Issuu

Official Newsletter for Rotarians of District 6330

bridge@rotary6330 org

Katherine’s Korner

I hope this letter finds you well and enjoying these early days of spring! As I sit here with my morning coffee amidst these challenging and uncertain times we're all navigating, I'm reminded of why I fell in love with Rotary in the first place.

You know, one of Rotary's greatest strengths has always been our a-political and non-denominational approach. This isn't something we hide behind or use as a convenient shield – it's a deliberate choice with profound purpose. It allows us to go places in the world that might otherwise be closed to us, to serve communities regardless of their political or faith traditions, and to unite people across divides that often separate us. It opens doors, builds bridges, and helps us make friends everywhere. And honestly, I don't think there's ever been a more important time to be a Rotarian than right now.

Last week, I was listening to "The Bridge with Peter Mansbridge," which is one of my favorite podcasts. In a recent episode, Peter asked his listeners what qualities they look for in a leader. Though it was asked in a political context, the answers could have been straight out of "Rotary 101"!

One person wrote: "I would like a leader whose primary goal is to serve and represent all the people... someone who puts others before themselves and does their best to follow through with their plans and promises, despite challenges that may arise." Sound familiar? It's Service Above Self in a nutshell!

Another listener said they valued "honesty, integrity, and consistency, but importantly, the ability to listen and reconsider positions when the data shows they are wrong." I couldn't help but think of our Four-Way Test when I heard that. My favourite response was beautifully simple: "A person whose love for their community or country surpasses their own selfimportance." If that isn't a perfect description of our Rotary family, I don't know what is!

Friends, we've known each other for years – some of us for decades. We're Rotarians first, but we're also longtime friends who've celebrated together, grieved together, and served together. Through all of life's ups and downs, we've had this beautiful Rotary community to come home to.

I truly believe that the good guys are going to win. When we bring people together in harmony – across different backgrounds, beliefs, and perspectives – we create something powerful and lasting. This is how positive change happens, one relationship at a time.

As another podcast listener wisely put it: we need to create "a society that values community over individualism, one that values health over wealth, and education over entertainment, one that values the environment over exploitation for profits and conveniences, one that recognizes that other people are people too." That's exactly what we're doing in Rotary, isn't it?

Keep shining your light, my friends. I feel so blessed to be on this journey with you.

Upcoming District Events

London East Celebrates 70 Years Mar. 18, 2025

Great Lakes Rotary President-Elect Learning Seminar

Mar 20, 2025 - Mar 22, 2025

International Day of Forests Mar 21, 2025

World Water Day Mar. 22, 2025

Festival City Celebrates 30 Years Mar. 23, 2025

Wine Survivor (2nd Edition) Mar. 24, 2025 - Mar. 26, 2025 (Hanover)

Rural Urban Dinner 2025 Mar 27, 2025 (Stratford)

The Continuity Challenge Apr 07, 2025

Lionhearts Volunteer April 11 AM

Rotary Leaders in Action

Apr. 12, 2025, 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Rural Urban Night - St. Mar

What’s Happening in District 6330 March - April 2025

Be sure to add your upcoming club event on the district calendar so we can share it here.

MEMBERSHIP MINUTE WITH DGN LORNA

Lorna Gunning Fratschko

DGN District 6330

Rotary Club of London Hyde Park

Past President Rotary Club of London South Cell: 519-670-5480

Incoming RI President Mário César Martins de Carmargo is asking Rotarians to UNITE FOR GOOD by embracing growth, service & connection in his plan to expand the “best qualified team of volunteers on the planet.”

He further states that “Rotary’s greatest asset is not our history, our projects or even our unmatched global reach. IT’S OUR

MEMBERS!”

Your dedicated District Member Team are ready, willing & able to assist your clubs in growing memberships. We are encouraged to embrace and promote a variety of club models such as Satellite Clubs, Cause-Based Clubs, Enterprise Clubs & Passport Clubs which offer people different ways to experience Rotary. As our Incoming RI President states “Future Rotary members are out there, we must meet them where they are.”

As always, www.rotary.org provides all kinds of documentation to support us on this journey To learn more about starting a club, please go to: https://my.rotary.org/en/learning-reference/learntopic/start-club

ARE YOU CURIOUS ABOUT THE ASSISTANT GOVERNOR ROLE?

Have you ever wondered what the Assistant Governor Role entails? It is an important, impactful and FUN position...As assistant governor, you are the connection between your clubs and the district The relationships you build with club leaders make Rotary stronger

What you do

Visit your clubs regularly: Meet with each club at least once a quarter either in person, by phone, or by web conference. Listening to them enables you to discuss their concerns and needs, and provide information, resources, and advice that will allow them to be more successful

Promote the best practices recommended in Vibrant Clubs in Action Help club leaders implement those practices.

Keep the governor up to date on each club’s progress and identify areas that may need attention

Help club leaders prepare for the governor’s official visit

Encourage and assist clubs establish goals in Rotary Club Central, not only to promote planning but also earn recognition at year-end

Monitor the progress of your clubs toward their goals: After a club visit, report your assessment and feedback through Rotary Club Central. Use this online tool to make sure your clubs are on track with their goals and achievements in areas such as membership, service initiatives, and giving to The Rotary Foundation.

Work with the Clubs to assure the leadership succession plan so that leadership is in place for the next Rotary year and also the year following

Bring the Club Presidents within the area together to build a support system, share best practices and explore opportunities for join activities amongst the Clubs.

In District 6330 there are 10 Areas served by an Assistant Governor. If you would like to learn more about this position, please contact DGN Lorna Fratschko at 519-670-5480

Yours in Rotary, (YIR)

Lorna Gunning-Fratschko

Rotary Leaders in Action Inspiring Change, Creating Impact!

�� Saturday, April 12th

�� Dante Club Banquet & Conference Centre 1330 London Road, Sarnia, Ontario

�� 9 am - 2 pm

Please join us for our first in-person District Learning Assembly since the pandemic! This energizing, hands-on experience, led by Zone 28 Action Zone Campion Doug Logan, is designed to equip you with practical strategies to strengthen your Rotary club.

This isn’t a lecture—it’s an opportunity to engage, collaborate, and take action alongside fellow Rotarians who are passionate about making a difference. You’ll leave with concrete, achievable strategies that you can implement right away to enhance your club’s impact, membership experience, and overall success.

Join us for a dynamic session where ideas turn into action!

MARCH IS...

Highlight the Importance of WASH: Emphasize the critical need for access to clean water, proper sanitation, and hygiene practices for health, education, and economic development.

Implement Global WASH Initiatives: Rotary clubs worldwide are committed to addressing WASH challenges through clean water projects, sanitation facility construction, and hygiene education campaigns Reduce Disease and Empower Communities: By improving WASH conditions, Rotary helps reduce disease, enable children to attend school, and empower women and girls by reducing the time spent collecting water

Encourage Rotarian Involvement: During WASH Month, Rotarians are encouraged to get involved in projects through fundraising, volunteering, or spreading awareness.

Join Rotary International in making a significant difference in the lives of those who need it most. Learn more about WASH initiatives and how you can get involved here.

April is Rotary Maternal and Child Health Month. It highlights efforts to improve healthcare access, reduce maternal and infant mortality, and provide essential medical support to mothers and children worldwide. This month encourages Rotarians to engage in initiatives that promote prenatal care, nutrition programs, and medical training for healthcare providers. Success stories, such as Rotary-funded clinics and vaccination campaigns, showcase the impact of these efforts and inspire further action.

APRIL IS...

Maternal and Child Health

Support Maternal and Child Health with Rotary: Prioritize Maternal and Child Health: Ensuring mothers and children receive essential medical care, nutrition, and education is vital for healthy communities and long-term development. Implement Life-Saving Initiatives: Rotary clubs worldwide support maternal and child health by funding prenatal care, immunization programs, and access to medical facilities.

Reduce Mortality and Strengthen Families: By improving healthcare access, Rotary helps reduce maternal and infant mortality rates, ensuring children have a strong start in life. Encourage Rotarian Involvement: During Maternal and Child Health Month, Rotarians are encouraged to participate in projects through fundraising, volunteering, or advocacy

Join Rotary International in making a difference for mothers and children worldwide. Learn more about Rotary’s impact and how you can help here. https://www.rotary.org/en/ourcauses/saving-mothers-and-children

ROTARY’S IMPACT

SCHOOL SUPPLIES REACH CHILDREN IN SOUTH AFRICA

Back in September and October, The Bridge featured a story on the Rotary Club of London’s school supplies project for students in Chatsworth and Durban, South Africa. Thanks to the generosity of Rotarians and community partners, these essential supplies made their way into the hands of children eager to learn

We are thrilled to share that we have now received photos of the students receiving their supplies smiling faces and full backpacks stand as a testament to the power of service and global outreach. This project exemplifies how small efforts can create lasting change, providing students with the tools they need to succeed.

SMILES across MILES.

Check it out!! A project of the Rotary Club of London

MAKING A DIFFERENCE: ROTARY’S MATERNAL AND CHILD HEALTH

April is Rotary International’s Maternal and Child Health Month, highlighting the critical need for accessible healthcare, nutrition, and medical support for mothers and children. Ensuring maternal and child well-being is essential for breaking cycles of poverty, improving education, and fostering stronger communities. Unfortunately, many families worldwide lack access to the care they need, leading to preventable deaths and long-term health complications. Rotary International is committed to addressing these challenges through its Maternal and Child Health initiatives, making a lasting impact in communities across the globe.

Rotary’s efforts have saved lives and improved health outcomes through essential programs Key achievements include reducing maternal and infant mortality by funding prenatal and postnatal care, increasing access to vaccines and life-saving treatments, training healthcare professionals to provide better care, and supporting nutrition programs to prevent malnutrition in children.

Rotary clubs play a crucial role in these efforts. Clubs can contribute by fundraising to support maternal and child health projects, partnering with local hospitals and clinics to improve healthcare access, organizing community health initiatives such as vaccination drives, and raising awareness about maternal and child health challenges.

Individuals can also take action to support this cause. Ways to help include volunteering time and skills for maternal health projects, donating to fund medical supplies and treatments, advocating for maternal and child health initiatives, and educating others about the importance of accessible healthcare

Join Rotary International in making a significant difference in the lives of mothers and children worldwide Learn more about their Maternal and Child Health initiatives and how you can get involved here:

https://www.rotary.org/en/our-causes/saving-mothers-and-children

Support a Maternal Health Project: Get involved with a Rotary-led maternal and child health initiative in your community or abroad. Your support can provide life-saving medical care and essential resources for mothers and newborns. Find a Rotary Project

Donate to Rotary’s Maternal & Child Health Programs: Your contribution helps fund vital healthcare services, vaccinations, and prenatal care to improve survival rates for mothers and children worldwide. Donate Here

Advocate for Better Healthcare

Access: Raise awareness about maternal and child health issues by sharing information, speaking at community events, or engaging with local policymakers to improve healthcare policies.

Learn More

WIN A TRIP OF A LIFETIME ON A GREAT LAKES FREIGHTER!

St Clair Rotary Club and Interlake Steamship Company bring you a chance to win the ultimate maritime experience – an exclusive multi-day trip on an Interlake freighter.

Enjoy breathtaking sunrises and sunsets, unwind on the open water, revel in your personal state room and relish delicious freighter fare Best of all, experience real great lakes commerce in action!

Passenger staterooms have an expansive view of the lake, private bath facilities, and access to the guest lounge which features a game table for leisure activities You will have the opportunity to visit various areas of the ship, and a designated porter will ensure you have a comfortable and enjoyable experience

This exclusive raffle opportunity was first offered by the St. Clair Rotary Club in 1985 and continued every year until the pandemic. This is the first raffle since the pandemic and may be our last So, don’t miss your chance to win – buy a ticket today!

Tickets are $600 each, for a chance to win the trip for six adults Only 200 tickets will be sold

Since Interlake Steamship Company is generously donating the costs of the trip, all proceeds from ticket sales will benefit the St Clair Rotary Club Endowment Fund A new endowment managed by the Community Foundation of St Clair County, supported by donor gifts and provides vital services to the citizens of St Clair and surrounding communities.

To help the St. Clair Rotary Club provide important community services, and to enter the raffle for a chance to win the freighter trip, please purchase your ticket on-line, at https://greatlakesfreighterraffle.com/

ROTARY SEMINAR FOR TOMORROW'S LEADERS: REGISTRATION NOW OPEN!

Event dates: May 9th - 11th, 2025

Registration Deadline: April 4th, 2025 Register Here

The Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) is a leadership program organized and facilitated by Rotary Clubs around the globe. Each year, thousands of youth, invited based on their leadership potential and 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 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:

Fundamentals of leadership

Ethics of positive leadership

Importance of communication skills in effective leadership

Problem-solving and conflict management

Rotary's purpose and service to the community

Building self-confidence and self-esteem

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, and learn how they can stay involved with Rotary in their community after the seminar— they expand their horizons both inside and outside the organization!

If you have questions about Rotary Seminar for Tomorrow's Leaders, please email d6330ryla@gmail.com.

Take action for the planet one meal at a time! Join us for an inspiring event where you’ll learn how a plant-rich diet can help combat climate change while promoting a healthier lifestyle.

What You’ll Discover:

Design a Plant-Rich Diet customized for you

Improve Your Health & Well-Being with sustainable choices

Live Cooking Demo to help you get started

Featured Speaker: Dawn A. Byford

C H N C , Plant-Based Cook & Educator, CNS Plant-Based Nutrition & Food and Sustainability Professional

Dawn is an honours graduate in Holistic Nutrition from the Canadian School of Natural Nutrition (CSNN) and an expert in plant-based education and cooking She is also a Co-Chair of ESRAG’s Plant-Rich Diet Task Force and an active Rotary Club of Canmore member.

"Each step, no matter how small, makes a difference, and these often lead to more steps. By changing our food, we can change the world."

Gene Baur, Author & Activist

WHEN - Monday April 7, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. EDT

PEACEFUL HORIZONS THROUGH ADAPTIVE ACTION

A Weekend of Fun, Friendship, and Rotary in Motion!

Get ready for an unforgettable weekend in Stratford! This isn’t just another conference it’s a chance to connect, learn, laugh, and make a real impact

Of course, we’ve got an incredible lineup of main stage presenters, including social media sensation Brittlestar and world-renowned artist Loreena McKennitt but that’s just the beginning! Here’s what else is in store:

Interactive learning with a twist – sessions that challenge your thinking, spark new ideas, and maybe even make you laugh

Networking, but make it fun – meet incredible Rotarians from both sides of the border, swap ideas, and find new ways to collaborate

A hands-on service project – roll up your sleeves for our diaper drive and support families in need

A city-wide scavenger hunt – discover Stratford in a way you never have before.

A celebration of peace – witness the unveiling of Rotary Peace Poles at Gallery Stratford, a lasting symbol of harmony and hope.

Prepare to be amazed – let a hypnotist blow your mind and take in live music that’ll have you dancing the night away.

Throughout the weekend, District 6330 clubs will showcase inspiring service projects and fundraising ideas, giving you plenty of new ideas to take back to your own club.

Join us for a weekend filled with connection, inspiration, and a whole lot of fun! ��

Registration Information

Full Conference Package $325

Friday Only $75

Saturday Only $250

All main stage, breakout sessions, meals and entertainment will be held at the Best Western Arden Park Hotel.

To book accommodations we recommend you call the hotel directly at (519) 275-2936 and use reservation code DISCON2025

Additional discounts are available for CAA and Best Western Rewards members (free enrollment).

FRIDAY

All mainstage, plenary and breakout sessions

Wine and Cheese Social- Complimentary hors d'oeuvres will be served. Cash bar

3 course dinner

Musical entertainment

SATURDAY

All mainstage, plenary and breakout sessions

Buffet Breakfast, Buffet Lunch

Wine and Cheese Social- Complimentary hors d'oeuvres will be served and Gala Bubbly. Cash bar

Dinner Saturday

SUNDAY

All mainstage, plenary and breakout sessions

Breakfast Sunday

Friday, May 2nd

4:00 p.m.

PROGRAM AT A GLANCE

(Subject to additions and deletions)

Opening session- Flag Presentation Land Acknowledgement

Greeting by Governor & Club President Session #1

4:30 p.m. The Art of Storytelling- David Smith

5:30 p m WINE AND CHEESE- CASH BAR Session #2

6:10 p.m. RI Presidential Representative

6:45 p m DINNER- plated

7:48 p m Stewart Reynolds- aka Brittlestar

8:45-? p m Downie Street Collective- CASH BARFun, dancing, great live music

Saturday, May 3rd

7:30 a.m. BUFFET BREAKFAST Session #3

8:30 a m Youth Program

9:30 a m Introduction of the District team

10:00 a.m. BREAKOUT Sessions Session #4

11:00 a.m. Mary Jean Gallagher

11:50 a m LUNCH Session #5

12:35 p m Curt Harnett- World's Bicycle Relief

1:20 p.m. Peace Building Plenary

2:00 p.m. Saturday Afternoon FREE TIME

OPTIONAL - Peace Pole Unveiling

4:30 p m WINE AND CHEESE- CASH BAR Session #6

5:05 p m Jim Collins - Harvest Hands

5:30 p.m. District Service Project Sessions Session #7

5.50 p.m. Foundation Celebration- David Elliott

6:05 p m District Awards Presentation

6:15 p m DINNER- plated Session #8

7.20 p.m. Loreena McKennitt, Judy Maddren

8:00 p.m. Live Auction, Silent Auction closes

8 45 p m Dale K

Sunday, May 4th

8:30 a m Buffet Breakfast Session #9

9:20 a m District Book Launch - Richard Bain

9:30 a m Celebration of Life

9:40 a m Environment Committee Closing Session

10:15 a.m. RI Pres Rep closing remarks

11:30 a.m. District Conference 2026

11:40 a.m. District Governor closing remarks Handover

12:00 p m END

Judy Maddren

Curt Harnett

Jim Collins

Dale K

David Smith

Downie Street Collective

Mary Jean Gallagher

May Peace Prevail on Earth

Join Us on Saturday for a Peace Pole Installation!

We're unveiling an installment of three Peace Poles at Gallery Stratford (54 Romeo Street S.), acknowledging the three Rotary/Rotaract clubs in Stratford.

If you haven't seen a Peace Pole before, they display the message "May Peace Prevail on Earth" in different languages on each side. The 12 languages selected for our poles are representative of the languages spoken right here in our community.

These beautiful monuments can be found across the world and serve as powerful reminders of our shared hope for peace and understanding between all people.

The installation is part of our District 6330 Conference activities and reflects Rotary's ongoing commitment to fostering peace in our communities and around the world.

No need for anything formal - just come by the Gallery and be part of this meaningful moment with fellow Rotarians and friends! Looking forward to seeing you there!

Experience the Magic! A Night of Laughter, Fun, and Fundraising to End Polio!

We’re excited to invite you to a fun and unique evening in support of Rotary’s fight to End Polio! As part of The Magic of Rotary conference weekend, get ready for a hilarious hypnotist performance by Dale K on Saturday, May 3rd, where the real magic happens you get to decide who takes the stage!

How does it work?

Want to see a friend, fellow Rotarian, or even your club president under hypnosis? Here’s your chance! Write their name on a label. 1.

Attach it to a jar along with a minimum $5 donation (or more if you’re feeling generous!). 2. The people with the most money in their jars will take the stage! 3.

Not eager to participate? No problem!

Simply match the amount raised in your jar, and you’re off the hook!

Want to rally your club behind one "lucky" nominee?

Gather donations as a club, send them to Rotary International’s End Polio Now fund, and share your total with us we’ll add that amount to their jar and increase their chances of getting hypnotized!

This is all in good fun and, more importantly, for a great cause Every dollar raised brings us closer to a world free of polio

So mark your calendar for Saturday, May 3rd, and bring your sense of humor, generosity, and competitive spirit for a night of laughter, camaraderie, and a little Rotary magic. We can’t wait to see you there!