January 4, 2024

For Those Attending in Person

Lunch Buffet

(Zoom Meeting Opens at 11:45)

(Link Sent Thursday Morning)

At

 

 

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By Traci Marciniak

 

President Gary Melander called the meeting to order. To recognize the first sunny day we’ve had in what feels like months, President Gary Melander led the Rotarians in singing “America the Beautiful” accompanied by Past President John Baumgartner on piano. Members then recited the Rotary Four-Way Test of the things we think, say, or do.

 

 

Past Assistant District Governor Phil Strom offered the day’s Reflection, sharing how countless lives across the globe have been improved through Rotary’s international service projects. Past Assistant District Governor Phil Strom has participated in several international projects during his time as a Rotarian. He highly encourages Club #25 members to participate in a future international project as they are extremely rewarding experiences.

 

Past Assistant District Governor Phil Strom encourages Rotarians to consider supporting and volunteering for an international service project. 

 

President Gary Melander introduced the day’s guests which included: Dr. Jose Vasquez from Bolivia’s Mano a Mano organization, and Mike Cochran and Karl Everett, both from Harbortown Rotary.

 

Self-reports included Bob Reichert sharing that his newly published book of his late daughter Dorie’s poetry and art arrived just before Christmas, making its arrival extra special for the family. Past Assistant District Governor Al Makynen kicked the golden can by sharing the recent Duluth News-Tribune picture of Past State Governor Jesse Ventura was originally taken at a past Club #25 meeting. Past Assistant District Governor Al Makynen invited others who were at that meeting to contribute as well. Steve Burgess announced his retirement effective earlier that day!

 

Three, two, and one! Steve Burgess announced his retirement.

 

Dan Maki encouraged club members to volunteer to help with the Bentleyville tear-down over the next couple of days if they have time and desire to do so.

 

President Gary Melander returned to the podium and thanked the club for their support of the annual food drive. The club needs to raise an additional $310 to meet the goal of $5,000. Past Assistant District Governor Phil Strom pledged $155 if other club members match that amount. Please give if you haven’t already!

 

Past Assistant District Governor Phil Strom called Bob Reichert back up to the podium and awarded him a two-sapphire pin in recognition of his contributions to the Rotary Foundation.

 

Bob Reichert accepts his two-sapphire pin from Past Assistant District Governor Phil Strom

 

Harbortown Rotarian Karl Everett was introduced as the day’s speaker—though Karl needs no introduction due to the international service work he has done in Bolivia over the years, of which he’s reported to Club #25. Karl introduced Dr. Jose Vasquez, a long-time employee of Mano a Mano in Bolivia. Karl stated the number and quality of the medical clinics that have been developed in Bolivia are due in great part to the good doctor and the Mano a Mano organization.

 

Our speaker, Harbortown Rotarian Karl Everett

 

The last international service trip to Bolivia occurred in 2018 and included a five-person group, including Karl, that represented four different Rotary clubs in the Midwest.

 

Bolivia is the poorest country in South America with 39.5% of the population living in poverty. While beautiful, the terrain within the country is extremely challenging resulting in a lack of clean drinking water and difficult access to medical care.

 

Rotarians provide clean drinking water

 

Over the years, Mano a Mano has been involved in the construction of 183 medical clinics throughout the country, effectively increasing the live span of residents. Mano a Mano and Rotary International have worked together to drill wells to create several potable drinking water sources.

 

The next proposed clinic development will be located in Cesar Zama, a community in which 65% of the residents live below the poverty level. Rotary International will commit one-third of the project cost of $105,000, the majority of the remainder will come from the municipality. A small amount of the total will be given by the community. Once constructed, the Bolivian government will staff the medical clinic.

 

Hmmm, something to think about…this proposed clinic could be your chance to participate in an International Service Project?

 

(L to R) President Gary Melander, speaker Karl Everett, and guest Dr. Jose Vasquez

 

Guest, Dr. Vasquez pulled the winning 50/50 ticket, belonging to Fundraising Director Chair Greg Hansen. Wait, Greg Hansen won last week!? President Gary Melander better watch out— Greg Hansen is coming for his record!