Once again Rotary Club #25 President Steve Yorde demonstrated his ability to adapt to any situation. This week the Rotary gavel was deemed missing and so a handy coffee cup was pressed into service by Pres Steve to ring the Rotary bell. Members and guests joined together singing “The Star Spangled Banner” accompanied by Past President John Baumgarten. Highlighting the topic of the speakers for today's program, Darlene Anderson told the story of the loss of her friend to dementia and the toll it took on family, friends and community. Many Rotarians can share a similar story and this makes us ever thankful for each day we have when we can make memories with family and friends and appreciate the opportunity to serve others.

 

The month of March has arrived and Fellowship Reporter Jon Ohman asked what we in the Northland associate with March. The quick response was “Hockey!” Seen on WDIO watching Duluth East in the Section playoff against Andover at Amsoil Arena was Dave Holappa. And to highlight that Duluth East would be playing in the State Tournament this week, Rotarians who are graduates of East or have family members attending East were asked to come forward and kick the Golden Can. That brought many people forward to proudly deposit their two dollars. Jon, being an Iron Ranger, then asked fellow Rangers to come forward and do the same in honor of the Greenway/N-K Raiders who are making their way to the State Hockey Tournament. It seems that Edie Michalski has been lucky enough to win the raffle drawing twice in recent weeks. However, her luck ran out today as she forgot her badge on her office desk and was asked to use some of her winnings to pay the “Missing Badge Fine.” Tom McCabe proudly announced the birth of his 21^st great-grandchild. Congratulations, Tom! Chana Stocke will be joining McKenzie MacFarlane and other Rotarians in Guatemala on Saturday. She will be there for ten days working on a service project and has promised to bring back coffee for us to purchase in support of the project. She and McKenzie will share their experiences as well as progress made on the project when they return.

 

 

 

Barb Perrella introduced the newest member of Club 25, Stacy Oltmanns. Stacy is familiar with Rotary as she was a past member of the Eco Rotary Club of Duluth. She has already added her name to a couple committees. Stacy is Vice President of Sales for Visit Duluth and works bringing conventions to Duluth. Welcome Stacy and thanks, Barb!

 

 

A highlight at the beginning of each month is the introduction of our new Junior Rotarians. Please take time to meet and talk with these outstanding young people. Marc Seigar announced April 25 as Junior Rotarian Day when they will be in charge of the Rotary
weekly meeting.

 

 

Chair of the Day Traci Marciniak introduced today's speakers, Mimi Stender and Georgia Lane, who took turns at the podium sharing about “Creating a Dementia Friendly Community.” Today there are 5.7 million people in the United States suffering from some form of dementia. In 2050 that number is projected to increase to 14 million people. Not only does the disease take a toll on those with dementia but also on their care partners. That’s where organizations such as the one Mimi and Georgia work with come into play. Their role is to promote awareness of the resources and organizations that are available in our community to support those with dementia and their families or care partners. They highlighted a few of these, like Victory Chorus that uses music to create joy and provide social interaction. The Chorus is comprised of those with dementia, their caregivers and volunteers. The Arrowhead Area Agency on Aging is another resource available that focuses on collaboration among health and community organizations and can assist with access to available programs. The goal of Dementia Friendly Duluth is to support people experiencing and caring for those with Alzheimers and other forms of dementia. Thank you for sharing with us how to find the resources available in our community!

 

Club #25 is planning a hands-on crafting meeting April 4 and we are asking members to bring scissors to share - as many pairs as you have!