Every day mothers risk their lives giving birth and millions of children die each year from treatable, preventable causes. At least 8 million children under the age of five die each year due to malnutrition, poor health care, and inadequate sanitation.
To help reduce this rate, Rotary provides immunizations and antibiotics to babies, improves access to essential medical services, and supports trained health care providers for mothers and their children. Rotary makes high-quality health care available to vulnerable mothers and children so they can live longer and grow stronger.
Rotary provides education, birth kits, and mobile health clinics. Women are taught how to prevent mother-to-infant HIV transmission, how to breast-feed, and how to protect themselves and their children from disease.
Rotary’s projects ensure sustainability by empowering the local community to take ownership of health care training programs.
in 2023, 8 million children under the age of 5 (more than 13,000 every day) died, with the highest rates of under-5 mortality in sub-Saharan Africa.
About 260,000 women (or nearly one every two minutes) died during and following pregnancy and childbirth in 2023 – 92% of them in low- and middle-income countries.
The majority of these deaths are preventable with proper interventions and access to care.
Recent decades have seen major gains in preventing maternal and child mortality.
Both the number and the rate of children dying before age 5 have fallen by more than half since 1990, and over 90 countries have cut under-five mortality rates by at least two-thirds.
From 2000 to 2023, the annual number of maternal deaths worldwide fell by 40%.
The U.S. government has contributed significantly to these gains, reporting that it helped to save the lives of more than 9.3 million children and 340,000 women over the past decade alone.
The U.S. has been the top donor government to MCH (Maternal and Child Health) activities in the world.
The administration’s FY 2026 budget request does not include any funding for bilateral maternal and child efforts.
Francesco Arezzo of Italy selected to be 2025-26 Rotary International President
Francesco Arezzo, a member of the Rotary Club of Ragusa, Italy, has been selected by the Board of Directors to become Rotary International’s president for 2025-26.
Arezzo will become president on July 1st.
The Board conducted a special session following the unexpected resignation of RI President-elect Mário César Martins de Camargo on 8 June due to “personal reasons and business obligations”.
Guided by the RI code and policies, the Board selected the new president-elect from a pool of candidates who were considered by the Nominating Committee for President of Rotary International in August 2023.
The 2025-26 presidential message, announced at the 2025 Rotary International Assembly in February, will remain Unite for Good, which calls on Rotary members to be a force for unity in a world increasingly divided by politics, geography, and ideology.
Through service projects, Rotary brings together people of every background — across races, religions, and professions — in a shared mission to do good in their communities.
At the recent RI Convention in Calgary, I learned a few key takeaways that may be useful to you.
It was interesting to see someone wearing a Rotary shirt that said, "Once you are outside your comfort zone, growth occurs". In one phrase this seems to note our work as Rotarians.
I hope you find that in working with your club teammates that we must welcome change while supporting excellence.
The first takeaway was that clubs that are aiming to be successful tend to have their President Elect and the President Nominee in place early.
The second nugget was something that was reinforced: getting value for your membership is key.
Third, as the environment is our newest area of focus, our groundwork on healthy communities was the right direction to pursue because this is a concern of the emerging generation.
Finally, closer to home, as I worked through my club visits I picked up ideas and had interesting reflections. I still believe that every action within a club needs to be considered in terms of member experience, retention, and attraction.
In going forward I strongly encourage each of our amazing clubs to pursue and apply their visioning/strategic planning efforts, expand on the contacts and engage with local community partners (as we learned at the district conference), and seek to understand the needs of the emerging generation of leaders so that club programs include these considerations in order to attract them to service.
In the spirit of the four-way-test and our journey together - it was fun!
You can feel confident that any donation to TRF will be used wisely.
There are various funds established for different purposes. And different funds have different impacts on the money the district receives or on what member and club recognition levels are reflected.
Some, but not all, of the funds generate DDF (District Designated Funds):
47.5 % of the total district contribution to TRF is returned to the district after 3 years of earning intertest (and 47.5% to the World Fund) after a 5% deduction from the total for operating expenses.
DDF can be used by districts to pay for Foundation, club, and district projects. Our district will match up to $2000 generated by your club for a project.
Districts can use up to 50% of DDF as grants to clubs, and the remainder to support eligible international projects (global grants, PolioPlus, Peace Scholars).
Unused funds can be rolled over to the following year or directed to one of Rotary’s funds.
The Annual Fund (SHARE) and Endowment Funds generate DDF.
Some, but not all, of the funds generate individual and club credit and recognition:
Every $1 donated by a member (or in their name) creates both one credit for the member’s Paul Harris recognition, AND
One FRP (“Foundation Recognition Point”) which can be used towards awarding a Paul Harris to someone -- other than oneself -- of the member’s choice.
Donations from a club (i.e. after a fund raiser) also generate FRPs.
Endowment Funds don't generate any individual or club recognition levels.
Some donations generate Paul Harris points but no DDF (i.e., Annual funds directed to one of Rotary’s 7 areas of focus, Disaster Relief, PolioPlus).
See the charts below to determine where you would like your donations to The Rotary Foundation to be directed.
In 1979, volunteers administered the oral polio vaccine to children in the Philippines. The event was arranged and attended by Rotarians and delegates from the Philippine Ministry of Health. The project’s success led Rotary to make polio eradication a top priority. RI launched PolioPlus in 1985 and was a founding member of the Global Polio Eradication Initiative in 1988.
Rotary has committed more than $2.9 billion, and countless volunteer hours, to fighting polio since Rotary launched its polio eradication program, PolioPlus, in 1985.
In 1988, Rotary joined in partnership with the World Health Organization, UNICEF, and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to form the GPEI (the Global Polio Eradication Initiative). The Gates Foundation and Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance later joined..
When the initiative was launched, there were 350,000 cases of polio every year. Through decades of commitment and work by Rotary and our partners, more than 2.5 billion children have received the oral polio vaccine. Thanks to the GPEI’s efforts, in partnership with world governments, the incidence of polio has plummeted by more than 99.9 percent.
WHO: The United States has withdrawn from WHO (the World Health Organization).
UNICEFhas projected that its 2026 budget will shrink by at least 20% compared to 2024, a spokesperson for the U.N. children's agency said on Tuesday, after the U.S. President slashed global humanitarian aid.
CDC: Secretary of Health Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is removing all 17 members of a key vaccine advisory committee that helps craft vaccine policy and recommendations for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
GAVI: U.S. is pulling funding from Gavi, the global group that has paid for more than a billion kids to get vaccinated.
Go HERE to learn about Rotary's Polio Eradication efforts, and DONATE HERE.
If you are wondering why polio has not been eradicated from the globe, even though we’ve had vaccines for almost 70 years, check this fabulous educational VIDEO.
D7090 Rotarian, Thie Convery, “Polio Eradication Champion”, gives major gift to “End Polio Now!”
Thie Convery has done it again!!! With her most recent charitable gift, Thie has given an accumulated major gift of $110,500. CAN to “End Polio Now” in this Rotary Year! Thie became a member of The Arch Klumph Society on July 1, 2022, as overseen by RI President Jennifer Jones accepting the ceremonial last $1.
Thie is well known for her amazing End Polio Now Fundraising Events, major gifts and challenges. She is also the founding Chair of the STamp Out Polio (STOP), cause-based satellite club, of The Rotary Club of Dundas Valley Sunrise, ON D7090.
Let’s all thank Rotarian Thie, “Polio Eradication Champion”, for her outstanding generosity and full commitment to “End Polio Now”!
THIE IS ONE IN A MILLION!
PHOTO (L to R): DG Dave Alexander, Rotarian Thie Convery, DRFC Lisa Bishop
Once again this year, Rotary District 7090 invites you to take part in a special event to End Polio: the 6th Annual Dr. Ron Mergl Participate for Polio on Saturday, September 13.
Bring your bike and join the ride!
Participants will gather at 10:00 a.m. at the St. Davids Lions Club, 1462 York Road, St. Davids, before cycling to Niagara-on-the-Lake.
After our return, we will convene for food, beverages, and fellowship at The Old Firehall Restaurant, just a short distance away at 268 Four Mile Creek Road.
Our fundraising goal is $5,000 CAD from the Ontario side of District.
Due to global efforts led by Rotary, polio cases have dropped by 99.9%.
Although we are closer than ever, significant challenges remain.
Every $1 you give becomes $3 thanks to the 2:1 match from the Gates Foundation so Let's End Polio Now.
CALGARY, AB – June 26, 2025 – The spirit of "Service Above Self" was alive and well in Calgary this past week as approximately 65 enthusiastic members of Rotary District 7090 descended upon the city for the highly anticipated Rotary International Convention.
From June 21st to 25th, Rotarians from across Southern Ontario and Western New York immersed themselves in a whirlwind of enriching experiences, reinforcing bonds, and forging new friendships.
The Calgary Convention proved to be an unforgettable adventure, offering a dynamic program that kept attendees engaged and entertained. District 7090 members enthusiastically participated in the diverse range of activities, starting each day with invigorating general sessions at the Scotiabank Saddledome. These sessions, featuring inspiring speakers and updates on global Rotary initiatives, served as a powerful reminder of the impactful work being done worldwide.
But it wasn't all serious business!
The convention was a vibrant hub of learning and camaraderie. Rotarians dove into a plethora of breakout sessions held at the new BMO Centre, exploring various avenues of service, leadership development, and community projects. Many expressed excitement about bringing fresh ideas and renewed energy back to their home clubs.
Some even learned how to use AI.
A highlight for many was the unique "home hosting" experience, where Calgary-area Rotarians opened their homes and hearts to visitors. This provided a truly personal touch, allowing District 7090 members to experience genuine Albertan hospitality and connect with local Rotarians on a deeper level, sharing stories and laughter over delicious meals.
PRISM Award – Public Relations and Image Strategy Merit: Celebrate. Inspire. Strengthen. Measure.
Distract 7090 is launching a new program to recognize clubs for their PR/PI efforts in sharing their club's and Rotary's stories.
The PRISM Award is Rotary District 7090’s signature recognition for clubs that demonstrate excellence in Public Image activity.
It’s more than a certificate—it’s a celebration of how your club shares Rotary’s story, values, and impact with the world.
This initiative encourages clubs to increase their visibility, use strategic communication tools, and adopt consistent branding practices—all while showcasing the incredible work they do in their communities and beyond.
Awards are presented annually based on the number of completed tasks.
Take advantage of webinars and learning opportunities through our district (i.e., PI Huddle 7/28and on the 4th Monday of each month) and in the Learning Center on the Rotary International (CLICKthen sign in).
How to Get Started: Visit HERE to access the toolkit and full guidelines.
We invite you to join us for a Public Image Huddle the 4th Monday of Each Month at 8:00 AM via Zoom. This informal session is open to anyone interested in Public Image, whether you’re the Club President, Club Public Relations Chair, Club Newsletter Rep, a Committee Member, or just a Rotarian looking for better ways to share your Rotary story - JOIN US!
This is the perfect space to: ✔️ Ask questions about Public Image Tools & Strategies ✔️ Share what’s working for your Club ✔️ Connect with others throghout the District
📅 Date: 4th Monday of each Month 🕗 Time: 8:00 AM – 8:45 AM
The D7090 Rotary HIP (Honouring Indigenous Peoples) committee is thrilled to announce that D7090 will be hosting the 2026 Youth to Youth Reconciliation event, to be held at Six Nations in Brantford in March 2026.
This program recruits 50% Indigenous and 50% non-Indigenous student leaders, historically from Districts all across Canada, to participate in a reconciliation event featuring cultural teaching by First Nation elders.
This year, with our cross-border district, we will be including students from the US for the first time, so we will be looking to recruit student leaders – 2 from the US and 2 from Canada from our District.
We are also looking at a Peace and Conflict Resolution Global Grant to help provide funding for the amazing life-changing event.
Watch for more info on this event with application process to begin in September.
On Sunday, September 7, 2025, the Ancaster AM Rotary Club will hold its annual Autumn Stroll Event. This is a large food and wine event where we host over 700 people from the Ancaster/Hamilton area.
The guests are loaded on wagons and taken down the escarpment to the Hamilton Conservation area.
They then stroll among food, wine and beer suppliers for the afternoon. Everything is included in the ticket price. There is also music and dancing if desired.
Tickets are on sale now online.
This is a 19+ event, no children, babies or strollers are permitted, no exceptions.
This can be a loud and busy event, almost like a music concert, while we love them too, please leave pets at home.
The weather is almost always kind to us, but this is a rain-or-shine event!
There are photos and videos taken throughout the day for marketing purposes; purchasing a ticket is providing your permission to the Rotary Club of Ancaster & associates to do so.
The Charitable Receipt can only be issued to the purchaser of the tickets.
There can be no refunds within 30 days of the event, no exceptions.
The June 16 meeting of the Rotary Club of the Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus was a “get to work” gathering at the home of one of our members. Wielding rakes, brooms, garden snippers and clippers, a “multipurpose garden hand tool,” hammers, nails, a circular saw, and drills, we weeded the garden and removed invasive plants (revealing beautiful iris), repaired her wheelchair ramp, sanded and stained the railing, and spent time chatting and catching up.
All were rewarded with a piece of “Impossibly Easy Bisquick™ Rhubarb Pie”.
PHOTO (L to R): Joyce Grinewich, outgoing BNMC President Sean Brennan, Bob Grinewich, incoming BNMC President Amir Johnson, David Johnson, Bryan Bond. (Not pictured: Terri Campbell, Patti Johnson)
The Saturn Club rang out with young voices at a recent Buffalo Rotary luncheon.
On the menu– hearing from our Rotary Exchange student Kokone Nakaoshi from Japan and a group of students from Lorraine Academy.
Koko gave us a terrific presentation on her year at Buffalo’s City Honors School with many activities from Algonquin Park in Northern Canada to Jamestown.
She also shared images from her home in Japan including a devastating earthquake that hit her region.
Our own Deann Sheppard and Paul Marzello shared their mentoring experiences at South Buffalo’s Lorraine Academy.
This important program has bolstered student progress at this school for the three decades.
Buffalo Sunrise Rotarians like to work! And we like to play!
It has been a busy month at our club, so our stories are better told in photos.
Current President Timothy Priano welcomes Jill Norton as our new Buffalo Sunrise RC President for 2025-26.
Weeding parties and Peace Pole installation at Towpath Park, along the Niagara River Greenway.
A formal dedication of the Peace Pole will take place in August as well as the installation of a children-focused Little Library.
Receiving a partner award from Let There Be Light International, given by BS Rotarian Sarah Baird (LTBLI founder) and her partner BS Rotarian Ben Kerman to RC Buffalo Sunrise.
DG Dave Alexander in attendance along with Rotarian from our club and friends of Rotary.
PHOTO: Outgoing President Timothy welcomes Jill, Buffalo Sunrise RC President '25-'26
Open Your Home. Open Your World. Host an International Exchange Student
Rotary International is currently seeking 3 to 4 welcoming families in Fonthill to host a high school exchange student from France during the 2025–2026 school year.
Meet Touti Gendre-Guittard, a bright, curious, and adventurous student from France who will turn 17 in June. Touti will attend E.L. Crossley Secondary School from September 2025 to June 2026 through the Rotary Youth Exchange Program, and she is eager to experience Canadian family life, school culture, and community traditions.
Hosting is typically for a 3 to 4 month period, allowing multiple families to participate in creating a memorable and meaningful exchange experience.
Host families receive a monthly stipend of $300 to help offset the cost of meals and household expenses.
The Scholarship Committee of the Rotary Club of Hamburg has announced the names of the 2025 scholarship award winners selected from the Hamburg, Frontier and St. Francis high schools.
Graduating seniors who each earned a $1,000 college scholarship were: Jordan Balus, of Frontier pictured with Rotarian Barb Stanley; Wylie Schmitt, of Hamburg High School and Jacob Tucker of St. Francis High School.
PHOTO (L to R): Jordan Balus, of Frontier; Rotarian Barb Stanley
The Rotary Club of Hamburg inducted its new leaders for the 2025-26 year that starts July 1 during its annual picnic at the Taylor Road Cabin June 24.
Presiding over the ceremonies were longtime Rotarian Tom Johnston and Rotary District 7090 Governor-Elect Aaron Carlson, a member of the Lockport Rotary Club.
The Rotary Club of Hamburg is among the 65 Rotary and Rotaract clubs comprising District 7090, a sprawling international organization encompassing Southern Ontario and Western New York.
PHOTOS:
LEFT: Tim Straube, left was presented a gift in recognition of his two years of service as president of the Rotary Club of Hamburg by Rotarian Tom Johnston, right, who served as emcee in ceremonies at the annual summer picnic.
RIGHT: District 7090 Governor-Elect Aaron Carlson, left congratulates 2025-26 President John Nowak, second from left, along with officers of the board Tim Hoelscher, treasurer and Wendy Hvisdak, secretary. Not shown were Public Image Co-chairs Eileen Hotho and Lisa Avery.
June is the closing month for the 2024-2025 Rotary year.
At the club's June 18 meeting, special recognition was given to soon-departing President, Celine Legret.
A regular club practice is to bestow a bright yellow “Rotarian at Work” vest, suitably monogramed with the President’s name and year of service, on the condition that the individual continues to join in Rotary community efforts – as we know Celine will.
In fact, she may be so glad the year is over that she will gladly spend a few hours in community service as needed.
At the June 18 meeting, PDG Anne Bermingham presented the results of the annual club membership survey. It was completed by 23 of 36 members, a 64% response rate, down from 83% last year.
Over 85% of members indicated they were satisfied as members. 95% felt welcome in the club and 91% indicated that they felt club members cared about each other. 87% enjoyed club meetings.
Key areas noted for improvement were membership growth, higher attendance at weekly meetings and focusing club efforts as there is always a lot going on. Focusing membership recruitment on certain demographics was suggested and drawing those individuals to club meetings, socials and events so they could have a taste of what Rotary is all about was suggested.
Some other key suggestions: reducing the number of club committees, encouraging all members to join in committee work and hosting a “Club Fair” in the Fall of each year – hopefully to attract more members and sustain those already in the club.
Communication to members got high marks, as did seeking input from members, both at 95%.
Finally, a high number of members felt they made valuable connections through the club, and membership gave them opportunities to use their talents and skills. They felt the positive experience of membership was worth the money expended, and also felt that, through Rotary, they were able to make a difference in the community and the world.
In this author’s personal experience, few clubs are able to conduct such a comprehensive and valuable survey during the Rotary year and significant recognition should go to PDG Anne Bermingham of 2WA Consulting for this excellent contribution to the Hamilton AM Rotary Club!
We were very pleased to induct two new members in the month of June.
It was a great way to cap off the year for our Club.
New members Marcia Mohammed & Ross Pollock were both introduced to the activities of our Club at a recent “Business After Five” event co-hosted with the Stoney Creek Chamber of Commerce.
PHOTOS:
LEFT: President Elect Tom Peddle, Marcia Mohammed, President Mike Dunne
RIGHT: Paul Crossman, sponsor, Ross Pollock, President Mike Dunne
Students, staff, and community members gathered on the campus of Jamestown High School to dedicate a new Peace Pole on June 13 — a gift from the Rotary Club of Jamestown — that bears the message “May Peace Prevail on Earth” in multiple languages.
“In honor of the unyielding spirit of unity and understanding we, the Rotary Club of Jamestown, dedicate this peace pole to the students and faculty of Jamestown High School,” said Rotary Club President Marion Beckerink during the ceremony.
“May it be seen as a symbol of our commitment to fostering peace, to fostering peace, respect and compassion within our community and beyond.”
Several JHS students involved in the “Justice for All” course at the school, as well as the My Brother’s Keeper and Puerto Rican Hispanic Youth Leadership programs, also offered reflections, poetry, and music during the ceremony on the corner of Chandler Street and Foote Avenue, just above the JHS student parking lot.
The whole event was truly wonderful and moving. The Jamestown High School students are in Elizabeth Rowe-Baehr’s Justice for All English elective class.
Local Rotarians Sue & Greg Jones described their participation in the Water Filter distribution project in the Puerto Vallarta, Mexico area supported by the Rotary Club of Jamestown through its Vision Committee process.
Sue began with an overview of the beautiful Puerta Vallarta area – the beach, the mountains, the jungle – and described the areas she and her husband Greg visited to distribute water filters. The American and Canadian contingent participants of this program have been led for the past 10 years by Ken Reiser of the West Chester/Liberty, Ohio Rotary Club assisted by his wife Kathy and they have distributed over 5,000 water filters.
All of this is to improve opportunities for children through education. The only way to break the poverty cycle is through education. Local medical personnel who treat the people living in the rural area report that one of the major issues is missing school attendance because of sickness due to parasites and bacterial problems. Almost all these problems come from contaminated drinking water, because they do not have clean water systems. This keeps parents from working and children from attending school.
The Joneses attended 3 distributions this winter in La Cumbre, Mascota, and Campo Acosta, Jalisco, Mexico where nearly 500 filter systems were distributed. They thanked their fellow Rotarians for the donations the Club has made to support this program.
PHOTO (L to R): Greg Jones, Sue Jones members of the Rotary Club of Jamestown, NY and Marion Beckerink, President of the Club.
Rev. Dowling is originally from Birmingham, Alabama and arrived in Buffalo in 2019, where he most recently served as Director of Youth Ministry and Community Engagement at Westminster Presbyterian Church. His education includes an undergraduate degree from Southeastern Bible College (2008) and a Master of Divinity degree from Columbia Theological Seminary (2016), as well as a Certificate in Equitable Community Change from Cornell University (2022).
Ordained as a PCUSA Teaching Elder in Auburn, Alabama in 2016, Micah already had 10 years’ worth of youth ministry experience in Birmingham. He went on to lead in various pastoral roles in congregations within the Presbytery of Greater Atlanta, where he served as chaplain, youth minister, associate pastor and mission trip coordinator. Micah has most recently had extensive ministry experience in the Presbytery of WNY in supply preaching, session moderation, mission committee development, pastoral care, and young adult ministry as well as serving on the Committee of Ministry and the Camp Duffield board. Micah’s great community outreach last summer has included the Westminster Economic Development Initiative (WEDI)Energy-Fly program, Buffalo Federation of Neighborhood Centers, Camp Massanetta and Friends of Night People.
Micah loves music, sports and relational work with all ages. He also LOVES tacos. Micah lives in Buffalo with his wonderful wife Katelyn who pastors at Westminster Presbyterian Church.
We are ecstatic to welcome Micah into our Club!
PHOTO (L to R): Kenmore President Cathy Piciulo, Rev. Micah Nutter Dowling
On Thursday, June 12th Kenmore Rotarians volunteered at the “Beer Tent” for Kenmore Days! All tips collected (over $500) were donated to the Kenmore Rotary and will be used to support local organizations throughout our community!
Kenmore Days is the longest-running community event in Kenmore.
It started in the 1970s, when the Kenmore Merchants Association (now Kenmore Business Association) sold tickets to Crystal Beach, Canada.
Later, the event moved to the Village, with carnival rides set up in the Municipal Parking lots and on Lincoln.
After the Village Centennial, fireworks were included in the event, and the carnival was moved to Mang Park to centralize all of the fun.
Our annual need-based scholarships were awarded to Lancaster and Depew High School graduates continuing to college or trade school.
The last two years, applicants have been few.
High costs of college are closing out the students we reach out to, despite helps like our own,
Therefore, this year we changed the qualification to include graduates going on to trade schools and are back to a healthy application rate.
As we scored the applicants it became apparent that the fourth and fifth were less than one point apart, but both were almost a standard deviation above those below.
As a result, an award was added, and the club presented five scholarships at their respective school's graduation ceremonies.
Congratulations to: Samar Mehrzad, Hope Jerackas, Dylan Thomas, Clare Devine, and Kayl Hazel.
Lewiston/NOTL Rotary President Elect Leslie Scibilia continued the long tradition of awarding a Scholarship to a graduating Senior of Lewiston Porter High School.
As part of the tradition, the club had input into naming the recipient and the criteria to be used.
Need and uniqueness of student achievement have always been important factors in the process.
Just like the Rotary Club, itself the recipient, Lorali Ward, is truly special.
The Club had to hold a special fundraising event in order to be able to fund this scholarship, which succeeded due to the strong advocacy and leadership of President Elect Leslie.
In a small Rotary Club, every member can have a big impact.
PHOTO: Lewiston/NOTL Rotary President Elect Leslie Scibilia and Graduating Lewiston Porter High School Student Lorali Ward
On June 10 Rob Foster, Foundation Chair, and Joanne Serkeyn, President of the Rotary Club of Lincoln, presented Jonna Wolfenberg, Manager of Philanthropy of the YMCA of Niagara, a donation of $5520.
This donation was made possible by applying for and receiving a Rotary District 7090 Grant. Using this grant the club was able to significantly enhance the donation.
The generous support from the Rotary Club of Lincoln will directly fund access to the YMCA of Niagara’s Summer Camp for children and youth through our Helping Hands Program and the YMCA of Niagara day camp programs.
The donation ensures that no child is left behind due to financial barriers and that every child has the chance to experience to PLAY, GROW, THRIVE and sense of belonging that camp provides.
This support bridges the financial gap for these families—turning what would be an unreachable opportunity into a real, life-enhancing experience.
The donation will help support approximately 60 children and youth to our day camps.
Rotary is in the business of leadership development and there are many program opportunities to assist youth which may begin as early as elementary school.
Rotary Youth Exchanges have been taking place since 1927 and are geared to students ages 15-17.
The Rotary Club of Norfolk Sunrise (RCNS) is active in Long Term Exchanges (LTE) and we have one student arriving in August. The Rotary Club of Simcoe (RCS) has one, and our two clubs are sharing a third. Our inbounds will arrive in mid to late August and return home in early July 2026.
We are always seeking host families as this program cannot be sustained without the support of these volunteer families.
Kudos to our hard-working and creative Youth Services Cttee as lead by Rudi Atkinson. Go to the 'Read more ...' tab to get a glimpse into the two students that the RCNS are sponsoring this year.
Sunrisers Jim and Marjorie Dawson, on their recent trip to Pikangikum First Nation in NW Ontario, were pleased to present a cheque for $3,200 to support fire training at the Eenchokay Birchstick School.
The funding was raised through a GoFundMe campaign following a devastating fire in the community.
Funds raised helped to purchase and install smoke detectors and more recently providing fire safety training in the school.
The Rotary Club of Norfolk Sunrise recently continued its encouragement of the local initiative to create a community-based hospice facility.
In support of the recent Hike for Hospice event, our Club entered a representative team: Mary Mercato, Louise Schebesch (with Lola), Jim & Lynda Simpson (with Blu) and team organizer Cathy Harrop (with Bruiser). It was a great (dog-) day and we were able to contribute over $1K (still growing!) to the Hike’s stated goal of $40K. So far, the event has raised more than $67K (and that value is still growing!) Thanks to all Sunrisers who contributed to this great cause.
This most-recent event participation only adds to our longer-term commitment to the Norfolk-Haldimand hospice initiative. Over the years, the RCNS has worked with other community agencies to increase public awareness, we have made community service cash donations, we have welcomed guest speakers and we’ve participated in related events.
It is wonderful to see this initiative now gaining the traction so-warranted - a solution to this pressing community social imperative would seem to be in sight!
Over the past six months, the Olean Rotary Club has been kept busy every season. As we wrap up the current Rotary year, we just want to extend our heartfelt thanks to the community for your continued support!
This year’s Rotary theme was the Magic of Rotary, which showcases the power of people coming together to make a difference — in our neighborhoods, in our world, and in each other’s lives. Your generosity, involvement, and spirit of service have helped make this year truly remarkable.
After our December holiday party, the Rotary Club of Olean paused meetings until mid-January. When we gathered again, guests included a local rheumatologist who helped us understand her field of health better, a newspaper editor who spoke about the dangers facing the news industry, a representative from the department of aging, and our own Joe Higgins shared a slideshow of pictures from his recent world travels.
Sadly, the club lost one of its long-time members when George Hendrix passed away at the age of 92 on April 7th. George joined the Club on August 29, 1960, and for more than 60 years, he remained an active and dedicated member. His contributions, friendship, and unwavering support left a lasting impact on all of us. He will be deeply missed.
Ribfest is an annual 4-day fundraising event hosted by The Rotary Club of St. Catharines.
LOCATION: 64 Ontario St, St. Catharines, ON L2R 5J5
This community event brings together food vendors, live music and family-friendly activities.
As one of St. Catharines biggest downtown events, there are over 30,000 annual attendees, 4 days of live music, local vendors offering food, drinks, merchandise, and of course plenty of ribs from your favorite ribbers.
There will be no charge for visitors to enter the park; however, donations for the Rotary Club would be greatly appreciated.
On June 14, Rotarians and guests gathered for an unforgettable evening of music, movement, and meaning at the “Ain’t Misbehavin’” fundraising event in support of the Ronald McDonald Family Room at the Marotta Family Hospital in St. Catharines.
The night opened with the upbeat sounds of The Hummingbirds, a vibrant youth steel drum band, setting the tone for what was to come.
Headlining the evening was the acclaimed Toronto All-Star Big Band, a 28-piece ensemble that brought the golden age of swing to life.
Their performance had guests on their feet as the Lindy Dancers dazzled with vintage flair—and invited everyone to join in the fun, filling the dance floor with joyful energy and laughter.
Generous donations and raffle prizes added to the excitement, with contributions from WestJet (a flight for two to any of their destinations), Dynasty Wine Tours, Sony TV, Karen Webb (local artist), Stone Mill Inn, and the Niagara Lions Basketball Team, among others.
More than just a fun night out, Ain’t Misbehavin’ succeeded in raising awareness for the Ronald McDonald Family Room and brought our community closer through music, generosity, and fellowship.
We have commenced our Erie Canal Historic Site Rejuvenation project along the Empire State/Shoreline Trail in the Town of Tonawanda. We received donations from several clubs in our Rotary/Niagara River Partnership as well as a $150,000 grant from the Buffalo and Erie County Greenway Committee. The work is in conjunction with the Erie Canal Bicentennial and the World Canals Conference being held in Buffalo September 21-25.
The first contractor on site was Let's Goat Buffalo to begin eradication of the overwhelming invasive plants found on the site. The site is part of the Erie County Parks system and they, along with the Niagara River Greenway and the Historical Societies of the Tonawandas, are partnered to deliver the project.
The club has hired an engineering firm and landscape designer who are developing plans to bring in native pollinator plants, native shrubs, and trees. The site is overgrown with buckthorn and phragmites and the goats eat the invasive plants while sterilizing those seeds during digestion. In addition to native plantings, accessible pathways, historic interpretive signage, a bicycle pavilion, bike repair station, bike racks and benches will be installed. Below is a concept plan for development. Future additions hopefully will include public art installations.
PHOTO: Jim Jones, Tonawanda Rotary Chair, Jimbo McDonald, Deputy Commissioner Erie County Parks, Josh Konovitz, Erie County Forester along with "crew" from Let's Goat Buffalo standing on the original 200-year-old Erie Canal towpath
Waterdown Rotarians took this week's meeting to another level to mark the 70th anniversary of the club's charter date.
The local club welcomed guests, community partners, former members and other friends of Rotary as they celebrated at the Hamilton Convention Centre.
The Waterdown Rotary Club was chartered on June 9, 1955.
The anniversary festivities, which took place at the Hamilton Convention Centre, featured an informal reception followed by dinner and speeches from guests, including Assistant District Governor Russ Powers, former Youth Exchange student and Dundas Rotarian George Eastwood, and current exchange students Agus Sancho and Sophie Blain.
Longtime partners and friends of Rotary also talked about their relationship with the local club, including former Flamborough Food Bank manager Gail Bosma, WDHS Interact Club liaison Bill McEwen and Genevieve Hladysh of the YMCA Hamilton-Burlington-Brantford.
Guests also enjoyed a slide show and had a chance to check out some of the club's memorabilia on display in the dining room.
PHOTO: Tom Gallagher checks out some of the photos and memorabilia on display at the Rotary Club of Waterdown's 70th anniversary gala.
The Rotary Club of Welland is pleased to congratulate the 2025 Rotary Gold Medallion recipients from the graduating classes of 5 Welland and 2 Port Colborne High Schools
The Rotary Club of Welland has offered some form of Rotary Bursary since 1950, with more regular recipients beginning in 1963 – 62 years ago! Two students from each of the 7 secondary schools graduating classes in Welland and Port Colborne are selected by their peers and guidance office.
These students have been chosen by their peers and Guidance staff because they personify the motto of Rotary “Service Above Self” as well as following the Four Way Test: “Of all the things we think say or do: Is it the truth? Is it Fair to all concerned? Will it build Goodwill and Better Friendships? Will it be beneficial to all concerned? They have made worthy contributions to the life of the school and the community at large and possess the qualities, abilities and interests that make them worthy representatives of their schools. At the same time, achieving academic success.
This year’s recipients are Marvelous Orisabiyi and Zachary Snack (Welland Centennial Secondary School); Jordan Kumar and Owen Higgs (Eastdale Secondary School); Sophie Filion and William Hnatiuk (École secondaire catholique Saint-Jean-de-Brébeuf); Aicha Kaba and Jöel Boweya (École secondaire Franco-Niagara); Sophia Seca and Ethan Rasch (Lakeshore Catholic High School); Trista Sammutt and Nathaniel Obeh (Notre Dame College School); and Aryonna Forney and Carlos Yang (Port Colborne High School).
PHOTO: This year’s recipients are Marvelous Orisabiyi and Zachary Snack (Welland Centennial Secondary School); Jordan Kumar and Owen Higgs (Eastdale Secondary School); Sophie Filion and William Hnatiuk (École secondaire catholique Saint-Jean-de-Brébeuf); Aicha Kaba and Jöel Boweya (École secondaire Franco-Niagara); Sophia Seca and Ethan Rasch (Lakeshore Catholic High School); Trista Sammutt and Nathaniel Obeh (Notre Dame College School); and Aryonna Forney and Carlos Yang (Port Colborne High School).
It is with profound sadness that we announce that Fred Farnham, and his alter ego Freddie the Clown, passed peacefully on Wednesday, June 18th, 2025, in his 99th year.
Fred's legacy lives on in the countless lives he touched, from the laughter he brought as Freddie the Clown to the mentorship he offered through his work with Big Brothers Big Sisters and Rotary Youth Programs. His enduring commitment to community service and his heartfelt approach to creating joy will forever be cherished by all who knew him. His philosophy of spreading happiness through simple acts continues to inspire generations in Welland and beyond.
After receiving a Paul Harris Fellowship in 1988, he joined The Rotary Club of Welland in 1996. He was significantly involved in Rotary Youth Programs, including RYLA, SLAPSHOT (now Jr. RYLA), and Youth Exchange. Fred also served as a mentor through Big Brothers Big Sisters and participated as a Big Brother four times. He served as a member of the former United Way of South Niagara. He contributed to the Welland Food Drive and effectively encouraged Welland Rotary Members to participate in the initiative this past November. Additionally, Fred was a long-time blood donor until he “aged out”.
Fred leaves behind his daughter Yvonne on Vancouver Island, and sons Terry in Calgary and Andrew in Regina. He is also remembered by his wide Rotary Family.
A commemoration of Fred’s life will be scheduled later in the year.
Co-Chaired by Lauren Gallaccio and Don Thorpe, there were 10 happy winners of brand name purses (Coach, Kate Spade, Michael Kors). An exciting special 11th Bingo game awarded a Gucci Purse valued at $1,170! A 50:50 draw was held, with the winner, Kerrie Calla of Niagara Falls taking home $1,310.
Community support is essential for the Club to assist those in need. The Purse Bingo this year raised $9,854.
Everyone had a great evening, especially the Purse winners: Sande Prevost, Suzanne Gautier, Janet Burattini, Maria Lanzillotta, and Shelley McClemont (all from Welland); Linda Marshall (Hamilton); Jillian Geddes (Grimsby); Rosie Federinko and Margie Rylett (Niagara Falls); and Christine Fazackerley (Fort Erie). Karen Wright of Welland took home the Gucci Purse.
Thank you to all participants and congratulations to the winners. Special thanks to our generous sponsors.
PHOTOS: 1) Gucci Purse Winner photo: Karen Wright 2) 50:50 Winner Kerrie Calla (L) and Past President Tammy Morden
Mike Harrington, Rotary Area 16 Assistant Governor, recently presented to the Westfield Academy and Central School (WACS) and its Band Department, its students and community the results of another Rotary Club of Westfield-Mayville and Rotary District 7090 Grant initiative.
It that started over a year ago with Mr. Chagnon, band director, playing a 106-year-old baritone euphonium before the Westfield-Mayville Rotary Club!
At that time, he asked for assistance in supporting the Band music program at WACS.
Presented were four (4) new, high quality Band instruments; a Yamaha Clarinet, Flute, Saxophone and Trumpet each with their own case valued at nearly $3,000 which be available for generations of students to enjoy and use for years to come.
PHOTO (L to R): Mike Harrington, WACS band students (flute, sax, clarinet, trumpet), WACS Band Director Roger Chagnon
The Williamsville Rotary Club, in collaboration with the Amherst Rotary Club, is pleased to announce the 2025 Classic Car Show and Family Fun Day.
Sunday, August 17th
10:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Northtown Center in Amherst, 1615 Amherst Manor Drive, Williamsville, New York 14221.
Admission: FREE!
Gates open at 9:00 AM for participants registering for the event. Pre-registration for vehicles is available for a fee of $10.00 and must be completed by August 8th. On-site registration will also be accepted for $15.00, with a registration deadline of noon on the day of the event.
Attendees can look forward to an impressive showcase of hundreds of vintage and classic cars, along with customized trucks. Food and beverages will be available, promising an enjoyable day of family entertainment.
We are currently seeking sponsors for this event. Sponsorship provides a fantastic opportunity for local businesses to gain visibility and connect with the community. Sponsors will receive recognition on event materials, including trophies and plaques, and announcements throughout the day. In addition to the car show, the Family Fun Day promises there will be something for everyone to enjoy.
Volunteers are also welcome to join us in making this event a success. Whether you're interested in helping with setup, managing activities, or assisting with registration, your support would be greatly appreciated.
Mark your calendars and bring your family and friends for a day filled with fun, excitement, and nostalgia. We look forward to seeing you there! For more information, to register your vehicle, or to inquire about sponsorship opportunities, please contact us at wojtowiczr@aol.com or visit our website https://williamsvillerotaryclub.org/
Every day mothers risk their lives giving birth and millions of children die each year from treatable, preventable causes. At least 
At the recent RI Convention in Calgary, I learned a few key takeaways that may be useful to you.
The Rotary Foundation: WHERE YOU DONATE MATTERS!
In 1979, volunteers administered the oral polio vaccine to children in the Philippines. The event was arranged and attended by Rotarians and delegates from the Philippine Ministry of Health. The project’s success led Rotary to make polio eradication a top priority. RI launched PolioPlus in 1985 and was a founding member of the 
Once again this year, Rotary District 7090 invites you to take part in a 
CALGARY, AB – June 26, 2025 – The spirit of "Service Above Self" was alive and well in Calgary this past week as approximately 65 enthusiastic members of Rotary District 7090 descended upon the city for the highly anticipated Rotary International Convention.
D7090 Club Foundation Committee Learning – JUL 17
PRISM Award – Public Relations and Image Strategy Merit: Celebrate. Inspire. Strengthen. Measure.
D7090 Public Image Huddle
The D7090 Rotary HIP (Honouring Indigenous Peoples) committee is thrilled to announce that D7090 will be hosting the 2026 Youth to Youth Reconciliation event, to be held at Six Nations in Brantford in March 2026. 
On Sunday, September 7, 2025, the Ancaster AM Rotary Club will hold its annual 
The 7th annual Chili Cook-off to benefit the projects of the Rotary Club of the Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus is back!
The June 16 meeting of the Rotary Club of the Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus was a “get to work” gathering at the home of one of our members. Wielding rakes, brooms, garden snippers and clippers, a “multipurpose garden hand tool,” hammers, nails, a circular saw, and drills, we weeded the garden and removed invasive plants (revealing beautiful iris), repaired her wheelchair ramp, sanded and stained the railing, and spent time chatting and catching up.
The Saturn Club rang out with young voices at a recent Buffalo Rotary luncheon.
The Rotary Club of Buffalo is spreading goodwill in our community by approving four grant requests. Thanks to all who contributed!
Buffalo Sunrise Rotarians like to work! And we like to play!
Open Your Home. Open Your World. Host an International Exchange Student
The Scholarship Committee of the Rotary Club of Hamburg has announced the names of the 2025 scholarship award winners selected from the Hamburg, Frontier and St. Francis high schools.
The Rotary Club of Hamburg inducted its new leaders for the 2025-26 year that starts July 1 during its annual picnic at the Taylor Road Cabin June 24.
June is the closing month for the 2024-2025 Rotary year. 
At the June 18 meeting, PDG Anne Bermingham presented the results of the annual club membership survey. It was completed by 23 of 36 members, a 64% response rate, down from 83% last year.
We were very pleased to induct two new members in the month of June. 
We need volunteers at our community food booth at the Winona Peach Festival from Friday, August 22 to Sunday, August 24.
Students, staff, and community members gathered on the campus of 
Local Rotarians Sue & Greg Jones described their participation in the Water Filter distribution project in the Puerto Vallarta, Mexico area supported by the Rotary Club of Jamestown through its Vision Committee process.
On Monday, June 16th President Cathy Piciulo was pleased to induct Reverend Micah Nutter Dowling into the Rotary Club of Kenmore!
On Thursday, June 12th Kenmore Rotarians volunteered at the “Beer Tent” for Kenmore Days! All tips collected (over $500) were donated to the Kenmore Rotary and will be used to support local organizations throughout our community!
Our annual need-based scholarships were awarded to Lancaster and Depew High School graduates continuing to college or trade school.
The Lancaster-Depew Rotary Club is hosting its 2025 Car & Cycle Show at Russell’s Steaks, Chops & More on August 13, from 3:00 PM to 7:30 PM.
Lewiston/NOTL Rotary President Elect Leslie Scibilia continued the long tradition of awarding a Scholarship to a graduating Senior of Lewiston Porter High School.
On June 10 Rob Foster, Foundation Chair, and Joanne Serkeyn, President of the Rotary Club of Lincoln, presented Jonna Wolfenberg, Manager of Philanthropy of the 
Rotary is in the business of leadership development and there are many program opportunities to assist youth which may begin as early as elementary school. 
Sunrisers Jim and Marjorie Dawson, on their recent trip to 
The Rotary Club of Norfolk Sunrise recently continued its encouragement of the local initiative to create a community-based hospice facility. 
Over the past six months, the Olean Rotary Club has been kept busy every season. As we wrap up the current Rotary year, we just want to extend our heartfelt thanks to the community for your continued support!
Food4Kids Committee Chair Marlene’s prayers to the rain gods were heard at Sobeys 400 Scott Street, St Catharines.
Waterdown Rotarians took this week's meeting to another level to mark the 70th anniversary of the club's charter date.
The Rotary Club of Welland is pleased to congratulate the 2025 Rotary Gold Medallion recipients from the graduating classes of 5 Welland and 2 Port Colborne High Schools
It is with profound sadness that we announce that Fred Farnham, and his alter ego Freddie the Clown, passed peacefully on Wednesday, June 18th, 2025, in his 99th year.
Welland held its 5th “annual” Purse Bingo with 164 Bingo enthusiasts on Wednesday May 28th at the 
Mike Harrington, Rotary Area 16 Assistant Governor, recently presented to the Westfield Academy and Central School (WACS) and its Band Department, its students and community the results of another Rotary Club of Westfield-Mayville and Rotary District 7090 Grant initiative.
West Seneca held our successful Chicken Barbe que, chaired by Brian Cosgrove, on June 5th.
