Our evening meeting was well attended and we welcomed District Governor Debra Warner and her husband, Ed, to our meeting. Other guests included Dawn Clark, Mike's wife; Lisa Carignan, Stan's wife; Marcie Cole, Wally's wife; Desta Hunt, Tim's wife; Donna Mae Leland, Hal's wife; and Karen Anderson, Dave Peters' significant other. Pepe, our exchange student, also attended, as did Kim Nelson, our Assistant District Governor from Wahpeton-Breckenridge. Hal Leland gave the invocation, while Wally Cole was our song leader, with Katie Johnson admirably pinch hitting at the piano on short notice. There was a Rotary Minute on our District Governor and her husband and we scored 100% -- pretty impressive.
We took time to present Paul Harris Fellow recognitions. Receiving their Paul Harris Fellow certificate and medallion were Mike Clark, Scott DeBrito, Hal Leland, Laurel Nelson, Ryan Welle and Mike Wollan. Receiving one sapphire pins were Mike Clark, Steve Leitte and Dean Monke. Tim Hunt, Dave Johnson and Lois Josefson Russell received two sapphire pins, while Dave Peters received his three sapphire pin and Buzz Lundeen received his four sapphire pin. Thank you for your support of The Rotary Foundation and congratulations!
President Steve Leitte introduced District Governor Debra Warner. She talked about RI President Ian H.S. Riseley's theme, "Rotary: Making a Difference," and how Rotary empowers us to help those who need us the most. But it is always our choice as to the impact each of us and our clubs make. Debra went on to talk about why she is a Rotarian, telling us about her trip to southern India on a Rotary Friendship Exchange and participating in a National Immunization Day and going to Haiti to support a dental program. She said it was the challenge of every Rotarian to tell the story of Rotary, but also noting that you can't have a conversation about Rotary without talking about change. Rotary's highest external priority is the eradication of polio, while its highest internal priority is its members, Rotary's biggest asset. We need to open our hearts and minds to change, with flexibility being a necessity if we are to remain viable. We also need to promote Rotary, noting that four of ten people have never heard of it and another four of ten people don't know what we do.
All of this year's District Governor's were asked to challenge every Rotarian to plant a tree and she asked our club members to join in this effort, presenting a spruce seedling to President Steve for planting. Debra reminded us of someone's great vision when he/she said that the true meaning of life is to plant a tree under whose shade you do not expect to sit. She also challenged us to invite people to join Rotary so they can know the joy and satisfaction of being a Rotarian. Alluding back to this year's Rotary International theme, Debra concluded by saying everyone can make a difference and everyone should try.