Today’s program, the NorShor on-site meeting, was initially proposed by Rotarian Tom Wheeler and enthusiastically accepted by the second quarter program planning group. Yes, the committee was aware that some Club 25 members might think this program proposal would be lightly attended because it was away from the Holiday Inn. But the allure of this fantastic, newly restored theatre, with its historical attachment to our fair city over-rode any doubt that might have seeped into the planning process. Today’s meeting at the NorShor confirmed the decision to move the meeting to this off-site location. It was one of those meetings that will be remembered for a long, long time.
…and the number of Rotarians who came filled the theater’s lounge area. Box-lunches were ready and waiting as members arrived. The new surroundings were very conducive to the fellowship that was obvious as Club 25 Rotarians enjoyed one another in advance of the program. There were only eleven box lunches remaining after all had been fed and President Steve Yorde delivered these to the Union Gospel mission after the meeting.
He then opened the meeting with a shout-out to Tom Wheeler whose idea it was to meet at the NorShor. Past President Dick Carlson provided an appropriate invocation by connecting the William Shakespeare saying “All the world is a stage” with the parts that we Rotarians play on the stage of life. Jon Ohman provided the Fellowship report by asking Rotarians to self-report their good news since we were last together. Bob Kase made a contribution to the Golden Can in honor of his son-in-law, Evan Kelly, who plays one of the lead roles in the Playhouse’s current production of “Beauty and The Beast” (more on Evan Kelly later in this report). Eric Dott acknowledged that his wife, Deb DeLuca, was honored with a story in the DNT about her first experiences as the new Executive Director of the Duluth Seaway Port Authority. Jeff Bradt was the picture of a happy man as he contributed a sum in recognition of The Hills’ reception of $27 million dollars that will support the new facility The Hills will build in East Bethel, north of the Twin Cities. Dick Swenson, inventor of the Sven Saw, a camp-handy device that is so popular with campers throughout the nation, came forward because of some recent publicity that will enhance the sale of this long-time side-line for Dick. And finally, Steve Hadley contributed a tidy sum as he told of how his family now has four grandchildren all under the age of four.
President Steve read notes of appreciation received from young people at The Center for Changing Lives in response to the help Rotarians contributed recently to their annual Thanksgiving dinner. One note alluded to Rotarians as being “cool.”
Catherine Carter Huber introduced Michelle Kyle from the “Hope for Children” organization. Catherine then presented her with a $5,000 check in support of the work they do. Ms. Kyle was eloquent in her appreciation to Club 25.
It was then Sandy Hoff’s turn to introduce Christine Gradl Seitz, Executive and Artistic Director of the Duluth Playhouse and host for Duluth Rotary’s visit to the NorShor. Sandy described the idea to reclaim the NorShor from its long delinquent existence as being a 10-year process that involved the Playhouse Board of Directors, former Mayor Don Ness, developer George Sherman and a host of other interested individuals in a very complicated journey. Through it all, as Sandy explained, it was the persistence and tenacity of Director Seitz and her vision that carried the mission to completion.
She began her remarks by stating that since the grand opening on February 1, 2018, the NorShor facility has not only met but exceeded her loftiest expectations. One only has to scan the Playhouse Playbill for 2018 to admire what a full schedule of
theatrical events this facility has scheduled and produced in just its initial year. In addition to major plays and musicals, the NorShor has been used for a concert series, feature films and a film festival, community usage (i.e. weddings and other events), and touring bands. The facility is busy year round.
Ms. Seitz then invited Rotarians to take a tour with her as our guide. We moved up on stage so we could scan the full 584 seats that are positioned in the auditorium to provide an excellent view of the events on stage. We admired the stage set, artfully done by Duluth’s own Anne Gumpper. Ms. Seitz commented on how their sets are constructed in a near-by location and moved down the back alley toward an opening that leads to the stage. It was then on to the balcony where we were treated to performances by Playhouse stars Evan Kelly and Emily Haren, as they shared two of their solo renditions from “Beauty and The Beast.” What a treat!
Admiration, appreciation, feelings of goodwill and unbounded enthusiasm was the mood of the Club 25 members as they departed, expressing their gratitude to Christine for her hospitality. She and the NorShor program have taken their place as another major attraction that Duluth can be very proud of.
Chair of the Day Sandy Hoff and Speaker Christine Gradl Seitz
Bill Gravelle, Geiger Yount and Bill Zimbinski volunteering their time ringing bells for the Salvation Army
Ruth Westra, Mark Peterson, Mike Orman and Dean Casperson enjoying their lunch at the NorShor's Maurice's Lounge
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Some of the volunteers serving Thanksgiving Dinners at the LifeHouse and LSS’ Center for Changing Lives on November 20, left to right: Jena Evans, Karol Sowers, Mary Eckman and Robin Pestalozzi;
and Dan Dock, Dan Maki, Rotaractors Megan Jones and Emily Ostrand, and Karen Dock
