Thursday, August 6, 2026

Lunch Buffet

Doors Open 11:30AM

At

 

 

 

Second Harvest Northland Food Packing

2302 Commonwealth Avenue

 

By Anthony Nordan

President Dan Maki rang our meeting to order with the saying of the Pledge of Allegiance and the Four-Way Test.

 

 

Rob Hofmann delivered our reflection today. The reflection was on the 4 Way Tests as it interacts throughout community. It is not a passive slogan. The 4-Way Test gives us a motto of being present with those around us. If we are to do these 4 things we promised, then we must be truly present in the situation for others. The reflection closed with the reminder that The Good Samaritan didn’t simply walk by those in need but stopped; they were present and didn’t ignore the issue.

 

 

We had 2 Golden Can Moments. Andy Thielen celebrated 35 years married. He put $10 in for every good year. Geiger Yount was married 65 years on July 8^th. It was also her 50^th Anniversary as a Minnesota and Duluthian.

 

Geiger Yount

 

We had 4 guests this week: [Reminder. Please have all guests write their names legibly.]

Jan Biga (Eco Rotary)

Judy Sage – wife of Allen Anway

Grant Johnson (Destination Duluth) - guest of Jerry Thoreson.

Mark Pucel – guest of Jerry Thoreson.

 

There was only one announcement today. Andy Thielen, Club 25 Youth Exchange Officer, wanted to thank the four people who jumped at the opportunity to be a Youth Exchange Aunt / Uncle for our Exchange Student. Normally he has difficulty getting one Rotarian. This year he had 4 jump at the opportunity to be an Aunt/ Uncle for our incoming student.

 

 

Our chair of the day Bob Reichart introduced Jerry Thoreson. A man who needed little introduction but gave a very enlightening background to their relationship. Bob gave a story about the book Yellow Butterfly at a past Club 25 program. This book was written by his daughter and published posthumous. Her book had a lot to do with today’s presentation: Mental Illness.

 

 

Jerry Thoreson started his presentation by stating that Bob was the reason that he is giving this presentation on living with Bipolar disorder.  Jerry gave a background of his life (with charming picture of his younger days) as well as his discovery of his Bipolar disorder in his 30s.  After High School Jerry went onto a career in ministry which he served for 13 years. His Bipolar disorder began to show during this time. Experiencing occasions of what he thought was being simply overwhelmed and burnout at times - turned out to be something else. For his health and family, Jerry resigned from his ministerial duties in 1995

 

 

Over the last 30 years he has developed many coping mechanisms, but he thanked two doctors in particular whom, over the years, helped him through these difficult times. His faith brought hope in these very difficult times. Even in the low points, such as Covid, he still found hope though his faith. During this journey to the present day, his family has been a critical part of his support structure. His 4 children and 8 grand children help him to get through each day.

 

 

Jerry was involved in a PSA that is still being used today in our local media market. You may even see it: Just Breathe 988.  The purpose of this PSA is to help remind people to breathe and that just breathing is a victory. 988 is the mental health hotline that is available 24/7.

 

There are warning signs for Mental Illness, and you can find those here: NAMI Warning Signs. 50% of all mental illness still start by age 14, and 75% of all mental illness by age 24. Depression in seniors is also a serious issue. 80% of seniors who experience depress see improvement when they seek help.  A great perspective to leave this presentation on: “Make it a great day” “The best is yet to be.”

 

This week's 50/50 is worth $55. The numbers are 5965414.

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