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1. How far north and south has a Rotary Banner traveled? Admiral Richard Bird, a member of the Winchester, Virginia Rotary Club carried a small Rotary Flag over the South Pole in 1922 and over the North Pole in 1926.

2. Why was the Rotary Wheel modified in 1923? A group of engineers pointed out that without a "keyway" the wheel was unsound and would not work. In 1923 the error in design was corrected.

3. Where was the first Rotary Club outside of the United States? In 1910, the Rotary Club in Winnipeg, Manitoba was chartered.

4. How does the Rotary Foundation work with the Local Districts? The Rotary Foundation operates in a unique partnership with Rotary Districts in a system called SHARE. Under SHARE all districts' annual giving is totaled at the end of the contribution year. Fifty percent (50%) is credited to he District Designated Fund (DDF) and forty percent (50%) to the World Fund (WF). District projects are approved and supported through the District Designated Fund and programs such as Rotary Volunteers, Matching Funds, and Group Study Exchanges are funded through the World Fund.

5. What is Albert Schweitzer's connection to Rotary? Albert Schweitzer, the French Nobel Prize Winner and humanitarian was a Rotarian who believed that voluntary organizations like Rotary were essential to human development and dignity.

6. Was Paul Harris the first president of a Rotary Club? No. He was however the First President of Rotary International and served for two years. Rotary International was the first association of Service Clubs and Rotary International paved the way for the Kiwanis International, (1915) and Lions International (1917).

7. What is one of the primary goals of the Rotarian magazine? One of the primary goals of the Rotarian, which has been around since 1911, is to promote the annual theme and philosophy of the Rotary International President.

8. What does the philosophy of Rotary encourage Rotarians to do? The philosophy of Rotary International encourages us to be world minded Rotarians who look beyond national patriotism and commit themselves to sharing the responsibility for the advancement of understanding and goodwill.

9. What is a Paul Harris Fellowship? Rotary first established the Paul Harris Fellow recognition in 1957, and is awarded when $1000 (USD) is donated to the Rotary Foundation.

10. What is the farthest distance traveled by a Rotary Banner? A Rotary banner orbited the moon with astronaut Frank Borman, a member of the Houston Space Centre Rotary Club.

11. What does "711" mean to the Rotary? Room 711 in the Unity Building, in downtown Chicago, was the birthplace of Rotary. Paul Harris and seven friends met there in the office of Gus Loehr to discuss the new idea of a business and professional club for men.

12. When were women admitted to Rotary? In 1987 the constitution was changed and women were admitted are an integral part of Rotary International. Women are now the fastest growing segment of membership.

13. What happened to Room 711? Through the commitment and generosity of Rotarians Room 711 from the Unity Building was preserved as a miniature museum. In 1989, when the building was demolished, the room and its contents were put into storage. It was restored and relocated at the world headquarters of Rotary International in Evanston, Illinois in 1994.

14. Why do we have a classification system? The goal of the classification system is to ensure that each club has a good cross section of the business and professional community it serves.

15. How is the classification determined? The classification each member holds should represent the distinct professional service the Rotarian provides to society. It does not represent the position or rank held by the individual.

16. What role does attendance at weekly meetings play in Rotary? Regular attendance at weekly Rotary meetings is a fundamental responsibility of a Rotarian. To miss four (4) consecutive meetings or failure to "make up" sixty percent (60%) attendance at club meetings is tantamount to the submission of one's resignation. There are some exceptions for active members whose age and tenure are greater than 85.

17. One of responsibilities of a Rotarian is to "share". What is an effective way to share Rotary? One of the most effective ways to "share" Rotary is propose and mentor a new member.

18. What Rotary Club has the distinction of being the most remote? The members of the Rotary Club of Papeeta, Tahiti have a bit of a challenge doing "makeups" because their club is located in the middle of the Pacific Ocean.

19. What are the significant characteristics of a "Friendly Club"? "Friendly Clubs" are those in which the MAJORITY of members sit with a different group of members each week, make a point of inviting visitors to sit at their table and then introduce them to everyone. Club members include everyone at the table in the conversation, and make an effort to get to know everyone in the club by actively seeking out those they do not know in the club. Are you friendly?

20. What is Honorary Membership? Honorary membership is the highest distinction a Rotary Club can confer and is exercised in only exceptional cases to recognize an individual for unusual service to Rotary and society. An Honorary Member is elected for only one year, and continuing membership must be renewed annually.

21. What role does the District Governor play in the Rotary District? The District Governor is the single officer for Rotary International for a geographical district that usually includes approximately fifty (50) Clubs. The Governor's role is that of a friendly advisor to the clubs and to that end every effort is made to visit each club at least once a year. All District Governor's have extensive training at the world -wide International assembly held in January/February to provide for continuity and consistency in the twenty nine thousand, two hundred plus clubs (29,200+) clubs around the world.

22. Why is our motto "Service Above Self"? Our motto and membership in Rotary is meant to provide each one of us the opportunity to serve others. Membership is not intended as a means for personal profit or special privileges. It is better to give than receive but never forget it is very difficult sometimes to accept help when we need it. Always remember the other person needs the dignity to be able to give too.

23. What is the Rotary Friendship Exchange? The Rotary Friendship Exchange is intended to encourage Rotarians to visit with other Rotarians around the world. This is not unlike an ordinary holiday in that the Rotarian pays all his/her own expenses. However the big difference and benefit is that you get the opportunity to make new friends and to travel and see things from the perspective of a "local" rather than a tourist.

24. What is the Rotary Community Corps? The Rotary Community Corps is a newer program in Rotary, developed as a means of improving the quality of life in communities and neighborhoods. Often there is an abundance of available labor, but no effective process to mobilize the men and women to conduct useful projects that would improve their community. Rotarians would provide the organizational structure, and some material assistance plus large doses of encouragement to these community volunteers.

25. What was Senior Active membership? Senior Active membership was a form of membership that was reserved for members who have provided substantial years of service to Rotary and is regarded as a mark of Rotary Distinction. The recent Council of Legislation eliminated this class of membership.

26. Who is eligible for membership in Rotary? Rotarians are adults of good character and reputation who are, or were prior to retirement, business owners, partners, corporate officers, managers, executives, or leaders of a business or profession.

27. What is an International Rotary District? A Rotary District is a geographical territory in which Rotary clubs are two adjoining sovereign countries.

28. Where was the first Rotary Club outside of the North America? The first Rotary Club outside of North America was chartered in Dublin, Ireland in 1911.

29. What was the closest that an International Convention has been to District 6400? How about our own back yard? Detroit has hosted the International Convention in 1934 and 1950. Next closest would be Cleveland, OH in 1939. How about 2007, 2008 or 2009?

30. Where was the first Rotary Interact Club? The first Rotary Interact Club was founded in Melbourne, Florida in 1962. The Interact Program is designed for high school aged students so that they can develop leadership skills and attain practical experience in conducting service projects, and in so doing experience the satisfaction that is an integral part of serving others. There are over sixty-eight hundred (6,800) Clubs in one hundred and four (104) countries.

31. What does the acronym PETS stand for? PETS or the Presidents-Elect Training Seminar is a motivational and leadership training session designed to prepare the future club Presidents for the office they assume the first of July, the beginning of the Rotary Year. Some districts get together for Multi-PETS

32. What is the major purpose of the Annual District Assembly? The Annual District Assembly is the major leadership training event club officers in each Rotary District in the world. In view of the annual turnover of Rotary Leadership each year, a special effort is required to provide more than twenty-nine thousand (29,000) Club leaders with appropriate instruction for the tasks they will assume.

33. Why do Rotarians often have a sing song as part of their meetings? Harry Ruggles was the fifth man to join Paul Harris and his three friends who started Rotary. Harry enjoyed singing and at an early meeting of the fledging group jumped on a chair and urged everyone to join him in a song. Singing has become a tradition at Rotary meetings in the USA Canada, New Zealand, Australia, Nigeria and Japan.

34. What is the shortest theme for the year ever used in Rotary? The shortest theme was in 1961-62 when the RI President, Joseph Abey selected "Act" as the annual theme.

35. What is the Matching Grants Program? The Matching Grants Program assists Rotary Clubs and districts in conducting International Service Projects. A Club or district must contribute an amount at least as large as that requested from the Rotary Foundation with at least half the funds which the foundation will match coming from outside the country where the project will take place. There are changes in this system as of 03-04.

36. What is PolioPlus Partners? Since 1996 PolioPlus Partners have provided opportunities for clubs and districts to support mobilization activities necessary for National Immunization Days in polio endemic countries. PolioPlus Partners supply the Rotary T-shirts, caps, aprons and vests for the immunization team's volunteers; or posters, banners, and leaflets for public announcements regarding the immunization days. It is now revived as a media model to help get to word out to the remaining endemic area with poliomyelitis.

37. Where can a Rotary Club Be Chartered? New Rotary clubs may be established anywhere in the world where the fundamental principles of Rotary may be freely observed and wherever it can be reasonably expected that a successful club can be maintained. A Club may be organized to serve a specific "locality" or clearly identified territory where there are enough business and professional persons of good character engaged in proprietary or management positions.

38. What is a Carl P. Miller Discovery Grant? A Carl P. Miller Discovery Grant funds the efforts of a Club or District to make the "people to people" contact necessary in the preliminary stages of developing an international project. They are awarded twice a year and cover travel and related expenses up to $30,000 USD.

39. What is the World Community Service program? World Community Service (WCS) is the Rotary program in which a Club or District in one country provides humanitarian assistance to a club in another country. Typically the aid goes to a developing community where the Rotary project will help raise the standard of living and the quality of life. The ultimate object of WCs is to build good will and understanding among the peoples of the world.

40. How and when did the slogan "Every Rotarian an Example to Youth" become an official part of Rotary? The RI Board of Directors adopted this slogan in 1949 as an expression of its commitment to the children and youth in each community that has a Rotary Club.

41. What was the first Community Service Project undertaken by a Rotary Club? In 1907, the Chicago Club undertook a project in which they erected a "comfort station" or public washroom facility in downtown Chicago, near city hall.

42. Who can be considered for District Governor? In order to be considered for District Governor, a Rotarian must be an active member, having belonged to Rotary for a minimum of seven years and a past club president at the time of nomination. At the age of 80, Dr. Mo Moon served as his District's Governor.

43. What is the Four Way Test? In 1932 a Rotarian, Herbert J. TAYLOR, created the Four Way Test in 1932. He drew up a twenty-four (24) word code of ethics for all employees to follow in their business and professional lives. The Four Way Test became the guide for sales, production, advertising, and all relations with dealers and customers, and the survival of the company was credited to the simple philosophy. The test was adopted by Rotary in 1943 and has been translated into more than 100 different languages.

44. What was Past Service Membership? There were two types of past service members. There were those who were active members but have retired from their business or profession and do not meet the qualifications for Senior Active membership. They maintained their former classification but the classification may now be open to a new member. Individuals who had retired and who had never been in Rotary, but would have qualified prior to retirement can also be considered for Past Service membership. They were the only Rotarians without a current or former Classification.

45. Why are silent invocations traditional at Rotary's international assemblies and conventions? The silent invocation is used in respect for all religious beliefs, and in the spirit of tolerance for a wide variety of personal faiths, all persons are invited to seek divine guidance and peace "each in his/her own way". Usually all Rotary International board and committee meetings begin with a few moments of silent meditation. In this period of silence, Rotary demonstrates respect for the beliefs of all members, who represent the religions of the world.

46. What is Rotaract? In 1968 Rotary International created Rotaract, a club meant to promote responsible citizenship and develop leadership potential in young men and women in the eighteen (18) to thirty (30) age group.

47. Where was the first Rotaract Club chartered? The Rotary Club of Charlotte, North Carolina chartered the first Rotaract Club in 1968. There are over one hundred and thirty nine thousand (139,000) members in more than six thousand, six hundred (6,600) clubs in one hundred and sixty-one (161) countries.

48. What was the HART Program? HART was the acronym (Rotary has lots of acronyms!) for Humanitarian Aid Resources & Transportation, which is a program that was started in 1998 through a Special Initiative Grant from the Rotary Foundation . It is on a "continuous quest" to discover the best ways to facilitate the shipment of humanitarian aid as cost, as quickly, and as safely as possible. Their goal is to save Rotary Clubs money and stretch our humanitarian dollars! HART can be reached at msnihart@flash.net.

49. What is Rotary International's largest public relations' project? Two hundred million people via worldwide television watch the Rose Bowl Parade, held in Pasadena, California. Therefore, the Rotary International Float that is entered in the parade is our biggest public relations effort. In the 2000 Parade our float, with the theme Readers Are Winners, in support of our commitment to literacy, captured the Isabella Coleman Award, for the best presentation of color and color harmony This marked the second consecutive year that our entry won a prize.

50. What is the Rotary connection to man's first flight? Orville Wright, the first human being to achieve powered flight in a heavier than air craft, was a longtime member of the Rotary Club of Dayton, Ohio.

51. What are Health, Hunger, and Humanity Grants? The 3 H Grants are designed to undertake large-scale service projects beyond the capacity of individual clubs or groups of clubs. The goal of the projects is to improve health, alleviate hunger, and enhance human, cultural, and social development among the peoples of the world. The first 3-H project was the immunization of six million children in the Philippines against polio. This was the birthplace of what has become our PolioPlus program. There are changes with these grants as of 03-04.

52. What is RYLA? Rotary Youth Leadership Awards Program (RYLA) is an intensive training program for community youth leaders. Young people chosen for their leadership potential attend an all-expenses-paid seminar, camp, or workshop to discuss leadership skills and to learn those skills through practice. It originated in Australia as a district project in which young people could develop leadership, teamwork, and communication skills. Rotary International adopted RYLA as an official program in 1971. The guiding principle of RYLA is basic and simple: teaching and hands-on experience is the best way to introduce a person to a lifetime of community service.

53. The first Rotary International Convention held outside the USA was in 1921. Where was it held? Edinburgh, Scotland

54. Who was the first president of a Rotary Club? Silvester Schiele

55. What is the purpose of the annual Rotary themes? Serve as Rotary's program emphasis for the year.

56. What was the theme for 1999/2000? Act With Consistency, Credibility, Continuity.

57. What was the theme for 1989-90 It was our own Hugh Archer's theme "Enjoy Rotary"

58. In the annual Rotary calendar, each month we highlight a major Program of Rotary International. What is August's theme?

59. How many Rotary Clubs are there in Essex County? 9

60. In what year was District 6400 established? In 1991, before that date it was District 640.

61. Which Rotary club in district 6400 has had the most GSE leaders and members year to date? Windsor Roseland

62. In 1916 Rotary became bilingual when the first club was organized in a non-English speaking country. What was the country? Cuba

63. What is the objective of Rotary? The objective of Rotary as outlined by Cliff Dochterman's The ABC;s of Rotary is:"to encourage and foster the ideal of service as a basis of worthy enterprise." What is the purpose of district conferences? -To develop fellowship, good fun, inspirational speakers and discussion of matters which make one's Rotary membership more meaningful.

64. Who is the Rotary International President Candidate for 2005 2006? Carl-Wilhelm Stenhammar, of the Rotary Club of Gšteborg, Sweden, is the choice of the RI Nominating Committee for President of Rotary International in 2005-06, which met on 8 September. He will become the official nominee on 1 December if there are no challenging candidates.