Posted by Dora Dye on Mar 25, 2019
On Saturday, March 16, 2019, Rotarians in District 5150 gathered for the annual District Learning & Leadership Development Assembly. This was my first time as I had always had a work conflict in the past.
 
District Governor-Elect Sue Rokaw had chosen a nautical theme for the year 2019-20. Upon arrival, we were greeted by Rotarians in sailor outfits and hats. After checking in, we were handed the District pin in the shape of a sailboat for the incoming year, a program, and a list of breakout sessions.
 
The morning began with the general assembly of all clubs in attendance. From the Rotary Club of San Francisco were President Rhonda Poppen, President-Elect Casey Blair, Bill Poppen, John Mathers, David Dye, Dora Dye, Lynn Luckow, Frank Yoke, Cecile Chiquette, Irena Matijas, Connor Krone, Lisa Christian, Anita Stangl, Laine Hendricks, Stephanie Schmautz, Eric Schmautz, Peter Lagarias, and Alison Healy.
 
After the flag ceremony by members of the US Naval Sea Cadet Corp. and a message from both District Governor Jayne Hulbert and DGE Sue Rokaw, each incoming club president was called up in alphabetical order by city to receive the Rotary International banner for 2019-20. At last, it was time for us to cheer and blow loud horns to celebrate Casey Blair and his year to come.
 
The general assembly concluded with a keynote speech from Steve Bender, president of the Rotary Club of Newport Beach. His topic was "Leveraging Innovative Service Projects to Maximize Rotary Engagement and Grow Rotary". Steve talked about some of his local and global service projects that engage club members including a sailing program that connected Rotarians with disabled veterans and others with mobility challenges.
 
Following the general assembly, everyone rushed off to a breakout session. We were at a high school and as an educator, I did enjoy being a student again. There were three breakout sessions, and each session offered 10-12 tracks. There was something for everyone: Rotarians, Rotaractors, and Interactors. I chose a session on leadership skills, one on international service projects, and as incoming secretary for our Club, I attended the session for club secretaries. One of the speakers for the session on international service projects was our own Alison Healy.
 
The assembly concluded with a delicious barbecue lunch prepared by members of the Rotary Club of Foster City. I am certainly looking forward to sailing into the new Rotary year with Sue and Casey.