The Hawaiian word for family - 'ohana - is derived from the sacred taro plant and emphasizes that all members come from the same root. The 'ohana provides a sense of unity, common purpose, and collective responsibility. Bound by our vision for a better tomorrow, the 'Ohana of Rotary is a diverse network of humanitarians who see solutions in the face of great challenges. We are an international family united by our value of Service Above Self and we are stronger during this time because of selfless leaders like each of you.
In life, there are three phases of a storm:
1. Going into it
2. Already in it
3. Coming out of it
We are in the midst of a mighty bad storm and may have been caught flat-footed. However, I'm confident we'll come out of this storm more inspired than we went into it. At no time in our recent Rotary world have we been faced with such a daily barrage of unpleasant news. A world filled with travesty and uncertainties where survival has been threatened by nature and the best we can do is to be on our knees while we distance ourselves from our loved ones - not out of anger but pure love and concern for their safety. We are bound to feel lost and hopeless. We now have COVID-19 but Polio ignited a dreadful fear across the country especially in the summertime. The virus particularly struck children, forcing swift closures of schools and playgrounds and, in the sweltering heat, swimming pools. Towns shuttered, families isolated. Thousands died, others were hospitalized and some left permanently paralyzed with post-polio syndrome. The Salk vaccine was still years away.
"It was a scary virus," said Stacey Stewart, President, CEO of March of Dimes, which started as FDR's National Foundation for Infantile Paralysis, but quickly took on the name that reflected the public service call for Americans to donate their dimes for a polio solution. Today, we have nearly wiped out polio but still have a bit to go. So, it will be with COVID-19 - we will find a cure and wipe it out too.
My Rotaract and Rotary 'ohana, be strong for hope is not lost. We have always stood tall during such times. Although we mourn those of our family, friends (5 for us), and acquaintances whose lives were lost to this pandemic, let us remember to celebrate their lives and the lives of those who fought through the wretched disease.
As Rotaractors and Rotarians, let us remain strong and CONNECT with at least three people daily in our sphere of influence and show Care, Concern, and Compassion. Keep reading for this month's Connections..................
I would like to challenge fellow Rotarians to donate a unit of blood to the Canadian Blood Services or the American Red Cross. During our COVID-19 crisis, there is even a greater need than normal. We are all struggling to raise money for our worthwhile causes locally and internationally. Most of us are housebound and antsy to get out and do something worthwhile. This is something that many of us can do. A gift of your blood costs nothing but an hour of your time. “It’s in you to give” is the motto of the CBS. I will be donating my 86th unit of blood this Saturday. Please join me. Take a selfie and post it on your club's social media. This is an easy and selfless “Service Above Self” offering.
I know you are all fans of The Rotarian magazine which focuses on the good work of Rotary. Beyond that, there many other wonderful online publications that you can subscribe to at any time. First among them is the monthly Presidential Message from Mark Mahoney. Below is a link to it.
Basic education/literacy is one of The Rotary Foundation’s six areas of focus. We know that basic education and literacy are essential for reducing poverty, improving health, encouraging community and economic development, and promoting peace.
District 7090’s Literacy Committee is charged with assisting clubs within our district to identify and promote literacy development in our local communities and the world community.
Currently, the committee’s top priority is the development of an INVENTORY of District 7090 clubs' Literacy Projects (local community or beyond – regional, national, international). This resource will serve as a means to showcase District 7090 clubs that are contributing to the advancement of Rotary’s BASIC EDUCATION & LITERACY goal and encourage more Clubs to get involved in literacy initiatives.
If your Club is actively involved in any way with a literacy initiative - i.e. project leadership &/or partnership, funding support, etc., please email message Margaret Andrewes, Chair, D7090 Literacy Committee.
Once your Club is identified, the Committee will reach out directly to collect the information needed to build your inventory entry. Please don’t delay, the Committee is aiming to complete the inventory in May 2020.
Pictured left is the Rotary Club of Olean - Literacy of Love Project, Uganda; right is Rotary Club of St Catharines Lakeshore - School to Home Reading Program, St Catharines.
“I’m SO busy!” Prior to the various lock-downs, quarantines, and self-isolations in reaction to the pandemic, I had heard this many, many times in my dealings with assistant governors and individual club executives. In many cases, this was not even a complaint, but a statement of success regarding one’s ability to withstand stress … almost like a mark of real character. Quite often it reflected the day-to-day reality of not being available for friends, family, or Rotary. It was as if being busy was the model to successfully dealing with reality.
We have been exposed to a time in the earth’s history that may be unequaled in OUR lives … or even in history itself. We are faced with fast-changing technology, climate change (sorry to the naysayers, but I believe this is reality), and a “shrinking” of the economic world as we face the fact that globalization and not nationalization are the norms.
COVID-19 has given us reason to push those two vertical bars we see on pre-recorded movies – the PAUSE button. Why not embrace the reality of the times? The churches and synagogues were not filled for Easter and Passover. The NHL and NBA may not complete their seasons. March madness just did not happen. We missed the azaleas along the course of The Masters. We DO have the time to stand back and evaluate what these changes are about.
There can be much gained from taking a step back and looking at what we are doing as Rotary clubs. The world will not come to an end if we miss a fundraiser or two. Let’s take the time to PAUSE and rekindle the fellowship aspect of Rotary. Let’s make our communications BETTER rather than faster. Let’s build up our relationships again – within our families and within the family of Rotary. Each day, let us reach out and connect with at least three people – and engage in a conversation of care, concern, and compassion.
Rotary clubs have a unique opportunity to allow a group of diverse individuals to build deep and meaningful relationships; these relationships can then be used to assist others in the local … and global … communities. With diligent, thoughtful, and consistent efforts, our Rotary clubs can come out the other side of this pandemic stronger and even better equipped to provide Service Above Self.
The Rotary Club of Dunkirk-Fredonia recently donated $500 to the Chautauqua County Rural Ministry (CCRM) and $500 to the Salvation Army of Dunkirk to assist in food distribution during COVID-19. "CCRM serves those in Chautauqua County who need a hand-up, not a hand-out," stated Executive Director Kathleen Howser Peterson. They have seen increased numbers, especially requests for non-perishable food items during the health crisis.
The Salvation Army of Dunkirk which serves the northern part of Chautauqua County provides the "spiritual, physical, emotional, and social needs of Northern Chautauqua County through worship services, Bible studies, food pantry, and a youth basketball program," said Major Christina Ramirez.
Both agencies expressed profound thanks for the Rotary Club of Dunkirk-Fredonia's monetary assistance when they needed it most.
Pictured right is Major Christina Ramirez of the Salvation Army. Pictured left are (left to right) Executive Director Kathleen Howser Peterson, Executive Director and Program Director Bridget Majka of the Chautauqua County Rural Ministry.
As part of the club’s efforts to engage members during the COVID-19 crisis, the Rotary Club of Dundas Valley Sunrise has suggested to the members that they meet for either a drink or a meal … virtually, of course. Past District Governor Ralph Montesanto is seen here delivering his (and Barb’s) portion of the meal, along with flowers that Lynne Morrow appreciated. Wayne Massey also dropped off his portion of the meal and made Assistant Governor Coordinator Bob Morrow happy; he included a bottle of wine!
As Rotary clubs, we can all look to as many opportunities to meet one another and engage in fellowship activities as much as possible during these difficult times. As Cathal Kelly, a writer for the Globe and Mail noted … "Fun is what happens once you have hope. When we are once again capable of fun on a large scale, things will be better. Best not to lose sight of that.”
It is the Rotary International vision statement that perhaps says it best “Together, we see a world where people unite and take action to create lasting change — across the globe, in our communities, and in ourselves.” Rotarians are a collection of people of action, and we share a strong sense of purpose. In troubled times such as these, Rotarians will rise and meet the needs of their community and the world. It is with that sense of purpose that the Rotary Club of LeRoy has begun the “Rotary Community Reinvestment Fund.”
The impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic are being felt across the globe, but signs of the effects can be seen in our community. In the interest of public safety, non-essential local businesses have been forced to close. The impact of these closures may not be evident to the naked eye, but the ramifications are impacting our friends and neighbors who own these businesses. As both state and national levels begin to restart the economy, those same businesses that have supported LeRoyans in the past will need our support more than ever.
The “Community Reinvestment Fund” will take donations made by local individuals and families, and direct them to the LeRoy businesses most in need. The Rotary Club of LeRoy, which has served the community for over 75 years, will oversee the collection and distribution of funds. There will be a short application for businesses to complete, and a committee of Rotarians will review the applications and submit approved applications to the board of directors. The form is available on our website leroyratary.org. Fellow Rotarians and their families are not eligible to receive funds through this process.
Individuals or businesses interested in supporting our community can make contributions by mailing a check to the Rotary Club of Le Roy, Attn.: Community Reinvestment Fund, PO Box 141, Le Roy, NY 14482. Any questions can be directed to Jim Ellison at: jdellison@gmail.com or 717-503-5749.
During the COVID-19 Pandemic, the BNMC Rotary Club has been meeting via Zoom. The first meeting was our monthly social and along with sharing our experiences, we also shared ideas to help those in need during the COVID-19 Pandemic.
One of the Emergency Grants issued by the Rotary Club of the Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus was sending a prepared meal to the overnight ER Department staff of the Mercy Hospital of Buffalo. That evening was especially overwhelming with many patients admitted and the shift extending into Easter Sunday morning.
Other Emergency grants given by our club were to WNY Feeds The Front Line and the Kevin Guest House.
The Rotary Club of Buffalo will provide much-needed aid to two local organizations challenged to provide assistance to those in need of basic food supplies. In a recent decision, the 100-member club decided that immediate aid was needed due to unprecedented circumstances created by the coronavirus crisis. Gifts totaling $21,800 are being distributed equally to two hard-working agencies to make food readily accessible, Feed More WNY and WNY Feeds the Frontline.
Buffalo Rotary President, Nora Eberl stated, “One of our club’s primary roles is to provide resources to those in our community who need help. In this case, we want to provide relief to those who are hungry and need to feed their families, but also those working day and night on the front lines of this horrible disease. While we do our part by staying home, we also want to reach out to help and to thank others for the incredible work they do and the sacrifices they are making. We hope our actions inspire other Rotary Clubs and service organizations to consider doing the same.”
“FeedMore WNY exists to provide nutritious food and support to our hungry community members of all ages, backgrounds, and circumstances. During this difficult time, donations will help us keep up with the growing need for nourishing meals as school closings, reduced work hours and rising unemployment make more and more people vulnerable to hunger,” Tara A. Ellis, president, and CEO of FeedMore WNY said. “Last month, FeedMore WNY distributed 1.5 million pounds of food to our partner agencies and through community distributions in response to the COVID-19 crisis. We also distributed more than 27,600 meals each week to our homebound neighbors through our home-delivered meals program. We are grateful for the generosity of the Buffalo Rotary Club. This donation will allow us to distribute more food and provide more nutritious meals to our neighbors in need.”
WNY Feeds the Frontline strives to help feed healthcare workers in WNY by supporting local restaurants and keeping nutritious meals available for these medical professionals and volunteers who are risking their lives daily to save others. By supporting this effort, Buffalo Rotarians see a chance to help both our struggling restaurant industry and feed those who may not be home with family, who work long hours and in very stressful situations. Every $10 donated delivers one meal to a medical worker on the frontlines. Donations to WNY Feeds the Frontline are managed by 501(c)(3) Buffalo Renaissance Foundation. The New Era Foundation and Paramax Corporation are generously donating the extra energy necessary to coordinate daily operations.
To make a donation to FeedMore WNY, mail your check to: FeedMore WNY, 91 Holt Street, Buffalo, NY 14206. Or call us at (716) 852-1305. To give online, visit: foodbankwny.org
To make a donation to WNY Feeds the Frontline, mail your check (no cash) to Buffalo Renaissance Foundation PO Box 322 Buffalo, NY 14205, or to donate by credit card visit wnyfeedsthefrontline.org.
The Rotary Club of Hamilton is donating $6000.00 for the purchase of surgical masks and N95 masks to address the pressing need for personal protective equipment (PPE) for frontline care workers in community organizations during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“The world is facing an unprecedented health and economic crisis that requires the mobilization and participation of every individual and every business in this country, and our Rotary club needed to do something to help our community,” said Rotary Club President Heather Moroz.
The Rotary Club of Hamilton’s Board of Directors approved the donation using funds raised through their members and fundraisers. They also received approval to use their District 7090 Matching Grant to be reused for the COVID Cares Project. Through the Rotary network, supplies have been secured from a local distributor.
The Rotary Club of Hamilton plans to distribute more than 1200 surgical masks and 1500 N95 masks to several local organizations offering frontline care, including the two residential facilities of St. Leonard’s Society of Hamilton, Ellen Osler House and the men’s residence at the YMCA in Hamilton. The remaining will be donated to the City of Hamilton PPE Drive to distribute to local community services in desperate need of PPE.
“During such difficult times as the one we are currently in, please know, that by being a Rotarian, you are making a difference in your local community. What we do as a Rotary Club matters and serving our community in this small way is what we do best as Rotarians,” reported to club members by President Heather Moroz.
The Rotary Club of Hamilton President was on the Bill Kelly Show talking about the Rotary Club of Hamilton’s Donation of PPE.
Rotary meetings are going virtual! Since 1913 the Rotary Club of Hamilton has held lunch meetings. On April 9th, the Rotary Club of Hamilton held it’s first online meeting. The Rotary Club of Hamilton hosts virtual meetings each Thursday in the month of April at 7pm. It is an opportunity for Rotary members to touch base and stay connected. Due to the pandemic, the regular Rotary lunch meetings have been canceled. The "Rotary Talk To Me Thursday" online meetings is a great way to see and talk to each other as fellowship is important. Stay safe and well. Talk to you on Thursday!
The Rotary Club of Stoney Creek has quickly adapted to the temporary new normal when gatherings were eliminated and their current meeting location was transformed into a Covid 19 testing site.
Meetings are held at the same time each Friday morning at 7:30 am on Zoom and all are welcome to join us! For more information contact stoneycreekrotary@gmail.com.
The Rotary Club of Lancaster-Depew has changed its meeting format, as have most other clubs. The group meets on Zoom the second and fourth Thursday of each month, at 9:00 AM. It’s a Bring Your Own Coffee virtual meeting.
In addition to the cancellation of some springtime events, funds that the club would normally use to honor middle-school dean’s list students were redirected to Samaritan’s Purse to help fight COVID-19.
While spring events are canceled the group is moving forward anticipating being able to hold its annual Car Show! It is scheduled for August 4th (rain date, 8/11), at the Depew High School. Pictured is a flyer.
Lloyd S King Elementary School in the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation has been developing a thriving teacher-led outdoor education program; outdoor education is essential to student learning and well-being. Through their programming, LSK staff have noticed students’ improved connection to the land and the environment, each other, and themselves.
To help support this on-going initiative, Rotary Club of Norfolk Sunrise members, Jim and Marjorie Dawson, worked with Principal Danielle MacDonnell and School Counsellor Nicola Gladwell to develop a list of materials that would further enhance the program. Through consultations with LSK’s educators, materials were purchased including Anishinaabe botanical teachings, Peterson field guides, and field observation kits including binoculars and magnifying glasses. The project also included three Edu-kits from The Royal Ontario Museum. Through these diverse materials, the $4,000 District Grant was designed to benefit students of all ages.
Lloyd King himself (LSK’s namesake) was awarded the United Nations Volunteer Designation in 2001 for his commitment to the environment through planting Carolinian trees and volunteering as an Amateur Weather Observer for more than fifty years.
Environmental stewardship and fostering a connection to the land continues to be an essential component of programming at Lloyd S King Elementary.
The Rotary Club of St. Catharines Lakeshore is pleased to announce it has received a $1000 U.S. grant to assist the Food4Kids Program locally in St. Catharines. The club matched the grant with $1000 U.S. in additional funding, above and beyond our usual level of financial support for the program.
Formally a weekend food program only, serving over 200 impoverished children as identified by the School Boards, the closing of local schools (and their on-site food programs) during the COVID-19 pandemic led to a needed expansion of Food4Kids to provide more food per child, augmenting their nutrition through the week as well.
Within 2 hours of learning schools would be closed to help curb the spread of COVID-19, St. Catharines Food4Kids had a system in place to ensure the community’s most impoverished children had access to healthy food each week. Food4Kids is now delivering food packages directly to the doors of the children in their program. Each package contains non-perishable food, fresh produce, and a gift card to purchase milk or other fresh items. This expanded demand and rapidly increasing food prices doubled the Food4Kids weekly costs. In addition, formerly scheduled fundraising events have been canceled, dropping revenues.
Our thanks to the District 7090 Rotary Foundation Committee for making this much need funding available and the quick approval of the grant in this time of need. The club has used the new total funds to purchase additional food supplies and have them delivered to the local Food4Kids facility for packing and distribution by the charities staff (all now being done in-house due to social distancing efforts).
West Seneca Rotary Club has had three online Zoom Meetings while practicing social distancing! John Murphy, Voice of the Buffalo Bills joined us on April 8th!
Also, our $1000 grant for the West Seneca Food Pantry was approved!
On April 14, three Rotary Club of Westfield-Mayville members delivered 15 gallons of hand sanitizer and 100 plastic face shields to representatives of Absolut Care of Westfield and also the Allegheny Health Network-Westfield Memorial Hospital, via the Westfield Memorial Hospital Foundation. A case of thermometer sleeves was also donated. The Rotary Club of Westfield-Mayville worked to acquire and donate the items. The supplies were funded through a Rotary District 7090 grant.
The grant application was written by John “Doc” Hamels, Rotary Club of Westfield-Mayville President, and was implemented by Hamels and Dan Smith, Rotary District 7090 Vocational Training Team Chair, Rotary Club of Westfield-Mayville Youth Services Chair and Past Club President. Mike Harrington, Rotary Club of Westfield-Mayville Past Club President, served as the event photographer.
Rotary District 7090 officials secured approval to re-purpose the Vocational Training Team parts of the 2019-2020 Rotary District Grant Spending Plan to support COVID-19 related activities in our Rotary District. Dan Smith explained, “Our Rotary Club of Westfield-Mayville secured a $1,000 Rotary District 7090 Grant to fund the donations of the needed supplies. Rotary District 7090 had allocated $20,000 for these efforts among our 68 Rotary clubs in this district in the US and Canada. Our club received the maximum award of $1,000.”
John Hamels noted, “Dan Smith and I teamed up to write and implement the grant. We did some investigation and had discussions with staff members of the two medical facilities to learn what supplies were most needed. We also wanted to involve local vendors as much as possible. We are proud that the Rotary Club of Westfield-Mayville is able to do its part to help during this pandemic.”
Smith added, “Through this grant, our Rotary club was able to donate 15 gallons of hand sanitizer from Mazza’s Five & 20 Spirits & Brewing distillery in Westfield, NY, which recently switched from brewing spirits to producing sanitizer, and 100 TrueHero Extreme Coverage Face Shields produced by Jamestown Plastics in Brocton, NY. Using local suppliers is a win-win for all! Additionally, we were able to provide a case of thermometer sleeves.”
Hamels said, “When I approached the folks at Mazza’s Five & 20 about the sanitizer, they offered a 100% donation of the 15 gallons. Because of their generosity, we were then able to purchase all of the face shields and thermometer sleeves through the District Grant.”
The Rotary Club of Westfield-Mayville gratefully acknowledges the Rotary District 7090 officials who offered the District Grant specific for COVID-19 related activities and who approved this club’s grant application, and all health care professionals for their ongoing efforts during the especially challenging times of this COVID-19 pandemic.
The organizers of the annual BurgerFest in the Village of Hamburg have regretfully agreed to cancel this year’s festival scheduled for Saturday, July 18 in the Village of Hamburg amid the uncertainty of the coronavirus global Covid-19 pandemic and its possible status this summer. The one-day festival is coordinated by the Rotary Club of Hamburg, the Rotary Club of Hamburg, Sunrise, the Town of Hamburg Lions Club and the Kiwanis Club of Hamburg.
“Even though this is mid-April, our festival takes months to plan and it is hard to imagine going from our current self-quarantine state and the necessity of wearing masks to being with crowds of people partying together this summer,” said Eileen Hotho, BurgerFest co-chair.
“The four service clubs coordinating BurgerFest depend on the proceeds to support local and international charitable and civic causes,” said Michele Hanley, “so reaching this decision was very difficult at this point, but it was the right thing to do.”
“We will be back next year on the third Saturday in July – July 17, 2021 – and we will be bigger and better than ever before,” said Hotho. “The BurgerFest Committee may convene to plan a small event later this year to raise seed money and awareness for BurgerFest 2021 if circumstances allow.”
BurgerFest celebrates the “birth” or creation of the hamburger in 1885 at the Erie County Fair on the Hamburg Fairgrounds and has been held in Hamburg since 1985. Some of the projects and activities of the BurgerFest service organizations are:
Rotary Club of Hamburg – coordinates the annual Warm the Children Program, supports the Lounsbury Adaptive Ski Program, provided Rotary Fields I and II at the Town of Hamburg Recreation Center on Lakeview Road and participates in the Rotary International Youth Exchange, SLAPSHOT and RYLA youth leadership programs.
Rotary Club of Hamburg, Sunrise – funds the Rotary Student Exchange Rotaract Program at Hilbert College and supports programming for veterans, Cradle Beach Camp and the Town of Hamburg Blast on the Beach.
The Town of Hamburg Lions Club continues its mission to assist those with vision and hearing challenges. They provide monetary contributions to many local causes and youth service projects.
The Kiwanis Club of Hamburg sponsors the Terrific Kids Program in the Hamburg and Frontier schools, supports local youth softball teams, and works in partnership with Hamburgh Holidays and Gliding Stars.
On Tuesday, March 3rd, the Rotary Club of Orchard Park played host to Richard McCleery, a member of the Rotary Club of Hillsborough, North Carolina, at Fox Run Senior Living in Orchard Park. Mr. McCleery was here to confer a Paul Harris Fellow on his 101-year-old father, Howard (Mac) McCleery who resides at Fox Run. The McCleerys had been lifelong residents of East Aurora.
In addition to the Orchard Park Rotary Club, members of the East Aurora Rotary, West Seneca Rotary, and members of Mac’s faith community were also present. Before the presentation of the Paul Harris Fellow Recognition, Orchard Park Rotary President Jon Petrie spoke a few words regarding the meaning of being a Paul Harris Fellow. After the presentation friends of the McCleerys shared their memories of growing up around Mac. It was obvious that Mac had lived a life of service and was fondly remembered by those that knew him.
After the presentation and reminiscing, Richard McCleery joined the Rotary Club of Orchard Park in the Fox Run dining room. Orchard Park Rotary member and Fox Run resident, Doug Robinson, made the arrangements to have a delicious dinner served to the club.
To conclude the most enjoyable evening, the Orchard Park, East Aurora, and Hillsborough clubs took part in the tradition of exchanging flags.
Pictured left Jon Petrie, Kevin D’Angelo, and Richard McCleery congratulate Mac on his Paul Harris Fellow Recognition. Pictured right Jon Petrie accepts the Hillsborough club flag from Richard McCleery.
Rotary Club of Lockport had begun seeking proposals from area food pantries prior to District 7090's request for COVID - 19 proposals. The club’s foundation is facing an uncertain outlook for income from its Mothers' Day rose sale and its Community Celebration Raffle. However, the emergency needs of newly unemployed and obvious stress on food pantry resources had motivated some members to ask that the club do something sooner than later.
It was decided to donate $500 each to the Society of St Vincent de Paul and Brother's Keeper Outreach food pantries in Lockport, once documentation is received for allowable expenses. St. Vincent's representative, Michael Ulrich and Brother's Keeper's Gordon Langdon expressed their gratitude for the much-needed contributions. The District 7090 grant is expected to be matched by the club's resources for several other food pantries.
Again this year, Grand Island Rotary, together with a G I Schools committee, had a profitable Meat Raffle on March 7, to raise funds for “Growing Readers’. That is a school/town project to encourage new parents to read to their babies and toddlers, a practice known to get the idea of READING in the heads of youth on their way to education and success. We remain pleased and astonished, as fellow Islanders wave dollars at us, allowing us to count those dollars for Growing Readers, and for our Rotary High School scholarships, as they go home with meat packages and prizes! Pictured is new member Mike Malaney and Director Kyle Clayton counting the profit!
The fruits of our labour are in full bloom and glory along the Sunrise Trail in Simcoe Ontario. Norfolk Rotary clubs, which include the Rotary Club of Norfolk Sunrise, Rotary Club of Simcoe, Rotary Club of Delhi, and Norfolk Rotaract participated in this wonderful collaboration, planting over 4000 yellow, red and white daffodil bulbs, during our Day of Action, September 28, 2019. They adorn the redbud trees planted by Rotarians earlier.
The trail is currently closed due to COVID-19, but the blooms are a symbol of hope that we are in this together and we will get through this.
ZOOM! ZOOM! ZOOM! The Rotary Club of Jamestown New York is continuing its weekly membership meetings at 12:15 pm every Monday by utilizing ZOOM, a very simple video communications application that allows web conferencing.
Since our President, Cheri Maytum Krull, worked remotely already and was using it to provide webinars and classes not only for her customers but for her religious classes, it was very easy for her to set it up for our meetings. She has purchased the upgraded "Plus" subscription so that she would have call-in accessibility for people who do not have access or expertise to use a computer for a virtual meeting.
When our Board of Directors decided to try virtual meetings as a way of keeping our club up and running during the COVID-19 crisis, she admits to being nervous about trying it. The Board was happily surprised that so many Rotarians were willing to attend virtual meetings on Mondays and now we are also utilizing ZOOM for committee meetings, as well as our Board meetings.
Our Secretary, Lisa Goodell, reported we had 40-plus members at each of our first two meetings.
We see good things ahead for our club utilizing ZOOM. We may be able to continue virtual meetings in addition to IN PERSON meetings, for snowbirds who wish to keep in closer touch while they are away for the winter or for those with infirmities that keep them from attending weekly.
Members receive an email on Sunday reminding them of the Monday meeting and giving them the meeting ID and the Password. The meeting is open for sign-in at Noon so we are ready to begin by 12:15. The Secretary records the names and phone numbers of those signing in.
Each individual can choose if they want to be seen in little squares around the screen and they can mute or unmute, to make comments or offer questions. The President/Moderator can also mute members or make them visible for questions.
We have a virtual Pledge of Allegiance followed by the invocation given by a different member each week. President Cheri gives the announcements or calls upon the appropriate committee person to do so. Announcements are followed by Happy Bucks (money is forwarded to the treasurer by the individual members) and each person giving a Happy Buck is unmuted so they can personally participate in the broadcast.
The speaker is introduced and the floor is given over to him/her, followed by questions from the members. Our first week we had the CEO of Monofrax (a refractory manufacturer) speak and present slides about his business. Our second speaker was a returned foreign exchange student, who also showed photos of his year's experience.
ZOOM is a wonderful way to continue the fellowship of Rotary. Don't be afraid of the technology - EMBRACE it and let Rotary continue to flourish despite this pandemic.
We are working on ways to invite other Rotarians to participate in our virtual meetings for their makeups and will keep you posted!
The Rotary Club of Welland has been successful in receiving a grant of USD $1,000 from Rotary District 7090 for COVID-19 applicable expenses. The application was to support Welland’s Hope Centre.
Jon Braithwaite, CEO of The Hope Centre, stated that their shelter has been designated as an isolation shelter. They have identified people who would be especially vulnerable should they contract COVID-19 and have isolated them at the shelter. For that reason, they are not able to leave for such things as food deliveries. Jon expressed a need for single-serve frozen meals which are presently hard to come by.
The Rotary Club of Welland partnered with Robert Landry, the Franchisee of the Welland M & M Food Market to supply over 372 frozen meals to The Hope Centre. Delivery took place on April 14th. Jon Braithwaite stated “That is outstanding! Thanks again for this phenomenal contribution…it will make a huge difference”.
Picture L → R Don Thorpe, President, Robert Landry, M&M Food Market, Jon Braithwait, CEO, The Hope Centre, Sandy Graham, President-Elect.
The Rotary Club of Batavia (NY) has been holding meetings via Zoom since mid-March, with 32-40 members typically in "attendance." With one exception the club has had its previously scheduled speakers also appearing via Zoom, with success. The club even held a "happy hour social" via Zoom on April 9, a dozen or so members toasting each others' good health and Service Above Self.
With all spring fundraisers canceled, postponed, or reformatted, Batavia Rotary's 2019-20 budget projections have had to be adjusted. But it has a new Development Committee this year, hard at work on coming up with new (and some recycled) ideas for generating club income.
This year's District Grant involves enhancements to a city/county/town Ellicott Trail project (benches, kiosk, bike racks), targeted for installation originally in May but now "as soon as safely feasible" and involving Batavia Rotarians.
The club also welcomed a new member since the pandemic hit, though it is still working on a way to formally induct her!
The Hawaiian word for family - 'ohana - is derived from the sacred taro plant and emphasizes that all members come from the same root. The 'ohana provides a sense of unity, common purpose, and collective responsibility. Bound by our vision for a better tomorrow, the 'Ohana of Rotary is a diverse network of humanitarians who see solutions in the face of great challenges. We are an international family united by our value of Service Above Self and we are stronger during this time because of selfless leaders like each of you.
name that reflected the public service call for Americans to donate their dimes for a polio solution. Today, we have nearly wiped out polio but still have a bit to go. So, it will be with COVID-19 - we will find a cure and wipe it out too.
I would like to challenge fellow Rotarians to donate a unit of blood to the Canadian Blood Services or the American Red Cross. During our COVID-19 crisis, there is even a greater need than normal. We are all struggling to raise money for our worthwhile causes locally and internationally. Most of us are housebound and antsy to get out and do something worthwhile. This is something that many of us can do. A gift of your blood costs nothing but an hour of your time. “It’s in you to give” is the motto of the CBS. I will be donating my 86th unit of blood this Saturday. Please join me. Take a selfie and post it on your club's social media. This is an easy and selfless “Service Above Self” offering.
Hello Rotary friends,
Basic education/literacy is one of The Rotary Foundation’s six areas of focus. We know that basic education and literacy are essential for reducing poverty, improving health, encouraging community and economic development, and promoting peace.
local communities and the world community.
“I’m SO busy!” Prior to the various lock-downs, quarantines, and self-isolations in reaction to the pandemic, I had heard this many, many times in my dealings with assistant governors and individual club executives. In many cases, this was not even a complaint, but a statement of success regarding one’s ability to withstand stress … almost like a mark of real character. Quite often it reflected the day-to-day reality of not being available for friends, family, or Rotary. It was as if being busy was the model to successfully dealing with reality.
The Rotary Club of Dunkirk-Fredonia recently donated $500 to the Chautauqua County Rural Ministry (CCRM) and $500 to the Salvation Army of Dunkirk to assist in food distribution during COVID-19. "CCRM serves those in Chautauqua County who need a hand-up, not a hand-out," stated Executive Director Kathleen Howser Peterson. They have seen increased numbers, especially requests for non-perishable food items during the health crisis.
social needs of Northern Chautauqua County through worship services, Bible studies, food pantry, and a youth basketball program," said Major Christina Ramirez. 
As part of the club’s efforts to engage members during the COVID-19 crisis, the Rotary Club of Dundas Valley Sunrise has suggested to the members that they meet for either a drink or a meal … virtually, of course. Past District Governor Ralph Montesanto is seen here delivering his (and Barb’s) portion of the meal, along with flowers that Lynne Morrow appreciated. Wayne Massey also dropped off his portion of the meal and made Assistant Governor Coordinator Bob Morrow happy; he included a bottle of wine!
The Rotary Club of Hamilton is donating $6000.00 for the purchase of surgical masks and N95 masks to address the pressing need for personal protective equipment (PPE) for frontline care workers in community organizations during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Rotary Club of Stoney Creek has quickly adapted to the temporary new normal when gatherings were eliminated and their current meeting location was transformed into a Covid 19 testing site. 
Lloyd S King Elementary School in the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation has been developing a thriving teacher-led outdoor education program; outdoor education is essential to student learning and well-being. Through their programming, LSK staff have noticed students’ improved connection to the land and the environment, each other, and themselves.
The Rotary Club of St. Catharines Lakeshore is pleased to announce it has received a $1000 U.S. grant to assist the Food4Kids Program locally in St. Catharines. The club matched the grant with $1000 U.S. in additional funding, above and beyond our usual level of financial support for the program.
st Seneca Rotary Club has had three online Zoom Meetings while practicing social distancing! John Murphy, Voice of the Buffalo Bills joined us on April 8th!
On April 14, three Rotary Club of Westfield-Mayville members delivered 15 gallons of hand sanitizer and 100 plastic face shields to representatives of Absolut Care of Westfield and also the Allegheny Health Network-Westfield Memorial Hospital, via the Westfield Memorial Hospital Foundation. A case of thermometer sleeves was also donated. The Rotary Club of Westfield-Mayville worked to acquire and donate the items. The supplies were funded through a Rotary District 
7090 grant.
On Tuesday, March 3rd, the Rotary Club of Orchard Park played host to Richard McCleery, a member of the Rotary Club of Hillsborough, North Carolina, at Fox Run Senior Living in Orchard Park. Mr. McCleery was here to confer a Paul Harris Fellow on his 101-year-old father, Howard (Mac) McCleery who resides at Fox Run. The McCleerys had been lifelong residents of East Aurora.
community were also present. Before the presentation of the Paul Harris Fellow Recognition, Orchard Park Rotary President Jon Petrie spoke a few words regarding the meaning of being a Paul Harris Fellow. After the presentation friends of the McCleerys shared their memories of growing up around Mac. It was obvious that Mac had lived a life of service and was fondly remembered by those that knew him.
The club’s foundation is facing an uncertain outlook for income from its Mothers' Day rose sale and its Community Celebration Raffle. However, the emergency needs of newly unemployed and obvious stress on food pantry resources had motivated some members to ask that the club do something sooner than later.
Again this year, Grand Island Rotary, together with a G I Schools committee, had a profitable Meat Raffle on March 7, to raise funds for “Growing Readers’. That is a school/town project to encourage new parents to read to their babies and toddlers, a practice known to get the idea of READING in the heads of youth on their way to education and success. We remain pleased and astonished, as fellow 
Islanders wave dollars at us, allowing us to count those dollars for Growing Readers, and for our Rotary High School scholarships, as they go home with meat packages and prizes! Pictured is new member Mike Malaney and Director Kyle Clayton counting the profit!
The fruits of our labour are in full bloom and glory along the Sunrise Trail in Simcoe Ontario. Norfolk Rotary clubs, which include the Rotary 
Club of Norfolk Sunrise, Rotary Club of Simcoe, Rotary Club of Delhi, and Norfolk Rotaract participated in this wonderful collaboration, planting over 4000 yellow, red and white daffodil bulbs, during our Day of Action, September 28, 2019. They adorn the redbud trees planted by Rotarians earlier.
ZOOM! ZOOM! ZOOM! The Rotary Club of Jamestown New York is continuing its weekly membership meetings at 12:15 pm every Monday by utilizing ZOOM, a very simple video communications application that allows web conferencing. 
The application was to support Welland’s Hope Centre.
