Greetings from Birmingham!

The Rotary International Convention actually began back in Philly on Saturday when I met up with fellow Rotarians from Maine, North Carolina, New Jersey, the Bahamas and several other locations as we boarded the plane.  I am happy to report that the 200 member Harrisburg club is larger than any of the other clubs that were represented on the plane.  I had the chance to explain that I received the Hanson scholarship to attend the convention which was an idea met with much enthusiasm by the other clubs.  We arrived safely in Birmingham where welcome signs, flags, banners and all manner of greeting met incoming Rotarians.

As directionally challenged as I am, I managed to navigate the local train system and find my way to the convention center.  All public transportation is free to visiting Rotarians. 

The National Exhibition Center (NEC) is host to our group and includes fantastic space for plenary sessions, ceremonies, concerts and much networking.

Hundreds of rotary clubs from around the world have booths set up to promote their special programs.  I've talked to Rotarians whose programs involve guide dogs, clean water systems, micro credit, emergency survival, literacy programs, prosthetic limbs, combating child slavery and more.  I've yet to find anything similar to our own YCDT program, but have a couple more days to investigate.

There are booths here meant to connect Rotarians with like hobbies and interests including booths for quilters, bird watchers, chess players, golfers, pilots, performers, and amateur radioers.  

Will post more detail and other exciting news as possible.

Have a great meeting on Monday and thanks so much for sending me to the convention as the Robert D. Hanson scholar.  I will represent Harrisburg with pride.