August 25, 2008                                                            Bob O'Boyle, Editarian

Rotary Monday took on a definite Rotary District 6360 emphasis as District Governor Renee Merchant honored us with her presence and with her eloquent address to the assembled Rotarians and guests.  The assembled Rotarians and guests sang the National Anthem.  Jerry Albertson gave a very unique and appropriate invocation.  President Bell then conducted a very well organized meeting on this fine summer day.

New Member

Rotarian Diether Haenicke introduced his former WMU aid Jon Andrews as our newest Rotarian.  Jon was born in Grand Rapids, went to school in Parchment, spent time in Germany and graduated from WMU School of Aviation.  He continues to work at Western while he is finishing his MBA. Jon is currently single, but hopeful, and is a welcome addition to our club.

A Song

Jerry Albertson and Stacy Ridenour led our massed and mixed Rotary choir through "All Hail to Rotary" in honor of our District Governor. (The quality of the singing sounded a little like the marines singing an army song.  The ed.)

Announcements:

District Governor Merchant presented a Presidential Citation from Rotary International to Past President Judy Moore for our net increase in membership last year.

Our District Governor also presented Past President Rick Briscoe as a new multiple Paul Harris Fellow.

Jerry Albertson paid a happy $ for the recent public announcement that Stacy Ridenour will be the new Executive Director of the Jacksonville, Fla. Symphony.  We congratulate you Stacy but you and your family will be missed here in Kalamazoo.

Program for the Day

President Rex introduced District Governor Renee Merchant from the Michigan Center Jackson County East Rotary Club as our speaker for the day.  District Governor Merchant focused the first part of her presentation on the Goal of RI President D.K. Lee to motivate Rotarians to take action in the fight against child mortality.  She reminded us that more than 26,000 children under the age of five die each day from preventable diseases.  She also reminded us that the fight against elimination against polio strains I and III has a major challenge grant through the Gates Foundation.  Thirty (30) dollars per member per year given to the Rotary International Foundation from the membership of District 6360 would add up to $58,000 per year. 

She ended the program by giving us ten ways we are supported by our District:  1. The Assistant Governor, 2. Membership Development Seminars, 3. Speakers Bureau, 4. District Library and Resource Center. 5. Visioning and Strategic Planning Assistance, 6. President-Elect Training Seminars (PETS), 7. Connect- International Seminars, 8. Connection to unique Rotary Leadership, 9. Connection to Global Projects, and 10. District Conference.

She concluded with this question/statement:  How do we make dreams real?  By working together to reduce child mortality.