Almost everyone who is a member of a Rotary Club knows that the tradition of singing at Rotary club meetings began in 1905 with Rotarian Harry L. Ruggles, member number 5 of the Rotary Club of Chicago. What almost no one knows is why and how important it was to the life of Rotary.

Harry Ruggles was a very moral man, who detested off-color language, malicious innuendo and classless humor. Little more than a year after Rotary had been formed, at an evening meeting in 1906, the guest speaker began a story. Having heard the story before, Harry knew its off color ending, and felt that it was inappropriate for the group, so he jumped up in the middle of the joke and yelled ‘C’mon boys, Let’s sing!’

This was not only the first time that members had sung in Rotary, but it was also apparently the first time that a group of business people had ever sang at a business meeting anywhere. By his surprising move, Harry demonstrated that off color language and demeaning activities were not welcome at Rotary gatherings. It was reported at the time that the speaker was very embarrassed and upset, and though Harry did apologize, the whole club backed him up. Right then and there, it was decided that all future Rotary meetings would be held in an atmosphere in which any woman could attend, though women were not members of Rotary at the time. This has been an unwritten rule ever since, and the tradition of song has endured.

Today, Rotary club meetings, conventions and conferences include sessions of song at their meetings. Though not many Rotarians are accomplished singers, another unwritten rule is that it is usually the most enthusiastic member of the group that leads the singing and not necessarily the most accomplished!

The Rotary District 9200 conference in Nairobi will be no exception. To be held between 13th and 16th May 2009 at the UN Conference Centre in Gigiri, there will be plenty of opportunities to enjoy music and song. Following are some of the highlighted performers who will entertain participants during the conference.

The Administration Police Band

Administration Police Band started as Corps of Drums in 1958 at Ruringu Training centre - Nyeri. The main activity of the band at the time was to lead march pasts during graduation ceremonies. In 1972 when the Administration Police Training was moved to its present site APTC - Embakasi, the Band became fully established and based at the college. Amongst its various objectives, the band aims to promote the image of the Kenya Administration Police and also to assist many organizations with their charitable objectives. This award winning band has scooped many accolades over the years, including Kenya Music Festival Awards and various national ASK show awards.

The Nairobi Chamber Chorus

Nairobi Chamber Chorus (NCC), a group of 23 young singers, has won praises from its audiences for their electrifying performances of spirituals and Kenyan music. This group has been described as “The New Nairobi meltdown of Africa, Asia and Europe”. It offers an eclectic mix of musical backgrounds representing North Indian classical and folk traditions, the European classical tradition, the English folk tradition and African music traditions. The group’s music is a colorful mixture of acoustic sounds, moods and atmospheres, mixing improvisation with strict dance rhythms, folk melodies and ragas. A not to be missed cross-cultural experience.

Since its formation in 2005, NCC has performed throughout Kenya and in neighboring countries for local, regional and international organizations. It has also performed with world-renowned musical groups, including the Guildhall Strings, London Adventist Chorale and Cape Town Opera.

NCC is keen to support worthy causes through their music. For example, in 2008, they performed in Kenya and Uganda in aid of RETRAK—an organization working with street children in Eastern Africa.

The African Children’s Choir

In 1984, in the midst of Uganda’s bloody civil war, human rights activist Ray Barnett was called on to help the many thousands of orphaned and starving children, abandoned and helpless to feed and protect themselves.

Realizing the enormity of the task Ray and his team came up with a unique approach. The only way to make a meaningful difference was to impact the lives of these children, one child at a time.

"Inspired by the singing of one small boy, we formed the first African Children’s Choir to show the world that Africa’s most vulnerable children have beauty, dignity and unlimited ability."

The African Children's Choir is a large choir made up of children ages 7 to 12 from several African nations. Since its inception, the choir has included children from Uganda, Kenya, Rwanda, South Africa, Nigeria, and Ghana. Many of the children have lost one or both parents to AIDS and other poverty-related diseases, and all of them are victims of extreme poverty.

The choir serves as the main fund raising branch for its parent organization, Music For Life Institute, with proceeds from the choir's work used to fund education and relief efforts for African children affected by poverty and disease.

The Choir has released a number of albums and DVDs over the years, and has performed at major events and venues around the world. The Choir has appeared at the British House of Commons and the Pentagon, at some of the world's most prestigious halls, including the Royal Albert Hall, the London Palladium, the International Club of Berlin and the Palais des Beaux Arts in Brussels, Belgium.

Also on the conference programme are Inspirations Youth Group, North Highridge Primary School, Chelate Primary School and a DJ to keep conference participants entertained and in high spirits throughout the conference. Will you add your voice to the chorus?

To find out more information about the conference, and to register, visit www.districtconference.rotary9200.org

Don’t delay!.... There’s still time to take advantage of this opportunity!

Greetings from the 84DCA Registration Committee!

With just under 2 weeks to go for the 84th District Conference and Assembly in Nairobi, and the registrations are still swiftly flowing in to the Conference Registration committee – We are pleased to inform ALL Rotarians and delegates that the Conference Organising Committee has decided to extend the Registration discount of US$160.00 deadline up to May 10th, 2009!

Thereafter during the ‘ON-SITE’ Registration period at the Hilton, from May 11 – 13, 2009 the final rates of US$ 180.00 will apply!

WHAT IF YOU HAVE ALREADY PAID AT US$180.00 before May 10? Do not despair…. The registration committee will have already communicated to you, advising that you will be eligible for a discount and / or that (refundable) amount will be transferred towards your accommodation requirements!

Please pass on this message to ALL your club members who, perhaps, have not registered yet… to do so quickly… there is still time to capture this opportunity for DISCOUNT REGISTRATION!

There are now just about two weeks to the Conference and the Conference committee members, together with all the Rotarians in Nairobi, are all looking forward to your arrival and towards hosting you at the Conference at the United Nation in Gigiri, Nairobi.

On-Site Registration Placement

As a registered delegate you will note that the Registration team will be situated ‘on-site’ from Monday, 11th May up to Wednesday, May 13 [from 9:00am – 5:00pm and throughout the Cocktail on May 13) at the Hilton Hotel, which will lead us effectively to the Delegate’s welcome cocktail that evening. It is therefore encouraged that, if you are in and around Nairobi to endeavor, to collect your Registration Kit ahead of time and to avoid the ‘rush’ experienced prior to the commencement. If you are travelling from outside of Nairobi the same procedure applies, whereby you will be required to ‘sign-in’ at the Registration and Hospitality Desk at the Hilton prior to moving on to your respective accommodation venue.

Part of the kit will also include your Registration badge, which will also serve as your U.N. security access and entry certification.

Travel Arrangements

If you are situated outside of Nairobi, we trust that by now, you must have already made your travel arrangements to Nairobi for the Conference, either by air or road. In this respect, please communicate and forward (either through us or directly to the Transportation Committee, convened by Rtn. Alex Nyaga, anyaga@parapetcleaning.com), your travel arrangements, so as to ensure that they have captured your details (whether by Flight or Road Travel) so as to ensure that adequate measures are put in place to facilitate your transfer arrangements.

Accommodation Arrangements

In the same manner, we trust that by now, those delegates arriving from outside of Nairobi would have adequately arranged for their respective accommodation in Nairobi for the Conference period. Noting also that the Accommodation Committee has gone to great lengths in securing special rates for designated hotels in and around the city.

In the same note, since there are only two weeks left to the conference, the Accommodation Committee would also like to advise delegates to ensure that their Hotel bookings are confirmed, either by way of payment and / or commitment in writing to the committee through the committee convener, Rtn. Robert Kinyua [rmkinyua@africaonline .co.ke] in order to avoid last minute rush and related disappointments.

We would like to reiterate that the hotels are now NOT confirming bookings without full committal payments.

Delegates who are technically unable to forward their hotel deposits should ask either their country fund co-ordinators or secretariat offices to submit a guaranteed rooming list for such delegates and then take personal undertaking to collect the full amount from the listed delegates for payment on arrival.

By providing for this arrangement early enough, you can appreciate, that it will facilitate towards room allocation in terms of your preferred occupancy structure (single/double/or sharing) as well coordination of transport during the conference.

Conference Transfers

You will note that the Transport committee are formulating a scheduled shuttle service to-and-from the various designated hotels to the conference venue. This schedule will be provided to you upon your arrival for your reference and guide.

In addition, the bus shuttles will be plying from the U.N. to the designated city hotels throughout the conference day at scheduled intervals, to allow for any unplanned situations warranting travelling in to the city. And in the evening, the buses will return the delegates back to their respective hotels.

U.N. Centre Parking

Perhaps more relevant for local delegates and those making their own transfer arrangements, to the conference venue, is the query of parking. With regards to parking, you will appreciate that the U.N. security provisions are rather stringent and will not accommodate for en-mass parking allocations. Although there are plenty of 'commercial' or 'off-site' parking facilities around the U.N. Complex (at a fee), it is recommended that perhaps Nairobi residents be dropped off and collected at a later time. If preferred, you can also use the scheduled shuttle transport services from the various designated city hotels. Alternatively, you could identify fellow Rotarians with whom you could car pool and get dropped off at the U.N. Centre.

Cancellation Policies

Delegates will note that with just under two weeks left, the terms and conditions for cancellations will be enforced both for registration as well as hotel accommodation. Cancellations of Registration postmarked before April 30, 2009 will be accepted, but will incur a US$40.00 processing fee. Cancellations or changes in Registration after this period will not be accepted.

In the same respect, the standard cancellation policies for Hotels will apply for all delegates registered for hotels, and will be contingent on the respective hotel at which you may be booked.

We would appreciate also, if you could relay the same to other Rotarians, and / or members of your club, whom you may know are travelling by air to Nairobi for Conference.

We look forward to seeing you soon in Nairobi and also look forward to the exciting Rotary fellowship during the Conference. For any additional information please do not hesitate to revert back.

Warm Regards,
84DCA Registration Committee
EMail: registration@rotary9200.org
Fax: +252 20 3741231 / 3749340
 

By Rtn Dorcas Otieno, Rotary Country Environment Chair-Kenya

This year’s Rotary D9200 84th District Conference and Assembly promises to be an exciting event with many firsts. It will be hosted at the United Nations Conference Centre in Gigiri, Nairobi, in the headquarters of the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) and a 140-acre oasis of green in the centre of Nairobi with a seasonal swamp, nature trail and garden.

This year’s DCA will be the first with a strong environmental undertone, riding on the 2008-09 Rotary theme “Make Dream Real”. The “Green Corner” will feature reports and picture shows on environmental projects carried out by Rotary clubs, a video on the launch of the One Million Tree Planting Project by the Rotary Club of Nairobi and “Rotary Goes Green” memorabilia.

The official launch of the One Million Tree Planting Project will be done during the 84th DCA at a date and time to be confirmed in due course.

So, what can we expect to see during the conference? Following here is a sneak preview into some of the activities planned for the four day event

Day One- 13 May 2009

Morning: Registration opens at 9:00 a.m. at the Hilton Hotel, Nairobi. Registration will continue throughout the day up to 7:00 p.m. Conference delegates will sign up, pick up their identification documents, conference bags and other materials designed to make attending the conference easier-Register early

Afternoon: There will be a District Finance Committee meeting and a Council Governors meeting also at the Hilton Hotel. Officers of Rotary belonging to these bodies will discuss matters Rotary.

Evening: From 7:30 p.m. there will be a DG’s welcome reception cocktail at the Hilton Hotel This gives Rotarians a chance to meet up and network over dinner. Many friends will link up after a while and there will be a chance to greet the DG.

Day Two- 14 May 2009

Morning: Registration moves to the United Nations Complex and continues throughout the day from 8:00 am up to 7:00 p.m. The first plenary session begins with music and entertainment. There will be plenty of Rotary Songs to set the mood for the conference and to uplift your spirits. At this session, which includes the opening ceremony, national anthems are sung, flags are presented and guests/VIP’s are introduced. This year, the RI President’s representative is none other than Ray Klinginsmith, our very own RI President nominee (RIPN). Our DG will give his opening address and introduce our guest of honor-be there to find out who it is! A host of other key note speakers will also follow.

Afternoon: This session will include presentation from various high powered speakers with an emphasize on Children at Risk. Other related topics will also be covered.

Evening: There will be a PHF Dinner from 7:30 p.m

Day Three- 15 May 2009

Morning: We begin the day with music and song! Led by the Steel Band, Rotarians will sing their hearts out and prepare the District Governor Elect to take the chair and outline his plans for the Rotary year ahead. We will also get to hear the RI President’s speech as presented by the RIPN.

Do you want to know more about the Rotary Foundation? Are you geared to improving the running of your club? The latter part of the morning will be split into sessions that will give Rotarians a chance to learn and to plan for the future of their clubs, and, importantly, about how to access grants from the Rotary Foundation, especially during these lean times.

Will you help to make Rotary what you would like it to be? Sign up to join a group discussion session.

At lunch there will be a chance to do a “banner exchange”. This promises to be a lively session where we get to meet visitors from Rotary the world over, and to get a glimpse into the country or town from which they originate. This is also a chance to make new friends

Afternoon: The District Finance Committee presents the budget for the coming year i.e. how your money will be spent. We also get to learn about what changes there might be to RI and District Dues.

Evening: Delegates will be treated to the unique and renowned carnivore Dinner.

Day Four- 16 May 2009

Morning: Singing, singing, singing! Let’s celebrate Rotary, let’s shout out in joy! Led by the Steel Band, and some very boisterous Rotarians! Highlights of the morning include a peek into the venue and plans for the next District Conference in Ethiopia in 2010.

Come learn more about how you can register and plan to keep your diary free Amid various presentations and awards, we will also hear our DG sum up his very active year (and perhaps get to know his retirement plans)!

Afternoon: This session allows Rotarians time off to go sight seeing and shopping after an action packed couple of days. Take time to visit the many attractions of Nairobi, but don’t get caught up since there is a gala dinner ahead……

Evening: The DG’s banquet will commence from 7:00 p.m. There will be plenty of food, drinks and entertainment designed to give a fitting close to the past few days. Lots of surprises will be in stock for everyone.

So there you have it. I hope that I have excited your taste buds, and I look forward to seeing you there. We will have a swell time!

The 84th District 9200 conference and Assembly is now less than 3 months away. Scheduled for 13th-16th May 2009 at the prestigious United Nations Conference at Gigiri in Nairobi, Kenya, the conference promises a full programme of diverse activities designed to bring attendees information on Rotary’s activities in the District and around the world, and also to keep delegates entertained throughout the duration of the conference.

For many, it may well be the first time to be attending a Rotary District conference. For many others, this will be one more tick in the diary of Rotary conference experiences locally and internationally. In either case, most of us do sometimes get baffled by the conference programme and are at a loss about how to best make use of our time at the conference. Following are some tips on how to make the most of it:-

1. Register early - Early registration saves you money and provides you with time to develop your objectives for your conference experience. If you register for the conference before April 14th, you can save more than US$20 on your conference registration fees. Furthermore, if you are traveling from out of Nairobi, you are more likely to be  assured of booking a room at the conference rate, room blocks are limited and normally do get sold out. Airfares are usually much cheaper when you book at least 21 days in advance of flights, and you will have a better selection of rates and airlines. Consider staying a few extra days to debrief and develop new plans based on the material you acquire at the event. You can also unwind and enjoy the many touristic sights and sounds of Kenya.

2. Prepare - Have a list of at least five areas you would like to focus on during the conference. The programme resources and people at the event can provide you with a lot of information relating to areas in which you wish to take action. A day before the heart of the conference begins, sit down with the programme provided (This will be available on the website, and in your conference bag when you register). Go through the programme with a pen, and mark anything that looks interesting. If two or more occur at the same time, flag the one you want to go to first.

The conference programme includes many presentations, with a wide range of topics covering areas such as the environment, children at risk, fundraising, malaria prevention and many others. By preparing questions in advance you are just that much closer to solutions and improvement in your particular area of interest. Rotary conferences bring together the best of the best professional experts, take advantage of it.

3. Bring an associate – In addition to coming along with members of your club, bring along a friend, spouse, family member or fellow employee. You will be able to exchange ideas and perceptions and often develop even more understanding of Rotary and its work around the world.

4. Be ready to network - Conversations are as valuable as the sessions. There are many interesting, informative and educational moments outside the sessions themselves: it’s in all of the other interactions with Rotarians and delegates from other clubs, countries, companies and organizations. Bring along lots of business cards, but remember that at any event, your time is limited. There will be exceptional networking opportunities at the District Conference with a diverse set of business and professional persons all united in Rotary. Almost all fellow delegates will be facing many of the same problems and issues that you are. Engage in discussion opportunities that are not available at any other conference. Take full advantage of breaks, and receptions to meet new friends.

5. Accept fatigue - Traveling and attending an event can take a high energy level. If traveling from out of Nairobi, try to arrive a day or two early to rest and prepare for the event, and do stay a day longer to unwind and debrief yourself. Rotary conferences provide at least a 5 day "window" for special hotel rates. So book early, with nine officially confirmed conference hotels, there is something to meet everyone’s taste with a range of hotels from premium to low budget.

6. Ask lots of questions- Learning is a contact sport. If you don’t make your experiences engaging for yourself, you are guaranteed to be bored. Take advantage of the many Rotary Officers available in one place for the duration of the conference
Talk to speakers, paper authors, booth people, the folks sitting next to you, whoever. Ask for recommendations for more materials in your area of interest. If you don’t become an active participant in your own learning, don’t be surprised if not much of what you experience is relevant to you.

7. Share – Be an ambassador for Rotary. When you get back home or to your office from the event be sure to share the information you've gathered with your family, friends, staff and peers. The interest and enthusiasm you have will help ensure that you are perceived as dedicated to service. Your commitment to service will help spread the message of Rotary’s ideals and who knows how many more people will be inspired to join Rotary through you!

8. Consult - Take advantage of the Rotary projects fair available to all delegates at the conference. Many delegates have found donors, partners, projects and other exceptional solutions by utilizing this service. Few conferences offer this kind of resource.

9. Relax and have a good time-Remember not to take anything too seriously. You will learn much better if you are having fun, and enjoying the people you are with. So don’t get fixated on getting to every session on time, or not staying out too late, or trying to achieve any specific objective. If you are relaxed and enjoying your time away from the office, you’ll be more open to new ideas and approaches for what to do when you get back.

10. EMail - Be sure to connect via email with your new contacts and friends within 2 weeks after the conference. Developing a strong contact list can be one of the most valuable benefits of your participation. Who you know can often be as important as what you know.

Greetings from the 84th DCA Rotary Committee
 
As we kick start the second half of the Rotary year, and the registrations for the 84 District Conference and Assembly have begun trickling in multiples. To those Rotarians and guests who have already submitted their registrations and taken advantage of the 'early bird' discounted rates - Thank you! All the Registered delegates should have received a confirmation receipt from the Registration Committee, of the receipt of their form and / or any queries raised from thereof.  If you, or any Rotarian in your club, feel that you may have submitted your registration and related payments, and have failed to receive any substantive feedback from this 84DCA Committee or perhaps may have been overlooked, or pending for queries raised, please feel free to revert to us for additional clarification.
 
By now, we are certain that you have already been informed through the District Governor's Office that the venue for the 84DCA has been changed to the United Nations - Gigiri Complex.  We can assure you that the rest of the Conference Committee are working tirelessly to ensure that we deliver a superb conference to all Rotarians and guests. The UNON is undoubtedly a state of the art conference facility with an exceptional recreation centre. The conference program is also geared towards providing a comprehensive Rotary experience, all with training, leadership and fellowship features. You will not want to miss out on this unique opportunity to network, and benefit. Join us in Realising Dreams!
 
 We would appreciate, if you could forward this message to other Rotarians in your club, and encourage them to register, if they haven't done so already. You are Rotary!... And without you. the experience will not be the same! We urge everyone to take advantage of the second-tier deadline of April 14, and to ensure to register. Forms are available from the 84DCA Website: http://districtconference.rotary9200.org/ or you could contact the Registration committee on registration@rotary9200.org and we would be glad you email you the forms.
 
We look forward to seeing you in Nairobi!
 
Warm Regards
 
Yours in Rotary
 
Anju Paunrana 
84DCA Registration Committee
registration@rotary9200.org
 

Rotary and the United Nations have a long history of working together and sharing similar visions for a more peaceful world.  As we prepare to attend the 84th annual district conference to be held for the first time ever at the UN complex in Gigiri, Nairobi (13th to 16th May 2009), perhaps a look back into the historical relationship between the two organizations will help to shed light on why this year’s district conference marks another milestone in the unique history of these two great organizations.

 This is not the whole story of the United Nations and Rotary. The whole story can never be told—for it has to do with the quiet influence of many Rotarians who were members of the various delegations, men who exercised leadership in the many discussions when the charter was being formulated.

During the years 1935 to 1945, hundreds of Rotary clubs in the U. S. conducted some two thousand institutes of international understanding bringing to their communities hundreds of capable speakers, from both the U. S. and various other countries, to present and discuss before public audiences of from 200 to a 1000 people the current factors of international affairs. The total attendance at these institutes was something like 1,500,000. In 1942, Rotary clubs from 21 nations organized a conference in London to develop a vision for advancing education, science, and culture after World War II. That event was a precursor to UNESCO.

Consequently it was not surprising that Rotary International was invited by the United States Department of State to send consultants and associate consultants to the United Nations Conference on International Organization at San Francisco in May, 1945, and in all eleven Rotarians served in one or the other of these capacities.

The record indicates that they made a very definite contribution to the thinking of the official delegates who were charged with developing the charter. Edward R. Stettinius, Jr., who was then Secretary of State of the United States, wrote:

“The invitation to Rotary International to participate in the United Nations Conference as consultant to the United States delegation was not merely a gesture of good will and respect toward a great organization. It was a simple recognition of the practical part Rotary’s members have played and will continue to play in the development of understanding among nations. The representatives of Rotary were needed at San Francisco and, as you well know, they made a considerable contribution to the Charter itself, and particularly to the framing of provisions for the Economic and Social Council.”

But in addition, Rotarians were also there as delegates from their nations and therefore as active participants in the Conference. Mr. Thomas A. Warren of Wolverhampton, England, President of Rotary International, 1945-1946 said:

 “The fact that seven chairmen of national delegations at the San Francisco Conference, and a score more of members of the delegations, were Rotarians is a visible sign that the world is hungering for our simple mission.” He went on to say that “Rotary’s vast program of institutes of international understanding, carrying the good will message to millions of high school students and adults and the lectures, radio programs, literature, fireside discussion groups, etc. has a most obvious effect on public opinion.”

The late Charles Steinmetz, wizard of mathematics and the world’s foremost electrical engineer, was once asked by Roger Babson to state what line of research such as radio, aeronautics, power transmission, etc., in his estimation promised most for humanity. His answer was that the greatest promise was not in any coming invention but in spiritual forces, the greatest power in the development of men. He then stated that men would eventually find that material things do not bring happiness and that when they realize that fact the world will advance more in one generation than it has in the past four. This statement by the great scientist may seem an extravagant expression but Steinmetz was not given to the use of extravagant terms. Exactitude was one of his most marked characteristics. What might spiritual forces accomplish? They might perhaps find a way to avert war. What invention could compare in value with the finding of a way to everlasting peace?

From time immemorial the greatest of the great have proclaimed by word and deed their adherence to the doctrine which Rotary has summed up in the words, “Service Above Self.”

Rotary and the UN have been close partners since 1945, a relationship that’s apparent through PolioPlus and work with UN agencies. Each year at Rotary UN Day, more than 1300 Rotarians including many Rotary International Directors, Foundation Trustees, past Senior Leaders, and guests come together at UN Headquarters in New York.  The program is designed to inspire and educate all participants as well as provide insight into the relationship between Rotary and the United Nations. 

To register for the 84th district conference, please visit www.districtconference.rotary9200.org for more information.

Martin Ngugi

Hello fellow Rotarians and fellow PR Committee Members!

On behalf of the PR Committee, 84th District Conference, greetings to you all and Happy New Year!

I trust that you have received a PR Kit for your club and we hope that you are all excited about this ground-breaking district conference that will be held at the renowned UN Headquarters for Sub-Sahara Africa. We are counting on your support to register all your club members, yes ALL!

A quick rehash of the key aspects of the conference:

1. The focus is on Partnership, Peace and Progress touching on East Africa’s key issues.
2. Accommodation to suit everybody with transport provided
3. Great entertainment which is in the able hands of one of the most vibrant clubs in District 9200 – Rotary Club of Langata

In case you are not aware, the deadline for early registration was extended to Jan 31st 2009. We still have a few days to go so please encourage your members to sign up and save $20.

Do let your Members know that those who are planning on booking accommodation through the 84th Dist Conference Accommodation Committee should be booked and fully paid up by mid March 2009. Beyond this deadline, each delegate will have to secure his/her own accommodation.

We are relying on you to create excitement about attending the conference and we will support you by giving you information on the exciting progress towards the district conference programme and activities. You will also get information from the monthly PR Article highlighting the special features of the venue and other activities. Please ensure that you circulate all information received to all your members.

Finally, do let us know the status of registration of your respective clubs (how many do you have signed up!!!!) and also let us know of any issues that you have concerning the conference.

Yours in Rotary,

Phoebe Gitau
84th District Conference PR Committee

By DG Kaushik Manek

I am pleased to inform the District of the wonderful news from the RI President D. K. Lee who has appointed Rotary International President Nominee Ray Klinginsmith and his spouse Judie to represent him and First Lady Young at our 84th District Conference slated for 13th - 16th May 2009.

RI President Nominee - Ray Klinginsmith is set to take up office as the Rotary International President in the year 2010 - 11. A Rotarian since 1961, Klinginsmith has served Rotary as district governor and as chair of the 1998 Council on Legislation in New Delhi and the 2008 Los Angeles Convention Committee. He was a member of the RI Board of Directors for 1985-87 and chaired its executive committee in 1986-87. Klinginsmith joined The Rotary Foundation Trustees in 2002, serving as vice chair in 2005-06, and was a member of the Future Vision Committee from 2005 to 2008. Klinginsmith, a Major Donor, is a recipient of the Foundation's Citation for Meritorious Service and Distinguished Service Award.

In addition, Klinginsmith has earned many honors in his community, including the Parent/Caretaker Award from the Missouri Planning Council for Developmental Disabilities; the Thomas D. Cochran Award for Community Service, an annual statewide award by the Young Lawyers section of the Missouri Bar; and the Silver Beaver Award from the Great Rivers Council of the Boy Scouts of America, of which he is a former member of the executive board.

RI President Nominee - Ray and his spouse Judie already have many friends in our District and they look forward to the Conference and to fellowship with the delegates. Our District has been greatly honored by this very high level appointment and I would like to make a special appeal to all Club Presidents to encourage as many Rotarians as possible to register for the Conference and be part of what will be a special District Conference. For those who missed out the first early registration deadline, please be sure to take advantage of the second discounted rate of USD 160 that will only be applicable until 15th April 2009.

For more about Ray Klinginsmith, visit the RI website