Today we celebrate Rotary’s 117th Birthday! On February 23, 1905, Rotary started with the vision of bringing together professionals with diverse backgrounds to exchange ideas and form meaningful, lifelong friendships. Over time, Rotary’s reach and vision gradually extended to humanitarian service. Members have a long track record of addressing challenges in their communities and around the world.
In a special ceremony during the Second Plenary Session of the 61st District Conference, District Governor Eric Chak presented the Rotary International Service Above Self Award to Past District Governor Belinda. Rotary International President Personal Representative Past District Governor Peter Wan stood nearby as witness. The RI Service Above Self Award is the highest individual award within Rotary. Congratulations, Past District Governor Belinda!
For the second year in a row, Rotary International Convention has turned virtual. Unlike last year, this year’s arrangements are more formal, with the usual flag ceremony, house of friendship, breakout sessions etc., in addition to the usual plenary sessions. Various members attended. President Mark attended a number of interesting sessions, including flag ceremony (where he greeted fellow Rotarians from all around the world), and a cooking class with Rotary International President Holger Knaack. Rotary International President Holger and Susanne cooked white asparagus with potatoes, served with homemade mayonnaise. While doing so, Rotary International President Holger said that he was the first Rotary International President to never have used his Rotary International office in Evanston, but most certainly the first Rotary International President to cook for Rotarians from his own kitchen.
On October 22, our Club met for lunch at our usual meeting venue, Regal Hong Kong Hotel. To ensure proper social distancing, Regal has given us a large room, with 4-person tables separated by ample spaces. The meeting began with President Mark giving quick updates of Club and District activities. President Mark also gave details about District Governor’s visit, which occurred the week before. The floor was then yielded to Immediate Past District Governor (“IPDG”) Wilson Cheng, who visited our Club to personally present the Rotary International 2019-20 Excellence in Service to Humanity Award to Wendy Poon. IPDG Wilson also brought gifts for everyone, but especially presented gifts to Club members who served the District with distinction during his tenure as District Governor: Charter President Patrick and Past District Governor Belinda for their leadership and advice; Past Presidents Grace and Angela for their work in public image, district training, District Conference etc.; Past President Lily for being his Deputy Assistant Governor for Area 3; and Past Presidents Dora and Lily for their work in public image and event preparations. President Mark also received, on our Club’s behalf, Rotary International Citation for 2019-20 as well as highly-rated wines for our members…