March 21, 2024
IN PERSON & ZOOM
For Those Attending in Person
Lunch Buffet
(Zoom Meeting Opens at 11:45)
(Link Sent Thursday Morning)
at
Holiday Inn Downtown
This Week at Rotary
Ken Buehler, Director
 
All aboard for train excursions on the North Shore Scenic Railroad. History comes alive on the Lakefront line during the summer and autumn seasons.  Several trains a day depart the historic Duluth Union Depot for a trip through downtown Duluth, Canal Park, along the shore of Lake Superior and deep into the majestic north woods. Fully narrated tours tell the history of Duluth, the harbor, and the stories of the railroads that built northern Minnesota and Wisconsin.
 
Highlights from Last Week’s Meeting
By Rob Hofmann
 
Goodwill and great fellowship among Rotarians were the order of the day. Once again, Club #25 was led by President Gary Melander in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance and the Rotary Four-Way Test of the things we think, say, or do. Vinod Gupta shared his Reflection on the themes of homelessness, poverty, and community issues, and what each Rotarian can do – even in the smallest ways – to improve the lives of one person.  Vinod Gupta suggested two efforts that may help: 1) Support all children in our community through education, healthful food programs, and positive reinforcing activities; 2) Help adults realize their true potential through enriching education, professional trades training programs, and other means that provide a meaningful and dignified life.
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Vinod Gupta
 
President Gary Melander introduced our guests and had all attending Junior Rotarians introduce themselves.
Zach Walters with guest, Realtor Conner Linde
 
Happy Pi Day 3.14 Everyone!  Say, is it Pi or 3.14159265359??  Allen Anway contributed to the Golden Can celebrating the achievement of one of his grandchildren who was able to recite the value of Pi to such an extent that they appeared in the Guinness Book of World Records.
 
Proud Grandfather Allen Anway
 
Past President Sandy Hoff recommended everyone enjoy some pie today as he recognized his daughter and Rotary guest Callie Hoff and her great 22-4-1 season as Marshall’s Girls Hockey Coach!
Proud Father and Past President Sandy Hoff congratulating daughter Callie Hoff
 
Past Assistant Governor Phil Strom introduced the familiar, friendly face and undeniable exuberance of Minneapolis Club #9 President-Elect Jireh Mabamba (G-Ray), who unveiled a sample of auction items that will be offered up at The Pacer Center’s 2024 Benefit on Saturday, April 27, in the Twin Cities. Jireh shared a bit about Pacer’s mission to serve parents and kids who face challenges associated with disabilities of all kinds – physical and emotional.   
 
Jireh Mabamba demonstrates a “magical spoon”
 
President Gary Melander introduced one of our own Club #25 members, Dodie Brown, President and CEO of True North Goodwill. Named President and CEO in 2022, Dodie Brown brings evident passion to her leadership role at True North Goodwill. Little did Rotarians know that True North Goodwill was the 10th Goodwill established in the US in 1902 by founder Rev. Edgar Helms.  True North Goodwill has 29 facilities in northern MN and WI, 11 of which are self-sustaining retail stores and what Dodie Brown described as Career Navigation Centers which help people learn and work toward meaningful and dignified lives.  We saw a video of “Michael,” a once-homeless man who, through education, training, and employment with Goodwill, is living a happy and dignified life in the Twin Ports! 
Dodie Brown, President and CEO of True North Goodwill
 
“People are central to Goodwill.” More than donation drop-off locations and retail stores, Goodwill serves people who are facing social and physical barriers that have kept them from achieving their personal potential. As one illustration, “Michael” began working at Goodwill disassembling and recycling mattresses (rather than sending them to overfilled landfills). He advanced to learn how to operate a warehouse forklift and build maintenance tasks, and now he has a role with more responsibilities.  Indeed, “Michael” is now considered one of Goodwill’s STARs (Skilled Through Alternative Routes). With broad support from donations, grants and revenue from their operations, True North Goodwill will continue to enrich lives and our community.
 
President Gary Melander with Speaker Dodie Brown
Jireh Mabamba previews auction items.
 
Club Information

Service Above Self

We meet In Person
Thursdays at 12:00 p.m.
Holiday Center Great Lakes Ballroom
200 W. 1st Street
Duluth, MN 55802
United States of America
Rotary Club of Duluth
Location: 207 W. Superior St.
                  Suite 201
                  Duluth, MN 55802
Email: club25@duluthrotary.org
Office Hours: By appointment                                 only
Upcoming Events
Speakers
Ken Buehler, Director
Mar 21, 2024 12:00 PM
North Shore Scenic Railroad
North Shore Scenic Railroad
Bob Reichert, Author
Mar 28, 2024 12:00 PM
Junior Rotarian Program
Apr 11, 2024 12:00 PM