The room was filled with members and guests of both Rotary and Kiwanis for our annual joint spring meeting. Our tradition of getting together the week before Easter goes back for a majority of our combined history. President-elect Michelle Buria struck the bell ever so lightly such that a few of the folks at the back tables were still in conversation when the rest of us launched into singing the Star Spangled Banner with the musical assistance of Past President John Baumgarten.

 

 

The format of the meeting was modified to allow both Clubs to transact general business. The fellowship report was suspended. A number of Rotarians will have to hang onto their money until fined next week. However, Kiwanis Past President Gary Madison, when attempting to forego the famous Kiwanis Welcome Song, was overruled. So all guests were serenaded with the customary welcome song which always ends with gusto and the clinking of glasses. The hotel staff were happy to report there were no broken glasses.

 

Support for the local community and the world are hallmarks of both Kiwanis and Rotary. Gary Madison reported on the 51^st Annual Kiwanis TV Auction where over $36,000 was raised to be used for grants and projects. Michelle Buria reminded Rotarians of the upcoming Dinner and Auction on May 9 where Rotary plans to raise funds for both our local community and in continuing efforts to eradicate polio.

 

The Rotary International Foundation along with the World Health Organization and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation are committed to polio eradication. Phil Strom, Chair of the Foundation Committee, recognized two members for their continued giving to the foundation. Michelle Buria received her first sapphire and Al Makynen received his third ruby.

 

And what better way to strengthen the Club in order to better serve the community than to introduce a new member. Michelle Buria called up to the podium our newest member, Grant Hauschild, and his proposer Robin Maxwell Pestalozzi. Grant was born and raised in Fargo, North Dakota, and comes to us under the classification Healthcare Philanthropy. Grant is the Development Director for the Essentia Health Foundation.

Proposer Robin Maxwell Pestalozzi and New Proposer Robin Maxwell Pestalozzi and New Member Grant Hauschild

 

Chair of the Day, Eric Dott, introduced Malcolm Macaulay, physical therapist, coach, inventor, entrepreneur, and past Rotarian, as the person responsible for Eric’s road to recovery during his back rehabilitation. Mr. Macaulay has been in Duluth for 49 years, first with DM&IR Railroad and then as a Physical Therapist. During his career he has worked with patients who have a difficult time overcoming the effects of gravity. As important as gravity is to maintain good muscle and bone condition, gravity for some keeps them from being able to stand upright and or walk with a normal gait. This works against good mental and physical health. Being able to get up and move is the most powerful medicine.

 

Starting in 1993 he realized that some type of device was required to counteract the effects of gravity. No such device was found available in the marketplace. After many years of trial and error to develop such a device for his patients, he settled upon the concept of providing support at the hip joint so that a person on a treadmill could have natural, efficient and comfortable mobility. With the assistance of local Duluth talent and resources for cloth and metal fabrication, he developed and patented the Lightspeed Lift. This product can be attached to any existing treadmill on the market to provide for stabilization and to counteract the effects of gravity with adjustable tension from 0 to 45 pounds. Now those with mobility impairment are able to exercise in an upright, pain free environment.  When a person does not have a sensation of falling, and is supported slightly, they are able to relax and move in a natural and fluid way.

 

We also learned about the long process of bringing any new product to market. After eight years of development and testing including patents and demonstrated success, the product did not fly off the shelves. Malcolm Macaulay advised us that the adage of “build a better mouse trap, and the world will beat a path to your door” is not the general rule. Hard work, patience, and long hours at trade shows is more the norm.