Pollock Pines-Camino Rotary - 2009 District Conference

And the good times did indeed roll! The District Conference held at the newly refurbished Peppermill in Reno on May 21^st – 23^rd was star-studded and youth oriented. From eleven year old “Paul Harris” to the entertaining Cliff Dochterman, from Cameron Park’s entry as our entry also for the District Speech Contest, to Georgetown’s (also ours) entry for the District Music Contest – both the grand winners!, to the many RI dignitaries, and all of the Interact and Rotoract future Rotarians, “Making Dreams Real” actually happened!

Carnivale in Paradise on Friday night, besides boasting a fabulous buffet dinner, paraded the youth of Rotary – International Youth Exchange and Interact. It was seconded only by the outrageous hospitality of Cameron Park, Pollock Pines-Camino, and Georgetown in our own Hospitality Suite. There was a doctor in the house and his wine was perfectly safe!

Saturday’s specials for this writer included the twelve youngsters competing in the District Speech Contest and the eight youngsters performing in the District Music Contest. It would appear the future is in THEIR hands – and we can be grateful for their talent, their discipline, and their drive. And did I mention that it was our area’s entry that won in both contests?!

All meals were sumptuous. Meal programs were entertaining and informative – bringing me closer yet to Rotarian ideals.

And before I forget, the Pollock Pines-Camino Rotary Club was a runner up in three different categories for the Call for Recognition:

1. Per Capita Fundraising

2. Project of the Year

3. Vocational

Not bad for a club our size. Just goes to show you how mighty “small” can be!

For me, the highlight of the Conference was the informal coffee klatch with Cliff Dochterman on Saturday morning. Having twice been refused admittance to the Berkeley Rotary Club, Dr. Dochterman went on to become a world leader of international peace and service as the Rotary International President during 1992-1993. He actually has been a Rotarian for over 50 years! What I learned was that there is now more international influence than American because of American decline in Rotarian membership. This puts the influence of American Rotarians at risk. The question is why are we declining and the rest of the world increasing? And what do we need to do to get our numbers back? Writer’s note: Is it possible that the “good life” has spoiled us, dulling the compassion brought on by first-hand knowledge of need?

Carol visiting with Gail Ellingwood at the Hospitality Room

Club display for House of Friendship designed by Paula Nesbitt.

Carol, Jeanne and Ken enjoying Sunday Morning Banquet.