President Tricia Bunten called the meeting to order in the packed Lyric Conference Center and welcomed Rotarians and guests on a sunny fall day. New member and gifted musician Bob Kase led the group in a rousing version of the “Star Spangled Banner”, and Dan Mundt led the invocation. Dan's word for the day was “plan” which is the first step in success followed by the need to exhibit “Service Above Self”.

Jena Evans then began the fellowship report by introducing one visiting Rotarian and several guests. She fined Steve Burgess for his article on planning for retirement in the business section of the DNT on Monday. Mark Peterson voluntarily paid the work zone fine, as well. Elaine Hansen was quoted on federal tax reform in the DNT weekly “Business Memo”. Jena self -reported that she was seen on Fox 21 news at the Lake Superior Zoo attending its annual Uncorked and Untapped event. Jim Grant proudly paid for his son receiving an “Outstanding Alumni” award from Gustavus Adolphus College. Dave Fulda self reported that his Johnson Carpet One was voted “number one” in Duluth by readers of the DNT. He also recognized father-in-law Dale Johnson, company founder, who graciously paid a work zone fine. As a DSSO supporter, Dave paid a $20 fine in recognition of his admiration for Maestro Dirk Meyer. Jena then asked that we show our own support for the DSSO by having Rotarians tell of their favorite DSSO experience and then, of course, contribute to the Golden Can. A number of people came forward and praised the orchestra and its conductor Dirk Meyer. Bob Kase’s favorite DSSO memory:  as a 13 year old, Bob was one of three winners of a young artist solo competition. He performed “Variation on a Theme” by J.B. Arban, for which this young coronet player received a standing ovation.

Tricia then called on Ben and Martez from Woodland Hills who both very articulately stated that they had learned the importance of not throwing away future opportunities for short term benefits. Next, Carlos Neto, our Youth Exchange Student from Brazil, introduced himself as a student at East High School who loves playing soccer. This elicited smiles since Pele, once the world’s greatest soccer player, also hails from Brazil.

Past President Branden Robinson introduced Dirk Meyer, the music director of the Duluth Superior Symphony Orchestra since 2013. Dirk is also music director for the Augusta, Georgia Symphony and The Lyric Opera of the North. He also served and performed for a number of symphony orchestras in Canada, Europe and Africa.

In an enthusiastic presentation featuring photos, video and sound, Dirk described the eleven concerts in the 2017 - 2018 season. The three Pops Concerts are designed with families in mind: “White Christmas” December 2, “Purple Rain" December 31, and “Green- Green Grass of Home” March 17. The eight Masterworks Concerts will feature world class composers and artists from classical times to the present, including Tchaikovsky, Mozart, Schumann, Mendelssohn, Brahms, Sibelius, Beethoven, Grieg and Bernstein. Familiar names mentioned were Erin Aldrich, Gaelynn Lea and Peter Serkin. As we all know, Duluth is fortunate to have the DSSO as one of our most important assets, a great addition to our quality of life.