December 21, 2023

For Those Attending in Person

Lunch Buffet

(Zoom Meeting Opens at 11:45)

(Link Sent Thursday Morning)

At

 

Leanne Weber, Program Director and Patrick Weber, Artistic Director

Northern Expressions Arts Collective

At the heart of any community are families. What makes a family strong?

Northern Expressions Arts Collective (https://www.northexp.org/) believes that strong families make strong communities, and those communities are made even stronger when families get to know each other. Their vision is to support families of all shapes and sizes and connect them with other families within our diverse community through play, using the arts – visual, culinary, expressive, or STEAM projects – as their primary medium. There is no cost to attend their programs unless noted, but donations are always welcome.

Come see the difference that the arts are making for families in Duluth!

 

By Patra Sevastiades

 

Last week, Rotarians streamed into the Kitchi Gammi Club and hung up coats and jackets—no knit caps or parkas, it just wasn’t cold enough!—and heard the tinkling of the piano keys and “Fa la la la la la la la la!” down the hallway. When they came around the corner, they saw Past President Elaine Hansen standing at the entrance of a festively decorated Cocktail Lounge. Smiling, she welcomed each person and urged them to write their name on a slip of paper and put it into a wooden “Letters for Santa” box.

 

Club 25 Singers warm up under the guidance of Jay Ott, with Vicki Ott at piano.

Picture by Past president Dean Casperson

 

Toward the back of the room, near the windows looking out onto Lake Superior, Jay Ott was warming up the Club 25 Singers, along with his wife, Vicki Ott, at the piano. The sun was shining gloriously. The lake was blue and calm. Vicki, a piano teacher, was happy to be part of the festivities.

 

On one side of the room, a table displayed platters of various sandwiches and other heavy hors d’oeuvres. On the opposite side, another table held a selection of beverages. Strategically placed throughout the room, plates loaded with Christmas cookies and brownies tempted attendees.

 

Rotarians and their guests soon clustered in groups of twos, threes, and fours, happily noshing and sharing stories. People gathered around tall tables, sat on cushioned sofas and chairs, or moved from group to group. Many were clad festively in red or burgundy.

 

President Gary Melander and other Rotarians gather for a festive party in the Cocktail Lounge.

Picture by Past president Dean Casperson

 

Surrounded by so much happiness, President Gary Melander welcomed everyone, his face aglow.

 

Nine Club 25 Singers now took their places by the piano and sang Christmas carols directed by Jay Ott. He and Past President Barb Perrella performed “O Holy Night,” supported by fellow singers Renee Burns, Holly Mirau, Patra Sevastiades, President-Elect Elizabeth Simonson, Karol Sowers, Past President Chana Stocke, and Past Assistant District Governor Phil Strom. After the applause died down, President Gary Melander called everyone to attention.

 

President-Elect Elizabeth Simonson stepped forward, holding the “Letters for Santa” box. She drew the names of several lucky winners: Tim Mowbray, Alan Anway, Tom Young, and Vicki Ott each were allowed to carry off a plate of cookies or brownies.

 

Then Nancy Erickson’s name was drawn, and she received the grand prize: a holiday bag chock full of tapenade, a delectable assortment of fine cheeses, a cheese cutting board and knife, and pizzelle. Following that, Roxanna Esguerra won the next prize, a Christmas mug full of something yummy.

 

More names were drawn, and plates of cookies were carried off by winners Jerry Thoreson, Holly Mirau, Steve Hadley, and Past President Bill Gravelle. Additional winners included Past Assistant Governor Al Makynen and Zach Walters.

 

Too soon, it was time to return to life as usual. Everyone said a cheerful goodbye. It had been a wonderful event.

 

Overheard after the meeting: Jena Evans excitedly purchased her 9-year-old daughter a pair of gold sequined pants for the upcoming school holiday concert. She bought a pair for herself, too. “Mom, I’m not sure I’m going to wear them, they might be too much,” her daughter said, then added, “And Mom, please don’t wear yours to the concert.” Ah, yes—how quickly they grow up!

 

 

Salvation Army Bell Ringers

Thanks to organizer Jerry Pelofske and all who participated in the Salvation Army Bell Ringing at all Super One locations, including  Jim Schwartz, Jack Seiler, Vinod Gupta, Phil Strom, Dean Casperson, Al Makynen, Jon Ohman, Jeff Fifield, Darlene Anderson

Paul Helstrom, Jeff Fifield and grandson Hugh Fifield ring the bell for the Salvation Army at the Miller Hill Super One.