We Meet at Noon

on

November 24, 2021

Plated Meal Served

(Zoom Meeting Opens at 11:45)

 

with

 

  

Josh Soderhom

President, Kiwanis Club of Friendly Duluth

 

Some traditions endure!  This week we again join Kiwanis at their meeting on Wednesday to hear Chief of Police Mike Tusken and Fire Chief Shawn Krizaj. 

 

By Traci Marciniak

 

President Chana Stocke called the meeting to order with Rotarians asked to stand to recite the Pledge of Allegiance and the Rotary Four-Way Test.  Past President Al Makynen offered a brief and inspirational reflection about the power of being a Rotarian and being part of something bigger than oneself. He gave everyone a gentle reminder to be aware of the needs of others and the impact we can have when we make that a habit.

 

Al Makynen giving the Rotary Reflection

 

Noah Holland reported that he had been absent for the last two weeks because he was busy getting married! He kicked the Golden Can with $100 in honor of his nuptials. Past Assistant District Governor Phil Strom dropped $80 into the can for the Rotary Club of Duluth Foundation in honor of his wife Babs’ 80th birthday.

 

Noah Holland donating $100 in celebration of his recent marriage

   

Jerry Pelofske announced that they were short one Salvation Army Bell ringer for December 17 at the Plaza Super One store. Past President Branden Robinson swiftly volunteered to fill the slot.  Mary Niemeyer has arranged a Happy Holidays Happy Hour scheduled for Wednesday, December 15. This event on Wednesday evening at the Boat Club will replace that week’s regular meeting.  There will be fun, food, and the Rotary Singers might make an appearance. Please RSVP to your email invitation and bring a guest!

 

This week’s meeting will occur on Wednesday, November 24 and it is the 69^th Annual Joint Meeting with the Kiwanis Club of Friendly Duluth. We will be joining the Kiwanis Club at their meeting in the Lyric Conference Room.  Be sure to attend as Chief Tusken is always a great speaker.

 

Chair of the Day Sandy Hoff introduced Wes Drummond, the Duluth Playhouse’s new Executive Director. Wes recently moved to Duluth to accept the role at the Playhouse after an extensive career as a freelance director and choreographer in both Chicago and New York City. Wes’ impressive background includes a Master of Fine Arts in Directing from Penn State University, a program for which only two people are selected each year to participate, as well as several stints with Tony Award nominated directors.

 

Chair of the Day Sandy Hoff introducing the speaker

 

Wes joined the Duluth community at about the time COVID was rearing its ugly head and causing a multitude of challenges, particularly for arts venues due to closures, restrictions, and more. Wes took the challenges in stride and spoke highly of people throughout the community and how supportive they are of the arts. When he asked for a show of hands from those who have attended a Playhouse production in the past, nearly everyone in the room raised their hand.

 

Wes indicated that resources from local foundations, private donors, and a grant from the state’s Shuttered Venue grant program, all helped to keep the Playhouse on solid financial footing and ready to restart in-person productions. Wes talked about the line-up of shows planned for the 2021-2022 season at each of the three venues that comprise the Playhouse. There is the Northshore Theatre, as well as the Underground and Children’s and Family Theatres at the Historic Depot. In addition to hosting the classic theatre at the Northshore, which features classic cinematic works, there are 18 shows on the calendar at the various venues for the season.  The season has been reduced this year and that came as a surprise to the Rotarians as that seemed like A LOT of shows. Wes agreed by saying that he was pretty surprised himself upon arrival by the number of shows on the typical schedule. 

 

Wes shared that through his years as a director and choreographer he has had the opportunity to visit many different venues and shared that the Northshore is an incredibly stunning venue with its well-done art deco architecture and décor. As a performer, the Northshore is high on the list of desirable venues in which to stage a production.

 

President Chana Stocke with our speaker Wes Drummond

 

As is our custom Wes Drummond pulled the winning 50/50 ticket, and I can’t believe I’m typing this again, none other than Gary Melander was the winner.  There were boos and hisses from the crowd.  This was his 14^th win.  He is fast approaching the Club record of 19 wins held by his father, Don Melander!

 

Mark Peterson and Jim Schwartz collecting for the Gary Melander retirement fund