Thursday, October 17, 2024

For Those Attending in Person

Lunch Buffet

At

 

Robert Hoffman, Ph.D.

Assistant Professor of Economics at the School of Business and Technology, CSS

 

Dr. Hoffman has taught courses in globalization, economic development, healthcare economics and game theory. His research interests include evolutionary psychology.

 

By Al Makynen

It was all hands-on deck as Rotarians gathered at the Kitchi Gammi Club.   President-Elect Zach Walters took charge as the presiding officer.  The Rotary Reflection was given by Past Assistant Governor Brandon Robinson on the value of finding balance in a complex world where extremes rarely result in an outcome beneficial to any concerned.

President-Elect Zach Walters

 

Past Assistant Governor Brandon Robinson

 

Jerry Thoreson described for us the “Duluth Holiday Weekend Extraordinaire Giveaway” as part of the 39^th Annual Rose Sale.  For every dozen roses sold, both the Rotarian and the Buyer are entered into the sweepstakes drawing.  (If you buy a dozen roses for yourself that generates two entries!) Make sure you complete the ticket stubs, so we know where to send the prize.  It works this way too for sales made through the RotaryRoses.com website. Encourage your rose clients to list your name as the Rotarian making the sale. And for those without a long list of past rose sale clients, for every $25 donation you are entered into the drawing.  This can be done through the website.  There is a “DONATE” button on the site.  The goal is for each member to sell 40 dozen roses.  For members new to the sale, 10 dozen was encouraged.  Getting to these targets can be done with a combination of sales and donations!

Past President Gary Melander reminded us of how lucky we are. We, as members and as a club, share our good fortune with the Duluth Community through the funds raised by the Rose Sale, which the Grants Committee distributes. The expectation is that members will sell at least a few dozen more roses than they did last year. This is the basis for the order being placed. He also reminded us that the proceeds provide hope, not just a dozen roses.

 

Allison Hanig-Landrus introduced our speaker Cecelia Livingston who is a certified life coach.  She provides both coaching in personal life and work life.  Both need to be in balance to avoid excess stress and burnout that will lead to both mental health and physical health problems. 

 

She shared her personal story with us about her rise within the corporate ladder of United Health Care.  She did not actively seek higher rungs on the corporate ladder.  Her personal work ethic coupled with her desire (and need) for better pay, better benefits, and better vacation resulted in her reaching a level that resulted in burnout and the need to take a five-month short term disability leave to regain her balance.  The story was to put us in a frame of mind to be alert to our associates who may be acting out the effects of excess stress.  We can be the safe place for those who need a quiet voice, a word of encouragement, or just our presence and ability to hear them. The effect of COVID, where short term solutions became long term reality and where isolation became the norm, accelerated the process toward not taking care of oneself.  Society continues to apply stigma to one having to step back to take care of their mental and physical health.  What can we do?  What steps can we take when we see a person in distress?  First, keep it simple. Perhaps a simple inquiry, or a simple statement of observed behavior.  For some a physical touch can be helpful. Pause in your own activity and observe and be prepared to hear from another.  Some little kindness, in word or deed, can go a long way.

 

A distinction was made between the work of a therapist. One who can help you process the past. A life coach assists through creating a plan to move forward. You need both to achieve balance.