Regular Meeting, December 26, 2007

(Here are the members and guest in attendance, We missed the rest of you.)

Few members attended the final meeting of the CLK Rotary Club for 2007; in fact, there were but ten members and one guest in total. We almost all fit at one table. But a new year will be staring in a couple of days so lets turn over a new leaf and try to make attendance a bit more of a priority.

The speaker was your OLD blogger himself telling more stories. Oh well, take heart for I am running out of them. Inasmuch as your speaker had forgot it was his session, Dan suggested during lunch that I talk about winterizing the various Queens. I ended up telling about the three or four times I almost sank her at her winter dock and ended the talk with a story about the time I christened "Kilpela's Reef" at Isle Royale.

Oh well, retirement looms and none too soon. See you next wednesday....FOR SURE!!


(The Isle Royale Queen II perched on Kilpela's Reef, Isle Royale)



A HEALTHY, HAPPY NEW YEAR TO EVERYONE!

Regular Meeting, December 19, 2007

IMPORTANT ITEM: Our annual Christmas dinner will be held at the Irish Times on Friday, December 21 with cocktails at 6 and dinner thereafter. If you want to attend, please call Andy immediately – repeat, immediately – at 296-0433 to make your reservation. We hope you will attend.



The 13 members and 1 guest (Jim Cone, Sue's son) that attended today’s Rotary Luncheon and Meeting were treated to a performance by the 16-member Calumet Jazz Band, under the direction of Scott Veenstra. The jazz band is a 2-year old program for credit at the high school. The place was really jumping as many of the performers took their turn improvising a riff.

The whole affair, which included lunch for the band members, was sponsored by Tom Liljigren and much appreciated. A hearty “thanks” to you, Tom.





HELP!! There I growing concern district wide over the dramatic drop in attendance at Rotary meetings and functions and CLK Rotary is no exception. It is troubling and deserves serious thought by everyone. If you have any insights into this, please bring them to the meeting and voice them.

Meantime, have a great Christmas and we’ll see you on Friday evening and also next week.


Andy gives the treasured Rotary mug to Scott Veenstra as a token of our appreciation for the wonderful performance.

SPECIAL REPORT - Sandra (Sandy) Huuki

(Sandy Receives congratulations from Tom on assuming the presidency of the CLK Rotary Club)

Sandra Michelle Clouthier Huuki

Though Sandy was born and raised in Lake Linden, she made her entrance to the world in 1957 at Calumet Public Hospital in Laurium. After finishing both elementary and secondary schools in the Lake Linden-Hubbell Schools System, she started her banking career…the very next day! That was 1975.

Through hard work and dedication to her profession, she was rewarded for excellence in service by being named Community Branch Manager for Citizens Bank in Calumet.

In February, 1977, she married John W. Huuki Jr and this year they celebrated 30 years of a wonderfully blessed marriage. According to Sandy, “John is the love of my life and we continue to grow together.” From this marriage two sons were born: John III, who is married to Sara, have one child (Sandy refers to him as a beautiful grandson), John IV; their other son is Steven.

(Some of the the gang surrounding Sandy at a CLK Rotary Annual Dinner at the Miscowaubik Club)

Sandy and John both love the Keweenaw “because of the four seasons and slower pace,” she says, adding “I live vacation every day in this beautiful part of the world,” to which we all respond, Ditto!

Never one to be idle, Sandy is a Past Treasurer of Main Street Calumet and served in that capacity for three years. She is also a member of the Calumet Lions Club.

Sandy became a CLK Rotarian on March 1, 1994 and served as its president from July, 2002, through June, 2004, a rare 2-year stint. In August, 2003, she was honored with a Paul Harris Fellowship which was purchased for her by Joan Punt from the Albuquerque, New Mexico, Rotary Club.

Sandy never shirks from club activities and actively participates in almost all events.

(The highway clean-up crew one crisp Fall morning)

Meeting of November 14, 2007

Our Town Clock plaque

(Kevin presided over the meeting)


Attendance: 18 members and 4 guests. Guests were Dave and Linda Grahek, Bill Fink and Assistant District Governor Bob Sharkey, both of the Houghton Rotary Club.

After a good round of Happy Dollars, the meeting covered several business topics. Secretary Ethan announced that new badges will be made for anyone who wishes to change the appearance, spelling, or looks of their name on the badges to please notify him. Next, Bob Sharkey made an appeal for support of two projects. The first was to support the Edda Project, which was reported on in an earlier blog and can be re-examined by scrolling down through the blogs below. Next, he asked for the club to match the Houghton funds for the Christmas project.

At this point, Kevin asked for a discussion of our budget process and club donations. He asked, "What footprint do we want to leave in the community? Do we want to make a few large grants and many small ones?" Most agreed these are legitimate questions that the membership should grapple with on occasion so it was decided that a new budget process would be initiated which includes not only the dispensing of monies but the raising of the funds to disburse.




(Tom and Frank listening to the discussion.)



It was generally agreed that new revenue was needed through both current and new fund-raising efforts. We are a small club with shallow pockets so whatever we do will have a serious impact on the validity of the club. Moreover, we have to examine the chance of getting grants and matching funds from both the diustrict and RI.



All members are encouraged to write their comments and submit them for consideration.

Your blogger will be departing for three weeks with hopes to be back for the December 19 meeting.

Happy Thanksgiving to all!

Regular Meeting, October 1, 2007

Unfortunately there will be no pictures today. My camera died.

There were 19 members and 4 guest at the meeting. Guests were Dave and Linda Grahek, Pete Pietri (Houghton Club) and our speaker, Gordon Rintala from KMMC.

Eva reminded everyone that our annual bell ringing chore is scheduled for Nov 17 and 24. Please sign up as soon as possible. Remember, the more the merrier and the more $$$ for the Salvation Army.

After lunch, Chuck introduced Gordon Rintala whose topic was comparing Film Source mammography with Digital Mammography.

Gordon pointed out that over 90% of hospitals still use Film Source - Xray - mammography, adding that you want to find the cancer before you can feel it. He also discussed risk factors such as age, family history, and life style as major factors in breast cancer.

He then turned to Digital Mammography pointing out that there are only two hospitals in the U.P. with digital equipment, KMMC and Marquette general. Using a power point presentation, Gordon, demonstrated the difference in detection between digital and X-ray and it was dramatic. It was easier to read and had a higher resolution as well as the ability to enlarge the picture significantly.

The demonstration and talk were proof enough for a person to choose Digital Mammography ove X-ray every time. If you want further information, contact Gordon at KMMC.

November 7 meeting is our monthly business meeting. Your reporter will be in KMMC having a procedure so we'll see you on November 14. Ciao.

Governor's Dinner

The Governor's Dinner on October 15 at the Spica Restaurant was a huge success and a chance for the three local Rotary Clubs (CLK, Houghton and Hancock) to rub elbows and get to know each other. In addition, it was a chance to pass out some awards and accolades to members.

(At left, District 6220 Governor and Mrs. Maynard Bowers)



When it was Eva's turn on the dais, she called on Phil Smythe to be recognized and thanked for his long and dedicated service to the club. Every past president will agree that Phil is invaluable to the efficient running of the club's meetings. Characteristically, Phil was modest in accepting his accolade.

Next, Eva named the three recipients of a Paul Harris Fellowship as nominated by the Board of Directors. They were: Dan Dalquist, Sue Dana, and Don Kilpela. It is a singular honor for a Rotarian and each Fellow graciously accepted the award.












District 6220 Governor Maynard Bowers (Marquette Breakfast Club) gave the address which centered on the main district interest, The Etta Projects.

What is the Etta Projects? A short answer to this is: … Out of Hunger…On to Hope. Two teenage girls, Etta Turner and Sarah Houghton traveled to Bolivia as Rotary Youth Exchange students. From different parts of the country, both carried dreams of not only visiting other parts of the world, but also of making a contribution to their adopted community. Etta and Sarah were on a bus that plunged off a mountain cliff. Their story is filled with sadness and inspiration. Etta lost her life. Out of this tragedy, hope has sprung. Critically injured, Sarah spent the night in the canyon holding a Bolivian child. Together they survived the night. Sarah refused to leave the accident scene until Etta could also be taken out. After surgeries and rehab, Sarah returned to Bolivia to complete her RYE exchange. While there she assisted with the building of a living memorial to Etta called Comedor de Ninos Etta Turner. This program provides food, medical and educational support for over 200 of the most malnourished children in Montero, Bolivia. As sustained economic development it also provides their parents with vocational and nutritional education. It educates the mothers in skills necessary to Supporting their families. The Comedor de Ninos Etta Turner has been recognized as a model project for sustained economic development. This project provides yet another tangible element for the mothers of these children. Sewing is one of the vocational skills that the mothers learn. Etta Projects purchases from the mothers the items made by them and then places these items for sale. Some of them ar purses, computer bags, table runners, guitar cases, etc. Sales proceeeds go to further development of the project.

Governor Bowers set as his goal for the 2007-2008 fiscal year a $10 contribution from each Rotarian in the district by December 1, 2007. It seems that this is certainly a modest amount, the price of one luncheon, and doable. Let's all pitch in with our ten bucks!

(Most of the pictures in this blog were taken by Bill Fink of the Houghton Rotary Club. He has posted more pictures on the Houghton web site at www.houghtonrotary.org and click on "Gallery." Following are some pictures taken at the banquet)




(Left, the three presidents of our local clubs, Marie Buche, Eva, and Karin Van Dyke.)

Business Meeting: October 3, 2007

President Eva began the meeting by explaining that because Tom Liljigren has a special guest who will be delivering a presentation, she will hurry through the business portion of the meeting.

Attendance: 27 members (the most we have had in a long time) and 6 guests: Bob Thornblum, our speaker, Dave and Linda Grahek, Julie Jennerjohn from the Houghton Rotary, and Dave and Jan Palmazal.

Mainly, Eva announced that she hopes for a big turnout at the District Governor's Dinner in Houghton on October 15. In addition, Eva thanked the six people who cleaned the highway the Saturday before, Tom Scanlon, Richard, Don, Andy, Sandy, and Herself.

A stellar birthday song was rendered for the October birthdays. Richard Schaefer and Jim Lowell.


(Before Eva arrived, Don captured the mood of the participants, Richard, Tom Scanlon, Andy and Sandy, as they prepared to clean up the mess.)


After lunch, Tom Liljigren introduced Bob Thornblum who has served as a Christian missionary in the Congo most of his adult life. An engineer by profession, Bob is working to improve the infrastructure and thereby the economy of the northern Congo. Though the country is very wealthy with an abundance of extractive metals and minerals such as copper, gold, and diamonds, little government money reaches the that region. Therefore, almost all improvements are funded by the private sector. During his talk, Bob distributed many photographs for the improvements in bridges and roads which facilitate the movement of their produce to the market place. During his talk, he praised Rotary International for their Polio Plus program which is designed to rid the world of the virus. It was an interesting and informative program.

Lucy won the monbthly 50-50 drawing and then donated her winnings to Mr. Thornblum for his work.



(Bob Thornblum, center, talks with Kathy Johnson and Tom Liljigren after his presentation.)

Regular Meeting of September 26, 2007

(John Perala as Vince Lombardi giving first speech to his team.)

The meeting began with a wonderful monolog by John Perala who played a one man show that evening at the Calumet Theatre. Jim Lowell brought him to the meeting and John did two of the speeches from the play. Dressed and looking uncannily like Vince Lombardi, former coach of the Green Bay Packers, John did the speech that Lombardi gave to him players in their first meeting. Next, he did Lombardi's speech to his players when he retired. It was a real treat to hear this very good actor up close and personal. Both speeches were very moving.

Attendance was 18 members and 4 guests (including John). Guests were Dave and Linda Grahek and Julie Jenerjohn from the Houghton Club.

Numerous happy dollars were contributed in the name of Tom Tikkanen who was just named Michigan Main Street's Executive Director of the Year, a signal honor for one of our own. Congratulations, Tom. (see Tom's biographical sketch below)

Linda Grahek discussed the refurbishing of the St. Anne Hertiage Center organ. It is a monumental task disassembling the pipes, cleaning them, and storing them until the organ is ready to be assembled. The work is mostly volunteers and financed through grants and fund-raising. If CLK Rotarians want to participate, they can donate $25 per pipe or 5 pipes for $100. This is a very worthy cause and all Rotarians are asked to help out either physically or with their donation.

Concerning the Governor's dinners, Eva again asked that we present a strong showing at the dinner on October 15 at 6 p.m. in the Spica Restaurant, Houghton. As an added incentive, President Eva will announce at that time the member or members who will be awarded a Paul Harris Fellowship. A signup sheet for the dinner was passed. If you missed it, please notify Eva ASAP.

Jim Lowell alerted us on the danger facing snowmobile access to the Copper Country. Private property owners are using the courts to block trails thereby effectively cutting off access. In short, the problem is real and it must be addressed.

Next week: Business Meeting. Bring your 50-50 tickets.



(John, again as Lombardi, delivers the speech we gave upon retiring from the Packers.)

Special Report - Tom Tikkanen

(We caught Tom in this candid shot listening to one of our speakers at a weekly meeting.)

Tom was born in Calumet on February 15, 1955. He was raised on the family farm which was settled by his grandfather and great grandfather. Unlike his father, grandfather and great grandfather, who worked in the Calumet area copper mines, Tom had other aspirations. Yet he is quick to point out that his grandfather was one of the first Finns to be promoted from "Trammer," the lowest job usually reserved for new immigrants from Sweden and Finland or Europe, to "Miner." It was a significant step leading the way to more and more immigrants being promoted.

In 1973, Tom graduated from Calumet High School and immediately enlisted in the U.S. Army where he served as an infantryman for three years. He is most proud of his service providing security for the diplomats at the village of Pan Mun Jom in the Korean Demilitarized Zone.

After returning to civilian life, Tom enrolled in Suomi College (now Finlandia University) and graduated with an Associates Degree two years later. After graduation, he trekked to Alaska where he carried on the family mining tradition by working in an Alaskan gold mine for two years.



(L to R: Tom, Ed and Dan, the CLK Rotary triathelon team: Tom swims, Ed runs, and Dan bicycles. They routinely challenge and beat any local Rotary club that enters the competition.)




Tom is married to the love of his life, Babette, who is also a CLK Rotarian. They presently have four children in college: The oldest, Joshua and his wife, Jennifer, both U.S.Navy veterans of the Gulf War (Tom is quick to say how proud he is of that), Rudy, Christina, and Rebecca. One stepson, Corey, attends Lake Linden High School.

Tom said, "My career as a real estate broker and certified general real estate appraiser with RE/MAX Douglas spans over 21 years," adding further that, "I am hopelessly head over heels in love with this fabulous Copper Country and all of her people and I am honored to serve as Executive Director of Main Street Calumet. In fact, the Main Street Program is honored to have Tom and have just expressed their admiration by honoring him as "Main Street Executive Director of the Year."

It should be noted that Tom is a hard-working Rotarian who unhesitatingly volunteers to help in most club projects.

Both Tom and Babette have been named Paul Harris Fellows, Babette in 2005, and Tom in 2002.



(On a cold and damp Fall morning, the road clean-up volunteers get ready to start working. Tom is on the far left followed by Babette, son Corey, Sandy, Kevin, Andy, and Chuck.)


Next: Steve Dlubala

Regular Meeting: September 12, 2007

(Bob has the same old enthusiasm he demonstrated for many years at WMPL and WZRK.)


Attendance: 19 members, 4 guests. Guests were Rick Knutu, Doug Opplinger, Darryl Pierce, and Bob Olson. Olson, when he was in the Copper Country a year ago, promised Fine Line Tire of Hancock that he would return to conduct radio interviews during a 2-hour promotion for the company. I am told that tens of people called in to reminisce about the past with Olson. Someone said, "It's like old times."


Next, Eva reminded members that last year the CLK Rotary was a major participant in the annual District Governor’s Dinner and she hoped that we would be an even larger presence this year. The dinner will be held on October 15 at 6 p.m. in Houghton at the Spica Restaurant atop the Best Western.

Highway pickup time: a sign-up sheet was passed to recruit members to help in the highway cleanup on Saturday.

The weekly program speakers were Doug Opplinger, the director of the K-16 Enterprise Program at MTU and Superintendent of CLK schools, Darryl Pierce. Their talk consisted of an explanation of what the K-16 Enterprise pPogram is. It is a co-op program between MTU and Calumet High School during which students from both schools work on a meaningful long-term, multi-year project from inception to completion. According to Doug, students start to feel like professionals and that they own their education. It is significant to note that CHS was one of only three high schools to be selected to participate in the 2007-08 pilot program (the other two are Cass Tech H.S. in Detroit, and Utica H.S in Utica). Students selected to join are from many disciplines and interests; in short, their chosen projects are developed from many points of view including design, production, marketing, etc.

An important ingredient for the high school students is the chance to work on an even footing with college students, itself a real-life learning experience. More informatiuon can be found at www.enterprise.mtu.edu.

Next Week Program Chair: Phil Smythe

(Doug Opplinger, Director of K-16 Enterprise Program at MTU.)

Special Report: Andy Murtaugh

This is the second of our biographical sketches of our members. They are being published in the order that a member joined the CLK Rotary Club.

Andy Murtaugh

Andy was born in Timmins, Ontario in Canada, on March 23, 1930. Schooled in Ontario, he graduated from Grade XIII in 1949 and subsequently enrolled at Michigan College of Mining & Technology in Houghton. During his time in Houghton, he met the love of his life Marilyn Marie Hakala who graduated from Hancock Central High. “I made the smartest move of my life when I married Marilyn,” Andy said, adding that, ”after we moved to East Lansing in 1954 when I transferred to Michigan State University, our daughter Aundrea was born (in 1955) followed by Mary Jane (in 1959). My daughters have been a constant source of joy and happiness to Marilyn and me ever since.”

He graduated from MSU in 1956 with a Bachelor of Science in Police Administration and was promptly employed by the MSU Department of Public Safety. He left MSU in 1958 with the rank of Sergeant supervising the normal line of functions of nine police officers.

in May, 1958, he enlisted in the Royal Canadian Air Forcer (RCAF) as a Pilot Officer (2nd Lieutenant) in the Security Branch, later became a Flying Officer and ended his military career in 1980 with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. His last billet was Senior Security Officer of the RCAF out of HQ Winnipeg. During his time in the service, Marilyn managed to squeeze in 14 years of teaching grades 4 through 9 all the while raising their daughters and managing the household “at peak efficiency.”

During his career in the RCAF, Andy held numerous and varied interesting positions in France, England, and Canada. most all of which related in one way or another to the security of the country and the RCAF. Some highlights of his 23 years service career were being selected as the Provost Marshall of the RCAF 1 Air Force Division, Metz, France, where he researched, organized and directed the first military police sentry dog program who were trained to guard nuclear weapons. In addition, at Metz, he trained 85 Airmen to protect Division HQ against possible attack using German-built (in 1800s) underground fortifications. Back in Ottawa, he directed a staff of 235 personnel, some abroad, in counter-intelligence measures and provided investigative support in complex criminal service offenses. A most interesting assignment was undertaking a one year study on the feasibility of using guard dogs within prisons. During his study, he visited every medium and maximum prison in Canada and the oldest one in Engalnd. Birmingham [ED: Can’t say that I know where this is.], His personal conclusion at the end of his study was “they do not keep nice people in prisons.”

After the Air Force, Andy and Marilyn built their present home on Lake Superior at Rabbit Bay and still reside there. Not to be idle, however, Andy obtained a license to sell and install security alarm systems and formed Customized Security and later received another private investigator license and founded Customized Investigations.

(Andy and Joe receiving their Paul Harris Fellowships in 2006 from President Dan and District 6220 governor.)

Throughout the years, Andy has been involved in the boy scouts in Metz, France, the Military Police Fund for Blind Children, United Way Campaign, Bootjack Fire Department, and other posts and activities both private and public.

After Dale White introduced Andy to Rotary, he joined the CLK Rotary Club on August 1, 1964.

(Andy's name nearly always appears near the top of any list that is passed to sign up members for a Rotary function.)

Business Meeting, September 5, 2007

Attendance: 22 members and 7 guests, another good turnout.

Guests were Mike Hauswirth, Linda Lowell, Ernie and Edith Neiderer, Dave and Linda Grahek, and Ass't. District Governor (from the Houghton club) Bob Sharkey.

The treasurer's report was accepted and the minutes from the previous meeting were approved.

Eva reported that a total of 520 Tamburitzan tickets were sold of which 229 were by the club members. Dan took top honors by selling 78 tickets and thereby won two tickets to the Calumet Theatre. So our goal for next year should be at least 520 and it is hoped a good deal more.

Eva then announced that she has formed two committees. The first, "Fund Raising Ideas,"
is chaired by Lucy and Jim. The second, "Budget Overhaul," is chaired by Patsy, Eva, and Kevin. Anyone wishing to serve on one or both of these important committees will be welcomed with open arms.

A lusty birthday song for Lucy (9/12) and Peter (9/28) was rendered.

After a round of Happy Dollars, the most spectacular of which was Tom Scanlon's donation of 31 happy dollars to mark his enjoyment of having such good friends in the CLK Rotary.

(At right, Tom S. preparing to make his Happy Dollar donation.)

The fifty-fifty drawing of $85 was won by Ethan.

Governor Bob Sharkey announced that our 4-club group (CLK, Hancock, Ontonagon, and Houghton) is looking for an international project and it will probably be involved with a club in Bolivia. Additionally, he reminded members that the 4-club District Governor's dinner will be held the the Spica Restaurant in Houghton on October 15 at 6 p.m. Among other things, there will be Paul Harris Fellowships awarded at that time. Last year, the CLK had a great turnout for the dinner and it is hoped we can do even better this time.

Upcoming Programs Chairs:

September 12, Heather Store
September 19, Phil Smythe

See you next week.

Regular Meeting, August 29, 2007

First, my apologies to all for getting this out so late. Betty and I spent a couple of days on Isle Royale sans computer. Ouch!

(On left is a photo of our good friend, Ernie Neiderer who came with his son, Bob.)

(Sitting next to Ernie was Charlie. Great to see both of you.)


Unfortunately, I mislaid my note pad so I am flying blind here. For the benefit of those that did not attend, for what it is worth, here is my recollection of the meeting. For those of you with a better memory (or hearing), please add a comment at the end of this blog.

Eva reminded the 22 members present (good turnout!) to bring their stuffed animals or toys to the meeting next week. These toys are destined for Iraq where our troops will distribute them to the Iraqui children. Do not bring any battery-driven toys. Eva went on to say that at the business meeting next Wednesday we should get the final accounting of the Tamburitzans.

Guests were introduced: Ernie and his son, Bob; Assistant District Governor from the Houghton club, Bob Sharkey; and from Copper Harbor, Don Kauppi of the Mariner North and Bob Davis of the Minnetonka Resort. If I've left anyone out, sorry.

Our program chair was Kevin Store. Kevin explained how the various people he contacted to present a program could not make it and for each one mentioned, he donated a dollar to our treasury in their name. This amounted to a pretty fair take of five or six dollars and a wonderful presentation as well. Thank you Kevin. Andy presented Kevin with the treasured CLK Rotary mug.

Next week is the monthly business meeting. See you then.


(Kevin dishing out the dollars)

SPECIAL REPORT - Joe Enrietti

(Today we start on a special series featuring a short biographical sketch of each member of the CLK Rotary. We will do these weekly in the order that they joined the club. Our first is Joe Enrietti, a 34-year club member.)


Joe Enrietti was born in Mohawk on June 9, 1925. During his senior year at Calumet High School, he enlisted in the Army Air Force (today called the United States Air Force) as a cadet. After graduation in January, 1944, he joined the AAF and became a tail gunner on a B24 Heavy Bomber with the 8th AAF which was stationed in England. After the war ended in Europe, he left for the U.S.A. on his birthday in 1945 and was given 30 days rest & recuperation before training on B-29 bombers which had a much longer range than the B-24s. He was slated to join the allied forces in the Pacific but before he left, the war ended and soon he was discharged.

Joe married Lenore Hagman who, after 42 years of married bliss, passed away 17 yrs. Ago. Born in Gay, she and her 3 sisters were known as the “Gay girls.” To Joe, Lenore was irreplaceable, so he never remarried. They had one daughter, Pat, MGH Ed. Dept., who with her husband John Limack raised Joe’s three grandchildren. He also has 2 Great grandchildren.

Joe’s worked for 20 years with C&H in their Security Department along with Jack Foster, Clarence Dwyer, and 25 others. It was in reality the UP’s largest police force and covered Keweenaw, Calumet and Lake Linden 24/7. They were even trained by the FBI occasionally. After C&H closed, Joe became a salesman for W. Gately’s Furniture but a huge fire took them out after 3 years so Joe, after spurning offers from the Vertins to join them, worked for Wylie Loan Company managing their furniture store in Calumet. He stayed with them for about 20 years and ended up purchasing the store and operating it successfully.

At the ripe age of 70, Joe felt it was the right time to sell and he did. Not satisfied being idle, however, he joined the Erickson Crowley Funeral Home with their new owner, Joel Keranen. He remains there to this day assisting when needed.

Last year, Joe purchased the Catholic Priest’s home in Mohawk and has been adapting it for himself. As Joe says, “Full circle back to Mohawk at 82 going for 83,” adding that “I was damn near done for last month when a bout of Endocardis put me in the Portage Hospital for five days of extensive therapy with antibiotics.” Joe concluded with the thought, “Boy have those 82 years (and 34 years with Rotary) flown by.” Joe joined CLK Rotary on April 1, 1973 and was made a Paul Harris Fellow in 2006.

Regular Meeting, August 15, 2007

Once again, a reminder to anyone receiving this blog via e-mail. It looks much better on the net so why not check out www.CLKRotary.blogspot.com
and see for yourself.

Attendance: 21 Members, 6 Guests. Our guests were perennials Linda and Dave Grahek. It was Dave's birthday and a lusty song was our tribute. In addition, Linda announced that Dave (pictured at left) was honored with a Paul Harris Fellowship by his Rotary club in Breckenridge, Michigan. Other guests were William Brush, Eva's daughter, Lillia, Chlole Sheler, (both pictured below) and Assistant District Governor from the Houghton club, Bob Sharkey. Bob again asked if anyone knew of a Honduran Rotary Club that might serve as a conduit (no pun intended) for the water project that our 4-club region is supporting.

Lucy brought everyone up to date on housing the Tamburitzans. All is well.

There were too many happy dollars to mention in detail but it should be noted that Sue's husband, Richard, won 7 medals at the Senior Olympics. In addition to the happy dollars, both Frank and Ed were fined for their recent publicity in the New York Times and your editor received a whopping one for casually mentioning (for informational and historical reasons alone) that he and Don Fortune were responsible for the Coppertown Museum.

Andy had a flyer that he never got to talk about, a simple but effective way to treat water in developing nations. For a mere $75, a Rotarian can support the filtered water system of one family for LIFE. That is a bargain. Both Andy and I think this is a supportable and feasible project for our club. More on this in upcoming meetings.

Eva called attention to her famous Pannukakku Breakfast from 8-11 a.m. on Saturday in Agassiz Park. You won't want to miss this great event featuring the Finnish pancakes.

Jim Lowell announced he has 3 club members who have volunteered to usher at the Tamburitzans.

Dan asked for more members to help monitor traffic for a portion of the day at the Great Deer Chase Bicycle Race this Saturday. See Dan immediately if you can help for a short while.

It should be noted and emphasized that the Tamburitzans have been performing in Calumet for about 70 years, a magnificent record. And think of all the organizations and people who have benefoited from the procveeds of these concerts.. It makes one proud to be a Rotarian.

Tom Tikkanen gave a rousing plug for the Main Street Calumet 2007 Heritage Celebration featuring the French and Irish. It starts Friday, August 17 and ends on Sunday, August 19.

Upcoming Events:
Augusyt 17-19: August 18: 8-11 a.m. Eva's Pannukakku Breakfast at Agassiz Park.
August 18: The Great Deer Chase Mountain Bike Race, Swedetown Hill. If all else fails, call Dan for details
August 18: 7 p.m. The Duquesne University TAMBURITZANS at the Calumet Theatre and sponsored by our club.
August 15: District Governor's Annual Dinner in Houghton.

August 22 Program Chair: Dan Dalquist

Finally, your editor announced that starting next week, the blog will start featuring a club member's biographical sketch in each blog. Long-time member, Joe Enrietti, will be our first feature. Stay tuned; it will be nice to know your fellow Rotarians even better that you already do.

Regular Meeting of August 8, 2007

Note: For those receiving this blog via email, here is the URL to view the Blog on line:

www.CLKRotary.blogspot.com

First, the club wants to extend its congratulations to the Copperman Triathelon team #209 of Tom, Ed and Dan for placing 7th in the team competition with a time under 2 hours, significantly faster than last year. Unfortunately, the Houghton and Hancock Rotary clubs did not compete this year. In addition, congratulations to Houghton Rotarian, Terry Smythe, for running a wonderful event and to CLK Rotarian, Chuck Nelson, for having the Keweenaw Memorial Medical Center be the main sponsor.

Attendance: There were 21 members and 2 guests in attendance. The guests were Tracy Soma, a visiting Rotarian from Grand Ledge, Michigan, and Paul Lehto, Supervisor of Calumet Township and our speaker for the day.

We were privileged to induct two new members into our club, Kathy Johnson and Josh Luokus. A later blog will present a short vita of each.

( Kathy and Josh , our newest CLK Rotarians. It is our pleasure to have you join us in serving this great community.)

For your records:

Kathy: KCarltonjohnson3@yahoo.com
Josh: Josh@relinc.net

Intermittently throughout the meeting, members were reminded of the Tamburitzans and the necessity of getting out and selling tickets and sponsorships. All it takes is a few calls. Moreover, if anyone wants to help usher, you must call Jim Lowell ASAP. In addition, Lucy reported that all the housing needs have been satisfied.

Guest Speaker: Calumet Township Supervisor Paul Lehto, as is his practice, gave members an update of the significant events in the township. The Centennial 6 project is probably the biggest. Paul gave a history of the site from the early 70s when it was de-watered right through today as they prepare to develop the property.

Next, the storm sewer project ranks high on the list. Estimated at $700,000, the project will be going to bid soon.

The MNR Trust Fund grant to purchase 240 acres at the Swedetown Recreation Complex, because of delays due to a dispute with a neighboring property owner, granted an extension to get time to resolve the difficulties holding up the purchase.

In addition, looking for a new quarters for the Calumet State Police post, working with the Michigan DEQ regarding the lead found in the Torch lake sands, and other problems keeps Paul and his staff mighty busy.

(Andy presents guest Paul Lehto with our treasured mug.)

Upcoming Events:

August 18: The Tammies
August 18: Great Deer Chase Bicycle Race
October 15: District Governor's Dinner


Next Week's Program Chair: Babette Tikkanen

Business Meeting, August 1, 2007

Attendance: 22 members, 1 Guest.

Our Guest was Assistant District Governor Bob Sharkey of the Houghton Rotary Club. Bob was there to ask us to participate in the "Engineers Without Borders" district grant and to ask if our members had any connection with or knowledge of a Rotary club in the Honduras. If anyone does, please contact Bob at bsharkey@pasty.net.

After the Treasurer's report was read, members honored the birthdays of Chuck, Dan, and George with a lusty song (for which the birthday boys paid some bucks).

President Eva gave the sad news that Jay resigned from the club. The press of business was too much at this time. The Board accepted his resignation with regret and hope that he will return when his business situation abates.

On a happier note, two new members will be inducted at our August 8 meeting.

Eva read a request for small stuffed animals such as Beanie Babies. If you have anything such as this, please bring them to the meeting.

Dan delivered an urgent plea for people for traffic control in Calumet at the Great Deer Chase bicycle race on August 18. It was suggested that the CLK Rotary agree to take a particular intersection or two and man them at the beginning and end of the race. More details will be forthcoming next week. If you can help, call Mark Norton at Copper Island printing, 337-1300.

Tammies: The ticket sales are dribbling in. It is time, dear folk, to get on the ball and make an impact with both ticket sales and sponsors.
Upcoming Events:

August 4: Copperman Triathelon. We are still looking for traffic monitors. If you can help, contact Terry Smythe immediately at 482-8201.

August 18: The Tamburitzans at the CalumetTheatre.

August 18: Great Deer Chase Bicycle race

October 15: The District Governors Dinner at the Spica restaurant in Houghton.

Upcoming Program Chairs:

August 8: Dan Dalquist
August 15: Babette Tikkanen

President Eva won the monthly drawing.

Note: That was a wonderful feature in the Daily Mining Gazette about the new Conglomerate Cafe opened by Tom and Babette. One dollar, please.




(After the meeting was over, Jim Lowrie whipped out his cell phone and started working again. Great to see you back from Utah, Jim, and hope you can stay a while.)

Regular Meeting, June 25, 2007

(Phil displays our new flag.)

Attendance: 18 members and 1 guest attended the meeting; our guest was Houghton Rotarian Jim Vivian III.

President Eva began the meeting with an urgent plea to start selling both tickets and sponsors for the Tammies. In addition, housing is needed and if anyone wants to house some of the dancers, please sign up with Lucy. You will be required to supply pizza for your group after the performance and a breakfast the next morning before taking them to the Calumet Theatre by 11 a.m. Though I have never housed any dancers, they tell me it is a great experience.

Once again, here is the procedure for selling tickets and sponsors:

Procedures for CLK Rotary Sales of Tamburitzans Tickets

The Tamburitzans will be at the Calumet Theatre on August 18, 2007

All seats will be reserved, with a ticket price was $14 for all seats. In the past, CLK Rotary members are responsible for selling tickets to the event, backed up by the Calumet Theatre box office. Heavy emphasis is put on contacting area businesses and enlisting them as sponsors. Any area business purchasing tickets will be listed as a sponsor in the program book insert at the event.

Following are procedures for ticket sales by CLK Rotary members:

General

1. Event tickets will be on sale at the Calumet Theatre box office. Only the theatre will be able to assign seats and issue tickets.

2. Rotary members will take orders from patrons, fill out an order form, collect a check and return order forms and checks to the Calumet Theatre.

3. The Calumet Theatre will receive checks and issue tickets per instructions on the order form. (1) The ticket mailed to the buyer, or (2) saved at the box office "Will Call" for later pickup, or (3) you take the ticket and deliver it to the person who bought it.

4. Rotary members will keep a copy of the order form, which will be turned in to team captains for use in determining the winners of fabulous prizes each week.

Club Ticket Sales

1. Ticket orders will be taken on the order form which will be e-mailed to you. You can open the document and print it out. Additionally, it is posted here and can be copied and printed.

2. Order receipts must be turned in to club treasurer to receive credit for sale.

3. Check or credit card information must accompany order form to receive credit for sale.

4. Make sure that all order information is provided and put your name at the bottom.

5. Checks must be made out to Calumet Theatre.

6. Credit Card sales are allowed if applicable credit card information is provided on the order form.

Group Sales

1. Purchases of 10 or more tickets will be discounted $2 (i.e., $12 per ticket).

2. Purchases of 30 or more tickets will be discounted $4 (i.e., $10 per ticket).

Sponsors

1. Businesses purchasing tickets will be listed in the program insert as show Sponsors.

2. Sponsors may opt to donate tickets to CLK Rotary for distribution to needy organizations (e.g., Little Brothers, Still Waters).

3. CLK Rotary members will be assigned businesses to contact to encourage purchase of Sponsor tickets.

4. Sponsor ticket orders MUST indicate that the sale is to a sponsoring business by checking the Sponsor box on the order form.

5. Sponsor ticket order forms MUST show the business name as it should be listed on the program insert.

Tammies Ticket Order Form

The Tamburitzans
August 18, 2007, 7 p.m.
Calumet Theatre – (906) 337-2610

Name: __________________________________________ Phone:_________________
Address: _______________________________________________________________
City:_______________________________ State:________ Zip: __________

 Sponsor

TICKETS ARE $14 with Reserved Seating assigned by the Theatre
Group Rates: 10 or more tickets: $12
30 or more tickets: $10
Please indicate seating preference:

SEATING QTY PRICE TOTAL

MAINFLOOR-LEFT ____ _____ ______
MAINFLOOR-CENTER ____ _____ ______
MAINFLOOR-RIGHT ____ _____ ______

BALCONY-LEFT ____ _____ ______
BALCONY-CENTER ____ _____ ______
BALCONY-RIGHT ____ _____ ______

Special Requests:______________________________________________________

_____MAIL TICKETS
_____HOLD TICKETS AT THEATRE BOX OFFICE FOR PICKUP
_____ROTARY TO DONATE TICKETS TO CHARITABLE ORGANIZATION

Payment Method: __ Cash __ Check__ Visa__ Mastercard __Discover

Card Number: ______________________________ Expiration Date______________

Signature:__________________________________

Make checks payable to “Calumet Theatre”.

Rotary Member: __________________________

Tammies Posters are now available and several people picked them up and will post them in appropriate places.


Other business:
It was moved, seconded and approved to request the Board of Directors to select the Paul Harris Fellows for this year.

The Rotary refreshment booth during PastyFest produced a net profit of $452.78. Not bad for a rather cool day and some nearby competition.

Members are asked to volunteer to help Joe keep the Italian Hall Memorial clean and neat.

The names of potential members Josh Loukus and Kathleen Johnson were read for the final time. Their installation will occur in the near future.

Upcoming Events:

August 18: Tammies

October 15: District Governor's dinner at the Spica Restaurant in the Best Western Franklin Square Inn in Houghton. Eva wants to have a great CLK Rotary presence. More on this as the date nears.


Next Week's Program Chair: Dan Dalquist

Regular Meeting, July 18, 2007

HERE ARE THE SALES TAMMIES TEAMS

President Eva began the meeting by introducing guest Terry Smythe with whom all are acquainted. Terry was also our speaker for the meeting.

Attendance: 15 members, 1 guest.

After lunch, Eva, with an exhortation to "get moving on ticket sales," introduced the chairpersons of the Tammies Teams. The time is here, folks, so I guess we need to get cracking. In addition, some members were assigned names of sponsors to contact. A report is expected each week.

Speaker: Terry Smythe with an update on the 2007 Copperman Triathelon.

Though our club have pledged 7 volunteers, Terry could use another five to help in traffic control, etc.

There are presently 126 individual and 26 teams signed up of the event. The maximum number that can be handled is 165-200 individuals and 45 teams, a total of about 300 participants. Terry talked at length about the "new look" to the event. Fort example, parking at or near the event starting line will be limited at best and generally non-existent. Instead, parking will be available near the Community Building in downtown Copper Harbor with people being taken by trolley to the site. Above all, this will insure the safety of the cyclists as they leave and return to the starting line. In addition, the awards ceremony will be moved to another location and the awards plaque will be dedicated to the memory of the late Nick Bell.

The proceeds from the event will be given to the Copper Harbor Trails Committee to be spent in improving the various trails around Copper Harbor.

(Looking every bit the part of an old motorman, Frank will be at the Copperman Triathelon bringing people to and from the starting line. This should be interesting.)

Program Chair next week:
Ed Yarbrough