President Tricia Bunten welcomed all to today’s meeting and invited everyone to stand and sing our National Anthem, accompanied by pianist and Past President John Baumgarten.  Given today’s topic on Team USA’s women’s curling team, the full-house of Rotarians, visiting Rotarians and guests sang the anthem in “full-voice.”  Invocator Darlene Anderson spoke about teamwork; practicing our Service Above Self motto on a daily basis will make the world a better place.  Fellowship Reporter and Past President Bill Gravelle introduced the many guests on hand, including one visiting Rotarian, Harbortown’s Karl Everett, who later presented President Tricia with a plaque honoring the Club’s support of a Bolivian medical clinic.  Bill Gravelle’s Fellowship Report began with Rob Hofmann who co-authored an article based on research he and another colleague had done on “Donors and Dementia” in the Non-Profit Times.  Past President Phil Strom was nicked for his elk hunting (non-refundable) license.  Tom Young’s firm is growing with the hiring of a new associate.   Deb Medlin, Al Makynen, Jack Schilling and Bill Gravelle (all CPAs) paid homage to the Golden Can as our newest member, Jen Smith, also a CPA, was welcomed into the club.   Jen reported that she is a graduate of Proctor High School and UMD.  She has been in the accounting profession for 18 years and is on the boards of Animal Allies and the Superior Hiking Trail.  She was sponsored by fellow Wipfli colleagues Deb Medlin and Tom Eling.  Curlers John Helstrom, Barb Perrella, Jack Schilling and Ryan Johnson were fined in recognition of today’s program.  Skeeter Moore acknowledged his curling interest and new NorthShore Inline Marathon colleagues.  The Inline Marathon will be September 15.  And finally, Natalie Zeleznikar was recognized as a good Samaritan for finding a permanent home for a “hyper-active and non-house broken” puppy, now named “Natalie Grace.”

President Tricia said that the fundraising done by our club is extremely important because it funds a variety of programs in our community.  She called upon Past President Phil Strom to present a $2,850 check to Emily Richey representing Duluth Community Gardens.  Our club’s donation will enhance infrastructure and provide educational programs at the 20 garden plots around the city.  $1,000 was presented to Adele Yorde representing St. Louis RiverQuest to help fund programming aboard the Vista Star as part of the organization’s outreach to the 1,500 sixth graders each year who learn about the estuary through 12 learning stations at the DECC and aboard the boat.  Jill Lofald representing Denfeld’s speech and debate programs was presented with $1,000 for scholarship assistance to those in the “achievement and opportunity” gap.

 

Speaker Aileen Geving and President Tricia Bunten

 

Chair of the Day Steve Yorde introduced Aileen Geving, Duluth native, UMD graduate and member of the Women’s Curling Team who represented the US at the recent Winter Olympics.  Aileen began curling at age 10 at the insistence of her curling parents.  While she initially thought it was “an old person’s sport,” she got on the ice and was immediately hooked.  She had a “fire and passion for the sport” which translated into hours of practice and days, months and ultimately years of training and personal sacrifice.  She found receptive coaches and good teams along the way to grow and improve her skills.  Eventually, there were physical trainers, sports psychologists, nutritionists and other experts to help her compete at the highest level, trying out for the Olympic team.  On her third try, she made Team USA.  Aileen’s scrapbook, various Olympic mementos and clothing (swag) were on the front table.  She passed around the (heated) jacket she wore for the Opening Ceremonies, “an awesome experience.”  She read excerpts from her diary, noting that she wanted “to be my best self” and perform in a  manner “I had worked hard for” for so many years.  Observations about the Olympics: they had tight security and constant surveillance by US Secret Service.  The athletes all lived in a 26-story apartment building in the Olympic Village with just one elevator, a good way to meet other athletes!  The dining hall was a huge tent, but the food served 24-7 was very good.  Even McDonald’s was available, along with Korean food, a salad bar and pasta buffet.  Curlers had their own pins, just like Rotary, and would exchange them with other athletes.  Curlers from other countries tended to hang-out with each other because of all the time spent competing against one another over the years.  The Olympic competition was rigorous: they played 9 round robin games, 3 hours each.  Following each game, they had to be interviewed by NBC television exclusively, followed by print media and finally all others before they could retreat back to the apartment.  Our women curlers fell one game short and missed the Playoffs where the gold, silver and bronze winners were determined.  Despite this, Aileen said she plans to continue her training for the next Olympics in 4 years.

 

Phil Strom presenting a grant to Amy Herstad, Amy Wolcott and Adele Yorde with St. Louis River Quest

How: Contact Dick Swenson via email swensonledges.gmail.com  to sign up for this event.