Regular Meeting, February 27, 2008

(Hello all. Greetings from sunny Florida. Betty Kilpela enjoys breakfast at a small outside cafe in Manalapan.)



At the outset, I want to thank Kathy Johnson for supplying me with details of the meeting so that I can continue writing this blog thereby providing a sort of historical memoir of the CLK Rotary for future generations. Unfortunately I haven't yet received any photos but if I should get some, I will simply add them at a later time.

Since this blog is not only an historical account but something concrete for those who may have missed the meeting thereby keeping them informed of upcoming events, needs, etc.

Kathy reports that there was a good turnout at the meeting at the Irish Times. As many of you know, because of an increase in Cormac's duties at MTU both he and Lisa have decided to sell the "Times." Unfortunately, that is about all I know of the situation. If and as they share more of the details with me, I will pass them on to you. I feel sad about this because I have come to love the joint (and especially our luncheons) but Betty and I understand about commitments.

The first order of business was the announcement that the annual rowing competition begins on March 8. I trust that Phil will provide all the details for the next blog.

Next, I was asked to provide members with a description of the Rotary Shares project. Here it is:

As many are aware, the theme of Rotary Year 2007-08 is "Rotary Shares."

The 2007-08 theme Rotary Shares acts as a daily reminder of what ordinary people can accomplish through the extraordinary work of Rotary, said RI President-elect Wilfrid J. Wilkinson. "What makes Rotary great is our expressing the love in our hearts through the work of our hands and our minds," said Wilkinson. "As Rotarians, we don't just sit back and talk about loving other human beings. As Rotarians, we demonstrate that love, and we share that love, through helping each other." And Rotarians don't need to do this alone. They know that when the need for service in their community can't be met by one club alone, they call on Rotarians from around the world to help. More than a theme, Rotary Shares is a call to action. Sharing Rotary ensures that Rotary continues a second century of service. Rotary Shares means inviting people to join their local Rotary clubs. "Rotary will only be able to continue sharing if it continues to grow," said Wilkinson. To help Rotary grow, Wilkinson requested that all district governors ask their club presidents to bring in one new club member during their year in office. "Without new members, nothing else matters," he said. Without our youth and new members, "it will only take a few decades for Rotary to disappear, and we've already seen that happen in other service clubs." In addition to the crucial job of welcoming new club members, the president-elect said Rotarians should not forget their past. He asked them to reach out to former club members, including club members' widows and widowers. "I ask you all, this year, to share Rotary freely and fully. Work hard, and work with love. And remember that everything you do in service to others is part of the magic of Rotary, the magic that allows ordinary people, like you and me, do absolutely amazing things."

Reading President Wilkinson's statements and challenges reminds me of the time that Postal Savings (we older members remember that organization) simply ceased to exist because they did not adapt to the changing times and did not try in any way to solicit new members. Within a short time, poof, they were out of business. It is up to all of us to make sure that the CLK Rotary doesn't follow the same path.

Members were reminded that the 6220 District Conference will be in Marquette, our Governor's home base, on May 16 - 18. It is a very exciting conference every year and we would expect the have a great turnout from Houghton, Hancock, Ontonagon, and the CLK. Being that it is so close should make the expense somewhat less for those of us up here. Let's hope the snow is gone by then.

A Group Study Exchange (GSE) from Brazil will be visiting this area starting on May 12. There is a need for housing for members of the group. I remember our last group from Argentina. If I recall, we gave them, a sunset cruise ride in Copper Harbor and I am willing to do that again if asked.

The spaghetti dinner fund-raiser will be held on March 8 from 4-8 p.m. I hope everyone takes a part in this and helps to make it the best ever. Moreover, we need to sign up to supply desserts as well. Posters were distributed; please get them up as soon as possible.

The program for the day was given my Richard Dana on the trolly that operated throughout the Copper Country from 1902 - 1932. To supplement Dan's program, here is a web site witrh some very interesting pictures and facts. Simply double click on it and it should open. If not, copy it and paste it in your browser.

http://www.pasty.com/copperrange/traction.htm (Traction Company web site)


That's it until next week and I'll see you at the first May meeting, if not before.

Regular Meeting, January 23, 2008

Meeting attendance was 18 members and 3 guests who were Amy Roberts, "Pete" Pietri (of the Houghton Club) and Assistant District Governor, Bob Sharkey.

After lunch, our speaker, Jim Lowrie, gave an interesting talk about the art of the Chapunga Sculpture Park in Zimbabwe. Jim first learned of them when the arboretum in Salt Lake City, of which Jim is on the board, held an exhibit of their work. During the exhibit, a brief demonstration of the sculpture technique was given. Those interested in pursuing the art were given a large piece of Offal Stone from Zimbabwe and some tools with the direction, "start carving." That was it. Jim did just that and has been doing it ever since. In the process, after acquiring many more tools he has produced several sculptures, two of which is brought to the meeting.

It was a very interesting program which elicited lots of questions and curiosity and, frankly, admiration for the work. Thank you Jim.





(Left: a Lowrie sculpted piece of offal stone from Zimbabwe embedded in his fireplace chimney in Eagle River. Below: two pieces that Jim displayed at the meeting.)


























Upcoming Event: Don't forget the fund-raising dinner held this Saturday a 6 p.m. at Little Brothers in Hancock. Proceeds to help defray some costs for our two RYE students from the Copper Country. See last week's blog for complete details.

Next Week's Program Host: Sandy Huuki


Breaking News: I received the following note from Tom Tikkanen about Babette's diving feat.

Don,

Babette and approximately 60 others took their turns jumping through the ice.

With her typical trooper attitude, she charged out and without hesitation hurled herself in. She bobbed to the surface, sprang out of the water, and ran (as if all the hounds of hell were nipping at her heels) straight back to the sauna.

There were fewer jumpers than other years, indicative of the minus 20 degree wind-chill, I'm sure.

My photos did not turn out, but I expect some from my father-in-law. I'll forward one to you.

Tom


(Our Program Host and Sculptor, Jim Lowrie)

Regular Meeting, January 16, 2008

(Joel Keranen, our speaker.)


There were 21 members and 2 guest at the meeting.

President Eva reminded everyone that the fund raiser for our RYE student: Saturday night, Jan 26, 2008. 6 p.m. at the Little Brothers office , 527 Hancock St., Hancock Mi. Cost: $20 per person
Please call 906-337-2917 for reservations. In addition to as dinner prepared by Chef Malcom Hudson, there will be an auction so they are looking for items to auction. If you can't attend, please consider sending a donation. The proceeds for the event will go to helping the two RYE students (Hancock Rotary is sponsoring the other one) with some of their incidental expenses.

Tom Tikkanen announced that his wife (and former member), Babbette, will be taking the ice plunge in the Portage Waterway on Saturday, January 19 at 4 p.m. This is her second time. Pledges and donations have totaled $271.00 so far. Given that Babette can't swim well, it is a singular act of courage to perform this feat for the club. It is hoped someone will get a good picture of the event for the this blog. Our heartiest thanks go out to her...and a wish for good luck as well.

Our speaker was Joel Keranen whose topic was a discussion and pictures of his several trips to Mexico to work in the village of Reynosa which is about 5 miles south of the border town of McAllen, Texas. Joel has made four trips to the village and is becoming close friends with the residents and fellow workers. If you will recall, that was the same village where bicycles were sent in the past.

During each visit, Joel and his compatriots take on a particular doable project such as building more sanitary bathrooms, better sewage disposal, etc. and try to finish it
before leaving. They drive there from the Copper Country , a trip of about 13 hours.

It was a most interesting talk which brought out many questions.

Next Week: Ethan was scheduled but is now gone so I do not know what the program will be. Should be interesting to find out.



( The Rotary plaque in the Calumet Township Hall.)

Regular Meeting, January 9, 2008

The attendance at the meeting was 16 members and 3 guests. Guests were good friend and former member, Jay Ruohonen, Superior Bank Calumet Manager, Amy Roberts, and Hannah Aten, our RYE student from Houghton High School.

(After the meeting, Hannah Aten spoke with Tom about his daughter's experience in Sweden.)



Ms Aten was our speaker and talked about her anticipated trip to Poland which will last from August, 2008 to June 2009. She said that she has no idea yet where in what city she will be staying and who her "Polish parents" will be. RYE students undergo at least four training sessions during which they bond with other RYE students both foreign and domestic. In addition, they learn what is expected of them, the Dos and Don'ts basically, and other factors surrounding their momentous trip. The RYE managers explain clearly the goals and objectives of the program and students take this seriously. She said she will work hard to learn as much Polish as possible, a daunting goal in itself. On the 26th of January, there wil be a fund-raiser at teh Litle Brothers headquarters in Hancock to help the two RYE students from this area--Hancock Rotary sponsors the other one--with the financing needed.

In case you missed it, here are excerpts from Dan Dalquist's announcement of that fund-raiser:

Happy New Year!
Please put Sat Jan 26 aside as your Rotary opportunity to support our outgoing Exchange Student Hannah Aten. Hannah was our speaker today and announced she will be going to Poland in August of 2008!

Hannah has a fund raiser for her and Carrie Yarina (sponsored by Hancock Rotary) to build the $$ needed for plane tickets, preparation fees, living allowances etc. Money raised will be split equally between Hannah and Carrie.

When: Sat night Jan 26 2008 6pm at the Little Brothers office , 527 Hancock St., Hancock Mi. Cost: $20 per person

Meal: Prepared by Malcom Hudson, a Frech chef!

A Silent Auction will also be conducted! It would be fantastic for the CLK Rotary Club to be well represented (and wearing the CLK Rotary Shirts!) at this dinner. Please HURRY TO RSVP AS SEATING IS LIMITED TO 70!!!

Hannah Aten at 906-334-2917. Bobbie & I hope to see many of the CLK club at the dinner!!

Dan

Program chairman next week: Joel Keranen


We'll see you all then...



(Eva and Hannah pose for a final picture.)

Business Meeting, January 2, 2008

Attendance:

It was a pretty good group attending the meeting, 20 members and 2 guests. President Eva decided to share some thoughts about needs and upcoming events. Chief among them was her concern over attendance which, see averred, was nation wide. We cannot find consolation in the fact that this might be a trend among service clubs in general but rather we must work to renew our efforts to attract the important businessmen and women as well as professionals to the concept of "Service Above Self." Some cynics believe that altruism is a thing of the past; it is up to us to prove them wrong.

The March 9th Great Bear Chase and Rotary spaghetti dinner were discussed. Lucy, who has served as chairwoman in the past asked to be relieved this year. Within moments Tom volunteered for the job. Thanks to both Lucy and Tom. Tom said he will form a committee to meet and discuss ways to increase the attendance at that function. Anyone with ideas about promotion, please call Tom as soon as possible.

Eva announced that Ethan, because of a transfer at work, is switching his membership to the Hancock Rotary Club. We will contact his replacement and encourage him/her to join CLK as soon as possible. Contact Eva if you will serve out Ethan's term as club secretary.

Upcoming Events:

March 9: Great Bear Chase and Rotary Spaghetti Dinner

Next Week's Program Chair: George Kiiskila

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.