KEY NOTE ADDRESS BY DR. BOB SCOTT, PAST CHAIR OF ROTARY INTERNATIONAL POLIO PLUS COMMITTEE. SCOTCH TASTINGS PAIRED TO FINE DINING WITH EXPERT TUTORING AT EACH COURSE.
Rotary Club of Greater Jamestown AM presents
HAWAIIAN NIGHT
Date: Thursday, August 20, 2015
Location: Chautauqua Lake Yacht Club, 43 East Lake Street, Lakewood, NY
Time: 6pm
Ticket: $35 (includes Hawaiian Buffet; entertainment by Infinity Steel Drums; door prizes)
GET YOUR DUCKS IN A ROW AT THE BUFFALO DUCK DERBY. GREAT FOOD TRUCKS, BEVERAGE TENT, FAMILY ACTIVITIES, AND MORE. The highly trained rubber ducks will "launch" from the Blue Line Bridge and race to the end of the canal!
Rotary Club of Ellicottville presents
TUSCAN MOON GOURMET DINNER PARTY – A TRIBUTE TO MICHAEL KEARNS
Date: Saturday, August 29, 2015
Location: John Harvard’s Pool Complex, Holiday Valley
Time: 6pm
Ticket: $65
Call: (716) 699-8758 for your reservation
ELLICOTTVILLE’S TOP RESTAURANTS SERVING ITALIAN SPECIALTIES. MUSIC BY MICHAEL NUGENT. LIVE & SILENT AUCTIONS.
Rotary Club of Amherst presents
HARVEST MOON DINNER DANCE
Date: Friday, September 25, 2015
Location: Buffalo Yacht Club
Time: 6 to 10pm
Contact: Isadore DeMarco, Amherst President for more information at (716) 929-5150 or idemarco@echa.org
Rotary Club of Batavia presents
13TH ANNUAL CORVETTE OR $40K CASH RAFFLE
Date: Saturday, September 26, 2015
Location: Oktober Brew Fest at Batavia Downs
Time: 6:30 - 9:30pm
Raffle Ticket: $50 for 1/$100 for 3 (winner need not be present)
Oktober Brew Fest: $20 presale/$25 at the door, includes beer/wine tasting, ($10 for non-drinkers), food, commemorative glass to first 500, live entertainment & $10 free play at Batavia Downs
EVERYONE OF US IS CONFRONTED WITH ADVERSITY, CHALLENGE AND CHANGE. WE FACE IT IN OUR FAMILIES, OUR HEALTH, WITH CHILDREN AND OUR FINANCES. ALL OF US GET OUR SHARE OF THE TOUGH STUFF. IN HIS KEYNOTE ADDRESS, JOE TEACHES HOW ANYONE, ANYWHERE CAN OVERCOME LIMITATIONS AND LIVE THEIR DREAMS.
In my first two weeks of visiting Rotary clubs in our District, I have asked clubs to identify their major challenges. The top two challenges have been: (1) attracting new members; and (2) attracting new members who are younger. I expect I will hear this often as I continue to visit clubs. Although I don’t have a magic bullet or a guaranteed solution, I do have some suggestions to address both challenges.
I believe we can have success in attracting new members if we focus on doing recruitment events at the Area level. (An Area encompasses a group of clubs that are supported by an Assistant Governor – or as we like to refer to them, “Area Governor” – “AG” for short.)
I am recommending that each Area plan to have a few recruitment events during the year, involving all clubs in the Area. I think the goals of such events should be (1) getting prospective members excited about becoming part of Rotary; and then (2) acquainting the prospects with the activities, culture, meeting times, dues, and other details of each club. People will pick clubs based on practical issues of location, meeting time, club activities and cost. We want prospective members to select the club that is the best fit for them. Otherwise, they are unlikely to join, or stay if they do join.
I’m also recommending that we begin Area-wide orientation programs for new members. I think this is an important part of keeping new members. We need to impress new members with the big world of Rotary beyond the club. Each club will orient their new member to the practices of their club; but I think we can do a better job of orienting the new Rotarian to the wide world of Rotary by doing this at the Area level, with periodic orientation events for new members from all the clubs in an Area.
In regard to the desire to recruit younger members, my advice is that clubs work their way down the age scale whenever possible. If nearly all the members of a club are over 50 years old, I think it makes sense to focus on recruiting members in their 40’s. Once you have some members in their 40’s, then look for members in their 30’s. I think it’s more appealing to a prospective member to see existing club members who are relatively close in age. I think it is difficult to attract a prospective member in their 30’s if the next youngest member is in their 60’s. Just makes sense to me.
Rotary is an amazing organization because of the amazing people who are members. Attracting and keeping new members should be a piece of cake. We just have to clever in how we present the cake.
As of mid-September, District 7090 Conference has over 230 people already registered! That is right. Not including our youth programs like Youth Exchange, we have passed the 200 mark and are well on the way to reaching our over 400 participation goal. Please join us for this UNIQUE conference experience. It is a great chance to meet and speak with Rotarians from all over our District 7090. The line up of workshops is diverse, unique and fantastic – from cake decorating to improv to meeting effectiveness skills.
Check out the video promoting the conference (above)! Check out the Face Book page! And get registered. The only thing that could be missing at this year's conference is YOU!
Over 14 Past District Governors came out to participate in the District Governor Changeover and Club Awards Brunch held on June 28th at Templeton Landing, in Buffalo, NY. As you can see from the governors' photo, directly below, the dress was definitely island casual and the atmosphere was celebratory indeed. Congratulations to the many clubs who were recognized for their accomplishments especially in "Lighting Up Rotary" under the leadership of now Past District Governor Jack Amico.
Rotary Club of Buffalo Sunrise members at Changeover proudly holding up the banner of the home club of District Governor Kevin Crosby!
As you may remember in the July issue of our District Newsletter, DG Kevin presented an overview of the work our District did to develop this Vision and its key points.
This month, we are looking at the Membership section of the District Strategic Plan paired with the Visioning points on how we have attained this strategic area of focus. In the Vision, we talk about as if this is the Rotary year 2017 – 2018. This allows us to have measurement tools for assessing our successes. Being a vision we can update it and re-focus, as necessary.
Frequently we hear that we are too stringent in our attendance requirements, making it difficult to recruit members. We listened and now we encourage clubs to seek innovative ways of engaging members through participation in community service projects, for which members may be passionate. Community service project engagement will count towards attendance requirements rather than enforcing weekly meeting attendance. For those who have participated in hands-on projects, you know that sense of shared accomplishment forges deep friendships. Rotary friendships bolster retention.
District 7090 has a new Public Image Committee in place to assist the public relations efforts of its 69 Rotary clubs located across Southern Ontario and Western New York State. Committee membership includes:
Chrissy Casilio-Bluhm from the Rotary Club of Clarence
Tawnya Hartford from the Rotary Club of Niagara Falls Sunrise
Rachel Sandle from the Rotary Club of Lockport
Roseanne Morissette from the Rotary eClub of SOWNY (Southern Ontario and Western New York)
Each member brings a unique level of experience and expertise to the table: Please continue reading this article for the committee members' bios and contact information.
On Friday, July 24, 2015, Rotary International celebrated the one-year mark since the last case of wild poliovirus was found in Nigeria. That’s the longest the country has ever gone without a case of polio, and it’s a critical step on the path toward polio eradication. If the World Health Organization removes Nigeria from its list of polio-endemic countries, which may happen later this year, only two will remain: Pakistan and Afghanistan. This achievement could signal that the world will soon see a polio-free Africa, a major milestone in global public health. Our Clubs in District 7090 have long supported efforts to end this crippling disease, through donations, fundraising activities and public awareness.
Please join us in travelling to the 2016 RI Convention in Seoul, Korea with Gate 1 Travel. Below is the link to our exclusive itinerary for Rotarians in District 7090 (family/ friends are also welcomed).
Land and air costs based on two adult sharing room, departing TORONTO PEARSON INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT: $3,679 per person (Air costs from Buffalo forthcoming.) Group air contracts require a minimum of 10 passengers on the same itinerary and dates to remain valid.
Land only cost based on two adults sharing room is $2,169 per person. Land only price does not include arrival/departure transfers.
If you are booking as a single and would like to be paired up with a roommate to avoid single rates, please contact Donna Banach, District 7090 Rotary International Convention Chair, by email dbanach@buffalo.edu or by cell (after 6p) at (716) 870-7175.
Passports and Visas
Travelers must have a passport valid for at least 6 months after the date of travel. No visas are required for US and Canadian citizens.
7090 ROTARIAN MEMBER OF INTERNATIONAL FELLOWSHIP OF SCOUTING ROTARIANS
The 23rd World Scout Jamboree was held in Yamaguchi, Japan from July 28-August 8. A. J. Block, District 7090 Area 13 Assistant Governor, participated with the Boy Scouts of America as their Northeast Region World Jamboree Commissioner. Over 34,000 Scouts from over 150 countries participated in the World Jamboree, which is held in various parts of the world every four years. The International Fellowship of Scouting Rotarians (IFSR) promoted Rotary and Fellowship membership during the Jamboree. AG A. J., a Life-time member of IFSR, is shown here in front of their booth.
You are invited to register for the very first Wine Appreciation Event for District 7090.
Date: Friday September 18, 2015, 6.30 p.m.
Location: Redstone Winery, 4245 King Street, Beamsville, ON
Cost: $25
The evening will consist of a wine tasting and include hors d’oeuvres and much fellowship. You will also be made aware of the advantages of joining Rotary’s International Wine Appreciation Fellowship; this will be a requirement sometime in the future, but not initially for the local chapter. There will be no fee for joining the local chapter. The hors d’oeuvres will be substantial but some people may wish to stay later and enjoy more food at the winery’s restaurant (their pizzas are the greatest!).
It is essential that you register for the event as space will be limited. Please register by electronic mail to: robertmorrow@sympatico.ca. Payment will be in advance…either cheque or cash. This will be arranged following registration.
CHECK IT OUT! ClubRunner has two new versions available. An Admin Only version and a ClubRunner Lite version in addition to the Standard version many clubs are now using. If your club is interested using technology to make your club more effective, but because of your financial capacity, (or even your techology challenges) you heretofore have refrained, check out the new versions and the pricing schedule at http://site.clubrunner.ca/Page/pricing.
In my 8 years of using ClubRunner, I have found the support team to be very responsive and helpful even when I do not know the lingo......
SPEAKER AVAILABLE
Last month, we included a shout out if anyone was a bonified speaker on a topic(s) and willing to travel to 7090 clubs to give a presentation. This came in from Ron Lyons, President Elect of the Rotary Club of Niagara Falls, Ontario Canada. He offers to come to your club to speak on his experiences in the following topics:
1. China
His 8 years of living and working in China
China coming from the old to the new era
He can perform the 15 step Fujian Tea Ceremony
2. His experience helping out with the Thailand Tsunami of New Year's Eve 2005
3. He is liver transplant patient and has a talk on his personal experience and on body part donations
Bradley Shelp joined the Rotary Club of Albion in August 1957. Dwight Eisenhower was President. 'Love Letters in the Sand' and 'Let Me be Your Teddy Bear' were vying for top spot on the hit parade.
Brad's sponsor was his father, Sam, a long-time Rotarian. This was a father - son duo who worked together in the automotive business and relished in their Rotary experiences.
Since the day Brad joined the Rotary Club of Albion, he's never missed a meeting or if he must miss, he attended another Rotary club for a timely make -up. Brad's wife, Pat, says "...when traveling the location of the local Rotary meeting was as important as the hotel." Join Albion in celebrating Brad's 58 years of perfect attendance. Way to go Brad!
The two Rotary Clubs of Ancaster held their annual Exchange Student picnic on Sunday August 2 to celebrate the return of Madi Fergusson (on left) from her year in Spain, the returning to Belgium for Clemence Streel (middle) after spending a year in Ancaster, and Brooke Harmer (on right) who will be leaving for a year in Australia later this month.
On Sunday April 26th the Rotary Club of Brantford hosted their 33rd Annual Rotary Classic Run. They were blessed with a beautiful day. Over 2,200 people participated in the run. Corporate teams, schools, competitive runners and casual walkers all raised pledges to support various children's charities.
In July, a small group of District 7090 Rotarians joined together to form a new club: The Roundabout Rotary Club of Buffalo-Niagara. The club was established through the re-purposing of the former Rotary Club of Cheektowaga’s original charter, which dates to 1948.
“Roundabout Rotary was created to bring together the best parts of the Rotary organization – service, friends, and community, in a brand-new format to allow for deeper engagement with our local communities,” said Katie Biggie, President.
The Rotary Club of Clarence held their 5th annual Porsche Raffle! The drawing was held on Monday, August 3rd at the Taste of Clarence and cruise night; an annual event which draws thousands of visitors each year.
This was another sold out raffle, which consisted of 4,000 tickets this year. This fundraiser for the club’s foundation has helped raise over $50,000 each year since it’s founding.
The Rotary Club of Dundas took part in the annual Dundas Cactus Festival Parade on Thursday, August 13th. This year marks the 40th anniversary of the parade and the Rotary Club has taken part each year!
HAMBURG ROTARY HOLDS PASSING OF THE GAVEL CEREMONY
The Rotary Club of Hamburg recently held its “Passing of the Gavel” ceremonies at the Town of Hamburg Family Recreation Facility on Taylor Road, inducting a new slate of officers and recognizing the terms and years of service of its leadership and members.
Presiding over the induction of officers June 30 were special guests, Rotary District 7090 Governor Jack Amico and Assistant District Governor Elaine James, of the Orchard Park Rotary Club, who were concluding their terms of office. President Dale Stanley passed the gavel to new President Maria Guizzotti. Other officers sworn to service for the club were: Barbara Stanley, president-elect; Eloise Zoyhofski, treasurer and Dina Liberta, secretary.
While the Rotary Club of Lancaster-Depew is known for the local projects they support, desiring to make a greater impact, members have embraced a new goal.
Shown above from left to right, Doris Huber (Lancaster Artist), Bonnie Marlor (President) and Rob Benzel (Immediate Past-President) show off a painting that Doris Huber generously donated for a specific fundraiser. The raffle’s theme is “Watercolor for Fresh Water.” Marlor said “with the funds raised, this is an opportunity for our club to sponsor a meaningful international project.” Benzel added that “full proceeds of the raffle will be used to underwrite sending a member or two, to help drill a well in Haiti. There are other clubs in District 7090 with Haiti Fresh Water projects and we hope to join their effort.”
On August 8 & 9, 2015 as it has for 48 Years, the Rotary Club of Lewiston NY & Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON has sold hot dogs at the annual Lewiston Art Festival to raise money for worthy causes. As it has in the past few years, it has made this a cooperative project with the Nurses from Mt. St. Mary’s Hospital’s Maternity Unit in order to raise needed funds for vitally needed infant resuscitation equipment to ensure the safe arrival of the newest members of the community.
Austin McFall, 2015 graduate of Lockport High School, has been selected this year to receive a Rotary Club of Lockport Academic College Scholarship of $2,000 per year for four years for his studies in business and finance at Niagara University at Niagara University, NY. He is the son of Michael and Ronda McFall of Lockport.
The Lockport Rotary Club annual college scholarship budget of $10,000 per year is a major commitment of the Lockport NY Rotary Foundation, the tax exempt fundraising and community benefit 501(c)3 corporation established by the Club. In addition to Austin, several students will continue to receive scholarships awarded in previous years.
The Rotary Club of Norfolk Sunrise held its 4th annual "Uncle John's Soapbox Derby," held in 2015 in memory of past member John Race. The club sponsors this event as a community service in association with the Lynn River Music and Arts Festival which is organized by the Rotary Club of Simcoe. The Derby just gets better every year with new competitors and new cars. A new class of competition was started this year - the corporate challenge - which brought new interest.
The Salamanca Rotary Club Youth Benefit Golf Tournament was held on Monday, August 10, 2015. The tournament was very successful and everyone had a marvelous time! This tournament helps support scholarships for Salamanca High School seniors, Student of the Month awards, youth leadership training (RYLA), the Gerald Fordham Essay Contest, literacy programs at the Salamanca Youth Center and Salamanca Public Library, and Rotary's Little Free Library.
The Rotary Club of Salamanca has also sponsored the "Reading for Pizzazz Book Club" this summer at the Salamanca Public Library. Rotarian, Sheryl S. Nussbaum, and Library Manager, Kirsten Woodin, have implemented this Pre-Teen Book Club! Meetings have been held every Tuesday and attendance has been wonderful!
District 7090 Governor Kevin J. Crosby’s goal is “to learn more about you,” he said after being introduced to the Rotary Club of Westfield/Mayville members.
Welcomed by board members early, then followed by sharing lunch with all members, Crosby clarified the meaning of his objective for 2015-16. In plain words, he asked, “Are there things I can do to help you? I’m here to work for you; that’s my main goal.”
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The Rotary Club of Clarence held their 5th annual Porsche Raffle! The drawing was held on Monday, August 3rd at the Taste of Clarence and cruise night; an annual event which draws thousands of visitors each year.
The Rotary Club of Dundas took part in the annual Dundas Cactus Festival Parade on Thursday, August 13th. This year marks the 40th anniversary of the parade and the Rotary Club has taken part each year!
While the Rotary Club of Lancaster-Depew is known for the local projects they support, desiring to make a greater impact, members have embraced a new goal. 
Austin McFall, 2015 graduate of Lockport High School, has been selected this year to receive a Rotary Club of Lockport Academic College Scholarship of $2,000 per year for four years for his studies in business and finance at Niagara University at Niagara University, NY. He is the son of Michael and Ronda McFall of Lockport.
The Salamanca Rotary Club Youth Benefit Golf Tournament was held on Monday, August 10, 2015. The tournament was very successful and everyone had a marvelous time! This tournament helps support scholarships for Salamanca High School seniors, Student of the Month awards, youth leadership training (RYLA), the Gerald Fordham Essay Contest, literacy programs at the Salamanca Youth Center and Salamanca Public Library, and Rotary's Little Free Library.
District 7090 Governor Kevin J. Crosby’s goal is “to learn more about you,” he said after being introduced to the Rotary Club of Westfield/Mayville members.