Arcadia Rotary Shines at District Conference

By Anne Donofrio-Holter

-Courtesy Photo

Rotarians from across District 5300 met in Lake Arrowhead last month to celebrate their accomplishments, learn from the successes of others and above all, to celebrate the family of Rotary. The three-day event included informative speakers, recognition of club projects from around the district and fellowship with fellow Rotarians and friends.
The Rotary Club of Arcadia was proud of its service during the 2011-2012 year and was recognized for its many achievements.
In the area of International Service, the club’s Rotary Amigos project was recognized.
“This service project in conjunction with the Tijuana Rotary Club helped repair a girls orphanage and provide hundreds of school kids with school desks,” said Eric Barter, president-elect. “Our great working relationship with the Tijuana club provides us with a great conduit for international service across our borders. One Rotarian in particular; Dick Martinez, has long been the catalyst for the Rotary Amigos projects.”
Knowing communication is vital to all Rotary clubs paid off as the Arcadia club took top honors in the area of outstanding website and newsletter.
“One Rotarian, Steve Pelletier, stands out as the reason for these high accolades,” said Barter. “His tech-savvy capabilities have helped us communicate effectively with our members making us a top club.”
“As many have said, ‘I stand on the shoulders of giants.’ The contributions from everyone who wrote an article, took a photo or served on a project made it possible for our club to win these awards,” said Pelletier. “I want to especially acknowledge Dick Martinez, who led the Rotary Amigos project and Dirk Hudson, who organized our many fine reporters.”
Of course, the conference was not all business and definitely had its share of fun. With its western theme and four hospitality suites, a good time was had by all.
“The Cal West suite won top honors in part due to the efforts of the Rotary Club of Arcadia’s own Andrea Bundesman,” said Barter. “Andrea went all out in decorations and country western appetizers from jerky to fried chicken and chicken wings to corn nuts.”
According to Barter, “the sarsaparilla flowed, as well as many other forms of drinks, making it the perfect watering hole for conference goers.”
Next year’s conference will be held in San Diego where Arcadia Rotarians will “once again show what they’re made of.”
The Arcadia Rotary Club meets every Friday from noon to 1:30 pm at the Embassy Suites Hotel located at 211 E Huntington Drive in Arcadia. For additional information, go to www.arcadiarotary.org.

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