Once again this fall, the Rotary Club of Fonthill is hosting a Luxury Purse Bingo. This has always been a great social event supporting our local community. The proceeds of our Purse Bingo will go to support the Pathstone Mental Health clinic held at the Meridian Community Centre as well as to support Pelham Cares. In addition, we will be accepting donations of non-perishable items for Pelham Cares at the door.
September 2024 is an exciting month for Fonthill Rotarians, with District and Local Community events filling the calendar. We are pleased to highlight the following significant events on our September schedule.
Meet Maria! She is eagerly anticipating her year ahead in Canada as this year's incoming grade 11 youth exchange student from Sao Paulo, Brazil.
Sponsored by the Rotary Club of Fonthill, Maria will be arriving in mid to late August to spend the school year at E.L. Crossley Secondary School. Her infectious smile reflects her excitement to learn about Canadian culture, traditions, and to become part of our community.
This annual gathering was held this year at the Town of Pelham’s Meridian Community Centre on June 5th. The Paul Harris Fellow Award is one of the highest honours Rotary can bestow upon an individual. Recipients are Rotarians and community professionals and volunteers, in recognition of their outstanding contributions, exemplifying the highest ideal in Rotary, which is “Service above Self.”
The Rotary Club of Fonthill is excited to announce a $250 contribution supporting the upcoming 2nd Annual Pelham Health Fair for Migrant Workers, scheduled for Sunday, May 26, 2024, at the Fenwick United Church.
This spring, the Rotary Club of Fonthill has made significant investments in programs that develop well-rounded youth in our community. As part of its biannual financial requests review exercise, the Club is pleased to provide financial support to the E.L. Crossley Secondary School Rowing Program, and the First Ontario Performing Arts imPACt Education Series.
Thank you everyone, including our partners and volunteers plus hundreds who are planting your trees today! You made this event a success! Our tree orders maxed out by the April 18 and of day deadline, and close to 300 people went home with trees today! In addition, we had members and volunteers cleaning up around the Meridian Community Centre for this year's Great Lakes Watershed Cleanup! They joined many other community groups and individuals in helping keep our community clean.
In a world where cultural exchange and mutual understanding are more crucial than ever, the Rotary Club of Fonthill proudly continues its tradition of participating in the Rotary International cultural youth exchange program. Every year, this program opens doors for over 8000 youth aged 15-18, offering them the opportunity to explore and live in countries across the globe.
The Fonthill Club is excited to be off to such a great start by our ‘PODs’ (meeting organizing teams) for 2024.
We hit the ground running on January 3rd with Guest Speaker Nancie Taylor updating us on a Food4Kids Niagara Fundraiser! Nancie is a Food4Kids board member, enthusiastic supporter of youth programs, and her family are regular hosts for Rotary Youth Exchange. Learn more about Food4Kids here: food4kidsniagara.ca
Our Guest Speaker on January 10th was Irene Newton from the Ukrainian Canadian Congress. Our club has been a committed supporter of Relief efforts for Ukraine along with other Niagara Rotary Clubs. The UCC has most recently been awarded $1,500 funding from the club to help provide support for displaced Ukrainians as a result of the war in Ukraine. The cheque was presented at the meeting after an update from Irene. Applications for funds are considered twice annually by the Club: Community Requests for Financial Support
Our Guest Speaker on January 17th was Julie Andrews, CEO, Lincoln Pelham Public Library. The library has been a regular beneficiary of funds from our club, supporting the Rotary focus on literacy.
The vital work of a local organization assisting Ukrainian newcomers to Canada has been enhanced by a recent donation from the Rotary Club of Fonthill.
On Jan. 10, the Rotary Club of Fonthill was pleased to present a cheque for $1,500 to Irene Newton, President of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress – Niagara Chapter, to provide support for the work the organization is doing to help Ukrainians who are arriving in Niagara.
During the weekly meeting, Irene provided an update on the tremendous work that the local Ukrainian community has done over the past two years both to support those families fleeing Ukraine as a result of the war, as well as to send support to Ukraine. She noted that containers of aid items are regularly sent from Niagara to Poland and then on to Ukraine. Through posts made to Facebook they are then able to see that the items they have sent are arriving in Ukraine.
The UCC-Niagara chapter applied for support from Rotary through the fall round of community applications. The funds provided by the Rotary Club, will assist the organization in providing direct support for Ukrainian newcomers here in Niagara. This will include purchasing items such as mattresses, tables, food, medication and clothing. Irene and other members of the UCC-Niagara work collaboratively with the Niagara community to assist in finding accommodation and employment.
The Rotary Club’s of Fonthill and Welland raised $15,000
Hosted at Riverview Golf Course in early September, nearly a hundred participants and more than a dozen volunteers from both Clubs took part, including District 7090 Governor Scott Marcin and District Governor-Elect David Alexander. The event featured a contest and prize at all 18 holes, along with Hole-in-One contests on four Par 3s and one Par 4. After golf, everyone sat down for a steak dinner, participated in a 50/50 draw, and took a chance bidding on over 50 silent auction items.
This year, the net proceeds were donated to Niagara Children’s Centre. It is Niagara’s one-stop organization for supporting more than 5,300 children and youth to reach their communication, developmental, physical, and behavioural goals each year. They do this by offering speech & language therapy, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, and a variety of other specialized programs, supports and services. Its commitment also extends to supporting the child’s family/ caregivers. They offer a range of programs for families that support skill teaching to help their child, empowerment, and support.
Students in Pelham will benefit from enhanced science programs next term thanks to a recent donation from the Rotary Club of Fonthill.
At its recent weekly meeting, President Carolyn Mullin and Past President Troy Killick were pleased to present a cheque for $1,500 Cdn to Michelle Butler, Regional Manager of Scientists in School.
Scientists in School is a Registered Charity established in 1989 to bring hands-on science enrichment to elementary classrooms under the guidance of visiting STEM role models in collaboration with teachers. It has grown from its original community in Durham to currently providing programs across Ontario. They recently expanded to providing programs in Alberta as well.
Their classroom, community and family workshops open the wonders of science, engineering and technology to everyone, foster environmental stewardship, and encourage children across Canada to discover the relevancy of science in their everyday world.
Funds provided by the Rotary Club of Fonthill will be used to provide programming in Pelham Schools.
Rotary Club of Fonthill Volunteers and Friends were at the Bandshell on Saturday to set up the annual miniature village of Temperanceville this Saturday. The village will remain on display until the end of December.
The display started 30 years ago and the buildings are to 1/10th scale.
Bidding begins November 22 2023 - ends 9pm December 2, 2023
The Rotary Clubs of Niagara are proud to bring you a NEWLY Re-Branded Auction. All funds raised go to support good causes and projects within the Niagara region and around the world.
Thank you to our team of volunteers for an "out of the ballpark" successful Purse Bingo!!!
To those of you who worked on preplanning, purse shopping, recruiting sponsors, program design, early room set up, registration table and extra sales tickets, spotting, garbage collection, MCing, purse modelling, number calling, number tracking and clean up, we appreciate your support.
Our club is fortunate to have such a wonderful group of members and friends that come together every time we need you.
And lastly, my final thank you is to my purse partner co-organizer, Ann. When I zigged you zagged.
We don't have official final numbers but it looks like we raised over $8000 for Pathstone and Niagara Nutrition Partners. Not bad for a bunch of purses!
The Rotary Interact Club of E.L. Crossley is back up and running once again. This energetic group of students is supported by their teacher Mr. Yando. They are meeting every other Wednesday at the school to discuss and plan community service projects.
Their first project was to hold a school-wide food drive to help restock the empty shelves of Pelham Cares. Members of the Rotary Club of Fonthill, which sponsored the Interact Club’s creation many years ago, were glad to help deliver the food from the school to Pelham Cares. Staff at Pelham Cares were extremely appreciative as the need for food in our community is great.
The fall of 2023 has been an active and productive season for our club, and it isn’t over yet! Here are a few of our accomplishments and planned events for the closing of the year.
Purse Bingo! This event is being held on Nov. 10, 2023 and we are happy to report that tickets have been sold out! If you are interested in putting your name on the waiting list, please email pursebingo@rotarycluboffonthill.ca.
The Rotary Club of Fonthill wishes to thank our wonderful sponsors for their generous contributions! All proceeds from the event will support the Pathstone Mental Health Satellite Clinic at the Meridian Community Centre in Pelham, as well as Niagara Nutrition Partners. Thank You Donors to Purse Bingo!
Rotary Auction Niagara! Rotary Clubs of St. Catharines South, St. Catharines, Niagara Falls, Niagara Falls Sunrise, Welland, and Fonthill are back with a new format for 2023! This year the auction is completely online, with all items available for bidding for 11 full days! Official Rotary Auction Niagara Site: RotaryAuctionNiagara.ca
Rotary Youth Exchange! Our club is pleased to be sponsoring an outgoing youth exchange student to Belgium this year, as well as hosting an incoming exchange student, Satoka, from Japan! The club is actively seeking additional host families in order to broaden Satoka’s Canadian experience this school year and to prepare for our incoming student next year. Interested parties should email our club at the address provided below. Our youth work and youth exchange in particular were recently featured in PelhamToday.ca in a Spotlight Article. A link to this article as well as other news articles featuring Fonthill Rotarians can be found here: https://www.rotarycluboffonthill.ca/page/getting-to-know-us
The Rotary Club of Fonthill is grateful to these amazing supporters of Purse Bingo 2023!
The Rotary Club of Fonthill wishes to thank our wonderful sponsors for their generous contributions our upcoming Purse Bingo. All proceeds from the event will support the Pathstone Mental Health Satellite Clinic at the Meridian Community Centre in Pelham, as well as Niagara Nutrition Partners.
Posted by Don Thorpe - Welland Rotary on Sep 18, 2023
The Rotary Clubs of Fonthill and Welland jointly hosted the first annual Rotary Golf Tournament held this past September 15th. Thanks to Fonthill’s Hugh Graham (Past President 2003-2004, 2020-2021) and Welland’s Tim Proctor (Past President 2017-2018) for leading the way to make a fun and successful event!
Ninety-six Golfers and 14 volunteers from both Clubs took part, including District 7090 Governor Scott Marcin and District Governor-Elect David Alexander. Unique to this event all 18 Holes had a contest and prize, along with Hole-in-One contests on four Par 3s and one Par 4. After golf, everyone sat down for a steak dinner at Riverview Golf Course, participated in a 50/50 draw and took a chance bidding on over 50 silent auction items.
This year the net proceeds will be donated to the Niagara Children's Centre. It is Niagara’s one-stop organization supporting more than 5,300 children and youth to reach their communication, developmental, physical, and behavioural goals each year. They do this by offering speech & language therapy, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, and a variety of other specialized programs, supports and services. Its commitment also extends to supporting the child’s family/ caregivers. They offer a range of programs for families that support skill teaching to help their child, empowerment, and support.
It’s official! The iconic Pelham Summerfest Rotary Arches are completed and have been officially transferred to the Town of Pelham by the Summerfest Committee and the Rotary Club of Fonthill.
The Ribbon-cutting was the perfect celebration of a lengthy process of design, fabrication and erecting of the permanent structure, replacing the temporary structure that was removed several years ago following damage by a windstorm. The original Arches were constructed as a temporary structure to provide shade and as a central feature for the first four-day version of the Pelham Summerfest festival, held in 2012, to celebrate completion of downtown streetscaping in Fonthill.
Town of Pelham Deputy-Mayor John Wink officiated at the ribbon-cutting ceremony with Rotary Club of Fonthill ‘Raise the Arches’ Organizer Frank Adamson. The event recognized the many donors and community supporters that made the new Arches a reality. The donors are also recognized with plaques that are situated on the bases of the Arches.
The weather accommodated participants in the ribbon-cutting with sunshine and gentle breezes as a perfect lead-in to the Grand Finale performance at the Fonthill Bandshell. Rotary Club of Fonthill volunteers provided drink service in the Suppermarket at the Bandshell event following the Arches Ribbon-cutting. Summerfest and the Bandshell series are part of the Town of Pelham’s Summer Chill series of events.
The Rotary Club of Fonthill is participating in or helping promote the following September Fundraisers! Your contributions and participation are important to us!
The Rotary Clubs of Fonthill and Welland are pleased to host the 1st annual Golf Tournament on Friday September 15th, 2023. We hope this will be the first of many such events.
This year the net proceeds will be donated to the Niagara Children's Centre. It is Niagara’s one-stop organization supporting more than 5,300 children and youth to reach their communication, developmental, physical, and behavioural goals each year. They do this by offering speech & language therapy, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, and a variety of other specialized programs, supports and services. Its commitment also extends to supporting the child’s family/ caregivers. They offer a range of programs for families that support skill teaching to help their child, empowerment, and support.
The Rotary Club of Fonthill held its annual Board Changeover Event at Wellspring Niagara this Wednesday June 28. In addition to the formal induction of a new President, President-Elect and confirmation of the Board for 2023-24, Paul Harris Fellows were awarded to 8 members. Paul Harris recipients at the event were Paul Allen, Pat Duncan, Mel Groom, John Julien, Andrew Larmand, Gail Levay, Randy Momot, and Lance Wiebe. These are in addition to Paul Harris awards presented earlier in the Rotary Year at our annual Paul Harris Dinner.
It was also announced that long time Rotary member Paul Allen has been added as a member of the Paul Harris Society. The Paul Harris Fellow is the highest award The Rotary Foundation bestows and Membership in the Paul Harris Society acknowledges a yearly commitment to a donation of $1,000 USD each year. The Club now has 18 Paul Harris Fellows and two members who are members of the Paul Harris Society.
Rotarian of the Year for 2022-23 was awarded to Frank Adamson for his outstanding work in our community and beyond, most notably the successful completion of the ‘Raise the Arches’ campaign, in time for Summerfest 2023!
The Rotary Club of Fonthill was pleased to present a cheque for $1500 to the Niagara Team of Therapeutic Paws of Canada. The Club receives and reviews financial requests from local agencies and organizations twice yearly and is pleased to review these applications and support groups whose work aligns with Rotary goals. Therapeutic Paws Canada has a mission to “enhance the quality of life and health through the animal/human bond”.
Therapeutic Paws is a registered charity offering free therapy pet visitations. Rosemary Jellinck, the Team Leader for Therapeutic Paws, Niagara coordinated a demonstration of several Therapy dogs at the Rotary Club of Fonthill’s recent Family Farmfest at White Meadows Farm. Rosemary had been a guest speaker at a winter Rotary Club meeting and had explained the process of evaluating a dog with a suitable temperament with its owner to provide the numerous programs for seniors, youth, individuals in care, first responders and others in need of the calming influence of a pet.
The donation will help support the Niagara Team of Therapeutic Paws of Canada to purchase a new tent to provide shade for the dogs when they visit local communities.
The Rotary Club of Fonthill is excited to announce that they are presenting this year’s Rotary medallions and scholarships to Lauren Murray and Rachel Veldhuizen, graduating students of E.L. Crossley Secondary School. Lauren has been active in student leadership in her elementary school, her secondary school and within the District School Board of Niagara.
Rotary Club of Fonthill Presents E.L. Crossley Secondary School with a District Grant for Outdoor Amphitheatre
Rotary Club of Fonthill has presented a cheque for $5300 to E. L. Crossley Secondary School to partially cover construction costs of an outdoor amphitheatre.
Through a joint effort in Crossley's Art and Technology departments, they came up with a vision to develop an outdoor amphitheatre. This amphitheatre will work to support the goal of collaboration and celebrating the arts. It has been designed and built by students with partnerships in the community. It will act as a space for the Band, Drama and Visual Arts students to illustrate their talents, and for other Clubs and Visual Arts Classes to gather.
They used the existing ground topography to create tiered seating with a centre stage focus for teaching as well as performances. They incorporated the mature trees for shade and planted a pollinator garden to not only create an inviting space for all to use but to support awareness of native plant species.
Rotary Club of Fonthill is providing $250 sponsorships to these two Niagara events
Migrant Farm Worker Health Fair
The Niagara Migrant Workers Interest Group (NMWIG), in partnership with Positive Living Niagara, is hosting two Health Fairs for Migrant Workers this June. The first one is in Fenwick (with the Welland McMaster Family Health Team) on Sunday, June 4th, and the second one is in Niagara-on-the-Lake on Sunday, June 25th.
About the Festivals
Our objective for the Health Fair is to increase access to health and social information for Niagara’s migrant workers and to provide a social event that brings workers and residents together in a sense of community.
Main Activities: Informational displays and interactive demonstrations, events, raffle, food, and music.
Rotary is providing $250 towards the costs of the event.
On June 13-16, 2023 The WheelChair Tennis Classic will be drawing participants from around the world to the Grimsby Tennis Club at 46 St. Andrews Avenue! This event is part of the UNIQLO Wheelchair Tennis Tour.
Many thanks to all who supported this great event in various ways. We look forward to next year! Stay tuned for more detail. In the meantime, YourTV Niagara prepared this video about our 2023 #FamilyFarmFest!
The Rotary Club of Fonthill Announces Family Farmfest 2023!
The Rotary Club of Fonthill is partnering with White Meadows Farms and EL Crossley Secondary School to host Family FarmFest at White Meadows Farms on June 17th right here in Pelham. This will be Niagara Region’s most anticipated event this year where we will create an exciting interactive farming playground and a forum promoting local not-for-profit organizations along with educational farming exhibits and activities.
Free Family Day Skate Sponsored by Rotary Club of Fonthill and Rotaract Niagara
Voluntary Donations Accepted in Support of Food4Kids Niagara
The Niagara Rotaract Club, a group of young professionals is leading the work for the monetary donations. They are looking to use some of the money donated to apply for a Rotary District Grant. In this way, money raised will be matched with up to $2,000 USD ($2500 CDN). Several other local Rotary Clubs are also participating in this leading to a potential for a total of $20,000 to be directed to Food4Kids Niagara.
Donate Online Here - Cash, Cheques and Point of Sale Tap will be available at the event
The Rotary Club of Fonthill Invites You to A SPECIAL ROTARY EVENING OF CELEBRATION!
Thursday, February 23, 2023 starting at 5:30pm
Fonthill - Royal Canadian Legion Branch 613
Reception, Dinner, Cash Bar will be followed by presentation of PAUL HARRIS AWARDS
We will recognize several Community Individuals as well as Rotarians for their exemplary contributions to our community. They will receive the Paul Harris Fellow - Service Above Self Award.
The Rotary Club of Fonthill is a local service club which is part of Rotary International. The work of all Rotary Clubs internationally is focused on the following seven areas:
Promote peace;
Fight disease;
Provide clean water, sanitation, and hygiene;
Save mothers and children;
Support education;
Grow local economies;
Protect the environment
Through our fundraising efforts, the Rotary Club of Fonthill is pleased to provide financial support to community groups located in Pelham or meeting the needs of the residents of Pelham.
This week Rotary Club of Fonthill President Troy Killick was pleased to present $3,500 to Kim Rossi of Pathstone Mental Health as a contribution towards their renovations to River House in Welland.
Pathstone has identified a pressing need to have increased presence and active hubs in far reaching parts of Niagara as travel from one end of the region to the other is not possible without a vehicle.
Pathstone’s River House in Welland will offer an in-person walk-in clinic, one-on-one therapy programs, group clinics for parents and youth, and child minding.
The Rotary Club of Fonthill, in combination with local Rotary District 7090 which includes over 70 Rotary Clubs in Southern Ontario and Western New York, are pleased to announce that a $25,000 grant to aid the citizens of Ukraine has achieved maximum success.
In September of 2022, local Rotarians applied to Rotary International for a grant of $25,000 US to assist in sending medical equipment and humanitarian necessities to Ukraine.
Collaborating with the Rotary Club of Ivano-Frankivsk, Ukraine – and Warehouse of Hope – Not Just Tourists in North America, as well as AMD Hope, a total of over $169,000 of relief supplies including 500 Trauma Kits, 50 Hygiene kits, medical equipment, supplies and bandages were sent and distributed in war torn areas of Ukraine.
The Rotary Club of Fonthill recently celebrated a successful Purse Bingo event in the Town of Pelham that resulted in proceeds of $8,000 for worthwhile community causes.
The Rotary Club of Fonthill is once again ready to celebrate the humanitarian contributions of the Pelham community through the Paul Harris Fellow Awards. The Paul Harris Fellow Award is one of the highest honours Rotary can bestow upon an individual. Recipients are Rotarians and community professionals, in recognition of their outstanding contributions, exemplifying the highest ideal in Rotary, which is “Services above Self.”
Along with the recognition of the award the Club also makes a donation in their of $1,000, to Rotary International’s “Annual Program Fund,” which supports Rotary’s world-wide programs centred on saving and enhancing lives by providing educational programs, food, potable water, health care, immunizations, shelters for millions of people, good environmental practices, and peace centres. The activities are funded, implemented and managed by Rotarians and Rotary clubs around the globe, including our own Rotary Club of Fonthill.
The club is therefore currently seeking nominations from within its Rotary membership, but also from the wider Pelham/Niagara community as well.
Many thanks to all of our valuable sponsors and donors - Debbie Pine, Shelly Marr Mouck, Meridian, Cathy Berkhout Bosse, Diana Huson, Kane Cosmetics, Pauline Oliver, Dean Fluke, Darve Richardson, and Terry Lynn Adamson are all sponsoring purses for the regular draw. We then have a luxury gift basket (valued over $800) with donations from Strut Shoes, Styles Boutique, Lynda Carr Jewellry and Accelerated Health.
(watch for updates, there will be future events)
The Purse Bingo Team of the Rotary Club of Fonthill is excited to announce the return of purse bingo. Our Purse Bingo will be held at the Meridian Community Centre in Fonthill in the Accursi Room on Wednesday, November 9th.
Doors will open at 6 p.m. and the games will start at 7 p.m. The Team is collecting sponsorships for 10 designer purses and is preparing for an exciting evening of fun for the community.
All proceeds from our Purse Bingo evening will go towards the nutrition programs of public elementary schools in Pelham – namely St. Alexander’s, St Ann’s Fenwick, A.K. Wigg, Glynn A. Green and Wellington Heights. Additional support for Rotary Scholarships at E.L. Crossley Secondary School will be supported.
Rotary Club of Fonthill Contributes $3,500 of Proceeds from Niagara Family Funfest 2022 to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Niagara Falls and South Niagara
The Rotary Club of Fonthill was pleased to present a donation to Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) at the Club’s meeting this morning. The funds are being provided to assist with the ongoing operations of BBBS in the Niagara community. The funds come from the proceeds of the hugely successful Niagara Family Funfest 2022.
BBBS provides a number of programs providing both one-to-one mentoring and group mentoring to children and youth across Niagara Falls and South Niagara. Programs include Big Brother/Big Sister, In-School Mentoring, Go Girls!, Game On!, After School Program.
In 2021, BBBS of Niagara Falls/South Niagara was supported by 214 volunteers and provided 399 mentoring opportunities! Programs were delivered serving the communities of Niagara Falls, Fort Erie, Pelham, Port Colborne, Welland, and Wainfleet.
At our July 27, 2022 meeting Sarah Ludberg and Melissa Lodba from BBBS shared a compelling presentation with Fonthill Rotarians describing the spectrum of services provided, including measured outcomes provided by the work that they do.
The Rotary Club of Fonthill was pleased to welcome Julie Andrews and Amy Guilmette to their weekly meeting on June 22nd. Julie and Amy introduced the members to the new partnership between these libraries and shared all the new and exciting opportunities that exist for community members.
Amy brought a “show and tell” box displaying some of the great items that you can take home from the library to use. Items such as lifejackets, park passes and programmable robots represent the new vision of community libraries. Amy also shared the on-line resources which allow users to access books, movies, documentaries, research papers and magazines from the comfort of your home.
Throughout the entire Rotary year, numerous speakers have shared their expertise and experiences with the club and in recognition of all of the guest speakers throughout the 2021-2022 Rotary year the club presented a cheque to the Lincoln Pelham Public Library. This cheque promotes the Rotary goal of improving literacy in our community.
A huge thank you goes to all of our Rotary Club of Fonthill and E.L. Crossley members, volunteers, friends and sponsors for a simply fantastic Family Funfest.
The weather while brisk first thing and windy, was great and the crowds at Bissell's Hideaway had a great time participating in a wide variety of activities. From Unicorns, to music to Tech skills - mad science, drones, and inflatables and so much more - there was truly something for everyone. And EVERYONE showed up. What a great turnout we had from places near and far.
The day simply could not have happened without the incredible amount of time put in by Janet Cripps and Paul Snack. There are simply not enough words to express the gratitude we owe to these two power houses.
Sarah Rose and Jeff Saylor From the band Evermile kick off our live music event followed by Brookelynn Vandervelde, from Wainfleet.
Brookelynn has been enjoying her journey in theatre, and has recently starred in "The Sound Of Music" at Guido De Bres Christian High School In Hamilton Ontario and will be graduating this Month. She is excited to start her journey as a singer song writer and will be sharing some of her original music with us during her performance.
Ashley Goedee, 18, of Fonthill has been Teaching Piano, Vocals, and Guitar at Fonthill Music Academy. She has been writing with her band "No More New" over the past couple of years. They have just released their first album on youtube. She is excited to perform and share some of her original music with us.
Wainfleet's Paul Wainwright and Luke Martindale of "Two Fields Over" will be wrapping up our music event. Paul and Luke play locally with other musicians and will have Jeff Saylor on drums with them as well as Sarah as they team up and play some classic covers to close the afternoon.
The Skills Ontario Trades and Tech Truck will be at Niagara Family Funfest!Learn more about this interactive experience! Trades and Tech Truck webpage Planting the seed now in youth is the key in career development. There is a critical shortage happening now and for the foreseeable future in trades. Did you know? Brick layers earn up to $5 per brick laid.
Enjoy a fabulous day of fun-filled summer activities at Bissell’s Hideaway Resort, while helping the Rotary Club of Fonthill and E.L. Crossley Secondary School raise important funds for worthy charities and important Rotary initiatives here in your community.
Enjoy a fabulous day of fun-filled summer activities at Bissell’s Hideaway Resort, while helping the Rotary Club of Fonthill and E.L. Crossley Secondary School raise important funds for worthy charities and important Rotary initiatives here in your community.
Here are just some of the highlights: Your one-price admission gains you access to the gigantic one-acre pool, a thrilling waterslide, Pelham’s biggest kiddie splash pad, pedal boats in the lagoon, drone demos, live music, bouncy castles, kids’ games, prizes, and much more! Sign-up for The Amazing Race - Family Edition to win a $200 gift certificate to My Place Grill in Fonthill. Children can meet and ride our FunFest Unicorns (yes that’s right, we’ll have two Unicorns visiting that day). Once again, the Niagara Shrine Club will be selling great food for lunch from their BBQ! Proceeds from the BBQ support the great work they do in our Niagara community!
Enjoy a fabulous day of frivolous, fun-filled summer activities at this fantastic facility, while helping the Rotary Club of Fonthill and Crossley High School raise important funds for worthy charities and important Rotary initiatives here in your community.
Here are just some of the highlights: Your one-price admission gains you access to the gigantic one acre pool, a thrilling waterslide, Pelham’s biggest kiddie splash pad, pedal boats in the lagoon, drone demos, live music, bouncy castles, kids games, prizes, a BBQ lunch and much more! Sign-up for The Amazing Race - Family Edition to win a $200 gift certificate to My Place Grill in Fonthill. Children can meet and ride our FunFest Unicorns (yes that’s right, we’ll have two Unicorns visiting that day).
Oh. And we’re still planning! You can expect many more interesting and interactive activities to come! We plan to have something of interest for everyone in the whole family. Buy a family/group pass for 4 people for just $40 (early bird price of $30 available until May 31), or single tickets for $15 each. Children 3 and younger are free admission.
REFUND POLICY: Refund requests will be honoured only until a deadline of 10 days before the scheduled event.
On April 23 the Town of Pelham held it's Earth Day Eco-Fest Cleanup. The event was staged at the Meridian Community Centre with community groups displaying information on their environmental work and volunteers cleaning up the vacant lands surrounding the centre. This included storm water ponds and related waterways which are part of the Great Lakes Watershed.
Other groups including Rotary cleaned up additional green space and walking trails around Pelham including Steve Bauer Trail system and park space in Fenwick.
Photos of the event can be found on the Rotary Club website, and the Town's social media.
The Rotary Club of Fonthill is the latest recipient of the Pelham Community Beautification Committee’s monthly “Thank-you Card.”
@youthresourcesniagara in partnership with @rotarycluboffonthill are hosting a raffle for 1 limited edition print of "Hearts for Uraine" by artist Adam Young (@Ayoungstudios). All funds raised will be directed and donated through Rotary International Foundation Ukraine disaster relief fund.
The Rotary Club of Fonthill was chartered on June 11, 1991 under the sponsorship of the Rotary Club of Welland. Charter President Gayle Baltjes led a team of 25 people to join the service groups of Fonthill. Many people have come and gone through Rotary over the years, and current membership stands at 36. Proudly part of the 'Best of Friends' Rotary District 7090!
Youth Resources Niagara, is 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 for over 160 youths locally.
Rotary Club of Fonthill Action on Ukraine Update - March 12, 2022
When crises occur globally you can count on Rotarians to jump in to assist. The most recent crisis in Ukraine is no different. As soon as word came out that the invasion was occurring, Rotarians started asking “How can I help?”.
Members of the Rotary Club of Fonthill have been answering the call for assistance throughout the past few weeks. Many have made donations through the various channels – Rotary Foundation, Canadian Red Cross and the Canadian Ukrainian Foundation. They have also been donating much needed supplies to St John’s Ukrainian Catholic Church in St. Catharines who are operating locally as a central hub for collections.
Recently, Rotarian Mike Taylor, as well as President Ann Harrison, and her husband Michael Hrycusko, have been making trips to the Church Hall to deliver items collected. Rotarian Janet Cripps is working with the E.L. Crossley school community to support a drive to collect items following the school break.
The Rotary Club of Fonthill Annual Free Skate at the Meridian Community Centre will be held on Family Day Monday February 21, 2022 from 1:15pm to 3:00pm!
This Rotary sponsored event is open to the public in conjunction with a full day of Family Day activities being held at the MCC, organized by the Town of Pelham.
An information table will be set up to collect food items and donations as part of our Club drive in support of Food4Kids Niagara. Receipts will be issued for monetary donations. The fundraising campaign is being organized by the Niagara Rotaract Club, supported by the Rotary Club of Fonthill.
Niagara Rotaract is also conducting a virtual Trivia Night in support of the Food4Kids fundraising effort. Information and tickets are available at: Niagara Rotaract Trivia Event
Every year the Rotary Club of Fonthill supports a local project with a grant of up to $5000 CDN. This year the club purchased 20 desks and chairs for Women’s Place of South Niagara.
When the pandemic hit, women and their children were forced to isolate in their assigned rooms. Imagine living in these tight quarters and trying to do schoolwork online. There will be a brand-new desk and chair in every room to provide designated study space. In the years to come this will give students a quiet space for their studies and homework.
The grant includes funds in the amount of $1,984 USD provided by Rotary District 7090 through the Rotary Foundation District Grants program.
The Rotary Club of Fonthill is excited to announce that with the recent approval of the Town of Pelham Council, the construction of the Pelham Arches is set to begin. As many will recall, the Arches blew down several years ago. The Raise the Arches committee then started the process of working to raise the funds needed to replace the temporary arches with permanent arches.
The Rotary Club of Fonthill worked collaboratively with the Summerfest Committee to support the Raise the Arches group. Through a gala silent auction event and through the sponsorship of individual arches, over $48,000 was raised. The Summerfest Committee set aside $36,000 and the Rotary Club of Fonthill has put forward $10,000 so far. The building of the arches however stalled, as priorities of Covid took precedence.
Thanks to the leadership of the Interact Club of E.L. Crossley and with support from the Rotary Club of Fonthill, nearly 20 families in Niagara will get to have a festive table of food and gifts to share.
The Interact Club with the Crossley Students’ Council, encouraged their home rooms classes to adopt families in need as identified by the Salvation Army. Staff, students and Crossley families purchased gifts for the children and non-perishable food items for the family. Many also included gifts and treats for the parents/grandparents. Gift cards for local grocery stores will help families to purchase the remaining items needed for a festive dinner.
On Friday, December 17th, members of the Rotary Club of Fonthill, who had adopted two of the families, came to the school and in short order all the boxes of items were loaded by the students into the cars for delivery to the collection site, Holy Trinity Church in Welland. A collective spirit of giving was certainly felt by all.
Special thanks to students and to staff members Ms. Ranieri and Mrs. Varga as well as the whole Pelham community.
SKATING EVENT RESCHEDULED To FAMILY DAY Monday Feb 21 from 1:15pm to 3:00pm! . Due to Ontario government measures announced on Jan 3rd planning for this free skate event is being postponed from the originally schedule date of Jan 7 to a NEW DATE of Feb 21. The Food4Kids food drive and fundraising efforts will continue. Kwikfit Niagara will continue to accept food donations, and donors can bring food and monetary donations to the Skating Event.
FOOD DROP-OFF
Due to the postponement of the Family Skate Event at the Meridian Community Centre, this special food drop-off was arranged for members of the community to drop of food items. The Food Drop-off was held on January 9th, 2022.
Location: Kwikfit Niagara, 10 Hwy 20 E, Fonthill, ON L0S 1E0 - Thankyou to all who participated!
On Monday November 29, for the first time in over two years, the Rotary Club of Fonthill hosted an in-person Paul Harris celebration dinner. Held at Lookout Point Country Club and attended by nearly 70 Rotarians, friends, family and community members, the event allowed the club to honour and recognize the community service and commitment of a number of individuals.
To begin the evening, the club presented three posthumous awards. These recognitions went to three local politicians who died while the club was not holding awards dinners. The late Gary Accursi, Mike Ciolfi and Ron Leavens all contributed greatly to the Town of Pelham through their political careers but also through their lifelong commitment to volunteering, coaching and supporting community events and activities. In heartfelt tributes, each was recognized as a Paul Harris Fellow and had family, friends and former colleagues present to express their gratitude and appreciation. Gary’s wife Mall and son Michael, Mike’s wife Michelle and Ron’s wife Karen accepted these awards.
Thanks to the Students’ Council and Interact Club of E.L. Crossley who encouraged Cyclone families to donate non-perishable foods for Pelham Cares throughout the last week of October.
Staff and students brought in boxes of food that will help to restock the shelves at Pelham Cares.
Members of the Rotary Club of Fonthill, who also collected food for this, were happy to swing by the school to safely collect the boxes and deliver them to the staff at Pelham Cares.
Watch for more information on how to contribute to the December food drive in the Voice of Pelham and myPelham.com.
The Rotary Club of Fonthill, along with other clubs in District 7090, participated in a Day of Service as part of the District Conference. Members had multiple options to choose from, each of which connected with the Environmental Protection Avenue of Service.
Some of our members joined the local Rotaract Club to collaborate with a local Conservation Area to plant trees at Binbrook Conservation Area. The group was extremely excited to have the Rotary International VP, Valarie Wafer, join the event. While members were in Binbrook, some stayed closer to home and participated in a clean up around the Town of Pelham.
Rotary Citation recipient, the Rotary Club of Fonthill was presented with the Rotary District 7090 Lighthouse Award for the 2020-21 Rotary Year. Additionally, the club was awarded the Rotary District 7090 Governor's Trophy.
The Rotary Club of Fonthill is the recipient of three prestigious awards for the Rotary Year that ended on June 30, 2021. Club Past-President Hugh Graham was present at the conference today to receive the awards on behalf of the Club. The awards were achieved by the Club while Hugh Graham was President and Past-President Frank Adamson was District Governor.
After a bit of a forced break, due to the pandemic, the Rotary Club of Fonthill is once again ready to celebrate the humanitarian contributions of the Pelham community through the Paul Harris Fellowship Awards.
The Paul Harris Fellowship Award is one of the highest honours Rotary can bestow upon a person. Recipients are Rotarians and community professionals, in recognition of their outstanding contributions, exemplifying the highest ideal in Rotary, which is “Services above Self.”
The MEGA Rotary TV Auction is brought to you by the Rotary Club of Fonthill and 6 other Niagara Rotary Clubs, (Welland, Fort Erie, Niagara Falls, Niagara Falls Sunrise, St. Catharines & St. Catharines South). We are returning for our 13th year, partnered with Your TV. More than 1,800 items will be on the Auction Block from December 2 – 4, 2021!
The Clubs receive donations from community restaurants, businesses and professional offices. All items can be viewed online as of November 17th and the online bidding begins on November 24th. If you are a business which hasn’t been approached by a Rotarian, and you would like to take part, please contact a participating Club. We appreciate your support, especially in these trying times.
Each Rotary Club uses the money raised to support local and international communities in need. Bid high during the Auction, support your local participating businesses and the great work of Rotary.
The Rotary Club of Fonthill Announces Support for Second Annual Dr. Ron Mergl Memorial Pedal/Participate for Polio
The event, being organized by Rotary District 7090, will run on both sides of the Niagara River on Saturday October 2, 2021. Youth from Rotaract Clubs will be supporting the event.
Today, August 18, 2021, members of the Rotary Club of Fonthill were happy to make two separate cheque presentations to our local community.
The first donation was made to Wellspring Niagara. For many years, the TD Bank branch located on South Pelham Street in Fonthill graciously housed the files and supplies for the Rotary Club of Fonthill. With the closure of the branch, the Rotary Club of Fonthill sought a new location. Ann Mantini-Celima from Wellspring Niagara offered storage space in her building. In appreciation for TD providing storage over many years Rotary offered to make a donation of $500 to the charity of their choice. The Rotary Club of Fonthill presented Wellspring, as TDs charity of choice, with a cheque for $500. Ann mentioned that the money will be extremely helpful in supporting the youth programming which is starting up again.
Hugh and Sandy Graham Social - Fonthill Bandshell - July 28, 2021
At long last, the Rotary Club of Fonthill was able to meet in person to celebrate now past-president Hugh Graham’s year. On Wednesday, July 28th, 19 club members and 23 Guests attended the first non zoom meeting since March of 2020. As this was a closing for the 2020-2021 Rotary year, Hugh Graham resumed his duties as President and ran the meeting.
Hugh called upon past District Governor, Frank Adamson to formally induct our newest members. New members: Michael Jacques, Keith McConkey, Kris McEvoy and Andy Glavac were able to attend while Jason Thompson, Kevin Vallier and Christian Baranowski were not able to attend the event in person. All new members received a package which included their Rotary pins with which they pinned themselves.
Posted by Don Thorpe - Secretary - Welland Rotary on Jul 27, 2021
On a warm July 21st evening, Rotary Club of Welland Past-President Sandy Graham hosted a year-end social fellowship. Located at the Club’s 100th Anniversary Legacy Project, the Rotary Club of Welland Park is on the west side of the Welland Recreational Waterway (former Welland Canal).
Special Service Award recipient Annie Holtby
Sandy presented a Special Service Award to Fonthill Rotarian Annie Holtby.
What a wonderful Rotarian. Annie works behind the scenes, taking pictures, entering items for the annual TV Auction and Garage Sale - arranging the merchandise - moving the merchandise and getting rid of the merchandise.
Some planned, some serendipitous. All relevant. The Rotary Club of Fonthill participated in a drive by parade this Canada Day!
The floats were stationery and the usual sideline watchers drove by in their cars. Our Canada Day Chair had hours of Marching Band music downloaded from Spotify to replace the usual Canada Day's Marching Band. It kept 5 flag waving Rotarians dancing for three hours.
Celebrating our 30th Anniversary, we bookended our display with an Environmental project from 1991 - the Steve Bauer Trail Cleanup - with another more far-ranging environmental project from THIS year, 2021, (and destined to become an annual event) - the Great Lakes Watershed Cleanup. This latter cleanup was the brain child of our Immediate Past District Governor Frank who is also a member of our Fonthill Club.
The Rotary Club of Fonthill is rolling out the New Year with a celebration of a record setting year for new members! The Rotary year runs from July 1 through June 30. During the year currently drawing to a close the Rotary Club of Fonthill welcomed seven new members: Brianna Willard, Keith McConkey, Andrew Glavac, Kevin Vallier, Jason Thompson, Kristopher McEvoy, and Michael Jacques.
The year also saw corporate member PenFinancial Credit Union continue its membership with three new representatives: Mike Bertrand, Christian Baranowski, and Kerry Ould.
The Rotary Club of Fonthill is pleased to congratulate E.L Crossley 2021 graduates Parker Triano and Isabel Song who are this year’s Rotary Scholarship recipients. Through their years at E.L. Crossley, Parker and Isabel have both demonstrated through their actions their commitment to the Rotary motto of “Service Above Self”. At their graduation this year, Parker and Isabel will each be presented with a Rotary medallion and scholarship cheque to support their post-secondary education.
MaxSold Online Auctions is providing zero-commission online auction services to the Rotary Clubs of Welland and Fonthill for this Rotary Spring Online Garage Sale. The sale will help raise funds for community work during these difficult times.
The online garage sale auction will run from June 6, 2021 through June 16, 2021. Links to the auction website will be posted on wellandrotaryclub.com and rotarycluboffonthill.ca. Visit these websites to learn how the two Rotary clubs have been supporting their communities during the pandemic.
Exclusive items of a limited number have been collected by Rotary Club members for this auction.
Rotarians have long been involved in supporting the vaccinations of people against polio. Now, many across Niagara are helping in the fight against Covid-19. In March of 2021, when Niagara Region Public Health put out a call for volunteers to assist in supporting the Covid 19 mass immunization clinics, Rotarians were among the nearly 300 people who responded. This large group of volunteers represents a diverse group of people in Niagara. Many are retired health care professionals and educators. Others are retired professionals from numerous fields. Some work full time and still find time to volunteer and many are young post-secondary students interested in public health. All however, have a desire to be involved in supporting the push to get Niagara residents vaccinated.
Rotary Clubs Support Call for Funds to Purchase Oxygen Concentrators for Rotary Oxygen Banks in India
In response to an appeal from Rotary International Director Valarie Wafer and District 6400 Governor Aruna Koushik, District 7090 Governor Frank Adamson has reached out with a challenge to Clubs in our district.
Governor Frank Adamson has issued a challenge for 10 District 7090 Rotary Clubs to come forward with contributions of $1,000 USD each.
The Rotary Club of Fonthill has committed $1,000 USD with matching funds of an additional $1,000 from a generous local 'Friend of Rotary'. Governor Frank and his wife Judy are matching with another $1,000 bringing the Fonthill Club total to $3,000 USD.
Posted by Ann Harrison, Dave Schulz on Apr 30, 2021
This year’s Pelham Art Festival has gone on line with the theme “Our Planet, Our Future”. As they shifted, the organizers heard about the Rotary Club of Fonthill’s plans to participate in the Great Lakes Watershed Cleanup scheduled to run from April 24th through June 2021.
To promote the festival as well as the Rotary Club, festival organizer, Natalia Shields connected to Rotarian John Cappa to form a partnership. Out of this first communication the Great Lakes Watershed Cleanup Poster Contest was formed.
June 26, 2021 Update: The Killick family Fonthill Rangers gathered with volunteers to begin planting the Butterflyway at Wellspring! More details to come!
April 22 (Earth Day) Update: Ann Mantini-Celima, Executive Director at Wellspring Niagara has offered space in one of their gardens to establish a Pollinator Patch. The Fonthill Rangers will establish one there for our the Rotary Club of Fonthill.
On March 31, 2021 Fonthill Rotarian Troy Killick was joined by his family to share their exciting family project with the club!
Fonthill Butterflyway Rangers
Wild pollinators such as butterflies and bees are crucial to human survival. Climate change, development and widespread pesticide use are compromising their habitat and food sources. Overall, invertebrate species have declined 45% over the past four decades. The 3 prime drivers of this insect loss are habitat loss, pesticides and climate change.
The Niagara Rotaract Club (which Fonthill Rotary is a co-sponsoring Club) and the Brock Rotaract Club are joining forces to establish three Great Lake's Watershed Clean-up activities.
In light of the pandemic, social distancing and limits to outdoor gatherings, they are looking to establish four teams of people (no more than five per team) to spend two hours of time collecting refuse.
They have selected the Locks 1,2 and 3 along the Welland Canal trail and Sunset Beach as their target sites, and the times are as follows;
Saturday June 5th from 10 AM - Noon
Saturday June 19th from 10 AM - Noon
Saturday June 26th from 6 PM to 8 PM
If you are interested in participating in any of these time slots, please send Mike Tayler an email so that he can coordinate with the Rotaract team.
Media Release - Rotary Club of Niagara-on-the-Lake
Under the leadership of the Niagara-on-the-Lake Rotary Club a total of 10 Rotary Clubs from both sides of the Niagara River have joined together in providing funding for Water, Sanitation, Hygiene and Health Facilities (WASH) in Rumphi District, Malawi.
A total of $8,000 USD has been raised for upgrading water, sanitation and hygiene facilities in Chisimuka Clinic.
The Rotary District 7090 Literacy Committee is promoting the Little Lending Library Challenge as part of it's Virtual Conference 2021. Fonthill Rotarian Troy Killick has taken up the challenge on behalf of the Rotary Club of Fonthill!
Basic Education and Literacy is one of The Rotary Foundation’s Six Areas of Focus. We know that basic education and literacy are essential for reducing poverty, improving health, encouraging community and economic development, and promoting peace.
John Van Vliet from Jackpot Flowers Delivers Cheque to Rotary Club of Fonthill
Rotary Club of Fonthill President Hugh Graham received a $500 cheque from Jackpotflowers.ca owner John Van Vliet today. The Rotary Club will #PayItForward by purchasing desks for Women's Place with the funds.
Jackpot winner Molly Hawkins-Curtis has generously donated her $100 winnings to Rotary bringing the total to $600.
This week two Niagara Rotary Clubs conducted a joint blood donation drive at the Canada Blood Services (CBS) clinic in Welland. Five Rotarians from the Rotary Club of Welland joined with nine from the Rotary Club of Fonthill together with seven partners and friends. A total of 21 blood donations were collected as a result of this combined effort. In addition, Welland Rotarian and community volunteer extraordinaire Freddie Farnum returned as a CBS volunteer manning the refreshment table.
Family Day Adventure in Pelham February 12 -15, 2021
Find the Rotary Wheel! The Rotary Club has sponsored many projects in Town, find the wheel in town, take a picture and submit! Download app to join in! Be sure to Register Your Team to receive a game code!
Rotary Club of Fonthill Joins Family Day Adventure in Pelham!
David Schulz
2021-02-06 05:00:00Z
0
FamilyDay2021,FamilyDayAdventure,FindTheRotaryWheel,Goosechase,Rotary Club of Fonthill,RotaryD7090Challenge,RotaryOpensOpportunities,RotaryWheel,TagtheSpirit,TownOfPelham
The Rotary Club of Fonthill in partnership with Rotary International District 7090 has gifted $5000 to I-CAN-T.E.R. to purchase a horse drawn lawn mower.
June 12, 2021 Update
A four person delegation of Fonthill Rotarians toured I-CAN-T.E.R. Farm today so see the new mower and learn more about the organization's activities and plans. Representing the Club were District 7090 Governor Frank Adamson, President Hugh Graham and two former Presidents, Mel Groom and Annie Holtby.
Details of Equipment
Pioneer Horse Drawn Gang Rotary Mower
Pulled by Chester I CAN-T.E.R.’s 11yr Percheron Canadian Cross
I-CAN-T.E.R. Farm is a therapeutic equestrian riding association and allows individuals with barriers to flourish through nature, gardens and horses. They are in planning stage to create and maintain a vegetable garden on the property which will be used for individual training and required maintenance. In concert with this new project, we are purchasing a horse drawn mower. Delivery is expected this spring and we look forward to seeing this mower using true horse power in action!
Rotary Club of Fonthill Achieves the Rotary District 7090 Lighthouse Award for 2019-2020
Fonthill Rotarians celebrate the achievement of the Rotary District 7090 Lighthouse Award for 2019-20 under the leadership of Past-President Mike Taylor!
Rotary Club of Fonthill Sponsors Wellington Heights Public School Through Socks for Change 'Sponsor a School' Campaign
The Rotary Club of Fonthill is providing a $250 Elementary School Sponsorship providing 50 sets of hat/socks/gloves to Wellington Heights Public School in Fenwick.
About Socks for Change
Socks for Change is a registered charity that provides new warm wool socks and other winter wearables to Niagara’s most vulnerable. In three short years, we have distributed over 65,000 pairs of new wool socks and 100,000 pieces of new winter scarves, hats and gloves to over 60 shelters and charitable organizations, more than 150 schools, Niagara Regional Police and EMS services and anywhere else the organization finds a person who needs a warm pair of socks.
Members of the Rotary Club of Fonthill were happy to pick up food, personal care products and gift cards collected by staff and students at E.L.Crossley Secondary School today and deliver them to the Pelham Cares collection site at the Meridian Community Centre. The Crossley Interact club, led by staff member Carolyn Ranieri had encouraged the staff and students to support this great initiative as part of their Holiday Food Drive.
Check out more of how the Crossley students are supporting their community by checking in to the Toronto Santa Claus parade where the E.L Crossley marching band will be performing on CTV this Sunday December 6, 2020 at 7pm.
"I am seeking blood donor volunteers to join me on Thursday February 11 at the Welland Wellness Center with bookings from 5:00 p.m. to 5:50.
First time donors are encouraged. It is my hope that most clubs in the District will join in. Takes about one hour of your time and a much needed service project, which requires no funds from you, just your time.
MEGA Rotary TV Auction is brought to you by the Rotary Clubs of Niagara (including the clubs of Fonthill, Fort Erie, Niagara Falls, Niagara Falls Sunrise, St. Catharines, St Catharines South and Welland) and co-hosted by YOUR TV Niagara. Online bidding starts on Wednesday November 25, 2020. Learn more and register at megarotarytvauction.ca.
About the Auction with special message from the event Chair, Hugh Graham
Rotary Club of Fonthill Celebrates Birth with Pre-Delivery Reno Project and Post-Delivery Drive-by Baby Shower
Rotarian Meghan and her husband Alex welcomed baby Declan into their family on October 7, 2020! The Rotary Club of Fonthill organized two events to prepare for and to celebrate after the birth!
Starting on September 16 and running through September 20 the Club organized work teams to help with the renovation of Meghan and Alex's newly purchased home. On November 14 the Club organized a Drive-by Baby Shower!
Cooler temperatures, occasional rain, and winds up to 25 MPH did not deter the over 80 cyclists and walkers who showed up in force throughout the morning of Saturday, September 24th, World Polio Day. As American Rotarians unloaded bicycles in the parking lot of the Niagara Falls Aquarium, their Canadian friends gathered by the Rainbow Bridge at the Duty-Free Shop. Several of the Rotarians from the “Best of Friends,” Rotary District 7090 tried waving to one another with their hand held Canadian, American, and Rotarian flags, flying proudly in the chilled breeze.
New Rotary Meeting Strategy Begins with September 12 Morning Walk at St. John's Conservation Park
In keeping with our new Rotary meeting strategy we will venture out into our community to explore an interesting part of town for some exercise and to commune with nature next week. This will be a great opportunity to re-connect with our fellow Rotarians as well.
What a fitting Rotary theme for 2020-2021 – “Rotary Opens Opportunities”. A new page is turned in Rotary District 7090 with a husband and wife ‘team’ of Hugh and Sandy Graham, each installed as President in their respective Clubs: Hugh for the second time in the Rotary Club of Fonthill and Sandy in the Rotary Club of Welland.
The Rotary Club of Fonthill participating in the Canada Day Festivities at Harold Black Park started as an experiment 16 years ago!
Since then the Rotary Club of Fonthill has been the proud Sponsor and organiser of all kids activities for Canada Day at Harold Black Park.
Many volunteers have been involved over the years to help make this a memorable occasion for all to enjoy. The volunteers have included students from our local schools and many Rotarians and their families who have helped.
The Rotary Club of Fonthill along with the Lions Club have worked together on the Canada Day Committee to make sure this event goes off without a hitch every year.
Rotary Club of Fonthill Fabric Mask Project Exceeds 3,000 Masks Delivered, Broadens Appeal for Donations to Support the Project
When the COVID-19 pandemic was announced in March, local Rotarians immediately started to discuss how they could help support the Pelham community. In mid March, they began a Mask Project. Since then members and friends of the Rotary Club of Fonthill have sewn and donated over 3000 masks to the Pelham and Niagara community. So far these fabric masks have been donated to not for profit organizations such as Youth Resources Niagara, RAFT, Hope Centre, Pelham Cares, and the March of Dimes. In addition, masks have been donated to support youth in the care of Family and Children’s Services NIagara, to the Greater Niagara General Hospital and the Welland Hospital, to Wellspring Niagara and to seniors in most of the long term care facilities and homes in Pelham, Welland and farther afield.
Rotarians Mel Groom, Angela Carter, Annie Holtby, Paul (and Jennifer) Allen and Ann Harrison along with Honorary Rotarian Tove Bowman have harnessed support from family, friends and neighbours to achieve this milestone in our service project. The club thanks all those who have donated time prepping and sewing masks, and donating fabric and supplies.
St. Catharines May 25 2020 — Seven Rotary Clubs in Niagara (The Rotary Clubs of St. Catharines Lakeshore, St. Catharines, Niagara Falls Sunrise, Fonthill, Lincoln, Grimsby, and Welland) have joined forces to supply Samsung Tablets to each of the Long-Term Care Homes managed by the Regional Municipality of Niagara.
As we are all too aware, the residents of these term care facilities are in "lock-down", unable to see or speak to their loved ones outside of the home other than waving at a window. COVID-19 has imprisoned the senior generation of families, especially at a time when they need their family’s words, smiles and love.
Local Rotary Clubs across Niagara wanted to help. After contacting the Regions LTC coordinator, who canvassed all their facilities, it was agreed that on-line communication was a real need and that all 8 of their facilities wanted tablets for their residents use.
Rotary Club of Fonthill Contributes Funds to Ronald McDonald House 'Meals that Heal'
Rotary Club of Fonthill is pleased to provide a contribution of $350 to Ronald McDonald House Charities' Meals That Heal. The Club adopted RMHC's Meals that Heal dinner on April 30th. As a result families were able to enjoy Chef Keith’s “famous Carnitas” along with a fresh salad for dinner.
From the Meals That Heal web page:
MEALS THAT HEAL Families staying at Ronald McDonald House Charities® South Central Ontario (RMHC®SCO) need more than a place to lay their heads while supporting their sick children. Our families need the nourishment of a nutritiously prepared meal to give them the strength and energy they need to be strong for their children.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic the Rotary Club of Fonthill regrets to announce that this event has been cancelled for 2020.
Recognizing the unprecedented economic hardships caused by the Pandemic and resulting Emergency Measures the Club has decided to refocus our efforts on supporting our community through these challenging times.
Update: May 26, 2020: Totals are in for this #COVID19 District Grant for Pelham Cares!
Weekly perishable food deliveries over 7 weeks included 5 cases of butter, 10 cases of milk, 5 cases of eggs, 9 cases of bread and 1 case of lettuce. Total received from District Grant was $1400.
Thanks also to M. T. Bellies for sourcing these hard to find items from their food supplier.
Delivery being received by Pelham Cares staff member, Beth Cotter.
Due to the current global Covid-19 pandemic, our Club's 2019-2020 Exchange Student, Fanny returned home to Namur, Belgium. Unfortunately, she wasn't able to say Thank You/Merci to everyone before leaving, but is hoping that she will be able to return with her family for a proper Club sendoff soon!
Under very tight timelines prior to her flight, she was able to complete her beautiful Canada quilt, which she is proudly displaying!
Fanny posted on Facebook a moving message reflecting on her magical and life changing 220 day exchange to Canada. Fanny closed her post, "This isn't a goodbye, but a see you later. It's just another page I'm having to turn in my book, but it's not the end of my story. I love you all and will miss you lots..see you guys later"
Updated September 9, 2020: As Stage 3 Reopening unfolds the Club is looking into options for hybrid meetings involving in-person and Zoom participants at the Meridian Community Centre (subject to room bookings reopening).
March 14, 2020 Update. Please Note that due to COVID-19 this event is being postponed until Fall 2020. All tickets and sponsorships will be refunded unless otherwise requested. If you would like to hold your tickets and/or sponsorship for the fall event please email: info@rotarycluboffonthill.ca. Thank you for your support and understanding.
Please note that this event is SOLD OUT. Thanks so much for your support!
The Rotary Club of Fonthill is pleased to announced that Purse Bingo is back by popular demand on April 3, 2020!
Back by Popular Demand - Rotary Club of Fonthill Purse Bingo
The Rotary Club of Fonthill and PenFinancial were pleased to present matching contributions to Sam Baio for Socks for Change.
Socks for Change charity provides warm, quality wool socks and winter accessories to charities, shelters and schools in every community across Niagara.
Mel Groom (Past-President), Mike Taylor (President), Sam Baio (Socks for Change) and Kelly Sauriol (PenFinancial)
Winter Walk for Wellspring is this Saturday Feb 15, 2020!
Rotary Club of Fonthill members Tia Taylor and Barbara Bartholemew are on the Pelham Strutters Team. You can support them or other members of their team here: https://www.gifttool.com/athon/OurTeamPage…
Pen Financial’s CEO Ken Janzen and Fonthill Branch Manager Kelly Sauriol announced that Pen will be the Family Funfest Platinum Sponsor at today’s meeting. Showing off the newly printed “Save the date cards” are Paul Allen; Paul Snack (Event Co Chairs); Ms Kelly Sauriol; Club President Mike Taylor and Mr Ken Janzen. Family Funfest will be held at Bissell’s Hideaway on Saturday June 20, 2020 from 11am to 3pm. Proceeds will support Big Brothers and Big Sisters of South Niagara and our Club’s other youth activities. Discounted tickets on sale online at:https://niagarafamilyfunfest2020.eventbrite.ca/
Rotary International President Elect Holger Knaak anounced the new theme to incoming District Governors at the Rotary International Assembly in San Diego, California, USA today.
Rotary District 7090 Governor Elect Frank Adamson shared news of the new theme with the Rotary Club of Fonthill from the Assembly.
Every year the Rotary Club of Fonthill offers grants to community minded organizations for various projects. Some of these have included purchasing tablets for Rose City Kids, a freezer for Pelham Cares, 2 defibrillators for St John Ambulance, 3000 pairs for socks for Socks for Change to name a few of the more recent recipients.
This year the club has $5000 available and is asking not for profit organizations for application submissions. The service project must be new and not started. Funds would be available in the fall of 2020.
The project must align with the mission of The Rotary Foundation, which is to advance world understanding, goodwill, and peace through the improvement of health, the support of education and the alleviation of poverty.
If your group is interested, please contact Mel at info@rotarycluboffonthill.ca for information and application document. Deadline for submissions will be February 15, 2020.
Rotary Club of Fonthill Offering Grants to Community Organizations
We honoured community member, Dr. Jeannette Lewis with a Paul Harris Fellow Award for her many years of ongoing support to EL Crossley Interact Club. A Paul Harris Fellow Award is Rotary's highest recognition to acknowledge individuals who contribute to the betterment of our community. We appreciate all that Jeannette does for Crossley. Picture includes Pat Duncan, Jeannette and President Mike Taylor.
Our Rotary Club of Fonthill is growing again! Welcome to Heather Scott, our newest member! Heather is a long-time resident of Niagara and believes in our motto of "Service Above Self". We look forward to her friendship and support in the coming years!
Mark your calendar and make your way to the Meridian Community Centre on Fri., Jan. 3, 2020! Free community skate. Donations to Pelham Cares Inc greatly appreciated. To make the most impact with your donation, visit https://pelhamcares.org/how-to-help/#items-most-needed
This combined online and YourTV auction is brought to you by the Rotary Clubs of Niagara, including the Rotary Clubs of Fonthill, Fort Erie, Niagara Falls, Niagara Falls Sunrise, St. Catharines and Welland.
We are a small and mighty club who do great things! Our first attempt at hosting a Purse Bingo was a winning success. We raised over $5500 towards cost of Raising The Arches campaign. The proceeds will be donated to Niagara Foundation For Catholic Education in support of the Catholic Education Centre at Seaway Mall. The students with teacher supervision are planning to construct the arches for downtown Fonthill.
Long term Rotary Member Joe Eigner has passed away in Edmonton. He was a Rotary Club member for over 50 years and remained an Honourary Member of the Rotary Club of Fonthill since moving to Edmonton.
Rotary Club of Fonthill Funfest 2019 committee and event Corporate sponsors in attendance (FM105.1 The River; Pen Financial Credit Union and Boggios Pharmacy Group) presented Big Brothers and Big Sisters of South Niagara a cheque for $8000. Again, we have just provided program funding for 8 children in need.
Again it shows the spirit of Rotary and the adage that many hands make light work!
Notwithstanding less than perfect weather the inaugural Funfest event was well supported by the Community, Corporately and our membership.
Planning already in place for 2020! Save the date at Bissell's Hideaway on Saturday, June 20th, 2020.
The skies looked iffy at times, but the hundreds who came out to Bissell’s Hideaway this past Saturday were treated to the sights, sounds, and actions of old-fashioned family fun by attending our first annual Niagara Family Fun Fest. The day featured more than 30 community based activities, presentations, games and full access to the amazing onsite Bissell's activities!
Volunteer and community based organizations provided everything from learning to fly a drone, to ride a unicorn, have a wagon therapy pony ride, burn off energy at the obstacle bouncey castle, listen to great live bands, enjoy tasty snacks and have a delicious barbecue lunch served by the Niagara Shriners. There was information for healthy living, bee sustainability, yoga demos, massage therapy, tractor wagon rides, paddle boarding, mini putt challenges, carnival-type games in the Kids Zone, a reptile display and even face painting.
Many thanks to our wonderful volunteers from Big Brothers Big Sisters of South Niagara, Notre Dame Secondary, EL Crossley High School and Interact.
Event feedback has been INCREDIBLE, we are already planning next years Family Fun Fest!
Proceeds from the special low admission price will go towards funding youth activities supported by the Rotary Club of Fonthill and the Big Brothers Big Sisters of South Niagara.
Our club is so pleased to have 2 new members joining us. Pictured are Sponsor Angela Carter with Rotarian Meghan McNaughton ND and Sponsor Frank Adamson with Rotarian Dave Schulz. We look forward to their energy and fresh ideas.
Last night, we celebrated our very own DGE Frank Adamson being recognized for the much deserved award of Kinsmen Pelham Citizen of the Year 2018. Frank lives by our Rotary motto "Service Above Self" every day. Our club and Rotary International are so fortunate to have him leading by example.
Our Own DGE Frank Adamson is Citizen of the Year 2018
End Poverty Feet First is the message Sam Baio brought to our club. Sam is retired owner of West 49 and philanthropist that discovered a need and then a solution to help keep those less fortunate warm in the winter. As we all know, feet are the first body part to get cold and stay cold. Three years ago, Sam set out to source warm wool socks and other warm winter gear. He found a textile company in Jordan that would knit German wool socks, similar to what our military wears, for a cost of $2 a pair. That is 8 quarters, hence "Socks for Change" was born. In the first year, Sam ordered and delivered 2500 pairs in New York and across Niagara. The following year he ordered 4000 pairs and this is just the tip of the ice berg for need. Sam is making great connections through schools, homeless shelters and community outreach programs. Hats and head gear have also been added to his distributable inventory. All funds raised through donations go directly to cost of sock production. Sam is someone who lives our Rotary motto of "Service Above Self" and we are proud to assist his work any way we can.
Donation boxes are located in local businesses such as Pen Financial, Starbucks, Boggio Family Pharmacy and The Post Office.
Our Club was honoured to have Mayor Junkin, early in his new role, provide an update on Town affairs at a recent morning meeting. We were also joined by Acting CEO Teresa Quinlin and Director of Recreation, Culture and Wellness Vickie vanRavenswaay. It is exciting to hear what our staff and council have planned for the coming year. Topics touched on were the upcoming budget, potential sale of land, MCC programs, snow removal and use of farm land. Pelham has a beautiful new community centre that we need to embrace and enjoy as it is intended. And most importantly, we all love our community and need to work together now and in the future.
A local Beaver is working to reach Scout's highest honour, the North Star Beaver Award. Harry Seppala, 7, is raising funds to support the Annual Christmas Hamper Campaign for Pelham Cares. He and his Dad, David were our guests on Wednesday morning. Harry shared his passion and fundraising story with our Club. Shown standing on a chair is Beaver Harry Seppala and Club Past President Paul Allen.
The town lit Pelham Arches blue and gold on Oct 24 in honour of World End Polio Day. Polio may seem to be a disease of yesteryear to North Americans, but in truth, around the globe, it is not. Rotary International’s efforts have come so far in the past few decades to completely eradicate polio from the world, yet a few countries still report a handful of new cases each year.
Arches Blue and Gold for World End Polio Day Oct 24
Hi, I’m Michael Jacques. With these four words our guest speaker this morning (along with dad Marcel) blew us away with his story of overcoming adversity to become a community leader. Have you read his book yet? If not, you should! “Can’t Read, Can’t Write, Here’s My Book” available now at Fonthill Sobeys and online through Apple books. www.heresmybook.com
Wednesday, September 19, 2018 730 PM at the MCC Snack Shack
Attending: Frank Solich, Roy Kirkup, Mel Groom, Carolyn Mullin, Paul Snack, Maria Suescun Pozas, Annie Holtby.
MOTION: To approve the minutes from August and to adopt today’s agenda. M/S/C Paul/Roy/All
District Conference, October 20.
9 am-5 pm - lots planned for NOTL location.
Mel volunteered us to make No Sew Blankets via Melissa. Mel volunteered to head it up. All blankets will go to St Catharines Hospital Extended Care. Supplies are funded by Melissa’s budget.
We need records of deceased members – see Gail.
The conference is $100 and includes breakfast, lunch and dinner at Lion’s Park.
Paul Harris Evening, November 1, 615 pm at Lookout Point Golf Club. The cost is $55 for dinner (choices are salmon, pork and chicken) and $45 for vegetarian.
We have two (2) community recipients, Larry Boggio and Cathy Berkhout-Bosse as well as two (2) Rotarian recipients, a surprise.
There will also be the induction of Angela Carter if she is available that evening. We are also going to make Lyle walker an honorary member for his ongoing work and leadership this past decade on the technical part of the TV Auction.
Request from the Voice. Their new reporter, Jennifer Hormley, a previous Rotarian, would like to attend a meeting next week (26th). There was some discussion about purposely inviting the Press to attend a specific meeting where we wanted publicity versus the Press coming to any meeting without our agenda running the ‘why’ they were there. Carolyn reminded us that when you are there as press, you do not eat or drink. Since she’s a former Rotarian, we can allow her to be there next week but if she’s not there with interest to become a Rotarian, then any further visit is strictly as press and at our invitation.
Christmas Party is January 2 and it will be free skating for the kids. We need to think of after regarding refreshments, etc. We could contact Big Brothers Big Sisters. We have an agreement with town re use of rooms at MCC – free room rentals.
November has four (4) Wednesdays. 7th has a speaker, 14th has the Board Meeting for All, 21st has the Club Meeting, and 28th has a social.
Polio Day is October 24. Maybe get Jennifer, the reporter, to do something in The Voice for that week.
Fundraising Discussion. We took a look at Paul’s list and added a few things – Marathon Run (the Other Half of the Niagara Falls Half Marathon); Pancake Breakfast at other events; Bissell smaller event a possibility with Ed. We want to be able to use Mudfest sponsors/participant loyalty. We need to attach earnings to need. Mel would hate to lose the Mudfest momentum. Other possibilities include ‘crazy golf/ disc golf); Bob still looking at treasure box; Bob also looking at soap box; color run; guest speaker – UNESCO
Rotary Club of Fonthill was proud to participate with 11 local Rotary Clubs to create an inaugural global cluster grant. Each club agreed to provide $1000US to the cluster pool that would extrapolate to over $80000US with multiplier effects from Rotary International and Federal Government.
Four clubs presented worthy projects for the group’s consideration. After much consideration, a vote was taken and our first global grant will work towards eliminating Preventable Maternal and Child Mortality in the Western Highlands of Guatemala. The goal is that mothers and babies survive childbirth and thrive for a lifetime. The Rotary Club of Lincoln will be the International Partner and the Rotary Club of Guatemala Sur will be the Host Partner. All the local clubs involved in the cluster grant will be available to offer assistance throughout the project.
Yesterday, 16 tired, but enthusiastic cyclists and 4 support drivers crossed the finish line at the new home of Wellspring Niagara after circumventing Lake Ontario in the second annual Tour du Lac ride to raise funds for a great program. We were met by family, friends, donors, Rotarians and Fonthill Lions Club members who co-hosted a BBQ for us. Mayor Dave, Executive Director Ann Mantini, Chair Joe Matthews and District 7090 Rotary Governor Melisa Shrock were there to congratulate us on another successful ride. Three Wellspring “Warriors”, people living with cancer with the support of Wellspring were present at the start and the finish of the ride to cheer us on and to give us the inspiration to carry on around the lake. This ride is supported by a number of Rotary Clubs in Niagara as well as Kingston, Webster, N.Y. and Lockport N.Y. who have hosted dinners for the team every year. Last year we raised $90,000 and we are close to our goal of $80,000 this year. We are still accepting donations. http://ow.ly/wxhg30l4GUC Our goal is to raise $250,000 for the naming of the Rotary Tour du Lac Room at the new centre. So we will be back next year. A big shout out to our sponsors who underwrite all of our costs: Lucchetta Homes, Boggio Pharmacy, Root Bissonnette Walker LLP, Rotary Club of Fonthill, Stolk Construction, Kwik Fit Niagara, Safestor and Willowbrook Nursery. And thanks to the cyclists, support drivers and their families for supporting us and those that made donations to them. Frank Adamson, Chair, TDL
The Rotary Club of Fonthill is excited to announce that we have presented a cheque for $8000 to Big Brothers Big Sisters South Niagara at our weekly morning meeting from Niagara Mudfest Challenge proceeds. We could not have done this without the very generous support of our sponsors, Bissell’s Hideaway, Pen Financial Fonthill Branch, RBC Dominion Securities, Welland Honda, Sobey's Fonthill, Zavcor Trucking, Boggio Family of Pharmacies, Tim Horton’s Fonthill, Contour Foot Care, Pelham Volunteer Firefighters, Station 3 and Kwik Fit Niagara. The Club also presented a cheque for $1,000 to the Rotaract Club of Niagara in recognition of their volunteer labour. After 6 years of dirty mud fun, this is the last Mudfest Challenge. Major donations have also previously been made to Pelham Cares, Wellspring Niagara and End Polio Now Campaign.
The course was all set at Bissell's Hideaway, there was mud aplenty, the warm weather cooperated, coffee and Timbits had been delivered for the 320 Mudfest registrants!
Amazing support was secured from the corporate, community and public sector. Nearly 100 fantastic volunteers stepped forward to help us again making sure Mudfest was safe and FUN!
Proceeds will be presented to Big Brothers and Big Sisters of South Niagara and used to support our Club’s Youth programming.
Many thanks to everyone for again making Mudfest a HUGE community success!
On April 23, members of the Rotary Club of Fonthill joined current and former staff, along with students and community members for a special tree planting at E.L. Crossley Secondary School in Fonthill. Members of the school’s Interact Club and teaching staff spent time honouring the memory of Sharon Keller, a special science teacher who passed away suddenly last fall. A teacher at the school since the beginning of her career in the mid-1980s, Ms. Keller (as she was known to her students) was much more than an amazing educator; she was an environmental leader and tireless promoter of all things science and technology.
Thank you our new Gold Sponsors! The Welland Honda/Carstar team, led by Clint Bowman, Lori Zanth and Chris Merritt, are excited to partner with the Rotary Club of Fonthill at the Niagara Mudfest Challenge on May 5th this year. Numerous staff have said they are ready and raring to go at the annual Niagara Mudfest to be held at Bissell’s Hideaway in Fonthill. Mudfest is the most important Rotary event of the year helping to raise funds and awareness for Big Brother Big Sisters of South Niagara. Formerly known as the Pelham Mudfest, the Niagara Mudfest Challenge is less than three weeks away. Keen Mudfesters ages six and over are asked to go to our website at niagaramudfest.com and sign up on Eventbrite today. Don’t miss out.
Niagara Peninsula Homes, a non-profit social enterprise based in Welland, recently received eight laptops computers thanks to a District Matching Grant from the Rotary Club of Fonthill. Both the Women Trade Centre and the Youth Centre will benefit from their usage, as office administration and related skills and programs will now be more accessible to those in these programs. In particular, women returning to the workplace are taught how to complete their resume, do an online application for employment, as well as prepare for interviews. Rotarians Mel Groom and Barbara Bartholomew recently assisted new graduates with online applications, while mock interviews were held as well.
To learn more about Niagara Peninsula Homes and their work, visit http://www.nphcr.ca/
Women enrolled in the office administration program at Niagara Peninsula Homes take part in a seminar on creating online applications.
Rotary Club of Fonthill grant funds computers, skills program for Niagara Peninsula Homes
The Rotaract Club of Niagara was pleased and honoured to be a part of 2018’s Coldest Night of the Year (CNOY), which took place February 24 in communities around Niagara.
CNOY is a nationwide event that raises awareness and funds for individuals and families experiencing hunger, homelessness, and hurt all across Canada. The walk began at 5:15 pm in 121 locations throughout the nation, and consisted of more than 19,000 participants.
Rotaract Niagara takes on Coldest Night of the Year
Earlybird Savings at Mudfest 2018 Wanna have fun, get fit and save cash all at the same time? Pelham’s very own Mudfest challenge will be held at Bissell’s Hideaway on Saturday, May 5th. The mud and obstacle course is open once again to both children and adults. The supervised children’s course for those ages 6 to 12, is shorter in length and obstacles (again this year with an awesome inflatable obstacle).
The adult course is open to anyone 13 or older, and is about 6 km in length,with various muddy obstacles to have fun climbing over, sliding down and crawling through or under. Start a team, bring your cheer leading friends, even the parking is free, the music is GREAT, lunch is available and delicious! The Niagarmudfest.com Eventbrite webpage is now live and accepting Earlybird DISCOUNTED registrations, until Friday,March 2nd at midnight. Children’s tickets are $25 each. All participants receive a T-shirt,lunch and a beverage with their registration fee. For more information, visit the website (niagaramudfest.com), or go straight to the registration page https://www.eventbrite.com/e/niagara-mudfest-challenge-2018-tickets-41926322760 Hope to see you there!
Time is often a challenge with businesses such as PenFinancial. We recognize that and Rotary Club of Fonthill has responded, since this type of membership has been specifically tailored for busy individuals who find it difficult to commit to regular weekly attendance.Busy corporate members benefit greatly from accessing a Corporate Membership, enabling the team to share attendance, thus maintaining a regular presence at functions, breakfast meetings and volunteer events.
If you like the idea of participating in a local vibrant charitable organization but don’t think you have enough hours in a day, this is an opportunity for you and your team to share the challenge. We invite you to join us for one of our 7:15 am breakfast meetings, every Wednesday at Lookout Golf Course.
PenFinancial Credit Union’s Fonthill PenFinancial Credit Union’s Fonthill branch recently held its grand opening. Celebrating the occasion are, from left: Adam Rempel, Financial Advisor; Jody Vizza, Director ofBrand; and Kelly Sauriol, Branch Manager.
Rotary Club of Fonthill welcomes first Corporate Member
Rotary in Fenwick It was a crisp -7 degrees January 24 th morning in downtown Fenwick when members of the ROTARY CLUB OF FONTHILL gathered at the village’s most loved flag standard to sing a lusty rendition of the Canadian National Anthem.
For the past two years during the months of January & February the club has enjoyed the hospitality of the GRILL ON CANBORO for their weekly meetings. A wonderful way to start the day!
The 2018 Niagara Mudfest Challenge, a premier get down and dirty challenge will be held at Bissell’s Hideaway on Saturday, May 5th. The mud and obstacle course is open once again to both children and adults. The supervised children’s course for those ages 6 to 12, is shorter in length and obstacles (again this year with an awesome inflatable obstacle).The adult course is open to anyone 13 or older, and is about 6 km in length, with various muddy obstacles to have fun climbing over, sliding down and crawling through or under.
Businesses and families are encouraged to join as a team, as participation is much more fun when you are helping each other along while helping the community! Bring your cheer leading friends, parking is free, , the music is GREAT, lunch is available and delicious!
As in past 5 years, this 6th event is being organized by the members of the Rotary Club of Fonthill. This is the Club's major fundraiser supporting community projects focusing on our Youth projects. This year's main recipient like last year will be Big Brothers Big Sisters of South Niagara! The Niagarmudfest.com Eventbrite webpage is now live and accepting Earlybird DISCOUNTED registrations, until Friday, March 2nd at midnight. Children’s tickets are $25 each. All participants receive a T-shirt, lunch and a beverage with their registration fee.
Rotaract Niagara Induction - January 18th, 2018 We are excited to announce that the Rotaract Club of Niagara became an official club this past Thursday, pins and all. The induction meeting was held at Rose City Kids in Welland, where club executives and members received the honorary bell, gavel, and banner. Rotaract exists under the umbrella of the Rotary club, and consists of young professionals and students that wish to make a difference both locally and globally. There are currently over 9,500 Rotaract clubs in 177 countries worldwide, and Rotaract Niagara is excited to become a part of this growing number.
RI President-elect Barry Rassin’s theme for 2018-19, Be the Inspiration, asks Rotarians to inspire change in the world and in each other. “I ask all of you to Be the Inspiration to help Rotary move from reaction to action — to take a hard look at the environmental issues that affect health and welfare around the world and do what we can to help.”
President Paul Snack and Past President Frank Adamson received a special thank you from the George Biggars of the Shriners club of Niagara Falls for inviting them to provide lunch at last years Mudfest. This was presented at the Mudfest committee meeting Dec 11. The Shriners are looking forward to helping once again at Mudfest on May 5th 2018.
Come together with thousands of Rotarians at the 2018 Rotary Convention, where you’ll hear insightful perspectives from world-renowned speakers and engage in stimulating breakout sessions. See what's in store in 2018 by visiting riconvention.org or the host organization committee's website, rotary2018.org
While you're in Toronto, don't miss the remarkable views from the iconic CN Tower, one of the city’s most popular attractions. Whether you visit one of the tower’s three restaurants, test out the Glass Floor, or try the exhilarating EdgeWalk, you’re sure to have an experience to remember.
Check out the convention’s Facebook event page to receive the latest updates. Early-registration savings end 15 December, so register today!
President Paul Snack welcomed visiting Rotarian, and President of the Welland Club, Tim Proctor. Special guests Susan Burr and her daughters Stephanie McWilliams and Julianne Sviergula were given a warm welcome.
President’s Updates and other business:
This was a business meeting so there was no guest speaker.
On November 8th there will be a social meeting at Vineland Estates winery. Family and friends are welcome. There could be food provided for $10 but that has not been finalized. There will not be a breakfast meeting that day.
December 7th is the date for the Christmas Dinner, which will be at Lookout for a cost of $50 per person + drinks. Mel raised the possibility of going to other venues to try and reduce the price but after some discussion it was agreed to stay with Lookout. Frank A. did some quick mental math and determined that it would only cost $14 per member after deducting the $36 in saving from missing the Nov 8th and Dec 6th breakfasts.
Mayor Dave and about 12 members attended the lighting of the arches in Town in Rotary colours. Several members also attended the lighting of Niagara Falls later that same evening were there were over 200 people in attendance. Currently there have been 12 cases of polio in the world this year down from 37 last year.
President Paul reminded us again of the upcoming District Conference at White Oaks, NOTL, October 27-29th. Please check the website http://www.districtconference7090.org/ for registration details.
President Paul asked about the Temperanceville display and Gail provided us with some background information. The display started 27 years ago and the buildings are to 1/10th scale. Some are stored at the Juvenile detention home and Gail is restoring some of them that have lost pieces. The display it assembled in the Fonthill Peace Park and there is a need for a truck and pallets. The display will start on December 3rd and run through until the new year.
TV Auction – Annie The goal of raising $30,000 in donations has been exceeded. To date $31065 has been donated. Best of the Bunch pod is in the lead followed by Ralph’s Raiders. Hugh and Tia brought in the highest number of donations. There was a draw based on each member receiving a ticket for each donation. Mel was the winner of a gift bag of goodies. Annie told us that 25 people had donated $250 each towards expenses for the TV auction so that we can get more of the proceeds.
Fireside chats – Andrew told the club that a fireside chat for new and newer members ( and for anyone wanting to learn more about Rotary) was being arranged for November 18th.
President Paul mentioned that we still require two host families for Fede.
Frank A. told us that a Rotaract Club is being formed by 15 students, some of them who attended RYLA. Six of them will be attending the District Conference. Their meetings will rotate between St. Catharines, Thorold and Niagara Falls.
When Randy went through the 2017-18 budget, concern was raised that nothing had been allocated to the Fonthill Bandshell Concert Series. Frank A. said that the rose sales for Father’s Day will most likely happen again next year and that would increase the funds available. The TV auction may also exceed predictions and Randy will continue to review the allocation of funds in the budget.
Stephanie talked about her relationship with her father – papa, Doug, dad. She presented Fede with a gift bag of Tim Horton winter items, such as mits to help him adjust to his time in Canada.
Lance give us a mini classification talk. He was born and raised in Toronto and followed in his father’s footsteps and became a mechanical engineer, worked in many locations and industries before deciding to become a financial planner. He met his wife when he was working for the Department of Defense and she got to drive a tank.
REMINDER –
Please update your email address on Club Runner or send your new email to Ann Harrison at ann.harrison@dsbn.org
Please check the Fonthill Rotary website for upcoming events and activities.
Past President Paul Allen did a make up while in Barbados and presented our pennant to President Paul Ashby. Small world member he sat with son is a Rotoractor at Brock. first year!
Fonthill Pennant exchange with Rotary Club of Barbados
From left to right are Paul Snack (Club president), Jody Vizza (Corporate Membership), Cesar Maldonado and Maria Pozas (Couple Membership) and Brianna Willard (Young Rotarian Membership) along with Governor Reg Madison.
District 7090 Governor Reg Madison inducts four new members into the Fonthill Club on October 4
BURR, Douglas Paul. It is with heartfelt sadness we announce the passing of Doug on Thursday October 5th, 2017 at the age of 72. His love and passion for life began when he met Susan; his wife of 48 years. They enriched their lives with the blessing of Julianne (Tim) Sviergula and Stephanie (Bill) McWilliams. His unconditional love flourished with the birth of his grandchildren Madeleine, Jason, Aaron, Lauren, Ryan, and Ashley. Doug was a very proud owner of Tim Hortons Fonthill. He was an avid golfer, supporter of Pelham Minor Hockey and instrumental in the development of the new Community Centre. He was a proud Rotarian serving as Past President and Charter Member. He was given the distinguished honor of receiving the Paul Harris award. In keeping with Doug’s wishes, cremation has taken place. Family invites friends to St. Alexander Roman Catholic Church, Fonthill on Saturday October 14th where a Funeral Mass will take place at 11 am. Celebration to follow at Pleasantview Funeral Home, 2000 Merrittville Highway (905 -892-1699), Reception Centre at 12 noon. In lieu of all flowers, donations to Wellspring Niagara or Gord Downie Fund for Brain Cancer Research would be appreciated.
The Rotary Club of Fonthill have received a matching grant from our District 7090 for the purchase of 8 new laptop computers for Niagara Peninsula Homes.The laptop computers are desperately needed to provide continuing education to women and youth in our community.
Brenda Martin at Niagara Women's Enterprise Centre is thrilled that Rotary is able to provide funding for their new computers. Brenda runs the computer based programs to offer continuing education to women throughout Niagara. The Team Energi program for youth on construction trades is managed by David Young. It shall also benefit by the purchase of new computers. Both programs will also be assisted by Rotarians once the new computers are in use at their specific sites. Laptop computers can be taken to various locations as required by the Team Managers. We look forward to volunteering with Niagara Peninsula Homes in regards to their District Grant #107. Much Gratitude to District 7090 Grants Committee!
The Rotary Foundation funds district grants and global grants. District grants are block grants to districts that fund scholarships, projects, and travel that align with the mission of The Rotary Foundation, which is to enable Rotarians to advance world understanding, goodwill, and peace through the improvement of health, the support of education, and the alleviation of poverty.
Celebrate the past history of Pelham through the vintage miniature Temperanceville village display on site at Peace Park in Fonthill from December 3rd 2017 until January 7th 2018.
Once again the Rotary Clubs of St Catharines, Niagara Falls, Niagara Falls Sunrise, Welland, Fonthill and Fort Erie are joining together with COGECO TV for ONE giant regional event. The auction will take place on Thursday November 30, and Friday and Saturday, December 1 and 2 - the start of the holiday shopping season.
Donations with a value between $50 and $300 are auctioned off and the donated item receives a ten minute segment of airtime. Items over $300 are featured for longer periods, as major specials. Any business or individual wishing to participate can contact any of the Club Executives for more information.
Auction proceeds are used locally for projects such as Boys & Girls Club Niagara Falls, Pathstone Mental Health, V Elementary School Technology Program, Niagara Children's Centre, Pelham Cares Home for Good, Women's Wellness Groups in Niagara, Fort Erie Theatre, Salvation Army Red Kettle Drive, Niagara Nutrition Partners, City of Niagara Falls Park, Community Care of St Catharines and Thorold, and Bethlehem Housing Projects, to name a few in each community.
Last year the MEGA Rotary TV Auction was among the most watched programs on COGECO TV, reaching about 100,000 homes from Fort Erie to Grimsby. Photos and descriptions are posted to our web site at http://www.rotarytvauction.ca for more exposure for your business.
This year we’re going to an online bidding format that will open the week before the official dates. Watch for instructions in the Tabloid which comes out November 22. Get your bidding number on sign up and you’ll find it’s easy and fun. Cogeco is still broadcasting on the days of the auction.
Congratulations to all motivated run Participants, dedicated Volunteers, supportive Sponsors and helping Rotarians for their amazing efforts in making Mudfest 2017 the BEST EVER! Those efforts and support culminated in a $5000 donation to Big Brothers Big Sisters last week!
Big Brothers/ Big Sisters of South Niagara Executive Director Barb Van der Heyden said the funds will help them to continue matching 'Littles" with volunteer "Bigs', who act as role models helping kids in need realize their full potential.
Now that the mud, rain and cold are a distant memory, we hope that you will be part of Mudfest 2018 again at Bissell's Hideaway. The date is set for Saturday, May 5 so mark your calendars!
Weather forecast is predicting sun, 15 degrees with a STRONG likelihood of MUD!!
On Tuesday evening the Club gathered to formally honour, express our deep appreciation and induct 4 members of the community as our 2017 Paul Harris Fellows. They are truly leaders in making a difference in the lives of many locally and internationally!
The passion, vision and commitment of the honourees was inspirational to all who heard of their unselfish, substantial accomplishments while serving people across all ages, genders and communities.
Pictured here (L to R) are Karen CHCOSKI (teacher EL Crossley Secondary School & leader of the school's Interact Club); Ann Mantini-Celima (Founder and Executive Director Wellspring Cancer Support); Tim Droppert (Teacher/Librarian AK Wigg Public School and Leader of Canada's first Rotary Earlyact Club);
Fonthill Rotarian Jayne Watson (Entrepreneur whose profits support Pelham Cares, past Club Secretary and Club Board Member).
Once again we thank the recipients for their Service Above Self!
The torrential rains this week made Mudfest 2017 fundraiser held at Bissell's Hideaway muddier than ever! Nearly 300 runners braved the courses (Youth and Adult) course enhancements included inflatable obstacles. The Club with the help of the Shriners of Niagara, community volunteers and the Pelham Fire Department pulled out all the stops making this a great success for a GREAT cause, Big Brothers and Big Sisters of South Niagara. We couldn't have succeeded without the incredible support of the Miklavcic family and the staff of Bissell's Hideaway. Recognize our very own AG Frank Adamson and some of our fantastic District 7090 Youth Exchange students?
Super proud of what we accomplished working with the Rotary District 7090 on a matching grant program! We were able to supply Rose City Kids with four Apple iPads for use in their programming and administrative duties. #WeAreRotary making every dollar count in our community.
The Club presented Lori Grande of Pelham Cares with two donations at the same time earlier today!
We have again supported the Pelham Cares fall food drive financially and to their programming by donating macaroni and cheese meal packs for their client use.
The meal packs were prepared during the weekend's District 7090 District Conference held in Batavia, New York. Attendees (including from our Club) worked frantically to create 5000 individual meal packages, which is enough for 30,000 individual meal servings!
The meal packaging program was coordinated for the conference by the Iowa based charitable organization "The Outreach Program". To date they and their food program supporters have prepared over 400 Million meal servings! To see what amazing work this organization performs please view their website, www.theoutreachprogram.org .
Another GREAT example of our Club and Rotarians working with others to Serve Humanity!
$575,000 RAISED FOR WELLSPRING CANCER SUPPORT FOUNDATION.
One of Fonthill's finest, Rotarian Frank Adamson, Assistant Governor participated in this epic 7 day, 24 hour bike ride from Oakville, ON to Miami, FL covering almost 3000km to raise funds. There were 28 cyclists and 23 volunteers completed the Wellspring Peloton Challenge and by the time the riders crossed the finish line in Miami on September 30, they had each pedaled an average of 120 km a day, and climbed a total of 14,443 meters.
Greeting the team of riders and volunteers in Miami were a group of Wellspring Warriors – individuals who are facing cancer or who are cancer survivors, along with a large group of cheering family members and friends of the ride team.
Each rider committed to fundraising $10,000 and many have exceed this goal.
Since inception the Wellspring Peloton Challenge has raised over $2 million to help Wellspring continue to provide vital cancer support programs, at no cost, to people living with cancer and those who care for them.
Also, for the second time this year, 38 cyclists participated in the Wellspring Peloton Experience, a 1-day cycling event through Southern Ontario that launched the same day as the Wellspring Peloton Challenge. Participants had the opportunity to experience what it would be like to partake in the Wellspring Peloton Challenge without going the full distance. Cyclists completed either The Classic (60km) or The Turnaround (110 km) and collectively raised over $26,000 for Wellspring.
Welcome to Fonthill! A lucky 13 years after unveiling the first entry sign on Hwy 20 at Hurricane Road, we joined DG Marlee Diehl and members of Town of Pelham staff and council to unveil the new and improved version. Thank you all who supported this project.
Leon Von Ruden the German exchange student nominated by the Paderborn-Kaiserpfalz Rotary club arrived on Monday for his year-long Canadian adventure with our club! Once getting settled he was anxious to see his new school, E.L. Crossley ! The school also hosts a very active student Interact Club. Leon attended our Club’s meeting on today and was formally introduced as our guest of honour to the membership and received a gift of our club baseball hat from Assistant Governor Frank Adamson and Club President Paul Allen.
The Positive Impact of Club Meetings and Guest Speakers
What started out in May as a great human interest presentation by guest speaker Mrs. Gina Di Lorenzo of the Quilts of Valour- Niagara Canada Chapter (QOV) quickly offered an opportunity for the Rotary Club of Fonthill to get involved !
QOV is a registered charity, non profit, volunteer based national program that started in 2006. Since then, in honour of their service and dedication to our country, QOV has provided comfort to Canada’s veterans in their time of need by having donated over 5000 quilts!
Club member, President Elect Paul Snack was present during Gina’s club presentation and immediately identified a disabled veteran now living in a Long Term care facility who would be a worthy recipient of QOV’s generosity.
Wheels were put in motion by the club, to coordinate between the Niagara and Eastern Ontario QOV chapters. On Canada Day 2016, Major (Army) Jeff WILLIS was the surprise recipient of a gifted QOV quilt.
Jeff and his family were very touched and deeply grateful of the organization’s generosity and to Rotary for making this event happen! He wrapped himself in the quilt clearly feeling the love honouring a very dedicated man. His family also feels comfort that although Jeff is living in silence he isn’t living alone.
Ever Bearing Ever Caring Garden Dedicated at Pelham Cares Food Bank
Frank Adamson (now our AG) of the Rotary Club of Fonthill had the vision to support the local food bank and he went right to work putting all the pieces together to make it happen. Needs were assessed, plans were developed and with the financial support of RBC Wealth Management and Rotarian Mel Groom the vision became a reality. In the sweltering heat of July, Rotarian Mike Taylor and the other strong backs at Youth Resources Niagara completed the garden framing and soil installation.
The gardens have already supplied tasty, nutritious, fresh produce to food bank patrons and some of the local critters!
Photos show – Garden being tended by Club President Paul Allen and cheque presentation by Rotarians Mel Groom, Paul Allen, Mike Taylor and the volunteers of Pelham Cares.
Ever Bearing Ever Caring Garden Dedicated at Pelham Cares Food Bank
Breakfast view for Rotary meeting this morning. Join us here for our 25th anniversary golf tournament on Monday July 25. Email Hugh Graham at rotary@ubkool.com for details!
Welcome to our newest member, Bruce Elliott (welcome back, for some of us!)
The Rotary Club of Fonthill enjoyed an end of year celebration of Frank Adamson's presidential year of the Fonthill Rotary Club and a kick off for Paul Allen's start as the new President. ...And a coming together of truly outstanding members that make it all happen!
WELLAND, ON – With tears in their eyes, José and Claudia, alongside their three young children, entered their newly constructed house as homeowners for the first time today. Built as part of the Habitat/Niagara College partnership, this is the first Habitat home in Ontario to be built in a modular style on a college campus, in this case in the Rankin Technology Centre at Niagara College.
This past spring, the house was trucked to and assembled on its permanent site on Martin Street, with the final stages of construction completed at that time by “volunteer” builders from local companies and community groups (Rotary Club of Fonthill), with support from Habitat’s volunteer Site Hosts and Build volunteers. The house was built through financial and gift-in-kind support from across Niagara.
As part of Habitat’s Youth Building Program, in partnership with the Niagara College Construction Techniques program, seventy students constructed this home over the past school year. The students learned highly sought after skills in today’s job market and have the satisfaction of helping build a home – and hope – for people living right in their own community.
The Rotary Club of Fonthill also presented to the Palma Family a beautiful quilt that was made and donated by two very talented women ... Jennifer Allen, wife of our President Elect Paul Allen & Maureen Larivee.
The Rotary Club of Fonthill celebrated its 25th Anniversary Dinner on June 11th, 2016 at Lookout Point Golf Club. Pictured are from left-right:
Gail Levay, Sgt. at Arms, and Charter Member, Joe Eigner, PAG, PP Rotary Club of Welland, Gail Baltjes-Bazinet, Charter President, Doug Burr, PP & Charter Member and DG Kevin Crosby.
Joe was the President of the Welland Club, who was the sponsor of the Club 25 years ago. Joe and his wife flew in from Edmonton for the celebration and was awarded another Paul Haris Fellow by the Rotary Club of Welland and made an honorary member of the Fonthill Club. Eighteen past presidents were in attendance and 6 Paul Harris Fellowships were awarded. A very special night for all in attendance.
25 years of Service Above Self was celebrated by our club!!
Need a little help on a snowy day getting excited about spring? How about this? Visit us and learn more about #PelhamMudfest 2016. Just a few more days to register for $65 each (then price goes up to $75) pelhammudfest.ca
Sarah Semerjian and Roy Kirkup from the Rotary Club of Fonthill promoting Pelham Mudfest Challenge May 2016. Did you know this year the Club celebrates its 25th Anniversary?
The Rotary Club of Fonthill recently donated $3,000 from the Pelham Mudfest 2015! This donation will go towards Wellspring Niagara's FUTURE home in Pelham!
We are hoping this year's event will be even MUDDIER and even more successful! Come Play In The Mud on Saturday May 14 at the Pelham Mudfest Challenge!...
Run by the Rotary Club of Fonthill in support of Rotary International and local projects (including Wellspring Niagara’s Future Home in Pelham), the 6km mud-run obstacle course takes place at Bissell’s Hideaway in the heart of Short Hills!
Early registrants pay $65 to participate (before February 29th) while anyone who joins after pays $75. Participants receive admission to the Filthy Fun Obstacle Course, a T-Shirt, a Race Finisher Dog Tag, Beer or Wine, Lunch, Live Entertainment and a Chance to win some Fun Prizes!
For more information about the Pelham Mudfest Challenge 2016 – please visit www.pelhammudfest.ca
From Left to Right: Deputy Police Chief Joe Matthews, R.R.P.S., Ann Mantini-Celima and our President Frank Adamson
The Rotary Club of Fonthill supports Wellspring Niagara ...
We were privaliged to have Karen Green, Executive Director of Blessings in a Backpack. Karen shared the following with us and we would like to share it with you ...
Can you imagine what it is like to be a hungry child?
Think how hard it is to concentrate or function. You feel tired and lethargic. Your head may hurt. If you’re having a difficult time generally, being hungry makes everything worse. Now imagine you are sitting in a classroom struggling to make sense of your teachers’ instructions as you battle hunger pangs and fatigue.
Every day in cities across Canada, elementary school children arrive at school with empty stomachs, trying to learn without the benefit of proper nourishment.
Blessings in a Backpack is a unique program designed to support schoolchildren who simply do not have enough to eat on weekends. Families who struggle with hunger or who are ‘food insecure’ rely on food banks and other resources during the week, but many cannot satisfy weekend needs. This is where we step in.
The program works like this: kids take home a backpack filled with food every Friday and return the backpack empty on Monday, ready to start their week. How does this simple act help? The benefits and impact are immediate: attendance and productivity soar; students report greater attentiveness and improved energy; teachers see improvements in study habits and demeanour; parents feel relief and support for their own family. Above all, communities grow – and lives are changed.
And the best part? Because Blessings in a Backpack receives discounted food from sponsors, feeding a single child on weekends throughout the school year only costs $100! And 100% of every donation is directed towards the program.
Hunger doesn’t take weekends off. Blessings in a Backpack is a simple, effective way to ensure kids come to school on Monday ready for the week ahead. Every child in Canada deserves that support.
Please support Blessings in a Backpack and make a difference to a child today. On behalf of every hungry child we feed, thank you.
Karen Green, Executive Director of Blessings in a Backpack stopped by today ...
The Rotary Club of Fonthill kicked of the new year with inducting two new members ... Our President Frank Adamson along with our Membership Chair Andrew Larmand were on hand to make the presentation. We are so proud to have Mel Groom and Paul Snack join the Rotary family!
Another successful auction has come to a close, but the warehouse at the Pen Centre is open for the next two days, 12 to 8 Monday and 5 to 8 Tuesday, for those who need to pick up their items. Thank you to all who made it a great success!
Support the Foundation on Giving Tuesday, 1 December
Join the global online movement to celebrate the season with a gift to The Rotary Foundation. Giving Tuesday, 1 December, uses the power of social media and the spirit of generosity to promote giving and philanthropy around the world.
You can support the cause by going online on 1 December to make a gift to The Rotary Foundation. Then use social media to encourage your friends and family to do the same. It’s the perfect opportunity to reach our supporters and build on the momentum of Rotary Foundation Month.
Last year, the Foundation raised more than $100,000 on Giving Tuesday. This year, the district with the highest number of donors contributing to the Foundation on 1 December could receive a visit from Foundation Trustee Chair Ray Klinginsmith.
Support Rotary's Foundation on Giving Tuesday, December 1st
Rotary Club of Fonthill president Frank Adamson laying a wreath at the Peace Park cenotaph during ceremonies organized by the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 613. Lest We Forget.
"The Rotary Foundation - District Celebration Dinner took place November 6th, 2015. Immediate Past District Governor, Jack Amico, was there to present our President Frank Adamson an award for "100% Sustaining Member Club" to name but a few ... There were also several District Foundation Committee Chairs that were recognized for their continued fine accomplishments of their Rotary Foundation commitments. The evening will featured the recognition of our club membership for their ongoing generosity and support as Every Rotarian Every Year (EREY) Clubs, 100% Sustaining Member Clubs, as well as individual leadership support from our Paul Harris Society members.
District Governor, Kevin Crosby stopped by our weekly breakfast meeting today. The Rotary Club of Fonthill was very happy to present to him some of the proceeds from the Pelham Mudfest Challenge 2015. We are so very proud to donate to End Polio Now, the campaign that is soooooo close to eradicating Polio from our world! From left to right; our Treasurer Randy Momot, District Governor Kevin Crosby, and our very own President Frank Adamson.
On September 26th, 2015 the Rotary Club of Fonthill joined forces with the Rotary Club of Welland for a social gathering full of fun and games! Good time had by all.
We have a history of supporting peace education and conflict resolution. Ninety-four years ago our founder Paul Harris shared his goal of creating peace.
“Rotary believes that the better the people of one nation understand the people of other nations, the less the likelihood of friction, and Rotary will therefore encourage acquaintance and friendships between individuals of different nations.” — Paul Harris, message to the 1921 convention
Are you ready to count down to the LIVE event?! While Christmas might be 13 Fridays away, there are just 10 until Rotary TV Mega Auction time on TVCogeco! Mark the dates: Thurs Dec 3, Fri Dec 4 and Sat Dec 5.
Oh what a view !!! what a beautiful start to the day to have breakfast looking out over this great view. The Rotary Club of Fonthill held it's first weekly breakfast meeting this morning at the Lookout Point Golf & Country Club. Great start to everyone's day
The Rotary Club of Fonthill has grown in numbers and had made the difficult decision to leave Cafe on Main in Fonthill after 5 years! We would like to thank Patti Fagan, Cafe on Main for all of her hard work and dedication to the club. Thank you Patti!
The Rotary Club of Fonthill will now be meeting at the Lookout Point Golf & Country Club, 209 Tice Road in Fonthill. Our meet day and time remain the same, Wednesday at 7:15am. You are welcome to stop by, enjoy the friendly atmosphere and breakfast.
Before he gives a speech, K.R. Ravindran doesn’t like flowery, adulatory introductions. They make him uncomfortable. The 2015-16 Rotary president would rather keep a low profile and share the credit. If it were up to him, you probably wouldn’t even be reading this article.
Negotiating Days of Tranquility during the Sri Lankan civil war so that health workers could administer drops of polio vaccine? Although it was on his desk that the agreement landed, he says, a lot of people worked to make that happen. Rebuilding 23 tsunami-damaged schools for 14,000 children? He merely led the committee. Taking a label-printing business from a small outfit operating in a space the size of a garage to a global powerhouse in the packaging business that has helped change the value-added tea industry in his country? Well, he simply happened to be in the right place at the right time.
“I’m sometimes introduced as a self-made man,” says Ravindran, a member of the Rotary Club of Colombo. “You’ve got to be utterly egocentric to believe you are self-made. Each one of us is made because so many people helped us become who we are.
One of the reasons I work so much for Rotary is that I have been helped by so many people, and often you never have a chance to reciprocate,” he explains. “The only way you can is by helping others. When the people I help ask me, ‘What can I do?’ I say, ‘Go and help someone else in return.’”
For Ravindran, paying it forward isn’t a fad, it’s a way of life. His theme for this Rotary year, Be a Gift to the World, also summarizes his personal philosophy.
Piece by piece, we are getting closer to ending polio. Today marks one year without a polio case in Nigeria and moves us closer to a polio-free Africa. Get involved with Rotary: http://www.endpolio.org/donate
Pelham's 2015 Summerfest was a scorcher of a day! The weather was great, the music was great as was the atomosphere ... The Rotary Club of Fonthill was there to support the Town and it's community, keeping them hydrated!
The Rotary Club of Fonthill has a new President Frank Adamson who kicked off his first breakfast meeting today! This year's 2015 - 2016 theme from RI President K.R. Ravindran is to Be a Gift to the World. Frank also urges Rotary members to give the gifts of time, talent, and knowledge to improve lives in communities across the world.
Frank Adamson kicks off the new year as our President
Ronald McDonald House Charities Hamilton (RMHCH) is part of a network of 14 Ronald McDonald Houses across Canada. Itprovides a "home away from home" for families of children who are seriously ill and being treated at nearby hospitals. Built in 1993 and located next to McMaster Children’s Hospital, RMHH is independently owned and operated by Kid’s Care Oncology Central West Ontario and is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors, managed by a small staff team and supported by a full complement of dedicated volunteers.
RMHCH expanded from our original 15 bedroom home to a 40 bedroom house and reopened in the Spring of 2012 to serve more families in their time of need.
Try to imagine being a child with a chronic or life-threatening illness – frightened, hurting, questioning. Now try to imagine being a parent – short on answers, long on helplessness and scared beyond words. What both need most are each other. RMHCH provides families in crisis a home to everyday moments when life is far from ordinary.
On Monday June 29th, 2015 the Rotary Club of Fonthill was proud to not only help with a monetary donation but to participate along with Chef Sean in serving the families staying at RMHCH.
District Governor Jack Amico welcomes Rotary Club of Fonthill's newest two members, Barbara Bartholomew, and Ken Guetter. President Tia is ready with the pins!
We were pleased as punch to celebrate Service Above Self in many ways at our annual Paul Harris Fellows celebration June 16 at Sparrow Lakes Golf Club. In fact, not only did we hand out five Paul Harris Fellows,
Congratulations to Rotarian Andrew Larmand, Designer Todd Barber, Community Booster (and yes, a Lion!) Gerry Berkhout, and Octogenarian Dorothy Rungeling (represented by Mary Beattie at the awards) as the 2015 Paul Harris Fellows. #WeAreRotary and we are humbled and inspired by their achievements.
Less than three weeks to go now! Are you registered yet for some muddy fun at Bissell's? $75 for 6K obstacle fun run, lunch T-shirt, entertainment and prizes! www.pelhammudfest.ca/register
Dr Richard Taylor, Honorary Member of our club, is a chiropractor with a practice in Fonthill, Ontario. He was one of the founding directors of FogQuest in 2000. His initial involvement in FogQuest was as a tireless supporter and fund raiser for the fog collection projects in Nepal. In recent years he has visited Guatemala frequently and has contributed greatly to the fog collection projects there. His contributions extend far beyond board meetings and include a strong desire to develop technological innovations to improve the fog collectors and the water measurements. He keeps himself very busy with his family, his business, home construction projects and his dogs. The Rotary Club of Fonthill were proud to be a part of this project.
FogQuest: sustainable water solutions, also referred to as FogQuest is a not-for-profit limited liability corporation that is incorporated in the Province of Ontario, Canada. It is also a Registered Charity with the Government of Canada.
The frequent requests for projects to provide water in places where conventional sources such as wells, rivers and pipelines were not available, as well as the tremendous interest in the 1998 and 2001 International Conferences on Fog and Fog Collection, led to the formation of FogQuest. FogQuest was founded in the year 2000 by Sherry Bennett and Bob Schemenauer in response to these needs and has become actively engaged in projects and in fund raising since the completion of the second Fog Conference in July 2001.
FogQuest builds upon the experience gained in projects conducted since 1987, which, even with limited funding, had shown the viability and effectiveness of using fog collectors to produce clean water for people in the deserts of South America and Africa.
How FogQuest Operates
FogQuest is a small, all-volunteer organization. No salaries are paid. In addition, we make every attempt to minimize costs associated with the office, travel, publications, etc. In many cases, travel is paid or subsidized by the volunteers working on the project. This has allowed FogQuest to spend at least 90% of donations received directly on fog-water projects in developing countries. The Government of Canada requires charities to meet a disbursement quota for funds raised to show that they are spending funds on the core objectives of the charity. FogQuest has exceeded its mandated disbursement quota in each year of its operations.
For more information about this great project please visit www.fogquest.org
The Rotary Club of Fonthill welcomed Lynn Jerchel, President of the Kristen French Child Advocacy Centre Niagara this morning ...
Lynn is a firm believer in supporting victimized children through volunteering efforts. Lynn is retired from the provincial government of Alberta as Executive Director of the Early Childhood Development Branch. Lynn worked for the Alberta government for 24 years and has a background as a specialist in child care and working with children with special needs. This work included policy and program development for all legislation governing child care, supporting the service delivery of licensing, family day homes, child care subsidy and inclusive child care for children that have disabilities or special needs.
She also shared with the club some background and very informative information about the centre ...
The Kristen French Child Advocacy Centre Niagara is a “safe place to help, heal and end child abuse” for children and youth who have been physically abused, sexually abused, become the targets of internet luring or were witness to violence. A friendly, caring team of professionals work together in a private, safe, child-friendly place. Children are able to provide information that aids in the investigation and prosecution of perpetrators. Follow-up counselling for children and non-offending family members is provided. Partners are Niagara Regional Police Service, Family and Children's Services Niagara, Family Counselling Centre Niagara and medical professionals. Kristen French CACN is the first dedicated facility of its kind in Canada and serves all of the twelve municipalities.
When a child arrives at the Centre, they are accompanied by non-offending family members or caregivers. They are able to provide the details of their abuse in a private, comfortable environment that respects their vulnerability and offers caring support. Interviews happen only when the child is ready. These interviews are videotaped and aid in the investigation.
Niagara's approach to child abuse investigation is recognized as an evidence based, best practice model. Niagara is an early adopter, a leader in Canada, providing the first dedicated, stand alone facility where multidisciplinary services are coordinated in the best interest of the child.
Child Advocacy Centres have a real impact that is measurable not just in terms of benefits to victims and their families, but also in dollars. Research by the National Children's Alliance in the United States confirms that an investigation into a child abuse case in a community with a CAC is 45% less expensive than in a community without one.
Meet Lynn Jerchel ... President of the Kristen French Child Advocacy Centre
More than $900 raised in the first First (Annual?) AK Wigg Winter Classic! Congratulations to the EarlyAct Club at Wigg. #WeAreRotary and we are so super proud of your efforts to raise funds and awareness for those less fortunate in our community.
The Rotary Club of Fonthill recently welcomed a new member who is already familiar with Rotary’s objectives. John Julien joined the club as a transfer from the Niagara-on-the-Lake club, as a result of his family’s relocation to Fonthill. Andrew Larmand, left, Membership Chair, provides John with his certificate of membership. Welcome!
Dr. Madelyn Law gave a great interactive talk on Niagara Connects and its role and purpose within the region. She shared with us the “Living in Niagara 2014” report which has some really great information about our region.
Niagara Connects is a Niagara-wide network of people for collaboration, planning, learning, innovation and community action toward a stronger future for Niagara.
The guiding Principles
Community strengths, research, and evidence are linked in order to plan for a stronger Niagara.
Different interests are engaged to work together mobilizing for change.
Research and activities are guided by communities.
We GIVE and we RECEIVE. So we can GIVE again. We recently made a donation of $500 to St. John Ambulance to help with programming, and District Grant rep Karen Oakes recently visited us to provide us with funds from the District Grant program, which we in turn have used to purchase a cooler and freezer for Pelham Cares. Goes around, comes around. Does that make you feel warm and fuzzy?
Yesterday, February 23, marks the 110th anniversary of Rotary. Over our 110 years, Rotary members have created access to education, empowered communities, pushed polio to the brink of eradication and improved lives around the world.
Around the world, Rotary clubs are fighting disease by promoting prevention programs, improving sanitation, mobilizing communities, providing medical supplies and training heath care workers. We have reduced polio by 99% and are on the bring of eradicating this crippling disease. Get involved: http://ow.ly/Ji0Aj
Our club has the distinct pleasure of being on record as sponsoring the first, THE FIRST, EarlyAct Club in Canada. Yes, a humanitarian service club for elementary school children! Our EarlyAct Club now has 40 dedicated youngsters at A.K. Wigg Elementary School in Fonthill. They are planning their first fundraiser, a ball hockey tournament, for March 12. Will you support their efforts? We sure will!! #WeAreRotary
The Rotary Club of Fonthill enjoyed a great talk from a very inspiring young man … Devon Van Hoffen. Devon shared with the club his journey to Africa and how he got involved with the "Hands at Work" organization. Devon also shared stories of individual families that he met there and how they continue to inspire him to carry on. Devon will be returning to Africa for a 3 year contract. He shared with the club some of the ideals that the organization that he works with have and how they are similar to Rotary’s 4 way test. The 4 pillars are … Poorest of the Poor, Relationships, local Community Ownership and the 3 Essential Services if you would like to support Devon in his journey or the organization he is with you can reach him at devon@handsatwork.org or handsatwork.org.
Did you know there are millions of people who have never even heard of Kiva? We need your help to reach them and show them how easy it is to change a life with a loan.
We have decided as Rotarians and individuals to help those in need through Kiva. Please consider getting involved! Micro-loans to those trying to help themselves in developing countries. We have put our focus on Honduras:
Pelham Mudfest Challenge will take place on May 23rd, 2015 at Bissell's Hideaway, in the heart of the Short Hills of Niagara, Ontario. Pelham Mudfest Challenge is being organized by the Rotary Club of Fonthill. Mark your Calendar and get training for Pelham's big event!!!
To thank our weekly guest speakers, we tell them that in honour of their visit, we will make a donation to the Pelham Public Library as a way to support literacy programs. Last week we lumped all those weekly donations together into a $500 cheque, presented to Amy Guilmette, Deputy CEO. #WeAreRotary and we support empowering people with literacy! President Tia Taylor and President Elect Frank Adamson also shown here.
Rotary Club of Fonthill supports local literacy programs ...
Frank Adamson, President Elect, and Tia Taylor, President of the Fonthill Rotary Club stopped by Pelham Cares Home for Good office recently to see the new commercial cooler and freezer. These items were purchased as a result of a donation of $4,000.00, 1/2 from ...the Rotary Club of Fonthill and 1/2 from a District Grant from Rotary International. This new equipment will help Pelham Cares to accept and store produce, eggs and other fresh foods for our clients. Tracy Holmwood, President of the Board of Directors at Pelham Cares thanked Frank and Tia for this generous donation!
Moooove over, facial hair pretenders…. The Rotary Club of Fonthill has Movember covered, and how! Some of these guys sport the big mo all year round… can you guess who?!? Congrats on your great showing for a worthy cause.
We recently caught up with those in our ranks who received recognition at the town's annual Pelham Volunteer Recognition Awards. Among those we salute are our weekly host, Patti at Cafe on Main, for corporate citizenship; Rotarians Gail Levay, Art Veldhuizen, Tia Taylor, Frank Adamson and Diane Watter. Frank Adamson was also honoured with the Peer Award. Congrats to all. So well-deserved!
Update from our own Zoey Lowes ... Youth Exchange Student
I just wanted to let you know I have been having a great time. I recently had my 2 week break in October. I had the fabulous opportunity to travel to Paris and London with my host family. WHAT A REAT UNFORGETTABLE trip!! Not only was everything we did so great but also the weather was pretty good other then the couple days of rain. Both of these cities hold a special place in my heart now and I hope to return to them one day. Sometimes it still doesn't feel real to me that I’ve been to these places and I thank rotary so much for making this possible. It's so amazing to see monuments that you've only seen in pictures come to life right in front of your eyes. To say that I’ve actually seen the Effie Tower, experienced the Paris amazingly delicious French Cuisine, adventured though Le Chateau de Versailles, seen Harry Potters dining hall, tried butter beer, enjoyed a sunset cruse through London, It's just been a priceless vacation .
MY PARIS ITINERARY
Day 1- Arc de triomphe, Av. Champs- Elysees, Luxor Obelisk, Tuileries Garden and Exterior of The Louver Museum
Day 2- Le Chateau de Versailles
Day 3- The Louver Museum and Eiffel Tower
Day 4- Museum of Orasy, Paris Opera House and Museum Gervin
Day 5- Sacre Coeur, Moulin Rouge, boat ride through Paris, Notre Dame and Love Bridge
MY LONDON ITINERARY
Day 1- London Tower, Leadenhall Market, Kensington Palace and Harrods
Day 2- Harry Potter Studios and Covent Garden market
Day 3- Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre, Millennium Bridge, St.Paul’s Cathedral, sun set boat ride, Big ben and Westminster Abby
Day 4- Platform 9 3/4 , British Museum and Camden Market
The Ode of Remembrance is cited on Remembrance Day followed by the phrase "Lest we forget."
The Ode of Remembrance
They went with songs to the battle, they were young. Straight of limb, true of eyes, steady and aglow. They were staunch to the end against odds uncounted, They fell with their faces to the foe. They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old: Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn. At the going down of the sun and in the morning, We will remember them.
Lest we forget.
In the First World War 61,000 Canadians died, in the Second World War 42,000 Canadians died. Many of these soldiers were dual citizens serving in the Canadian Armed Forces.
On Friday, November 7th, 2014 our community will be celebrating Random Act of Kindness Day - Niagara This day has been earmarked by the Niagara Community Foundation as a day to recognize kindness and humanity in Niagara and surrounding areas.
Please join the Rotary Club of Fonthill and help us by promoting this special day in your workplace, school, home or neighbourhood. http://niagaracommunityfoundation.org/rak
This Friday is Random Act of Kindness Day - Niagara
My name is Diane Watters and I am a Nutritionist, I have been in the weight loss industry for over 23 yrs. I weighed 293 lbs. After the loss of my mother to Ovarian Cancer it lead me down a dark road and I turned to food for comfort. My sister KimLee introduced me to the process of weight Loss. She helped me lose 150lbs. My sister held the title of Miss Fitness of Ontario in 1993. With my sisters coaching I was able to lose the weight in a little over a year. It changed my life and I was hooked. I decided this was my calling and wanted to help other people change their lives as my sister helped me.
I opened up a Franchise called Roseglen Weight Loss and Wellness in Burlington. One of my first clients Merry Hayward successfully lost over 100lbs. With me before my program Merry suffered from several ailments including heart problems. Merry was seeing a cardiologist named Dr.Vakani. Dr.Vakani was shocked that most of Merry's ailments went away with the weight. Dr. Vakani and I developed a working relationship, he sent many clients to me with cardiac Issues. After several years I met a man who lived here we had a child and so I relocated to Fonthill.
Here I met Jayne Watson who I worked alongside with. We worked in a large Weight Loss company where we both have passion for helping others. We both had battled the scales. We had many years of FUN. We did theme days like Elvis, the 70's, and Lady Gaga just to name few. We had a big part in the Town of Pelham’s heritage tea for the Queens 60th Jubilee.
Together Jayne and I opened up DJ Weight Management. We wrote a weight loss program called The Smart Weigh.
The Smart Weigh is a unique program that is based on your Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR). It will guide you on a journey to successful weight loss and a lifestyle change that will help you achieve the desired healthy new you.
The Smart Weigh program offers
· Accelerates your metabolism with real food!
· No diet pills, prepackaged foods, injections or counting points!
· Individualized Programs
· No hidden weekly costs
· One on one personal counseling
· Proven results!
· Just Weight Loss!
Through my continued weight-loss success I was voted #1 Best Weight Loss Clinic.
Over several weeks Jayne and I hosted an Ovarian Walk of Hope event and raised over $14,000 for ovarian cancer research.
During my life I have always tried to pay it forward and apply the four way test and Service Above Self!
Congratulations to Paul Winkler, Past-President of the Rotary Club of Fonthill, for becoming a multiple Paul Harris Fellow recently. We are finding ways to honour those with the means to support Rotary projects. Sincere congratulations and gratitude to Paul.
This year, from November 12-20, the last date being the FIRST day of the RotaryAnnual TV Mega Auction, there will be an opportunity to pre-bid online. Go to rotarytvauction.ca and check out the many items and gift certificates that go on auction LIVE with Cogeco Thursday and Friday evenings, November 20 & 21, 6-midnight and all day Saturday , November 22, 10 am-midnight.
Lots of great Christmas and/or personal shopping opportunities with values from $50 - $3000+. Be the first on your block to try out our FIRST PRE-BIDDING Season!!!!! Bid high and bid often. All proceeds go to Rotary projects in our communities.
Our speaker for October 15th was Jim Inman. Jim has a diverse professional background in both the public sector and private sector. He has been a business owner and entrepreneur. Jim was born and raised in Toronto until he attended the University of Windsor where he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Social Sciences. From there he worked for the federal government, Manpower and Immigration and then Chrysler Canada in Management Labor Relations. Jim moved to Niagara in 1980 to become Personnel Manager at the City of St. Catharines and onto the City of Niagara Falls as Director of Human Resources. He joined the Niagara Regional Police Service as the first Chief Administrative Officer to provide civilian leadership at the level of Deputy Chief and assist the police service to restructure, update and modernize administrative services. For the last 12 years of his career, Jim was employed by Sun Life Financial as a Senior Associate Manager and Advisor in the insurance and investment industry. He retired five years ago and has been travelling outside Canada about half the year. Jim says he wants to come out of retirement because he needs a challenge and he has found an opportunity to serve his community on the Niagara Region Council representing The Town of Pelham. Jim is a candidate in the upcoming Municipal election.
Jim's presentation was entitled "Volunteerism - Different Strokes for Different Folks"- How being a volunteer has enriched his life through gaining knowledge, experience, opportunity and friendships. Jim and his wife Randie have been married for so long, he can't remember his anniversary date but it feels like almost 30 years. His son Rob and wife Laura and two grandsons live in Connecticut. His daughter Terrie and husband Eric are both OPP officers, stationed in northern Ontario. Jim and his wife have been residents of Fonthill, in Pelham for the past 25 years.
The Rotary Club of Fonthill will be hosting Pelham's Mayoral Debate on October 8th, 2014. Have you got questions ... then mark your calendar and make sure you are there.
All The three contenders who are searching to lead Pelham into 2015 are set to debate on Oct. 8.
Mayoral candidate newcomers, Mark Bay and Zachary Junkin, will try to unseat Dave Augustyn, as they make their first public appearance since entering the election race.
Mayoral candidates will have the opportunity for timed opening and closing remarks. There will also be timed responses to three prepared questions for the mayoral candidates. An opportunity to answer questions from the floor will also be on the card.
The debate, sponsored once again by the Rotary Club, will be hosted at the Royal Canadian Legion. It will run from 7 to 9 p.m.
A record crowd is expected to attend the event. The three candidates will spar and debate hot issues that have residents seeing red over such issues as the planned new arena, construction and development in the east end, and lack of municipal transparency. Issues on construction often seem to have residents attend and this debate will be no different. Plan to arrive early as this debate, around town is touted as the hottest ticket to deciding the winner and loser in this year’s election
Dr. Tim Nohara from Accipiter Radar Solutions shared his journey of his 20 years in this industry, from its conception to where it is today and how he and his family have settled in Fonthill. A very interesting and informative talk.
Accipiter Radar, a North American company, sells, operates and supports affordable radar systems and wide-area radar information networks for homeland security, bird strike prevention, and environmental protection and defense applications globally. These high performance radars are designed and developed in-house and include sensors coupled with specialized target information systems that provide accurate situational awareness for professionals who keep us safe. Accipiter's commercial approach to delivering its patented M3™ multi-radar, multi-mission, multi-user solutions represents a paradigm shift in radar design that is necessary for addressing surveillance problems in the 21st Century.
Accipiter's solutions are information-centric and user-centric, as opposed to the sensor-centric solutions of the past. And the capabilities provided to operators are as different as their missions: from surveillance-to-intelligence (S21). Our Cloud Surveillance™ sensor networks provide real-time, wide-area situational awareness of targets of interest, including vessels, aircraft, vehicles, and even birds to users anywhere. And our Cloud Intelligence™ networks help users understand target activity patterns and behavior, enabling them to make risk-management decisions and focus their resources on priority situations.
We are dedicated to being innovators, leaders and educators in the field of radar engineering with headquarters in Niagara, Ontario and Orchard Park, New York
The Rotary Club of Fonthill's Youth Exchange Student Charlotta Palm from Finland celebrated her birthday today!
Charlotta comes from one of the bigger cities in Finland, but not big by North American standards. She finds Finland’s way of life very similar to Canada’s. Charlotta is from a family of five. She loves to play soccer and is looking forward to playing in Canada. Charlotta is very happy to just beginning her journey here and looks forward to sharing more with us later. Delicious cake was enjoyed by all! Have a great day Charlotta ...
The Rotary Club of Fonthill received a visit today from E.L. Crossley's Interact Club ... Future Rotarians in the making!
Founded in 1993, the Interact Club of E. L. Crossley Secondary School receives support from the Rotary Club of Fonthill, Ontario, Canada, District 7090, and is essentially a Junior Rotary Club. While the contact with Rotarians provides an excellent opportunity for expanding an Interactor's horizons, it does not take away from the Interactor's sense of ownership of the club. The Interact Club is completely student run. Although we do have a staff advisor and a local Rotarian visits us at our meetings as well.
Past Activities:
Christmas Cheer
30 Hour Famine
Canvassing for Diabetes
Canvassing for Heart and Stroke
Food drives
Terry Fox Run
Running events for Cancer research
Rotary Club events, such as the TV Auction, road cleanup, etc.
We also consider assisting any charities or fund raisers that we learn about. If you are interested in our assistance, please do not hesitate to contact us at E.L. Crossley Secondary School, Fonthill, Ontario, Canada, at 905-892-2635. For more information on Interact Clubs, visit http://www.rotary.org/programs/interact/index.html
E.L. Crossely's Interact Club stopped by for a visit
WOW!!! I want to send out a huge thank to the rotary club, although I’ve only been here for 3 weeks I want to tell you I’m having the time of my life and I’m so happy and blessed to have this opportunity ...it truly is going to be a great year. I recently just had my first rotary weekend and can’t really express what a great experience it was. I had the chance to meet all the other students in my district ....there are 52 of us and only 3 from Canada. Just being around kids all going thought the same thing makes you feel at home. Only after knowing them for 2 days we are like a family and planning out the next time we can meet up. The opportune so far have been great too, Love my host family so much; I’m their first exchange student they have ever had, so that's very exciting. They have been taking me to do lots of stuff they've been making French meals and showing me different cities and village too. The past weekend with the distract we went to the biggest zoo in Europe which was really cool. Everything going really well, The language is difficult, especially not being able to speak well but I learning more and more everyday. I’m so excited for the year ahead and will send you more up dates as exciting things happen With much thanks, Zoey Lowes
#WeAreRotary and we support women's wellness initiatives in Niagara. We recently donated $4,500 ($1,500 each to 3 groups) raised during the club's annual summer golf tournament.
Hugh Graham, golf tournament chairman, third from the right, recently made the donation on behalf of the club to, from left: Gail MacLaurin, executive director, Elisha House; Ruthann Brown, executive director, Women's Place of South Niagara; Bryce Barlow, Operation Waterwings; and Diane Doneff, addiction counsellor, and Ken McKenzie, executive director of ARID Group Homes.
Bryce recently completed a solo sail across Lake Ontario in a 12-foot boat, to raise awareness and funds for Women's Place. The Rotary donation was made in his honour.
So proud to support women's wellness initiatives in Niagara
Paul Allen is one of Rotary’s newest members... Now retired, he was with the Toronto Police Service for 29 years and then supervised an investigative team for Aviva Insurance for another 10 years. Paul and his wife were inspired to move to Fonthill after their daughter met and married a local lad.
He reflected on his career as a Police Officer, recalling a time that took him away not only from his family but country too. It was important for Paul to “make a change”, in his life before he retired so he chose to embark on a journey, one for him that certainly resonates with Rotary’s four way test.
Through a Canadian Government organization known as CIDA, participation in the United Nations International Police Task Force (IPTF) was funded. The UN IPTF is a part of the civilian components that go on UN missions into war torn countries for the purpose of helping rebuild the post conflict institutions of criminal justice. After much paperwork and organizing Paul left to embark on a UN mission to Bosnia shortly after right after the war, along with 15 other people, all mainly RCMP officers. His research has shown since that there are now 13 clubs representing Rotary in Bosnia-Herzegovina. During his nearly year-long mission, his role was to oversee local law enforcement training, mentoring, improve their accountabilities, relationship building and compliance. During his time in Bosnia he was instrumental in bringing about necessary change to the Ministry of Public Security. Paul also informed the club that during the conflict, Bosnia-Herzegovina thousands of land mines were placed. As in many post conflict zones, people were constantly getting hurt and/or killed . Even today they have not recovered the mine, even though they have de-mining continues A highlight of his mission, was living amongst the local community. He had the pleasure to make friends with a local family, sharing some pictures of the family. He spoke of their struggles during and after the war. He offered to act as their immigration sponsor to Canada, as he felt that he they would be good immigrants and citizens for Canada. However, the family chose to remain in Bosnia-Herzegovina, so as to be close to family.
The Rotary Club of Fonthill hosted at Bissell's Hideaway Pelham's Mudfest 2 this weekend. Proceeds from this event will be benefiting Pelham Care's "Home for Good" campaign. Check out the muddy action from this weekend!
The Rotary Club of Fonthill welcomes our newest member to the club ... Mrs Erin Dixon. After several meetings as a guest to the club Erin decided to make it official. Welcome Aboard Erin!
The Rotary Club of Fonthill was happy to have as a guest speaker this week Ms. Liette Vasseur, UNESCO Chair for Community Sustainability.
She is a biologist and member of Brock's Environmental Sustainability Research Centre. Liette, a Biological Sciences Professor, has a wonderful background that she brings to her position including Thematic Leader for the International Network of Women Engineers and Scientist; and President of the Canadian Coalition of Women in Engineering, Sciences, Trade and Technology. She is also a Minjiang Scholar at Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University in China.
Liette gave an informative talk on Community Sustainability, local to Global. She shared many topics from Ecosystems degradation and the solutions, Climate Control to Sustainable Development in many countries, such as China, Cambodia, Vietnam, Burkina Faso, Haiti and Ecuador.
Steve Malone, Paramedic, and CEO of HHCF gave a slide presentation and update on his November 2012 mision to Honduras. Our local resident, Graham Pett, who with his wife, Edie, attended that mission, added his input about the wonderful job Steve is accomplishing, helping the poor in Honduras.
Rotary Club of Fonthill proudly presented Steve Malone with a cheque for $2,600, enough to build a little house for a poor family. Steve was very happy and thankful for that financial help. The houses are built about three feet above ground in order to keep the families dry during the rainy season. Local hands will have the foundations ready when Steve's group arrives. Steve holds health clinics the first few days, and then builds the house(s) with the help of group and local hands. For the next trip, (Steve's 31st. in a little over ten years), he has raised funding for three houses.
Our very own Rotarian, Frank Adamson, also a paramedic, owner of Kvik fit will be joining Steve on the April mission. Frank already has his air ticket and is very much looking forward to the mission. Have a wonderful trip, Frank and Steve. We are looking forward to Frank's return and further update on the mission.
Jenny Shickluna, Community Service Support Supervisor with the Niagara Region's Gatekeeper Program, did a presentation this morning.
'The Gatekeepers' was originally started in the US, by a group of concerned citizens. In Niagara, the 'Gatekeepers' also started out as a volunter group, run by neighbours concerned about their elderly neighbour's wellbeing. Today, Niagara Gatekeepers is funded by LIN. Niagara Gatekeepers is a silent partner of CCAC. CCAC has a call centre, and anyone can call and express their concern about someone in need . The program is free and the callers remains annonomous.
Staff will determine which service is required and make the connection. The call centre is open 12 hours a day, from 8:30 AM to 8:30 PM. They often provide same day service. Niagara Gatekeepers also have screened volunteers who will visit the elderly in their homes.
Thank you, Jenny, for enlightening us about the service Niagara Gatekeepers provide. It is comforting to know that there is some help available for the elderly who struggle to end their days in their own home.
Dr. Eleanor Johnston and Rev. Dr. W. Wayne Fraser gave a reading of their lastest book, 'Hemingways' Island.' The book is a novel about E. Hemingway's last days in Cuba.
The novel is full of suspence and humourous incidents, and also appears to be very well researched. Looking at the line-up to purchase the book after the reading, it appears others share my view. I look forward to reading it.
Thanks for your presentation, and best of luck with Hemingway's Island.
Ralph Winslade is one of our newer members. Ralph joined us last summer, and today we finally got to find out a bit more about Ralph. Ralph was born and raised on a farm in southern Ontario, and therefore it was no surprise to hear he grew up to be an Agronomist. He attended agricultural college in Guelph back in the days when the degree was granted out of University of Toronto. After a long career with the government, Ralph eventually ended up working out of Vineland, chasing grandchildren and retiring in Fonthill. Ralph has a wonderful sense of humour, and those of you who missed his life's story missed out on some hearthy laughter. Keep up your good humour, Ralph - we are so glad to have you.
Rory Butler, Founder and CEO of 'Your Life Counts,' spoke about suicide prevention Wednesday Morning. Rory speaks with experience and understanding about suicide prevention - and the lack thereof in Canada.
Canada leads worldwide with 4000 plus suicides annually. Many factors lead to depression, which can lead to suicidal tendencies - even drugs meant to alleviate depression can be the culprit. Teenagers being bullied are high risk subjects. Lack of self esteem, unemployment, and societal stigmas add to depression/suicide risks. Rory is making a most precious contribution with his insight and dedication, guiding people at risk towards a better goal. He is working with government agencies trying to set up a government Suicide Prevention Agency, under the Ministry of Health - something all other G7 countries have, but Canada lacks.
Canada has a 5% Native population, some of which live in harsh climate, with lack of sunshine, high unemployment, substance abuse, non of which leads to healthy happy living. In 2004, our government set aside 50 million dollars to help our native population with this endemic - the money disappeared, and the situation is worse than ever. Why?
Now, dedicating his life to saving the lives of others, young and old, Rory can be reached at his office at the Seaway Mall, or by Googleing YLC (Your Life Counts).
Rory, you are an inspiration to us all... Thank you for everything you do?
Kristin Baker from Pathstone NCC gave a presentation of 'Music Therapy' last Wednesday. To some of us, her presentation of the healing power in music, was an eye opener.
Music therapy is the skillful use of music by an accredited music therapist to promote, maintain, and restore mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual health. Music has nonverbal emotional values. Kristin Baker uses music to to facilitate contact, interaction, self-awareness, learning, self-expression, communication, and personal develpment. Thank you very much for your presentation!
DG Rick Sterne, accompanied by ADG Dr. Rick Beifuss, visited our Rotary Club - a very special morning.
DG Rick Sterne did a slide presentation of what Rotary is all about - helping people around the world, where help is most needed.
After this presentation, Rotary of Fonthill presented DG Rick Sterne with a cheque for $2,200 for the Foundation, a cheque for $3,000 for eradication of polio (proceeds from our Golf Tournament), and yet another cheque for $370.00 towards eradication of polio (proceeds from sale of dolls made and sold by a club member).
DG Rick Sterne then had the special honour of installing three new Rotary Members to Rotary of Fonthill, and presenting a third Paul Harris Award to one of our members. The new members are, Frank Adamson, Kevin Bolibruck and Ralph Winslade. Our very own Annie Holtby is the recipient of her third PH award. We are very proud of you, Annie.
Congratulations to all!
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Rotary Club of Fonthill Funfest 2019 committee 
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