The RI president’s monthly message
October 2010
“Way Down Yonder in New Orleans”
There have been many songs written about New Orleans due to its history and heritage as one of the music capitals of the world. I particularly like the happy sound of “Way Down Yonder in New Orleans,” whose lyrics now beckon us as we think about the 2011 RI Convention in that city, 21-25 May – a full month earlier than the RI conventions in recent years!
The New Orleans convention will officially start on Saturday – not on Sunday as it has for the past few years. The House of Friendship, the showplace of our annual conventions, will open on Saturday morning, and all preconvention meetings will end at noon on Saturday, to allow Rotarians and their guests to spend more time there before the plenary sessions start on Sunday.
Additional good news is that the House of Friendship will be located right next door to the plenary session hall in the convention center, and the hours of operation will be extended to permit more fellowship and networking time for our visitors from around the Rotary world. It will be the place to be for Rotarians and their families!
How does one adequately describe the magic, the vibrancy, and the inspiration of a Rotary convention? Our conventions almost defy description because they are so diverse in their appeal. Rotary fellowship and networking are at their best as we meet our fellow Rotarians from around the globe, and international service is truly enhanced as Rotarians make new friends from faraway places. So the best way to understand and appreciate a Rotary convention is to attend the outstanding event being planned for New Orleans. It will be one of the best RI conventions ever! I guarantee it!
Come join us in New Orleans as we work together to make the world a better place. And Let the Good Times Roll … Again! Laissez les bon temps rouler … encore!
Ray Klinginsmith
President, Rotary International
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