We Meet at Noon on Thursday

September 2, 2021

Plated Meal Served

(Zoom Meeting Opens at 11:45)

Keith Brokke

District Governor

 

 

District Governor Keith Brokke is a charter member of the Fargo Moorhead AM Rotary Club.  Keith & Lynne are Major Donors and Paul Harris Society members of the Rotary International Foundation.  In 2002-03 they hosted an exchange student from Venezuela.  

Keith served as Assistant Governor for Area 5 from 2007 to 2010; as District Liaison for Future Vision 2010-2013; as Stewardship Committee Chair 2013-16; as D5580 Foundation Chair 2016-19 and in the District Governor Succession since the election in October of 2018.

 

By Darlene Anderson

 

With the ringing of the Rotary bell, President Chana Stocke welcomed all those both in the Ballroom and on Zoom. The Rotary Reflection was the poem “August” by John Upton as read by Sheryl Homan.  This week's guests included today's speaker and past Rotarian Ann Glumac, former member Bill Zimbinski as a guest of Past President Bill Gravelle, and Pat Munger Lehr guest of Dale Johnson.  Kicking the Golden Can with a $32 contribution was Past President Al Makynen in celebration of his and Liz's 32^nd wedding anniversary. Congratulations, Al and Liz.

 

The Rotary Board has directed the Holiday Inn to limit seating to four per table.  The Club meeting will follow the latest state health department recommendations.  As to masks, they will be available at the registration table for those who wish to wear one.

 

President Chana Stocke reviewing Club COVID Guidelines

 

“This is the most wonderful time of the year!” was the declaration made by Gary Melander as he announced the 36^th annual Rotary Rose Sale. To date, our club has raised over $1.5 million dollars by selling beautiful roses. Rose Sale tickets will be available next week. Coupon Sales are in process, so please contact Gary Melander if your business (or you know a business) would like to participate. So...“On your mark; ready, set and next week we GO!”

 

2021 Rotary Rose Man – Gary Melander

 

Rotarians enjoy fun, fellowship and food. So Mary Niemeyer invited all to come ride the North Shore Scenic Railroad on Friday, September 17. The evening will include a private dining car, making a stop at Sammy's Pizza and Deli in Lakeside.  There will also be a separate railroad car with a cash bar. Check-in at the Depot at 5:30 as it is “All Aboard” at 6:00 pm. Cost is $30 for adults and $15 for children under 12.  A separate email has been sent to each member to RSVP to Mary Niemeyer.  This will be a fun fellowship event!

 

Mary Niemeyer giving us the “All Aboard” signal

 

International Service has always been an integral part of Rotary Club 25. Today Paul Helstrom announced our club will be donating $1,500 toward a new medical clinic in San Rafael, Bolivia. The new building will replace several run-down facilities. Construction is to begin very soon with Rotarians contributing $34,000 of the $70,000 cost. In 2022 Rotarians will have the opportunity to visit several of the projects.

 

Paul Helstrom describing the projects in Bolivia

 

Chair of the Day Phil Strom did not need a lengthy introduction for today's speaker as Ann Glumac is a former member of Club 25 and is well known in the community. Today she is with us as the Interim Director for Spirit Mountain Recreation Area and to expand upon her team’s work to “Reclaim the Vision”.

 

Spirit Mountain opened in 1973 as a multi-faceted recreation area that has seen many changes. Today they look to the future with the focus on “The Mountain Does Have Spirit”.  New programs are being integrated with traditional activities. This summer 472 young people enjoyed attending summer camp.  There were 73 campsites filled with visitors enjoying the Northland. Spirit's mountain biking trails are world-famous and rated as one of six “Gold Ride Centers” in the world. Wintertime brings downhill skiing, snowboarding, cross country skiing, and snowshoeing. This winter an ice skating rink will be added at the Grand Avenue location. New menus for the lounges were launched this week. And Spirit Mountain is a beautiful venue for weddings with 33 scheduled so far for this year.

 

The past and present vision for Spirit Mountain includes providing a wide range of recreational opportunities for people of all skill levels.  As a city-owned property, Spirit Mountain contributes to the local economy, preserves the unique environment overlooking Lake Superior, and provides programs consistent with Duluth values.

  

Phil Strom with our speaker Ann Glumac

 

Speaker Ann Glumac “Reclaiming the Vision” for Spirit Mountain