Notes From Thursday’s Meeting
by The Printer’s Devil
President Phil rang the bell to indicate that this week’s Club 25 meeting is cleared for takeoff. After we sang the National Anthem, Sheryl Homan invoked our prayers with the four points of navigation that have directed the flight of Rotarians for a century.
FEAR THE FELLOWSHIP REPORTER… Dave Salo came to the podium to introduce our visiting Rotarian and our guests, many of whom represent Duluth’s aviation industry. Next, Dave began attending to the worthy business of inviting Rotarians to kick the Golden Can. Callie Hoff, daughter of Sandy Hoff and granddaughter of John Hoff, is a member of the Duluth Marshall Girls 14U Hockey Team that finished second in a strong field of eight Tier 1 teams from North America. Congratulations, Callie, and John, did you remember to pay Sandy’s fine? Our exchange student, G-RAY, was pictured in the DNT running down the field in a North Shore Youth Rugby game. They defeated the defending Minnesota champions from Minneapolis. Jana Moir, granddaughter of PastPrez John Moir, explained why her Mom deserved a special Mother’s Day in a letter published in the DNT. Not to let a donation to the Golden Can slip by, our Fellowship Reporter noted that Sheryl Homan’s guest today had to complete his own registration and pay for his meal with his own check. Is the fine for that $2.00 for each of the Four Way tests?
Circle me Dave… Terry Mattson had some pretty good seats at the Twins game this last Tuesday. He was in the press box with Bert Blyleven for a live interview promoting tourism for our favorite city. Terry was even “circled” by Bert but Dave had no idea what that meant. So, Terry first made sure Dave knew who Bert was; Dave did. Then he explained to Dave the “high honor” of being circled by Bert. Dave, from one ski bum to another, please consider a summer sport.
John Baumgarten’s grandson, Aaron Dusek, is one of the captains of the Atlanta Knights, a Tier 3 Junior A Hockey team. His team was national champion of a 152 team field. His team picture was in the DNT, and he’s a Marshall grad. Congratulations to Tom McCabe on the birth of his 11th great grandchild, Liam Thomas McCabe.
Do you like Facebook? Is it a fad? The Golden Can would like to know what you think. Our Fellowship Reporter fined everyone $1.00 who thinks it’s a fad. Do you like Rotary? You should. If you have a Facebook account, log on and “like” Club #25. If have not done so, that’s another $1.00. Fad or not, our Club’s Facebook page is one more endeavor to promote Rotary in our community.
SOME OF OUR FAVORITE CONTRIBUTIONS… John Moir presented a $5,000 check to Oscar Lopez of the Damiano Center’s Kids’ Café to continue their worthwhile service to our city’s youngsters. Jim Schwartz asked us to recall our youth and the fun we had at summer camp. Club #25 has already received about half of this year’s goal, but the job’s not done. My memories of summer camp go way back, but they are still vivid and bring a smile to my face. Every child deserves a smile and a memory that will stay with them the rest of their lives. Carlie Heimbach camp scholarships are a Club #25 tradition. Let’s all make a contribution and continue this tradition in a grand manner.
THANK YOU… Secretary Holly Sampson brought us four letters of appreciation from Club #25’s interaction with the Duluth community. Lakeview Christian Academy expressed their appreciation for the Junior Rotarian Honorarium. Proctor DECA thanked us for joining them in their Drops of Hope campaign. This joint venture resulted in $5,540.01 going to Global Team for Local Initiatives. Lisa Pratt explained how moved she was with Club #25’s support for the Jean Duluth Soccer Complex that began with the effort of her late husband Bob Pratt. The family of Jan Davis discovered a directive from Jan that $1,000.00 of her estate be donated to the Westmoreland Foundation. We often hear about our Club’s impact throughout the Twin Ports area. What we learn from Secretary Holly’s letters today is the impact Rotary can have when you participate as a member. Bob and Jan incorporated “Service above Self” into their lives and brought this enthusiasm to every meeting. Even though they can no longer be with us, the legacies they leave cause us to step up to the task of being a Rotarian.
President Phil recognized Sheryl Homan for the great success of the Prime Rib Dinner. (OK, Sheryl, you’re off the hook for your guest.) Ben Kaasa received deserved congratulations for his work with our Junior Rotarians. Patty and Debby would like to express their appreciation to Dick Pelinka for the awesome cart he custom built to transport the cases for our badges. Having personally inspected the cart, this writer says, “Well done, Dick.”
Club #25’s Children… Joe Radtke of the Superior Rotary Club told us of their 100th anniversary celebration that will be held on Wednesday, June 6, at 5:30pm. The Superior Rotary Club is the first club we sponsored and the first Rotary club in Wisconsin. Good reasons to join them in their celebration. Besides, how often do you get to celebrate one of your children’s 100th birthday?
A FISHY TALE… Tom McCabe reminded us that June 8 is “Take a Kid Fishing Day.” He still needs some boats and fisherman to take some deserving young adults out on the water. For those Woodland Hills students who earn this opportunity, it is one of the highlights of their time in residence. Say, Dave, your story about your angling success today qualifies you as a “Musky Hunter.” Could some of that prowess rub off on one of our guests?
FLIGHT PLAN FOR SUCCESS… Mike Orman brought us a program about hard work and the success it is bringing to Duluth. Brian Ryks, Executive Director of the Duluth Airport Authority, came to speak about the progress of improvements to our airport facilities and air travel to and from Duluth. Brian assumed his position in Duluth soon after the 911 attacks. Not only did he face the challenge of new security norms, Duluth was about to loose one of its air carriers. Brian continued to enumerate the problems with the current terminal that created difficulties for passengers and airlines. He made it the mission of his tenure in Duluth to make this the best airport in the USA.
The results have been excellent. The number of passengers flying through Duluth has continued to increase. Instead of one air carrier monopolizing service, there are now three, and lower airfares reflect that accomplishment. Those three airlines are also expanding their service. The maintenance terminal will have a new tenant with 200 high quality jobs. Cirrus is about to begin production of its new jet and the stature of the Air National Guard has been upgraded.
Most visible of all the improvements is the new terminal. It is scheduled to open late in 2012 if Congress behaves itself. We saw pictures of a facility that is open in concept with large amounts of natural light. Restrictions to passengers clearing security have been removed and the flow of passengers will be improved. The next stage of improvements includes a four story covered parking facility. Though the winds may blow and the snow will fall, there will be no more chilly walks to the car. It is a very attractive building that will make a positive first impression to visitors and residents alike.
What is particularly interesting about the improvements to the airport is the financing. Brian tenaciously pursued funding from all state and federal agencies affiliated with aviation. This 77 million dollar project did not require a single dollar from Duluth taxpayers. Moreover, all but two of the contractors are Minnesota companies with the majority of them being from Duluth. The airport also operates in a self-sufficient manner and requires no taxpayer support.
The projects at the airport are almost done and their current momentum will take them to completion. The person whose efforts made these dreams a reality will be leaving for new challenges. Brian Ryks has accepted a new position in Michigan. The Duluth community thanks Brian for his contributions to enhancing our quality of life here. Best wishes for your continued success and we hope your itineraries bring you back to Duluth. You know, we have one great airport for you to land in.