What an incredible way to begin our Rotary year! From July 1 onward, I have truly hit the ground running, and every stop has reminded me why I love being part of Rotary.
The passion, fellowship, and dedication of our members continue to inspire me.
I kicked off the year by celebrating Canada Day with three outstanding Rotary clubs.
It was a pleasure to visit the Brantford Sunrise Rotary Club's Beer Tent, the Rotary Club of Dundas Pancake Breakfast, and the Niagara-on-the-Lake Rotary Club Barbecue.
What better way to begin the year than by seeing Rotarians serving their communities while having fun together?
My first official club visit was on July 7 with the Dundas Valley Sunrise Rotary Club, where I had the pleasure of welcoming returning President John Merrill and his new Board.
I was impressed by the club's innovative approach to membership through its satellite club and by the creativity and diversity within the organization. I can't wait to return for their first Duck Derby on September 26!
Rotary and Project Mona’s House Set to Offer 2nd Area Training Opportunity in Lockport to Combat Human Trafficking
The global grant on Human Trafficking Education supported with funds from 15 District 7090 Rotary clubs, 2 district 1:1 matches and a Rotary Foundation match is set for Saturday, September 12th.
Cornell Cooperative Extension of Niagara County’s Training Center at 4487 Lake Avenue, Lockport (Rt. 78 just north of the city) will host the event with doors opening at 11 AM, and a free lunch provided. The training will finish no later than 2:30 PM.
A different organization from the Batavia training, Project Mona’s House, will rotate into the cycle of 4 geographic events as an energetic and experienced resource.
All that is needed is to have the support of area Rotarians to attend themselves and identify and invite representatives of organizations and institutions that may help to multiply the knowledge and information about this insidious problem that can strike in any community large or small.
A direct call to Paul Lehman, Chair of the Steering Committee will help to answer questions you may have about the event: 716-984-5128.
Preregistration to enable a lunch count by September 6th is requested. Scan the Q-R code on the accompanying flyer or use the link developed by Project Mona’s House: www.projectmonashouse.com/events to easily register.
It isn't their size. It isn't how long they've been in existence. And it isn't whether they're in a large city or a small town.
Thriving clubs are intentional about their future.
They attract new members, engage the members they have, develop new leaders, and continually look for ways to strengthen the club experience. One of the most effective ways to achieve that is through a leadership team made up of the President, President-Elect, and a dedicated Membership Chair working together to make membership a year-round priority.
Every Rotary club has its own personality and strengths. While every club has a President and President-Elect, the most successful membership efforts happen when those leaders work alongside a dedicated Membership Chair. Together, they create a welcoming culture, encourage fresh ideas, and help ensure membership is always part of the conversation—not just when numbers begin to decline.
Good news: A Membership Chair doesn't need to do all the work. Their role is to encourage conversations, coordinate ideas, connect the club with Rotary resources, and help ensure every prospective and current member feels welcomed, valued, and engaged.
On July 18, Rotarians from Districts 7080 and 7090 once again teamed up for Rotary Roar – an evening of PolioPlus fellowship at Hamilton Stadium.
After days of smoke warnings and an afternoon tornado warning, the evening weather was surprisingly good. And the Hamilton Tiger-Cats defeated the Toronto Argonauts 24–23, hanging on to their one-point lead in the final seconds of the game. Oskee-wee-wee!
Once again this year, the event was a sellout. Our 80 guests arrived with enthusiasm for both the evening and the game, many sporting End Polio attire. There were also several District 7090 cycling T-shirts, including one worn by George Eastwood of the Rotary Club of Dundas. George wore his cycling helmet throughout the evening to promote a new District 7090 cycling partnership involving the Dr. Ron Mergl Memorial (Participate for Polio) Ride, Bike the Benchlands, and Tour de Dundas, and the causes supported by each ride.
In the Club Level Lounge, our District 7080 and District 7090 guests enjoyed plenty of food and fellowship. In fact, there was no shortage of delicious tailgate food! The game could be viewed from both indoors and out, and our 75 outdoor balcony seats were in constant use.
The evening was co-hosted by Elaine Richard, along with Past District GovernorFrank Adamson, End Polio Co-Chairs for District 7090, and Badar Shamim, Polio Chair for District 7080. The pre-game and halftime programs were packed with great speakers and PolioPlus content.
As District 7090 PolioPlus Society Coordinator, Elaine celebrated the success of our new PolioPlus Society, which welcomed 108 members in its first year. She also expressed her appreciation to the Rotary Club of St. Catharines for making Rotary Roar a special club event and bringing a group of 15.
On Canada Day, our STamp Out Polio (STOP) satellite club hosted their third annual Pull for Polio (P4P) fundraiser.
29 lifters took part, ranging in age from 18 months to 81 years.
Our cumulative three-year Pull for Polio fundraising efforts stand at $28,412.00 with nearly one hundred participants deadlifting thousands of kilograms!
Submitted by Frances Manias, Chair, Pull for Polio, STamp Out Polio's
The third annual Pull for Polio, run by the STamp Out Polio Satellite Club of Dundas Valley Sunrise is in the books!
29 lifters took part, ranging in age from 18 months to 81, including 1 Rotarian Kanwal Shankardass. Of note, 3 kids under the age of 13, and 4 teens represented our youth, while we had every other decade represented, including multiple folks in their 60s, 70s and 80s, respectively!
The hot and humid weather proved to be challenging yet it didn’t dampen the enthusiasm of all involved and the Rotary Club of Dundas’ Pancake Breakfast once again provided all the carbs a lifter could want.
We have already raised (from our Rotary crowdfunding page and cash donations) $2,134! Cash donations are also still to be accounted - but we know we will be close to $3,200 CAD total raised for Polio Eradication. Here is the link to donate via Rotary’s own crowdfunding site:
Our cumulative three year Pull for Polio fundraising efforts stand at $28,412.00 with nearly one hundred participants deadlifting thousands of kilograms!
We will continue to solicit funds via the main Raise for Rotary page until the end of July.
Frances Manias Chair, Pull for Polio STamp Out Polio, DVSRC
The Batavia Rotary Father's Day Fly-In Breakfast was a tremendous success this year, welcoming hundreds of community members for a morning filled with great food, entertainment, and family-friendly activities.
Guests enjoyed a delicious breakfast served by dedicated Rotary volunteers, with hundreds of meals prepared and served throughout the event. The breakfast brought together families, friends, aviation enthusiasts, and visitors from across the region to celebrate Father's Day in a unique and enjoyable setting. Attendees also enjoyed real maple syrup generously provided by Mountain Maple, adding a special local touch to the breakfast experience.
Adding to the festive atmosphere was music and entertainment throughout the morning. The combination of great food, music, and aviation created a memorable Father's Day celebration for attendees of all ages.
A special highlight for many visitors was the participation of the Genesee County Sheriff's Office and the Batavia Fire Department. Representatives from both agencies were on hand to meet with community members, showcase their equipment, and answer questions about their important work.
The Rotary Club recently celebrated the installation of a Peace Pole in Rotary Park, creating a lasting symbol of hope, unity, and goodwill for the community.
Bearing the message “May Peace Prevail on Earth” in multiple languages, the Peace Pole reflects Rotary’s commitment to promoting peace, understanding, and service both locally and around the world.
The club extends its appreciation to the Rotarians who volunteered their time and talents to complete the installation. Their hard work helped bring this meaningful project to life, creating a welcoming reminder that peace begins with each of us and the actions we take to strengthen our community.
Each quarter Renee Brouse puts together awards recognizing clubs or districts who have contributed to ShelterBox at $1000 or more - which designates them as Hero's. I then share the awards with the ShelterBox Ambassador for that district and/or the DG to help in the recognition. Congratulations! This year we can congratulate the Rotary Club of Batavia!
Another Rotary year has come and gone, and once again Rotary has stepped forward to support the lifesaving work ShelterBox provides when disaster strikes. Today, we are honored to recognize the Rotary Club of Batavia as a Hero Club and thank you for your commitment, generosity, and partnership.
As you may be aware, a devastating earthquake recently struck Venezuela, leaving thousands of families without shelter. ShelterBox is responding on the ground and working directly with Rotary to support relief efforts. We are actively responding alongside our trusted partners in Venezuela, including Rotary Districts 4370 and 4380, as well as Rotaract clubs throughout the affected region.
The Rotary network has been instrumental in making this response possible. Rotarians have stepped forward to:
Provide warehousing for humanitarian aid.
Serve as the consignee for incoming international relief shipments, helping navigate logistics and customs.
Support supply chain coordination and local distribution.
House and assist ShelterBox Response Team volunteers.
Help assess needs and coordinate directly with affected communities.
After several years of work, our club along with the Rotary Club of Godawari (Nepal), has been approved for a major Global Grant in the amount of $39,212 which will provide a village in Ruby Valley Nepal with 270 household toilets.
Hygiene and behavior-change training will be provided. Proper sanitation will undoubtably prevent disease and save lives.
We, as the BNMC Rotary club, have used the 4-way test as a model of visionary leadership in the world.
Our club has also initiated a new local project providing our support and comfort to parents who come to our Golisano Children’s Hospital with their child for cancer treatments, Often parents are not prepared for overnight stays and our bags “Comfort from Sophia” provide them with necessities that make their stay a bit more manageable. Sophia was a patient at Golisano Children’s Hospital on J12 for a good part of two years in her losing battle with Ewings Sarcoma. She lost her life at age 9. A fierce philanthropist, Sophia encouraged her parents to set up a charity. "Sophia the Fierce” a 501C3 organization founded in 2022 while Sophia was in remission. The foundation focuses on providing money for Respite Research and Relief. Sophia was always looking out for others, and our club is in a small way is following her lead with our “Comfort from Sophia” Bags. Sophia would have been a great Rotarian!
The Rotary Club of Brantford’s 42nd Rotary Classic Run was an outstanding success, bringing together runners, walkers, volunteers, sponsors, schools, and community partners for an unforgettable day of fitness, fellowship, and giving back. Thanks to the incredible support of our community, the event has already exceeded $170,000 in net proceeds, with final totals expected to approach $190,000. These funds will directly benefit local charities serving children and youth in our community.
One of the most inspiring highlights for this event is the participation of our elementary schools. Students embraced the opportunity to run, promoting healthy, active lifestyles and also raising thousands of dollars.
To recognize their outstanding efforts, top male and top female individual fundraisers each received a gift certificate generously donated by The Bicycle Shop, a local bicycle shop in Brantford. The bicycle shop has donated bikes and certificates for the 42 years the run has been in place.
This year the next highest fundraisers, placing third, fourth, and fifth, each received a gift certificate for Sportball Grand Erie program and sporting equipment.
Owner Jill stated that she was very excited to see the kids participate so actively and wanted to give back to celebrate their remarkable contributions.
The Rotary Club of Brantford extends its heartfelt thanks to every participant, volunteer, sponsor, school, and community partner who made this event possible. Together, we continue to demonstrate the power of Rotary to bring people together, inspire healthy living, and make a lasting difference in the lives of children and families throughout our community.
PHOTO (L to R): Tara Detheridge owner of the Bicycle shop, Amelia De salvo - Top Fundraiser, Kieran Parkinson - Top Fundraiser, Ali Huzul - run chair
The eye-opening impact of a recent indigenous retreat was very apparent when a local student spoke to Brantford Sunrise in July.
Lexi was among 50 students from across Canada, 25 indigenous and 25 non-indigenous, who attended the H.I.P. (Honouring Indigenous People) Retreat at Chiefswood in March.
She said seeing and learning in person made all the difference.
Lexi said it was difficult to go through the former Mohawk Institute and hear what indigenous students endured, while living so close to a former residential school and having no idea it existed.
Her favourite presenter was Phyllis Webstad, with whom the orange shirt, a symbol of indigenous culture and identity, originated.
The students were also able to experience the various traditional foods.
Lexi is a graduate of St. John's College in Brantford and will be attending Brock University in September for child and youth studies.
Sunrise members were also reminded in July the urban heat island effect is real and having a significant impact upon our planet!
Chuck Beach of the Brant Tree Coalition told Club members something he feels is profound, that we really don't talk about, is the urban heat island, where cities are hotter than rural areas. Speaking about global warming and biodiversity, he said it's a matter of colour. Dark surfaces in the cities, such as roads, parking lots and roofing materials, absorb the sun's radiation and convert it to heat. Brantford is in the top 10 cities for the urban heat island effect, due to hardscaping, the way we have built in the past, the way we continue to build, and lack of trees. He showed areas of the City that are examples of heat islands. Beach said 24 of the 25 hottest years on record have occurred since 2002, the result of human activity and global warming. The current level of CO2 is 420 PPM, the highest level in 14 million years!
The Rotary Club of Buffalo reached all around the world to hear about the severe water problems in Arusha, Tanzania.
Ralph Williams and his wife Twyla reached out to us from the Rotary Club of Arusha, Tanzania to show us how Rotary, hard work and ingenuity are helping to solve the severe shortage of clean water in villages at the base of Mount Kilimanjaro.
Williams and the villagers have built plastic cisterns when digging as deep as 600 feet have come up dry in efforts to bring water to the surface.
With very little cost and manpower they have provided potable water to homes and toilets for school children in the region.
Twyla has worked with women to market handmade jewelry, some made of paper, to sell. All the profits go to the craftsperson who made it.
Buffalo Sunrisers were delighted to have a return visit by PDG Kevin and Nancy Crosby – both at our morning meeting, and again at a Happy New Rotary year party at the Norton home. Kevin has been the lead member in his club securing a Global Grant to fund an ambulance for mountainous Malawi and is starting a new club near their home on John’s Island, SC.
Members also enjoyed an informative talk from Davina Moss, PhD, for our final July meeting. Dr. Moss is an Adjunct Professor at New York University, a Volunteer Assistant Research Professor at State University of New York at Buffalo’s Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences Family Medicine Department, Adjunct professor at New York University’s Mental Health Counseling and Wellness. She is the author and creator of the Positive Direction Model® which is integrated in OBGYN offices and Federally Qualified Health Centers throughout New York State.
August begins our pilot year in a well-researched new Rotary Club shared leadership model. Jill Norton will head up the year’s meetings, assisted by each of the Board of Directors. We are excited to be able to work out this model and potentially share it with other clubs in District 7090.
If you participated in our raffle but did not receive a phone call, we thank you for the support of Buffalo Sunrise’s good works, but unfortunately, you were not a winner this year.
The Dundas Duck Derby will be held on Saturday September 26, 2026, at 11:00am EST. Tickets are $20 per rubber duck, or $50 for three (3) rubber ducks. Tickets will be sold exclusively online in the Province of Ontario. A total of one thousand (1,000) tickets are available for purchase. Ticket purchasers must be 18 years of age or older. All ticket sales are final and no refunds will be issued for any reason. Sorry but this is only open to folks living in Ontario!
Ticket numbers will correspond to unique numbers on the rubber ducks. The rubber ducks will be launched into Spencer Creek from the Ogilvie Street Bridge in Dundas, Ontario, near the intersection of Ogilvie Street and Governors Road. The race will conclude at the Thorpe Street Bridge, in Dundas, Ontario, near the intersection of Thorpe Street and Dundas Street.
The holder of the ticket corresponding to the numbered duck that crosses the finish line first will win $2,500 Canadian Dollars. The holder of the ticket corresponding to the numbered duck that crosses the finish line second will win $1,000 Canadian Dollars. The holder of the ticket corresponding to the numbered duck that crosses the finish line third will win $500 Canadian Dollars.
Have a look at the attached photo for more details and the QR code.
Our satellite club, STamp Out Polio (STOP), attended Rotary Roar: A PolioPlus Fellowship Event.
The PolioPlus Societies of Districts 7090 and 7080 teamed up for another memorable evening of fun and fellowship at Hamilton Stadium! The Hamilton Tigercats played their long-standing rivals, the Toronto Argonauts. (The Ticats won in the final seconds, with a score of 24-23! Oskee- wee-wee!)
Guest speakers included Valarie Wafer, co-chair of the International PolioPlus Committee, past-Rotary International Director, past-Rotary International Vice President, Elaine Richard and Frank Adamson, District 7090 co-chairs of End Polio Now, Lisa Bishop, past-End Polio Now Chair and 7090 past-District Governor, Scott Marcin, 7090 past-District Governor, and Paul Gibel, 7090 District Governor Nominee. What a line up!
Our very own, Thie Convery, was the half-time guest speaker. Thie is an Arch Klumph Society (AKS) member with a USD$250,000 gift to the End Polio Now campaign. Thie was also the swimmer for the Swim To End Polio in 2010 and reminded attending Rotarians that we made a promise to the children of the world to eradicate polio from the face of the earth. Thie said, “Although we are 99.9% of the way there, we stop when – and only when – we get to the end (whenever that might be)!”
Would you like to be a member of the PolioPlus Society? All it takes is a financial commitment of 100 USD per year. Just ask Elaine or Frank and they can get you in the PolioPlus Society!
PHOTOS: STOP (STamp Out Polio) at Ticats; Valarie Wafer and Thie Convery
The Falconer Rotary Club recently welcomed Chautauqua County Sheriff's Deputy Kris Gustafson, who gave club members a presentation on Project Lifesaver, a search-and-rescue program designed to help protect children and adults with cognitive conditions who may be prone to wandering.
Following the presentation, the Falconer Rotary Club announced it will donate $1,000 to help support the lifesaving program and its efforts to protect some of the most vulnerable members of the community.
Project Lifesaver serves individuals with conditions such as Alzheimer's disease, autism, dementia, Down syndrome, traumatic brain injuries and other cognitive conditions that may place them at increased risk of wandering.
Clients enrolled in the program wear a small radio-frequency transmitter on their wrist or ankle. The transmitter emits a tracking signal that specially trained law enforcement personnel can use to help locate an individual who has wandered or gone missing.
During his presentation, Gustafson explained how the program works and the important role specialized training and technology can play in quickly locating vulnerable individuals. When a person at risk of wandering goes missing, time is critical, and Project Lifesaver provides law enforcement, families and caregivers with an additional resource to help bring their loved ones home safely.
The Falconer Rotary Club's $1,000 contribution reflects the club's commitment to supporting programs that enhance the safety and well-being of residents throughout the community.
Families and caregivers interested in learning more about Project Lifesaver can visit the Chautauqua County Sheriffs Office Project Lifesaver page at www.sheriff.us/project-life-saver.
The Falconer Rotary Club meets on the first and third Thursdays of each month at the Falconer Firemen's Exempt Hall on Coleson Drive in the Village of Falconer.
For more than twelve years, the vision of the Christopher Cutler Memorial Little Library has remained unchanged. When it was established in 2014, the goal was simple: to create a barrier-free opportunity for children, youth, parents, and community members to discover the joy of reading and to build their own personal book collections.
Unlike many traditional little libraries, the Christopher Cutler Little Library was never intended to be a book exchange. Its purpose is to ensure that every child and family has access to books regardless of financial circumstances. Community members are encouraged to take a book home, read it together as a family, enjoy the experience of literacy, and keep the book as part of their own growing collection.
The Rotary Club of Hamilton has proudly funded and maintained this community resource since its inception. Through partnerships with the Hamilton Public Library and First Book Canada, along with generous donations from community members, more than 20,000 books have been placed into the Little Library over the past twelve years. Those books have found new homes throughout the community, helping to foster literacy, learning, and a lifelong love of reading. The concept has always been straightforward: remove barriers to literacy, provide free access to books, encourage reading at home, and support families in creating their own personal libraries.
All current and past club members, family and friends of the Rotary Club of Hamilton AM are invited to help celebrate 40 years of “Service above Self”.
The Club’s “Ruby Gala” will be held Friday, August 7, 5:30 pm a t Hamilton’s fabulous Liuna Station.
Club history includes $4 million raised for local and community causes and thousands of lives changed.
The Ruby Summer Gala will not be your typical fundraiser. We know everyone attends to celebrate, not to sit through hours of podium speeches. That’s why the evening has been designed to replace long presentations with high-energy entertainment and world-class music. The formalities brief so we can get straight to the heart of the night: honouring forty years of community spirit and looking forward to the next forty.
Along with a delicious dinner and silent and live auction, attendees will enjoy a special, live performance by world renown “Crash Test Dummies”, a multi-Grammy-nominated group!
Your presence at this gala will do more than just mark an anniversary; it will fuel our mission to make Hamilton the best place to raise a child and to age. Dress Code: Summer Breezy Evening Wear. Doors open at 5:30 pm
Our Hot Dog stand was a big success at the Oatka Festival, with Larry Boylan manning the grill for the 36th year. This year, Larry had a perfect grilling day with no sacrificial hot dogs hitting the dirt! It’s worth noting he tirelessly manned the grill this year for a total of four hours. Thank you, Larry, for your dedication to the Rotary Club of LeRoy.
The stand would not have been able to function without Rotarians and the following “Friends of Rotary”: Jeff and Dasha Halladay, Steve and Kebby Mayer, Quentin Fitch, Mary and Tom Murray, Jess Strollo, Linda Lowe, Erin and Jason Dhaveloose, Leon Koukides, Pete Greene, John Mangefrida, Drew Strollo, Jackson Fix, Chad and Trent Kessler, Ryan McClure, Ed McDonald. We also had Le Roy students helping: Mia Strollo, Lilly MacKenzie, Simon Greene, Laney Christ, Colton Halladay, Connor Elmore, and Brady McClure. Thank you all very much! The funds raised will be used to assist worthy causes in our community as well as help fund R.E.A. Milne scholarships!
Saturday's rain, wind, and tornado warnings were challenging. Our tent survived the severe weather with only one tear. Sunday’s glorious weather helped boost our sales, making up for the lost time on Saturday.
Since 1966, the Lewiston Art Festival, an outdoor art show with free admission and free parking, attracts more than 25,000 visitors yearly to see the work of more than 200 exhibitors and performers according to the Lewiston Council on the Arts. For 55 of those 60 years, the Proudly Bi-National Rotary Club of Lewiston NY/Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON has been selling Hot Dogs to the patrons to raise funds for needy causes.
Stop by on August 8 or 9 to enjoy a Sahlen's Hot Dog and make fun of Rotarian Tommy in the infamous Hot Dog Hat.
Attached find LNOTL HOT DOGS, a poster and LNOTL HOT DOG HAT. (showing Tommy in full Hot Dog mode -- he's a real weenie!)
The Town of Lincoln is celebrating another successful community partnership thanks to a $5,000 grant from the Rotary Club of Lincoln, supporting the creation of a native garden at St. Volodymyr Park in Beamsville.
The project includes the planting of two tulip trees and a variety of native plants, enhancing the park's natural beauty while supporting biodiversity, pollinators and a healthier local ecosystem.
Funding for the project was made possible through a grant received by the Rotary Club of Lincoln from Rotary International.
The Club anticipates bringing similar native garden projects to other locations throughout the community in the future.
"This project is a wonderful example of what can be accomplished when community organizations and local government work together toward a shared vision," said Lincoln Mayor Sandra Easton.
"The new native garden will create a welcoming public space for residents to enjoy while supporting environmental sustainability and enhancing one of our community parks.
We are grateful to the Rotary Club of Lincoln for this important investment in Lincoln."
July is always a busy month for the Rotary Club of Niagara-on-the-Lake—not only with changeover, but also with our annual July 1st BBQ Bash in Simcoe Park in Old Town Niagara-on-the-Lake. Despite the extreme heat, large crowds came out to enjoy our BBQ offerings, fun family entertainment and, of course, the free cake which is always a favourite!
We also have a little bragging to do about our current co-president, Cindy Grant, who was named NOTL's Senior of the Year in recognition of her tireless work—not only with Rotary, but also as a passionate champion for senior housing in Niagara. Cindy’s years of service include helping establish our local food bank and so much more. We are incredibly proud of her. She truly embodies Rotary’s motto: Service Above Self.
Meanwhile, committee work for our annual Holiday House Tour is ramping up, and we are excited to showcase the six beautifully chosen homes to the thousands of visitors who will join us for this much-loved holiday event. Mark your calendars: December 4th and 5th!
PHOTOS: 1) Canada Day in NOTL: (L to R) Lezlie Merch, Barb Babij, Martin Quick, Carol Lipsett, Sue Henry; 2) Cindy Grant with NOTL Lord Mayor Gary Zalepa
Laughter and smiles filled the women’s lodge in the remote fly-in community of Pikangikum First Nation as boxes of donated underwear were opened. Thanks to the generosity of My Top Drawer, more than 200 pairs of new underwear, along with nursing bras and baby support belts, were donated to the women’s lodge, the nursing station for expectant mothers, and the local school to support girls in need.
Rotary Club of Norfolk Sunrise members Jim and Marjorie Dawson delivered the donations during their annual visit to Pikangikum, where they continue their long-standing involvement with Project Journey.
New Sign Marks Future Home of Norfolk Haldimand Centre for Hospice Palliative Care
A new construction sign now marks the future home of the Norfolk Haldimand Centre for Hospice Palliative Care, helping raise awareness of the location and the progress being made toward the new facility.
The permanent sign was funded by the Rotary Club of Norfolk Sunrise and the Rotary Club of Simcoe through a matching grant from Rotary District 7090 and The Rotary Foundation. Hospice volunteers and community supporters also donated time and materials to complete the project.
After serving as a temporary display over the winter, the sign was installed on permanent pillars on July 7 with the help of several Rotarians and Shannon Porter of the Norfolk Haldimand Centre for Hospice Palliative Care. Rotarians returned a few days later to complete the landscaping around the sign.
"This sign is an important reminder that the new Hospice is becoming a reality and continues to need community support," said Ross Gowan, Past Co-President of the Rotary Club of Norfolk Sunrise. "Many people still don't know where the new Hospice will be built, so we hope this sign helps raise awareness."
The site is located on the Nanticoke Creek Parkway, just north of Jarvis and east of Highway 6, with the future hospice nestled behind the existing woodlot.
Pictured with Shannon Porter (left) are Rotarians Tom O'Neill, Ross Gowan, Mary Mercato and Thor Olsen following the installation of the new sign.
The Olean Rotary Club's annual chrysanthemum sale is now underway, with pre-orders being accepted through Sept. 1. Delivery is scheduled during the week of Sept. 8.
The locally grown chrysanthemums, supplied by Pleasant Valley Greenhouse & Nursery, are available in 9-inch pots for $17 each. The hardy fall flowers are well-suited for planting in sunny locations and often return year after year. Available colors include yellow, orange, red, purple, white, bronze, and a limited supply of rose pink.
Proceeds from the annual fundraiser will benefit several Rotary initiatives, including the District Grant projects with Total Senior Care.
"Every mum sold helps us bring vital services and support to our neighbors in need," said Paula Bernstein, Area Governor and Rotary Club president. "This fundraiser directly fuels our mission of 'Service Above Self.'"
Customers may place orders through any Olean Rotary Club member, by messaging the Olean Rotary Club on Facebook, or by mailing payment to Olean Rotary Club, P.O. Box 121, Olean, NY 14760. Payment, by cash or check payable to the Olean Rotary Club, is due at the time the order is placed.
The Rotary Club of St. Catharines Lakeshore recently celebrated the unveiling of two lasting community projects at Charles Ansell Park, overlooking Lock 1 of the Welland Canal—a Peace Pole and a water filling station. The projects marked the completion of nearly two years of planning and collaboration with the City of St. Catharines.
Charles Ansell Park, developed through a partnership between the Rotary Club of St. Catharines Lakeshore and the City of St. Catharines, has become a welcoming destination for residents and visitors alike. Over the years, the club has continued to enhance the park with projects that leave a lasting legacy for the community.
During the ceremony, charter member Bruce Timms shared the history of Charles Ansell Park and how the club has continued to build on its original vision, enhancing the park one project at a time. Past President Coral Timms served as Master of Ceremonies for the event.
Made possible through a Rotary District 7090 District Grant, the City of St. Catharines, and the Rotary Club of St. Catharines Lakeshore, the new water filling station provides fresh drinking water and a bottle filling station for walkers, cyclists, tourists, and local residents enjoying Lock 1 of the Welland Canal. The project also supports Rotary's Area of Focus of Supporting the Environment by encouraging the use of reusable water bottles and reducing single-use plastic waste.
Our club rolled out something new this year: the Rotary Volunteer Matchmaker, a free platform connecting residents who want to volunteer with local non-profits that need hands-on help.
Created by members Jackie Van Lankveld and Amin Osmani, the Matchmaker is simple — non-profits submit a request describing the help they need, and the platform matches them with registered volunteers.
No cost on either side.
We're leading the project in partnership with the Rotary Club of St. Catharines South and the Rotary Club of St. Catharines Lakeshore.
It's already delivering results. When Hospice Niagara needed help restoring the flower beds at the Stabler Centre, the Matchmaker connected them with 28 potential volunteers, filled five of six open spots, and delivered 14 hours of service in a single morning.
Join the Rotary Club of St. Catharines South for our 3rd Annual Peanut Butter Drive this summer! This year our goal is to provide over 2,400 jars of fresh, locally sourced, 1kg jars of peanut butter to 12 community care food centers in the Niagara area by partnering with Community Care St. Catharines & Thorold.
On July 7, 2026, the Rotary Club of Welland held a Changeover Social, with 36 attendees, including 19 Welland Rotarians. PDG and past Fonthill Rotary President Frank Adamson called upon Ralph Malcolm to take the oath of the office of Club President. He presented him with the Club’s gavel and President Pin. He also installed the 2026-2027 Board.
Past President Ray Tisi was presented with a Past President pin acknowledging a successful year of leadership. In his final remarks as 2025-2026 President, he stated “for the past year I've learned that being President of Rotary is a lot like being the captain of a ship. Most of the time you're confidently steering toward the horizon. Occasionally you're trying to figure out who moved the horizon. I've also learned that every Rotary club runs on three things:
Dedicated volunteers.
Coffee.
The phrase, "Sure, I can help with that."
He personally thanked Members of the past Board of Directors and presented 4 President’s Awards to Welland Rotarian Tammy Morden, Vic Kerschl, Melissa Wells and Brenda Dennis for their willingness to see a need and chose to step forward, not for recognition but because they care about our club, our community and our Mission of Service Above Self.
The Rotary Club of Welland is pleased to congratulate the 2026 Rotary Gold Medallion recipients from the graduating classesof 5 Welland and 2 Port Colborne High Schools.
The Rotary Club of Welland has offered some form of Rotary Bursary since 1950, with more regular recipients beginning in 1963 – 63 years ago! Two students from each of the 7 secondary schools graduating classes in Welland and Port Colborne are selected by their peers and guidance office.
These students have been chosen by their peers and Guidance staff because they personify the motto of Rotary “Service Above Self” as well as following the Four Way Test: “Of all the things we think say or do: Is it the Truth? Is it Fair to all concerned? Will it build Goodwill and Better Friendships? Will it be beneficial to all concerned? They have made worthy contributions to the life of the school and the community at large and possess the qualities, abilities and interests that make them worthy representatives of their schools. At the same time, achieving academic success.
This year’s recipients are Jimin Kim and Kyle Eaves (Welland Centennial Secondary School); Katherine Kelder and Aaden Anderson (Eastdale Secondary School); Chloe Filion and Ludgi Sylvain (École secondaire catholique Saint-Jean-de-Brébeuf); Amour Samanga and Emmanuel Allah (École secondaire Franco-Niagara); Lilly Greenan and Logan Seymour (Lakeshore Catholic High School); Favour Kareem and Jose Palma Alfaro (Notre Dame College School); and Lauren Bodner and Porter Burella (Port Colborne High School).
July was a busy month for the Westfield-Mayville Rotary Club! Newly elected board of directors, a returning “new” member and supporting a community resource!
Installation of the incoming officers and board: Dan Smith, Director; Michael Harrington, President-elect; Patty Benton, President; Adele Harrington, immediate Past President; Beth Hocking, Secretary; Katie Reilly, Treasurer; missing Tom Berkhouse; current Director
Dave Travis, returning “new” member and Jan Berkhouse, membership chair.
Tom Berkhouse presented check to Andrew Webster, Westfield Recreation Department Director for the Welch Pool Summer Program.
PHOTO: Dan Smith, Director; Michael Harrington, President-elect; Patty Benton, President; Adele Harrington, immediate Past President; Beth Hocking, Secretary; Katie Reilly, Treasurer
Mark your calendars for our Grand Finale Classic Car Show, scheduled for Sunday, August 16, 2026, at the Northtowns Center in Amherst.
Join us for a day of nostalgia and excitement as we showcase an exquisite collection of classic cars from different eras.
Whether you're a car enthusiast or just looking for a fun family outing, this event promises something for everyone.
Enjoy live music, food vendors, and interactive exhibits that delve into the history and craftsmanship of these automotive masterpieces.
Don't miss the awards ceremony, where we'll honor the standout vehicles and their passionate owners.
Be sure to arrive early to get the best view and prepare to be transported back in time with every gleaming chrome bumper and revving engine.
If you are interested in sponsoring this event or registering your vehicle, please contact Rickey (Lincoln) Wojtowicz at 716-634-2730 or via email at wojtowiczr@aol.com.
The entertainer and philanthropist Dolly Parton died 25 August 2026. This Q&A was originally published in the March 2010 issue of The Rotarian (now Rotary) magazine. Later that year, she spoke at the Rotary International Convention in Montreal, Canada.
Welcome to the SEPTEMBER 2026 
= 
= Learning
Rotary and Project Mona’s House Set to Offer 2nd Area Training Opportunity in Lockport to Combat Human Trafficking
What Do Thriving Rotary Clubs Have in Common?
On July 18, Rotarians from Districts 7080 and 7090 once again teamed up for Rotary Roar – an evening of PolioPlus fellowship at Hamilton Stadium.
On Canada Day, our STamp Out Polio (STOP) satellite club hosted their third annual Pull for Polio (P4P) fundraiser. 
The third annual Pull for Polio, run by the STamp Out Polio Satellite Club of Dundas Valley Sunrise is in the books! 
The Batavia Rotary Father's Day Fly-In Breakfast was a tremendous success this year, welcoming hundreds of community members for a morning filled with great food, entertainment, and family-friendly activities.
The Rotary Club recently celebrated the installation of a Peace Pole in Rotary Park, creating a lasting symbol of hope, unity, and goodwill for the community.
Each quarter Renee Brouse puts together awards recognizing clubs or districts who have contributed to ShelterBox at $1000 or more - which designates them as Hero's. I then share the awards with the ShelterBox Ambassador for that district and/or the DG to help in the recognition. Congratulations! This year we can congratulate the Rotary Club of Batavia!
After several years of work, our club along with the Rotary Club of Godawari (Nepal), has been approved for a major Global Grant in the amount of $39,212 which will provide a village in Ruby Valley Nepal with 270 household toilets.
The Rotary Club of Brantford’s 42nd Rotary Classic Run was an outstanding success, bringing together runners, walkers, volunteers, sponsors, schools, and community partners for an unforgettable day of fitness, fellowship, and giving back. Thanks to the incredible support of our community, the event has already exceeded $170,000 in net proceeds, with final totals expected to approach $190,000. These funds will directly benefit local charities serving children and youth in our community.
The eye-opening impact of a recent indigenous retreat was very apparent when a local student spoke to Brantford Sunrise in July.
Sunrise members were also reminded in July the urban heat island effect is real and having a significant impact upon our planet! 
The Rotary Club of Buffalo reached all around the world to hear about the severe water problems in Arusha, Tanzania.
Buffalo Sunrisers were delighted to have a return visit by PDG Kevin and Nancy Crosby – both at our morning meeting, and again at a Happy New Rotary year party at the Norton home. Kevin has been the lead member in his club securing a Global Grant to fund an ambulance for mountainous Malawi and is starting a new club near their home on John’s Island, SC.
The Dundas Duck Derby will be held on Saturday September 26, 2026, at 11:00am EST. Tickets are $20 per rubber duck, or $50 for three (3) rubber ducks. Tickets will be sold exclusively online in the Province of Ontario. A total of one thousand (1,000) tickets are available for purchase. Ticket purchasers must be 18 years of age or older. All ticket sales are final and no refunds will be issued for any reason. Sorry but this is only open to folks living in Ontario!
Our satellite club, STamp Out Polio (STOP), attended Rotary Roar: A PolioPlus Fellowship Event. 
The Falconer Rotary Club recently welcomed Chautauqua County Sheriff's Deputy Kris Gustafson, who gave club members a presentation on Project Lifesaver, a search-and-rescue program designed to help protect children and adults with cognitive conditions who may be prone to wandering.
Fonthill Rotary Celebrates 35 Years and Kick’s Off Rotary New Year with New History Page
For more than twelve years, the vision of the Christopher Cutler Memorial Little Library has remained unchanged. When it was established in 2014, the goal was simple: to create a barrier-free opportunity for children, youth, parents, and community members to discover the joy of reading and to build their own personal book collections.
Hamilton AM Celebrates 40 Years!
Our Hot Dog stand was a big success at the Oatka Festival, with Larry Boylan manning the grill for the 36th year. This year, Larry had a perfect grilling day with no sacrificial hot dogs hitting the dirt! It’s worth noting he tirelessly manned the grill this year for a total of four hours. Thank you, Larry, for your dedication to the Rotary Club of LeRoy.
Come By and Say "Hi"
The Town of Lincoln is celebrating another successful community partnership thanks to a $5,000 grant from the Rotary Club of Lincoln, supporting the creation of a native garden at St. Volodymyr Park in Beamsville.
July is always a busy month for the Rotary Club of Niagara-on-the-Lake—not only with changeover, but also with our annual July 1st BBQ Bash in Simcoe Park in Old Town Niagara-on-the-Lake. Despite the extreme heat, large crowds came out to enjoy our BBQ offerings, fun family entertainment and, of course, the free cake which is always a favourite!
The Rotary Club of Niagara-on-the-Lake is proud to present the
Bringing Smiles to Pikangikum First Nation
New Sign Marks Future Home of Norfolk Haldimand Centre for Hospice Palliative Care
The Olean Rotary Club's annual chrysanthemum sale is now underway, with pre-orders being accepted through Sept. 1. Delivery is scheduled during the week of Sept. 8.
The Rotary Club of St. Catharines Lakeshore recently celebrated the unveiling of two lasting community projects at Charles Ansell Park, overlooking Lock 1 of the Welland Canal—a Peace Pole and a water filling station. The projects marked the completion of nearly two years of planning and collaboration with the City of St. Catharines.
Our club rolled out something new this year: the Rotary Volunteer Matchmaker, a free platform connecting residents who want to volunteer with local non-profits that need hands-on help.
Join the Rotary Club of St. Catharines South for our 3rd Annual Peanut Butter Drive this summer! This year our goal is to provide over 2,400 jars of fresh, locally sourced, 1kg jars of peanut butter to 12 community care food centers in the Niagara area by partnering with Community Care St. Catharines & Thorold.
On July 7, 2026, the Rotary Club of Welland held a Changeover Social, with 36 attendees, including 19 Welland Rotarians. PDG and past Fonthill Rotary President Frank Adamson called upon Ralph Malcolm to take the oath of the office of Club President. He presented him with the Club’s gavel and President Pin. He also installed the 2026-2027 Board.
The Rotary Club of Welland is pleased to congratulate the 2026 Rotary Gold Medallion recipients from the graduating classesof 5 Welland and 2 Port Colborne High Schools.
July was a busy month for the Westfield-Mayville Rotary Club! Newly elected board of directors, a returning “new” member and supporting a community resource!
Mark your calendars for our Grand Finale Classic Car Show, scheduled for Sunday, August 16, 2026, at the Northtowns Center in Amherst.
zoom
