This Week at Rotary
We Meet at 5:00 PM on Thursday
June 2, 2022
IN PERSON ONLY
At
425 Lake Avenue
Duluth, MN
Presidents’ Night Celebration!!!
Celebrate THREE Club Presidents, Michelle Buria, Dean Casperson and Chana Stocke!
Join fellow Rotarians and their guests at "The Garden" (formerly Grandma's Sports Garden) from 5:00-8:00pm on Thursday, June 2
AGENDA
5:00-6:00pm Cocktails and Hors d'oeuvres
6:00-6:30pm Program
6:30-8:00pm Social Time
Entertainment by Randy Lee Trio during the Cocktails and Social Time.
Highlights from Last Week’s Meeting
By Steve Yorde
Shortly after the clock struck 12:00 noon, President Chana Stocke welcomed all Rotarians to our meeting at the Holiday Inn by ringing the bell and leading us in the National Anthem with Past President John Baumgarten accompanying us on piano. The Four-Way Test appeared on the screen up front and enabled all to consider what it means to be a Rotarian in these troubled times. Elizabeth Simonson’s Reflection focused on the nation’s indescribable heartache that was again brought on by gun violence in Texas. She concluded by recognizing the 21 school shooting victims with 21 seconds of silence in their honor.
Elizabeth Simonson
Noting there were no guests or self-reports, President
Chana Stocke called on President-elect
Barb Perrella for an announcement concerning next week’s meeting,
“Presidents’ Night” at
The Garden in Canal Park beginning at 5:00 pm. All members, friends and non-Rotarians are welcome as we salute three former presidents
Michelle Buria,
Dean Casperson and
Chana Stocke.
Chair of the Day Stacy Oltmanns introduced Courage Kenny Rehabilitation Institute’s Eric Larson. Eric has been in Duluth since arriving 28 years ago from Indiana University for an internship at Polinsky Medical Rehabilitation Center. This led to his life’s work helping people of all ages expand their capacities beyond the wheelchair and into adaptive sports. He opened his presentation with a provocative video highlighting the programs and mission of Courage Kenny. As one of the young participants said, “I am a person who happens to have a disability. I am not a disabled person. My being disabled does not define me as a person.” This striking philosophy involves people of all ages (age 4 to age 90-plus) in recreational and competitive sports. These activities are adapted to enhance independence, improve self-confidence and encourage an active and healthy lifestyle.
Eric’s uplifting remarks revealed his long-time friendship with two deceased Club 25 members, Fred Lewis and Bob Pratt. Thanks to Courage Kenny, Fred was able to stay active well into his 90’s by golfing, rowing in the harbor and adaptive skiing at Spirit Mountain. Bob Pratt was the “ideal volunteer” who showed up to work and brought work gloves for the other volunteers he brought with him! The Bob Pratt Work Glove Award recognizes the exceptional Courage Kenny volunteers. Past President John Baumgarten recalled gathering donations from all the Duluth Rotary clubs to help get Courage Kenny Northland started in 1994.
Courage Kenny Rehabilitation Institute’s Eric Larson
Courage Kenny services are recognized as “not medically necessary,” so they are not covered by medical insurance. Its support comes entirely from philanthropy through donations and fundraisers such as the Shoot for Fun Sporting Clays event on September 10. Services are delivered by a cadre of some 350 volunteers serving in a variety of activities such as archery, skiing, rock climbing, rowing, swimming, fishing, golf and cycling among many others.
Courage Kenny Rehabilitation Institute in action!
President Chana Stocke drew the winning 50/50 ticket held by President Elect Barb Perrella! She reminded us of next week’s evening meeting at The Garden in Canal Park. There will be no noon meeting at the Holiday Inn.
Speaker Eric Larson and Chair of the Day Stacy Oltmanns