The great baseball pitcher Satchel Paige once said, "Never look back...something might be gaining on you."

At the risk of violating Satchel Paige's maxim, I must look back to our Multi-District Conference and tell you how pleased and happy I am at having so many of you participate in this very successful event. Great weather, great people, great events, and great speakers...it was truly a celebration of Rotary and Rotarians, and I thank those who took the time and made the effort to come to Nashville for making it a wonderful weekend. I know I was rewarded for attending, and I trust you were also.

There are a couple more upcoming events which will reward you as well. The first is the Rotary International Convention May 22-25 in New Orleans. This is the last convention to be held in the USA for six years, so don't miss the opportunity to visit one of America's legendary cities. There will be great dining and wonderful entertainment.  The RI Convention is also a great way to experience the global aspect of our wonderful organization. So come on down and celebrate Rotary on a grand scale in New Orleans! Details can be found at www.rotary.org or further down in this newsletter.

The second event I want to emphasize is our District 6710 Assembly, which will be held on June 11 in Elizabethtown. This year's assembly will take a different format than assemblies of recent years.  The 2011 format will include educational sessions for your entire incoming leadership team.  This includes incoming presidents, secretaries, treasurers, Rotary Foundation Chairs, PR chairs, and anyone else that is considered to be a part of club leadership. See below for more details, and don't miss this opportunity to make your club Bigger, Better, and Bolder.

Finally, I want to remind you that before the Rotary year slips away you need to make your $100 donation (or more if possible) to The Rotary Foundation. In my visits to your clubs last summer and fall, I talked about the importance of The Rotary Foundation in making the world a better place. Giving a gift to The Rotary Foundation is one way our generation can make a difference in the world. Don't miss that chance to do good in the world! If you haven't done so already, write your check and give it to your treasurer so he or she can send it in. Your organization-Rotary-does great things all over the world, including in your own community. Make sure you do your part.

Yours in Rotary Service,