Rotary International Wheel

Rotary Info & Breaking News

8-07 YE Welcome Home
9-07 D7150 Conference
'07 R. I. Convention pix
Wilfrid J. Wilkinson R. I. President '07-'08
Brown DG '07-'08 * Theme
'06 Utica Rotary Courtyard
Shelter Boxes * Water Project * Polio News
D-7150's Twin Cities Project 2007
Chile Mission * Literacy Awrds
'06 Rotary Rose Bowl Float
06-07 Theme NUOWRC
10-17-05 Eastern Cities Dinner
05 DGE Jerry Anaheim Memo & Pix
Ceremony on R.I. Centennial
D7150 '04 NID's India trip * Rotary Day
Read R.I. eClub article
'04-'05 GSE team members
D.C. Honors Paul Harris * 10/05 Zone
Centennial Projects
D7150 Youth Exchange Award
England Rotary Visits
R.I. President 2005-06 * Canastota's 50th
PDG Englemann passes
Convention Speeches
D7150's 48th Club eclubny1
05 ZoneConf * Service Smiles

 

District Governor-elect Marlene Brown & Earl Lewis (left) at the 2007 Rotary International Assembly with incoming R. I. President Wilf Wilkinson & Joan. Above: 2007-08 Theme

June 2007 Rotary International Convention - RLI (Rotary Leadership Institute) breakfast. L. to R. - Dist. Gov. '07-'08 Marlene Brown with France's Catherine Noyer-Riveau, the first woman elected as a Rotary International Director
 

Enjoying breakfast: L. to R. PRIP Cliff Dochterman (author of ABC's of Rotary), Marlene Brown (Dist. Gov. '07-'08), Earl Lewis (eClub NY1 President), PRIP Frank Devlyn, Mexico (author of Frank Talk) & Bob Scott (Chair, Int'l PolioPlus)

6-07 D7150 represented at Int'l Conv by DG Brown,
Matt Feola & PDG Jerry Gortner

 

6-07 Left to Right: Earl Lewis (President of Rotary eClub NY1), DG '07-08 Marlene Brown, PDG Jerry Gortner & PDG Ward Vuillemot & June enjoying R.I.'s Convention '07

2-'07 - District Governor-elect Marlene Brown attending training sessions in San Diego w/classmates from around the world
 

2-07 Rotary International President Bill Boyd, DGE Marlene Brown, & Trustee Chair Luis Guay

2-07 Rotary International President-elect Wilf Wilkinson, from Canada, with Gov-elect Marlene Brown
 

2-'07 Gov-elect Marlene Brown w/2008-09 Rotary International President Dong Kurn Lee, from Korea

2-07 Past R. I. President Bhichai Rattakul sharing Rotary Foundation goals with D7150 Gov-elect Brown
 

2-07 Gov-elect Brown & husband Earl, meet Gov-elect from India (where our GSE exchange will be)

6-07 Past District Governor's Joe McCarthy (Dewitt) & Ned Mann (Chittenango) help present Rotary International's 50th Anniversary Certificate to the Canastota Rotary Club
 

6-07 Canastota Club President Jerry Gortner, PDG, and incoming Governor Marlene Brown installed Martie Fischer as the Canastota Rotary Club's 2007-08 President


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9-06 Celebrating at Zone Institute L to R: PDG Ward & June Vuillemot, Asst. Vice-Chair Rotary Eradication Dave Groner, DGE Marlene Brown, PDG Ed & Barb Paparella, DGN Larry & Annabelle Calabrese

9-06 Dist Gov-Elect Marlene Brown & husband Earl Lewis just after Governor-Elect Training Seminar graduation ceremony in Hershey, PA. View slideshow

2006 - District Governor Carol Anthony, above, and Rotary International President Bill Boyd, Right: at the 2006 Eastern Cities Dinner in Rochester, NY (pictures submitted by PDG Ward Vuillemot)

9-06 Utica Rotary Club celebrates the opening of the Columbus Elementary School Courtyard Project

A beautiful and educational project, seven years in the making, to a successful completion


District 7150 passing of PDG Roy Tuttle

July 30th, 2007 " It is with a heavy heart that I send this notice of PDG Roy Tuttle's unexpected passing July 29 in Arizona. His wife, Pat, called me this morning with the sad news. He had been treated for bacterial pneumonia, but an endoscopy late last week showed a mass which probably was cancer in the throat area.

Roy was governor of District 715 in 1990-1991. Pat and Roy were members of the Aurora Rotary Club.

Services will be Friday, August 3 at the Presbyterian Church in Fountain Hills AZ.
Their address is 15513 Palisades Blvd.
Fountain Hills AZ 85268.
Phone 480-837-3025


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Rotary International Rose Bowl Parade Float

The theme of the 2006 Rotary International float is entitled “The Magic of Caring.” Designed by award winning float designer Raul Rodriguez and built by Larry Crain of Charisma Floats, with its “Teddy Bear” appeal to children and adults alike, this whimsical float acknowledged Rotary’s commitment to eradicating polio worldwide. The 117th year of the Tournament of Roses Parade had the theme of“It’s Magical”. This also celebrated Rotary’s 26th consecutive year of participation. The Parade, on Monday, January 2, 2006, in observance with the Tournament of Roses “Never on a Sunday” tradition, was seen by millions of people around the world. Rotary’s entry into the Rose Parade is a wonderful venue to share with the world Rotary’s commitment to “Service Above Self.” More than 1300 Rotarians and their families, Rotaract Club members, and Interact Club members volunteered their time and effort to help decorate the float, working countless hours putting flowers, seeds, dried petals, and greenery on every square inch of the float.

 


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Rotary Zone Membership Meeting

The 2005 Rotary Zone Membership meeting took place Saturday, October 1st, at Madison-Oneida BOCES in Verona, NY. Chair Fred Garvin said "Gather your District Officers, Club Directors, Membership Chairs and ALL interested Rotarians and head to the Madison-Oneida County BOCES located in Verona, New York. The program will include round table discussions and a panel of Rotarians from your area who will share their ideas on The Importance of Membership and Retention; Recruiting Strategies; Mentoring Programs; Starting New Clubs; The Latest in Resources and Tools. Registration begins at 8:30am. Program runs from 9:45am to 2:30pm. The cost of $15. per attendee includes a light breakfast and lunch". Download flyer for reservations.


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80th Eastern Cities Dinner

The Eastern Cities Fellowship Dinner is held annually in Rochester as a means to join Rotarians from the Eastern United States and Canada for a night of fellowship with Rotary International’s current President. This year we will welcome 2005-2006 Rotary International President Carl-Wilhelm Stenhammar as our guest of honor.

The 80th Annual Eastern Cities Fellowship Dinner will take place on Monday, October 17th at the Riverside Convention Center in Rochester. Registration and a social hour will begin at 5 p.m., followed by dinner and the program. This will be one of Rochester Rotary’s biggest events of the year- don’t miss it!

The Hyatt Regency Rochester will once again be offering a special rate of $110 per room for that evening to attendees of this event. To make reservations, call the Hyatt Regency Rochester Reservation Line at 1-800-233-1234 and ask for the Eastern Cities Fellowship Dinner room rate. Reservations must be made by September 26, 2005 to receive this special rate.

To make reservations for this great event, click here to download and print the invitation. Fill it out and mail to the Rochester Rotary Club, 100 Meridian Centre, Suite 304, Rochester, NY, 14618 or fax it to (585) 546-8675.

To view a special invitation to the Eastern Cities Fellowship Dinner from Rotary International President-Elect Carl-Wilhelm Stenhammar, click here (you will need Windows Media Player to view this file).


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Wilfrid J. Wilkinson Chosen 2007-08 Rotary International President

Wilfrid J. Wilkinson, of the Rotary Club of Trenton, Ontario, Canada, is the selection of the Nominating Committee for President of Rotary International in 2007-08 that convened at RI World Headquarters on 5 December. He will become the president-nominee on 1 January 2006 if there are no challenging candidates.

Wilkinson was a founding partner of Wilkinson & Company, Chartered Accountants. Since retiring in 2001, he has served as executive director of the Quinte Ballet School of Canada and Canadian coordinator for the National Association of Forensic Accountants.

A Rotarian since 1962, Wilkinson is currently a PolioPlus National Advocacy Adviser and a member at large of the PolioPlus Partners Task Force. Previously, he has served RI as district governor, International Assembly group discussion leader, consultative group member, committee member and chair, task force member, Foundation trustee, director, and vice president. Most recently, he was chair of the 2005 Chicago Convention Committee and vice chair of RI’s Afghan refugee relief project.

The nominating committee members are Abraham Gordon, USA (chair); Edgar C. Hatcher Jr., USA (secretary); Gustaaf A. Annokkee, The Netherlands; Jacques Berthet, France; John T. Blount, USA; Anthony L. Brockington, USA; Hee-Byung Chae, Korea; Gustavo A. De Obaldia, Panama; Edgar D. Gifford, USA; Gerson Gonçalves, Brazil; Rafael G. Hechanova, Philippines; Shizuo Imai, Japan; Masahiro “Masa” Kuroda, Japan; Jorma Lampén, Finland; David D. Morgan, Wales; Carl S. Rosenbaum, USA; and O.P. Vaish, India.


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"English Changes Lives" Mission 2007 to Chile - Download brochure

Our newly formed delegation: 100 % have Professional Degrees, 1/2 of the team is bilingual Spanish/English, Majority worked or works in the Education fields, 1 computer expert, 2 educational administrators, one current Club President, 3 Club Past Presidents, 7 are Rotarians, 4 members already went in 2005. The best part is that everyone expressed tremendous interest to serve Rotary in Chile.

The new mission to Chile "English Changes Lives: Summer Immersion Academy" Feb. 19-23, 2007. Districts 4320 Chile and District 7150 and The Rotary Foundation Grant #60618 a total of about US$21, 000 to implement English Laboratory, Donation of 2000 books for the Municipality of Coquimbo, Chile. In addition, Summer Academy for teachers who serve in public schools.

Mrs. Deborah Wilson-Allam has agreed to train us again to promote better ways to interact with the teachers in Chile using reading, listening, talking, and speaking. According to the surveys we did about 80-90% expressed interest in having the opportunity to speak more witht the native speakers which is going to happen this time and at the same time reinforcing teaching strategies.

Our plan is to make travel arrangements together to get to Chile the weekend of 17,18. Spend the night in Santiago or Vina del Mar (Chilean Riviera) then travel to Coquimbo on the 18. (Rent a Van). Antonio and Family might go ahead of time Feb. 14. We would like the Rotarians in Chile to please find host families for the delegation for that week in Coquimbo, Chile.

Delegation will participate in several activities to collects funds to support travel expenses. To be approve Wine- Fiesta on Sept. 2, and Wine Tasting during the District Conference Sept. 15,16, at the Hospitality Room. Antonio is a guest speaker at the District Conference and would like all who are planning to go to Chile and will be at the Conference to come up with him. - Antonio Herrera, Team Leader, English Changes Lives Mission 2007 to Chile , Syracuse Sunrise Rotary Club Download article in Oct. '06 Rotary World Magazine!

2005 - "English Opens Doors"

A group from D7150 is heading out to La Serena, Chile for a special "English Opens Doors" project. Members of the group include: Antonio Herrera, Nancy Hayman Herrera, Leah Adelson, Alisa Herrera-Hayman, Fran Smith, Sandy Bufis, Al Byrne, Tina Edelwich, PDG Don Reese, R.I.P.E. Bill Boyd and DGE Carol Anthony. Carol reports "We will make you proud! Rotarians at work - "English Opens Doors!" Travel safe, fellow Rotarians. We look forward to the pictures.

Note from DGE Carol Anthony Wednesday, August 17 2005 (Originally written to Jeanne Williams)
"Just got in this afternoon at 5:00. Absolutely dead tired, 19 1/2 hour flight back. I have so much to tell you, Take this to the club on Tuesday - I have a promise from the mayor of Coquimbo that a new school will be built and named after Paul Harris just for the Rotarians that were there and the Rotarian clubs that supported us all the way! It was absolutely the ultimate example of peace and understanding between 2 countries - the United States and Chile. You will see the pictures of all the Rotarians we worked with, the teachers, the plaque on the wall in the Casa del Artes, the United States flag that we gave them that was flown over the Capital in Washington, it is next to the Rotary International flag in the building, etc. On top of that, I had a meeting with my counterpart- District Governor Elect- from Chile. He has promised me $2,000 plus 25% more as it is raised - to contribute to our matching grant. I am kicking in $4000 of my DDF funds - RI will match it. Luis and I are meeting in San Diego in February of 2006 to wrap up our matching grant application for 2006-2007. We have "opened the doors for English" in Coquimbo - they loved us and pray that we are there next year. The children running up to me and saying "good morning", and so proud they can speak English! The teachers hugging us and saying gracious, gracious, thank you, thank you. They have my word we will be there - the people are so very grateful - it will bring food, clothing and housing for the children of Coquimbo because their parents will be able to now get better paying jobs with being able to speak English. We have so much to do. Debriefing meetings this week and two weeks to come - I'll be at Syracuse Sunrise Friday morning - Jeanne - be proud you are a Rotarian. We accomplished more than any international team could have ever done - all because we are Rotarians - our hearts are one step at a time, one day at a time, one life at a time. We are bringing hope to people all around the world - I know - I was there and saw it! I have much to bring and share - pictures, documents, proclaimations, etc. Even a medal engraved from the Mayor! I was so humbled and proud to be a part of our little District 7150 and we are helping and changing the lives for so many. Love, Carol
"


Dedication Ceremony House of the Arts, Commerative Plaque, members of delegation and Mayor of Coquimbo

All the participants and trainers for English Changes Lives Grant 56446

The City of Coquimbo, Chile at night and the Cross of the Third Millenium

House of the Arts in Downtown Coquimbo. (Twin City Project between Syracuse Sunrise and Coquimbo Club)

 


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2005 - Zone Institute

September of 2005 saw District 7150's leaders in Boston at the Rotary International Zone Conference. Attending from our District were DG Jerry Gortner, DGE Carol Anthony, PDG Don Reese, and DGN Marlene Brown.


R. I. Director David Linett

R. I. President Elect Bill Boyd

DG Jerry Gortner, DGN Marlene Brown, R.I.P.D. Don Osbourne, R.I.P.E. Bill Boyd

D7150 DGE Carol Anthony, eClub President Earl Lewis, and PDG Don Reese

 


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2005-06 Rotary Theme & Logo

Feb. 2005, Anaheim, CA - Rotary International President-elect Carl-Wilhelm Stenhammar made a grand bow to continuity and the successes of the past century when he unveiled the 2005-06 theme, Service Above Self, at the International Assembly in Anaheim, California, USA, on 19 February.

“I would like to be modern. I would like to recycle and I also want to promote continuity,” he declared in the theme address at the opening plenary session. “Therefore, I have chosen the best motto ever created for Rotary International, yet one that you will not find on the walls of this room: Service Above Self.”

The RI president-elect explained that his theme selection was also guided by Rotarians’ need for landmarks while entering into a second century of service.

“In our efforts to work for a better world, we need a leading star to follow, a theme that we can all fix upon,” he said. “Over the years we have had many different themes, and you can see several of them displayed on the walls of this room: Enjoy Rotary! Be a Friend, Lend a Hand, Celebrate Rotary, just to mention a few of them. Each and every one of these themes was, or is, perfect for its time.”

For the 2005-06 logo, Stenhammar again reached out for something both simple and familiar in the Rotary world: “I am recycling again, and I have chosen the best logo ever created for Rotary International: our trademark, the Rotary wheel.”

Calling continuity a new wind blowing in Rotary, Stenhammar announced that in the new year Rotary clubs and districts will carry on with the presidential emphases already in place: literacy and water management. Those emphases will include an additional focus of “alleviating hunger and improving the health and well-being of all who are deprived of these essential resources,” he said.

Stenhammar explained that there was no need to change course from the areas of concern that both Past President Jonathan Majiyagbe and President Glenn Estess Sr. wisely identified and successfully encouraged Rotary clubs and districts to address locally and internationally.

“Gone are the days when our organization went north one year, to the west the next, followed by east and, then, maybe north again,” he said. “Our main direction must be the same for many years to come.”

The president-elect said that Rotary International will continue to seek and embrace opportunities to cooperate with other organizations in areas of mutual interest.

Rotary can reap a lot of goodwill from the public exposure received during the yearlong activities marking its centennial. “Therefore, I am planning for a Public Image Resource Group to capture this opportunity and help clubs use it as a platform in our continued efforts to enhance our public image,” said Stenhammar.

The 2005-06 president said it was time to expand the role of women in Rotary. He pointed to the appointments of three past district governors — Carolyn E. Jones, of District 5010, as a trustee of The Rotary Foundation, the first woman appointed to the Trustees; Mary Margaret Fleming, of District 5230, as the new Public Image Resource Group chair; and Eileen M. Gentilcore, of District 7250, as Literacy Resource Group chair — as a good start.

“Please remember very well that it is through their talent, not their gender, that these women have earned their appointments,” he said. “I agree that there might be a disproportionate number of assignments to women during my year, compared to the mix of Rotarians, but by doing this I am sending a message to the women in Rotary as well as those who are not yet Rotarians: There is a leading role for you in our organization.”

The Rotary Youth Exchange program will be another key area for the incoming district governors to promote in their clubs, Stenhammar announced.

To address the issue of membership, the president-elect said that he will ask every Rotary club to recruit just one new member in 2005-06 to reach a modest goal of a total membership increase of 31,000.


Feb. 2005, L to R: District 7150 DGE Jerry Gortner, R.I. President-elect Carl-Wilhelm Stenhammar and Mrs. Stenhammar

May 23, 2005: Thank you to everyone who took the time to attend our Foundation Dinner Friday evening. A special thank you to the following 2005-06 Club Presidents who are leading by example and received Paul Harris Fellow recognition on Friday.
John Hoffman- Dolgeville
Mindy Barstein- Herkimer
Stuart Wood, Jr. PHF+1- Moravia
Rocco Bouse- New Hartford
Sandra Fentiman- Oriskany-Whitestown
Duane Weaver PHF+1- Skaneateles
Louise Lutz- Tully
Leading by example in our Sustaining Member program are:
Carol Reichert- Adirondack Foothills
William Ryan, Jr.- Chittenango
Lillian Kimball- Oriskany Falls
Earl Lewis- Rotary eClub NY1
Let’s all lead by example in the year ahead. Join me on July 1 by making your $100 contribution to the Annual Fund, so you can proudly wear your 2005-06 “Every Rotarian Every Year” name badge sticker you received from the Foundation last week.
Thank you for working with your President to promote our RYLA program for July 8-10. We have 22 students registered to participate. This will be a life changing experience for these students. Plan now to have your student be your Rotary program in July or August.
Our GSE Team returns form Peru May 30. We have had word from Peru that our team is having an excellent exchange. Work with our GSE chair Dick Kemmis to have one of the outstanding young people be your program during the summer months: Richard Kemmis, GSE Chair, 86 Ridge Road, Fulton, NY 13069 (315) 592-4486 rjkem@twcny.rr.com
Paul Harris Word Smiles are badges of friendliness. There are plenty of them within you. Do not hold them captive. Set them free at right times and places and their beneficent effects will carry to the very gates of eternity.The Rotarian, February 1934
- Jerry Gortner, DGE, Celebrate Rotary, SERVICE Above Self


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D-7150 Celebrates 100 Years of Rotary with P.R.I.P. Bhichai Rattakul

District 7150 Rotarians that want to celebrate 100 years of Rotary without going to Chicago now have an outstanding opportunity to do just that. District Rotarians and their guest are invited to celebrate 100 years of Rotary on June 15th at the Beeches in Rome. Former RI President Bhichai Rattakul, 2002-2003 and friend of District 7150 will be the featured speaker.

85th Anniversary of Rome Rotary
June 15, 2005
Beeches Restaurant, Rome, NY
Dinner 6:30PM
Cash Bar starting at 5:30PM
$30.00 Per Person
To include hors d’ouves during cocktail hour, tossed salad, chicken with artichokes dinner and dessert.

Bhichai Rattakul, RI President 2002-2003 addressing over 600 Rotarians in D7150
RI President Bhichai Rattakul took office on 1 July 2002 with a call to Rotarians to grow the organization through a renewed commitment to the four Avenues of Service — especially vocational service — and a return to the grassroots values that will empower clubs "to chart their own course, set their own goals, and fulfill their own dreams." Rattakul is the Thailand Goodwill Representative for International Cooperation. He was a member of the Thai parliament from 1969 until he retired in November 2000 so he could become Rotary International President. During those years, he served as leader of the Democratic Party, Foreign Minister, Deputy Prime Minister, Speaker of the House of Representatives, and President of the Parliament. He also served on several commissions, vice chairman of the National Security Council and chairman of the Counter Corruption Commission and the Narcotics Control Board and honorary vice-president of the Thai Scout Council.

An accomplished diplomat, he has been awarded the highest decorations by King Bhumibol Adulyadej of Thailand, the emperor of Japan, and the presidents of the Philippines, Korea, Austria, and Nicaragua.A charter member of the Rotary Club of Dhonburi, Bangkok, Thailand, since 1958, Rattakul has served RI as district governor, international assembly group discussion leader, member and chairman of numerous committees, trustee of the Rotary Foundation, director, and chairman of the Executive Committee of Rotary International. He is the recipient of The Rotary Foundation's Distinguished Service Award and Citation for Meritorious Service for his support of its international humanitarian and educational programs.

Before entering government, he was president of the Thai Pharmaceuticals Manufacturing Association and Director of the Thai Chamber of Commerce and the Federation of Thai Industries. He has led many Thai delegations to the United Nations General Assembly. Bhichai as been appointed to head up the Rotary Tsunami relief effort in ThailandDuring President Bhichai’s visit to District 7150 in November of 2002, the Polio Eradication Chairman and PDG, Ed Paparella and then District Governor Don Reese presented President Rattakul with a pledge in the form of a check for the District’s Polio Eradication goal. It is the goal of the Polio Eradication committee to present a certificate paid in full during President Rattakul’s visit in June. At present our District is short of its goal. All clubs urged review their pledge and the amounts collected to date and make every effort to meet their goal.

RI President Bhaichi Rattukal accepts a check from District 7150 Polio Eradication Chairman and PDG Ed Paparella and District Governor Don Reese on the right, for three hundred, twenty thousand, two hundred and twenty-five dollars as the District’s pledge to Polio eradication. Additionally Dave Kobernuss, of the Rotary Club of Rome, NY presents an additional seven hundred and thirty-three dollars raised during the November 12th Rome Rotary meeting with district Rotarians in attendance.

The Rome Club is going to publish a commemorative booklet celebrating District 7150 highlights during the 100years of Rotary. Rotarian, Pattie Saunders of the Rome Club is the Chairman of this project and will be contacting each club. We will be asking for a one-page bio of your club’s highlights or what your club feels is appropriate for insertion and $100 dollars to offset the cost of production. A copy of the booklet will be given to each attendee.

Additionally, prior to dinner President Rattakul will be presenting Paul Harris Fellowship Awards. We ask that the clubs contact Carol Anthony of the Chittenango Clubs who is coordinating the presentations.

There will be a special performance by Juliane Wentzkat-Price and Stephen Price opera stars that have performed in Europe and New York City.

For tickets, we ask that each club appoint a representative to coordinate tickets sales and distribution within your club and we ask that that Rotarian contact Don Reese (794-8085), Utica Club, Carol Anthony (office 687-9399, home 687-7411), Chittenango Club or Dave Kobernuss (336-2808) of Rome for tickets. We are limiting distribution of tickets to one person in each club for obvious reasons. No one will be admitted without a ticket. No tickets will be sold at the door. Tickets must be bought in advance. Download flyer.


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PDG John Engelmann passed on Feb. 25th, in Wilmington NC. His son, John, stated that we died peacefully with his family around him. Services will be in Wilmington. His family asked that rather than sending flowers, that donations might made in his name to; the Rome YMCA, First Presbyterian Church of Rome, a Rome Rotary project, or the Rotary Foundation.

Betty's address: Elizabeth Engleman, 8217 Blue Heron Drive E., Villa 2, Wilmington NC 28411

PDG John's friendship, smile and good humor will be missed by all of us. Please include John and his family in your prayers.


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R. I. President Glen Estess Centennial Dinner in District 7150

We are privileged to have Rotary International President Glenn Estess, Sr. as our special guest for October 27th. President Glenn will be our featured speaker at a gala Dinner at the Syracuse On Center that evening. The Reception will begin at 6:15pm with Dinner being served at 7:30. The event will end by 9:30pm. We will have a local children's choir, a special literary presentation and good food and fine fellowship. Tickets are $30 each and are available through Rev. James F. Austin, DG 7150. Theardis Martino, from the Syracuse Inner City Club, is the Chairman of this event. Download brochure containing sign-up sheet.

Oncenter Complex
800 South State Street
Syracuse, NY 13202

DIRECTIONS:
From the NYS Thruway (I-90)
Exit 36, Rt. 81 South to Syracuse. Harrison Street Exit 18, right on Harrison, two blocks, left on State Street, left into the Oncenter Complex Parking Garage.

From the North
Rt. 81 South to Harrison Street Exit 18, right on Harrison, two blocks, left on State Street, left into the Oncenter Complex Parking Garage.

From the South
Rt. 81 North to Adams/Harrison Street Exit 18. Straight one block, left on Harrison, two blocks, left on State Street, left into the Oncenter Complex Parking Garage.

From the East and West
690 East or West, West Street Exit, follow West Street, 5th light left on Shonnard Street which turns into East Adams. Follow East Adams, 7th light turn left onto South State Street, right into the Oncenter Complex Parking Garage.

Oncenter Parking
Visitors may use their 1,000-car parking garage with an enclosed walkway to the Convention Center. The garage is located on the corner of South State Street and Adams Street.

Download Directions information.

 


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D-7150 Rotary Clubs Matching Fund Benefits Newborn Brazil Infants

"Here are pictures from Brazil of the medical equipment that was purchased with the matching grant funded by District 7150's Utica Rotary Club, Oriskany-Whitestown Rotary Club, and the Rotary Club of Formiga, Brazil. The device is a ventilator for newborn infants. Wander Batista is a doctor at Santa Casa, the hospital where this equipment will be used and the father of Roberta Batista, a Youth Exchange student hosted by Utica Rotary 2 years ago. I met Wander when I was in Brazil in 1992 with the Group Study Exchange and visited this hospital. To see these pictures and know what Utica and Oriskany Whitestown Rotary and D7150 have done for this hospital brings tears to my eyes. Please publish a couple of these pictures on the website so that all the members of these clubs can see what they have done to help the children in a small city in Brazil. Thank you very much, Linda & Ray Allen" The following email was received by Linda & Ray from their friends in Brazil, Wander and Monica. "Dear Linda and Ray, we received the newborn ventilator bought with the money that you so kindly arose for the Matching Grant Project. The Principal of Santa Casa de Caridade Hospital received yesterday the equipment during a short but significant gathering of members of the R C Formiga, medical staff and workers of the hospital. Our District Governor 2004-05 Jose’Otávio Azevedo honored us with his presence . Once more receive our deepest gratitude on behalf of our community from your friends, Wander and Monica" - Editor's note: View the following pictures of the event


June 2004


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Paul Harris to be Honored in U.S. Capital for Going the Extra Mile

Rotary founder Paul Harris is among more than 70 outstanding U.S. volunteers who will be honored through a new national memorial in Washington, D.C, located on a one-mile path adjacent to the White House and U.S. Treasury Department.

When completed, "The Extra Mile" Volunteer Pathway will feature bronze medallions with a likeness of each honoree, a description of his or her achievements, and/or a quotation. Each of the medallions will measure 42 inches (more than 1 meter) in diameter. Dedication is planned for mid-2004.

The RI Board of Directors has approved a project to facilitate the construction of the Paul Harris medallion, which will be placed in a block of granite set into the sidewalk. An effort is under way to raise US$50,000 toward the cost of the monument.

"More than 1.7 million visitors are expected to see the Pathway each year and the medallion will remain there in perpetuity, creating a wonderful public relations opportunity for Rotary International," according to RI Vice President Frank C. Collins Jr. and Past District Governor Jack B. Blane, co-chairs of the project, in a letter addressed to all U.S. district governors, RI general officers, and The Rotary Foundation Trustees.

The Points of Light Foundation, initiator of the program, believes that the memorial will help promote the spirit of volunteerism among visitors who walk along the pathway.

More details are available from the official memorial Web site. Contributions toward the special tribute to Paul Harris may be made by check only to Points of Light Foundation, c/o PDG Jack B. Blane, 2750 Ridge Road, Highland Park, IL 60035, USA.


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R. I. World Headquarters Ceremony Bring Centennial Home

February 5, 2004, undeterred by the wintry chill, more than 200 guests, local Rotarians, and Rotary International staff looked on patiently as RI President-elect Glenn E. Estess, Sr., Rotary Foundation Trustee Chairman James Lacy, and Evanston Mayor Lorraine Morton strained to accomplish the task at hand.

At precisely 1:08 pm on 2 February, the white-and-blue street banner celebrating 100 years of Rotary was unveiled to clapping and the ceremonial tooting of a trumpet in front of RI World Headquarters in Evanston, Illinois, USA. Similar signs will be displayed on streets throughout downtown Evanston to announce Rotary's centennial anniversary.

"It is great to be a part of this city," said RI General Secretary Edwin Futa, who was emcee at the event. "We are proud to be a part of this community." To residents and city officials present Futa expressed Rotary's gratitude for being good neighbors and hosts. He told students from Northwestern, a world-class university in Evanston, that Rotary offers a great opportunity for those who seek to work for an organization that makes a difference in people's lives.

Praising the humanitarian work of Rotarians worldwide, Mayor Morton thanked Rotary for choosing Evanston as its home. "Raise the banner high to show Evanston's appreciation for Rotary placing its international headquarters in downtown Evanston," she said.


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R.I. President Addresses Eastern Cities Fellowship Dinner

The Rotary Club of Rochester, New York, is pleased to announce that Rotary International President Jonathan Majiyagbe will be the featured speaker at this year's annual Eastern Cities Fellowship Dinner- Wednesday, November 12, 2003 at the Rochester Riverside Convention Center. Flyers and invitations will be distributed shortly. If you would like advance information, please contract Rochester Rotary by e-mail or by calling their office at 585-546-7435.


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2003-04 Theme unveiled at Int'l Assembly

Monday, January 27, 2003: RI President-elect Jonathan Majiyagbe today unveiled the 2003-04 theme, Lend a Hand, at the International Assembly in Anaheim, California, USA, where 529 incoming district governors are participating in training sessions to prepare them for their upcoming year in office. After warmly welcoming participants to "Rotary's university," Majiyagbe declared his theme, calling it "simple and straightforward, expressing the natural impulse that all Rotarians feel when they come face to face with human need."

Outlining his four areas of focus for the year — poverty, health, literacy, and the family of Rotary — the president-elect said, "We will Lend a Hand to alleviate poverty, educate the illiterate, and relieve the scourge of disease, and Lend a Hand of fellowship to all of the family of Rotary."

Citing the outstanding relief efforts of Rotarians to natural disasters, Majiyagbe said, "Hunger, poverty, disease, poor health — these are the disasters that have befallen millions and we must reach out and pull them to safety with the same sense of urgency that we would pull someone from out of raging floodwaters."

The president-elect asked the audience to remember why they first joined a Rotary club. "We have all asked ourselves, 'What can one person do?' In Rotary, we never have to be one person. We are 1.2 million who believe that suffering does not have to be part of the human condition," he said.

Throughout his speech, Majiyagbe used the metaphor of the "family of Rotary," saying that such a family "provides a haven where we can gather the strength and encouragement to face the challenges of the world." To promote an atmosphere of warmth and caring within the club, he plans to ask every club to form a Family of Rotary Committee in 2003-04.

The president-elect also touched upon the highlights for the 2003-04 year — the eve of the Rotary Centennial celebration — including the graduation of the first class of Rotary World Peace Scholars, the 2004 Council on Legislation, and the launch of the Twin Clubs project, part of centennial celebration that will help clubs expand their humanitarian reach to another part of the world. He urged the audience to stay focused on PolioPlus. "Twenty years ago, we made a solemn promise — today and in the coming months, we must honor our word," he said.

The International Assembly, held at the Anaheim Hilton and Towers 26 January-2 February, has united some 1,329 people from 78 countries for informative plenary sessions, group discussions, service meetings, and fellowship events. Joining the district-governors elect are hundreds of senior Rotary leaders who serve as mentors for the incoming "class," who have come to train and inspire the future district governors.

View more info on RI President-elect Jonathan Majiyagbe web page. Download logos.


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May 2003 - The Rotary Club of Bidulf, England (sister club of the GUS Rotary Club) visits the Children's Museum in Utica, NY


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D7150 Chosen as one of Rotary International's Cyber Clubs

Email Notification - Hello from Evanston, I have been asked to act as administrative contact for the Cyber Club initiative. Marlene, I now have a large note to include you as the webmaster in my list of cyber club contacts! This email is to officially inform you of the RI Board decision to go ahead with the Rotary Cyber Club pilot projects at the February 2003 meeting. Your club is included with this group of new Cyber Clubs. I certainly congratulate 7150, and the other 17 districts that have worked to create this exciting new phase for Rotary International. Please feel confident to inform the incoming officers of your District, and all those interested about the status with regard to the Cyber Club pilot. With kind regards, David

Hello back from Upstate New York! David, I am thrilled and delighted - as I know our DG Don Reese and our DGE Andrea Ives are - to have been selected as one of the Rotary Cyber Club pilot projects. I just went on and secured the domain names for our cyber club and as soon as they propagate to my server, I can start building the website! We will anxiously await President Bhichai's selection of a Cyber Club Pilot Project Board Liaison who will communicate the next phase and direction to us by the end of May 2003 so we can begin the process of building our Cyber Club membership and swelling the ranks of Rotary! Thank you so very much for your kind and timely response. It's appreciated. Sincerely, Marlene

History: In June 2002, the R.I. Board agreed to a pilot project of cyber rotary clubs whose members may reside or work within a Rotary zone or be open to any qualified members, regardless of geography. The project, which aims to appeal to demographic groups that cannot participate in traditional Rotary clubs, follows on the heels of the New Models Rotary Clubs pilot project, which began a three-year trial on 1 July 2001. The New Models and cyber pilot projects were both authorized by the 2001 Council on Legislation. The first cyber club, Rotary e-Club One, in U.S. District 5450, has generated wide interest among Rotarians in online clubs. In the first four months after its chartering, more than 600 persons had done make-ups on its Web site. The goal of Cyber Clubs is to help business professionals in their community who could not meet traditional attendance requirements due to travel, conflicting work schedules, physical disability, or sheer distance. Rotary leaders hope the program will create different types of Rotary clubs to better meet the needs of Rotary in the 21st century, attract more young professionals, and increase membership. Our Cyber Club website is live: www.rotaryeclubny1.com


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Carl-Wilhelm chosen President of Rotary International in 2005-06

Carl-Wilhelm Stenhammar, of the Rotary Club of Göteborg, Sweden, is the choice of the RI Nominating Committee for President of Rotary International in 2005-06, which met on 8 September. He will become the official nominee on 1 December if there are no challenging candidates. Stenhammar, a marketing manager for international food products, is the former owner of Gust. F. Bratt AB. In addition, he has been a member of the boards of several companies and served as chairman of the board of a local private school.

A Rotarian since 1974, Stenhammar served on the RI Board of Directors in 1996-98. He has also served RI as district governor, committee member and chairman, and task force general coordinator. Currently, Stenhammar chairs the Permanent Fund Committee for Europe and RIBI and is general coordinator of the Literacy and Education Task Force. He is a member of the Polio Eradication Advocacy Task Force, a PolioPlus National Advocacy Advisor, and was chairman of the Presidential Celebration Committee-Peace and Tolerance, which was held in Sweden in August 2003.


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Frank Collins Chosen R. I. Vice President for 2003-04

President-Elect Jonathan Majiyagbe has appointed Frank C. Collins, Jr. as Vice-President of Rotary International for 2003-2004. Frank is a member of the Rotary Club of East Hartford, Connecticut USA in Dist 7890, a faculty member and Chair of the Faculty Training Committee of the RLI, and a Promise Keeper committee member. The Rotarians of Zones 31-32 are justly proud to have our Director as Vice-President for the next Rotary year. We are confident he will serve all of Rotary with his skill and dedication.


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Rotary world mourns death of Ade Majiyagbe

Ade Majiyagbe, wife of RI President-elect Jonathan Majiyagbe, died on 6 June 2003 in England, having suffered a stroke a few weeks earlier. Known and loved throughout the Rotary world for her warmth, good humor, and dedication to Rotary, Ade was very active in Inner Wheel in her homeland of Nigeria and served on the organization’s international board of directors. An insurance claims adjuster by profession, she also sang in her church choir and enjoyed sewing and fashion design. She is also survived by her son, John.

Ade Majiyagbe was a familiar presence with her husband at RI conventions, the International Assembly, and other meetings. Leading the spouses’ session at the 2003 International Assembly, she reinforced her husband’s message of addressing the world’s most pressing problems, saying: “As privileged people and spouses of Rotarians who are known for humanitarian services, we must team up to give back to society what society gave us. We must Lend a Hand in helping to clothe the naked; Lend a Hand in feeding the poor; Lend a Hand in healing the sick; Lend a Hand in caring for the aged and comforting the bereaved.” “Together with her husband, Ade Majiyagbe served and represented Rotary with devotion and faith,” said Gay Maloney, who served as her aide during the 2002-03 Rotary year. “Most of all, I witnessed her commitment to serve those less fortunate throughout the world. Because of her beautiful spirit and selfless nature, she inspired me and all others who had the privilege of knowing her.”

The funeral will be held Friday, 13 June at 11:30 am at St. Andrew’s Church, Bethune Rd., Stoke Newington, London N16 England. Rotarians may send condolences to President-elect Majiyagbe in care of the President’s Office at RI World Headquarters. Memorial contributions in honor of Ade Majiyagbe can be made to "Ade's Hope Fund for the Education of Women and Children" c/o The Rotary Foundation, P.O. Box 75133, Chicago, IL 60675-5133 USA.


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It's Official - District 7150's 47th Club!

The Skaneateles Sunrise Rotary club's official birthday is June 18th, 2003. The members of both the Skaneateles Rotary Club and the Skaneateles Sunrise Club can be very proud of their accomplishment in providing their community with an additional 22 Rotarians, and an alternate venue of participating in “Service Above Self”. It’s been 18 months of preparation, planning, work and fun by both clubs to make it-happen. Past Skan. Pres. John O’Sullivan and Current Skan. Pres. Joe Rodgers, along with their support teams supplied guidance and support to Skaneateles Sunrise Club president Doug Hill and his organizational team to accomplish the “magic of it all”. Congratulations!

DG Don Reese will be in attendance for the June 26th club meeting to deliver his last official visit message to the world’s newest Rotary club, and to help “pin” our district’s newest Rotarians. The meeting will be held at 7:00 AM, at the Skaneateles Community Center. The Skaneateles Sunrise Club Rotarians are: Rich Berman, Ron Bond, Rev. Robert deWetter, Ralph Edmonds, Toni Feldmann, Dan Hennigan, Doug Hill, Dave Labourdette, Tim Lynn, Bill Lynn, John McCarthy, Jim McQuiggan, Mike Navoroli, Joachim Ohlin, John Paddock, Sharon Potucek, Andy Ramsgard, John Rooney, Paul Sheedy, Doug Smith, Elaine Taggart and Rhett Weiss. The tentative date for Charter Celebration is October 3rd. Mark your calendars. More on this as plans are solidified. Yours in Rotary Service and Friendship, PDG Ward Vuiellmot


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May 2003 New York Times Rotary Article

Death Throes of a Crippler
On Oct. 26, 1977, in Somalia, a young man came down with a rash. It was smallpox. But the fellow, who survived, was remarkable, for he had the planet's last case of naturally occurring smallpox. Eleven years after smallpox became the first disease to be wiped off the face of the earth, health ministers from around the world voted to make polio the second. That goal is very close. But the campaign is short of money. Another $275 million is needed to finish the job by 2005 - a sum that would be repaid manyfold if polio vanished. On May 13, a coalition of groups that fight polio - Unicef, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the World Health Organization and Rotary International - announced a smart change in strategy, focusing money and expertise more tightly on the few areas where polio is still endemic.

But there is not enough money even for this leaner fight.In the late 1980's, most countries had polio cases, and 350,000 people contracted the disease each year. By last year there were fewer than 2,000 cases, all in seven countries. A vast majority occur in two Indian states and in Nigeria and Pakistan. But recent financial constraints caused cutbacks in special vaccination days in those areas. The 1,919 cases reported last year were up from 329 in 2001. Hence the change in strategy.

Countries will continue to give children polio vaccines as part of their routine immunization package, but 80 nations where polio is not found will no longer have supplementary vaccination days. The resources this saves will be concentrated on the seven polio-endemic nations and six others considered still at risk.In an age when viruses circle the globe, no unvaccinated person is safe until polio is eradicated everywhere. Of the $275 million required by 2005, $33 million is needed urgently. Wealthy nations meeting in France in June should make this a priority. The world has been spared 40 million smallpox deaths since 1977. Polio's demise will bring huge benefits as well. It makes sense to spend the money to end the disease as fast as possible. Download article.


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April 2003 Fortune Magazine Article

Rotary vs. Polio - The gang that comics joke about is kayoing a killer disease. FORTUNE Wednesday, April 30, 2003 By Carol J. Loomis

In the past year members of the Rotary Club in Sedalia, Mo. (pop: 20,339), honored a student of the month at Smith-Cotton High School, read to first-graders, delivered valentines to patients at Bothwell Regional Hospital, and helped the city's Hispanics celebrate Cinco de Mayo. Also, they kept working to eradicate polio worldwide. Well, the Sedalia club isn't eradicating polio all by itself--30,000 Rotary Clubs all over the world are helping--and the job's not quite done. Polio still exists in seven countries: Afghanistan, Egypt, India, Niger, Nigeria, Pakistan, and Somalia. But the incredible fact is that Rotary International, the butt of stand-up comedians forever, has since the mid-1980s all but wiped out the disease. When Bill Gates, whose Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation has given billions to advance world health, is asked what medical projects he respects, he often starts with Rotary and "the remarkable job it has done with polio."

Years ago every Rotary Club was an island that carried out service projects on its own. It would have been "close to heresy," says Bill Sergeant of Knoxville, Tenn., now Rotary's poliomeister, for anyone to suggest any other form of operating. But in the late 1970s a visionary Rotary president, Australian Clem Renouf, persuaded the organization's hierarchy that the clubs were wasting their talents by not uniting to attack a major problem. Polio was chosen, and ultimately, in 1986, Rotary announced a drive to raise the unimaginable amount of $120 million to eradicate the disease. With that start--and with the $247 million that was actually raised--PolioPlus was off the ground. Rotary has now put more than $500 million into PolioPlus and has gathered billions more from such partners as the World Health Organization, Unicef, the Centers for Disease Control, and the Gates Foundation itself.

Vaccines are the first cost, of course. Every child under the age of 5--there are 607 million in the world--needs to receive at least six doses, at a per-dose cost of around 10 cents. Beyond that expense is the logistical challenge of delivering the vaccines. The difficulty of getting desperately poor mothers and children to an immunization center six or more times can't be underestimated. Rotary takes on much of that work: In war-ravaged Sudan, for example, it has chartered planes to airlift vaccines and staff to the inaccessible southern part of the country. The seven countries where polio still exists each must pass several tests before they can be declared free of the disease, including having no cases for three years. (In case you're wondering, the U.S. has been polio-free since 1993.) Rotarians would love to see some of the seven graduate by 2005, the organization's 100th birthday. Meanwhile, Renouf is now Sir Clem, knighted for his humanitarian work in connection with Rotary. Download article.

 


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Rotary International Convention 2003 Statistics

More than 15,000 Rotarians and their family members representing 113 countries and 3,908 Rotary clubs gathered in Brisbane, Australia, for the 94th RI Convention from 1-4 June. The event opened with a dynamic indigenous dance performance and the low, stirring sound of a didgeridoo welcoming the crowd to the first plenary session at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre.

RI President Bhichai Rattakul set the tone for the four-day convention in his opening address, reflecting on the steadfast dedication of Rotarians in a year marked by global conflict and instability. “Rather than be overwhelmed by the problems in our world, Rotarians are rising to the challenge, with a renewed sense of our mission,” said Rattakul. “We have realized that there is a new urgency to our calling as Rotarians. As the voices of the intolerant grow louder, we will answer them — but not by shouting back in anger. Our answer will be in our actions.” Overtures to peace, tolerance, and community building continued throughout the convention.

In a keynote address on 2 June, Anand Panyarachun, former prime minister of Thailand, discussed the growing complexity of conflict resolution in an increasingly global society. “There may be a role for non-political national or international bodies to create better understanding of the various paths to peaceful conflict resolution,” said Panyarachun. “Already, think tanks and NGOs [nongovernmental organizations] have become powerful policy advocates, often proposing creative solutions to trenchant problems. The establishment of the Rotary Centers for International Studies in Peace and Conflict Resolution is an important development along this line.”

Other speakers included Matthew Bright, a Rotary World Peace Scholar from the United States currently studying at Brisbane’s Queensland University; Alan Gale, M.D., renowned Australian heart surgeon; Susie O’Neill, an Olympic champion swimmer from Australia; and Gemma Sisia, founder of the East Africa Fund, a grass-roots organization that finances education in Tanzania.

On 3 June, Rattakul presented RI’s highest honor, the Rotary Award for World Understanding and Peace, to Federico Mayor, former director general of UNESCO. “Today, more than ever in the past, international understanding and multi-culturality appear as a cornerstone of peace, stability, and justice at the global level,” said Mayor, a leading advocate of conflict prevention, human rights, and intercultural dialogue. Mayor’s acceptance of the award brought the audience to their feet, as did an announcement later in the day that Rotarians have raised US$88,557,000 to date for the polio eradication fundraising campaign, surpassing a fundraising goal of $80 million set in 2002.

In a 4 June address, RI President-elect Jonathan Majiyagbe encouraged Rotarians to connect with others and share the Rotary ideals of peace and tolerance in the year ahead. “Whether we are reaching out to those in our own clubs or reaching halfway across the world, when we Lend a Hand, we work together and celebrate our shared humanity,” he said. Other convention highlights included the election of President-nominee Glenn E. Estess Sr., a member of the Rotary Club of Shades Valley, Ala., USA; the presentation of club charters to representatives from Rotary’s newest countries, Afghanistan and Timor-Leste; and entertainment features ranging from the powerful vocals of award-winning Broadway performer Caroline O’Connor to the furious wood chopping of world champion axeman David Foster.


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The Sky's the Limit, them of Rose Parade 2003 Rotary Float

The Sky's the Limit is Theme of Rose Parade 2003 Rotary Float

The Sky's the Limit - the theme and design of the Rose Parade 2003 Rotary Float - were selected to honor the 100th anniversary of the First Flight of Orville and Wilbur Wright. On December 17, 1903, the Wright brothers, two brilliant self-trained aeronautical engineers built and flew the first power driven, heavier than air machine in which humans made free, controlled an sustained flight.
Although this first flight covered just 120 feet and lasted only 12 seconds the Wright brothers established the fundamental principles of aircraft design and engineering that we use today. Their achievements changed our world and continue to inspire new generations of inventors and dreamers.
See pictures of the float, the building process, and floats from prior years on the Rotary Float website.



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Rotary Int'l Nominating Committee Selects Estess as 04-05 Prez

On 9 September, the RI Nominating Committee selected Glenn E. Estess Sr., of the Rotary Club of Shades Valley, Alabama, USA, as president of Rotary International in 2004-05. Estess will lead the RI Convention in 2005, when Rotary celebrates its centennial. He will become the official nominee on 1 December. Estess is the chairman of the Membership Development and Retention Committee. He served as RI vice president in 1991-92, RI director, Rotary Foundation trustee, governor of District 6860, and chairman of the Audit and Operations Review Committee. He has been a Rotarian since 1960. He has retired from Glenn Estess Associates, where he was chief executive officer. Estess was born in Pike County, Mississippi, USA, and graduated with a bachelor's degree in chemistry from Tulane University in New Orleans.


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The Rotary 85 Rule for Membership

The 85 rule (combination of age and years in Rotary) is still part of the standard club constitution, as is the right of the club's board to excuse a member's attendance for any reason it deems good and sufficient. Senior Active no longer exists. The class of membership is Active and Exempt.


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Rotary grows by 4.6 percent in 2001-02

Rotary clubs added 54,939 members to their rolls in the 2001-02 Rotary year, bringing net membership worldwide to 1,243,431, a 4.6 percent increase over the previous year and the best one-year growth ever. More than 1,100 Rotary clubs were chartered in the year ending 30 June 2002, bringing the net total to 31,256 clubs in 163 countries.

The greatest percentage membership growth was in Asia, where six countries - Bangladesh, India, Korea, Malaysia, Philippines, and Thailand - registered double-digit percentage increases. Membership in Rotary clubs in India grew almost 18 percent, for a net gain of 14,209 members, making the country the world leader in the number of new Rotarians. Indicative of Rotary dynamism in the region, the Rotary Club of Daegu-Eagle, Korea, which was chartered on 12 July 2001 with 25 members, grew to a membership of 173 in less than a year and sponsored another new club, the Rotary Club of Daegu-Banya, in May 2002.

Growth occurred in virtually every area of the world. Besides India, 10 other countries with at least 2,000 Rotarians each netted more than 1,000 members last year. They were: the United States, 8,618; Korea, 7,398; Philippines, 2,929; Italy, 2,495; Brazil, 2,166; Germany, 1,971; Nigeria, 1,637; Bangladesh, 1,577; England, 1,429; and Turkey, 1,272.

A major impetus for the growth was Rotary's Global Quest, the campaign that called for each Rotary club to induct at least one member a month, with a minimum net gain of five members for the year. It also asked each district to form a minimum of three new clubs. The five districts that led the way in raising membership levels and organizing new clubs were 3150 (India), 3260 (India), 3700 (Korea), 3790 (Philippines), and 9140 (Nigeria). The top 10 clubs were Bareilly North, Cuddalore Central, Green Woods-Yellandu, Jaggayyapet, Mangalore East, and Murwara, all in India; Uttara, Bangladesh; Daegu-Eagle, Korea; Sentul, Malaysia; and Paranaque-Lakambini, Philippines.


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District 7150 featured in Rotarian Magazine

the ROTARY EXPERIENCE - New York, USA Clubs show that Rotary Makes a Difference

Mobilizing Forces by Anthony G. Craine

Left: Bruce Frassinelli joins fellow Rotarians and other community members in a cleanup of the Rotary Trail along Lake Ontario.


AUGUST, 2002 - When it comes to service with an immediate impact, the power of Rotary often lies in its numbers. Hundreds of Rotarians working at the community level can make a big difference in a lot of lives in a relatively short period of time. With this in Mind, Bruce Frassinelli, 2001-02 governor of Disstrict 7150 (New York, USA), made it his goal to get as many Rotarians as possible involved in Make a Difference Day, 27 October 2001.

Created by USA Weekend magazine, Make a Difference Day is an annual event in which two million volunteers, mostly in the United States, spend the day helping others. Projects range from large-scale efforts, such as collecting food or clothing for the homeless, to more personal tasks, such as visiting an elderly neighbor. As the former publisher and editor of the Oswego Palladium-Times, which carries USA Weekend iin its Sunday editions, Frassinelli was well acquainted with Make a Difference Day and knew that it was the kind of effort Rotary clubs would embrace. "I thought it might be nice if I could get the district to involve itself in a whole series of projects for public good," Frassinelli says, "On our official visits to the clubs last summer I pushed it very heavily."

The response was strong. Despite some unfriendly weather - freezing temperatures and steady snow and sleet - some 480 Rotarians, along with family members and other community volunteers, turned out to work on a variety of projects across a six-county area, many of which took place outdoors. In Oswego, Frassinelli's club cleaned up a nature trail; in West Winfield, Rotarians installed lighting for a new flag display in front of the library; in Oneida, members did exterior home-improvement work for senior citizens. In all, 23 of the district's 44 clubs contributed. The effort impressed the Make a Difference Day organizers, who presented the district one of 529 local awards and reported on the Rotarians' work in an issue of USA Weekend. "I thought it was a tremendous turnout considering the weather," Frassinelli says. "The Rotarians in District 7150 who mobilized and participated in Make a Difference Day projects reached out and touched thousands in so many different ways in their communities."

Not all of the work took place outside, but the work indoors was just as challenging. New Hartford and Utica Rotarians joined forces to provide valuable maintenance work at a children's museum, where a door and rugs were replaced, rooms were repainted, and lights were installed. Marlene Brown, 2001-2002 president of the New Hartford club, sees this sort of concerted effort as a natural fit for Rotarians. "It points up the fact that Rotarians everywhere are proud to have it be known that making a difference in their communities as well as their world is important to us," Brown says. "We're aware that we're leaving a legacy, truly making the world a better place to live for those who will come after us."

AUGUST 2002 - Anthony G. Craine is senior editor of The Rotarian.


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Make a Difference Day in 2002!

Memo from PDG Bruce - "All clubs in District 7150 are invited to participate in the Make A Difference Day effort this year on Saturday, October 26, 2002. We would like to have every Rotarian in the district do a 'good deed' for his or her community for the day -- preferably in collaboration with other similar-minded club members as a club-sponsored project. If clubs do not organize an event formally, individual Rotarians can do projects. Projects should be framed in a one-day time period (usually three to four hours or so). These projects should not be on-going or open-ended. Although you are encouraged to make a difference on Oct. 26, the projects can be done near that date, taking into consideration sensitivities about the sabbath of some religions. Nearly 500 District 7150 Rotarians participated in last year's Make A Difference Day. The effort was publicized in a full-page feature story in the most recent (Aug. 2002) edition of The Rotarian magazine, and the district was one of the national regional winners selected by USA Weekend, the national sponsor for Make A Difference Day.

Look around your community and identify a cause that needs attention. Then go tackle it as a club.Go online to get ideas makeadifferenceday.com
Register at inkindex.com for free project supplies, including Avery office projects. Also, see how your project can honor victims of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks. Please e-mail me a description of your project, along with the number of Rotarians who participated. If possible, please send a photo of the club in action working on the project to me at 139 Arcadia Avenue, Oswego, NY 13126. Our goal is to have 75 percent of the clubs participate this year, up from the nearly 50 percent which participated last year. If I can help or if you have questions, please contact me by telephoning 342-4180 or emailing me at the above address. Thanks for your consideration.

View our Make a Difference Day page with photos.


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Rotarians Celebrate in Barcelona & Plan our Future

June, 2002 - More than 19,000 Rotarians traveled from 147 countries to attend the 93rd RI Convention in sunny Barcelona, Spain, on 23-26 June. The event opened with remarks from RI President Richard D. King, who focused on the increased need for organizations such as Rotary in the face of wars and tragedies.

"The world looks to us for direction," he said. "And why not? We are the most dedicated, energetic, and committed citizen-leaders that the world has ever known." President King then presented a Rotary Award of Honor to U.S. humorist and humanitarian Jerry Lewis.

A highlight of the convention was the announcement on 24 June of the winners of the Global Quest by the RI president and Kenneth Boyd, chairman of the RI Membership Development Executive Steering Committee. Thirty winners received jeweled globes for their achievements, and President King announced that an unprecedented number of more than 72,500 new Rotarians were inducted during 2001-02.

On 25 June, former Soviet Union President and honorary Rotarian Mikhail Gorbachev made a keynote address on the importance of service organizations in promoting world peace, health, and environmental protection. "I would like to congratulate your movement on its great accomplishments and salute all those who are doing projects that respond to the hopes of the people in the 21st century," he said.

President King presented Gorbachev with RI's Humanitarian Service Award, in recognition of his groundbreaking efforts to promote peace and social development. On the same day, Jonathan Majiyagbe of Kano, Nigeria, was declared RI president for 2003-04.

"Never before in the history of the movement has anyone from my part of the world been asked to take charge of Rotary's affairs," said Majiyagbe in a heartfelt acceptance speech. "This is a great testimony to the famous writing of founder Paul Harris in The Rotarian of June 1944. He said, 'Rotary is an integrating force in a world where disintegrating forces are far more numerous.'"

Other featured speakers included Nane Annan, wife of UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan; Dr. Jacques Moreillon, secretary general of the World Organization of the Scout Movement; Kenneth Behring, chairman of the Wheelchair Foundation; and Dr. Bruce Aylward of the World Health Organization, who updated participants on the progress of the polio eradication effort.

In recognition of his efforts to end world hunger, President King presented RI's highest award, the Rotary Award for World Understanding and Peace, to Dr. Norman Borlaug, a scientist who won the 1970 Nobel Peace Prize for his pioneering efforts in developing a strain of high-yield, disease-resistant wheat. "I have long been an admirer of Rotary International and of your motto, 'Service Above Self,'" Borlaug said. "I am a firm believer that education is necessary to overcoming poverty and achieving world peace. Rotary International has made important contributions to individual excellence and advancement through its various scholarship and ambassador programs."

On 26 June, RI President-elect Bhichai Rattakul of the Rotary Club of Dhonburi, Bangkok, Thailand, introduced the 2002-03 RI theme, Sow the Seeds of Love. Rattakul spoke on the importance of "going back to basics" and a bottom-up approach. "The source of next year's theme lies in my long-standing belief that any undertaking must have a sense of mission," he said. "One must have total faith in the cause. It is this sense of mission that infuses our actions with determination, enthusiasm, sincerity, devotion, and above all — love!"

For the first time this year, the programs of Rotaract, Interact, RYLA, and Youth Exchange had their own "mini conventions" during convention week. In the past, these meetings had been held prior to the convention. Participants enjoyed a host of fellowship and entertainment activities including dancing and festivities at the El Pueblo Espanol, a Spanish village; an evening fiesta featuring local delicacies; and a lively performance by Jerry Lewis at the closing ceremony, who announced he will promote Rotary during his Telethon.


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Rotary Receives Gates Award for Global Health

Rotary clubs in Central New York and worldwide celebrate as the organization receives the 2002 Gates Award for Global Health. The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation announced today that The Rotary Foundation of Rotary International has been selected as this year's award recipient. The award recognizes Rotary's leadership and impact in the field of public health, most notably the organization's top priority of eradicating polio by 2005. Rotary has contributed over US$462 million toward polio eradication, and more than one million Rotary members have volunteered their time and personal resources to help immunize more than 2 billion children in 122 countries. Rotary clubs in District 7150 have contributed significant amounts of money to polio eradication effort. The award not only recognizes Rotary's work to end polio, but also the mobilization of over a million Rotary members to work in areas of health and sustainable development. Hundreds of ongoing community service projects are improving the health and welfare of those in need throughout the world.

"The Rotary Foundation is truly deserving of recognition for its exemplary achievements in the field of global health," said Bill Gates, Sr., co-chair and CEO of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. "I've seen Rotary volunteers in action and they do tremendous work. We should never take for granted the generosity and hard work of people in communities everywhere who volunteer their time and resources to make a difference in the lives of children and families in both developing and developed nations." The Gates Foundation established the Gates Award for Global Health in the amount of US$1 million to recognize an organization that has made a major and lasting contribution to the field of global health. The Global Health Council administers the award process.

"We thank the Gates Foundation for recognizing the important role that Rotary plays in the effort to improve the health of men, women and children worldwide," said Luis Vicente Giay, chairman of The Rotary Foundation. "Rotary receives this award with great humility, but we are so proud that this honor recognizes the critical role civil society plays in the fight to give people in developing nations access to effective immunizations and health care. We hope that the award will help raise awareness of the crucial need to eradicate polio now - when we have the opportunity."

The award will be presented in Washington, DC, on Thursday, May 30th, at a dinner during the Global Health Council's 29th annual international conference, "Global Health in Times of Crisis." Bill Gates, Sr. will present the award on behalf of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. Last year, the first Gates Award was presented to the Centre for Health and Population Research, based in Dhaka, Bangladesh. The Centre pioneered the discovery and development of oral re-hydration solution (ORS), which today saves the lives of 2 ½ million children each year from diarrhea, the sickness that used to be the leading infectious killer in the world.

Rotary is an organization of business and professional leaders united worldwide who provide humanitarian service and help to build goodwill and peace in the world. There are approximately 1.2 million Rotary club members of more than 30,000 Rotary clubs in 163 countries. Rotary has recently established the Rotary Centers for International Studies at prestigious universities throughout the world in order to advance knowledge on issues of peace and conflict resolution among the next generation of community and world leaders. # # #

Download printable copy * Read USA Today article


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Webmaster Marlene Wins 2 Rotary Web Awards

May, 2002 - Marlene B. Brown, District 7150 Webmaster, was notified that her Club website, New Hartford Rotary, and the Rotary RYLA website -- both of which she designed and maintains -- were chosen as top websites in the 2002 Best of the Rotary Web contest. The New Hartford Club website was 6th in its category worldwide, and the RYLA website was 2nd in its category.

 


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2002-2003 Theme: "Sow the Seeds of Love"

January, 2002: Past Director Bhichai Rattakul of Bangkok, Thailand, Rotary International president for 2002-03, unveils his theme in Anaheim. A past director of R.I. in 1990-2, he will succeed R.I. President Rick King, 2001-02 at the International Conference in Barcelona, Spain in June 2002.

D7150 DGE Don Reese called Internet Communications Officer Marlene Brown from Anaheim, CA to ask her to relay to all Rotarians that President Bhichai Rattakul delivered a moving and inspiring speech where he announced the Rotary International Theme for 2002-03: SOW THE SEEDS OF LOVE

DGE Don enthusiastically reports that RIPE Rattakul stresses the importance of planting the essence of life in the Clubs, who will then pass that on to the Communities and the World. The theme and beautiful logo of flowers comes from a man who truly believes in the mission of Rotary to serve humanity - one act of service at a time, each one to sow a seed of love in the world.

RIPE Rattakul shared the following: "There is no way to change the past, but there are endless ways to change the future, through peace, love, understanding, hope, and confidence. --- I say, let us continue to advocate Rotary's fundamental principles, the principles that have stood the test of time for almost a century. And with the complete trust and faith in our movement, let us face the future with renewed strength, with the proud realization that the ultimate aim of our efforts is not for our own betterment, but for the peace and security. Come then, together let us move forward with our common purpose and a united strength and make Rotary a truly living and loving force for good."

DGE Don said "my enthusiasm and motivation is overwhelming. Even our jackets are beautiful. A dark blue gray with gold and the beautiful 2002-03 logo. I'm looking forward to coming back to help DG Bruce complete his goals and lead our District forward, Sowing those Seeds of Love."

View more info on our Rotary Presidents page.


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2001-2002 Rotary Bowling Season

The North Utica Rotary is again presenting the New York State Rotary Bowling Tournament. This is the fifty-seventh year for this event. We are looking for your Club's support to make the tournament a major event of the 2001-2002 Rotary year. Download entry form.

Our intentions for this event are to have a good turn out so that we may share fun and good sportsmanship among fellow Rotarians. Also, depending on the success of our program ad book, we will be able to make a contribution to the Rotary Foundation.

Your Club can support this event in two ways. First, please bring the Tournament to the attention of your Club. We hope that you will have some interested participants who would like to bowl. The format this year remains the same in that each team may include one non-Rotarian. Keep in mind this is a fun event. Participants do not have to be high-caliber bowlers. As you can see from the attached brochure, the event is divided into divisions so that everyone has a chance to win.

Perhaps your Club would like to send more than one team - that's fine - the more the merrier. Please feel free to duplicate the entry form if necessary.

Secondly, we are looking for your support in the form of presenting your Club in our souvenir ad-book. Please consider submitting an 'ad' at one of the levels indicated on the Souvenir and Yearbook Contract (enclosed). Keep in mind that this is a fund raiser and the North Utica Rotary Club intends to turn over a portion of the money we raise to The Rotary Foundation. We were able to present the Foundation with $1,000 each year for 1999 and 2000.

This will be a fun event. It has been in the past and, with your support, will continue to be for years to come. We are looking forward to seeing you soon. Can we count on your club?
Yours in Rotary,


The New York State Rotary
Bowling Tournament Committee
North Utica Rotary
Tom Acey, PP


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Nigerian Rotarian nomiated to be RI president in 2003-04

Jonathan B. Majiyagbe, of the Rotary Club of Kano, Nigeria, is the choice of the RI Nominating Committee to be president of Rotary International in 2003-04 and the first African selected to be RI's top leader.

Majiyagbe, a senior advocate of Nigeria, is the principal counsel of the law firm, J.B. Majiyagbe & Company, in Kano. A member of the Nigerian and English bar, he is also a member of the Honourable Body of Benchers, a group charged with evaluating the qualifications of those seeking to practice law in Nigeria and formally calling them to the bar. Majiyagbe is a graduate of London University and a member of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators, London.

Majiyagbe has long been a leader in civic and charitable organizations in Nigeria. He currently serves as chairman of the Nigerian Red Cross Society, as a member of the Kano Chamber of Commerce, Industry Mines and Agriculture, and as trustee of various international cultural organizations.

A Rotarian since 1967, Majiyagbe has served RI as district governor, International Assembly instructor, committee member and chairman, director, and trustee of The Rotary Foundation. He currently chairs the African Regional PolioPlus Committee and the African Affairs Committee. He and his wife, Ade, are major donors to The Rotary Foundation.
If no Rotary club suggests a challenging candidate prior to 1 December, Majiyagbe will be declared to be the President-nominee and will be elected at the 2002 RI Convention to succeed Bhichai Rattakul of Thailand on 1 July 2003. View more info on our Rotary Presidents page.


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D7150 to Host D3820, the Philippines, during 2001-2002

Drs. Sylvia and Jim Hao with Bruce and Marie Frassinelli, above. Dr. Jim Hao is the District Governor-elect District D3820, in the Philippines, with which we will have our Group Study Exchange during 2001-2002. He and his wife are visiting the district from March 3-7, 2001 and are hosted by Marie and Bruce. Rotarian leaders had an opportunity to great and meet Jim and Sylvia Hao at a reception hosted by Frank and Ruth Sayer of the Oswego Rotary Club. View our GSE 2001 web page.


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Marlene Brown receives two awards at R.I. Convention '01

Above: San Antonio, TX, Rotary International's Convention 2001, Robert McDonald, Zone 31 Area Coordinator (representing R. I. Technology Task Force Tom Todd and R.I. President Frank Devlyn) presents Marlene B. Brown with the Zone 31 "Best District Website" award, and "Best Internet Communications Officer."

May 22, 2001 8:04 PM: Abraham I. Gordon, Chairman of the R. I. RYLA Committee today commended Webmaster Marlene Brown for winning the award for the "Most Outstanding R. I. District Web Page" in Zone 31 for the site she prepared and maintains for District 7150. Being No. 1 in the R. I. World is a great accomplishment we in the R. I. RYLA Committee are proud that she has earned this special recognition. We are also pleased that she has agreed to help the Youth of the world by maintaining our own RYLA webpage. Marlene will be presented with her award at the R. I. International Convention in San Antonio this June."

Thu, 24 May 2001: Our CONGRATULATIONS go out to Marlene Brown for receiving Zone 31's "Best DICO Award" (District Internet Coordination Officer). Marlene is recognized for her leadership and initiative in our district's efforts to improve communications and public image through the creative and efficient use of the the internet.

As a result of Marlene's leadership in Internet communications and web site design and maintenance, District 7150 is recognized as one of the finer benchmarks in the Rotary cyber-world.

The next time you see Marlene, or meet her in cyberspace, share your appreciation with her for a JOB WELL DONE! - DG Ward Vuillemot

 


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Bhichai Rattakul, Thailand
RI President 2002-2003

Rome Rotary Club Dinner

Keynote Speaker: Bhichai Rattakul, Rotary International President

Date: Tuesday, Nov. 12, 2002

Location: The Beeches Restaurant and Conference Center, Rome, NY

Cost: is $25 each * Contact: Dave Koberness or Don Schlueter

Cocktails 6:00pm; Dinner 7:00pm

 


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PDG Herb Receives Award from PPRI Carlos Ravizza

Here are excerpts from a recent letter received by PDG Herb Jerry, from PRIP Carlos Ravizza, regarding our District 7150 Conference in Montreal October 1999.

"Dear Herbert, I am delighted to inform you that you have been chosen to receive The Rotary 2000 District Conference Award in recognition of your district's successful and high-quality conference.

Not only did your district conference meet the requirements outlined in the Manual of Procedure, but it also enjoyed the highest club and member participation of qualifying districts throughout your zone.

This accomplishment demonstrates your commitment to furthering the program by involving and educating club members. Please give my personal congratulations to all of the clubs that participated in your district's conference.

Each participating Rotarian is commended for their part in earning this award. I encourage you and your district to continue to Act with Consistency, Credibility, Continuity, and live the ideals of Rotary."

I again want to thank Stan Rubenstein, Bob Batley and all the Eastwood and other Rotarians who worked so hard to make our conference so very, very good. While the letter and the award came to me it is the Rotarians of District 7150 who are the winners. Thanks again. - PDG Herb

 


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The Polio War: Rotarians Near a Victory by John Donnelly, Boston Globe 4/9/2000

Gene Hastings is a devoted Rotarian now, but he remembers when his boss first suggested he join the local chapter. Why me, he groused to himself. Why waste lunch? But Hastings soon saw it differently. He grew to like the camaraderie at the Rotary meetings. And he enjoyed the projects, especially the audacious one: Rotarians, he learned, wanted to help wipe out childhood polio around the world. That was 1985. There were perhaps 350,000 cases worldwide, even though a polio vaccine had become available 31 years earlier.

Today, the dream is within reach. Last year, health workers recorded only 6,000 cases of polio, and the crippling disease was eradicated in 20 countries. The goal is to stop the transmission of polio in the remaining 30 countries by the end of this year, then keep giving immunizations until there is certainty that the virus has been obliterated worldwide. It would mark only the second time in history that a disease has been eradicated. Smallpox was the first, declared dead in 1979. ''It's remarkable, really,'' said Hastings, sitting in his Marblehead living room, which had hundreds of photographs laid out on a long table of smiling Rotary members at conferences around the world. ''There's so much good you can do.''

What's remarkable is not just the goal of the project, which is led by the World Health Organization, UNICEF, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and Rotary International, but that a group of volunteers can help pull it off. The race to wipe out polio may come as news to many Americans. There hasn't been a case of polio in the United States for 25 years, and not a case in the Western Hemisphere for nine years. But for Americans 50 and older, the word triggers memories of warnings to stay out of the pool in summer for fear of winding up with a shrivel ed leg or wedged into an iron lung. Now the focus is on the most inaccessible, populous, and war-torn nations in Asia and Africa, where world leaders such as United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan have intervened to put wars on hold - at least for a few days - to allow tens of thousands of volunteers to immunize children.

In the United States, Rotary has long been perceived the way Hastings once thought of it: a collection of aging men who lunch together regularly and perhaps spend a few thousand dollars a year on a small project in their hometown. But the group, started in 1905 by four Chicago businessmen seeking companionship, has long been global, with 1.2 million members in 162 countries. In 1987, it stopped being for men only, opening its doors to women. In 2,000 of the 29,700 clubs, the president is now a woman. Suzanne Bowering, 36, of Wakefield is one. ''It's part of Rotary to help the less fortunate,'' said Bowering, a travel agency owner who organized a trip to the Ivory Coast in Africa earlier this year for an immunization day, only to have it canceled because of a military coup. ''Most of our efforts should stay within our communities, but we also should support international projects. When you see what your money does for these people in poor countries, it's overwhelming.''

Rotary clubs have installed countless wells and have dug latrines all over the world. Last year, the Wakefield club spent $12,000 to ship five tractor-trailer containers of books to South Africa. But no project captures its international focus as well as the effort against polio. The goal in 1985 was to raise $120 million in three years. ''That may not seem significant, but we had never done this kind of thing before,'' said Bill Sergeant, 80, chairman of Rotary's International Polio Plus Committee. ''We started fund-raising throughout the world, and we had the most unusual results.'' The organization raised $240 million, twice its goal, about half from American members. Today, the figure has increased to $372 million, but the group's most significant contribution may rest in the tens of thousands of volunteers who have helped immunize children under the age of 5.

Now, Rotary and media magnate Ted Turner are about to collaborate in a $200 million fund-raising drive. Many problems loom ahead, though. To get the job done, the four partners, WHO, UNICEF, CDC and Rotary, must get the combatants in several wars to stop shooting - at least temporarily. Countries declared polio-free could see new cases as victims cross borders. Organizers estimate it will take an additional $300 million to $350 million to pay for and administer vaccines. The three largest vaccine producers are under increasing pressure to turn out the vaccine as fast as possible. The health organizations are shipping the innoculations as fast as drug companies can produce them. About 2.5 billion doses will be given this year, nearly twice as much as any previous year. ''The places that are most difficult are the countries at war,'' said UNICEF's executive director, Carol Bellamy. ''The problem is getting access. Even after we negotiate the days of tranquility in Afghanistan, Somalia, Angola, the Democratic Republic of Congo, it really is tough.''

Poliomyelitis, which is transmitted in airborne droplets and through an infected person's feces, attacks the brain and spinal cord and, in severe cases, can lead to extensive paralysis or death. In 1952, 558,000 people contracted polio, leaving thousands crippled. Two years later, Dr. Jonas Salk began trials of his vaccine, which was given by injection. And by 1961, Dr. Albert Sabin's oral polio vaccine was approved for use. The oral vaccine had a major plus: It allowed anyone to administer the two drops of vaccine needed to immunize a child. Suddenly, vast networks of volunteers could be employed. And, in the early 1990s, Rotarians began lining up in great numbers. Bellamy, a former Peace Corps director and former president of the New York City Council, attended a Rotary meeting last year in Nice, France. ''You know, they're mostly a group of middle-aged men, but they really decided this was their thing. And they're really working on it, pushing themselves,'' she said.

Other world leaders, including President Clinton and the UN's Annan, have said Rotary is an example for other private organizations. Doctors say its efforts give them hope. ''Anything's possible,'' said Dr. Paul Farmer, director of Harvard Medical School's Program in Infectious Disease and Social Change and one of the leaders in the fight against the spread of drug-resistant tuberculosis, a battle likely to cost billions. ''Just look at what the Rotarians did.'' Yet, the polio program has not been without detractors. Some Rotary members believe the group's local chapters should focus exclusively on their own communities. The initiative also has not stopped a slide in national membership, which has suffered as the culture of work has changed and fewer business people are willing to take a long lunch every week. In response, many chapters have switched to breakfast meetings. And some Rotary districts have been less generous than others. Eastern Massachusetts was one, averaging $39,000 a year in donations to international programs. New Hampshire chapters, said Hastings, were giving an average of $300,000 a year. ''I was so mad when I learned that,'' said Hastings, 70, a past district governor of the organization. In the last two years, his efforts have helped boost Eastern Massachusetts' giving to $126,000. ''We'll reach that $300,000,'' he said.

One motivating factor is likely to come from Rotarians themselves, and the stories they can tell. In November 1997, Jim and Ellen Labrie of Rye, N.H., traveled to Ethiopia for a national immunization day. They stayed for several days; Ellen, a nurse, helped deliver three babies at a small clinic, then gave polio immunizations to children. ''It's an incredible feeling,'' she said. ''You've got this little vial in your hand, you drop two drops on a child's tongue, and you make a difference in the child's life. ''On the way to the clinic, we passed 50 or 75 people who had fallen victim to polio. They have these mallets they hold in their hands like a crutch. Their legs are useless, their lower legs are tied up, and they swing their torso and land on padded knees. That's their method of walking.'' Her husband and another Rotary volunteer who was there had lost relatives to polio years before. She said she'll never forget watching the two Rotarians as they administered the vaccine. ''The two of them,'' she said, ''they had tears streaming down their faces as they gave the vaccine to children.''

This story ran on page A01 of the Boston Globe on 4/9/2000. © Copyright 2000 Globe Newspaper Company.

 


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Egmont Overture Chosen by RI

The third meeting of the Board of Directors of R.I. in 1999-2000 was held at One Rotary Center in Evanston, Illinois, U.S.A., on 1-5 November 1999.

One of the decisions the Board made at this meeting was to select an arrangement from the "march" of the Overture to "Egmont," by Ludwig van Beethoven, as the Rotary anthem, which can be played at appropriate occasions, such as flag ceremonies.

Click here egmont.mp2 to listen to and enjoy this beautiful & inspiring music.

 


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Click for Utica, New York Forecast


 





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D7150's Admin Procedures On the Web!

Thanks to DGE Ward Vuillemot and District Secretary Austin Beltrani, the District Admininstration Procedures are now available on the Web page in Acrobat format.





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2005-06 breaking news here * Previous breaking news here



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D7150 Webmeister, President - Rotary eClub NY1, Centennial Committee Chair
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