District Governor’s Message - May

How are you doing, really? 

! That is how I was feeling late Saturday, as we were cleaning up from the Rotary International D7090 District Conference, with the Theme of “Peace, Hope and Rotary”. Saturday marked the end of our day and a half District Conference, and after a dizzying 36 hours, I felt exhausted, exhilarated, inspired and grateful, realizing that we are all members of an incredible Rotary District, with so many members who want us to be the best Rotarians we can be.

Rotarians left with a feeling of inspiration, and a reminder of the many wonderful things we do as Rotarians.  There was much fellowship with old friends and new friends.  There were many first-time attendees, and many were happy to return to an in-person District Conference.

It is my hope that if this District Conference inspired and moved you, or if you got a good idea, or if you found a way to improve your club, or collaborate with another club, that you will tell your club about it, and encourage more of your colleagues in your club to join you at the next conference.  Veteran Rotarians will reminisce about the District Conferences of old, and how it was an event that you did not want to miss.  I hope that maybe, we have together rekindled a little of that, and can continue to build an event that Rotarians just do not want to miss.   I know I am glad that I did not miss this one.

Thanks for helping to “Create Hope in the World”!

- DG Scott Marcin

See synopsis and pictures by clicking the "Read more..." below; for more pictures and videos, go to D7090's FB page; see the tribute to Rotarians we have lost HERE.

              We received our distinguished guest from Rotary International on Friday, Johrita Solari (a past RI Director) and sat down with the District Leadership Team for a working lunch at the Anchor Bar (we wanted Past Dir. Johrita to get a good dose of Buffalo cuisine), The District Conference got off the ground that evening with a celebration of the Rotary Foundation at Duende, located in the historic Silo City.  Attendees were treated to a tour of the grain elevators, before heading indoors to catch up with friends, share some fellowship and celebrate the generous gifts to the Rotary Foundation. Rotarians learned of the many projects that benefitted from matching grants, and IPDG Lisa Bishop received a Major Donor 3 distinction.  Wolf Linderman received a Paul Harris, and gave an impassioned speech about the Rotary Foundation and all it means to those who benefit from its work.  Many thanks go out to Hamburg RC member Lisa Avery, and Buffalo Sunrise RC member, Melanie Rushforth, for organizing the evening’s fun.

              After a short turnaround, Saturday’s portion of the Conference would focus on the issue of mental health.  After an inspiring message from RI Rep Johrita Solari, Rotarians learned about the Rotary Action Group Against Slavery (RAGAS) which focuses on Human Trafficking and Slavery in Canada and the US.  Barb Evoy, a Rotarian from D7080, gave an emotional and enlightening presentation, which ended with many questions about the topic and how Rotarians could get involved.

              The next session was a panel discussion, featuring Pastor Eric Johns of the Buffalo Dream Center, Melinda Dubois of Mental Health Advocates, and Dr. John Improta, a practicing psychiatrist at Erie County Medical Center.  I lead a discussion on several aspects of Mental Health.  We learned that we need to Ask, Connect, Support and Train, in order to make an impact on this issue affecting our communities.  The panel was excited about being able to talk about this topic, and the attendees shared experiences and asked several very pertinent questions.  The session could have gone on for another hour.

              After lunch, the Up Team, featuring Richie Derwald, Nels Cremins, and Dr. Kate Ansuini, took the stage, and entertained us with singing juggling, dancing, and other schtick, as well as educating us on how to relieve the unneeded stress in our lives. Attendees were left with smiles and laughter after this session.

              The afternoon allowed Rotarians to choose from a variety of breakout rooms and service projects. Over 200 Blessing Bags were assembled for the homeless, no-sew blankets were made, and cards were crafted for clubs to deliver to those most in need.   Rotarians learned about fundraising ideas, the many legs of the Rotary Foundation, and how to improve communication in their clubs, through improv training. There was even a yoga class, a CPR Class, and PELS session going on, all in the same space. PHEW!

              Rotarians left with a feeling of inspiration, and a reminder of the many wonderful things we do as Rotarians.  There was much fellowship with old friends and new friends.  There were many first-time attendees, and many were happy to return to an in-person District Conference.

              It goes without saying that an event this size is a team effort, and a great many thanks go to each person who contributed to the success of our District Conference.  From our Co-Chairs, IPDG Lisa Bishop and Amherst South RC member, Matt Smith, to Melisa and John Schrock, who volunteered to the be the aide to RI Rep Johrita Solari, to the UP Team, to Aaron Carlson who ran the PELS session, DGE David Alexander, who was the emcee, to Anne Bermingham, who ran the Rotaract Session, to Justin Beester, who managed all the youth exchange program, to Sandi Chard, who rant he Rotary Foundation Session, to Steven Blass, who put together the Blessing Bags project, to Joanne Serkuyn, who put together the session on RAGAS, to Cindy Munschauer and Andy Ziemba, who handled behind the scene logistical issues, and to Sue Czyrny, who handled the Registration for the event.  I am sure I am leaving out other contributors, but I thank everyone who had a hand in this, including the Director of Youth Services for the Town of Amherst, Mary Diana Pouli, and Maintenace Pro Dave, who allowed us to use the facility and helped in any way to get it ready for us to use. 

              But most of all, I thank all who took time from their busy schedules and made Rotary, and Service to their community, a priority, and decided to join their fellow Rotarians at the District Conference, learning and getting inspired and motivated to go back to their clubs, wanting to do more, and be more impactful in their communities and around the world. You have inspired me.

The four living female Past District Governors: (left to right):