Governor Lisa October Message

GOVERNOR LISA'S OCTOBER MESSAGE

Little did I know that our hybrid District Council meeting on September 10, 2022, would be the last time we would see PDG Richard “Dick” Earne. Dick died just over a week later. Those of us who met in person that day shared laughter, joy and yes, PDG Dick’s IMAGINE Rotary statement, “IMAGINE EarlyAct Clubs recognized as a program of RI, and in each community”. He was a strong advocate of mentoring children in volunteerism. I extended condolences to his family through his Son, Rabbi Matthew Earne, and by Zoom, viewed his touching graveside funeral that followed Hebrew traditions. PDG Dick was very involved in committee work at the District level. and service within his home club, the Rotary Club of Grand island. I am thankful my last conversation with him, as I gave him the 22-23 theme pin, I thanked him for mentoring aspiring leaders and his continued leadership.  PDG Dick is pictured the first person on the right.

As September was Literacy month, several key events took place. There were dedications of Little Lending Libraries and Bookshelves, as well as a very successful District Literacy Project RotaryWebTalk. Thank-you to Margaret Andrewes, District Literacy Champion, all the presenters who showcased their wonderful club projects, and District Trainer Barb Babij, and Immediate Past Trainer, Susan Czyrny. Showcasing projects and sharing ideas builds our offerings and strengthens clubs. Pictured on the right is the dedication of the Little Library in Memory of Rotarian Christopher Cutler- (from left) DG Lisa Bishop, Chris Cutler’s Sisters, Kim O’Rouke and Amanda Thornton, with Cathi MacDonnell, President, Rotary Club of Hamilton.

 
Our members and clubs are engaged in a variety of service projects, fundraisers and membership recruitment projects. Re-engaging in community service and fundraisers is now active on both sides of the border. I am delighted to accept invitations to attend many of the events. I have even been involved in a few new member inductions! I very much enjoy seeing the in person fellowship and fun returning.  I believe my fiancé  Lionel and I attended 4 Rotary charity golf tournaments this summer, and look forward to the many Polio awareness events and fundraisers this fall.  Pictured right at the Rotary Club of Lewiston-NOTL “Sultans of Swing” Golf Tournament are left to right President Greg Lidstone, DG Lisa Bishop, AG and D7090 Ambassador of Fun & Fellowship, Tommy Gerbasi - and yes, those are flamingos on his shirt and on this hat - need I say more?

This week was a very special week of events focusing on Residential School “Truth and Reconciliation” in Canada through story telling by Phyllis Webstad, with elders and honoured family who accompanied her. https://www.orangeshirtday.org/phyllis-story.html
 
The Rotary HIP (Honouring Indigenous People) Committee, and the RC of Niagara Falls Sunrise, worked with Phyllis whose personal story launched the Orange Shirt Society. https://rotary7090.org/page/honouring-indigenous-peoples.
 
The events created opportunities for meaningful conversation, and active listening to further understanding. Special thank-you to Rotarian Brian Kon and the many others who helped, and sponsored these events.
 
Justin Trudeau, the Prime Minister of Canada joined in on Fri Sept 30. There was major television and media coverage.
 
 
 
 
 
This newsletter would not be complete without mention of the return of “The Club Presidents Dinner with Assistant Governors”. These dinners were held Sept 13 & 14, with great fellowship, planning, and networking. Networking truly is that hallmark of Rotary!

Be sure to “Participate for Polio” during the month of October. Raise Awareness, Raise Funds to Eradicate Polio!