DG Message: August

What an incredible way to begin our Rotary year! From July 1 onward, I have truly hit the ground running, and every stop has reminded me why I love being part of Rotary.

The passion, fellowship, and dedication of our members continue to inspire me.

I kicked off the year by celebrating Canada Day with three outstanding Rotary clubs.

It was a pleasure to visit the Brantford Sunrise Rotary Club's Beer Tent, the Rotary Club of Dundas Pancake Breakfast, and the Niagara-on-the-Lake Rotary Club Barbecue.

What better way to begin the year than by seeing Rotarians serving their communities while having fun together?

My first official club visit was on July 7 with the Dundas Valley Sunrise Rotary Club, where I had the pleasure of welcoming returning President John Merrill and his new Board.

I was impressed by the club's innovative approach to membership through its satellite club and by the creativity and diversity within the organization. I can't wait to return for their first Duck Derby on September 26!

On July 24, I had the honour of attending the St. Catharines Peace Pole Dedication and Water Station. This event held special meaning for me, having recently returned from Hiroshima and visiting the Atomic Bomb Memorial. Seeing firsthand the devastation caused by war was truly life-changing. Standing beside the Peace Pole and reading the words, "May Peace Prevail on Earth," took on an entirely new meaning. Knowing that the very first Peace Pole originated in Japan made the experience even more powerful. It reminded me that Rotary's work in building peace begins with each of us.

A few days later, I travelled to Dunkirk-Fredonia for their 59th Annual Fly-In Breakfast. What a tremendous event! The atmosphere was incredible, with families, pilots, volunteers, and community members all enjoying a wonderful morning together. It was also great to spend time catching up with Past District Governor Charlotte Herlong.

On July 30, I had the pleasure of visiting the Rotary Club of Ancaster A.M., a club that will always hold a special place in my heart. Every time I return, it feels like coming home. It was wonderful to see the enthusiasm of the members as they continue to evolve and strengthen their club. I was especially pleased to learn they have introduced a new Club Counsellor position, to be shared by Alan Zucker and Gentiana Collaku. This innovative role is designed to support members, foster engagement, and strengthen the overall club experience. Congratulations to President and the Ancaster A.M. team for continuing to think creatively about how we care for and support our Rotary family.

One of the highlights of the month was attending the St. Catharines Rotary Reunion on July 31. I have to congratulate the club on such a creative and meaningful idea. Bringing together former members to reconnect with Rotary is something every club should consider. I was amazed to learn that those attending represented an incredible 1,454 years of combined Rotary service. Even more impressive, two former members rejoined the club following last year's reunion. That's a wonderful reminder that sometimes membership growth begins simply by inviting old friends back into the Rotary family. I believe this is an idea worth sharing throughout District 7090.

I'd also like to recognize President Rob DePetris and the Rotary Club of St. Catharines. Fourteen club members and family attended our Rotary Roar – PolioPlus Society Fellowship Night on July 18, making them the club with the highest attendance. Congratulations and thank you for your outstanding support!

Our next District Fellowship event is the Hamilton Tiger-Cats game on August 15. I'm excited to announce a friendly Club Challenge to see which Rotary club can purchase the most tickets. Come out, enjoy an evening of fellowship with Rotarians from across the District, and help support Rotary Hamilton youth programs through our Tiger-Cats partnership. It's a wonderful opportunity to bring family, friends, and prospective members while celebrating Rotary together.

As I continue visiting clubs throughout the District, I am continually reminded that every club has something special to offer. Whether it's a unique fundraiser, an innovative membership idea, a peace initiative, or simply the friendships we build, we become stronger when we learn from one another.

Thank you for the warm welcomes you've shown me during my first month as your District Governor. I am excited for all that lies ahead and look forward to seeing many of you in August.

Together, let's continue to Create Lasting Impact by thinking big, supporting one another, and having fun along the way.

With gratitude,

Joanne Serkeyn
District Governor 2026–2027
Rotary District 7090