We Meet at Noon on Thursday

June 30, 2022

For Those Attending in Person

Buffet Lunch

(Zoom Meeting Opens at 11:45)

(Link Sent Thursday Morning)

At

Congratulations President Chana Stocke                                                         Congratulations President Elect Barb Perrella

 

 

It's that time of year again. 

We gather to thank Outgoing President Chana Stocke and express our appreciation for a great Rotary year and say "Welcome" to Incoming President Barb Perrella, as she starts her year as President of Rotary Club of Duluth #25.

 

By Steve Yorde

 

On a beautiful Duluth day, President Chana Stocke called the meeting to order with Past President and pianist extraordinaire John Baumgarten accompanying Rotarians and guests in singing America the Beautiful.  The Four-Way Test followed as a reminder of “the things we think, say and do” as Rotarians. 

 

Past President Branden Robinson asks: “Is it the truth?” 

 

North Shore Community School alum and Past President Branden Robinson’s Reflection tied back to the Four-Way Test’s first question, “is it the truth?”  Everyone is bombarded 24-7 with information, facts, opinions and commentary from all corners of the globe.  The role of education today must also enhance one’s ability to scrutinize information and determine what truth is from what is not.

 

North Shore Community School boosters were introduced, including Babs Strom, wife and life partner of Past Assistant Governor Phil Strom; Phyllis Santacrocs, Nikki Carpenter, Duluth Township’s Dave Edblom, plus President Chana Stocke’s colleagues at North Shore Bank, Brian Murphy and Tom Simonson.  Self-reports began with Past President Michelle Buria and her latest advancement at work, plus she recently authored financial publication advocating for widows with today being National Widow’s Day.

 

   

Jay Ott 

Past President Michelle Buria 

 

 Jay Ott reported on his grandson’s outstanding T-ball performance.  Gary Melander brought greetings from our club’s most senior member, Kate Molinaro, now 98 years young and still enjoying Club 25, her 33^rd year.  She joined on May 11, 1989!  President Chana Stocke attended last evening’s Rotary reception at the Great Lakes Aquarium saluting our new District Governor Kay Biga of Duluth Superior Eco Rotary.  President Chana Stocke also received a letter of thanks from Kids’ Closet for our $3,000 donation for 150 winter coats.  President-elect Barb Perrella encouraged attendance for next week’s Changing of the Guard meeting at the Holiday Inn.  President-elect Barb Perrella also encouraged us to sign-up in advance for our annual Enger Park picnic on July 7.  Box lunches will be provided.

Past Assistant Governor Phil Strom

Shelly Pierson Evans of North Shore Community School. 

 

Past Assistant Governor Phil Strom introduced today’s speaker, Shelly Pierson Evans of North Shore Community School.  Shelly has been in education for thirty years, the past four at North Shore, located on 40 acres in rural Duluth on the Ryan and Lismore roads.  Now in its 20^th year, the school is a community-based and environmentally-focused “pre-K through 6^th grade” school.  It is its own independent district, tuition-free, and open to all.  Administratively, it receives its funding based on enrollment.  No deficit spending is permitted. 

 

Historically, the school was part of the St. Louis County school district, then the Two Harbors school district.  Eventually, it was “on the chopping block” due to declining enrollments.  Today, it’s an entirely different story with the school’s enrollment at capacity, 365-370 students.  Most classrooms have 19-22 students in each.  The enrollment turnaround and today’s growth can be attributed to community engagement, a focused mission on the environment and community partnerships with Duluth Township, Wolf Ridge Environmental Learning Center, Osprey Wilds, and Affiliated Building Company. 

 

 

Parents and community members “understand the benefits and the beauty of the North Woods and the importance of educating all about our connection to the natural world”, said Shelly Pierson Evans.  There is an environmental educator on staff, the students are generally outdoors most days.  They have an orchard and a rain garden, plus a greenhouse that produces vegetables consumed in the cafeteria.  Connections with local dog mushers teach students about working together and functioning as a team.  Environmentally, the building saves money through its own “solar array” producing 30 kilowatts, rubber floors requiring no waxing/stripping and south-facing tubes in the building which collect solar energy.  As a Rotarian said later, “this school lives its mission.” 

 

 

The 50/50 drawing was won by Jack Seiler, who again generously turned over his winnings as a donation to the community school.