We Meet at Noon on Thursday

November 17, 2022

For Those Attending in Person

BUFFET LUNCH

(Zoom Meeting Opens at 11:45)

(Link Sent Thursday Morning)

At

 

In 2018 Annette and her husband Tim took leave from the Duluth Public Schools to embark on an international teaching adventure. This is a look at that life-changing experience, both before and during the COVID pandemic.

Chair of the Day: Past Assistant Governor Phil Strom

 

By Steve Yorde

 

President Barb Perrella welcomed all Rotarians, guests (and veterans!) to the Rotary Club of Duluth meeting in recognition of tomorrow’s Veterans Day.   She called on Past President John Baumgarten to accompany us in the singing of America the Beautiful, followed by Rotary’s 4-Way Test.  In recognition of today’s speaker, Dave Fulda’s Reflection asked us to consider what makes a house…a home.

Dave Fulda with … Hoo Hoo Who is that??

 

THANK YOU all Rotarian Veterans!

President Barb Perrella introduced today’s guests Allie Melander, Warren Wielke and former Club 25er Jim Dwyer.  Self-reports came from Bob Reichert who chaired the HRA Board when today’s speaker was hired.  Self-reporting on the births of new granddaughters were Jeff Fifield and Sheryl Homan.  Congratulations! 

Past President John Baumgarten “Let’s be generous!”

Announcements followed concerning tomorrow’s 8:00 a.m. informal breakfast at the Kitchi Gammi Club, the annual Club 25 Holiday Party on December 7 at Pier B, and the Club’s 30^th annual Food Drive benefitting the Salvation Army food baskets for needy families during the holidays.  Past President John Baumgarten reminded us of the drive’s 30-year history and the generosity of Super One and its vendors’ double matching our financial gifts.  Every $1 we donate is the equivalent of $3 of food.  Please give generously.  Make your checks payable to the Rotary Club of Duluth Foundation.

Past Assistant Governor Al Makynen

 

Jill Keppers of HRA of Duluth

Past Assistant Governor Al Makynen introduced today’s speaker Jill Keppers, executive director of the Housing and Redevelopment Authority of Duluth.  Under her leadership, the Duluth HRA has expanded its rent subsidy programs, started a successful construction training program and benefitted from HUD programs to preserve and expand affordable housing.  Last year, Duluth HRA received a $14 million Housing Infrastructure Bond Award to build 70 additional units of affordable senior housing.  This grant was the largest in the state of Minnesota.   

Jill reported that HRA Duluth’s board members are appointed by the Mayor and approved by the City Council.  While it is not a department of the city, it has its own mission of providing opportunities for “owned” housing (1180 total units, eg. Tri-Towers), subsidized rental units (eg. Section 8 Housing), single-family and small multi-family rehab programs throughout Duluth’s neighborhoods.  It has paid over $9 million to local landlords each year.  Duluth HRA is the largest landowner in Duluth.  It has 21 maintenance staff caring for their properties, three unions and a total of 59 employees.  There are many challenges including rising building costs, rents vs. incomes, affordability, partnerships and politics.  Successes include working with the City’s housing team, recent developments noted in her presentation and a very supportive Board.  One of Jill’s goals is to reposition the agency so that it is run more like a business.  “Public housing is always on the chopping block, so we are changing the HRA culture through hiring and organizational structure.”  Duluth is a city of 86,372 (2021 census), made up of citizens at all economic levels.  HRA Duluth’s role is to provide a variety of programs that help people (who qualify for financial assistance) find a place to live, “to make a house…a home.” 

What a $14 million Housing Infrastructure Bond Award can build!

The 50-50 drawing was won by Zach Walters!