District 7090 Newsletter
March 2014
DG Kevin’s March Message
March is Rotary Literacy Month Literacy is crucial to the success of individuals in both “Acquiring literacy is an empowering process, enabling their career aspirations and their quality of life. It is millions to enjoy access to knowledge and information more than a basic reading ability. It is an indication of which broadens horizons, increases opportunities and how adults use written information to function in socie- creates alternatives for building a better life.”` Kofi ty. Clubs in our district use a variety of projects to Annan increase literacy in their communities. Brantford Sunrise supports “Strong Start”, “Imagination Library” and “Kids The following is the Rotary E-Club of SOWNY’s descrip- can Fly”, Lakewood Chautauqua provides youth reading tion of the importance of increasing Literacy Awareness materials for the local library, Striders tutoring and in our clubs: “Rotary has designated March for Literacy scholarships, Hamilton promotes “Telling Tales” and Awareness. It's such an important topic that Rotary summer reading programs, Hamilton A.M. has developed has made SUPPORTING EDUCATION one of our Six Areas a Mohawk College partnership and a literacy program at of Focus. Sixty-seven million children worldwide have local schools, Clarence promotes the Breakfast of Cham- no access to education and more than 775 million pions, mentoring and job shadowing programs, Orchard people over the age of 15 are illiterate. Rotary's goal Park provides a $5,000 scholarship program, Olean worldwide is to strengthen the capacity of communities provides dictionaries for third graders, and helps build to support basic education and literacy, reduce gender primary and secondary schools in Southern Sudan, El- disparity in education, and increase adult litera- John Cooper, President of the Rotary Club of licottville donated $50,000 to build a new library, re- cy. Like all Rotary clubs, the E-Club is developing Niagara Falls, NY, a strong literacy supporter, placed computers and ran a summer reading program options to support literacy in our community and presents a cheque for TRF to DG Kevin. for kids, Falconer gives new books to kids for Christmas, possibly abroad to support this mission. We have and provides cassettes and a reading program for seniors special guest speakers this month providing information on literacy programs and who are sight impaired, Lancaster Depew provides scholarships and a Breakfast of we invite all our Rotary E-Club members and Rotarians everywhere to join us online Champions for local students, Waterdown has provided dictionaries and literacy or view the recorded programs once they are posted to our Learning Library. support at home and abroad, St. Catharines South supported 7517 kids in 27 schools on a Bullying project, Grimsby supported a Rotary Medalist program and Rotary E-Club of SOWNY is featuring two special guest speakers this month who will provided funds to cover school fees of orphans in Africa, Flamborough a.m. supports share their organizations work on literacy that engages Rotary Clubs in District a Literacy Awards Breakfast and scholarship programs at home and abroad. 7090. March 6th @ 7PM, we welcome Jeff Conyers, “The beautiful thing about learning is that no one can take it away from you.” Inside this issue: Executive Director of The Dollywood Founda- B.B. King tion March 20th @ 7PM we welcome Anne Ryan, P.S. Don’t forget –March 30 is the deadline for award applications. RI & District News 2—5 Executive Director, Read to Succeed Buffalo Click on the speaker events to the left of Yours in Rotary, Club Events Calendar 6 page and register today to join us online! Kevin Crouse District Governor Club News 7—13 See more at: http://www.rotaryeclub7090.org/ Best of Friends District 7090 #sthash.lqLhzwPp.dpuf.”
Guiding Principles 14
District 7090 Newsletter Page 2
RI & District News
The RYLA (Rotary Youth Leadership Award) committee is pleased to announce that RYLA will be taking place June 8-14 at SUNY, Fredonia.
Don't miss the opportunity to send a candidate(s) to this exciting week long leadership program for 19-25 year olds. The fee is $ 750 and the early bird (April 22, 2014) discounted fee is $ 675.
Former exchange students, Rotaractors, and Slapshot alumni make great candidates for RYLA. A few clubs have been creative in funding this program. There are businesses, government organizations and charitable/not for profit organizations who have some bright, promising young people on staff demonstrating great leadership potential. Some of these organizations have gladly paid the fee for RYLA. It is an amazing deal for such a fantastic week long leadership program.
Check it out on the District website at www.rotary7090.org, click on New Generations/Youth Services or go to www.ryla7090.com
District 7090 Newsletter Page 3
RI & District News
District 7090 Scholarship
Submitted by John Teibert, District Scholarship Chair
This was the first year our District offered t h i s scholarship. It is a $5,000US scholarship awarded to an individual who is currently in their first year of post- secondary study (e.g. first year of university or college).
We received 25 applications from I1 different Rotary Clubs. Of those 25, 5 were ineligible because the students were not in their first year of post-secondary study. Of the twenty remaining applications, the selection committee, consisting of John Teibert, Shefali Clerk, Milica Kovacevich, Steve Keefe, PDG Karen Oakes and DG Kevin Crouse, had the difficult task of selecting the recipient of the scholarship.
The students had to submit two essays, one was a "bio" that discussed their academic strengths and weaknesses and how they have personally demonstrated "Service Above Self” The second essay's topic was the "Ideals of Rotary".
The winning recipient is Olivia Schultz, sponsored by the Rotary Club of Dundas. A copy of her essay follows.
The Ideals of Rotary, an Essay by Olivia Schultz, Scholarship Recipient
District 7090 Newsletter Page 4
RI & District News
E-Club is a resource for make-ups and more!
DID YOU KNOW?
WWW.ROTARYECLUB7090.ORG IS AN EASY SOURCE FOR MAKE-UPS?
OUR LEARNING LIBRARY IS FILLED WITH VIDEO RECORDED PRESENTATIONS THAT YOU CAN USE FOR YOUR CLUB’S MEETINGS IN LIEU OF A SPEAKER?
E-CLUB MAKE-UPS TAKE 30 MINUTES OF YOUR TIME; ARE AVAILABLE 24/7 FROM THE COMFORT OF YOUR HOME OR OFFICE, AND REQUIRES A $10 DONATION?
E-CLUBS ARE THE FASTEST GROWING SEGMENT OF ROTARY WORLD WIDE?
YOU ARE INVITED TO JOIN OUR LIVE PRESENTATIONS ANY 2ND OR 3RD THURSDAY EVENING OF THE MONTH FROM 7PM – 8:15 PM? GO TO OUR WEBSITE AND REGISTER FOR ONE!
IF YOU WOULD LIKE AN E-CLUB MEMBER TO PRESENT TO YOUR CLUB IN PERSON, WE HAVEA POW- ERPOINT PRESENTATION! SIMPLY EMAIL YOUR REQUEST TO [email protected]
WE WILL TRADE BANNERS AND POST YOURS TO OUR WEBSITE!
YOUR REFERALS FOR NEW MEMBERS TO E-CLUB HELP GROW ROTARY
IF YOU SIGNUP FOR OUR E-BULLETIN YOU’LL RECEIVE NEWS ON UPCOMING ONLINE PRESENTA- TIONS
YOUR SUPPORT IS GREATLY APPRECIATED!
To submit news for the newsletter, send your photos and captions, articles to:
Pene Hutton at [email protected] District 7090 Newsletter Page 5
RI & District News
District leaders get trained, share ideas
Submitted by Robert Morrow
While many were enjoying the sunshine on the last Saturday in February, the District Leadership Training Team met in upstate New York to look at several as- pects of leadership in the District. District Governor-Elect Jack Amico started off the day's session with an inspiring look at the year ahead from a Rotary Interna- tional perspective and the new theme "Light Up Rotary".
During the day, the Assistant Governors, District Directors, Committee Chairs and District Governor teams provided input which will also assist in the development of a District Strategic Plan. The Plan is being developed under the leadership of Anne Bermingham; it has started with a series of Webinars to which club leaders are giving input.
Some of the key questions which were addressed included:
What are the most important functions of the District Leadership team? How can specific District leaders help clubs to become even better in their development? District Governor Elect Jack Amico, Rotary Club of West Seneca, introduces the theme for Rotary Year 2014—2015 with District leaders. How can the District Leadership Team work together more effectively and how can the team communicate and engage with clubs more effectively?
District and Rotary International Resources were reviewed with a special emphasis on the value of Rotary Central.
Assistant Governor Marlee Diehl reviews group's salient points regarding assisting club with District resources.
PDG John Heise, DG Nominee Kevin Crosby and Dan Smith , Vocational Training Team Committee co-chair, do their version of how many Rotari- ans it takes to change a lightbulb………...using a digital projector.. District 7090 Newsletter Page 6
Club Events Calendar
ROTARY CLUB OF BUFFALO—8th ANNUAL WINES OF THE WORLD DATE: SATURDAY, FRIDAY, MARCH 21, 2014; 6 PM to 9 PM LOCATION: Kleinhans Music Hall, Buffalo, NY COST: $50 presale; $60 at the door CONTACT: www.rotarywinesoftheworld.org/716.854.3397
ROTARY CLUBS OF HAMILTON EAST WENTWORTH & HAMILTON MOUNTAIN—ANNUAL GALA DATE: FRIDAY, APRIL 11, 2014 LOCATION: Michelangelo’s Banquet Centre CONTACT: David Elliot at 905.527.6877 or [email protected] Dan Swiaty 905.662.5532 or www.stoney.creek.minutemanpress.com
ROTARY CLUB OF HAMBURG—BREAKFAST WITH THE BUNNY DATE: SATURDAY, APRIL 12, 2014; 2 seatings available—9 AM to 10:30 AM and 10:45 AM to 12:10 PM LOCATION: Oakwood Manor, 2985 Lakeview Road, Hamburg, NY COST: $4 for children 2 to 10 years old; $7 for 11+ years CONTACT: Presale tickets are recommended and may be obtained by calling 716.649.8603 or email to [email protected]
ROTARY CLUB OF EAST AURORA—BUNNY HOP 5K RACE DATE: SATURDAY, APRIL 19, 2014, Registration 8 AM; Race at 10:30 AM LOCATION: The American Legion, East Aurora, NY COST: $17 Pre-registration: $25 Race day CONTACT: Race Director Dale Reeves at 716.866.0136 or [email protected]
ROTARY CLUB OF HAMILTON—SPRING UNCORKED DATE: TUESDAY, APRIL 29, 2014, 6:30 PM—9:30 PM LOCATION: Roayl Botanical Gardens, Plains Road West, Burlington COST: $100—Early bird tickets—purchase before March 31st CONTACT: www.springuncorked.com
ROTARY CLUB OF LEWISTON/NOTL—32ND ANNUAL GARDEN PARTY & SHAW FESTIVAL THEATRE “CABARET” DATE: SUNDAY, MAY 25, 2014, Garden Party at 6:45 PM; Theater at 8 PM LOCATION: The Shaw Festival Theater COST: $79; $89 or $99 per person CONTACT: John Shaver (CA) at 905.468.7452 or jshaver#@cogeco.ca Ron Dan8ielewicz (US) at 716.870.1307 or [email protected]
ROTARY CLUB OF CLARENCE—22nd ANNUAL ALL YOU CAN EAT LOBSTERFEST DATE: SATURDAY, JUNE 7, 2014; 6 PM LOCATION: Clarence Town Park Pavilion COST: $89 per person, includes beer—only 500 tickets available on sale April 1st CONTACT: [email protected] or order online at www.clarencerotarylobsterfest.com
ROTARY CLUB OF HAMBURG—ONE DIRECTION CONCERT TICKET RAFFLE 2 Seats—200 Level, Rogers Center, Toronto, CA on Saturday, August 2nd at 7PM DRAWING DATE: SATURDAY, JULY 19, 2014 LOCATION: Hamburg Burgerfest COST: $5 each or $10 for 3 CONTACT: Barb Stanley at 716.725.9858 or [email protected]
ROTARY CLUB OF LANCASTER DEPEW— 1ST ANNUAL JACK NEWHOUSE MEMORIAL GOLF TOURNAMENT DATE: MONDAY, AUGUST 11, 2014, Registration 11:30 AM; Shot-gun start 1 PM; Lunch served on the course LOCATION: Lancaster Country Club COST: $120 per golfer includes golf with cart, lunch, open call bar and dinner (with raffles & prizes) CONTACT: Joseph Girardi at 716.725.5917 or [email protected] District 7090 Newsletter Page 7
Club News
Westfield Mayville has interesting speakers
Submitted by Ann Weidman
Michael Bird, publisher of the Westfield Republican/Mayville Sentinel, The Post- Journal, Dunkirk Observer and Warren Times Observer, was speaker for the West- field/Mayville Rotary Club in January and spot-lighted the weekly Republican newspa- per.
Ogden Newspapers, owner of Chautauqua County’s local papers, is a diversified media corporation that publishes 40 daily newspapers, several magazines, weekly newspapers and shoppers located in 12 states from Florida to upstate New York and as far west as Maui, Hawaii. The company has been headquartered in Wheeling, WV, since September 22, 1890.
Bird has been with Ogden since 1992, having several positions with the company that included publisher for The Salem News, Salem, Ohio, and the Daily Mining Gazette in Houghton, MI. He was commercial printing sales/manager for The Post- Left to right: Michael Bird, Ann Weidman and prospective member, Jim Saxton Journal from 1992 to 1997 and publisher for the Republican/Sentinel from 1997 to 1999. It might be said he “came home” again when he returned to become family and raise their four children in the Town of Kiantone. His oldest son is regional publisher of the four county papers. married and has one child, which makes Bird a grandpa.
Born in San Diego, CA, he furthered his Northeast Texas high school days at a small In addition to the weeklies, the Quality Guide, an advertising paper, is inserted college in Kilgore, TX. His wife of 20 years, whom he met in Arizona, is from each week. Handling that and making sure all goes well with the Westfield in-house Frewsburg. Eventually, they moved back to Chautauqua County to be close to her papers as general manager is Jim Saxton, who was introduced by Bird. Jim has recently decided to join the club.
Although the papers are limited to a certain number of pages each week, Bird said that “small weeklies survive because of the people in the community. We need your support and we want to know what you’re doing. And, we would like to have more sports.”
Pilot Joe Gugino, who was introduced by Rotarian Phyllis Crockett, was also a recent speaker for Westfield—Mayville Rotary. Joe is a graduate of Dunkirk High School, Alfred State College and SUNY-Fredonia. He joined the Marine Corps in 1988 and served until 2000.
He then flew for United Airlines until 9/11 when he moved “back home” and joined the New York Air National Guard for which he served from 2003 to 2009. Gugino is currently a major in the U.S. Air force and is admissions liaison officer for the U.S. Air Force Academy. He also maintains a full-time civilian job as a Certified Financial Planner in partnership with Dan Ryel in their Fredonia office.
Gugiono has flown more than 12 different types of military aircraft and more than 50 missions in support of the war on terror (OIF/OEF). He lives in Fredonia with his wife, Jessica, and two children.
Having submitted his resume to the Niagara Falls base, Gugino was accepted and then flew for six years “in and out of Afghanistan” to give gas to other aircraft. Joe Gugino and Phyllis Crockett District 7090 Newsletter Page 8
Club News
Williamsville Rotary kicks off “Books for Bucks” to support Polio Plus
Submitted by Lee Broad tion for writing the book (with a little history lesson), and a bit about the book Mary Biddle-Widman, Past President of the Williamsville Rotary Club and former AG, itself. The Masada Proto- col, Lee’s first and Lee Broad, Club Secretary and author of The Masada Protocol, have been novel, is a spy-thriller set in Israel during visiting other clubs to gather donations for Rotary Polio Plus. Mary and Lee have the year 2014. It is available on made three presentations to other Rotary clubs about the writing of the book. At the Internet at Amazon (where 64 the end of each presentation, Lee offers to give an autographed copy of his book reviews give it an average of 4+ stars), to any member who contributes at least $15 to Polio Plus. Barnes and Noble, Google Books, the Apple Store, and elsewhere. Both electronic and print versions are available. So far, they have raised $456 from their presentations to the Rotary E-Club of SOWNY, Batavia, and Clarence. Because the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundations With a goal of raising $5,000 from Rotarians for Polio Plus, Lee and Mary intend matches these donations with two dollars for each dollar raised, the amount availa- to visit every Club in the District that offers them an invitation to speak. Having ble through the generosity of the members of these three clubs for combating polio started the sequel, Masada Retribution, Lee is excited about how generous Rotarians around the world will grow to $1,368--enough to fund almost 2,300 oral vaccina- have been and hopeful that the goal will be reached. “I can’t think of a better tions! As Mary summed it up, “Books for Bucks is a win/win for everyone. Members result from writing this book than to know that 25,000 children will be protected get to support an important Rotary initiative to save children from a horrible from polio,” he explained. disease and receive a terrific book in return.” Should you wish to have Mary and Lee make this presentation to your Club, Mary The presentation focuses on three topics: writing and self-publishing, Lee’s motiva- can be reached at [email protected]; Lee at [email protected]. You can
East Aurora holds 4th Annual Quiz Night
Submitted by Leslie Taylor 1st place - Twice Baked Turkey Brains - Patrick Duffin, Nicole Lipp, Erik & Kristin Eimiller, Michael & Megan Suda, Jason Januszkiewicz The East Aurora Rotary Club recently held one of it's largest fundraising events, Quiz Night, on February 22, 2014. This completely sold out event is only in its 4th 2nd place - Winning Lugers - Jay & Diane Fazio, Kevin & Christine Knab, Jan & year...and just gets better every year. Many thanks to Amy Suda, who is responsible Tony Suda for the event and even makes up the tough Quiz questions in total secrecy! The event provides a 50/50 split raffle, and a generous Basket Raffle as well as accept- 3rd Place - Bob Costas' Pink Eye - Paul Blowers, Kathyann Lorka, Mark Mambret- ing used business wear for local charity. Total profits were $4,321.89 & all proceeds ti, Meghan Mambretti, Jerome Polakiewicz, Rebecca Carpenter fund the club efforts throughout the year. Fun was had by all & we thank the Gow School for using their venue for a great night. Winners were, as follows: District 7090 Newsletter Page 9
Club News
Batavia helps Crossroads House
Submitted by Hollis Upson
The Rotary Club of Batavia NY learned that Crossroads House, a non profit provider of hospice services in Batavia was undertaking an expansion of its physical location to ac- commodate patients better by adding a same floor bathroom with handicap access and by enclosing a nearby deck to make a sitting room for family members.
The project was brought up at the club’s board meeting and discussion allowed a few possibilities of underwriting levels. As a non-budgeted item, it quickly showed support and the board settled on a $15,000 contribution, which took the worry out of construction costs for this addition at Crossroads.
Crossroads provides cost free services at the end of life cycle to residents of our area on a very limited budget with limited financing resources, and our club was very willing to assist in their worthwhile efforts.
On left—excerpted from Winter Issue of Crossroads House newsletter.
Albion celebrates St. Paddy’s Day with ham dinner
Submitted by Marlee Diehl
On March 12th the Rotary Club of Albion celebrated St. Patrick’s Day with a fundraiser which served about 250 people a delicious ham dinner. All were entertained by a group of young Irish dancers. There were lots of prizes including an I-Pad. While final results aren't available it was declared a success. District 7090 Newsletter Page 10
Club News
St. Catharines Lakeshore holds Paul Harris night
Submitted by Jessica Manuel memory of Tyler.
On Wednesday, February 26th, Christmases of 2008 and 2009, the Rotary Club of St. Cath- she asked neighbors and clients arines Lakeshore held its Paul for old coats, boots, and blan- Harris Fellowship Evening pre- kets, collecting items from senting five Paul Harris Fellow- doorsteps in Grimsby, Dundas, ships to four Rotarians and one Hamilton, Caledonia and Burling- outstanding community member. ton. Christmas 2010, a school- mate of Ty’s was holding a coat Rotarians Mary Howard, Bruce drive in Hamilton. Christmas Timms, Clarice West-Hobbs and 2012, Pam had moved to St. Gary Chard were the recipients Catharines, tapping into the along with community member rowing community and Tyler’s Pam King. Governor Kevin Warmth exploded! In 2013, Left to right: Bruce Timms, Clarice West-Hobbs, District Governor Kevin Crouse, Pam Crouse assisted with the presen- Alex Digenis became and contin- King, Gary Chard and Mary Howard. tations made by Marlene Mader. ues to be, her trusted ally to Al Scales and Jon Asplin. further grow Tyler’s Warmth in Niagara. That year, the people of Niagara donated over 65,000 old coats, clothes, Pam King, community member. As a mom with three young sons, Pam King li- boots, blankets, toys and sporting equipment. censed as a real estate broker in 1998. Her son, Tyler grew up with a firm belief that he would make a difference in this world. Every Christmas, Tyler would pur- In 2013, after fifteen years in the real estate profession, Pam had achieved all her chase many hats, mittens and scarves to donate “warmth” to marginalized people. goals. Her new passion became community outreach…...as she works to make He would comment, “No one should be cold during winter, Mom.” Sadly, Ty was Tyler’s Warmth a fulltime commitment. Run on 100% volunteer energy, donations killed September 29, 2007 by a train in Grimsby. Tyler, wearing his I-Pod, took a are given to anyone for any reason. Businesses donate and transport goods ar- short-cut by walking on the rails. That Christmas, Pam instinctively shopped for ranged in cooperation with other Niagara groups and charities. Pam’s long term three of everything. It was painful knowing she was shopping for only two sons goals is to have Tyler’s Warmth grow until Niagara is recognized as the “pay it now. That reality was brutal for her, so she decided to buy for Tyler anyway. She forward” capital of Canada and hopefully North America. spent $300 on hats, mittens and scarves and donated them to a Christmas drive in
West Seneca partners with school district and doctors for literacy
Submitted by John Nash cal Doctor for West Seneca Schools. Dr. Prise is a managing partner of Forestream Pediatrics; she believes that read-aloud West Seneca Rotary has committed $2,000 to help launch activities develop early literacy skills—vocabulary building, Raising Readers—WNY, a literacy initiative that will be language development, and early understanding of letters, focused on infants and young children. The goal is to numbers, and shapes. The strategy of Raising Readers—WNY increase a child’s success with literacy, by promoting the is to enlist the cooperation of pediatricians in distributing skills involved in parents reading aloud with and to their books to an infant’s caregiver at “well baby” visits, and to infants and young children. The program will create a part- advise about the importance of developing early literacy skills. nership among the West Seneca Central Schools, West Seneca Teacher’s Association, local pediatricians, the public library, Literacy is one of Rotary’s core values and for years the club civic organizations, and a committee of volunteers represent- has been purchasing books for the library as well as the ing a broad base. students in the school district. In addition, Rotarians have Brian Graham, Assistant Superinten- volunteered as readers in classroom exercises to increase The idea was proposed by Brian Graham, Assistant Superin- dent of Pupil Services, West Seneca literacy. Raising Readers—WNY harmonizes with West tendent of Pupil Services, and Dr. Kimberly Prise, Chief Medi- Central Schools. Seneca Rotary’s commitment to education and literacy. District 7090 Newsletter Page 11
Club News
Dundas Valley Sunrise holds family day
Submitted by Robert Morrow
It was sunny! Although temperatures still remained cool, there was a great feeling of warmth in the Dundas Driving Park as the Dundas Valley Sunrise Rotary Club celebrated the Family Day week-end with activities centered around the Rotary ice-surface in the park. Horse and buggy rides, skating demonstrations, hot cider and great enter- tainment were the order of the day for the many people who came out to celebrate the week-end.
As well, the Rotary Club presented the Dundas Figure Skating Club with a check to help in its operations and to promote skating as a fun activity that helps with physical fitness as well as developing skaters for competition. This was a “non-fundraiser” for the club … just a way of celebrating with the local community as our area of Canada celebrated Family Day, the same day as President’s Day in the United States.
Niagara Falls, NY sponsors Border Patrol 101
Submitted by John Cooper
The Rotary Club of Niagara Falls, New York is sponsoring a Border Patrol 101 presentation at the Niagara Falls Public Library on Tuesday, March 25, 2014 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM.
Open to the public, the presentation will give interested individuals information on every aspect of the agency. Supervisory Border Patrol Agent Christopher Griffiths and Agent Matthew Bitterman, Public Information Officer for the Buffalo, New York Sector of the United States Border Patrol, will talk about the History of the Border Patrol. Learn about the specific tools used to secure our borders, the differences between our northern and southern borders and specifically the duties of the Border Patrol in Western New York. Also included will be information on human smuggling, narcotics smuggling and human trafficking and the cooperation between several agencies, including Homeland Security, ICE and local agencies that keep our borders safe and our nation secure.
The Rotary Club of Niagara Falls hopes you will join them in a show of support for our Border Patrol.
Place: Niagara Falls Public Library at 1425 Main St, Niagara Falls, NY 14305 Auditorium second floor (elevator available) When: Tuesday, March 25, 2014 Time: 6:00pm to 8:00pm
District 7090 Newsletter Page 12
Club News
Jamestown hears from retired superintendent
Submitted by Chris Anderson
At a recent meeting of the Rotary Club of Jamestown, John Lloyd, Program Director for March, introduced Mr. Deke Kathman who is retired from Jamestown Public Schools where he served in many capacities, retiring as Superintendent. His subject, a very timely one, “Why don’t more School Districts merge in Chautauqua County,” sparked an im- portant conversation. According to Mr. Kathman, many school districts do not merge because of the strength of “community identity” ties, especially with the home high school. Schools should merge for many reasons, but Kathman believes primary among these is that merg- ing provides improved educational opportuni- ties especially at the high school level.
In Chautauqua County alone, there are 18 school districts and over 20,000 students enrolled in those school districts. The aver- Left to right: John Lloyd, Program Chair for March, President Sharon Hamilton and speaker, Deke Kathman, age district size in a K-12 school is 1,100 recently retired Superintendent of Jamestown Public Schools. students. As a comparison, Clymer has 400 students with a graduating class of 32 and Jamestown High School as 5,000 students with a graduating class of over 200 Inertia students. Mr. Kathman asked the question to Rotary members in attendance: Is Political non-starter 18 school districts too many? The best comparison is Oswego County. This coun- Perceived loss of “community identity” at the high school level. ty has the same numbers of students but half as many districts. Relevant developments recently are hopeful, but not sufficient. They include athletic Why should school districts merge? mergers and shared services, proposed “Regional High School” legislation in Albany, Multiple staff efficiencies (administrators, teachers, bus drivers, food service, and accelerating pressure points. There are also negative trends pressuring for etc.). merger such as less school aid, capped property taxes, diminished rainy day funds NYS incentive aid and declining enrollments. The one change that could make a significant difference, Property tax savings in Dr. Kathman’s opinion, is to “un-tilt” the State Education Department’s obligatory Often students want to see the change merger protocol. This could inspire the creation of regional high schools. Student enrollment is projected to continue to decline. Declined from 23,000 to 20,000 in 10 years. Expanded instruction opportunities, especially at the high school level.
Why don’t school districts merge? The process of merger that is required by the State Education Department (SED) is tilted toward failure because it has so many obligatory steps. At any point along the way, a “no” response by either school district stops the process and it must start all over again. Financial concerns are an issue Geography/Density too sparse District 7090 Newsletter Page 13
Youth News
Welland hears update on Rotary Partnership Program
Submitted by Don Thorpe enough. “We have to focus on how these tools can be used to Rotarian Peter Scott gave an enrich learning”., said Todd overview of the Rotary Partner- Sniezak showing a video with a ship Program where during the 4 year old kindergarten student past 4 years, we have endeav- at Plymouth talking about how oured to assist elementary she used this new tool. schools in the disadvantaged areas of Welland by providing “The School Board has critical them with the educational tools challenges and the contribution by which they are able to help by Welland Rotary has made a their students learn in the ever difference”. more complex world of technol- ogy into which they will soon Nikki Train said that the school be entering. tries to bridge with the com- munity, parents and other In the first year of the pro- organizations. Rotary, most gram, discussions took place Left to right: Peter Scott, Rotarian; Todd Sniezak, Plymouth; Nikki Train, Plymouth; Scott recently, has contributed by with the principals of Plym- Root, St. Mary; Corrigan Nadeau, St. Mary; Douglas Johnson, Rotarian. funding the interactive table, a outh and St. Mary to formu- first for the School Board. late a four year strategy which “Thank you for supporting our would meet the needs of the individual schools. Over these years, starting with school. Your contribution this year of $3,500 has enabled us to build this interac- calculators, science equipment and sports paraphernalia, to smart boards and their tive teaching tool in house”, she also said. peripherals, we have donated over $16,000, with the help of Rotary District grants, to purchase needed equipment for these schools and, hopefully, we have St. Mary is in an area with the bottom 10% of family income - $38,000 for a made a difference. family of 4. There is little disposable income and therefore it is difficult to raise funds for the school. Some schools in more affluent areas can raise $10,000s for The club will continue to support each of these current schools and we will cooper- school projects. Your contribution has made it possible to allow for smart board ate with other schools in these areas in an effort to help them meet the challenges purchases which have increased student involvement. 59 out of the 250 students at that these schools, and their students, will face in these far from ideal economic St. Mary have some form of accommodation/modification or alternative programs. times. With the integrated whiteboard and projector, teachers are able to provide for a more personal approach to teaching. St. Mary is now a leading school with this Nikki Train, principal of Plymouth Elementary School, began by thanking the Rotary technology. Club for its financial assistance for the past 4 years. It has made a significant impact on how the younger children learn. The funding has been directed to the Scott Root, the Acting Principal of St. Mary, brought along Corrigan Nadeau, a early grades of kindergarten and grade 1. grade 4 student. Scott thanked the Club for welcoming him, for the generosity and the difference it makes. He introduced Corrigan Nadeau, a grade 4 student who is Todd Sniezak, an IT staff member of the District School Board of Niagara, men- using this new technology. Corrigan volunteered to come and speak to the Club on tioned that the School Board uses Smart Boards produced by Advanced Education. short notice. She mentioned that they use the Smart Boards to learn how to use Generally, these interactive boards are hung on the wall. However, for young chil- the internet. Dance videos are downloaded and are used for exercise in the class- dren in kindergarten and grade 1, the boards are too high. With the financial room. They have ‘music Monday’ where they hear different types of music. Math assistance of the Rotary Club, the IT staff were able to build their own smart table strings is a learning method where the teacher puts math questions on the board using the purchased Smart Board and projector. The table is 6 feet by 4 feet and and the students have to answer them as quickly as possible. Students can answer has the Smart Board integrated into it. The total cost was about $3,500. Plymouth individually using a remote control accessory. was the prototype for this new learning tool! District 7090 has provided 2 Grants for the Welland Neighbourhood Project to the The children can manipulate the table on their own. Because children as young as Rotary Club of Welland during the past four years, totalling $4,000. The grant for 2 or 3 have access to new technology, the wow factor of a Smart Board is not this year was $2,000. District 7090 Newsletter Page 14 District 7090 Office 800 Lakeview Avenue, Jamestown, NY 14701 716.484.8814 Rotary’s Guiding Principles
The Object of Rotary The Object of Rotary is to encourage and foster the ideal of service as a basis of worthy enterprise and, in particular, to encourage and fos- ter: FIRST. The development of acquaintance as an opportunity for service; SECOND. High ethical standards in business and professions, the recognition of the worthiness of all useful occupations, and the dignify- ing of each Rotarian's occupation as an opportunity to serve society; THIRD. The application of the ideal of service in each Rotarian's personal, business, and community life; FOURTH. The advancement of international understanding, goodwill, and peace through a world fellowship of business and professional persons united in the ideal of service.
The Four-Way Test The test, which has been translated into more than 100 languages, asks the following questions: Of the things we think, say or do 1. Is it the TRUTH? 2. Is it FAIR to all concerned? 3. Will it build GOODWILL and BETTER FRIENDSHIPS? 4. Will it be BENEFICIAL to all concerned
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