Volume 112 #15
 

Rotary Club #25 joins with Twin Ports Clubs as part of Rotary's World's Largest Polio Walk.

Wade Stadium

101 N 35th Ave. W
Duluth, MN 55807

 

Annual Paul Harris / Rotary Foundation Dinner

November 4, 2026
5:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Kitchi Gammi Club

8310 E Superior St

 

 

Second Harvest Northland (2302 Commonwealth Avenue Duluth MN 55808)

Wednesday, November 11th from 1pm to 3pm

We have 5 spots reserved for our group.

Please RSVP to Allison Hanig Landrus at ahanigla@amfam.com.

It's always different what we are doing when we volunteer here, but it all helps ending hunger in our community.

 

1)  Rotary-Life House Thanksgiving Dinner:  Tuesday, November 24

2) Boys and Girls Club Decorate The Tree:    Tuesday December 1

3) Rotary-Life House Holiday Dinner:  Tuesday, December 15

Thanks, Dan and Karen Dock

 

By Tacitus

 

With a full swing at the bell, President Dan Maki got our attention to bring the gathering to order.  Past President Al Makynen provided the Rotary Reflection on the benefits of being an active Rotary member.  Service above self is our definition of servant leadership and with a focus on others we are less likely to feel drained of energy or have the feeling that nothing matters.  Rotary offers purpose, structure, resources, and a model to serve and to make a difference.

 

President Dan Maki took a full swing with the gavel to bring the crowd to order

 

Past President Al Makynen delivering an ultra-short Rotary Reflection on Service Above Self

 

The Golden Can was the recipient of serval fines.  The first was a work zone fine paid by Rob Hofmann for his role as Executive Producer of a documentary film by Ian Grant on the sinking of the Edmund Fitzgerald to aired in November on PBS by Culture Quest. Past President Al Makynen just returned from his 50^th class reunion at Concordia College; Moorhead.  He placed a $500 check made payable to the Rotary Club of Duluth Foundation Scholarship Fund!

 

Past President Dean Casperson as Chair of the Scholarship Committee with the Rotary Club of Duluth Foundation announced a campaign to inject $15,000 (or more) into the Scholarship Fund.  Up to $5,000 in donations will be matched $2 for $1; first by the Club Foundation itself and second by an anonymous club member. The scholarships are for Duluth area students which have a focus on Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (STEM) who are attending a vocational school.

 

Past President Dean Casperson raising funds for the Rotary Club of Duluth Foundation Scholarship Fund

 

There is a new fundraiser in town replacing our Rotary Rose Sale.  Angel Saczko and Past President Zach Walters got up to tell us all about it.  After 40 years of selling roses, we have added a twist to a tried-and-true method of raising money for community grants.  We have combined two elements into one event.  “The Big 50-50 Cash Raffle” is been combined with our Holiday Gathering on December 16^th at Pier B where the winner of the First, Second, and Third Place Prize will be announced.  Each member will be given five(5) $100 tickets to either by or sell.  (Their choice!)  First Place will receive $35% ($12,500 max); Second Place will receive 10% ($5,000 max); with Third Place receiving 5% ($2,500 max).  Only 250 tickets have been printed.  The event at Pier B will include a Hors d’oeuvre, a cash bar, and music. Past President Sandy Hoff has arranged for a world class holiday light display.

 

Angel Saczko and Past President Zach Walters making sure we all understood the “The Big 50-50 Raffle”

 

Our speaker for the day, by some accounts needed, no introduction.  But true to form, Past President Sandy Hoff made absolutely sure we knew the quality of the person who was coming up to speak.  A person who got things done.  An executive, a CPA, and a Minnesota State Commissioner.  A person who, when introduced, needed but one name as in: Cher, Oprah, or Dolly. Our very own, very recent, Past District Governor Elaine Hansen was here to describe to us a Vision of Rotary.  There is no Rotary International without Clubs.  There is no Club without members.  Without you there is no Rotary.  Rotary is not a pollical organization.  Rotary is not a charity.  Rotary is not a religions organization.  Rotary works to remove barriers, unite for good, and provide a lasting impact.  Uniting with other organizations and or uniting with other Rotary Clubs is one strategy to make these things happen. 

 

The Duluth Rotary Club has an 115-year legacy which includes hosting the first International Convention, sponsoring multiple area clubs, and helping to design the Rotary Wheel as it appears today.  The question is what do you want your club to be going forward.  What actions are required to make that vision a reality.  To get where you want to go, and to know if you have arrived, a plan is required. The average Rotary Club has 35 members.  With 65 members the Rotary Club of Duluth is a large club.  With our history and size, we have a responsibility to lead.  The options and features of how we operate our club are almost without limit.  It is up to us to figure out how to have the most fun possible, make a difference, and strengthen being a vibrant Rotary Club.

 

“Elaine!”

Past District Governor Elaine Hansen describing a possible vision of Rotary

 

Ellison Crider, Past District Governor District 5930 of Texas, and Fay Crider

Guests of Debra Warner Past District Governor District 5580 (Not Pictured)

 

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