We Meet at Noon

Thursday, May 14, 2020

Camella Hatch           Sue Schumacher

 

Camella Hatch, Early Literacy Librarian, and Sue Schumacher, Youth and Branch Services will share their stories about the collaboration with community organizations and individuals to improve school readiness and to strengthen families during these unprecedented times.

 

by Rob Hofmann

 

Before our weekly meeting of Club #25 Rotarians began, President Michelle Buria asked who among us had plans for the Minnesota Fishing Opener?  Corey Collier and Barb Perrella were prepared to drown a few worms. Our corresponding Rotarian in Arizona Tom Wheeler reported Minnesota fishing licenses are way up this year – especially among the young!  He also reported that a Desert King Snake made a house-call demonstrating its vertical climbing abilities on his garden wall.  As a result of this story, Catherine Carter Huber vowed NEVER, NEVER, EVER to visit Arizona!

Desert King Snake

 

Tom Wheeler then provided the day’s Rotary Reflection that connected today’s program on the Great Lakes Aquarium with a recent program provided by the Lake Superior Zoo and the complimentary education programs they have which draw from our rich natural resources, and of course the great teaching classroom that is Lake Superior.

 

Robin Pestalozzi brought a visitor, retired UMD faculty member Ken Risdon – welcome Ken! A few Rotarians shared news and self-reports for Fellowship:  Jena Evans shared that the Newspaper has interviewed her a few times about COVID-19 in her role at Ecumen. Bill Gronseth is moving to St. Peter, Minnesota for his new job as superintendent and is joining the St. Peter Rotary Club!  Past Assistant Governor Phil Strom reported a 350-pound male black bear stole a feeder and wreaked havoc with a patio storage box.  Little does this bear know who he’s messing with!

 

President Michelle Buria then introduced Melanie Hansen from Lutheran Social Service’s Duluth Crisis Nursery while announcing a grant of $4,000!  Melanie Hansen drove the point that these funds help dozens of families and dozens more young children in crisis with essentials such as baby formula, diapers, clothing and more until such time as the families can get back on their feet. Rotarians are also asked to Save-The-Date of May 21^st for roadside cleanup. Rotarians will meet at 2:00 pm at the Clearwater Grill on Old Hwy 61 – with fellowship following.

 

Chair of the Day Past President Elaine Hansen introduced our speaker Jay Walker, executive director of the Great Lakes Aquarium (GLA). With more than 25 years of experience, most of it right here in Duluth, Jay has been involved in all aspects of aquarium work. His program, Beyond The Sea highlighted the important work of connecting people to water and wildlife. Noting that our bodies mostly contain Lake Superior H₂O, it is important to recognize our connection to the lake and the entire watershed that feeds it. The GLA has had some tough times in the past, and especially now with the COVID-19 shutdown, yet GLA is financially healthy due to improved fundraising. Jay’s leadership has attracted a number of large grants that have allowed GLA to improve its facilities, expand displays, and build new interactive exhibits. A family friendly attraction, GLA serves tens of thousands on kids with indoor, outdoor and underwater education activities. GLA has scores of volunteers, one as young as 14 and one that has served 20 years! Jay credits the success of the Great Lakes Aquarium to his staff, his volunteers, and community memberships.

 

Active Participation at an Aquarium Program