This Rotary Year we are excited to announce that clubs throughout Rotary District 7090 and around the world will be showing their communities what we mean when we say…. “Service Above Self”.
Clubs across our District are going to achieve maximum community exposure for their projects, while providing the help their communities need, the week of February 23rd, 2024.
The best thing about this plan: your club does not need to add any more projects to your schedule. Simply take any Winter Community Service Project you are already considering or committed to and run with it the week of February 23rd.
Any community service project your club wants to participate in would count towards this Week of Action. Take lots of pictures and videos of your community service projects, and share them on the District 7090 Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/RotaryDistrict7090/)
Don’t want to go it on your own? Join up with other clubs, even other Service Clubs, in your area to have even more fun and make a greater difference in your community.
If you are a Club Community Service Chair or Service Projects Chair, watch your email for an upcoming Zoom meeting to go over all the details and share what your club is considering for the World Rotary Week of Action 2024.
Let’s show our neighbors the meaning of ‘Service Above Self’ this February!
- Phil Shames. District 7090 Service Project Chair
The District 7090 International Service Committee has been working hard to restructure its operations in order to be a greater support to all clubs in the District interested in starting/increasing their international presence and connecting with other clubs across the district. A survey went out last year asking clubs to tell us about their international work and if they were interested in a presentation from the committee. 28 clubs responded and 13 presentations were requested. The committee continues to reach out to those that responded to arrange a presentation.
1) Is your club working on a project that you would like to invite others to participate in or that you can share to educate others on your areas of focus and partnering country?
Click here and tell us about it! The site is updated every quarter.
2) Is your club interested in having a representative from the District 7090 international service committee come and talk about international service?
We are very pleased to announce that the Rotary Club of Dunnville’s Project supported by District 7090 CND Cluster Fund in 2022, is approved to proceed to construction. Their project is a water supply system built to supply water year-round to a village school in Tanzania.
The village of Irmorijo has 600 primary students and each day they must bring their own supply of water, or else they can not attend. The severe drought period in this part of Tanzania lasts 8 months, followed by 4 months of rain. The ingenious system to be installed at the school will collect the rainwater that runs off the roofs; filter it and then store it all in large bins in sufficient quantities to last the whole period of the 8 month drought. The total budget to do this is only $40,000 USD.
Please make sure your club is prepared to join the 2024 Canadian District 7090 Cluster Fund. Within a week or two your club will receive the pledge document that when returned; will commit the club to budget the $1,000 USD to the project that is selected this November. The pledges mean that a club that wants to propose a Global Grant project will know the approximate financial support available from the Cluster Fund. This means that they can plan the details of the project and be prepared for the selection meeting in November.
You are no longer limited by your club’s International budget to sponsor a worthy project. The Cluster Fund can ensure you have sufficient funds to succeed.
In recent years, our collaboration with local Rotary clubs has made a significant impact on those in need. Your generous donations have played a crucial role in our humanitarian efforts. Now, facing challenges due to new laws in Ukraine, we urgently seek support for one more container of medical aid before restrictions take effect on April 1, 2024. The primary obstacle is gathering funds for the $10,000 CAD shipment cost. Local partners continue to donate supplies, but your financial assistance is vital.
Donations can be made by:
Credit Card/Debit Card: credit card by clicking the link below:
The Rotary Foundation Scholarship Committee of District 7090 is pleased to be able to award 3 scholarships to deserving high school graduating students!
TWO - $1,000.00 USD Awards
ONE - $1,500.00 USD Award for a student with a median family income of less than $40,000 USD or Canadian /year
Scholarship Description: A general scholarship awarded to a student(s) who at the time of application is in their final year of high school education, with a commitment to enroll in post-secondary education. The scholarship is open to any area of study and must be used towards full time Canada post-secondary/U.S. post high school study at a university, college, or community college, anywhere in the world. The applicant’s permanent address must be within the boundaries of District 7090, (which includes Rotary Clubs in Ontario, Canada and New York, USA).
Scholarship Criteria: The scholarship will be based on the following criteria:
1. Academic merit: high school transcripts.
2. A resume of community service and/or volunteer activities completed, plus a 100 word paragraph about the impact these experiences have had on you.
3. An essay of 750 words describing: why you chose your career/education path, and what community service/volunteer activities in which you plan to participate.
4. Optional: letter of reference from any community member.
Timelines: Application deadline is April 15, 2024.
The scholarship will be awarded no later than June 30, 2024.
Join Us February 10th for 24th Annual Trivia Night!
LIVE and IN-PERSON at Merritton Community Centre (7 Park Avenue St. Catharines, ON L2P1P9) for a fun night of 100 “General Trivia” questions designed by Rotary Lakeshore's in-house team of quizmasters!
This is a Team Event! Buy Your Table by February 8th - $235 for a Table (Team) of up to 8 persons
Cash prizes are awarded for the top three teams!
NOTE: Doors Open at 6:00 pm. Trivia will begin at 7:00 pm sharp!!!
Cash Bar - water, wine, beer, pop and mixed drinks. No outside drinks allowed; Free Hot dogs, popcorn, chip mix all included in the price.
Tickets Available from: Rotary Club of St. Catharines Lakeshore Members OR CLICK HERE For Full Details and to Buy Your Tickets On-line via Eventbrite!
Rotary Club Of Waterdown Heating Up Winter With Some Sizzling Events
1) The annual Trivia Night is back on February 10 at the Waterdown Legion. Teams of 6-8 people can sign up to win prizes. There will be 3 rounds of general questions, and 2 bonus rounds focused on the psychedelic decade of platform shoes and acid rock: the 1970s.
Trivia night fun also includes snacks, prizes, a fantastic silent auction, and a cash bar.
The cost to register is $200 per team. Corporate sponsorships are also available. To sign up email nick@brownfinancial.com or call 905-536-2224.
PHOTO: "Best Costume" The Headliners team won the ‘Best-Dressed’ honours at the 2023 Trivia Night hosted by Rotary Club of Waterdown. Wilf Arndt photo
2) Waterdown Rotary and Flamborough AM Rotary are cooking up breakfast – and fun – on Family Day.
The Kids Feeding Kids Pancake Breakfast takes place from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 19 at the Waterdown Legion.
In addition to a hearty meal, there will be face painting, crafts and games for all ages. All proceeds support the Food 4 Kids program, which supports 31 students in local schools.
Advance tickets cost $40 per family of 4 (or more); $12.50 per adult and $10 per child. They can also be purchased at the door: $50 per family, $15 per adult, $12.50 per child.
Please let Don Thorpe don.thorpe@sympatico.ca know if you will be paying by cheque or cash, or if you have any questions
Payment can be made either by e-transfer (preferred), cheque (made payable to Rotary Club of Welland) or cash (on night of event). E-transfer: treasurer@wellandrotaryclub.com
Location: Club Italia, 2525 Montrose Rd., Niagara Falls, ON L2E 6S4
Join us for our 24th Annual Trivia Evening held at Club Italia, 2525 Montrose Rd., Niagara Falls for an evening of entertainment and fun in support of Niagara Falls community programs like Project Share, Niagara Nutrition Partners, GROW Community Food Literacy Centre, Niagara Health, Pathstone Mental Health, Niagara Festival of Performing Arts, local student awards and scholarships as well as international Rotary projects.
Teams of eight members per table answer eight rounds of 10 questions.
Tickets are $40 per person ($320 per table of 8).
The top three teams of 8 win wonderful prizes including $1000 cash for the first prize and tickets to local attractions and restaurants.
Everyone will enjoy food, snacks and door prizes, and can purchase 50/50 draw and raffle tickets and bid on live auction items for many wonderful gifts and prizes generously donated by local businesses and individuals - a great value for the professional trivia presentation, food, snacks and prizes.
Heard about the Total Sun Eclipse coming April 8th?
We're excited to share an exceptional learning opportunity with you! The Rotary Club of Grand Island has graciously invited Dr. Kevin Williams, the esteemed Director of the Whitworth Ferguson Planetarium at SUNY Buffalo State University and Associate Professor of Geosciences, to deliver a captivating presentation on the upcoming Solar Eclipse. Open to all.
When: Saturday, March 2, 2024
Time: 1:30 PM
Where: Grand Island High School Auditorium
As many of you may know, Western New York (WNY) is situated directly within the "Path of Totality" for the solar eclipse on Monday, April 8, 2024. This rare phenomenon, where the moon completely covers the sun, promises an unforgettable celestial spectacle. It's a unique opportunity, especially since WNY is perfectly positioned for this event, attracting enthusiasts and visitors in large numbers.
We encourage you to join the Grand Island Rotary at this free educational event. Dr. Williams's expertise offers a fantastic chance to deepen our understanding of this astronomical event.
Additionally, we're pleased to remind you that the Grand Island School District has procured a pair of solar eclipse glasses for each student, ensuring a safe viewing experience. These glasses will be distributed before the Spring recess. For those interested in obtaining extra pairs for family members, Dr. Williams kindly offers them in exchange for a voluntary donation of $2.00 to the planetarium.
Don't miss this wonderful opportunity to engage in a community learning experience and witness a remarkable natural event. We look forward to seeing many of you there!
Pollinators: Birds, bats, bees, butterflies, beetles, and other small mammals that pollinate plants are responsible for bringing us one out of every three bites of food.
They also sustain our ecosystems and produce our natural resources by helping plants reproduce. Without the actions of pollinators, agricultural economies, our food supply, and surrounding landscapes would collapse.
You are invited to attend FREE pollinator conservation training. The organization called the “Pollinator Partnership” (https://pollinator.org) will present two FREE “Pollinator Conservation 101” webinars in March:
This FREE training is the Pollinator Partnership’s commitment to implementing the recently signed (September 2023) Mississippi River Operation Pollination Partnership — signed by ten organizations.
D7090 has passed the pollinator pledge; the timing is good to take the next step and help spread the word! If you (or your club) is interested in furthering this project, contact Dave Alexander at
I am writing to you on behalf of the Buffalo Sunrise Rotary Club, with great enthusiasm and gratitude for the ongoing support of the Tow Path Park Community Pollinator Garden, located at the foot of Hertel Avenue at the Niagara River. This project aims to create a sustainable and vibrant habitat for essential pollinators such as bees and butterflies. Recognizing the Buffalo Sunrise Rotary Club's commitment to community enrichment and environmental stewardship, we believe your support can significantly contribute to the success of this initiative.
Here is how you can help
Monetary Donations: Your support will directly contribute to the purchase of native plants, educational signage, and essential materials needed for the creation and maintenance of the Pollinator Garden. https://www.paypal.com/us/fundraiser/charity/4384380
In-Kind Donations: If you have materials or services that could enhance the project (plants, soil, mulch, or expertise in landscaping) we would be grateful for your in-kind contribution(s). Contact timothy@abtp.com
Promotion and Collaboration: Your assistance in spreading the word and collaborating on community events or workshops is invaluable.
Save the Date: Rotary D7090 District Conference Dates: April 26th-27th, 2024 - Peace, Hope & Rotary
Get ready for two days filled with:
Learning: Engage in insightful sessions and workshops that will enhance your Rotary experience and broaden your knowledge.
Fellowship: Connect with your fellow Rotarians, forge new friendships, and strengthen the bonds of our Rotary community.
Idea Exchange: Share your ideas, experiences, and best practices as we collaborate to make a positive impact in our communities.
Fun: Enjoy moments of joy and relaxation as we celebrate our collective achievements and the spirit of Rotary.
Stay tuned for more details, including registration information and a comprehensive schedule of events.
We are working diligently to ensure that this District Conference is a memorable and enriching experience for all.
Your participation is vital to the success of our Rotary community, and we can't wait to gather with you for a weekend of inspiration, camaraderie, and celebration!
Thank you for your commitment to Rotary, and we look forward to seeing you at the District Conference.
Beth Hocking was inducted into membership of the Rotary Club of Westfield - Mayville at the Annual Meeting and Holiday Party. Beth has a background in education and is a retired Frewsburg School counselor and current business owner of Acme Appliances in Jamestown. We are pleased to have Beth as a new member. She brings expertise and experience in many of Rotary's areas of focus including education & literacy, child health, and community and economic development. Beth shared "as someone who grew up around Rotarians I recognize the privilege of serving in this esteemed organization and look forward to becoming an active part of our club."
Photo: Beth Hocking (l) with Janese Berkhouse (r) President-elect
The Rotary Club of Welland welcomed our newest Member, Julianne Brunet, representing a Corporate Membership for the Welland Public Library Board. Julianne became a Member on December 20, 2023, but was officially inducted by Assistant Governor Frank Adamson (Rotary Club of Fonthill) on January 16, 2024.
Julianne stated that Rotary connects citizens in active, meaningful service to the community for the betterment of the community. The Welland Public Library desires to be part of the solution in addressing the complex issues impacting our community by working together and sharing resources to extend our reach.”
Julianne is a lifelong resident of Welland and Pelham. She has been with the Welland Public Library for 9 years and has held the position of Chief Executive Officer since 2019.
Pictured LtoR: President Tammy Morden, AG Frank Adamson, Julianne Brunet, Sponsor Tim Wright
1st Annual "Rotary Wish List for Community Care" Project Raises Nearly $25,000 Worth of Food!
In a heartwarming display of generosity and community spirit, the three Rotary Clubs of St. Catharines (St. Catharines, St. Catharines Lakeshore, and St. Catharines South), joined forces with Interact Clubs from Laura Secord Secondary School, St. Catharines Collegiate, and Eden High School for the inaugural "Rotary Wish List for Community Care"project. This collaborative effort, aligned with Rotary's theme for the year, "creating hope in the world," unfolded on Saturday, November 25, 2023.
This year, the demand for Community Care's food bank reached unprecedented levels, with Executive Director Betty-Lou Souter expressing concern over the registration of close to 3,000 new individuals in 2023 alone. With the increase of first-time users, Community Care St. Catharines is now assisting upwards of 10 per cent of the total number of residents in St. Catharines and Thorold.
Again this year, the Rotary Club of Norfolk Sunrise coordinated our outreach to Indwell (https://indwell.ca/) in the form of New Year's Eve meal contributions to the residents of both Hambleton Hall and Dogwood Suites. With generous funding support from our own club and community donors, as well as the assistance of the local Swiss Chalet owner, manager and staff, we gathered up 92 complete meal packs and delivered them to the very grateful residents living in both of the Simcoe-based Indwell facilities (see the photos below). Along with each Swiss Chalet meal pack delivered, the Indwell residents also received a cash gift card for use at Food Basics. For everyone involved, it was a great way to end the old year and usher in a promising new one.
PHOTO: RCNS meal packs x 51 to Dogwood Suites - (RCNS members Bettyann & Ray Carty, George Cornfield, a few residents plus Indwell's Jean Montgomery)
The Rotary Club of Niagara Falls, Canada held its annual Christmas Dinner at Napoli Ristorante on Tuesday ,December 19th, 2023. (They are great supporters of Rotary.) Great food and good company!
Sixty pounds of food were collected and donated to "Project Share"(https://projectshare.ca/), a food bank in Niagara Falls.
Paul Harris Pins were awarded.
PH Recipients: L to R): Jim Craig (Past Pres), Rima Hindo, Barbara Greenwood (Past Pres), Eleanor Dow, Bill Greenwood (Past Pres), David Sabina, Mona Patel
PHOTO: Jan Jaluvka (Past President, 1978 )with his wife Erica. He has been a Rotarian for over 40 years!
That is my impression of the newly re-branded 2023 Rotary Auction Niagara, held Nov. 22 – Dec. 1. The 6 participating clubs (St. Catharines South, St. Catharines, Niagara Falls, Niagara Falls Sunrise, Welland, and Fonthill) had a steering committee overseeing the many aspects of this fundraiser. Characteristics I personally noticed: cooperation, dedication, willingness to change, thoughtful & reflective thinking, and finally, Service Above Self.
The committee decided to move away from the old “TV” auction format, and rebranded into a 100% online version. This change greatly reduced the volunteer time required, and as a result, streamlined the process.
What did they accomplish? In addition to migrating to a new and vastly improved auction platform, even in a slow economy, the results were phenomenal - there were more bidders and the final amount raised was the same as the prior year.
A big thank you needs to go out to all the individuals or organizations who donated - without them, there would be no auction. Also, thanks to all the Rotarians who solicited the donations.
Thank you to all the bidders - without them, Rotary would not be able to be “People of Action,” supporting all those organizations locally or globally.
Thank you to our local partners, Skycomp, The Pen Centre & Beam Building. Skycomp provided support for our computerized system in the pick-up warehouse. The Pen Centre generously provides the space for winning to bidders to pick up their items. Beam Building provided warehouse space to store items prior to the auction & subsequent pick up.
Lastly, thank you to all the volunteers who worked in the warehouse, and to our steering committee who put in so many hours preparing and setting up the Rotary Auction Niagara fundraiser.
The Rotary Club of Lockport enjoyed the presentation by Mary Frances Cappiello, daughter of Rotarian Dr. Larry Cappiello, on 1-30-24 at the club’s regular meeting.
The title “20 Years in China” was a sharing of Ms. Cappiello’s experience teaching and interacting with the many peoples of this huge and complex nation.
She also presented Lockport with a banner from the Beijing Rotary Club.
Photo: President Shelley Unocic (left) accepts Beijing Rotary banner from Ms. Cappiello.
Over two days in December, the Lockport HS Basketball program, in conjunction with Lockport Rotary, held their 45th annual tournament.
Four schools participate (the 3 schools besides Lockport are chosen by the Lockport Coach/Athletic Director).
The proceeds benefit the Rotary Scholarship Program ($1641) and Rotary also donates to the Lockport Basketball program ($388).
All players from each team receive a sponsor's tee shirt, and Rotary awards a trophy to the Tournament Champion, as well as to the MVP.
Also, five "All Tournament" players also receive an award.
The tournament is held over a Friday and Saturday at Lockport HS. After the Friday evening games Rotary provides all 4 teams with pizza/drinks.
Rotary Club Members work the tourney as volunteers to help at the gate.
PHOTO (L to R): Senior Guard Ian Cooper (Lockport Lions Varsity Basketball player), Mike Mullane (Lockport Rotary tournament co-chair), and Varsity Basketball Coach Dave Gilson
The Rotary Club of Lincoln held the first presentation of its Eco-Series and, boy, was it a good one!!!
Bruce Mackenzie took us all the way from the Galt Moraine to the outer tip of Grimsby. It was a fascinating journey highlighting the incredible complexities of our watershed systems. It was simply mind boggling at the intricacies of life found in our wetlands, swamps, bogs, marshes, fens, vernal pools and ‘disturbed wetlands’. More than ever, we need to preserve these spaces and value all they have to offer.
Stay tuned for the next in the series on February 14th at The Fleming Centre Beamsville: “Dirt to Devils: Soil Stewardship & Invasive Species”. All are welcome for a free and informative evening discovering all the things around us and how we can preserve and coexist.
The Lewiston-NOTL Rotary Club provided food for over 25 family members at the Kevin Guest House in Buffalo (https://kevinguesthouse.com/).
For over 50 years, the Kevin Guest House has provided a comfortable and supportive home away from home for patients and families traveling to receive healthcare in Buffalo, and inspired the first Ronald McDonald House in Philadelphia, PA and more than 600 similar houses across the country and worldwide.
PHOTO: President Elect Ron Danielewicz and President Leslie Scibilia
At the request of DGE Dave Alexander, Lewiston/NOTL Rotarians represented the District and met up with some visitors to Niagara Falls, NY from District 7120.
On January 17, they were joined for lunch in Lewiston by District 7120 (Rochester, NY area) DGE Dave DeMers, Ann DeMers (President of Spencerport, NY Rotary) and a contingent of Rotarians from India and Indonesia.
Let us know if you or your Rotary friends will be visiting so we can show them some binational hospitality, Rotary Style!
Members of the Rotary Club of Jamestown teamed with 11 other Rotary Clubs in America, Canada, and Mexico to support Rotary’s Area of Focus of "Water, Sanitation and Hygiene" by providing poor rural communities in Jalisco, Mexico with a long-term solution of sustainable equitable access to safe and affordable drinking water, as well as improving community hygiene knowledge, behavior and practices that help prevent the spread of disease in these rural communities. Sue and Greg Jones (susanjones369@gmail.com), Rotarians representing the $1,500 donation of the Rotary Club of Jamestown, NY participated in the program.
On January 19, approximately 20 Rotarians from the United State, Canada and Mexico and their partners drove two and a half hours south into the mountains to Campo Acosta for a well-organized and attended distribution of Sawyer International Bucket Systems (costing $50 each) donated by the Rotary Clubs represented. The low cost, long-lasting, gravity fed water filtration system is used where centralized community clean water solutions are less effective, or unavailable. It can filter up to 170 gallons of water per day for 10+ years with only routine filter back flow maintenance, resulting in a long-term solution to clean water that community members are able to support on their own.
Rotarian Tina Blatchford planned an event for sixteen members & family, who came together to unload and stock the shelves at the CAP (Cancer Assistance Program, https://cancerassist.ca/).
This was the result of our successful District Grant.
We enjoyed an introduction by CAP Manager Fund Director, Dusty Vacon. We then divided into two teams for re-stocking their shelves with the donations our District Grant funds provided.
We also received an extensive tour of their facilities and learned more about the invaluable services they provide to cancer patients in the Greater Hamilton Area.
PHOTO: Rotarian Tina Blatchford and CAP Manager Fund Director, Dusty Vacon
Hess Street School Students and Staff "Flipped out" over Pancake Breakfast!
Once again, the Hamilton AM Rotary members, family and friends served up an excellent Holiday Breakfast at Hess Street School, Hamilton ON on December 20. Many thanks to Paul Reardon's cooking skills as four teams served up enough pancakes for 350 students and staff. Place settings for each student were laid out in all the classrooms along with apples, juice boxes and Timbits. Each student also received a "goodie bag" with treats, mittens, a stuffed toy (courtesy of the Salvation Army) and a new book to take home donated by Hamilton Public Library.
Of course, Santa made an appearance supported by roving minstrels, Tor Lukasic-Foss and Marta Stiteler. The Brantford Bulldogs Mascot Bruiser spread cheer along with some Hamilton Tiger-Cat Cheerleaders. We were also honoured by the appearance of Rotary District 7090, Scott Marcin of the Rotary Club of Amherst South who traveled that morning from his home in New York State to join us.
This excellent event was led by club members Michelle Austin and Irene Stayshyn with most club members in supportive roles the day of or through donations. Special thanks go to City of Hamilton Public Health Department and Henry Schein Dental, Niagara on the Lake, for the toothbrushes and toothpaste needed to counteract the sugar load that day! This event has been a heartwarming Christmas project of Hamilton AM Rotary for over 25 years and will continue for years to come!
Yes Virginia, there is a Santa Claus – Rotary Hamilton’s Children's Christmas Celebration
Honorary Rotarian, Santa Claus, helped the members of the Rotary Club of Hamilton host the 25th annual Rotary Children’s Christmas Celebration on December 14th. Over 650 children enjoyed a tradition Christmas dinner with turkey, stuffing, and potatoes. The day was filled with dancing, laughter, and lots of food. Each child received a new book, mittens, toque, and school supplies as a gift. Magic happened for these inner-city children, as Rotarians and friends filled tummies, warmed heads & hands and put smiles on their faces.
This year marked a special milestone, as the Rotary Club of Hamilton proudly hosted its 25th Rotary Children’s Christmas Celebration, a tradition of giving and joy that has become a cornerstone of our community and a signature event of our Rotary Club!
A heartfelt thanks extend to the Hamilton Public Library, Hamilton Community Foundation, – McCallum McBride Fund, Ancaster High School, Wayne Gretzky Foundation and the CHML and Y108 Children’s Fund. Your support and contributions have been instrumental in making this event a resounding success. We also want to thank our many Virtual Stocking Donors, the Elf & Snowman Sponsors. We couldn’t have done it without your help and support!
"All children deserve a safe, comfortable place to lay their heads." For the 3rd time this club year, volunteers have given time to the non profit organization Sleep in Heavenly Peace (SHP). This statement is from SHP's website. This organization breaks down the steps to build a bed from shipping crates in easy to complete tasks. Volunteers bring bedding for the beds they will build and rotate stations learning as they go. Ten volunteers (Rotarians, friends and family) in 3.5 hours constructed several beds and each station has inventory waiting for the next step. The organization tells stories about real families who receive the beds and how grateful they are.
PHOTO: Top - GI Rotarians Donna Wilde and Diane Garey; Bottom - Richard and Mary Schraven, John Garey (GI Rotarian), Bernie Heuer, Fred Lew
Members of the Rotary Club of Fort Erie attended an Urgent Care SOS Town Hall meeting, as there is an imminent decision to close the community’s 24-Hour Urgent Care unit. What is a Rotary club to do? How must we weigh our participation in these matters, our very citizenship with others in our community, with that of ensuring Rotary and our brand remains politically neutral? Sometimes a club and it’s community struggle to find a balance in its activities when it comes to change in its community. This article attempts to explore one such issue, and Rotarians can reach out to the Rotary Club of Fort Erie directly (RotaryFortErie.org).
As we aspire to the Service Above Self ideal, especially in cases where we provide care for others in our international partnerships abroad, what do we do as a club when we see a reduction in care in our own community? These are tough, tough questions to answer and speak to the very core elements of the club as a listener to the needs of its community, a local network, a connecting resource, and indeed a voice.
This kind of change in the level of health care will come with some impacts, including costs not only in financial terms, but in other ways. Rotary indeed can use its convening power to bring perspectives together. The club must also contend with esteem, perceptions, and public image when dealing with such a charged issue.
As noted, Rotarians are welcome to reach out to the Rotary Club of Fort Erie via email: RotaryFortErie@gmail.com
Rotary Club of Fonthill donates funds to Ukrainian Canadian Congress – Niagara Chapter
The vital work of a local organization assisting Ukrainian newcomers to Canada has been enhanced by a recent donation from the Rotary Club of Fonthill. On Jan. 10, the Rotary Club of Fonthill was pleased to present a cheque for $1,500 to Irene Newton, President of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress – Niagara Chapter, to provide support for the work the organization is doing to help Ukrainians who are arriving in Niagara.
During the weekly meeting, Irene provided an update on the tremendous work that the local Ukrainian community has done over the past two years both to support those families fleeing Ukraine as a result of the war, as well as to send support to Ukraine. She noted that containers of aid items are regularly sent from Niagara to Poland and then on to Ukraine. Through posts made to Facebook they are then able to see that the items they have sent are arriving in Ukraine. UCC-Niagara continues to work to advocate on behalf of the newcomers and continues to raise funds and awareness to support both those still in Ukraine as well as those new to Niagara.
Photo (L toR): Michael Hrycusko (UCC-Niagara Board Member), Carolyn Mullin (Rotary Club of Fonthill President), Irene Newton (UCC-Niagara President)
To learn more about the many ways in which the Rotary Club of Fonthill has a positive impact on its community, please visit rotarycluboffonthill.ca. For further information on the Ukrainian Canadian Congress, visit ucc.ca.
The Dunkirk-Fredonia Rotary Club welcomed Guest Speaker Bethany O’Hagan, Land Specialist of the Chautauqua Watershed Conservancy, at their January 4th meeting.
Bethany spoke to our Club about the valuable work being done by the Cassadaga Lakes Nature Preserve.
We will welcome Donna Roof and Rich Smith from the Family Committee of the Chautauqua Area Habitat for Humanity at our January 18th meeting, to speak about their upcoming plans in Dunkirk.
The Maktaba Project is a literacy initiative, made possible through a Global Grant by two Rotary Clubs: Dundas Valley Sunrise and Nairobi Madaraka. “Maktaba” means library in Swahili. This visionary undertaking materialized through harmonious collaboration with esteemed partners: the District 7090 Rotary Clubs of Dundas Valley Sunrise, Dundas, Flamborough AM, Hamilton AM, and Simcoe.
Our mission extends beyond mere book donations; it aspires to transform libraries into vibrant hubs of knowledge by not only replenishing their shelves but also ushering in the era of digital enlightenment through the establishment of cutting-edge digital libraries.
The resounding success of our endeavor owes much to the extraordinary contributions of dedicated Rotarians, including the remarkable Canon Robert Morrow, the esteemed Dr. Paul A. Clifford, and the illustrious Thie Convery, AKS.
At a recent meeting of the Dundas Valley Sunrise Rotary Club, Bob Morrow was “pleased to announce… that the Friends Integrated Centre in Nairobi has agreed to name their new library – which was renovated by the Rotary Club of Nairobi-Madaraka and stocked with local, culturally appropriate books provided by our club, three individuals and several clubs in the District - in honour of Paul Clifford.” The library will be known as the “Dr. Paul M. Clifford School Library.”
PHOTO (L to R): Jonathon Clifford (Paul’s son), Dr. Paul M. Clifford, Canon Robert Morrow
Buffalo Sunrisers saw the holiday season as opportunities for local giving and receiving. Members re-homed 20 perennial pollinator plants from St. Paul’s Cathedral Garden in downtown Buffalo to a temporary home. Otherwise, the plants would have been destroyed because of sewer work near the Cathedral. In Spring the plants will be relocated to Tow Path Park, a Greenway Pollinator Garden project.
PHOTO: (L to R): Melanie Rushworth (Pres), a representative from St. Paul’s Cathedral, Timothy Priano (PE), Jeff Lebsack, and Barbara Ochterski
Once again, members Dan Tirone, Jill Norton, Barbara, and Trisha Shea delivered a huge, delicious meal to Kevin Guest House, supporting the guests or family members there who are receiving treatment at the Medical Campus. BSR has been helping out at Kevin Guest House for over 10 years.
Toiletries were also collected and donated to Family Promise (https://fpwny.org/), an assistance facility for temporarily homeless families.
The 4th Annual Rotary Club of Brantford-Sunrise Online Auction will run from April 18 to 28, 2024.
Over the past three years, the auction has raised $115,000 for the Pediatric Acute Referral Clinic Service (PARS) at Brantford General Hospital, assisting with the purchase of essential medical equipment.
In November 2023, numerous members of the Sunrise Club were excited to attend the official PARS Clinic opening, where the Club was proudly recognized as a major contributor to the clinic moving from concept to reality. Once again, all proceeds from this year’s auction will continue to support PARS and its pediatric programs.
Ancaster AM Rotary recently concluded its 2023 car raffle. Up for grabs: a stunning 2024 Ford Mustang Convertible and our 50/50 draw.
The winner of the 50/50 draw, Jeyasuthan A, walked away with a cool $18,130 in cash.
PHOTO: Karl Hanley Ancaster Rotary and Jeyasuthan A. 50/50 Winner
John J. of Kingsville, ON was the very excited lucky winner of the car. Best of luck and happy motoring with your new car John.
PHOTO: Karl Hanley Ancaster Rotary and John J., 2024 Ford Mustang Convertible Winner
To everyone who supported our raffle, a huge thank you from all of us at Ancaster Rotary. The proceeds of this lottery help support a number of people in our community, especially Keaton’s House-Paul Paletta Children's Hospice, to be built in Dundas (https://keatonshouse.org/).
Stay tuned for more details on this year’s draw coming soon…
"The goal is to restore hope — to help the world heal from destructive conflicts and, in turn, to help us achieve lasting change for ourselves." R. Gordon R. McInally Rotary International President 2023-2024
Under a new strategic partnership, Rotary and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) are launching the 'Community Action for Fresh Water' initiative, focusing on the protection of freshwater ecosystems.
We are very pleased to announce that the Rotary Club of Dunnville’s Project supported by District 7090 CND Cluster Fund in 2022, is approved to proceed to construction. Their project is a water supply system built to supply water year-round to a village school in Tanzania.
In recent years, our collaboration with local Rotary clubs has made a significant impact on those in need. Your generous donations have played a crucial role in our humanitarian efforts. Now, facing challenges due to new laws in Ukraine, we urgently seek support for one more container of medical aid before restrictions take effect on April 1, 2024. The primary obstacle is gathering funds for the $10,000 CAD shipment cost. Local partners continue to donate supplies, but your financial assistance is vital.
The Rotary Foundation Scholarship Committee of District 7090 is pleased to be able to award 3 scholarships to deserving high school graduating students!
The long-standing Westfield-Mayville Rotary Club's "Gold Rush" fundraiser will be once again held virtually, at 7:30 PM on Saturday, February 10.
Tickets Available from: Rotary Club of St. Catharines Lakeshore Members OR 
1) The annual Trivia Night is back on February 10 at the Waterdown Legion. Teams of 6-8 people can sign up to win prizes. There will be 3 rounds of general questions, and 2 bonus rounds focused on the psychedelic decade of platform shoes and acid rock: the 1970s.
ry Club of Welland will be holding its 6th annual Curling Social this year on Tuesday evening, February 13th at 5 pm.
Date: Wednesday February 21, 2024
We're excited to share an exceptional learning opportunity with you! The Rotary Club of Grand Island has graciously invited Dr. Kevin Williams, the esteemed Director of the Whitworth Ferguson Planetarium at SUNY Buffalo State University and Associate Professor of Geosciences, to deliver a captivating presentation on the upcoming Solar Eclipse. Open to all.
Pollinators: Birds, bats, bees, butterflies, beetles, and other small mammals that pollinate plants are responsible for bringing us one out of every three bites of food.
Grand Island Rotary Meat Raffle
I am writing to you on behalf of the Buffalo Sunrise Rotary Club, with great enthusiasm and gratitude for the ongoing support of the Tow Path Park Community Pollinator Garden, located at the foot of Hertel Avenue at the Niagara River. This project aims to create a sustainable and vibrant habitat for essential pollinators such as bees and butterflies. Recognizing the Buffalo Sunrise Rotary Club's commitment to community enrichment and environmental stewardship, we believe your support can significantly contribute to the success of this initiative.
Save the Date: Rotary D7090 District Conference Dates: April 26th-27th, 2024 - Peace, Hope & Rotary
Beth Hocking was inducted into membership of the Rotary Club of Westfield - Mayville at the Annual Meeting and Holiday Party. Beth has a background in education and is a retired Frewsburg School counselor and current business owner of Acme Appliances in Jamestown. We are pleased to have Beth as a new member. She brings expertise and experience in many of Rotary's areas of focus including education & literacy, child health, and community and economic development. Beth shared "as someone who grew up around Rotarians I recognize the privilege of serving in this esteemed organization and look forward to becoming an active part of our club."
The Rotary Club of Welland welcomed our newest Member, Julianne Brunet, representing a Corporate Membership for the Welland Public Library Board. Julianne became a Member on December 20, 2023, but was officially inducted by Assistant Governor Frank Adamson (Rotary Club of Fonthill) on January 16, 2024.
1st Annual "Rotary Wish List for Community Care" Project Raises Nearly $25,000 Worth of Food!
Again this year, the Rotary Club of Norfolk Sunrise coordinated our outreach to Indwell (
Paul Harris Pins were awarded.
PHOTO: Jan Jaluvka (Past President, 1978 )with his wife Erica. He has been a Rotarian for over 40 years!
That is my impression of the newly re-branded 2023 Rotary Auction Niagara, held Nov. 22 – Dec. 1. The 6 participating clubs (St. Catharines South, St. Catharines, Niagara Falls, Niagara Falls Sunrise, Welland, and Fonthill) had a steering committee overseeing the many aspects of this fundraiser. Characteristics I personally noticed: cooperation, dedication, willingness to change, thoughtful & reflective thinking, and finally, Service Above Self. 
The Rotary Club of Lockport enjoyed the presentation by Mary Frances Cappiello, daughter of Rotarian Dr. Larry Cappiello, on 1-30-24 at the club’s regular meeting.
Over two days in December, the Lockport HS Basketball program, in conjunction with Lockport Rotary, held their 45th annual tournament. 
Bruce Mackenzie took us all the way from the Galt Moraine to the outer tip of Grimsby. It was a fascinating journey highlighting the incredible complexities of our watershed systems. It was simply mind boggling at the intricacies of life found in our wetlands, swamps, bogs, marshes, fens, vernal pools and ‘disturbed wetlands’. More than ever, we need to preserve these spaces and value all they have to offer.
The Lewiston-NOTL Rotary Club provided food for over 25 family members at the Kevin Guest House in Buffalo (
At the request of DGE Dave Alexander, Lewiston/NOTL Rotarians represented the District and met up with some visitors to Niagara Falls, NY from District 7120. 
Members of the Rotary Club of Jamestown teamed with 11 other Rotary Clubs in America, Canada, and Mexico to support Rotary’s Area of Focus of "Water, Sanitation and Hygiene" by providing poor rural communities in Jalisco, Mexico with a long-term solution of sustainable equitable access to safe and affordable drinking water, as well as improving community hygiene knowledge, behavior and practices that help prevent the spread of disease in these rural communities. Sue and Greg Jones (
Rotarian Tina Blatchford planned an event for sixteen members & family, who came together to unload and stock the shelves at the CAP (Cancer Assistance Program, 
PHOTO: Rotarian Tina Blatchford and CAP Manager Fund Director, Dusty Vacon
Hess Street School Students and Staff "Flipped out" over Pancake Breakfast!
Honorary Rotarian, Santa Claus, helped the members of the Rotary Club of Hamilton host the 25th annual Rotary Children’s Christmas Celebration on December 14th. Over 650 children enjoyed a tradition Christmas dinner with turkey, stuffing, and potatoes. The day was filled with dancing, laughter, and lots of food. Each child received a new book, mittens, toque, and school supplies as a gift. Magic happened for these inner-city children, as Rotarians and friends filled tummies, warmed heads & hands and put smiles on their faces.
Building Beds at Sleep in Heavenly Peace
Members of the Rotary Club of Fort Erie attended an Urgent Care SOS Town Hall meeting, as there is an imminent decision to close the community’s 24-Hour Urgent Care unit. What is a Rotary club to do? How must we weigh our participation in these matters, our very citizenship with others in our community, with that of ensuring Rotary and our brand remains politically neutral? Sometimes a club and it’s community struggle to find a balance in its activities when it comes to change in its community. This article attempts to explore one such issue, and Rotarians can reach out to the Rotary Club of Fort Erie directly (
The vital work of a local organization assisting Ukrainian newcomers to Canada has been enhanced by a recent donation from the Rotary Club of Fonthill. On Jan. 10, the Rotary Club of Fonthill was pleased to present a cheque for $1,500 to Irene Newton, President of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress – Niagara Chapter, to provide support for the work the organization is doing to help Ukrainians who are arriving in Niagara.
The Dunkirk-Fredonia Rotary Club welcomed Guest Speaker Bethany O’Hagan, Land Specialist of the Chautauqua Watershed Conservancy, at their January 4th meeting.
The Maktaba Project is a literacy initiative, made possible through a Global Grant by two Rotary Clubs: Dundas Valley Sunrise and Nairobi Madaraka. “Maktaba” means library in Swahili. This visionary undertaking materialized through harmonious collaboration with esteemed partners: the District 7090 Rotary Clubs of Dundas Valley Sunrise, Dundas, Flamborough AM, Hamilton AM, and Simcoe.
Buffalo Sunrisers saw the holiday season as opportunities for local giving and receiving. Members re-homed 20 perennial pollinator plants from St. Paul’s Cathedral Garden in downtown Buffalo to a temporary home. Otherwise, the plants would have been destroyed because of sewer work near the Cathedral. In Spring the plants will be relocated to Tow Path Park, a Greenway Pollinator Garden project.
In December 2023, The Rotary Club of Buffalo awarded $20,000 in grant donations to the following local non-profit organizations.
The 4t
h Annual Rotary Club of Brantford-Sunrise Online Auction will run from April 18 to 28, 2024. 
The winner of the 50/50 draw, Jeyasuthan A, walked away with a cool $18,130 in cash. 
John J. of Kingsville, ON was the very excited lucky winner of the car. Best of luck and happy motoring with your new car John.
.png)
