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April/avril 2022

 
Getting Close to the End of ABC's
 
Continuing with the ABC's of Rotary – this month we look at the letters T and U as it relates to Rotary International's monthly theme for April, Maternal and Child Health. Every day mothers give birth. In some parts of the world, there is a massive risk for both mother and child.
Tragic: What could be more tragic than a mother losing her life during childbirth? Rotary’s goal is to make childbirth safer by providing adequate care during pregnancy and delivery. Millions of children die each year from treatable, preventable causes that we take for granted or consider an inconvenience in most parts of North America.
 
How many children die each year unnecessarily? At least seven million under the age of five die each year due to malnutrition, poor health care, and inadequate sanitation. To help reduce this rate, Rotary provides immunizations and antibiotics to babies, improves access to essential medical services, and supports trained health care providers for mothers and their children.
 
Rotary’s projects ensure sustainability by empowering the local community to take ownership of health care training programs. Maternal and Child Health Care is also recognized as one of Rotary’s Six Areas of Focus.
 
Understanding the causes of maternal mortality during childbirth is still a challenge. Continuing improvement in local healthcare such as education, nutrition and good hygiene is vital in reducing the risks to both mother and child.
 
 
Read more...

Read about the updates for the Hybrid Conference below.

 

Partners for DisCon 2022
Interested in being a sponsor?
Download the website sponsorship guide
Upcoming Events
Virtual Trivia Night
Online
Apr 01, 2022
7:00 PM – 9:08 PM
 
DG Zoom visit Watertown
Apr 06, 2022 12:00 PM
 
DG visit Clayton
Apr 12, 2022 6:30 PM
 
Global Youth Service Day
Apr 16, 2022 - Apr 20, 2022
 
DG visit at Theresa
Apr 18, 2022 5:30 PM
 
View entire list
Bulletin Editor
Ariane Carriere
Click on image to get to the Zone newsletter for the current month.
 
Cliquez sur l'image pour accéder au bulletin Zone pour le mois en cours, en anglais seulement.
 
Newsletter Articles
 
Deadlines
Please submit anything that you want in the newsletter by the 25th of each month. The newsletter usually goes out by the first or second of each month and it takes time to put things together in the proper format. Anything after the 25th will not be published.
 
Veuillez soumettre tout ce que vous voulez dans la newsletter d'ici le 25 de chaque mois. La newsletter sort habituellement au premier ou au deuxième de chaque mois et il faut du temps pour mettre les choses en forme. Rien après le 25 ne sera publié.
 
All About the District - Tout sur le district

Responding to the crisis in Ukraine

As one of the world’s largest humanitarian organizations, Rotary has made peace the cornerstone of our global mission. We are deeply concerned about the Ukraine crisis and need your help.

Rotary is made up of people of action, especially in difficult times. In response to the deepening refugee crisis, The Rotary Foundation Trustees have decided to prioritize contributions made to the Disaster Response Fund until 30 April 2022 to support disaster response grants for districts affected by these events. These expedited disaster response grants can be used to supply water, food, medicine, shelter, and clothing.
 
Half a million people have fled Ukraine and are in dire need of emergency aid. The United Nations estimates that number of refugees could grow to as many as 5 million people displaced. Rotary clubs in Europe and around the world have stepped up their relief work, some working on the ground to help displaced families.

With your donation to our Disaster Response Fund, we can support communities and help rebuild lives during this tragic time.
 
En tant que l’une des plus grandes organisations humanitaires au monde, le Rotary a fait de la paix la pierre angulaire de notre mission mondiale. Nous sommes profondément préoccupés par la crise ukrainienne et avons besoin de votre aide.
 
Le Rotary est composé de personnes d’action, surtout dans les moments difficiles. En réponse à l’aggravation de la crise des réfugiés, les administrateurs de la Fondation Rotary ont décidé de donner la priorité aux contributions versées au
Fonds de réponse aux catastrophes jusqu’au 30 avril 2022 pour soutenir les subventions d’intervention en cas de catastrophe pour les districts touchés par ces événements. Ces subventions accélérées pour les interventions en cas de catastrophe peuvent être utilisées pour fournir de l’eau, de la nourriture, des médicaments, des abris et des vêtements.
 
Un demi-million de personnes ont fui l’Ukraine et ont un besoin urgent d’aide d’urgence. Les Nations Unies estiment que le nombre de réfugiés pourrait atteindre jusqu’à 5 millions de personnes déplacées. Les Rotary clubs d’Europe et du monde entier ont intensifié leur travail de secours, certains travaillant sur le terrain pour aider les familles déplacées. Grâce à votre don à notre
 Fonds d’intervention en cas de catastrophe, nous pouvons soutenir les communautés et aider à reconstruire des vies pendant cette période tragique.

Rotary International statement on Ukraine conflict

It is a tragic and sad time for the people of Ukraine and the world.

At Rotary, we are deeply concerned by the deteriorating situation in Ukraine and the escalating loss of life and humanitarian hardship there. Continued military action against Ukraine will not only devastate the region, but also risk spreading tragic consequences across Europe and the world.

As one of the world’s largest humanitarian organizations, we have made peace the cornerstone of our global mission. We join the international community in calling for an immediate cease fire, withdrawal of Russian forces, and a restoration of diplomatic efforts to resolve this conflict through dialogue.

In the past decade, Rotary clubs in Ukraine, Russia and nearby countries have transcended national differences and have actively engaged in peace-building projects to promote goodwill and to marshal assistance for the victims of war and violence. Today, our thoughts are with our fellow Rotary members and others in Ukraine coping with these tragic events. Rotary International will do everything in its power to bring aid, support and peace to the region.

Read more...

Statement by Chair of the Rotary Action Group for Peace

Dear Peacebuilders,

Further to the statement from the RAGFP issued on 13th February (We in the Rotary Action Group represent Rotarians of all nations and ethnicities.  We all share one language, and that is the language of peace.  We do not support violence and war as a solution to conflict and differences.)

I should like to assure you that we in the Rotary Action Group for Peace, through our Past Chair and other Directors, are doing all that we can to support Rotarians and Rotaractors at this time of uncertainty. We have been doing this through attendance at international Rotary and Rotaract meetings, offering advice and support. We too support the initiative of Rotary International and their Task Force in supplying humanitarian aid to Ukraine and neighbouring countries who have been taking in many refugees.

We are reminded at this time of the urgency of our mission i.e., the prevention of conflict.  We therefore invite more Rotarians to join us in the Rotary Action Group for Peace so that together we may grow this movement for peace.

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Lake Placid Rotary Club holds discussion about the Ukraine

On March 16, the Lake Placid club held a special evening meeting via Zoom to learn more about the Ukraine situation to that point via interviewing Dmitry Feld.  Dmitry was born in Russia and lived in the Ukraine for many years.  He is currently Marketing Director for USALuge and had run the very successful I LOVE NY BBQ festival more many years.  Dmitry recently arranged for Ukrainian flags to be hung along the village’s Main Street.  He was interviewed by club co-President Harris Semegram, and Betsy Brown, who also lived in Russia for years as an employee of the Department of State.  Betsy appeared as a private citizen.  Download/listen to the audio of the interview here.

Rotary Days of Service

 
Proposal to Support Food Banks or Food Charities
 
Concept
 
Rotary and Rotaract clubs in District 7040 will each make a donation to their local food bank, food operation, or charitable meal provider during a “Rotary Week of Service” on the last week of April 2022.

District 7040 will provide $500 reimbursements to clubs that donate at least $1,000 to their local food banks. The District will reimburse 50% of a club’s donation if it is less than $1,000. An alternative for clubs with ongoing food-related programs would be to provide proof that they have donated this year (i.e., a cancelled cheque), and arrange for a “photo op” the last week of April 2022. Donations and reimbursements will be in the currency of the club’s nationality ($US or $CAD).
Read more...

DisCon 2022 Hybrid – Mind, Body & Spirit District Conference Updates

District 7040 is proud to have The Mental Health Commission of Canada as a presenting partner of the District Conference.          
 
Registration:
Did you already register for the District Conference (DisCon 2022 - Hybrid) and are now wishing you had chosen the in-person option?  Not to worry, you can go back to your conference registration and make that edit yourself.  If you can’t find it, or you need help, please contact Ariane.
 
If you haven’t already registered for the District Conference (Discon2022 - Hybrid) being held May 4, 5, 6 and 7, please do!  $126.50 in person or $26.50 online.  More detail to follow in future communications or CLICK HERE for more information and to register.   
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Rotary Club International Cooperation – Club Twinning

Something special took place at the March 29 virtual meeting of the Rotary Club of West Ottawa (RCWO) of D7040, a meeting attended by over 70 members and friends of the RCWO and the Rotary Club of Mira Road, Mumbai (RCMR) of D3141. After a presentation on the RCWO International Service activities, the two Clubs demonstrated their belief in International Cooperation by formalizing a Rotary Club Twinning Agreement.
 
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Are you up to the challenge?

DEI Tip of the Month - April

Every month the DEI Committee will share tips, ask/answer questions, and present guidelines for you to assess if your club is DEI-Friendly (Diversity, Equity & Inclusion)
 
Check to see if you can answer “Yes” to all the following questions:
  1. Is your meeting accessible to all?
    1. Location?
    2. Handicapped Accessible?
    3. Time Accessible?
    4. Cost Accessible?
    5. Alternative Meetings/Times?
  2. Is there an ethnic bias to your meetings?
  3. Do you offer hybrid meetings?
  4. Does everyone have the technology capabilities to join your Zoom meetings?
  5. Are your meetings non-political?
  6. Are your meetings non-denominational?
For more DEI guidelines “watch this space!”
Read more...

Take Action: Report and verify your 2022-23 club information and officers to RI

We’re collecting club and club officer information for the 2022-23 Rotary year, and we need your help. We ask your club to report incoming club officers to Rotary to help us compile resources for Rotary members around the world, including the online interactive directory and the Find a club search function found on My Rotary. This will also ensure that incoming club officers receive vital information from Rotary. This is a reminder that if you have not already done so, please submit the names of your club’s incoming officers by the end of April.
 
Submit or verify:
  • The names of your club’s 2022-23 president, secretary, executive secretary/director, treasurer, Rotary Foundation chair, membership chair, public image chair, and service projects chair as well as their contact details, such as mailing addresses, email addresses, and phone and fax numbers.
  • Your club’s meeting details: place, address, day, and time.
  • Your club’s contact information: a permanent phone number and, if you have them, a permanent email address and mailing address where all club officers can receive mail, as well as your club website. 
Read more...

Foundation Walk

 

Annual District Foundation Walk for the Annual Fund

Each May, Rotarians around our District gather to raise funds for the Foundation’s Annual Fund – the ‘engine’ which drives all local and global grants which do good in the world. The past two years, we did it virtually and raised more than we had in recent years!  This year, the Rotary Club of Montreal West & NDG will be hosting our Walk on Saturday, May 14thbeginning at the Town Hall.
 
We are hoping that many will be excited to get out and walk together in Rotary fellowship on the 14th of May.  Reporting forms to assure your Club is represented in Montreal West can be downloaded here.  Collect your cash or checks and bring them with you, submitting them at the Registration Table before setting out on your walk with other clubs.  We will enjoy a lunch together at the end of the Walk which is covered by your registration fee. To register for the walk CLICK HERE.
Read more...

ShelterBox Ride 2022

ShelterBox Ride sponsored by Watertown Rotary, June 4, 2022
 
Bill Saiff’s West View Lodge
13499 County Route 123
Henderson Harbor, NY 13651 
 
The 10th ShelterBox Ride will primarily take place in scenic Henderson the courses consist of gentle rolling hills along Lake Ontario and through picturesque farmland.  All roads are in very good repair and have low volumes of traffic.  The rides are open course; riders must adhere to all New York State rules of the road.
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Canton Rotary Sells Out in Pi Day Pie Sale

The Rotary Club of Canton sold out with sales of 100 apple and blueberry pies in its annual Pie Sale Fundraiser on March 13, one day before Pi Day!
 
Front row (left to right): Rotarians Brian Lavair, Mary Anne Lessard, Sonya Butler and Jeanne Tyo-Martin (lol).
Back row: Michael Crowe and Bob DeGraff.
 
Le Rotary club de Canton a vendu 100 tartes aux pommes et aux bleuets lors de sa collecte de fonds annuelle Pie Sale le 13 mars, la veille du Pi Day !

Célébrons "Le Jour de la Terre" le samedi 23 avril 2022

Berge de l'Alose, 3560, rue du Barrage Laval QC H7E 5A7
Le parc est ouvert à tous sans frais de 7 à 22 h
Activité familiale: Apporter votre gouter, chaises de parterre, gants de caoutchouc, râteaux, pince de ramassage pour aider à nettoyer la Berge du Barrage et la Berge de l'Alose sises au 3560, rue du Barrage, Laval QC H7E 5A7. Stationnement sur la rue dans les endroits désignés.  Vous y trouverez aussi des bancs, des tables de pique-nique, des poubelles et des toilettes. La Ville de Laval fournira les sacs appropriés et demande aux citoyens de respecter les consignes sanitaires en vigueur dans les lieux publics.
Read more...
Chesterville Snow Days 2022
 
The Rotary Club of Chesterville partnered with the Chesterville Winter Carnival Committee to come up with an activity for all ages - Chesterville Snow Days.  The intent was to get people out enjoying the snow and to submit a photo to be included in a photo collage.  You can see from the photos that everyone (and their dog) participated. The result was a lot of fun, smiles and this collage.
 
 
Le Rotary Club de Chesterville s’est associé au Comité du Carnaval d’hiver de Chesterville pour proposer une activité pour tous les âges : Chesterville jours de neige.  L’intention était d’amener les gens à profiter de la neige et de soumettre une photo à inclure dans un collage photo.  Vous pouvez voir sur les photos que tout le monde (et leur chien) a participé. Le résultat a été beaucoup de plaisir, des sourires et ce collage.

What Could You Do with $25,000?

 
Since its founding in 2007, the WASH Rotary Action Group has been dedicated to its Mission:
 
“To support and ensure sustainable long-lasting safe water, sanitation and hygiene programs to communities in need.”  
 
To further this cause, WASH-RAG’s Board of Directors is delighted to announce a one-time, special grant of $25,000 to encourage Rotary Districts and clubs to become active participants in a WASH project. Better still – that $25,000 will be eligible for a dollar-to-dollar match from DDF and/or cash contributions to the Global Grant.
 
Eligibility
 
All Rotary Districts and Clubs qualified to participate in The Rotary Foundation’s Global Grants Program can apply for the grant. Clubs who have participated previously in a small WASH project, funded by a District Grant are encouraged to apply.
Read more...

Ottawa Rotary Youth Forest

Let’s work with our youth to plant new forests and help restore our planet!
 
In a recent article in the Ottawa Citizen, Keroles B. Riad wrote that “Studying climate science and sustainability policy is one of the most important topics that affects your life. It has become as basic as math, biology and language- part of the knowledge base necessary for us to exercise our civic duty as well as global citizenship.”
 
The Rotary Club of Orléans (RCO) proposes the Ottawa Rotary Youth Forest, the planting of a youth forest in the South Nation River watershed east of Ottawa. Hopefully, the project will grow to include 10 Rotary and Rotaract Clubs and 10 secondary schools in the Ottawa area, starting with 2,000 trees in the spring of 2023.
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Darkspark VERSIONS - a Youth Service Opportunity

 
The Rotary Club of Cataraqui-Kingston is planning to again support the work of Darkspark. We invite Rotary H.I.P. club members and other interested clubs in our District to join us.
 
Darkspark, founded by musicians Melissa Larkin and D’Ari Lisle and now in its 10th year, promotes intercultural understanding by giving voice to youth on social justice issues through engaging them in songwriting (including rap) and storytelling supported by professional musicians, videographers, and educators. The song and project story videos are circulated widely on social media platforms used by artists internationally.
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The Queen's Platinum Jubilee and Rotary

 
The information for the Platinum Jubilee is from this brochure See page 37 where Fay's name as district governor is mentioned.
 
Another brochure is also available via this site: https://www.queensjubileebeacons.com/. The announcement of the celebration made CTV news.

Did You Know?

Our district homepage, www.rotary7040.com has a COVID-19 resource page. It includes a list of speakers that you may find useful for your meetings. You can also find the Speakers' page on the home page of the website now under the "My District" tab. In addition, the D7040 Passport club has an Education Centre where you may find useful videos.
 
 
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