A behind the scenes look at building the World’s Largest Duck: Why it was built, the logistics of transporting and setting up, the economics behind it, the media and audience infatuation with it.  

By Steve Yorde

 

As Rotarians assembled virtually, President Michelle Buria invited those gathered via Zoom to share, “what made me smile today?”  Answers were as varied as one might imagine…today’s nice weather, seeing Allen Anway in training for the Tour d’France, cracking open a new book, and members born during World War II.  Today’s Rotary Reflection was shared by Jon Helstrom who defined integrative health care within the context of community-building and service to our friends and neighbors, all Rotary values. 

 

In recognition of Memorial Day, President Michelle Buria posted a beautiful US flag on the screen and invited all to stand and say the Pledge of Allegiance.  Denfeld’s speech and debate coach Jill Lofald was presented with $500 for student scholarships.  She said the Rotary Speech Tournament will begin its 60^th year on February 6, 2021. 

 

Doug Erickson led off the self-reporting Fellowship Report by announcing he was back at work with appropriate safety measures in place in his surgical office.  Zach Walter’s spouse had two cartoons published in recent Duluth News Tribune editions.  President-Elect Dean Casperson reported that $11,410 has been raised toward our $25,000 goal for the CHILD Campaign.  Donations exceeding this year’s goal will be held by the Rotary Club of Duluth Foundation – Westmoreland Community Fund for 2021.  Also, he reminded us of our local foundation’s dollar-for-dollar $10,000 match for individual gifts.  The easiest way to contribute is by using the Givebutter.com link (a giving platform similar to GoFundMe.com).  Jon Ohman announced that just two hours prior to today’s meeting, he was informed by Bruce Anderson that Super One Foods will contribute $10,000 to the CHILD Campaign!  Rob Hofmann suggested a news release be prepared.  President Michelle Buria updated us on Tuesday’s board meeting: all June Rotary meetings will be via Zoom.  The office is officially closed with Felicia working from home. Any Rotarians using the office will be required to follow the health and safety guidelines posted in ClubRunner in accordance with our Office Preparedness Plan.

 

Sheryl Homan introduced today’s speaker, Dr. Kara McGillivray who spoke on the value of chiropractic as a “component of an integrated approach to health.”  Jessie Peterson of the Lake Superior Community Health Center (LSCHC) noted that chiropractic was added to LSCHC’s health services based on data gleaned from other community health centers.  Data shows that chiropractic can reduce reliance on opioids, decrease pain, reduce number of emergency room visits and improve referrals between providers.  Benefits for patients include expertise in services such as behavioral health, substance abuse prevention, dentistry, primary care and chiropractic.  Chiropractic will be provided at LSCHC’s newest center in the Denfeld shopping mall on Grand Avenue.

 

In closing, President Michelle noted the contributions of veterans on the upcoming Memorial Day observance, saying, “We don’t know them all, but we owe them all.”