It is with deep fondness that we remember and honor the life of John Boronkay, a dedicated and long-standing Rotarian, whose quiet leadership and unwavering commitment to service left a lasting impact on District 7090 and beyond.
John exemplified the very spirit of Rotary. During the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, he worked closely with me to help design and refine the ClubRunner grants module—an innovation that continues to support clubs in their humanitarian efforts.
His thoughtful approach, technical insight, and collaborative nature were instrumental in shaping a tool that has benefited countless Rotarians and their communities.
A kind, compassionate, and soft-spoken gentleman, John was also a mentor to many. Over the years, he generously guided fellow Rotarians through the complexities of grant applications, always willing to share his expertise.
He had a remarkable gift for reviewing and strengthening proposals, elevating them through his careful editing and skillful wordsmithing.
John’s passion for The Rotary Foundation was evident in all he did. When the opportunity arose to pursue a global grant aimed at preventing and combating human trafficking, he was among the first to step forward as a member of the “Fab 5” steering committee. His research, writing, and editorial contributions were essential to the success of that initiative, helping transform vision into meaningful action.
Beyond his many contributions to Rotary, John was a cherished friend. He shared his wisdom generously, and his conversations—often about his beloved grandchildren and the broader issues facing our world filled with insight, warmth, and sincerity. His legacy of service, mentorship and quiet dedication will continue to inspire us.
I am grateful for his life, his friendship, and his enduring commitment to doing good in the world.
Richard (Dick) Earne was a pillar of the Grand Island Rotary Club and of our district.
To those of you who served as president during Dick's year as governor (2006 - 2007), do you remember the little rocks he gave out during his club visits?
DG Dick was remarking on the effect a person can have on the world through Rotary service, like the ripples spreading across a pond from even a small, tossed stone.
With help from the Grand Island club, the Richard Earne Reading Garden has been established at the Grand Island Library.
Dick envisioned the creation of this garden to fulfill his goal of extending the usable library space to include a comfortable outdoor seating area for patrons to enjoy.
The garden will be dedicated on Wednesday, May 13th at 5:00 PM.
Location: Grand Island Memorial Library, 1715 Bedell Rd, Grand Island, NY 14072
For a wonderful tribute to Dick from his dear friend and fellow Grand Island Rotarian, the late Henry Kammerer, please "read more".
By Joanne Serkeyn, District Governor Elect, Rotary District 7090
A Vision Rooted in Rotary Values
In District 7090, which bridges Western New York and Southern Ontario, our vision is to unite all clubs to prevent and combat human trafficking through awareness, education, and coordinated service.
This cross-border collaboration mirrors the global nature of the problem and the Rotary spirit of unity beyond borders.
Our Mission and Action Plan: The District 7090 Human Trafficking Initiative is grounded in four key goals designed to guide clubs, empower communities, and spark cross-district cooperation.
- Educate and Raise Awareness: Provide Rotarians and communities with the knowledge and tools to recognize and prevent trafficking. Awareness is often the first line of defense.
- Support Survivors and Advocates: Collaborate with local shelters, survivor-led organizations, and community advocates to provide real-world support for recovery and reintegration.
- Strengthen District Collaboration: Encourage clubs to participate in joint projects and grants that maximize impact. When resources and ideas are shared, outcomes multiply.
- Share Resources and Expertise: Distribute educational materials, host expert speakers, and create a network where clubs learn from each other's successes and challenges.
See p. 19 in the May 2026 issue of your monthly magazine "Rotary": PROFILE: Seeing the good: Through Rotary, a police officer expands her view of how to make a difference
Learn about Human Trafficking in the Hamilton & Niagara area. The Dark Highway is a documentary film about the invisible crime of sex trafficking.
The film takes the audience along the 401 Highway to meet survivors, their advocates and the change makers.
Focused from a local & Canadian perspective, the film mirrors global survivor commentary.
After the private screening of The Dark Highway, the evening will end with an open dialogue with survivor leader Kelly Tallon Franklin (Courage for Freedom), who will share candid incites, real life anecdotes & a call to community action.
AGENDA
- Documentary
- Presentation
- Q/A with Kelly Tallon: Human Trafficking Survivor, Producer of Documentary
EVENT DETAILS
Date: Wednesday, May 20, 2026
Time:6:00 PM to 9:30 PM
Location: Ancaster Memorial Arts Centre (357 Wilson Street E, Ancaster, ON LG9 2C1, Canada)
Tickets: $35.00 (in confirmation email, you will receive the link to purchase tickets directly)
***Tickets Available to Rotarians and Family & Friends Only***
A "Rotary Wants Your Help to Stop Human Trafficking" global grant training event still has space for additional registrants.
May 23rd, 11:30 AM to 2:00 PM
11:30 AM to 2:00 PM
Batavia Downs Gaming and Hotel, 8315 Park Road, Batavia, NY.
Rotarians in District 7090 are encouraged to spread the word to educators, healthcare professionals, law enforcement, first responders, faith leaders, parents, social service agencies and community organizations. Rotarians themselves can add to our numbers and help us in multiplying the awareness for future trainings.
This training is being conducted by People Against Human Trafficking (PATH of WNY).
Register HERE by the May 15th deadline to be included in the free lunch count:
Pakistan remains one of the last endemic countries for wild poliovirus, making it a critical focus for Rotary and its partners. Director Chris will share the story of her recent trip in support of Rotary’s final push to eradicate polio globally, where she witnessed firsthand the significant impact of the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI).
Chris Etienne has a deep commitment to National Immunization Days (NIDs), having previously participated in polio eradication efforts in India and Nigeria.
Join us to learn more about polio awareness and available resources. Bring your questions, be ready to exchange ideas, and connect with fellow Rotarians.
We are very close to eradicating polio. We must keep our promise to the children of the world—and finish the fight.
This Zoom Webinar is for Club & District Leaders and is OPEN TO ALL INTERESTED ROTARIANS. And we will invite other Rotary Districts to join us.
Hosted by Rotary District 7090 and End Polio Now Co-chairs Frank Adamson and Elaine Richard (PolioPlus Society Coordinator)
📌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, 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
District 7090 is holding a special Participate for Polio event on Saturday, September 26 — the 7th Annual Dr. Ron Mergl Memorial Ride. Once again, all donations will support PolioPlus and Rotary’s number one humanitarian cause: the eradication of polio worldwide.
And this year, some exciting news: District 7090 along with the Rotary clubs of Lincoln and Dundas are collaborating for the good of Rotary.
Bike the Benchlands is a Rotary Club of Lincoln community fundraising and cycling event, with proceeds going to Rotary Youth Programs. This year, the event will be held on Saturday, August 29, and donations raised will support the Kristen French Child Advocacy Centre.
Tour de Dundas is a community charity cycling event organized by the Rotary Club of Dundas. It takes place this year on Sunday, September 27. Funds raised will benefit two local causes: Margaret’s Place Hospice and Routes Youth Centre.
These events offer something for all District 7090 Rotarians. We invite you to join one, two, or all three rides (register for all three and win a t-shirt!). Don’t want to ride? Why not support your favorite rider and the cause(s) that matter most to you?
Our Youth Exchange Program needs your financial assistance!
Take a look at the attached flyer and help as you can.
If you have questions, reach out to me or any one of the amazing team of Rotarians leading our Youth Exchange Program.
Also attached are some great fun photos from the most recent RYE get together, the Jamestown Weekend.
Don't take my word for it, see what Mike and Justin have to say!
The flyer sums it up. Feel free to share the flyer with anyone who has benefited from Rotary Youth Exchange. You don't have to be a Rotarian to help. You will receive a tax receipt for your donation.
In closing, an update: thank you to everyone who reached out about our recent student situation. I am happy to report that we were able to make it work. We have an additional Canadian student going away and we are able to accept the student from Switzerland. A true Rotary success.
You are cordially invited to attend our 2026-2027 Rotary District 7090 Changeover Celebration, a special evening to honour the accomplishments of the past year and welcome new leadership for the year ahead.
Join us as we recognize the dedication and service of our outgoing District Governor, Aaron Carlson, and extend a warm welcome to our incoming District Governor, Joanne Serkeyn, all while enjoying the beautiful setting of Niagara on the Lake's "Strewn Winery."
Date: Saturday, June 6, 2026
Location: Strewn Winery, 1339 Lakeshore Rd, Niagara-on-the-Lake ON L0S 1J0
Time: 7:00-10:00 PM
This promises to be a memorable evening of fellowship, celebration, and connection with Rotarians and guests across District 7090. A selection of hors d'oeuvres will be served and wine and non-alcoholic beverages will be available for purchase.
Tickets: $50 CAD(must be purchased by May 30th and are limited to first 80 guests)
We look forward to celebrating this important milestone with you!
Each month, clubs are challenged with a new Public Image task — practical, achievable, and designed to build a strong foundation. From conducting a Public Image Audit (July’s kickoff task) to improving social media engagement, showcasing service impact, or aligning with Rotary branding, the journey is both educational and rewarding.
Clubs will be eligible for Bronze, Silver, Gold, or Platinum awards based on the number of completed tasks — with special recognition at the end of the Rotary year and highlights featured in District newsletters, the website, and social media.
Our clubs are quietly changing lives — organizing food drives, supporting youth leadership, funding scholarships, aiding global health initiatives — but too often, these powerful stories stay within club walls. When communities don’t see or hear about what we do, they miss out on the opportunity to join us.
By supporting clubs in sharing their stories more effectively, PRISM strengthens our district’s visibility, relevance, and reputation. And when we communicate our impact clearly and consistently, we also make Rotary more inviting.
PLEASE NOTE: As this is our inaugural year, we want every club to fully leverage the PRISM Award opportunity and gain recognition for the outstanding work you’re already doing. To support your success, we have extended the deadline to complete all PRISM Award tasks to May 30, 2026.
The Service Above Self Award is considered Rotary International’s highest honor to bestow on a Rotarian.
The purpose of this award is to recognize those individual Rotarians who have demonstrated exemplary humanitarian service, in any form and at any level, with emphasis on personal volunteer efforts and active involvement in helping others through Rotary.
The Rotary International Service Above Self Award was initiated in 1992 and is Rotary International's most prestigious honor given to individual Rotarians.
Of 1.2 million Rotarians worldwide, a maximum of 150 recipients may be selected each year.
Since 1992, only 12 Rotarians in District 7090 had been honored with the Service Above Self Award.
Earl Knauss of the Hamburg Club is the district’s 13th honoree.
Through the Rotary Youth Exchange, thousands of high school students annually immerse themselves in different cultures, giving them the practical experience to understand the world better than most others.
By: Ryan Bradbury
On a mission to learn more about himself and the world, current exchange student Cole Chrapko could not be any closer to the action.
Chrapko, a Canadian exchange student from Edmonton, Alta., is currently seven months into his Danish Rotary Youth Exchange. For Chrapko, given the current state of the world, it has been an eye-opening experience.
“People are starting to see each other less as people and more as others,” said Chrapko. “Though, I think the exchange just rips that [tension] apart. Right now, I'm living with a half Irish, half Danish family. They're showing me their life and I'm showing them mine.”
Ever since the U.S. has expressed an interest in annexing Greenland away from the Kingdom of Denmark, there has been bad blood between the two nations. However, Chrapko hopes that the exchange can unite, rather than divide.
“You realize you have a lot more in common than you do different. I think if you can connect with people, which you're forced to do while on exchange, you really find out that people are not too different from one another.”
After a slow start, GOL activities have picked up this spring. Many thanks to the clubs that have donated thus far. Two clubs deserve special recognition at this time.
-Eastern Hills, a long-time generous supporter of GOL, honored a commitment made last spring to contribute to a global grant focused on children with congenital heart disease living in Lebanon. Their generous contribution of $5,000 was matched dollar for dollar and DDF added another $4,000 making their total contribution worth $14,000. Thus far only one child has had surgery in Lebanon, a war-torn country, but cardiac surgeries will continue as soon as it is safe to do so.
-Clarence, another generous supporter, recently made their own club donation and also offered a challenge to other D7090 clubs. They will do a dollar-for-dollar match for funds generated between 4/21 and the end of the rotary year, 6/30. This is a great way to expand a club’s giving. If your club has not yet had a GOL Board member presentation, please contact Pat Castiglia @ ptcas34@hotmail.comor Cathy Henry @ dhenry1@cogeco.ca to arrange a date for a presentation. Clubs may also donate without a visit if they feel they do not wish or have time for a presentation.
Gift of Life is celebrating 50 years of continuous service since its inception. A great accomplishment with over 65,000 children saved and aided by District 7090. Congratulations to all who have supported the effort.
Rotary District 7090 is pleased to announce that we have partnered with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats for the 2026 season!
Through our partnership with the Tiger-Cats we are delighted to share a special ticket offer for our District 7090 Rotarians, Family, and Friends!
Join us for the Tiger-Cats Home Opener on June 4, 2026 for a 7:30pm Kickoff at Hamilton Stadium as the Hamilton Tiger-Cats take on the Montreal Alouettes. This is an amazing opportunity to showcase Rotary to the community and share some great fellowship together!
Our EXCLUSIVE OFFER features Gold Level Tickets for only $75 CND ($54.50 USD)!
*If you are interested in sitting together with your friends, please purchase tickets together as a group*
On Earth Day, 25 members from Area 3 clubs (Flamborough AM, Waterdown, Dundas and Dundas Sunrise) gathered for a cleanup of a tributary of Borers Creek, adjacent to Belmont Park in Waterdown (Hamilton, ON).
Following our edition of the Great Lakes Cleanup, the group enjoyed social and mealtime.
The end results totaled 86 kg of garbage, 108 kg of scrap metal with a value of $27.50 that will be given to the 7090 Heritage Endowment Fund.
194 kg of waste was removed from the watercourse area.
The Rotary Club of Brantford invites Rotarians from across District 7090 to join us for the 42nd Brantford Rotary Classic Run on Sunday, June 7, 2026.
After several challenging years following the COVID shutdown and a decline in sponsorship, this is a pivotal rebuilding year for our event.
The Classic Run has lost more than $60,000 in fundraising and sponsorship, and we are working hard to restore this long-standing Rotary tradition that supports children’s charities in our community.
Proceeds from the Classic Run support local organizations dedicated to helping young people, notably the Lansdowne Children’s Centre and the BGC Brantford (formerly known as Boys & Girls Club of Brantford).
The Classic Run is a timed race, but it remains first and foremost a community event—welcoming runners, walkers, families, and supporters of all ages and abilities.
Brantford Sunrise has launched its BIRTHDAY IN A BOX initiative, in partnership with the Brantford Food Bank! A group of volunteers from the Club gathered recently to assemble the first 200 packages. Club Past President, Glen Christensen, is shown making the delivery to the Food Bank. Each kit contains all the "ingredients" to celebrate a child's birthday:
- The ingredients for a Bake-at-Home Cake (no eggs, milk or oil needed)
- Party Supplies
- Birthday Card
Everyone deserves to be celebrated, and this unique project helps parents and caregivers experiencing food insecurity celebrate a child's birthday without having to make a decision whether to feed the family, or have the celebration. There are 227 children registered with the Brantford Food Bank each month. The Club expects to assemble about 50 boxes per month, at a cost of $20.00 each.
Since 2014, Buffalo String Works mission has been to ignite community and youth leadership through inclusive music education for refugee, immigrant and historically marginalized youth.
This fascinating program includes a comprehensive Student Support Program that offers mental health support, tutoring and homework help, financial literacy and other enrichment to students.
BSR presenter Melinda Smith has spent most of her professional career working in large-scale coalition and movement building.
For the last decade, she served as Director of Partnerships at Freedom Network USA, the largest coalition of advocates working on human trafficking issues in the United States.
Music has always been an integral part of Melinda’s life.
After working on a national level, she is excited to be back on the ground with her neighbors.
PHOTO: Melinda Smith, Executive Director, Buffalo String Works
What Youth Programs Does Rotary Club of Fonthill Provide?
Interact: at E.L. Crossley Secondary School in Fonthill. Students can participate and join in the club activities. Through their participation these youth will develop their leadership skills, learn about Rotary's Service Above Self and develop their community acumen through service projects and volunteering opportunities.
Rotary Youth Exchange: the opportunity of a lifetime for the more than 8,000 students who participate each year. By sharing your own culture and embracing a new one, you help foster global understanding—and learn a great deal about yourself and your home country in the process.
RYLA: a program for young adults (19-25) who demonstrate self-awareness, leadership qualities and concern for others. Candidates may be young professionals or entrepreneurs, college or university students.
Jr. RYLA: we work with youth from across the district to connect with like-minded individuals and develop their leadership skills. Participants can expect engaging sessions with skilled facilitators where they will develop heightened self-awareness, problem-solving skills and a leadership mindset to create meaningful change in their schools and communities.
Scholarship Programs: we provide scholarships to graduating students from E.L. Crossley Secondary School.
How Can You Get Involved?
Contact our Youth Services Chair Mike Taylor or our Interact Liaison Ann Harrison:
Spring has returned to Grimsby. The buds are bursting on the trees, and migratory birds are returning.
Our Rotarian curlers are putting away their brooms for the summer, but not before a few more ends in Scotland.
On April 8, the Rotary Club of Grimsby hosted a well-attended talk by renowned local naturalist Bruce McKenzie at the Grimsby Public Library. He shared his encyclopedic knowledge of our spectacular area. Spring is when birdwatchers flock to Grimsby to see birds of prey swoop across the sky. The RCOG is grateful for McKenzie’s passion for educating the public and protecting our environment.
Early in April, several RCOG members travelled to Scotland to compete in the 2026 Rotary World Curling Championships.
They did not bring home a trophy; however, team members say the friendships they forged were far more valuable.
The RCOG is looking forward to more great weather and engagement with our community.
On May 2, 2026, we will be holding our second repair café at the Grimsby Public Library. The first one was so popular that we are doing it again.
For more information, contact: Gordon T. Lampman, Public image director, Rotary Club of Grimsby 289-527-6990 Glampman846@gmail.com
Hamburg Rotarian earns worldwide honors as founder of Rotary Farm to Family Program
Hamburg Rotarian Earl Knauss was surrounded by a crowd of about 100 friends, family and fellow Rotarians who gathered at the Wanakah Country Club in Hamburg April 15 to celebrate the culmination of his many decades of service to the greater Western New York community through Rotary and beyond. The 51-year-member of the Rotary Club of Hamburg was honored on a global level with an homage to his exemplary service in founding the Farm to Family Program that provides fresh produce to distribution centers throughout Western New York.
Knauss earned Rotary International’s highest honor, the distinguished Service Above Self Award which was presented to him by a slate of District 7090 officials, including Past District Gov. Scott Marcin, who nominated him for the award. Marcin, a Hamburg resident who is a member of the Amherst Rotary Club, had experienced Farm to Family first-hand as a volunteer working alongside Knauss and was impressed by the scope of the program. Assisting in the presentation were District Governor Aaron Carlson and District Governor Elect Joanne Serkeyn. The international prize is limited to 150 recipients annually and “celebrates people of action who are committed to service.” Rotary District 7090 consists of Western New York and Southern Ontario, Canada.
PHOTO (L to R): Earl Knauss with Past District Governor Scott Marcin, along with District Governor Aaron Carlson and District Governor-elect Joanne Serkeyn
Over 50 current and past Hamilton AM Club members joined together on March 4, 2026, at the historic Hamilton Club!
What a great opportunity to reconnect with some of our club “greats”. Many past club leaders enjoyed excellent hospitality and helped pay tribute to the Hamilton AM club’s success over 40 years.
A special presentation, the awarding of a Paul Harris Fellowship was bestowed on past member, Tim Dickins.
As a volunteer, Tim has continued to raise significant funds in the form of sponsorships and donations for the club’s annual “Imagine in the Park”, children's arts festival.
Along with making a significant personal donation to the event, Tim and his colleague Magicians entertain during the festival. This June will be the festival’s 15th anniversary.
Tim was given an opportunity to speak and he took it!
Tim has a remarkable story about personal growth and could probably be a stand-up comedian if he wanted.
Tim was accompanied by his long-suffering wife, Cheryl who was obviously very proud of his achievements.
The April 15 Hamilton AM Rotary Club Social included a trip to the Playhouse theatre to see the first movie made by club member, Jayne Eastwood, in 1970.
Goin Down the Road has been preserved as a masterwork by the Audio-Visual Preservation Trust of Canada and ranked in TIFF's Top 10 Canadian Films of All Time every time the list has been compiled — in 1984, 1993, 2004, and 2015.
"Goin' Down the Road is about hard times here and now, and it's the best movie to hit town in a long time." - Roger Ebert
Jayne Eastwood is a legendary Canadian actress, comedian and Hamilton resident, born and raised in Toronto. As a cast member in the musical Godspell (1972-73), Eastwood worked alongside Martin Short, Andrea Martin, Gilda Radner, and Eugene Levy, and joined several of them in founding the Second City Theatre Troupe.
While her credits include countless television appearances and voice over work, Eastwood is best known for her film roles, including her iconic feature film debut in Goin' Down the Road (1970), Videodrome (1983), Anne of Green Gables (1986), The Santa Clause (1994), My Big Fat Greek Wedding trilogy, Chicago (2002), Dawn of the Dead (2004) and Hairspray (2007). Among her many accolades, Jayne Eastwood received the Earle Grey Award for lifetime achievement in 1999.
On Wednesday, April 22nd the Kenmore East Interact Club teamed up with the Rotary Club of Kenmore for the Purple Pinkie Project, and we are thrilled to announce that we raised $360 to help End Polio Now!
A huge thank you to the students and staff at Franklin Middle and Elementary schools for your generosity. Every donation brings us one step closer to a polio-free world.
The Rotary Club of Kenmore had a fantastic time at the Park Country Club on April 1st for our Bourbon Tasting event hosted by Paul Chisholm! It was the perfect reminder that while we’re dedicated to our community, we also know how to have a lot of fun together!
Rotary is about more than just service—it’s about great friendships and even better memories!
Every year in the Spring, the Rotary Clubs in the US and Canada that serve the areas surrounding the Great Lakes, from Superior to Ontario, try to clean up the watershed.
Besides doing a group Cleanup of a portion of the Seaway Trail that has ditches draining directly into the Niagara River that would, as soon as the underbrush and poison ivy regrows, become inaccessible, members of the Club also "plawk" (a Scandinavian term for picking up trash while walking) all along the Niagara River and Lake Ontario shores year round
So far this year the 88-year-old, proudly Bi-National Rotary Club of Lewiston, NY & Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON has collected numerous bags of returnable bottles (the deposits of which were used to support wildlife rescue) as well as trash of all sorts, some of which cannot be politely described.
Lewiston/NOTL Rotary doesn't mind doing the dirty work that helps make the communities on both sides of the Niagara River a great place to live.
The Lincoln Rotary in partnership with the Downtown Bench Beamsville BIA completed the Great Lakes Watershed Cleanup & Downtown Tidy this morning April 23.
At 930 am 4 busloads of West Niagara Secondary School (Approx.160 volunteers) arrived at the former BDSS campus.
Jacob Beam Public School Grade 7&8, did a cleanup around their school in conjunction with our cleanup.
In one-hour cleanup of Beamsville a total of 245.1 Kg of garbage was collected.
Thank you to the Downtown Bench Beamsville, West Niagara Secondary School and Jacob Beam Public School for making our Rotary Club's Great Lakes Watershed Cleanup another great success!
The Niagara Parks School of Horticulture has only 38 students enrolled each year. It’s a unique program in Canada that allows students to get a very thorough education in anything related to horticulture but, at the same time, hold a job with the Niagara Parks and maintain the grounds and gardens as part of their studies.
On April 1, several students were honoured with scholarships for their efforts during the school year.
Our club, for the first time, presented four students with leadership awards as selected by the school administrators and the Alumni Association.
We used District Designated Funds to match our donation, so each of the students was able to get $1400 Canadian. ($1000 USD) in recognition of their efforts.
We are grateful to the District, especially Lezlie Murch and Sue Foster for their guidance and prompt replies to questions about our application. They made the process very easy.
Every club could benefit from these funds. We’ve already applied for next year's scholarship money.
Our Club of early morning Norfolk Sunrisers, through the process of developing our annual Action Plan, has adopted an aim to visit other Rotary Clubs in our geographic region; all to learn more about Rotary and to exchange ideas and stories. Not long ago, we visited the Rotary Club of Dunnville and had a terrific time of fellowship and the exchange of ideas. More recently, another group travelled to Ancaster to visit the Rotary Club of Ancaster AM another of our neighbor cities. It proved to be a wonderful opportunity for more Rotary fellowship and a most successful social venture. As a bonus, we were entertained by their main guest speaker Ken Price (and Bill Watson) representing the Dream Team Search & Rescue; a volunteer team dedicated to rescuing lost pets in the Hamilton area. Nonetheless, these exchanges have given us much to think about and have, no doubt about it, strengthened our Rotary D7090 bonds. A few added photos from the morning meeting are at the ‘Read more …’ tab. Note that the Ancaster AM Club has agreed to a reciprocal visit and will be with us at R83 on 26 May '26.
Thank you to both hosting Clubs for making us feel so welcomed and offering us the hand of Rotary Fellowship.
PHOTO: RCNS PI Chair Jim Simpson, RC Ancaster AM Secretary Beth Pearson, RCNS Co-Pres Ross Gowan, RC Ancaster AM Pres Dwayne Kavanagh, & RCNS Member David Douglas
Together, We Experienced the Best of Youth Exchange
Whether it is cycling, wine, photography, hiking, or service projects, On Tuesday morning, 21 April 2026, Co-Pres Ross Gowan welcomed Marjorie & Jim Dawson, Co-Directors of the D7090 Honouring Indigenous Peoples (HIP) group as our special guest speakers.
They were accompanied (on Zoom) by students Rahaf Rifa and Lexi Rose. All joined us at our hybrid (i.e. live attendance at R83 with zoom remote attendance) morning meeting session.
The Dawson's presentation was preceded by Rahaf & Lexi, both of whom gave their personal reflections on the nature of the event, that which they took from it, and what they were planning on doing with the experience after the fact. Jim & Marjorie followed up with their own overview, the worth of the RI Global Grant we had acquired, a few additional photos and their sense of the annual event's value. It was a great overview of a most effective venture in the exchange of cultures, beliefs, traditions and history.
Website information describing the National Youth-to-Youth event at Oshweken is at this link. At the ‘Read more …’ tab you can view the organizing group as well as a few more photos. After several questions, Co-President Ross Gowan reflected on the passion that the Dawsons demonstrate in promoting indigenous peoples’ issues and associated youth development and thanked them for bringing us together to add our support.
Rotary International Fellowships – such a well-kept secret. Well, what are they? They bring together Rotarians, family members, and program participants who share a common passion. Whether it is cycling, wine, photography, hiking, or service projects, these Fellowships create meaningful connections beyond the weekly Club meetings. In fact, Rotary currently offers over 140 fellowships that allow members to build relationships across cultures, professions & borders while strengthening Rotary’s mission of peace and goodwill. Our Norfolk Sunriser experience, our adventure, was with the International Curling Fellowship of Rotarians.
As it unfolded - it was 1 Rotary International World Curling Championship, 4 Participating Countries, 22 Club Curling Teams and 96 Rotarian Curlers – a recipe for fellowship, fun and a wee bit of “The Roaring Game”.
Go to the ‘Read more …’ tab for more on this Fellowship adventure.
On behalf of everyone at ShelterBox Canada, I extend a heartfelt thanks for choosing ShelterBox Canada to honor the legacy of Bob and Joyce Perks.
Through the Perks’ Memorial Matching Campaign, $69,529 was donated to ShelterBox Canada from Rotary Clubs across the country. When combined with the incredibly generous $45,000 legacy gift, the campaign has raised $114,529 which is enough to provide shelter and vital supplies to over 1,100 people!
As more people are displaced than ever before, the need for ShelterBox grows by the day. Your support of this campaign has ensured that ShelterBox Canada can increase our reach and provide more people with essential shelter and humanitarian aid, providing the foundations for life after disaster.
This campaign has been a beautiful example of the incredible good ShelterBox and Rotary do together in the world. Nearly 40 clubs across the country were inspired by Bob and Joyce and heeded the call to cement their incredible legacy.
Thank you for standing with us, and for the compassion and leadership you continue to show by putting our partnership into action.
The Club gathered at our Charles Ansell Park for our annual Great Lakes Watershed Cleanup Day. This year we focused on the Park itself, north of Lakeshore Road towards the lake and the west side of Lock One on the Welland Canal. Thirty- two people joined our Lakeshore Club members including five from the Rotary Club of St. Catharines (Doug Carter, Rick Evans, John Potts, Scott Schappert, Tom Arkel) and a Rotaract High School Student from St. Catharines Collegiate. Our Youth Exchange Program was well-represented as well with Yuuka, her host family the Gibsons, Host Mom Michelle Ringuette and two additional students.
The group broke into four teams covering the Park (including curb and cigarette butt cleanup); the East side of Lock 1, north of Lakeshore Road; Jones Beach on Lake Ontario; Happy Rolph and Reid Road ditches; and the west side of Lock One, north of Lakeshore Road. In total, eight large bags of mixed litter were collected. After the event, fourteen met at Ricki Jo’s for lunch.
Walker Industries supplied a box of litter-picker sticks, delivered by Danny Schramn. We now have plenty of Sticks and Bags for next year. Thanks Danny and to our friends at Walker Industries for their on-going support: Louise Tremeer, Lisa Arnold, and Mike Deprez.
Guided by Rotary’s enduring principle of Service Above Self, the Rotary Club of St. Catharines South is proud to announce a $5,000 donation to REACH Niagara in support of its essential street health services.
“Service Above Self isn’t just a motto—it’s a call to action,” said Ashleigh Doyle of the Rotary Club of St. Catharines South. “When we saw the scope and impact of REACH Niagara’s work right here in our own community, we knew this was an opportunity to step up and make a meaningful difference.”
As Rotarians, members of the club are deeply committed to strengthening the communities they call home. After learning more about the growing need for accessible healthcare across Niagara—and the barriers many individuals face in accessing traditional systems—the Club was moved to take action.
Through more than 20 clinics across the region, REACH Niagara meets people where they are: in shelters, at food banks, in encampments, and within community spaces. Their team delivers primary care, mental health support, and vital connections to services for individuals who might otherwise go without care.
The Rotary Clubs of St. Catharines, St. Catharines South and St. Catharines Lakeshore are pleased to announce they will hold their 3rd Annual Paul Harris Celebration Evening on Thursday May 7th at Amici's Banquet and Conference Centre.
Six local Community Leaders will be recognized as Paul Harris Fellows for their "service above self".
Tickets $50 are per person and include an Appetizer Buffet.
Click here for more information and to order tickets.
Doors open at 5:30 p.m. Program at 6:30. Business Attire.
Registration is now open for the 2026 edition of the Waterdown Rotary/Flamborough Chamber of Commerce tournament.
Teams will play at Flamborough Hills Golf Club in Copetown, where they will vie for the Rotary Cup and the Chamber Cup.
The day gets underway with lunch and registration at 11 a.m., followed by a shotgun start at 12:30 p.m. Following a day on the links, participants will enjoy a buffet dinner and auction, starting at 5:30 p.m.
Individuals can register for $225, the cost per foursome is $800. Golfers can also purchase $30 Prize Fun Packs (required for contest eligibility).
A variety of sponsorship opportunities are still available for this year's Open, including hole, corporate and contest sponsors.
But members of the Westfield-Mayville Rotary Club still participated once again at the Easter Festival at the Chautauqua Safety Village in Ashville, NY!
Handing out Easter treats were Mike Harrington, Patty Benton, Janese Berkhouse and Doc Hamels (camera man). Did we mention that it was snowing?!?!
Service above self!
PHOTO: Mike Harrington, Patty Benton, Janese Berkhouse
Through Rotary, police officer Joanne Serkeyn expanded her view of how to make a difference. In July, Serkeyn will become the governor of District 7090
Members of the Rotary Club of Custer, South Dakota, played a role in the construction of the Crazy Horse Monument and continue to support its federation
Welcome to the JUNE 2026 
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It is with deep fondness that we remember and honor the life of John Boronkay, a dedicated and long-standing Rotarian, whose quiet leadership and unwavering commitment to service left a lasting impact on District 7090 and beyond.
Richard (Dick) Earne was a pillar of the Grand Island Rotary Club and of our district.
By Joanne Serkeyn, District Governor Elect, Rotary District 7090
Learn about Human Trafficking in the Hamilton & Niagara area. The Dark Highway is a documentary film about the invisible crime of sex trafficking.
A "Rotary Wants Your Help to Stop Human Trafficking" global grant training event still has space for additional registrants.
The next topic in our District Membership Committee's series of virtual discussions is mentorship. 
On the Front Lines of Polio Eradication: Director Chris Etienne’s 2026 Pakistan Experience
📌We invite you to join us for a Public Image Huddle the 4th Monday of Each Month at 8:00 AM via Zoom.
District 7090 is holding a special Participate for Polio event on Saturday, September 26 — the 7th Annual Dr. Ron Mergl Memorial Ride. Once again, all donations will support PolioPlus and Rotary’s number one humanitarian cause: the eradication of polio worldwide.
Our Youth Exchange Program needs your financial assistance!
You are cordially invited to attend our 2026-2027 Rotary District 7090 Changeover Celebration, a special evening to honour the accomplishments of the past year and welcome new leadership for the year ahead.
Each month, clubs are challenged with a new Public Image task — practical, achievable, and designed to build a strong foundation. From conducting a Public Image Audit (July’s kickoff task) to improving social media engagement, showcasing service impact, or aligning with Rotary branding, the journey is both educational and rewarding..png)
The Service Above Self Award is considered Rotary International’s highest honor to bestow on a Rotarian.
Great opportunity!
Through the Rotary Youth Exchange, thousands of high school students annually immerse themselves in different cultures, giving them the practical experience to understand the world better than most others.
After a slow start, GOL activities have picked up this spring. Many thanks to the clubs that have donated thus far. Two clubs deserve special recognition at this time.
Our District 7090 Friendship Exchange is almost ready to take flight! 
EXCLUSIVE OFFER
On Earth Day, 25 members from Area 3 clubs (Flamborough AM, Waterdown, Dundas and Dundas Sunrise) gathered for a cleanup of a tributary of Borers Creek, adjacent to Belmont Park in Waterdown (Hamilton, ON).
The Rotary Club of Brantford invites Rotarians from across District 7090 to join us for the 42nd Brantford Rotary Classic Run on Sunday, June 7, 2026.
Brantford Sunrise has launched its BIRTHDAY IN A BOX initiative, in partnership with the Brantford Food Bank! A group of volunteers from the Club gathered recently to assemble the first 200 packages. Club Past President, Glen Christensen, is shown making the delivery to the Food Bank. Each kit contains all the "ingredients" to celebrate a child's birthday:
Brantford Sunrise has surpassed its fundraising goal in the 6th Annual Online Auction! 
Hellos, interesting presenters, thank yous and goodbyes highlighted our busy month.
What Youth Programs Does Rotary Club of Fonthill Provide?
Spring is springing in Grimsby!
Secure, on-site shredding by Lincoln Archives
Hamburg Rotarian earns worldwide honors as founder of Rotary Farm to Family Program
Over 50 current and past Hamilton AM Club members joined together on March 4, 2026, at the historic Hamilton Club!
The April 15 Hamilton AM Rotary Club Social included a trip to the Playhouse theatre to see the first movie made by club member, Jayne Eastwood, in 1970.
On Wednesday, April 22nd the Kenmore East Interact Club teamed up with the Rotary Club of Kenmore for the Purple Pinkie Project, and we are thrilled to announce that we raised $360 to help End Polio Now!
Cheers to a great night! 
Every year in the Spring, the Rotary Clubs in the US and Canada that serve the areas surrounding the Great Lakes, from Superior to Ontario, try to clean up the watershed. 
The Lincoln Rotary in partnership with the Downtown Bench Beamsville BIA completed the Great Lakes Watershed Cleanup & Downtown Tidy this morning April 23.
The Niagara Parks School of Horticulture has only 38 students enrolled each year. It’s a unique program in Canada that allows students to get a very thorough education in anything related to horticulture but, at the same time, hold a job with the Niagara Parks and maintain the grounds and gardens as part of their studies.
Together, We Experience the Best Club Visits
Together, We Experienced the Best of Youth Exchange
Dear Rotary Club of Simcoe,
Charles Ansell Park and Area “Picked Clean”!
Support St. Catharines South & May Court Club's efforts to raise $300k for new Ronald McDonald Family Room by attending Comedy Fundraiser!
Guided by Rotary’s enduring principle of Service Above Self, the Rotary Club of St. Catharines South is proud to announce a $5,000 donation to REACH Niagara in support of its essential street health services.
The Rotary Clubs of St. Catharines, St. Catharines South and St. Catharines Lakeshore are pleased to announce they will hold their 3rd Annual Paul Harris Celebration Evening on Thursday May 7th at Amici's Banquet and Conference Centre.
Registration is now open for the 2026 edition of the Waterdown Rotary/Flamborough Chamber of Commerce tournament.
It was cold.
Zoom - Link Sent Upon Registration
