District Governor Kevin Crouse, July 2013

DG Kevin’s Message for July

Action is the key to effective Rotary clubs

Rotary International President Ron Burton emphasized our need to engage our members in significant actions that change the lives of those in our club, our communities and the world-at-large. The Rotary clubs of Waterdown and Flamborough proved this truth with their 4 day Ribfest where they served over 43,000 people in the community through the actions of seven ribbers and literally thousands of volunteers. Such actions highlight the Rotary brand in the community and in the world at large. The Brantford Sunrise and Fort Erie clubs provided similar services at their Beer tents, The Friendship Festival and Hands across the border activities The Ancaster a.m. club celebrated their Changeover ceremony with superb food, entertainment, and fellowship. Outgoing President Kathy Smith culminated a very proud year celebrating her club’s winning of the Presidential Citation Award, The Lighthouse Award, the Peace through Service Award and the Membership Growth award. These actions by such outstanding clubs accentuate the Engage Rotary Change Lives theme by touching the head, hands and hearts of so many Rotarians.

A new club for District 7090

For the first time in our history, District 7090 will celebrate its first ever E-club charter with a ceremony on July 20. The Rotary E-Club of SOWNY charter ceremony will highlight the outstanding efforts of Paul McAfee, Elizabeth Kovacs, Karen Oakes and Pravin Suchak who have worked tirelessly over many years to make this event happen. Many thanks also to the Rotary Clubs of Fonthill, Amherst East and St.Catharines Sunrise for their on-going support. Stay tuned for the times and location of this event and reserve July 20 to lend your support for this historic charter ceremony. We can now formally Engage Rotary and Change Lives using digital technology.

New Awards for 2013-14

In keeping with the new Rotary theme - Engage Rotary Change Lives, District 7090 will celebrate three new awards this year that recognize the power of engaging Rotary and Changing Lives. These awards recognize the ‘silent warriors’ out there that continue to provide service to their clubs and communities through a variety of services. Click on the globe in the hands photo under Important Links on the right side of the home page for New Award details.

The first award – the Head, Hands and Heart Award recognize individuals who have served locally or at the district level on committees, boards or as chairs and Directors. They have also been involved in “sweat equity” programs that make a difference to the lives of people in the community and the world-at-large. They are also leaders and participants in significant fellowship activities at the club and district level.

The 100% Club Award recognizes clubs where every member is involved in at least 3 major club or district functions, attends the District Conference, District Assembly or the District Foundation dinner or is involved in at least one service and one social activity.

Retention Awards. Since it is possible to reverse the downward spiral in membership by increasing Retention rates, this award recognizes clubs that have increased their retention levels from 87% to 89%. See Club Central for your club’s figures in this area.