District Governor's Visit - Glen Fong

Katy Fong (left) and her sister Sarah (middle) told us about their sale of delicious cookies for charity, after which our esteemed Assistant Governor, Jennifer Curtsinger (right) introduced our keynote speaker, District Governor Glen Fong.

District Governor, District 5180, Glen Fong

Glen asked the audience if they remember the cassette receiver, the Sony Walkman, the CD-ROM, or the old cell phone? (now we have the new "smart" phones). What they have in common is that they have been outdated.

Rotary is similar in that it has to evolve or die.

So we have the "Objects of Rotary", 4 Way Test, Polio Vaccine, Women in Rotary, Youth Services, and now Club Central.

Rotary is a "family" Glen told a poignant story about a 96 year old Rotarian in his club who never missed a meeting and to whom members brought the bell, so that he could ring it one last time at his hospital bed.

Rotary needs new generations and is working towards that end by the Passport Club, using social media and websites. Rotary needs fresh ideas and diversity, not necessarily just skin color but in what you do and how you do it. Glen mentioned that all training programs in the District are now free to encourage all to attend, now there is the Rotary Travel Card and on Rotary.com you can advertise your business there (something new).

Glen encouraged all to attend the District Foundation Dinner on November 7th - it's going to be great, but he also noted that the Carmichael Club will have 23 attending - kudos to us.

Now Glen announced that for the first time Nigeria is free of polio!

Also that for the first time in six years, our District Membership has increased. Glen asked if we know what our Rotary International President "Ravi" K.R. Ravindran did for a living in Sri Lanka. He is in the "tea" business, producing tea bags. Definitely a "Gift to the World".

Honored Members, George Abraham & Judy Sweeney

In the same spirit, Glen honored two of our members who have been a "Gift to the World" this year. George Abraham and Judy Sweeney both of whom were given special pins in acknowledgement.

George for all his work with "Youth Services" and Judy, for encouraging membership. She brought in two new members, Everett & Donna Thorne. (above left to right, Glen, Judy, and George).

In conclusion, Glen showed a wonderful video, produced by his daughters, encouraging us to attend the District Rotary Convention which will be in Berkeley, California, this year. It will be May 19th to 22nd at the Double Tree, Berkeley Marina - only $159 per night.

President Ed Bunting acknowledged Gov. Glen's fun presentation and presented him a cowboy hat. He also mentioned that, in his name, a book will be contributed to the Carmichael Library.

more pics.......
	Below: D.G.Glen, Katy, (Jennifer's dog Daisy), Sarah, A.G. Jennifer, and Elise (Glen's wife). (left) Ass. Gov Jennifer Curtsinger.
	(Left) Pres. Ed gives gift to Elise Fong, 1st lady of District 5180
	(above) D.G. Glen, RYE student Stine Nikolajsen from Denmak, George and Tarin Abraham, Pres. Ed Bunting (left to right)