I Heart NY

"We'll stay here to work, but when we've made enough money, we'll move to XYZ to retire.

Time to change the thinking, and Rotarians are about leadership.

We work hard together, making friends, and then think about leaving. To live in gated communities where someone's niece from New Jersey is giving line dancing lessons in the arts and crafts room? YGFKM.

I have a better challenge. Make New York a 1st World Power, not a colony of Manhattan. Instead of going around the world to impress others with how well fed we are, it's time to help New Yorkers living in 3rd world status. Have you been to Ft. Plain or Little Falls lately? Pick a state road, follow it thru the bushes and consider:

How many of NY's 62 counties have you visited? And the County Seat for the politicos amonst us? How many colleges are in NY, and how many have you visited?

The I Heart NY Campaign focuses on the tourist attractions and golf courses. How about the cultural centers? Diners, restaurants in converted railroad stations and churches? Coffee shops and bakeries? (Can you tell the difference between a Silk City and a De Rafelle diner?) And where are they? Have you spoken to "Big Jim" yet?

Which county fair(s) will you go to this summer in the Stroller Derby season? Concerts on the lawn? West Point, every week. Hunter Mt, Lake Placid? Where is the best home made ice cream sold? BBQ north of Va?

The school play season is over. Used judiciously, gasoline can get us to some pretty neat places. I am challenging this Rotary to "I heart Counties of New York". Let's see what we bring back to the table.

"Wish you were here!" post cards,â?¦ you know?

Peter