dg kevin’s may message€¦ · forward to wonderful things rotary happening as a result of this...

A New Star is Born Thanks to the efforts of Patty Johnson, Praven Suchak, Angela Hintz, David John-son, Karen Oakes, David Johnson, Dick Earne and Pat Whalen, fifty people at-tended an inaugural meeting of the provisional Rotary Club of Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus. Set in the new multi-million dollar new medical facility in Buffalo, the air was electric with the skill sets of 35 potential new members to Rotary. The evening featured an introduc-tion by Pat Whalen, President, welcomes by DGs Kevin and Jack, an excellent outline of the function of Rotary by Dick Earne, Foundation talk by Karen Oakes, a World Community Service presentation by David Johnson and a personal account of the importance of Rotary by Adair Luhr Amo. The evening concluded with questions, comments and cocktails. We look forward to wonderful things Rotary happening as a result of this inaugural meeting. For more information on this new venture, contact Pat Whalen at [email protected] 716.218.7151 or PDG Dick Earne. Sponsors of the new club include The Rotary Club of Grand Island, and The Rotary Club of Buffalo Sunrise.

And speaking of membership. Good news is on the forefront. Currently, District 7090’s membership has increased from 2378 on July 1, 2013 to 2425 as of March 31, 2014. That is a total increase of 47 members to date. Given improvements in retention and a flurry of new members from our very successful PR campaign, this year could be the first year in at least five years that District 7090 actually gained rather than lost members. That is particularly worthy of celebrating

given the fact that we have lost an aver-age of 80 members per year over the last five years. This news is particularly grati-fying because 47 clubs this year have actually retained their current membership or increased it. Kudos to the Welland and St. Catharines clubs who have each gained seven members this year. More congratulations are in order to Paul McAfee, Karen Oakes, Kevin Crosby, Pravin Suchak, Brian and a host of others for their incredible efforts in rescuing this year’s $20,000 PR campaign. The results indicate it was a most successful effort. This year the program, which ended on April 30, reached 2 million people on average three times each. These people

were all residents of our district. 15,000 indicated they liked our facebook pages. In total there were over 47,000 likes during this two month campaign. Clubs that grew their Faceboo audiences the most were Amherst -640, Batavia – 545, Brant-ford – 703, Buffalo Sunrise – 672, District 7090 page – 2217, E Club of SOWNY – 1089 and Fonthill – 478. Congratulations to all concerned for significantly rais-ing our Rotary profile in this district.

Yours in Rotary,

Kevin Crouse District Governor Best of Friends District 7090

Inside this issue:

RI & District News 2—3

Club Events Calendar 4

Club News 5—10

Guiding Principles 12

Youth News 10—11

District 7090 Newsletter

May 2014

DG Kevin’s May Message

Inaugural meeting of the provisional Rotary Club of Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus


RI & District News

IMAGINE BEING A HUMAN COOKIE! Submitted by Thie Convery Chair, Polio Plus Committee

No device is more associated with polio than the “Iron Lung”. People in the acute, early stage of polio were often unable to breathe because the virus paralyzed muscle groups in the chest. Death was frequent at this stage.

The “Iron Lung” was a tank respirator which used a pump to change the pres-sure inside a rectangular, airtight metal box, pulling air in and out of the lungs. Inside, a patient would lay on a bed (sometimes called a “cookie tray”) that could slide in and out of the cylinder as needed.

Can you possibly imagine living this way? Let’s End Polio Now! While many of you have already contributed, I ask again that you continue your support. Please make cheques payable to “Rotary Foundation - Polio Plus” and mail to:

The Rotary Foundation (Canada) The Rotary Foundation c/o 911600; PO Box 4090 STN A 14280 Collections Center Drive Toronto, ON M5W 0E9 Chicago, IL 60693

https://www.rotary.org/en/end-polio

To submit news for the newsletter, send your photos and captions, articles to:

Pene Hutton at [email protected]


RI & District News

Rotary International Data Services Reminder

Dear Rotary club officers: In advance of the July semiannual report (SAR), we’re reminding clubs to update their membership data no later than 1 June. To review your club’s information, go to www.rotary.org/myrotary and sign in to your My Rotary account. Then go to the Club Administration page in the Manage section.

Updating methods and deadlines Through your My Rotary account (this option is available to club presidents, secretaries, treasurers, membership and Rota-

ry Foundation chairs, and executive secretaries and directors) by 1 June Through your local database, if you have a member data integration provider, by 1 June Manually, emailing your updates to [email protected] by 15 May Steps to complete Terminate members who have left the club, and add any new members. Provide an email and mailing address for each current member. Designate current and future club officers, and provide or update email and mailing addresses for both, current and future,

officers. Update or provide a permanent club mailing address and a permanent club email address. Indicate whether you wish to receive your report electronically (e-SAR), check the box. Note: If you have provided club officers’ email addresses, you will automatically receive the e-SAR. If you have questions, see the Club and District Administration FAQ online.

Improved billing in 2015 Starting with 1 January, clubs will receive a one-page document that clearly states the amount due. This invoice is calculated on the membership numbers filed by that club secretary – through Rotary.org, email, or mail – by 1 January and 1 July. This message is copied to district governors-elect and assistant governors in order to provide guidance and follow-up with the clubs. Thank you very much for your continued service to Rotary. Sincerely, Data Services Rotary International


ROTARY CLUB OF LEWISTON/NOTL—32ND ANNUAL GARDEN PARTY FEATURING “CABARET” DATE: SUNDAY, MAY 25, 2014, Garden Party at 6:45 PM; Theater at 8 PM LOCATION: The Shaw Festival Theater COST: $79; $89 or $99 per person CONTACT: John Shaver (CA) at 905.468.7452 or jshaver#@cogeco.ca Ron Dan8ielewicz (US) at 716.870.1307 or [email protected] ROTARY CLUB OF GRIMSBY AT NOON—PAUL HARRIS EVENING RECOGNIZING COMMUNITY MEMBER PAT JASKULA OF CANADIAN TIRE, GRIMSBY DATE: THURSDAY, MAY 29, 2014, 7 PM LOCATION: Peninsula Ridge Winery COST: $25 per person, includes wine and cheese CONTACT: Elaine Kelly at Elaine.kelly@manulifesecurities,ca or other Grimsby at Noon member ROTARY CLUB OF CLARENCE—22nd ANNUAL ALL YOU CAN EAT LOBSTERFEST DATE: SATURDAY, JUNE 7, 2014; 6 PM LOCATION: Clarence Town Park Pavilion COST: $89 per person, includes beer—only 500 tickets available on sale April 1st CONTACT: c [email protected] or order online at www.clarencerotarylobsterfest.com ROTARY CLUB OF EAST AURORA—TOUR FRANK LLOYD WRIGHT HOMES DATE: SATURDAY, JUNE 2014 LOCATION: Departs Tops in East Aurora at 9:30 AM; returns 5:30 PM—Travel along the Seaway Trail to the Isabelle Martin House, the Darwin Martin House, the Walter Davidson House and the William R. Heath House. A family style lunch is included at Ilio DiPaolo’s Italian Restaurant COST: $105 based on a minimum of 30 paid persons. CONTACT: Maria Burridge at 716.649.9694, Know How Tours ROTARY CLUB OF LEWISTON/NOTL—SHRED IT EVENT DATE: SATURDAY, JUNE 21, 2014, 11 AM TO 1 PM LOCATION: Mount St. Mary’s Hospital—north parking lot , Lewiston, NY COST: Nominal fee ROTARY CLUB OF FLAMBOROUGH AM AND WATERDOWN—5TH ANNUAL OH CANADA RIBFEST DATE: FRIDAY, JUNE 27, 5 PM——TUESAY, JULY 1, 2014, 10 PM LOCATION: Memorial Park, Waterdown COST: $50 per person, includes appetizers, ribs, 2 drinks, bands, fireworks on Canada Day, movie night CONTACT: http://ohcanadaribfest.ca/contact/ ROTARY CLUB OF LINCOLN—2ND ANNUAL WING—DING, A WINGS AND BLUES FESTIVAL DATE: FRIDAY, JULY 18, SATURDAY, JULY 19 AND SUNDAY, JULY 20, 2014 LOCATION: Charles Daly Park COST: Admission is Free CONTACT: Bob Bujas at 905.563.5069 or [email protected] ROTARY CLUB OF HAMBURG—ONE DIRECTION CONCERT TICKET RAFFLE 2 Seats—200 Level, Rogers Center, Toronto, CA on Saturday, August 2nd at 7PM DRAWING DATE: SATURDAY, JULY 19, 2014 LOCATION: Hamburg Burgerfest COST: $5 each or $10 for 3 CONTACT: Barb Stanley at 716.725.9858 or [email protected] ROTARY CLUB OF LANCASTER DEPEW— 1ST ANNUAL JACK NEWHOUSE MEMORIAL GOLF TOURNAMENT DATE: MONDAY, AUGUST 11, 2014, Registration 11:30 AM; Shot-gun start 1 PM; Lunch served on the course LOCATION: Lancaster Country Club COST: $120 per golfer includes golf with cart, lunch, open call bar and dinner (with raffles & prizes) CONTACT: Joseph Girardi at 716.725.5917 or [email protected] ROTARY CLUB OF HAMILTON AM—29TH ANNUAL BBQ/AUCTION—DIAMONDS AND DENIM DATE: FRIDAY, AUGUST 15, 2014 LOCATION: Ancaster Fair Grounds COST: $95 includes dinner, dancing and an open bar CONTACT: Shikha Sareen at [email protected] or Joseph Hamilton at [email protected] FOR TICKETS OR TO MAKE A DONATION TO THE AUCTION.

Club Events Calendar


Club News

St. Catharines Lakeshore hosts its 2nd annual Evening in Paris

Submitted by Jessica Manuel The St. Catharines Lakeshore Club was honoured to host the second annual ‘Evening in Paris’ event, located at the Merit Community Centre in St. Catharines, ON in April. The night was filled with great music, crepes and beverages. Tickets were sold for $25.00 which included four tickets and multiple prizes were won by guests including a weekend getaway for two in Paris, ON. The club would like to thank the guests and volunteers for their continued support in building a strong community. We look forward to hosting you at our next event- making it a night to remember!

AG makes his farewell tour

Submitted by Ian McEwan The Assistant Governor for Area 8, Ian McEwan, has been making a "farewell tour" of the Area Clubs together with the incoming Assistant Governor, Michael Brown of Niagara Sunrise Club, as part of a mentoring process and to introduce Michael in his new role. The Dinner Meeting in Lewiston at the Waters Edge Restaurant on April 23rd., coincided with a visit and presentation by Lee Broad who was introduced by Mary Biddle-Widman, past president of the Rotary Club of Williamsville and past assistant governor. Lee gave a fascinating talk about self publishing amply illustrated by reference to his own opus, "The Masada Protocol"; an action novel in the Tom Clancy mold. Lee has dedicated all the proceeds of this novel to "End Polio Now” and bears all associ-ated costs.

Left to right: AG Ian, Secretary Tom Gerbasi, Ron Dan-ielwicz and President Bert Davesne.

Left to right:: Tom Gerbasi, incoming AG Michael Brown and Mary Biddle—Widman.

Lee Broad.


Club News

Batavia and LeRoy participate in United Way of Caring Day

Submitted by Susie Boyce On Wednesday, May 14th nearly 400 volunteers participated in the 7th Annual United Way Day of Caring throughout Genesee Coun-ty. Both the Batavia and LeRoy Rotary clubs had members participating. Susie Boyce and Jane Scott of the Batavia club co-chaired the event along with LeRoy Rotarian, Erik Fix, Director of the United Way of Genesee Coun-ty. There are many Batavia Rotarians that also helped by serving on the planning com-mittee. With volunteers being spread throughout the county going to 40 project sites, there was a lot of planning and work on before event day. Batavia Rotarian Andrea Aldinger helped out by singing the National Anthem at the Kick off Ceremony. The Rotarians helped at several projects including doing some gardening at a local Hospice home that recently was a recipient of a monetary donation from the Bata-via Club. Others helped to spread mulch, build flower beds for another community project and move furniture for another not for profit organization. At the end of an exhausting day the community benefited from many volunteers including 30 Rotarians from the Batavia and LeRoy Clubs. Rotarians can always be counted on to lend a helping hand, Service above Self.

Submitted by Martina Bainbridge The Rotary Club of Stoney Creek recently held a special meeting of tribute in honour of Nancy Groves, a Charter member who passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, March 30, 2014. Current and past members, guests and family shared stories and memories on the significant role Nancy played in our Rotary Club, in our lives and in the lives of our family. Photograph by Robert Wells

Stoney Creek remembers Nancy Groves

Club News


Lancaster—Depew PE shares his appreciation

Submitted by Rob Benzel The pictures that I took were with my phone. So the quality isn't what I'd like, but they captured the issue at hand. The first photo is of some of the electronics that I encountered in my room, to accommodate my deafness: doorbell, bed-shaker alarm clock, etc. It is the first that any hotel has ever prepared like this for my stay, in 8 years of deafness. The second is of John Heise speaking to the group. The third is just funny. Multiple choices of syrup epitomized the event. First class down to the smallest detail. Once they found out I was deaf, in addition to people like Kevin and John from District 7090, Brian Thompson, Governor Elect for District 7070, and Edwin Van Weerdhuizen, President Elect from the Rotary Club of Woodstock were exceptionally helpful in ensuring that I kept on track with what was happening. I was supposed to have a person travel to type (transcribe) for me that weekend but he had an accident and could not come at the last minute. I could not arrange a replacement. Edwin stepped in and gave me fantastic support. Maybe you know? John Huber thinks I am going to be the district's first club president to be totally deaf. That's an interesting distinction if so. I doubt and don't recommend anyone should want to aspire for such. But it would be interesting to know, assuming records might be availa-ble, and is also a testimony of the Lancaster-Depew club membership—to entrust me with the opportunity to be their leader.

Norfolk Sunrise constructs raised beds

Submitted by Ross Gowan The Rotary Club of Norfolk Sunrise has constructed and filled four raised beds in Simcoe’s Com-munity Garden for use by people in the community who have a physical disability preventing them from bending down to tend a garden. It all started when the Club’s Community Concerns & Environment Committee was approached by Community Living Access Support Services (CLASS) in a fundraising appeal. The committee visited the local agency to determine how Rotary might be able to help them, and one project on CLASS’s wish list was to build a raised bed for some of the people they support who like to garden but are unable to bend down. The Rotary committee agreed to fund this, and arranged with Honorary Rotarian John Race for the beds to be located at the Community Garden in Simcoe, one of John’s legacies in the com-munity. The group encouraged Rotary to build four such raised beds. With financial assistance

from Pepper Transport to deliver the topsoil to fill the beds, and from Dave Zeldon and Eising Greenhouses for the weed-free topping, the community now has the four beds ready in time for the gardening season. Now all we need is some gardening weather and the love and care provided by a passionate gardener.

Jamestown book drive a success

Submitted by Sue Jones Gary Padak, a member of the Rotary Club of Jamestown, displays cases of some of the 800 books that club members collected and donated during their recent book drive. The books were sorted and packed for donation to the Jamestown Community Learning Council, the James Pren-dergast Library, the Lakewood Memorial Library and for shipment to the Cambodian Academy at Mongol Burei in Tibet, with whom the local club has an existing relationship. In 1985, Rotary declared basic literacy to be a pre-condition to the development of peace. Through this continual organizational emphasis, more than half the world’s 34,000 Rotary clubs address a full scope of literacy challenges for primary, vocational, and adult learners as well as teacher training. Many Rotary club members worldwide promote literacy projects that can be replicated easily, thereby increasing the scope of their impact to inspire, guide and support communities toward alleviating mass illiteracy in developing countries.


Club News

Westfield Mayville holds auction

Submitted by Ann Weidman A few folks who did some bidding – and hoping - during Westfield/Mayville Rotary Club’s recent auction went home with a smile on their faces. After all items were sold, the top prize was a $500 drawing won by Dave D’Amico, who (in the photo top right) was con-gratulated by Tom Berkhouse, left, auction chair; and announcer John Hamels, District 7090 Assistant Governor for Area 16.

To the left, one winner who will be able to “wet her whistle” for a long time was Teresa Casler of Westfield. Her prize was 53 bottles plus two boxes-of-four bottles of various kinds of wine. From left are Rotarian Diana Hamann, Teresa Casler and Rotarian JB Dunn.

Another lucky winner for the evening was John Paul Wolfe, Westfield’s McClurg Mansion curator. The 50/50 drawing amounted to $473 and was handed over by Rotarian Adele Harrington, who was in charge of selling the tickets.


Club News

Dundas Valley Sunrise celebrates service

Submitted by Ralph Montesanto The DVSRC held its annual Paul Harris banquet at Copetown Woods Golf Course where it bestowed Paul Harris Fellows on a number of community and club members. A PHF can be awarded whenever a $1000 contribution is made to The Rotary Foundation. Club members Glen Mumberson and Ralph Montesanto were recognized as multiple Paul Harris Fellows for their contin-ued support of TRF. Along with supporting local and international Rotary service projects , TRF strives for the global elimination of polio. This year the club donated $1500 to TRF for polio eradication and another $7500 for other service projects. The club selected a number of individuals to be PHF for the work they do in the community. Tom Tustian has served on the board of directors for Dundas Community Services and is presently one of its friendly visitors. He was on the board of the Dundas Museum and is on its marketing committee. Tom also served as president of the Civitan Club. Another recipient is Rob Roi a long-time art teacher in the community. Rob was Coordinator of Art for the Wentworth County Board of Education and an instructor with the Dundas Valley School of Art. Rob is also the curator of a monthly art exhibit at St. James Anglican Church where he is a Vocational Deacon. He uses his talents in puppetry, craft and song along with his dramatic voice to bring scripture to life to the children and church community. The third recipient is Wayne Gale, president of Stokes Seeds in Thorold. Wayne is a member of the Project Team lead-ing Tomatosphere. His company supplies the tomato seeds used in countless classrooms in both Canada and the United States. His efforts helped the project win the National Science and Engineering award in 2012 and through his

continued efforts he is helping to further expand the project into the US. The club also presented Paul Harris Fellows to husband and wife team, David and Sue Carson. David is a member of the DVSRC and is a leader with Dundas in Transition, the Good Food Box and the Rotary Sunrise Community Garden. He is a member of the 50 Year Visioning Committee of the Hamilton Conservation Authority, Hamilton 350 and the Hamilton City

Food Security C omm i t t e e . Sue is an avid knitter o f h a t s , scarves and mittens for needy chil-dren and an initiator of ECOWHAM – a Dundas and West H a m i l t o n group con-cerned with education on

ecological issues. She is a member of KAIROS an organization dedicated to social justice and a member of the Anglican Diocese of Niagara Outreach Committee on Poverty. On top of these she collects books for Women‘s Prison and delivers for Meals on Wheels. The sixth recipient is Barbara Montesanto. Barb is a long-time driver for Dundas Community Services, taking seniors and others unable to drive to medical appointments, grocery stores or pharmacies. For the past nine years she has volun-teered her car and her time to make multiple weekly trips to the greater Hamilton/Burlington area. The club’s Paul Harris celebration always includes a guest speaker. This year, Dr. Mike Dixon, Professor in the School of Environmental Science and Director of the Controlled Environ-ment System Research Facility University of Guelph spoke of Canada’s contribution to international space science in life support. Dr. Dixon is also the principal investigator of the Tomatosphere Project that involves 17 500 classrooms active-ly researching tomato seed growth for future space travel.

Barbara Busing, Rob Roi & Kanwal Shankardass

Bob Morrow, Ralph & Barbara Montesanto & Kanwal Shankardass

Lynne Morrow & Tom Tustian

President Jan Southall, Sue & David Carson & Ralph Montesanto.

Mike Dixon, Wayne Gale, Bob Morrow & Ralph Montesanto


Club News

District 7090 Youth Exchange Student is 1 of 4 winners in RI Miles Contest

Youth News

Submitted by Aad Vermeyden You will likely all remember that earlier this year we urged you to support Rotary by daily visiting the United Airlines Air Miles Contest and voting for Rotary International. Well RI came second, and was granted 4 winners. When RI then contacted all districts to put forward eligible candidates for these awards, District 7090 Youth Exchange outbound candidate Quintin Wilcox was put forward and his counselor from the Rotary Club of Niagara Falls Sunrise submitted on his behalf. Quintin has already proven at the different activities in his preparation for his exchange (Algonquin trip, Jamestown weekend, etc.) that he is a very worthy candidate. Almost every year we have a candidate from a less well-off back-ground. Quintin became aware of YE through his Interact club. The Rotary Club of Niagara Falls Sunrise felt he was the best candidate in their selection process in spite of the challenges it would pose given Quintin’s circumstances. And this is

where Rotary shines! The club is actively assisting him, not just with finances, but also in taking the counselor job very seriously, so that he will have had the necessary “discovery” lessons we take for granted when growing up in a regular family. One of the members was able to give Quintin a part-time job so that he could start working towards raising the necessary funds, as his parents are not able to assist him with that. In his application he wrote, “I don’t rely on others and I don’t trust people very easily”. He lives independently, as his mother’s whereabouts are unknown and his father moved to the US when he was 2. Quintin describes himself as a people person. He will be going to Japan and is very much looking forward to his year abroad. We are so thankful that RI chose him as one of only 4 world-wide recipients of air miles, as at this point

finances are simply not fully in place for Quintin’s exchange. Thank you Rotarians for voting in the air miles contest and for supporting the exchange program that creates change in tomorrow’s leaders!

Submitted by Greg Jones It was a small but hardy group that assembled at the North Main Street Park and Ride for our spring Adopt A Highway cleanup. The sky was grey and the temperature was purrrrrfect for a stroll along the side of I-86. This must have been the A team, as although small in number, one side was completed in just one hour! A vote was taken to see if the group wanted to continue on to the west bound lane but a few raindrops resulted in a unanimous vote to leave that for another day. Thank you Dick, Lynne, the two Gregs and Kathy for doing your "service above self". PART TWO - CLEANUP ON THURSDAY THE 9TH AT 6 PM Wow, we may be on to something. The early evening outing on I-86 had a turn-out of 15!!!!! We were again done in a little less than an hour. Greg Lindquist was thinking of going back and finding the rest of his new car!

Jamestown finds treasure on I-86


Youth News

Exchange Student writes home to say YE has changed his life

Submitted by Jeannie Manning Hey Jeannie, I have a short story for you. I remember walking into your home the night of the exchange interviews and meeting Gavin on his way out. I thought, “Oh no! how am I supposed to go up against that.” I had at this point done three Rotary exchange interviews and so far nothing had paid off. I honestly thought that my chances of getting accepted into the program were extremely slim. So I greeted Gavin and wished him well, both of us full well knowing that only one of us could get in. It sounds like something from The Hunger Games right? Anyways. I entered the Rotary Youth Exchange Interview. It was thirty minutes of heart-pounding boasting about why I would be a good candidate for the program. One can only imagine how much pressure there is to excel. Then I waited. I waited just over two weeks and I then I received a phone call. I did not recognize the number, I knew that it could only be one thing. I let it ring, I was in Mrs. Specks Grade 11 English Class after all. I saw that I now had an unread voice mail. I asked to be excused from the room and I quickly ran down and stood in the stairwell and pulled out my phone. You said, "Hi its Jeannie Manning calling! Mackenzie I'm calling in regards to the Rotary Youth Exchange. You did it Mackenzie. You're in. You've been accepted into the program." I nearly screamed from the excitement. I tried calling back right away but unfortunately there was no answer. I needed to tell someone! I could not just go back into my classroom and start yelling. I want-ed to, but it probably wouldn't be appropriate. So instead I called my mom, no answer. I called my sister Megan, no answer. I called my step dad, no answer. I called my brother knowing he was at work, I heard a click. "Hey Ty, guess what!" "Mick, I'm at work it's not a good time." "It's just really quick sorry, I got into exchange! I'm going next year!" "Great buddy—that's awesome. I have to go back to work we'll talk about it later." Not really the response that I had hoped for. It seemed no nearby family members we're there to share my moment of excitement. Then I remembered my sister who lives in Alberta, Justine. It was a long shot but I thought I may as well try. I called her, I heard a click. "Hey Stine! Guess what!!" "Hey Mick, I don't know I just woke up a little bit." "I got into exchange! I got into the program!" "WAAAAAA—THAT'S AWESOME!" Finally someone could share the excitement with me.

My mom ended up calling me back several minutes later and I told her the news. She said, "Mick, I'm so proud of you, you're going to have an amazing adventure." If you're wondering what happened to Gavin, I was pleasantly surprised to hear that my now host Rotary Club had decided to send TWO exchange students. That does not happen too often. That was sixteen months ago. I haven't looked back since. What I mean is that my exchange year so far has been a complete and utter success. There is not a single thing that I have re-gretted doing since being here in Sweden. Everything has been positive and I am so happy and blessed to be able to say that. Rotary Youth Exchange is the

single best decision I have made in my entire life, without a doubt. In this past year I have grown a lot. In my ability to handle uncomfortable situations and to push myself to be better even when I do not want to be. Life is entirely about choices. An insurmountable amount of choices that change who you are and dictate what you can become. In my opinion the biggest of these choices is deciding on how to react to change. "Change is a sure thing. The only variable is rate. As slow as evolution, or perhaps as fast as revolution." Its incredibly important to be able to handle change in life. No matter what, it will happen. I find that part handling change is learning to push your comfort zone. It sounds like an oxymoron but being able to comfortably push my comfort zone has been the single most valuable lesson that I've learned while being abroad. Being able to draw up a plan for oneself even though nobody has ever really done it before. What I mean is—being able to handle yourself in situations when things don't necessarily go to plan. Being able to appear confident even when I am in a entirely unfamiliar environment. Finally, being able to relax and sometimes just go with the flow of the day. These are the things that I have learned on exchange. Valuable life lessons that everyone learns sooner or later. Exchange is just a catalyst to speed up the process of that learning. It stimulates the development of people's characteristics. Rotary Exchange is a fantastic, amazing program which truly allows people to reach higher than they ever could have if they stayed at home. Please do not stop doing what you do, Jeannie. With the support of Rotary you can change a lot of people's lives. It is so necessary to continue in this day and age. The world has become digital and people spend more time inside than ever. With your help, even if its only a few, they can see the world. Mackenzie Hunse District 7090 Exchange Student to Sweden Sponsored by the Rotary Club of Niagara on the Lake

The Object of Rotary The Object of Rotary is to encourage and foster the ideal of service as a basis of worthy enterprise and, in particular, to encourage and fos-ter:

FIRST. The development of acquaintance as an opportunity for service;

SECOND. High ethical standards in business and professions, the recognition of the worthiness of all useful occupations, and the dignify-ing of each Rotarian's occupation as an opportunity to serve society;

THIRD. The application of the ideal of service in each Rotarian's personal, business, and community life;

FOURTH. The advancement of international understanding, goodwill, and peace through a world fellowship of business and professional persons united in the ideal of service. The Four-Way Test The test, which has been translated into more than 100 languages, asks the following questions: Of the things we think, say or do 1. Is it the TRUTH? 2. Is it FAIR to all concerned?

3. Will it build GOODWILL and BETTER FRIENDSHIPS? 4. Will it be BENEFICIAL to all concerned

Rotary’s strategic plan identifies three strategic priorities supported by 16 goals. They represent what Rotar-ians have asked to be done to ensure a strong and vibrant Rotary going into the future.

Rotary’s Guiding Principles


District 7090 Office 800 Lakeview Avenue, Jamestown, NY 14701

716.484.8814

Support and Strengthen Clubs Foster club innovation and flexibility Encourage clubs to participate in a variety of service activities Promote membership diversity Improve member recruitment and retention Develop leaders Start new, dynamic clubs Encourage strategic planning at club and district levels

Focus and Increase Humanitarian Service Eradicate polio Increase sustainable service focused on programs and activities that support youth and young leaders and Rotary’s six areas of focus Increase collaboration and connection with other organizations Create significant projects both locally and internationally

Enhance Public Image and Awareness Unify image and brand awareness Publicize action-oriented service Promote core values Emphasize vocational service Encourage clubs to promote their networking opportunities and signature activities

Our Mission. We provide service to others, promote integ-rity, and advance world understanding, goodwill, and peace through our fellowship of business, professional, and commu-nity leaders.

Our Core Values. Our values are an increasingly important component in strategic planning because they drive the intent and direction of the organization’s leadership.

These core values are:

Fellowship and global understanding

We build lifelong relationships.

Ethics and integrity

We honor our commitments.

Diversity

We connect diverse perspectives.

Vocational expertise, service, and leadership

We apply our leadership and expertise to solve social issues.

dg kevin’s may message€¦ · forward to wonderful things rotary happening as a result of this...

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