And so they do! For over 18 million customers per year according to Bill Carpenter, CEO of The Rochester Genesee Regional Transportation Authority. Bill was the speaker at our Tuesday Luncheon Forum and he was terrific! Who knew that the Transit Authority served that many customers and operates in 7 counties with 407 buses? Who knew about the leading edge technologies that enable a rider with a smart phone to know exactly when the next bus will arrive? Who knew that ridership is growing at an impressive rate and now stands at a 20 year high? We were all impressed with the design, function and necessity of the new $50 million dollar Transit Center on Mortimer Street. Our public transportation system is so critical to our community, and it's great to know that it is in good hands under the capable and experienced leadership of Bill Carpenter. Thanks Bill! Excellent program. Well Done.
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Why wear your Rotary Pin? Reason #36! This is a wonderful story told to me by Bob Williams. He and Beth were driving home from Toronto a while back and as they pulled to a stop at the Customs Kiosk, Bob was prepared with their passports in hand extended towards the Customs Officer. The officer didn't take the passports as expected, but simply said "You're all set, thank you." Bob couldn't believe it! No questions. No checking the passports. Amazed, he asked the officer about the lack of normal inquiry. The Customs Officer, with a big smile, said "I see you are wearing a Rotary Pin, that's good enough for me!"
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Related to my theme of making a 1 degree change in your life as a Rotarian, I facilitated an exercise with the Board last week that I want to share with you. I handed out a question to each Board member asking "If you could change ONE thing at Rochester Rotary, what would it be?" I was impressed with the comments and hope they give you pause for consideration.
- More diversity of age, race, and gender
- Getting more members to get involved in club events. (3 comments on this)
- Find a Rotary Pin that doesn't poke holes in my clothing (magnet pins?)
- Drop the term Fellowship! It's old fashion and no longer resonates.
- Find a way to significantly increase attendance at Tuesday luncheons. (3 comments)
- Establish a points system for attendance and participation and award the top 3 annually.
- Please! No more singing!
- Each member should be responsible to introduce Rotarians who don't know each other.
- This question deserves more thought! We can discuss over lunch - I'll buy!
Please, think about the ONE change you might make, and drop me note. And when it comes to making changes, I love the quote from Past RI President Ray Klinginsmith that Club Vice President Ellen Wagner shared with us:
"If you love the way Rotary has always been, you are going to love it to death."
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Judge Johnny's Fines and Recognition Report:
Finally, a meeting where I had the chance to levy fines and recognize achievement. After a two week hiatus I was itching to beef up the coffers of Rotary International and lighten the burden of our members heavy wallets.
- Club Vice President Tracy Armstrong was fined $25 for not wearing her pin for a picture in a national trade publication. In an attempt to please the court and express regret to her fellow members, she volunteered to raise the fine to $50! The membership applauded and the court was pleased indeed.
- Carl Luger volunteered a recognition fine in honor of his daughter - thanks dad!
- Michael Caceci also volunteered a recognition fine on behalf of his daughter. I wonder if these two girls will "Honor Thy Father" on June 16th?
- Club Vice President Nancy O'Brien was recognized for her recent promotion to Sr. Vice President at Citizens Bank. $25 won't even make a dent in all that extra money she's now hauling in!
- And in a moment of pure generosity, Stan Albert, caregiver to Hal Feinbloom, offered a $25 contribution to honor Hal and Joan for being awarded the George Eastman Medal by the University of Rochester. He also noted with pride that a large plaque has been placed in the Blue Cross Arena honoring Les Harrison and the Rochester Royals Basketball team. Thanks Stan!
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Special "Bring a Guest" Luncheon - Tuesday, June 11, 2013
Please think about inviting someone to join you at this luncheon who might become an excellent Rotarian just like yourself! No heavy sales pitch, just an opportunity to expose them to who we are and what we do while having a delightful lunch with you and your friends. Please email Myrna to register your guest with name and organization. [email protected].
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