Regular Meeting, March 24, 2010

A Correction: Last week we mistakenly listed Babette Jokela and Frank Fiala as “guests” in the March 17 blog. As we all know, both Babette & Frank are members of CLK Rotary. Our sincere apology to both Babette & Frank.

Today, we had 25 Rotarians and guests attending this meeting. Guests were Major Mike Farley – Public Schools of Calumet JROTC program and three very impressive JROTC cadets: Cadet Captain Kelsey Coo, Cadet Lieutenant Rochelle Harris and Cadet Sergeant Joe Collen.



Announcements:

New CLK Rotary member Laura Miller – Exec Director of the Calumet Theatre, was inducted to our Club. Welcome Laura. [Ed: I am sure they were happier than they looked]

Jim Corless stated that the KNHP Has received some exhibits for the Union building but needs more. Interested Rotarians should contact Jim at the Keweenaw National Historic Park office in Calumet.

Second meeting in a row without Andy?


Program:

Major Mike Farley began the program by describing the JROTC program that he administers as a citizenship and service program. Participating schools include Calumet-Laurium-Keweenaw and Lake Linden-Hubbell and the Horizon schools. The local JROTC program was established in 1917 and will be celebrating its centennial in 2017. The program focuses upon service, physical fitness, leadership skills. It develops character and provides the students exposure to people outside the UP, to new ideas.

Our support of RYLA has helped by sending JROTC students to the annual RYLA program in Wisconsin for which Major Farley thanked CLK Rotary for the continued support of RYLA and the JROTC program

Recently, the JROTC cadets competed against 2000 other units in Leadership and Academic Bowl competition from other states. While the initial level of competition was 2000 units from across the country, Level 2 had considerable less. Michigan had 50 units in the competition and the CLK Students, along with the other 2 JROTC units in the UP, qualified for Level 2. Calumet ended 3rd out of 119 units.

This summer, Major Farley is taking 9 students and 1 adult to a JROTC Camp in Germany. The trip will include some sightseeing and participating in a variety of competitions. They will be staying at a German military base and interact with students from several other European countries.

This trip will cost $1895 per person. Funds have been raised through a variety of activities with the big one being a spaghetti dinner and auction. If the group does not raise all the money then families will need to step in. Rotarians are urged to support the dinner. President Jim asked Major Farley to complete a Request for Donation so the Rotary board could consider helping with the funding.

See you next week.