Thursday, December 18, 2025

Lunch Buffet

Doors Open 11:30AM

At

 

The Cyclists of Gitchee Gumee Shores (COGGS)

 

The Cyclists of Gitchee Gumee Shores (COGGS) is a leading non-profit mountain bike advocacy organization in the Duluth/Superior Twin Ports Area of Minnesota and Wisconsin. COGGS was established in 1994 as a nonprofit 501-c3 organization. We are committed to sustainable trail development, equitable trail access across the Twin Ports, and to developing a welcoming outdoor recreational culture by promoting opportunities, education, programming, partnerships, and healthy outdoor fun. 

More about Ansel: As a lifelong mountain biker, my journey has taken me through some of the best biking destinations across the country. After a decade of exploring new trails, my family and I put down roots in Duluth, where access to trails is truly unbeatable—especially with two young kids in tow. With a background in trail building and cycling advocacy, I’m excited to bring my experience to the community and help expand access to the incredible trail network that Duluth has to offer.

 

 

2302 Commonwealth Avenue

Duluth, MN 55808

 January 14, 2026, 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

 

We have an opportunity to help fight hunger in our area! Our Rotary Club has partnered with Second Harvest Northland to assist them in their mission to create a hunger-free Northland at their new facility in West Duluth.  

For more information about Second Harvest Northland visit: https://secondharvestnorthland.org/

Or Contact :Daniel Maki

 

Rotarians and guests gathered in the Great Hall of the Kitchi Gammi Club on a sunny but cold Duluth day. As some gathered near the fireplace, others were seated at the tables sharing stories of the week's adventures with one another. President Zach Walters seemed a little hesitant to ring the Rotary bell calling the meeting to order. After reciting the Pledge of Allegiance and Rotary 4-Way Test, Past-President Branden Robinson asked thought-provoking questions such as “Where will Rotary be tomorrow?” “What goals and aspirations do we have as an organization?” “Who will help us achieve those priorities?” and “Why is it so important that we do this work?” These questions lead us to a deeper understanding of our why: pride, spirit, identity, purpose,and  essence. These questions also make us think about our commitment to Rotary and to our community: being both a Rotarian and a Duluthian.

 

(l to R) President Zach Walters with Past president Branden Robinson

 

After welcoming and introducing today's guests. President Zach pointed to the Golden Can and asked if anyone would like to contribute and share their news. Proud grandpa Jon Ohman told us that his grandson played on the Hot Springs team in the state championship football game. Even though they lost it was still a win for the school as it was their first state tournament game in 50 years. President Elect Dan Maki has now entered a new phase in life: Father of a Teenager as their daughter celebrated her 13^th birthday. He may be seeking advice from the experienced parents in the club. Jerry Thorson has been leading Destination Duluth for 12 years and they have now passed 80 million views with over 300,000 followers. A recent survey showed that they are influencing many households as they share about “Life Up North”.

 

Salvation Army Bell Ringing Director Jerry Pelofske thanked those who rang bells last Friday at the area Super One stores and said that the next bell ringing opportunity is Friday, December 19 from 11:00-1:00. At this time all the slots are filled but you can still join in the fun if so desired.

 

 

 

 

Volunteering to be Chair of the Day Matt Baumgartner introduced today's speaker Haley Hedstrom, Executive Director of Visit Duluth. Haley brings a track record of marketing, strategic leadership and increased visitors from her time serving as Executive Director of Duluth Zoo. She also started a unique kid's program for the Zoo. Now she is turning those skills and energy to Visit Duluth in her new role as Director for that distinct marketing organization and community-based resource. Her goal is to maximize the value of tourism in Duluth and minimize the negatives. She noted that we may not see the promotional campaigns that they are developing and sponsoring as the focus is not for our local residents and businesses but rather for those outside our area. They are using the tourism taxes collected of approximately $650,000/year to fund an innovative marketing campaign, one of which is entitled “Talk Duluth-y to Me”. They work with local writers and photographers to share the stories behind the scenes and what goes into the Duluth experience and opportunities that Duluth has to offer. They are not only seeking to increase the tourism industry but also to bring conventions and businesses to Duluth.

 

Speaker Haley Hedstrom, Executive Director of Visit Duluth

 

Looking forward to 2026, they will be presenting the Destination Master Plan (how to invest the tourism taxes for maximum gain), 2026 Visitor Guide (not quite ready at this time but coming soon), and bringing many conferences/conventions to Duluth, such as the EMT Conference at the DECC in February.

 

Thank you, Haley, for stepping forward into this new role for you, and we look forward to being part of Duluth's future and how we in Rotary can share and participate.

 

 

We put on hair nets and gloves to package two-pound bags of loose elbow noodles! Jerry Pelofske recommended an idea for efficiently scooping up the noodles into bags, weighing them, sealing the bags, and packing them up.  It didn’t take too long, and we were humming, filling almost two large containers for distribution.

 

 

 

Megan Maki (Dan’s wife)