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 “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity, it was the season of Light, it was the season of Darkness, it was the spring of hope, it was the winter of despair, we had everything before us, we had nothing before us, we were all going direct to Heaven, we were all going direct the other way.” – Charles Dickens, A Tale of Two Cities.What a year! I think the opening of A Tale of Two Cities best reflects my year as your District Governor. I will be remembered as your Pandemic District Governor, the only Governor in 7090’s history who conducted most of his entire year from his home office. As RI President, Holger Knaack stated in his June Message, COVID-19 forced us to become “nimble, adaptable, and creative”. Who knew how much we would rely on the Zoom platform to stay connected virtually. The most repeated words on Zoom, “YOU’RE MUTED”, has been added to our vernacular. None of us experienced the year we anticipated, but we made it work, from innovative fundraising to online club meetings to a virtual District Conference with the ability to attract keynote speakers from around the world at no cost. On the other hand, our District Conference was one of the best-attended events in the last ten years and virtually free. My only regret was not being able to attend in-person 100th year Club dinners in Welland, St. Catharines, or Niagara Falls, Canada, all within a bike ride of my house! And missing out on club fundraisers and service projects across the District as well as Paul Harris Dinners. I was so looking forward to attending the Youth Exchange Algonquin Experience, the RYLA Dinner in Fredonia, SLAPSHOT in Dundas, and Youth Exchange gatherings. Those Clubs that host these and the leadership team that ensure their success were short-changed for two years, but they will come back stronger and better. On a positive note, I was able to be part of the multi-club service project collecting women’s hygiene products in Simcoe, Norfolk, and Delhi last fall. It was my hope and goal to have more clubs participate in District-Wide projects. A significant fundraiser for Polio eradication, Pedal for Polio Plus in honour of Dr. Ron Mergl was one of those and despite COVID restrictions in Ontario and a closed border we managed to have two rides on both sides of the border and raised $70,000 USD utilizing the new Raise for Rotary fundraising platform. Due to limits in numbers participating many clubs hosted their own rides or walks for Polio, many of which involved multiple clubs. And for a second year, Thie Convery challenged clubs to donate $1,500 to be matched by her. Thirty clubs took her up on this challenge. I am proud to say that 7090 raised more money than every other District in Zone 24 East due to your efforts. The Great Lakes Watershed Cleanup started up as a District 7090 project that soon spread to 15 Districts and the watershed feeding the 5 Great Lakes. Again, COVID restrictions severely impacted our Earth Day week cleanup in Ontario. One of the benefits of being a bi-national District was the ability of the New York state clubs to carry on. I am delighted with the response to this initiative a forerunner of Rotary’s new Area of Focus-Protecting the Environment launching on July 1, 2021. Anne Bermingham has asked me to lead these two initiatives in her year and I expect them to be well supported by our clubs next year. | ||
I am proud of all those that helped the District to prosper in its support of our clubs to be the best that they can be. Some of these include the following:
- Our awesome Assistant Governor Team and Coordinator Bob Morrow, my eyes and ears to the 66 clubs that they support
- A new and improved Strategic Plan under the guidance of co-chairs DGE Anne Bermingham and PDG Melisa Schrock.
- Incorporation of the District under the leadership of PDG Karen Oakes and a new and streamlined Manual of Procedures and leaner District Council membership
- A refresh of Club websites and a new look District and Rotaract website pages under the leadership of Al Lutchin, Melissa Wells and the PI Team
- A successful virtual District Conference co-chaired by DGN Lisa Bishop and PDG Melisa Schrock and their awesome team
- The addition of 22 Little Lending Libraries around the District lead by Margaret Andrewes
- Significant changes to the District and Global Grants process and streamlining of training via Zoom and application process thanks to Foundation Director Pat Castiglia and Grant’s Chair Lezlie Murch. Zone and Pre-Gala festivities under the leadership of Sandi Chard, which added $9,350 for Polio and the Annual Fund and our significant support of Polio Plus (Sandi and a big shout out to Thie Convery). Approval of numerous Global Grants in support of Rotary’s Areas of Focus around the world. Financial support for COVID related projects for qualified clubs across the District
- District donation of $10,000 USD to purchase Oxygen Concentrators for India and another $15,000 generously donated by clubs and individuals across the District
- Healthy Communities Committee under the leadership of PDG Kevin Crosby resulting in Chat Benches along the American side of the Niagara River, a successful Blood Donor Clinic Challenge, Pedal for Polio and the GLWC
- International Services Committee approvals of numerous Global Grant requests to seek funding from clubs under the chair of PAG Cathy Henry
- District Service Projects under the Directorship of DGN Lisa Bishop including Literacy, Gift of Life, International Service, Community Service, Vocational Service and Honouring Indigenous Persons
- Zoom Training initiatives under Director Susan Czerny: PETS (Scott Marcin), RLI (Glen Christensen), Club Leadership Assembly (Anne Bermingham), Centre for Coaching (Angela Carter & Al Lutchin)
- Finance Committee Chaired by PDG Reg Madison and Treasurer John Bartlett who for two years have kept costs down and not increased club dues
- Youth Committee under the leadership of Robb Nagy and a successful virtual SLAPSOT event supported by 20 clubs and coordinated by Sarah Bradshaw. Rotaract and RYLA growth and refresh initiatives
- Membership Committee chaired by Angela Carter worked on initiatives that will see the formation of 4-5 new Satellite Clubs and/or Passport Clubs next year. Worked with Clubs under 15 to increase their impact. The addition of 110 new members. Unfortunately, and COVID didn’t help, the net loss of 34 members
- The merger of Hamilton East-Wentworth and Stoney Club effective July 1, 2021, which will result in a stronger and more viable club.
To those Rotarians leaving their roles within the District my heartfelt thanks for your dedication and tireless work over the past 1-3 years.
Bob Morrow, AG Coordinator
Sherry Kerr, AG Area 1
Phil Shames, AG Area 4
Jeanette Murphy, Area 5
David Berry, AG Area 8
Robert Benzel, AG Area 11
Melisa Schrock, Strategic Plan Co-Chair
Anne Bermingham, Strategic Plan Co-Chair
Angela Carter, Membership Director
Patricia Castiglia, Foundation Committee Director
Al Lutchin, Public Image Director
Lisa Bishop, Service Projects Committee Director
Reg Madison, Governor Nominating Committee Chair
John Bartlett, Treasurer
Bob Artis, Immediate Past District Governor
I would be remiss in not thanking two very special ladies in my life, my wife Judy and our Executive Secretary Pene Hutton for their counsel and ongoing support. They are both integral to my day-to-day duties as Governor. They make me look good and that’s not an easy thing to do!
Finally, to the District Governor Chain, DGE Anne Bermingham, DGN Lisa Bishop and DGND Scott Marcin, who have been my rock and foundation, I look forward to remaining a part of the team next year in a mentorship role.
To each and every Rotarian, Rotaractor, Club President, and your team and to the members of my club, the Rotary Club of Fonthill thank you most sincerely for making my Pandemic Governorship the best that it could be.
It has been an honour (honor) and privilege to serve you.
“Over to you Anne.” Wishing you and District 7090 a wonderful and most successful COVID-19 FREE year!