Dear Rotarians, Rotaractors, Interactors, and Friends of Rotary,

                In September I visited the following clubs:  Rochester, Rochester Southwest, East Rochester, Red Jacket, Penn Yan, Scottsville, Watkins-Montour, Elmira Heights, Hilton, Red Creek, and Palmyra-Macedon.  I enjoyed playing in the District Golf Tournament in Lima and walking the Winged Pheasant Golf Course for Red Jacket’s End Polio Run/Walk.  Many of you were at the Eastern Cities Dinner where we heard from Rotary International President-Elect Holger Knaack.  Others joined me at the District Literacy Seminar or the Rotary Zone 24/32 Training in Niagara Falls.  We held our monthly Governor’s Tract meeting, the Area 12 clubs had their annual picnic in North Rose, and Spencerport Rotary honored Past District Governor Roger Ressman at a club dinner.  It was also a pleasure to participate in Paul Harris Fellow recognition ceremonies at both Brighton and Newark Rotary Clubs.  Absolutely fantastic!  I continue to be impressed by the fellowship and generosity across District 7120.

Thursday, October 24, is World Polio Day.  The eradication of polio is the signature project of Rotary International.  For all too long we have boasted that we are “this close” to achieving that goal.  It is now time that we “Drop to Zero!”  Acknowledging that the number of cases in Pakistan this year has been frustrating, let’s also recognize that there has not been a case in Africa for over 3 years now.  “The noose is tightening” on the polio virus.  This is an expensive, but worthwhile, mission which Rotary has undertaken.  I am confident that we will succeed.  The day will come when the world is declared free from polio and, when that day comes, you will never be more proud to be a Rotarian.

There are several training sessions for Rotarians scheduled soon.  I hope every club will be represented at each of the following events:

Leadership Development Seminar is on Saturday, October 12, from 7:45am-12:30pm at Mount Morris Middle/Senior High School, 30 Bonadonna Ave., Mount Morris.  There is no fee.  Advance registration is not required.  This is essential training for all club Presidents-Elect, but all aspiring club leaders are welcome.  (One of three annual Grant Management Seminars is being held at the same time and location.)

One Rotary Summit is on Saturday, October 26, from 8:30am-12:30pm at the United Presbyterian Church, 11 E Gibson St., Canandaigua.  There is no fee.  Advance registration is requested on the Rotary7120.org district website.  This is for all club board members and committee chairpersons to enhance their understanding of the synergy among membership, service, and public image.

Rotary Leadership Institute is on Saturday, November 16, from 7:30am-3:30pm at the RIT Inn & Conference Center, 5257 W Henrietta Rd., Henrietta.  The fee is $100, payable at the door.  Advance registration is requested at RLINEA.org   This is an informational seminar for all Rotarians.  

I encourage you to take your Rotary experience to the next level!

DG Dave Hannan