Thursday, July 30, 2026

Lunch Buffet

Judy’s Delicious Cookies

Doors Open 11:30AM

At

 

Club 25 Rotarian Jerry Thoreson will present 32 Years of Living With Bipolar

 

 

Second Harvest Northland Food Packing

2302 Commonwealth Avenue

 

 

Twin Ports Rotary Interclub Council Opportunities

 

Twin Ports Rotary Pickleball Players: Starting in September
 
We’ll organize it as a men’s & women’s mixed doubles league. We’ll play twice/month on a flexible schedule. We won’t be keeping track of wins and losses. We’re just playing for pure fun.  To sign up or for more information contact Brad Jenson (past president of Harbortown) at 218-349-7566 or bradley.jenson1956@gmailcom.

 

 

This program is based on Harvard Medical School’s Lifestyle and Wellness Coaching Program featuring “The Foundational Life Pyramid,” an evidence-based approach to exercise, nutrition, sleep, social connections, stress resilience, and substance reduction/avoidance.

 

The object for participants in this program is to add or enhance healthy habits for the sake of wellness and healthy longevity. No cost other than your time and effort. This program is for area Rotarians and their spouses/significant others. On Zoom (sessions will be recorded in case participants need to miss a session): Tuesdays from 7:00 p.m. to 8:15 p.m.. August 18 through September 29. To register or for more information: send an email to bradleyjenson1956@gmail.com or call 218-349-7566. Registration deadline: Friday, August 7.

 

By Angel Saczko

 

After a brief game of "Where's the Flag?" President Dan Maki called the meeting to order by ringing the bell. On a beautiful summer afternoon, members then recited the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by Rotary's Four-Way Test.

 

President Dan Maki

Rotarians shared the room with guests: Jan Biga - from Eco Rotary, Judy Sage - Wife of Allen Anway, Jon Olson - Today's speaker and Sheryl Homan's Cousin, Pam Olson - Jon Olson's mom and guest of Sheryl Homan

 

(L to R) Tom Homan, Sheryl Homan with Jon Olson and Pam Olson

 

The lineup for the day got a little mixed up, but it was all in good fun. President Dan Maki seemed eager to get to the 50/50 raffle early—perhaps making up for Past President Zach Walters' well-known habit of occasionally forgetting it. The good-natured mix-up drew a few laughs and kept the meeting moving along with plenty of Rotary spirit.

 

Matt Baumgartner was excited to deliver this week's reflection, noting how closely his work with the Duluth Area Chamber of Commerce aligned with the day's presentation. He spoke about service as the common thread that connects both Rotary and the military. At its core, service begins with a simple question: Who are we serving? Whether the answer is our country, our community, or those around us, the message remains the same service has the power to unite people around a common purpose.

 

Matt also reflected on the importance of servant leadership, leading by example and putting the needs of others first. By lifting others up, we strengthen our communities and inspire new opportunities to serve. His message was a reminder that communities grow stronger when individuals choose to give of themselves in service to others.

 

Steve Hadley was the lone kicker of the Golden Can, but he happily stepped up to the podium with a big smile to share some exciting family news. Steve told us how proud he was of his grandson, whose team recently captured a state championship in Florida. According to Steve, the achievement made enduring three full days of hot, humid Florida weather completely worthwhile.

 

Andy Thielen shared an update on our upcoming Rotary Exchange Student, Maria, who will be arriving from Brazil. Maria needs a place to stay from September 3–6 while her host family is away enjoying a few days of fun. Sadly, for Andy, it sounds like he wasn't included in those plans.

 

Club 25 Youth Exchange Director, Andy Thielen

If you are willing to host Maria for a few days, please reach out to Andy. It's a wonderful opportunity to help support her exchange experience and a chance to get to know an amazing young person from another part of the world.

 

Chair of the Day Sheryl Homan began by expressing her appreciation for the veterans and active service members in the room. She then shared a personal introduction to our speaker, highlighting the special connection she has with her cousin and today’s speaker, Jon Olson.

 

Chair of the Day Sheryl Homan

 

Sheryl explained that she and Jon grew up together before reconnecting later in life as adults. Even as a young boy, Jon displayed many of the characteristics that would eventually lead him to a career of military service. One story that stood out was the impact of becoming an older brother. When his younger brother was born, Jon embraced a strong sense of responsibility and protectiveness—instincts that helped shape his understanding of standing up for others and being an ally.

Those qualities continued to grow throughout his life and ultimately led him to a career dedicated to serving and protecting our nation. Sheryl's remarks offered a meaningful glimpse into Jon's character and the values that have guided his commitment to keeping America safe.

 

Chair of the Day Sheryl Homan introduced speaker Jon Olson, who presented on The China Conundrum—an overview of China's rise as a global power and the challenges and opportunities it presents on the world stage.

 

Speaker Jon Olson

Jon explained that every nation relies on several key Tools of National Power:

China has strategically expanded its influence through all three. Economically, the country has experienced dramatic growth and has become a major player in technology, artificial intelligence, manufacturing, and global trade. Diplomatically, China has worked to strengthen relationships around the world, with a particular focus on expanding its influence and limiting Taiwan's international recognition. As evidence of this effort, more world leaders have recently visited Beijing than Washington, D.C., highlighting China's growing diplomatic reach.

 

A significant part of China's strategy has been the Belt and Road Initiative, which seeks to improve trade connections across Asia, Africa, Europe, and beyond. China has also increased its global influence through partnerships and organizations such as BRICS, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, the Trans-Pacific region, and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership, all while working to secure trade routes and access to critical natural resources.

 

Despite its growth, China faces several notable challenges. Its population is declining, creating demographic concerns for its future workforce and economy. While its military capabilities continue to expand, especially in missile development and modernization efforts, it still trails the United States in several areas of military strength and experience. At the same time, tensions with Taiwan remain a major geopolitical concern as China continues to assert its desire for reunification.

 

From the American perspective, the challenge lies in keeping pace with China's rapid advancement. Jon discussed concerns that China is closing the gap in areas such as technology, artificial intelligence, manufacturing, and military capabilities, creating increasing competition between the world's two largest powers.

 

Jon concluded by encouraging everyone to think about the long-term implications of China's rise on the global stage. As economic, diplomatic, and military relationships continue to evolve, the balance of power around the world will undoubtedly be shaped by the decisions made by nations today. The presentation sparked thoughtful discussion and left Rotarians with plenty to consider about the future of international relations and America's role within it.

 

One final note from Jon: when we're all stuck indoors by either un-Minnesotan warm weather or another round of wildfire smoke, Jon has a recommendation for your reading list. Be sure to check out the Bruns-Olson series of national security thrillers, co-authored by Jon. As he described them, they're a bit like Tom Clancy—without all the boring parts. If you're looking for action, intrigue, and a timely dose of geopolitical suspense, they may be just what you need to pass the time until we're able to enjoy the outdoors again.

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