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Open Club BOD Meeting

Jul 17, 2019

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Jul 24, 2019

MCC at 7:15am

Victor Kalenda

Jul 31, 2019

Outbound Exchange Student

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Pelham Summerfest 2019
Jul 19, 2019 – Jul 21, 2019

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Rotary Club of Fonthill

Service Above Self

We meet Wednesdays at 7:15 AM
Meridian Community Centre 2ND Floor

100 Wellspring Way
Fonthill, ON L0S 1E6
Canada

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Fantastic Family FunFest

Posted on Jun 17, 2019

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.

Niagara Family Funfest coming June 15

SAVE THE DATE! Join us at Bissell’s Hideaway Saturday June 15th, 2019 from 10am to 3pm for a fun-filled time.

Club Grows by 2!

Posted on Mar 27, 2019

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.

Our Own DGE Frank Adamson is Citizen of the Year 2018

Posted on Mar 06, 2019

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.

Socks For Change with Sam Baio

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.

Mayor Junkin's Update

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.

Beaver Harry Was Our Guest

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.

Paul Harris Fellows Nov 1, 2018

Arches Blue and Gold for World End Polio Day Oct 24

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.

Our Guest Speaker Oct 10 Michael Jacques

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

Fonthill Participates in Global Cluster Grant

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.

Rotary Hosts Mayoral Debate

Rotary Club of Fonthill in partnership with the Welland Pelham Chamber of Commerce hosted a Meet and Greet for all candidates running for Council, Regional Council, School Boards and Mayor on Tuesday night at the Fonthill Legion followed by an informative debate with the three Mayoral Candidates. Dr. David Siegel of Brock University moderated the debate with fair and thoughtful questions from the public. Three questions were provided to the candidates one week prior to debate and included asking what the biggest issue is facing the Municipality, how to restore integrity at the Region and what personal and professional experiences would make them an effective Mayor. These were followed by eight questions from the floor covering topical municipal issues such AirBNBs, marijuana farms, town debt, downtown revitalization and the Fonthill Bandshell.

We encourage everyone to take advantage of all avenues available to get to know the candidates running for municipal election and equally importantly, get out and vote on Oct 22.

Thank you to Your TV/Cogeco, who were on hand to record the evening and have it posted on their website (https//www.yourtv.tv/niagara). It will also air on Cogeco on Wednesday, Sept 26 at 9:30pm.

Club Supports Wellspring Capital Campaign

Posted by Frank Adamson on Jul 23, 2018

Welcome Home and Well Done Tour du Lac Cyclists!

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

July 11 Meeting Minutes

Minutes from Club Meeting July 11, 2018

Thanks to Annie for taking and recording notes!

Mudfest Wrap Up

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.

Mudfest Success!

Posted by Paul Allen on May 16, 2018

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!

Rotary Club of Fonthill donates tree in memory of long-time high school educator

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.

Welland Honda and Carstar Welland become Gold Sponsors of the 2018 Mudfest Challenge

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.

Rotary Club of Fonthill grant funds computers, skills program for Niagara Peninsula Homes

Posted by Barbara Bartholomew

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.

Rotaract Niagara takes on Coldest Night of the Year

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.

Fenwick Anthem

Posted by Bob Eamer

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!

Rotary Club of Fonthill welcomes first Corporate Member

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.

Rotaract Niagara induction - January 18th, 2018

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.

2018 Rotary Convention, Toronto ontario

INSPIRATION AROUND EVERY CORNER

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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!

One of the best, Doug Burr will be missed

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.