Rotary members are tackling environmental issues the way they always do, coming up with projects, using their connections to change policy, and planning for the future.
Protecting the Environment: Rotary members are tackling environmental issues the way they always do: coming up with projects, using their connections to change policy and planning for the future.
Helping the environment: Will climate change bring more poverty? Will we be able to stop its worst effects? Former Rotary scholars and peace fellows who studied environmental issues offer their thoughts. READ MORE
Climate change: Rotarians understand that the whole world is their backyard. See what members are doing now to protect the environment. READ MORE
Saving habitats: Rotary members pledge to restore the monarch butterfly’s disappearing habitat. READ MORE
We are sad to be sharing the news of PDG Frederic “Nick” Norton passing, just two days after celebrating his 90th birthday. While his mind was focused on getting to 100, his heart had other plans. He passed peacefully in his apartment in Buffalo surrounded by his art and the people who love and care for him dearly. We know he is truly happy now to be with his beloved wife, Alex.
Nick was active in District 7090 for fifty-four years being president of the Kenmore and Fredonia Rotary Club and serving as District Governor in 1987-88. While he spent many years with his family in Kenmore where he practiced law and served as a trustee of the village, he eventually called the town of Arkwright home and served as the town Supervisor there for five terms. Among Nick’s many accomplishments, he was most proud of helping to get installed a windmill farm in the town of Arkwright and donating his sizable print collection to the Albright. He was instrumental in starting the Rotary District 7090 RYLA program and introduced the Youth Exchange Program to the Rotary Club of Kenmore, and demonstrated his faith in it by sending each of his children on exchange.
The family will hold a service at their property in Arkwright this July. On-line condolences may be made at larsontimkofuneralhome.com. LARSON-TIMKO Funeral Home.
So, I use one of those blotter pad calendars on my desk as a first draft of my availability. I
write in the days of the month in the blanks and then fill it up with (and not in any particular order of importance) - work, play, Rotary, family - meetings, notes, and activities.
There has never been a more busy month nor a less riot of scribbles. Thanks March and your 31 days.
Many, many excellent club visits and conversations with friends, old and new. All worthwhile.
So, hello April! Beat that!
District Conference in a few days! Great Lakes Watershed Cleanup as part of Rotary’s Environment Month. And more activities, meetings, and visits on the scratch pad schedule as I head into the final quarter of my year as your District Governor.
Okay, then. April has a chance.
Read more... about Friends of Rotary and a CONTEST!!!
In celebration of Earth Day 2025, our Rotary-Greenway Steering Committee has an exciting lineup of spring cleanups planned! Check out the schedule and help keep our waterways and trails clean!
3/29 (10am-1pm) Rotary Club of Buffalo & Canisius Rotaract Pollinator Garden Site Survey and Cleanup
4/5 (9am-2pm) Rotary Club of the Tonawanda Electronic Recycling Event
4/19 (9am-11:30am) Rotary Club of Tonawanda Canal Clean Sweep
4/19 (9am-12pm) Lockport Rotary Club Canal Clean Sweep
4/19 (8am-11am) Niagara County Central Club Cleanup
4/26 (10am-12pm) Rotary Club of Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus and WSRC Cleanup
4/26 (9am-11am) Rotary Club of Grand Island Adopt a Trail Cleanup
5/3 (10am-12pm) Rotary Club of Kenmore Adopt a Trail Cleanup
5/3 (10am-12pm) Buffalo Sunrise Rotary Club Adopt a Trail Cleanup
We hear it over and over from Rotarians: Everyone needs to experience the Rotary International Convention at least once.
“The Rotary Convention is life changing” is a line we hear most after Rotarians have attended a convention. Convention newbies, from Rotaractors to new club leaders, will reap the reward that results from thousands of members coming together: the feeling that you belong to something bigger than yourself.
That feeling turns first-timers into convention regulars; you will learn how to make measurable improvements for people in your community and communities around the world. Members say that highlights making spontaneous connections in the House of Friendship and feeling Rotary’s worldwide influence.
Members kindle their fire for service listening to leading experts at general sessions. Speakers are first class and will leave you inspired.
Evenings can be spent attending events that the host club has arranged. Many are typical of Calgary hospitality with showmanship including Indigenous hoop dancing, toe-tapping music, bronc riding, horseback relay races, country music… all a great way to sample Calgary. Many Rotarians when visiting conventions also take the opportunity to add a side trip. Take part in learning about a great part of Canada.
You will want to book these ASAP as July1st is Canada’s birthday celebration when hotels book early.
This is your easiest opportunity to start a tradition of attending a Rotary International Convention and be part of our 1.4 million friends around the world. Book your convention today!
On December 19, 2024, President and Chancellor of Syracuse University, Kent Syverud, Dean of the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs at Syracuse University, David Van Slyke, and Director of Alumni Relations at Syracuse University, Jessica Murray (PHOTO LEFT, L to R), each received a Paul Harris Fellow recognition from Rotarian John Ambrose Cooper (PHOTO RIGHT) member of the Rotary Clubs of Niagara Falls (NY) and Niagara County Central, and a Syracuse alumnus.
John presented these three PHFs in recognition of the recipients’ leadership as part of the Maxwell School centennial anniversary celebration (1924 – 2024)
By presenting this prestigious recognition to these senior leaders of his alma mater, John accomplished two significant achievements:
(1) he enhanced the image and awareness of Rotary International at this major educational institution; and
(2) by funding these PHF recognitions, he provided important financial support for our Rotary Foundation.
John hopes that his example will inspire other Rotarians to consider PHF recognition to the leaders of their alma maters, as well as other business and community leaders.
It is a great way to support our Foundation and promote Rotary at the same time. Recipients will feel greatly honored to receive this prestigious recognition.
💙💛Friday Night 4/4: an evening of fun and fundraising.
Get ready for an unforgettable Friday night at the Rotary District 7090 Conference!
We’re kicking things off with Bits, Bites and Benevolence, an evening of great food, karaoke, and fellowship, and we’d love for you to be part of it! at the Rotary District 7090 Conference!
Bits, Bites and Benevolence
Canadian Legion Branch 396, 3860 Legion Street, Niagara Falls, ON
Register for JUST the ClubRunner event that is being offered as a stand-alone Break-Out Session.
Go HERE then click on REGISTER in the upper right.
The discussion will be led by Omar from ClubRunner. He will walk you through all you need to know in order to use CR for club events, record keeping, stories, etc.
Perfect for your club executives or your upcoming New Leaders!
Club Italia, 2525 Montrose Rd, Niagara Falls, ON L2H 0T9
It is open to the public FREE OF CHARGE.
Go HERE then click on REGISTER in the upper right.
Whether you are a Rotarian or a passionate community member, join us for this exciting event, designed to spark innovative discussions, bring forth new service ideas and foster collaboration between Rotarians and community members alike.
The Rotary Foundation Scholarship Committee of District 7090 is pleased to award THREE $1,200 USD scholarships to deserving high school graduating students!
Students must submit the scholarship Application to their local Rotary Club.
Each year, The Rotary Foundation awards up to 50 fellowships for master’s degrees and 80 for certificate studies at one of our peace centers.
Fellows earn either a master’s degree or a professional development certificate in peace and conflict studies at one of the Rotary Peace Centers, located within seven leading universities around the world.
The Rotary Peace Fellowship is designed for leaders with work experience in peace and development. Our fellows are committed to community and international service and the pursuit of peace.
Through academic training, practice, and global networking opportunities, the Rotary Peace Centers program develops the capacity of peace and development professionals or practitioners to become experienced and effective catalysts for peace. The fellowships cover tuition and fees, room and board, round-trip transportation, and all internship and field-study expenses.
Since the program began in 2002, the Rotary Peace Centers have trained more than 1,800 fellows who now work in more than 115 countries.
Many serve as leaders in governments, NGOs, the military, education, law enforcement, and international organizations like the United Nations and the World Bank.
For more information, and to apply by May 15, go HERE.
Akron Interact, Akron Seniors Center, and Akron Newstead Rotary Club joined forces to craft comforting blankets for Roswell patients: 42 blankets in 3 hours!
This remarkable collaboration embodies the spirit of Service Above Self.
We also had the pleasure of hosting Jeanette Kreher, who spoke about her family's egg farm. It was truly fascinating.
On March 12, the Akron Newstead Rotary flagpole was proudly erected in Veterans Park, symbolizing hope and unity!
We're grateful for the collaboration with Cold Spring Construction & Frey Well Drilling that made this moment possible.
The Magic of Rotary inspires us to strive for a brighter future. Service Above Self!
Two of the Village of Akron’s finest visited our club to speak about many of the things our local Police Department does in our community every day to keep us all safe. From patrol, emergency to non-emergency calls, school safety, community event planning, and much more! We are truly blessed to have such caring Police Officers such as Maria and AJ on the streets of our Village every day! Thank you, Akron Police Department!
PHOTOS: LEFT: the flagpole stands proudly! RIGHT: Akron Police Officers Maria and Al
Springtime: that time of year again...when we need to clean up after a long winter. Please join us once again for the Great Lakes Watershed Clean Up at the West Side Rowing Club in conjunction with Earth Day!
WHEN: Saturday, April 26, 10:00 AM – 1:30 PM
WHERE: Meet at West Side Rowing Club (WSRC) parking lot just off Rotary Row (1 Rotary Row, Buffalo, NY 14201) Please check in at the pop-up tent and sign an event waiver.
RAIN OR SHINE EVENT: be prepared for inclement weather.
SUGGESTED TO BRING (but not mandatory): Heavy duty gardening gloves, a 5-gal bucket, pick-up tool for garbage, drinking water & snack, proper attire & footwear for the weather.
The BNMC Rotary Club has adopted the section of the Greenway Trail from Porter Ave. to Busti and Hampshire Streets.
Scope of work: picking up garbage & debris, sweeping/clearing organic debris off of the paved trail, and extraction of some dead perennials, weeds, branches and organic material on the trail and WSRC property.
NOTE: Hot coffee and Timbits will be available; WSRC will provide garbage bags for the event.
On February 27, 2025, Senior Regional Director of the Dollywood Foundation of Canada, Jeanne Smitiuch, provided an update on Dolly Parton's Imagination Library, of which Rotary Sunrise has been an active supporter.
Imagination Library has sent out over 280,000 books to the children in Brantford/Brant over the past 16 years.
Seventy-eight percent of the books distributed in Canada are now Canadian.
Rotarian Mike Bijman presented Jeanne with a cheque for $1,000.00 in support of the program.
Also on February 27, Club Treasurer and Charter Member, Mike Bijman, received his Paul Harris Fellow +2 Recognition from the Club’s Foundation Committee Chair, Glen Christensen.
PHOTOS: LEFT: Rotarian Mike Bijman presented Jeanne of the Dollywood Foundation with a cheque for $1,000.00 in support of the program.
RIGHT: Mike Bijman receives his Paul Harris +2 from Sunrise Foundation Committee Chair, Glen Christensen.
Brantford-Sunrise is pleased to announce the Club’s 5th Annual Online Auction, running April 17 to 27, 2025.
With the community’s tiniest and most vulnerable members in mind, proceeds from the auction will once again support paediatric programs at the Brantford General Hospital.
Here’s how fellow Rotarians can help make this event a continued success: donate new items or experiences (e.g., tickets to sporting events, theatres, etc.); share auction details to increase contributions and participation – and encourage bids; encourage others to check out the auction website, and bid starting April 17!
Items are now being added to the Auction Website for everyone to check out HERE.
Updates will follow in the next couple of months, but in the meantime, those interested in donating an item or service are welcome to send an email to RotarySunriseAuction@gmail.com
The Rotary Club of Buffalo keeps things moving with plenty of social opportunities in addition to our service to others. Rotarians recently had a delightful evening testing their Presidential knowledge (among other things) for Trivia Night at Founding Fathers. Owner Mike Driscol has been serving up brews and burgers at this long-cherished establishment for 39 years and he certainly had us competing for prizes of candy.
Cheers also for the delicious meal from Southern Junction that had many going for seconds. Thanks to Brian Casey for organizing!
If you have not yet purchased a $20 USD raffle ticket to support the good work of our club in such efforts as:
Combatting human trafficking in the Western New York area and neighboring Ontario
Supporting the unique and highly successful Youth Exchange Program
Partnering with area Rotary clubs along the Niagara River in the upcoming Erie Canal Historic Site Rejuvenation
Enhancing our BSR Adopt-A-Trail section and perennial pollinator garden at Towpath Park, Buffalo with a Peace Pole and Little Library.
Please help our club to be able to make a positive contribution to the citizens of WNY and beyond! Cash or checks are accepted. and you don’t have to be local to win or participate. Contact us to be a part of making a positive difference! Timothy Priano: timothy@abtp.com or Barbara Ochterski: barbarao2@aol.com
Buffalo Sunrise Club members enjoyed hearing from BSR members Sarah Baird and Ben Kerman about their recent trip to Rwanda to distribute solar lights through “Let There Be Light International”, an organization founded by Sarah.
They also visited theRotary Club of Kigali Virunga at the only English-speaking Rotary Club in Rwanda that Sarah humorously described as holding the longest Rotary meeting in history.
PHOTO: Sarah Baird and BSR President Timothy Priano
It was back to class for many members of the Rotary Club of Fonthill recently as they found themselves exploring the halls and classrooms of their local secondary school, E.L. Crossley (Crossley).
Thanks to some amazing renovations and teaching and learning transformations at the school, the Fonthill club was able to hold their breakfast meeting at Crossley.
Club members were welcomed by Principal Monika Pries-Klassen and Vice Principal Katie Allen, with Monika providing an update on the renovations occurring at the school and the work being done to make improvements.
Since Crossley also holds a very active Interact Club, a trio of Interact Advisors – Ethan Yando, Bronwyn White and Mark Dickinson – were present, with Bronwyn providing an update on upcoming Interact events for the spring. This includes the potential for a joint Rotary/Interact tree planting on the school property.
After some significant renovations work, the stunning new facility for Crossley's state-of-the-art culinary and baking program is officially complete, allowing the Rotarians to partake in hot food items and freshly baked goodies, including gluten-free options, for a very reasonable price.
The entire breakfast was prepared and set up by the students in the new Culinary Arts Food Technology program.
The Rotary Club of Hamburg will be holding our annual Shredding Event on May 17.
Join us at our annual Shredding Event on May 17th from 9am - noon.
We will once again be located at the Northwest Bank parking lot at 5751 Southpark Avenue, Hamburg.
This event is perfect for small business owners and families but open to all. Lincoln Archives assure all documents will be securely shredded.
Those who want to watch their records be shredded are welcome to do so. You do not need to unload your boxes, just pull up and someone will unload them for you!
At the regular club meeting on January 15, 2025, Hamilton AM Club members welcomed Shannon Kyles who gave an excellent presentation on some of Hamilton's wonderful examples of outstanding Ontario architecture. Shannon has chronicled hundreds of prime examples of historic Ontario architecture on her website http://ontarioarchitecture.com/
A key reason for the presentation was to interest club members in the upcoming event, Open Doors, which will take place May 3 and 4 at as many as 50 historic buildings in Hamilton.
As well as being able to see the inside of these interesting structures, she is also looking for those interested in volunteering at a particular location - essentially recording the number of visitors.
Those who have done this in the past have found it quite an enjoyable experience.
Hamilton, Ontario has many historic buildings to explore, and Shannon is hoping her passion for the subject will encourage Hamilton AM members to enjoy "Open Doors Hamilton" in some capacity.
Hamilton AM members were intrigued at their March 12 morning meeting by the passion and ingenuity of Art Duerksen, a Pastor of 25 years’ experience with Hamilton International Missions Community.
Art lives in Hamilton but the whole world is the target for his charitable endeavors. He has led projects in Haiti, Cuba, Bangladesh, Columbia, Malawi, and Nepal. One of his more interesting projects was to provide female goats to widows in Nepal. 40 widows and poor families were given 80 goats! In 2025, plans are being made to lease 20 acres of land to create a goat farm. Apparently, there are lots of local male goats that can be pressed into service! This is a very poor area that has suffered significantly from earthquake damage.
Art works with an impressive group of volunteers and locally is associated with Parkview Church of the Christian and Missionary Alliance in Hamilton. Twice a month Art goes to the Barton Jail in Hamilton to minister to the incarcerated. Art and his colleagues work hard to deal with other local challenges including food insecurity.
On January 25, Hamilton Convention Centre rocked with the annual Soupfest fundraiser - the premier event of Living Rock Ministries!
For 39 years, Living Rock Ministries has been a vital resource for youth in Hamilton, responding to over 22,000 visits last year alone.
They serve one of the city's most vulnerable populations: young people aged 13-25 facing challenges such as family loss, poverty, substance misuse, and mental health issues.
Living Rock Ministries has been committed to engaging, encouraging, and equipping youth to pursue their personal development goals, offering support and hope in their journey.
The Rotary Club of Hamilton AM has supported this important charity for a number of years and this year was no exception.
Because of this, the evening program included a heartfelt tribute to one of the club's long-time members, Paul Lakin.
Paul personally supported Living Rock in the past but could not this year due to illness. Sadly, Paul passed away on March 8.
Recognizing Paul's many contributions, club members personally donated $1000 in his name to Soupfest.
For many years now, Jamestown Rotarians have celebrated Farch, instigated by a longtime member, H. James Abdella.
FARCH is a fun-filled get-together for members and their families and friends, a way to beat the doldrums of the longggg winter of Southwestern New York.
The Club chooses a date sometime in February or March and, instead of a regular meeting, schedules a FARCH event.
This year over 30 friends and neighbors attended the FARCH festivities on Tuesday, March 11 at the Northwest Arena in Jamestown, NY.
Attendees enjoyed bumper boats and curling on the ice at the Arena and then supped on delicious soups and side dishes contributed by Club members.
A great time was had by all!
PHOTOS:
LEFT: David Troxell of the Rotary Club of Jamestown tries his skills in a bumper car. RIGHT: David Troxell and Zach Agett try their skills at curling.
Jamestown Rotarians volunteered with more than 18 students at Jamestown High School recently who were seeking to improve their performance during real interviews for employment.
Chaired by Rotarian John Felton, Chief Executive of the Chautauqua Federal Credit Union, Rotarians first were provided with training by Credit Union Human Resource professionals to learn the latest human resource limitations and learn the best practices for interviewing in today’s business world.
The students were also provided with instruction on financial security.
The skill training was so successful, it will be repeated with Falconer Rotarians at Falconer, NY High School.
John Crawford, Executive Director of Western New York Junior Achievement, was a recent guest speaker to the members of the Rotary Club of Jamestown. He discussed the innovative strategies he has developed to advance the organization’s mission while building alternate revenue streams and high-performing teams at Junior Achievement.
John described Junior Achievement's services in the eight counties of Western New York. He said the organization's goal is to empower young people by supplementing the education of students from kindergarten through twelfth grade. Junior Achievement develops a curriculum on topics such as financial literacy. Complete packets of information about each curriculum are provided to teachers and volunteers. The agency trains the volunteers and teachers. These activities include games and activities in school, after school, and during the summer. The activities inspire the young people to achieve a more fulfilling career and life by contributing professional insights and personal experiences.
Rotarian Joelle Washer Conti of Northwest Bank added that she and many other bank representatives have acted as volunteers. She noted that volunteers are well-trained and that the activities and curriculum are a “ton of fun.”
PHOTO: John Crawford, left, Executive Director of Junior Achievement of Western New York spoke to the members of the Rotary Club of Jamestown, NY and was welcomed by the Club President, Marion Beckerink.
On March 29th, beginning at noon, the Reg Lenna Center for The Arts hosted a community engagement event, featuring a screening of the documentary film, "Join or Die.”
Sponsored by the Chautauqua Region Community Foundation and JOIN CHQ, the purpose of the Community Fair was to strengthen our community together by informing the public why joining a club matters.
The film, which explores the dynamics of community involvement, was followed by a short, locally produced documentary addressing additional locally rooted topics (including comments by Jamestown, NY Rotary President Marion Beckerink).
Following the screenings, representatives from various local clubs and non-profit organizations were available to provide information about membership and volunteer opportunities throughout the region.
The event aims to facilitate connections between residents and local organizations, promoting community participation.
The event was free and welcomed individuals seeking to explore local organizational involvement.
PHOTO: Ruth Lundin and Cáitlín O’Reilly shared the joys of Rotary service during the JOIN CHQ event at the Reg Lenna. What a great day and wonderful opportunity to demonstrate how volunteering not only enriches your community but prolongs your life!
The Rotary Club of Kenmore will hold its semi-annual “Shred-It” event from 10:00am to 2:00pm Saturday, April 26 in the rear parking lot of The Ken-Ton Elmwood Commons (formerly Phillip Sheridan School) located at 3200 Elmwood Avenue, Kenmore 14217.
We will have volunteers on hand to guide you through the parking lot and unload your boxes. The $10 per file box or bag donation can be made by cash or check. If paying by cash, please be sure to have exact change. The Rotary Club of Kenmore is celebrating 100 years in 2024-2025! Anyone that donates $100 or more will receive a special Rotary Club of Kenmore 100th Anniversary commemorative pin!
On Monday, March 17th the Rotary Club of Kenmore inducted a new member!
Congratulations to Alex Fursman on becoming a member of the Rotary Club of Kenmore!
Alex is a Business Development Associate at Emerling Floss Murphy & Associates (EFM&A).
EFM&A is proud to continue its long-standing tradition of involvement and support with Rotary International by having its staff join local Rotary Clubs.
The Rotary Club of Kenmore along with Emerling Floss Murphy & Associates are happy to have Alex in both of our amazing groups!
On Tuesday 04 March, Co-President Mary Mercato introduced our own RCNS members Jim & Marjorie Dawson to give us an update on their continuing work as Co-Chairs to the District 7090 Honouring Indigenous Peoples (HIP) Committee and more specifically the support they are coordinating and offering to the residents of Pikangikum First Nation.
With the support of a slide presentation, they provided a wonderful overview of that community and the progress that have made over 10 years as related to water, power, music, biking, canoeing schooling, health care etc etc.
It was a great story of personal accomplishment with the help from many others.
See the ‘Read more …’ tab for reference links, the presentation and certain photos.
Without the right tools, becoming a good writer, active reader and critical thinker can be difficult.
But 375 third graders in six area schools are getting some help in developing comprehension and communication skills that will serve them the rest of their lives by receiving their own personal dictionaries through an Olean Rotary Club program.
The dictionaries provided through this fund include maps, weights and measures, the United States Constitution, and a list of the U.S. Presidents, along with other data.
"We are reaching out in our community with a very positive program targeting literacy at the third-grade level," said Paula Bernstein, Olean Rotary Club president and Area Governor.
"The children enjoy having their own book and the schools and teachers also appreciate what we do for the kids."
Working with the Cattaraugus Community Foundation, the Olean Rotary Club's Dictionary Project is part of a national effort to provide all students with a dictionary.
The Olean Rotary Club meets every Tuesday at 12:10pm at the Bartlett Country Club, new members are always welcomed.
The Olean Rotary Club will present its seventh annual “Service Above Self” Award to Franciscan Sisters of Allegany with a dinner from 5:30–8 p.m. Tuesday, April 8 at Woodside Tavern on the Range, 3319 W. River Road.
Cocktails will start at 5:30 followed by a buffet dinner at 6:15 with a cash bar and the presentation to conclude.
The Franciscan Sisters of Allegany is a congregation of Catholic women and their associates serving the poor and marginalized of Bolivia, Brazil, Jamaica, Mozambique, and the United States for over 160 years.
Franciscan Sisters of Allegany will jointly become the seventh recipient of the annual Rotary award.
Previous winners have included Meme Yanetsko; Olean Area Service Club with the Exchange Club, Lions Club and Zonta; Allegany American Legion Ritual team; and Crandall’s family Curt, Cathy and Cory, Dan Evans, Linda O’Brien, and Dan Spring; and last year’s winners, Enchanted Mountain Garden Club of Allegany and Olean Gardens and Beautification Committee.
All past winners are welcome to attend, and everyone is welcome to celebrate 2025 winners.
The Rotary Clubs of St. Catharines, St. Catharines South, and St. Catharines Lakeshore are pleased to announce they will hold their Second Annual Paul Harris Celebration Evening on Thursday May 1st at Amici’s Banquet and Conference Centre.
Six local community leaders will be recognized as Community Paul Harris Fellows (for individuals) or Community Certificates of Appreciation (for organizations) for their meritorious service.
Each Club is in the process of selecting two citizens and/or organizations to receive the awards.
Tickets are available at $50.00 each either by E-transfer to: treasurer@rotarysouth.ca or by Cheque payable to: The Rotary Club of St. Catharines South, mailed to 21-121 Glen Morris Drive St. Catharines, Ontario L2T 4C5. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. with the program beginning at 6:30 p.m. Dress code is Business.
Firing Up the Grill – Rib Fest Officially Launched!
The countdown to the Rotary Club of St. Catharines’ most anticipated event of the year has begun!
On January 23rd, John Potts, co-chair of the Rib Fest Committee, officially launched the 25th anniversary of Rib Fest.
With promises of sizzling barbecue, live entertainment, and family-friendly fun, John emphasized the importance of teamwork, calling for volunteers and sponsors to make this milestone event bigger and better than ever.
Spring Baked Beans Drive Nets Almost $900 for Food4Kids!
The Club was able to collect over $875 in cash and food donations at our Spring Baked Beans Drive.
Food4Kids Executive Director Amber Hughes had been having difficulty getting canned baked beans in sufficient quantities so, as always, the Club was ready to step up and help out.
The usual bin on Scullers Way in St Catharines accepted over 210 canned donations from March 17 to 23rd while cash donations also poured in to arrive at the final total.
A BIG thank you to everyone who participated from Food4Kids Chair Marlene.
More than 250 people turned out for Rotary Club of Waterdown’s Trivia Night at the Oscars at the Legion on Friday, March 28 with 33 teams vying for cash prizes.
A silent auction, raffles, and bonus round prizes added to the festivities.
The community event raised approximately $12,000, which will support local Rotary projects as well as international efforts, such as the drive to eradicate polio around the world.
PHOTO: Waterdown Trivia Night Team
Rotary Club of Waterdown president-elect Kevin Smoke led his team “It’s a Wonderful Quiz” to one of the top prizes at the March 28 Trivia Night at the Oscars event, which raised $12,000.
We had a very great club meeting today. 4 new Members!!
After attempting for many years, the Rotary Club of West Seneca will have an Interact club at West Seneca West High School.
Today we installed 4 new members of the Rotary Club of West Seneca.
Dr. Lisa Kreuger, Susan Kims, Mary Sherman, Zach Armstrong.
We had a Rotarian guest - Barbara Ochterski, a member of the Sunrise Buffalo Club.
We also celebrated Water, Sanitation, and hygiene Month. A picture of Lisa Breidenstein with a 5-gallon jug asking each of us to attempt to carry the jug like a child would and remember that that the child would be traveling more than 100 feet.
PHOTO: Lisa Breidenstein, asking members to pick up the 5-gallon jug (filled with water) and walk more than 100 feet as a child would.
The Westfield-Mayville Rotary Club welcomed a new member, Lindsay Andrews at its recent meeting.
Pictured (LEFT) is President Janese Berkhouse presenting Andrews her Rotary certificate of membership.
At the same meeting, Stephanie Stevens (RIGHT) , Executive Director of the Westfield YWCA, shared the services that her agency provides and gave a tour of the 5 Airbnb rooms that are available for visitors to stay while visiting in the area.
Westfield-Mayville Rotary Club volunteer readings in conjunction with Cornell Cooperative Extension's Literacy Initiative went into full swing in March.
Dan Smith, Youth Services Chairman kicked off the project at Bemus Point Elementary School in Chautauqua County.
The Westfield-Mayville Rotary Club has participated in this project over the years in local elementary schools.
We are excited to invite potential members to our upcoming Membership Enrollment Drive happening on May 7 at the Eagle House Restaurant, 5578 Main St, Williamsville, NY 14221.
This is a wonderful opportunity to join our community and contribute to our cause of growing local economies, supporting education, improve lives and to create a better world to support our peace efforts.
We will have delicious bites to enjoy throughout the night and refreshing drinks to toast to friendship. It's all about inspiring fellowship among remarkable individuals who share a commitment to service.
We warmly invite you to bring friends, family, and anyone eager to experience the camaraderie and warmth that Rotary offers.
Don't miss out on this incredible night of fun, food and fellowship.
Rotary honors a teacher and mentor with the 2025 Sylvia Whitlock Leadership AwardThis Turkish Rotarian has promoted women’s financial literacy, funded scholarships for girls, and
We are sad to be sharing the news of PDG Frederic “Nick” Norton passing, just two days after celebrating his 90th birthday. While his mind was focused on getting to 100, his heart had other plans. He passed peacefully in his apartment in Buffalo surrounded by his art and the people who love and care for him dearly. We know he is truly happy now to be with his beloved wife, Alex.
So, I use one of those blotter pad calendars on my desk as a first draft of my availability. I
In celebration of Earth Day 2025, our Rotary-Greenway Steering Committee has an exciting lineup of spring cleanups planned! Check out the schedule and help keep our waterways and trails clean!
We hear it over and over from Rotarians: Everyone needs to experience the Rotary International Convention at least once.
On December 19, 2024, President and Chancellor of Syracuse University, Kent Syverud, Dean of the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs at Syracuse University, David Van Slyke, and Director of Alumni Relations at Syracuse University, Jessica Murray (PHOTO LEFT, L to R), each received a Paul Harris Fellow recognition from Rotarian John Ambrose Cooper (PHOTO RIGHT) member of the Rotary Clubs of Niagara Falls (NY) and Niagara County Central, and a Syracuse alumnus.
Bob Perks retired from active membership with the Rotary Club of Simcoe, after 33 years of active service.
💙💛Friday Night 4/4: an evening of fun and fundraising.
We’re kicking things off with Bits, Bites and Benevolence, an evening of great food, karaoke, and fellowship, and we’d love for you to be part of it! at the Rotary District 7090 Conference! 
Club Runner Break Out Session FREE
PUBLIC EVENT: "The Idea Exchange"
Jr. 
The Rotary Foundation Scholarship Committee of District 7090 is pleased to award THREE $1,200 USD scholarships to deserving high school graduating students!
Each year, 
… that you can subscribe to the digital-only version of the Rotary magazine?
Akron Interact, Akron Seniors Center, and Akron Newstead Rotary Club joined forces to craft comforting blankets for Roswell patients: 42 blankets in 3 hours!
On March 12, the Akron Newstead Rotary flagpole was proudly erected in Veterans Park, symbolizing hope and unity!
Springtime: that time of year again...when we need to clean up after a long winter. Please join us once again for the Great Lakes Watershed Clean Up at the West Side Rowing Club in conjunction with Earth Day!
On February 27, 2025, Senior Regional Director of the Dollywood Foundation of Canada, Jeanne Smitiuch, provided an update on Dolly Parton's Imagination Library, of which Rotary Sunrise has been an active supporter.
The Rotary Club of Buffalo keeps things moving with plenty of social opportunities in addition to our service to others. Rotarians recently had a delightful evening testing their Presidential knowledge (among other things) for Trivia Night at Founding Fathers. Owner Mike Driscol has been serving up brews and burgers at this long-cherished establishment for 39 years and he certainly had us competing for prizes of candy.
If you have not yet purchased a $20 USD raffle ticket to support the good work of our club in such efforts as:
Buffalo Sunrise Club members enjoyed hearing from BSR members Sarah Baird and Ben Kerman about their recent trip to Rwanda to distribute solar lights through “
Two important events are on the minds and hearts of RC Buffalo Sunrise.
It was back to class for many members of the Rotary Club of Fonthill recently as they found themselves exploring the halls and classrooms of their local secondary school, E.L. Crossley (Crossley).
The Rotary Club of Hamburg will be holding our annual Shredding Event on May 17.
Open Doors Hamilton is Coming, May 3, 4, 2025
Art Duerksen … a man with a Mission!
On January 25, Hamilton Convention Centre rocked with the annual Soupfest fundraiser - the premier event of 
Dr. James MacFarlane - to sleep perchance to dream?
For many years now, Jamestown Rotarians have celebrated Farch, instigated by a longtime member, H. James Abdella.
Jamestown Rotarians volunteered with more than 18 students at Jamestown High School recently who were seeking to improve their performance during real interviews for employment.
John Crawford, Executive Director of Western New York Junior Achievement, was a recent guest speaker to the members of the Rotary Club of Jamestown. He discussed the innovative strategies he has developed to advance the organization’s mission while building alternate revenue streams and high-performing teams at Junior Achievement.
On March 29th, beginning at noon, the Reg Lenna Center for The Arts hosted a community engagement event, featuring a screening of the documentary film, "
Kenmore Hosts Semi-Annual Shred-it April 26th!
On Monday, March 17th the Rotary Club of Kenmore inducted a new member!
The Lancaster-Depew Rotary Club reflects on 2024 as we plan for 2025. 
On Tuesday 04 March, Co-President Mary Mercato introduced our own RCNS members Jim & Marjorie Dawson to give us an update on their continuing work as Co-Chairs to the District 7090 Honouring Indigenous Peoples (
Without the right tools, becoming a good writer, active reader and critical thinker can be difficult.
The Olean Rotary Club will present its seventh annual “Service Above Self” Award to Franciscan Sisters of Allegany with a dinner from 5:30–8 p.m. Tuesday, April 8 at Woodside Tavern on the Range, 3319 W. River Road.
The Rotary Clubs of St. Catharines, St. Catharines South, and St. Catharines Lakeshore are pleased to announce they will hold their Second Annual Paul Harris Celebration Evening on Thursday May 1st at Amici’s Banquet and Conference Centre.
Firing Up the Grill – Rib Fest Officially Launched!
“Because We Care” presents "Ain’t Misbehavin’", a Big Band Evening Spent Under the Stars
More than 250 people turned out for Rotary Club of Waterdown’s Trivia Night at the Oscars at the Legion on Friday, March 28 with 33 teams vying for cash prizes.
The Rotary Club of West Seneca collected cereal for the West Seneca food pantry.
The Westfield-Mayville Rotary Club welcomed a new member, Lindsay Andrews at its recent meeting.
Westfield-Mayville Rotary Club volunteer readings in conjunction with Cornell Cooperative Extension's Literacy Initiative went into full swing in March. 
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