Thursday, January 23, 2024

Lunch Buffet

At

 

 

President Elizabeth Simonson and the Board of Directors have engaged Ted Schick to lead Club #25 in a robust strategic planning process.  Members have been asked (hounded) over the past few weeks to submit responses to a survey that asks for views and opinions on the club and what our future can look like.  Ted has been compiling the results and will unveil them at this important meeting on January 23.  We are all responsible for sharing our opinions and ideas when asked, now we can learn more and start to shape our club to be as meaningful and as committed to community service in the next 100 years as we have been for the last 100+ years.  Please endeavor to make this very important meeting, and if you simply cannot attend, the meeting will be recorded and available to view at your convenience.

 

 

By Renee Burns

 

A convivial group of Rotarians and guests enjoyed meeting on a bright January day and were welcomed by President Elizabeth Simonson to the meeting with her usual sunny demeanor and welcomed our guests.

Past President Al Makynen gave a thoughtful Rotary Reflection, noting that the history of heavier than air flight is actually quite short, dating only from 1903, making Rotary and the first flight contemporaries.  He closed with this thought, “as the Wright Brothers changed the world, as Rotarians, seeking to make a difference, let us be ever mindful of the needs of others”.

 

Past President Al Makynen with the Rotary Reflection

 

Our new sound system performed exceptionally well, and Jeff Fifield thanked Jay Ott for sourcing it and making meetings much more enjoyable for everyone.  A thank you was also extended to Sheryl and Tom Homan’s son Eric who was a resource for finding a new club computer.  Our technology needs are now current!

 

Jeff Fifield demonstrating the new sound system!  It works!

 

Rob Hofmann bounded to the podium to kick the can with a work zone fine, sharing the success of a 10-day musical theater workshop at The Depot. The new musical, A COLLECTIBLE SENSATION was the first step in the creation of a new Broadway-bound musical. Led by a veteran Broadway team, the work was seen and heard for the very first time before a live audience.  The full cast of mostly UMD theater students dazzled theater goers with their talents.   Rob Hofmann, wishing to share insights as to “how we make theater/film happen”, queried the members about their interest in a potential program on the subject… Multiple hands were raised showing there was great interest in both topics. Seems we have two good programs on the horizon. He shared good news on the Rotary International Youth Exchange front. Club #25 is sending a Denfeld senior to Belgium this summer!  He also noted that perhaps work zone fines should rise from $4 to $5, which seems reasonable given inflation.  His announcements amounted to a total of $15 and he promised the check is in the mail.  Newly returned member Andy Thielen suggested that perhaps work zone fines should be assessed by the minute, not the announcement, something to consider?

 

Rob Hofmann making work zone and club announcements

 

Jerry Thoreson announced that Destination Duluth recently held a celebration of photographers who contribute to the site.  There are more than 150 photographers who submit photos to the Destination Duluth site and are widely viewed with more than 2 million impressions in 2024.  He also announced the new “Life Up North” initiative that focuses on telling the local story.

 

Jerry Pelofske acknowledged and thanked those who volunteered for the Salvation Army Bell Ringing on December 13 and 20.  He also announced that the Science Fair is being held on Saturday, February 8 at UMD.  If you are interested in being a judge the event starts with a light breakfast at 8:45 followed by the first round of judging from 9:30-11:00am and a second round from 11:00-12:30.  Lunch will be served at 12:30 at which time the judges will review the rounds and select the award winners.  Rotary Club #25 is providing $25 gift cards to those in the top three presentations.

 

Jerry Pelofske offered thanks to the Bell Ringers and asking for help judging the Science Fair on February 8.

 

Allison Hanig-Landrus introduced the Speaker of the Day, Ryan Kern along with his daughter Reagan Kern. 

 

Ryan Kern, Duluth Airshow

 

Reagan Kern, Denfeld Speech Team

Ryan is the President of Kern and Kompany and the founder of the Duluth Airshow, which was recently recognized by the International Council of Airshows for the work done with the Air Spectacular that took place over Lake Superior this past July, featuring the Canadian Forces Snowbirds.  Before Ryan began the program Reagan informed the club about the activities of the Denfeld Speech Team and the Denfeld Rotary Speech Tournament that is hosted annually.  There seemed to be some misinformation from the team leadership regarding the financial commitment Rotary Club #25 has made to the team over the past many decades.  Inquiries will be made and corrected.

 

 

Ryan started by informing the group that the Duluth Airshow is celebrating 25 years and is the largest airshow in the Midwest, with the exception of Oshkosh.  In addition to hosting a thrilling air and ground extravaganza, the airshow provides a way for civic organizations to earn funds through volunteering at the event, nearly $100,000 last year in fact earned by 72 non-profit organizations who provided 1,000 volunteers.  We learned that the 2025 show will be held on July 5-6, Independence Day weekend, a most sought after date for airshows.  In fact, 500 airshows apply for a demonstration team and due to the professionalism and success of the Duluth Airshow, Kern and Kompany was awarded the Navy Blue Angels to perform in 2025, as well as the Royal Canadian Air Force Snowbirds.  The show is branded Red White and Blues and will feature a full retinue of performances and static displays. 

 

It’s notable that Duluth is the smallest market that lands the demonstration teams, much of that due to the overwhelming community support.

 

In addition to the excitement of the performances, there is an important STEM component to the airshows.  An autonomous buoy demonstration allowed the pilots to fly over the lake and shipping lanes, something not otherwise easily possible due to Coast Guard restrictions.

 

It’s important to note that the Duluth Airshow is responsible for a $20 million economic impact in Duluth and the region.  This year’s show will have entertainment partnering with Fourth Fest for the patriotic presentation.  We’re fortunate to have this amazing show take place annually in Duluth.

 

At the conclusion of the meeting President Elizabeth Simonson announced the ever popular Rotary Auction will be held on May 8 in the Great Hall of the Kitchi Gammi Club, mark your calendars now!