We Meet at Noon on Thursday

April 29, 2021

Plated Meal Served

RSVP to deancasperson1@gmail.com

(Zoom Meeting Opens at 11:45)

(Link Sent Thursday Morning)

 

Rick Harnish

Executive Director, High-Speed Rail Alliance

 

Learn about how high-speed rail evolved in Europe.  Imagine how an integrated network approach would work in the United States.  Find out what actions we can take to make high-speed rail to Duluth a reality.

 

By:  Darlene Anderson

 

It was a full house at the Holiday Inn Ballroom with even more on Zoom! With reluctance to end the high-energy conversations, President Dean Casperson rang the Rotary bell to have us join him in the “Pledge of Allegiance” and the “Rotary Four-Way Test”.

 

Past President Mike Orman reflected upon how life has changed this past year as parents, grandparents, and educators have worked together to meet the challenges of distance learning.

 

President Dean Casperson introduced three guests all of whom are prospective members: Leslie Chaplin and Joan Goosens from The Hills, and Missy Harold from Marshall School. We look forward to their introductions at Rotary.

 

District 5580 District Governor Bob McLean invited all to participate in the 2021 District Virtual Conference April 26 through May 1. The theme is “Legendary Service”.  You can view the schedule and register (no cost) at www.bemidj2021.com  The experience will be of legendary value.

 

President Dean Casperson dropped $20 in the Golden Can stating: “This is in anticipation of news next week.” As members clamored for an explanation, he only grinned and affirmed he will enlighten us all - next week.

Grants Committee member Jim Schwartz presented a $3,000 check to the Bethany Crisis Nursery Center. The center provides child care for children ages 12 and under for up to 72 hours. Program Manager, LeAnna Hudson described how the pandemic has increased the need for services. Hannah Anderson, the Nursery Facilitator, shared that the funds will be used to provide supplies such as diapers, formula and clothing. They thanked Club #25 for our many years of support.

 

LeAnna Hudson, Jim Schwartz, and Hannah Anderson

 

Jerry Ostroski, President of the Rotary Club of Duluth Foundation, presented Jim Landwehr a Westmoreland Crest for his contributions in excess of $1,000 to the permanent endowment fund.  For those who have contributed $5,000 a crest with a ruby is awarded.  For those who have gifted $10,000 or more to our local foundation, a crest with two rubies is presented.

 

Jerry Ostroski presenting a Westmoreland Crest to Jim Landwehr

 

Superior Rotary Club President-Elect Megan Meyer announced their annual Craft Beer and Wine Event. The online auction includes over 150 items such as gift baskets, wine, beer and even camping equipment. The proceeds will be divided between WITC Dream Keepers and Northwest Community Service Agency. The bidding is open until May 2 at www.biddingowl.com/superiorrotary

 

Donning a new hat as Chair of the Day Jim Schwartz thanked the program committee for bringing quality programs and speakers to Rotary each week. Today's speaker, ISD 709 Superintendent John Magas. joined us via Zoom as he was away on spring break visiting his parents near Marquette, Michigan. Immediately he confessed his plan to join Club #25. He began his program by stating “Our stories define who we are and how we lead” so he shared a little of his story. John grew up in Shelter Bay, Michigan and attended school in northern Michigan. Then having a strong desire to travel, he headed to Mexico where he lived and studied for two years. He then moved to Yakima, Washington where he taught school on an Indian Reservation. All of these experiences helped him as he assumed the position of Superintendent of the Duluth Public Schools with 8,000 students and 1,400 employees. His first year on the job has been challenging with COVID, civil unrest, a polarized presidential election, low district fund balances, connectivity issues for distance learning, and a new leadership team. But rather than being discouraged, all of the circumstances have caused him to grow as he chose to focus on “How can we best serve our students”.

 

He has sought to balance servant leadership with getting things done. How to encourage people, how to communicate clearly especially when a consensus was not possible and action had to be taken. Often it meant implementing a good plan now rather than waiting for the perfect plan.

 

The pandemic along with the required distance learning highlighted the gaps in our education system. Changes are needed. Plans going forward include stressing the importance of relationships, finding ways to assist students to catch up to their learning level, and providing our educators with the resources needed to succeed. 

 

During the questions following his prepared remarks, John was asked, “What has surprised you this past year?” He answered that the list is long.  Highlights included.  The need to provide child care for essential and emergency workers.   The large number of meals provided to students. The flexibility of teachers.  The resiliency of students.

 

Superintendent John Magas via Zoom

 

Guiding Principles of ISD 709 to Reopen Schools

 

 

By:  Jerry Pelofske

 

If you ever wondered if you could somehow catch a missed Rotary presentation, the answer is yes!  Many of our past programs are on video and posted into the secure member area of our Website.  The process is easy, with just a few clicks!  Here are the instructions:

1.) Log into: DuluthRotary.org

 

2.) Click on:  “Member Login” (Located on the upper right-hand side of your screen)

NOTE:  Your “Login Name” (the email address you have on file with the Club) will appear.  Your password should then populate. (If you have not yet logged into Clubrunner and set up your member account and Password please follow the instructions in your NEW MEMBER Folder or contact President Dean Casperson.)

 

3.) Click on “Login”

 

4.) Now that you are in the secure member area of the Club Website look below the heading “Speakers” to see the words “Video Library”.

 

5.) Click on “Video Library”.  A list of Past Speakers and Program Titles will appear.

 

6.) Click on the “Program Title” you want.  Then click on the arrow to start the video.  

Happy watching!