Thursday, June 11, 2026

Lunch Buffet

Judy’s Delicious Cookies

Doors Open 11:30AM

At

 

 

Club 25 has partnered with Second Harvest Northland to assist in their mission to create a hunger-free Northland at their new facility in West Duluth.

Our next volunteer day is Wednesday, June 10^th

volunteers are requested from 1:00 pm-3:00pm to help pack food.

If you would like to signup please contact Dan Maki at dmaki@ascentialwealth.com 

or 218-590-3593.

 

Join your fellow Rotarians in celebration of President Zach Walters!

A barbecue themed President’s Night will take place on Thursday, June 18 at the Mont du Lac Trophy Lodge at 5:30pm.  Cost is $40 per person. 

Come to enjoy fellowship and a send-off worthy of a CHAMPION!

Please RSVP to Past President Elizabeth Simonson at Esimonso@umn.edu.

 

Rotarians Natalie Junk, Allison Hanig-Landrus, Past President Michelle Buria, and President Elect Dan Maki, along with spouses Dave Lambert (Michelle) and Megan Maki clean up trash off the North Shore Scenic Drive. This trash pickup is part of the Adopt a Highway program, which our club sponsors the section of highway 61 from the French River Wayside stop up to the old Nokomis Restaurant.  We had beautiful weather and afterward Michelle & Dave were gracious enough to host a social time at their house.

 

By Angel Saczko

 

The Rotary meeting opened on an upbeat note as President Zach Walters took the lead, bringing energy and a sense of purpose to the gathering. He guided attendees through the Pledge of Allegiance, offering a moment of unity and reflection, before leading the group in Rotary’s 4-Way Test—a set of principles that continues to shape thoughtful dialogue and service-driven action within us.

 

President Zach Walters, in the Great Hall, leading us in the Pledge of Allegiance.

 

Reflection by Jeff Wencl (beautifully written and could not be summarized):

 

"Good morning, Rotarians, it's June at last, they say,
Though Duluth and Lake Superior still have their own delay.
The calendar insists it's summer, but we're not fully sold—
Half of us wore shorts this week, the other half wore fleece and were still cold.

 

We've survived mud season, false spring, and third winter too,
A weather forecast written by someone with clearly no clue.
One day it's seventy on the hill, by the lake it's forty-eight,
And every jacket in the closet still earns its keep and weight.

 

But summer's just around the corner—we've heard that's true at least.
The flowers are waking up, and the tourists will soon be released.
So here's to longer evenings, good service, friends, and fun,
And to Duluth's favorite summer tradition:
Enjoying all three weeks of it before it's done!

 

Yet while we joke about the weather and the fog rolling ashore,
Rotary keeps showing up ... to serve our community more.
Neighbors helping neighbors—that's what brings us through,
For Service Above Self isn't just a motto; it's what us Duluthians do.

 

So, here's a toast to friendship, to projects large and small,
To the hands that build, the hearts that give, and the members one and all.
May summer finally find us, may our efforts carry through,
And may the warmth we share in Rotary arrive before the weather does, too."

 

Jeff Wencl skillfully rhyming our week's reflection.

 

Guests this week consisted of the one and only, Judy Sage-wife of Allen Anway.

 

Past President Gary Melander stepped up to the Golden Can to announce long time Rotarian Dan Dock has been a member for 42 years! Dan's response: "Just here for the cookies!"

 

 

Past President Gary Melander calling out the longtime devotion (to Rotary and sweets) of Dan Dock.

 

Jay Ott shared how much long-term friendships mean to him, emphasizing the importance of being there for others in times of need—no matter the task, even if it means hopping on FaceTime to help a friend fix their toilet.

 

Jay Ott demonstrating his commitment to being there for friends no matter the task or distance.

 

Allen Anway was surprised to see President Elect Dan Maki on a poster in the mall for Grandma's Marathon-running the full marathon! It's always fun to know a celebrity!

 

Allen Anway sharing his excitement for President Elect Dan Maki running Grandma's Marathon.

 

President Zach Walter's recently met with Rotarian and friend, Past-President Phil Strom and wanted to pass on that while he recently had a pacemaker put in, Phil is doing well.

 

President Zach Walters gives an update on the health of a fellow Rotarian Past-Presidend Phil Strom.

 

Serving as Chair of the Day, Past President Elizabeth Simonson had the pleasure of introducing the talented and Club 25's very own Natalie Junk to the stage. While many in the room have come to know Natalie in different ways and over varying lengths of time, learning more about the depth and richness of her life was truly inspiring. Her energy and enthusiasm were a welcome addition to the meeting—not only showcased through her beautiful music, but also through her genuine love of life and dedication to the local community.

 

Past President Elizabeth Simonson, Chair of Day, introducing our speaker and Rotarian, Natalie Junk.

 

Today’s speaker, Natalie Junk, began by sharing a simple yet powerful message from her parents: “You can do anything you set your mind to.” It’s a philosophy she didn’t just believe—she fully embraced. With that mindset, Natalie chased experiences many only dream about, pushing past her fear of performing to take the stage, traveling across the country, performing in a band, producing an album, appearing on Nashville Star, and even landing a spot performing on a cruise ship stage. Reminiscing about her first song sang at the dinner table at the age of six, the incredible journey that continued to unfold is a testament to what can happen when determination meets courage.

 

From Omaha, Nebraska, to the wide-open ocean, Natalie’s journey has been filled with unforgettable people, stories, and experiences that continue to hold a special place in her heart. Along the way, she’s built a repertoire of more than 350 songs, created audition videos she’ll never forget, and lived a life at sea that few ever experienced. Cruise ship life brought its own unique challenges—tight cabin quarters, the infamous “mystery casserole,” and the constant demands of performing as onboard entertainment. Yet those moments were balanced by the kindness and connection of those around her. Even after facing Hurricane Sandy and battling seasickness—best eased, she joked, by green apples and mashed potatoes—the thrill of performing for an audience and feeling that shared energy remained truly unmatched.

 

The amazingly talented Natalie Junk shared her story, adventures, and her beautiful voice.

 

Natalie closed her inspiring presentation by sharing three lessons from her journey: home is anywhere you choose to make it, parents do know best "sort of", and comfort zones are overrated. Despite having no formal training, she built a remarkable path in the entertainment world that helped shape who she is today. With no regrets, Natalie reflected that it was not just having the dream, but having the courage to pursue it, that made all the difference.

 

Natalie offered a glimpse into the many friendships she’s formed and the places she’s traveled to, even sharing a song from her time performing with bandmates. But the true highlight came when she filled the Great Hall with the power of her own voice, delivering a few unforgettable notes that left a lasting impression.

 

President Zach Walters reflected, “The person you become on the way to the goal is far more important than reaching it,” which captures a powerful truth about growth and purpose. It suggests that achievement alone is not the ultimate measure of success; rather, it is the transformation that occurs along the journey that truly matters. The journey defines us more than the destination ever could. In this way, success becomes less about what we accomplish and more about who we are becoming—individuals capable of growth, understanding, and meaningful impact.