Together, Making a Difference
This year's District Conference will be remembered for years to come. DG Isabelle decided a few years ago to have the Conference at Harrison Hot Springs Resort because we--collectively--missed out six years ago when PDG Brad Whittaker was supposed to have his Conference at this location. I was so looking forward to that one and even made a road trip a few months prior to check it out. The first weekend of May turned out to be wonderful weather wise as 350 Rotarians, spouses, significant others and many children arrived to learn more about Rotary, celebrate life-changing projects and recognize those that have made a difference this Rotary Year. If you were able to arrive early on Friday perhaps you took a boat ride on Lake Harrison.
On Friday evening, participants gathered at Harrison Country Club RV Resort to a casual dinner, live music and dancing--if you were so inclined. Everyone had a great time.
Saturday morning began with the Opening Ceremony that included the parade of flags brought in by the Youth Exchange Students. The first plenary session was on the effect of climate change. RIPP Ian Riseley welcomed everyone via a video message. Peter Jones, retired from years of work with the Government of British Columbia, led the session “Observations from an Ordinary Guy on the Current State of Our Climate.” He pointed out that the Earth's troposphere is 9,000 kilometers (almost 5,600 miles) thick. The troposphere is approximately 75-80% of the Earth's atmosphere. Peter shared that if you compared the troposphere's thickness to the circumference of the Earth it would be less that the thickness of the skin of an apple. Meaning that it doesn't take much to cause a lot of damage. Jones shared a Four Point Action Plan:
Discern
Engage - share hopes and dreams
Advocate - ask questions
Accelerate
He wrapped up the by reminding us to be curious, reframe the problem, seek areas of agreement and remember that every personal action counts.
Debra Soutar continued the conversation telling us that we have a war to save the world from us. We've known this since 1957. We all know that Rotary has seven areas of focus however, climate change affects all of the other areas.
The morning continued with simultaneous facilitated sessions--one on Climate Action led by District 5050 Conference Chair and member of Chilliwack Rotary, Robyn Curtis, who is part of the Climate Change Rotary Action Group (RAG). If you want to learn how you can make a difference, contact Robyn. The other session was on Youth, Mental Health and the Opioid Crisis. The goal of each session was to have attendees work in small groups to discuss ideas and plans that each participant could then use back in their own communities. Each session had several co-facilitators to help the small groups.
Ed Note: a compilation of the notes from both of these sessions as well as those from the Saturday afternoon sessions will be sent to all Rotarians in the District within a few days.
Lunch wasn't merely a meal but a celebration of our District. The following Rotarians were recognized by Governor Isabelle for their service to the District:
Robyn Curtis, Paul Harris Fellowship
James Monroe, Paul Harris Fellowship
Al Stjernegaard, Dan Gallant International Service Award
Winston Conyers, Regional Service Award for a Polio Free World
Lee Harmon, Service Above Self Award
Lee Harmon, Wynston Conyers, DG Isabelle Martinez Hayer, PDG & PRIVP Dean Rohrs, IPDG Dave Duskin
Following lunch, PDG Denis Boyd and Assistant Governor Maureen Boyd presided over the Memorial Service recognizing Rotarians that have passed away since last year's Conference.
- Arlington- John Derringer
- Bellingham Sunrise-Frank Muljat
- Everett-Tom Rainville
- Everett Port Gardner-Jack Shannon
- Ferndale-Jake Smith
- Lake Stevens-Loren Hole
- North Delta-Pat Bond
- North Whidbey Island Sunrise-Sandra Mulkey
- Port Moody-Dan Gallant
- San Juan Island-Jack Barrett
- Whidbey Westside-Cliff Ridgway
- White Rock-Alex Dobbins
- White Rock-Jack Rae
Ed Note: District Rotarians will also receive more information about the awards, the Memorial Service and more in a few days.
The Youth of Rotary took the stage next describing what youth and young adult programs are available. We heard from representatives of Interact, YAIL, RYLA, SASSY Awards, RYE, YES and Rotaract.
The final two facilitated sessions covered Food Security and Senior, Mental Health and Loneliness. All of the facilitated sessions had great participation and as you will soon see there were many ideas and action plans developed that all of us can do in each of these areas to make the world a better place for all of us and those that we interact with. Make sure to read the complete Facilitated Sessions Review when it arrives in your Inbox.
There was also an opportunity that many took advantage of to demonstrate your artistry through painting during a facilitated Painting Inner Peace session hosted by Rotarians of Surrey-Newton.
Two projects were highlighted this afternoon: Oral Cancer Health and Days for Girls. These projects have broad support across our District. Because of this, we are making a difference in the lives of the people that are impacted by the work of Rotarians and others through these projects. If you would like someone to come and speak to your Club about these projects, send us a message and we'll put you in contact with the right person!
The schedule allowed for ample time to visit the dozen and a half displays, booths and tables at this year's House of Friendship. Thank you Brooke Lewis for coordinating this. I can tell you I didn't come away empty-handed!
Saturday afternoon's session wrapped up with a presentation by Assistant District Governor and District 5050's Honouring Indigenous Peoples (H.I.P.) Coordinator, Linda Mross. H.I.P. began in Manitoba five years ago and quickly spread to British Columbia, Ontario and Nova Scotia. There will be a program starting in next year in Alberta. The H.I.P. Youth Program brings together indigenous and non-indigenous youth from across Canada to learn with and from each other. Two young ladies who recently participated in the program shared their experiences with us.
Samantha Westlands and Noia McFetridge
This was followed by a performance of dancing by the Pil'alt Warriors of the Cheam First Nations.
The keynote speakers at Saturday evening's dinner were the Honourable Steven Point, 28th Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia and Dr. Gwendolyn Point. In Canada, the provincial government structure is such that the Lt Governor represents the King of Canada (or Queen depending who the reigning monarch is in England). I share this because Mr. Pointe has a very distinguished career in British Columbia serving in a variety of roles in law and justice as well as overseeing educational institutions. One of his main points during his presentation was that “we all have to paddle the canoe together” meaning that we are all in this together. Dr. Point reminded us that in First Nations and Native American cultures there are no borders. “We are all one people and we should be working together to build a stronger community.”
Governor Isabelle recognized more Rotarians with the following awards:
Goldfinch Award
Dave Duskin
Maureen Boyd
Pat Bond Award
Joan Patterson
Nathan Zylstra
Youth Chammpion Award
Sean Hogan
Felicity Dye
Lindagene Coyle Opportunity & Inclusoion Award
Rotary Club of Surrey
The evening was capped off with a Rotarian Band serenading everyone followed by a karaoke session with Peter Tam.
At Sunday morning's breakfast, DGE Kathleen Olson rolled our the District 5050 2026-2027 Engagement Initiative Pilot Project. This project encourages
Membership growth and retention
Collaboration with local groups and other Rotary Clubs
Active participation in Club activities
Supporting The rotary foundation and Annual Fund
The Initiative Goals are
Every Day Service
Engagement
Stronger Projects
Measurable Change
When Governor Kathleen visits your Club in the next few months she will explain more about the this initiative and what she is planning in lieu of a Conference.
Governor Isabelle then honored PDG Brad Whittaker by inviting him to recognize his Conference Team from six years ago including Conference Chair Kevin Wood.
Rotarians and families were then invited to help give back to the Harrison Hot Springs community through one of two service projects--Earthwise Society and Miami River Keepers.
Everyone had a great time. Congratulations to this year's Conference Planning Committee. You did a wonderful job!
Ed Note: Click this link for more photos of this year's District Conference!