Four Rotarians from Antioch joined 22,000 Rotarians from 154 nations at the 100th annual Rotary International Convention last week in Birmingham, England.

Joe and Martha Goralka, Dave Naro and Allen Payton attended the convention, where they heard from outgoing Rotary President D.K. Lee of Korea and incoming President John Kenny of Scotland.

The delegates also heard from such dignitaries as United Nations Secretary General Bon Ki-moon, U.N. Goodwill Ambassador Mia Farrow and U.N. Messenger of Peace Dr. Jane Goodall.

Martha Goralka is the 2008-09 assistant governor for District 5160, Naro is the Rotary Youth Exchange director for District 5160, and Payton, attending his first convention, was sent by the Antioch Rotary Club as their incoming president for 2009-10. Joe Goralka is past president of both the Oakland and San Ramon Rotary Clubs.

"There was so much to see, hear and learn, as well as so many wonderful people to meet,” Payton said. “Some very sobering facts were shared, such as 1.2 billion people without clean water and sanitation, and 5,000 children dying each day because of it. But the good news is Rotary and partners are making a difference through our PolioPlus program and other clean water, sanitation, literacy, health, hunger and peace projects throughout the world. And with more members, we can have an even greater impact, both globally and locally.”

Founded in 1905, Rotary is a worldwide organization of 33,000 clubs and more than 1.2 million business, professional and community leaders. Clubs are nonpolitical, nonreligious, and open to all cultures, races and creeds. As signified by the motto “Service Above Self,” Rotary’s main objective is service – in the community, in the workplace and throughout the world. There are four Rotary clubs in East County: Antioch, Pittsburg, Brentwood and Delta-Antioch, plus the LMC Rotaract Club. For more information, visit www.rotary.org or www.rotary5160.org.