I hope you have enjoyed your July and August, and as we head into the hustle and bustle of activities in September and beyond, please take a moment to thank those you know who work in the broad area covering learning, coaching, education, or skill training. Ask them to tell their story. All these people will know the importance of Basic Education and Literacy — our September Rotary theme — as the foundation to a successful life. Whether it is working with newcomers, working with youth on financial literacy, or reading in a one-on-one session — I encourage you to work with your teammates to find out the range of initiatives in your area and determine the key area of need. Similarly, you can consider an international project — a key impact — or perhaps revisit a club project from a while ago to see if your investment has made a difference. I also challenge those of you who are passionate about this Rotary Area of Focus to explore BELRAG.org and get in touch with Phil Shames, our District’s Service Projects Chair, with your ideas of a service project in this sector.
READ ON:
Buffalo and the Dare to Repair Cafe featured in this month’s Rotary Magazine
Lighthouse Award criteria for 2024-25 is now posted
District Conference has moved to Saturday, April 5th
“Basic Education and Literacy,” one of Rotary’s Seven Areas of Focus.
More than 775 million people over the age of 15 are illiterate. That’s 17% of the world’s adult population. Rotary’s goal: to strengthen the capacity of communities to support basic education and literacy, reduce gender disparity in education, and increase adult literacy.
Consider these facts:
According to the World Health Organization, if all women completed primary education, there would be 66% fewer maternal deaths.
A child born to a mother who can read is 50% more likely to survive past the age of five.
If all students in low-income countries left school with basic reading skills, 171 million people could be lifted out of poverty, which would be equivalent to a 12% cut in world poverty.
The world is making good progress in this area. According to a 2014 United Nations Millennium Development Goals progress report, literacy rates among adults and youths are on the rise and the gender gap in literacy is narrowing. But pressing global needs remain:
58 million children worldwide are out of school.
Even after four years of primary schooling, as many as 250 million children cannot read and write.
781 million adults are illiterate.
Rotary supports activities and training to improve education for all children and literacy for children and adults.
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Past District Governor Art Wing, on Saturday August 17, 2024, at Hospice Niagara, St. Catharines, ON, Canada.
We in D7090 extend our heartfelt Sympathy to PDG Art’s beloved family & friends.
PDG Art joined Rotary on May 2, 1974, and celebrated his 50 years in Rotary last spring.
He served as Club President of the St. Catharines club in 1991-92, Group Study Exchange (GSE) Leader to India in 2003-04, and multiple Club and District Leadership positions, with strength, knowledge, grace, humour, and tremendous care & compassion. His mentoring and generosity of service spanned decades.
In 2012, he was honoured with the prestigious, Rotary International, “Service Above Self Award”.
PDG Art Wing served as D7090 Governor in 2005-06, with the Presidential Theme, “Service Above Self”. This indeed, was how Art Wing served his community and Rotary. He was known lovingly as, “Mr. Rotary” by his home club, The Rotary Club of St. Catharines, ON.
PDG Art was a multiple Paul Harris Fellow Recipient, and a member of The Bequest Society.
PHOTO: PDG Art Wing with past Rotary Club of St. Catharines president Oksana Fischer
In Memory Donation: Should you wish, donations can be made in Art’s memory to the D7090 Best of Friends Heritage Endowment Fund.
Go to www.rotary.org/donate. Under “Choose what you would like to support” click on “Named Funds.” Then “enter the six-digit gift ID”: #E20602
Rotary Convention: What is one of the highlights that Rotarians talk about?
House of Friendship
One answer that a lot of people say for why they go or what they look forward to at the International Convention is the House of Friendship.
The House of Friendship is a marketplace where you can get everything Rotary from clothes, pins, promotional materials, or basically anything with a Rotary Logo on it. We have personally purchased shoes to pins to undergarments in the House of Friendship with Rotary Logos and Polio Plus logos on them.
Informational booths showcasing Service Projects and Rotary Action Groups (RAGS) are popular destinations as well. This is where you can find out more about projects and a chance to get more involved in different projects around the world. Many clubs have booths showcasing their projects and grants they have done around the world and in their own communities Many are looking for funding or helpful hands to help them finish their projects.
Rotary International also has booths in the House of Friendship. There are many mini break out sessions focusing on public image, communication helpful for all. There is usually a virtual reality on polio trips and global grants. Something different every year for you to explore
We love to visit clubs to talk about the convention and past convention just email us (Gary and Sandi Chard)atsandichard@gmail.com
You have made the great decision to go to the Rotary International Convention, but how will you get there?
While Calgary is in Canada it is still approximately 3200 km (2600 miles) from Hamilton (According to Google 33 hours of driving.) If you are driving, it is a great way to see the USA or Canada. However, the time it will take to drive both ways, and your costs along the way, are considerations.
If you want to leave the driving to someone else, Greyhound Bus is one way to go. You could stop along the way and see different areas of Canada or the USA. Again, it is very time consuming.
Unfortunately, Calgary does not have a train station. You could train to Edmonton and take alternative transportation from Edmonton (approximately 300 km from Calgary).
The trip from Toronto to Edmonton takes about 2 ½ days, and does not happen daily.
Flying is probably the way many Rotarians will go to Calgary. There are daily flights from Hamilton to Calgary (WestJet and Air Canada). Flight time is about 4 ½ hours. From Buffalo there are flights, though not direct. (Hamilton has a smaller airport, easy to get to and fast in-and-out time.)
River Oaks Golf Club on Grand island was the lovely setting for an important Niagara River Greenway Rotary Steering committee Pollinator Corridor discussion.
Twenty-one Rotarians and friends, from Buffalo, Buffalo Sunrise, Kenmore, and the Tonawandas Satellite club, learned about the importance of pollinators and native pollinator plants.
Greg Stevens, (RC Tonawandas Satellite, Executive Director at Niagara River Greenway Commission) posed the opening question: “What have we learned so far in our effort to create pollinator gardens?” He noted that youth engagement changes the dynamics and wondered “What inspires younger generations to become involved?” One notable answer is including youth in our efforts to do such things as trail cleanups and mural painting in appropriate spaces.
A recap from each of the clubs that have created various types of Pollinator Gardens followed, explaining both successes and what could be done differently.
Larry Coon (RC Kenmore) related the story about an active garden built in collaboration with the University of Buffalo Rotaract students club at Niawanda Park that is a raised bed garden needing little watering and is of a manageable size.
Jerry Kelly (RC Buffalo) spoke about engaging the newly formed Canisius U. Rotaract Club. Working with Prof. Erin Robinson this Spring, 20 Rotaractors were engaged in planting 94 native plants near the newly redeveloped Ralph Wilson Park.
Sherry Miller (RC Grand Island) commented on putting more and more native plants in an existing garden bed near the library which does include some non-native plants.
Barbara Ochterski (RC Buffalo Sunrise) spoke about their efforts at Towpath Park along the Niagara River where compost was spread and 235 native pollinator plants were recently planted to bloom in succession throughout the seasons.
Aligned with the start of the new Rotary year, D7090 Gift of Life (GOL) has begun its efforts to have all clubs in the district donate in support of 7090’s only district project.
Clubs are asked to include in their budgets each year a donation used to support surgery for children born with congenital heart defects who live in underdeveloped countries. Without such surgery, these children would die. Every day in the 80+ countries affiliated, there are 100 children on a waiting list for such surgeries. In the United States and Canada, our children can obtain the required surgery because we have excellent facilities and pediatric cardiac specialists. The cost of these expensive surgeries is assumed primarily by the government giving our children the hope of a bright future. Obviously, this is not true in many countries in the world.
We are very fortunate in that GOL International, to which we are affiliated, is composed primarily of volunteers reducing the cost of what are very expensive procedures. In District 7090, we would like to be able to obtain $5000 from each side of the border. This is the estimated cost per child, used primarily for medical supplies /equipment. We could meet this goal if each club could donate whatever they can, at least $100, to the effort. In 2023-24, nine (9) U.S. clubs out of 30+, made club donations. Listed alphabetically, they are: East Aurora, Grand Island, Hamburg, Hamburg Sunrise, Kenmore, Orchard Park, Lewiston-NOTL, Olean, and Westfield-Mayville. Five of these clubs donated above the minimum $100. Another club, Amherst, held a Wine and Appetizer Party on June 21st with GOL being one of the recipients of funding.
Did you know that each year, Rotary awards up to 130 fully funded fellowships for dedicated leaders from around the world to study at one of our 11 peace centers, which are located at universities all around the world? Through academic training, practice, and global networking opportunities, the Rotary Peace Centers program develops the capacity of peace and development professionals to become effective catalysts for peace. The Rotary Peace Fellowship is designed for leaders with work experience in peace and development. Our fellows are committed to community and international service and the pursuit of peace.
And in this year of The Magic of Rotary, where RI President, Stephanie Urchik has asked clubs around the world to focus on the issue of Peace, and undertake Peace Initiatives, like installation of Peace Poles (https://worldpeace.org/peacepoleproject), how awesome to know that Rotary D7090 has its very own Peace Fellow, Natalija Vojno.
Natalija is the current President of the Rotary Club of R.E.S.I., and is a resident of Toronto, Canada. Natalija is a peace innovator who has worked on freshwater policy for the past decade on the local, provincial, and international scale. A former speechwriter to Ontario’s Minister of the Environment and environmentalist, she led campaigns to curb plastic and nutrient pollution in the Great Lakes. And despite heading up several non-profits with a focus on clean water conservation and peace building, she is also an Alumna of the International Christian University of Tokyo Japan and the Rotary Peace Fellow Program.
District 7090 is holding special events in September as part of an End Polio Effort.
If all eradication efforts stopped today, within 10 years, polio could paralyze as many as 200,000 children each year.
As a founding partner of the Global Polio Eradication Initiative, Rotary has helped reduce polio cases by 99.9 percent since our first project to vaccinate children in the Philippines in 1979. Rotary members have contributed more than $2.1 billion, and countless volunteer hours, to protect nearly 3 billion children in 122 countries from this paralyzing disease.
Today, polio remains endemic in Afghanistan and Pakistan. An 11-month-old boy in Gaza has contracted polio.
It's crucial that the eradication initiative continue.
The Rotary Club of the Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus is holding a Connect Life Blood Drive:
Sept 30, 1:00 to 6:00 PM.
Corner of Ellicott and Virginia.
Donate blood during Sept. & Oct. to be entered to win a pair of tickets to a regular season Buffalo Bills home game in the all-inclusive M&T Bank Club!
Rotary BNMC is anticipating a collection of 17 units, which is enough blood to help 51 people in need!
Here is a service project anyone can participate in… lying down!
A Global Grant to provide latrines for 250 families in rural Nepal.
A $1,000 Scholarship to a local high school senior to pursue further education.
A lending Library being installed on the Kevin Guest House campus on Ellicott Street.
BNMC Rotarians help maintain the Greenway Bike Path, down by Rotary Row at the foot of Porter Avenue. We’re installing a bike fix-it station, complete with tools for bikers needing minor repair during their ride.
Thanks to generous donors and participants during the 2024 Online Auction, the Rotary Club of Brantford-Sunrise presented a cheque on June 19 for nearly $41,000 to the Brant Community Healthcare System Foundation to be used for the Pediatric Acute Referral Service (PARS) Clinic at Brantford General Hospital.
Pictured with the members of the Online Auction Committee are Dr. Jessica "Jessa" Dooley, Chief and Medical Director of the Department of Pediatrics at BCHS, Amy Griesser, RN and Clinical Manager of the Neo-Natal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), Pediatrics Unit and Diabetes Education Unit, Kari Wilson, Executive director of the BCHS Foundation, plus Sunrise President-Elect, John Utley, and Club President, Andrea Berestovenko.
Also in June, Brantford-Sunrise was proud to support Supportive Housing for Young Parents (SHYP) with cheques in the amount of $4500. This phenomenal facility in Brantford provides a safe and nurturing residence for young expectant mothers and toddlers. During their time at SHYP, the women receive a variety of prenatal & parenting classes & support and further educational and personal growth opportunities.
Pictured are Rotarians Jason Cherry, Club President Andrea Berestovenko-Harris, and Glen Christensen, as well as SHYP Executive Director Karen Stewart (holding the cheques).
Join Us for a Special Celebration: the 30th Anniversary Celebration of Buffalo Sunrise Rotary!
Come join us at the Saturn Club for a night of fun, laughter, and reminiscing as we celebrate three decades of service and community impact. This in-person event will be filled with fellowship of our members, delicious snacks and drinks, and great company.
Don't miss this opportunity to connect with fellow Rotarians, past and present, and celebrate the milestones we've achieved together. Let's raise a toast to the past, present, and future of Buffalo Sunrise Rotary!
Mingle and celebrate with our club and distinguished guests from our district as we mark our 30th anniversary as a Rotary Club.
We've come a long way from our humble beginnings in 1994.
Let's commemorate this milestone together!
September 20th, 2024, 5:00 - 7:00 PM
Saturn Club, 977 Delaware Avenue, Buffalo, NY
**$40.00 includes hors d'oeuvres**
- **Cash Bar Available**
Please RSVP by September 15, 2024.
Funds raised will build our service projects that we have planned for 24-25.
The Dunnville Hospital Foundation gratefully accepts a donation from the Rotary Club of Dunnville to help fund the purchase of a new E.C.G. machine needed by the hospital. The donation comes from the proceeds of both the Adam Shoalts speaking night, and the Dunnville Rotary Club’s recent Duck Race. The duck race event made a successful return following a lengthy hiatus at the annual Mudcat Festival. In the face of ongoing challenges to attract medical professionals, it’s essential for doctors to have access to up-to-date medical equipment that enhances their ability to diagnose and treat patients within our community. Residents take comfort in knowing that community-minded organizations like the Dunnville Rotary Club prioritize the health of our residents and the strength of our hospital.
PHOTO (L to R): Lynn Spencer, Past President; Brad Spencer, President and Chair of DHHF, Sharon Moore, CEO of HWMH, Tom Dorland, Laboratory Medical Director, Craig McLachlan, Vice Chair of the DHHF, Rachel Schmalz, Donor Relations & Financial Specialist and Sandie Heirwegh, Interim Executive Director of DHHF.
“Dunnville Donation for International Health”
Dunnville is excited to celebrate our new member, Valerie Bailey-Phillips, seen here presenting President Brad Spencer with a Certificate of Appreciation from “Gift of Life International” for the Club’s donation to helping children around the world dealing with heart disease.
The East Aurora Rotary Club recently supported the 2024 Dinner Series at Stillwater Farm, in Boston, NY. The fundraiser supports the expansion of the C.A.R.E. at Stillwater, a program that invites pediatric patients from Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center and Oishei Children's Hospital Cancer & Blood Disorders Program and their families to join us at the farm for a special day of outdoor fun, farm education, and healthy eating experiences.
Renowned chef Brian Mietus from Bacchus Wine Bar & Restaurant in Buffalo cares deeply about the provenance of the ingredients they serve, and the farm’s products regularly grace the menu at this respected farm-to-table restaurant. Stillwater Farms partnered with Bacchus for this deserving cause.
Owned by Jay and Margaret Braymiller, Stillwater Farm is a small, family operation located on 32 acres in the rolling hills of Boston, New York. For the past 23 years, their family has slowly rehabilitated the 200-year-old farmhouse that came with the property and worked diligently to regenerate the long-neglected land. Today, they raise sheep and chickens for market. Their farm is also home to companion animals including horses, a donkey, some sheep who are lifetime residents, and potbelly pigs Eleanor Pigby and Penny Lane.
Whether they’re destined for the table or life as a family pet, they treat every animal with the care and dignity, ensuring every day they spend on the farm is a happy one.
Photo Caption (L to R): AJ and Annmarie Block, Jon and Karen Kellog, Karen Gembar, Sean Cunningham, Lauren and Joel Brandon, Jack and Pam Theissen.
Ellicottville Rotary Chili Cookoff: Saturday, September 28th
Upstairs at Madigan’s, 36 Washington St # 1, Ellicottville, NY
Want to enter your famous family recipe?
Contact the Ellicottville Rotary through their FB page, email evlrotaryclub@gmail.com, or call John Weismantel at 716-228-7288.
There will be prizes for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place, with judging to take place live at the event.
There will be a basket raffle on the premises and, prior to the event, an on-line auction of amazing, some one-of-a-kind items (Springville Country Club, Penn Hills Country Club, Cutco, Buffalo Sabres, local artists, etc.)
For $10, you can taste all the amazing recipes our contestants offer, along with freshly made bread donated by the Ellicottville Bake Shop.
Come join the fun and support the Rotary Club of Ellicottville.
Sep 5: Summer Chill Supper Market Series in Town of Pelham Peace Park kicks off the month on September 5th with Rotary providing Smart Serve volunteers serving up beverages during the final Bandshell concert of the season!
Sep 11: PDG Lisa Bishop, District Foundation Chair is our guest of honour at our Club Meeting on Wednesday September 11 at 7:30am. Guests are welcome to join us at the Meridian Community Centre, upstairs in the Kinsmen Room. Directions to the room are available at the information desk.
Sep 13: Rotary Clubs of Welland and Fonthill Annual Golf Tournament. If you would like to sponsor this event please contact Hugh Graham. Proceeds from the event this year will go to Youth Resources Niagara.
Grants Given to John Howard Society of Hamilton and Wesley House
At the Hamilton AM Rotary August 14 club meeting, two major grant cheques of $6000 each were presented.
One was to Erin Buckle of John Howard Society of Hamilton and the other to Sheba Khan of Wesley House.
Erin explained how valuable this funding was to maintain their “Healthy Relationship Program.” These funds will allow them to expand acceptance into the program of clients badly in need of this kind of counselling support.
Sheba described their special efforts to help the age 16- 21 homeless population in Hamilton. The funds will allow them to improve their programming area where they offer this service.
These funds were generated through Rotary Club of Hamilton AM fundraising efforts.
PHOTO (L to R): Past President Mac Lashley, Erin Buckle, Celine Legret and Sheba Kahn
Welcome to the Rotary Club of Hamilton AM Charitable Corporation
At the August 7, 2024, Hamilton AM club meeting, a brief Annual General Meeting was held for the purposes of approving the new club Charitable Corporation.
At a previous meeting, PDG Anne Bermingham made an excellent presentation of this major change in club operations.
Due to Ontario legislative changes, the club was required to dissolve its old "Trust" program used to host fundraising events and to provide minor and major community grants.
The new corporation has now been approved including a slate of board members.
Going forward, all club fundraising efforts will be carried out in the name of the charitable corporation and Charitable Tax Receipts will now be issued in that fashion. At the meeting, these changes were ratified.
The Charitable Corporation board members include club Treasurer, Simon Boucher, Secretary Tim McClemont, Past President MacNeal Lashley and Directors Marita Zaffiro, Clare Freeman, and John Baxter.
PHOTO: 2024 07 10 Anne Bermingham speaks to Hamilton AM club on the new Charitable Corporation
Hamilton AM club members welcomed three outstanding citizens; Nancy McMillan, Kathie Ward and Lee Prokaska who spoke of their personal involvement in Hamilton's Bright Run, a significant local cancer fundraising annual event. Bright Run is a non-competitive, family-friendly 1 km/5 km walk or run held at Christie Lake Conservation Area on the first Saturday after Labour Day
The Bright Run is a volunteer led event that has raised more than $5.5 million since its inception in 2008 to fund local breast care research at the Juravinski Cancer Centre and McMaster University. Each of our guests shared their personal story and their path to becoming integral to the Bright Run operation.
In recognition of this tremendous example of volunteer leadership, Lee Prokaska and Kathie Ward were given Paul Harris Awards by the Hamilton AM club with Nancy to receive hers at the August 9, Starry Night fundraiser.
PHOTO (L to R): PDG Anne Bermingham, honourees Lee Prokaska and Kathie Ward and President Celine Legret
We work with the Interact Club to ensure coverage for the section of the Canal we "adopted".
It's a great way for both clubs to remain involved.
Our next community service project will also be with Interact as we spend time in a local cemetery with the town historian to help clean up headstones -- something we've done annually (or more) for the past few years. We will also start advertising for participation in the Wreaths Across America program. Last year was our first time. We had an exceptional response and this year we're hoping to do more.
On Sunday, October 6, 2024, the Greater Jamestown AM Rotary will host the annual Bill Briggs-Tim Grace Memorial Football Party at Ellicottville Brewing on Chautauqua Lake in Bemus Point, NY.
The party starts at noon, with kick-off at 1:00pm. It’s a fun opportunity to come together in memory of Bill and Tim, and to raise funds that are donated back to the community.
Tickets are $50 per person and provide you with food, drink, good company, and a chance to win up to $1,000 in cash prizes. (Your presence is not required to win.)
We will also have our 50/50 raffle and door prizes, as well as a Chinese Auction. Tickets can be purchased by emailing our club President, Sarah Gilbert at sarahjanegilbert22@gmail.com.
The 2024 Lancaster-Depew Rotary Car & Cycle Show was a resounding success. Over 130 vehicles were on display and it's safe to say that fun was had by all who were involved. While participants were mostly local from WNY, some did travel from as far away as Pennsylvania, and from Simco, Ontario (Wolfgang brought his vette). This year we added food truck concessions and Nashville North provided live entertainment. The weather was perfect, and we are grateful to the entrants & volunteers who collectively created an enjoyable event.
"Since 1966, The Lewiston Art Festival has attracted visitors and art lovers from across Western New York and Southern Ontario, as well as international visitors from Niagara Falls, just 10 minutes away. For two days, the picturesque and historic Village of Lewiston, New York welcomes more than 150 exceptional artists and fine crafters, " according to the Lewiston Council on the Arts.
Since 1968 the Lewiston/NOTL Rotary Club has been grilling hot dogs to provide visitors with an affordable way to eat fun food and raise funds to support local food banks, student scholarships and the needs of newborns and mothers.
If you weren't there this year, don't miss it next year on the second weekend in August!
On October 18, 19 and 20, and again on October 25, 26 & 27, an event over one year in the making comes to fruition!
Directed by Frank Scelsa, featuring an all-star cast, Neil Simon's “The Odd Couple” comes to the stage at Messiah Lutheran - 915 Oneida Street, Lewiston, New York 14092 in an intimate cabaret setting with charcuterie and beverage included in the ticket price. Best of all, food pantries that serve the poor will benefit!
Then, on August 24th, we had perfect weather for our 2nd Bike The Benchlands cycling tour. The fundraiser took place at the Fleming Centre adjacent to Rotary Park in Lincoln. The event was followed by a Family Fun event, hosted by Downtown Bench Beamsville (BIA) Roll in Rotary at Rotary Park, to finish off the day.
Eighty cyclists completed one of four tours: 100km, 75km, 50km and the much-loved fun run. The participants enjoyed a bike tour, lunch, wine basket raffle, and socializing, and took home a swag bag that included a bottle of local wine. This fundraising effort was to benefit the Kristen French Child Advocacy Centre of Niagara.
Thank you to all our sponsors, volunteers, and participants for making this a great success.
On Monday August 19th, The Rotary Club of Niagara Falls lost a dedicated and special Rotary Member, Bert Schertzing, at the age of 74. Bert was raised in Port Colborne on Weaver Road and worked on his family vegetable farm from a young age. This gave him a good work ethic and he developed great memories and bonds with his siblings. Bert started his career with the Department of Highways as a surveyor and then studied to be a financial planner for Mutual Life of Canada in 1978. While working he received many awards and recognitions. He was a lifetime member of the Life Underwriters Association, CLU, CH.FC, RHU. He developed many relationships with his clients and always went above and beyond until his retirement due to his illness. Bert lived life to the fullest and always tried to lead a balanced life between work, family, church, and his community. He was a great husband, father, friend and proud Opa. He coached soccer and hockey, as well as sponsoring teams. He enjoyed watching his children and now grandchildren involved in their sporting events. He was a member of Holy Name Society, Knights of Columbus, and Niagara Falls Rotary which he served as President for two years and he was also involved with Our Lady of Scapular Church for many years. Bert loved to play tennis and was a member of White Oaks for many years. Bert loved to travel and go sightseeing, making the most out of life and had just returned from a two-week cruise of the British Isles. Bert was well known in the community! Heaven has received a special angel, and he will be sadly missed.
The Olean’s Rotary Club's annual chrysanthemum sale is currently ongoing, with pre-orders accepted through September 3, we are hoping to top last year's sales of 170 mums.
The mums, which come in nine-inch pots and are being provided by Pleasant Valley Greenhouse and Nursery, are $17 each and come in a variety of colors, including white, yellow, bronze, purple, and red. Hardy Mums should come back if planted in a sunny, dry area. Pre-orders are being accepted through noon Tuesday Sept. 3, and delivery with be on Sept. 10 and 11. To order, checks can be sent to PO Box 121 in Olean, or checkout the Club's Facebook page or see any Rotary Club member, please provide payment at time of order with cash or check made out to Olean Rotary Club.
The mums sale benefits the Olean Rotary Club's local initiatives like helping the SPCA, Olean Food Panty, and Operation Warm Hearts.
Rotary and its members have been a part of the fabric of the Olean-area community since 1928. Rotary’s current members patronize virtually all Olean-area businesses and have donated literally hundreds of thousands of dollars over the years to many Olean-area causes and organizations. For example, they have given mini grants to area teachers in Olean, Hinsdale and Allegany; given dictionaries to more than 300 area third graders; and served more than 300 dinners to veterans and the community.
The dust has settled on the 2024 edition of the St. Catharines Rotary Ribfest!
President Jackie was thinking what an enormous feat was just completed. The hours. So many volunteers. She writes, “Regardless of the issues, the last-minute game time decisions and the constant need to keep all the parts moving, Melissa rose to the occasion and did a tremendous job of pulling us through.”
Melissa DeBeau, 2024 Ribfest Committee Chair, managed to work an incredible amount of hours, over and above what she does at a full-time position. She had to constantly realign priorities, adapt to the situation at hand, and mitigate unexpected challenges for close to a year.
Joel Chatterton was there every step of the way, providing support and sage advice, and being Melissa’s biggest cheerleader. As well as providing the occasional joke to keep everyone’s spirit light. He also put in an immense amount of time.
Both deserve the accolades they have received for their dedication and commitment.
The Board and the Clarice West Hobbs Garden Committee of the Rotary Club of St. Catharines Lakeshore were pleased to honour long-time member Doug and spouse Else Weeks by dedicating one of the Sitting Rocks at the Garden to them at a special event on August 21st.
Doug is by far our Club’s longest serving Rotarian, as a member of the Rotary Club of St. Catharines for 6 to 7 years prior to Lakeshore Club’s founding, and of course as a Charter member of the Lakeshore Club (45 years in total).
The list of Doug’s contributions over the years is enormous, from creating our Lobsterfest burners, to building the original Charles Ansel Park fence along the Welland Canal, to always being first with a generous contribution for any project the Club has ever undertaken.
Else was always there right beside Doug in his endeavours, and in particular during Lobsterfest Saturday set-up, and washing everything in sight the Sunday morning after at tear-down. You never had to ask Doug and Else to help with any project or event; they were always right there as long as they have been able.
Join Us for an In-Person Talk with Abdul Aziz Memon
We are excited to invite you to an in-person talk with Abdul Aziz Memon, Rotary Foundation Trustee, Polio Plus Chairman, and Chairman of TMSG. Mr. Memon will speak at our club meeting on October 8, 2024, at Loft 123 in St. Catharines from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM. He will address the critical issues of malnutrition and polio, providing insights and solutions based on his extensive experience.
Abdul Aziz Memon is a highly respected figure in the Rotary community and beyond. As a Rotary Foundation Trustee and Chairman of both Polio Plus and TMSG, Mr. Memon has been instrumental in leading initiatives that combat malnutrition and eradicate polio. His dedication and leadership have made significant impacts on global health, particularly in vulnerable regions.
Get Your Tickets: Tickets for the event can be ordered via this link. We encourage all members to attend this enlightening session and join us in supporting the fight against malnutrition and polio.
This event is organized by the Rotary Club of St. Catharines South. We look forward to seeing you there and working together to make a difference. - Najeeb Syed
Includes 18 holes of golf with cart, hot dog & drink ticket, and dinner. There will be a chance to win a prize on all 18 holes and your opportunity to take part in a silent auction and 50/50 draw.
The net proceeds will be donated to Youth Resources Niagara, a non-profit, multi-faceted agency consisting of three residential homes as well as a variety of community-based programs. Every year, Youth Resources Niagara provides services to over 160 youth in our community who have come into contact with the legal system or been placed in the care of Family and Children Services. They provide accommodations, rehabilitative and supportive programming, and mentoring to promote personal growth, change and accountability to empower youth to reach their full potential.
Rotary Club of Welland presents cheque to YMCA of Niagara
On July 26th, Community Service Co-Chairs, Peter Inman and Vic Kerschl, presented a cheque to Jonna Wolfenberg, Manager of Philanthropy for the YMCA of Niagara. The cheque, in the amount of $2,500, is to send ten children from Welland’s underserved backgrounds to the YMCA Welland Camp this summer.
Jonna Wolfenberg stated that camp offers more than just fun and games; it provides invaluable experiences that contribute to a child’s personal growth and development. Through outdoor activities, team-building exercises, and immersive learning opportunities, campers gain confidence, build resilience, and develop essential life skills. They forge friendships, discover new interests, and create cherished memories that last a lifetime. For children facing financial barriers or experiencing the outdoors for the first time, these experiences are transformative. Amidst a backdrop of nature amplified by the camaraderie of friends, inner smiles emerge, breaking through barriers and opening doors to new possibilities.
By supporting the YMCA of Niagara’s camp for children in Welland, you not only enable a child to enjoy an experience filled with adventure and discovery but also invest in the future of our community. Your contribution will have a ripple effect, fostering positive change and inspiring young minds to reach their full potential”.
PHOTO (L to R ): Peter Inman, Jonna Wolfenberg, Vic Kerschl
$15, includes: Weidner's 1/2 chicken, buttered spuds, coleslaw & roll
Wimbledon Plaza, 220 Center Rd., West Seneca
Community Shredding Event
Saturday Sept 21, 9:00 AM - 12 NOON
$10/box
Wimbledon Plaza , 220 Center Rd., West Seneca
Our fundraisers support student scholarships in West Seneca, the West Seneca Food Pantry, the West Seneca Children's Library, Plymouth Crossroads, and so much more!
Plus, we’re proud of our continued support of Amada Martha Community Health Center in Sierra Leone, clean water in Ghana, and eradicating Polio.
The Rotary Club of West Seneca had a great night of fellowship with our Club Picnic on Wednesday, August 14th, filled with fun, food and lots of laughter!
We were honored to have our District Governor Dave Alexander, PDG Scott Marcin and Area 13 Assistant Governor Diane Straub join us!
We had the distinct honor of presenting Plymouth Crossroads a check for $5,000! Plymouth Crossroads works with and provides a home for homeless boys ages 16 to 20.
We were honored to have Jennifer McAndrews, Executive Director, and Reverent Gary Gossel, President of the Board of Directors. Jennifer spoke to the group and shared Plymouth’s mission.
Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA, to host 2028 Rotary International ConventionRotary has announced that Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA, will host its convention in 2028.The Rotary International Convention welcomes tens of thousands of
Five members of the Rotary Club of Seminole Lake, Florida, hiked Spain’s Camino de Santiago raised about $7,000 to raise funds to help Ukrainian refugee mothers and children in the Tampa Bay area. It also brought the entire club closer together.
Rotary International launches celebrity ambassador programChampions include Kat Graham, Sibongile Mlambo, Gaby Moreno, and Archie PanjabiEVANSTON, Ill., USA
Rotary is committing US$500,000 to bolster the initiative, channeling these funds through a dedicated Polio Outbreak Response Fund. This contribution represents Rotary's sustained support to the World Health Organization in combating polio globally.
I hope you have enjoyed your July and August, and as we head into the hustle and bustle of activities in September and beyond, please take a moment to thank those you know who work in the broad area covering learning, coaching, education, or skill training. Ask them to tell their story. All these people will know the importance of Basic Education and Literacy — our September Rotary theme — as the foundation to a successful life. Whether it is working with newcomers, working with youth on financial literacy, or reading in a one-on-one session — I encourage you to work with your teammates to find out the range of initiatives in your area and determine the key area of need. Similarly, you can consider an international project — a key impact — or perhaps revisit a club project from a while ago to see if your investment has made a difference. I also challenge those of you who are passionate about this Rotary Area of Focus to explore 
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Past District Governor Art Wing, on Saturday August 17, 2024, at Hospice Niagara, St. Catharines, ON, Canada.
Rotary Convention: What is one of the highlights that Rotarians talk about?
You have made the great decision to go to the Rotary International Convention, but how will you get there?
River Oaks Golf Club on Grand island was the lovely setting for an important Niagara River Greenway Rotary Steering committee Pollinator Corridor discussion.
Aligned with the start of the new Rotary year, D7090 Gift of Life (GOL) has begun its efforts to have all clubs in the district donate in support of 7090’s only district project.
Did you know that each year, Rotary awards up to 130 fully funded fellowships for dedicated leaders from around the world to study at one of our 11 peace centers, which are located at universities all around the world? Through academic training, practice, and global networking opportunities, the Rotary Peace Centers program develops the capacity of peace and development professionals to become effective catalysts for peace. The 
District 7090 is holding special events in September as part of an End Polio Effort.
5th Annual “Dr. Ron Mergl” Memorial
The Rotary Club of the Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus is holding a Connect Life Blood Drive:
BNMC Looking for Champion Chili Chefs, Sponsors for the 6th Annual BNMC Rotary Chili Cook–Off
Thanks to generous donors and participants during the 2024 Online Auction, the Rotary Club of Brantford-Sunrise presented a cheque on June 19 for nearly $41,000 to the 
port Supportive Housing for Young Parents (SHYP) with cheques in the amount of $4500. This phenomenal facility in Brantford provides a safe and nurturing residence for young expectant mothers and toddlers. During their time at SHYP, the women receive a variety of prenatal & parenting classes & support and further educational and personal growth opportunities.
Dunnville “Doing Good for Local Health"
“Dunnville Donation for International Health”
The East Aurora Rotary Club recently supported the 2024 Dinner Series at Stillwater Farm, in Boston, NY. The fundraiser supports the expansion of the C.A.R.E. at Stillwater, a program that invites pediatric patients from Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center and Oishei Children's Hospital Cancer & Blood Disorders Program and their families to join us at the farm for a special day of outdoor fun, farm education, and healthy eating experiences.
Saturday, September 28th
Rotary Club of Fonthill Announces September Schedule of Events
The Rotary Club of Grand Island held its inaugural BBQ fundraising dinner August 17,2024 at the VFW on Grand Island.
Passing of local Grand Island member Debbie Billoni, wife of Michael J. Billoni
For the 2nd year, Grand Island collected paint to keep them out of landfills, and collected donations, on August 3rd. 
Hamburg Sunrise Rotary club enjoyed a wonderful fundraiser on August 28th,
At the Hamilton AM Rotary August 14 club meeting, two major grant cheques of $6000 each were presented.
At the August 7, 2024, Hamilton AM club meeting, a brief Annual General Meeting was held for the purposes of approving the new club Charitable Corporation.
Hamilton AM club members welcomed three outstanding citizens; Nancy McMillan, Kathie Ward and Lee Prokaska who spoke of their personal involvement in Hamilton's Bright Run, a significant local cancer fundraising annual event. Bright Run is a non-competitive, family-friendly 1 km/5 km walk or run held at Christie Lake Conservation Area on the first Saturday after Labour Day
Here is a pic of the Holley Rotarians getting out to do some cleanup in the community.
On Sunday, October 6, 2024, the Greater Jamestown AM Rotary will host the annual Bill Briggs-Tim Grace Memorial Football Party at Ellicottville Brewing on Chautauqua Lake in Bemus Point, NY. 
On August 14, 2024, over 14 Kenmore Rotarians and their families went to Cradle Beach Camp to provide the campers a great Sunshine Day!
On September 21, 2024, from 1:00pm- 5:00 PM, we will be hosting the 3rd Annual Kentoberfest at Fattey Beer Company, 3116 Delaware Ave., Kenmore, NY.
The 2024 Lancaster-Depew Rotary Car & Cycle Show was a resounding success. Over 130 vehicles were on display and it's safe to say that fun was had by all who were involved. While participants were mostly local from WNY, some did travel from as far away as Pennsylvania, and from Simco, Ontario (Wolfgang brought his vette). This year we added food truck concessions and Nashville North provided live entertainment. The weather was perfect, and we are grateful to the entrants & volunteers who collectively created an enjoyable event.
"Since 1966, The Lewiston Art Festival has attracted visitors and art lovers from across Western New York and Southern Ontario, as well as international visitors from Niagara Falls, just 10 minutes away. For two days, the picturesque and historic Village of Lewiston, New York welcomes more than 150 exceptional artists and fine crafters, " according to the Lewiston Council on the Arts.
It Doesn't Get Any Better Than This!
On August 23 our outbound exchange student Wolf Toms, made it safely to Japan.
followed by a Family Fun event, hosted by Downtown Bench Beamsville (BIA) Roll in Rotary at Rotary Park, to finish off the day.
The Rotary Club of Lockport is sponsoring a Pet Food Pantry Drive through the month of September. 
On Monday August 19th, The Rotary Club of Niagara Falls lost a dedicated and special Rotary Member, Bert Schertzing, at the age of 74. Bert was raised in Port Colborne on Weaver Road and worked on his family vegetable farm from a young age. This gave him a good work ethic and he developed great memories and bonds with his siblings. Bert started his career with the Department of Highways as a surveyor and then studied to be a financial planner for Mutual Life of Canada in 1978. While working he received many awards and recognitions. He was a lifetime member of the Life Underwriters Association, CLU, CH.FC, RHU. He developed many relationships with his clients and always went above and beyond until his retirement due to his illness. Bert lived life to the fullest and always tried to lead a balanced life between work, family, church, and his community. He was a great husband, father, friend and proud Opa. He coached soccer and hockey, as well as sponsoring teams. He enjoyed watching his children and now grandchildren involved in their sporting events. He was a member of Holy Name Society, Knights of Columbus, and Niagara Falls Rotary which he served as President for two years and he was also involved with Our Lady of Scapular Church for many years. Bert loved to play tennis and was a member of White Oaks for many years. Bert loved to travel and go sightseeing, making the most out of life and had just returned from a two-week cruise of the British Isles. Bert was well known in the community! Heaven has received a special angel, and he will be sadly missed.
SAVE THE DATE!
The Olean’s Rotary Club's annual chrysanthemum sale is currently ongoing, with pre-orders accepted through September 3, we are hoping to top last year's sales of 170 mums. 
45 Year Rotarian Recognized at Hospital Garden!
On July 26th, Community Service Co-Chairs, Peter Inman and Vic Kerschl, presented a cheque to Jonna Wolfenberg, Manager of Philanthropy for the YMCA of Niagara. The cheque, in the amount of $2,500, is to send ten children from Welland’s underserved backgrounds to the YMCA Welland Camp this summer.
The Rotary Club of West Seneca had a great night of fellowship with our Club Picnic on Wednesday, August 14th, filled with fun, food and lots of laughter!
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