We meet at Noon on Thursday

September 15, 2022

For Those Attending in Person

Buffet Meal

(Zoom Meeting Opens at 11:45)

(Link Sent Thursday Morning)

At

 

 

Inclusion is a word getting a lot of attention these days. With the onset of racial injustice, a pandemic, and the great resignation, inclusion is a goal more and more organizations seek to achieve.  Let’s find out how it boosts your business, impacts the economy, and matters in building a thriving community.

Chair of the Day Edie Michalski

 

By Traci Marciniak

 

For the second September meeting, Rotarians met in the Lyric Room at the Holiday Center and picked up their Rose sale tickets on the way in. President Barb Perrella rang the bell and called the meeting to order. Rotarians, led by Past President John Baumgarten on piano, sang the National Anthem and then recited the Four-Way Test (showing the Four-Way test on the screen—brilliant!)

 

The always well-dressed Dave Fulda with a witty Reflection

 

Dave Fulda’s Reflection included a recap of the prior week’s meeting, which included a tutorial on how to use Club Runner. The technology and instruction seemed to really throw Dave Fulda and some other Rotarians off their Rotary game. Brian Fulda, you may need to teach your uncle a thing or two.

 

Darlene Anderson with guest Rudy Harvey

 

Prospective member Callie Hoff with Dad, Past President Sandy Hoff

 

President Barb introduced her guests for the day—Cora Lee Christian and Rudy Harvey.   Other guests included prospective member Callie Hoff, guest of the Club; Zack Filipovich, guest of Past Assistant Governors Al Makynen; and Pat Mullen from St. Mary’s, a guest of the day’s speaker. Past President Michelle Buria self-reported that she was quoted in the “Investment News” online publication and that she has been selected as the financial planning expert for the new WDIO show “The Lift.” Jay Ott self-reported that he has had a bit of car trouble—most likely thanks to Jack Seiler, who asked how his little sports car was performing these days. Past President Chana Stocke shared she has received an award from the Housing Finance Agency. And finally, Steven Hadley shared that his daughter, the veterinarian who cared for the sled dog who had been hit by a snowmobile last winter, reported that the dog is doing well and is set to practice for the Iditarod again this year—really a miracle of modern veterinary medicine.

 

(L to R) Classy Dudley, Jack Seiler and Jessica Peterson

 

Classy Dudley, Executive Director of Community Action Duluth

 

Grants Chair Jack Seiler then took the podium. Jessica Peterson, Development Director for The Depot, accepted a grant of $1,500 from Club 25 for their Arts for All Scholarships. Classy Dudley, Executive Director of Community Action Duluth accepted a $1,000 grant for their mobile food van. Ms. Dudley is also a prospective member of Club #25!

 

Seriously, with glasses just like Chana, who wouldn’t want to buy Rotary Roses from Jon Ohman?

 

Jon Ohman encouraged everyone to sell, sell, and sell their rose tickets as that’s how the Club is able to support the wonderful and effective organizations in our community through grants. It appears that Past Assistant District Governor Phil Strom has a strong lead with 100 dozen roses already sold!

 

Rob Hofmann updated the Club on the Junior Rotarian program. Counselors from the local high schools are helping identify participants, with an anticipated start date of October.

 

Chair of the day Renee Mattson introduced the day’s speaker, John Vidmar. John is the director of several departments at Essentia Health, including Nutrition Services, Facilities Management, Volunteer Services, Security and Parking, and more. As part of his role within Essentia, John is involved in several internal and external health system initiatives and is closely involved with the Vision Northland project to construct a new St. Mary’s Hospital, set to open in late summer 2023. The Vision Northland project is also designed to transform the medical district for the benefit of residents and visitors alike by improving walkability, safety, and creating additional physical spaces for retail and housing.

 

 

 

 

Essentia Health’s focus on the health of people throughout our region goes beyond the care provided within their facilities, as they know good health includes many different factors. Essentia has launched a variety of projects focused on income, people, and housing—all designed to improve the health of the community.

 

 

Stable and safe housing is a key factor in a person’s overall health and wellness. Essentia, in collaboration with One Roof Housing, is focusing on creating two new housing developments on the Fourth Street corridor. In addition, to provide several housing units for a variety of populations, including seniors, a 100-child daycare will be included in one of the new developments, effectively adding to the limited childcare services in the city.

 

The 50/50 pot was $60 dollars and Past President Michelle Buria was the big winner!