Rotary International Headquarters Visit Planned
Thursday, August 18, 2022
By Carol Argo
Continuing the great tradition established by Past Rotary International Director, TRF Trustee and Past RI President Mark D. Maloney, Past RI President Glenn E. Estess, Sr., and PDG Bo Porter, District 6860 is sponsoring a visit to the Rotary International World Headquarters in Evanston, Illinois. After a three-year hiatus due to the Covid pandemic we are again welcomed back for tours and meetings with RI staff.
 
Our trip is scheduled from Saturday to Monday, November 12 through November 14, 2022. Club Presidents and Presidents-Elect, along with club Executive Directors are invited and encouraged to attend. This will be an opportunity for PEs to bond with District Governor-Elect Mary Grace Evans.

The professional Secretariat staff of Rotary International works from an 18-story office building located in downtown Evanston close to Lake Michigan and only a few blocks from the campus of Northwestern University. This facility is the nerve center for the administration of Rotary International and The Rotary Foundation programs throughout the world. It is also the central source of assistance to Rotarians and Rotary clubs throughout North America.

An important part of the visit will also be the opportunity to meet Greg Franks. Greg is Senior Supervisor for Club and District Support responsible for assisting Clubs, Districts and Rotarians in Southern Pan America (that include us).

The trip is open to interested Rotarians and spouses/partners. Pricing for a travel partner is based on double occupancy. The cost is $530 for Rotarians and $180 for spouse/partner sharing the same hotel room. This includes two nights’ accommodation at the Holiday Inn Chicago-North Evanston in Evanston, IL., one meal on Saturday afternoon and one on Sunday evening, and pro-rata share of general expenses. Breakfast vouchers will be included for Sunday and Monday.

Rotarians and spouses/partners are responsible for making their own travel arrangements. Please make sure that you arrive in time to meet with the group in the hotel lobby at 2 p.m. on Saturday and we will walk to Giordano’s for a late lunch (lupper – lunch and supper).

Please note that the Rotary RI trip will end at 4:00 p.m. on Monday. Please plan your travel accordingly.

Action items:

1. Register for the Evanston trip through the DACdb Calendar (or use this link)

Payment for the trip can be made through credit card in DACdb or by check payable to District 6860 for Evanston Trip. Mail checks to Carol Argo, 372 S. Cool St., Mentone, AL 35984.

DEADLINE TO REGISTER:  October 13, 2022
 

2. Make your own travel arrangements

Plan to arrive on Saturday in time to meet in the hotel lobby at 2 p.m. Allowing you to make your travel arrangements gives each of us the opportunity to drive or fly or come early or stay later if you wish. If you come in early or extend your stay, you will need to coordinate directly with the hotel to make arrangements with the Holiday Inn Chicago North {(847) 491-6400].

3. One Rotary Center is open to visitors for tours and group visits however, they are currently requiring visitors to provide proof of COVID vaccination and to wear masks while in the building.

In case of cancellation, our practice is to refund the cost of the trip less any non-refundable fees made to guarantee the reservations. We must have at least 15 people for this trip. We believe that you will find this trip to be one of the highlights of your year in Rotary!

DG Carol Argo and PDG Sue Mitchell are your trip leaders.