By Rob Hofmann

 

On a glorious fall day, over 50 Rotarians of Club #25 gathered in either the Grand Ballroom of the Holiday Inn and Suites Downtown or via ZOOM. President Dean Casperson opened the meeting with a ring of the Rotary Bell and led us in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance and a recitation of the Rotary Four-Way Test.  President Elect Chana Stocke provided the Rotary Reflection with a reminder of upcoming Election Day. She shared: “No matter what your political views are, we are all ready for this election to be over so our country can start healing”. Reminding us of the importance of our civic duty to vote, Chana quoted President Franklin D. Roosevelt who said:  “Nobody will ever deprive the American people the right to vote except the American people themselves, and the only way they can do this is by not voting.”

 

The Fellowship Report began with introductions and good news! Past President Mike Orman had Paul Wojciak, an Associate Attorney with Beaumier Trogdon Orman Hurd & Viegas as his guest.  UMD Corporate and Foundations Development Officer Kristi Schmidt was a ZOOM guest of Past President Tricia Bunten and Rob Hofmann. Club Treasurer Dave Nolle experienced some ZOOM static but was able to announce the birth of his son! 

 

Jon Helstrom took to the dais to deliver the eulogy for Dave Rutford who passed away October 19, 2020, at age 89. He was a member of the Club for 41 years and traveled the world including Africa and the Amazon. Club #25 Rotarians may remember his program recounting his high adventures on the Mississippi River. In 1955, he and two friends built a 15x30-foot raft out of logs and barrels and parts salvaged from an old barge, powered it with a Chevy car set on top, and spent a month rafting down the Mississippi River from St. Paul to New Orleans. A memorial service/celebration of the life of David C. Rutford will be held at a later date, when family and friends can safely gather.

 

 

President Dean Casperson, on behalf of 3^rd Quarter Program Chair Renee Mattson, called for program suggestions. Remembering that some of the finest programs come from within Club #25, he asked that ideas be emailed to renee@trinitycreekllc.com.

 

Speaker Dr. Rolf Weberg

                    

Chair of the Day Mike Lalich introduce our speaker Dr. Rolf Weberg, director of the Natural Resources Research Institute (NRRI).  NRRI has a very simple mission: NRRI delivers research solutions to balance our economy, resources and environment for resilient communities. Chartered in 1983 by the Minnesota State Legislature as part of the University of Minnesota system research enterprise, NRRI employs over 140 scientists, engineers, technicians, staff and students in two industrial research facilities. Through collaborative partnerships, they deliver the innovative tools and solutions needed to utilize and sustain Minnesota’s precious natural resources. NRRI relies on expertise, partnership, and delivery of solutions that benefit all:

 

 

NRRI has six Integrated Research Platforms representing a combination of programs, staff and resources to address forest, water, and mineral resources:

 

Research Platform Goals include: Understanding resources, diversifying product portfolio, eliminating waste, and embracing “life-cycle thinking” among a few. Dr. Weberg illustrated a few projects in his ZOOM presentation: “Iron of the Future” or as he described it – “NRRI’s Manhattan Project”; Environmental Sulfate Reduction in soil and water; and “Bioeconomy Emerging Opportunities” as demonstrated with biochar. Biochar may be used to mitigate climate change by taking carbon out of the environment. Currently, for its soil remediation projects, the City of Minneapolis purchases its biochar from Missouri – NRRI is working to bring that business to Minnesota! Dr. Weberg offered the Club a tour of NRRI once COVID-19 precautions end.

 

Chair of the Day Mike Lalich and President Dean Casperson

 

By Jerry Ostroski

 

The Rotary Club of Duluth Foundation is governed by an 11 member Board appointed by the Club.  Our Foundation is a separate corporation (501c3) with its own Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws.  Although the Foundation is an independent entity, there are three interlocking Directorships.  The Chair of the Grants Committee and a Club Board Member are ex-officio Foundation Directors.  Also the President of the Foundation serves on the Club Board.

 

President

 

Vice President

 

Secretary

 

Treasurer

 

Allen Anway, Director

Corey Collier, Director

Jena Evans, Director

Jenny Peterson, Ex-Officio, Club Grants Committee

Robin Pestalozzi, Director

Jim Schwartz, Director

Chana Stocke, Ex-Officio, Club Board Representative