Thursday, April 2, 2026

Lunch Buffet

House Salad

Baked Cheese Ravioli

Dinner Rolls

Doors Open 11:30AM

At

 

Former World Champion Boxer and Family

 

Caleb Truax was 20 when he started boxing. Fighters also typically compete in around 300 amateur fights before turning pro, and he did only 35. This all ties together in his personal mantra: “Cut no corners.” Truax started late in his career, so he didn’t have the luxury to cut corners. He had to commit to putting in the work and to outthinking his opponents. He had to take the hard route in order to be successful so late in the game.

 

Second Harvest Northland Food Packing

2302 Commonwealth Avenue

Duluth, MN 55808

 April 8, 2026, 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

 

We have an opportunity to help fight hunger in our area! Our Rotary Club has partnered with Second Harvest Northland to assist them in their mission to create a hunger-free Northland at their new facility in West Duluth.

For more information about Second Harvest Northland visit: https://secondharvestnorthland.org/

Or Contact :Daniel Maki

 

 

 

April 9 will be the final Sock Collection Day, remember to bring new socks to provide to those in need.

 

Fill the SOCK BOX!!

 

 

 

May 7, 2026, at 5:00 PM

Kitchi Gammi Club
831 East Superior Street
Duluth, MN 55802

Break out the bold hats, seersucker suits, and Southern charm--it's time for the most exciting night in philanthropy! Join Rotary Club 25 for an unforgettable evening inspired by the pageantry and thrill of the Kentucky Derby. Sip classic mint juleps, enjoy delicious fare, and place your winning bids in our live and silent auctions, all while cheering on great causes that make our community stronger.

It's high stakes, high style, and heartfelt giving--so pick your winner, dress to impress, and let the good times race!

 

By Renee Burns

 

The April 2 meeting was called to order by President Zach Walters and while the weather outside was cold and snowy, it was warm and full of friendship and appreciation at the Kitchi Gammi Club.

President Zach Walters opening the meeting and greeting our many guests.

 

Guests and Rotarians enjoyed the Reflection by Natalie Junk, which blended a dose of good humor with sincere appreciation for the work done by Duluth’s Police and Fire Departments.  The Reflection so resonated with our guests that Police Chief Ceynowa was overheard telling her she should do the speech at their Swearing in Ceremony.

 

This Gimlet reporter was so impressed with the Reflection that it’s posted in its entirety at the end of the Gimlet for all who missed it to enjoy and reflect upon.

 

Natalie Junk sharing an entertaining and insightful Reflection

 

Chair of the Day, Past President Al Makynen stepped to the podium to set the stage for the days meeting.  Rotary Club #25 is continuing an important community tradition of honoring a Duluth police officer and Duluth firefighter for their work in the community.  This tradition was originally established by the Duluth Jaycees and then carried on by the Kiwanis Club of Friendly Duluth.  Now the torch has been passed to our club to recognize the Duluth Police and Firefighter of the year.  He also made special recognition to Dr. Sue McLennan the past President of the Kiwanis Club who was able to attend the meeting.

 

Chair of the Day, Past President Al Makynen providing a history of the Duluth Police and Firefighter of the year awards.

 

Duluth Firefighter of the Year Lowell Austin and Deputy Fire Chief Mike Consie

 

Deputy Fire Chief Mike Consie began by recognizing Lowell Austin as the Duluth Firefighter of the Year.  This award he noted is significant because the recipient is nominated by his peers and the nomination must include a reason(s) for the nomination. 

 

Duluth Firefighter of the Year Lowell Austin

 

Lowell Austin originally hails from Jewell, Iowa, and joined the Duluth Fire Department on July 19, 2021. He enjoys climbing, hiking, camping, and spending quality time with his family. Lowell is currently assigned to the Duluth Fire Department Headquarters Station, serving on 1 Tower.

 

In addition to his duties on shift, Lowell contributes as a fire instructor, serves as a member of Minnesota Task Force 2 Urban Search and Rescue (USAR), and plays an important role in supporting and developing our newest firefighters through the Probationary Firefighter Development Program. And if you’re looking for a conversation starter, you might try asking whether Lowell is a Buckeyes or Cyclones fan – but be prepared, that question might just spark a lively debate!

 

After a hearty and well-deserved round of applause for Lowell, Duluth Police Chief came to the podium to recognize Duluth Police Officer of the Year, Luke Renier.  The Chief noted that this award is also made by peer nominations and is one of four awards the Police Department makes, the other three being for Investigator, Supervisor and Professional Staff of the Year.

 

Duluth Police Officer of the Year – Luke Renier

 

Officer Luke Renier was hired at the Duluth Police Department in November 2016. During his time, he’s been a Filed Training Officer, teaching new recruits not only the technical aspects of police work but also time management, professionalism, and the standards of DPD. Officer Renier became a member of the SWAT team in 2018, and in 2021 he became a sniper on the team, demonstrating versatility and readiness to respond to high-risk situations. Assigned to a busy patrol district, he reflects a strong sense of teamwork and commitment to the department – willingly assisting officers and stepping in wherever needed. Officer Renier has a strong work ethic, thorough investigative skills, and maintains attention to detail in his work.

 

Duluth Police Officer of the Year Luke Renier and Duluth Chief of Police Mike Ceynowa

 

President Zach Walters closed the meeting by thanking Past President Al Makynen for his efforts to continue this important community tradition and all the Duluth police and firefighters in attendance at the meeting.

 

Pictures from the Meeting:

 

Geiger Yount and our “Littlest Rotarians”

 

The Lunch Crew

 

The lovely awards

 

Award winners Duluth Police Officer Luke Renier and Duluth Firefighter Lowell Austin

 

The award winners and their teams

 

by Natalie Junk

Today we get to honor our Firefighter and Police Officer of the Year two people who wake up every day ready to handle emergencies while some of us are just trying to handle our hair in this Duluth wind, snow, ice, and summer humidity. Honestly, living here should come with a warning label: “May cause unexpected hairstyles.”

 

And truly, if bravery were measured by how quickly you can respond to chaos, these two would be gold‑medal champions… and I’d still be searching for my keys which, of course, are in my hand.

 

What moves me most isn’t just their courage, it’s their compassion. They step into moments when people are frightened, hurting, or overwhelmed, and they meet those moments with steady hands and steady hearts. They don’t just protect our community… they care for it. They see people at their most vulnerable and choose to respond with calm, kindness, and a sense of responsibility that comes from a place far deeper than duty.

 

That kind of quiet, consistent, heart‑first service is something I hold in the highest regard. It doesn’t ask for recognition. It doesn’t seek attention. It simply shows up again and again because someone needs help. And that is the essence of a servant’s heart.

 

From my short experience, it seems Duluth has always been a place where people show up for each other. I think it’s practically a requirement to live here somewhere between “help your neighbor” and “pretend winter builds character.” And our honorees today embody that spirit beautifully. They don’t ask for applause. They don’t look for recognition. They simply keep showing up, day after day, because someone needs them.

 

As someone who tries to lead with a servant’s heart, I’m especially touched by that. Their example reminds us that service doesn’t have to be dramatic to be meaningful. Sometimes it’s just choosing to show up with kindness, courage, and a willingness to help even when the situation is messy, unpredictable, or, in Duluth’s case, covered in ice.

 

So today, let’s celebrate them, thank them, and maybe let their example soften us a little. If they can face burning buildings and unpredictable situations with grace, surely, we can face our week with a bit more patience, compassion, and maybe even a smile. Duluth is better because of them and because they remind us that the strongest communities are built not by the loudest voices, but by the kindest hearts.