December 28, 2004
IN PERSON & ZOOM
For Those Attending in Person
Lunch Buffet
(Zoom Meeting Opens at 11:45)
(Link Sent Thursday Morning)
At
Holiday Inn Downtown
Bolivia Adventure
Karl D. Everett is from Duluth, MN and has over 30 years of experience as an engineer, geologist and consultant. Karl has a M.S. degree in Engineering from the University of Idaho and a B.S. degree in Geology from the University of Minnesota, Duluth. He volunteers as a member of Rotary International and has served as Rotary District 5580 Water and Sanitation Chairperson, District 5580 Grants Committee, and Harbortown Rotary Duluth International Committee.
Highlights from Last Week’s Meeting
By Darlene Anderson
With the holiday season fast approaching Rotarians gathered at the Holiday Inn and President Gary Melander opened the meeting asking all to join him in reciting “The Pledge of Allegiance” and “Rotary Four-Way Test”. The Reflection was by Vinod Gupta featuring two ideas: Imperfection and Impermanence. When we realize we are not perfect, forgiveness comes more easily. When we realize that we are not here permanently, we use the time we have to do some good in our community.
Vinod Gupta
Doing good in the community was what Rotarians accomplished this week at the Life House Christmas Party. Thank you to Dan Dock and his wife Karen for organizing the event (as they have for the past 9 years). Special thanks to former Rotarian Gary Schneider for cooking the meal and the Duluth Women's Club for the use of their kitchen. Thank you to all who participated in many various ways to once again serve a record number of young people. Dan Dock is always impressed by the many thankful responses of those being fed—even those only a few years old.
Our Rotary Club also impacts lives through the Scholarship Program. Jerry Pelofske introduced the latest scholarship recipient Juliet Jenoro who attends Lake Superior College. Juliet expressed her thankfulness as the funds given will assist as she pursues her nursing degree.
Scholarship Recipient Juliet Jenoro of Lake Superior College
For the past two Fridays, Rotarians rang bells for the Salvation Army Red Kettle Drive at various Super One locations. Those who participated were asked to stand and a round of applause was given along with the report of donations received: $3,273.00
President Gary Melander then shared that the scheduled speaker for today's meeting was unable to come due to illness. However, he was able to twist the arm of Rotarian Doctor Doug Erickson to share about his career as a Prosthodontist. Doug Erickson received his DDS degree from the University of Minnesota and then went to Denver General Hospital for residency. During the five years he was in Denver he joined the Rotary Club and served one year as Club President. He and his wife and fellow Rotarian Nancy Erickson then moved to Texas where he completed his prosthodontic training through the United States Air Force and University of Texas. He continued serving in the Air Force training others in his field of dental implant and reconstruction surgery. After 10 years in the military he and Nancy Erickson had to make several decisions: Should he stay in the military and retire after 20 years, or go into private practice? If private practice, then where? Boulder, Colorado where they had lived previously, or Duluth, Minnesota-- Nancy Erickson's home town? Long story short, they chose Duluth. It was here that for 26 years Doug Erickson, DDS practiced in the Medical Arts Building serving many patients who became like family to him as the reconstruction or implantation process often takes up to two years. Then, as he was contemplating retirement, Dr. Roxanna Esguerra emailed him asking if he knew anyone who was thinking of retiring and selling their practice. For the past two years Doug Erickson and Nancy Erickson have been enjoying their retirement and the specialized prosthodontic practice continues under the capable expertise of Dr. Roxanna Esguerra.
Thank you, Doug Erickson, for an entertaining, informative impromptu presentation!
LIFE HOUSE CHRISTMAS DINNER
By Dan Dock
Rotarians from the Downtown Club and the Skyline Club served a large turnout of youths at the Life House Holiday Dinner. Santa and Mrs. Clause were there, and the children also received gifts from area donors.
The young people were very thankful for the dinner and gifts.
Thank you to the following members of Rotary Club 25 and Skyline Rotary and their families: Dan Dock and Karen Dock, Mark Leutgeb, Darlene Anderson, Tom Young and Mary Young, Geiger Yount, Judy Rogers, Jerry Pelofske and Chris Pelofske, Nancy Erickson and Doug Erickson, Renee Burns, Jim Schwartz, Jenna Roningen, Deb Almirall, Tom Meyers, Past President Bill Gravelle, Vinod Gupta, Jerry Thoreson.
A special thank you to Gary Schneider for cooking the food, and the Women’s Club for the help with the kitchen.
Christmas Treats!
A Rotarian Kitchen Crew
Vinod Gupta – “Service Above Self”
(L to R) Past president Barb Perrella. Past Assistant Governor Al Makynen, Jon Ohman, President Gary Melander, and President Elect Elizabeth Simonson
(L to R) Dan Dock, Jeff Fifield, Past President Elaine Hansen, Nancy Erickson and Doug Erickson
(L to R) Past Assistant Governor Phil Strom, Darlene Anderson, Captain Anthony Nordan, and Greg Hansen