As I reflect on our District Conference, what a wonderful time it was. Thank you to our conference co-chairs, Cheryl Greenway and Kelly Hughes and their committee for organizing the conference. Kelly, thank you for all the decorations which made the “Green Acres” theme come to life. Ryan Clements for all the visual slides and videos, and Kenny Phillips for being the Voice. Thank you to Louann Medlock and Linda Olivier for keeping us on time and being sure the right person was on stage. There are many others who helped make this conference a huge success and I thank you for all that you did.

On Thursday evening, I believe everyone had a wonderful time with the Corn Hole Contest and enjoyed the barbecue. Congratulations to the Roswell Greystone team of James Stone and Danny Broadway who won the contest and was just one of several teams from Roswell RC. Meriwether County’s Corn To Be Wild #1 of Al Griffin and Dawn Woodard came in second. Thank you to all the clubs who participated.

On Friday at the Leadership Luncheon, clubs were recognized for their accomplishments during the Rotary year. On Friday evening, thank you to everyone who dressed up in the costume from the “Green Acres” show. Congratulations to Barnesville Rotary Club for winning the costume award. What an inspirational story we heard from Ms. Whitney O’Connor. Congratulations to the winners of the awards that night and one can read about them in this newsletter.

On Saturday evening what a wonderful reception for DGE André Marria, her family, and others. We were serenaded by her daughter and son with André accompanying them.  What beautiful voices and inspiring message in their song.  DGE André message was stimulating, and I know she will have a wonderful year. Randy Gravitt also motivated us with his speech about being in the middle.

Sunday morning was the highlight of the conference with Club of the Year and Runner-up Club of the Year being announced for all four categories. Passing of the DGs pins to the incoming DG, DGE and DGN which will be André Marria, DG, Gordon Owens, DGE, and Steve Ivory, DGN. Congratulations to each one of them and I look forward to serving them. 

I want to thank all who were able to attend the conference.  Without you and your participation, the conference would not have been successful.  Thank you for your support.