Unite For Good

By: Wabasha Rotary

On a beautiful June evening at Rotary Beach, something remarkable happened in Wabasha.
Nearly 50 people gathered beside the Mississippi River—not for a festival, fundraiser, or city celebration—but to welcome eight visitors from Argentina and begin a conversation that could someday create positive change in communities thousands of miles apart.
The gathering was part of a Rotary International Friendship and Professional Exchange, a program designed to build relationships across cultures, professions, and borders. Yet what unfolded felt less like an official exchange and more like what Wabasha does best: opening its arms to new friends.
The story actually began a month earlier when Kay Kay and seven Rotarians from Rotary District 5960, representing Minnesota and Wisconsin, spent ten days traveling throughout Argentina. They met business leaders, entrepreneurs, community organizations, and Rotary clubs. They learned about Argentine culture, shared stories about their own communities, and discovered something surprising.
Despite being separated by thousands of miles, the people of Argentina and Wabasha share many of the same dreams. They want thriving businesses, engaged young people, strong communities, meaningful work, and opportunities for future generations.
When the Argentine delegation arrived in Wabasha on June 1, the goal was simple: continue the conversation.
About 50 people attended the welcome event, including 25 Wabasha Rotarians, 10 Interact students, 15 community members, and eight Rotary members and business professionals from Argentina. Throughout the evening, participants exchanged ideas, asked questions, shared experiences, and began building relationships that organizers hope will continue for years.
One of the first unforgettable moments came from Wabasha's youth. Interact members Henry Thyren and Isaac Solberg performed the National Anthem and another favorite song. Their performance captivated the audience and offered the Argentine guests a heartfelt glimpse into American culture.
Language differences never became barriers thanks to volunteer interpreters Grissel Anhorn, Marta Fink, Shaun DuVall, and Mercedes Falk. Their work helped transform conversations into connections.
While friendship was the foundation of the exchange, the visit was also designed to spark meaningful professional conversations. To encourage relationship-building, Wabasha Rotary created an international chocolate tasting and charcuterie experience called “Bridges Through Chocolate: Argentina and Wabasha.” The relaxed setting allowed visitors and local leaders to move beyond introductions and engage in deeper discussions about entrepreneurship, healthcare, agriculture, tourism, the arts, and community development.
Local leaders including Russ Meyer of California Overland, Dr. Catherine Schmidt, retired Mayo Clinic physician, Dr. Mann of Wabasha Dentistry, Michael Anderson of Dancing Gnome Farm, David Schmidt of Bluff Valley Farm, Vienne Cordet of Iron Bridge Studio, and Jay Jewson of Jewson Reality generously shared their experiences and perspectives. Questions flowed freely as participants explored the opportunities and challenges facing communities in both countries. Several Argentine visitors expressed interest in continuing conversations after returning home, creating the possibility for future collaboration and learning.
Wanting to move beyond introductions and begin building meaningful relationships between communities, Wabasha Rotary created an international chocolate tasting and charcuterie event called "Bridges Through Chocolate: Argentina and Wabasha." The gathering provided a relaxed and welcoming setting where local leaders and Argentine visitors could exchange ideas, ask questions, and explore opportunities for future collaboration.

The discussions brought together a diverse group of community leaders, entrepreneurs, healthcare professionals, artists, and agricultural innovators. Russ Meyer of California Overland shared insights from the tourism and outdoor recreation industry. Dr. Catherine Schmidt, retired Mayo Clinic physician, discussed healthcare and community well-being. Dr. Mann of Wabasha Dentistry contributed perspectives on healthcare delivery in rural communities. Michael Anderson of Dancing Gnome Farm and David Schmidt of Bluff Valley Farm shared their experiences in agriculture, entrepreneurship, and sustainable business practices. Vienne Cordet of Iron Bridge Gallery discussed the role of art, creativity, and culture in strengthening communities, while Jay Jewson contributed perspectives on local leadership and community development.

The evening also included moments of pure joy. Wanting to share a beloved part of their culture, members of the Argentine delegation introduced participants to the tango. Soon, laughter filled the pavilion as Sarah DeGrood and others attempted their first tango steps.
Perhaps the most powerful symbol of the exchange came from a simple phrase brought back from Argentina: “Be Your Own Hero.” The slogan originated with a Rotary club in Argentina and made such an impression on the Minnesota visitors that they adopted it for the Wabasha event.
The phrase sparked an interesting question among participants: Are there enough heroes in the world? The answer was unanimous. There is always room for more.
The Argentine delegation will continue visiting seven additional communities throughout Minnesota and Wisconsin. Yet their time in Wabasha may be remembered as the place where an important partnership began.
New friendships were formed. New ideas were shared. New possibilities emerged.
Whether future collaborations involve business, agriculture, healthcare, education, youth leadership, the arts, or community service, participants left with a common vision: Unite for Good.
On June 1, Wabasha proved that even a small town on the Mississippi River can have a global impact.
Eight Argentinians, Wabasha business professionals, Rotary members, four interpreters, community administrators, teens and community members at Beach Park.