We Meet at Noon on Thursday

August 23, 2021

Plated Meal Served

(Zoom Meeting Opens at 11:45)

Ann Glumac

Executive Director (Interim), Spirit Mountain Recreational Area

 

 

Spirit Mountain is a premier regional attraction.  There has been much in the press lately.  Come and get an in depth behind the scenes review of its history and learn what the future holds for Spirit Mountain.

 

By Steve Yorde

 

Last week’s meeting featured several FIRSTS…President-elect Barb Perrella’s first meeting where she presided…Assistant Governor Tricia Bunten’s first meeting since her son’s wedding in July…and new leadership firsts included Patra Sevastiades’ new role as chairing the Coupon Book committee for the Rose Sale.  And Jon Ohman’s new role chairing the Rose Sale this year….and in his own words, “I’ve gone from Head Duck to Head Flower Child!”

 

Club #25’s Flower Child, Jon Ohman

 

Following President-elect Barb Perrella’s lead, we recited the Pledge of Allegiance and the Four-Way Test, followed by Assistant Governor Tricia Bunten’s Reflection.  In recognition of today’s program, Tricia encouraged fellow Rotarians to check out Rotary International’s fellowship programs where you can join fellow Rotarians worldwide in a fellowship group of common interests and themes.  For example, as an avid sailor, she just joined Rotary’s International Yachting Fellowship. 

 

President-elect Barb Perrella then recognized Past President Sandy Hoff on the 5^th anniversary of Pier B, celebrated last Friday at which 30-plus Rotarians (among many others) attended. Mary Niemeyer, Chair of Team Fun this year, is now working on another special event Friday, September 17: a North Shore train ride to Two Harbors with a stop at Sammy’s Pizza in Lakeside.  Geiger Yount is again seeking volunteer greeters for Bayfront’s Fall Festival on September 11, sponsored by the Farming Association.  Dan Maki wants your ideas on how to best reflect our Rotary commitment to service.  Current thinking involves a club-wide involvement in one service event per month.  Jon Ohman reported that the Rose Sale did quite well last year, despite the pandemic, thanks to electronic orders.  Our new website will be available soon, as will new billboards to support our sales efforts.  Our fearless Rose Sale chair said, “we are a smaller club, but we are fierce!  Go get’em!”

 

Perhaps smaller – but still a fierce Club ready for Rotary Projects!

 

Chair of the Day Rob Hofmann, noted Gimleteer, Great Lakes sailor and John Paul Jones impersonator, introduced Bayfield’s mayor Gordy Ringberg.  Most of us think of Bayfield as a tourist destination, a center for sailing “the big lake,” and the annual Bayfield Apple Festival.  But Gordy spoke to us about a unique educational program he founded…teaching kids (and adults) to sail.  In 2012 he hatched the idea of building a Tall Ship for Lake Superior.  And that dream continues today. 

 

But everything changed in 2013, when he was approached by an anonymous donor who “floated” the idea of gifting his personal sailing ship, The Abbey Road.  After forming a 501(c)3 organization to accept the gift, friends of The Abbey Road focused on a new mission, teaching kids to sail.  Its mission statement says it all: teach kids seamanship, personal responsibility and self-esteem while building skills in leadership and citizenship.  In so doing, the program promotes appreciation for local maritime communities and environmental stewardship of the lake and its maritime heritage.  And it also encourages forward-thinking about professions within the maritime community.  Other organizations involved are the Sea Scouts, the Bayfield Maritime Museum, Bayfield Schools and Northland College. 

 

As Rotarians who sail know, “sail training” also requires physical and emotional challenges. Students learn how to overcome controlled risks resulting in increased confidence, leadership and growth in character.   Today, The Abbey Road is able to run day sails for up to 50 persons, and overnight adventures for up to 20 youth. 

 

Gordy continues to work on fulfilling his initial dream of building a Tall Ship for Lake Superior.  While he has construction bids on the project, the likely “end cost” will be something north of $3 million.  He says, “we are only $2.8 million away from our goal!”  For additional information, check out www.LakeSuperiorTallShips.org

 

President Barb Perrella, Mayor Gordy Ringberg,

Chair of the Day Rob Hofmann