Good news first. Kris and her ladies curling team brought back silver medals from their bonspiel in Indiana. Not good news last Thursday night her sauna started on fire and burned a couple of vehicles and the outside of their house. Everyone including pets were safe, and they are all back living in the house. So glad that you and your family are safe Kris. 

 

Last week was Bring a Guest week, and we had lots of guests. Guests were: Our Speaker Daniel Fanning, Leah Koehles from the Chamber, Visiting Rotarian from Superior Dr. Bob McClellan, Lawrence Trytlb guest of Kevin, Alex and Benjamin Johnson Student Rotarians from Proctor High School, Carlie Belvins and Abigail Schunk Student Rotarians from Procotor High School, Hunter Bergeson guest of Tim, Susan Meyer guest of Tom, Gus Olson Outbound Exchange Student and his mom Jessica.

 

Tom announced that he and Susan were leaving after the meeting to travel to Belize on a mission trip to build housing and a school. They will be bringing along a gift of soccer balls and shoes from our Club. Thank you Skyliners and travel safe Tom and Susan. 

 

Dr. Bob announced their Club's craft beer and wine auction starting March 20th 6:00 - 9:00 at Barker's Island Inn and online March 18-24. Go to superiorrotary.org to buy tickets or to join the online auction. Dr. Bob also spoke about his Club's collaboration with a Club in Ukraine and one in San Antonio, TX to provide an ambulance filled with medical supplies to Ukraine. 

 

When our Proctor Outbound Exchange student, Jo Johnson, had to pull back from this year's exchange, the District Outbound Coordinator Sam Evans asked if Skyline would be interested in hosting another student from Duluth. We said yes and on Friday Gus Olson and his mom Jessica joined us at our meeting. Gus is a senior this year at East High School and still is within the age group to qualify for an exchange. We signed and delivered paperwork and are waiting to hear what countries may be available. If all goes as planned we will see Gus and Jessica at the District Conference and in the late summer he will travel to another country for a life changing adventure.  

 

We are sad to announce that Julia Byrnes told us that Marty is now in hospice. Marty is a great Rotarian, human being, and friend of Skyline. He was the inspirational Director of Camp RYLA for many years and his vocation was in advocating for youth in the criminal justice system. 

 

Membership Chair Kevin led a vigorous game of bingo to get guests and members introduced and working together. Good job Kevin!    

 

Tim introduced our speaker Daniel Fanning who is the VP of the Duluth Area Chamber of Commerce and Executive Director of the Duluth Chamber Foundation. Daniel spoke about the 27th annual Duluth and St. Louis County at the Capitol Days on March 6 and 7. He talked about the Chamber's role in policy development and advocacy for the region. He talked about their involvement in the major economic drivers such as housing, supporting the 148th Air Wing with new hangers, the airport new traffic control tower, the Lot D development, the Amazon Distribution Center, and the Central High School site development. Thank you Daniel. Our Chamber is doing a great job for us. See Daniel's complimentary post on Facebook about his visit to our Club. 

 

PDG Kay Biga has organized and sponsored another Night at the Duluth Playhouse. Thursday, March 14th will be designated as Rotary Night. Rotarians and guests are welcome. No tickets are required. The performance will be the Pulitzer prize-winning contemporary musical, Next to Normal. Doors open at 6:00, 7:00 Theatre Doors open, 7:30 Start of Show. See you there. Thank you Kay for making this opportunity available to Rotarians and friends. 

 

Club Planning is underway for attending the District Conference in Fargo on April 11-13th. For first time District Conference attendees the Club will pay their $170 registration fee. We are looking at housing sharing and ride sharing. Plan to make a decision before  March 15th when the cost goes up $50. Registration is now open so go to the rotary5580.org website, register, and then submit the expense to Judy Harrison.  

 

March is Rotary International Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) Month. Our Club received a WASH grant to provide the water well system and the waste system for the medical clinic built with our partners, Equal As One in Nigeria. There can be no good health if there is no clean water to drink and sanitation system to prevent the spread of disease. 

 

March is also Women's History Month