District 7090 Newsletter

DG BOB'S JUNE MESSAGE

 
Dear Rotary and Rotaract family,
 
May I have a heart to heart chat for just a paragraph, please?
 
My wife, Corine, and I think of you as part of our extended family. During these past few months, we’ve been shut down, closed down, and hunkered down in our homes, too afraid to venture outside in fear of contracting this nasty, infectious, insidious, silent virus with a code name of COVID -19. Every day Corine and I reached out to folks in our sphere of influence or circle of friends, relatives, and long-forgotten friends to ask, how are you? This was an act of kindness and an expression of care, concern, and compassion. What an amazing thing to have an authentic conversation with someone you were least likely to call. As we reminisced how our paths crossed or reflected on the past, we would often shed a tear or two. It’s just nice to be nice   
 
Remember a few newsletters ago I said “there were three phases of a storm?” Oh yeah, my dear late mother-in-law would often say “It’s a mighty bad storm that never changes”. Well, my friends, we’re just about out of this storm and I often wondered if we would make it. We made it because we refused to let COVID – 19 take us down. Together we are strong!
 
In the Rotary world, there are about 33,000 clubs +/- and few which means about 33,000 presidents. I am soooo proud to have the very best clubs and presidents in the Rotary world. You all are fantabulous, with an exclamation point!
 
In our district, we lived through this pandemic together. I believe we’ve done all we could do in taking good care of our health, safety, and wellbeing and then did all we could do to help others. Like they say in an aircraft emergency, first put on your own mask. Then help your companion. These have been the days that our clubs have demonstrated this day after day and again and again to meet the needs of their communities. The magnitude of this crisis assumes special importance, especially in densely populated communities. But in every part of our two countries, separated only by a body of water but not in soul and spirit, we are one District! Our two governments, medical professionals, first responders, and law enforcement officers - all our frontline workers have been very busy helping others despite the risk to themselves (one of our granddaughters is an RN). Their service is triumphant and admirable. Let’s give thanks and gratitude to all those who continue to risk their lives every day while helping others through this coronavirus outbreak.

Please join me in welcoming our newest member on the District Governor’s chain, DGND Lisa Bishop, from the Rotary Club of Delhi, Ontario. Lisa, welcome aboard and I’m confident you’ll make us proud.
 
On 1 July, our district will have a new leader. District Governor Frank Adamson and First Lady, Judy. Corine and I extend our best and warmest wish for a successful 2020 – 2021 where “Rotary Open Doors of Opportunities.”  
 
My Rotary and Rotaract family, This has been a remarkable year serving as your DG and my wife, Corine, as your First Lady. We thank you for giving us this opportunity and may The Almighty shower his choicest blessings on each of you.   
 
For more connecting letters - read more.....
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CLOSED BORDER CHALLENGES

 
Being an International District brings a whole new set of challenges with our closed border in dealing with a pandemic. 
 
In light of a recent memo and guidelines from RI President-Elect Holger Knaack, I will be canceling all DG Official Club visits this summer and fall.  It was one of my goals to conduct these virtually and thanks to COVID-19 and this directive from RI, Zoom will be my method of communication. The good news is that the clubs are getting comfortable with Zoom and social platforms. I plan to complete these virtual visits between July and September.  Crossed fingers that we have a vaccine in play by December/January and an open border so that I will be able to attend in-person club functions such as Paul Harris Dinners, Club Anniversary celebrations, such as St. Catharine’s 100th Birthday in 2021, fundraisers, etc.
 
The DG Changeover planned for Saturday, June 27th at Wellspring Niagara will have to be virtual, but I am hoping to exchange the District gavel with Bob on the Rainbow Bridge.  This will be a first for our District and a great cross border photo op with the American and Horseshoe Falls as a backdrop!  
 
I plan to postpone the District Conference from October 24th until spring, with the hopes that it can be in person. If not, it also will be a virtual event. My goal was to have a “Pedal for Polio” cycling event as a fundraiser as part of the conference.  I am going ahead with planning for this event on the 24th with a goal of every club participating by providing at least one cyclist riding a route within their club’s catchment area.  My goal, with your help, is to raise $200,000 for Polio!
 
The Grant Management Seminar will need to be virtual as well this fall and the District Foundation Team are planning contingencies in this regard.  I was hoping to have a Million Dollar Dinner to help our rapidly decreasing Rotary Foundation and Polio contributions. Given the financial climate and a Canadian dollar/USD exchange at $1.40, I see no possibility of a successful dinner, but I will be encouraging ALL clubs to be EREY/Sustaining Member clubs.  Foundation giving is at an all-time low and we need to step up if we are to have sufficient funding for District and Global grants, VTT, scholarships, and Polio eradication. 
 
Council meetings will now transition to be held via Zoom as well.  Unfortunately, there will be no DG presidents' dinners in the fall. The Training Team has recommended offering PETS 1 and 2 via Zoom and DGN Anne Bermingham is in agreement with this format, which worked well for me this year. DGN and DGE Training offered by our Zone will be virtual with a much-reduced registration cost at $50 CDN. 
 
As a result of these changes, I asked the Chair of the Finance Committee to meet to consider a revised budget to give the clubs the benefit of reduced district dues.  They have done so, and we were able to remove the budgeted $150 USD assessment for PETS 2 and approximately $4.00USD per member, subject to the approval of the presidents-elect, which they did on a virtual meeting in May.
 
To say that COVID-19 sucks is an understatement. This is not the way DG Bob Artis, our club presidents, and RI President Mark Maloney wanted to end their year nor the way I, the club presidents-elect, RIPE Holger Knaack, and Valarie Wafer, Director, RI Board of Directors planned to start ours.
 
However, I will, with your help, support, and encouragement do whatever I can to ensure another successful ROTARY DISTRICT 7090 year.
 
YIR Service,
Frank
District Governor-Elect
Read more...
District Events
District Council Meeting
ZOOM
Jan 09, 2021
9:00 AM – 11:00 AM
 
RLI - Part 1 (session 1 of 3)
Zoom
Jan 13, 2021
6:45 PM – 9:00 PM
 
RLI - Part 1 (session 2 of 3)
Zoom
Jan 20, 2021
6:45 PM – 9:00 PM
 
WebTalks - Fundraising Ideas
Jan 26, 2021
7:00 PM – 8:00 PM
 
RLI - Part 1 (session 3 of 3)
Zoom
Jan 27, 2021
6:45 PM – 9:00 PM
 
RLI - Part 2 (session 1 of 3)
Zoom
Feb 10, 2021
6:45 PM – 9:00 PM
 
RLI - Part 2 (session 2 of 3)
Zoom
Feb 17, 2021
6:45 PM – 9:00 PM
 
Public Image - Social Media
Feb 17, 2021
7:00 PM – 8:00 PM
 
WebTalks - Youth Services Real Life Stories
Feb 23, 2021
7:00 PM – 8:00 PM
 
RLI - Part 2 (session 3 of 3)
Zoom
Feb 24, 2021
6:45 PM – 9:00 PM
 
RLI - Part 3 (session 1 of 3)
Zoom
Mar 10, 2021
6:45 PM – 9:00 PM
 
District Council Meeting
To Be Determined
Mar 13, 2021
8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
 
RLI - Part 3 (session 2 of 3)
Zoom
Mar 17, 2021
6:45 PM – 9:00 PM
 
District Conference 2020 - TBD/Spring of 2021
Niagara on the Lake Community Centre
Mar 20, 2021
 
RLI - Part 3 (session 3 of 3)
Zoom
Mar 24, 2021
6:45 PM – 9:00 PM
 
WebTalks - The Rotary Foundation
Mar 30, 2021
7:00 PM – 8:00 PM
 
WebTalks - Retention Techniques
Apr 27, 2021
7:00 PM – 8:00 PM
 
WebTalks - Rotary Learning Centre and More....
May 25, 2021
7:00 PM – 8:00 PM
 
District Council Meeting
To Be Determined
Jun 05, 2021
8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
 
WebTalks - Club Celebration!
Jun 29, 2021
7:00 PM – 8:00 PM
 
View entire list
Russell Hampton
ClubRunner
ClubRunner Mobile
Club & District News
RI President Speaks with D7090 Clubs
 
Click on the Upcoming Event for more information.
 
 
Office News

OFFICE UPDATE

Hi Rotarian Friends,
 
June 30, 2020, is the end of the 2019-2020 Rotary year, and July 1, 2020, begins the new 2020-2021 Rotary year.  With the turn of the year, we see new faces in leadership roles.  Our Governor will be Frank Adamson.  You will have new club leaders also.   In saying all this, I am reminding you of a couple of things, as follows:
  1. Your RI Club Invoice will be coming out in July.   So - you need to make sure your member roles are correct on July 1st.  And, remember, you will get a January 1 Club Invoice also.  RI bills semi-annually.  Your 2020-21 president, secretary, and treasurer will receive it by email.
  2. Your District Invoice will also be coming out by email to club officers in July.  It will be based on the members you report to RI.  The District bills annually.  For information on District dues, go to Treasurer's Page on the District website.
  3. The other thing you will want to remember is to make sure your roster of executives is correct on the District and RI websites.  If you have updated the District site and have integrated it with RI, you only need to make these assignments on the District site (or Club - ClubRunner website if you have one).  Be sure to change the year to 2020 - 2021.  This is especially important so that you don't miss the Club Invoice from RI.
Here is a link to Frequently Asked Questions regarding the Club Invoice at RI.  https://my.rotary.org/en/club-invoice-faq
 
Here is a link to Important Contact Information also - it contains contact information for Rotary International, Insurances, and more. 
 
As always, if you need assistance, you can contact the office
 
Life may be different for a while, yet Rotarians still find a way to serve.  Check out the club news in this newsletter. 
 
 
 
Planning Update

STRATEGICALLY FOCUSED FOR YOU

Rotary International(RI) has launched a new strategic plan in the past year.  If you have not reviewed it - you may find it most interesting to read.  
 
RI is encouraging all clubs/districts to do the same.  So our District 7090 recently reviewed and approved a Strategic Plan that will guide the District Leadership Team from 2020 to 2023.  Outlined below are the five main strategies and what you can expect to see or experience as a result of this plan.
 
Strategy #1:  Educate and guide clubs on innovative ways to recruit and retain new members.  
Watch for more interactive webinars and regional presentations so clubs can learn from other clubs on what they are doing that is working to recruit and engage members.  There will be more resources made available on the District 7090 website and more promotion of these materials so that they are utilized more.  Also, there will be active exploring of new geographic areas where we could launch satellites or even new clubs in communities who at this time do not have a Rotary club in that community.   
 
Strategy #2:  Train club members to provide strong leadership at the club level
We are exploring doing more assessments on what clubs want in terms of training so that we are offering customized and not generic training.  All President-Elect training will be offered online in 2020-2021 and many other mediums and forms of training will be provided this coming year to traditional Rotarians as well as Rotaractors.
 
Strategy #3: Assist clubs to enhance public image and awareness of all Rotary dies in local and global communities 
You can expect more interactive training as we have had on Rotary open mic where clubs receive help to post to various forms of social media.  Each club is going to be encouraged to have a social media / public image person and our District will support these individuals with materials to post and techniques to help liven and strengthen the image each club projects to its community.
 
Strategy #4:  Motivate and guide clubs to increase their understanding and support of the Rotary Foundation.  
The District Foundation Team is going to be reaching out to clubs to present information about the programs.  Training such as what is required for district grants is hopefully going to migrate to an interactive online experience.  New district events to raise money for the Foundation will be launched this year.  
 
Strategy #5:  Inspire clubs to get more involved with youth.  
You will see more support being provided to help clubs launch and support Rotaract Clubs.  Shorter-term youth exchanges will be encouraged as a way to get more clubs in our district involved in youth exchange.  RYLA is being relaunched in 20201 with a refreshed program and the goal is to have 40 participants.
 
The plan is on our District website (Strategic Plan).  If you have any questions or ideas to help our District to implement this plan, please contact incoming District Governor Frank Adamson (insert district email) or District Governor Nominee Anne Bermingham (anne@d7090.org
 
 
 
 
Annual Fund News

The Rotary Foundation - WORTHY of your support

As we approach the end of the Rotary calendar year, it is a great time to consider a donation to The Rotary Foundation.

How many of you realize that 50% of what we all give to the Annual Fund for The Rotary Foundation comes back to our District 7090 as District Designated Funds (DDF)?  DDF is how we pay for district programs such as District Simplified Grants for community service projects, TRF matching grants for international service projects and funding to award scholarships.  The more support we give to the Annual Fund of The Rotary Foundation the more we can get back in return from The Rotary Foundation to support these programs at the District and club level.
 
Giving to the Annual Fund of The Rotary Foundation is an excellent way to express our trust in the judgment of our District 7090 Rotarians in fixing the problems in our local communities.  We trust them to design and implement local projects that are worthy of being approved by our District Grants Committee with funds that we have contributed to The Rotary Foundation and are returned to our District as "DDF” (District Designated Funds).

Donations to the Annual Fund are the mainstay of The Rotary Foundation and make it possible for clubs to transform lives worldwide through programs and projects within our six Areas of Focus. Those six areas are, Peace and Conflict Prevention / Resolution; Disease Prevention and Treatment; Water and Sanitation; Maternal and Child Health; Basic Education and Literacy; and Economic and Community Development.

Donating to the Annual Fund is actually quite easy. You may write a check to your club and designate it for the Annual Fund, giving it to the Club Treasurer. Or, you may make a one-time donation, or arrange for an automatic deduction each month from your bank or credit card to The Rotary Foundation at https://my.rotary.org/en/donate.

The Charity Navigator report on The Rotary Foundation, produced annually, is an excellent way to monitor the health of the Foundation. Charity Navigator the largest and most-used charity evaluator.  On August 1st, 2019, Charity Navigator announced that for the 12th consecutive year, The Rotary Foundation had received the highest rating possible. In a recent letter to the Foundation, Charity Navigator noted that "...only 1 percent of the charities we evaluate have received at least 10 consecutive 4-star evaluations…”

And, yes, your donations to The Rotary Foundation are tax-deductible and will be acknowledged by the Foundation.  Just be sure your donation is sent to TRF in your name and with your ID number.

We all know 2020 has become a very different world but we also know TRF is there is help us all achieve great things. Quick to action when COVID-19 hit with $1000 grants to 20 clubs to help their communities during this pandemic.
 
In the past, our District Foundation has helped with food programs, school reading programs, upgraded community parks, and worldwide programs with educational materials, disaster reliefs, wells and so much more. Please take some time and look at the Rotary world showcase for fabulous projects in your community, district, and around the world and ideas your club could achieve as well.  But for our District to continue to do good in the world with district and world grants in 2022-23 every Rotarian needs to contribute today. 

Let’s try to achieve in our District Every Member Every Year to the Rotary Foundation Annual Fund.
 
Thank you for your consideration,
 
Sandi Chard, Annual Fund Chair
 
 
RotaryHIP

HONORING INDIGENOUS PEOPLES

RotaryHIP was created by Rotarians in Southern Ontario in partnership and consultation with a number of indigenous people.  Over the past year, D7090 has also joined this effort to promote the honouring of indigenous people by supporting their educational efforts and encouraging everyone to be aware of indigenous issues, history, and culture.
 
In its work, RotaryHIP is guided by the initial treaties that are represented by the wampum belts that were historically exchanged by indigenous and non-indigenous people in North America. There are many wampum belts.

The Two Row Wampum belt is a treaty representing friendship, peace, and respect. This belt has two purple lines symbolizing a canoe and a European ship traveling down the river of life together. The canoe carries the laws, spirituality, and way of life for the First Nations or indigenous people and the ship carries the laws, religion, and way of life of the Europeans, the North American settlers. It is understood that each should travel side by side, co-existing in mutual respect and harmony.

The Rotary 7090 HIP Committee:

The new District committee called Honouring Indigenous Peoples (HIP) has the following stated purpose.
  1. Promote and educate Rotarians and clubs on Indigenous issues
  2. Encourage District clubs to work with Indigenous groups
  3. Share info on Indigenous activities
  4. Encourage clubs to work on joint projects with Indigenous neighbours
  5. Encourage clubs to join RotaryHIP
Any clubs or individuals interested in this committee or want to be on the mailing list please let Jim Dawson energyprojwd@gmail.com know.  We will be gathering and sharing events and opportunities related to Indigenous groups.

What Can Clubs Do? 

Respect our indigenous peoples by acknowledging gratitude for the land and those whose traditional territory we reside on when we meet as a group.  See Land Acknowledgement.
 
 
 
 
Grand Island News

LEADING THE WAY

The leaders of the Rotary Club of Grand Island are showing all its members the way to perform service to the community during COVID-19 in safe, social-distancing, ways.
 
Pictured left - President Dick Earne has been preparing individual bags of cheese from the bulk supplies at the Tonawanda Corps Salvation Army drive-thru food pantry. Face masks and gloves when handling anything are now part of safe routines. The Tonawanda Corps provided over 3400 bags of groceries, up from less than 1300 bags in February!
 
In another area, President-Elect Sherry Miller (right) gave blood at an all-Island blood drive last week, bringing along a small sign to show fellow donors ‘Rotary Responds’ to the current emergency! 
 
Waterdown News

LOCAL HERO PROGRAM

The Rotary Club of Waterdown has partnered with the Waterdown Business Improvement Area (BIA) for a 20-day program recognizing local heroes, people who have gone above and beyond during this pandemic.  They may be volunteers, healthcare workers, or other local essential workers and/or business employees. We're looking for stories of people who have gone out of their way to keep the rest of us stay safe, fed, well, learning, entertained, and informed.
 
Names of ALL nominees will be posted on the Local Hero Wall on the BIA & Rotary Club’s websites.
 
We hope to receive many nominations to be able to tell some great local stories. (Heros of Waterdown Village HOWV!) Postcards about the program were mailed to local residents in early May.
 
The stories of 20 selected nominees will be shared on social media and each of those individuals will receive two $50 gift certificates to a BIA business of their choice - one to keep for themselves and one to donate to someone who has struggled through the COVID-19. The Rotary Club of Waterdown will match the BIA's contribution to help us provide $2,000 worth of BIA gift certificates to featured heroes and their selected 'pay it forward' recipients.
 
 
Fonthill News

PROMOTING THE EFFORTS OF OTHERS

In light of the COVID19 pandemic, the Rotary Club of Fonthill decided together with their community partners to defer the Raise the Arches project. Additionally, the club is deferring its major 2020 fundraisers including Purse Bingo and Niagara Family FunFest so that members can focus on support to the local community.
 
The Fabric Mask Initiative: Members reached out to the community for help in organizing a project producing sewn fabric masks for distribution to individuals and community organizations.  To date, the Rotary Club of Fonthill together with community volunteers has produced and distributed over 2,100 masks! The Fabric Mask Initiative has provided opportunities for the club to promote fundraising efforts of local charities whose resources have been stretched by the pandemic.
 
The club has undertaken a provision of $1,400 in supplies including eggs, milk, and butter to our local food bank Pelham Cares utilizing a District Grant.
 
On May 5th the club announced a contribution of $350 to Ronald McDonald House Charities' Meals That Heal. 
 
Club member and District Membership Director Angela Carter together with other District partners recently launched the #RotaryD7090Challenge to #TagtheSpirit.  Club members were pleased to participate and continue to promote this initiative to spread the positivity, service, and spirit of Rotary on social media.
 
The Rotary Club of Fonthill has resumed regular weekly meetings remotely by Zoom with great success and is organizing a ‘Quarantine at Home - online BINGO Social’ on May 27.
 
Pictured are two community volunteers, Our Mask(ed) Heroes Tove Bowman (Past-Secretary 2009-12, Paul Harris Fellow 2013) and Dr. Jim Dixon.
 
 
West Seneca News

SURPRISE DRIVE-BY SCHOLARSHIPS

The Rotary Club of West Seneca has a long-standing relationship and support of our local West Seneca Central School District. On Sunday, May 17th, members of the West Seneca Rotary Scholarship Committee and fellow Rotarians visited the residences of the four award recipients of the 2020 West Seneca Rotary $500 Scholarship. Surprise visits were coordinated with the families on behalf of the students and their individual checks were personally delivered with an oversized promotional check and balloons.

Danielle Behlok, daughter of Claudia and Christian Behlok was selected as the West Seneca East Female Recipient. She has demonstrated leadership and volunteer service while at East Senior as both the 2020 Class Council President and Student Council Vice President where she assisted in the planning of the Fall and Spring Craft Show, Teacher Appreciation Week and the Hockey for Humane Benefit for the Humane Society just to name a few of her many worthy and involved activities. She was a Student Representative at School Board Meetings and a Fresh Start Mentor for incoming Freshmen Students. She intends to pursue a career as a Physician Assistant and will be attending Daemen College as part of their Direct Entry Physician’s Assistant Program with also a minor in a foreign language. An ultimate goal of Danielle she included in her application is to work as a medical missionary in underdeveloped countries by applying both her knowledge of medicine and a foreign language.

Brandon Cole, son of Becky and Everett Cole was selected as the West Seneca East Male Recipient. While at East Senior, Brandon was first chair Trumpet in Jazz Band and Concert Band and also a Brass Section Leader in the Marching Band. Additionally, he was part of a Leadership Program at school, a member of the Spanish Club, National Honor Society, and Honor Societies for Music, Spanish, and Social Studies. An active volunteer for his school and community, he also sings in the Chamber Chorus and Crazy Guys of Ebenezer. He intends to attend University at Bufffalo for Environmental Design and eventually continue at UB for Graduate School to receive a Master’s Degree in Architecture. Brandon included within his application his desire to become a licensed Architect with an emphasis on protecting our Environment and someday having a business of his own.
 
Haley Renzoni, daughter of Jennifer and Marc Renzoni was selected as the West Seneca West Female Recipient. A very involved Music Student, she was a member of Vocabella, Vocal Jazz, and the Musicals. Haley was MVP of the Girls Varsity Swim Team and consistently worked to not only improve herself but also assist teammates as asked to do demonstrations by coaches. Haley was a member of the Life Science Academy, Class Board, National Honor Society, Science Honor Society, and also part of the Morning Announcements each day. Her outside service is additionally impressive volunteering with the Arthritis Foundation, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Queen of Heaven Church, and a Bronze Award, Silver Award recipient from the Girl Scouts of America. She also attended a Dale Carnegie Event where she was a guest presenter and delivered her Women of Distinction speech. She intends to pursue a degree at Clarkson University in Biology or Biomedical Science with a Pre-Medical Track with a goal of becoming a Pediatric Rheumatologist.
 
John Velasquez, son of Lisa and Edward Velasquez was selected as the West Seneca West Male Recipient. He was an Executive Officer of the National Honor Society, Vice President of the Spanish Honor Society, member of the Men's Volleyball Team, and International Relations Club as well as a Fresh Start Mentor for incoming Freshmen Students. Within his role within the International Relations Club, he completed a project called the Home Again Project. He assembled his classmates to gather items to furnish a home for an area refugee family, Additionally, he was an Executive Board member of the Math Club serving also as a tutor for Fourth Grade Students through High School Algebra II Students. In his community, John has volunteered at Fox Run Retirement Center and the YMCA After-School Program. John intends to attend the University of Rochester to earn a Masters Degree in Business Administration and to also travel abroad.

 
Olean News

AND THE WINNER IS...

The Olean Rotary Club has been busy working with the local community foundation to raise monies for Covid-19 support.  Congratulations - Olean Rotarians for winning the challenge!
 
See the screenshot below of the Cattaraugus County Community Foundation Facebook page.
 
Dunnville News

WHEEL OF NAMES TOOL

 
PDG Ralph Montesanto and AG Dave Alexander attended the Rotary Club of Dunnville's virtual meeting on May 7th via Zoom.  Something unique they enjoyed and are passing along to you, our readers, is a tool called Wheel of Names.  Dunnville Rotary used it for the club's 'Chase the Ace' draw.   According to Dave, "In these COVID times, it seems to me that D7090 clubs are adding shape to the enjoyment of on-line meetings and this is one of those assets. Pass this along and in return, if you have any other apps or add ons, feel free to pass them along."
 

Wheel of Names | Random name picker

 
Dave reports more news heard at the meeting: Dunnville Rotarians are doing their part in this fight against COVID-19 by providing Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) kits for local agencies and replenishing hand sanitizer for first responders among other activities. The members also talked about creating a Go Fund Me initiative and the weekly District seminar was mentioned by one of the members. 
 
 
Brantford Sunrise News

RESPONDING TO NEEDS

Virtual meetings and virtual socials have kept members of the Rotary Club of Brantford-Sunrise updated and social during these unprecedented times.
 
Responding to the ongoing need for personal protective equipment, the club contributed $1,400 to the Brant Community Healthcare Foundation to help purchase facemasks for healthcare workers who are working the frontline during the COVID-19 crisis. This contribution was made possible through the support of the District Grants Committee for District 7090 and The Rotary Foundation.  
 
Also recognizing that non-profit organizations require assistance more than ever, Brantford-Sunrise sent $2,000 to the Brantford Food Bank, and the Brantford-Sunrise Rookie Committee supported Food4Kids, an organization that provides healthy food packages to children who have limited or no access to food otherwise. 
 
Pictured right is Rotarian Jason Cherry maintaining the appropriate social distancing while presenting a cheque for $2,500 to Rachel Boateng, founder and Executive Director of Food4Kids Brant-Haldimand.
 
 
Greater Jamestown AM News

STILL AT IT 22 YEARS LATER

 
Kelly Dawson, Treasurer of the Rotary Club of Greater Jamestown AM,  joined Rotary in her early twenties with a passion - to clean up the highway.  Here the club is twenty-two years later and Kelly is still leading the charge with Adopt a Mile - the program she brought to the club with energy and focus.  The Rotary Club of Greater Jamestown AM has the last mile leading into Jamestown on Route 60 and has since 1998. 
 
Kelly - also known as Trash Barbie to the club - sent this email missive out thanking her fellow Rotarians and friend for helping her clean up last weekend: 
 
"I would like to thank the following people for helping out this past Saturday at Adopt a Mile: Bill Burley, Bob Terreberry, Bert Rappole, Yulia (International Student from JCC joining our zoom meetings), Scott Sawyer, Greg Leonard, Scott Johnson, Ana Tufaile. We were done fairly quickly and we practiced social distancing!" 
 
Wow!  That's over a 50% club turnout. 
 
 
Dundas Valley Sunrise News

FLASH, BOOM, BURSTS

Flash, boom, bursts of white, red, and green. Victoria Day fireworks in the Dundas Driving Park. Since 2009, this longstanding Dundas tradition has been supported by the City of Hamilton presented by the Rotary Club of Dundas Valley Sunrise and recently sponsored by the Canadian Tire Corporation.
 
This year the event continues, albeit virtually. ”We wanted the community to have something to celebrate even if it was not in person,” says Alexis Wenzowski of the DVSRC. She brought the idea to the club as a way to not only keep the fireworks ‘alive’ but also to give back to the community and especially to honour all the frontline workers in the COVID-19 pandemic. ”A little bit of joy for everyone to brighten these days of routine and confinement and for some life-endangering work,” she said.
 
The club quickly pivoted from the real to virtual and lead by Ross Bannatyne, it pulled together past photos and videos of the event courtesy of Paul Iacoviello and Victory Fireworks and created a new video with the help of Justin Monaco-Barnes of Thrillhouse Studios which will air on Cable 14 Sunday night May 17 the original date set for this year’s fireworks.
 
Over the last ten years, the event has grown to include a Kids Fest with buskers, face-painting, and glow sticks and, a Music Fest including local bands featuring James Alphonse and Steve Parton. Families arrive early and picnic or purchase food from a variety of food trucks as they await the grand finale of fireworks. With volunteers from the Dundas Civitan club, Routes Youth Centre and surrounding Rotary clubs the Rotary Club of Dundas Valley Sunrise has maintained a Dundas tradition.
 
In 1845 May 24 was declared a national celebration by order of Parliament to honour Queen Victoria’s birthday. It has remained on Canada’s national holiday calendar ever since although in 1952 the holiday has been placed on the first Monday before May 25.
 
There have been picnics, parades, and fireworks in Dundas for well over 100 years. Kevin Puddister of the Dundas Museum and Archives remembers the cannons from the armouries being moved to Albert Street and then set off to signal respect for the monarch and Art Samson recalls that he and his wife, Agnes, took their children to the Driving Park over fifty years ago. “Simple pleasure is the way that we celebrate life here in our Valley Town,” says Russ Powers, the former councilor who was among the people who kept the fireworks alive in Dundas after amalgamation with the City of Hamilton.
 
The Rotary Club of Dundas Valley Sunrise has used proceeds from previous fireworks to support local and international charities such as the Good Shepherd, Neighbour to Neighbour, and End Polio Now.
 
The club plans to host a ‘live’ event in the future. Thanksgiving weekend 2020 has been set as a tentative date and so has Victoria Day weekend 2021. For more information contact Ross Bannatyne 905 628-4439 or go online to our website www.dsvrc.ca.

 
Ellicottville News

CLUB CELEBRATES 2O YEARS

This year marks the 20th anniversary of the Rotary Club of Ellicottville. The club was chartered in 1999 with two original members, Greg Cappelli and Dave Blanchard, still active members today. The club is dedicated to the local community providing help and assistance to benefit all in Ellicottville. With Rotary’s two affiliates “The Foundation for Youth” and “Family Support for Ellicottville” Rotary drives many local projects and programs.
 
Rotary Club of Ellicottville Local Projects and Support include:
  • Donations to the Ellicottville Food Bank
  • Summer intern and educational reading program at the Ellicottville Library
  • $50K donation to establish a youth center at the Ellicottville Library
  • Robotic & Drones for technology education
  • PC’s, IPADs and Charging stations for the Library
  • EYWIC programs
  • iPads for the ECS Pre-K classroom
  • Microscopes for ECS
  • Dinner for families during the COVID-19 Pandemic with the help of ECS
  • Summer Tutoring Program at ECS
  • Fully funded summer camp participation at Allegheny State Park
  • Teen Slapshot Leadership Training Program.
  • ECS and BOCES student scholarships for outstanding graduates
  • Support many other ECS programs like ESPRA
  • Ellicottville Fire Department Explorer Program
  • Alley Katz village beautification projects
  • Annual support for student school supplies
  • Annual Kids Halloween Party 
  • Santa’s Workshop
  • Rotary Auditorium at the New Town Center
  • Picnic tables at the Village Park
In honor of our 20th anniversary, If you would like to contribute to help fund our local goals and commitments, you can simply go to our website at www.ellicottvillerotary.com and go to the Donate button at the top of the page. You can also like us on Facebook. In this year of special needs, donations would be greatly appreciated.
 
Rotary has two major fundraisers in support of these efforts: Tuscan Moon, held on the Saturday of the weekend before Labor Day weekend. This is a favorite “social event” held outdoors at the Holiday Valley Resort with cuisine from local restaurants and lively entertainment, along with silent and live auctions.  The other is Bob McCarthy’s Irish Christmas, held the first Friday in December and named after a beloved friend of Rotary who parted this world too early. This is an evening spent with donated pies in wood crafted pie boxes auctioned in a festive Holiday environment. We are very thankful for the generosity of our local restaurants, businesses, and individuals, without whom it would be impossible to hold these fundraisers.
 
Rotary is there when families or students have special needs such as eyeglasses, hearing aids, clothing, or a ride for medical care. Additionally, Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners are provided to those in need. We could not do all of this without our Friends of Rotary who are non-member volunteers who provide help at various fundraising and other events. We are equally blessed and thankful for the individuals, businesses, and restaurants whose support and contributions provide the necessary fuel to keep our projects alive.
 
Niagara Falls, ON News

FEEDING THE FRONT LINE AND MORE

 
The Rotary Club of Niagara Falls continues to help our community in need on a weekly basis during this difficult time.
 
Barbara and Bill Greenwood have been going to Rotarian doorsteps and collecting 70 lbs of non-perishable food once a week, bringing the donations to the local Project Share.
 
President Barb, with help from Rotarian Paul Bright, has also delivered meals from Tim Horton’s to the staff working at EMS services and Dispatch in Niagara Falls, along with front line workers at the Greater Niagara General Hospital. 
 
Pictured right are Bill and Barb at Project Share.
 
 
Niagara Clubs News

NIAGARA CLUBS BAND TOGETHER

On May 25, 2020, six Rotary Clubs in Niagara (the Rotary Clubs of St. Catharines Lakeshore, St. Catharines, Niagara Falls Sunrise, Fonthill, Lincoln, Grimsby, and Welland) have joined forces to supply Samsung Tablets to each of the Long-Term Care Homes managed by the Regional Municipality of Niagara.
 
As we are all too aware, the residents of these term care facilities are in "lock-down", unable to see or speak to their loved ones outside of the home other than waving at a window. COVID-19 has imprisoned the senior generation of families, especially at a time when they need their family’s words, smiles, and love.  
 
Local Rotary clubs across Niagara wanted to help. After contacting the Regions LTC coordinator, who canvassed all their facilities, it was agreed that on-line communication was a real need and that all 8 of their facilities wanted tablets for their residents to use. 
 
Based on this research, each of Linhaven (St. Catharines), The T. Roy Adams Regional Centre for Dementia Care (St. Catharines), Deer Park Villa (Grimsby), Upper Canada Lodge (Niagara‐on‐the‐Lake), The Meadows of Dorchester (Niagara Falls), The Woodlands of Sunset (Welland), D.H. Rapelje Lodge (Welland) and Northland Pointe (Port Colborne) have received 10 inch Samsung tablets perfect for residents to share, contact and talk with their families and friends.
 
The clubs involved would like to thank AG David Berry, Rotary Club of Niagara Falls Sunrise, who investigated the need, arranged for the tablet purchase, spent over 10 hours initializing the tablets and even delivered tablets to the Meadows of Dorchester LTC.
 
Pictured at the Meadows of Dorchester are Aimie Taylor, Meadows of Dorchester Program Manager (center), and two other Super Heroes receiving 5 of the tablets.
 
Hamilton News

PROGRAMS CONTINUE IN NEW WAY

Many changes have taken place over the last few months due to the pandemic.  The weekly Thursday lunch meetings have changed to a social “Talk To Me Thursday” virtual discussions.  The club president has a different “question” to create some light-hearted conversation and a few laughs! The Rotary Club of Hamilton has been able to maintain a few of the service projects including the Little Library Box.
 
The Little Library Box has been stocked with books, crafts, games and even food over the past month. Rotarians, friends of Rotary and community members, and teachers from Cathy Wever School all have stepped up to fill the Little Library Box.
 
In addition, the CORE Kids After School Program was paused but has been pivoting to meet new needs in the community. Over 100 children came to the program each week, the Program Staff have continued to connect virtually and by phone with the children. There have been KID Packs delivered to some of the homes that included activities, crafts, and food for the children and their families. During the pandemic, we have seen many of the families in great need of basic supplies, and we have been able to connect them with the right resources and help while they are staying at home and being safe.
 
Rotary is not canceled, it is just different….meetings are different, projects change, adapt and meet the greatest needs.
 
 
 
More Hamilton News

COVID CARES PROJECT

The Rotary Club of Hamilton’s COVID Cares project was completed in May. Over $6000 worth of KN95 Masks and disposable surgical style masks were purchased and delivered to several front-line local service providers. The Rotary Club of Hamilton received permission to redirect their District grant to support a COVID-19 project after the Rotary Rocks Curling Program was unable to take place as schools closed. The new project was quickly approved by the Board of Directors. Utilizing the Rotary network, the purchase of masks was able to happen through a distributor at wholesale prices.
 
The masks were given to front-line service providers that had great difficulty in securing PPE for staff and participants. Two locations of St Leonard’s Society, the local YMCA Men’s Residence, The Salvation Army Ellen Osler House for Women, and the remaining masks given to the PPE Drive for the City of Hamilton.  For many of these front-line service providers they had limited or no PPE supplies. With the help of club Rotarians, President Heather Moroz made arrangements to pick up and deliver the masks to the front line organizations who greatly appreciated the PPE and that Rotary thought about them and their clients and participants.
 
 
 
Norfolk Sunrise News

BUILDING A COMMUNITY

I’ve been a Sunriser for 6 years now. Being a retired army officer, I have enjoyed every part of this new approach to being in a ‘service club’!  What a rush … What a great way to give back to the community …
 
Whilst it hasn’t hampered our Rotary work, we have been a bit ‘gypsy-like’ insofar as our having a place we could call home (reminiscent of the early Paul Harris meetings?). In my short time, we’ve met in no fewer than 5 places – I suppose a good way to get to know the community but a little less than stable!
 
Along the way, we supported and came to know, a local organization called Church Out Serving (COS). As an ecumenical community support group that practices its love of community, they have initiated a new project to purchase the abandoned Simcoe Liquor Store and turn it into a community food-hub, a welcoming place for everyone to experience food and friendship in a new way. It will also include support for the disadvantaged in Norfolk County who are dealing with hunger, dietary, and other food-related issues. Our Club immediately saw the value in this and jumped in. Our partnership and support in this important community development initiative have been a wonderful experience for all of us involved.
 
We have provided moral support and helped to promote the work in the community. We have provided financial support and partnered with many other community agents who are helping to fund the development. Importantly, we have seized on the work as a way to provide a ‘sweat-equity’ contribution. In order to defray the facility costs, to date, the ‘Riversyde 83’ project has benefited from no fewer than 6,000 volunteer hours, of which Rotary has contributed almost 10% - what a great feeling.
 
We’re proud of what we have been and are able to support. We toured District Governor Bob Artis through the facility on his recent visit to Norfolk County – his reaction was to seek a re-invitation to Norfolk to participate in the grand opening of this Riversyde 83 initiative!
 
Goodness only knows when that might be now. When we get through the current Covid-19, work stoppage there are only several months of work to go to see the end. Then, just maybe, this will be our new home as we take advantage of a great, new COS facility that reflects our concern with, and support of, the disadvantaged in our own community.
 
Pictured above left: RCNS members providing a symbol of their support to the Riversyde 83 Community Support Facility in Simcoe – from the left – Jim Simpson (Chair, Community Service), Rudi Atkinson (President Norfolk Sunrise), Ross Gibbons (Constr Manager), Eric Haverkamp (Board Chair, Church Out Serving), Ross Gowan (Rotary Sunrise), Mary Mercato (Chair Communications) and Keith Jones (Past President Norfolk Sunrise).
 
Pictured right:  Keith Flexman, Norfolk Sunrise, Bob Stevenson AG, Bob Artis, DG, Rudi Atkinson, Norfolk Sunrise President, Eric Haverkamp, Board Chair, COS.
 
Lincoln News

THE LONG-ANTICIPATED IS HERE

The long-anticipated start date to the Rotary Park - Phase 1 adjacent to the Fleming Centre in Lincoln, Ontario is officially underway.  Scheduled to open in the summer of 2021.  The development of the park will be staged over two phases beginning in 2020 with the installation of the skate park and pump track.
 
The agreement between the Town of Lincoln and the Rotary Club of Lincoln, Ontario Canada (RCL) regarding RCL’s $100,000 donation to the Rotary park project and recognition (e.g. onsite signage, stewardship, usage opportunities) has been signed and official.
 
Concept design for the park was completed through a comprehensive community consultation process and approved by the Town of Lincoln Council as a capital project in December 2019 at a total value of $3,060,000.
 
Rotary Park is one of the town’s most significant parkland projects currently and is classified as a “Destination” park because it features a skate park and pump track, amenities that will not be installed in any other public park in the Town of Lincoln.
 
Designed for all ages, the park will include ample parking for vehicles and bicycles, a variety of activity and passive areas with related equipment, walking paths, picnic pavilion, and open space equipped with active utilities (water & hydro) for community events.  It will also include, the “Butterfly Garden”, to be created in partnership with Ontariogreen, the Fleming Family, Butterfly Garden Committee, and the Town of Lincoln.
 
 
More Lincoln News

FIGHTING HUNGER

The Rotary Club of Lincoln donated a total of $2500 to two local food banks in Lincoln, the Community Care of West Niagara, and the Village of Hope. 
 
$1500 donation went towards purchasing packages of fresh protein to help CCWN feed Town of Lincoln residents in need. Sobeys gave the club compassionate pricing that allowed this donation to go much further. 
 
The Village of Hope sent thanks to everyone for making a difference and making it possible for VoH to do what they do!
 
 

 

Club Events

The Rotary Club of St. Catharines Lakeshore
announces its
NEW Virtual Trivia
January 9, 2021 - A fun night of 100 questions.
 
The Rotary Club of Batavia
announces its
2021 Corvette Raffle
for details
 
The Rotary Club of Welland
announces its
100TH ANNIVERSARY - HAS BEEN POSTPONED AGAIN DUE TO COVID-19
STAY TUNED!