My fellow Rotarians, First, please join me in welcoming our newest District Leadership Team Member, Rotarian Anne Bermingham as DGN from the Rotary Club of Hamilton AM. Welcome aboard DGN Anne!
Let me be unequivocally clear, in spite of this pandemic, Rotary is not doomed. Now is the time to be calm, resilient and resolute. In this darkness of COVID -19. Rotarians will trim their wicks so their lights do not go dim but rather becomes a bright beacon of light on a hilltop. During times like these, Rotarians have always been on the 'frontier of change'. Be rest assured this pandemic will be our time of change to show others the meaning of Rotary.
Rotary clubs in our district have taken the absence of weekly meetings to another level. For instance, the Rotary Clubs of Grimsby Noon, PM and Lincoln clubs have had virtual committee meetings via Zoom. The Rotary clubs of Batavia and Lockport offered their members an opportunity to 'connect' on a Zoom weekly meeting. They leveraged this new technology (to some) to their advantage and their members became 'socially connected'. Even preschoolers are having Zoom meeting and senior citizen well beyond three scores and 10 + are staying 'socially connected' and having fun. 'Snowbirds' who otherwise wouldn't have made an in-person meeting appreciated being connected through this medium. So - who says their members are too young or too old? They are experiencing the 'new norm' of 'social distancing' by staying engaged, inspired and enjoying Rotary comradely through the use of E-Club Meetings. BTW, just in case you weren’t aware our E-Clubs have used this technology since its inception.
"For many, the coronavirus pandemic seemed to come out of nowhere, an unexpected crisis that we couldn’t have been prepared for. But some people have actually been warning of a global pandemic—and the fact that we are largely unprepared to handle one—for years. Along with epidemiologists and even the director for medical and biodefense preparedness at the National Security Council, Bill Gates has been saying for a decade that the world was woefully underprepared for an inevitable pandemic."
However, Rotary has been on the frontier of many new initiatives:
Rotary launched PolioPlus in 1985 and was a founding member of the Global Polio Eradication initiative in 1988. Through decades of hard work and commitment by Rotary and our partners, more than 2.5 billion children have received the oral polio vaccine.
"Rotarian Edgar Allen founded a hospital in Elyria, OH, after his son's death in a streetcar accident in May 1907. Soon after, Allen dedicated his life to creating community-based services for children with disabilities, recruiting Rotarians to create a network of programs that would become Easterseals. Since the 1920s, Rotary clubs have worked with local Easterseals organizations as volunteer and event sponsors by offering program support through direct grants and gifts."
"Rotary and the start of the United Nation. Rotary and the United Nations have a shared history of working toward peace and addressing humanitarian issues around the world. During World War II, Rotary informed and educated members about the formation of the United Nations and the importance of planning for peace. This was a monumental task to accomplish and sessions became known as the Dumbarton Oaks conference. After the conference, Rotary published “What Can Rotarians Do Following Dumbarton Oaks?” It included the proposed charter, talking points, and suggestions for discussing with club members how the United Nations would relate to Rotary’s goal of advancing international understanding. It also emphasized the importance of having a plan ready when the war ended, rather than waiting until the fighting stopped.
My fellow Rotarians now is the time to be proactive so our beacons of light on the hilltop aren’t extinguished. Use E-Club Meeting platforms to keep members connected and engaged, plan an event in your community that promotes health, safety, and how to stay connected with family and friends through various social media platforms. Reach out to at least three people each day in your sphere of influence who you haven't spoken with in decades and ‘CONNECT’ with them. This ‘CONNECT’ is consistent with our theme for this Rotary year ”Rotary Connects the World.” This CONNECT will show care, concern, and compassion. Keep our beacon of light burning bright so that we can show others the meaning of Rotary.
BE SAFE, STAY HOME AND PRACTICE ‘SOCIAL DISTANCING’
Please open link for information from RI Headquarters
She believes in the District 7090 Mission which is "inspiring and supporting" all the clubs in District 7090 to be the best that they can be.
Anne loves using different forms of communication - from video messages to webinars to conference calls.
She is currently the President of the Rotary Club of Hamilton AM and is a Past President of the Rotary Club of Hamilton.
Her family has hosted Rotary Youth Exchange students from Switzerland, Finland, Germany, Belgium, Japan - to name a few.
She loves the international nature of Rotary and has participated in Rotary meetings in Argentina, Thailand, and most recently, St. Lucia, as well as helping to host VTTs from Guatemala and Belize.
Anne is thrilled to be able to work closely with our current District Governor Bob Artis and our District Governor Elect Frank Adamson. One of her projects is to revive and refresh the District Strategic Plan. This revised plan will be coming to the April 2020 District Council meeting.
She will be doing the job of DGN, DGE, and DG differently than it has been done in the past. She is a business owner and will remain working fulltime. As current Rotary International President Mark Maloney remarked in a recent edition of The Rotarian, "Rotary should add and not curtail from our vocational commitments."
Anne can be reached at Anne@D7090.org. You can also text or call her at (905) 7119-1225.
FROM THE OFFICE
A shout out to all my D7090 Rotarian friends! This is a reminder that March 31st, my old email is going away. Please sure to use office@d7090.org going forward to reach me.
I just received an email reminding us that all the incoming presidents and secretaries, foundation chairs and membership chairs need to be reported to RI immediately! If you have integrated ClubRunner with RI, it should "tell" RI that information. But, here's the thing, you must go into ClubRunner and change the year to 2020-2021 and make the updates there. Also, as I try to impress on all our club records folks, inspect what you expect. If you have updated ClubRunner, wait a couple of days, log in to www.rotary.org with your login and password and check to make sure the information has been received and is there. If you have never logged in to RI before, here is the link to the directions on how to do just that and more. Also, contained in this link is important contact information.
With COVID-19 on our minds, and the restricting of club meetings and events, here is a link to a resource shared with us by DGE Frank Adamson. It has lots of links in it to options for virtuals meetings, suggestions for being creative with those meetings and more.
Last but not least, click on Tips for Using Zoom, which will prove helpful for even the novice user of technology. Thanks, PDG Kevin Crosby!
Recently, the Rotary Club of Lancaster-Depew is pleased to have been treated to a talk about the Gift of Life program, presented by PDG Jack Amico. The club and members then made donations to the cause.
Additionally, President Adam Guglielmi presented the club's annual contribution towards the D7090 Million Dollar Challenge made by then District Governor Jack, who is always invited back to receive the payment from us.
As indicated by AG Rob Benzel, "In 2014-2015, when PDG Jack Amico was DG, a plan was established for D7090 to raise a million dollars for The Rotary Foundation to be used for grants and future district and club programs. Our club, and many others, agreed to donate $10k each, which could be paid overtime. We give $1,000 each year, this being our 6th payment."
Presidents to present on behalf of the club have included: Rob Benzel, Bonnie Kell, Brian Williams, Rob Benzel, Ken Graber, and now Adam Guglielmi.
Rotarian Bill Swenson was called to the podium at the February 20th meeting of the Rotary Club of Buffalo in celebration of his 98th Birthday! With 51 years as a Rotarian, Bill is still an active member, drives to weekly meetings and helps with the meeting set up! When asked about his goals for the future, Bill answered, “To live to 100!" Bill is a former chief engineer at Bell Aerospace in Houston where he worked on the Apollo Lunar Lander and rocket systems. Before becoming a Buffalo Rotarian, Bill was a member of the Space Center Rotary Club of Houston.
Pictured (left to right) is Rotarian Suzanne Taylor and Rotarian Bill Swenson.
The Rotary Club of Lincoln, its executive, and members of the Lamplighters, were joined by representatives of the Cave Springs Board of Directors and the Legacy Hall fundraising team February 18, 2020, for the official cheque presentation of $25,000 to fulfill the pledge to match up to an additional $25,000 of any community donations.
Sue Foster President, Rotary Club of Lincoln stated, “We believe in the direction that the camp board is taking in transforming it to a four-season operation and supporting youth leadership and development all year round. Initiating the matching donation challenge to the community was to also help raise awareness of this project and get the community involved in supporting the camp. The construction of a brand-new facility will expand the camp to a year-round operation. The facility will be fully accessible and have universal washrooms designed to accommodate all abilities and genders of children."
The Rotary Club of St. Catharines Lakeshore held a special dinner to recognize the “School to Home Reading Program” Volunteer Coordinators and Mentors for the 2019-2020 School year.
Winner of the 2018 Rotary International Literacy Award, this program was initiated in 2011 to help increase literacy levels at local St. Catharines schools, while building confidence; encouraging family involvement and instilling the joy of reading in the students involved. Selected students from Grades 2-4 read to volunteer mentors October through April who encourages the students and critiques them, then the students take a book home to read to their family. This process repeats week by week.
The Rotary Club of St. Catharines Lakeshore maintains the program by recruiting, training and scheduling volunteers from local Niagara College and Brock University as well as retired teachers, librarians and other interested and committed community members to mentor weekly. The club also funds the purchase of “leveled” reading books each year. This is a win-win as mature students mentor younger ones, as well as receiving community hours and references.
Each mentor received an envelope from the club with a Certificate of Appreciation. The Club was also happy to present each mentor with a small gift of appreciation.
Pictured left (left to right) are Eric Jones, President; Dr. Emilio Raimondo, Literacy Committee Volunteer Chair; Linda Landry, English School Liaison. Pictured at right are the volunteer mentors along with President Eric.
On Feb 22nd, Coldest Night of the Year Walk in Grimsby, 12 Club Rotarians volunteered to do various jobs as road marshals, greeters, registrants, and chili servers; supporting West Niagara which includes Grimsby, Lincoln, and West Lincoln. All proceeds go to support the YWCA’s transitional housing program in West Niagara.
A curling Team from Rotary Club of Grimsby participated in the Cambridge Preston-Hespeler Rotary Bonspiel on March 5th’ they played three 5 end games with lunch, dinner, and fellowship for a very enjoyable day.
Membership of Grimsby Rotary Club grew by two members at the Feb. 20th meeting. Rotarian Bill Hughes gave an excellent presentation to the inductees, including a history of this local 1976-chartered club and general obligations of new members. Inductees Mr. Mat Miller is a Secondary School Principal and Mr. Andy Daniels is a Retail Owner. New Rotarians, Mat, and Andy were warmly welcomed by the club members. Pictured on left (from left to right): Rotarian Kathryn Drury welcomes inductee Mat Miller. Pictured on right (from left to right): Inductee Andy Daniels is welcomed by Rotarian Patrick Brabant.
In the just-concluded ‘Undie Sunday’ program, Grand Islanders provided the Rotary Club of Grand Island with a tremendous stock of new ‘undies’ and socks that have now been delivered to St. Luke’s Mission of Mercy in Buffalo and to Community Mission in Niagara Falls, New York.
Island folks thought generously of the plight of the homeless and abused in this late winter weather. A team of Rotarians worked hard rounding up the hampers used for collection, then sorting the overwhelming amount – we are sorry we violated the Rotarians are Workers photo guidelines by providing a photo standing around with painted smiles on – those workers were truly tired! And, truly grateful for the generosity of the community!
Rotary Club of Niagara Falls, Ontario, had its annual Trivia Night this past February. The event is always a huge success and raised considerable funds to go back into the community.
The event had over 400 community members attend and several volunteers who help make the night run smoothly. There were great trivia questions as always, and amazing raffle, live auction, and 50/50 draw.
The club sends a huge thank you out to all the Rotarians and community members who helped out, who donated prizes and came to the event. This Trivia night is known to be the best in Niagara Falls!
The Rotary Club of Welland was chartered on April 1, 1920, and has been serving for 100 years! Locally, Welland Rotary has sponsored and supported projects with various partners. Some of these projects are Welland Hospital, Niagara Children’s Centre, City of Welland, Tanguay Place, and elementary schools. Additionally, the club has supported international projects related to many of Rotary’s main areas of focus - including Disease Prevention & Treatment, Maternal & Child Health, and Basic Education & Literacy.
Our Anniversary Gala has been rescheduled to Friday, October 23, 2020 at John Michaels Banquet Hall. Our guest speaker is Dean Rohrs, Past Vice-President of Rotary International (2017-2018). Everyone is welcome. Meet up with former acquaintances and make new friends. Stay for the entertainment by Sandy Vine and the Midnights!
My fellow Rotarians, First, please join me in welcoming our newest District Leadership Team Member, Rotarian Anne Bermingham as DGN from the Rotary Club of Hamilton AM. Welcome aboard DGN Anne! 
I just received an email reminding us that all the incoming presidents and secretaries, foundation chairs and membership chairs need to be reported to RI immediately! If you have integrated ClubRunner with RI, it should "tell" RI that information. But, here's the thing, you must go into ClubRunner and change the year to 2020-2021 and make the updates there. Also, as I try to impress on all our club records folks, inspect what you expect. If you have updated ClubRunner, wait a couple of days, log in to 
cently, the Rotary Club of Lancaster-Depew is pleased to have been treated to a talk about the Gift of Life program, presented by PDG Jack Amico. The club and members then made donations to the cause. 
answered, “To live to 100!" Bill is a former chief engineer at Bell Aerospace in Houston where he worked on the Apollo Lunar Lander and rocket systems. Before becoming a Buffalo Rotarian, Bill was a member of the Space Center Rotary Club of Houston.
As part of the Official Club Visit of the District Governor on February 11, 2020, Governor Bob Artis inducted two new Rotarians. 
The Rotary Club of St. Catharines Lakeshore held a special dinner to recognize the “School to Home Reading Program” Volunteer Coordinators and Mentors for the 2019-2020 School year.
Catharines schools, while building confidence; encouraging family involvement and instilling the joy of reading in the students involved. Selected students from Grades 2-4 read to volunteer mentors October through April who encourages the students and critiques them, then the students take a book home to read to their family. This process repeats week by week.
On Feb 22nd, Coldest Night of the Year Walk in Grimsby, 12 Club Rotarians volunteered to do various jobs as road marshals, greeters, registrants, and chili servers; supporting West Niagara which includes Grimsby, Lincoln, and West Lincoln. All proceeds go to support the YWCA’s transitional housing program in West Niagara. 
the inductees, including a history of this local 1976-chartered club and general obligations of new members. Inductees Mr. Mat Miller is a Secondary School Principal and Mr. Andy Daniels is a Retail Owner. New Rotarians, Mat, and Andy were warmly welcomed by the club members. Pictured on left (from left to right): Rotarian Kathryn Drury welcomes inductee Mat Miller. Pictured on right (from left to right): Inductee Andy Daniels is welcomed by Rotarian Patrick Brabant.
new ‘undies’ and socks that have now been delivered to St. Luke’s Mission of Mercy in Buffalo and to Community Mission in Niagara Falls, New York. 
Rotary Club of Niagara Falls, Ontario, had its annual Trivia Night this past February. The event is always a huge success and raised considerable funds to go back into the community.
100 YEARS OF SERVICE