Summer is in full swing in the Northland and the Rotary Club of Duluth has shifted into top gear for the quickly approaching Duck Pluck Event on August 15.  Greeting members and accepting any and all duck adoptions were Stacy Oltmanns, Barb Perrella and Chana Stocke. As club members and guests filled the tables, conversations focused on vacation travels, family or class reunions and fishing adventures. The laughter and fellowship made it hard to hear President Michelle Buria ring the Rotary bell calling the meeting to order. Focusing on the topic of today's speaker, Greg Hansen shared quotes from several Supreme Court justices including John Marshall who said, “To listen well is as powerful a means of communication and influence as to talk well.”

 

After welcoming all visiting Rotarians and guests, Fellowship Reporter Traci Marciniak invited members to come forward, self-report and kick the Golden Can. First up was Jeff Iisakka who admitted that this was the first time he has ever attended a Rotary meeting wearing shorts. His guilty confession was answered with a whistle from a fellow member and chuckles from the others. A proud Rob Hoffmann announced that on Saturday he ran and completed his first 5k race. Way to go, Rob. Robin Pestalozzi and her husband closed on their new home this past week and were thankful for the expert assistance provided by Chana Stocke and Sheryl Homan. Seen on TV was President Michelle Buria sharing about the successful duck adoptions at the Duluth Air Show this past weekend and noting that the funds raised will be for the Boys and Girls Club Mental Health Access Program.

 

Club Treasurer Dave Nolle reported that following a careful review of club expenses and income, the Budget and Finance Committee recommended and the Board approved a monthly increase of $5 for club dues. Also, Dave noted that the contract with the Holiday Inn for meals was renegotiated for a cost of $17 per meal. These changes will be effective August 1. If you have any concerns, comments or questions, Dave asked that club members reach out to him.

 

Duck Pluck Event Update: There have been 1503 ducks adopted as of our meeting time or 30% of the 5,000 adoptions needed in order to meet the fundraising goal. Please check your emails for opportunities to volunteer in the next two weeks at venues around our fair city. Also, calling on all members to find 10 friends or co-workers who will donate $20 to adopt a family of four ducks. Mark your calendars for the Duck Pluck Event on August 15 at Pier B. “Adopt a Duck. Make a Difference.”

 

Chief Dragon Boat Rowing Captain Jenny Peterson is recruiting team members to join her and Co-Captain Jena Evans for the Lake Superior Dragon Boat Festival to be held the last Saturday in August. Paddles Up!!!

 

Then came the much anticipated “The Rest of the Story” as Fred Friedman continued with Part 2 of The History of the U.S. Supreme Court. Following a quick review of the previous week's presentation, he now focused on the Supreme Court justices who have or are currently serving on the bench by sharing what he called his personal “Greatest 10 List” and “Worst 10 List”. The greatest included John Marshall, who defined what the courts should be; Oliver Wendell Holmes, Jr. who served for 35 years and personally met every president from John Quincy Adams to Dwight D. Eisenhower; the longest serving justice Hugo Black with 36.5 years on the court; and John Marshall Harlan, Jr. whose view was that the Constitution of the United States is color-blind. Among the Worst 10 were Roger Taney who was for segregation; Stephen Fields who did not believe in labor rights; and Clarence Thomas – an opponent of affirmative action. An interesting final side note regarding the Supreme Court Justices is few have been educated in public schools, but rather in private schools from kindergarten on. Most have attended either Yale, Harvard, University of Chicago or Columbia University. Fred then welcomed questions on either the current topic or, of course, sports. Thank you, Fred, for another wonderful presentation.

Former Club 35 member Dawn Cutler

was a guest of Chana Stocke