By Al Makynen

 

President Gary Melander presided as Vinod Gupta gave the Rotary Reflection on the universal need, across all cultures, to be remembered.  With our service above self being a key element of being a Rotarian, we will be remembered.

    
Vinod Gupta dreaming of a better world.

Several Junior Rotarians who could not be with us last week were present to introduce themselves.  Each gave us their name, school, and career goals which included medicine, science, art, and psychology.  Our community and world are in good hands with young people of this caliber.  Make an effort to sit and engage with a Junior Rotarian.

 

Additional October Junior Rotarian Introductions

 

Past President Barb Perrella made the case that the world is run by those who show up.  In this case, if you want to make a difference, show up for Rotary Rose Day.  The assignment list is complete.  1,500 dozen roses are on hand in coolers throughout the city.  It’s time for Rotary fellowship.

 

President Barb Perrella with the official list of volunteers for Rotary Rose Day. 

 

The annual Paul Harris Dinner is on Wednesday, October 25, at the Greysolon Ballroom.  The keynote address is by Dick Beardsley on the topic:  “Anything is Possible with Hope.”  The social starts at 5:30, with dinner at 6:30.  There will be project displays by the area Rotary Clubs.   President Gary Melander made a point of inviting each and everyone to attend.  The Rotary International Foundation is the largest in the world, doing the most good for the most people.  Polio is soon to be eradicated from the face of the earth.  And Rotary made that happen.  The cost is $40 per person.  Entrée selections and more information are provided in the separate email registration sent out to all club members by Elaine Hansen.

 

President Gary Melander announcing the Annual Paul Harris Dinner in celebration of the work of The Rotary International Foundation

 

In a short introduction, we learned that our speaker, Clancy Clark, is a life coach and author who makes a difference in the world by mentoring, educating, and serving others.  As he stated himself, he had a random sequence of ideas and concepts to share.  I am certain they were not random.  One quote attributed to Jim Carey was:  “The effect you have on others is the most valuable currency you have.”  He quickly mentored the Junior Rotarians by challenging them to visualize what they wanted to accomplish.  Rather than think in terms of “I hope to...” consider using and thinking the phrase “I intend to…” The power of visualization is that it increases the probability of what you want to happen, happen.  This is done through the law of attraction, which states when you have a clear vision, others needed for that vision are attracted to you when you need them.

 

Few people take the time to ponder the question: what is the most important thing in life?  Clancy Clark’s ready answer was the ability to enjoy life.  A critical element necessary to enjoy life is to be fulfilled.  Be careful in your analysis, for fulfillment is different than happiness.  It is a life-long process to develop your abilities and character fully.  An example would be to seek inspired income over hollow dollars by taking pride in your work.  In his research, while interviewing those in hospice nearing the end of life, he discovered five common regrets:  (1) not having been true to oneself; (2) worked too hard; (3) failed to express feelings; (4) did not maintain a connection with friends; (5) did not let myself be happier.   His challenge to us was to get going, do not delay, visualize what is needed and make it happen. Love your life and live your dreams.

 

In remarks following the presentation, President Gary Melander dwelled on the statement, “there are no ordinary moments.” Our speaker made it clear.  The past is memory.  The future is anticipation.  Only the moment is real.

 

Speaker Clancy Clark with President Gary Melander

 

By Barb Perrella

 

The Rotary Roses were flying out from our four distribution sites.  A big thank you to Super One Foods and Mount Royal Fine Foods.  The 38^th Annual Rotary Rose Day happened to fall on Friday the 13^th, but there were a lot of lucky people getting roses (and a valuable coupon book) and a lot of lucky people enjoying Rotary Fellowship.  Being at a distribution location was the place to be.  Interacting with friends, family, clients, and others who bought or received a ticket for roses was fun.  And the direct sales to total strangers were fun too. All for a good cause so that the Grants Committee can do their work and make a difference in our community.

 

 

Chana Stocke and Dave Fulda working the Super One Foods at Miller Hill Mall

 

Steve Hadley, Elizabeth Simonson, and Elaine Hansen working the table at Mount Royal Fine Foods

 

Rose Misiewicz, Dan Maki, and Branden Robinson handing out roses at Super One Foods in West Duluth

 

 

Jerry Pelofske is heading out with a load of roses