DG Jim's Corner May 2026
Fellow Rotarians, Rotaractors & Friends,
Our annual Rotary District 7120 Conference at Holiday Valley Resort and Conference Center in Ellicottville, New York, was a weekend filled with energy, inspiration, and fellowship.
Attendees enjoyed a strong spirit of fellowship and connection throughout the conference, while a lineup of international speakers brought a valuable global perspective to the weekend.
One of the featured speakers was Ramesh Ferris, a polio survivor, Rotarian from Whitehorse, Yukon Canada, and Rotary District 5370 Governor for 2025–2026.
He shared his powerful personal story, including being born with polio in India, adopted by his family in Canada, he has faced many surgeries and life challenges. His message raised awareness and strengthened our commitment to the ongoing effort to eradicate polio. As much by the end of the weekend we increased our Polio Plus Society with a commitment of over $20,890.
This year’s District Conference, we were honored to host Rotary International President's Representative Stephen Martin and his wife Maria. Steve is a member of the North Wales and Northwest England passport Club and Maria is a member of Royden Revolve Rotary Club. They live near Liverpool, UK.
Steve served as District 1180 Governor 2018-2019. Currently he is Rotary Director Nominee and will serve on the RI Board of Directors 2027-2029.
Steve captured our hearts and minds each time he spoke. His understanding of District 7120 and his appreciation for our dedication were both impressive and inspiring. He reinforced President's Francesco Arezzo message, Unite for Good, and encouraged us to connect for good, increase our impact, explore thoughtful ways to attract new members and form new clubs and embrace change.
One of the highlights of the District Conference was sharing memorable moments and new experiences with the Youth Exchange students and our Rotex International students who joined us. The parade of flags and time spent with the students brought special energy to the event, and everyone especially enjoyed the students singing with the band. Special thanks to Exchange Student Chair Pam Schlierf and Vice Chair Samantha Cepulo for their excellent work, and to the students for their wonderful presentations.
District Club Awards:
- Website: Newark, Canandaigua, Geneseo
- Facebook: Fairport, Elmira, Spencerport
- Newsletter: Avon, Seneca Falls, Clifton Springs
- Club Service: Newark, Waterloo, Fairport
- Community: Newark, Seneca Falls, Nunda
- Vocational: Newark, Fairport
- International: Avon, Nunda, Fairport
- Youth Service: Ontario Walworth, Penfield, Waterloo
- Literacy Awards: Bloomfield, Dundee, East Rochester, Fairport, Gananda, Geneseo, Honeoye Lake, Newark, Ontario Walworth, Penfield, Seneca Falls, Waterloo
We thank all the Clubs for participating.
A heartfelt thank-you to the 2026 District Conference Committee for its hard work and dedication. Special recognition goes to Co-Chairs PDG Mark Wyse and Pam Schlierf, and to our outstanding Master of Ceremonies, Simon Devenish. We also thank Committee Secretary Linda Wyse, Treasurer Galen Powers, Foundation Chair PDG Dave Hannan, Facilitator PDG Norma Madayag-Reilly, and committee members Bruce Chapman, Jean Bendix, Mary Green, Dan LoDestro, Steve and Christine LoDestro, Vicky Vorhauer, Chris Wood, Leslie Vecchiotti, Karen Wilcox, Bob Green, Ellen Huhes, Marylyn Lyons, Tom Brown, and JoAnn Terry. We are also grateful to the members of the Victor Farmington Rotary Club for their continued support.
May is Youth Services Month
For Rotarians, Youth Exchange and Youth Service represents the heart of our mission. Whether through Youth Exchange student program, Rotex, Rotaract, Interact, or RYLA (Rotary Youth Leadership Awards). Rotary has long provided platforms where young leaders can thrive. These programs do not just benefit participants; they energize communities and remind all of us of the transformative power of purpose-driven service.
Why does this matter? Because in a world increasingly shaped by uncertainty, conflict, and rapid change, we need young people equipped not only with skills, but with ethics, compassion, and courage. Rotary’s Four-Way Test is more than a moral compass for adults it's a framework that can shape future leaders with integrity.
This month, let us reflect on how we invest in the next generation. Are we listening to young voices? Are we creating space at the table for them? Are we mentoring or simply managing? Youth Service programs as mentioned above, is not just about giving young people tasks it’s about giving them trust.
So let us recommit not only to celebrating youth but to serving with them, learning from them, and believing in them.
Let this be a time of inspiration and action. Engage a youth led initiative. Support Youth Exchange programs, Mentor a student. Sponsor a scholarship. Invite a young voice to your next Rotary meeting. The next generation is not waiting they are ready now. Each May, Rotary International shines a spotlight on one of its most vital areas of focus: Youth Service. It is more than a celebration, it’s a recommitment to building a better world through the empowerment, education, and encouragement of young people. Youth Service Month is a reminder that the future does not simply happen, it is built by those who are prepared, supported, and inspired today.
Yours In Rotary Service
Jim & Nancy
