District Governor's Message - November/December

The 2011-2012 Rotary year is moving along very quickly, we are now in November, celebrating Rotary Foundation month and many clubs have included Kathy and I in these celebrations which we have thoroughly enjoyed helping clubs recognize the tremendous work of Rotarians.

During the club visits we were able to see all the clubs in action and most are doing extremely well. One observation that I made was that the more clubs were involved in community projects and international project work, the more successful the club was in attracting members.

We spent some time in New York in early November and attended Rotary day at the United Nations. This was a wonderful day meeting with other Rotarians from 25 different countries.

The district conference held Oct 21, 22, 23 at the Blue Mountain Resort in Collingwood featuring James Fraser from Dignitas, Ramesh Ferris and Steve Truelove as keynote speakers was a resounding success. All those that attended had a wonderful time.

A part 1 of the RLI, the Rotary Leadership Institute was held on Saturday November 12, 2011 at Loyalist Collage in Belleville and 21 Rotarians attended. This was a great day of learning for all that attended. Part 3 will be held on Saturday January 7, 2012. Parts 1 and 2 will be held April 14 2012 at Seneca College Finch Campus (Toronto). Please contact PDG Ted Morrison to register.

On Saturday November 19^th PDG Linda Ryder and PDG Doug Byers facilitated our district Interact conference and students from our district Interact clubs enjoyed a day of fun, learning and fellowship with each other.

Remember to join us for the 103rd annual RI Convention, 6-9 May 2012, in Bangkok, Thailand, Land of a Thousand Smiles!

Why does the RI Convention in Bangkok promise to be the experience of a lifetime?

Value! Thai government support allows RI to offer the lowest registration fee in years at 160 USD if you register before December 1^st for Rotarians and guests. And the cost of food, lodging, and transportation is very reasonable.

Inspiration! Exemplary speakers such as Nobel Laureate, founder of the Grameen Bank, microcredit pioneer, and social business innovator, Dr. Muhammad Yunus and the 2004 Young Australian of the Year, co-founder and past director of the Oaktree Foundation, and co-Founder and current CEO of the Global Poverty Project, Hugh Evans.

Fellowship! The HOC (Host Organization Committee) will create a garden of exotic flowers within the House of Friendship that will also feature computer cafes, Thai cuisine and entertainment, and more. Also, expect a very special Host Hospitality "Kitchen of the World" Night on Monday, 7 May, in the Land of a Thousand Smiles and it will be! With 6,000 seats, 285 international food stations, 10 cooking demonstration areas, and 10,000 samples, this promises to be a night to remember at the IMPACT Center. Through the generous support of the Thai government, tickets for this event are 10 USD, a fraction of the actual cost.

Entertainment! Enjoy the multicultural entertainment planned for the plenaries including international acts from Thailand, India, Bulgaria, and the United Kingdom!