January 25, 2024

For Those Attending in Person

Lunch Buffet

(Zoom Meeting Opens at 11:45)

(Link Sent Thursday Morning)

 

 

 

 David C. Herman, MD

 

 Investments for a Healthy and Vital Community

 

Essentia Health CEO David C. Herman, MD, will examine the challenges facing today’s healthcare environment and discuss Essentia’s efforts to ensure thriving, sustainable care, especially in rural areas.

Dr. Herman will highlight the importance of investment and collaboration in supporting healthy communities

 

By Darlene Anderson

 

With the ringing of the Rotary Bell, President Gary Melander gained the attention of Rotarians, who were enjoying conversations at each table. Fellowship is one of the highlights of each gathering and an important part of Rotary. After reciting the Pledge of Allegiance and Rotary 4-Way Test, Rob Hofmann turned our attention to today's theme of the public's image of Rotary. Before Rob Hofmann joined Club 25, he had not understood the camaraderie enjoyed by Rotarians as they worked together to serve their community and world. How do we effectively tell the story of Rotary and encourages others to join us in our mission?

 

Kicking the Golden Can was Past Assistant District Governor Phil Strom, who, on January 24, celebrated 45 years of sobriety.  Congratulations, Phil Strom!

 

Past Assistant District Governor Phil Strom

 

Past President Michelle Buria is the proud mother of Bri, who received dual Master's degrees from St Mary's University in Counseling and Psychological Services and Graduate Addiction Studies. Way to go, Bri!

 

Past President Michelle Buria

 

A letter of thanks was received from the Salvation Army for the $5400 Rotarians of Club 25 donated to their Christmas food drive. Another way Rotarians serve their community.

 

Today's speaker needed little introduction, Scott Soderberg from Harbortown Rotary Club also serves on the District 5580 board. With many years of public relations experience, he is more than qualified to assist on the Public Relations Committee. Today, he directed our attention to answering questions such as: “What is the image of Rotary in our community?” “How many people know what Rotary does or is about?” “How do we tell our story more effectively?” 

 

Speaker Scott Soderberg

 

With a history of more than 100 years in Duluth, Club 25 members do have a story to tell of past accomplishments such as the lighting of the Aerial Lift Bridge, Enger Tower restoration, the Mental Health Initiative Program for the Boys and Girls Club, the Outlaw Bridge and so much more. But how do we continue to share today's endeavors with the public? Are we using social media effectively to reach the younger generation in our community? What unique projects are we working on? Are they effective, and how do we promote them? He then opened the discussion to the group. Many ideas were shared, including:

 

Collaborate with all the Rotary Clubs in the area to recruit new members.

 

Work with other service groups, such as the Lions Club and Kiwanis, on larger projects that impact our community and attract media coverage.

 

Volunteer at events such as those at Bayfront Park to raise the public's awareness of Rotary.

 

Partner with the Chamber of Commerce, FUSE Duluth or host a “Let's Do Lunch” to attract new members. Highlight an employer or group membership program.

 

The conversation has now begun. Let's keep it alive, encouraging others to join us in great fellowship as we positively impact our community.

 

President Gary Melander with Speaker Scott Soderberg

 

Club 25 Rotarians and Junior Rotarians listen intently to our guest speaker.