October 5, 2023

For Those Attending in Person

Buffet

(Zoom Meeting Opens at 11:45)

(Link Sent Thursday Morning)

At

 

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With the ring of the Rotary bell, President Gary Melander called the attention of Rotarians and guests and welcomed all. Greg Hansen's Reflection reminded Rotarians of our focus both internationally and locally. Internationally, we have partnered with all of Rotary to eradicate polio and build clinics. Locally, we address youth facing mental health crises, light Enger Tower, install fencing around soccer fields, and provide bicycles for youth. Our local focus makes our community a better place. Our global focus brings hope to the world. It is what we do. We are Rotarians. We are Rotary.

 

 

After introducing our guests, President Gary Melander invited members to come forward, kick the Golden Can and self-report. The first in line was Jeff Wencel who was in full uniform as he was to graduate from Naval War College in a few short hours (after a quick haircut to be sure he met protocol). President Elect Elizabeth Simonson's son Tom was inducted into CSS baseball Hall of Fame. Jack Seiler was on local TV stations promoting “The Great Jewish American Songbook” performance at Temple Israel on October 15. Adding $40 to the Golden Can Doug Erickson shared that he and Club #25 member Nancy Erickson celebrated their 40^th wedding anniversary.

 

      Jeff Wencel in full uniform

President Elect Elizabeth Simonson's

Congratulations to Doug Erickson and Nancy Erickson on 40 years of marriage!!

 

Next week begins this school year's Junior Rotarian program. Rob Hofmann knows that the students will be welcomed and engaged in conversations with club members. However, we need liaisons for Proctor and Hermantown schools. If you are willing to assist, please email Rob Hofmann.

 

There is still time to sell Roses, Roses, and Roses. Past-President Barb Perrella encouraged the use of rotaryroses.com to assist in sales. Also, there are open slots on the Rose Distribution Schedule for October 13 and 14. Please contact Barb if you can assist for a few hours.

 

Past-President Barb Perrella

 

The Rose Sale funds result in financial assistance to organizations such as Northern Expressions Art Collective. Grants Chair Jack Seiler presented Patrick Weber with a $1500 check to use as they use art to bring families together. The city has requested they expand their program into other neighborhoods. The funds will be used to develop the art program in Eastern Hillside, Lincoln Park, Spirit Valley and Morgan Park.

 

 

             Grants Committee Chari, Jack Seiler

Patrick Weber of Northern Expressions Art Collective

 

Jerry Pelofske introduced Katherine from Lutheran Social Services who thanked Club 25 for the funds for Bethany Crisis Center in Morgan Park. The funds are used so their youth can participate in activities such as a trip to the zoo or aquarium or to spend time fishing. She noted the excitement of kids catching their first fish. Thank you for helping bring those smiles and making memories.

 

Save the Date: Twin Ports Paul Harris Dinner will be Wednesday, October 25 at 5:30 pm in the Greysolon Ballroom. The Keynote Speaker will be Dick Bearsdley.

 

Today's speaker Kate Ferguson, is the Director of Trade and Business Development at the Duluth Seaway Port Authority. Duluth is the furthest inland freshwater port in the world and is the headwater for the waterway system that includes 16 locks and dams, which allows ships to travel between the Atlantic Ocean and the mid-continent as well as to ports on the Great Lakes. The ocean-going shipping season is 9.5 months long, while the inter-lake season runs just over 10 months, with the Soo Locks opening on March 25 and closing on January 15. The closure time is not wasted but used for maintenance and repair to the locks. This system allows more than 35 million tons of cargo to move through the Duluth port each year making it the #1 port by tonnage and volume on the Great Lakes and among the top 20 ports in the US. The primary cargo shipped on the 900 vessels each year consists of natural resources from the region, either grown or mined (such as iron ore, coal, limestone or grain) or containerized cargoes.

Today's speaker Kate Ferguson

 

The Port of Duluth is served by four Class 1 railways which is two-thirds of the largest railroads in the continent. There are 20 privately owned docks and warehouses around the harbor, plus the Clure Intermodel Terminal. That terminal allows for shipping between Duluth and Antwerp, Belgium, which serves as a main shipping hub for Europe. The activity in the Port reflects the $6 trillion economy of this region of North America and ranks as the third largest GDP in the world. The Port also employs almost 8000 people making it a large economic contributor to our area.

 

Thank you for sharing with us Kate. I know I will view the ships in the harbor and at the terminals differently and with renewed interest in the future.

 

ROTARY CLUB OF DULUTH FOUNDATION

By: Dean Casperson

 

The Rotary Club of Duluth Foundation (Your Local Club Foundation) recently updated its governance documents to allow for more streamlined Board Membership and Officer Transitions. The Board also made a grant to support the construction of the Bethany Crisis Center to support homeless children. The grant was funded by earnings from the last two years and an anonymous gift.

 

The Rotary Club of Duluth established its own foundation in 1991 to serve the community needs of Duluth. The Rotary Club of Duluth Foundation serves no other purpose than those that have been endorsed by the Rotary Club of Duluth Board of Directors.

 

In 1998, the name of the Foundation was changed to honor Past President and Past District Governor Wes Westmoreland. After 20 years, the Foundation leadership assessed the connection to the Club and realized that the name was an insufficient connection to the Club. At the time, we were well short of our endowment goal of $200,000. In response to this challenge, an expanded Foundation Board was created with interlocking directors with the Rotary Club. A re-evaluation was made of the Foundation’s image and purpose.

 

The Foundation exists to further the projects and goals of the Rotary Club of Duluth. The decision was made to return to its original name: “The Rotary Club of Duluth Foundation.” To continue to honor Wes Westmoreland, Past President and Past District Governor, the endowment fund was named the “Westmoreland Fund,” Donor recognition for cumulative giving of $1,000 or more would be a “Westmoreland Pin.”

 

Our model is one of the largest and most successful foundations in the world. All Rotarians know the connection between Rotary International and “The Rotary Foundation.” It is our goal to emulate that culture within our Club. The mission statement of your foundation is: “The Rotary Club of Duluth Foundation will provide a vehicle for Rotarians and others to extend the tradition of SERVICE ABOVE SELF, with funding of local community projects, including local charitable and humanitarian causes.”

 

To execute our mission, the Foundation distributes grants from two funds.

 

The Community Fund holds funds designated by the donor for specific purposes. These funds are typically short term and the funds are used for the purposes specified. Examples include donations made in lieu of selling Roses, or contributions made toward the Food Drive. Scholarships are a part of the Community Fund awarded by the Foundation Scholarship Committee.

 

The Westmoreland Endowment Fund consists of unrestricted funds donated by individuals or other entities. This fund is considered a permanent endowment and only past earnings can be considered for distribution.