5130 Virtual Conference

DG Kathy Flamson

Celebrates 2019-20 theme

at District 5130

Virtual Conference

After two cancelations for in person conferences in Fortuna, District 5130 gathered virtually, Saturday, October to celebrated District Governor Kathy Flamson’s 2019-2020 year with the theme Rotary Connects the World, and Kathy’s accent making the community more "Close Knit".

David Mark Raymond of Sebastopol masterfully emceed the conference.

Despite most of the shelter in place limits imposed, District 5130 reached out to Australia with Fire Relief, to France for Notre Dame, to local senior housing through PEP in Petaluma with support from San Jose Rotary, and continuing relief in the Hurricane battered Bahama’s.

Santa Rosa East was recognized for its’ 50^th year, Napa for 100, getting charter support from as far away as San Jose.

PDG Kathy announced a new affiliation between Rotary and Toastmasters. Both organizations recognize a mutually beneficial opportunity. Toastmaster, Elliott DeVille from Eureka presented An engaging, informative outline of great story telling strategy and directed us to explore the new Toastmaster Rotary link on each International group’s website. Hint - remember the “P Rule,” pause, participation and physicality).

Rotary International VP Jorita Solari (below right), introduced by 5130 PDG Kevin Eisenberg (below left), brought greetings and kudos from RI. She reminded us to continually ask ourselves what is our “WHY” in Rotary.

Kathy closed the District Conference session with her announcement of the District Rotarian of the Year: Duane Barnes of the Rotary Club of Middletown. Dwayne worked tirelessly in organizing fire an disaster recovery and relief in Lake County and recently following the Kinkaid Fires. One of the original developers of LARCA (Lake Area Rotary Club Association) Duane stepped up at Kathy’s request and took charge amidst his own local town’s overwhelming needs.