Thursday, July 24, 2025

Lunch Buffet

Doors Open 11:30AM

At

 

 

      District Governor Elaine Hansen and Renee Burns

 

Things are looking exciting in Duluth this fall with plans for District Conference! We are rolling out the red carpet with a variety of venues, speakers and fun. Our mission, celebrate the greatest service organization in the world, meet many new friends and renew your Rotary mojo!

More Information at  Rotary District 5580 Conference 2025

 

 

By Darlene Anderson

 

Rotarians gathered for their weekly meeting at the Kitchi Gammi Club on the shores of Lakes Superior. As President Zach Walters rang the Rotary bell, their attention was drawn to the front of the room as he welcomed members and guests asking them to join him in reciting “The Pledge of Allegiance” and the “Rotary Four-Way Test”.

 

President Zach Walters

 

The Reflection of the Day was by Matt Baumgartner focusing on “What We Can­--and Cannot—Control”. There are times whether in business, community service or everyday life that we feel like we are fighting an uphill battle. No matter how hard we work there are things we cannot control. But Rotary teaches us we can control how we show up with the values of leadership, service, integrity, fellowship and diversity. Leadership is not about controlling outcomes, rather it's about anchoring to our values, investing in others and serving. The Stoics put it best: “We don't control the wind, but we can set the sails.”

 

 

As there were no announcements for the week, President Zack invited President-Elect Dan Maki to come forward for his swearing-in to his new office. Last week President Zach had challenged members to take some time out of their busy schedules and share a coffee or meal with another member so they could learn more about their family, interests and business. This past week he had invited Andy Thielen for a chat and learned that Andy is a returning club member and that he has an interesting career in mechanical engineering and as a forensic investigator.

 

President Zach Walters swearing-in President-Elect Dan Maki

 

Chair of the Day and Past-President Sandy Hoff introduced today's speaker who is familiar to almost all in the room –Kristi Stokes, President and Chief Operating Officer of Downtown Duluth since 2000. With more than 30 years of management experience in both private and non-profit sectors she now focuses on promoting and development of a clean, safe and vibrant central business district in Duluth.

 

Kristi Stokes, President and Chief Operating Officer of Downtown Duluth

 

Kristi shared that when the pandemic came the Greater Downtown Council looked at what their mission was and whether they needed to make changes. The pandemic had come just as the reconstruction of Superior Street was in the last phase of being completed. The challenges they faced were not different from other cities but how would Duluth approach it. This discussion led to the formation of the Outreach Specialist Program and hiring Nathan Kesti in November 2022. Nathan had previously worked with Men as Peacemakers.

 

Nathan said that he walks about 12 to 13 miles each weekday covering all of downtown from about 14^th Avenue East to the Lift Bridge to 4^th Street. He has gotten to know the people in the downtown area and is an advocate for them and the business owners. Part of his mission is to hold people responsible for their actions as well as assisting them in receiving the help needed to make positive change in their life. Since 2022 they have been able to assist 80 people to find housing or return to their families; 82 received treatment for addiction or mental health challenges; 112 are now gainfully employed and administered NARCAN to 26 individuals.

 

Outreach Specialist Nathan Kesti

 

The outreach program is grant funded and currently Kristi and the Downtown Council are raising funds to keep it in place including a golf event in September. In the summer of 2024, they held meetings and surveyed business owners and community members about the effectiveness of the program and what it should focus on in the future. The program and Nathan are making a difference in the downtown area. Some of the suggestions given in the study were A Good Neighbor Agreement, Partner with Tribes to Address Housing, and Increase Culture and Family Friendly Events. The final draft of this initiative will be completed in the coming weeks and then begins the implementation.

 

(L to R) Outreach Specialist Nathan Kesti, President Zach Walters, and Kristi Stokes

 

Thank you, Kristi and Nathan, for your dedication to our Downtown Duluth community and the positive difference you make.

 

 

Pictures from the recent Rotary volunteer event at Second Harvest Northland. We helped pack over 1,300 bags of food that will be distributed to the through their mobile food pantry program.

 

 

 

 

(L to R) Elsie Maki with Megan Maki