DG Jim's Corner June 2026
Rotarians & Rotaractors,
Over the past year, I had the pleasure of traveling throughout District 7120 and visiting all 60 of the clubs, forming new friendships through fellowship. Most Past District Governors told me the journey would be worthwhile, and they were right it exceeded my hopes. As your District Governor, it was a privilege to share Rotary International President Arezzo’s message, Unite for Good, with members across the district and to celebrate those moments with him at the Eastern Cities Dinner.
As we near the finish line of the Rotary year, our district has much to celebrate. Membership has grown by more than 130 new members. Our District has welcomed two New Clubs, FLX Satellite Club associated with Newark Rotary and the exciting New Americans Rotoract Club in Northwest Rochester. We are also remarkably close to chartering a new club in the Hornell- Canisteo Area. Rotary Annual giving to The Rotary Foundation has reached a new high of over $232,000, and our clubs’ contributions to End Polio Now Fund exceeds $57,900. Our Rotarians continue to be People of Action by supporting district learning programs, including the Action Plan, Membership, Youth Services, and more.
Our District Conference was both motivating and inspiring from start to finish. On Friday evening, District Governor Ramesh Ferris spoke about the End Polio Now campaign. As a polio survivor, he delivered a powerful message that encouraged us to continue working toward the eradication of polio.
Our keynote speaker, Past District Governor Steven Martin, joined us for the weekend from Liverpool, UK, along with his wife, Maria, as the Rotary International President’s representative. He shared the President’s message, Unite for Good, encouraging us to increase our impact, do good in the world, and explore new ways to attract new members.
Our conference would not have been the same without our Youth Exchange students. We thank our Youth Exchange Chair Pam Schleirf, Vice Chair Sam Cepulo, and all the Rotex and Rotaract students who took part in the District Conference.
This Rotary year has been both fulfilling and eventful. I want to thank everyone involved including our Governor Track, Assistant Governors, Past District Governors, District Chairs, facilitators, and committees for helping make it such a successful year.
Soon we will be welcoming a new Rotary year 2026-2027. We look forward to helping our next District Governor Lisa Norwood, Create Lasting Impact.
Yours In Rotary
Jim and Nancy
Rotary Monthly Theme: “Fellowship is wonderful; it illuminates life’s pathway, spreads good cheer, and is worth high price.” Rotary Founder Paul Harris
June is, “Rotary Fellowships Month” by the RI Board to recognize the importance of international fellowship and good will among Rotarians with similar recreational interests, vocations, and health and medical issue-oriented interests, to promote increased participation in fellowships and increase understanding of this program. The RI Board encourages fellowships groups to highlight activities through projects, activities, and events in celebration of “Rotary Fellowships Month” in June.
