June 1 to June 3 - Peacing it Together - District Conference 2018 - Wasn't it a party! Well, and much learning and sharing too..... District Conference 2018 was held at the West Coast Railway Heritage Park in Squamish, with peace as its central theme. With a total conference attendance including our youth of 275, plus an additional 33 for the gala dinner - we topped 300 in the room as the music and dancing started.
Great speakers - Chief Ian Campbell of the Squamish Nation, Rotary International Vice President Dean Rohrs, Brigadier General Mackenzie of the Canadian Forces, Nancy Hughes graced us with their presence and comments on Friday. In the afternoon we presented many awards for People of Action, Outgoing Assistant Governors, Membership and Peacebuilding clubs. Following those sessions we enjoyed a bbq in the park with train rides, burgers and pulled pork, live music and lots of fun on the cool evening (but with warm spirits!)
Saturday the youth joined our session, and we enjoyed the words of our Rotary International rep Larry Dimmitt, and inspiring addresses by Mitty Chang and Rotary Peace Scholar Eduardo da Costa. For lunch we boarded the train, were served sparkling wine by the Governor Team, and then went on a short train ride for a unique lunch experience. Back at the station, many went to Quest University where Joan Posivy facilitated an intergenerational session with Interact, Rotaract and Rotarians all together. That evening we had a reception on the Upper deck of the CN Roundhouse & Conference Centre, then a served dinner in the grand hall. The main awards were presented - A special Governor's Award to PDG John Anderson for his great work with peace during the year, the Unsung Hero award to Janice Froese. Rotarian of the Year went to Ken Martin of Whistler, and club of the year was the Rotary Club of Vancouver. As Elvis came on stage, the youth contingent ran in and the party erupted - with everyone on the floor for the next 1 1/2 hours as Steve Elliott performed!
Sunday morning we started with the Memorial Service led by Dave Hamilton, a pancake breakfast, and then speaker Ian MacKay gave a terrific presentation. The morning closed with the passing of the Banner for Home of the District Governor to DGE Darcy, recognition to DG Don and Deb, recognition of the Conference Committee by Conference chair Garry Shearer, and farewells. Then, Elvis dropped by one more time and led us in the singing of Sweet Rotary! and Let There Be Peace with everyone on their feet!
And then it was over! There is a great photo video posted at www.rotary5040.org