John Snider and Logan Metcalf share something special: A passion for service, friendship, and making Muskegon a better place.

Their stories remind us that Rotary isn't defined by age or years of membership. It's defined by the connections we make and the difference we create together.

Meet John Snider: 91 Years Young and Still Going Strong!

At 91 years old, John Snider holds the distinction of being the Muskegon Rotary Club's oldest active member. Having joined in January 1985, John has witnessed more than 40 years of Rotary history, growth, and transformation.

A retired attorney with Warner Norcross, John believes it was fellow attorney Steve Clink who first encouraged him to join Rotary.

When asked about his original membership date, John laughs and says, "That date sounds about right!" He jokingly attributes his less-than-perfect memory to years spent playing goalie for local hockey teams—and the concussions that came with the position!

John served as Muskegon Rotary Club President in 1990–1991 and participated in numerous Rotary activities throughout the region and beyond.

But for John, the greatest reward of Rotary has never been a leadership title.

"For me, the important impact of being a Rotarian lies in the many great Rotarian friends I made along the way, all the while helping to better our local communities."

More than four decades later, John still looks forward to weekly Rotary luncheons, engaging programs, and the fellowship that has become such an important part of his life.

And his perspective on Rotary's evolution?

"There's been a lot of change in Rotary over the years, mostly for the better. Today our club is doing more than ever to benefit the world."

Meet Logan Metcalf: A New Generation of Service Above Self

On the other end of the membership spectrum is Logan Metcalf, one of the Muskegon Rotary Club's newest and youngest members, who joined in December 2025.

Logan's first introduction to Rotary actually came during his high school years in Montague, when his family hosted Rotary exchange students.

He enjoyed meeting people from different backgrounds, but admits with a smile that his teenage self wasn't exactly eager to sign up for early-morning volunteer projects!

After attending Grand Valley State University, Logan returned to Muskegon County in 2025 and began working at Braeburn Wealth Management.

That's when coworker and fellow Rotarian Dimitri Poland encouraged him to check out Rotary.

Logan attended a few meetings, met some incredible people, and quickly realized that Rotarians were among the most genuinely engaged members of the community.

He was hooked!

Since joining, Logan has jumped into fundraising and community projects, including Pours, Parties in the Park, and collecting donations for Harvest Fest.

He's also attended new-member meetings, participated in vision board sessions, and visited neighboring Rotary clubs in Montague-Whitehall and Grand Haven to see how they operate.

His strategy for getting involved?

"My current strategy is to keep saying yes until my calendar reaches maximum capacity (which is coming up fast)."

That enthusiasm is exactly what Rotary needs from its next generation of leaders!

And although Logan is relatively new to Rotary, the impact on his life has already been significant.

"Being around so many people who prioritize service naturally rubs off on you."

He credits Rotary with helping him become a stronger leader, a more confident public speaker, and, perhaps most importantly, connecting him with friends and mentors who genuinely care about Muskegon's future.

Different Generations. One Rotary Family.

John joined Rotary in 1985, when club meetings, traditions, and community service looked very different from today.

Logan joined 40 years later, bringing fresh energy, new perspectives, and a willingness to jump into just about anything.

Yet listen to what matters most to each of them, and something remarkable happens.

They tell essentially the same story.

For John, it's the lifelong friendships and the opportunity to make his community better.

For Logan, it's the friendships, mentorship, and being surrounded by people who genuinely care about serving others.

Four decades apart in Rotary experience, yet connected by the very same values.

John represents the wisdom, commitment, and enduring relationships that have helped build Rotary's legacy.

Logan represents the enthusiasm, fresh ideas, and emerging leadership that will carry Rotary into the future.

And together, they represent something even greater: the timeless power of Service Above Self.

The Best of Rotary Has No Age Limit

What makes a Rotary club strong isn't simply the number of members it has. It's the diversity of experiences, generations, talents, and perspectives those members bring to the table.

There is so much younger Rotarians can learn from those who have served for decades. And there is just as much longtime members can gain from the energy and fresh thinking of the next generation.

The Muskegon Rotary Club is fortunate to have both.

To John and Logan: Thank you for showing us that whether you've been a Rotarian for 40 years or just a few months, the opportunity to create lasting impact begins the moment you say YES to Rotary.

Because in Rotary, friendships span generations, service brings us together, and there's always room for one more person who wants to make a difference.

 

 

We'd Love to Share Your Club's Story Next!

Who are the youngest and oldest Rotarians in YOUR club? We'd love to celebrate their stories in future issues of the District 6290 Connections Newsletter! Send their stories and photos to Kathy Hegedus at kathyh@ridistrict6290.org and help us showcase the generations of Rotarians who make our district extraordinary!