Rotary District 6970 Governor Bo Norton encouraged members of the Rotary Club of Palatka to continue building on the club's 106-year tradition of service during his official visit this week. Norton reflected on Rotary's history, the worldwide impact of The Rotary Foundation, and Rotary's ongoing commitment to eradicating polio through the End Polio Now campaign. He also highlighted the Rotary Club of Palatka's century of service to the community and challenged members to continue living Rotary's motto, "Service Above Self."

District Governor-Elect Ed Lombard also attended the meeting. During the meeting, Norton inducted three new members into the club: Courtney Bass, owner and founder of Tracking Balances; Luke Mutchie, financial advisor with Edward Jones; and Dr. Emily Todd, a chiropractic physician in private practice. They were joined by their sponsors, Yvette Jones, Janet Martin and Wayne Bodiford. Each new member received a commemorative membership plaque and Rotary pin during the induction ceremony.

The club also recognized two new Paul Harris Fellows, one of Rotary's highest honors honoring individuals whose generosity supports the humanitarian work of The Rotary Foundation around the world. Keith Jensen, president of Capital City Bank Group for Putnam and St. Johns counties, and Kathleen Malnove, chairman of the board of Florida Timberlands, received the recognition for their contributions to The Rotary Foundation.

"We were honored to welcome Governor Norton to Palatka," said Rotary Club of Palatka President Jim Troiano. "His message was an inspiring reminder of Rotary's rich history, our shared mission and the lasting impact we can make when we put Service Above Self into action." Founded in 1920, the Rotary Club of Palatka is one of Florida's oldest Rotary clubs and has served the Putnam County community for more than a century through local service projects, youth programs and humanitarian initiatives.