It was a beautiful Duluth summer evening for Rotarians to gather at Valentini's to celebrate President Steve Yorde's year as President of Rotary Club of Duluth #25. It was two and a half years ago that Past Presidents Elaine Hansen and Tricia Bunten asked Steve to serve as club president and he immediately said yes. Now his year as president was coming to an end and Rotary Club members joined to thank him for his leadership and dedication to Rotary.

Following the introduction by Chana Stocke of the past presidents and presentation of a thank you gift by Tricia, President Steve introduced his family who had joined us for the celebration: his wife Adele (now retired from the Duluth Seaway Port Authority), son Blake (general manager at Black Woods and Alaskan fishing guide) and daughter-in-law Joy (Human Development Center).

Steve did admit he had said “yes” immediately upon being asked to serve as president of the club without first consulting with Adele. He confessed that she didn't speak to him for a week when he told her about his new role. Steve thanked the Club's Board of Directors and the Club's Foundation Board for their leadership and hard work. And thank you to the club members for all that has been accomplished this year, especially the completion of the Habitat for Humanity house...the first one built in Duluth in many years.

Reflecting on the 30 years that he has been a member of Club 25 he could not imagine when he joined what the club would look like today. There have been changes and challenges and will continue to be, for change is a constant in life, but if we continue to focus on our mission “Service Above Self” and the Four-Way Test, Club 25will continue to be successful building good will and better friendships here and around the world.

To top off the night, Karol Sowers asked Past President Sandy Hoff to present one more thank you gift from the club. Sandy invited Steve and his wife Adele to join him and his wife Natalie for a ride in their amphibious Jeep up the North Shore and returning to Duluth by water. We will be expecting to see pictures and hear stories of this adventure.