directional arrows to neighboring communities. To the right of the original, is the 2017 Rotary version.
The Grimsby Rotary Club donated $9,000 to a group of twelve local charities at its dinner meeting on February 16th. The funds were raised from the annual “Fantasy of Trees” event. A wonderful and rewarding evening was enjoyed by all in attendance; it was especially gratifying to hear of the good work being done within our community by the local charities.
Pictured are representatives of the various organizations. President of Rotary, Jim Howden is standing on the extreme left, Roger Bradley, Chair of Fantasy of Trees is on the extreme right and Gerry Vandermolen, Director Community Service is the tallest person at the rear.
On February 27, 2017, District Governor Marlee Diehl and Albert Kim, member of E-Club of Southern Ontario – Western New York (SOWNY), attended the 29th Lieutenant-Governor of Ontario Honourable Elizabeth Dowdeswell’s reception for Honouring Indigenous Peoples (HIP) in the Lieutenant-Governor’s Suite at Queen’s Park in downtown Toronto.
HIP was created by Rotarians in Southern Ontario in partnership and consultation with a number of indigenous people; and it is now in the process of expanding its reach across Canada. HIP is honouring indigenous people by supporting their educational efforts and encouraging all Canadians to be aware of indigenous issues, history and culture.
On February 23, 2017, E-Club of SOWNY (Southern Ontario – Western New York) President Gordon Crann, (second from left) while attending the United Nations Association in Canada Toronto Brach (UNACTO) monthly meeting at Toronto City Hall, was recognized for his and Rotary’s humanitarian work by joining guest speaker Nancy Drynan, Canadian Cancer Society’s Durham Representative for South Central Ontario Regional Advisory Council, in receiving an United Nations Association in Canada (UNAC) pin from UNACTO President Syed Khusro and UNACTO Vice-President/Strategy Roshan Udit.
For many years now, the Rotary Club of Greater Jamestown AM has committed its time, energy and money in the children who attend the Eastside Family YMCA. Recently, the club took the kids to the Northwest Savings Bank Ice Arena. Children of all ages from the Eastside Y were invited to join AM Rotarians for a free skate, dinner, and tickets to watch the Southern Tier Xpress hockey team.
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On February 5, the Brantford Rotary Sunrise President Justin Bester and Sandra Micucci presented Shaikh Abu Noman Tarek and the Brantford Muslim Association a cheque for the Syrian Refugee Resettlement Project.
Mary Mercato was recently welcomed by the members of the Rotary Club of Norfolk Sunrise. Officially inducted by Keith Jones on February 28, 2017, Mary has said she is excited to be sharing her time and skill set with Rotary. She is retired now following a long career with Norfolk County. She and her husband, Ray, are parents to two daughters and grandparents to four grandchildren.
Rotarians bowled in the annual Crossroads House tournament recently. It was especially poignant this year as the tourney honored longtime Batavia Rotarian, Joe Gerace. Joe loved this tournament and always encouraged us to get out, have a good time and help support the gem of our local end-of-life agency.
For many years now, the Rotary Club of Greater Jamestown AM has committed its time, energy and money in the children who attend the Eastside Family YMCA. Recently, the club took the kids to the Northwest Savings Bank Ice Arena. Children of all ages from the Eastside Y were invited to join AM Rotarians for a free skate, dinner, and tickets to watch the Southern Tier Xpress hockey team