One of the things I enjoy most as District Governor is getting out into our District and seeing firsthand the creative ways our clubs bring Rotary into their communities. This past month was certainly no exception!I was pleased to attend the Hamilton AM Rotary Club's 40th Ruby Gala, featuring a private concert by the Crash Test Dummies. It was a wonderful celebration with great community support—and I may have bought way too much at the silent auction! I’m calling it early Christmas shopping. My friends are getting some great gifts this year!
I also had a great time at our District 7090 Hamilton Tiger-Cats initiative, supporting Hamilton Rotary youth programs. It was a fantastic evening of football, fellowship, and Rotary spirit. Our next game is September 18 against the Montreal Alouettes, and I hope to see even more Rotarians, family, and friends joining us. Come out, join the fun, and help us continue supporting youth in our community!
Another highlight was the Rotary Club of Lincoln Sunset Music Series at Charles Daley Park. These free concerts bring families, friends, and neighbours together and are a great example of Rotary building stronger communities.
I had every intention of attending the Rotary Club of Simcoe's Pancakes in the Park, a community tradition that has been running for over 40 years under Rotary management. Congratulations to Simcoe Rotary on more than four decades of this wonderful event! That kind of longevity is an incredible testament to the dedication of generations of Rotarians and the relationship the club has built with its community.
Unfortunately, Mother Nature had other plans for me. Like many in my area, I spent about four hours bailing water out of my basement when the hydro went out. I was fortunate to have no damage—just a really bad back! My thoughts are with those who were not as fortunate.
On the U.S. side of our District, I attended the Lewiston Art Festival and joined members of the Lewiston/Niagara-on-the-Lake Rotary Club at their famous hot dog stand—a Rotary tradition since 1968! More than half a century of Rotarians serving up hot dogs, fellowship, and community spirit!I also had the pleasure of attending the Rotary Club of Grimsby After 5 Companion Club. I am so excited about this initiative and its potential to reach people who want to serve and be part of Rotary but need a different way to participate. My hat is off to Grimsby Rotary for being a trailblazer in our District. This kind of creativity and flexibility is how we can continue to grow Rotary.
And speaking of getting involved, our District Three Bike Tour is underway! The first ride was Bike the Benchlands on August 29, followed by Tour de Dundas and Participate for Polio, giving us more opportunities to get outside, enjoy some fellowship, and support great causes—including Rotary's ongoing commitment to ending polio. Ride with us, sponsor a rider, or make a donation and enjoy some great Rotary fellowship while supporting Rotary’s work.
As I travel throughout our bi-national District, it never ceases to amaze me how creative Rotarians can be. Whether it is a football game, a summer concert, a gala, an art festival, a cycling event, a new Companion Club—or community traditions that have been going strong for decades—our clubs continue to find unique ways to raise Rotary's presence, raise funds for important causes, bring people together, and have a great time while doing it.
That last part matters.
Rotary is about Service Above Self, but service can also be filled with friendship, laughter, fellowship, and fun. When our communities see us enjoying what we do, working together, and making a difference, they see a Rotary they want to be part of.
So keep thinking creatively. Keep inviting your communities to join you. Keep supporting one another's events—and most importantly, keep having fun doing good in the world.
I look forward to seeing where Rotary takes me next!