As we begin another Rotary year, District Governor Chris Hornberger is pleased to share the first in a new series of monthly video updates.
Each month, Chris will highlight what is happening across North Atlantic Rotary, celebrate the incredible work of our clubs, and share priorities and opportunities that will help our clubs thrive.
All organizations need good leadership, and Rotary North Atlantic is no different.
Our district of about 75 Rotary and Rotaract clubs and over 1700 members is governed by a board of directors led by a District Governor. The DG role is selected 3 years in advance, and the chosen person goes through three years of training paid by Rotary International and involvement with the district before assuming the role. During the summer and fall of 2026 Rotary North Atlantic will select the District Governor Nominee Designate (DGND) who will serve as DG in Rotary Year 2029-30.
The future District Governor will work collaboratively with the other members of the DG Line and the other district leaders to help build and strengthen our district and, above all else, to help clubs in our district to thrive.
Now is the time for you or a great Rotarian that you know to start finding out more about the challenging and rewarding DG role. Why not reach out to a Past District Governor or other experienced district leader for information about the role or for help in explaining the possibilities to that great Rotarian? The formal call for nominations from clubs was issued on July 15th with the deadline to submit nominations by September 18th.
Thank you,
PDG Don Sword. Chair of the D7815 Nominating Committee
I hope this message finds you well and enjoying the summer. This year, we are introducing quarterly online meetings to report on the state of the district to all members. We believe it is important to keep you informed about our progress toward district priorities and to share timely updates from Rotary International.
Each session will be approximately 45 minutes and will include time for questions and answers. Our goal is to ensure we all share a common understanding of the direction we are heading together, and to help keep our district vibrant and growing.
Dates, times, and connection details are listed in READ MORE.
Our first meeting will be in October, and I look forward to seeing you then. In the meantime, enjoy the rest of the summer.
The new Rotary year is off to a busy start for youth programs across District North Atlantic!
From international exchanges and the return of our 2025–26 exchange students to opportunities through Interact and Honouring Indigenous Peoples, there are plenty of ways for Rotary clubs to support, encourage and connect with the next generation of leaders. Our Youth Exchange students are beginning their journeys around the world, international students are settling into their new Canadian communities, and returning exchange students are reflecting on experiences that will continue to shape their lives. At the same time, new opportunities are opening for young people to learn, grow and become leaders in their communities.
Read on to see what’s happening, how clubs can get involved, and which opportunities are coming up this fall.
Zones 28 & 32 District Public Image Chairs — We’re gathering! (online)
Join us on August 11 for the District Public Image Chair’s Roundtable: Zones 28 & 32. This is your opportunity to connect with the Zones Public Image Teams, share what your district is working on, ask questions, and learn from fellow District Public Image Chairs across our zones.
Looking forward to a great conversation and collaboration!
Cheryl Metiva Zone 28 Public Image Coordinator & Amy Sheller Zone 32 Public Image Coordinator
August is Membership and New Club Development Month
Impact starts with our members — people like you who see a world where people unite and take action to create lasting change — across the globe, in our communities, and in ourselves.
This month, we focus on welcoming new members and finding innovative ways to engage busy professionals and diverse communities. Flexible club models and creative meeting formats make it easier than ever to get involved and contribute to meaningful projects.
By inviting friends, colleagues, and neighbors to experience Rotary, we strengthen our clubs and expand our impact across the district. Let’s work together to grow a vibrant Rotary community that reflects the spirit of service and fellowship.
The countdown is on! This September, Rotarians from across 15 countries will gather in beautiful Cancun for the 2026 Rotary Zones 28 & 32 Institute. With more than 800 Rotarians already registered, this year's Institute is shaping up to be one of our largest and most diverse ever—a true mini international Rotary experience.
Whether you're a District Governor, Governor-Elect, Governor-Nominee, Public Image leader, Foundation volunteer, Membership champion, or simply a Rotarian looking to learn, grow, and connect, the Institute offers inspiring speakers, exceptional training, meaningful fellowship, and fresh ideas you can bring back to your club and district.
You're invited to celebrate 100 years of the Rotary Club of Truro
Join us on Wednesday, September 23 for a special evening celebrating a century of service, friendship, and community impact.
Best Western Glengarry
6:00 – 10:00 p.m.
The evening will feature:
Music by Morrissey Dunn
Performances by the Cobequid Dance Academy
Rotary Awards
Special guest speaker Ellie Black, Canada's most decorated female gymnast, four-time Olympian, Order of Canada recipient, and a champion for fair play and women in sport.
Come celebrate the Rotary Club of Truro's incredible legacy, recognize the people who have made a difference over the past 100 years, and look ahead to the future.
Tickets are available by clicking the link or scanning the QR code on the event poster.
Congratulations to the Rotary Club of Truro on this incredible milestone—we hope to see you there!
India’s Bharat Pandya selected to be 2028-29 RI President
Bharat Pandya, a member of the Rotary Club of Borivli, Mumbai, India, is the selection of the nominating committee for Rotary International president for 2028-29. He will officially become the president-nominee on 15 September if there are no other challenging candidates.
Pandya has served as an RI director and treasurer and on numerous committees, among them the Finance Committee and the Strategic Planning Committee. He has served in multiple positions for The Rotary Foundation: trustee, vice chair, Executive Committee chair, and vice chair of the Finance and Stewardship committees. He is currently chair of the RI Programs Committee and vice chair of The Rotary Foundation Programs Committee. He served on the India PolioPlus Committee in 2011-15, during which time India was certified polio-free.
Pandya and his wife, Madhavi, a past district chair of Inner Wheel District 314, are Major Donors and Benefactors. They have two daughters and one granddaughter.
Thank you for your patience, and please accept our apologies for the delay in publishing our recent newsletters. Your District Public Image Committee is working behind the scenes on an exciting new look and format that we're looking forward to sharing with you soon—stay tuned!
As we prepare our September edition, we'd love to hear from you! If your club has news, upcoming events, service projects, member achievements, youth program updates, or photos to share, please send your submissions to rotarykellyhunt@gmail.com
(If you have any comments or questions, please contact the editor)
This bulletin was sent to our French-speaking clubs in French. If you received the English version, but would prefer the French version, please send an email to our Bulletin Editor.
The new Rotary year is off to a busy start for youth programs across District North Atlantic!
Impact starts with our members — people like you who see a world where people unite and take action to create lasting change — across the globe, in our communities, and in ourselves.
You're invited to celebrate 100 years of the Rotary Club of Truro
Best Western Glengarry
6:00 – 10:00 p.m.
Music by Morrissey Dunn
Performances by the Cobequid Dance Academy
Rotary Awards
Special guest speaker Ellie Black, Canada's most decorated female gymnast, four-time Olympian, Order of Canada recipient, and a champion for fair play and women in sport.
Tickets are available by clicking the link or scanning the QR code on the event poster.
Bharat Pandya, a member of the Rotary Club of Borivli, Mumbai, India, is the selection of the nominating committee for Rotary International president for 2028-29. He will officially become the president-nominee on 15 September if there are no other challenging candidates.
