Even though it was a beautiful warm day in Duluth, a crowd of hard core Rotarians were on hand when President Steve Yorde instructed the crowd to stand and sing the National Anthem. Bob Kase was at the keyboard and ended with such a flourish that some thought we might make an attempt at the second verse! Once assured that was not the case, the crowd gave heartfelt applause for the musical effort! In his invocation Past President Dan Bergeland reminded us September is a month of transition. Our families and businesses transition from summer vacations to school or work. For Rotarians it is a time to get back to the work of service above self.
Some folks must still be on summer vacation. Our Fellowship Reporter, Past President Tricia Bunten, had to dig deep. A front page article in the newspaper entitled “Duluth to Pitch-In for Pipes” mentioned Robin Pestalozzi who, as a first time homeowner, will now have access to loans to pay for the $18,000 needed to dig up and replace her sewer and water lines. Past President Bob Bennett was seen on television attending the Morgan Park High School class reunion. Chana Stocke was seen in a commercial promoting North Shore Bank of Commerce. As Chana works for a bank, it was no wonder she had ready cash for her four dollars work-zone fine. This week two special wedding anniversaries were acknowledged. Past President Tom Bell and Micki celebrated 50 years. And Past District Governor Earl Rogers and Judy celebrated 53 years. As Earl came forward, he made a failed attempt to deflect attention by claiming there must be a mistake as he is only 47 years old.
Then, as if popping out of the ground, the Rose Man Scott Frankovich blasted into the room in all of his pedal glory, tossing rose pedals on the tables and shaking his pot! For good reason the other three Chairs of the Rose Committee John Foucault, Rob Hoffman, and Eric Dott were nowhere to be seen. Scott gave us every reason to sell the 60 dozen roses needed to qualify for the celebration event hosted by Jacquelyn and Past President Dave McLean on October 23rd. Mark your calendars and sell your roses. Also, remember to go onto Facebook and “SHARE” the rose sale postings. Three members were recognized for their outstanding sales effort to date (with both ticket stubs and money turned into the office): Dan Bergeland, 40 dozen; Tom McCabe, 50 dozen; and Past President Jerry Ostroski, 60 dozen roses sold.
Our four guests from Woodland Hills, now known as The Hills, were introduced by Past Assistant Governor, Phil Strom. As has become this Club’s tradition, these young people are sponsored by Rotarians to attend our meetings and interact with us as we make an effort to be adult role models. The sponsors present were John Moir, Dean Casperson, Traci Marciniak, and Phil Strom. The life stories of these young people are inspirational. As one young man put it, he has learned to recognize his behaviors and the effect they have on others. A concept we can all apply.
Although the list of September birthdays appears elsewhere in this publication, the world is run by those who show up. And those who showed up and paid their birthday fines included: Natalie Zeleznikar, 11 years of Rotary service; Past President Bill Zimbinski, 42 years of service; and Past President Tom Bell with 48 years of service. If one can believe what one hears at Rotary, and if my math is correct, that means Tom Bell has been a Rotarian longer than Earl Rogers (as per his earlier statement) has been alive.
Sue Kerry as Chair of the Day introduced her colleague Dr. Bret Amundson, Dean of the School of Arts and Letters at the College of St. Scholastica and the Artistic Director for the Lake Superior Youth Chorus. Her introduction included an extensive list of degrees and honors, including his being one of Duluth’s “Twenty under Forty.” Dr. Amundson came to enlighten us about “The Power of Community Singing.” He got off to a rocky start when he gave us a collective “A” for our singing of the National Anthem and Happy Birthday. Who knew that Duluth Rotary Club #25 was a premier choral group!
Choral singing can be a key part of a holistic education to develop the whole person. Being part of a disciplined performing group instills the concepts of: (1) professionalism, (2) appreciation of excellence, and (3) a quality work ethic. As part of choral singing, you learn technique, you are challenged to explore and learn about multiple genre, all part of growing as an artist and as a human being.
The Lake Superior Youth Chorus is an extensive collection of groups and activities. With a staff of 14, the focus is on developing the 600 young singers who belong to one of the three choirs serving elementary school-aged children. Participation to practice and study. No child is denied participation due to financial ability. The list of outreach programs and activities included summer camps, Wolf Ridge, elementary and middle schools, assisted living facilities and performing with the Duluth Superior Symphony Orchestra. You can easily pick them out as they always wear blue.
An impressive number of former students, friends and associates came forward after the program. A stated goal of the Lake Superior Youth Chorus is to help young people “discover their voice.” With a service area extending beyond Duluth and Superior to include Moose Lake, the South Shore and Ely, many young people have done just that.
Fellowship Breakfast
