I didn’t go to District Conference in Henderson Nevada to teach Eric Barter craps or lay by the pools with Imy and Andrea (and their spouses) or frolic in the pool with the GSE Brazil team trying to take underwater pictures of themselves.  But fellowship is part of celebrating what Rotary is doing in our District, and the contribution we make as a club.   Like most things Rotary, you get more out of it than you expect, and from unexpected places – in the hallways waiting for a meal, in a bar or at the pool.

If you want a snapshot of what our District is doing, you go to District Conference.  This year it was run tightly, there was free time, the speakers were excellent, and not just about Rotary.  Members involved in the District include Ernie Jensen, Frank Hall, Frank Griffith, Dave McMonigle, Bob Novell, John Fee and Yvonne Flint.

One inspirational speaker was burned over 98% of his body as a child and not only survived but has flourished.  Tears flowed.

District Conference makes you proud to be a Rotarian and to belong to Arcadia Rotary.  The awards are not necessary, but appreciated… and Arcadia Rotary picked up a bunch.

This year the conference was casual, the resort luxurious – it was a party with Rotary mixed in, the objective our outgoing District Governor Tom Novotny.  And there was something for everyone, including lots of nearby shops! There were 750 Rotarians and their partners all around.

Conference is rewarding, even if we attend for part of the weekend because we are all busy. Yvonne Flint, who had not been to a conference before, said she was impressed.  Bill Gleason, taking on the Vocational Service board position after some years less involved, appeared re-inspired..

In the evening clubs get together and set up hospitality suites. Ours was Vegas huge and we supplied food and beverages for visiting Rotarians to enjoy – another opportunity to rub shoulders.  A big thanks to Andrea Bundesmann and Celeste Kelley for decorating in the theme of Family Feud. We got a third place and a $300 donation in our name to Polio Plus. Our suite was shared with Monrovia, Sierra Madre, San Marino and Duarte.

Sierra Madre Past President Carmen Thiebault and President Elect Cathy Hundshamer enjoined their spouses to help purchase the food and beverages.  They fastidiously opened the hospitality suite on time, made sure the warm dip was warm, the soda’s cold and the food laid out expertly. A huge thanks to them for taking on the task with their typical energy.  Peggy Beauregard of Sierra Madre was greeter and helper.

Help also came from Monrovia Rotary – Cal Magro, Pres. Elect from Monrovia helped wash glasses and clean-up

Finally Eric Barter coordinated everything and whatever was left over,  carted back.

NEXT YEAR: Start thinking about La Jolla and attending even for part of the conference; let me buy you a drink at the La Jolla Marriott near the cliffs of Torry Pines. Save the date: June 9 thru 12th, 2011.