This Week at Rotary
Thursday April 18, 2024
IN PERSON & ZOOM
For Those Attending in Person
Buffet Lunch
11: 45 AM START
(Zoom Meeting Opens at 11:45)
(Link Sent Thursday Morning)
At
Holiday Inn Downtown
Jason Young, Development Director, The Depot Foundation
Jason started with The Depot Foundation in 2023. In addition to his 16 years of experience working in philanthropy, Jason is a veteran of the U.S. Army. He earned his Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) in 2021. Most recently, he has worked with Second Harvest Northern Lakes Food Bank and the UW-Superior Foundation. Born and raised in Duluth, MN, he currently lives in Hermantown with his wife and 2 children
Highlights from Last Week’s Meeting
By Patra Sevastiades
“When I approach a child, he inspires in me two sentiments—tenderness for what he is and respect for what he may become,” observed Louis Pasteur. Many Club 25 Rotarians felt that way this past Thursday on Junior Rotarian Program Day. Rotarians were greeted at the registration table by the fresh faces of Junior Rotarians Evie and Trenton (Lakeview Christian Academy students), who also ran the 50/50 raffle.
Once seated, Rotarians were dazzled as seventeen Harbor City International School thespians took the “stage,” accompanied by a guitarist, drummer, and pianist, and presented a lively preview of their upcoming performance, “Working: The Musical,” based on the book Working by Studs Terkel.
First shyly, then with gusto, the ensemble sang “All the Livelong Day” and “What I Could’ve Been,” the latter a poignant reflection on unrealized dreams. A duo sang “A Very Good Day,” celebrating the simple joys experienced by those who care for the infirm elderly and small children. The performers received warm applause. Rotarians were invited to attend the show. Dates: May 2-May 5, 2024. For tickets, click here: WORKING
Harbor City International Students perform a stirring duet of “A Very Good Day”
Student guitar player and drummer accompany the players
Junior Rotarians then opened the program. Junior Rotarian President Nick (East H.S.) welcomed everyone. Junior Rotarian Olivia (Denfeld H.S.) led us in the Pledge of Allegiance. Valentino (Harbor City) led us in reciting the 4-Way Test. For our Reflection, Ivy (Harbor City) came to the podium and read their essay concerning the importance of learning a foreign language before visiting another nation.
The Club and its guests recite the Pledge of Allegiance
Junior Rotarian Olivia introduces our guests.
Harbor City International School performers stand as they are introduced.
Junior Rotarian Olivia introduced Harbor City School student performers (and a number of Junior Rotarians): Artemis, Avery, Briar, Carolyn, Claire, Coleman, Ethan, Fairis, Iris, Kaitlyn, Leo, Malcolm, Marlo, Noah, Tirzah, Ty, and Valentino . She also introduced school counselors: Jessica Forsman, East H.S. and Robin Williams, Harbor City—and Harbor City teachers Chani Ninneman (theatre), and Nicole Ottjes (music).
Junior Rotarian President Nick (East H.S.) then called for “self-reports”. Allen Anway smiled as he self-reported on his recent trip to Dallas to view the total eclipse.
Allen Anway traveled to Texas for eclipse totality
Junior Rotarian President Nick reminded all that “Supper Club 25” is in two weeks. (Bring family and friends!) Register here CLICK HERE or look for sheets on your table this Thursday.
Junior Rotarian Nick highlights “Supper Club 25,” coming on April 25
Mary (East H.S.) was unable to attend today’s meeting, yet she was recognized the first-place winner of the Rotary 4-Way Test Essay contest, Junior Rotarian Callum (East H.S.) read Mary’s essay in her absence. Mary’s essay explored the idea of assessing the impact of artificial intelligence on humankind by looking at it through the lens of the 4-Way Test. Mary and Ivy were each awarded a cash prize of $150 and $100 respectively. Congratulations!
Junior Rotarian Callum reads Mary’s (East) winning Rotary 4-Way Test Contest essay
School Counselor Robin Williams accepted an honorarium of $2,500 on half of Harbor City students who submitted a proposal requesting help to purchase a school washer and dryer so they can launder homemade tablecloths and theatre costumes, and more. In the past, students and teachers had to go to a local laundromat to do the washing and drying.
Robin Williams of Harbor City International School gratefully receives a Club 25 honorarium from New Generations Chair Rob Hofmann
Junior Rotarian President Nick thanked the performers and essay writers. He said he enjoyed being a Junior Rotarian for the month of March. His uncle, Jim Wheeler, and grandfather, Tom Wheeler, were both proud Rotarians, he added. Nick also thanked Trenton Bonin and Evie for their help at the registration table.
Evie and Trenton stand and are thanked for helping at the registration table.
Bill Gravelle found his badge and won the 50/50 drawing!
Bill Gravelle held the winning ticket.
Rob Hofmann thanked all the Junior Rotarians for their commitment to Rotary. Junior Rotarian Nick then rang the Rotary Bell, and the meeting was adjourned.