Events

Dave Alexander likes to balance his time between meaningful work, interesting projects and giving back. 

A proud member of the Rotary Club of Welland since 2008, District Governor Dave Alexander is keen to support clubs in deepening their experiences with their community partners and developing new relationships. Having a clearer understanding of the future of volunteering across our Best of Friends community is the theme of this year's District Conference on Saturday, October 26, 2024, and he hopes it will lead to more membership opportunities, new collaborations, interesting fundraisers, and each Rotarian sharing their Service Above Self experience. The Magic of Rotary is the international presidential theme this year and is an excellent rallying call for the kind of work that we do in making a difference in people's lives. 
 
Dave's main goal in leading the District in 2024/25 is to continue to implement our District Strategic Plan -- and he asks that each Rotarian consider their role in driving this forward with innovation, creativity, and belongingness as core aspects of their efforts. A consideration along the way is to incorporate Rotary's work in Peacebuilder Actions in projects, conversations, habits, and expectations. Dave and the whole District leadership team are thankful to those who have stepped up in a role to support the efforts of our clubs.
 
Dave's first experience with clubs working together in the District was with the International Service Committee. He enjoyed his work as an Assistant Governor, helped grow District 7090’s Healthy Communities project, and is still instructing with the Rotary Leadership Institute. He organized an in-conference panel session on environmental sustainability at the RI Convention in Toronto in 2018 where he found that the Rotary Action Groups (RAGs) were an awesome network to connect with like-minded Rotarians worldwide. He became involved with ESRAG and was part of a panel on Rotary Getting to Net Zero at the RI Convention in Singapore in May 2024. Dave encourages all Rotarians to enrich their member experience by finding their extended Rotary family via the RAG network or through their interests in Fellowships. Dave also looks forward to a strong 'booked early' 7090 contingent at the RI Convention in Calgary in June 2025. 
 
Dave likes the process of innovation, facilitating workshops, and problem-solving, especially where there is a need for change-making on how communities can be more sustainable, productive, and just. He has an interesting work background in economic development, government and politics, plus working with organizations and their boards. 
 
If a hobby is work that you would do for free then he would spend more time on writing, sculpture, futurism, and if the weeds in his yard could speak they would say he has an addiction to sailing. 
 
If you have an idea to implement, want to pitch in, or just want to chat, drop DGE Dave a line at econiagara@gmail.com or reach out via phone/text at 905-329-6026. You can also friend him on Facebook or via other social media.

As we end our last gathering of 2024, we will be together and join in fellowship with a special guest to share white elephant gifts with each other to kick off the holiday season. 

Rotary International and Dale Carnegie Training have a relationship in that Rotary participants receive Dale Carnegie training at a week-long leadership retreat called RYLA

Glenn Gordon has been a Toastmaster for 15 years, during which time he has served the club in various roles, including President of Downtown Toastmasters three times. He has been a volunteer Area Director and Western NY Division Director.  Along the way, he has competed in the Toastmaster competitions, winning the first place in the Western NY Public Speaking competition.

During his career, he has been a serial entrepreneur, starting two companies in IT related business areas. He has also been a consultant to Fortune 100 companies, and a manager at at Adelphia and HealthNow NY (BCBS).

Currently he is interested in helping people reach their potential as speakers and leaders, using the Toastmasters platform as a tool to help them grow.

Club's website is https://downtowntm.toastmastersclubs.org (https://bit.ly/dttm).  The national organization is at https://toastmasters.org.

In May 2019, two long-standing organizations, Toastmasters International and Rotary International, formed a unique strategic alliance, drawing from the strength of their many similarities and complementary differences. The opportunity for Toastmasters members is primarily to establish fellowship and make new connections, contribute more to communities, and potentially elevate clubs. Rotary members have the opportunity to develop new skills and may ask to visit Toastmasters clubs or receive evaluations. Toastmasters also developed eight educational courses for Rotarians and Rotaractors, available on Rotary International’s Learning Center, which can be accessed by their members in nine languages.

Lisa Bishop, Past District Governor (2022-23) and currently District 7090 Foundation Chair. 

Topic: The Rotary Foundation & special focus on: End Polio & Lisa's experience participating in the 2024 National Immunization Day in India:

-Lisa's first hand experience shared through photographs & stories, that demonstrate the great impact Rotary has made, and updates on how we are close to eradicating Polio. 
-Q & A about The Rotary Foundation with presenting  full program dedicated to TRF, District & Global grants, and highlighting End Polio Now, and the National Immunization Days that Lisa participated in Delhi, India in Feb/24.