An Invitation from Governor Gil

. . . to attend the "Rendezvous at the Confluence" in St. George!

Fellow Rotarians, it is time to finalize plans to attend the District Conference in St. George on May 13-15, 2010. This invitation to the "Rendezvous at the Confluence" is especially extended to new Rotarians and those who have never before attended a District Conference!

Rotarians all over the world will attest that attending a District Conference will make you a better Rotarian because you will learn what other members and clubs are doing to make their communities - and the world - better. You will have the opportunity to see what other creative clubs in the state are doing. Learn how you can help make your club grow and how you can retain members after you’ve sworn them in! Learn why the Rotary Foundation is important to your club, to District 5420 and to the world as a whole. Learn the role of District 5420 - and how you can help insure the success of your club - in Rotary International’s Future Vision Plan.

At the Utah Rotary District Conference, you will make new Rotary friends, reconnect with old Rotary friends, get inspired with new programs and projects . . . and meet the future of Rotary in youth service. Join us May 13-15, 2010 in St. George.

"Rendezvous at the Confluence" Conference Theme Announced

"Confluence" is defined as "the coming together of two or more streams" or "a gathering or meeting together; a crowd." In the case of the Utah Rotary District Conference in St. George, both definitions apply!

In reference to "the coming together of two or more streams," in 1776, the explorers Escalante and Dominquez passed near what is now Zion National Park and followed the Virgin River from its origin east of Rockville to the confluence of the North and East forks - known as LaVerkin Creek and Ash Creek - where they camped during the fall of that year. The early Spaniards called the Virgin "El Rio de Sulfureo" with reference to the nearby hot sulphur springs. Later Jedediah Smith - another of the area’s intrepid explorers - named it the Adams River for then-President John Adams, though the name obviously didn’t stick. Today, Escalante's campsite is known as Confluence Park (near Toquerville) and welcomes hikers, bird watchers, picnickers, and horseback riders to enjoy its spectacular scenery.

The second meaning - "a gathering or meeting together, a crowd" - at least in this writing, has reference to the upcoming "Rendezvous at the Confluence" otherwise known as the Utah Rotary District Conference on May 13-15, 2010 where Rotarians from all over the district will gather together to advance the Object of Rotary through fellowship, inspirational addresses, and the discussion of matters of importance to Rotary clubs and Rotary International, as well as to showcase Rotary programs and successful district and club activities. This "Rendezvous at the Confluence" will also feature music, laughter and service. Don’t miss it!