Here are some more memories from Ernie Jensen who was the 1990-91 Arcadia Rotary Club President and the District Governor in 1996-97.
“Gail, Joel, and I have been to many International Rotary Conventions, around the world. Our club pays for or underwrites the trip for incoming Presidents. I recommend that every member plan on going to a Convention at least once while a Rotarian. You will understand more that Rotary is truly International, not just Arcadia, or just California, but International.
One experience that I recall is when the Convention was in our District-Las Vegas. I was asked to come to the Convention….I said why?…because it probably will never be in our district again….sooo…..because our district was in charge…..sooo….so we need you to help. Now that was a good reason! I made reservations at Caesar’s Palace, & told Gail I was going to Las Vegas to help out at a Rotary International Convention, she could stay home, or come and stay at the Hotel if she wanted…..What! Going by yourself to Las Vegas…I don’t think so!
When we got to Las Vegas, Gail asked what we were doing for dinner, and maybe I should invite some Arcadia Rotarians. I made reservations for 8, and then called some Arcadia Rotarians. Nobody was in their rooms- middle of the day in Las Vegas…don’t know what they were doing. Close to the reservation time I started getting calls, 8, 10, 12, 14, 1, 18, 20 wow, everybody wanted to get together.
That same Convention, I volunteered to be a host for “Home hospitality”. I was given this paper, with the name of my Rotarian to host. Jean Pierre Battlo, from Andorra (Were is that?) on the form “speaks” French, Spanish (English box not checked). I called, his wife answered, and she spoke no English. I found out when he was returning (in Spanish). We took them out to dinner with a number of Arcadia Rotarians, and then to Siegfried & Roy (language not necessary). We made friends, and later had 2 of his nieces, and a son of his best friend come to stay with us for a few months each. After the Nice Rotary International Convention, we spent 3 days in Toulouse, France, Andorra, and Mont-Louis where he had a “summer house”. Ask me about his summerhouse. Later on our way home we spent the day in Paris, and had dinner with his sister and a wealthy American at the oldest Restaurant in Paris. I even remember the wealthy Americans name….Bill Gates.”