Cenovus Energy is ready to support North America energy security.
Rhona DelFrari, Cenovus Chief Sustainability Officer & Senior Vice-President, Stakeholder Engagement, gave some insight Monday into North American energy security and the company’s commitment to sustainable operations in a lower carbon future.
After the merger with Husky Energy, Cenovus became the owner of the refinery in early 2021. As Chief Sustainability Officer, Rhona works to ensure environmental, social and governance considerations are embedded in the company’s strategy and business plans. Rhona is also responsible for leading the company’s communications efforts and building strong relationships with stakeholders.
“All credible forecasts show the world will continue to require oil for many decades. As we transition to a lower carbon future, affordable and reliable energy will remain critical to maintaining quality of life,” Rhona said. “Especially in these times – when the U.S. is looking for reliable, long-term supplies of energy to meet domestic demand, we believe it makes no sense to look to jurisdictions like Russia and Saudi Arabia.”
Canada is one of United States’ oldest trading partners; the two countries have the longest undefended border in the world. Canada has a stable, rules-based democracy, and a strong regulatory system. And, Canada has the third largest oil reserves in the world – the largest of any democratic country, DelFrari said.
“Working together with the U.S., we believe Canada’s oil sector offers a ready-made, sustainable solution to energy security for all North Americans,” she said.
DelFrari also touched on the company’s recent announcement to acquire the outstanding 50 percent of the Toledo Refinery. Becoming the asset’s full owner and operator is a part of the Cenovus plan to grow its footprint in the U.S. Midwest and in refining. The acquisition will make both the Lima and Toledo refineries stronger than they would be on their own, DelFrari said.
Cenovus is already committed to Lima, where the refinery is a top employer and community partner. The refinery’s payroll is about $73 million. The company pays about $600,000 annually in property tax and contributes about $600,000 in social investments every year. Lima Refinery alone supplies a quarter of the gasoline consumed in Ohio.
The Lima Rotary Club's request for a global grant has been approved for $251,151!
The grant which Bob Ruehl applied for was granted on August 9th. I has taken two years of development to gain approval.
This grant is Phase 2 of a process which Bob started in 2014. The grant is for Sanitation, Water, and Hygiene in the Merendon Protectorate to construct latrines..
Prior to developing the Phase 1 grant we spent 3 days talking to the people of the Merendon. (The Merendon is a protected area West NW of San Pedro Sula, Honduras.) The people all said that the ground water which they all drink was polluted, and something had to be done to change that situation. This how the latrine project grew. We experimented with different types of latrines in different situations and arrived at one that everyone approved of. The people were not organized so we had to get them to develop local governments and then to develop water boards. The water boards are necessary because we (Rotary) did not want to choose who gets a latrine and who doesn’t.
All of the issues which we pioneered 2015 have been adopted by the Rotary Foundation and are now rules which they have made mandatory for approval. These were getting the local teachers to teach hygiene, developing a follow-up group to teach the adults how to take care of their latrine. Developing a logistical group to deliver the construction materials to the job sites, building new school latrines for teachers and students, and being there for continuing questions. The first grant was for $125,000.
We received a $1,000 from Amherst and Lorain Lima contributed $20,000.
Lima has been a leader in D6600 for the last 20 years with International Grants.
The Bath High School Interact Club is starting the new year with a new advisor.
I am Telea McKissick and I am thrilled to be the new Interact advisor at BHS. I first heard about the club a few years ago at a Bath Elementary Spring Arts event. At the time, I thought it was a club that helped out in and around the Bath community, but after my daughter Ezrah joined last year as a freshman, I quickly realized ALL that the club is involved in. Wow!
Here’s a little about me…I am from the Lima area, graduated from Perry High School, attended OSU and graduated with a bachelors degree in early childhood education. This will be my 7th year teaching at Bath. I have taught 2nd grade for six years but this year I will be taking over the Elementary Art Program, teaching art to grades K-4.
My husband Bill and I recently celebrated 20 years together and are extremely blessed with three amazingly smart, beautiful girls; Ezrah-16, Noa-9, and Rowyn-8.
I have always had a heart for service, giving back, and paying things forward. This club is all of that! So last year when I found out Missy Vandemark was stepping down, I jumped at the opportunity, knowing I couldn’t let a club so great, come to an end! After talking with Missy and learning more about the club, and how it started with just 7 members and then doubled after the first year, and within a few short years grown to be over 100, I was AMAZED! Giving is infectious…it brings joy to both the giver and the receiver. I am so proud to be a member/advisor of this club, and can’t wait to see all that acts of service our students take part in!
It is with a heavy heart that I share the passing of Past District Governor William (Bill) Ruse, Findlay Rotary Club.
Although I did not know Bill well, his club members paid tribute to him today. They spoke about his passion, his intelligence, his love for Rotary, his generosity, and his legacy. It was an honor and privilege for me to be able to attend the Findlay club meeting today. Bill served as District 6600 Governor in 2003-2004.
Funeral arrangements are pending. Please keep the Ruse family in your thoughts and prayers.
I’ve always been inspired by something my brother David once told me: “In order to live in the kind of society you want, you have to help build it.”
As people of action, Rotary members have a long history of creating positive change within our communities and ourselves. And now, as we begin the 2022-23 Rotary year, I’m excited to continue the work of growing Rotary into the organization we want it to be and know it can be.
Delivering on our promise
Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) are not corporate buzzwords. They’re important reminders that we need to understand and embrace our differences, provide equitable opportunities for success, and welcome one another exactly as we are.
For Rotary, DEI means ensuring that our clubs, meetings, and events are places where participants can speak openly and respectfully and where everyone feels welcome. It’s about removing barriers to entry and success and opening doors to inclusion.
How can you help? We want to reflect the communities in which we live and serve. Invite community and business leaders and influencers from groups that are underrepresented in your club to participate in a club activity. Encourage a new club member to take a leadership role. Remove obstacles that could prevent some people from joining your club, like a meeting time or place that isn’t accessible to everyone. Our ability to adapt is the key to strengthening Rotary’s future.
Putting members first
The main reason Rotarians and Rotaractors remain Rotary members is that they feel welcomed and supported in their clubs. Increasing our membership continues to be a priority, but giving our members experiences they value and reasons to stay is equally important.
How can you help? To serve our communities, we first need to serve our members. Talk to your club leaders and fellow members about what they want from their Rotary experience and work together to make it happen. Learning what keeps members engaged is a powerful tool for strengthening Rotary. These membership resources can help.
Empowering women and girls
All over the world, gender can still affect a person’s ability to get an education, funding for a small business, or proper health care. We know that projects that improve the health, well-being, education, and economic security of girls will have a positive impact on the next generation of empowered female leaders.
How can you help? Develop a club-based initiative or apply for a district grant or global grant to fund a project that promotes girls’ health, education, or economic independence. From supporting a local women’s shelter to improving girls’ access to water and sanitation, every project can make a big difference. Share your stories and learn what other clubs are doing to empower girls and women on Rotary Showcase.
Imagine impact
We’ve always proudly showcased the many ways Rotary drives change and makes an impact. This year, we’ll use a variety of storytelling approaches to highlight projects in each area of focus. Our goals are to raise the visibility of our work; engage new influencers, media, leaders, and potential partners; and share what we’ve learned about how clubs can make projects in their communities even more effective.
How can you help? Visit the Learning Center to learn more about Rotary’s focus on increasing impact. And download resources from Rotary’s newly updated Brand Center to tell your club’s story. By sharing your club’s successes, you’re showing people that Rotary is a service and leadership organization that makes a difference.
Rotary members have demonstrated that when we dream big — as with our fight to end polio — we can make our dreams a reality. This year, I’m asking you to Imagine Rotary — and to imagine a world where we each contribute to lasting positive change.
Sincerely, Jennifer Jones RI President, 2022-23
Learn about Jennifer and her presidential initiatives by visiting My Rotary or listening to her speech from the 2022 International Convention.
When Lorenza Mazzoni joined the Rotary Club of Eco Milano, Italy, she became one of a growing number of members embracing nontraditional formats dedicated to a particular cause – in this case, the environment. The new club began in late 2021 with 24 members, including 11 who were new to Rotary altogether. Mazzoni, who had previously been a member of a different club, said what drew her and the new members was the idea of being able to identify with a cause that resonated with her personal ideals. Read how these formats are attracting new members.
This week's stories
Important information about recent polio detections
The recent detection of the vaccine-derived poliovirus type 2 case in New York, USA, and isolates in several environmental samples collected in London are stark reminders that as long as polio exists anywhere, it is a threat everywhere. It also highlights the importance of vaccination as the only form of protection against polio and other vaccine-preventable diseases and the work that needs to be done in our communities to encourage the uptake of vaccines. Read more in a statement from Rotary.
President Jennifer Jones crosses Canada on Imagine Tour
Jennifer Jones began her term as Rotary International’s 2022-23 president in the midst of her Imagine Rotary Canada Tour, traveling coast to coast to coast to draw attention to the positive and lasting impact that Rotary clubs have in their communities.
Celebrate joint service week
For a second year, Rotary International, Kiwanis International, Lions Clubs International, and Optimist International are working together to celebrate and give back to our communities with a weeklong service event, to be held 11-17 September. Learn more
A sense of belonging in Rotary
When Maricler Botelho joined the Rotary Club of Marilia-Pioneiro in Sau Paulo, Brazil, she found a sense of belonging greater than any she had previously experienced. Read what Botelho has to say about the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion to Rotary.
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