Governor's Message - May 16, 2016

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
A MESSAGE ABOUT THE DISTRICT CONFERENCE
 
By Jim Fusco
 
This Governor’s Message is the final one before the District Conference, so it will be short and concentrate on the DisCon ‘16.
We are having a GREAT YEAR and WE will CELEBRATE at the District Conference and have FUN!
 
Weather forecast for the Conference: Friday: sunny, 69 degrees; Saturday: sunny, 79 degrees; and Sunday, sunny, 64 degrees!
 
Here’s a quick report of my travels last week before we talk about the District Conference:
  • I attended the Foundation Committee’s Grant Qualification Seminar as well as the Membership Committee Meeting.
  • The District Fellowship Golf League was at Sterling Country Club, but I had a conflict and could not be there.
  • We held the final District Conference Committee meeting.
  • I went to Groton-Pepperell Rotary to present them with recognition from Rotary International President “Ravi” Ravindran for 75 years of service.
  • I attended the RYLA Committee Meeting.
  • I attended Leominster Rotary’s Wine Pairing Event.
This week will be mostly District Conference. But tomorrow, I will attend Fitchburg Rotary’s Community Awards Dinner, visit Littleton Rotary on Wednesday, and then head to Plymouth for the District Conference. It will be an exciting week. 
 
District Conference: Here is an update on the District Conference:
  1. Dress Code:
    • White Sneakers (see part of my Rotary Year 2015-2016 collection, right) are optional for the entire weekend
    • Paul Harris Dinner on Friday: Black tie, optional; jacket and tie, preferred; but casual business attire, acceptable
    • Saturday Dinner: Jacket and tie, preferred; but casual business attire, acceptable
  2. Business Meeting on Friday: Don’t forget to bring your voting credentials. Arrive at 3:30 p.m. because the meeting will start at 4:00 p.m., sharp.
  3. Silent Auction will be in the House of Friendship and will open at 2:00 p.m. on Friday. Bring your checkbook, and bid often and bid high because all proceeds go to The Rotary Foundation and the winning bidders get Paul Harris credits
  4. Fellowship Reception in Harbor Grille, Friday and Saturday from 6:00 to 6:45 p.m.
  5. Paul Harris Dinner on Friday. We will have a great speaker from Plimoth Plantation, a special Foundation program with a surprise visit by Paul Harris, the presentation of special Foundation award, and much, much more.
  6. Hospitality “Sweets” open at 9:00 p.m. on both Friday and Saturday.
  7. Saturday will start with a Fellowship Breakfast, during which you will get an opportunity to enjoy the company of your fellow Rotarians.
  8. Taste of Rotary will immediately follow the Fellowship Breakfast and will feature ESSEX students, a sample of RYLA, a mock Rotary radio interview, and a program to help you find leaders.
  9. Free Time starts at 12:00 noon on Saturday, so enjoy either a harbor cruise on the Pilgrim Belle or a round of golf at Squirrel Run Golf Course. If you have already registered, then check in at the registration desk for your tickets. If you have not registered, you would still have time, so click here for harbor cruise or click here for round of golf. Discount tickets are available for Plimoth Plantation and the Grist Mill, so if you interested inquire at the Registration Desk
  10. Saturday Dinner starts at 7:00 p.m., and once again we will have a great speaker from Plimoth Plantation. Special awards will be presented, including Rotarian of the Year and Best Club of the Year.
  11. Our Memorial Service will begin at 9:00 a.m. in the Amphitheater and this service will give us an opportunity to recognize our Rotarians who have passed since the last District Conference.
  12. Breakfast will immediately follow the Memorial Service, and will give us another opportunity for fellowship.
  13. Take advantage of your Free Time on Sunday before departing Plymouth. Visit Plimoth Plantation and/or the Grist Mill, or just walk around Plymouth and enjoy the sights.
Global Scholars: Newton Rotary will host Global Scholar Tatsuya Hayase , from Japan, sponsored by the Rotary Clubs of Nagoya-South and Nagoya Meito. Hayase will be attending Brandeis University. Thank you, Newton President Indira Desai.
 
RYLA Volunteers Needed: Rotary Youth Leadership Awards is only six weeks away. While the program is being finalized, we now need volunteers. RYLA Vice Chair Christine Pinney asks that as, a rule of thumb, a club should have two volunteers for each RYLA student they are sponsoring. To volunteer, click here.
 
District Banners: Our district banners have been busy. This past weekend, they were in use by Bedford and next weekend, they will be used at the District Conference.  If you have an upcoming event or fundraiser and want to reserve one of the banners, please contact PR Chair Laura Spear at laura@spear.net.
 
Thank you for being part of a great organization and for being a Gift to the World.
 
We are having a great year!
 
Jim Fusco, 2015-2016 governor of District 7910, may be reached at  jim.fusco2@gmail.com.