A MESSAGE FROM PRESIDENT MICHELLE BURIA
Following State and Local guidelines and in the interest of public health, the Rotary Board has decided to cancel the weekly Thursday meetings through the end of March.
The Rotary office will remain open; however, we ask that you only go to the office for necessary business that cannot otherwise be conducted electronically or over the phone.
Committee meetings will be held at the discretion of the Chairs including the decision to meet in person or electronically or to postpone meetings until a later date.
Highlights from Last Week’s Meeting
by Darlene Anderson
As Rotarians gathered for their weekly meeting, many were discussing the Conversation Starter question “When you were a kid, how did you spend your summers?” The answers brought forth stories, smiles and chuckles. Returning after two weeks away President Michelle Buria rang the Rotary bell and invited all to stand and join her in reciting the Rotary 4 Way Test.
Delivering the Fellowship Report was Past President Bob Bennett, congratulating Edina realtor Sheryl Homan for once again winning the Top Seller Award – this time for 2019. Past President Dave McLean kicked the Golden Can as he acknowledged Junior Rotarian Drew Sams for his play with the Hermantown High School hockey team at state. Then Dave asked Junior Rotarian Finn Hoops, Duluth East hockey player, another outstanding player, to stand and be recognized. Both young men have played as teammates and opponents since their youth demonstrating the camaraderie that exists amongst so many of our local hockey players. Seeing an opportunity to fill the Golden Can, Past President Bob Bennett asked all who attended Hermantown High School, live in Hermantown or work in Hermantown to add their dollars. Jay Ott stated that he and Zach Walters shared the same plane on their return trip from “Mickey Mouse Land” and a smiling Jay paid Zach's fine along with his own. There will be a hockey game played at Amsoil Arena Thursday night - minus any audience - between two teams of the “Old Men of Hockey League” which includes Club #25’s own Skeeter Moore. He shared that this will be the same audience they have had all winter - ZERO!
Left to right: Junior Rotarians and hockey players Drew Sams and Finn Hoops with Dave McLean
There are several important Club 25 events coming up and the planning has begun. The Rotary Annual Dinner and Auction Committee, under the direction of Ryan Johnson, meets on Tuesday, March 17. The Duck Pluck Committee, again led by Head Duck Jon Ohman, gathers on Monday, March 16. Any club member who desires to assist with the events is invited to attend the planning meetings. Please watch future editions of the Gimlet for more announcements.
President Elect and Chair of the Day Dean Casperson introduced our speaker Jeramy Katchuba, District Vice President, Duluth Area Family YMCA. It has been 18 years since Jeramy presented to our Rotary Club and he began with a game of “YMCA Trivia” which included prizes for the Rotarian with the correct or closest answer.
1) In what decade did the YMCA begin in Duluth? 1882.
2) In what decade did
Camp Miller begin?
It was in 1898. The locations were Deer River, then Ely, then Sturgeon Lake. Camp Miller is the longest running camp in Minnesota and fourth oldest in the United States.
3) When did the YMCA begin in Cook County? 2014 in Grand Marais. It is attached to the school and kids can move right from their classroom to the Y for the after-school programs. It is currently used by 1752 people and has the highest retention rate in the U.S.
4) When did the community service branch open in the Harbor Highlands? 7 years ago. It focuses on youth services in that neighborhood.
5) What was the launch date of the newest facility?
October 14, 2019. It is the YMCA at
Essentia Wellness Center located in Hermantown. It is a partnership between the YMCA (Manager of the facility), City of Hermantown (Owner of the property) and Essentia (Naming rights to the facility and key renter for their on-site clinic).
The $26 million facility was truly a partnership between these three entities, funds from a state bonding request, St Louis County and 15 regional townships plus contributions from the public. This is clearly an example of a partnership at its best The YMCA at Essentia Wellness Center is located at 4289 Ugstad Road in the old Hermantown Middle School building. The renovated 72,000 square foot facility includes an aquatics center, gym area, workout space, indoor track and community spaces. It also houses a licensed childcare facility currently serving 118 kids which was the number projected in a few years rather than months.
The facility is being so well utilized that it has already surpassed the 5-year projected numbers with over 6600 new members since opening. In January 2020 more than 30,000 visits to the facility were recorded. This not only meets but exceeds the original goals of providing services to not only those living in Hermantown, but in the surrounding area. It is also a shining example of what can be accomplished with community partnerships.
Left to right: Our speaker Jeramy Katchuba with President Elect and Chair of the Day Dean Casperson