We Meet at Noon on Thursday

May 23, 2022

For Those Attending in Person

Buffet Lunch

(Zoom Meeting Opens at 11:45)

(Link Sent Thursday Morning)

At

Even with all the natural beauty, we have to offer in the Northland, participation in the many forms of outdoor recreation is not something all of our family, friends and neighbors living with disability are able to enjoy.  Mr. Larson will discuss how members of our communities may participate, volunteer and donate to improve the quality of life for those families who experience disabilities.

 

By Rob “Deadeye” Hofmann

 

Because the Holiday Inn was rustled away, our traveling herd of rough & ready Rotarians from Club #25 found favor, feed, and fellowship this past Thursday at the trough of the Boat Club in the Fitger’s Complex where, like the cowboys of old, and with no Rotary Bell in sight, President Chana Stocke brought the meeting to order with an ear-shattering whistle. With no American flag either, Rotarians cowboyed up and recited the Rotary Four-Way Test.

 

President Chana Stocke

 

Using more horse sense than most fellers, Past Assistant Governor Al Makynen did some thoughtful Reflectioning on… what else – horse sense. Fer instance, don’t reign in your horse too hard going down a steep mountain slope or the both of yer will take a mighty hard tumble. It’s called teamwork, partner!

 

Past Assistant Governor Al Makynen

 

A few Rotarians ponied up and gave the Golden Can a gentle boot. Allen Anway ‘fessed-up to giving away scholarship dollars to a student at UWS in honor of his wife Dorothy. Club #25 perty-picture-taker Jerry Thoreson shot from the hip with a contribution of $62 US to commemorate his 62 years, and Rotarians obliged by singing Happy Birthday (without a fiddle nor banjo).

 

President Elect Barb Perrella reported that her very own colt got himself hitched on the previous Friday and watch as the two rode off into the sunset - and off the family ranch. Yet, another thing was on her mind: The Rotary of Duluth President’s Night – Thursday, June 2 beginning at 5:00 PM at The Garden (formerly Grandma's Sports Garden)

 

WANTED: You!

 

Past Assistant Governor Al Makynen saddled up to the microphone again to report that the Cinco de Mayo dinner/auction hauled in $15,000 for Rotary community grants, and $6,500 for Polio Plus – Yee Haw! 

 

EDITOR SAYS: Ok folks – no more horsing around from here on out ----

 

Chair of the Day Renee Mattson

 

Chair of the Day Renee Mattson introduced our two speakers from North Country RIDE Leslie Chaplin and Tammy Horiza. Tammy is a native of Kentucky (good horse country) and has adapted to the cold winters of northern Minnesota with few complaints – except this past never-ending winter.  With nary a trace of a southern accent, Tammy spoke of her work with clients as young as four years old who are addressing a number of physical or mental challenges – a word she prefers to use than disabilities. With 14 horses and 1 donkey, North Country RIDE operates from late April to late October. In Esko, MN.  Horses, she said, have an extremely high level of sensing. A horse can sense your heartbeat, or nervous energy, or self-confidence several feet away. The horse will then mirror those feelings when you ride upon them. So, the more calm and confident you become, so too does your horse. The more relaxed you are, so too your horse.  This symbiotic relationship provides a unique experience for many people who have difficulty responding to non-animal clinical therapy. We learned of a journey of a young rider who started at age four and progressed throughout her years in ability and confidence where she grew to become an MD! Since the onset of COVID, North Country RIDE is seeing more demand than they can meet. To address this, Leslie Chaplin, a licensed psychotherapist and North Country RIDE board member, shared a vision for a psychotherapy clinic based at their Esko, MN facilities. In addition to funds required to hire a practicing psychotherapist to lead the program, new facilities and at least 17 additional horses plus staff will be needed to fulfill the growing need in our community.

 

(L to R) Speakers Leslie Chaplin and Tammy Horiza with Jena Evans