Bemidji Rotary Club

06/17/2026

The Bemidji Rotary Club was pleased to welcome Dr. Jason Caron, President and CEO of Sanford Health Bemidji, as our guest speaker at our last meeting.

Dr. Caron shared his journey from growing up in the Bemidji area and practicing orthopedic surgery to his new leadership role with Sanford Health. He also provided an overview of Sanford’s growth, mission, and future priorities for Bemidji, including physician recruitment, expanded specialty services, and meeting the evolving healthcare needs of our region.

Thank you, Dr. Caron, for sharing your story, leadership vision, and insights into the future of healthcare in our community!

President and CEO, Sanford Bemidji

06/09/2026

🏠❤️ Our Rotary Club was honored to welcome Geri Hickerson, Executive Director of Northwoods Habitat for Humanity, as our recent guest speaker!

Geri shared how Habitat's mission goes far beyond building houses—it's about building strength, stability, and self-reliance through affordable homeownership. Families partner with Habitat by completing homeowner education, contributing 300 hours of sweat equity, and purchasing their home through an affordable, zero-percent interest mortgage.

We were inspired to learn that Habitat has helped dozens of local families achieve the dream of homeownership and is currently building two new homes right here in our community.

Volunteers remain the heart of Habitat's work, and there are many opportunities for individuals, businesses, churches, and community groups to get involved.

Thank you, Geri, for an excellent presentation and for all that Northwoods Habitat for Humanity does to strengthen families and communities throughout northern Minnesota!

Pictured from Left to Right: Geri Hickerson, Christopher Vacek and Sharon Fruetel

05/20/2026

The Bemidji Rotary Club recently welcomed Scott Turn and Gary Johnson for a fantastic presentation on the past, present, and future of the Lake Bemidji Dragon Boat Festival!

As the festival prepares to celebrate its 20th anniversary, Scott and Gary shared how this incredible community event began, the impact it has had on local organizations and businesses, and exciting plans to help ensure its success for the next 20 years.

From teamwork and community spirit to volunteerism and tradition, the Dragon Boat Festival continues to showcase the very best of Bemidji! 🚣‍♂️💙

05/16/2026

The Blood Screening event was a tremendous success! Thank you to everyone who came out to support the event, and to the many volunteers whose time and dedication made it possible! 🩵💛

05/14/2026

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The screening event continues from 7 to 10 a.m. Thursday, May 14, and Friday, May 15, with proceeds going to support the indoor playground project at the soon-to-be YMCA near downtown Bemidji.

05/12/2026

Our annual Blood Screening Event is THIS WEEK! It's not too late to make your appointment! It's such a great value, and it goes to a great cause! 💙🤍We hope to see you there!

05/12/2026

Our Rotary Club had the pleasure of hearing from Christine Olson, General Manager and Advertising Director of the Bemidji Pioneer, at our recent meeting.

Christine shared an excellent presentation on the importance of local journalism, the role it plays in keeping communities informed and connected, and how the Bemidji Pioneer continues to evolve in the digital age while staying committed to trusted, hyper-local reporting.

Thank you, Christine, for the thoughtful discussion and for all the work the Bemidji Pioneer does to support our community! 👏

05/07/2026

Our Rotary Club was honored to have students from the BSU choir attend our weekly meeting and share their amazing talents with us! 💚🤍

04/30/2026

What amazing news! 🎉🤩 Go Beavers!