Thursday March 30th, 2023

For Those Attending in Person

Buffet Lunch

(Zoom Meeting Opens at 11:45)

(Link Sent Thursday Morning)

At

 

Dr. Carol Anway  

Physicist

What will Climate Change mean for the Twin Ports in the next thirty years?  Join us as we hear Dr. Carol Anway speak about changes to our winter and summer seasons, loss of some of our favorite fish stock, and more invasive species in our woods. Some changes are annoying, some deadly, and yet - some are true opportunities.

Chair of the day - Dr. Allen Anway

 

By Traci Marciniak

 

After some scrambling on the part of the Holiday Inn staff to create a meeting space for members of Club #25, President Barb Perrella called the meeting to order. Club members recited the Pledge of Allegiance and the Rotary 4-Way Test of the things we think, say, and do.

 

Past Assistant Governor Al Makynen

 

Past Assistant Governor Al Makynen offered the day’s reflection, as well as reminded club members about the upcoming Rotary Club #25 Dinner and Auction held at Marshall School. Scheduled for Thursday, May 4, the dinner and auction is the second-largest fundraiser for the Club, so please sign up to attend. Guests are welcome so bring your friends, family, and maybe a neighbor or two – and your favorite adult beverage.

 

There are still openings for the upcoming Camp RYLA. Rob Hofmann encouraged members to suggest Camp RYLA to ALL Junior and Senior high school students they know, as the experience can be life-changing for students who participate.

 

President-elect Gary Melander

 

Chair of the Day, President-elect Gary Melander, introduced Club #25’s own Vinod Gupta as the day’s speaker. Vinod has been a long-time resident of the area and prior to his retirement, was employed at Sappi in Cloquet, Minnesota.

 

Vinod Gupta with Past Assistant Governor Phil Strom

 

Seven years ago, Vinod set out on an adventure of a lifetime—a hiking journey to Mount Everest Base Camp in Nepal. Vinod asked about a dozen of his friends to join him on this epic adventure—unfortunately, none had the spirit and intention Vinod possessed, so he was matched with a group of strangers for the trek. Vinod’s small hiking group included adventurers aged 20 to early 30’s from around the world, primarily in Australia. Vinod likes to point out he was the only 70-year-old “Yankee” in the group and easily kept up with his younger groupmates.

 

 

At an elevation of 17,600, Everest Base Camp is the pinnacle of many hikers’ dreams with incredible vistas of jagged mountain peaks. Conditioning and preparation are required to safely make the trek. Vinod trained for his 6-day adventure by hiking up and down Spirit Mountain four times, each time he was there. Not much can be done in advance to acclimatize to the extreme elevation changes, so the first two days of the journey are structured to condition hikers to avoid elevation sickness.

 

The journey to get to Nepal for the hike is an experience, in and of itself. Multiple flights taking many hours are part of the epic adventure. All the way from the United States to Kathmandu, Nepal, and ultimately on to Lukla, Nepal to begin the hike takes a significant level of grit and energy. Hiking to an elevation of more than 17,000 feet is likely easier and more comfortable than flying for 20+ hours in coach class.

 

The 50/50 pot was won by Zack Walters.

 

Hey Rotarians!  Become a part of Club 25’s glorious history!! Join the team of fellow Club #25 Rotarians who write the Gimlet each week. Not sure how we make magic week after week?  We will coach you.  Not sure you have the time? We rotate assigned dates so you will write about once every 5 weeks. It’s a lot of fun and a fantastic way of serving your fellow Rotarians.  See or email Rob Hofmann, Gimlet Editor for more info!

 

Dave Fulda and Jon Ohman – your 50/50 friends

 

President-elect Gary Melander with new member Reid Sheldahl