Convention Day 4 - WOW!!

Well, it's not often I find myself lost for words when looking for ways to describe a Rotary event, but Wednesday's final day at the 101st Rotary International Convention was close. An unexpected opening to the day came from Ontario's Lieutant-Governor, Hon David C Onley. He's a shining example of what can be achieved by one who has the strength of character to work past his disability and work to change the perception of people with disabilities, particularly in the workplace. A polio victim, he spoke passionately of the need for everyone to see ability not disability in those they encounter.

We elected as our President for 2011-2012 Kalyan Banerjee, of the Rotary Club of Vapi, Gujarat, India. He told attendees about his first encounters with Rotary in India. "I loved the way the Rotarians seemed to enjoy meeting friends and enthusing about community service projects to benefit hundreds of people," he said. "I decided then that I must be a Rotarian as soon as I could make it."

Bob Mazzuca, Boy Scouts of America chief scout executive, described himself as the warm-up act for the next guest, of which more later. He set out clearly why Scouting is still an integral part of American culture - without encouraging young people to lead more active lives we stand at risk of this generation being the first where their health and lifespan will be worse than that of their parents.

First real treat of the day was from Dolly Parton. On the face of it an unlikely choice for a staid organisation which just shows how wrong that is on both counts!! The philanthropist and literacy advocate went on to explain her foundation’s Imagination Library , which promotes reading among preschool children by providing them with a free book each month from birth until age five. The programme has grown from its base in her home state of Tennessee, USA, to other communities in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. Dolly told us she was inspired by her father, who was illiterate but "one of the smartest people" she knew. "He knew it was a crippling thing not to be able to read and to write, so he was proud when people would call me the 'book lady.'" Opening with "9-5" Dolly also treated us to her unrecorded work inspired by her advocacy "Try".

But all this was just for openers. After this uplifting morning session we took off for a trip up Mont Royal, a park designed by Frederick Law Olmsted in the late 1800's (he also designed Central Park in New York, amongst many others). Views across Montreal were cloudy but worth the trip - we failed to notice the 5.0 earthquake on our public bus trip back to the city - not sure whether we missed it or it was down to the suspension on the bus.

And back for the finale - would it be worth it? Absolutely!! Our final session opened with a superb perfomance from British tenor Russell Watson who had the 12,000 plus audience on their feet with a mxiture of operatic and show tunes. A rousing start. Outgoing Rotary International President John Kenny rounded out his year with an emotional reflection on his year in office followed by a rallying call from incoming President Ray Klinginsmith. And then, to cap it all, a mesmerising hour-long performance from the incomparable Cirque du Soleil. Impossible to capture the feats of strength and agility in words - you have to see it to believe it's possible - and definitely don't try this at home!

Where to go from there? Well back to a favourite restaurant for dinner - a reprise for Les Pyrenees in Rue St Paul. This time we found ourselves in company with a family of Rotarians from Cornwall, Ont and Victoria, BC - take a bow Chris & Barb, John & Linda Edgell who rounded off our visit to Montreal with true Rotary fellowship. We wish John all the best with his upcoming Presidential year - may it be as fruitful and enjoyable as our past year has been.

And now - well we're off to Toronto, via an enforced stop at Oshawa, Ont - VIA Rail is terminating all services outside Toronto during the G20 period. So we'll let you know how we get on!!