We Meet at Noon on Thursday

June 3, 2021

Plated Meal Served

(Zoom Meeting Opens at 11:45)

 

Nick Van Deelen, M.D.

Co-President, CEO and Chief Medical Officer

St. Lukes Hosptial

 

Dr. Nick Van Deelen will walk us through the pandemic challenges of the past 15 months and how healthcare systems adapted to meet the changing needs of our region.   

 

By Darlene Anderson

 

Was it winter or spring? That was the main question being asked as Rotarians gathered for their weekly meeting. But the cool temps could not dampen the spirit of those gathered.  There were smiles galore and without masks, you could see them!  Conversations trailed off as President Dean Casperson rang the Rotary bell. In the Rotary Reflection Past President Mike Orman reminded us our Rotary Club has made local parks an integral part of service. At Enger Park we installed the lighting of the tower and created the Rotary International Peace Plaza.  At Canal Park we installed the lighting of the iconic lift bridge.

 

Mike Orman providing the Rotary Reflection

 

President Dean Casperson introduced visiting Rotarian Kay Baker from Arden Hills/Shoreview  Club and also introduced a guest of Past Assistant Governor, Phil Strom, Roxanna Esguerra as a prospective new member. The Golden Can had slim pickings with only President Dean Casperson giving an “advance report” of his step-daughter's wedding this coming Saturday.

 

Phil Strom, as the Chair of the Foundation Committee, presented Allen Anway with a Rotary International Foundation major donor award.  The diamond pin signified a cumulative giving of $10,000.  Congratulations to Allen Anway for achieving this major milestone.

 

Phil Strom presenting a Major Donor Award to Allen Anway

 

Chair of the Day Renee Mattson, who also is the Program Committee Co-Chair, preceded the introduction of the speaker with a request for program suggestions.  The best suggestions come from the membership. Thursday's speaker was Shannon Lotthammer who joined the Minnesota DNR in 2019 where she now serves as assistant commissioner overseeing the divisions of Parks and Trails. Prior to this, she was with the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency. As a graduate of UMD Shannon is very familiar with the parks of Duluth and northeastern Minnesota.

 

Chair of the Day Renee Mattson

 

The goal of the Minnesota DNR Parks and Trails is “Connecting People to the Outdoors”. This has been the work of a generation and hopefully will continue for generations to come. Minnesota has 75 state parks and recreation areas as well as 56 forest campgrounds. All of us are familiar with some of the state parks in the Arrowhead Region: Split Rock, Gooseberry, Jay Cooke and Grand Portage. In fact, there is at least one park within 30 miles of nearly every home in Minnesota. In the past year, there was a dramatic 60% increase in the use of State Parks as people sought an outdoor experience as a way to get away and relieve the stress of the pandemic. Several State Parks saw greater than a 100% increase. The expanded use has led the DNR to develop new initiatives to sustainably manage the resources and to attract new outdoor enthusiasts. There is ongoing research as to how to best finance maintenance and upgrades so that parks are available for all to enjoy.

 

Speaker Shannon Lotthammer via Zoom (Great Outdoors Background)

 

To encourage people to experience the wonders of Minnesota State Parks, the DNR has expanded the “I Can!” program designed to take kids from saying; “I have never done that” to "Wow, that was a blast!”  The May 2021 Trailblazer Newsletter introduced #MyMN Outdoor Adventures where people can share online a story or photo of their outdoor adventures. Information about all these programs and more can be found at www.dnr.state.mn.us.

 

 

By Craig Fellman

 

Nine hardy Rotarians showed up after our regular meeting on Thursday for Adopt a Highway spring clean-up.  Our Club has responsibility for two miles along the truly Scenic North Shore Drive.  Many hands make light work and with four teams we were able to quickly cover the distance!  Fellowship at the home of Past President Michelle Buria followed.  It was brisk, but not raining!

 

Al Makynen, Paul Wojciak, Michelle Buria, Craig Fellman, Jen Smith, Mike Murray, Chana Stocke, Dean Casperson (Jerry Thoreson - Not Pictured, as he was taking the picture!)

 

Jen Smith stopping briefly for photographer Jerry Thoreson