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It was a perfect Duluth afternoon! And in the Great Lakes Ballroom of the Holiday Inn, President Tricia Bunten rang the Rotary Bell calling us to order. We rose and proudly recited The Pledge of Allegiance and the Rotary Four Way Test. Greg Hansen delivered another thoughtful invocation – his second in as many weeks. Fellowship Reporter Jon Ohman introduced family members of recently passed Rotarian Gordon Butler; son Gordon Butler III, two daughters Nancy and Debra Butler. The Butler family was warmly welcomed with heartfelt applause. Past District Governor Earl Rogers brought his lovely wife Judy Rogers. Jon Ohman followed up with Golden Can fines to Roni Salo (in absentia) for her appointment to the St. Luke’s Foundation Board. Bill Gronseth was fined for weighing in on a new education plan proposed by the Feds. Our resident astrophysicist (and what Rotary Club can be with out one!) Marc Seigar exceeded all attendance expectations at Grandma’s Sports Garden as he played host for The Eclipse! Additional fines were levied for anyone who viewed at least 70% of this incredible phenomenon. Jon Ohman finished with a question that has been troubling his mind: “As we Rotarians learned from a past program that sea levels are rising – about 1/8 of an inch every year, how much would the ocean level rise if the oceans did not have sponges in them? “ If anyone can help him solve this conundrum – please do so! Earl Rogers eulogized Rotarian Gordon Butler. A member for 41 years, Gordon embodied Rotarian values, always ready with a smile and a can-do attitude. Earl shared a story of how Gordon volunteered to join a Rotary group that went to Russia to help build restrooms in a small community school. His eye for detail helped the team build something from nothing while creating an extended Rotary Family with the young people they served. Gordon’s career at General Electric led to advancements in radar systems that served our armed forces. He wrote a 2-volume autobiography titled Adventures of a Lifetime. Earl invited Rotarians to attend the funeral that will be 11 a.m. Monday, Aug. 28, at First United Methodist Church in Duluth. An always sunny Suzanne Anderson helped Jena Evans’ two daughters baby Lucy and Cece kick off the Rose Sale last Thursday Rotary Rose Sale Chair Matt Rosendahl took center stage to kick off the 2017 Rose Sale with the theme “Growing Rotary Rose Sale”. He asked that Rotarians commit to sell at least 10 dozen roses and to sign up for distribution on October 13th. He also shared four new initiatives for this year: 1) We can sell rose tickets in the Skywalk near the Rotary office Monday through Friday,11 am to 2 pm. Please contact Matt to sign up. 2) Matt Rosendahl and Dave McLean will be available in the lobby before every Rotary meeting to provide support and advice to help Rotarians sell. 3) A new award recognizes “Rookie of the Year” – new members and those who have not sold roses in the past to qualify for a special prize. 4) As a reminder, Rotarians are urged to write their names on ticket stubs and ask customers who purchase online to write in the name of their Rotarian salesperson so credit may be properly recorded. As in past years, Dave McLean will host a party at his home for those who sell at least 60 dozen roses. Matt Rosendahl then introduced Team Captains and teams rose to voice their comradeship. Team prizes for most sales will once again be awarded. Prizes include a gathering at Black Water, pizza at Sammy’s, and a suite at a UMD Women’s Hockey Game. President Tricia has already sold 3 dozen to new customers through her Facebook account!  President Tricia then introduced District Governor Debra Warner who was joined by her husband and fellow Rotarian Ed Warner. She began her program by sharing condolences to the Butler family. She complimented Club 25 for its work in the community and internationally, especially our generous support of Polio Plus. The work our club accomplishes touches each of the six Rotary Areas of Focus: Promoting Peace, Fighting Disease, Providing Clean Water, Saving Mothers and Children, Supporting Education, and Growing Local Economies. With more than 1.2 million Rotarians worldwide, it’s “our passion that becomes action” that leads to change. She shared an emotional account of children who were immunized when she traveled to India. As of today, only 9 cases of polio have been reported this year! In Haiti, she helped bring dental services to children who received their first toothbrushes! In Guatemala, a new secondary school was built by Rotarians for those who would not have access to education beyond elementary school! Rotary Clubs in District 5580 are facing key issues this year. Gender Equity is one such issue. Rotary International has a goal of 50% women as Rotarians. Currently Club 25 has 20% women. We also need to enlist younger Rotarians and those who are “young-at-heart” to join our ranks. Improving the Member Experience is also a priority to attract and retain members. It is the job of every Rotarian to make this experience unique. Rotary International President Ian H.S. Riseley has made Planet Earth a priority for every Rotarian by planting one tree for every member in every club around the world. Club 25 will work with all Duluth Rotary clubs to plant tress in Hartley Park this year. To commemorate this, a potted tree was presented to President Tricia. Debra Warner’s closing remarks emphasized the importance of membership, “It’s everyone’s responsibility”. She quoted John F Kennedy: “Everyone can make a difference, and everyone should try”. .png)
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