August 31, 2023

For Those Attending in Person

Buffet

(Zoom Meeting Opens at 11:45)

(Link Sent Thursday Morning)

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This 2023 season marks the 20^th Anniversary of Bentleyville “Tour of Lights”, the past 15 years of which have been right here in Bayfront Festival Park. The first 5 years were at Mr. Bentley’s homes in Esko and Cloquet, MN. On average 280,000 – 300,000 people stroll through the whimsical light display each year with Santa Claus giving out up to 30,000 new knit hats to children 10 years old and younger.

 

By Traci Marciniak

 

Members of Rotary Club #25 meet in the Lyric Room of the Downtown Holiday Inn. President Gary Melander called the meeting to order, and the club members sang “America the Beautiful” and recited the Rotary Four-way Test of the things we do, say, and feel.

 

Club #25 members sing America the Beautiful

 

Past President Branden Robinson shared the day’s reflection, beautifully articulating the differences between a house and a home.

 

Past President Branden Robinson

 

President Gary introduced guests Deirdre Schlunegger, the day’s speaker; as well as Dodie Brown, Executive Director of True North Goodwill, guest of Traci Marciniak and potential new member.

 

(L to R) Guest and prospective member Dodie Brown and speaker Deirdre Schlunegger

 

Past Assistant Governor Tricia Bunten self-reported that this will be her final meeting as she and her husband have officially retired (well, kind of, since Tricia has agreed to continue working remotely and part-time until her replacement is hired) and will be sailing the world once the construction of their new sailboat is complete and is deemed seaworthy.  Corey Collier self-reported that he tied the knot over the weekend and is now a happy newlywed. Congratulations Corey!

 

Fair Winds and Calm Seas, Past Assistant Governor Tricia Bunten!

 

Past Assistant Governor Tricia Bunten receives a gift of gratitude for her decades-long service from President Elect Elizabeth Simonson

 

President Gary introduced Deirdre Schlunegger from the Western Lake Superior Habitat for Humanity. Deirdre joined the organization recently as Executive Director after serving in a variety of non-profit roles throughout the country. The organization had been on a bit of a hiatus during the pandemic and is now focused on increasing its activity and opportunities to offer housing to families within St. Louis, Carlton, and Lake Counties in 2023 and beyond.

 

Currently, the organization is focused on raising funds and constructing a modular home in Floodwood for a local family. In addition to the construction of new residences for families, the Habitat organization serving our region is focused on home adaptations to allow residents to age in place in their homes.

 

The Habitat for Humanity organization is heavily volunteer-driven and is always looking for skilled volunteers to help with new construction and home remodeling. Deirdre also encouraged Rotarians to reach out if they are interested in serving on the Habitat for Humanity Board of Directors.

 

Speaker Deirdre Schlunegger selected the winning 50/50 ticket with Past President John Baumgarten “winning” the pot.

 

Jon Ohman bids all Welcome to Club #25

 

 

Geiger Yount seeking volunteers for the 2023 Lake Superior Harvest Festival  on Saturday, September 9th

 

Rob Hofmann seeks volunteers for Duluth Playhouse performance of Mel Brook’s musical Young Frankenstein   

Sign up to usher for Young Frankenstein Community Night on Wednesday, September 13th.