WOW! What a Conference

My father was an Ironworker who worked on high steel buildings in Baltimore. My mom was a waitress and then a cosmetologist. When the Sunday paper came my dad grabbed the Sports Section. Don and I fought over the Funny pages – Gasoline Ally, Dagwood, Prince Valiant, Dennis the Menace, Dick Tracy, Ally Oop and many more. Mom would take the Household Section. It had recipes, marriage advice, and “The Society Page”. We were hardly Society; but you could read about the rich and famous there. Mom wasn’t much into it; but some of the neighbors were. When they dropped over to have a coffee chat they would discuss and I would listen. One of our neighbors read and talked about them so vicariously that it was like she was there. Well in our new Virtual meeting era – I’d like to invite you to the 2020 District Conference

The drive up to Bay Harbor wasn’t as green as we would have liked; but  Rotary International Presidents Representative, Sam Adams and his wife were glad to get to the hotel in Bay Harbor. The view of the bay was spectacular and everyone was as friendly as their best friends back in Alabama. They were up early on Thursday for breakfast at a pancake house that had the best crepes. Then a brief car tour of Petoskey. It was a sunny day and once they parked the car downtown they lost track of time shopping. Mary had to hustle a little to get back to the Great Lakes Center for the Arts (GLCFA).

Rotary International President's Representative, Sam Adams and wife Mary

The opening ceremony at 5 PM was fantastic. We met with the 2019-20 Club Presidents and their partners. The District Officers and Conference committee treated us like lost family members. While we ate a scrumptious dinner prepared by Stafford’s Hospitality, the screen was filled with hundreds of action pictures from all the clubs in the District. The Clubs applauded as their photos went by and everyone laughed and joined in on many of them. After Dinner it was off to the really plush theater in the same building. Howard Richards led everyone in UNUSUAL songs while everyone wandered in and found a seat. The moderator, Andy Hayes introduced Bay Harbor and Petoskey dignitaries. Then Dave and Carol were introduced. Dave thanked everyone for coming and recognized those who made the conference possible. The club Presidents were then welcomed on stage by Dave. Next was an introduction to a film by Hans Rosling about why he is an Optimist. I was invited on stage to give greetings from RIP Mark Maloney then Bill Gormont gave an inspirational talk called “Encouraging the Heart”. Thursday - Celebration Night ended with Social Hour overlooking Little Traverse Bay with our new friends forever.

Friday started with breakfast from Stafford’s to some VERY lively wake up music. Back to the Theater to see the USMC Honor Guard bring in our flags. When we saw the Alabama flag beside the American and Canadian flag we almost wept. It was such a touching moment brought off by a crack team of veterans. 9:30 and I was back on stage sharing the story of “Rotary Connects the World” and all Rotary has meant to the world. Dave was then on stage bragging about all the wonderful stories he had heard visiting the clubs in the District. He said – “He wished we could have all been with him”; but since we couldn’t he’d asked six clubs to come and share their stories:

·        Ludington – described how they had reenergized their club by taking on a renovation of the City Park. It was a big project; but it showed the club what they could do.

·        Zeeland – When the Hospital that was the center of the town closed Zeeland Rotary stepped in and converted the old Hospital to a 501© 3 community center.

·        Grand Rapids – Described their “Service Above Self” Awards program and how they use it to inspire the next generation of Rotarians.

·        Cheboygan – Told about their new “Lets Dance” fundraiser to rev up their community in the winter and raise money for the local Hospital

·        Wawa – What does a town of 3,000 in rural Ontario do to make sure everyone is honored and recognized? They work with their chamber to set fundraiser dates so all service clubs aren’t competing and then everyone supports everyone else’s

·        Petoskey – How do you eliminate a fundraiser that isn’t working and replace it with one that has spectacular results?

The District’s PI chair was then introduced to lead us through “Gimmicks of Public Image” followed by a brief Q&A. It had just turned Noon when Governor Dave sent us off to have fun. He introduced Kassia and went over all our options. I found myself golfing with Mike Snyder and Mary was torn between the Wine tour and shopping. We were back in time to shower, and change before walking back over to the GLCFA. Cocktail Reception, Stafford’s dinner, and into the evening program. Again Dave did a video “Pale Blue Dot” reminding us of our many neighbors in a very small neighborhood. John Scholten gave us a breathtaking view of America as we travelled with him on his bicycle from the Pacific to the Atlantic raising money for Polio Plus. Gernot and Dave then recognized the Foundation donors. Finally, we attended a social Hour sponsored by the Cadillac club to recognize DGE Jon Catlin and next year’s team.

Saturday started with a memorial service recognizing Rotarians who were no longer with us. It was a moving service led by Tom Schmidt. Mary and I were back on stage to thank everyone for a wonderful conference and the warm reception we had received. Then the Youth took the stage. Testimonials on Life Leadership (RYLA), Interact, and Strive showed that the next generation of leaders were in good hands. Governor Dave encouraged all of us to continue to support our communities. However, he used the gumball challenge to awaken in all of us the need to also serve needy people everywhere.

We closed with a plated lunch and an inspirational presentation on Human Trafficking from Ruth Rondon. After the conference was over, we drove to Mackinac Island, Mary and I reflected on the wonderful people of District 6290. We talked about all that they were doing. We knew there was no need to be concerned that there was still so much to do. We knew they were up to the challenge. In summary - We had to agree with Dave’s final words – “Here’s to Jane Millar and her wonderful committee for putting together such a wonderful conference”.