The meeting started off with the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by recitation of The Four Way Test and John MacFarlane's invocation. President Anthony welcomed Erika Lahti and Sunrise Rotarian MaryJane Westra to our meeting and then called on this writer for a Rotary Minute, with all three of the questions asked about our visiting District Governor answered correctly. There were brags and fines but those of us attending virtually lost some of it to audio complications. All that was heard was Steve Leitte talking about the production levels achieved at MinnDak recently. There was also a pitch for World Polio Day that was happening on Saturday, October 25th.
Our District Governor, Bob McLean was introduced and he gave a very informative and attention-holding presentation on Rotary and the opportunities we have successfully navigated and those we still face. Strategic planning was encouraged and we were asked to make membership meaningful and memorable (the "M & M" campaign). He asked a couple of those assembled why they joined Rotary and the response was the fellowship and to do goodwill. A recent survey of Rotarians, when asked why they stay in Rotary, responded fellowship and service. But we have to remember that it all starts with someone asking another to become a Rotarian, which we were all encouraged to do. Bob quoted Past District Governor Hanspeter Borgwarth who remarked "Individually we can do little, but together we can move mountains." Rotary founder Paul Harris said "If Rotary is to realize its proper destiny, it must be evolutionary at all times and revolutionary on occasion." The District Governor also talked about the different missions of Rotary International and The Rotary Foundation, noting as to the latter that Charity Navigator ranks it as the top foundation in the world for financial management, accountability and transparency.
Bob also reminded us that a large part of Rotary is to have fun and challenged us to continue the good work we do.