Thursday, April 2, 2026

Lunch Buffet

TBD

Doors Open 11:30AM

At

 

 

 

 

The Rotary Club of Duluth continues the community tradition (previously by the Kiwanis Club, and before them the Duluth Jaycees) to recognize the Outstanding Police Officer and the Outstanding Firefighter.

 

This is a public community acknowledgment and celebration of the internal selections made by their peers within their respective departments.  The Police Chief and Fire Chief (or designee) will be the Speakers and will present the biographies of the award winners along with the acts of service that best exemplify the values of the department, which led to their selection.

 

The Police Officer recognition started in 1972.  The Firefighter recognition started in 1980.  By action of the Board of Directors, the Rotary Club of Duluth is honored to host this annual tradition.

 

 

 

 

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

 

 

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!Questions? Contact Elizabeth Simonson, Past President

By Al Makynen

 

Past President Elizabeth Simonson was back in harness, taking the reins temporarily from President Zach Walters, who was recovering from shoulder surgery.  (We have little or no regard for HIPPA regulations.  As a club made up of friends and, in some cases, family, the hope is that Zach Walters authorized the release of his medical information.  Most likely so.  No guarantee.  Besides, as a final backup, we have the Rotary Four-Way Test.  All good.)

 

Past President Elizabeth Simonson working to remember how all the gadgets work

 

A thoughtful Rotary Reflection was given by Greg Hansen to remind us of the power of non-profits, which include both CHUM and Rotary, to do good work in their communities.

 

The Chair of the Grants Committee, Chana Stocke, described the work done to review and approve five applications during the spring granting round, including $1,000 for the Hermantown All-Night Chemical-Free Graduation Party.  Jodi McShane described how our contribution will help fund the 39^th annual event, providing a safe, memorable, and inclusive experience for Hermantown High School graduates.

 

Chana Stocke and Elizabeth Simonson with Hermantown Representative Jodi McShane

The Golden Can became a traveling trophy as Jon Ohman walked from table to table, extracting maximum contributions (Now called Happy Dollars) from all those celebrating an event in their lives.  It was fast and furious.  Below is a quick summary based on incomplete notes written in haste.

 

Jon Ohman - Celebrating a new Rotarian in the family

Elaine Hasen - Thankful for a new and exciting way to recognize life events

Barb Perella - Going to Florida in April

Bill Gravelle - Thankful for the cookies from Judy Rogers

Jeff Fifield - Completed a home remodeling project

Catherine Carter Huber - A daughter received her Master’s Degree from a school in Germany

Jim Schwartz - Gets his dog back tomorrow from dogie daycare

Tim Mowbray - Granddaughter declined a scholarship.  Different school selected.  Grandfather contributing

Jerry Pelofske - All his grandchildren are healthy

Chana Stocke - Her son has moved back to Duluth

Allen Anway - Wife Judy Sage is now collecting Social Security

Robert Reichert - Grandson turned five years old

Jerry Thoresen - Looking forward to taking his four-year-old grandchild to Disney

Greg Hansen - His daughter has become a registered nurse

Geiger Yount - Harbor City Junior Rotarian students have attended Rotary every month

Rob Hofmann – Pleased that Rotary has embraced the community tradition of the Police and Fire awards

 

Jon Ohman trying to keep up with all the happiness in the room

 

Elizabeth Simonson reminded the crowd it was time to get all dressed up for the Kentucky Derby.  The Rotary Gala and Auction is Thursday, May 7^th at the Kitchi Gammi Club.  If you so desire, dress for the occasion.  I hear tell there will be fancy ladies’ hats present. Registration is online or with old-fashioned paper sign-up sheets on the tables.

 

Dan Maki Chair of the Day, Introducing the program

 

Chair of the Day President Elect Dan Maki made the introduction for our speaker John Cole, Executive Director of CHUM (Churches United in Ministry) which made its start in 1973 with ten congregations coming together to serve the homeless, hungry, and low-income residents of our community.  Today CHUM is 42 congregations strong serving over 8,000 per year through their four key programs. (1) Drop-in center and clinic. (2) Emergency food shelf. (3) Advocacy and social justice. (4) Housing services.  The need for services is growing and the available state, federal, land community resources are declining. The demographics are changing as the population ages. 

 

A recent added program is Safe Bay located at the Vinyard Church in the Kenwood neighborhood for those who live in their cars.  This program is active during the warmer months.  When it turns cold, people have to rely on the Warming Center to avoid living in conditions unfit for human habitation.  Mental health challenges are a large part of the landscape   . There is a severe shortage of hospital beds in Minnesota for those who need inpatient mental health care. Furthermore, it is projected that St. Louis County will require 8,000 additional affordable housing units by 2030.  A goal not likely to be achieved.

 

There is a glimmer of good news with the announced expansion to CHUM.  The shelter and drop-in facility will be expanding with funding by a $2M Federal along with an $8M State grant. The 13,000 S.F. addition is to be completed by the spring of 2027.  It will triple the size of the facility, allow for greater on-site presence of area partners, increase space for medical facilities, and provide greater security for sheltered families with children.

 

During the question period, the speaker was asked: “What can our Rotary Club do to make a difference?

 

The response was immediate and clear.  (1) Provide funding for services.  (2) Offer employment opportunities. (3) Become a partner in the drop-in and shelter.  (4) Participate in the In-Kind Drives.

 

CHUM makes a difference in our community.  So can Rotary.

 

CHUM Executive Director John Cole