Regular Meeting, May 28, 2008

After a 4-month hiatus, your editor is back on the job. I thought of ending this blog but was talked out of it by Mr. Schaefer. So if you have problems with that, talk to him.

Our meeting consisted on 18 members and one guest, Justin Rabel of Edward Jones in Eagle River, Wisconsin, pictured here with his host, Dan Dalquist).




Despite some (ahem) member's attempts to raise the ante, all tables contained at least a man and a woman. Boys, we'll have to keep our eyes open unless you want to pay the till.

Road Pickup on Saturday, May 31

(l to r: Kevin, Patricia, Jim Lowell, Tom liljegren, Peter, Andy, Frank, and yours truly.) Many hands made easy work and we were having coffee at Shelly's on a little over an hour. Andy and Peter fast at work on a cool, damp , unpleasant day.)


















Lots of activities this summer, enough to keep everyone busy.

PastyFest in July. We need fund-raising ideas.

In August, the Copperman race in the Harbor. We are looking for someone to assume the running position for the team. Tom Tikkanen is swimming, Dan (or is it Peter?) is riding, and Ed is no longer with the club. We need a runner so that the winning tradition will continue.


Two weeks later, the Tammies are in town and we'll be looking for members to house about 35 dancers. Also, we need everyone to get at the sale of tickets and advertising.

Almost concurrently, the Great Deer Chase will be held and they will need some monitors to direct traffic both at the beginning and end of the race in downtown Calumet.

Well, for what it is, there it is. It's great to be back!







(Terry, the new owner of the the Irish Times. The great food tradition continues. Thanks Terry.)

Regular Meeting, March 5, 2008

(Joel Touriniemi, coach, shows off the Steele City Trophy to the club members.)



Wednesday's meeting was one of those times when we members get to meet the players of our sponsored hockey team up close and personal. The CLK Rotary Bantam AA hockey team, The "Keweenaw Storm," won the Steel City International Hockey Tournament of the Sault Hockey Association. Thirteen team members were treated to a nice luncheon and afterward each of them got up to thank members for their support. These 7th and 8th graders faced some of the toughest teams in the tourney but the prevailed through to the semi-finals. In the semi-finals, they beat the Sudbury Wolverines 2-1 and then won the tournament by defeating the Soo Lakers Check & Cash, 2-1. What is more significant is that it is the first time a UP team has won the tournament. We'll undoubtedly hear more of these boys as they pass into the Midget level or high school hockey. Congratulations to Joel for giving of his time and talent (he too was a very successful hockey player for Calumet HS) to train these boys. Both Bantam and Midget levels are the time when boys have to decide if they want the bruising schedules and tougher play to continue in playing serious hockey.


(Andy was right at home talking hockey with the young men.)

Up next is our annual Community Spaghetti Dinner held in conjunction with the Great Bear Chase. Let's have a great and profitable turnout. Wish I could be there to help and enjoy the friendships. Unfortunately, I'll just have to sit here and bake. Just kidding because I don't sit in the sun and though our rented condo is on the Atlantic Ocean beach, I haven't yet walked down there to look at it.




(Here are some more of the CLK Rotary team, the Keweenaw Storm.)






Cheers Everyone!

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