We Meet at Noon on Thursday

January 12, 2023

For Those Attending in Person

BUFFET LUNCH

(Zoom Meeting Opens at 11:45)

(Link Sent Thursday Morning)

At

 

Executive Director, Mentor North

 

Mentor North believes in the dignity of all people. We celebrate youth and families’ individual stories and welcome mentors from a variety of identities and backgrounds. Our goal is to create a vibrant and inclusive mentorship community. 

 

 

by Steve Yorde

On a pleasant winter day in Duluth, President Barb Perrella called the meeting to order by leading us in the Pledge of Allegiance followed by Rotary’s 4-Way Test, “of the things we think, say and do” as Rotarians.  In thinking about today’s program, Rob Hofmann’s Rotary Reflection called upon his own expression of gratitude for Duluth which has a “blessed abundance of nature.”  He cited American poet Robert Frost’s The Road Not Taken and Beethoven’s Symphony No. 6 (The Pastoral Symphony) composed when the composer was nearly deaf.

 

Today’s guests included prospective member Justin Reed of Duluth Energy and Judy Rogers who brought her famous pizzelles for the club to enjoy.

Not a puzzle – a pizzelle!

 

Past President Sandy Hoff shares great news! 

   Tom Young announcing his retirement

Self-Reports were delivered by Past President and new grandpa Sandy Hoff.  Also, his daughter Callie is the hockey co-captain of Team USA performing in Lake Placid.  Tom Young announced his retirement after 46 years with Young & Associates.  A son and daughter will continue its leadership.  Skeeter Moore announced his own retirement from the North Shore Inline Marathon after 14 years.  An emotional Zach Walters leaves for Madagascar tomorrow, the place of his birth, to inter the ashes of his mother.  Jim Landwehr presented the Golden Can with a $200 donation honoring his two new grandchildren.  Lakeview Christian Academy’s Kiley Milroy was introduced as a Junior Rotarian.  Calling All Rotarians! Jerry Pelofske needs additional judges for the Northeast Regional Science Fair at UMD on Saturday, February 18 at Griggs Hall. 

  

Skeeter Moore hangs up his E.D.  Rollerblades

Zack Walters honors his mother

Jim Landwehr adds two grandchildren to his family

Paul Harris Fellow Jerry Thoreson with Past District Governor Phil Strom

Past District Governor Phil Strom presented a Paul Harris Fellow award to a surprised and grateful Jerry Thoreson.  Jerry said, “Rotary has been life-altering by endeavoring to live and practice the Rotary motto, "Service Above Self.”  President Barb Perrella read a letter of appreciation from Life House for the club’s Christmas (and Thanksgiving) dinners.

 

Roxanna Esguerra introduced today’s speaker Bobbie Larson, Ski Hut’s Director of Events, Community Outreach and Marketing.  Bobbie began by asking the audience three questions: who works in a non-profit, who is on social media, and who markets their business on social media?  Not surprisingly, most hands were raised, illustrating the change she brought to Ski Hut’s marketing program.  “Building customers for life” involves Ski Hut’s new approach to outdoor education, community service, and collaborating with other organizations, eg. Duluth Parks and Rec, the Aquarium, Young Athletes Foundation, and Courage Duluth.  She developed the Outdoor Adventure Camp which involves mountain biking, paddle boarding, and water safety.  No-cost winter programming at Bayfront for underprivileged kids includes skating, sledding, and snowshoeing.  The theme for all participants is Be a HERO, an acronym meaning Heart (being kind), Equal (treat everyone fairly), Respect (respect for classmates, teachers, coaches), and Owen (honoring a program participant with special needs, where fellow campers pitched in to help Owen succeed).  Bobbie believes she has “the best job” at Ski Hut, creating outdoor community programming in collaboration with local organizations, and connecting with parents and their children who develop life skills in our beautiful surroundings right here.    

 

(L to R) Bobbie Larson, Ski Hut’s Director of Events with Roxanna Esguerra

The 50/50 cash drawing was won by Jim Landwehr.  A second drawing for a mini-Ski Hut insulated thermos was won by President-elect Gary Melander.  (How does he do it???)