Joining President Steve Yorde at the head table today were District Governor Blaine Johnson and Assistant District Governor Kay Biga. After welcoming all Rotarians and guests, Prez Steve rang the Rotary bell, called the meeting to order, and invited all to stand while we sang “The Star Spangled Banner” and “O Canada” accompanied by Bob Kase. Greg Hansen offered the invocation.

 

Fellowship Reporter and Past President Phil Strom noted that this week was UMD Move-In-Day, and Past President Tricia Bunten donned her work clothes to help do some heavy lifting as new freshmen moved into their dorms. Also welcoming the 2000 new Freshmen, the largest class on record, were Elaine Hansen, Rob Hoffman, Ruth Westra, Bob Kase and Marc Siegar. This weekend is the annual Dragon Boat Festival at Barker's Island. Eco Rotary and Club 25 have teamed up together to form a rowing team led by Jenny Peterson and Jena Evans. Attending the groundbreaking for the Habitat for Humanity home in Duluth were President Steve Yorde, Jerry Pelofske and Dean Casperson. The Wells Fargo stagecoach led the Wells Fargo employees to the build site, so work zone fine for Past President Dave McLean and Scott Bradt. The Duluth News Tribune ran a story on financial literacy for kids written by Steve Burgess. Adding one more duty to his already long list, Past President Sandy Hoff assumed the role of Board Chair for the Lake Superior College Foundation. Former club member Crystal Taylor Lohman and her husband Austin welcomed their first baby this week, daughter Taylor Grace.

 

President Steve introduced our Club's new Administrative Assistant, Diana Armstrong. She is a Duluth native who has been working for the City of Minneapolis and responsible for the committees serving the City Council. She moved back to Duluth to help care for her daughter's children and will be working in the Rotary office Mondays and Thursdays. Welcome, Diana.

 

Youth Exchange Officer Jeff Bradt then introduced the club to our newest Rotary exchange student, Natalka Pron. Natalka is from Poland and will be attending East High School. Her host family is Kim and Romesh Lakhan. Welcome, Natalka.

 

Although he was highlighting our September Volunteer Projects, Jim Schwartz asked for a few more members to join him on Sunday, August 26, at the Valley Youth Center to assist with the BBQ for students and their families. In true Rotarian spirit, three members immediately raised their hands. September is a busy month as we continue our service with “Backpacks with Weekend Food for Hungry Kids” on Friday, Sept 7, at Second Harvest; “Harvest Festival” on  Saturday, Sept 8, at Bayfront Park; “Second Harvest Food Distribution” on Sept 12 at Second Harvest; and “NorthShore Inline Marathon” on Sept 14-15.

 

President Steve again highlighted the Habitat BUILD as the Rotary District 5580 matched the $15,000 contribution made by Harbortown, Skyline, Club 25 and our local Club 25 Foundation dollar for dollar for $30,000 total toward the construction of the new home. We will be finding out when it is our time to participate with “hands on” involvement, so stay tuned for continued updates.

 

Our speaker today was District 5580 Governor Blaine Johnson. He was born in Minot, ND and graduated from UND with a degree in Music. He then obtained his Juris Doctorate from the University of Minnesota Law School and is a partner in the

 

Longest membership Jack Soetebier and newest membership Dan Maki