As we begin a new Rotary year, I would first like to express my sincere gratitude to outgoing District Governor Aaron Carlson for his exceptional leadership, dedication, and unwavering support. True leadership is not simply about guiding others—it is about creating an environment where people are empowered to grow, inspired to dream, and supported in achieving those dreams. Aaron exemplified this kind of leadership, fostering a district culture where innovation, collaboration, and possibility could thrive.
As I step into the role of District Governor, I do so with great humility, gratitude, and excitement for the year ahead. I am honoured to serve alongside such dedicated Rotarians as we continue our mission of service on both sides of the border.
This Rotary year, Rotary International President Olayinka H. Babalola has called on all Rotarians to embrace the message “Creating Lasting Impact.” President Babalola reminds us that Rotary’s work is not simply about creating change—it is about creating change that endures. He has challenged us to build welcoming clubs, deliver meaningful and sustainable service projects, and recognize how Rotary transforms not only the communities we serve, but also ourselves.
Creating lasting impact means looking beyond immediate results and focusing on sustainable change—change that strengthens our clubs, transforms communities, and inspires future generations of Rotarians. As your District Governor, my commitment is to help our clubs dream boldly, lead courageously, and create meaningful impact that will be felt for years to come.
PHOTO (L to R): DG Joanne Serkeyn, IPDG Aaron Carlson
As I conclude my year serving as District Governor for Rotary District 7090, I have found myself reflecting on a simple but profound question: What has Rotary meant to me?
This year brought significant changes in my own life. I accepted a new vocational appointment that moved me from Western New York to Syracuse. While I remained privileged to serve as District Governor, I no longer lived within the district I had been called to lead. To be honest, that transition proved more challenging than I expected.
I love my ministry. It is a sacred privilege to walk alongside people through baptisms, weddings, celebrations, grief, and life's most difficult chapters. Yet ministry can also be isolating. The work is never truly finished. There is always another phone call to return, another crisis to address, another person in need of care.
And so, something unexpected happened this year. Every time I returned to District 7090 to visit a club or participate in a Rotary gathering, I felt renewed. I felt as though I was coming home. Not because I knew everyone personally, but because Rotary reminded me that I belonged. I would drive back to Syracuse energized, inspired, and deeply grateful.
That experience helped me understand something important: Rotary is not simply an organization. Rotary is a community. It is a family. And families have a remarkable way of carrying us when we need it most.
The first among several Rotary Foundation-funded trainings on Human Trafficking Awareness, Education and Prevention occurred Saturday, May 23rd at Batavia Downs Gaming and Hotel by People Against Trafficking Humans (PATH of WNY).
A comfortable number (65) of pre-registered attendees made it through the 2” of rain that fell that Saturday. PATH’s Kamyia Jacobs and Grace Parr presented and Dr. Marty Floss, Hilbert College did pre- and post- knowledge assessment.
The Steering Committee made up of Paul Lehman (Chair and Rotary Club of Lockport}, Paul Saskowski (Rotary Club of Batavia), Dr. Tommy Gerbasi (Lewiston-Niagara-on-the-Lake Rotary Club) and Timothy Priano were present in their role of leadership. Lezlie Murch, Niagara -on-the-Lake Rotary from the Steering Committee was not present. Both she and the late John Boronkay (Orchard Park Rotary had contributed greatly to development of the global grant proposal.
Joanne Serkeyn, Lincoln, Ontario Rotary and District 7090 Governor-elect shared her thoughts and insights on the need for this training of community leaders and others.
Another opportunity for Rotarians across the district to take in the training will occur on Saturday, September 12th at the Cornell Extension Training Center, 4487 Lake Avenue, Lockport, NY. Watch for registration information in the coming month(s) at host Rotary Club of Lockport’s web site. This training will be conducted by Project Mona’s House (See the scope of the organization’s work at: https://www.projectmonashouse.com/about . )
A District Alumni Committee is responsible for developing and promoting opportunities for Rotary alumni—including participants of Interact, Rotaract, Rotary Youth Exchange, New Generations Service Exchange, RYLA, Rotary Peace Fellowships, Rotary Scholarships, Ambassadorial Scholarships, Vocational Training Teams, and other Rotary programs—to remain engaged with Rotary both within our district and around the world. The committee also works to foster and maintain meaningful relationships with alumni throughout the district.
District 7090 is seeking a Chair for this important committee.
The Committee Chair will:
Collaborate with other district committees, particularly Membership, The Rotary Foundation, and New Generations, to identify alumni and their potential contributions as speakers, project participants, Rotary members, and Foundation or program supporters, and connect them with club and district activities.
Educate Rotary members on the importance of engaging alumni and maintaining strong relationships with them.
Encourage alumni to update and report their information to Rotary International and work with fellow district leaders to ensure program participants are properly reported to RI.
Ensure compliance with privacy, youth protection policies, and all applicable local laws.
Support and coordinate alumni events, networking opportunities, and alumni associations.
This is an excellent opportunity to strengthen the lifelong connection between Rotary and its alumni while cultivating future leaders and supporters of our organization!
Interested? Want more information? Contact Sandi Chard
Dear PPS Kennel Klub Members, Fellow Rotarians, and Friends,
WOOF WOOF! I am thrilled to announce that our $30,000 PolioPlus Matching Challenge goal has not only been reached—it has been exceeded! What an incredible achievement.
As founder of the PPS Kennel Klub, I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to every pet, human, Rotarian, family member, and friend who stepped up to support this challenge. Every gift, every recurring donation, every conversation, and every act of encouragement helped make this milestone possible.
Because of your dedication:
• More children will receive life-saving polio vaccinations.
• More communities will be protected from outbreaks.
• We move one step closer to making polio only a chapter in the history books.
And if exceeding our $30,000 challenge goal wasn't exciting enough, I'm also thrilled to announce: The PPS Kennel Klub trailer is officially complete! (View the Photos Here).
Visitors to the YWCA of Genesee County will be greeted with a new and inviting atmosphere thanks to a recently completed service project by the Rotary Club of Batavia.
Rotarians spent several Saturday mornings painting all public hallways in the North Street YWCA in a two-tone scheme of sage green and white with a newly installed chair rail and baseboards.
YWCA Executive Director Jamie Beedham-Rada said the central corridors of the building were, “dull, sterile and uninviting.” The work done by the Rotarians, she said, have given a brand-new look, one that is welcoming and comfortable.
“Our agency has been in this building since 1967, and this transformation has truly brought the space back to life,” Beedham-Rada said. The brightened and revitalized environment creates an even greater sense of dignity, comfort, and hope for the survivors and community members the YWCA supports every day.
Members of the Batavia Rotary Club have also participated in other service projects large and small. Club members participate annually in the United Way Day of Caring and completed major renovations at Crossroads House.
Paint and materials for the YWCA project were also provided by the Rotary Club.
Among the Rotary volunteers who worked on the project were Katy Hobbs, Jay Gsell, Ed Leising, Laurie Mastin, Linda Knipe, Steve Maddox, Mark Williams, David Greyson and Rotary President Lynn VanDerBeck.
This isn’t the first time Batavia Rotary has stepped up for the YWCA of Genesee County. A previous project completely remodeled the Domestic Violence Safe House.
Brantford Sunrise has now donated more than $257,000.00 to the pediatric unit at the Brant Community Healthcare System Foundation through its Online Auction. Proceeds of the 6th Annual Auction were presented to hospital representatives last week at the final meeting of the Rotary year.
Foundation Executive Director, Kari Wilson, and Amy Griesser, Clinical Manager of the NICU, Pediatrics and DEC, provided an update. Amy told Rotarians they have recently launched the Community Service Plan, of which Rotary Sunrise is a partner. She spoke about the critical importance of having comprehensive pediatric services in Brantford. Kari explained how the equipment purchased with donor dollars helps staff provide exemplary care to patients. 2026 Auction Hero, Dave Carrol and Auction Co-Chair, Kelly Dzuba, joined President Susan in presenting the $46,000.00 cheque to Kari and Amy.
Rotarian Blaine Field was presented with a Paul Harris Fellowship for his exemplary work in Rotary, in particular, as Chair of the Annual Trip-of-the-Month Draw.
President Susan thanked Club members for their help and support over the past year, before ringing the bell to adjourn for the final time. Sgt.-at-Arms, Laurie Macintyre, presented Susan with a plaque detailing all the positive attributes she displayed as leader (Developed through a recent word game the Sgt.-at-Arms played with members). Incoming President, Jerry Lawlor, begins his duties July 1st.
The Rotary Club of Clarence offered a challenge for clubs in District 7090 effective April 20th to June 30th. The challenge was a $1500 match for donations that would be made during this time period for money donated to Gift of Life. This match offer was in addition to the club’s own generous donation. We are happy to announce the wonderful response of clubs and individuals to this challenge with donations exceeding the goal by $400. The presentation of the Clarence club checks is depicted in the attached photo showing Clarence President Peter Courmin handing the checks to Pat Castiglia, Co-President of GOL.
On June 19th, a report was made to Clarence club members detailing the donations received in response to the challenge. Five clubs in District 7090 responded to the donor challenge. Those clubs are Lancaster-Depew, East Aurora, Amherst South, Kenmore, and Williamsville. In addition, there were 5 individuals who donated money. The total amount raised by the Clarence challenge is almost $5,000 more than hoped for. This was the first time a challenge had ever been done for GOL.
As we celebrate 35 years of deeply rooted service, it is an honour to step into the role of President of this amazing Rotary Club of Fonthill.
After attending the flag raising at the beginning of June and hearing the wo
nderful things being said about our Club and its impact on this community, it made me realize that we are the heartbeat of Pelham.
We are not just members of a club who attend 7:30 am meetings together. We are the hands that have helped build trails and arches, the minds that mentor our youth, and the hearts that consistently seek out and answer the call to serve.
We care. We help. We nurture. We create. We build. We share. We collaborate. We truly live the Rotary motto of Service Above Self.
35 years ago our first project was a simple, hopeful act: planting trees in North Pelham.
Now, much like those trees, we are deeply rooted in the community, stronger than ever and ready for the next 35 years. Oh how we have flourished.
The Rotary Club of Hamburg awarded scholarships to graduating seniors from Frontier and Hamburg High Schools this month.
Award recipient Brooke Heeter is a student at Frontier High School and is shown with Rotary Scholarship Chair Maria Guizzottti and Rotary President John Nowak.
Brooke will attend Western Carolina University for Internal Relations and Pre Law with an ultimate goal to serve as a Judge Advocate General or go into international law.
Hamburg High School senior Willian Shine is an Eagle Scout and will attend the University at Buffalo in the Biochemistry, pre-med track. His goal is to become a neurologist.
PHOTOS:
LEFT (L to R): Rotary Scholarship Chair Maria Guizzottti, Brooke Heeter, Rotary Scholarship Chair Maria Guizzottti
All current and past club members, family and friends of the Rotary Club of Hamilton AM are invited to help celebrate 40 years of “Service above Self”.
The Club’s “Ruby Gala” will be held Friday, August 7, 5:30 pm a t Hamilton’s fabulous Liuna Station.
Club history includes $4 million raised for local and community causes and thousands of lives changed.
The Ruby Summer Gala will not be your typical fundraiser. We know everyone attends to celebrate, not to sit through hours of podium speeches. That’s why the evening has been designed to replace long presentations with high-energy entertainment and world-class music. The formalities brief so we can get straight to the heart of the night: honouring forty years of community spirit and looking forward to the next forty.
Along with a delicious dinner and silent and live auction, attendees will enjoy a special, live performance by world renown “Crash Test Dummies”, a multi-Grammy-nominated group!
Your presence at this gala will do more than just mark an anniversary; it will fuel our mission to make Hamilton the best place to raise a child and to age. Dress Code: Summer Breezy Evening Wear. Doors open at 5:30 pm
A big Thank-you to John Roche from Adam Miller Toys in Batavia for going over bike safety rules with the 2nd-6th grade students at Le Roy Central Schools on June 10th.
Our club provided vouchers for a free helmet at Adam Miller's in Batavia.
The #1 rule for the summer is Wear your Helmet!
We celebrated the start of summer at our afternoon Happy Hour at Settler’s Select Restaurant on June 11th.
At our June 17th breakfast meeting, we inducted Michelle Sczudlo as our second new member in as many months.
Also, two prospective members joined us. 16 members and guests were in attendance.
We invested in our community by presenting checks to Tyler Angora of the Le Roy Historical Society and Dave Cashin of the Le Roy Youth Soccer Program.
They both briefly shared information about their organizations.
We will kick off the new Rotary year on July 1st with our installation dinner when Phil Plossl will be installed as president of our club.
Have you considered becoming part of an organization that is wiping polio off the earth, funding over $30,000 in scholarships for local graduates, along with youth sports and bicycle safety, feeding hungry people via the Backpack program, delivering Meals on Wheels, and saving the lives of babies in Uganda? Please help us make our community a better place to live.
Bacchus, Roman God of Wine (and Honorary Rotarian) attended the Proudly Bi-National Lewiston/NOTL Rotary's Wine trivia event on June 5th at the Queenston Road Vineyard in Niagara-on-the-Lake and presided over an extravaganza of wine, food, music and general shenanigans to help aid the missions of Young Caregivers and The Mental Health Association. Helping those in need on both sides of the Niagara River and having a good time while doing it. It's a "win-win" situation.
The annual Lamplighter Tour has been on pause for the past two years as we reimagined what the tour was going to look like. We have been doing this major fundraiser for 20 plus years.
The audience experienced four original plays as we celebrated Our History in Motion, at the West Niagara Secondary School Theatre. This was the first year we changed the venue from a walking tour to the plays all taking place at the new theatre.
The debut production at WEST NIAGARA SECONDARY SCHOOL, May 8,9 & 10, was a rousing success with more than 800 attendees and the involvement of some 100 community volunteers. The volunteers ranged from playwrights, actors, stage crew, producers and front-of-house volunteers of all ages.
Thank you to all our sponsors and volunteers for making the reimagination of the Lamplighter Tour a success! We successfully raised approx. $30,000 to be used to help fund youth programs and projects that the Lincoln Rotary supports every year.
The Rotary Club of Lincoln Ontario Canada, in partnership with the Town of Lincoln, is bringing back the Sunset Music Series every Tuesday night in July.
Join us for an evening of live music, food trucks, waterfront views and community fun.
Parking at Charles Daley Park will be FREE for attendees during the event series.
Food trucks open at 5:30 p.m.
Live music begins at 7 p.m.
Bring a lawn chair, grab a bite to eat and enjoy summer evenings by the lake with family and friends!
One of the greatest strengths of the Rotary Club of Niagara Falls Sunrise is our commitment to turning generosity into meaningful action. Thanks to the incredible support of our club members, the success of Rotary Auction Niagara, District 7090 grants, and our many fundraising initiatives throughout the year, we are proud to invest in organizations that are making a real difference across our community.
This year, the Club was pleased to provide financial support to the following local organizations:
● Reach Niagara
● NF Innovation Center School Program
● Birchway Niagara
● Niagara Sexual Assault Centre
● YMCA of Niagara
● Niagara Falls Soup Kitchen
● PATHSTONE Mental Health
● Project SHARE
● Niagara Children's Health Centre
Each of these organizations plays a vital role in strengthening our community by providing essential services, supporting families, improving mental health, addressing food insecurity, empowering youth, and offering hope to those facing life's greatest challenges.
It was an evening 30 years in the making ... it was time to reflect on our 30 years of Rotary fellowship, fun and ‘Service above Self’ in our local, international & youth communities. At a most iconic, interesting & unique venue, we were welcomed to the Bradshaw Farm near Wilsonville for a wonderful evening set-out to re-establish relationships, re-live our memories, reflect on achievements and renew ourselves for the future. It could not have been done better. After achieving all of the aims set out by the organizing committee, we left with a feeling of deep pride on what we had achieved, a wonderful sense of fellowship for the relationships we've maintained and a confident awareness for a bright future. So it was that on that perfect afternoon, 87 Rotary Club of Norfolk Sunrise (RCNS) members (active & retired), family & friends gathered and were able to mingle, to enjoy the Bradshaw Riding Ring, to read-into and admire the displays and to generally reset old and new Rotary acquaintances. Many photos were taken and are being accumulated in the RCNS@30 event folder on our website - go to this link to see how much fun we had. The evening passed so quickly; and yet we absorbed so much. You can get a sense of the way the evening unfolded by going to the ‘Read more …’tab. Thank you so much to everyone who contributed to the evening and/or who have supported us over our 30 years - we are proud of the communities we support, the service we offer and the friends we have made.
This year, the 'Dragons' were blessed with almost perfect weather conditions at Shadow Lake in Waterford ... this only helped to heighten the energy for 17 Dragon Boat teams (almost 400 paddlers) brought to the Dragon Boat Festival on Saturday 20 June (practice day) & Sunday 21 June (race day) 2026.
Sponsored once again by the Rotary Club of Norfolk Sunrise (RCNS) and the Cancer Resource Support Program (CSRP), this annual, community event is a major fundraiser for both charitable organizations. Well-over 30 volunteers were onsite including Rotary Sunrisers, CSRP members, donors, family, friends and students.
On Race Day, the heats started at 9am and finished up around 3pm. The spirits ran high throughout the park with many moving to the great music provided and the cheering as race times and winners were announced. Everyone was kept nourished with the local food vendors onsite and entertained with music all day long. Again this year, we arranged for formal team pictures to be taken behind the wooden dragon boat and paddles made by our friends from Abel Enterprises. Again his year, a highlight of the day was the Cancer Ceremony to remember all those currently battling breast cancer, those in remission and those who have died.
Go to the 'Read more ...' tab for more on this story, the participating teams, notes of our appreciation, our connection to the CSRP and more.
Until next year - Paddles Up! (or maybe down for a wee rest) - Hic Sunt Dracones!
Go to the ‘Read more …’ tab for more on our Big Day Against Cancer
It was such a FUNtastic FUNDraiser - we were literally blown away!
On a near perfect, albeit very, very windy, first-day-of-summer, a very community-minded group of golfers (from near & far) teed off at the Greens of Renton Community Charity Golf Tournament on Friday, 19 June 2026. Our Rotary Club of Norfolk Sunrise (RCNS) provided more than its fair share of golfers, an assortment of draw prizes as well as hosting the 'Red 5' hole and being one of 27 charities represented at the tournament. Our 'Red 5' hole was designated to celebrate our Club’s 30th Anniversary (the idea of chipping a light plastic ball through the hole in the “30" balloon was a great thought until the wind intervened!) contest. The winner of this almost impossible task took home a $100 prize – in the end the draw winner was Eddie Bilopovlovic), as well as a 'hole in one' hole opportunity ($10K prize - no takers this year!). It was a great day – even the non-golfers had fun!
Go to the ‘Read more …’ tab for more on our Golfing Fun
This has been quite a year for our President, Cindy Grant, and our club.
We have mourned the loss of valued members through death and illness—people whose commitment to board roles and committee leadership has left a lasting impact on our club and our community.
We have also experienced the real value of Service above Self as club members, both new and long term, stepped forward to fill the vacancies, many ahead of the normal fiscal year turnover. Starting with our current President, Cindy Grant, who immediately offered to stay on as Co- President.
And this is why Rotary endures. This is why the Rotary Club of NOTL has remained strong and has continued to grow for over 3 decades.
We continually evolve with old and new members, spanning over 30 years, sharing their strengths and experiences. Blending to form an even stronger centre.
Olean- Over the past twelve months, the Olean Rotary Club has remained active in every season, as the Rotary year runs from July through June.
The club has completed another year defined by hands-on service, successful fundraising, youth engagement, and a steady commitment to meeting local needs across Cattaraugus County.
The Rotary year began in July with Megan Moretz stepping into the role of President, leading the club independently for the first time.
Early in the month, members hosted a Disc Golf Tournament benefiting the Robert & Marjorie Schaumleffel Scholarship Fund, with support from the Twin Tiers Disc Golf Association.
The month also included a social gathering at a local ice cream shop in celebration of National Ice Cream Month, reflecting the club’s ongoing emphasis on fellowship alongside service.
The Club recently marked its 40th Anniversary with a Celebration Event at Queenston Mile Vineyard. The evening brought together current and former members, community partners, and friends of Rotary to reflect on four decades of fellowship, leadership, and service. Guests enjoyed an evening of memories, laughter, and recognition as we celebrated the many people whose dedication has shaped our club since its charter in 1986.
A highlight of the celebration was the unveiling of a vehicle purchased for Happy in My Home, a local organization that provides transportation services to seniors. The vehicle will help ensure older adults can attend medical appointments, access essential services, and remain connected to their community. It was a fitting reminder that Rotary's impact is measured not only in years, but in lives changed.
“It is extremely fitting that, as we celebrate the 40th Anniversary of the Rotary Club of St. Catharines Lakeshore and its mission to support local residents of all ages, we are able to assist Happy in My Home with this $50,000 donation towards a new vehicle,” said Bryan Pett, President of the Rotary Club of St. Catharines Lakeshore. “Ensuring safe, reliable, rides for older adults and adults with disabilities in St. Catharines aligns well with the Rotary Club of St. Catharines Lakeshore’s focus on supporting our local youth, senior residents and doing Good in the World internationally.”
The STamp Out Polio (STOP) Club, a satellite club of Dundas Valley Sunrise Rotary Club, held their 2nd Annual Walk Around the Clock (WATC) on May 30-31, a 24-hour relay walk around the Rotary clock in the Dundas Driving Park. The event supports our Club’s mission of raising awareness and funds for Rotary International’s End Polio Now campaign. This year’s Walk raised over $2,500 for polio eradication!
The Rotary Club of Welland held its sixth ‘annual’ Purse Bingo supported by 124 Bingo enthusiasts on Thursday May 21st at the Amici’s Banquet and Conference Centre. We were sponsored by several area businesses. The Presenting Sponsor was Meridian Credit Union (Welland Branch), the Dinner Sponsors were RBW Root Bissonnette Walker LLP and Vermeer’s Garden Centre & Flower Shop, with Best Western Rose City Suites, Seaway Mall, Niagara Business Valuation, B&D CPAs, Youngs Insurance, Erion Insurance Group, and M.T. Bellies providing sponsorships for various Bingo games and providing gift cards.
Chaired by Rotarian Brenda Dennis, there were 10 very happy winners of brand name purses, including Coach, Kate Spade and Michael Kors. We had an exciting special 11th Bingo game to win a Gucci purse valued at $1,800.
The Rotary Club of Welland held the event to raise funds for community initiatives like the Niagara Children’s Centre, Spring It Forward Food Drive, YMCA Summer Camp Program, The HOPE Centre, Holy Trinity Church Breakfast Program, Kristen French Child Advocacy Centre, and the Rotary Gold Medallion Graduation Program. Community support is essential for the Club to assist those in need. The Purse Bingo this year raised $7,000.
PHOTO: Gucci Purse Winner (R to L): Welland Rotarian Geri Morrone (Meridian Credit Union) presenting to Sabrina Hymus.
Sarah Patti Earns Rotary Scholarship for Vocal Excellence.
Sarah Patti (pictured left), a senior at Williamsville East High School, has been awarded the Williamsville Rotary Club and Friends of the Amherst Symphony Orchestra Scholarship.
Her selection was based on the highest scores from four judges, showcasing her exceptional talent as a soprano.
She performed "Gia il Sole dal Gange" and "Viens, mon bien-aimé!"
Sarah plans to pursue a degree in music education at SUNY Fredonia.
An accomplished vocalist and instrumentalist, she is proficient in piano, trumpet, and euphonium.
Her achievements include numerous school music honors, and she has performed with concert bands, jazz ensembles, and symphony orchestras.
Mark your calendars for our Grand Finale Classic Car Show, scheduled for Sunday, August 16, 2026, at the Northtowns Center in Amherst.
Join us for a day of nostalgia and excitement as we showcase an exquisite collection of classic cars from different eras.
Whether you're a car enthusiast or just looking for a fun family outing, this event promises something for everyone.
Enjoy live music, food vendors, and interactive exhibits that delve into the history and craftsmanship of these automotive masterpieces.
Don't miss the awards ceremony, where we'll honor the standout vehicles and their passionate owners.
Be sure to arrive early to get the best view and prepare to be transported back in time with every gleaming chrome bumper and revving engine.
If you are interested in sponsoring this event or registering your vehicle, please contact Rickey (Lincoln) Wojtowicz at 716-634-2730 or via email at wojtowiczr@aol.com.
Two scholarships were awarded during the "A Salute to Excellence" Honors and Awards Ceremony at Williamsville South High School.
Recipients are required to meet the Rotary qualifications, which include maintaining a minimum GPA of 3.0, demonstrating leadership qualities through school clubs, athletics, or community service, submitting a resume detailing their leadership experiences, and writing a 100-word composition on how these experiences have impacted them, along with an essay explaining why they believe they deserve the scholarship.
The two recipients are Jordyn Marcus and Dee Pratan Purba.
Jordyn will be attending the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill to pursue Psychology on a pre-med track, while Dee will be studying Biology/Pre-Physician Assistant at D'Youville University.
The entertainer and philanthropist Dolly Parton died 25 August 2026. This Q&A was originally published in the March 2010 issue of The Rotarian (now Rotary) magazine. Later that year, she spoke at the Rotary International Convention in Montreal, Canada.
Welcome to the SEPTEMBER 2026 
= 
= Learning
As we begin a new Rotary year, I would first like to express my sincere gratitude to outgoing District Governor Aaron Carlson for his exceptional leadership, dedication, and unwavering support. True leadership is not simply about guiding others—it is about creating an environment where people are empowered to grow, inspired to dream, and supported in achieving those dreams. Aaron exemplified this kind of leadership, fostering a district culture where innovation, collaboration, and possibility could thrive.
As I conclude my year serving as District Governor for Rotary District 7090, I have found myself reflecting on a simple but profound question: What has Rotary meant to me?
The first among several Rotary Foundation-funded trainings on Human Trafficking Awareness, Education and Prevention occurred Saturday, May 23rd at Batavia Downs Gaming and Hotel by People Against Trafficking Humans (PATH of WNY).
A District Alumni Committee is responsible for developing and promoting opportunities for Rotary alumni—including participants of Interact, Rotaract, Rotary Youth Exchange, New Generations Service Exchange, RYLA, Rotary Peace Fellowships, Rotary Scholarships, Ambassadorial Scholarships, Vocational Training Teams, and other Rotary programs—to remain engaged with Rotary both within our district and around the world. The committee also works to foster and maintain meaningful relationships with alumni throughout the district.
Dear PPS Kennel Klub Members, Fellow Rotarians, and Friends,
Brantford Sunrise has now donated more than $257,000.00 to the pediatric unit at the Brant Community Healthcare System Foundation through its Online Auction. Proceeds of the 6th Annual Auction were presented to hospital representatives last week at the final meeting of the Rotary year.
The Rotary Club of Clarence offered a challenge for clubs in District 7090 effective April 20th to June 30th. The challenge was a $1500 match for donations that would be made during this time period for money donated to Gift of Life. This match offer was in addition to the club’s own generous donation. We are happy to announce the wonderful response of clubs and individuals to this challenge with donations exceeding the goal by $400. The presentation of the Clarence club checks is depicted in the attached photo showing Clarence President Peter Courmin handing the checks to Pat Castiglia, Co-President of GOL.
The Rotary Club of Hamburg awarded scholarships to graduating seniors from Frontier and Hamburg High Schools this month.
Hamilton AM Celebrates 40 Years!
A big Thank-you to John Roche from Adam Miller Toys in Batavia for going over bike safety rules with the 2nd-6th grade students at Le Roy Central Schools on June 10th. 
Bacchus, Roman God of Wine (and Honorary Rotarian) attended the Proudly Bi-National Lewiston/NOTL Rotary's Wine trivia event on June 5th at the Queenston Road Vineyard in Niagara-on-the-Lake and presided over an extravaganza of wine, food, music and general shenanigans to help aid the missions of Young Caregivers and The Mental Health Association. Helping those in need on both sides of the Niagara River and having a good time while doing it. It's a "win-win" situation.
The annual Lamplighter Tour has been on pause for the past two years as we reimagined what the tour was going to look like. We have been doing this major fundraiser for 20 plus years.
Summer nights are back at Charles Daley Park!
Parking at Charles Daley Park will be FREE for attendees during the event series.
Food trucks open at 5:30 p.m.
Live music begins at 7 p.m.
It was an evening 30 years in the making ... it was time to reflect on our 30 years of Rotary fellowship, fun and ‘Service above Self’ in our local, international & youth communities. At a most iconic, interesting & unique venue, we were welcomed to the Bradshaw Farm near Wilsonville for a wonderful evening set-out to re-establish relationships, re-live our memories, reflect on achievements and renew ourselves for the future. 
This year, the 'Dragons' were blessed with almost perfect weather conditions at Shadow Lake in Waterford ... this only helped to heighten the energy for 17 Dragon Boat teams (almost 400 paddlers) brought to the Dragon Boat Festival on Saturday 20 June (practice day) & Sunday 21 June (race day) 2026.
This has been quite a year for our President, Cindy Grant, and our club.
Olean- Over the past twelve months, the Olean Rotary Club has remained active in every season, as the Rotary year runs from July through June.
The Club recently marked its 40th Anniversary with a Celebration Event at Queenston Mile Vineyard. The evening brought together current and former members, community partners, and friends of Rotary to reflect on four decades of fellowship, leadership, and service. Guests enjoyed an evening of memories, laughter, and recognition as we celebrated the many people whose dedication has shaped our club since its charter in 1986.
The S
Tamp Out Polio (STOP) Club, a satellite club of Dundas Valley Sunrise Rotary Club, held their 2nd Annual Walk Around the Clock (WATC) on May 30-31, a 24-hour relay walk around the Rotary clock in the Dundas Driving Park. The event supports our Club’s mission of raising awareness and funds for Rotary International’s End Polio Now campaign. This year’s Walk raised over $2,500 for polio eradication!
The Rotary Club of Welland held its sixth ‘annual’ Purse Bingo supported by 124 Bingo enthusiasts on Thursday May 21st at the Amici’s Banquet and Conference Centre. We were sponsored by several area businesses. The Presenting Sponsor was Meridian Credit Union (Welland Branch), the Dinner Sponsors were RBW Root Bissonnette Walker LLP and Vermeer’s Garden Centre & Flower Shop, with Best Western Rose City Suites, Seaway Mall, Niagara Business Valuation, B&D CPAs, Youngs Insurance, Erion Insurance Group, and M.T. Bellies providing sponsorships for various Bingo games and providing gift cards.
Sarah Patti Earns Rotary Scholarship for Vocal Excellence.
Mark your calendars for our Grand Finale Classic Car Show, scheduled for Sunday, August 16, 2026, at the Northtowns Center in Amherst.
Two scholarships were awarded during the "A Salute to Excellence" Honors and Awards Ceremony at Williamsville South High School.
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