Usually, SRC members have to make a bit of a drive to attend the annual District 7190 Conference. This year, things will be different.
The conference, scheduled for Friday, May 15, through Sunday, May 17, will be held at several venues in Albany, a quick trip for all of us, which should make attendance a breeze.
Here’s the schedule:
FRIDAY, MAY 15
• 1:30 to 4 p.m. — Day of Service Projects
Continuing an annual tradition, attendees can choose to volunteer at one of these three optional projects on Friday afternoon. No cost to attend or participate, but we ask you to please sign up during registration so we can plan accordingly:
Option 1 — Northeast Regional Food Bank farm, Altamont: Wear your work clothes for gardening and help the staff at the Northeast Regional Foodbank’s Farm in Altamont with some spring planting. Farm supplies local foodbanks during the growing months. NERFB also will sell produce to support its Foodbank programs.
Option 2 — NERFB Warehouse, Latham: Join your fellow Rotarians for indoor volunteer work at the warehouse near the Albany International Airport. Help the staff by sorting donations and boxing for distribution to worthy groups and individuals.
Option 3 — Ronald McDonald House, Albany: Work together helping residents at the facility located near the Albany Medical Center.
• 5:30-7 p.m. — Re-Connecting Dinners
• Optional event –– Meet up with fellow Rotarians at various venues in the Albany area and “Re-Connect” with friends. Venue selection and dinner cost is on your own. Some suggested locations and hosts are listed as options to consider during registration. Please specify your preference during registration so appropriate space can be reserved.
• 7:30-9:30 p.m., International Taste Tour: 4 to 5 pubs in Albany’s North End
• Optional event — The North End , also known as the city’s Warehouse District, has a number of venues featuring various international themes — German, Irish, Asian, etc. This event ($20 per person) includes some light fare to go with cash bars at each of the venues. Plan accordingly to use hotel shuttles or support local Uber/Lyft drivers for a fun and safe evening.
SATURDAY, MAY 16
- 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Albany Capital Center, 55 Eagle Street
Business meeting and breakout sessions; showcase of club projects; lunch program; club awards
• The new Capital Center building near the Governor’s Mansion is our venue and host on Saturday for District Conference. District Governor Larry Jones will officially call our conference to order, followed by role call of participating clubs. Meet our Rotary International President’s Representative, Michael Angelo Caruso, attend our annual meeting/business sessions, and enjoy the lunch program featuring our keynote speaker. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner meals are included as part of the full conference registration, as is Sunday brunch.
1:30 to 4 p.m., Discover Albany
- Options: Treasure Hunt of Albany sites, the New York State Museum, tour the historic Ten Broeck Mansion, and more
• Select from a number of options on Saturday afternoon to enjoy the Downtown Albany area. Please specify your preference during conference registration so we can plan accordingly. Tours are being arranged at some nearby historic sites, or choose to join teams to participate in our treasure hunt in the neighborhood near the Albany Capital Center, the Empire State Plaza, and Renaissance Albany. This fun activity is a favorite with our Exchange students and Rotarians who join up with them.
- 5:30 – 9:00 pm – International Street Fair: International drink tastings, Mazzone Hospitality’s international food stations, cultural activities, and entertainment. This program will feature tastings and activities from different countries as part of the full conference registration. Mix, mingle, and connect with Rotarians and friends.
SUNDAY, MAY 17 AT THE RENAISSANCE HOTEL
- 9:30 Sunday Brunch: The “Remembering Rotarians” memorial service
Join us for a brunch at our official district conference hotel, which is included with the full conference registration. The program will include our annual tribute to “Rotarians called to Higher Service” during the past year. Governor Larry Jones will close the conference following the brunch and program.
Simply click here to go to the online registration page for the conference.
By LARRY JONES
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