November 9, 2023

For Those Attending in Person

Salad Buffet

(Zoom Meeting Opens at 11:45)

(Link Sent Thursday Morning)

At

 

 

Foster mom Therese Gruba was born in St. Cloud, MN and is UMD alumni with a BFA in theater. Therese serves as Director of  New Hope For Families. Mission: To create a community of support for all adoptive and foster children and families, and inspire and empower the Church to do the same.

 

By Traci Marciniak

 

President Gary Melander called meeting to order and led the Rotarians present in singing the “Star Spangled Banner” accompanied by Past President John Baumgartner on piano. Members recited the Rotary Four-Way Test of the things we say, do, and believe.

 

President Gary Melander

 

 

Past Assistant Governor Phil Strom offered the day’s Reflection and brought members back to the Halloween Blizzard of 1991. Light snow began on October 31 and the proceeds to snow non-stop for the next four days. Rotarians and most Minnesotans love to talk about the weather and our experiences with major snow falls. We are proud of our bona fides, and we want others to be impressed as well!

 

Have a spare shovel anyone???

 

President Gary introduced the day’s guests which included: New Member Patty McGaffey from Oneida Realty and Zoey Leege, a guest of Matt Hunter. 

 

Jerry Pelofske encouraged members to consider a gift to the Rotary Foundation to support scholarships for youth in our community. He also reminded members to sign up for Salvation Army bell ringing.

 

Membership Chair Zack Walters introduced new member Patty McGaffey.

 

New Member Patty McGaffey

 

Rob Hofmann brought November’s Junior Rotarians to podium to introduce themselves.

 

November’s Junior Rotarians! Get to know them!!

 

 

 

Rob Hofmann visited the Battersea Rotary Club on a recent trip to London. Battersea is a small club and was pleased to participate in a banner exchange with Duluth’s Club #25.

 

(L to R) John Hallmark,

President: Rotary Club of Battersea Park (London) with Rob Hofmann

 

Oh boy, another banner!

 

President and Chair of the Day, Gary Melander, introduced new member John Magnus, Superintendent of Duluth Public School, District #709. John has been the superintendent for four years, after a long history of teaching and work as a principal. John’s childhood helped to shape his passion for education and helping kids be the best they can be.

President and Chair of the Day, Gary Melander and John Magnus

 

John shared information about the upcoming referendum. Resources that were put into place during the Covid pandemic have helped the district greatly. Those supports are slated to be cut moving forward, so that makes this referendum very important.

 

There are two questions on the upcoming referendum, which pertain to:

 

There is a tax increase involved with answering yes to either or both questions. Visit www.futureforward709.org to see the impact of the tax increase on your property.

 

Members were reminded the November 16 and December 7 meetings will take place at the Kitchi Gammi Club.

 

President Gary drew the 50/50 ticket which belonged to Jim Schwartz!

----

 

 

 

Club 25 was represented well at our District’s 2023 Paul Harris Dinner, honoring the 2019-23 achievements of Rotary District 5508. This is the first year since the pandemic that the dinner was able to be held in person, so clubs presented their multi-year achievements at their display tables.

 

 

Past President Elaine Hansen presented some impressive numbers for Club 25 grants, including:

 

• $89,200 to Youth Mental Health Boys and Girls Club LSS Bethany Crisis Center.

 

• $58,540 to Community Youth Services Life House Bob's Bikes Chester Bowl

 

• Improvement Club Damiano of Duluth Denfeld Robotics Center for Women and Children First Witness Great Lakes Aquarium Bus Program Kid's Closet and Others

 

Club 25 was recognized for their substantial contributions to Rotary International Polio Plus, with the award presented to President Gary Melander.

 

Dick Beardsley was the keynote speaker.

Past President Michelle Buria is looking just ducky!