! That is how I was feeling late Saturday, as we were cleaning up from the Rotary International D7090 District Conference, with the Theme of “Peace, Hope and Rotary”. Saturday marked the end of our day and a half District Conference, and after a dizzying 36 hours, I felt exhausted, exhilarated, inspired and grateful, realizing that we are all members of an incredible Rotary District, with so many members who want us to be the best Rotarians we can be.
Rotarians left with a feeling of inspiration, and a reminder of the many wonderful things we do as Rotarians. There was much fellowship with old friends and new friends. There were many first-time attendees, and many were happy to return to an in-person District Conference.
It is my hope that if this District Conference inspired and moved you, or if you got a good idea, or if you found a way to improve your club, or collaborate with another club, that you will tell your club about it, and encourage more of your colleagues in your club to join you at the next conference. Veteran Rotarians will reminisce about the District Conferences of old, and how it was an event that you did not want to miss. I hope that maybe, we have together rekindled a little of that, and can continue to build an event that Rotarians just do not want to miss. I know I am glad that I did not miss this one.
Thanks for helping to “Create Hope in the World”!
- DG Scott Marcin
See synopsis and pictures by clicking the "Read more..." below; for more pictures and videos, go toD7090's FB page; see the tribute to Rotarians we have lost HERE.
For Rotary’s purposes, “youth” can refer to people 30 or under (i.e. Rotaract, New Generations Service Exchange).
PROGRAMS:
Interact (service club for young people ages 14 to 18);
Rotaract (club for adults ages 18-30);
RYLA (Rotary Youth Leadership Award - young adults19-25);
Jr. RYLA (Ages 15-18);
RYE (Rotary Youth Exchange: international exchange program open to 15 - 18-year-olds who wish to spend up to a year living with host families abroad and attending school in a different country).
NGSE (New Generations Service Exchange; short-term, customizable program for university students and professionals up to age 30)
Did you know that, for every dollar you contribute to The Rotary Foundation (TRF), you get a "Foundation Recognition Point (FRP)"? That's in addition to the points you accumulate towards your own designation as a Paul Harris Fellow. These FRPs can be used to award a Paul Harris pin to a person you think is deserving of the recognition.
One way to donate is through "Rotary Direct", Rotary’s recurring giving program. You can donate using a credit card or a debit card that is associated with a personal checking account. Arrange monthly, quarterly or annual gifts. You decide the amount, method, and timing.
From now until May 31st, if you sign up for Rotary Direct, a district Rotarian will transfer a number of Recognition Points to you, equal to your cumulative annual donation.
Standard Offer: Sign up for Rotary Direct by May 31, 2024, by submitting the Rotary Direct formor by signing into My Rotary at www.rotary.org and clicking on “DONATE”. Select “Annual Fund – Share” as the recipient of your gift. Scroll down to DONATE, then click “recurring”.
If you already are using Rotary Direct for regular giving to The Rotary Foundation, we will offer you 100 points for increasing the size of your gift by $100 per year. Please let us know that you have completed this, or if you need help please let us know.
Bonus Offer: If you sign up for Rotary Direct at the Paul Harris Society level of $85 a month by May 31, 2024, we will give you 250 Paul Harris Recognition Points.
We will manage the transfer of points to your TRF account at the end of the promotion. That's all there is to it!
All our clubs in District 7090 are within the Great Lakes watershed. Some have already held a cleanup event this month and others have one coming up. The posts so far on social media look fantastic and I hope this effort results in gaining a new member or two and boosting your profile in your community.
This year club leaders are encouraged to fill out our new electronic form - we hope it will evolve into an app! This will help record all our efforts together. A few clubs have used the old fillable form (and you can use this as a guide to what the electronic form will ask).
If you want to know all there is to know about this Day of Action, please click here.
To be taken directly to the new electronic form (have your numbers ready) on behalf of your club, please click here.
If you want to help out with coordinating the Great Lakes Watershed Cleanup across our District (especially for next year) and add any ideas and support for other environmental and community initiatives, please reach out to me: econiagara@gmail.com. If you want to start a conversation with your club team and get back to me, that is fine, too.
For your “Announcements” section of your meetings this month, please consider the following:
"A great way to expand your awareness of Rotary, give back, and have fun at the same time is to join a group of members drawn from clubs across our District in service and support. Check out the current needs on the District Leadership Roles and Opportunities tab on the District website or contact one of the committee chairs directly - listed on the District Contact List. If you want to work on major events please reach out to DGE Dave Alexander.”
There will be a District Friendship Exchange with District 5520 - New Mexico.
We will host them from Aug 10 to 24 and travel there Oct 19 to Nov 2. The dates are reasonably firm, so check your calendar.
District 5520 includes: Historic Santa Fe, Albuquerque, Las Cruces, the White Sands National Park and that "West Texas town of El Paso".
So, saddle up the stove, Mother. We're riding the range tonight.
For those not familiar with Rotary Friendship Exchange, the concept is that a group of between 6 and 10 (Rotarians and, if relevant, mates) are spoiled rotten by our Rotarians this summer, when they visit. Then, our guests do their best to get even when our group invades in October.
We will need Rotarians who are willing and able to host and travel, as well as those who are only able to host.
If this sounds like fun, then contact John Crossingham atxngham@cogeco.net
Please indicate whether you are signing up for both hosting and travelling, or just hosting.
The District 7090 Changeover is on Saturday, June 22nd, 2024, at the Rotary Club of Welland Park, 129 Lincoln St, Welland, ON, Canada, from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM.
Bring: Lawn Chairs, Umbrellas, Jackets, Coats, Sunscreen, Sunhats....whatever you may need for all types of weather conditions! Bring a club carload for this rain-or-shine social activity. It is free, but a donation to support catering the event is welcome. Water, juice, coffee, and tea will be provided. If you wish to bring additional beverages, please bring them in your thermos or mug. See the event sign-up and details on the District Upcoming Events HERE.
This is an exciting time for Rotarians going to the Singapore convention as they prepare for an adventure.
It’s also time to start thinking about the CALGARY CONVENTION, June 23 to 27, 2025.
In-person registration will include:
Admission to the convention’s opening and closing ceremonies and general sessions, where you’ll hear from inspiring and entertaining speakers, including top leaders in our organization.
Informative breakout sessions to help you build your communication, leadership, and project management skills.
Opportunities to network and exchange ideas while browsing the project and fellowship booths in the House of Friendship.
Entertainment provided by local artists and musicians in the House of Friendship and at the general sessions.
Transportation between your hotel and the convention venue if you booked your hotel through Rotary’s official housing partner.
This is a perfect time as well to book your accommodations. They are expecting 25,000 Rotarians to the city. Time to find your lost cousin who moved to Calgary!
Also not too early to look at some of the Preconvention Rotary- and host-ticketed events.
The BNMC club held a fundraiser on April 13th at Suncliff on the Lake in Derby.
The goal: raise enough money for a TRF Global Grant, to provide 240 families in Nepal with latrines. (Eliminating “open-field defecation” results in a dramatic decrease in water contamination and disease. Rates of newborn and neonatal deaths, and the health of the entire community, improve.)
There was entertainment by the band Equinox, silent auctions, a 50-50 draw, a wine pull and gift-card draw, and sales of eco-friendly Nepali crafts.
There’s an award-winning VIDEO on the work being done in Nepal by the nonprofit Himalayan Health Care with whom we are cooperating.
If you’d like to learn more about the project, I’d be happy to speak to your club (virtually or in person).
PHOTO: Some of the craft items available for sale. (The bird houses were a huge hit!)
The Rotary Club of Hamburg will once again host a shredding event with Lincoln Archives from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday, May 4 in the parking lot of Northwest Bank, 5751 South Park Avenue, Hamburg.
The public is invited to bring personal and business documents – bills, medical files, tax documents and more – to be shredded on site (customers can stay to watch or just drop off their documents).
The cost is $10 per standard bankers 12x17x10 box or bag, with the cost of an oversized box to be determined at the site.
The Rotary Club of Jamestown, NY is excited for the return of its annual auction. The Rotary Treasure Trove Auction will take place at Moon Brook Country Club in Jamestown, NY on Saturday, May 18 beginning with a cash bar and snacks at 5:00 PM while people browse and bid on the SILENT auction items and preview the live auction items. Food Stations open at 6:15 PM with opportunities to also participate in the 50/50 drawing and the Heads and Tails Game. The live Auction of approximately 50 items begins at 7:30 under the direction of Ben and Chuck Ludwig.
The great change in the Treasure Trove Auction is that there is a website (HERE) that will be open for bidding on items beginning May 1. All bidders MUST register before they can place a bid, and that can be accomplished on the website as well. Bidders will sign up and provide all pertinent information, so not only can they bid but “check out” at the end of the evening’s festivities. The prior registration ensures that it will go much smoother than ever before.The website https://jnyrotary.afrogs.org/will open for perusal on April 1 and bidding will begin May 1. Online bidding will stop at 6:00 pm May 18 with live bidding beginning at the Moon Brook Treasure Trove auction location at 7:30.
The Rotary Club of Welland’s 4th Purse Bingo is ready to go on Wednesday May 22, 2024. It’s another great night out with friends and family, with some great purses and prizes. And a special extra Bingo Game to win a luxury purse!
This event will be held again at John Michael’s Banquet & Event Centre in Thorold. Doors open at 5:00 p.m. Your ticket includes unlimited Pasta buffet (two types), meatballs, salad, bread, olives & marinated veggies and dessert, starting at 5:30, as well as water at table, Bingo Cards for 10 games, a dauber, and door draw ticket. Bingo starts at 7:00 p.m.
Tickets, and additional information, are available on-line at Welland Rotary Purse Bingo. Tickets are $65 each and must be paid upon registration. Additional Bingo Cards are available for purchase on-site ($20), as well as 50/50 Tickets ($5 each, 5 for $20) and tickets for the 11th Luxury Purse Bingo Game ($20). Ticket registration is available for single, two, four, eight or ten attendees. Tables of eight or ten.
Please joins us for a night of fun – 10 games of Bingo with brand name purses and prizes. An additional 11th game (Bingo Cards $20 each) will have the winner take home a Gucci Purse!
The Rotary Club of Waterdown, in partnership with the Flamborough Chamber of Commerce, is hosting the annual Flamborough Open golf tournament which raises funds for Rotary projects as well as to bolster the work of the local Chamber of Commerce supporting businesses in the community.
Compete in a 4-person scramble format for the Rotary Cup!
The tournament will be held on Wednesday, May 29, 2024, and will include lunch, a round of golf, dinner and a live auction!
Dunnville’s Annual Rotary Golf Classic! Mark your calendars because, on June 21, 2024, we're teeing off for a day of golf, camaraderie, and a feast fit for champions.
Get ready to swing into action on the picturesque fairways, enjoy the thrill of a shotgun start, and cap off the day with a delicious sit-down prime rib dinner.
This is an event you won't want to miss, so save the date and register online now HERE
We look forward to your participation in the Annual Rotary Golf Classic – where the love for golf meets the spirit of community service!
Racing Quacks: The Grand Adventure on the Grand River
Once upon a sunny June day, the quaint town of Dunnville nestled on the banks of the majestic Grand River buzzed with excitement. The annual Mudcat Festival will be in full swing, drawing locals and visitors alike to celebrate the community's spirit and charm. Amidst the festivities, a special event awaits – the Rotary Duck Race, set to commence on June 8, 2024, at 3 p.m.
June 22-23: The Dragons are coming back to Norfolk in June ... and we in the Rotary Club of Norfolk Sunrise are now seeking help from the community to make the 2024 event even more successful than was the case in 2023.
Last year, we raised $26,000, we supported the Cancer Support & Resource Program with a $6,500 donation and we made additional donations to 11 other local community charities. We benefitted from the support of 6 corporate sponsors, we hosted 23 teams (500 participants, including local community teams competitive teams from across Ontario) and we entertained 2,000 enthusiastic spectators many who shopped local while in Waterford for the day.
Given this exposure,
- we are seeking teams to participate with us. We expect that most of the dragons from last year will return but are also looking for additional proposals. If you are interested and can put together a team, we’d love to hear from you; and
- we are seeking sponsors to help us. Your corporate sponsorship of $5,000 will ensure another successful fundraising event that benefits so many in Norfolk County. In addition, your business and your contribution will be advertised on the Invasion of the Dragons website and our Facebook page, on signage throughout the park at the event and by MC/DJ announcements throughout the event day.
Note the event poster at the 'Read more ...' tab below. Are you interested in helping us? For further information send us your interest/query to rotarydragonboatsnorfolk@gmail.com. We will respond to every expression of interest.
EarlyAct officers take full responsibility in their leadership roles!
President Lauren and VP Jude lead a discussion of “Service Above Self” with their fellow club members while Secretary Rileigh takes attendance. (Photos 1-2)
The club participates in robust singing of the Rotary song. (Photo 3)
On April 10th members from the Rotary Clubs of St Catharines, St Catharines South, Lincoln and Grimsby joined the Rotary Club of St. Catharines Lakeshore for a joint celebration of Youth programming possibilities through Rotary as presented by Patricia Murenbeeld, Chair of District 7090 Youth Committee.
There is no better representation of that celebration than the group photo accompanying this article.
In this photo, we have our District Inbound student from Belgium, as well as our past Youth Exchange student to the Netherlands (notice their blazers loaded with pins and flags).
We also have past and present host families along with parents of a future exchange student.
The many Rotarians in the party hats symbolize the extensive Rotarian team that each student has, to support and nurture their experience.
This “team” from all over the world works together. From students, to parents, to host parents, to community members, plus Rotarians, they come together, and support one another, all with a common purpose and commitment.
The First Ever D7090 New Generations Service Exchange: Lawyer Marina Medeiros
Dundas Valley Sunrise President Russ Powers introduced our NGSE participant saying, “It’s an extreme pleasure to welcome Ms. Marina Medeiros, a practicing lawyer from Brazil, to our meeting this morning. She is the first ever inbound ‘New Generations Service Exchange’ participant for D7090. Marina completed her undergraduate degree in 2019, and just completed her post-graduate studies in Criminal Sciences. Marina is interested in Real Estate law, and would love the opportunity to learn more about Criminal, Civil, and Environmental Law. While here in D7090, she’ll have Canadian mentoring here in Hamilton, then St Catharines, then finally in Buffalo. Marina comes from a family heavily involved in Rotary. Her father is a Rotarian, a past president of his club, and also was a past district governor. Her mother is in an associate club called ‘Casa da Amizade’ which Marina describes as a ‘Rotary Friendship Club.’ Her sponsoring Rotary Club is Juiz de Fora in Brazil. Please welcome Marina Medeiros.”
PHOTO: POD leader Nancy Baker, Marina Medeiros and Cheryl Gzik Crown lawyer
“The Rotary Club of Akron Newstead member Jacob Halleck and President of the Akron Chamber of Commerce delivers his annual “State of the Chamber” address to fellow Rotarians at a recent club meeting. Jacob, who is the club’s Director of Youth Services and an associate at the Bank on Buffalo has proven to be an impressive community leader who has especially excelled at bringing Rotary and Akron’s businesses even closer together.”
The Ancaster AM Rotary Club held their Watershed CleanUP event on Saturday, April 20th, 2024.
There was a great turnout of Rotarians and community members, who walked the grounds of the Community Centre, Soccer Fields, Baseball Diamonds and local Conservation Trails.
We collected a number of bags of garbage, a suitcase, a pair of skates and the front panel off a sideboard!
Pre-Earth Day on Friday, May 19th, 43 members from D7090's Area 3 (Rotary Clubs of Waterdown, Flamborough AM, Dundas and Dundas Valley Sunrise) gathered on the banks of the Historical Desjardins Canal in Dundas (a feeder into Lake Ontario) to participate in the District's "Great Lakes Watershed Cleanup". Following an aggressive cleanup which yielded 43 bags of waste and recyclables, most retired to the neighboring Hamilton Air Force Association clubhouse for conversation, beverages and hearty pub-fare.
- Russ Powers
PHOTO 1: A group shot with the Desjardins Canal in the background.
PHOTO 2: Dundas Valley Sunrise President Russ Powers with his SUV stuffed full with spoils from the collection.
Thank you to everyone who was able to make our part of the Great Lakes Watershed Clean-up this past Saturday, April 20th. A special thank you to Bryan Bonn for coordinating our efforts with West Side Rowing Club and the Niagara Greenway Trail organization. A large contingent of young people from the rowing club pitched in enthusiastically. Feedback I received from Greg Stevens was rather affirming of our efforts to help on this portion of the Trail. Seeds for pollinator flowers were also provided to Greg for planting along the trail.
Members and friends of the Rotary Club of Brantford-Sunrise braved cool temperatures and gusty winds as they took part in a spring clean-up along the upper and lower trails of the Grand River at Lion’s Park in Brantford on April 20. Within a couple of hours, a dozen garbage bags (garbage and recyclables) were filled with paper, plastics, coffee cups, cans, and a few metal items.
On April 24, during the Brantford-Sunrise Club’s weekly meeting, three organizations were the recipients of local and District funds. Julie Powell, on behalf of St. Joseph's Lifecare, accepted cheques from Past-President, Glen Christensen, for two District Project Grants - $2,500.00 for their Memory Box Program, and $2,356.00 toward the Legacy Project. Elena Haskell of the Raw Carrot Soup Company was presented with a cheque for $520.00, while Bill Hyde, representing the Sleeping Children Around the World project, received a cheque for $480.00, enough to purchase 12 bed kits.
Last November several club members participated in a native pollinator plant rescue from St. Paul’s Cathedral Garden at the congregation’s request, because of plumbing issues in the building. These plants have been re-homed to the Towpath Garden at the Niagara River in downtown Buffalo. This area is part of BSR’s Adopt-A-Trail Greenway Initiative and close to two residential apartment buildings. In late April, four Rotarians moved 7 yards of fine compost to begin the garden. These volunteers were so efficient we had to call off four other Rotarians from our club who were available to assist later in the day. Rotarians are movers and shakers!
On May 4, members will install 235 additional native plants. These are all perennial plants that will provide, in every season, a visual feast for humans and an attractive forage area for migratory birds and pollinators. We are excited to plant and maintain this important conservation area.
Buffalo Sunrise Rotarians Timothy Priano (president-elect), Denis Lefebrve, and Barbara Ochterski assisted, as well as Wally Ochterski from RC West Seneca.
Spring is here and the Dunnville club has sprung into action. April highlighted several events that we’re happy to share.
In preparation for a big delivery, we at ‘Duck Headquarters’ would like to offer a heartfelt shout-out to
Bob, whose dedication has restored our beloved floaty friends to seaworthiness. They’re available to rent, and with their renewed vigor, are off spreading joy and raising funds for service clubs and organizations far and wide. Got questions? We have answers….in the meantime, spread the word before they migrate for the season!
On April 6, we spearheaded our Annual Food and Bottle Drive during the official Opening Day/spring kick-off, at the local Market Square. Once again, our community united to bolster Rotary’s efforts, contributing to yet another remarkable success. Together we collected 357lbs. of food and raised $2,324.70, all of which supports our local food bank.
Our club actively participated in the local Community Groups/Membership Drive Open-House event on the evening of April 10th. It provided a valuable platform for volunteer organizations to exchange information, heighten awareness, and foster new membership prospects.
The Home and Garden Show on April 19th and 20th was a hit. Vendors flaunted latest trends, crafters highlighted their creations, and community groups gained exposure. Our booth garnered new memberships and boosted ticket sales for the June 8th Duck Race, benefiting our local hospital. Kudos to Dean for the delightful duck slide, enjoyed by all ages (TOP PHOTO)!
This spring, the Rotary Club of Fonthill has made significant investments in programs that develop well-rounded youth in our community.
As part of its biannual financial requests review exercise, the Club is pleased to provide financial support to the E.L. Crossley Secondary School Rowing Program, and the FirstOntario Performing Arts imPACt Education Series.
The E.L. Crossley Rowing program has been a hugely successful extra-curricular program at the school for decades. Over that time, the students have been successful locally, provincially, nationally, and internationally. Many of the students have earned scholarships to continue their rowing in post-secondary. The opportunity for personal growth and accomplishment for the students is commendable but to operate such a program requires the support of numerous community partners. The Rotary Club of Fonthill is pleased to support the program by providing several regatta Fuel Up stations for the students, thus supporting Rotary goals of youth development and healthy nutrition. Fonthill Rotary is supporting this project with a sponsorship of $1,000.
PHOTO: With Rowing Team Members: front, left to right with cheque, Coach Patrick MacNally, Carolyn Mullin, Carole Irwin, Katie Irwin
FirstOntario Performing Arts imPACt Education Series has already brought in students from Glynn A. Green Elementary School, A. K. Wigg Elementary School and E.L. Crossley Secondary School in Fonthill. This funding will provide additional opportunities in Pelham schools. The imPACt application states that “education extends beyond mathematics and English, and that students also need to be exposed to dance, music, and theatre to stimulate their minds and to open them up to new ideas and new possibilities.” Fonthill Rotary is pleased to support this series with a sponsorship of $1,000.
Fort Erie got its beaches cleaner this year thanks to the Fort Erie Club. We continue to be "The Little Club that Can," cleaning the beach line along Lake Erie, starting from Crescent Beach Park eastward to Waverly Beach Park.
How does a tiny club composed of older people do the garbage cleaning? We collaborate with the community and 2 high schools: GFESS and FEIA.
Because of our 2 “Name the Tune” events per month, we managed to get a few volunteers. Also, many students participated this year. A total of 28 volunteers helped us out in conjunction with our 8 Rotarians. A few years back, we racked up over 80 bags of trash; now we find less and less trash which is good, 11 bags worth.
Unfortunately, the smokers are throwing out their cigarette butts in the parking lot just next to the beaches. The butts are harder to pick and they don't decompose at all.
Fortunately, our volunteers were keen on making things cleaner. Thanks all.
PHOTO: Rotarians and volunteers stand under a sign (by the town) acknowledging our continued efforts.
Colleen Gibbons, a member of the Rotary Club of Hamburg is shown at left at Woodlawn Beach State Park where she joined hundreds of volunteers who collected trash from the waterfront on Saturday April 20 at an annual event sponsored by State Assemblyman Jon Rivera and Hamburg Town Supervisor Randy Hoak. The State Office of Parks and Recreation also supported the event.
What a wonderful Wonka evening on Friday, April 12 in the Son's of Italy Hall, Hamilton. The Wonka Team "knocked it out of the park" as they say in baseball! The decorations, the entertainment, the food, and a great red wine made for a night to remember.
Following the event, Hamilton AM Past-President and Past-District Governor, Anne Bermingham wrote "Just a note to say you THANK YOU for putting together such a wonderful event on Friday night. It was a fantastic theme - and a lot of fun to be part of it. The decorations were fantastic. And the fact that so many people got into the mood by dressing up was also an added bonus. The whole evening went by fast and there was one fun thing happening - one after another! I have no idea of the hours and effort and collaboration it took but it was spectacular. I hope the Wonka Team can rest and relax and know you have done us all proud. Thank you so much."
PHOTO: -Wonka Dinner Team, including Marta Stiteler, Yolanda Cyzewski-Bragus, Joe Mongiardi and Marita Zaffiero
The Great Lakes Watershed Clean Up Committee is very pleased with participation by Hamilton area Rotary clubs and their friends and relatives at Hamilton’s Confederation Park on April 20, 2024. We had a great turn out with approximately 55 people and 3 dogs joining in the fun!
Local clubs included the Rotary Club of Hamilton, Tonic after 5, the Hamilton Stoney Creek club and of course the Hamilton AM club.
This crew collected 26 bags of garbage plus some unusual finds: a hockey stick, a hand saw, fifteen feet of plastic weeping tile and 1 cell phone.
We thank everyone for some fine picking, and we look forward to seeing everyone again this time, next year!
1. Valuable Partnership with Google: We are reaping significant benefits from our partnership with Google. With an allocated daily advertising budget of $900, cumulatively amounting to $375,000 annually through the Google AdWords program, we have greatly enhanced our visibility within the Hamilton area. This powerful advertising capacity is crucial in our efforts to increase awareness and raise donations for the club's activities, directly contributing to our community impact.
2. Growing Membership: Our efforts to make the online membership application process more accessible have been met with great enthusiasm. In the past six months, we've received 35 membership requests, and we are pleased to announce that 11 new members have been officially accepted, with four additional applications currently under review. This surge in membership indicates a robust interest in our club's activities and the value we offer to the community.
3. Junior Achievement Collaboration: We are eagerly anticipating our "A World of Choices" event on April 18th at McMaster Innovation Park. This event will host over 200 students from grades 7 and 8 from inner-city Hamilton, who will be bused in and sponsored by Rotary Club members, MTS Paralegal, and Vacu-Man Furnace and Duct Cleaning. Thanks to the financial support from the Hamilton Community Foundation's "ABACUS" program, these students will have the opportunity to explore a variety of career paths with guidance from professionals in law, trades, and sports. This day promises to be a transformative experience for the participants and exemplifies the power of community support in nurturing the potential of our young people.
What is more in the spirit of Rotary than to celebrate the 86th Anniversary of the Chartering of the Bi-National Rotary Club of Lewiston, NY & Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON than by having a service project!
As their contribution to the Great Lakes Watershed Cleanup the Lewiston/NOTL Rotary cleaned up the Niagara Shores Conservation Area that borders on Lake Ontario in Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON, on April 20th. Also, by periodically plawking* over March and April, the Rotary Canine Auxiliary and their two footed companions covered a portion of the Greenway Trail in Lewiston, NY.
We are People of Action!
* Plawking: the act of picking up litter while walking.
Members gathered along the canal for Market Street Trail maintenance. This work is part of the Rotary District 7090 Great Lakes Watershed Clean Up. Our club is getting the trail ready to host a Rotary Walk and looking forward to the opening of our new Rotary Pavilion along the Erie Canal.
On a not so sunny or warm morning (Saturday April 13) members and friends of the Rotary Club of Norfolk Sunrise set out to plant approximately 170 trees along the Norfolk Sunrise Trail. Approximately 30 people showed up with spade in hand prepared to plant. After the 2 ½ hours of digging holes, planting trees, and laying down mulch the group found time to chat, snack on cookies and admire their work. Prior to the day of planting we had a crew who dug out approximately 70 trees which were donated by Club President John Wallace. Another 100 trees were sold to us by Norfolk County who also supplied mulch and marker flags. Thanks to the whole crew for this great environmental project.
PHOTO (L to R): Club President John Wallace, Alan Plater, and organizer Steve Malo
The Olean Rotary Club presented its sixth-annual "Service Above Self" Award jointly to the Enchanted Mountain Garden Club of Allegany and Olean Gardens and Beautification Committee at a dinner on Tuesday, April 30. Rotary is dedicated to causes that build international relationships, improve lives, and create a better world to promote peace and end polio forever. During the 1911 Portland convention Ben Collins, president of the Rotary Club of Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA, talked with Seattle Rotarian J.E. Pinkham about the principle his club had adopted: Service, Not Self. Paul Harris asked Collins to address the convention, and the phrase Service, Not Self was met with great enthusiasm. In 1989 the Council on Legislation established Service Above Self as the principal motto of Rotary, because it best conveys the philosophy of unselfish volunteer service.Enchanted Mountain Garden Club of Allegany and Olean Gardens and Beautification Committee will jointly become the sixth recipients of the annual Rotary award. Previous winners have included Meme Yanetsko; Olean Area Service Club with the Exchange Club, Lions Club, and Zonta; Allegany American Legion Ritual team; and Crandall's family Curt, Cathy, and Cory, and last year’s winners, Dan Evans, Linda O’Brien and Dan Spring. - Paula Fidurko
Kudos to the Rotary clubs of St. Catharines South and Niagara Falls Sunrise for their recognition in April's edition of the Rotary magazine. And in particular, Rotarian Cathy Henry, a long time and strong supporter of Breadfruit trees. SEE STORY HERE
“The whole project is from a simple idea from somebody who said, ‘Let’s plant trees that feed people,” Henry says. “Rotary is respected around the globe and has contacts in so many countries. It is easy for us to help where needed to donate a tree, plant a tree, teach youngsters about the importance of the environment, and feed families.”
This story originally appeared in the April 2024 issue of ROTARYmagazine.
Rotarians from the Dundas, Waterdown and Flamborough AM clubs joined forces to take part in District 7090's Great Watershed Cleanup on Friday afternoon.
The group of about 30 volunteers met at the Dundas Air Force Club to pick up gloves and bags and set out to pick up trash and recyclables along the roadways surrounding the Desjardins Canal. In total, 20 large bags of waste were collected - items that otherwise would have ended up in our watershed system.
Afterward, the volunteers enjoyed a dinner of wings and fries - and a cold beverage - at the Air Force Club.
PHOTO: Waterdown Rotarians Margot Rae and Pete and Kathryn Ronalds, along with a Dundas Rotarian, with a few of the bags of waste collected during the cleanup at the Desjardins Canal on April 18. Brenda Jefferies photo
Thanks to 10 Welland Rotarians (including one from Fonthill) and 8 partners, friends and former Rotarians, on Saturday April 20th, we celebrated Earth Day and Rotary’s Great Lakes Watershed Cleanup by cleaning up Rotary Club of Welland Park along Welland’s Recreational Waterway. The Park is the Club’s 100th Anniversary Legacy Project and is well used by the local community and beyond.
The picture shows, left to right: Regine Muller, Youth Exchange Student Satoka Hayashi (Fonthill Rotary), Abby Stolk, Vincent Huntingdon and Rotarian Kyle Huntingdon
At the recent social event of the Westfield-Mayville Rotary Club at the Full Strength Coffee Company in Westfield, members were given a surprise presentation!
The Paul Harris Fellow recognition of Adele Harrington was celebrated by the Best of Friends District 7090 and presented to Adele by DGN Michele Starwalt Woods.
“Adele has been recognized as a Paul Harris fellow because of her unwavering commitment to Service Above Self in addition to financial contributions to the worldwide Rotary Foundation” explained Woods.
PHOTO: Past District Governor Charlotte Herlong, Adele Harrington, and District Governor Nominee Michele-Starwalt Woods
What a surprise! At our recent club meeting, Community Bank of Westfield representatives presented our club with a $1500 donation in honor of our club’s ongoing service to our communities. The bank itself had won recognition for its own community service from its home office and then dispersed the funds to four local service organizations. We are very humbled by this recognition.
Pictured: President Mike Harrington, Rotarian /Community Bank CSR, Donna Quagliana and Shara Post, Branch Manager
Our club once again held its annual Rural Urban Day where local farmers, business owners, students and community members are invited to hear and discuss a topic relevant to the local, regional and global aspects of the agricultural industry. The event has been held by the Westfield-Mayville Rotary Club for many years.
Catharine M. Young, former NYS Senator and now Executive Director of the New York State Center of Excellence for Food and Agriculture at Cornell AgriTech was our guest presenter. Club member Helen Baran welcomed and introduced Senator Young.
Senator Young covered every possible aspect of the agricultural world in NYS including best farming practices, technological advancements, the use of drones, good science, entrepreneurship, the vast number of employment opportunities and the huge impact of agrifood on our local economies.
Under her leadership, the Center of Excellence has worked with more than 300 companies to help them expand in New York State. The Center has helped businesses realize more than $70 million in positive economic growth and create more than 300 jobs by providing them with business mentoring, and connections to Cornell research and technology, business-to-business partnerships, government economic incentives, and sources of capital.
As an avid sports fan, President Stephanie Urchick is well-positioned to light the lamp, clear the bases, and split the uprights. Whatever the sports metaphor, she’s destined to keep Rotary in the winner’s circle
Second woman takes office as president of Rotary InternationalOne-year term will prioritize adapting to changing times and advancing peaceEVANSTON, Ill., USA – 25
The Rotary Club of Milwaukee revitalized its city’s riverfront with a contribution from a local landowner — a strategy that could work in other communities.
he newly formed Rotary Club of Beirut Pax Potentia, Lebanon, which focuses on peacebuilding, has its origins in a project funded by a Rotary Foundation global grant
! That is how I was feeling late Saturday, as we were cleaning up from the Rotary International D7090 District Conference, with the Theme of “Peace, Hope and Rotary”. Saturday marked the end of our day and a half District Conference, and after a dizzying 36 hours, I felt exhausted, exhilarated, inspired and grateful, realizing that we are all members of an incredible Rotary District, with so many members who want us to be the best Rotarians we can be.
For Rotary’s purposes, “youth” can refer to people 30 or under (i.e. Rotaract, New Generations Service Exchange).
Did you know that, for every dollar you contribute to The Rotary Foundation (TRF), you get a "Foundation Recognition Point (FRP)"? That's in addition to the points you accumulate towards your own designation as a Paul Harris Fellow. These FRPs can be used to award a Paul Harris pin to a person you think is deserving of the recognition.
All our clubs in District 7090 are within the Great Lakes watershed. Some have already held a cleanup event this month and others have one coming up. The posts so far on social media look fantastic and I hope this effort results in gaining a new member or two and boosting your profile in your community.
For your “Announcements” section of your meetings this month, please consider the following:
There will be a District Friendship Exchange with District 5520 - New Mexico.
The BNMC club held a fundraiser on April 13th at Suncliff on the Lake in Derby.
SAVE THE DATE: Paul Harris Celebration Evening
The Rotary Club of Hamburg will once again host a shredding event with Lincoln Archives from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday, May 4 in the parking lot of Northwest Bank, 5751 South Park Avenue, Hamburg. 
The Satellite Club of Kenmore – Tonawandas is having an E-waste recycling drive
The Rotary Club of Jamestown, NY is excited for the return of its annual auction. The Rotary Treasure Trove Auction will take place at Moon Brook Country Club in Jamestown, NY on Saturday, May 18 beginning with a cash bar and snacks at 5:00 PM while people browse and bid on the SILENT auction items and preview the live auction items. Food Stations open at 6:15 PM with opportunities to also participate in the 50/50 drawing and the Heads and Tails Game. The live Auction of approximately 50 items begins at 7:30 under the direction of Ben and Chuck Ludwig.
The Rotary Club of Welland’s 4th Purse Bingo is ready to go on Wednesday May 22, 2024. It’s another great night out with friends and family, with some great purses and prizes. And a special extra Bingo Game to win a luxury purse!
Saturday, May 25th, 2024, 10:00 AM -4:00 PM
The Rotary Club of Waterdown, in partnership with the Flamborough Chamber of Commerce, is hosting the annual Flamborough Open golf tournament which raises funds for Rotary projects as well as to bolster the work of the local Chamber of Commerce supporting businesses in the community. 
BNMC Chicken BBQ June 7th
Dunnville Golf Classic
June 22-23: The Dragons are coming back to Norfolk in June ... and we in the Rotary Club of Norfolk Sunrise are now seeking help from the community to make the 2024 event even more successful than was the case in 2023. 
On April 10th members from the Rotary Clubs of St Catharines, St Catharines South, Lincoln and Grimsby joined the Rotary Club of St. Catharines Lakeshore for a joint celebration of Youth programming possibilities through Rotary as presented by Patricia Murenbeeld, Chair of District 7090 Youth Committee.
The First Ever D7090 New Generations Service Exchange: Lawyer Marina Medeiros
The Ancaster AM Rotary Club held their Watershed CleanUP event on Saturday, April 20th, 2024.
Pre-Earth Day on Friday, May 19th, 43 members from D7090's Area 3 (Rotary Clubs of Waterdown, Flamborough AM, Dundas and Dundas Valley Sunrise) gathered on the banks of the Historical Desjardins Canal in Dundas (a feeder into Lake Ontario) to participate in the District's "Great Lakes Watershed Cleanup". Following an aggressive cleanup which yielded 43 bags of waste and recyclables, most retired to the neighboring Hamilton Air Force Association clubhouse for conversation, beverages and hearty pub-fare.
Rotary Club of the Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus
Members and friends of the Rotary Club of Brantford-Sunrise braved cool temperatures and gusty winds as they took part in a spring clean-up along the upper and lower trails of the Grand River at Lion’s Park in Brantford on April 20. Within a couple of hours, a dozen garbage bags (garbage and recyclables) were filled with paper, plastics, coffee cups, cans, and a few metal items.
Last November several club members participated in a native pollinator plant rescue from St. Paul’s Cathedral Garden at the congregation’s request, because of plumbing issues in the building. These plants have been re-homed to the Towpath Garden at the Niagara River in downtown Buffalo. This area is part of BSR’s Adopt-A-Trail Greenway Initiative and close to two residential apartment buildings. In late April, four Rotarians moved 7 yards of fine compost to begin the garden. These volunteers were so efficient we had to call off four other Rotarians from our club who were available to assist later in the day. Rotarians are movers and shakers!
Spring is here and the Dunnville club has sprung into action. April highlighted several events that we’re happy to share. 
On April 6, we spearheaded our Annual Food and Bottle Drive during the official Opening Day/spring kick-off, at the local Market Square. Once again, our community united to bolster Rotary’s efforts, contributing to yet another remarkable success. Together we collected 357lbs. of food and raised $2,324.70, all of which supports our local food bank. 
This spring, the Rotary Club of Fonthill has made significant investments in programs that develop well-rounded youth in our community.
Fort Erie got its beaches cleaner this year thanks to the Fort Erie Club. We continue to be "The Little Club that Can," cleaning the beach line along Lake Erie, starting from Crescent Beach Park eastward to Waverly Beach Park.
Colleen Gibbons, a member of the Rotary Club of Hamburg is shown at left at Woodlawn Beach State Park where she joined hundreds of volunteers who collected trash from the waterfront on Saturday April 20 at an annual event sponsored by State Assemblyman Jon Rivera and Hamburg Town Supervisor Randy Hoak. The State Office of Parks and Recreation also supported the event.
Wonka Wonderland Wocked (rocked!)
The Great Lakes Watershed Clean Up Committee is very pleased with participation by Hamilton area Rotary clubs and their friends and relatives at Hamilton’s Confederation Park on April 20, 2024. We had a great turn out with approximately 55 people and 3 dogs joining in the fun!
1. Valuable Partnership with Google: We are reaping significant benefits from our partnership with Google. With an allocated daily advertising budget of $900, cumulatively amounting to $375,000 annually through the Google AdWords program, we have greatly enhanced our visibility within the Hamilton area. This powerful advertising capacity is crucial in our efforts to increase awareness and raise donations for the club's activities, directly contributing to our community impact.
What Better Way to Celebrate an Anniversary!
Members gathered along the canal for Market Street Trail maintenance. This work is part of the Rotary District 7090 Great Lakes Watershed Clean Up. Our club is getting the trail ready to host a Rotary Walk and looking forward to the opening of our new Rotary Pavilion along the Erie Canal.
The Olean Rotary Club presented its sixth-annual "Service Above Self" Award jointly to the Enchanted Mountain Garden Club of Allegany and Olean Gardens and Beautification Committee at a dinner on Tuesday, April 30. Rotary is dedicated to causes that build international relationships, improve lives, and create a better world to promote peace and end polio forever. During the 1911 Portland convention Ben Collins, president of the Rotary Club of Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA, talked with Seattle Rotarian J.E. Pinkham about the principle his club had adopted: Service, Not Self. Paul Harris asked Collins to address the convention, and the phrase Service, Not Self was met with great enthusiasm. In 1989 the Council on Legislation established Service Above Self as the principal motto of Rotary, because it best conveys the philosophy of unselfish volunteer service.Enchanted Mountain Garden Club of Allegany and Olean Gardens and Beautification Committee will jointly become the sixth recipients of the annual Rotary award. Previous winners have included Meme Yanetsko; Olean Area Service Club with the Exchange Club, Lions Club, and Zonta; Allegany American Legion Ritual team; and Crandall's family Curt, Cathy, and Cory, and last year’s winners, Dan Evans, Linda O’Brien and Dan Spring. 
Kudos to the Rotary clubs of St. Catharines South and Niagara Falls Sunrise for their recognition in April's edition of the Rotary magazine. And in particular, Rotarian Cathy Henry, a long time and strong supporter of Breadfruit trees. 
Rotarians from the Dundas, Waterdown and Flamborough AM clubs joined forces to take part in District 7090's Great Watershed Cleanup on Friday afternoon.
Thanks to 10 Welland Rotarians (including one from Fonthill) and 8 partners, friends and former Rotarians, on Saturday April 20th, we celebrated Earth Day and Rotary’s Great Lakes Watershed Cleanup by cleaning up Rotary Club of Welland Park along Welland’s Recreational Waterway. The Park is the Club’s 100th Anniversary Legacy Project and is well used by the local community and beyond.
At the recent social event of the Westfield-Mayville Rotary Club at the Full Strength Coffee Company in Westfield, members were given a surprise presentation!
What a surprise! At our recent club meeting, Community Bank of Westfield representatives presented our club with a $1500 donation in honor of our club’s ongoing service to our communities. The bank itself had won recognition for its own community service from its home office and then dispersed the funds to four local service organizations. We are very humbled by this recognition.
Our club once again held its annual Rural Urban Day where local farmers, business owners, students and community members are invited to hear and discuss a topic relevant to the local, regional and global aspects of the agricultural industry. The event has been held by the Westfield-Mayville Rotary Club for many years.
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