Regular Meeting, December 23, 2009

(Guest speakers Zak Tervo and Holly Crouch)

A small but lively group today!

We welcomed Holly Crouch and her daughter Hailey and friend Craig Koskela as guests as well as Zak Tervo. Both Holly and Zak were the Club’s Scholarship recipients and were present to tell the Club about their experiences.

Pastor Pete helped open the meeting by introducing himself as Pastor Grinch. Several Happy Dollars were collected in a Festive manner.

Zak Tervo is attending Diesel Mechanics school in Chicago. He is doing well. Grades are good and he is enthusiastically learning his trade. He has completed his 6th course and is currently enjoying an electronics course. Zak is scheduled to complete his schooling by July, however is looking at the possibility of accelerating the program and finishing in March. He has a job upon graduation. Zak is focused. He announced he expects to earn his Master Mechanics license within 4 yrs of completing school. This certification will require Zak to continue his certification exams and get work experience. It was great to see his excitement.

Holly Crouch is attending Finlandia University pursuing a degree in Graphic Design. Holly has completed her 1st semester and is pursuing a 4 yr Bachelors degree. Her curriculum is exposing her to a variety of people including students and faculty from the Lower Peninsula and other countries. Her favorite course so far has been a drawing class. Holly’s graduation plans are abstract since she has 7 more semesters to complete.

She has already been exposed to a variety of artistic media including fabrics,, computer design and ceramics.

Amy Roberts gave a brief report on the Foundation including plans to present two Paul Harris Fellowships on Jan 13 2010.

Dan Dalquist reminded the Club that the 60th birthday party is January 13, 2010. The celebration will be held at our regular meeting date, time, and location. It would be great to have ALL our members present at this special meeting. As part of the discussion regarding the 60th party, Joe Enrietti announced he joined the Club in 1973. He is our member with the most Seniority.



(Since heavy snow in the Harbor prevented our getting a photograph of this year's luminaries, here is a picture, taken last year, of the moving CLK Rotary tribute to the 73 men, women and children who lost their lives in the Italian Hall disaster on December 24, 1913.)


See you next week, same time, same place, the last meeting of 2009. We'd love to see you.

Meetings of Dec 9 and 16, 2009

(Kilpela missed Rotary Wednesday. Said he tried to plow on but didn't have all-wheel drive.)

December 9, 2009 Meeting:

President Jim Lowell called the meeting to order and introduced Sgt Frank Philips – CLK ROTC and Linda Grahek (Dave was out of town) . Sgt Philips was accompanied by two ROTC Cadets: Rochelle Miller – Junior at CLK High School and Katie Miller – Junior at Lake Linden Hubbell high school. Jim then read the names of two prospective members: Scott See and Keith Stenger.

The fall Highway pickup date will be determined at the monthly board meeting – most likely early October.The fall Highway pickup date will be determined at the monthly board meeting – most likely early October.

After our meal and Happy Dollars from 5 Rotarians, Sgt Philips took the floor. He explained the CLK ROTC program had nominated students for the annual RYLA training every years for the past 12 yrs. CLK Rotary sponsors this program at $250 per student per year.

RYLA students attend a weekend Leadership training program at Camp Manito-Wish in Wisconsin. Students experience a variety of leadership development skills including a variety of team-building games and a high ropes course!

The girls described their experience as “Amazing!”. Both have been asked to return next year as instructors at RYLA. Katie and Rochelle said they use the leadership skills in their daily activities with ROTC.

CLK Rotary should be proud of our continued sponsorship of such a worthy program.

December 16, 2009 Meeting:

We had a Full House at this meeting! Twenty Two Rotarians and guests enjoyed a good lunch and program. Guests included Dave & Linda Grahek (we ALL thought they had left last week!) and Pam Grill – Main Street Calumet Board member.

Tom and Sue Scanlan were welcomed back home.

Announcements included Andy Murtagh modeling his Canadian Air Force hockey jersey.

Pam Grill reported on the accomplishments and status of the Calumet Main Street organization. Main St is an organization that is administered in Michigan by MSHDA. Main Street states it has the formula for creating a viable and functioning downtown for a community. She gave several examples of downtowns that have been recovered and are providing economic growth – including Calumet.

Several key points include comparing our Keweenaw National Historical Park (KNHP) to other national landmarks such as Harper’s Ferry, Lowell Massachusets and Valley Forge! We do have many things to be proud of in Calumet, Laurium, and Keweenaw.

The Main Street organization was started in 1980 and now numbers over 2000 communities. Calumet was selected as a Main Street community in 2003. The focus is on the historic district of Calumet with efforts to improve economic gains, renovate properties, sponsor events, and other activities. For example, from June 2005 through May 2008, Calumet Main St attracted 9 new businesses resulting in 45 new jobs.

CLK Rotary made a three-year commitment of money to help Main Street get on it’s feet in the early years. As then, Main Street needs help with it’s funding. Support can be provided by becoming a Main Street member, by volunteering for various committees or events, or by making a contribution directly to Main Street.

See you next week.

Regular Meeting, December 2, 2009

(Good to see Kevin back on his feet. Here's a picture opf him taken a few months ago when he was on his feet and feeling feisty. Welcome back, Kevin.)


The meeting was (relatively) well attended with guests David and Linda Grahek, Bob Sharkey and a blast from our past, Ed Yarbrough in addition to 20 members. Everyone was pleased to see Kevin Store upright and functional again. Kevin thanked members for their thoughts and prayers during his convalescence.

Business Meeting

Most of the business meeting was pretty routine.
• December birthdays - Tom L., Steve D.
• Attendance for November (53%)
• Upcoming Programs
o Dec. 9 – Jeff Slivkoff
o Dec. 16 – Pam Grill – Main Street
o Dec. 23 – Zach Tervo
o Dec. 30 – Rotary Foundation

Then we discussed the plans for the 60th birthday party on Jan. 13. The Board of Directors recommends that our celebration take place at lunch on January 13th with a minimum of expense with emphasis on community exposure. This general plan was accepted by the Club with the following motions:

Motion: The Board of Directors is authorized to spend as they see fit for the 60th celebration. Due to the short time-frame involved, a quorum is not required to approve expenditures. Andy M./Sandy H. Approved.

Motion: We will invite past Club officers to lunch on January 13th at our expense. Sue. D/Jim Lowrie. Approved.

The next Board meeting will be on December 15th at Range Bank in Calumet.

Regular Meeting, November 25, 2009

(Rebecca Crane, Executive Director of DIAL HELP listens intently to one of the many questions asked of her during her presentation.)

A” Deer Season” meeting! We had 15 members, including guests Dave & Linda Grahek, attend lunch. President Jim introduced guest Rebecca Crane – Executive Director of DIAL HELP. Rebecca will deliver the program.

Names of potential members were read: Jeff Slivkoff (3^rd reading) and Jim Corliss (2^nd reading).

Announcements included: 1. CLK Rotarians have raised over $500 for The Keweenaw County Sheriff Secret Santa! That, coupled with the $500 from the club itself makes for a $1,000 donation to brighten the Christmas for a whole lot of kids. What a Great Club we have! 2. A Board meeting will be Tuesday Dec 1 at 4pm at the Range Bank office in Calumet.

Captain Don Kilpela announced he and Betty were celebrating their 57^th yr of Marriage. Congratulations to both Betty and Don!

Our Program today is about DIAL HELP. Rebecca Crane, has been the Exec Director since June 2009. DIAL HELP began 30 yrs ago as a help line for drug abuse. It has evolved to a crisis line serving all of the UP. The next closest crisis line is Traverse City. There are a few others in the Lower Peninsula. DIAL HELP’s mission is to provide crisis help ( drug abuse, alcohol abuse, victim services and prevention programs in addition to other services) 24 hrs per day 7 days per week.

The organization is funded by grants from both the Federal and state governments as well as money from both the Copper Country and Dickinson County United Way chapters. Annual budget is $350,000 with 90% funded by grants and federal/state agencies. The remaining 10% comes from donations.

DIAL HELP needs volunteers to help deliver its various programs. If any Rotarians are interested, they should contact Rebecca Crane at DIAL HELP.

See you all next Wednesday, December 2.

Remember, through December 1 you can still vote for the Ontonogan PlayDay. Just check out http://playday.kaboom.org/



(Rebecca graciously accepts to revered CLK Rotary Mug)

Regular Meetinbg, November 16, 2009

First, my apologies to President Jim. Somehow, during our travels, I missed the email with the report that is going to follow. Though it is late, I hope it will serve as a reminder of tomorrow's meeting and will bring you up to date with what transpired last week.

At left is Laura Shudra of Authentic Truths, our speaker.



15 Rotarians, including David and Linda Grahek attended lunch today. Laura Shudra, of Authentic Truths, was our guest and presenter. Prior to lunch Lowell welcomed guests and delivered a message from Kevin Store, thanking members for thinking of him during his time in the hospital with H1N1 and pneumonia.

After lunch, Lowell made a few announcements, including reading the names of prospective new members Jeff Slivkoff (De la Terre) and Jim Corless (Keweenaw National Historical Park). Amy Roberts drew names to see who would be the Paul Harris Fellows from the 5x5 teams and solicited names for other Paul Harris Fellowships to be presented at the 60th birthday party on January 16th. The meeting was then turned over to Laura Shudra.

Shudra is an experienced teacher and councilor who is forming a company to council anyone in need of support or direction. She emphasizes effective decision making, team leadership and choosing mentors. One aim is to help teens identify their callings and to avoid problems resulting from bad relationships.

Tom Tikkanen donated a happy dollar in anticipation of bagging an 8-point buck. We look forward to hearing about this at a future meeting.

Regular Meeting, November 11, 2009

(President Jim congratulates new member Scott See.)

Nineteen Rotarians met today and enjoyed a good lunch. Guests were Dave/Linda Grahek and Chuck “the Red Rose” Wicker from Hancock Rotary club

Announcements included: >Welcome Back to Capt Don Kilpela - back from his Italian trip! >Kevin Store is in Portage Health ICU with the H1N1 flu and pneumonia. We all wish Kevin a quick return to health! > No program today so we will resume/complete last week’s business meeting. (Did the agenda come to the meeting this week?)

Capt Kilpela gave several Happy Dollars as he reported that Tom Scanlon is recovering from his surgery.

New Member: President Jim inducted Scott See (sponsored by Sue Dana) as our newest Rotarian. Welcome Scott! Jim also read Jeff Slivkoff’s name for the first time – a potential member. Jeff is the General Manger of the De La Terre restaurant in Lake Linden.

Birthdays: Joel keranen, Amy Roberts (plus today is her youngest child’s birthdate!), Phil Smythe and Babette Jokela.

CLK Rotarians w/perfect attendance in October were: Patsi, Dan, Sue Dana, Joe Enrietti, Joel, Tom L, Jim Lowell, Rich S, Andy, Phil and Peter Vorheis. Club attendance was 57%. Congratulations to our Perfect Attendance members!

Club Business updates:

1: New trading banners are still in the works – need data from Kevin Store.

2: CHOICES program will be presented at Lake Linden Hubbell Schools – 9^th grade classes on 11/30 and 12/1. Calumet Schools will be 12/7 & 12/8. Could use more Rotarians for the Calumet Schools dates.

3: A letter request from Zack Tervo – one of our scholarship recipients was read. Zack is doing well in school and plans on completing his program in June 2010. He is planning on returning to the area and opening a repair facility in the area. Very good feedback from Zack. Our Scholarship $$ are making a difference. Motion by Tim Baroni, Second by Amy Roberts to immediately pay the second installment of the scholarship. Motion passed.

4: No Board meeting in November due to conflicting activities & events. The Board will meet once all members return from deer camp and the hospital!

5: Phil has an updated member roster that Jim Lowell will email to all Rotarians.

6: The CLK Rotary Sheriff’s fund is now at $500 (member donations ) and still rising! A big thanks to those Rotarians who have donated to this worthy cause.

(Jim explaining the purposes and ideals of Rotary to new member Scott See.)

Meetings of 10/28 and 11/4

Hello all. A blog report from Italy. (Sue Dana, eat your heart out.)

CLK Rotary Meeting Oct 28 2009 A Call to Action!

Special Thank You to Lisa Ronan – Irish Times owner – for her stellar work decorating the bar/restaurant for Halloween! We arrived to find spider webs, spiders , mummies and moss all over the place!

Guests included Linda Grahek (without Dave), Scott See, chuck Wicker –Hancock Rotary and Keweenaw County Sheriff Ron Lahti.

Attendance = 20.

Sheriff Lahti presented our program. He explained how the “Secret Santa” program conducted by the Keweenaw county sheriff’s dept worked. The program started 12 yrs ago when it became apparent there were children in Keweenaw County that were not getting Christmas Gifts. Names, along with ages & gender & sizes, were provided by various sources including community members and the Social Services dept.
Last year, the program operated with an $8000 budget and produced Christmas gifts for 79 children! Sheriff Lahti and staff members from the Keweenaw County courthouse spent over 12 hours shopping for the gifts.

Sheriff Lahti said he does negotiate discounts from the merchants to help stretch the $$. CLK rotary helped by providing $500 of Club funds matched with a District grant of $500. We also had 6 Rotarians help with the sorting of the gifts – a necessary task prior to distribution.

A plethora of questions resulted with Sheriff Lahti responding to each. He is very confident no needy children have been missed. He stressed the program is not about the parents or their lifestyle , but is focused upon providing children with Christmas gifts. He said it is common for a family to work their way out of whatever their problem is. Once that happens the children are removed from the list and replaced with others.

The Sheriff department is the focal point, however the entire Keweenaw community participates by conducting fund raisers, submitting names, providing gifts via donation or donating money.

President Jim Lowell states CLK Rotary has budgeted $500 towards this program with additional donations from Rotarians adding another $100!! If each Rotarian donated $20 to the cause, we could get closer to matching last year’s total donation of $1000! Checks should be payable to CLK Rotary .

We also need to continue supporting the project with Rotarians able to help sort the gifts. If you can give of your time, please contact Jim Lowell.

CLK Rotary Business Meeting Nov 4, 2009

Monthly Business meeting with 17 members and guests attending. Guests included Dave 7 Linda Grahek, Bob Sharkey – Ass’t district Gov, and Jeff Slivkoff – guest of Andy Murtagh (gone missing!)

Jim Lowry announced the kickoff of the Copper Country United Way campaign and distributed literature for members to read. Several Happy dollars were paid as well.

President Jim began the business meeting by announcing his notes and agenda were still at home on his computer! He apologized ( with several comments from members about the need to pay up!) and continued a capella; making the following observations:

Club attendance for Oct was 57% - We can do better!!! We need to see our members at the meetings! Members with perfect attendance and members with birthdays were not announced – they will be at the next meeting.

The Financial Report was not available however the updated Budget was presented for members review.

President Jim reviewed the CHOICES program. CLK Rotary is providing trained Rotarians to present the CHOICES program to the CLK and LL/Hubbell Schools. Our Rotary volunteers are Keith Stengel, Tom TIkkanen, Jim Lowell and Kevin Store. We could sure use another 3-4 Rotarians to help present the program. Contact Jim Lowell for more info.

Upcoming programs: Nov 11 = Emily Fiala – Habitat for Humanity. Nov 18 – could not recall who the program was.

Our CLK Rotary Board has pre-approved a number of individuals for membership. We (all of us) need to contact those folks and invite them to lunch! We need to increase our membership.

An active discussion focused upon our practice of fines. Several opinions were expressed – some supporting eliminating fines and others supporting fines - either spontaneous or well-defined. The matter was referred back to the Board.

Our continued support of the Keweenaw County Sheriff Dept Secret Santa program has grown! In addition to the budgeted amount of $500, members have contributed at least another $200 with more contributions coming in – even while the discussion was going on!

We ended with the monthly 50/50 raffle - - Tom Liljegren was the lucky Rotarian!