We Meet at Noon on Thursday

April 28, 2022

At

 

Jordan Van der Hagen

Founder and Vision Director of Duluth Waterfront Collective

Jordan van der Hagen will present his work with the Duluth Waterfront Collective, a grassroots group of planners, designers, thinkers, and community members with the goal of creating a connected downtown urban waterfront through reimagining the spaces occupied by Interstate 35.  This will be an interesting and fascinating presentation about reimagining our downtown and waterfront connection.

By Steve Yorde

 

President Chana Stocke welcomed all Rotarians (and Kiwanians!) to our meeting at the Holiday Inn by ringing the bell and leading us in the National Anthem with Past President John Baumgarten accompanying us on piano.  The Four-Way Test was next, followed by Past Assistant Governor Phil Strom’s gentle and poetic Rotary Reflection observing a hoped-for Spring “on seas of daffodils.” 

Past President John Baumgarten tickles the ivories

 

President Chana Stocke introduced our guests from Kiwanis, plus those receiving contributions today from our club’s Rose Sale proceeds.  Self-reports/announcements began with Paul Helstrom announcing Minnesota Power’s $165 million acquisition of a clean energy company and inviting all to next week’s International Service Committee. 

Kiwanis President Josh Soderholm

 

Kiwanis President Josh Soderholm said the two Kiwanis clubs in Duluth merged in January and are now working on the famous Kiwanis Auction.  President-elect Barb Perrella reminded all that we still need auction items and financial donations for our Cinco de Mayo dinner/auction on May 5 at Marshall School. 

 

President Chana Stocke announced that next week’s meeting will be at The Boat Club in Fitger’s lower level, not at the Holiday Inn.  She also thanked President-elect Barb Perrella for helping organize last week’s “Fireside Chat” for new members at the Kitchi Gammi Club. 

 

Jim Schwartz with Rotary Grant recipients

Grants Committee chair Jim Schwartz presented checks to the following worthy organizations:  First Witness Advocacy Center ($1,000) provides services to victims of abuse and programs of prevention and education to over 4,000 children…now expanding to Carleton County.  Lincoln Park Children and Families Collaborative ($1,500) gathers food and hygiene items for those in need.  Kids Closet ($3,000) provides clothes for 800 school-age children in need, particularly winter coats and boots.  LSS Crisis Nursery ($2,500) provides secure places for moms and babies, plus hygiene items, diapers, wipes and clothes.  These gifts are all made possible because of each Rotarian’s commitment to selling roses.  Thank you for your Rose Sale efforts!

 

Greater Downtown Council’s President Kristi Stokes. President Chana Stocke and speaker Renee Graves

 

Assistant Governor Tricia Bunten introduced today’s speaker Renee Graves and the Greater Downtown Council’s president Kristi Stokes.  Its mission, in part, is to promote and maintain a clean, safe and welcoming environment downtown.  Toward that end, Renee Graves works face-to-face with those in need in the skywalk and on the street.  And yes, she feels safe doing her job.  She presented stunning statistics and heartfelt examples of her experiences.  Major challenges are a lack of affordable housing, poor job prospects especially when one has no phone, no car or driver’s license, no Social Security card, and little education.  Organizations have stepped up to help: CHUM, Life House, Damiano Center, Loaves and Fishes among others, e.g. Duluth Police Department, St. Louis County Sheriff and individual businesses and individuals.  We can step up, too.  Anyone can provide help to this program: transportation vouchers (DTA or Jefferson bus passes, gift cards, hand warmers, sox, mittens, snacks (soft, please, to accommodate those with poor dental hygiene), backpacks.  She concluded with a quote from Dr. M. Wheatley, “There is no power for change greater than a community discovering what it cares about.”

 

Brian Fulda with Jon Ohman: a Rotary winner every time!

 

The 50/50 drawing produced a generous response as Jack Seiler presented his winnings to Renee Graves and this important humanitarian program.    And folks, that’s the Rotarian way! Thanks, Jack Seiler!