Tri-District Conference - August 7th & 8th

The Tri-District Conference is coming soon - August 7^th and 8^th in El Paso, TX. This year we will celebrate the 20^th anniversary of the international partnership established to provide Rotary fellowship and service opportunities across the US – Mexican border. Once again, Rotarians from Districts 4110, 5470, and 5520 will come together with their service projects searching for international partners to support their efforts.

This year the conference will address the importance of preserving our 20-year old international partnership and how this partnership can flourish for at least the next 20 years. PDG Sonny Brown has agreed to speak at our kick-off meeting Saturday morning and I’ve just received notice that Mireya Morales from the Rotary Foundation will be joining us.

Because The Rotary Foundation has severely reduced its portion of the matching funds available, the three District Governors agreed that moving the conference to August was needed to increase our chances to receive a portion of these funds. To offset a portion of this reduction in available funds, District 5520 has increased the budgeted amount from District funds.

Please participate because we can’t get it done without you! Register now at

http://rotary5520.org/tridistrict2009/index.html

Gallup Awards Scholarships Totaling $18,000

Rotary is doing great in Gallup! Jason Sanchez and his board announced their intention to host this spring’s GSE team in Gallup. This will be a first for the club. I had a great time during my brief tour of Gallup and a local business, so I know the team will have a wonderful visit, too. The Gallup club selects a local high school student to be their “Student of the Month”. This student makes a presentation to the club and at the end of the school year the students are awarded scholarships ranging between $500 and $5,000 totaling $18,000. The club raises this money each year during their Speakers Banquet featuring famous sports personalities. Plans for this year’s banquet have not been completed, but it is expected that Franco Harris will be the keynote speaker. The club hopes to raise $50,000. The club meets at Sammy C’s, a local sports bar that features walls covered with photos of sport giants, legends of the music industry, famous actors and world-class leaders.

First Club Visit to Grants

Last week I started my official club visits with a trip west to Grants. Club President Ron Williams and his board recounted their efforts for the Grants Independence Day Parade. We also discussed the club's major fund raiser, running the parking lot, during the Grants Bike Rally. When meeting with the board topics of discussion were the club's interest in the RYLA program and building membership. I was later treated to a wonderful evening of fellowship with the club at a picnic hosted by Jamie Holton in her beautifully landscaped backyard.

District Governor's Installation

I was honored last Saturday evening when PDG Henry Pick served as the Installing Officer at my installation as Governor of District 5520. Henry entertained us with that exceptional blend of humor and ceremony that is uniquely Henry. PDG Henry also inducted the presidents of the three Santa Fe Rotary Clubs; Tim Butler, Joe Player & Carl Luff.

District Governor Tom Lindsey offered his words of encouragement and presented Tim Butler with the “Governor’s Home Club” banner. Tom then presented me with the DG pin. DGE Tim Parker and DGN Bobby Wallace where also presented pins representing their offices.

Welcome to the District 5520 Governor's Blog

Welcome to the District 5520 Governor’s Blog and News Bulletin!

As we kickoff the new Rotary year, we’re also kicking off a new forum for communication - the Governor’s Blog. I’ll be making regular postings to this site as I’m out and about in District 5520. I’ll be reporting on club visits and events, District activities and items that call for action from the clubs. The blog will contain the same type of information that the District newsletter contained, just in a different format. I want to give a special “Thank You” to Jean Constant for all the time and effort he has dedicated to District 5520 as District Newsletter editor and for all the work he has devoted to designing this site and teaching me how to blog. Thank you, Jean!
In addition to the regular Governor’s posting, the blog site will contain direct links to many pages on the web sites for the District and Rotary International. District chairs will be posting timely information on these direct links, so be sure to check them first.
If you have any comments, please share them.
It is the vision of the 2009-2010 Leadership Team to “Provide support and resources for every member to understand, achieve, sustain and share Service Above Self.” District 5520 exists to support the clubs within New Mexico and West Texas and serve as a conduit between the clubs and RI.
As the new Rotary year begins, there are many announcements affecting programs and services. The first blog postings will contain these announcements, district schedules, application deadlines, and reports and photos as I start my club visits. Bookmark this site and check back for the latest from District 5520. Next report - the Governor’s Installation in Santa Fe.