Todd Heiman welcomed all attendees, whether in person or via Zoom. He reminded all of the upcoming Board meeting on November 1st at the Grand Ely Lodge and asked for fundraiser ideas for next year. In lieu of our second Thursday meeting normally held at the Grand Ely Lodge we have to move due to their shutdown that day. Terri Olson explained that the event on November 11th will be at the Veterans on the Lake on Fall Lake and we will work on our project for the Festival of Trees, as well as socializing. More information will come to us later.

 

Topics for Today - Kay Biga - District Governor Elect from the Eco Rotary Club of Duluth/Superior

Kay Biga of Duluth reviewed her background for us all, including her involvement in founding and building the former Hardees in Ely. She is an attorney but also was involved in the Duluth Grill on 27th Avenue West in Duluth where Kurt Soderberg was a valued (?) guest for many years. 

She spoke of her focus on Women in Rotary, working to build from what was formerly a male-only organization to where our District 5580 is now 35% female, with goals of reaching more. Her club is more than 65% female and our Club at 55% is among the leaders. Rotary International is 25% female so we have a ways to go yet. 

Some of the issues that have been found as impediments to women are: cost, attendance policies, the time of the meetings, and not enough women being asked to join. There is also a preference for more family friendly events.

She reminded us to join the Women in Rotary Facebook page and to look around the community for likely candidates for the Club, both women and men. 

It was a very nice message from our incoming leader.