On August 12 & 13, as they have for over 45 years, the Lewiston/NOTL Rotary Club sold hot dogs at the Lewiston Art Festival, to raise money for charity, raise their profile in the community, provide a place to sit down, and an affordable meal for those harried parents trying to find something their small child might eat.
Each year this juried outdoor art show brings 25,000 visitors to the heart of the picturesque and historic Village of Lewiston, New York.
Pictured:
LEFT - Rotarian John Hopkins at the grill
RIGHT - (L to R) District Governor Scott Marcin and Club Secretary Tommy Gerbasi
- submitted by Tommy Gerbasi
Rotary HIP 7090: HONOURING INDIGENOUS PEOPLES (HIP)
“Can we dump yet?” The excitement was contagious as students in Pikangikum got out on the water to build their canoeing skills. Jim and Marjorie Dawson of RC Norfolk Sunrise were recently in Pikangikum, a northern Ontario First Nation, to provide canoe training for Grade 7 class and the outdoor education class. After a number of recent tragedies in the community, Cindy Spence, the Principal of the EBS school, asked Jim and Marjorie if they could come and provide a much-needed distraction for the students who had recently lost a member of their class.
There is that maxim that includes ‘time, treasure, and talent’. The talent piece is interesting. In hearing from some Rotarians on how they contribute to community outside of their Rotary volunteering I am delighted and astounded on how many have served as mentors, advisors, and coaches. Some in their own quiet way serve as good examples of leaders in communities. Others serve on boards where the connections are often made through Rotary activities. Wouldn’t it be neat if we had a map of all those groups and boards that District Rotarians are engaged with? If anyone is aware of a model for this or has similar ideas, please let me (Dave Alexander) know.
Wishing each of you, Peace, Health, Safety & Joy in 2023! As I reflect on the first half of the Rotary year, I share your hope and optimism for our new calendar year….
I am very grateful for the commitment of our members to engage in even more service, showcasing the 'Impact of Rotary' in their community, supporting The Rotary Foundation, and having lots of tremendous Rotary fellowship. Membership Recruitment, and Public Image supports to clubs leads has been very successful with social media coverage & new member recruitment.
Please join me in welcoming Michele Starwalt-Woods of the Rotary Club of Dunkirk-Fredonia who has been selected to serve as our Governor for 2025-26. She is the 7th woman to serve as a District 7090 Governor.
We are working hard to support and intertwine Rotaract with Rotary in our district. One such event designed to build relationships is our upcoming Speed Networking event refined. It is a chance for Rotaractors to learn more about Rotarians and vice versa. One hour of quality interactions through paired breakouts. See flyer with detail by clicking on the Read More. Please register - we would love to see you there!
US Clubs in D7090 will not be visited for the sale of chocolate hearts and club donations this January and February due to foot surgery for GOL Board Vice President Pat Castiglia. Gift of Life donations are still being accepted by mail to Pat at 10 Provincetown Lane #2, Orchard Park, NY 14127. For more information on the Gift of Life International click here.
On Saturday, November 26th, the Rotary Club of Brantford held its 14th Annual Rotary Clowns for Kids. Rotarians, along with family members and kids from various youth groups dress up as clowns and enter the Brantford Santa Claus Parade. This year we were joined by an extra special clown, District Governor Lisa Bishop.
“I want to experience American culture the best I can.” That’s one of Akron Newstead Rotary’s Swedish exchange student Tor Nuback’s primary goals for his yearlong stay in Akron, NY.
The Rotary Club of Norfolk Sunrise (RCNS) is growing in size and focused on Rotary ideals and an aggressive contribution to the communities in which its members live. RCNS is often noticed for the work it enjoys; the fun club members have. So it was that Governor Lisa Bishop, Immediate Past Governor Anne Bermingham and Assistant Governor Keith Jones joined the club to present a rather welcomed group of awards for our successes over the past year.
The Rotary Club of Lewiston, NY & Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON recently adopted a section of the Greenway Trail as part of a consortium of 10 Rotary Clubs endeavoring to have a bike/walking trail from Lake Erie to Lake Ontario along the Niagara River. Rotarians walked the trail, staged a cleanup and are surveying users to see who is using the trail and what amenities they may need.
The Rotary Club of Westfield-Mayville held its annual Rural-Urban Day recently. Jennifer Phillips Russo, Cornell Cooperative Extension’s Viticulture Extension Specialist for the Lake Erie Regional Grape Program was its key note (pictured left). Ms. Russo presented a wide range of possible occupations within the field of agriculture as well as facts on the invasive spotted lantern fly.
The Rotary Club of Fort Erie held its Annual General Meeting, its election of officers and its Christmas meeting at the invitation of PE Kevin O’Reilly who invited the small but mighty crew (4 unable to attend) to his lakeside home. Left to the imagination is the use of the pole. Pretty sure Santa can use poles too!
Wendy Hviskak, pictured right, was welcomed into the Rotary Club of Hamburg on December 6, 2022 at Uncle Joe’s Diner during the club’s regular meeting. She is shown with Club President Diana Straube.
Rotary Club of Lancaster-Depew welcomed two new members, inducted by Assistant Governor Izzy Abdallah, at the last breakfast meeting of 2022. Welcome to husband and wife, Dr. Fayez & Shelly Mikhail.
Leaves be Gone! Members of the Rotary Club of Waterdown got down to business in late October with a community leaf raking event organized by member Karen Matthews. Twelve members were divided into 4 groups of 3 as they divided and conquered to support various seniors and their leaf clean up.
The Rotary Club of Hamburg Sunrise's commitment to honoring US Veterans at its annual dinner was cancelled due the "The Snowstorm" on November 19th. However, club members still made individual visits and presentations to local VFW, Amvets & Legion Posts in Hamburg - weather permitting.
The Rotary Club of Ancaster AM has donated $5,000 to Ancaster Community Service for their Christmas Program. Rather than simply write a cheque the Rotarians decided to make it a “hands-on” project. First - they spent an afternoon packing Christmas boxes for needy families.
"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
Rotary Foundation receives highest rating from Charity Navigator for 15th consecutive yearFor the 15th consecutive year, The Rotary Foundation has received the highest rating – four stars – from
Rotary to amplify climate action at COP28 in DubaiRotary will help facilitate collaboration on community-led climate action, and discuss the intersection of climate change and
On August 12 & 13, as they have for over 45 years, the Lewiston/NOTL Rotary Club sold hot dogs at the Lewiston Art Festival, to raise money for charity, raise their profile in the community, provide a place to sit down, and an affordable meal for those harried parents trying to find something their small child might eat.
p yet?” 
Please join me in welcoming Michele Starwalt-Woods of the Rotary Club of Dunkirk-Fredonia who has been selected to serve as our Governor for 2025-26. She is the 7th woman to serve as a District 7090 Governor. 
Registrations are now open on the District Website for the upcoming Rotary Leadership Institute Sessions.
On Saturday, November 26th, the Rotary Club of Brantford held its 14th Annual Rotary Clowns for Kids. Rotarians, along with family members and kids from various youth groups dress up as clowns and enter the Brantford Santa Claus Parade. This year we were joined by an extra special clown, District Governor Lisa Bishop.
t to experience American culture the best I can.” That’s one of Akron Newstead Rotary’s Swedish exchange student Tor Nuback’s primary goals for his yearlong stay in Akron, NY. 
The Rotary Club of Norfolk Sunrise (RCNS) is growing in size and focused on Rotary ideals and an aggressive contribution to the communities in which its members live. RCNS is often noticed for the work it enjoys; the fun club members have. So it was that Governor Lisa Bishop, Immediate Past Governor Anne Bermingham and Assistant Governor Keith Jones joined the club to present a rather welcomed group of awards for our successes over the past year.
The Rotary Club of Lewiston, NY & Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON recently adopted a section of the Greenway Trail as part of a consortium of 10 Rotary Clubs endeavoring to have a bike/walking trail from Lake Erie to Lake Ontario along the Niagara River. Rotarians walked the trail, staged a cleanup and are surveying users to see who is using the trail and what amenities they may need. 
Rotary Club of Westfield-Mayville held its annual Rural-Urban Day recently. Jennifer Phillips Russo, Cornell Cooperative Extension’s Viticulture Extension Specialist for the Lake Erie Regional Grape Program was its key note (pictured left). Ms. Russo presented a wide range of possible occupations within the field of agriculture as well as facts on the invasive spotted lantern fly.
The Rotary Club of Fort Erie held its Annual General Meeting, its election of officers and its Christmas meeting at the invitation of PE Kevin O’Reilly who invited the small but mighty crew (4 unable to attend) to his lakeside home. Left to the imagination is the use of the pole. Pretty sure Santa can use poles too!
Wendy Hviskak, pictured right, was welcomed into the Rotary Club of Hamburg on December 6, 2022 at Uncle Joe’s Diner during the club’s regular meeting. She is shown with Club President Diana Straube.
Rotary Club of Lancaster-Depew welcomed two new members, inducted by Assistant Governor Izzy Abdallah, at the last breakfast meeting of 2022. Welcome to husband and wife, Dr. Fayez & Shelly Mikhail.
Leaves be Gone! Members of the Rotary Club of Waterdown got down to business in late October with a community leaf raking event organized by member Karen Matthews. Twelve members were divided into 4 groups of 3 as they divided and conquered to support various seniors and their leaf clean up.
The Rotary Club of Hamburg Sunrise's commitment to honoring US Veterans at its annual dinner was cancelled due the "The Snowstorm" on November 19th. However, club members still made individual visits and presentations to local VFW, Amvets & Legion Posts in Hamburg - weather permitting.
The Rotary Club of Ancaster AM has donated $5,000 to Ancaster Community Service for their Christmas Program. Rather than simply write a cheque the Rotarians decided to make it a “hands-on” project. First - they spent an afternoon packing Christmas boxes for needy families. 
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