Thursday, December 19, 2024

Lunch Buffet

At

 

10th chancellor of the University of Minnesota Duluth

 

Charles Nies is the 10th chancellor of the University of Minnesota Duluth. Nies brings over 25 years of experience in higher education, most recently serving as vice chancellor for student affairs at the University of California, Merced.

Nies holds two degrees from Washington State University — a doctorate in education administration and leadership and a master’s in counseling psychology. He received his bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, Minnesota. He grew up in Hutchinson, Minnesota.

 

Rotary-Life House Christmas/Holiday Dinner December 18, 2024 (Dan Dock)

 

By Darlene Anderson

 

Rotarians and guests were warmly greeted by President Elizabeth Simonson as they gathered at the Kitchi Gammi Club for their “Christmas After Party”. The room was decked out beautifully and a holiday buffet was ready to be enjoyed. President Elizabeth reluctantly quieted the conversations to introduce Ted Schick, who will assist Club 25 in facilitating an evaluation and strategic planning meeting on January 23, with the goal of developing a clear and actionable strategic plan to guide the club's future growth and success. Ted distributed a brief questionnaire that he asked members to fill out and return to him today or at next week's meeting.  Find your survey HERE.

 

President Elizabeth Simonson

 

Ted Schick “Please complete your questionnaire”

 

Superior Club Rotarian Joe Raedtke reported on the joint Rotary project for Ukraine. The funds raised were used to purchase a used refurbished ambulance from the United Kingdom which was then filled with medical supplies. The ambulance joined a convoy that took it to Kyiv. The group that received the ambulance HelpStab {Help Stabilize] Ukraine has now put it into service. Many thanks to all those who worked to make this possible including our local clubs, District 5580 and Rotary Club of San Antonio.

 

Superior Club Rotarian Joe Raedtke shows a Ukraine/US unity flag

 

Reflecting on the memories of Christmas past, Past President and Past District Governor Phil Strom told of Christmas Eve when he was 7 years old living in a small farm home in southern Minnesota. That evening two men were invited by his father to join his parents and 7 children around their kitchen table. Phil Strom 's father had sought the 2 forlorn men out after the Christmas Eve service at their church. They were displaced Polish refugees who were terribly homesick. Hans and Klaus with broken English and tears of gratitude thanked Mr. Strom for including them with his family for their Christmas celebration. It is a memory that Phil Strom still holds dear and a lesson in sharing that he has never forgotten.

 

The highlight of the day came as our Rotary singers led by Jay Ott and accompanied by his wife Vicki sang familiar Christmas carols. Some Rotarians continued to visit with each other while others joined in the singing. Another special memory made. Rotary Singers:

 

Vicki Ott accompanies The Rotary Singers

 

Six of the eight The Rotary Singers

 

Past President Bill Gravelle with Past President and Past District Governor Phil Strom

 

(L to R) Bill Sozansky, Past President Michelle Buria, Past President and Past Assistant Governor Dean Casperson, and Patra Sevastiades

 

Vinod Gupta with a serving from the eclectic buffet

 

Rob Hoffman is carrying the bass line for The Rotary Singers. 

 

 

Past president Gary Melander wins his 30th 50/50 drawing adding another to his remarkable record.