This year’s Rotary District Conference upon us! It is a one day event at Mount Vernon (WA) High School on Saturday, 4 May 2024. This conference is for all ages. The theme of the conference is “We Are Family,” as we explore the attributes that make for healthy families. Here is a schedule for the weekend.
Friday, May 3
5:00 pm Bowling at Riverside Lanes in Mount Vernon (225 Riverside Lane, Mount Vernon, WA). This is intended an enjoyable time for people of all ages, regardless of any bowling experience. Cost for bowling, bowling shoes and buffet dinner is $35.00.
8:00 pm Meet and Greet at Max Dale’s Steak and Chop House (2030 Riverside Dr, Mount Vernon, WA). People will gather for appetizers and fellowship, with the opportunity to meet old friends and establish new ones. Cost for the food is $20 with beverages to be purchased separately.
Saturday, May 4
8:00 am Mount Vernon High School will be open for conference attendees. Participants will park in the north parking lot of the high school. Signs will direct drivers to this parking lot, and enter the high school on the north entrance of the New Main Building. As participants enter the building, they will find the House of Friendship, with booths that will inspire Rotarians. Coffee will be available, and, beginning at 11:00 AM an espresso stand will open.
9:00 am Conference will begin in the auditorium of Mount Vernon High School.
The Conference will have three outstanding speakers. They are:
- Kelly C. Atkinson is a Past District Governor from Utah. He has been a Rotarian since 1986, is a charter member of the West Jordan, Utah, Rotary Club, and has been a legislator in the Utah House of Representatives. He will address the power of the Rotary family, and the important qualities of healthy family life.
- Dr. Shirley-Pat Gale is the current Rotary District 5040 Governor. She is a very passionate and enthusiastic speaker, who is a powerful presenter and in high demand throughout the Rotary world. Shirley-Pat earned a Doctorate from the University of Edinburgh as she explored the role of civil society organizations in indigenous social citizenship in Canada. She will help us broaden our understanding of family, and share some of the qualities that make families healthier and stronger.
- Dr. Katie Eastman is a grief therapist and coach from Anacortes, Washington. She attended Boston University School of Theology and The University of Houston School of Social Work and acquired a Doctorate in Child Psychology. As a licensed psychotherapist, licensed social worker and life coach specializing in loss and transition, Katie supports individuals and communities before, during and after serious loss. Katie will talk about how grief and loss affects family life.
There will be opportunities to discuss the content from our presenters during the Conference.
This year’s Conference will have a program for children, ages 5 -14. The program will be in a classroom across the hall from the auditorium. Children will have a break-out session led by Kate Anderson, Executive Director of the Skagit Children’s Museum, as she brings the Children’s Museum to Mount Vernon High School
The closing program by Anmoldeep Singh, an outstanding magician and illusionist from Vancouver. The Conference will conclude at 8:00 pm. For those who would like an after-Conference drink, there will be several locations in downtown Mount Vernon for beverages and conversations.
Sunday, May 5
8:30 am A light breakfast at Camp Korey (24880 Brotherhood Road, Mount Vernon)
Online registration is now closed. Contact Governor's Aide Pat Bond to see if there is any more room!