Rotary International President, Francesco Arezzo (Rotary Club of Ragusa, Italy) District Governor Jeff Ferweda, (Rotary Club of Genessee Valley, MI) Club President, Kurtis Lush
District website: https://rotary6330.org/ Club website: https://www.rotarysarnia.com/ Club Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/rotaryclubofsarniaontario
CLUB
The Calendar below shows Rotary’s 2025-26 monthly themes.
ROTARY CALENDAR and THEMES
Month
July
Theme
Maternal and Child Health
August Membership and New Club Development
September Basic Education and Literacy
October Community Economic Development
November The Rotary Foundation
December Disease Prevention and Treatment
January Vocational Service
February Peace and Conflict Prevention/Resolution
March Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene
April Environment
May Youth Service
June Rotary Fellowships
Right click > Open Link on each flag below to listen to the respective national anthems.
LEARN ABOUT ROTARY CLUB OF SARNIA
Take the time to view a short video on Rotary’s Areas of Focus – Click here!
Right click > Open hyperlink here to view a short and fun video of our RI President
OUR ENVIRONMENT
Rotary Focus Month of April
EARTH DAY
Wednesday, April 22
UNITE FOR GOOD YOUTH SERVICE
Rotary Focus Month of May
DISTRICT 6330 CONFERENCE 2026
May 29 --- 31
4 Points Sheraton, Sarnia/Point Edward, ON 1498 Venetian Blvd.
Rotary Anthem
Right click here to open the link and listen to the Rotary Anthem!
THE ROTARY INTERNATIONAL PRESIDENT
APRIL MESSAGE 2026
Count on preparation, not luck
Not long ago, in a small health centre in the village of Aaye in southwest Nigeria, a woman arrived in labour carrying twins. The facility was short-staffed. The nurse midwife in charge was not present.
A community health worker stepped forward. She had participated in Together for Healthy Families in Nigeria, a Rotary Foundation Programs of Scale initiative. And though she was not formally trained as a midwife, she was equipped with essential emergency obstetric skills.
Hours later, both babies had been delivered, one at the health centre and the other at a general hospital, where the mother had been referred after complications were quickly identified. The newborns and their mother were alive and safe.
Women around the world face similar circumstances every day – moments when the difference between life and loss depends on well-trained medical staff and reliable systems and procedures.
Together for Healthy Families in Nigeria exists to increase the chances that those moments end in hope. By strengthening health systems and training frontline workers, this programme helps communities protect mothers and children even when circumstances are difficult.
This work reflects the very heart of Rotary service. Service is not only what we do when conditions are ideal. It is what we do when systems are strained, resources are limited, and the need is urgent. It is the commitment to prepare people before a crisis arrives and to stand with communities when it does
Maternal and child health is not an abstract goal. It is deeply personal. It is a mother who survives childbirth. It is a newborn who takes a first breath. It is a family that remains whole because someone was trained, ready, and cared enough to act. Rotary understands that service means investing in people and systems long before they are tested.
Programmes like Together for Healthy Families in Nigeria show what is possible when Rotary brings together local knowledge, global partnerships, and sustainable solutions. By working alongside health professionals and local leaders, Rotary helps ensure that lifesaving care does not depend on luck or location.
The story of the mother and her twins is at its core a story of service. It is a reminder that Rotary’s impact is measured in human moments when people step forward to help others in their most vulnerable hours.
When we Unite for Good, service becomes more than an ideal. It becomes a lifeline for families, a source of strength for communities, and a promise that Rotary will continue to go wherever help is needed most.
FRANCESCO AREZZO President, Rotary International
THE ROTARY FOUNDATION TRUSTEE CHAIR
Your impact matters
MESSAGE APRIL 2026
Rotary’s environment area of focus offers clubs and districts the chance to make a truly lasting impact in their communities. One possibility is through the Community Action for Fresh Water partnership between Rotary and the United Nations Environment Programme, which launched the initiative in 2024 to protect, restore, and better manage freshwater resources worldwide.
Through the programme, Rotary and Rotaract clubs identify a local water body — a river, a lake, wetlands, or groundwater — and commit to its long-term protection and restoration. Members can draw on UNEP’s technical expertise.
Salvador Rico, a member of the Rotary Club of South Ukiah, California, and a technical adviser to the partnership, tells us more:
The partnership is deeply personal to me. My passion for clean rivers comes from a painful family experience during my childhood in Mexico: We believe my older sister died of polio she contracted from swimming in a polluted river there. Unsafe water is not an abstract environmental issue; it is a matter of life, health, and dignity for families and communities.
This experience drives my work as a member of The Rotary Foundation Cadre of Technical Advisers, where I ensure Rotary members have access to proven technical knowledge so their global grant-supported projects deliver lasting impact through permanent, scalable solutions.
Today, Community Action for Fresh Water supports Rotary clubs globally by providing a shared platform to upload projects, learn from other clubs, and access technical and financial support through global grants and club-to-club collaboration.
The impact became tangible in 2024, when the environmental chair of District 4170 in Mexico shared a critical challenge: Small, family-owned textile factories were polluting the upper Lerma River watershed. Rotarians lacked clear solutions. Through the freshwater partnership, I connected them with UNEP experts who provided guidance on bioremediation strategies. That collaboration led to a global grant application and, we hope, cleaner water for this community.
The partnership among Rotary clubs, family-owned textile companies, and government authorities ensures shared responsibility and long-term stewardship. Every Rotary club can amplify this impact by registering freshwater projects at https://www.communityactionforfreshwater.org/
Look around your community — I bet you’ll find a water body in need of protection. The Rotary Foundation can support your project through Community Action for Fresh Water and a global grant.
HOLGER KNAACK
Foundation Trustee Chair, 2025-26
PAUL HARRIS SOCIETY
What's the Paul Harris Society?
The Paul Harris Society is the name given to those Rotarians who pledge a $1000 gift annually – every year You may know these committed individuals they wear a flag below their Rotary pin that reads PHS.
One easy way to give at the $1000 level is through Rotary Direct -- sign up and an amount of money you designate is automatically deducted from your account each month. Learn more at www.rotary.org
Members of the Paul Harris Society know that the need never ends and neither should the giving.
D6330 Long-time Paul Harris Society Chair is Rotarian Jamie Pole.
What your giving supports
• Vocational training for teachers establishing an early childhood education center in South Africa
• Water filters, toilets, and hygiene training to prevent fluorosis, diarrhea, and other diseases in India
• A scholarship for a medical professional in Italy to research treatments that minimize mortality rates among premature babies
• Peace-building seminars for 200 teachers and 1,300 students in Uganda
• Treated mosquito nets and medical services that prevent malaria in Mali
• Clean water and sanitation which assists in preventing disease
• Life-saving health care to mothers and children
• Peace and peace building
• Education and literacy
• Economic and community development
In District 6330 we are proud of the generous members in our Paul Harris Society.
We have over 32 of our clubs that now have members in the Paul Harris Society.
If you have any questions or need further information, please do not hesitate to reach out to your Paul Harris Society Coordinator, District 6330 – Jamie Pole!
Rotarian Jamie Pole RC of Sarnia
NEWS & INFORMATION IMPORTANT TO ROTARIANS
In District 6330, Rotary leadership – past, present, future
Above (left to right) PDG Mike Chaffee (2022-2023 - PDG Sonja Glass (2023-2024) –PDG Katherine Hahn (2024-2025) – DG Jeff Ferweda (2025-2026 – DGE Lorna Gunning Fratschko (2026-2027)
Above left - DGN Dawn Kennedy (2027-2028) Above right – DGND Peter Maranger (2028-2029)
ROTARY’S APRIL FOCUS –OUR ENVIRONMENT
The screenshot below comes from Flightradar24 on Thursday, January 19, capturing the real-time location of commercial aircraft in the sky at that moment.
Each yellow icon represents a plane already in the air.
It’s a striking reminder of the scale of global air travel — thousands of flights criss-crossing our planet simultaneously — and the environmental footprint that activity creates.
The sky is crowded – North America and Europe are just swarming with planes — thousands of them at once. Even mid-ocean routes look like highways.
This is every hour of every day – This isn’t a special moment. It’s normal traffic, happening 24/7, 365 days a year.
Each one of those planes burns fuel – A single long-haul flight can produce as much CO₂ as an entire year of driving. Multiply that by the sheer volume. It becomes impossible to pretend it doesn’t matter.
As Rotary International places increasing focus on protecting our environment, images like this encourage us to reflect on the choices we make, the impact of our daily habits, and the responsibilities we share as stewards of the Earth.
Is it true that Canada’s Overshoot Day is March 8?
According to the Global Footprint Network (the organization that calculates Overshoot Days worldwide), Canada’s Overshoot Day in recent years has indeed fallen in early March — March 2, March 5, or March 8 depending on the year’s data updates.
For 2024, Canada’s Overshoot Day was March 8.
This means:
• By March 8, Canadians had consumed a year’s worth of Earth’s renewable resources.
• Everything used after that date represents ecological debt — drawing down forests, soils, oceans, and emitting carbon faster than nature can regenerate or absorb.
It’s not a moral judgment — it’s a math equation of consumption vs. regeneration.
And yes… it’s alarming. https://overshootday.org/newsroom/country-overshoot-days/
WHATEVER HAPPENED TO THE HOLE IN THE OZONE LAYER?
WHATEVER HAPPENED TO THE HOLE IN THE OZONE LAYER?
Stephanie Honchell Smith
TED-Ed April 2023
Click here to view this short video – 5 minutes
Or Click here
AND AN UPDATE ON RECYCLING IN SARNIA
Key 2026 Updated Recycling Rules:
Unified List: A single, province-wide list of accepted materials replaces varying municipal rules.
Newly Accepted Items: Black plastic containers, plastic film, foam packaging, hot/cold beverage cups (with lids), toothpaste tubes, deodorant sticks, and frozen juice containers.
What to Exclude: Do not include alcohol containers (return to The Beer Store), diapers, toys, ceramics, or hazardous waste.
Preparation: Items must be empty and free from food residue.
Producer Responsibility: The system is now 100% funded and operated by producers, not municipalities.
Circular Materials
Note: While some municipalities have already transitioned, the full, province-wide rollout of this new system is officially in effect as of 2026
SEMINAR FOR TOMORROW’S LEADERS
ROTARY’S MAY FOCUS – YOUTH SERVICE
What is the Rotary Seminar for Tomorrow's Leaders?
The Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) is a leadership program organized and facilitated by Rotary Clubs around the globe.
Each year, thousands of youth, who are invited to participate based on their leadership potential and are sponsored by Rotary Clubs, participate in this amazing program.
Rotary Clubs and the Rotary District cover all expenses for the participants.
The format of the event varies from district to district, but commonly takes the form of a seminar, workshop, or camp where the participants learn, discuss, and practice leadership skills.
In District 6330, our RYLA program is known as the Rotary Seminar for Tomorrow's Leaders It is a weekend seminar usually held at Western University in London, Ontario.
Our seminar is devoted to enhancing and expanding the leadership skills and abilities of Grade 10 and 11 students—the next generation of leaders in communities throughout the District!
Students are provided with a range of new experiences, tools, and perspectives through icebreakers, group discussions, amazing guest speakers, and other interactive activities that engage and nurture their inner leader!
RYLA aims to:
• Demonstrate Rotary's respect and concern for youth;
• Provide an effective training experience for selected youth and potential leaders;
• Encourage leadership of youth by youth;
• Recognize young people who are rendering service to their communities.
Most RYLA programs cover the following topics:
o Fundamentals of leadership
o Ethics of positive leadership
o Importance of communication skills in effective leadership
o Problem-solving and conflict management
o Rotary's purpose and service to the community
o Building self-confidence and self-esteem
o Elements of community and global citizenship
Each year, students create lifelong friends from across District 6330.
They are introduced to other Rotary youth programs, including Interact, Rotaract, and Rotary Youth Exchange.
They learn how they can stay involved with Rotary in their community after the seminar.
They expand their horizons both inside and outside the organization!
Questions?
If you have questions about Rotary Seminar for Tomorrow's Leaders, please email d6330ryla@gmail.com
Click here or the graphic below to view a short video on Rotary Seminar for Tomorrow’s Leaders.
Powerful and Poignant
Past RI President Shekhar
Mehta’s presentation on Girls’ Education as a Tool of Community Empowerment
and Economic Development
The Basic Education and Literacy Rotary Action Group (BELRAG) Board of Directors had the honour of hosting a webinar on a vital subject on February 13, 2026. The presenter was none other than Past Rotary International President (2021-22) Shekhar Mehta, a pioneer of the Girls’ Empowerment movement in Rotary.
Mr. Mehta’s presentation began with a universal truth that when we educate a girl, we do not just change her life, we change the trajectory of her family, her community, and her nation. In the view of Mr. Mehta, Girls’ Education can be a “force multiplier for dignity, development, and economic growth.”
Mr. Mehta cited a UNESCO data to point out that 133 million girls around the world are illiterate, which means that there are that many “dreams deferred” and “future leaders delayed.” Mr. Mehta made a call for Rotarians to not quit hope and to keep building o the progress made with 50 million girls having entered schools worldwide since 2016.
Mr. Mehta emphasized the need to build awareness on the socio-cultural and economic factors that impede our girls finding access to basic and higher education, like poverty, child marriage, safety concerns, and lack of clean bathrooms, etc.
Source - Basic Education & Literacy Rotarian Action Group <info.belrag.org@membernova.email> The BELRAG March 2026 Newsletter
Click here to read the full article.
SUPPORT THE ROTARY FOUNDATION
Supporting The Rotary Foundation: Turning Good Intentions into Lasting Change
Multiplying the Good We Do
One of Rotary’s greatest strengths is that when individual Rotarians care enough to act, The Rotary Foundation allows those efforts to grow into projects that can change entire communities.
Each year, Rotarians contribute to The Rotary Foundation, and those contributions do something quite remarkable. They do not simply sit in an account or disappear into administration.
Instead, these monies return to districts and are combined with funds from other clubs, districts, and Rotary’s World Fund to support projects that address real needs around the world.
Through this unique model, even a modest contribution from a Rotary club can become part of a much larger initiative.
An individual club might contribute $1,000, but when that amount is combined with district support, partner clubs, and matching funds from The Rotary Foundation, the total project budget can grow to $30,000 or more.
What begins as one club’s idea can become a partnership between Rotary clubs in different countries—working together to provide clean water, education, disease prevention, maternal and child health, and community development.
This is the power of The Rotary Foundation!
By pooling resources and working cooperatively, Rotarians can accomplish far more together than any one club could do alone.
And in working on an international project, Rotarians will make lifelong friendships along the way.
Supporting The Rotary Foundation ensures that when Rotarians see a need and choose to act, they have the resources and partnerships needed to make a lasting difference.
Powerful and Poignant
A look back – https://www.facebook.com/rotary
Rotary International March 6 at 9:01 AM ·
Sylvia Whitlock is an educator, humanitarian, longtime advocate for women and under-represented groups in Rotary, and the first female president of a Rotary club.
In 1982, she joined a club whose membership had been previously revoked for admitting women. Five years later, thanks to her and many others' determination, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that Rotary could no longer exclude women. In 1987, Sylvia was elected president of the Rotary Club of Duarte, California.
Since then, she's dedicated her life to service — founding an AIDS clinic in her home country of Jamaica, raising more than $90,000 for girls’ education in India, and paving the way for countless women leaders.
Today, the Sylvia Whitlock Leadership Award honors Rotary members who follow in her trailblazing footsteps.
Here’s to those who make history and empower others to do the same!
ROTARY INTERNATIONAL SALUTES MARKS
INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY
There are many reasons to celebrate various months, and names are often attached to the month for a particular celebration. Rotary’s March theme is Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene. However, it also is celebrated as Women's History Month, and March 8 was International Women's Day. In honour of that, Rotary International created a Facebook post taking a closer look at a founding Mother of Rotary, Sylvia Whitlock.
When Rotary was created, it was an explicitly male-only organization.
In 1978, the Duarte, CA Rotary Club challenged that by inviting three women to become members - including Sylvia Whitlock, who officially joined in 1982.
In response, RI revoked the club's charter.
The Duarte club sued and won in the California state courts, and the case was appealed to the US Supreme Court. The highest court in the land ruled in 1987 that women could not be barred from joining Rotary Clubs.
Sylvia Whitlock went on to become the first woman president of a Rotary Club, serving as president in 1987.
Today, Rotary International honors her by bestowing the Sylvia Whitlock Leadership Award on one Rotary member each year. The award celebrates someone who has actively worked to advance women in Rotary.
Meet Mayan Raslan, the 2026 recipient of our Sylvia Whitlock Leadership Award. Whether she’s helping design a Rotary project or consulting with another organization, Mayan believes social service must have a long-term impact.
“As you are rising as a leader, give opportunities to others. Leaders create leaders,” Mayan says. “Success is collective. It’s never just individual.”
As a member of the Rotary Club of Cairo Royal Egypt, Mayan believes success is best achieved with others and is committed to elevating other women to leadership roles.
• Somalia: one cVDPV2 case and one cVDPV2-positive environmental sample
Almost
Gone!
Polio is a highly infectious disease that once paralyzed hundreds of thousands of children each year.
Thanks in large part to Rotary’s global efforts since 1985, cases have been reduced by more than 99.9%
Today, polio remains endemic in only a small number of areas, but until it is eradicated everywhere, children everywhere remain at risk. Rotary’s promise is simple: we will finish the job.
DOES POLIO STILL EXIST?
IS IT CURABLE?
From – https://www.who.int/news-room/questions-and-answers/item/poliomyelitis
Does polio still exist? Is it curable?
Polio does still exist, although polio cases have decreased by over 99% since 1988, from an estimated more than 350 000 cases in more than 125 endemic countries, to two endemic countries (as of 2025). This reduction is the result of the global effort to eradicate the disease, thanks to the Global Polio Eradication Initiative, a global public-private partnership.
Despite the progress achieved since 1988, as long as a single child remains infected with poliovirus, children in all countries are at risk of contracting the disease. The poliovirus can easily be imported into a polio-free country and can spread rapidly amongst unimmunized populations. Failure to eradicate polio would result in global resurgence of the disease.
There is no cure for polio, it can only be prevented. Polio vaccine, given multiple times, can protect a child for life.
For more on the global effort to eradicate polio, please visit the Global Polio Eradication Initiative website at www.polioeradication.org.
What is wild poliovirus?
Wild polioviruses are the naturally occurring strains of poliovirus that circulate in the environment.
• There are three serotypes of wild poliovirus: type 1, type 2, and type 3.
• Immunity to one serotype does not confer immunity to the other two.
Outbreaks were largely unknown prior to the 20th century. However, with improved sanitation in the 20th century, the average age at which individuals were exposed to the virus increased.
With progressively declining protection from maternal antibodies, infection increasingly resulted in paralysis.
• Type 2 wild poliovirus was declared eradicated in September 2015, with the last virus detected in India in 1999.
• Type 3 wild poliovirus was declared eradicated in October 2019. It was last detected in November 2012.
• Only Type 1 wild poliovirus remains.
What is variant (vaccine-derived) poliovirus
Circulating variant (vaccine-derived) poliovirus, are rare, but such strains have been increasing in recent years due to low immunization rates within communities. cVDPV type 2 (cVDPV2) are the most prevalent.
The oral polio vaccine (OPV) that has brought the wild poliovirus to the brink of eradication has many benefits: the live attenuated (weakened) vaccine virus provides better immunity in the gut, which is where polio replicates. The vaccine virus is also excreted in the stool, and in communities with low-quality sanitation, this means that it can be spread from person to person and actually help protect the community.
However, in communities with low immunization rates, as the virus is spread from one unvaccinated child to another over a long period of time (often over the course of about 12–18 months), it can mutate and take on a form that can cause paralysis just like the wild poliovirus. This mutated poliovirus can then spread in communities, leading to cVDPVs.
The small risk of cVDPVs pales in significance to the tremendous public health benefits associated with OPV.
Every year, hundreds of thousands of cases due to wild polio virus are prevented. Well over 20 million cases have been averted since large-scale administration of OPV began when the Global Polio Eradication Initiative was launched.
Circulating VDPVs in the past have been rapidly stopped with 2–3 rounds of high-quality immunization campaigns.
The solution is the same for all polio outbreaks:
• Immunize every child several times with the oral vaccine to stop polio transmission, regardless of the origin of the virus.
D5370 Governor Ramesh Ferris is a polio survivor. Click here for his story.
THE POLIOPLUS SOCIETY
JOIN THE POLIOPLUS SOCIETY IN D6330
Donations are matched annually 2-to-1 by the Gates Foundation up to US$50 million, generating a potential total of US$150 million toward polio eradication.
Raise awareness in your community by planning events or projects that support the fight against polio.
Visit endpolio.org to find the latest information and tools to help you share the story of our fight against polio and raise support.
Ending this disease forever remains our top humanitarian priority and needs our full commitment.
How can you take action? Donate to End Polio
INTERNATIONAL DATES TO NOTE
April Rotary’s Focus – Our Environment
Thursday, April 2
World Autism Awareness Day
Monday, April 6
International Day of Sport for Development and Peace
Tuesday, April 7
World Health Day (WHO)
Sunday, April 19
Paul Harris’ birthday Born April 19, 1868 - Racine, Wisconsin
Died January 27, 1947 - Chicago, Illinois
Tuesday, April 21
World Creativity and Innovation Day
Wednesday, April 22
International Mother Earth Day
Thursday, April 23
International Girls in ICT * Day
Week of April 24 to 30
World Immunization Week (WHO)
Tuesday, April 28
World Day for Safety and Health at Work
* Information and Communications Technology
Paul Harris
Learn about other Rotary clubs! Consider joining some of the online meetings available –
All Rotarians are encouraged to join local (and other) clubs to learn more about Rotary, get to know other Rotarians, gain a new perspective and appreciation for Rotary and Rotarians. Here is a list of online clubs where you can earn a make-up along with learning a whole lot more about Rotary! Why not visit them all?
• Rotary E-Club of Canada One – Rotary On Demand, Where you want, When you want!
• Rotary Club of One World
• Rotary E-Club of World Peace
Click here to attend this week’s posted meeting of E-Club of Canada One.
These meetings are posted online and available 24/7!
There’s also a Thursday morning Coffee Chat at 10:00 a.m. Eastern Time. Please join our Coffee Chat from your computer, tablet or smartphone. https://us02web.zoom.us/j/709771987
Club President for 2025-26 – Kurtis Lush
The hat is ready for our 100th President. The Rotary Club of Sarnia will celebrate 100 years in 2028. The club already has a hat ready for that special President who will lead the club during the celebrations of our 100th year of service to the community of Sarnia. Shown displaying the 100th Presidential Hat are past president, Mark Taylor (#96), immediate past president, Jamie Pole (#97), current president Kurtis Lush (#98) and current vice-president Joe Cebulski (#99), who also is the designated caretaker of the prized (#100) hat until that person is chosen later by the members. Special celebrations and projects will take place during 2028.
APRIL + PLANS
Date Presentation
April 14
April 28
May 5
May 12
May 26
June 2
Cassandra Cunningham, Ontario Association Rule of Law presentation
Rob Kardas, President/CEO, Lambton College
Dr. Karalyn Dueck, Medical Officer of Health, Lambton Public Health (Co. of Lambton)
Marilyn Gladu, MP
Anthony Deakin, Scouts & Community Action Grant
Katherine Albion, Exec. Director, Western SarniaLambton Research Park
Speaker – Tuesday, February 24
Rotarian Myles introduced the guest speaker today – Rob Tuer.
It’s my pleasure to introduce Rob Tuer. I’ve known Rob for maybe 20 years through SCOUTING, and it’s been a pleasure working with him at all times. He’s been involved in scouting for over 30 years, as an active leader working with kids, as well as on the Camp Attawandaron Committee and that’s what he is speaking about today.
Rob’s purpose has always been helping youth. He’s also been Chair of the Northern Collegiate Foundation Board for about 20 years and currently works at Lambton College working with student recruitment –including recruitment for International students –which, we’re all aware how that has slowed down. It’s my pleasure to have Rob come and join us. He’s always been a positive influence in our community.
A little background –
Sarnia advisor, Robert Tuer, named Sun Life Financial's 2008 Volunteer of the Year - An excerpt is shown below from the announcement.
Sun Life to donate $10,000 to charity on winner's behalf
WATERLOO, ON, June 8, 2008 /CNW/ - The gift of volunteering is wrapped by caring people who are willing to donate their time to make their communities healthier and happier places to live. Sun Life Financial takes great pride in recognizing the selfless contributions of its employees and advisors, and today announces that Robert Tuer, advisor with the Sarnia Financial Centre, is its national 2008 Volunteer of the Year. In recognition of Tuer's volunteer work, Sun Life Financial will donate $10,000 to his charity of choice: Scouts Canada - St. Bartholomew's Cub Pack.
Tuer was named 2008 Volunteer of the Year in recognition of the amazing amount of time he devoted mostly to young people through several organizations. As one of the Cub Pack leaders for Scouts Canada, Rob volunteered over 600 hours organizing and running meetings, overnight camps, an annual trip, and other activities for kids aged eight to 10 years old.
Through Scouts Canada, he spent three weeks in Madagascar last year, preparing for 20 young people who will join him this summer to build wells and a cyclone shelter in the region. In addition to those impressive contributions, Rob dedicated almost 500 hours to the Sarnia Lions Football Association and Northern High School Football, showing kids how to play the game, be good sports, and contribute to their communities.
At the Rotary meeting, Rob presented a PowerPoint display to show and explain to the audience what Camp Attawandaron is, what changes have been made to Camp over the years, and to thank the Rotary Club of Sarnia for its ongoing support and donations through the years to this very special camp. It’s an amazing place!
CAMP ATTAWANDARON HISTORY
The property – comprising approximately 190 acres – was purchased on May 4, 1948. It comprises 6 group cabins that were built from 1950-2001. Burr Lodge was built in 1970. Beaver Building was built in 1985 – the first building in the camp with indoor washrooms and central heat. In 1999, a municipal waterline was installed into the camp so there was no more of hand pumping water from the well.
CAMP UPDATES
• 2007 purchase of a new tractor
• 2007 Scouting’s 100th Anniversary; the chapel was renovated
• 2010 The main washroom was rebuilt providing accessible showers and washroom facilities
• 2016 The washroom at Burr Lodge was updated ad winterized
• 2017 With generous discounts from Nova Craft canoes, we purchased 18 new canoes and 6 new kayaks
• 2005 to present – Imperial Roofing Sarnia has been upgrading the roofs with lifetime steel roofs at no charge!
• 2019 New cabins at Burr Lodge
SCENES – Scout Centres of Excellence for Nature and Environment
Camp Attawandaron Reserve was accredited in late 2014. This was Scouts Canada’s third SCENES Centre, and 20th worldwide. Attawandaron contains a significant number of species at risk, designated by both the Ontario and Canadian governments. It is a protection for its rare natural habitat, undertaking conservation measures while providing enriched outdoor and camping experiences for all visitors of all ages year round.
The camp’s programmes include pine tree mitigation, habitat restoration, bird identification, honeybee education, various plan habitat programs ad Skink count. There are continual ongoing improvements to the trails and other significant nature areas within the camp.
Local and national sponsors help fund and support the SCENES programmes and initiatives.
YOUR CONTRIBUTIONS IMPACT OUR YOUTH
5000 people visit Camp Attawandaron each year
• Scouting groups, Girl Guides of Canada
• Church youth groups
• Elementary and Secondary schools, colleges, and universities
• Lambton Outdoor Club
• Aboriginal Bands
• Community Living Ontario
• Ministry of Defence
• Inn of the Good Shepherd, Salvation Army, and County of Lambton
• Visitors are from all parts of Ontario and Michigan
• Our camp usage has increased by 15% each year over the past 5 years
Speaker – Tuesday, March 3
George Hayes, broadcaster on Sarnia 99.9 The Fox Radio (retired November 2025)
The speaker today was George Hayes, a well-known broadcaster who recently retired after an impressive 44 years in radio. He was introduced by Rotarian Brian.
George shared that broadcasting has long been part of his life story. His father was an NHL linesman and referee, and George had the honour of inducting him into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1988. Because of his father’s career, George had the opportunity as a young person to meet many well-known figures in the hockey world.
George began his career in radio in 1981, and many in Sarnia will remember him from the Fox morning show, which he joined in 2000. For years he was part of the popular morning team with Sarah whose “off-the-wall” humour George would gently bring back down to earth, creating a dynamic that listeners loved.
He began his talk by noting how many friendly connections he already has with people in the room, and he happily reported that retirement is treating him very well: “It’s fabulous!”
Reflecting on his childhood, George spoke warmly about his father and the stories he heard growing up. He admitted that one of his few regrets is not recording those stories.
Ironically, George described himself as a shy teenager who even struggled with a stutter and disliked public speaking—hardly the obvious path toward a career in broadcasting. Yet he realized that radio appealed to him and decided to give it a try around 1981. What followed was a broadcasting career that would span more than 44 years.
Over the years, radio brought him into contact with many fascinating people. One memorable moment came when he phoned a number to arrange a commercial—only to discover that the person on the other end was Don Cherry. When George mentioned who his father was, Cherry launched into several minutes of enthusiastic hockey conversation about him.
George also recalled how nervous he was when interviewing astronaut Chris Hadfield—another story that drew plenty of interest from the audience.
All in all, it was a warm and engaging presentation. Anyone who did not previously know George left feeling that they did—and that a friendship might easily follow.
And the final question of the day?
Why is George Hayes not yet a Rotarian?
With some good fortune, that situation may soon be corrected—because George has already received an invitation to join the Rotary Club of Sarnia!
Photos from March 3, 2026
A SIMPLE QUESTION FOR ALL OF US –How many of your Rotary friends did you say hello to this week (March 3) — and how many did you personally welcome?
Guest speaker, George with Brian – President Kurtis – Bill Boynton
Johnna, Bill Hoad, Ralph
Rajni, Pat – Jerilyn – Tony
Barry, Allan – Speaker George, Myles, Bill Hoad, Ralph, Mike, Bill Boynton
Murray – Rajni, Hugh – Speaker George and Myles
President Kurtis – Mike Hurry
Rotary was founded on friendship. Every meeting is an opportunity to welcome someone, greet someone new, or simply reconnect with a fellow Rotarian.
Rotary’s founder, Paul Harris, reminded us of something very simple:
“Friendship was the foundation rock on which Rotary was built.”
So perhaps the real question for all of us each week is simple… how many Rotary friends did we personally speak to and welcome?
Barry, Jamie – Bill Hoad – Jamie, Jerilyn
Alison – Carolyn, Bill – Mark, Kurtis
Speaker – Tuesday, March 10
Nicole Elliott, The Nest
A couple of guests joined us for the presentation today. Nicole Elliott graduated from Lambton College in the CYC programme and worked at the Boys’ Home for five years. For the past two years she has been involved with the Nest programme here in Sarnia. Her co-worker, Shayanne, recently graduated from the CYC programme at Lambton College.
Nicole has been part of Rebound for the past ten years, and during that time there was the challenge of creating a program for youth aging out of child services but not yet fitting comfortably into adult services in the community. The question was, “How do we bridge that gap?”
The answer became The Nest, a drop-in space for youth ages 12 to 24. The program is divided into two separate age groups. Monday, Wednesday, and Friday serve the older group (ages 16 to 24). Tuesday, Thursday, and the last Friday of the month are for the younger group (ages 12 to 15).
The Nest programme used to be called The Hub, but the organization recently undertook some new branding. Because so many youth services include the word “hub” in their name, they chose The Nest, which better reflects the supportive and welcoming environment they aim to provide.
Both presenters spoke about the programme in Sarnia as a place where youth can drop in for fellowship and connection with others. The hours are 2:30 to 7:00 p.m. Youth do not simply have to “hang out,” although that is certainly welcomed. There is a pool table, television, video games, and computers, along with the opportunity to spend time with peers in a safe and supportive space.
Dinner is prepared every evening, and there is also a small “marketplace” where donated food, clothing, and hygiene items are available for youth to take at no cost. As young people navigate the challenges of growing up, these supports can make a real difference.
Counsellors are available when needed. The Goodwill Career Centre also provides support and resources as youth begin to transition into the working world. Learning how to prepare résumés and search for jobs are important skills. Housing can also be a real struggle for youth, and guidance is provided in that area when necessary. Staff also help ensure that youth gain important life skills, including support related to mental health and coping strategies.
It was a very interesting presentation, accompanied by a few photos that helped give the audience a sense of the welcoming and pleasant atmosphere.
Donations and volunteers are always welcome, of course.
In February of this year, there were 499 youth visits and about 450 meals served. The on-site food bank was accessed 148 times. The laundry and shower facilities were used 3 times. Personal hygiene items were accessed 76 times.
So, there is an accounting of how the Nest is contributing to the wellbeing of the youth in the community.
Thank you!
Nicole and Shayanne addressing the club
Speaker Presentation – Tuesday, March 17
Carolyn Callaghan, cinéSarnia
Carolyn and her co-presenter gave the club an overview of the history of cinéSARNIA and how it came to be.
The films are all curated through associations with the other local theatres in Ontario and Canada, including TIFF. The goal is really to expand the world of the community residents through film.
The 30th anniversary is scheduled for April 10 at the Sarnia Library Theatre. Check their website for upcoming scheduling and much more information!
cinéSARNIA is a not-for-profit charitable volunteer group dedicated to bringing quality Canadian and international films to the city of Sarnia.
The organization operates in conjunction with the “Film Circuit” part of the Toronto International Film Festival Group
The “Film Circuit”, which is based in Toronto, is in partnership with distributors to assemble a list of films twice a year from which the associated groups select their programmes.
Currently, it consists of approximately 100 communities across Canada, of which 45 are in Ontario.
Plan to go view a film very soon!
Speaker – Tuesday, March 24
Rotarian Carolyn presented a delightful history of Manley’s serving Lambton County’s business community for 126 years!
Rotarian Bill Boynton introduced Carolyn.
Carolyn presented lots of photos and humorous anecdotes about the history of the business and the history of Carolyn’s family!
• Proudly Canadian owned and operated since 1900
• Full-size office supplies, furniture, and workplace solutions
• Reliable local delivery across Lambton County
• Real people, real relationships, real service
• Supporting local businesses, schools, industry for more than a century
Manley’s Office Supplies began in 1900, when Thomas and Blanche Manley opened a small bookstore and newsstand on Lochiel Street in downtown Sarnia. Over time, the business expanded its offerings beyond books and stationery to include a wide range of office supplies and business products, gradually becoming a trusted resource for local organizations and professionals.
The Leaver family became closely connected with the company when Fred and Ted Leaver, who had emigrated from England as children, joined the business and eventually purchased it from Blanche Manley. Their commitment to quality service helped the firm continue to grow through the mid-20th century.
In the 1960s, the next generation expanded the product range to include office furniture and major commercial brands, reflecting the changing needs of workplaces. The company later joined Basics Canada, a national buying group, strengthening its purchasing power and competitiveness in an increasingly challenging retail environment.
Leadership passed to the fourth generation in 2002, when sisters Lisa and Carolyn assumed ownership.
Under Carolyn Leaver Luciani’s leadership, Manley’s has continued to evolve while maintaining its identity as an independent, locally owned business serving Sarnia-Lambton.
Now located in Point Edward, Manley’s has remained in operation for more than 125 years — a testament to its adaptability, community relationships, and commitment to service.
Thank you, Carolyn!
WHY JOIN ROTARY? WHO
NEEDS ROTARY?
This month, highlighting Rotarian Mike Hurry
Caring deeply about helping others - the very spirit of a Rotarian From The Sarnia Journal Before Rotary - Mike Hurry joined Big Brothers as a caseworker in 1977 before taking over three years later. He steered the youth mentoring agency through a 2011 amalgamation with Big Sisters, and raised hundreds of thousands of dollars through his trademark fundraising treks around the globe.
Hurry has climbed some of the world’s highest peaks — along with dozens of adventure-seeking Sarnians and board member Dave Hill — first, with a 2009 trip to Mount Kilimanjaro in Africa.
“It was the beginning of a really great way to fundraise and connect with people,” Hurry said of his globetrotting adventures which raised $750,000 over the years and included a 2016 trek to Mount Everest.
“There’s something about getting above the clouds, with the storms below you. And you can’t explain why you’re going back… it’s just one of those things you have to do.”
In 2020, Hurry and Hill were eyeing a fundraising trip to Mount Denali when the pandemic struck — cancelling $200,000 worth of planned fundraising. Instead, the pair climbed the stairs of an 11-storey apartment building 200 times to duplicate the 20,310-foot peak, raising an impressive $53,000.
“Sarnia is amazing in its generosity — that’s what always stands out in my mind,” said Hurry. “And that’s what makes this community such a special place.”
Over the years, Hurry has been a Big Brother himself to five youth, including Brandon and Jamie, whom he and wife Deb took in as teenagers through a partnership with the Children’s Aid Society, and still live with today.
Click here to read the rest of the article.
Why Rotary? – Mike’s words Over the course of my career at Big Brothers and later Big Brothers Big Sisters, I had an opportunity to speak at most, if not all, service clubs throughout Lambton county. In most cases, attendance at a club meeting resulted in someone suggesting that I should become a member of their club.
I can honestly say that the Rotary Club of Sarnia was the only club that I gave serious consideration to, and as a result, I actually joined in May 2002.
All of the service clubs I spoke to over the years have a membership committed to making our Sarnia-Lambton community better so why Rotary over all the others?
Why Rotary? What really attracted me to Rotary was their commitment to making not just our community better but to make the world better. This international focus made the difference and prompted my acceptance of membership.
But why The Rotary Club of Sarnia? Both Big Brothers and the Rotary Club of Sarnia attended a dragon boat race in Woodstock in 2001. Both organizations approached the company to host an event in Sarnia in 2002. In the end, we agreed to co-host Dragon Boat Racing in Sarnia, and I ended up joining the Rotary Club of Sarnia.
My sponsor into Rotary was local Sarnia Lawyer Dave Hockin. I had known Dave for a number of years. Dave had been a Board Member for both Big Brothers and Big Sisters when they were separate agencies, and later sat on the Board of Directors for The Magfrat Foundation.
When I joined in 2002, the Rotary Club of Sarnia had a much larger membership and met on Mondays at the Guildwood Best Western. Membership fees included the cost for your lunch, and you paid for weekly lunches regardless of whether you were available to attend.
At that time many of the memberships were corporate, paid for the member by his/her employer. It had only been 15 years (1987) since Rotary had opened membership to women and while the membership of the club was still weighted heavily towards men, women were having a significant impact on the growth and success of the club.
In my time in Rotary, I have participated in a number of fund-raising initiatives, been a member of the Board and the Foundation Board and I am a past President of both. In addition, I was the Assistant Governor for the District. While appointed as District Governor, in the end I stepped down from that role.
I am a Paul Harris Fellow +4, a member of the Paul Harris Society, the Polio Plus Society, the Bequest Society and a Benefactor. In addition, I have completed the three levels of the Rotary Leadership Institute.
Through the support of Rotary I have travelled to help rebuild a school in Haiti and have cycled across Canada.
In June, 2025, Mike Hurry was back on the road to complete his cross-Canada cycling trip raising funds for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Sarnia-Lambton. ( Source - the Sarnia Observer)
Hurry, with his wife Deb driving an accompanying RV, completed the first leg of the trip in 2022 and returned to Northern Ontario in mid-May to start the second leg scheduled to end sometime in June in Halifax where he plans to dip his front bike tire in the Atlantic Ocean.
“The weather has been atrocious,” Hurry said during a stop at Deep River. “I’ve had sleet and snow, and our waterlines froze one night.”
The initial leg in 2022 began when Mike dipped a bicycle wheel in the water in Victoria and then paused at Marathon. Forest fires in 2023 and a friend’s illness in 2024 delay the second leg until this year.
Click here to read the rest of the Observer article.
And by the end of June, 2025, Rotarian Mike had completed his ride – Mike’s words below from his blog -
Today we are back to cycling and it will be our last day on the bikes. We drive back close to where we departed the ferry from PEI and last cycled. From Stellarton we take highway 374 towards Steel Harbour. The road is for the most part relatively new pavement. There is only a 14 km section toward the end that is in need of resurfacing and it certainly isn’t as bad as some roads we have been on.
The road is virtually empty - in fact at most a couple of dozen vehicles pass us in both directions. Other than a couple of significant hills, the road is low rolling hills sweeping from left to right and back again for the entire day.
We have a beautiful country and cycling allowed me to get to see many parts of the country that I would never have seen.
Cycling get you off the four-lane divided highways and into the small towns and villages.
We are really blessed to live in Canada.
Over the course of the two years that Deb, Maggie and I spent on this adventure we talked to a lot of different people across the country. We know that we have far more in common, far more which unites us than divides us.
Click here to read the full blog
Other must-see links -
• Sarnia Journal
• Click here to read the rest of the Observer article.
• Rotary Ride for Kids – the full blog
• And a link in the Rotary Magazine – January 2023 – If you haven’t read this article, you MUST. And even if you’ve read it, you need to re-read it. Fabulous article! Outstanding Rotarian! Thank you, Mike!
“Mike Hurry, the Canadian Rotarian who cycled across the country to raise funds for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Sarnia-Lambton, raised at least about $750,000 through his fundraising efforts up to early 2023 from his various long-distance charity cycling trips, including his cross-Canada ride.” (Rotary magazine)
Home-grown Canadiana
Rotary Pancake Breakfast Under the Bridge
A true Sarnia Canadiana tradition — hosted proudly by the Rotary Club of Sarnia
When: Mid-July (Saturday morning of the Port Huron to Mackinac Sailboat Race weekend)
Where: Beneath the Blue Water Bridges, Sarnia Waterfront
Host: Rotary Club of Sarnia
The Rotary Pancake Breakfast under the Bridge is one of Sarnia’s most cherished summer traditions — and a perfect example of modern Canadiana.
Each July, as thousands gather to watch the sailboats queue for the start of the Port Huron to Mackinac Race, the Rotary Club of Sarnia welcomes the community to enjoy pancakes, sausages, coffee, and classic Canadian hospitality along the St. Clair River.
Why it embodies Canadiana
• Held at an iconic Canadian border landmark
• Deeply rooted in community service, the heart of Rotary and Canadian civic culture
• A long-standing Sarnia tradition that families look forward to every year
• The aroma of pancakes and maple syrup on a summer morning feels quintessentially Canadian
• Celebrates Sarnia’s connection to water, boating, and the Great Lakes — all major parts of Canadian identity.
The Bluewater Bridge – (Photo: Lambton County Museums)
Mackinac Pancake Breakfast – Rotary Club of Sarnia
Port Huron to Mackinac Boat Race – Wikipedia
THE ROTARY FOUNDATION (TRF)
Donations Are Important!
Clubs must qualify every year! The Rotary Foundation requires Clubs that want to participate in the District Grants program to qualify. To qualify, the club must:
• Be in good standing
• May not have any grant reporting that is overdue
• Have at least 2 members complete the District’s Qualification Training course and quiz
The Certification is valid for One Rotary Year only! Clubs must be re-certified for each Rotary Year.
Rotary Foundation Grants – There are two kinds of grants.
- Global Grants and District Grants:
Global Grants
• Must be in (at least) one of Rotary's Areas Of Focus
• Must be International projects involving at least 2 clubs in 2 different countries. One of these clubs is the host club - the club where the project will take place. The other is the international partner - the club that provides funding and possibly some expertise to help implement the project.
• Must have a minimum budget of USD $30,000
• Club funds are supplemented by the District Designated Funds as, and if, available
• Funds donated to the project from District Designated Funds are supplemented by The Rotary Foundation (World Fund) to fund these grants.
District Grants
• May be local or international in scope.
• Are usually smaller in scale. There is no minimum budget requirement.
• Will usually involve active participation by Rotarians.
• District 6330 clubs may apply for more than one District Grant in a single Rotary year but are limited to a maximum of USD $3,000 per year in District Grant funding.
• Projects must be started and completed within one Rotary year - July 1 to June 30 of the next year.
Ready to Apply for A Grant? Will it be a District or a Global Grant?
3 simple questions to help you decide:
• Is the project in one of the areas of focus? – No? Consider applying for a District Grant.
• Is the project between Clubs/Districts in separate countries? – No? Consider a District Grant.
• Is the total budget for the project less than USD $30,000? – No? Consider applying for a District Grant.
• If you answer YES to all the above, consider applying for a Global Grant.
ROTARY’S FOUR-WAY TEST
A Thoughtful Start to any day
� � � � What is the Rotary Four-Way Test?
It's a short ethical guide used by Rotarians worldwide to help evaluate decisions, both personal and professional.
It was created in 1932 by Herbert J. Taylor, who later became Rotary International President. Facing financial and moral crisis in his company, he developed this test as a litmus test for integrity and fair conduct.
The test asks four questions of the things we think, say or do:
• Is it the TRUTH?
• Is it FAIR to all concerned?
• Will it build GOODWILL and BETTER FRIENDSHIPS?
• Will it be BENEFICIAL to all concerned?
It may seem simple, but in a complex world, those questions are anything but easy — and that’s part of their power.
� � � � � Why Should We Consider It?
Because Ethics Matter — now more than ever.
The Four-Way Test:
• Brings clarity to grey areas.
Click
• Encourages honesty and accountability, not just in public life but in our quiet decisions.
• Fosters trust — a commodity that seems scarce in many parts of today’s society.
• Helps cultivate respectful dialogue instead of divisiveness.
• Serves as a universal framework: it’s non-religious, non-political, and applicable across cultures and professions.
In a world of misinformation, polarization, and moral shortcuts, it gently but firmly asks: Are we making the right choices for ourselves and for others?
the 4-way test above and open the link to hear the Four-Way Test by RC of Saskatoon Nutana.
� � What Does the Four-Way Test Mean in Today’s Context?
In a global landscape marked by challenges — climate change, inequality, misinformation, and conflict — the Four-Way Test is a compass. It reminds us:
• Truth is not just about facts, but integrity.
• Fairness challenges us to consider others, not just ourselves.
• Goodwill and friendship are the foundations of peace, community, and collaboration.
• Benefit to all concerned asks us to be stewards, not just beneficiaries.
In Rotary, it’s more than words. It shapes how Rotarians lead projects, build partnerships, and serve their communities — from clean water initiatives to polio eradication. But beyond Rotary, it’s an invitation to live more ethically and courageously.
� � Closing Thought
The Four-Way Test isn't about being perfect. It's about trying to do the right thing, every day, in big ways and small.
Click here to listen to a short video about the Four-Way Test history!
THE ROTARY FOUNDATION
EREY – Every Rotarian Every Year
Click here for a short video.
Our Every Rotarian, Every Year (EREY) initiative encourages all Rotary club members to contribute something each year to The Rotary Foundation. We hope that you can consider at least $100 USD every year to help us reach our goal to support the Rotary Foundation financially each year.
Sustaining member. One who contributes $100 USD every year is a Sustaining Member. With EREY, we encourage you to contribute an amount you can afford every year.
Click here to listen to We are the World.
A LITTLE HUMOUR
A widower, on his retirement, purchased a house situated near a high school. He spent the first few weeks of his retirement in peace, then the new school year began.
One afternoon early into the first semester, three young boys came down the street, beating merrily on every bin they passed. They did this the following day and the days after that, for a week, until the man decided it was time to take some action.
The next afternoon, he walked out to meet the boys as they banged their way down the street.
Stopping them, he said, "You kids are a lot of fun. In fact, I used to do the same thing when I was your age. Would you do me a favor?”
“I would give you each a dollar, if you promise to come around and do your thing."
The boys were more than happy to accept this and continued to bang the bins. After a few days, the man came out to meet them with a sad smile, and said, "This recession really is putting a dent in my income. From now on, I will pay you each 50 cents to continue."
The boys were unimpressed by this but continued to do the same afternoon activities. A few days later, the man approached them again and said, "Look, the recession has again reduced my income, so from now on, I am afraid I can only pay you 25 cents each."
The leader then exclaims angrily, "That's it? If you really think we are going to waste our time banging the bins for 25 cents each, you must be a fool. No way that's going to happen. We quit."
The man then enjoyed peace and serenity for the rest of his days. Source
