The Rotary District 5910 Annual Conference was held Thursday, April 22nd through Saturday, April 24th, 2021. The second virtual conference the District experienced, we are happy to report that 194 Rotarians and Rotaractors attended the all-club meeting to kick off the Conference. At least thirteen clubs decided to host their weekly club meeting in conjunction with the kick-off event as guest speaker, Sylvia Whitlock, shared her story of becoming the first female president of a Rotary Club. Global Grant Scholar, Sakurah Fisher, joined the Zoom session from Japan, making it a truly international experience. On Thursday, we also heard from Rhonda Kennedy about the opportunities for Rotarians to volunteer at the 2022 Rotary International Convention in Houston, Texas.
A roomful of Texas City Rotarians attends District Conference together as a Club meeting.
Thursday also focused on opportunities for clubs in the District, highlighting Global Grants and the work that can be accomplished. Real Provencher provided a video update of the Global Grant project being completed with the Magnolia Rotary Club; followed by a questions and answers session with Past District Governor Chuck Mason. Interested Rotarians are encouraged to visit the District YouTube Channel for a longer video highlighting the Rotary International Foundation and the projects that are made possible through Global Grants and other resources. The session ended with Celebration of Life as Jayne McCurry honored Rotarians who passed away in the last year.
On Friday, April 23rd, attendees were introduced to a collaborative project bringing the first E-club to District 5910! An E-club offers an alternative to in-person meetings to engage individuals who would find this flexible option attractive. To find out more about this club option, please check out the District website. Friday’s keynote speaker was Ann Lee Hussey, a Rotarian, polio survivor and advocate, as she shared her personal experience in battling polio as a child and now the work she leads as the Executive Director of the Polio Survivors Rotarian Action Group. David Yeakey, District Rotaract Representative, was also in attendance and introduced Ms. Hussey for the program.
Friday’s session celebrated Rotarians through the District as Tim Sudela presented the District Roll of Fame awards, coordinated by Bill Leigh. Congratulations to all of the District Roll of Fame honorees for 2021! District Governor Elect, Jerry Springfield, and District Governor Nominee, Demetress Harrel, gave updates on upcoming conferences for 2022 and 2023, respectively. District Governor Becky Mason closed the virtual session reminding us all of how proud Rotarians in District 5910 can be for their achievements and work through such a turbulent year. Friday ended with a beautiful recording of “Let There Be Peace on Earth” which can also be viewed on the District’s YouTube Channel.
An in-person, service project with Rise Against Hunger served as a closing to the Rotary District 5910 Conference for 2021. Over thirty Rotarians gathered on Saturday, April 24th, to pack 9,500 meals during a two-hour period. This fun, face-paced project provided a wonderful opportunity for fellowship at Cleveland Middle School. We want to thank the Beaumont Rotary Foundation, Chuck and Becky Mason, and Cleveland ISD for providing the funding and location to make this a reality.
District Governor Becky Mason happily sounds the gong!
Rotarians enjoyed fun and fellowship while working hard to assemble meals.