Changing of The Guard   President Zach Walters and President Elect Dan Maki

 

By Al Makynen

 

The Great Hall at the Kitchi Gammi Club was the place to be as President Zach Walters rang the bell to bring the group to order.  In her Rotary Reflection, Natalie Junk acknowledged every good Rotary Club has fellowship and service.  But we have something more with Judy Roger’s homemade cookies which bring a special element to our gatherings and a special challenge.  Just how many cookies can one have?  One would be sensible – for those on a diet.  Two would be polite – to demonstrate appreciation.  Three would be bold.  Four - well - you know who you are!  

 

Natalie Junk providing the Rotary Reflection on appreciation, service, fellowship, and cookies.

 

Members who provide self-reports on important milestones in their personal or professional lives enhance fellowship and support the Pledge Fund by donating to the Golden Can.  Jay Ott announced the arrival of a new grandson.  After her solo performance at last week’s meeting, Natalie Junk is now inspired to form a group or join one and return to her passion for singing.

 

Jay Ott with a fist full of dollars for the Golden Can

 

As we approach the end of the Rotary year the club remains busy.  Reminder: there is NO NOON MEETING next week, June 18^th.  In its place is the President’s Night Party to be held at Mont du Lac Trophy Lodge at 5:30 p.m.  Cost is $40 per person.  Past President Elizabeth Simonson (218-391-4772) is heading the committee and taking names.  She is a miracle worker and guarantees she can make it happen for you to attend if your previous conflict evaporates at the last minute.  Everyone was encouraged to come out to celebrate the year of Zach Walters as President of The Rotary Club of Duluth.

 

Elizabeth Simonson is inviting everyone to attend President Night's on Thursday, June 18

 

Secretary Patra Sevastiades reminded us of the work still needed to remove all items from our current office space in the Holiday Center.  A dedicated group of members have been working to sort material that will be transported to secure, climate-controlled storage. The office lease will be terminated effective June 30.

 

President Zach Walters called up Pez Davila, Executive Director of Neighborhood Youth Services, to receive the funds raised at the 2026 Rotary Gala and Auction.  During the “paddles up for youth mental health” portion of the evening, $14,700 was raised in minutes to support the mental health programming at Neighborhood Youth Services.  We were all reminded that Rotary works with other organizations to reach more people and make a greater difference in the world.

 

Executive Director Pez Davila accepting $14,700 from the 2026 Rotary Gala and Auction

 

And to make the day complete, the office of secretary and two members of the board of directors were elected.  Chana Stocke, will be the Secretary and Jay Ott along with Captain Anthony Nordan will be Directors.  The vote was loud and unanimous.

 

Director, Jay Ott, Secretary, Chana Stoke, and Director Anthony Nordan being sworn into office by President Zach Walters

 

 

Past President Michelle Buria as Chair of the Day introduced Julie Hendricks, CRNA of Essentia Health.  Julie Hendricks has been at Essentia Health for 15 and has coordinated many past trips over the past ten years to the St. Joseph Benedict Medical Center in Comayagua, Honduras to provide week long surgical missions to poor rural patients in the central highlands.  The mission trips began in 1988 after hurricane Mitch struck.  Initial and current financial support comes from the Rotary Clubs in the Washington State area.   A 17-person team provides orthopedic, podiatry and general surgery.  After advance screening of hundreds of patients, approximately 80 receive surgery that result in a huge increase to their quality of life.  Funding for a surgery clinic comes from the volunteers including paying their own way, plus a mission fee, with many making a personal donation. The balance is from hospital foundations, churches and fundraising events.  Out of pocket costs for a week-long surgery clinic are approximately $40,000.    There are multiple surgery clinic trips annually with three staffed each year by staff working at Essentia Health.  All of the clinics make a huge difference in the lives of those living in the rural highlands of Honduras.

 

Julie Hendricks, CRNA speaking on Surgical Mission Trips to Honduras

 

President Zach Walters, Speaker Julie Hendricks, Chair of the Day Michelle Buria