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Rotary Year 2025-26
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
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TABLE OF CONTENTS 3
Rotary Calendar and Themes Club Mission & Vision statements Coming Events MAY MESSAGE – RI President Francesco Arezzo MAY MESSAGE – Rotary Foundation Chair Holger Knaack PAUL HARRIS SOCIETY – Rotarian Jamie Pole MEET RI PRESIDENT-ELECT – Yinka D6330 NEWS & INFORMATION - Governance MAYFOCUS – Youth Service INSPIRATION – Rotary Club of Flint FOUR-WAY TEST – Haresh Ramchandani, District 7020 SUPPORT THE ROTARY FOUNDATION D6330 CONFERENCE – May 29 POLIO THIS WEEK Remembering life before vaccinations POLIOPLUS SOCIETY UNITED NATIONS DAYS
3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 13 14 16 17 19 20 22 23
CLUB NEWS Visit a new online club? + our 2024-25 Club President Kurtis WHY JOIN ROTARY? – Rotarian Murray Quinton SCIENCE FAIR – Rotarian Mike Elliot & Exchange Student Gong PHOTOS SPEAKER – April 14 – Mason Stewart, Rule of Law SPEAKER – April 21 – Police Chief Derek Davis ROTARIAN MINUTE – E-clubs ROTARIAN MINUTE – Shared Ethic of Word and Deed D6330 LEARNING ASSEMBLY – September ROTARY FOUNDATION & GRANTS OBJECT OF ROTARY & CODE OF CONDUCT EREY – Every Rotarian, Every Year plus DREAM TEAM
24 25 28 30 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39
BACK PAGES Humour Newsletter archive + Honouring 98 years of service and counting Community Service …just the beginning
40 41 42 43 44
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The Calendar below shows Rotary’s 2025-26 monthly themes. ROTARY CALENDAR and THEMES Month July August September October November December January February March April May June
Theme Maternal and Child Health Membership and New Club Development Basic Education and Literacy Community Economic Development The Rotary Foundation Disease Prevention and Treatment Vocational Service Peace and Conflict Prevention/Resolution Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene Environment Youth Service Rotary Fellowships
Right click > Open Link on each flag below to listen to the respective national anthems.
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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
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YOUTH SERVICE Rotary Focus Month of May RYLA May 8 to 10
UNITE FOR GOOD ROTARY FELLOWSHIPS Rotary Focus Month of June 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!
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THE ROTARY INTERNATIONAL PRESIDENT MAY MESSAGE 2026 Follow the youth Shoki Wafula did not know what to expect when he was forced to leave his birth country of Uganda for South Africa. What he found was a Rotary community that welcomed him with warmth and friendship. That experience inspired him to help create a Rotaract E-Club where young leaders from around the world could connect, develop their skills, and serve together. Today, that community includes members across multiple continents who collaborate on leadership development, peacebuilding and service initiatives. For Wafula, the experience reinforced the lesson that meaningful service begins with people who feel connected, valued, and empowered to lead. His story reminds us why Youth Service Month is so important. Through Rotaract and programmes like Rotary Youth Exchange, young people build leadership skills, develop global understanding, and discover the impact they can make through service. Rotary’s Action Plan calls on us to enhance participant engagement. At its heart, that goal asks a simple question: How can we ensure that participation in Rotary is meaningful and fulfilling for everyone? Youth programmes and Rotaract provide a powerful answer. When clubs mentor Rotaractors, host exchange students, or support youth leadership initiatives, they create opportunities for members to share their experience in ways that feel personal and rewarding. These connections deepen members’ sense of purpose and strengthen the bonds within our Rotary family. They also create lasting pathways into Rotary. Thousands of young people complete Rotary programmes each year, and they carry those experiences with them throughout their lives. Many remain eager to stay connected. Organisations such as Rotex International, an association of former Youth Exchange students, help Rotary programme alumni continue serving as mentors, leaders, and advocates for our youth programmes. As Rotex co-founder Hans Lee wrote in a recent reflection on Youth Exchange alumni, “exchange doesn’t end when you return home.” When we welcome these young leaders into our clubs and activities, we strengthen the continuity of Rotary across generations. During Youth Service Month, I hope every Rotary club reflects on how youth programmes can enhance engagement for new and longtime members. Collaborate on service projects and invite youth voices into your planning and decision making. Rotary’s message to the world is that we can Unite for Good. Youth programmes show us how that happens in practice — when generations come together, share ideas, and work side by side in service.
FRANCESCO AREZZO President, Rotary International
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THE ROTARY FOUNDATION TRUSTEE CHAIR MAY MESSAGE 2026 A shot at the future Our largest programme at The Rotary Foundation is PolioPlus, followed by a significant new initiative called the Rotary Healthy Communities Challenge, which emerged from the first Programs of Scale initiative in Zambia. Through this work, we are combating malaria, pneumonia, and diarrhoeal diseases — the three leading killers of children under 5 in Africa. A healthy child still needs an education, and education is where futures are built. Rotary is finding ways to invest in the next generation through partnerships and creative approaches. Johan Denolf, of the Rotary Club Damme, Belgium, and Nirmal Rijal, of the Rotary Club of Kathmandu MidTown, Nepal, share one remarkable example: In the mountains of Nepal, the children of Melamchi Ghyang village had no school. In 1985, a teacher named Purna Gautam set out to change that, founding a school on the promise that no child would ever be turned away. For many girls and boys, it became a lifeline against threats such as child labour, early marriage, and human trafficking. In 1999, Hilde Kuypers, a Belgian humanitarian, was so moved by Gautam’s mission that she founded KetaKeti, a nonprofit, to support it. KetaKeti and the Rotary Club of Damme built a partnership while the club helped the community recover from a 2015 earthquake. In 2024, the Rotary Club of Damme — working with the Rotary Club of Kathmandu Mid-Town and 15 clubs from Belgium and Germany, with support from District 2130 — united for around $175,000 global grant. The project brought solar energy to the school, eliminated dependence on firewood for cooking, powered a medical post, and launched reforestation and environmental education. By 2025, enrolment had climbed to 440 students. Rotary clubs committed to three years of teacher salary contributions. By 2027, the school aims to be self-sustaining through an alumni fund, matched dollar-for-dollar by KetaKeti Belgium. What began as one teacher’s promise has become a story of global friendship and the power of education. Through a Rotary Foundation global grant, hundreds of Nepalese children now have a genuine shot at the future they deserve. Most remarkable of all: The school’s own alumni are now helping secure that future for the next generation. That is the sustainable, generational impact Rotary endeavors to create. There are countless such stories waiting to happen. With your commitment and The Rotary Foundation behind you, you can be part of one. HOLGER KNAACK Foundation Trustee Chair, 2025-26 May 2026 – RC of Sarnia
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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 • • • • • • • • • •
Rotarian Jamie Pole RC of Sarnia
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!
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ROTARY INTERNATIONAL NEWS & INFORMATION Meet our 2026-27 Rotary president, Olayinka Hakeem Babalola Olayinka “Yinka” Hakeem Babalola is sitting on the wrong side of his desk, staring at the tiny squares on the laptop perched in front of him. He’s just finished speaking on a call with 300 Rotaractors from the African continent and other parts of the world, Rotary’s president-elect explains as he turns down the volume. “They held a celebration for me because I’m a past Rotaractor,” he says. By seeing Babalola, himself once in their shoes, embarking on the highest position in Rotary, who knows how many of the 300 he will inspire. It’s early October, less than two months since the Rotary International Board of Directors selected Babalola to lead Rotary, in a special session in late August after the resignation of RI President-elect SangKoo Yun, who died shortly after, following months of cancer treatment. It’s only the second trip to Rotary headquarters for Babalola, of the Rotary Club of Trans Amadi in Nigeria, since his selection. His office is nearly empty, void so far of all the gifts Rotary leaders tend to accumulate during their travels as an incoming president. Click here to read the rest of the article.
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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)
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ROTARY’S MAY FOCUS – YOUTH SERVICE
*
By Dody Priambodo, former Rotary Youth Exchange student and member of the Rotary E-Club of Jakarta Gunawarman In 1997, I arrived in Australia as a Rotary Youth Exchange student. What began as a simple opportunity to improve my English skills quickly became a blueprint for a life-long commitment to service. My host families, predominantly Rotarians, provided me with powerful lessons. I watched in awe as these busy professionals with demanding, fulltime jobs relentlessly carved out time, energy, and resources to serve their community through fundraising events and hands-on projects, both locally and around the world. Dody Priambodo This inspired a question that became my calling: “How does a person with a full-time job manage to find time to serve the community?” With that powerful seed planted in my mind, I resolved that I, too, would dedicate my time to service once I had a career. During Outbound Orientations, exchange students were encouraged to join Rotaract upon their return. I immediately joined my local Rotaract chapter freshman year, quickly deepening my involvement by attending the first-ever Rotary Youth Leadership Awards in Indonesia and assisting Rotarians the following year.
Years later, I was spurred to further action when my youth exchange chair and mentor delivered a pivotal message to 15 alumni: “Rotary Youth Exchange has been instrumental in your good fortune. Now is the time to serve the community with your experience.” In 2014, we acted, chartering a new Rotary club — the first E-Club in the area. Ninety percent of the 19 charter members were former exchange students. Their shared history created a powerful bond, driving meaningful projects from literacy to breast cancer awareness. Their passion for the program led to an additional role: managing the district Youth Exchange program. I became a committee member in 2015, and the committee quickly grew to be 100% youth exchange alumni from different clubs. *
https://blog.rotary.org/2026/04/02/rotary-youth-exchange-sparks-a-lifetime-of-service/
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Together with my friends, we are now actively recruiting for a major reunion we want to hold for exchange students from the 80s, 90s, and early 2000s, using the power of the exchange experience to attract the next generation of Rotarians. The experience of my year in Australia continues to have a ripple effect through my life. Youth Exchange doesn’t just send kids abroad; it creates an army of globally aware, committed community builders who embody the profound power of giving back. Dody Priambodo is Indonesia’s country representative to the East Asian Youth Exchange Network. He is actively looking to establish connections with Rotary clubs in other countries that have exchange student members.
Below - a list of short videos focusing on Youth – Rotary Youth Exchange, Rotaract, Interact – Just click the links to view! About Interact https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dXr8san2s5A What is Interact https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9EOIvRMnKxc Connection between Interact and Rotary https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ju9_uS976Os Rotary Youth Exchange https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-J_bVzF2OyE What is RYLA? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N0SCSbIJ07g RYLA 2023 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M4W8_R8X-mQ
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Inspiration from Rotary Club of Flint Miracle League Provides Opportunity for Youth to Experience the Joy of Baseball On April 10, Brian Caine of the Miracle League of Greater Flint shared about a passion project of his that he has been working on since he was 15 years old. Growing up, he played baseball and also volunteered with kids with special needs. After learning about a Miracle League program in Lansing, he was inspired to start one in the Flint area. In the last two years, that vision has come to fruition with the Miracle League field at Munday Miracle Commons just south of Flint. The Miracle League provides both an accessible baseball field and a supportive environment where children of all abilities can thrive. Participants who may not have had the opportunity to play sports before are able to play using whatever assistive device or support person they need. Games are two innings and everyone has the opportunity to bat and field each inning. According to the Genesee Intermediate School District, there are approximately 9,000 children in the county who could be eligible for the program. Last year, which was the first year of the program, 100 youth participated. This spring, Miracle League of Greater Flint hopes to serve 150 young people. Registration is open until April 20 and is open to any young person age 4 and up with a physical or cognitive disability. The Rotary Club of Flint has two connections with this program. One is that Brian's mom, Roxanne Caine, is one of our past presidents! The other is that our club teamed up with other Rotary Clubs in our region to provide a grant to help support the cost of constructing the field. Brian invited Rotarians to see the program in action at any of their upcoming games. With the exception of the 4th of July weekend, the Miracle League of Greater Flint will host games from 10 am- 1 pm each Saturday from June 13 to August 23. The ballpark is located at Mundy Miracle Commons behind the Home Depot on Hill Rd.
Click here to view a short video. May 2026 – RC of Sarnia
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By Haresh L. Ramchandani, Past District Governor and member of the Rotary Club of L.I.F.E, Jamaica
Prominently displayed on my office door is a small sign featuring The Four-Way Test. It recently caught the eye of a customer, sparking a 15minute-deep dive into morals and ethics. That conversation stayed with me because, while our world is changing at breakneck speed, this 24-word code remains one of the most powerful ethical guides ever written. But where did it come from, and why does a test written nearly a century ago still feel so relevant today? From Bankruptcy to Breakthrough The story begins in 1932, during the darkest days of the Great Depression. A businessman named Herbert Taylor was asked to save the Club Aluminum Company of Chicago from certain bankruptcy. The company was $400,000 in debt — a staggering amount at the time. Taylor risked everything, taking an 80% pay cut and lending the company his own savings just to keep the lights on. He knew he couldn’t out-spend his competitors on advertising or price. Instead, he decided to build a “corporate character” so dependable that it would become his competitive advantage. He turned to prayer and reflection, eventually distilling a 100-word guideline down to just four questions. The result? Within five years, the debt was paid in full. Within the next 15 years, the company distributed $1 million in dividends to stockholders while its net worth climbed to more than $2 million. Taylor proved that even in the worst economic climate, simple ethical guidelines could provide a clear path to success. More Than Just Words What makes The Four-Way Test unique is its design. It doesn’t bark orders at you; it asks questions. It invites us to search for our own answers and constantly examine our own behavior. It’s also broad and inclusive, highlighting values of truth and fairness that resonate across every culture and religion. It’s so universal that honorary Rotarian Buzz Aldrin even planted a Four-Way Test pin on the moon’s surface! So let’s break down the four pillars of this “prescription for living:” Is it the TRUTH? Truth is the bedrock. Without it, society would dissolve into chaos. We live in an era of “white lies,” “political truths,” and situational ethics. This first question asks us to strip away the smokescreen and face the reality of our actions. When we stop meaning what we say, trust collapses.
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Is it FAIR to all concerned? If truth is about reality, fairness is about morality. This question protects our relationships from bias and exploitation. In an “everyone for themselves” world, this test charges us to remember the humanity of others before making a move. Will it build GOODWILL and BETTER FRIENDSHIPS? In this test, “friendship” is treated like a verb — something we do. It’s the most democratic of relationships because it’s available to everyone, rich or poor. By adding “goodwill” to the mix, Taylor reminds us that to have a friend, we must first be one. Will it be BENEFICIAL to all concerned? Taylor chose the word “beneficial” very carefully. He could have said “profitable,” but he wanted to emphasize a commitment to the greater good. To be beneficial means to add something good to the world that wasn’t there before. It moves us away from the “what’s in it for me?” mentality and toward a life of integrity. Bringing it all together is the spoke of the wheel that rotates it in harmony: “Of the things we think, say, or do,” ensuring a positive outcome for Rotary’s most conspicuous gift to the moral climate of the modern world. A Compass for the everyday The Test isn’t just for philosophical debate though; it’s for practical use. For decades, Walgreens drugstores used The Four-Way Test as a “compass” for their corporate culture. Former president Charles R. Walgreen Jr. saw it as a literal prescription for how to treat customers and employees alike. Our world may be more complex than it was in 1932, but our human need for trust and fairness hasn’t changed. These 24 words might not solve every global crisis, but they are a perfect place to start. The next time you’re faced with a tough decision — in business or in life — ask yourself these four questions. You might be surprised at how much clarity they bring. Haresh L. Ramchandani is a past governor (2016-17) of Rotary District 7020, a member of the 2026 Rotary International Taipei Convention Committee, Communications Action Plan Chair for Rotary Zones 33-34, and 2024-2025 Rotary International Membership Growth Committee Chair. Click this link to view the Four-Way Test recited by Rotarian Neil of Rotary E-Club of Canada One.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cPs2B8ZBNec
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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.
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This event is more than a date on the calendar; it’s an opportunity for Rotarians across our district to connect, collaborate, and inspire by the impact we are making in our communities and around the world. Whether you're a longtime Rotarian or brand new to your club, this experience is designed to strengthen leadership, deepen relationships, and celebrate the work we do together. Let's find our "WHY" together.
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This year we are fortunate to have booked three amazing keynote speakers, see below. In addition, we will be featuring a series of 20-minute presentations by clubs in our district and district leaders – and we are calling these learning moments. Foundation trustee Brenda and membership expert Louisa will be with us for the entire weekend so there will be plenty of time to meet and converse with them.
Speaking Friday evening
Saturday afternoon
Friday afternoon
To read and learn more about each of these guest speakers, click here.
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Summary of new polioviruses this week:
• • • • • •
Pakistan: two WPV1-positive environmental samples DR Congo: one cVDPV2 case Malawi: one cVDPV2-positive environmental sample Namibia: one cVDPV2-positive environmental sample Somalia: one cVDPV2-positive environmental sample Sudan: two cVDPV2 cases and one cVDPV2-positive environmental sample
We’re at the brink of eradicating polio. Click here to view the short video. Ramesh Ferris is Rotary District 5370 Governor 2025-26!
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17 April 2026 Éliane Fuseau † was born in a small village in rural France in 1948. When she was 3 years old, she contracted poliomyelitis (polio), a highly infectious disease caused by the poliovirus, which largely affects children under 5 years of age. While most poliovirus infections are asymptomatic, others lead to flu-like symptoms, followed within hours to days by weakness and acute flaccid paralysis of the muscles. For Éliane, the infection led to paralysis in her leg. At the time, Éliane was the only child in her village with a polio diagnosis and, due to the area’s limited medical facilities, she was sent to a paediatric hospital in Tours in central France, where she stayed for 3 months. “My memories of that time are very sparse, but I shared a room with another girl and an ‘iron lung’, in case either of us would need it.” In some polio patients, the virus paralyses the muscles responsible for breathing, so in the past they had to lie inside a negative-pressure ventilator shaped like a large tube, an ‘iron lung’, which acted as an artificial respirator, forcing air into and out of the lungs of patients who could not breathe on their own. Fortunately, Éliane never needed to use the iron lung. However, she still could not walk, and so, along with her sister, who had a form of osteoarthritis, she was sent to live in a rehabilitation hospital in the French Basque Country, over 600 kilometres from her parents’ home. Living at the hospital Éliane lived at the Centre de Herauritz full-time until the age of 7, and then part-time until she was 11. “We were 10 or 12 kids in 1 big room. Most of us children in this hospital had 1 paralyzed leg. One girl also had paralysed arms. We had nurses taking care of us, and people from the village were cooking, making the shoes and making the orthotics.” Since the children came from all over France, and trains were expensive, many saw their parents infrequently. “I think my father came only twice in 7 years to the hospital. My mother must have come a few more times because she made friends locally,” remembers Éliane. “It was a long time to be apart, but the rehabilitation facility was like a second family. We were just embedded into the village.” A photo from the time shows her standing with canes, heavy shoes and a brace on her right leg. She remembers swimming for rehabilitation and doing exercises that used a pulley system and sandbags to build up muscles in the limbs.
†
https://www.who.int/europe/news-room/feature-stories/item/polio-altered-their-future--remembering-a-time-before-vaccination
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“By the time we left the hospital, we had gained so much movement. After a few years there, we all managed to get around, using crutches, our legs, wheelchairs, whatever. We all had a totally integrated life. There was never any idea that we could stay home.” A shared childhood The doctor who opened the hospital in 1952, Dr Anne Barriere, had contracted polio as a child and walked with canes. “She always said that we just had to work harder than anybody else,” Éliane says. “It was very, very clear to us that there was no big obstacle. We could do whatever we wanted.” Encouraged and inspired by Dr Barriere, Éliane went on to study biochemistry and had a successful career in pharmaceuticals. Two years ago, the facility that became a second home for Éliane hosted a reunion. From that celebration, an association of former patients was formed, to meet and exchange memories. Éliane explains that this group of former patients works endlessly to create a place in the Centre de Herauritz that will tell their stories about polio for generations to come. “Because new cases of polio are so rare now, it is very important to keep a clear record of our hardships, so that parents do not neglect or forget to provide vaccination to their kids.” “Most of us are in our 70s and 80s, and most of us are in wheelchairs now. Many of the helpers, the medics, the nurses and the physicians, are also still alive. Some are still working. My old physical therapist, Cécile Dubois, is well past 90 years of age and part of the association.” “The distance between having a vaccine available and no vaccine is so huge. I don’t even know how to cross it, how to make this intelligible for someone. I would probably refer to all that is around me: my wheelchair; the big, adapted van I have to drive; all the complications of my life. I can live with my disability because I earn enough money. People who don’t have money, some of them can’t even leave their homes.” Progress against polio In France, large-scale polio vaccination campaigns began in the late 1950s, which means that all generations since then have been protected from the hardships faced by Éliane and her peers. Globally, major progress has been made towards ending polio, with only 2 countries still endemic for wild poliovirus. In the WHO European Region, the achievement of polio-free status has been maintained since 2002 through high routine immunization coverage, laboratory-supported surveillance for acute flaccid paralysis, and environmental surveillance in selected sites. However, as long as poliovirus is circulating anywhere in the world, all countries are at risk of importation and possible transmission. WHO/Europe works with national authorities to assess risks, close immunity gaps, support preparedness plans, and respond to detections of poliovirus through targeted vaccination and intensified monitoring – helping protect every child and prevent re-establishment of transmission.
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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.
Click here to view a short video and message from Past RI President, Jennifer Jones
These numbers were published on the 13th of April, 2026 Click here to view the complete case count.
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INTERNATIONAL DATES TO NOTE (plus links)
May Rotary’s Focus – Youth Service
Saturday, May 9 World Migratory Bird Day (UNEP) Tuesday, May 12 International Day of Plant Health (WAO) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tgyo9tg9o_s – View a short video Friday, May 15 International Day of Families Saturday, May 16 International Day of Living Together in Peace International Day of Light (UNESCO) Sunday, May 17 World Telecommunication and Information Society Day Tuesday, May 19 World Fair Play Day Wednesday, May 20 World Bee Day Friday, May 22 International Day for Biological Diversity No pollinators, no SDGs! The diversity of pollinators have a direct and positive impact on crop yields. Bees and other pollinating insects are, in fact, improving the food production of 2 billion small farmers worldwide, helping to ensure food security for the world's population. Honey hunting of wild bee colonies also remains an important part of the livelihoods of forest-dependent peoples in many developing countries. Conversely, the decline of these species has many consequences on our ecosystems and on the quality and quantities of food crops, with a direct consequence of an imbalance in diets and a depletion of natural resources, as well as an impoverishment of populations. The health and even the lives of billions of people will be affected and, therefore, many sustainable development goals (SDGs), such as the one aiming at ending world hunger and the one aiming at preserving and restoring terrestrial ecosystems, will no longer be attainable. May 2026 – RC of Sarnia
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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 – Interactive Rotary On Demand 24/7, 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
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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. MAY+ PLANS Date May 5 May 9 May 12 May 26 June 2
Presentation Dr. Karalyn Dueck, Medical Officer of Health, Lambton Public Health (Co. of Lambton) Disaster Preparedness Day @ Lambton College Marilyn Gladu, MP Anthony Deakin, Scouts & Community Action Grant Katherine Albion, Exec. Director, Western SarniaLambton Research Park
Kudos to Rotarian Alison Mahon for her outstanding and ongoing work curating speakers for our weekly meetings—bringing thoughtful, engaging voices to the club week after week—something that never just “happens” and is so often quietly taken for granted.
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WHY JOIN ROTARY? WHO NEEDS ROTARY? Focus this month – Rotarian Murray Quinton I served in the Canadian Forces and the Royal Canadian Navy for 42 years. Throughout my life, I have always been eager to become involved in community activities. One of my favourite forms of participation was raising funds for several non-profit organizations through extreme long-distance charity runs – hence, my email moniker marathonmurray. In 1999, during the final years of my military service, I was working out of London, Ontario as a Navy Reserve recruiter for Southwestern Ontario. My wife Kathy and I later decided to move back to Sarnia. At the time, my oldest son Kevin was the manager of a Sobeys store in Alliston. While visiting him, he suggested that I consider joining Rotary, saying it would be “right down my lane.” He mentioned that Rotarians were frequently coming into his store seeking support for their many community projects. Shortly afterwards, I attended a Chamber of Commerce after-hours gathering where a Rotarian invited me to attend a Rotary lunch meeting. Following that meeting, I spoke with my Commanding Officer, who strongly endorsed the idea and encouraged me to join Rotary, noting that it would help raise our profile in the community. With his encouragement, I joined the Rotary Club of Sarnia in 2009. I have now been a proud Rotarian for 17 years. During my time in the military, I was inducted into the Order of Military Merit in recognition of exceptional service and performance of duty. Recipients are not informed of the specific reasons for their selection, but what struck me most was the Order’s motto: “Service before self.” Rotary’s motto, “Service above self,” carries a very similar meaning and has always resonated deeply with me. After joining Rotary, I discovered an inspiring group of like-minded people who genuinely want to make a difference in our community and in the world. One of the fundamental principles of Rotary is the Four-Way Test. It is not just a statement — it represents a culture that guides the way we live and serve. Of the things we think, say or do: 1. 2. 3. 4.
Is it the TRUTH? Is it FAIR to all concerned? Will it build GOODWILL and BETTER FRIENDSHIPS? Will it be BENEFICIAL to all concerned?
Many times, when we are fundraising or working on projects, friends and even complete strangers will comment that Rotary does good work in the community. Knowing that I am contributing to something larger than myself is deeply rewarding. It is a very good feeling to know that you are helping to make the world a better place. May 2026 – RC of Sarnia
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I continue to remain active in Rotary because I enjoy the hands-on work involved in serving others. Some examples include: • Flipping pancakes at our signature Annual Mackinac Pancake Breakfast • Helping at the Emergency Preparedness BBQ • Sorting food at The Inn of the Good Shepherd • Preparing school backpacks for children in need • Working Charity Bingos that help fund our projects It makes me proud to play even a small role in Rotary’s support of outstanding initiatives such as: PolioPlus Rotary’s PolioPlus program is one of the most significant public health initiatives in history. Through global cooperation with organizations such as the World Health Organization, UNICEF, and national governments, Rotary has helped reduce polio cases by more than 99.9% worldwide. Affordable Housing The Rotary Club of Sarnia is actively involved in initiatives that address homelessness and the need for affordable housing in our community. The club has hosted events to explore various types of supportive housing and continues to seek partnerships with municipal, provincial, and federal partners to move these projects forward. Meetings have included discussions with Ontario’s Associate Minister of Housing regarding the progress being made and the support required to expand these efforts. Pathways Health Centre for Children The Rotary Club of Sarnia was among the original visionaries behind Pathways Health Centre for Children and continues to be a strong supporter of the organization and its important work serving children and youth in Sarnia-Lambton. The Rotary Club of Sarnia Foundation leases the land to the Centre for $1 per year and has also contributed $180,000 toward the community’s only therapeutic pool, fulfilling a longterm commitment in 2025. Action Grants Rotary Club of Sarnia Action Grants support local organizations that are working to make a positive impact in the community. Typically, between 8 and 12 applications are received for each round of funding, sometimes as many as 15. Grants are awarded twice each year, with deadlines in January and August. Nearly $100,000 has been distributed to date, supporting organizations such as St. Joseph’s Hospice, Community Living, and the Alzheimer Society of Sarnia-Lambton. Rotary has become a huge part of my life, and I will be a Rotarian for the rest of my life. And finally, Rotary provides an opportunity to serve others in meaningful ways, to work alongside dedicated people, and to contribute to projects that improve lives locally and globally. I am proud to be part of an organization that continues to live its motto of Service Above Self.
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LAMBTON COUNTY SCIENCE FAIR 2026 April 10-11, 2026 Rotarian Mike Elliot has been a vital part of the Lambton County Science Fair for many years. And this year, our Rotary Exchange student, Gong, was interested enough to participate as well. Wonderful representation from Rotary!
Kitty (& Ralph) visiting Gong at the Science Fair. His project explored how carbohydrates in cooked rice break down into sugars that provide energy for the body. An interesting and very worthwhile project for a Science Fair!
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Mike has shared his participation in the Science Fair and I want to share that with the readers! Mike writes – I have been on the science fair committee since 1998 for all but 2 years since then. Most of the members of the committee have been with us for 10-30 years. The committee has existed in some form since 1973. I started as the NOVA representative, and have done publicity and donations prior to my current role as Treasurer. That is why you did not see me. I was hidden away signing cheques. We raise about $20,000 each year from Corporations that support STEM, and provide cash prizes of around $5000 to the 50-75 students Grade 3-12 who participate annually. The big winners (top 5) are taken to the Canada wide science fair which is in late May in Edmonton this year. Gong’s award was a Senior bronze. His topic involved rice and how much sugar rice contains and its impact upon our systems. We award Gold, Silver, and Bronze in each age category based on the scoring he gets from judges on the Friday night. Not everyone who enters gets an award. Gong is the second exchange student I can recall who entered and won awards in the science fair. The last one was pre-covid.
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Some Photos from March 31, 2026 At the Pathways Centre –
Pat & Rajni
Johnna & Yvonne
Mike H. & John
Adelle, Bill Boynton, Rick, Myles
May 2026 – RC of Sarnia
Mike Elliot
Brian & Sandra
Mike & Kurtis
Sue & Rajni
Cathy & Barry
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Sandra
Chris, Rick, Myles
Alison Morrison
Mysti & Murray
Tony, Jamie, Johnna
s
Mike Hurry
Mike Elliot
Alison Mahon
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Speaker – Tuesday, April 14
The presenter today is Mason Stewart, of Fleck Law - Ontario Bar Association, Rule of Law presentation “The Rule of Law is the concept that the law is the rule and nobody is above it. In a judicial sense, if we have the Supreme Court say ‘The sky is blue’ realistically we should not have a lower court saying ‘No, it’s red.’ The Rule of Law dictates that we have apportioned the authority to the higher courts who will determine what is the law of the land. So, nobody is above the law, and that is the fundamental rule. Democratic societies don’t function when different sets of rules apply to different people. We can all probably think of a few examples when that has been the case in some countries across the world who have a lesser premium on the Rule of Law and that creates problems. If we choose to live in a democratic society, the Rule of Law is kind of the North Star. And that is what we are always trying to aim for.” Examples of how the Rule of Law silently protects everyday life • • • • •
At home – your house or apartment Driving to work – dealing with police or state power At work – employment contract and fair treatment Buying things – consumer protection and contracts Resolving disputes – fair, unbiased resolution regardless of politics or connections
Elements of the Rule of Law • • • • • •
Universal application - Everyone in society, from citizens to the Prime Minister, are held to the same legal standards Transparency – Laws must be clear, public, knowable, and stable, so that individuals can understand and act accordingly. The public must know the rules they are held to. Rational Connection/Non-Arbitrariness – Laws must be rationally connected to the stated objectives and applied equally Judicial Independence – Judges rule on the facts and law, without fear of punishment or interference Accountability – Everyone, including those who exercise public power are answerable to the law. Those who break the law are held accountable. Access to Justice – Must be able to access and use the legal system effectively. Without access, rights have no practical meaning. Charter as a shield to check government actions.
These were a few notes presented on Tuesday. Overall, a very informative and interesting presentation! May 2026 – RC of Sarnia
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Speaker – Tuesday, April 21 Sarnia Police Chief – Derek David Chief of Police Derek Davis was our guest speaker this week, offering a thorough and informative overview of policing in Sarnia and the current challenges facing the community. He was forced to meet online rather than in person – and apologized for the inconvenience. His presentation was well received, with members expressing appreciation for his openness and the insight he shared. Thank you Chief Davis for taking the time to share your perspective with our club. Chief Derek Davis ‡ has held the position of Chief of Police since May 2022, when he was sworn in to succeed retiring Chief Norm Hansen. Prior to coming to Sarnia, Davis served as a Superintendent with the Halton Regional Police Service, where he was a commander in Burlington. His policing career includes front-line experience as a patrol officer, along with leadership roles in operations and administration. He has also been involved in national initiatives, including serving as Vice Chair of the board of MADD Canada, reflecting a long-standing commitment to reducing impaired driving. Chief Davis became Sarnia’s police chief in 2022 after being hired externally, which was notable because most previous chiefs had risen through the local ranks. • At the time of his appointment, he emphasized: o Learning the specific needs of the Sarnia community o Maintaining a more personal, community-focused policing approach compared to larger services Leadership and Initiatives According to official Sarnia Police Service materials and reports: • Davis brought experience in leadership, innovation, and public safety analytics, including some private-sector expertise. • His tenure has focused on: o Modernizing police operations o Expanding evidence-based decision-making o Increasing transparency and accountability o Strengthening community trust • The service under his leadership has introduced initiatives such as: o Tools to help return stolen property to victims o Enhanced approaches to community safety and crime prevention Contract and Ongoing Role • In 2026, the Sarnia Police Service Board extended his contract through 2032, citing his leadership and progress in modernizing the service. Personal Notes • When he moved to Sarnia, Davis relocated with his wife and three children. • He has expressed appreciation for Sarnia’s smaller-community feel and direct connection with residents. In Context Chief Davis represents a modern policing leadership style—combining traditional policing experience with data-driven approaches and community engagement. His appointment marked a shift for Sarnia toward bringing in external leadership to address evolving challenges. ‡
Biographical information based on publicly available sources and Sarnia Police Service materials.
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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.
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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.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KW5iAxKo9HU&t=401s https://www.facebook.com/share/v/18Ao9nRn7C/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qc7bXiYrSZM
Another trip is planned for 2027 – Interested?
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A LITTLE HUMOUR
Theme parks can snap a crystal-clear picture of you on a roller coaster going 70 mph, but bank cameras can't get a clear shot of a robber standing still. Every box of raisins is a tragic tale of grapes that could have been wine. I know it's time to clean out my purse when my car assumes it's an extra passenger who isn't wearing a seat belt. Some people seem to have aged like fine wine. I aged like milk ... I got sour and chunky.
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TO VIEW PREVIOUS NEWSLETTERS online in magazine format, click the links below -
July
August
January
May 2026 – RC of Sarnia
February
September
March
October
November
December
April
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COMMUNITY SERVICE THROUGH THE YEARS Pathways Health Centre for Children (Founder) Bluewater Health – Maternal & Child Health Wing YMCA – Swimming Pool Inn of the Good Shepherd Lambton College St. Joseph’s Hospice Huron House Boys’ Home Community Living, Sarnia Lambton Community Concerns for the Medically Fragile (Standing Oaks Home) Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RLYA) DOW Centre for Children and Youth Big Brothers – Big Sisters Canada Food Grains Scouts Canada – Camp Attawandaron Goodwill Industries Rayjon Haiti Project YMCA Youth Scholarship Lambton County Music Festival Awards Family Counselling Centre Access Open Minds Habitat for Humanity Point Edward Minor Hockey Association Junior Achievement Numerous Schools – LKDSB and SCCDSB …and much, much more
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But no -
When tomorrow comes, this day will be gone forever. In its place is something that you have left behind. Let it be something good.§
§
Author unknown
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