ATTENTION: Rotary Clubs and Rotaract Clubs. IT’S TIME FOR CLUBS AND MEMBERS TO ASSESS WHAT IT WILL TAKE TO EARN A PRESIDENTIAL CITATION. Citations Are an ALL Member Inclusive Project!
Each Rotary International President sets goals for the organization to attain during the President’s year. In order to rally the clubs toward common goals, our RI President develops a Presidential Citation.
For Rotaract Clubs - https://my.rotary.org/en/presidential-citation-rotaract-clubs.I hope this is the year that our Rotaract clubs are working towards earning a Rotaract Presidential Citation. Your club could be the first EVER to earn one in District 7090!
There are always some changes:
- All data must be recorded in Rotary Club Central at www.MyRotary.org
- This year (Rotary year 2016 -2017) is the first time clubs have 365 days to attain the citation. Now that said, the first round of District Awards are presented at the Changeover and Awards Luncheon – this year it is June 25, 2017. Those clubs who have achieved and input into Rotary Club Central all elements necessary for the Presidential Citation by June 5, 2017 will be awarded at the June 25th Changeover and Awards Luncheon. These are, also, the clubs who will have qualified for our District’s Lighthouse Award. It is from these early qualifiers the District Governor’s Award (only awarded to one club annually) is presented, as the highlight of the awards portion of this June event.
This month I wanted to share the trip we took to San Diego for the Rotary International Assembly. We left Buffalo early Saturday morning, January 15th and arrived just before lunch. After checking in at the Manchester Hyatt, we walked the Waterfront of Seaport Village and had lunch at a waterside restaurant. After our cold Brantford winter the sunshine, water and flowers made for a wonderful escape despite the only 60 degree temperature. We continued to walk along the water and came across USS Midway, a WWII aircraft carrier that is now a museum. We decided to make that our destination on Sunday.
Our Rotary District 7090 Vocational Training Team (VTT) was highlighted at a Farewell Brunch on Sat Feb 11, 2017 at the St Catharines Golf and Country Club.
Pictured left to right are Team Leader Tom O’Neill, Team Members Brian Kerry, Fred Johnson and Torrie Warner.
The 2016 Council on Legislation has given clubs the freedom to define new membership types – like corporate members, family members, associate members, etc. Clubs can define the criteria for such memberships as well as the fee structure. Many clubs in our district have already established such “alternative” membership categories… or are contemplating it.
Because of the dedicated efforts of 7090 Rotarians working with lead partner Girls Education Collaborative (GEC), what is happening today in rural Kitenga, Tanzania for 50 secondary school-aged girls, is life-changing. Buildings are erected and equipped, a marvel of progress considering formidable weather situations and dirt roads. Powered by the vision and hands on work of the Immaculate Heart Sisters of Africa and members of the GEC, numerous challenges were overcome.
On February 8th the Rotary Club of Ellicottville presented a special award “Friends of Rotary” to Tom and Helen Bradish from Glanworth, Ontario. Tom & Helen are homeowners in Ellicottville and have been very involved in helping out local events and fundraisers. Pictured left to right are Tom and Helen Bradish holding their award (which conspicuously displays a John Deere tractor) and President Greg Cappelli.
Rotary Club of Lockport enjoyed their biggest fundraiser of the year - the Valentine Raffle held on February 10, with over 350 in attendance. A simple formula of socialization, a great buffet dinner, a live auction, basket raffle and split club fills the three hours nicely. The event grossed over $20,000 this year. First priority is the $8000 of high school scholarships given each year with other community needs also addressed. The auctioneer was Niagara County Sheriff James R. Voutour.
The Lewiston/Niagara-on-the-Lake Rotary celebrated Valentine's Day with partners and friends. The club emphasizes that it is important to remember the "Family of Rotary" and not forget that, for those new or alone in the community, that Rotary can serve as a "one stop shop" to find fun, fellowship, and opportunities for service and social interaction.
As said by Thomas Gerbasi, long time Rotarian and member, "For all our high ideals, it is still important to remember that the key to a successful meeting is KISMIF - Keep It Simple, Make It FUN! If it ain't fun, they ain't gonna come"!
This month, the Rotary Club of Niagara Falls Sunrise was pleased to welcome one of the world’s premiere Elvis impersonators, Roy LeBlanc, who was in town to promote “Blue Suede Shoes.” The show will be running from February 14 - 19, with proceeds going to a number of local charities.
Amherst South Rotary recently celebrated the 100th Anniversary of The Rotary Foundation with a Paul Harris Fellow Awards Dinner held at Milo's Restaurant.
Organized by members, Sandy Nobel and Shefali Clerk, the dinner celebrated also the contributions of numerous individuals and businesses in the community who helped them over the years with our many community service projects.
he Rotary Club of Lancaster-Depew recently held a dinner Mix-n-Mingle event for Area 11 clubs, at Russell’s Steaks, Chops & More. Each club president gave an overview of important happenings in their respective club. Brian Williams, President of the Lancaster-Depew club also presented a check to PDG Jack Amico, in continued fulfillment of our D7090 Million Dollar Challenge pledge. All who attended had an enjoyable time, savoring scrumptious food and Rotarian family fellowship.
The Rotary Club of Jamestown, New York held its 4th Annual Fire and Ice Ball on Saturday, February 4, 2017 at the Artone Company in Jamestown. The Fire and Ice Ball serves as a major fundraiser for the Club in its efforts to support local and international projects connected to one or more of Rotary’s six Areas of Focus. This year’s event was a rousing success with over 200 people in attendance and approximately $10,000 raised.This is the template with image at the left side and floating text on the right side.
Pictured (from left to right) committee members accepting a check from a donor: Kathy Benson, Michelle Jones, Joelle Washer, Lisa Goodell, Alecia Lindahl (donor) and Anna Wohlgemuth (committee chair).
Actor, Director and Educator, Stephen Henderson, visited Clarence Rotary recently. Thanks to thefriendship of long time Clarence Rotarian, Bob Artis, the club was treated to an inspirational and thoughtful talk by Henderson.
Henderson has long time ties to the Buffalo area, yet his roots began in Kansas City, Missouri. Having been a part of the first group to attend the prestigious Julliard Drama Division, Henderson honed his acting craft and set his sights on theatre. Later, he would go on to earn his Master of Arts in Theatre from Perdue University and spend summer sessions at Rose Bruford College in London and William Esper Studios in New York City.
The Rotary Club of Falconer supported the Jamestown Audubon's Snowflake Festival by supplying qualified manpower. President Steve Hatfield played master chef - those hot dogs needed tending, while Karen Livsey helped out with the scavenger hunt. In photo, member Steve Kimball demonstrates how to tap a tree for maple syrup.
Group KERB (know every Rotarian better) hosted by Kathryn RaRa Asaro Mayers honouring Rick Vanderkup. Our members engaged in deep, inspiring, informative, meaningful conversation. Creating opportunities for a better tomorrow. Guests were Debbie Vanderkuip, Sandra Holloway, John Crossingham, Libby Crossingham, Dr. Tom Pekar and RaRa's husband, David Mayers.
The Rotary Club of LeRoy has a very strong Interact club again this year. The LeRoy Interact Club is making amazing contributions to the LeRoy community. Its fall fundraiser was a cemetery walk, that recreated the stories of the founders and contributors to the community at their burial sites. Several hundred people attended the event, and the money earned was split between the Machpelah Cemetery Association and the LeRoy Historical Society. The event received excellent reviews by local media.
The Rotary Club of Batavia had a record turnout to remove the holiday decorations from Rotary Park in downtown Batavia and give the area a quick maintenance session before the larger clean-up held in the spring. Stellar attendance may have been prompted by the surprisingly nice weather or Past President Donna Saskowski’s promise of her famous scones.
Recently, Dundas Valley Sunrise Rotary President Ross Bannatyne (centre) presented a cheque for $1000 to Jim Sweetman (right) for the Dundas Good Food Box. Also pictured are the volunteers who have come together each month for the past six years to pack fresh produce into the Good Food Box.
The DVS Rotary Club, several local churches, Winchester Arms staff and other individuals donate money to buy Good Food Boxes which are distributed by the Dundas Food Bank to those in need.
The Rotary Club of Westfield-Mayville is pleased to welcome Barbara Fay and Mary Swanson as its two newest members. Fay, whose membership was sponsored by Rotarian Pete Bills, and Swanson, who was sponsored by Rotarian John Hamels, were inducted into the club on January 24 during a dinner meeting. The induction ceremony was conducted by Pete Bills, Rotary Club of Westfield-Mayville Membership Chair.
The Salamanca Rotary Club recently made a donation of a new washer and dryer to the Salamanca Youth Center. The purchase and donation were made in the memory of past president Elaine Elsen. The appliances will be used to help teach children how to do laundry and help to combat area children’s lack of access to clean clothes, which is a significant cause of school absences, according to Sandi Brundage, director of the Salamanca Youth Center.
Joining Brundage (from left) for the presentation of the new appliances last week are Rotarians Stan Bishop and Debra Eysaman. Photo supplied courtesy of the Salamanca Press.
Over the last 6 months, the E-Club of SOWNY has increased its membership by 50% by quickly becoming the lead E-Club in the world for microfinance and social enterprise.
In January, the Rotary E-Club of Southern Ontario – Western New York (SOWNY) welcomed two new members.
Antoinette Bain is a former teacher with the Peel District School Board, and a long-time volunteer with the Toronto International Microfinance Summit (TIMS).
Howard Weinstein is the Founder of the internationally award winning social enterprise Solar Ear, which designs and manufactures affordable hearing aids with solar rechargeable batteries while training, hiring and employing young people who are deaf. Originally, Solar Ear’s hearing aids were manufactured in Botswana, then later also manufactured in Brazil and China, while being exported around the world.
Two Rotary clubs - Niagara County Central and Niagara Falls NY co-sponsored The Largest Life Size Gingerbread Village in WNY at the Niagara Falls Culinary Institute. Weekends from November 19 through – December 23, 2016, the young and old visited with Santa Claus and took part in activities including: decorating cookies, making holiday crafts, writing letters to Santa, and listening to holiday stories. Community music groups, face painters, and magicians entertained the visitors. The Lockport Community Band’s performance was enhanced by Niagara County Central Rotarian Dave Seaman and his skill with the trombone. It was an excellent community project for the collaboration of the neighboring Niagara County Central Rotary and Rotary Club of Niagara Falls NY.
Pictured are (left to right) Niagara County Central Rotarians Amy Kauderer (secretary) and Dave Seaman (director) and John Cooper (past president of the Niagara Falls Rotary Club and assistant governor of Rotary District 7090).
In January we celebrated the many “Tiny” talents of our members from singing along with President Phil Shames playing his ukulele, admiring the woodworking and stained-glass art of Treasurer Ralph Button and the poetry-reciting of Mike Foley.
We would like to share with you the creative writing Talent of our President-Elect, Tina Blatchford who encouraged all of our members that no matter what they thought, they ALL had talent to share just by being Rotarians:
A Toast to Rotary Talent
A talent, some say is a gift from above,
Others think it’s nature, or nurture, plus love.
According to Oxford it’s an aptitude or skill
Or is it a calling, yours to fulfill?
We all know someone who is performance inclined
They are energetic, creative or just a pain in the behind.
There’s a kick that they get when the spotlight comes on
But does your talent linger after the audience is gone?
What about kindness, compassion or creating the chance
To meet people; make friends; even spark a romance.
We all have a talent but sometimes it’s hidden
And we have to dig deep to find what is God-given.
Perhaps you were challenged to figure your knack
You thought “what am I good at, could I win a plaque?”
But forget about singing, or dancing a reel
Rather think on your role and how it makes people feel.
You are part of this Club and you make an impact
Our community is better because of that fact.
Remember the way you cleaned up the streets
Or were part of the project to help families eat.
You bring leaders together who are smart and influential
Still seeking ways to extend your potential.
You’ve given your time and donated your treasure
You’ve developed this niche, for which there’s no measure.
Each week you partake in this fellowship ring
You bring laughter and musings; it’s our mental wellspring.
You share stories, give thanks, cheer the happies and glads,
But you also give comfort in the times that are sad.
You’re an ambassador who looks for the truth in a vision
Building goodwill and friendships, it’s part of your mission
Seeking fairness takes courage, you do what’s right
These are attributes that matter; they carry great might.
You’re a member of Rotary and that was your call
Your inspiration is humanity and is beneficial to all.
So when tasked with listing your assets, there’s a winner by far,
Being a Rotarian is your talent and at that you’re a star!
The 2016 Council on Legislation has given clubs the freedom to define new membership types – like corporate members, family members, associate members, etc. Clubs can define the criteria for such memberships as well as the fee structure. Many clubs in our district have already established such “alternative” membership categories… or are contemplating it.
Because of the dedicated efforts of 7090 Rotarians working with lead partner Girls Education Collaborative (GEC), what is happening today in rural Kitenga, Tanzania for 50 secondary school-aged girls, is life-changing. Buildings are erected and equipped, a marvel of progress considering formidable weather situations and dirt roads. Powered by the vision and hands on work of the Immaculate Heart Sisters of Africa and members of the GEC, numerous challenges were overcome. 
The Lewiston/Niagara-on-the-Lake Rotary celebrated Valentine's Day with partners and friends. The club emphasizes that it is important to remember the "Family of Rotary" and not forget that, for those new or alone in the community, that Rotary can serve as a "one stop shop" to find fun, fellowship, and opportunities for service and social interaction.
Amherst South Rotary recently celebrated the 100th Anniversary of The Rotary Foundation with a Paul Harris Fellow Awards Dinner held at Milo's Restaurant.
The Rotary Club of Jamestown, New York held its 4th Annual Fire and Ice Ball on Saturday, February 4, 2017 at the Artone Company in Jamestown. The Fire and Ice Ball serves as a major fundraiser for the Club in its efforts to support local and international projects connected to one or more of Rotary’s six Areas of Focus. This year’s event was a rousing success with over 200 people in attendance and approximately $10,000 raised.
The Rotary Club of LeRoy has a very strong Interact club again this year. The LeRoy Interact Club is making amazing contributions to the LeRoy community. Its fall fundraiser was a cemetery walk, that recreated the stories of the founders and contributors to the community at their burial sites. Several hundred people attended the event, and the money earned was split between the Machpelah Cemetery Association and the LeRoy Historical Society. The event received excellent reviews by local media. 
The Salamanca Rotary Club recently made a donation of a new washer and dryer to the Salamanca Youth Center. The purchase and donation were made in the memory of past president Elaine Elsen. The appliances will be used to help teach children how to do laundry and help to combat area children’s lack of access to clean clothes, which is a significant cause of school absences, according to Sandi Brundage, director of the Salamanca Youth Center.
