Charles Streitwieser and Melissa Baxter represented our West Chester Club at the recent District 7450 District Conference, which Melissa described as a “relaxed format – people came and went throughout.”

 

Charles had a chance to catch up with the keynote speaker, Drew Kessler, Past District Governor (PDG 2013-14), who is now a Rotary International Director. The 2023 Conference was themed “Imagination Action,” building on the theme of our RI International leader. About 100 Rotarians gathered at The Alloy Hotel in King of Prussia on Friday evening to kick off the annual conference. Saturday the gathering at Elmwood Park Zoo in Norristown was environmentally focused, and the Sunday gathering at Waynesborough Country Club in Paoli, featured the 4-Way Speech Contestants and guest speaker.

 

Keynote speaker Kessler spoke about how Rotary should offer ways to include the whole family. For example, as the father of five, Kessler has children in Rotaract and EarthAct. "This is how people can stay engaged and make Rotary a comfortable part of life.” he said, echoing the feeling of many of our club members who refer to fellow club members as family.

 

District Governor David Houtz presided at the conference, attended by representatives of our 47 or so clubs, who along with 34,000 clubs worldwide, are committed to Service Above Self. Thanks to Charles and Melissa for representing our club, and filling us in on this district event.