Today we were honored with a visit from District 6290 Governor Jon Catlin, pictured here with Rotary International President Holger Knaack.
 
Jon Catlin is a Rotarian from Cadillac whose first taste of Rotary was in 1985 as a Rotary Youth Exchange Student sent to Helsinki.  He explained that 2020 has been a year of making lemonade out of the lemons of COVID-19.  While everyone would prefer face-to-face meetings, Zoom has offered an alternative that has its advantages and fits in with the need for innovation.
 
Jon noted that successful clubs need to be diverse, accepting, innovative and active.  Small things like wearing badges/name tags are important when guests are in attendance.
 
The Rotary Foundation continues to make significant contributions on a world-wide basis.  The Foundation has given several million dollars for pandemic relief and has supported the District's $25,000 grant to Feeding America Western Michigan.  The Foundation continues in its 30+ year drive to eradicate polio.  Only two countries remain with active cases--Pakistan and Afghanistan--but the pandemic has complicated relief efforts.
 
Jon suggested that a new element should be added to the Four-Way Test:  "Is it fun?"  He concluded with some specific challenges:
  • Visit another Club
  • Attend a District Event
  • Showcase your Club