District Conference Notes and Highlights
April 11-12 2008, San Jose, CA
The induction of a new member in the presence of a three past Rotary International Presidents was a treat . It was all done with great humor. Cliff Dochterman fumbled and dropped the Rotary pin he was about to pin on the new member, and it went into a plant. They looked for it briefly, and then he unpinned his own Rotary pin and gave it to the new member.
That's a pin that I think will be cherished. I told Andy Hartman that he probably should not expect three past RI presidents to be present at his induction, and he said "Why not?" Let's see what we can do!
There is a booth in the House of Friendship that has won "Best Booth" for the past 4 years . One of their projects is called "Walk a Mile In Her Shoes." Once a year the men in the club don high-heeled shoes and walk a mile. The donations they collect go to a women's shelter. They have great fun doing it, and support a worthy cause.
The Group Study Exchange (GSE) conducted one of the forums. The exchange was between the United States and Taiwan. The incoming group consisted of well-spoken, friendly and personable people. They each gave a brief talk about their life in Taiwan. One of them told me that we have better parties than they have in Taiwan (he was referring to the hospitality suites where clubs and areas compete with each other for best decorations, theme, food, and liquid refreshment.) By the way, the Driscoll strawberries in Area 7's Hospitality suite were not only huge but delicious! Thanks Al!
The outgoing GSE team from the USA had an unfortunate event happen. One of the team members went out for a run at dusk, and he did not come home. When they searched for him that night, they could not find him, The next morning they found him seriously injured down a 40 foot ravine. The team members took turns keeping watch over him while he was in the hospital for two weeks. The medical care was excellent, and a full recovery is expected. He attended the District Conference one afternoon while still confined to a wheel chair. He showed me his stitches, and that was one serious broken leg. It is my understanding that hospital care in Taiwan is expensive. One night while the injured man was sleeping, the president of the Rotary club hosting the GSE team slipped an envelope under his pillow containing $2,000. Generous and caring! Also, Rotarians building good will!
Because I am the chair of the House of Friendship I needed to spend the week end in San Jose, and I was soooo happy to see friends from my home club. The highlight of my week end at the District Conference was seeing and being with soon-to-be Rotarian Andy Hartman and Rotarians Randy Parker, Rod Caborn, Keith Henderson, Darlene de la Cerna, Nick Guerrero, Mark Junod, and Hilary Bryant. There is something very special to see familiar faces when you are away from home - even if it's just for a week end.
Respectfully Submitted by Pat Davis