Thursday, September 4, 2025

Lunch Buffet

Doors Open 11:30AM

At

 

Rotary District 5580 Water and Sanitation Chairman,

 

Karl will provide an update on Rotary District 5580's Bolivia medical clinics projects in Bolivia. Harbortown Duluth Rotary has worked on Rotary District 5580 medical clinics, water wells, schools, roads, and water reservoirs, working with Mano a Mano Bolivia and International Partners from high in the Andes Mountain range in the Cordillera Real Mountains to low in the Amazon Rain Forest in Bolivia. Karl has been working on projects in rural, mountainous regions to help the indigenous Quechua Indians who are the direct descendants of the Incas.

 

Karl D. Everett is from Duluth, MN, and has over 40 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 Chairman, on the District 5580 Grants Committee, and on the Harbortown Rotary Duluth International Committee.

 

Saturday, September 6, 2025
10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Contact Geiger Yount to volunteer

By Darlene Anderson

 

On a beautiful summer day, Rotary Club 25 members and guests gathered in the Great Hall of the Kitchi Gammi Club. After welcoming everyone, President Zach Walters asked all to join him in the Pledge of Allegiance and the Rotary 4-Way Test.

President Zach Walters – seeking divine inspiration

 

Past-President Elizabeth Simonson's Reflection was part of the reflection she shared three years ago – a day after a tragic school shooting in Texas. “Our core value as Rotarians is to take care of those who can't take care of themselves. Kids can't. Schools should be a safe place. And now I am back again, a day after a similar tragedy. We still have not figured it out. We need to come together and do something to stop these horrific events.” She then asked that all join her in a moment of silence as we remember the victims from Annunciation Church and school.

Past-President Elizabeth Simonson

 

It was time to “Kick the Golden Can,” and Patra Sevastiades and Past-President Dean Casperson came to the podium wearing backpacks. Dean dropped a $480 check made payable to the Rotary Foundation, as they will be using the backpacks to carry all their needed supplies for a 40-day 480-mile hike from France to Spain. They will be walking the Camino de Santiago, also known as The Way of St. James. They hope to keep President Zach updated on their adventure so he can share their progress with the club.

Safe Travels, Past-President Dean Casperson and Patra Sevastiades!

 

Jim Schwartz had a recent edition of the Duluth News Tribune, which featured the story of how 40 years ago, 17 Carlton third graders made the blueberry muffin a state symbol in Minnesota. They wrote letters, drew pictures, and with the assistance of Representative Mary Murphy distributed blueberry muffins in the House of Representatives. The “Blueberry Muffin Gang from Carlton” was able to get a bill passed, making it official. Included in that group of third graders was Superintendent Jim Schwartz's son.

Jim Schwartz: Do you know the muffin man?

 

Past District Governor Kay Biga extended an invitation for “Rotary Night at the Playhouse” on September 11 to enjoy a production of Million Dollar Quartet. There are no cost or tickets needed. Come and enjoy a great production and fellowship with area Rotarians.

 

Past District Governor Kay Biga

District Governor and Past-President Elaine Hansen noted that this year’s the District Conference will be held in Duluth October 24^th and 25th. There are vests with the Rotary symbol that will be available for purchase with prices ranging from $49-$56 depending on size ordered. To order email Renee Burns and copy Elaine Hansen.

District Governor and Past-President Elaine Hansen noted

Geiger Yount reminded us that the Harvest Festival at Bayfront Park is on Saturday, September 6. A few more greeters are needed. Please let her know if you can help for a 3-hour shift.

 

Now assuming role as Chair of the Day Past-President Elizabeth Simonson introduced her past colleague and friend, Past-President Tricia Bunten. Tricia and her husband Richard retired early to follow their dream of living on a houseboat and exploring the world. Since April 2024 they have been sailing on their 45-foot sailboat in the Nordic and Baltic countries. Tricia was a member of Club 25 from 2001 to 2023 and served as President and Assistant District Governor. She and Richard still consider Duluth their home and are renting their house so they can return to it when they discontinue their sailing adventure.

 

“Life is a journey; not a destination” seems to be the theme of Tricia and Richard's life. They have been planning this journey for many years and so had their sailboat built in Sweden by Najad-- a company that has been building sailboats since the 12^th century. Pictures are worth 1000s of words and so Tricia showed us the interior of “Liajnad” as well as the exterior. They have already sailed over 4480 metric miles as they spent April to June 2024 traveling the west coast of Sweden to Denmark and Germany before returning to Sweden. Not only do they see beautiful sights, hike trails, visit coastal villages but paddle board, learn how to navigate in open water and fjords and tie up to a large rock when no dock is available. They have had family and friends join them on the adventure as the sailboat has a guest room.

 

President Tricia Bunten

 

Since their visas are valid for 90 days in a180 day period, they return to the states after three months of sailing. In August to December of 2024, they explored some of the 267,000 Swedish islands. Then the boat was stored for winter where it had been built. In April to July of this year they sailed around Norway. One thing they noticed when exploring the cities in the Nordic countries is that the shopping malls are alive and thriving. Also, in small villages they often find the grocery stores unstaffed. So, you pick out the foods you want, scan them and your credit card. Totally an honor system. The people they meet have been friendly and welcoming.  Their plans are to return to the sailboat in early October and sail around England for 6 months if they are able to obtain the special visa needed for the longer time frame. Their long-range goal is to spend the next 10-15 years exploring the world and living on the sailboat. To keep up with their adventure, you can follow their travels on Facebook at Liajnad.

 

Thank you, Tricia, for a wonderful program. And best wishes for your next rounds of sailing.

 

Tricia and Richard Bunten – world travelers.