Thursday, September 17, 2026

Lunch Buffet

Judy’s Delicious Cookies

Doors Open 11:30AM, come early to enjoy some social time

At

 

Joe Cavanaugh

Founder and CEO, Youth Frontiers

 

Character is Destiny

Youth Frontiers’ mission is to provide experiences that inspire character, civility and community. We offer student retreats focused on timeless values like kindness, courage and respect. Youth Frontiers also offers programming for educators, parents and community leaders to support the adults at the forefront of turning today’s youth into tomorrow’s leaders.

 

 

NorthShore Inline Marathon (26th Ave East and London Road)

 

Pass out water and sports drink to skaters and runners at the 26th Ave East - Water Station. This is where the turnaround for the 10K and the route for the half marathon and marathon converge. And if that wasn't exciting enough, this year there is roundabout construction!

 

Shifts are 7:00am-9:15am, 9:15am-11:30am, and 11:30am-1:30pm with the middle shift being the most needed and busiest.

Please register at: 2026 - NorthShore Inline Marathon Volunteer Registration or let Allison Hanig-Landrus at ahanigla@amfam.com know if you can participate.

All volunteers get a shirt as well!

 

And if you have an event that you are passionate about and would like our club to help with, please let Allison Hanig-Landrus know!

 

 

Our regional Alzheimer’s folks visited us a few weeks ago.  Angel Saczko and her guests mentioned how Rotary has been a part of these walks for years…  Check it out.

 

 

Twin Ports Rotary Pickleball Players: Starting in September 
We’ll organize it as a men’s & women’s mixed doubles league. We’ll play twice/month on a flexible schedule. We won’t be keeping track of wins and losses. We’re just playing for pure fun.  To sign up or for more information contact Brad Jenson (past president of Harbortown) at 218-349-7566 or bradley.jenson1956@gmailcom.

 

By Al Makynen

 

It was back to school for the Duluth Rotary Club.  We gathered offsite at the Duluth Central Education Services Building.  Assistant Principal, Jay Ott called the Adult Education Classroom to order and led us in the Pledge of Allegiance.  Even without badges or bell the group knew the drill.  Superintendent John Magas was our speaker and welcomed us to the building which had its grand opening just the week before.  He cautioned us that some paint may still be wet.  The building honors Duluth Central both through its name and being dedicated to a 1917 alumnus, Ethel Ray Nance who was a pioneering civil rights activist.  In 1928 she became the first African American policewoman in Minnesota (Minneapolis Police Department).

 

President Elect Jay Ott leading us in the Pledge and Rotary Four-Way Test

 

Before during and after our box lunch, John Magas made opening remarks on the history and purpose of the acquisition and renovation of the 64,000 square foot building formerly owned by the Duluth News Tribune.  The sale price was $600,000.  The complete renovation of the entire building into classrooms and office spaces was $15M.  The cost of renovation was less than building a new comparable space.  It was also noted that a variety of programs and services previously held in multiple spaces throughout the city are now relocated to this location eliminating $650,000 of annual rental costs.  The programs being offered in the new location include Duluth Adult Education, Early Childhood Special Education, Community Education and the Duluth Area Learning Center. The dollars used to acquire and renovate the building were from the long-term facilities fund.  These dollars can only be applied to the acquisition, renovation and maintenance of facilities.  The general fund was not impacted.

 

Superintendent John Magas highlighting the features of the Education Services Building

 

General information about the upcoming Operating Levey for Learning referendum was distributed with comments about the impact.  There will be two questions on the November ballot.  Everyone was encouraged to vote with a reminder that NOT voting on the questions is recorded as a NO vote.  State funding for education has been increased by 2.5% per year.  Operating costs have increased by 5%.  85% of the budget is comprised of payroll and benefits.  For a teaching position that equates to approximately $100,000. To balance the annual budget of $200M, over the last three years $12M has been cut.  In the latest round of cuts, for each position cut from a teaching site, four administrative positions were eliminated.  There are 1,800 employees.  For next year $5M will need to be cut.  Question 1 will raise taxes on a home valued at $300,000 by $8/month.  In addition, if passed, Question 2 will raise taxes by an additional $7/month.

 

The good news is that the number of enrolled students is steady and increasing.  In a district of about 9,000 there are 200 more students this year than last.  ISD 709 has made an investment in Duluth that will infuse activity and energy into the downtown area.  The School District is the 6^th largest employer in the City of Duluth.  As we move into the century 80% of jobs will change producing a cultural shift.  ISD 709 is working and poised to deliver education to meet that challenge.

 

After the informal remarks, Superintendent John Magas toured us through the building.  We encountered not only renovated spaces for education but many students moving to or from classrooms.  Others were on their lunch break in the commons.  You could feel the energy in the building.  Class dismissed.

 

Smiles all around while on tour of the new facility

 

Brand new spaces.  Some of the boxes not yet unpacked

 

 

Jeff Fifield and Jerry Pelofske working hard at Harvest Fest

(Picture courtesy of Geiger Yount)

 

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