Thursday, February 19, 2026

Lunch Buffet

Doors Open 11:30AM

12:00 PM START

At

 

Walking the Camino

Dean Casperson & Patra Sevastiades recount their 6-week, 480 mile walk across Spain.

 

 

By Renee Burns

 

The February 12 meeting was called to order by President Elect Dan Maki, as President Zach Walters is still recovering from snowboarding injuries.  Wishing you good healing!

 

President Elect Dan Maki opening the meeting

 

A good crowd of Rotarians and several guests enjoyed the Reflection by Natalie Junk, which blended good humor with appreciation for the athleticism, perseverance and determination of Olympians.  She also noted that her perseverance shows in simply surviving her first Minnesota winter.  Who wants to tell her that it’s been an unusually mild one???  In closing she noted her gratitude for the camaraderie, the laughter and the way that Rotary keeps us grounded in purpose even with the topics occasionally make us question our own athletic abilities.

 

Natalie Junk sharing an entertaining and insightful Reflection

 

Past President Al Makynen kicked the Golden Can for 37 years as a member of Club #25, 12 of which have been during his retirement.

 

Past President Al Makynen

 

Past President Dean Casperson announced there is an opening on the Rotary Foundation Board, which is, in his opinion, the most fun board – EVER!  If you are interested, see Dean.  Meetings are brief and of course – FUN!

 

Past President Dean Casperson

 

The self-proclaimed “Official Wearer of Outrageous Headgear” or OWOH, Jon Ohman, announced that our annual Auction event will take place on May 7 in the Great Hall of the Kitchi Gammi Club with a Kentucky Derby theme.  Come one come all!  This is always a great time.

 

Jon Ohman sporting a sassy horse head to announce the May 7 Auction

 

The club was introduced to our newest member Angel Saczko (pronounced Sassko) by Allison Hanig-Landrus. 

 

Angel works as a financial advisor at Edward Jones. She is deeply involved in her community, passionate about plants—always ready to share tips if your greenery isn't thriving—and enjoys spreadsheets. Angel also adores animals and has a collection of pets that reflect her affection. Angel lives with her husband, Michael, in Cloquet and will be a wonderful addition to Rotary Club #25!

 

Our newest Club #25 member Angel Saczko, Allison Hanig-Landrus and President Elect Dan Maki sharing happy smiles.

 

Chair of the Day Past President Elizabeth Simonson introduced the speaker, Jimmy Denney, of “that” Denney family of skiing fame.

 

Duluth ski jumping Olympian Jimmy Denney

 

Jimmy started skiing at just two years old with his dad at Chester Bowl, where he spent many winters.  His father Jim, and Uncles Jeff and John were all members of the US Ski Team, with Jim competing in two winter Olympics games, 1976 in Innsbruck and the 1980 Olympics in Lake Placid, New York.

 

Ski jumping, which seems downright terrifying to the casual observer, was his passion and he had a great time being coached by his dad and traveling to competitions around the region.  The turning point in Jimmy’s skiing career came in 1999 at a competition at Lake Placid, where he finished fourth and was motivated to become truly serious about his ski jumping career, competing in World Juniors in Europe, where his competition circle became much larger and more intense. 

 

Jimmy was a member of the US Ski Team for the two years leading up to the 2002 Salt Lake City Olympics, where he thought he would make the US Team, but did not.  During the lead up to the 2006 Olympics held in Torino, Italy, Jimmy finished second in the domestic qualifiers and during the international competition in Sapporo, Japan, got the call that he made the 2006 US Olympic Team!  Just a few weeks later the Olympics in Torino started and Jimmy was there representing the US. 

 

His favorite memory, and there were many, was Luciano Pavarotti performing at the conclusion of the opening ceremonies, which was his final performance before retirement.

 

While Jimmy didn’t medal at the Olympics, the experience was amazing and he was truly awed being part of Team USA.

 

Ski jumping is obviously a niche sport, but there are many clubs across the US, and it’s a very popular sport in Europe.  Surprisingly, the technology hasn’t advanced much over the years. There is controversy over the stretch of the suit material across the body, and while there are very specific rules on how the suit must fit, someone is always trying to find a workaround.

 

Training and travel to events are only supported by the US Ski Team at Olympic events; other than that, it’s up to the athlete to find sponsor support for travel, training, and expenses.  Jimmy notes that he was extremely fortunate to have parents who supported and sponsored him until the age of 22.

 

Today, he no longer competes or coaches but enjoys watching the sport and reminiscing about the Olympics for appreciative, highly interested audiences like Rotary!

 

President-Elect Dan Maki thanked Jimmy for an outstanding educational program, and Rotarians gave a loud round of applause in appreciation.