February 16, 2023

For Those Attending in Person

Plated Meal

(Zoom Meeting Opens at 11:45)

(Link Sent Thursday Morning)

At

 

 

Rachel joined APEX in September 2022 and leads the organization as President and CEO. Throughout her career, she’s cultivated strong community relationships and advocated for industrial projects that support job growth, career development and economic investment throughout the region. At APEX, she works to drive investment in our region, bringing citizens and companies together to prosper. She will share the APEX initiatives for the New Year.

Chair of the Day Sandy Hoff

 

By Patra Sevastiades

 

It was early Thursday evening at the Kitchi Gammi Club. The light of the setting sun was still visible through the windows as Rotarians arrived, shed their coats in the coat rooms, and entered the warm comfortable room. They gathered for Club 25’s Fireside Chat. This annual opportunity to acquaint new members with our Club’s activities began with small plates filled with delicious appetizers and glasses brimming with a selection of beverages.

 

Rotarians are never shy to have a conversation

 

Stories were shared, smiles exchanged. Alas, there was no fire in a fireplace, but from the contented looks on people’s faces and the laughter in the room, it did not matter.

 

Stacy Oltmanns, happy to be among friends

 

All heads turned and people took their seats when Past President Elaine Hansen took the podium as emcee and began the formal part of the evening.

 

She welcomed everyone, particularly the two new members in attendance, Reid Scheldahl and Jeff Wencl. (New member Nancy Erickson, in far-off Idaho with husband Doug Erickson, was unable to join us, but she was remembered. Another Reid—Justin Reid!—was unable to join us, but he too, is a valuable new member of Club 25.)

 

Past President Elaine Hansen also reminded everyone of the deep roots of Rotary in Duluth. She noted that we are Club 25 because we were the 25^th Rotary club established in the world. Another point of pride: the very first Women’s Rotary Club was established in Duluth in 1917. While it did not last, it was a trailblazing endeavor worthy of our city.

 

Next to the podium was Past Assistant Governor Al Makynen, who recalled some Rotary history highlights, including the remarkable fact that Rotary International earned a place as part of the United Nations decades ago, which it continues to hold!

 

Past Assistant Governor Al Makynen speaks with Past President Dean Casperson

 

Past Assistant Governor Phil Strom spoke about two foundations in which Club 25 members can invest: the Rotary International Foundation, started in 1917 with a gift of $26.50, and the Rotary Club of Duluth Foundation, which has assets of $330,000 and funds local causes, from children’s mental health to college scholarships, and much more.

 

Finally, Past President Dean Casperson shared the Club’s four annual fundraisers and the Club’s many committees (that do so much of the heavy lifting), and he encouraged all members to participate. He noted that it was on a trip to Mexico to build a girl’s school as part of the International Committee that he truly became a Rotarian.

 

Past President Elaine Hansen thanked everyone for attending, and a group photo of the attractive gathering was taken.

 

Rotarians of Club 25

 

Overheard before the Fireside Chat: President Barb Perrella and President-Elect Gary Melander were unable to attend for respective health reasons, but the group sent them good wishes.

 

Traci Marciniak sharing fellowship with Vinod Gupta

Gimlet reporter Patra Sevastiades with Past President John Baumgarten

Past Assistant Governor Al Makynen breaking bread with Renee Mattson

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Jerry Pelofske, secretary of the Rotary Club of Duluth Foundation, presents a check to Lake Superior College student Vang P. Thao, the first recipient of the newly established Rotary Club of Duluth Foundation Scholarship, on February 2, 2023.

 

Jerry Pelofske with Vang P. Thao