As a result of the 2016 Council on Legislation resolutions, Rotary clubs have much greater latitude to define special membership types – such as Corporate, Family and Associate memberships. Keep in mind that these are club-defined categories. Rotary International doesn’t recognize or define the criteria for these categories. RI simply recognizes Active and Honorary members. If your club would like to create a special category of membership, like “Corporate Member” there are two important things to keep in mind:
Thing 1: Your club is free to offer alternative membership types of any kind, as long as new members are counted as individuals — corporate members for example — rather than the corporations that sponsor their membership. Only people are members, not organizations. If the members pay RI & district dues, they will be included in your club's official membership count and receive all the benefits that other active, dues-paying members enjoy. Only those individuals for whom RI & district dues are paid will be considered as active members of your club by RI. So, we recommend that the dues paid for individuals joining through a group membership cover the RI and district dues. Currently, the combined RI and district dues are less than US$115 per person per year. It is less for members who join after January 1 since those members pay only half of the RI dues until the next Rotary year.
Thing 2: Your club can have different policies for these members, e.g., club dues, meal costs, attendance requirements, or service expectations, as long as these policies are reflected in the club bylaws.
Awarded to a student whose permanent address is within the boundaries of District 7090.
Scholarship Type
A general scholarship awarded to a student who at the time of application is in their first year of post-secondary education.
Scholarship Description
The scholarship will be based on the following criteria:
academic merit;
a demonstration of “Service Above Self”; and
an essay about the ideals of Rotary
The scholarship is open to any area of study.
The scholarship must be used towards full time post-secondary study at a University, College, or Community College.
The student must have their permanent address within the boundaries of District 7090.
Rotary’s conflict of interest policy does apply to this scholarship and as a result cannot be awarded to the following:
a Rotarian, including honorary Rotarian;
an employee of a club, district, or other Rotary Entity, or of Rotary International;
a spouse, lineal descendant (child or grandchild by blood, legal adoption, or marriage without adoption), spouse of lineal descendants, or ancestor (parent or grandparent by blood) of person(s) in the above categories;
an employee of an agency, organization, or institution that partners with The Rotary Foundation or Rotary International;
a former Rotarian or honorary Rotarian who has terminated membership within the preceding 36 months; or
a person who is ineligible based on a familial relationship to a former Rotarian or honorary Rotarian, for a period of 36 months after termination of family member’s membership
The application deadline is December 31 in the year that their post-secondary study has commenced.
The scholarship will be awarded by January 31 of the academic year in which their post-secondary study has commenced.
For an application, go to the Scholarship page on the District 7090 website. You can also email Scholarship Chair, Steve Keefe.
Just a few months ago the IPDG, Reg Madison, welcomed a group of 10 Rotarians from Thailand and now we have the honor of fulfilling our exchange with them.
A "RFE" Rotary Friendship Exchange is furthering relationships with Rotarians in another country. Bringing ideas together to enhance the spirit of fellowship and togetherness as a global organization. Usually visiting Rotarians are hosted in homes of the host country, provided an opportunity to experience various sights and taste exotic foods.
Those on the team pictured left to right are: Barb Babij, Dundas, Anka Masek, Tonkovic, Osijek Croatia, Bob Artis, Clarence, Walt Veckie, Dundas Valley Sunrise, Elizabeth Fisk, Grimsby, Bill Greenwood, Niagara Falls, ON, Dave Fisk, Lincoln, Barb Greenwood, Niagara Falls, ON, Terry Babij. Not pictured: PDG Charolette Herlong, Dunkirk Fredonia, PDG Pravin Suchak, Amherst, Andy Rich, LeRoy, Anne Marie Dean, Dunkirk Fredonia.
First leg of our visit is to Bangkok and Pattaya, some opted to visit Chiang Mai, where we will visit The Royal Palace, see the Golden Budah, the floating market and oh yeah, massage therapists to revitalize our frail frames.
It is our expectation that this exchange will offer chances for unique cultural immersion and interchanges, as well as offering educational and professional opportunities to build a network of global partners.
October 17, 2018 was a wonderful news day for the global Rotaract e-Club of Social Innovators (RoeSI) and RoeSI Charter President Caitilin McMillan.
That day RoeSI’s parent Rotary E-Club of Social Innovators (RESI) received word from Rotary International headquarters that the RoeSI charter application had been approved so that Rotary International President Barry Rassin would be able to officially present the RoeSI charter at the District 7090 Conference on October 20, 2018 in Niagara-on-the-Lake.
The same day RoeSI Charter President Caitilin McMillan in London, UK received an e-mail message notifying her that she had been awarded a 2019 Rotary Peace Fellowship for her Masters Studies at the Duke University – University of North Carolina Rotary Peace Center.
The e-mail message to Caitilin, among other things, noted: “The Rotary Foundation and our university partners considered candidates from all over the world for the Rotary Peace Fellowships in a highly competitive selection process. You should feel proud of this significant achievement. The Rotary Foundation looks forward to a lifelong relationship with you. Congratulations on your fellowship selection—you are on your way to becoming a Rotary Peace Fellow!”
On August 23rd 2018 the 4 Rotary Clubs in Norfolk County, Ontario (Simcoe, Delhi, Norfolk Sunrise and Norfolk Rotaract) held a joint work party to assemble and distribute floral arrangements to all 12 Norfolk County nursing and retirement homes. The Action Day was held at King's Garden Centre near Simcoe.
District Governor Melisa Schrock participated throughout the day alongside the other 70 volunteers. 180 arrangements were assembled and delivered to adorn the dining room tables and bring joy to some of the seniors in the Norfolk community.
During the Action Day, Rotarians also provided assistance to the Christmas Panorama, through paint touch-up of the Fantasy Castle display and building a new deck for a trailer.
The event culminated with a dinner and fellowship, a truly successful day of caring by and fellowship with Rotarians and friends in the Norfolk community.
In June of 2018, at the end of IPDG Reg's term as governor, it finally came together. A celebrating document of over 90 years of Rotary in Norfolk county. All four Norfolk County clubs: Delhi, Norfolk Sunrise and Simcoe, plus Norfolk Rotaract, participated. It was and is an amazing effort to raise the awareness of Rotary in their neighborhood. They were thoughtful to forward the link to the newspaper style publication to share with D7090 Rotarians. The editor of the publication is Dave Douglas, Rotarian and member of the Rotary Club of Norfolk Sunrise. Click on the link below to review the publication.
On September 12, 2018, Welland Mayor Campion, representatives from Habitat For Humanity Niagara and Members of Welland Rotary gathered at the intersection of Frazer Street and Mill Street in Welland to ‘unveil’ a new street sign.
This sign is a new concept for the City. The Commemorative Street Naming Program recognizes local organizations that have made contributions in the community based on historical content and/or community involvement. Although Frazer Street will retain its legal street name, the new Welland Rotary Way will stand as a reminder and observe how the Rotary Club of Welland made significant contributions to the Habitat for Humanity Niagara build on Frazer Street.
“I’m proud of the leadership Rotary Members provide both within the local community and the community at large,” said Welland Rotary President David Alexander. He continued, “In this case, four Rotarians, Nick Bodo, Paul Leon, Roman Groch, and Graham Speck, stepped up and supported this initiative. We are also proud of our partnership with Habitat For Humanity Niagara.”
The club's 9th annual concert season wrapped up August 28th. Sunset Music Series fans have enjoyed another terrific concert series. With some 50 talented musicians performing at the Rotary Shell against a backdrop of spectacular sunsets at 9 weekly concerts at Charles Daley Park in the Town of Lincoln. The Sunset Music series is a self-sustaining community project involving a host of community partners and volunteers under the leadership of the Rotary Club of Lincoln.
It is with the combination of funds raised through weekly collections from the audience and annual sponsor donations that the Rotary Club of Lincoln was able to offer FREE ADMISSION to each concert for all members of our community no matter what their means. The club thanks all its Sunset Music Series fans and sponsors for helping to make this possible once again.
A group of volunteers under the leadership of David Fisk invaded the Grimsby Farmer's Market on August 16, 2018, to answer questions about the Lamplighter Tour and to recruit actors and volunteers for this year’s performance. Props were used and free bookmarks handed out to the crowd containing pertinent information for this year’s Lamplighter Tour being held Nov. 16-18, 2018.
The Rotary Club of Hamburg recently inducted Sarah Fiorello into Rotary. President Brandi Reed, right, conducted the ceremonies welcoming Sarah into the club. She is a first grade teacher with the Eden School District. The club meets at 6 p.m. in the evening, which allows this teacher to participate.
Many great things happened at the 2018 District Conference. It was impossible to leave without learning something new about our leadership possibilities through Rotary. One presentation that was little noticed was to PDG Karen Oakes and Wolfgang. They entered their beautiful Corvette in the Rotary Club of Lancaster-Depew Car Show, but left before awards were presented. Their car received Best New Millennium Vehicle. Immediate Past President Rob Benzel had the pleasure of catching up with them to present the deserved, but overdue award at District Conference.
Attached is a photo of Dr. Joe Girardi, member and past president of the Lancaster-Depew club. One of the club's most enjoyable ways to earn money as a group, to support college scholarships, is
through selling food at football concessions. Cooked hot dogs are just one part of the menu.
2018 was the 60th year that Lancaster-Depew Rotarians provided grant-type scholarships to graduating high school seniors.
The Rotary Club of Dundas Valley recently celebrated the commitment of several non-Rotarians for their contributions to the local community. At its Annual Paul Harris dinner, the club granted Paul Harris Fellowships to four very worthy individuals.
Bill Parkes, retired executive director of HARRRP, has worked for over 8 years to provide clean and secure space for members of the local community to set up and run programs – about thirty in total, ranging from potter and painting to an excellent self-run choir.
Alan Hansell has personally managed a large number (600) of volunteers and guests to clean up Cootes Paradise – in an attempt to bring it back to its name, a paradise. His weekly cleanup efforts are complimented by a growing stewardship program. Alan is currently the Executive Director of the Stewards of Cootes Watershed.
Mary Bannatyne is always in the background, working to make things better for the citizenry of Dundas. She helps with St. Mark’s church, the monthly community dinner, Meals on Wheels and projects of the Sunrise Rotary Club.
Isabella O’Brien is one of the top young environmentalists in Canada; her science fair projects, all with a distinct environmental focus, have won international renown. In addition to her dedication to environmental concerns, Isabella has also served as a page in the provincial legislature and is an Ocean Youth Ambassador promoting awareness about ocean acidification. She was the youngest Canadian ever to be a global finalist in the Google Science Fair. Indeed, her bright, young (16 years of age) curious mind and her dedication to project follow-up are commendable qualities.
We congratulate all those who have made contributions to making Dundas a better place to live.
Flanked by District Governor Melisa Schrock and Club Foundation Chair Jessica Brennan are the new Paul Harris Fellows - William Parkes, Mary Bannatyne, Alan Hansell and Isabella O’Brien
Max Hufer, Rotary Youth Exchange Student from Germany sponsored by the Buffalo Sunrise Rotary Club, is welcomed at the Buffalo Airport by host family Melanie and Tom Morse and their son Charlie.
Buffalo Sunrise bartenders Daniel Day (left) and Denis Lefebvre with PDG Kevin Crosby (front) at the Soho Bar “Drink responsibly but tip irresponsibly.” fund raiser.
The Rotary Club of Stoney Creek members along with their friends of Rotary once again demonstrated that Rotarians are truly People of Action. Everyone’s efforts during the club's 18th Year at the Winona Peach Festival was an Inspiration. Over 150 volunteers worked hard raising funds to be used to help people in the community and aid in improving conditions for people around the world.
Aligning with the thoughts of Rotary International President, Barry Rassin, we need to embrace change and must address the present global challenges through the work of our Rotary/Rotaract clubs. In recognition of our said values, the Rotaract eClub of Social Innovators (RoeSI) was formed to leverage opportunities for creating an impact on a global scale. On October 20, the club is formally recognized with it's Charter presented by President Barry himself at the District 7090 Conference 2018 at Niagara-on-the-Lake Community Centre.
Pictured are Emma Woodbeck, RoeSI Treasurer and Mayur Mukai RoeSI member with President Barry after accepting the charter.
The Rotary Club of Hamilton presented the Vision Cares Project with a $15,000 cheque at their last Rotary meeting. The Vision Cares project is part of the District Matching Grant (matching $2000). The Rotary Club of Hamilton helped pilot the Vision Cares project a number of years ago. The concept was to have all children at Cathy Wever School have eye exams and supply glasses and frames to those who require them for free. The pilot showed the great need for eye care in schools, helping many children to see and engage in learning and literacy. The Vision Cares program has grown to include every elementary and high school in Hamilton. Over 5,000 children have had vision testing and more than 400 will receive eye glasses for a minimal cost of $10 and another 409 were to see the Pediatric Ophthalmologist at McMaster. The Rotary Club of Hamilton was able to leverage their funds with a Rotary District Grant to support the Vision Cares Program with a $15,000 cheque. The picture was taken at our weekly lunch meeting to demonstrate the impact Rotary can make in the lives of children across our community.
Pictured (L to R): Past President Alex Moroz, President Nancy Baker and Past President Brad Spencer.
The 98th annual Hamilton Fall Garden & Mum Show kicked off October 25, 2018 with a special preview of the Mum Show. The annual Mum Show is themed “Once Upon a Toy” and the Rotary Club of Hamilton is pleased to be a partner. Rotary Club of Hamilton has been recognized for our partnership, being the presenting sponsor of the Family Zone.
The Family Zone encourages children and families to enjoy hands on activities, movies and more. The Literacy Wall is a great addition and has great meaning for the Rotary Club of Hamilton as we have a focus on literacy. The club is expecting that over 12,000 visitors will have enjoyed the show and the Rotary Family Zone!
Albion Interactors joined Albion Rotarians on Thursday in filling about 100 bags with personal care items. These Interact members pictured include, from left, Susan He, Trinity Allen and Avalina Hand.
They joined Rotarians in filling the bags that are going to Medina Memorial Hospital. The Rotary Club also will be giving new shirts, sweatpants and underwear for the hospital to give to sexual assault victims. Those victims often have their clothing taken to be used as evidence.
The hospital sees about 50 sexual assault victims – females and males – each year at the emergency room. Sometimes the hospital has to give them gowns or surgical scrubs because there aren’t other clothes available.
Cindy Perry and Jessica Downey from Community Partners at Orleans Community Health will deliver the personal care items to the hospital. Pictured, from left, include: Cindy Perry, director of outreach, education and marketing at Community Partners; Michael Bonnewell, Albion Central School superintendent and a Rotarian; Jessica Downey, health educator with Community Partners; and Trinity Allen, Avalina Hand and Susan He, members of the school’s Interact Club, which is sponsored by the Rotary Club.
Niagara Wheatfield Eco Campus Revitalization: A Rotary / Greenway Project. On the morning of October 13, 2018, threatening storm clouds rolled across the dark sky above the Niagara Wheatfield School Campus, not far from the US side of the Lewiston-Queenston Bridge. A light rain was falling as Interactors and other students, teachers, Rotarians and other community volunteers gathered to transform three neglected and overgrown gardens along the trail that was created on the school campus as part of the Niagara Greenway project.
The spirit of students and community volunteers could not be dampened. As the work began, the rain subsided and the sun began to break through the clouds. Just two-and-a-half hours later, the transformation was complete, the tools were put away and folks gathered around the Rotary refreshment tent for a final cup of cider or coffee, Timbits, apples and popcorn. It was time to celebrate a job well done.
Kudos to the Rotary Club of Niagara County Central under President Dave Evans and the leadership of Past President, Pat Sullivan, who organized the project. With the support of student clubs, faculty, Rotarians and other volunteers, they managed to remove overgrown plants and weeds in three gardens, install 64 trees, shrubs, native grasses and flowers, and apply mulch. All of this in less than three hours. The “before” (left) and “after” (right) photos tell the story.
Two new members were recently welcomed into the Rotary Club of Jamestown. Kathy Burch and James Gamina received their Rotary pins and plaques at a ceremony held in early August. Kathy is the Financial Officer at the Gebbie Foundation. In the past, she worked for the Chautauqua County Health Network and American Red Cross. Kathy and her husband live in Onoville, and run the Kinzua Campground. Kathy is also Past-President of the Olean Rotary. Her sponsor was Tory Irgang.
James is the President of the Jamestown Music Association. A retired Army colonel, James lives in Bemus Point. He was a past Rotary member from Oil City, PA. James’ sponsor was John Lloyd.
Pictured (L to R): Membership Committee Member Tory Irgang, Kathy Burch, Rotary Club President Katie Geise, James Gamina, Membership Committee Chairman Randy Sweeney
The Rotary Club of Jamestown enjoyed a wonderful performance recently from Joseph Tancredi (vocalist) and Martin Dube (pianist) from the Chautauqua Institution School of Music. Kevin Sixbey introduced both to the club. So far, the club has provided over $16,000 in scholarships to music students at Chautauqua Institution.
Pictured (L to R): Martin Dube, Joseph Tancredi, Cheri Krull & Kevin Sixbey.
The Rotary Club of Ancaster AM held its annual Autumn Stroll event on September 9 in collaboration with local restaurants, wineries, and breweries. The "Stroll" takes place in the Dundas Valley Conservation Area, and guests get to spend the afternoon in the middle of a forest sampling award-winning cuisine. This year, the club made $66,000 in ticket sales, and sold out ten days ahead of schedule!
The Rotary Club of Lewiston, NY & Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON held their last Picnic meeting of the Summer at the home of President John Cich and his lovely bride Barbara on August 22.
At that meeting, the club awarded a scholarship to graduating Lewiston Porter student Natalie Smith. Natalie will be attending the University of New Hampshire to pursue a Pre-Veterinary program of study.
Pictured are (L to R): Seated-Grandmother Barbara Johnson & Recipient Natalie Smith. Standing Secretary Tom Gerbasi & President John Cich.
LITERACY… IS ALIVE AND WELL and now in very capable hands since the hiring of student, Sarah Andrews. Sarah was selected to oversee the club’s Literacy School to Home Reading Program. Her responsibilities include advertising, interviewing and selecting volunteers for our reading programs. A new school has been added this year making it a total of 4 schools and 5 programs now requiring hands on ‘readers’. This requires a fair bit of scheduling and tracking of volunteers to ensure that the schools receive the hands on support that our students need. Pictured are committee chairs Linda Landy (middle) and Milica Kovacevich (right) with Sarah Andrews (left).
Congratulations to member, Marc Johnston, who is the club's latest Paul Harris Fellow. He was recognized because of his tireless contribution to fundraising which sets the bar at a new high. President Ellen Wodchis and member Marlene Mader are pictured presenting the Paul Harris to Marc.
An annual scholarship was established by the Rotary Club of Lockport and the Lockport NY Rotary Foundation in memory of Norman W. Sinclair. Mr. Sinclair was a long time Lockport Rotarian and past President of Lockport Savings Bank. He was a founding member of the NCCC Foundation of Niagara County Community College (NCCC) who dedicated more than 24 years of service, tirelessly fundraising to help make NCCC an exceptional institution of higher learning.
This scholarship benefits students pursuing higher education at NCCC while recognizing in perpetuity the importance Mr. Sinclair placed on his relationship with the college and the significance of his contributions.
This Endowed Scholarship Fund is to be awarded to an incoming NCCC student who is enrolled full-time, resides in the Lockport School District, and is a graduate of the district high school or a regional private or parochial high school. The recipient must be of good character, have scholastic achievements, and demonstrated participation and leadership in extracurricular and community activities.
The Rotary Club vision for the NCCC scholarship in Norm Sinclair’s memory emerged from a strategic planning program conducted several years ago. Many Rotary club past officers and the Lockport NY Rotary Foundation officers have been committed to achieving this goal. It was with pleasure and pride that $10,000 was awarded to the NCCC Foundation to further sustain Mr. Sinclair’s Legacy.
Niagara County Community College Foundation, Inc. is a New York not-for-profit corporation and sole repository for philanthropic contributions to support Niagara County Community College (NCCC). Lockport NY Rotary Foundation is a not-for-profit corporation supporting the Rotary Club of Lockport in its mission of to fulfill community needs and advance world peace and understanding through programs and projects to support health care, youth development, sustainable communities, and cultural exchange at the local, regional and international levels.
Can you think of one item that frustrates all six of Rotary’s areas of focus? In mine-affected countries, promoting peace, fighting disease, clean water, sanitation and hygiene, helping mothers and children, education, and local economies are all held back by one thing: landmines.
The Canadian Landmine Foundation is asking Rotarians to renew their commitment to eliminating these terrible weapons and helping those who live in fear of them.
Support for mine action is a time-tested way for Canadian Rotarians to advance all six of Rotary’s areas of focus. Rotarians and Rotary Clubs have helped the Canadian Landmine Foundation fund projects that cleared mines and assisted survivors in places like Bosnia, Mozambique, and Afghanistan.
Today the Canadian Landmine Foundation supports mine action in Cambodia through a partnership with a grassroots organization called Cambodian Self Help Demining which operates demining and explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) teams in rural areas. When villagers find mines and other explosive remnants of war, one of their five EOD teams are dispatched to neutralize the explosives and conduct mine risk education.
How does mine action benefit Rotary’s areas of focus?
Mine Action Promotes Peace Landmines and explosive remnants of war claim lives long after the fighting ends. Mine action assists victims, fosters cooperation, and saves lives. Mine action helps people live in peace.
Mine Action Fights Disease Landmines and explosive remnants of war prevent clinics from opening and sick people from travelling to them. Mine action improves access to care for all.
Mine Action Provides Clean Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene Landmines and explosive remnants of war contaminate wells and aquifers, and prevent the construction of modern infrastructure. Mine action clears the way for safe access to housing and the sustainable development of basic services.
Mine Action Saves Mothers and Children Landmines and explosive remnants of war harm anyone who comes in contact with them and restrict access to crucial child and maternal care. Mine action removes these obstacles to help families grow safely and securely.
Mine Action Supports Education Landmines and explosive remnants of war endanger children on their way to school and keep them from attending for fear of injury or to care for injured loved ones. Mine action allows the safe construction of schools, and teaches children how to stay safe through mine risk education.
Mine Action Grows Local Economies Landmines and explosive remnants of war keep land from the plough, and block transportation routes. Mine action releases land for agricultural and industrial use, and (re)opens value chains and markets.
On behalf of the Canadian Landmine Foundation’s Rotary Engagement Committee, we ask that you consider a commitment to this worthwhile humanitarian cause, in keeping with this year’s Rotary theme to “be the Inspiration.” For more information on how your club can become involved, email us at admin@canadianlandmine.org or visit canadianlandmine.org/rotary.
All the best,
Wilf Wilkinson President of Rotary International 2007/08 Chair of The Rotary Foundation 2012/13
Max Hufer, Rotary Youth Exchange Student from Germany sponsored by the Buffalo Sunrise Rotary Club, is welcomed at the Buffalo Airport by host family Melanie and Tom Morse and their son Charlie.
Buffalo Sunrise bartenders Daniel Day (left) and Denis Lefebvre with PDG Kevin Crosby (front) at the Soho Bar “Drink responsibly but tip irresponsibly.” fund raiser.
The Rotary Club of Ancaster AM held its annual Autumn Stroll event on September 9 in collaboration with local restaurants, wineries, and breweries. The "Stroll" takes place in the Dundas Valley Conservation Area, and guests get to spend the afternoon in the middle of a forest sampling award-winning cuisine. This year, the club made $66,000 in ticket sales, and sold out ten days ahead of schedule!
