Friendships were rekindled, projects were planned, Rotarians were inspired and fun was had at DisCon 2024 in Clayton, New York-all the ingredients for a successful gathering of Rotarians.
On Friday, DisCon 2024 kept to the traditional format for the most part with a meeting of the Council of Governors followed by an opening plenary of business and environment awards and a welcome hors d’oeurves reception. A number of people took advantage of the Antique Boat Museum tour that afternoon. Free time that evening gave people a chance to browse the stores, riverfront and eateries of Clayton.
Saturday’s schedule emphasized the conference theme of “Together We Build for the Future” with speakers of all ages touching on subjects important to Rotarians and breakout sessions that enabled deeper dives into relevant subject matter. Rotary Foundation awards were made to very deserving recipients – Bonnie Black, Sue Bellor, Susan Diening and Michele Herblin. Following Michele’s heartfelt summary of the project for which she received the RI Service Above Self award, the fundraising ball began to roll and inspired Rotarians brought word back to their clubs. Within a few short weeks enough funds had been raised so that the project could continue to serve the people in need in the Montreal area.
Sunday highlighted the opening of the Rotary grant-funded Cerow Recreational Trail developed by the Rotary Club of Clayton by kicking off the Annual Fund Walk with a breakfast and ribbon cutting ceremony. Just over $5,800 was raised that day and by the end of the fundraising week of regional walks, over $13,600 was raised for the Annual Fund.
While we’re talking numbers, an additional $7,300 was raised for the Rotary Foundation during the Silent Auction.
In order to enjoy the camaraderie, raise awareness and money at a district conference it takes a team of dedicated people. I will be forever indebted to the following people for their idea generation and follow-through over the past year and a half of planning: Our core committee of Anna Van Adrichen Rochon, Michael Griffin, Kevin Laplante, Mark Balcar, Francesco Ambrogi, Elsabe Falkson, Jeremiah Papineau, Ritanshu Sharma, Gerry Lambert, David Humphries and Katie Burke, as well as conference consultants Bonnie Black, Mary Zovistoski, Graeme Fraser, Simmy Ahluwalia and Barbara Fisk.
And last but not least, our District Governor, Pardeep Ahluwalia, for his guidance, ideas and trust in our committee.
Respectfully submitted,
Jenn Grisi
DisCon 2024 Chair
DisCon 2024 Chair