Thursday June 1, 2023

For Those Attending in Person

Buffet Lunch

(Zoom Meeting Opens at 11:45)

(Link Sent Thursday Morning)

At

 

            

Bob King, aka Astro Bob

 

 

Defying Gravity? Why not!

Join us as Astro Bob describe his recent trip to Antarctica, and as he brings us up to light-speed regarding upcoming celestial events in the night sky 

 

By Darlene Anderson

 

Rotarians gathered for their weekly meeting were happily discussing the fact that it was NOT snowing. The sun was shining and it appears that spring has finally arrived in the Northland. President Barb Perrella opened the meeting with asking everyone including our guests from LOON (Lyric Opera of the North) to join her in singing “America, the Beautiful”. And it sounded so good with the extra voices.

 

Past Assistant District Governor Phil Strom focused the Reflection on Memorial Day or Decoration Day which originally honored the 51,000 soldiers, both Union and Confederate, lost fighting at the Battle of Gettysburg in the Civil War. It was in 1863 that President Lincoln attended the dedication of the Gettysburg battleground cemetery and delivered the 200 word speech that to this day applies to all American patriots who have died serving our country. Past Assistant District Governor Phil Strom then shared Lincoln's Gettysburg Address whose words still deeply move those hearing it.

 

Past Assistant District Governor Phil Strom

 

Joining us from Skyline Rotary Club, Mark Leutgeb extended an invitation to celebrate with them for Skyline Rotary Club’s 50^th Anniversary on Friday, June 2 from 11:00 am -1:00 pm at Enger Tower Park and Gardens. At noon there will be a short memorial recognition of their Founding Charter President and Past District Governor, Earl Rogers. Lots of food, refreshment and fellowship are promised.

 

June 1 and 15 will be Head Shot Mania with Jeff Fifield taking pictures of Rotarians (and their spouses if so desired). Jerry Thoreson noted that many of us no longer look like the pictures found in the Rotary Directory. Jeff Fifield will be taking photos before and after the club meeting on the 1^st and 15^th. For those who signed up, an appointment time will be emailed to you between 11-12. If you didn't sign up, Jeff will stay after the meeting to take your photo. NOTE: Jeff Fifield is also offering an additional FREE COUPLES PORTIAT! Just bring your spouse, partner or significant other to the club meeting on the 1^st or the 15^th.

 

The Port Arthur Rotary Club is holding an “Outlaw Bridge Event” on Saturday, July 1 at noon at the Grand Portage Casino. They have invited our club to join them for the celebration as the bridge project was a joint effort of both clubs. Perhaps a carpool or three Rotarians heading north for the event? District Governor Kay Biga will be attending.

 

Chair of the Day Rob Hofmann took a moment to announce that more Gimlet writers are needed. Writing for the Gimlet is an excellent way to serve Rotary! Please let him know if you could serve in this way.

 

Gimlet Editor Rob Hofmann, needs YOU to help write the Gimlet

 

Chair of the Day Rob Hofmann then introduced Sarah Lawrence who along with her husband Cal Metts are the Artistic Directors for LOON (Lyric Opera of the North). It was in 2001 that they decided to make their home in Duluth after singing in Les Uncomfortables with Colder by the Lake. Duluth has always been a community that supports opera and musical performances and they wanted to be involved. LOON has expanded and now presents 2-3 fully staged operas each year in various venues in our area. They also began “Little LOON” which involves 4 singers and a pianist traveling to elementary schools to share opera with students in grades K-5. This past year they brought Pirates of Penzance to 22 schools. Students eagerly look forward to the performance. At one school they were welcomed by students dressed in pirate attire and ready to enjoy the show. Next year they plan to bring a new presentation to 30 schools.

LOON Co-Artistic Director, Sarah Lawrence

LOON soprano Lacy Sauter

 

Upcoming Performances:  Friday, June 9 at 7:00 pm and Sunday, June 11 at 3:00 pm is the popular one-act opera Cavalleria Rusticana at UMD Marshall Performing Arts Center. Sarah introduced soprano Lacy Sauter (the new diva in town) who sang one of her solos featured in the opera. Wow!!! What a treat! And kids usually say it best “From the singer's mouth right to my heart.” Tickets for the upcoming performance can be purchased at loonopera.org. And again, another reason why so many of us chose to live in the Northland where we can enjoy productions such as this. Thank you, Sarah and Lacy.

 

Editor’s Note:   Stay tuned for a Club #25 Opera Outing planned for the Friday, June 9 performance of Cavalleria Rusticana !

 

Our guests – THANK YOU!