Governor’s Remarks

As your governor, I continue to be impressed with our clubs’ efforts at supporting relief efforts in Haiti. Whether it’s through contributions to ShelterBox, donations to relief organizations or offers of volunteer help, Rotarians are demonstrating their commitment to helping others! Later in the year I hope to be able to report on the amount of support you have provided. To-date, Canadians have contributed 1500 ShelterBox kits to Haiti. This is double the total effort for last year worldwide

It is with sadness that I report Sorel-Tracy has decided to cease operations as a Rotary Club. We thank them for 20 plus years of Rotary involvement.

On a happier note, I attended the first official meeting of the Watertown Evening Club, the newest member to the District 7040 Rotary Family. We hope to have the official charter evening later in the spring and everyone will be invited. The club will meet Tuesday evenings at 5:30 at the Black River valley Club with Lucia Bliss serving as the Charter President. I congratulate the Watertown Sunrise and the Watertown noon hour club for their efforts in making the new club possible. An excellent example of Rotary teamwork!

It is a pleasure to announce that the District Interview Team selected Rene Melchers as the District Governor Nominee effective, July 1^st, 2010. Rene is a member of the 1000 Islands (Brockville) Rotary Club and a former member of the Rotary Club of Brockville. Rene has been a Rotarian for 14 years and served as club President for both of the Brockville clubs over the years. To help him prepare for his role as Governor, Rene will serve as the Assistant District Governor next year for the clubs presently served by District Governor-elect Katie Burke. I am happy to welcome Rene to the District Leadership Team as we look forward to the years ahead.

March Is Literacy Month and I encourage clubs to spend time in March exploring how they might promote literacy.  We are well aware of the illiteracy problem worldwide. We know that literacy is the key to opening the door to an improved standard of living. But the problem is not limited to third world countries. There are major illiteracy problems throughout North America!

During March clubs can choose to conduct:

-a public image activity related to Rotary’s literacy work,

-a Literacy Service Project,

-an activity to make club members aware of potential projects,

- investigate and prepare a report on a new project for their club

To learn more about what you can do, check the resources at www.rotary.org/literacy.

Group Study Exchange

By the time you read this newsletter, our team visiting District 3131 in India will have returned from their exciting trip. The group has represented our district well. The members under the direction of Rotarian Group Leader Anna Rochon are keen to share the excitement of their trip with Rotarians in our district. Rotarians can check their blog by going to: gseindia2010.blogspot.com .

Presidential Citation/Ambassadorial and Peace Scholar Applications

The end is near! Presidents must forward their completed Presidential Citation to the Governor by March 30^th to ensure RI receives the information on time. Remember, you only need to increase membership by one from your July 1^st, 2009, enrolment and complete three activities from the list provided. To obtain additional information, go to http://www.rotary.org/en/Members/GeneralInformation/Awards/Pages/Awardsforclubs.aspx

This is also a reminder that Ambassadorial and Peace Scholar applications need to be submitted to Bahjat Ashkar by March 31.

Rotary Youth Leadership Award (RYLA)

Again this year our District will be offering the RYLA program for high school age students. The event will be held May 21-24. A decision was made to shorten the program to reduce costs and the amount of time students are missing school classes. The RYLA Chair, Daniel Godbout will be shortly distributing materials to clubs. Each club needs to select one member to act as the liaison between the committee and the club. You can forward the name, telephone and email address directly to Daniel at  godboutdaniel@videotron.ca

World Rotaract Week

March 8-14^th is World Rotaract week. It was 42 years ago on March 13^th that the first Rotaract club was formed in North Carolina. Happy Birthday Rotaract. Rotaractors are young adults between the ages of 18-28 dedicated to service and world understanding. Each club selects local and international projects based on the interests of the group.

Rotaract has a long history in our District. There are several vibrant clubs located in major university communities within District 7040. To learn more about the program contact Rotaract Chair, Pat Brown at patbrown@cogeco.ca

Currently we are looking for a Rotarian in our District to assume the Rotaract Committee Chair role effective July 1^st. If you are interested in working with young adults please contact Governor-elect Katie Burke at katie.burke@rotary7040.com

Foundation/Polio Update

I am pleased to report that we now have donated 70% of our Polio Plus goal for the year. I asked every club to pledge $ 1 000 towards the polio eradication effort. I encourage clubs to complete their donations so we can reach 100% of our goal!

Our support of the Rotary Foundation Every Rotarian Every Year program in which we strive for $ 100 per member in our district needs support. To date we have only given 31 % of our goal. Please remind club members that the Rotary Foundation is the key to what we do as Rotarians. Your support is needed!

DISTRICT  ASSEMBLY
April - 17 - avril 2010
NAVCAN - Cornwall, ON

This year the District Assembly has a one-day program with a different approach !!
one-third basic information, one-third technology information and one-third bonus round !
interesting information, new ideas and lots of fun !!
This is an occasion for all Rotarians from the District to come together to meet, to share and to learn
– pre-registration is a must at https://www.regonline.ca/AssemblyRotaryD7040 by March 17, 2010.

During the last few weeks Rotarians have demonstrated their compassion and desire to help others in times of need. Within hours of the earthquake in Haiti, Rotarians around the world were mobilizing to come to the aid of the Haitian people. Within our own District, clubs were discussing how best to make a contribution. Many clubs chose to contribute to ShelterBox as a first step in their assistance effort. Within days, individual clubs collected enough funds to purchase from one to five ShelterBoxes for shipment to Haiti. For additional information about Shelterbox or how you may contribute, check http://www.shelterbox.ca

Coincidentally,, only days before the earthquake, the announcement was made that Rotarian Tom Henderson, the founder of ShelterBox ,has been recognized by the Queen of England in her New Year Honors List for services to humanitarian aid.. He is to be appointed to the Order of the British Empire.

By the time you read this Tom and his team will have arrived in Haiti and will be setting up hundreds, if not thousands, of temporary homes for the earthquake victims. Another example of Rotarians and their commitment to “Service Above Self”!

February is the month in which we highlight the fourth element of The Object Of Rotary - The advancement of international understanding, good will, and peace through a world fellowship of business and professionals persons united in the ideal of service. The more we attempt to understand the culture, needs and aspirations of others, the better able we are to work for world peace! .

This month clubs are asked to put forth names of candidates for Ambassadorial Scholarships and a Peace Fellowship. At the same time our Group Study Exchange Team will be visiting India. These are just two of the Rotary programs that highlight our goal of better understanding between peoples.

Happy Anniversary Rotary!

On February 23 we celebrate 105 years of Rotary. Little did Paul Harris and his three friends realize what they were starting when they met in room 711 of the Unity Building in Chicago. We have come a long way with still a long road ahead of us! Why not take a few minutes to visit ProjectLINK to explore new projects or to list your own. Go to www.rotary.org/projectlink.

End Polio Now Campaign

International Rotary President John Kenny is asking clubs to participate in a major Public Image Project to take place on February 23, 2010. He is asking clubs to have specific visible activities to promote the End Polio Now Campaign in their local communities.
It could entail spending time handing out leaflets in a local mall or major store or setting up a stand to collect funds to immunize children against the polio virous.

Various Public Image initiatives will be happening around the world from 16 February until 2 March 2010. These will include the now successful lighting up of iconic buildings with the message End Polio Now.  Leaders of governments will also receive from Rotary an End Polio Now postcard.

As John Kenny says,”It really is up to each club’s imagination to do what they can to support this project.I do hope you will take this challenge to your clubs. Imagine the impact of every club in the world taking part to help End Polio.”

For ideas and outreach materials to highlight 23 February, please visit: http://www.rotary.org/en/AboutUs/Rotaryleadership/RIpresident/Pages/PublicImage.aspx

Rotary Contributions Update

Our POLIO PLUS GOAL is $1 000 per club or $66 000. To date 66 % has been forwarded to RI. Please help to get us over the top by forwarding your contribution today!
Our ANNUAL GIVINGGOAL IS $100 us FOR EVERY Rotarian in our District. To date, RI is reporting 30% received. The Rotary Foundation is the funding source for much of our world wide efforts. Please forward your contribution this month!

Presidential Citations

A reminder to clubs that Presidential Citations must be submitted to the Governor by March 31 ! The deadline is fast approaching. Congratulations to AuSable Valley for being the first to submit their application. Additional information and application forms are available a: t http://www.rotary.org/RIdocuments/en_pdf/900a_en09.pdf

Ambassadorial Scholarship and World Peace Fellowship Applications

Recently Bahjat Ashkar, Chair of the District Scholarship Committee, sent clubs information and applications for the above listed educational awards available within our district. Please work within your club to identify young adults in your community who are interested in participating in one of these exciting Rotary Programs. Applications must be submitted by Wednesday, March 31, 2010 to Bahjat Ashkar, Chair Rotary World Peace Fellowship Committee, 665 Kleber, Laval, QC H7E3T3.

Pamphlets promoting the Fellowship and application forms are available from the RI website www.rotary.org under the Students and Youth/ Educational Programs/Rotary Centers for International Studies in Peace and Conflict Resolution.

The committee will interview candidates in May.

Convention Volunteers

There is still time to register to be a volunteer for the Montreal Convention! The latest registration numbers from Rotary International indicate we could have 20,000 participants. We need your support. Come out and show visiting Rotarians how friendly and helpful we are! You can register at www.hocvolunteers.com

Convention Registration

You can still register for the June Montreal Convention at a reduced rate but you must do it before March  31.  Go online to register today.

You can get one-day or House of Friendship special registrations for a special price.  Contact
ariane.carriere@rotary7040.com

It is my hope that all Rotarians enjoyed a festive holiday session.  May you all enjoy a Happy and Prosperous 2010!

Our Rotary year is half complete! During the next few months we will be working busily to complete our yearly programs. Presidents, I look forward to the opportunity of visiting your club for a second time. If you are having a special event during the remainder of the year and would like your Governor to attend, please email your request or phone me personally

January is Rotary awareness month. I encourage clubs to look at three facets of Rotary awareness. First, create awareness of Rotary International history in your club by inviting a club member, Past District Governor or Council member to share Rotary History with your club members. Second, share your club history with newer members in your club. Most clubs have a long history of community and international projects. A review of where one has been is often useful to help determine where you want to go in terms of club involvement over the next few years!

As Chris Cochrane, District Public Awareness Chair, often says, “Clubs can never have too much community awareness”. Create opportunities for the general public and press to learn more about your club throughout the year. Several clubs have set up booths at community events to share information within the local community. Nothing attracts attention more then setting up an iron lung or Shelter Box at local events. It provides a forum for sharing who you are and what you are doing.

Call for Nominations District Governor Elect

Your district is looking for a few good Rotarians to let their name stand for District Governor in the 2012-2013 Rotary Year. We are now accepting applications from all regions of the district. To serve as District Governor, a Rotarian must be a member in good standing in a District 7040 Rotary club; have served successfully a full year as a club president, and been a Rotarian for 7 years. Please contact District Governor Arnold Lawrence if you are interested or know of Rotarians who should be nominated.

Kudos

Congratulations to PDG Bette Miller for accepting a position on the nominating committee to select a Director for Zone 24. PDG Peter Bashaw will act as her alternate.

Well done to the Cornwall and Cornwall Sunrise Clubs for combining resources to financially support the construction of a new 3 sheet ice rink in Cornwall. Clubs can do so much when they combine their efforts.

On December 18th, a ceremony in Ottawa marked the creation of the Eastern Ontario
Rotary Place. This facility will house the only drug treatment center for youth in Eastern Ontario. What makes it so special is the effort of Rotarians in all the Ontario clubs to come together to support a major project that will have benefits to all youth in the region.
A special thank you to Rotarian Bill Robinson for becoming chair of the Board.

Presidential Citation

This year we can to recognize 30 clubs with a Presidential Citation from Rotary International President John Kenny. All your club has to do to receive a citation is:
-increase net membership by 1 between July 1, 2009 and March 31, 2010,
-complete one item from three of the following six categories:
-eradicate polio,
-advance the recognition and public image of Rotary,
-Increase Rotary’s capacity to provide service,
-expand membership globally in both numbers and quality,
-emphasize Rotary’s unique vocational and service commitment,
-optimize leadership talents within Rotary.

The future of Rotary is in your hands; use them to bring home a Presidential Citation!

Foundation and Polio Contributions to Date

I encourage clubs to make their donations early and not to wait until the end of the Rotary year. Our Polio Plus contribution goal is $66 000. To-date we are 20% of that goal. We need your support if we are to eradicate polio from our world!  Our annual giving to the Rotary Foundation is at 17 % or $17.81 per member. Remember, our goal is $ 100 per member. Help increase our effort by making your donation today!

Rotary International Convention Montreal June 20 -23, 2010

The deadline has passed for the low discount pricing of $ 295.00 USD, but you can still register for $ 345.00 for the full convention, or $ 50.00USD will give you access to the House of Friendship from June 19 to June 23, or you can register for $ 195.00 USD for either Monday, June 21 or Tuesday June 22 which gives you access to the whole convention.

We need volunteers to meet and greet at the airport, hotel lobbies, give directions on the street, guide Rotarians to their various hospitality events, and experience worldwide fellowship that is second to none. Go to www.hocvolunteers.com to help and participate in this year’s convention. This opportunity at fellowship with the world will never again be as accessible as it is this June.

Message from the DGE - Katie Burke

It seems that one Rotary year barely begins and we are preparing for the next.  At this point your clubs have selected (or are in the process of selecting) your executive for next year.  The names should be updated on the Rotary International website through Member Access and in your club profile on our District website www.rotary7040.com through Club Administration.  Your Assistant Governor will be arranging meetings with the Presidents-elect to initiate the planning process prior to the President-Elect Training Seminar (PETS) in April. I encourage the current executives to meet with your incoming team to begin the planning process early. Early planning is a key to an effective Rotary Year!

And here is where I come in!  Currently the final details are being put in place for PETS (President-Elect Training Session) and the District Assembly.  This year these two Rotary events will happen on the same weekend, April 16-17, at NAVCAN in Cornwall.  “Why on the same weekend?” you might ask.  “Those two events have always taken place over two weekends!!”  Good questions!  The two events are taking place over the same weekend because we are hosting a huge event in Montreal from June 20-23 2010 (the Rotary International Convention!) and because we have heard in the past from Rotarians who feel that we have too many weekends taken up with Rotary events in the spring.  The simple solution this year was to combine the two events – one weekend with two events completed, and plenty of recovery time to volunteer for Montreal 2010.

PETS will take place on the Friday evening and will deal with the role of the presidents and the assistant-governors – this is an opportunity to meet with the District executive as well as the assistant governors and to see the bigger picture at the district level.

This year the District Assembly will have a different format:  you will be asked to pre-register (to assure that the kitchen at NAVCAN can feed everyone and that we have the appropriate meeting room allocations) and will have to choose from three workshops over the course of the day.  The first workshops of the day will deal with the ‘nuts and bolts’ of the various roles to be played within the club format; the second will deal with the technology we have at our disposal – the presenters will be asked to address the pros and cons of the technology so that clubs can make an educated decision re use of technology that their club embraces; the third will address some of the current issues in the district  as well as a ‘Dragon’s Den’ – an opportunity for clubs which have a project in the planning to test it against the knowledge and experience of those who have worked on similar projects.

All in all, we are planning sessions that will offer the best knowledge and experience of our District in a different format in an effort to share as much as possible in a limited time.  Please join us – this will be fun and informational!  April 16-17 2010 Cornwall, NAVCAN!

The December holidays and the Rotary year midpoint will soon be upon us!  I want to thank all Rotarians for their efforts to date to ensure another successful year of Rotary Service Above Self. As we enjoy the holidays and reflect on the yearly events, we might give consideration to how we might give our clubs a gift. A gift of new members to share in the service efforts of the club and the fellowship of the members!

I want to take this opportunity to wish everyone a safe and enjoyable holiday.

Monthly Theme

It’s an excellent time in which to invite our family into the world of Rotary service. I would encourage all clubs to hold an event in which all family members are invited to participate. Share with them the unique opportunity to make a difference by helping others to a better life through Rotary programs.

In the past, Rotary families in our district have demonstrated their commitment to service above self by giving gifts in the form of pledges to help others in need. Whether it is a donation to Polio Plus, Shelter Box or support of a local food bank, we can as Rotarians instill in our children the need to be mindful of our responsibility to help others.

Excitement in Kemptville and Watertown

I had the honor to participate in two exciting Rotary events in our district in November. First, the two Watertown clubs each hosted a polio fundraiser. The keynote speaker, Rotary International Polio Chair, Bob Scott, shared an exciting update on the efforts to rid the world of polio. The latest data related to polio in the 4 countries highlights a dramatic decrease in the numbers of new cases which suggests major strides towards polio eradication in Nigeria and India. Our efforts are paying dividends and highlight the importance of our continued support to this effort.

Kemptville celebrated their 75th anniversary with an evening gala. Past International Rotary President, Wilf Wilkinson of Trenton, Ontario was the guest speaker for the evening. Wilf highlighted many of the clubs accomplishments over the years. He also paid tribute to the service of Kemptville Rotarian George Fisher. Past District Governor George has not only served his District with distinction but also has served with Wilf and others at the Zone and International levels.

The large number of non-Rotarians at the Kemptville anniversary party spoke volumes of the appreciation of the local community. Over the years, the Rotary club has been an integral part of the community and its efforts have not gone unnoticed!

Congratulations to the members of both Watertown and Kemptville for planning the events and to their commitment to serve above self.

Knitters and quilters

Each year women from around the world chose a subject and make afghans (knitted), quilts and crocheted items. The items are auctioned off at the International Convention.  All the proceeds go to Polio Plus.  The project is sanctioned by Rotary International and has raised over $5,000.00 US. Visit our website:  www.rotaryquilts.org.

I am Esther Arlan Team leader of Knitters for Montreal 2010, a member of the RC of Saranac Lake and responsible for seeing that we have sufficient knitted afghans for RI Montreal 2010.  I am looking for knitters, crochers and quilters to join me.  Anyone interested please contact me at: learlan@roadrunner.com or call me at 518-891-3458 for the directions for knitting the afghans.

Remember REGISTRATION ON LINE www.hocvolunteers.com

Booth At International Convention

District Governor Nominee Bill Gray has a fascinating way for clubs to promote programs and seek support for initiatives. Why not apply for a booth in the House if Friendship at the International Convention in Montreal next June?

You can get additional information and register through the following http://www.rotary.org/RIdocuments/en_doc/c10_pex_application_en.doc Act quickly as the deadline for applications is January 29, 2010 and booths are allocated on a first come, first serve basis. Join the two district clubs that have already applied!

District Governor Nominee

Nominations for the position of District Governor Nominee are due by December 31, 2009. We are seeking qualified candidates from Ontario to take on this most important District Leadership role. Candidates must have served one year as Club president; been a Rotarian for 7years and demonstrated leadership skills. If you know a member who would be a good candidate or wish to nominate a member, please contact the District Governor today. Our district is only as effective as the leaders who serve it.

Message to club executives

At this time you are in the process of selecting your future club leaders.  Remember to update your club information on the RI website through Member Access and to update your club profile on  the District website through Club Administration.  Ensure that all contact information for next year’s Board members are complete and up to date.

It is a good time to send out the reminder re the training programs for the upcoming Rotary year. Because of the time constraints because of our District commitment to the International Convention in Montreal in June and the according to the directives from RI President-Elect Ray Klinginsmith for no more than one overnight stay for District planning events, we will be having our President E lect Training Session (PETS)/District Assembly on the same weekend – April 16-17 2010 in Cornwall Ontario at the NAVCAN facility.

The weekend will start with PETS and AG training on the Friday evening and the District Assembly on the Saturday.  Information will be tailored to meet the demands of both events without unnecessary duplication.  AG training will be held in February (after the International Assembly which runs from January 18-24 2010) and pre-PETS will be organized by your AG and will take place before the end of March.

We hope that this concentrated timetable will meet the training needs of the district as well as the time constraints of our club presidents and executives.  More information will follow in the coming weeks!

Yours in Rotary, Katie Burke, DGE

UN Day In New York City

Barb McLean arranged a great bus tour package out of Cornwall from November 5th to the 8th that included accommodation and a tour of New York City along with transportation to the UN. I took the package and saw, learned and enjoyed first hand the Rotary Day at the UN and so much more.

There were 1600 in attendance on Saturday, November 7th, at the UN for Rotary Day, with representation from 36 of the United States, 46 Countries which includes Canada and it was announced that Canada had the largest delegation of 250. Barb and I estimated that there were 14 from District 7040. Hats off to District 7040, New York State, Quebec and Ontario!!

There were a number of Canadians at the Canadian Consulate for a meeting the Friday afternoon. I highly recommend that everyone should experience this Event at least once in your life.

Yours in Rotary, Jonathan Allen, District 7040 Rotary Delegates to the United Nations

November is Foundation Month, the month dedicated to reminding members of the key role of our Foundation plays in our organization. The Rotary Foundation is the vehicle through which we support the many goals of Rotary. Whether it be Scholarships, Youth Programs or Grants to fund local or international projects, the Rotary Foundation is the source of funding.

November is the month for members to participate in the Every Rotarian Every Year program. The time to pledge or donate $100 US in support of the Rotary Foundation is now! Rotarians can contribute online by visiting www.rotary.org/contribute or http://trfcanada.org and follow the easy steps to make a donation. A regular donation can automatically be withdrawn from a checking, savings or credit card account to save having to use the mail. Go to www.rotary.org/trfdirect or  http://trfcanada.org to enroll.

I would be pleased to attend any Foundation/Paul Harris functions you have having this or any other month of the year. Contact me by email: arnold.lawrence@rotary7040.com.

Call for Nomination

Presidents of the clubs in Ontario+Nunavut are urged to propose a candidate for consideration by the Nominating Committee, for selection as a nominee to serve as District Governor for the Rotary year 2012-2013.  All proposals must be submitted to the District Governor on or before 1 January on fully executed forms available from the Governor.

To qualify a Rotarian must be a member in good standing of a District 7040 Rotary club. The candidate has to have served successfully one year as club President and been a member of Rotary for seven years. The successful candidate must attend the prescribed Rotary International Training Sessions.

In the event that Ontario+Nunavut fails to propose two qualified candidates by the January 1 deadline, the District Governor shall issue an invitation to all other clubs in the district to propose a qualified candidate for Governor Nominee by April 1.  If one candidate had been submitted by Ontario+Nunavut in the first round, this candidate will be considered along with any additional candidates from the district.

Please contact District Governor Arnold Lawrence for an application form and additional information.

District Governor’s Club Visits

Most club visits have been completed and from them I have learned the great work being done in our district to reach out a helping hand to others. I applaud the members and executives for their efforts.

I also want to encourage clubs to ensure they build Rotary information sessions into their weekly and monthly programs. The only way members, whether new or long serving, can be made aware of all the great happenings and programs in Rotary is through a steady diet of information. Five minutes a week of Rotary information about the different avenues of service, work of the foundation or different Rotary initiatives can lead to a better understanding of who we are and what we do.

For upcoming dates in November please check the Events section of this website

District Conference

A special thanks to all of you who participated, worked or presented to make this years District Conference a success. Rotarians left the event knowing Rotary was alive and well in our district. Across our District, Rotarians are demonstrating the leadership to ensure club goals are being met. Rotarians are demonstrating their commitment to SERVICE ABOVE SELF.

As I have said before, “The Future of Rotary is in Your Hands”. It is in excellent hands! Again, thank you everyone.

Group Study Exchange

The GSE Team from 3131 in India has arrived home safely. I know they want me to extend their thanks for all the ways in which Rotarians in our District made their stay a wonderful experience. The members most especially appreciated the opportunity to stay in homes of Rotarians. As one member said, “The most important part of the trip was being able to stay at the homes. The exchange would not have been as meaningful if we lived like tourists in hotels!”

A special thanks to District GSE Chairs David McKellar and Sue Fisher for all the efforts in organizing the event. Also, a big Rotary thanks to all the members who helped in any way to ensure the success of the event. A job well done.

Our team is busy preparing for their trip to India in February of 2010. I know you will be well.

Congratulations Ottawa Stittsville!

The ShelterBox Evening with Tom Henderson was a great success. It provided members from different clubs to learn more about Shelter Box. As one Rotarian said to me, “I wanted to learn if the boxes went where they were supposed to go. Now I know. They really do!”

Events like these help Rotarians and community members to understand the great work being done by Rotary.

Your Key To Public Awareness

The club website is the most cost effective and important means of letting the world know who you are. As clubs, we may not be able to afford large newspaper, radio or television promotions, but the club website is well within our reach.

Many of our clubs have effective websites for public display. I encourage them to ensure the information is accurate and up to date. It is also important that the website illustrate through pictures and text, the wide range of club activities. It is especially vital that the public be able to see club members involved in fellowship and having fun! Unfortunately an out of date or word-heavy site will not properly convey who you are and what you do.

Some clubs need to explore how they could better promote their efforts through a website. There are a variety of commercial website programs available for those lacking technical skills to start their own. Others may consider seeking a non-Rotarian community member to assist. There are many high school and college-age young people willing to demonstrate their computer know-how.

If enough clubs demonstrate an interest, the District executive will look to providing assistance to needy clubs. Please share your thoughts!

October is Vocational Service month!  As Rotary International President John Kenny notes “ Vocational Service, in Rotary, means we are committed to honest business and unassailable ethics, and that we are equally committed to using our vocational skills and advantages to help others.” The idea is simple enough-but it is unique to Rotary.”

I encourage Rotarians to take the opportunity to reflect how they use their vocational skills as Rotarians in their local Rotary efforts. We should not forget that our commitment to the Four Way Test and high ethical standards are part of the reasons why we are held in high esteem throughout the world.

Edmonton Zone Institute

Each year Rotarians from the 16 Districts in Zone 24 come together to celebrate Rotary. It is a training and informational event that brings together District and International leaders. The days are long, the meetings many, but the inspirational messages related to the successes of Rotary programs in Canada and around the world makes it all worthwhile.

Several Rotarians in our District helped to make the event a success. District Governor Elect Katie Burke was introduced as the incoming Governor. District Governor Nominee Bill Gray participated in a workshop to promote membership growth in Africa. Past District Governor Peter Bashaw participated in a workshop on the Rotary Foundation FutureVision Plan. Our Council on Legislation representative, Past District Governor, Bette Miller, participated in a mock Council on Legislation session. PDG Bob French demonstrated his range of Rotary knowledge by sharing his thoughts at many sessions.

One of the most exciting session involved RI Polio Chair, Bob Scott, sharing the latest advances in polio eradication. He used maps showing the decrease in new polio cases in many regions of the 4 countries where the polio virus is still prevalent. The maps clearly illustrated the positive results of the many immunization efforts.

District Conference

Only a few days left to register for our District Conference to be held in Kingston Ontario. The event is held October 17th-18th at the Ambassador Conference Centre. This is your opportunity to share fellowship with other Rotarians. The Conference is an opportunity to meet and learn about the youth active in Rotary in our District. It is a chance to meet and hear individuals who are benefiting from your work. Last but not least, an opportunity to have fun and learn about Leadership in Rotary!
To register today, go to www.regonline.ca/7040conference.

United Nations Here We Come!

Rotarians in District 7040 are encouraged to sign up to visit the United Nations in New York City on Saturday November 7 2009. Aproximately 1500 Rotarians,Interactors and Rotaracters will attend UN DAY. To learn more, including how to register, go to www.riunday.org All registration forms must be submitted by 23 October.
Please find all the details at
http://www.rotary.org/en/Members/Events/Announcements/Pages/RotaryUNDay2009.aspx

Rotarians wishing to take part are encouraged to contact Rotarian and travel agentBarb McLean at 613-933-8720 or barb.mclean@marlintravel.ca as she has put together a package for Rotarians in our District.  The cost is $479 per person based on double occupancy including bus, 4 hour tour of Manhattan with guide, hotel including taxes and breakfast.

Canadian Rotary Centennial Afghanistan Challenge

Rotarians in our district have a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the Rotary Centennial while contributing to an important Rotary project. The Rotary Club of Winnipeg started this project to celebrate 100 years of Rotary in Canada. As Governor of District 7040, I urge all Rotarians and clubs to support this effort.   Canadian Rotarians with international partners and supported by matching grants from International development Agency are working to build and equip the school.

The school will house 4000 students, 70 % girls, using three shifts daily. The school will be staffed by the Afghan Ministry of education with fully trained teachers. The school will be modeled after another school built by Rotarians in 2002 in Afghanistan. In a country where 83% of the women are illiterate and 63% of Afghan children are not in school, this project will be of tremendous benefit. Education is still the best way out of poverty!

I encourage Rotarians and clubs to help generate the $300 000 necessary to make this dream a reality. For further information, or to make your tax deductible donation, please go to the “Give” page from the Afghanistan website (www.AfghanistanChallenge) or contact the Canadian Rotary Collaboration for International Development at 519-473-2100, mshortt@crcid.org. Cheques payable to: Winnipeg Rotary Club Community Services Fund Inc. can be mailed toRotary Club of Winnipeg, 243-375 York Avenue, Winnipeg, MB, R3C 3J3. ALL DONATIONS ARE TAX DEDUCTIBLE.

District Simplified Grants

The deadline is fast approaching for clubs in our District to apply for a district simplified grant. These grants are for a maximum of $1500.00 and the money may be used for a small district or international project. The major stipulation is that the money must be spent and the report submitted within the Rotary Year. Contact District Foundation Chair PDG Peter Bashaw peter.bashaw@rotary7040.com for further information or an application form:

Concert New York Polio Fund Raiser

The Rotary Foundation is teaming up with world-renowned violinist and polio survivor Itzhak Perlman and the New York Philharmonic to present the Concert to End Polio, a benefit performance supporting the PolioPlus Fund.

The Concert will be at 7:30 p.m., 2 December 2009, in Avery Fisher Hall at the Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts, New York City.  Concert tickets are $70-$200 and are currently on sale. A private reception with Perlman will follow the concert. A premium concert seat and admission to the reception is offered at a package price of $500.

A block of tickets have been reserved for Rotarians until 1 November. To order your tickets for the concert and post-concert reception, call the Philharmonic box office at 212-875-5656 and mention that you are a Rotarian.

Two months of the Rotary year are already history! The more clubs I visit, the more impressed I become with the work of the clubs in our District. As I say at meetings: The future of Rotary is in good hands in District 7040!

Now that the summer holidays are behind us, I encourage club leaders to focus on membership during the coming months. I am impressed with the number of clubs that are looking at retention as a key element of their membership goal setting. Ontario clubs are reminded to register for the joint Membership/Foundation Seminar to be held in Kemptville, October 3rd.

Thanks to the Efforts of David McKellar, Sue Fisher and the members of the GSE Committee, plans are well underway for the visit of the visiting GSE team from District 3131 in India. We need your support to identify candidates for the return trip to India in February.

When action needs to be taken, Rotarians are quick to spring into action. In early July Rotary Clubs in Eastern Ontario were asked to commit a million dollars over 10 years. The funds are needed to assist in the creation of a new drug rehab and treatment facility (S.T.E.P.) in Ottawa for teenagers. In less then 2 months, meetings were held, clubs visited and the dream became a reality. Congratulations to all the clubs and Rotarians who are part of this success story.

A special thanks to the clubs and Rotarians who are working with PDG Edmond Lanthier. The goal is to increase Rotary membership in Montreal. On the eve of the Montreal Convention it would be wonderful to welcome many more residents of Montreal and Quebec into the Rotary family. I look forward to the efforts of the group during the coming months.

September is New Generations Month.

Why not invite young people to your club to share in a Rotary program? Clubs can invite Interact Club students  to come and share their goals for the year or invite a Youth Exchange student in your area. Clubs not participating in the above programs can approve funding to send a local student to the Adventures in Technology program to be held in October. The youth are our future so lets get them involved!

District 7040 Conference
 
The District Conference is fast approaching. I want to see all of you in Kingston on October 17th and 18th . Come to participate in our celebration of Rotary Leadership in  District 7040.  Go to www.rotary7040.com and click on to  2009 District Conference on the top right side to learn more about the event and to register.

We are encouraging clubs to sign up for the Project Fair. This is an opportunity to showcase what your club is doing. Clubs can also display projects and seek other clubs to come on board and support their efforts. Perhaps you have an innovative club program that you would like to share! Club presidents have received the Project fair sign up sheet. To answer questions, email: john@kingstondodge.com.

Again this year we are having a Silent Auction at the conference to raise funds in support of the Rotary Foundation. For assistance or information, email: Dorma_Grant@hotmail.com.

Montreal 2010

Katie Burke is continuing to visit clubs to recruit volunteers for the June 2010 International Convention in Montreal. To register online visit: www.hocvolunteers.com and register today. We need registered volunteers to assure our success.

Recently Immediate Past President of RI, Wilf Wilkinson, a Canadian from D7010 was a guest speaker in Brockville.  To view a video clip of his speech, go to
http://www.youtube.com/bordenbaby#play/uploads/0/WAu-QPSh5cI  About halfway through the speech, Wilf mentions the 2010 Montreal International Convention.  It is well worth listening to.

District Administrator

For the past two months, Ariane Carriere, has been working with clubs to assist them to register on the  District website; to update memberships; and to ensure District dues and semi-annual reports are forwarded.

I encourage the 18% of clubs who have not paid their District dues to forward the fees to the District Treasurer immediately. Also, I am asking club Presidents to confirm with the Club Secretary and Treasurer that the Semi-annual reports have been completed and forwarded to Rotary International with the first term dues. Avoid future problems by acting now!

We now have 51 clubs registered on the website and Ariane needs the help of the other 15 to complete the process. You will find Ariane most helpful so lets complete the last group this month!

Introduction

During the month of July I visited 33 clubs in the District. I learned that Rotary is alive and well in District 7040! Whether large or small our clubs are involved in a wide range of projects, internationally and locally.

Although our clubs vary greatly in the manner in which they conduct their meetings, fellowship is evident in every meeting. Rotarians in our district are truly bound together by their efforts at “Service Above Self”. I applaud you for your efforts throughout the district.

August is Membership and Extension month. I encourage clubs to develop a membership and retention plan to support their membership growth efforts throughout the year. It is important to ensure potential new members learn before joining of what will be expected of them as a member in your club! It is also important that they be given roles to fill immediately after joining. People join Rotary because they want to make a difference, so involvement is key to their success.
This year, our District membership Chair, Bob Hanna, will be stressing Retention as a key to building membership. I encourage all clubs to send members to participate in the regional Membership meetings to be held throughout the district.  The Membership and Foundation seminars will be held
1. August 8, Canton
2. August 15, Westmount
3. October 3, Kemptville

International Convention-June 2010, Montreal

I am encouraging club Presidents to assist their members to register to be a volunteer as we welcome the 2010 International Convention to our District. We need to increase the number of registered volunteers to help us determine the level of response. If a group wants to go together to act as volunteers, they can do so by all indicating that in the notes section of  the registration form. Go to www.hocvolunteers.com to register now.

Another Successful Interact Mission - by Bette Miller

This year’s Interact Mission involved 14 Interact members from Interact clubs across the District including the two new clubs .. Bayridge (sponsored by the Rotary Club of Cataraqui-Kingston) and Frontenac (sponsored by the Rotary Club of Kingston) … other Interact clubs represented were Napanee (Napanee); MacKenzie (North Renfrew) and Franklin Academy (Malone).

The organization of the 2009 mission in D7040 was under the direction of Barbara Edgell (Cornwall Sunrise). Chaperones were Jane Pelletier (Kemptville) and Rotarians Sharon Miller (Cornwall Sunrise) and Fred Stride (Cataraqui-Kingston). The on-site leader in El Salvador  was Ligia Corredor (past president, Rotary Club of Ogdensburg).

The group worked at orphanages and schools as well as conducting two medical clinics in very depressed areas of the country. They were able to accomplish so much due to the generosity of friends and Rotarians here in D7040 and the wonderful support of their partners in El Salvador, the members of Rotary Club of San Salvador Cuscatlan, and the members of their Rotaract and Interact clubs.

Visit the website for the Interact Mission at http://savic.ca/elsalvador/ to see our Interactors’ diary and photos.

District Conference

Come out to the District Conference October 17th and 18th,  at the Ambassador Conference Centre in Kingston, Ontario. Our theme is leaders in District 7040. We will be highlighting the wide range of Rotary programs in our District. Register now before room rates increase September 26th. Register at www. regonline.ca/7040conference or contact Conference Chair Pat Brown at pat.brown@rotary7040.com. For hotel reservations contact www.ambassadorhotel.com.

A New Type Of Fund Raiser In Our District

The Rotary Clubs of North Renfrew, Pembroke and Petawawa, are raising funds to help improve the lives of the people of Afghanistan, through the ‘Afghanistan Assistance Trust Fund’ (managed by the Commanding Officer of the Provincial Reconstruction Team) and through the Afghanistan Challenge that provides matching funds.

We are collecting new or gently used quality items that we will sell on eBay. Donated items worth $25 or more will get charitable donation tax receipts for the full realized price. Net proceeds of the sales will be directed to help the people of Afghanistan. eBay will refund the listing fees and final-value fees for charity auctions.

Please visit the e-Bay site via this link http://shop.ebay.ca/merchant/petawawarotary on the Rotary Club of Petawawa website www.petawawarotary.ca.  A donation form, brochure and press release are available on the Petawawa Rotary website home page. Contact Bob French (North Renfrew):  pdgbob@xplornet.com for additional information.

DISTRICT 7040 POSITIONS AVAILABLE

1. Scholarship/Fellowship Committee

Rotarians are required to sit on the above committee for the coming year. The committee is responsible for selecting candidates, interviewing and placing candidates who come to our district. Please contact Bahjat Ashkar at bashkar.bafa@lbha.ca if you are interested in serving on this committee.

2. Rotary Youth Leardership Award (RYLA)

If you are interested in serving on this committee which trains youth in our district, please contact District Governor Arnold Lawrence for additional information. Email to arnold.awrence@rotary7040.com.

3. District Trainer

The District Trainer works with the Governor and Governor-elect to develop training programs for Presidents Elect Training. District Assembly and District Leadership Training. Previous experience in Education/teaching or program development would be an asset. If you are interested, contact Katie Burke at katie.burke@rotary7040.com.

Note

in July and August we mailed this letter to each club to share with members as well as displaying on the district website. Effective in September, a copy will be emailed to members and the original displayed on the district web site.

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INTRODUCTION

In June of 2010 we will be inviting approximately 20 000 Rotarians from around the world to visit our district for the convention in Montreal. Our role as hosts is to provide volunteers to assist the guests while they are at the convention. Volunteers will help visiting Rotarians find their destinations during the event and serve in greeting capacities at various functions. Your assistance is required. Take part in this once in a lifetime Rotary event.

For the first time our district has hired the services of an Administrative Assistant to work part-time to strengthen our service to clubs and members. Ariane Carriere, our District Treasurer, will assume the position July 1st. She will also continue in her current volunteer role as Treasurer. Ariane was selected because of her intimate knowledge of how the District operates and because she has worked closely with club members over the last few years.