January Roundtable Recap

 
Many thanks to the Plano West Club for hosting this month's Roundtable and thanks to Pam Blankenzee for providing an update of the meeting.  
The Club’s President, Alex Johnson introduced several of his incoming officers using a creative Video.  Plano West is one if the fastest growing, most diverse Clubs in the District.
 
Updates on the District Strategic Plan’s four initiatives were provided by Cyndi Janssen, John Curtis, Tracy Gomes and Pam Blankenzee.  District membership is up by 108 including the addition of two new Clubs.  Upcoming events including PETS, District Conference RI Conference and RYLA are still scheduled in-person.  The SP update was followed by a Jim Smith Financial Report.  The District is in sound financial condition and on Budget.  Dues invoices have been mailed to the individual Club Presidents.
 
Shirley Hsia provided a report on activities related to eliminating Human Trafficking.  She reminded everyone that although January is HT month, it is only the start of District efforts.  Nine Clubs including Greenville, Royce City, Plano West, Plano Metro and Dallas (who is working with “On Bound” of N. Texas) have current HT projects. The SPBH Club has an ongoing relationship with Project Moses.  HT materials and information are available from the Department of Homeland Security.  Ms. Hsia reminded that Clubs should consider project sharing.  Shirly Weddle noted there will be an HT Zoom training session 7:00 PM January 31st presented by the Mesquite and E Club clubs.
 
The Roundtable was then treated to “A Remembrance of Beverly Grogan” presented by Bill Dendy.  His comments were followed by a 10 minute Video and then several 1 minute personal comments from the audience.
 
Mr. Dendy provided a report on the Council on Legislation (meets every 3 years).  Several issues noted by the Council will be voted on by RI later this year including a $5 per year per member dues increase.  An impromptu debate on the issue was held between DG Duplant and DGE Templin followed by an audience straw vote (50/50 result). Info on all current issues being considered by RI is available on their website.
 
The District Governor then made the following announcements:
  1. District Conference is scheduled April 22-23. Friday fun and party night 6:45PM at Pinstack-Irving.  Saturday meeting at Brookhaven CC 10:00-4:00 following by a Gala at 6:00 PM.  More information to follow.
  2. PETS scheduled in-person February 24-27. Encourage all PE’s to sign up.
  3. 4 Way Test Contest rescheduled to May 14. Venue TBD.
  4. Please emphasize RI Conference registration. The Conference is in Houston this year – June 5 thru 8.  
Prior to adjournment, Bill Bexley announced a fourth Flag Summit is under consideration this year.