Rotary International photographer Alyce Henson had focused her lens on a Rotary-club sponsored health clinic in Niger when she paused and glanced behind her. That’s when she spotted a group of people gathered around a well (also sponsored by Rotary clubs). The striking photo that she quickly snapped appears on this month’s table of contents.

“It’s important when you are focused on a single subject in front of you that you also turn around,” she said, recalling the moment. “Otherwise, you might miss something beautiful going on behind you.”

It was March 2006, several months after a devastating food crisis had hit Niger, the world’s poorest country. Many of the other emergency relief teams were gone. But Rotarians were hard at work, trying to end the annual cycle of hunger. As of 30 June 2006, Rotarians worldwide had contributed US$700,000, and two new clubs had been chartered, including the first deep within the Sahara, the Rotary Club of Agadez.

Rotarians know how to hang in there for the long haul. After all, Rotary has been supporting polio eradication for more than two decades. That commitment is paying off: In February 2006, Egypt and Niger were removed from the list of polio-endemic countries.

So many other milestones have happened over the past 12 months that it takes our biggest issue of the Rotary year – the second annual year in review – to document even a fraction of them. For example, in 2006, the British disaster-relief group ShelterBox, founded by a Rotarian, responded to emergencies in about 10 countries around the world, bringing to 28,000 the total number of ShelterBoxes that have been distributed to 450,000 people during the past six years.

Another highlight was the rebuilding of Warren Easton Fundamental Senior High School, which became a symbol of hope – and headlines – for the devastated New Orleans community. Rotarians helped restore the historic structure after Hurricane Katrina. And Charles Adams, of the Rotary Club of Glens Falls, N.Y., USA, also made the news after he was kidnapped and released in Haiti. Adams, who basically talked his way out of captivity, even tried to convince his kidnappers to set up a water project in their neighborhood.

Inside, you’ll also get to peek into the portfolios of Rotarians who happen to be professional photographers, including a United Press International veteran.

Last, but certainly not least, you’ll find the winning photo contest entries. You sent hundreds of photos. Some of the most memorable ones are on the RI Web site.

So, before launching into the Rotary year ahead, take a few minutes to pause and glance back at the beautiful moments that are just behind you.