This is the time of year that many of the projects and plans we have been working on all year finally come to fruition.
We had a terrific conference in April. Everyone had a great time bowling! Mark Neace of Park Cities bowled the highest score of the night.
Saturday's speakers were fabulous! Former Frisco Mayor Maso spoke about Economic Development occurring in our area. Rebecca Jowers of the Poiema Foundation spoke of how her organization has been able to rescue women from Human Trafficking. During our lunch, Dale Hansen, former sportscaster with WFAA, spoke not only of abuse in our community but also told of victims within his own family. Our own District Peace Scholar, Dr. Carrie Perkins discussed her work at refugee camps along the Thai-Myanmar border. Parliamentarian, George Tarpley conducted our annual business meeting as required under our Manual of Procedure.
A very moving memorial to Rotarians we lost over the last year was put together by Sandra Moudy. Robert Yudkin showed pictures and told of the success of the recent Service trip to the Guerrero Rotary eye Clinic. Our final speaker was Stephen White speaking about Kaizen for the Brain.
Following the speakers, attendees prepared thank you cards to the individuals who have served as the eyes and ears for the Poiema Foundation in helping to identify Human Trafficking victims. During the reception preceding our Awards and Foundation Recognition Dinner, we were entertained by the R.L. Turner Jazz band.
Many thanks to our emcee PDG Bill Dendy, Awards Chair PDG Richard Gilman, and my aide, John Van Buren for all the work they did to make this Conference a success with approximately 130 persons in attendance. Also, thanks go to Happy Franklin and Shirley Weddle for helping with speakers. Photos and Award winners are being posted to the District web page.
The following weekend, Shirley Heitzman and her team led a very successful Spring Fling for our Interactors. It was so encouraging to see the energy and interest in Serving to Change Lives generated by these high schoolers.
But, the year is not over yet and there are still some important events coming up.
The District wide 4-Way Speech Contest will occur on May 14 and we will have our final two Roundtables on May 21 and June 18.
Of course, June 4-8 is the Rotary International Convention in Houston. To date, we have 120 persons registered from our District. DGND Regina Edwards has summarized bus options available for travel to Houston which also is being posted to our webpage. We are awaiting final schedules from RI to determine if there will be a good time for members of our District to gather together in Houston.
Finally, be sure to get your reservations in for the annual passing of the gavel and Installation Banquet to be held at the Hall of State at Fair Park on June 23.