This week at Rotary
Next Meeting
Thursday, November 12, 2026
Lunch Buffet
Doors Open 11:30 a.m.
12:00 P.M. START
At
Kitchi Gammi Club
This week’s speaker
Kristin Montgomery
Co-Founder, President Montgomery Sports Foundation
An introduction to the Montgomery Sports Foundation
Montgomery Sports Foundation is a Duluth based non-profit organization that works to remove financial barriers to sports participation for the youth in our community. Kristin works full-time as a Vice President and Wealth Advisor at Bell Bank on the Bell Investments team. In addition to her professional role, she is the Co-Founder and President of the Montgomery Sports Foundation, where she manages the organization's day-to-day operations. She also serves on the Board of Directors for East Select Soccer and Twin Ports Gymnastics and remains actively involved in supporting youth sports and community organizations throughout the Twin Ports.
Upcoming Club 25 Events
Join us for a Thanksgiving Lunch to raise money for the Salvation Army.
Contact: Dean Casperson
Upcoming Club 25 Volunteer Opportunities
Second Harvest Northland (2302 Commonwealth Avenue Duluth MN 55808)
CANCELLED
Second Harvest Northland will be closed Wednesday, November 11th in observance of VETERANS DAY
Will resume on Wednesday, December 9th from 1pm to 3pm--mark your calendars now!!
Please RSVP to Allison Hanig Landrus at ahanigla@amfam.com.
Rotary- Boys and Girls Club Decorate the Tree
WHERE- Boys and Girls Club –Lincoln Park Location
2407 W 4th Street
WHEN- Tuesday December 1, 2026, 1:00 PM-3:30 PM
Decorate the Tree-- (Need 9 total)
Jerry Pelofske
Jim Schwartz
Dan Dock
Gary Melander
Arts and Crafts (Need 3 total) NO skill needed. Making TREE ORNAMENTS with the children that they will take home.
Karen Dock
Cookies Need many dozens total. No nuts please.
Karen Dock- 2 Dozen
NEED PAPER TABLECLOTH (ETC) to put the cookies on
Karen Dock
Contact Dan and Karen Dock !
By Angel Saczko
Sunshine finally broke through the clouds after several gray days, welcoming us to a full house for this week's meeting. President Dan Maki had to give the bell a few extra swings to get enough oomph behind it and bring the room to order before we proudly recited the Pledge of Allegiance and the Four-Way Test.
President Dan Maki bringing us all together
We were pleased to welcome several guests and Junior Rotarians to this week's meeting:
- Judy Sage, guest of Allen Anway
- Cliff Cain, today's speaker from Pulsar Helium and guest of Rob Hofmann
- Anne Marie Gillen, guest of Rob Hofmann
- Aethena Carroll, Junior Rotarian from Harbor City
- Alice Phillips, Junior Rotarian from Stella Maris Academy
- Ed Newman, guest of Past President Dean Casperson
- James Leist, Junior Rotarian from Hermantown
- Josephine Johnson, Junior Rotarian from Proctor
- Greg Wegler, representing Sleep in Heavenly Peace
Their presence added to the energy in the room and reflected the strong connections Rotary continues to build throughout our community.
President-elect Jay Ott was the first to kick the can, sharing that he missed last week's meeting while visiting his 97-year-old mother, who is doing well and enjoying a healthy, relaxed life.
Jay Ott sharing his pride for his mom
Rob Hofman proudly announced that he and his wife will celebrate their 43rd wedding anniversary on November 12th. Congratulations to them on this remarkable milestone!
Rob Hofman excited to celebrate another amazing year with his wife
Allison Hanig-Landrus couldn't let the opportunity pass by to celebrate the Milwaukee Brewers' World Series victory last week, especially since she wasn't at the previous meeting to share her excitement. Her enthusiasm made up for lost time and brought a few smiles around the room.
Allison Hanig-Landrus showing her enthusiasm for the Brewers
Vinod Gupta shared the Reflection of the Week, centered on a simple yet powerful question: "Am I enough?"
Speaking to a room filled with talented, caring, and hardworking individuals, Vinod offered a meaningful perspective on perfectionism and the importance of extending ourselves grace. It was a timely reminder that our drive, pride, and determination, while valuable strengths, can sometimes become obstacles when we hold ourselves to impossible standards.
Vinod encouraged us to create space for mistakes, both our own and those of others, recognizing that growth often comes through learning rather than perfection. By focusing less on flawless outcomes and more on being helpful, understanding, and kind, we can find greater fulfillment, stronger relationships, and ultimately, a little more happiness in our daily lives.
Vinod Gupta reminds us that it is ok not to be perfect
Announcements began on a generous note as Grants Chair Anthony Nordin presented a grant to the Salvation Army, sharing that he will provide a more detailed presentation about their work later this month. He also presented a grant to Greg Wegler of Sleep in Heavenly Peace, an organization dedicated to building and delivering beds to children in need throughout our community.
Anthony Nordin presenting a grant check to Greg Wegler of Sleep in Heavenly Peace
In another opportunity to give back, Jerry Pelofske is organizing volunteers for the Salvation Army's bell-ringing campaign. If you're interested in spreading some holiday cheer while supporting a great cause, be sure to reach out to him and sign up for a shift.
Jerry Pelofske announced the bell ringing opportunities coming up this holiday season
Angel Saczko and Past President Zach Walters (not so affectionately known as "Angie and Zachie") provided an update on the BIG 50/50 Raffle. Ticket sales are off to a strong start, with approximately $6,000 sold so far, putting us nearly one-quarter of the way toward our goal with plenty of time remaining.
If all 250 tickets are sold, the prize breakdown will be:
- 1st Place: 35% of proceeds, up to $8,750
- 2nd Place: 10% of proceeds, up to $2,500
- 3rd Place: 5% of proceeds, up to $1,250
- 50% of proceeds: $12,500 directed back into community grants
There are still tickets available, so be sure to connect with Angel or Zach if you need more tickets.
Past President Zach Walters and Angel Saczko providing an update on the BIG 50/50 raffle ticket sales
President Dan Maki also reminded members about the Winter Clothing Drive benefiting the HOPE Clinic. From November 5th through November 19th, members are encouraged to donate new or gently used winter clothing if you are able. A collection bin will be located outside the meeting room during the next two weeks, or donations may be given directly to Past President Elizabeth Simonson.
Do you remember the pumpkin that Jon Ohman carved for Halloween? It found a wonderful home with Sheryl Homan, who proudly displayed it for the community to enjoy. It's always fun to see the creativity and spirit of our members continue to bring a little extra joy to others, even beyond our weekly meetings!
Beautiful Halloween artwork, carved by Jon Ohman, housed and displayed by Sheryl Homan
Chair of the Day Rob Hofmann stepped up to introduce our speaker, Cliff Cain, the newly appointed President/CEO of Pulsar Helium. Pulsar Helium is an international company focused on upstream helium development, with exciting work taking place right here in our own backyard. Rob shared a bit of Cliff's story with us. Coming from life in Arizona, Cliff recently relocated to the Northland and now lives in the Pike Lake area with his daughter. Although they've experienced only one northern Minnesota winter so far, they're embracing life up north and enjoying everything our community has to offer.
Cliff Cain, President/CEO of Pulsar Helium
Originally from Missouri, Cliff spent a portion of his career serving in the Marines, an experience that helped shape his values, leadership style, and work ethic. After his military service, he joined Praxair, an industrial gas company, starting at the call counter and working his way through the organization over the next 15 years. The knowledge and experience he gained eventually led him to launch his own company before taking on the opportunity with Pulsar Helium.
Many of us were surprised to learn how critical helium is to modern life. From semiconductors, satellites, and cell phones to medical technology and advanced manufacturing, helium plays an essential role in countless products and industries. As global supply challenges and economic uncertainty make helium increasingly difficult to source, securing reliable domestic access has become more important than ever.
The helium reserve being developed in northern Minnesota was discovered almost by accident, but Cliff immediately recognized its potential. With his expertise and understanding of the industry's needs, he embraced the opportunity to help develop a facility near Babbitt, MN. The location offers strategic advantages, including port access that can support transportation and supply chain efficiency while helping bring this critical resource closer to American manufacturers.
Pulsar Helium’s “Topaz Project”
As technology continues to advance and demand for artificial intelligence, computing power, and semiconductor production grows, so does the importance of helium. Throughout his presentation, Cliff emphasized transparency, collaboration, and responsible development. He spoke about the extensive efforts being made to protect the environment, respect local communities, work alongside government agencies, and consider the long-term impact on the region.
For Rotarians, one of the most meaningful takeaways was seeing a project guided by a commitment to be beneficial to all concerned. Cliff's vision highlighted how thoughtful development can strengthen our economy, support innovation, and create opportunities that benefit Minnesota, the United States, and future generations alike.
Notes from President Dan Maki and Past President Zach Walter
Winter Clothing Drive - Share the Warmth
The HOPE Clinic is a student-run, faculty-supervised educational clinic through UMD, with the purpose to provide free medical access to underserved populations of Duluth. They are hosting a winter clothing drive for their patients.
Donations of hats, mittens, gloves, coats, boots, or other winter clothing are appreciated! Items can be donated at a collection bin at our weekly Rotary meeting, between November 5th-19th. If unable to make it to a meeting but have items to donate, contact Dan Maki or Elizabeth Simonson.
Big 50/50 explained
Clarification of raffle distributions:
If our club sells all 250 tickets, we will raise revenue $25,000 total. The BIG 50/50 split creates $12,500 which will go to Grants. The other 50% percent gets split up three ways from the total revenue collected and then distributed to the winners… 1st place: 35% - $8,750, 2nd Place: 10% - $2,500, and 3rd Place: 5% $1,250
Duluth Rotary 100 Years Ago This Week – The Gimlet
Volume 11, No. 2 – November 10, 1926
100 years ago this week in Club 25 there was singing and entertainment.
