Thursday, December 4, 2025

Lunch Buffet

Doors Open 11:30AM

At

 

 

At 20 years old, Tanner Stokes, along with his business partner Sandy Hoff, is opening Tanner's Express Car Wash in January along Haines Road.

 

 

 Dec. 10, 2025, 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

We have an opportunity to help fight hunger in our area! Our Rotary Club has partnered with Second Harvest Northland to assist them in their mission to create a hunger-free Northland at their new facility in West Duluth.

Questions: President-elect Dan Maki

Thank you for considering this opportunity!

 

Contact Dan Dock to volunteer – dandockdc@aol.com or 218-724-7801

 

By Al Makynen

 

The Great Hall was full of energy as President Zach Walters brought the usual bedlam under control with the ringing of the bell for us to recite the Pledge of Allegiance and the Rotary Four Way Test.  Jerry Thoreson gave us a poignant Rotary Reflection about birthdays past, present and future. Having a Mother during early childhood who worked at the toy department at Goldfine’s by the Bridge produced audible gasps. Getting any toy you asked for was how the system worked.  Then, during the volatile teenage years at age 14, the unthinkable happened.  She forgot.  The Rotarians here today are about to embark on a work project to ensure that a parent has what they need, so a kid can make their own cake and perhaps 50 years from now remember a birthday not because it was missed but because a Rotarian cared. 

 

Dan Maki was excited to report that his daughter found a Golden Ticket (one of three so far, out of a total of ten) with her Bentleyville candy bar.  A month from now, they will draw for a Polaris Four–Wheeler.

 

President Zach Walters announced there WILL NOT BE A MEETING next week.  After more than forty years, the tradition of gathering with the Kiwanis Club during the week of Thanksgiving has come to an end with the disbanding of the Duluth Kiwanis Club.  We were all encouraged to have a wonderful holiday with friends and family.

 

Chair of the Day Zach Walters quickly handed over to Past President Michelle Buria the responsibility to get going on or work project.  Each table was assigned the task to prepare 25 Birthday Cake Holiday Packages.  All of the required items were distributed by her trusty minions, District Governor Elaine Hansen and Jen Smith.  The materials were stacked high along the wall of the Great Hall; pans for baking and to hold all the necessary items; cake mix, a can of Sprite, (to replace the need for eggs and oil), frosting – my favorite element, candles (10), stickers, ribbon and instructions. 

 

The Rotarians went to work and in short order there were about 100 units ready to be delivered by our partner organizations.  Representatives from Neighborhood Youth Services, Valley Youth Center, and Divine Konnections participated in making the packages.  Many hands make light work, and our meeting was no exception.  We recognize the need for food shelves.  We also recognized the need to celebrate.  Our packages will enhance any birthday celebration and there is no additional out of pocket expense to make it happen.

 

Past President Michelle Buria with the Birthday Packages ready to go

 

Jim Schwartz alongside Past President Elizabeth Simonson

 

Jerry Pelofske is taking his assignment very seriously

 

Bob Reichert is making the work “a piece of cake (mix)”

 

(L to R) President Elect Dan Maki, Past President Dean Casperson with Jack Seiler focus on the task at hand

 

A laser-focused Allison Hanig-Landrus

 

Pez Davila, Executive Director of Neighborhood Youth Services shares his appreciation for all that Rotary of Duluth does for “his kids”

 

(L to R) Guest Angelo Simone with Bill Lundberg

 

Team Tim Mowbray and Past President Elizabeth Simonson are making someone’s Birthday special

 

Morgana Kolenda, a cool cat indeed!

 

Jay Ott speaks to Tom Young as President Zach Walters finishes a package