Olympic Gold Medalist Diann Roffe gave a wonderful presentation at Tuesday's meeting. She is one class act! I was really impressed with her thoughts on practice and preparation, focus on what you love, conducting a respectful and dignified life, and giving back to others in need. Her offer to come back at any time to help out at the Sunshine Campus was recognized with an appreciative round of applause. One little statistic that she mentioned was very interesting. After thousands of hours and years of practice and training, the total combined time she spent in the races where she won Olympic Gold, Olympic Silver, and World Champion Gold medals was 10 minutes. She is a true champion and an outstanding example that hard work and overcoming challenges are the keys to reaching your goals. Her robust sense of humor didn't hurt her either when facing obstacles to her career.

Thanks to Scott Perkins and the Rochester Hearing & Speech Center for bringing Diann to the podium of Rochester Rotary!

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Sadly, we offered our thoughts and prayers this week to Rochester Rotarian Jennifer Johnson and Vinnie Esposito for the loss of their daughter, Grace. "Amazing Grace" as the community came to know her, was another true champion, overcoming life threatening challenges for 16 months. Little Grace will be a lasting testimony to the outstanding medical professionals and services we are blessed with here in Rochester. On your behalf, Rochester Rotary has sent a donation in Grace's memory to the Golisano Children's Hospital, flowers, and Thinking of You cards were signed and sent to the family.

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Another sad note is that we just learned of the death of Craig Goodenow in Arizona. Craig was a long term and much loved member of Rochester Rotary from 1981 until he and Sharon retired and moved to Arizona in 2008. Craig was President of R.L. Kistler, Inc. and he was a very generous supporter of the Sunshine Campus both personally and with the resources of his firm. A memorial service will be held here Wednesday, March 13^th, at 4:00 pm at Penfield Methodist Church, 1795 Baird Road. Thanks to Rotarian David Durham for letting us know.

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It's hard to believe but we are over half way through my year as President! Time does fly when you're having fun. Given this half-way mark, I have asked each of the club Vice Presidents to present an update on their goals for the year at the Board of Directors meeting on Thursday.

To keep you informed, this is an update on the current status of my goals for the year.

• Change Course by 1 degree - I have had so many Rotarians tell me with great pride how they have made a 1 degree change in their commitment to Rotary. One more luncheon, One more event, One more committee, One more donation . . . ALL GOOD!
• Peace Through Service - Bob Witmer and the Program Committee have done a wonderful job with programs ranging from a strong military to the Gandhi Peace Institute.
• 4-Way Test Emphasis - I think I've done well with this. The coins are constant reminders of our ethical code and the stories of how Rotarians are sharing them are heartwarming.
• Community Service Teams - President Elect Bob Attardo has taken this on with such enthusiasm that I am overwhelmed with what we have done and what we will continue to do.
• International Service Project- Not going to happen. My hope was to have us join with Intervol for a project in Belize but as RI is making major changes to their grant process, Foundation grants and District grants to support the project will not be available until next year. I am still hopeful we can get this done in 2014.
• Tootsie Roll Bright Spot Club - This is a terrific success with over 40 members and more signing up each week. Maybe your 1 degree change can be a $100 pledge to RI with 5 months to pay it off!
• Average Luncheon Attendance exceeding 100- We are still hovering in the low 80s as an average and I am disappointed about that. I think the programs are excellent, the chow is great, the price is right, and the fellowship is outstanding. Holy Cannoli . . . could it be me?

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Judge Johnny's Fines and Recognition Report:

• Joe Floreano was honored by Don Alhart for 30 years of service as the Executive Director of the Rochester Riverside Convention Center. To Joe's dismay, there were 5 Past Presidents at the meeting and they multiplied his $30 fine by 5 for a total recognition fine of $150! Thanks Joe, and Congratulations.
• Mark Armbruster fined himself $25 just to get a 4-Way Test coin as his receipt! Now this is something that I hope becomes contagious!
• Scott Anthony volunteered a $25 contribution in the spirit of "Doing Business with a Rotarian" due his recent contract with CMIT Solutions. Cheryl Nelan of CMIT offered an additional $25 for her contract with Anthony Funeral Chapels.
• Rick Krempin offered a $25 contribution in honor of his son's wedding that will occur this weekend. Fathers of the Groom can afford the fine. Fathers of the Bride - not so much. Thanks Rick!
• Doug Phillips volunteered a recognition fine to honor his daughter upon her acceptance and scholarship to the University of Alabama where she will become a member of the Varsity Crew Team. Congratulations Doug and "ROLL TIDE!" Or rather "ROW TIDE!"

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Here is the link: