Week 40, March 27-April 2, 2011

I hope that your club has submitted your application for the Presidential Citation for this year. Many have and I would love to see all of our clubs achieve that award. Be aware that the Governor's Citation is not due until June 1, 2011. I really hope to have a 100% club participation in that award. All of you have done a phenomenal job this year in Building Communities and Bridging Continents. Be sure to let others know of your successes by applying for the Governor's Citation. We are fast approaching the deadline for Early Registration for the District Conference. This year's emphasis on the family of Rotary promises to be a unique experience. The committee has planned activities to ensure that you will have plenty of quality family time. Take advantage of the pre-registration costs. If you need more spacious accommodations than those offered by the Embassy Suites, you have the option of 2, 3 or 4 bedroom condominiums on the property. Sign up today! It is not too late to register for New Orleans. There are a couple of spots left on the train but you must register today as the final payment is due to Amtrak on April 1. We have a large crowd planning to attend the district dinner in New Orleans. If you have not signed up for that event, please do so right away. If you attended PETS last weekend you know that our District Administrator, Pam Weaver, was in a wheel chair. For those who have not heard, Pam broke her pelvis while in Honduras with Gary Goforth's team. She has now moved from a wheelchair to a walker but will be in that for the next three to six months. Take a moment to send her your well wishes. I am sure she would appreciate them. I learned this weekend that one of my classmates (a current district governor) from the Philippines, Manny Yu, died in his sleep Friday night at his district conference. Tom and I spent several evenings in San Diego last year with Manny and his wife, Josie, and found them to be a delightful couple. Manny was in his forties and we were so impressed that he had been named a district governor at such a relatively young age. Please remember Manny's family in your thoughts and prayers. I just sent an email to all Rotarians seeking a few more members to accompany us to Haiti June 14-20, 2011. We particularly need Rotarians with carpentry skills. If you would like to go, please email me and I will give you additional information.