Thursday, June 26, 2025

Lunch Buffet

Doors Open 11:30 AM

At

 

 

Each June in Rotary Clubs across the globe, Rotarians perform a time-honored tradition of passing the gavel from out-going to in-coming Club President, along with changing the slate of officers.  This is a tradition and also a responsibility, shouldered by leaders who perform “service above self” by giving back to the membership their time, and energy to ensure Club responsibilities are carried out seamlessly from one President and Board to the next.

 

We thank President Elizabeth Simonson and her board, President Elect Zach Walters, Secretary Patra Sevastiades Immediate Past President Gary Melander.

 

The 2025-2026 slate of officers taking their oath of office on Thursday, June 26 are:

President Zach Walters

            President Elect Dan Maki

            Secretary Patra Sevastiades

            Treasurer Jen Smith

            Immediate Past President Elizabeth Simonson

 

It’s important that our club members show up for every meeting.  It is also important that we bear witness to the continued seamless transition of club leadership, so Please, do your best to attend this week’s meeting and perhaps make this meeting the start of better attendance going forward.

 

From Ryan Kern:

We need help driving US NAVY BLUE ANGELS vehicles from the Duluth Airport to Monaco Air (FBO) down the runway.  We are short drivers and need about 12 more.  It should only take about 60-90 minutes to do it, but we need to make sure we have enough people.  Each person who helps will get a FREE Airshow ticket just for helping each shift. If you’re willing to do multiple shifts they will get multiple free tickets.

 We need help on: 

By Renee Burns

 

At the President’s Night Party for Elizabeth Simonson a lively gathering of Rotarians and their guests gathered at Pier B in anticipation of an intriguing and exciting evening as we shouldered the responsibility of solving a mystery, hinted at during the June 12 meeting with the breathless arrival of Inspector Clue-So (AKA Rob Hofmann) and his announcement of something afoot at Club #25.

 

Nancy Landwehr, Patra Sevastiades and Jim Landwehr toast the evening.

 

Past President Michelle Buria and Rob Hofmann (Inspector Clue-So) waiting for the show to begin.

 

Jeff Fifield chats with Elizabeth’s guests Mitch Odell, Tracey Simonson and Karen Johnson

 

Jeff Wencl, Past President and District Governor Elaine Hansen, Dan Maki (almost President Elect) Past President Sandy Hoff and Past President Michelle Buria.  That’s a LOT of Presidents folks!

               

The food was tasty, the view superb and the mystery was well, mysterious!  The night started with the sudden and dramatic death of President Elizabeth Simonson, who very helpfully died upon a well-placed tarp, and was somewhat unceremoniously dragged from the room by helpers (and later suspects) President Elect Zach Walters, Jeff Fifield and Jon Ohman.

 

WATCH NOW!

 

Earlier in the evening we heard a loud argument between President ”No, NOT another Auction Committee!” Elizabeth Simonson and President Elect “Itchy Fingers” Zach Walters about who wouldn’t give up the gavel, and who wanted it too soon?  A clue?  We also learned, complements of a hot mic, that Jeff Fifield was very upset that Elizabeth didn’t speak into the mic and he was blamed for poor audio quality!  Another clue?

 

Upon Elizabeth’s death and subsequent dragging out the door, Past President Chana Stocke leapt from her chair to accuse, gasp, Zach of being the murderer!  We all overheard the argument she shouted; we know that he wants to be President as soon as possible so he can ring the BELL!

Zach refuted the accusation, he knows he is assuming power soon, why kill her now he asked?  But he claimed, I know who did it, Past President and District Governor Elaine Hansen did it!  She has always been resentful of Elizabeth’s height, and she does NOT have to stand on a stool to see over the podium, she did it!  What!  I did NOT do it Elaine stated.  I am now District Governor, and I have made a proclamation that ALL podiums in the district be lowered so I can see over them, why would I kill her.  However, I know who did, we all heard the hot mic earlier, Jeff Fifield did it!  He wanted to kill Elizabeth for not speaking clearly into the microphone!

What Jeff exclaimed, I did not do it!  I have solved the problem, I plan to stick the microphone right at her mouth so people can hear her and stop blaming me for the audio problems.  BUT, I know who did it!  Jon Ohman did it!  He tried to bribe Elizabeth to draw his number in the

50/50 so HE could be a winner like Past President Gary Melander, but she wouldn’t be bribed, Jon did it!  I did not Jon exclaimed!  Her year was almost over and with Zach as President I knew I could bribe him!  I didn’t do it.

 

After a head spinning tennis match of swiveling heads and conflicting accusations Inspector Clue-So, who was swilling heavily from a bottle of scotch, announced a break in the action.  Enough!  I need to take a break to examine the clues and conduct a line up.

 

Everyone, line up and let the guests made a decision as to who the killer is Clue-So said.  Grudgingly the suspects lined up and let the guests decide with applause who the murderer is.  The applause was close, who done it??

 

STOP a mysterious woman shouted from the back of the room, enough!  She strode through the crowd removing her disguise, a sombrero, full length mink coat and Groucho moustache and glasses (no one noticed her she blended in so well) to reveal her identity.

President Elizabeth Simonson!  She’s not dead! (much to the dismay of all the suspects).       The room was abuzz with confusion and consternation.

 

I am not dead proclaimed Elizabeth! (a somewhat obvious statement).  I am SO tired of working on the Auction Committee, it’s been 20-years of work, stress and worry, I couldn’t take it anymore.  I was so desperate to get off the committee I faked my own death. 

 

 

The crowd roared with applause and appreciation of the Murder Most Fowl Foul and the talented cast and crew who took their bows.

 

THE END?

 

The Mystery Woman, no one noticed her in the costume because she didn’t stand out at all!

 

Past President Barb Perrella showing off the body outline

 

President Elect Zach Walters and our newest Rotarian, Brandon Zumwalt

 

Rob Hofmann and Past Presidents Chana Stocke and Barb Perrella, getting ready to solve the murder.  Or just have fun and heckle the actors, it’s a toss-up.

 

 

Dear fellow Rotarians,

It has been a tremendous honor to serve as your President this year. Thank you for giving me this opportunity.

 

I would also like to thank everyone who stepped up in one way or another this year, whether it was planning the programs and bringing great speakers, helping with club service, volunteering for community service projects, serving on the board, serving on committees, taking part in the strategic planning, bringing new members, attending meetings, attending the auction, and so much more - you are the very reason we are Rotary Club of Duluth! 

 

And here’s a huge shout-out to the committee who put on this past week’s President’s Night and to all who attended. It was amazing and I had an absolute blast!  Bravo to Renee, Chana, Rob, Zach, Jeff, Elaine, Jon and Barb. Who knew we had such talent? I don’t know about you, but I’ve been getting requests all week! Thank you, Jerry, for being there to capture the evening on video.
 

I know President Elect Zach is going to do a fantastic job and I look forward to seeing how we all continue to grow in SERVICE ABOVE SELF.

 

With utmost gratitude and respect,

Elizabeth Simonson, President