President elect Brent Boyko chaired today's packed meeting with a contingent of guests including Karl Everett (Duluth Harbourtown), Jill Zachary (Fort William Rotary Club, and Cody Odland (Fergus Falls MN Rotary club)
KEYNOTE PRESENTATION
KEYNOTE PRESENTATION
Our own Dr. Marg Woods joined a Rotary crew including our Minnesota Rotary guests above to report on the very successful mano a mano- Rotary collaboration in Bolivia working on a large number of medical clinic and school constructions. The lead from Harbourtown is Karl Everett a seasoned international Rotary project manager. His contributions started there in 2015, Jill Zachary was there in 2017. Mano a mano has built over 188 medical clinics and numerous schools under a well oiled foundation, excellent economical resourcing of construction materials and skilled workers to tremendous acclaim. Readers are encouraged to check out manoamano.org online. Rotary input is in the 35% donation range.
Marg described in detail the medical situation and tremendous satisfaction and benefits for the people (Bolivia is the poorest country in the world). The experience was transformative. The reception there and camaraderie was outstanding. Working in the high Andes had its own challenges of course.
See the pictures appended showing Marg, Karl and many of the citizenry and other team members. Marg is seen presenting her Littman stethoscope to a young doctor who will be working in this new Cesarzama medical clinic.
Mano a mano is a dynamic and highly effective organization and resonates very well with Rotary International.
Mano a mano is a dynamic and highly effective organization and resonates very well with Rotary International.


BUSINESS, EVENTS UPDATE
- Rotary Radio Day preparation in its 60th year is underway. Every Rotarian needs to step up with at least 5 ads and/or working on administering for this great project, our essential main fundraiser to assist our mission. (Matt Villella, Hector Dougall)
- Dew Drop Inn report: October 23, saw 420 recipients: a great Rotary working event (Bob Tomlinson)
- Upcoming major fundraising and fellowship events: Spooky Green Halloween supporting LRCA and Eco Superior programming, October 30-John Stephenson, Marg Woods at Red Lion Smoke House); -Santa Claus Parade- November 15 -member sign up and allocation sheets circulated, Jingleball 2025 (Chad Beaver spoke to major input to date). Contact Chad, Michelle and Angela Hill for details and volunteer options; December 13-tri club Christmas dinner-, Shining Together at Bight restaurant (Mike Nitz, Albert Brulé, Amy Kemble).
- Short questionnaire from university researchers studying personal approaches to the environment crisis (John Stephenson).
Port Arthur Rotary will enter a new century of service this coming year. The Rotarians that have worked so hard, over so many years, to build our community and who travelled the globe to help those in need, deserve a huge thank you. I am so proud to be among the giants… to be able to count on the good will, the passion and the hard work of our members.
Thunder Bay, ON P7B 5E1
Canada