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Volume 106 #33
This Week at Rotary
 
We Meet at Noon on Thursday
February 18, 2021
IN PERSON & ZOOM
For Those Attending in Person
Plated Meal
Count Needed
(Zoom Meeting Opens at 11:45)
(Link Sent Thursday Morning)
 
 Tony Sertich
President, Northland Foundation
 
Responding During a Crisis
 
Come and participate in a conversation about the role of the Northland Foundation in maintaining a thriving Northeastern Minnesota.  The Foundation is responding to multiple challenges and opportunities in the areas of Children and Youth; Individual and Community Well Being; and the Economy and Jobs.
Highlights from Last Week’s Meeting
By Al Makynen
 
We’re back!  With declining COVID cases and the Holiday Inn again able to serve lunches, Rotarians gathered in person and via Zoom. (Those participating by Zoom are affectionately referred to as “ZOOMIES”!) 
 
President Elect Chana Stocke giving the Rotary Reflection
 
After President Dean Casperson rang the actual bell (for the past few months at home he has been using a wine glass), President Elect Chana Stocke gave us our Rotary Reflection on the importance of understanding the language of love.  Random gifts (diamonds come to mind) are a part of that language along with words of support, quality time, acts of service (think Rotary), and physical touch.
 
As we now return to in person meetings, members will need to fill their pockets with cash for the Golden Can!  ZOOMIES can mail their checks into the Rotary Office!  Barb Perrella contributed in honor of her mother Dorothy’s 85th birthday.  Jeff Bradt was excited for his actor son Luke who is going to law school, having passed the LSAT entrance exam.  A great combination on skills for a trial lawyer! Jerry Pelofske made an appeal for members to serve in the virtual science fair being held On Saturday February 27.  On line service would be required from about 8:30 until Noon.  Our Club has been assigned to judge the environmental projects.  Past President Jerry Ostroski, currently serving as President of our very own Rotary Club of Duluth Foundation, presented a Westmoreland Crest to Past Assistant Governor Phil Strom and Babs for their very generous donation.   Jena Evans was awarded a Paul Harris Fellowship by Phil Strom for her efforts in supporting family, service to healthcare, and Rotary.  Jena Evans was graceful in her acceptance by stating “it is an honor to serve.
 
Phil Strom, Jena Evans with President Dean Casperson
 
Renee Mattson, Chair of the Day introduced one of our newest members Jack Seiler.  Both were on the large Zoom screen at the front of the room, demonstrating again the agility and nimbleness of a Club with 110 years of service!  Jack Seiler continues to be a force within the diamond and jewelry industry both as a member of the AGS (American Gem Society) and as a former owner of Security Jewelers with 50 years of service to customers.  He considers his vocation fun as he helps people celebrate life cycle events - as compared to an Attorney or Funeral Director (there may be a work zone fine in here somewhere).
 
Diamonds have been valued forever, at least as far back as Roman times.  The copyrighted phrase “Diamonds are Forever” was developed in 1947 for a De Beers advertising campaign that restored the industry after the depression and gave us the modern concept of a diamond engagement ring.  (Take that James Bond!)  The mining of diamonds at an industrial scale began in 1866 in Kimberley South Africa.  Mines have been developed in many parts of the world including India, Australia, Russia, and in 2000 near Yellowknife, Northwest Territories, Canada.  As can happen with any item of value easily transported, diamonds for a time became embroiled with civil unrest within the mining districts and black markets.  To counter abuses and help to eliminate the trade in conflict diamonds the Kimberly Process Certification Scheme was adopted.  This process was designed to ensure that diamonds did not come out of the conflict zones through illegal means.  It was 80% effective.  Not until the adoption of laser technology to inscribe the source of stones did source tracking become truly effective.
 
The value of diamonds is based upon a combination of the 4C’s: cut, color, clarity, and carat as graded by the GIA (Gemology Institute of America).  For years grading was done by a panel of 20 individuals.  Today diamonds are measured and graded dependent upon the ability of a stone to refract laser light through its 58 facets.  The amount of light refracted is coded and inscribed by laser into the girdle of the stone.  In 2010 it became possible to create diamonds that were of jewelry grade.  The latest campaign, along with “Diamonds are Forever” is the tag line “Real is Pure”.  The jury is out as to when, if ever, manufactured diamonds will capture our imagination and compete with the allure of natural stones. 
 
Jack Seiler speaking of his vocation
 
Rotary Fellowship upon return to in person meeting during the time of COVID
 
Office Preparedness Plan
 
This Week's Meeting
Thursdays at 12:00 PM
Meeting Via Zoom
207 W. Superior St. Suite 201
Duluth, MN 55802
United States of America
VenueMap
Venue Map
Speakers
Feb 18, 2021
COVID-19 and the Childcare Shortage
Feb 25, 2021
Iron Range Resources & Rehabilitation looking forward to 2021.
Mar 11, 2021
Mar 18, 2021
Mar 25, 2021
EPA’s Great Lakes Toxicology and Ecology Research Division
View entire list
Upcoming Events
Volunteer Opportunity: Community Food Distribution
Second Harvest Northern Lakes Food Bank
Mar 10, 2021
4:15 PM - 5:30 PM
 
Volunteer Opportunity: Community Food Distribution
Second Harvest Northern Lakes Food Bank
Apr 14, 2021
4:15 PM - 5:30 PM
 
View entire list
Birthdays & Anniversaries
Member Birthdays
Zach Walters
February 4
 
Renee Mattson
February 7
 
Geiger Yount
February 8
 
Justin Terch
February 12
 
Sheryl Homan
February 12
 
Stephen Hadley
February 16
 
Mike Murray
February 23
 
Therese Spehar
February 26
 
Join Date
Elaine Hansen
February 3, 2000
21 years
 
Douglas Erickson
February 4, 1999
22 years
 
Zach Walters
February 4, 2019
2 years
 
Jerry Thoreson
February 5, 2020
1 year
 
Al Makynen
February 9, 1989
32 years
 
Branden Robinson
February 14, 2008
13 years
 
Dale Johnson
February 14, 1974
47 years
 
Jon Helstrom
February 16, 1984
37 years
 
Gary Bubalo
February 17, 2000
21 years
 
Kjell Knudsen
February 18, 1999
22 years
 
Darlene Anderson
February 21, 2008
13 years
 
Mary Niemeyer
February 22, 2018
3 years
 
Katrina Pierson
February 24, 2020
1 year
 
Stacy Oltmanns
February 25, 2019
2 years
 
Christopher McMahon
February 26, 2020
1 year
 
Jim Schwartz
February 26, 2004
17 years
 
Official Publication of
Rotary Club of Duluth
207 W. Superior St.
Suite 201
Phone:218-722-0451
Duluth Minnesota 55802
 
Editor: Al Makynen
218-343-2515
 
Rotary Office Hours:
By Appointment Only
Until Further Notice
Website: duluthrotary.org
 
 
 
See Rotary's response to COVID-19
https://www.rotary.org/en