By Darlene Anderson

 

With a ring of the Rotary bell, President Elizabeth Simonson drew the attention of Rotarians and guests to the front of the room. After a warm welcome she was joined by Greg Hansen who shared his Reflection on “how when faced with challenges it can be so easy to say “No” or “it can't be done”. But there are many stories of those who find opportunities to succeed, to do good and to make our world a better place.”  Such is the story of today's program where a group of people created a facility and park that is making a difference in Gary New Duluth. Also, we as Rotarians make a difference in the lives of youth in our community when we sponsor a youth mental health programs and world-wide effort to eradicate polio by supporting Rotary International’s Polio Plus. These two causes are a focus of our upcoming Rotary Gala and Auction where we have the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of children here in Duluth and throughout the world.

 

Our guests for today were introduced and given a warm Rotary welcome. They included today's speaker Mark Boben, Judy Sage and soon to be Rotarian Bill Lundberg of Breakwall Digital. Welcome!

 

The announcements for the day focused on the upcoming Rotary Gala and Auction. Past-President Chana Stocke noted that more theme baskets such as Catherine Carter-Huber's “Love a Day at the Beach” are needed. If you would like to put together a basket, please let Chana know. If you need ideas, she has a whole long list of possibilities.

 

Past-President Chana Stocke sampling “Love a Day at the Beach”

 

Past-President Al Makynen noted that Tom Young is selling raffle tickets and if you purchase them before the Gala, you will receive 25% more tickets. The deadline for early purchase is May 1.  Al Makynen was then joined by Past-President Dean Casperson who reminded us that the Gala fund-raising will focus on two causes: Youth Mental Health Program and Polio Plus. The event will be at the Kitchi Gammi Club on May 8. Please register soon as there is limited seating. Invite friends and family to join us for a great evening. President Elizabeth Simonson noted that currently there are six special desserts to be auctioned but that eight is the perfect number. Contact her if you can provide your delicious treat.

 

Past-President Dean Casperson

 

District Governor-Elect Elaine Hansen introduced former Rotarian Mark Boben - who promises to rejoin Club 25 when he has completed his work with GND REC.  Mark Boben is an extraordinary example of how one person – with a vision – can make a difference and significantly impact his community. Mark grew up in Gary New Duluth and after completing college went to work for Phillips Petroleum Company. He worked around the world including 15 years in Norway and China focusing on major capital projects, government relations and quality assurance and control. It was in 2009 that he and his wife Linda returned to Duluth and wanted to make a difference. He started by enhancing the GND Veterans Memorial and reestablishing the Memorial Day ceremonies. Then he turned his focus to revitalizing and transforming site of the Gary New Duluth city park.

 

Mark Boben making a vision into a reality at GND!

 

It was in 2009 that the City of Duluth shut down the Gary New Duluth park. Thus, it fell into disrepair. Mark saw the potential that the park could have on the community - especially the youth. Thus in 2013, Mark spearheaded the formation of the GND Alliance when he invited community members to join him at Stowe Elementary School and 60 people showed up. Mark was depressed by what he considered a low turn-out, but the city representative told him that was the most they had seen at any meeting like this. Next a non-profit was begun and a phased development plan adopted. All projects were to be done using donations or donated materials and services. They began by restoring “The Shack” replacing the bathrooms, heating system, and siding. As they worked to restore the grounds the theme was that it would not be done “good enough” but rather that it was to be “really good”. So, they placed drainpipes under the soccer fields and now games can be played a short time after a rainstorm. They built community gardens with water piped in for the gardeners to use and those who bring their dogs to the dog park. The skate park was completed in 2024 and used not only by the local youth but those who travel longer distances to try it out.

 

 

Daredevils are welcome at the GND REC!

 

Today, the park calendar is filled with events for all ages, from the children to senior citizens, as it has become the family center of the Gary New Duluth community. There is the “Love to Read” program for children, summer programming staffed by the Boys and Girls Club, concerts in the park and much, much more. The GND REC is not just a park, it is the family center of the community – it’s a DESTINATION.

 

Thank you, Mark, for your vision and commitment to making a positive difference in your community. Note: perhaps the park should be a destination for one of our Rotary Club meetings in the near future.

 

President Elizabeth Simonson, speaker Mark Boben, and District Governor-Elect Elaine Hansen