Regular Meeting, October 22,. 2008

Once again your old blogger had to leave town, this time to attend the Great Lakes Passenger Vessel Association meeting in Traverse City. The following account comes from Kevin.

In addition to the members, there were two guests hosted by Kathleen Johnson, her sister and brother-in-law.

Evan MacDonald from the Keweenaw Land Trust was our guest presenter for the meeting. Evan spoke about the Marsin Nature Retreat Center which was bequeathed to the KLT. He also spoke about the Hancock/Calumet corridor (scenic by-way) and told us about recent land acquisitions and intended projects for the future of the wetlands between those two cities. It was a very good presentation and seemed like there is many more opportunities to learn about all the other stuff the KLT is involved with. For those with an interest in land preservation, contact the KLT.

Announcements included the (1) Board Meeting next Tuesday afternoon, (2) the reading of Susan Hallwach's name as a potential member, and (3) the Christmas/Paul Harris Award dinner on the 17th of December. (we'll switch from a lunch meeting to a dinner meeting that day)

That's about it. Have a good day and we'll see you next week.



(Here are two pictures from our photo archive that will recall to us the District dinner and Paul Harris awards following dinner of a couple of years ago. We'll make this a big celebration on December 17th with a 100% turnout to see our newest Paul Harris Fellow(s).

Meeting of October 15, 2008

On Tuesday, the day before our meeting, Betty and I took a ride out toward High Rock Bay on Keweenaw Point. It was a wonderfully warm day and the colors were spectacular. I thought I would brighten up your day by including a few pictures.











Though your editor was unable to attend this weeks meeting, he has a hearsay report on the meeting. It is from Kevin and I will copy a few of his comments onto this blog:



Jeffrey Primeau was the guest and gave a brief presentation of his Italian Hall Luminary project.

In short, he is working to reinvigorate the Christmas Eve candlight vigil that used to take place at the Italian Hall site. Last year he made ice-luminaries out of bunt cake pans as forms. He is working to have something a bit more permanent and has contacted VSI with the request to make permanent luminaries (votives)
that can be used from year to year. (prototype was on hand for inspection) Following some Q/A, a motion to support Jeff's efforts by donating $500.00 of the total $3,000.00 being requested was put on the floor. It was understood that if, at the conclusion of Jeff's efforts
to garner other support, more funds were needed, we could consider an additional contribution at a later time. The motion was supported and discussion ensued.

After a brief discussion, a motion was presented to amend the original motion from $500.00 to the complete $3,000.00. This amendment also received support and more discussion followed.

During the discussion of the amendment, another motion was offered to amend the amendment
to include "Rotarian Support, meaning our efforts to construct, maintain, store, etc. as required to make sure the event continues on an annual basis in perpetuity." This support would ensure that the Christmas Eve vigil continues in the event Jeff cannot any longer continue with the effort.

With the motions on the floor, a vote was called for the amendment to the amendment and was approved. The motion, as amended, was voted on and passed. Finally, the original motion read: "Rotary will contribute $3,000 towards this project and will support this effort through human participatory efforts for construction, maintenance, storage, setup, etc. as required to make sure the event continues on an annual basis in perpetuity." The motion passed. In short, there is overwhelming club approval to award $3,000 to the Italian Hall Luminary Vigil.

One member asked that the Board of Directors discuss the implication this might have on the desire to have a major project as discussed in the previous meetings and to report this to the membership.

As far as our present budget is concerned, the funds are available for this project. Kevin also added that he is going to seek District funds as well to help support this project and thereby reduce our capital outlay.

It sounded like an exciting meeting to me and I wish I had been there.

Regular Meeting of October 8, 2008

(Our guest speakers, Susan and Carol, holding the prized mugs of the CLK Rotary Club.)



Turnout for this week's meeting consisted of 17 members and 7 guests. Guest were Linda and Dave Grahek, Roger Webster from Troy Rotary, Bill Fink and Bob Sharkey from Houghton Rotary, and our speakers, Carol Fouts and Susan Hallwachs both of Hearing Applications, L.L.C.

Kevin announced that only two showed up on Saturday to clean our stretch of highway, he and Jim Lowell. That's too much for two people, folks, so we've got to change this or stop doing it. If a lot more show up, we can finish this project in one hour. So let's have a resurgence of enthusiasm for this worthy community exercise; that's what we are in Rotary for, is it not? For the record, Kevin went back during the week to do a quick pickup of the most noticeable trash. Perhaps this project should be opened for ideas.

Also, members are submitting ideas to Kevin and the board on the long-term project we have been discussing. The docket is still open so drop him or any board member a note and let them know what you think should be done.

Our speakers, Susan and Carol brought a variety of instruments to the meeting to demonstrate how we can help our aging parents, including aging members (I might add) to cope with this loss. Speaking from personal experience, it should be noted that of all the handicaps, hearing loss is the least respected and the least tolerated. It is not only difficult but very expensive to try to compensate for this loss but maybe this company has some answers. They are located in Allouez at 906-337.

See you next Wednesday.

Regular Meeting, 10/1/08

NOTE: WE ARE LOOKING FOR WORKERS TO BE ON THE CORNER OF US-41 AND M-203 IN CALUMET AT 9 A.M. ON SATURDAY, OCTOBER 4, TO HELP FULFILL OUR COMMITMENT TO CLEAN UP OUR PORTION OF THE HIGHWAY. REMEMBER, MANY HANDS MAKE LIGHT WORK.

Kevin opened the meeting with an appeal for more suggestions on a major project for our sponsorship. He has received a couple but would like to see everyone respond. In addition, he announced that the Board meeting will be held on October 7 with the business meeting of the club on the 8th,

Attendance was light, 13 members and 3 guests. Guests were Dave and Linda Grahek and Joy Liljigren.

After lunch, our speaker was Dan Dalquist who, after passing out the new trail map (see Dan for more copies), gave the club the benefit of some of his wisdom as a broker for Edward Jones. His very interesting and informative presentation was followed by anecdotes from members regarding the current mortgage and bailout crisis. In short, it was a lively discussion.

See you next week.










(Dan, discussing the upcoming so-called "bailout" which is being voted on today by the US House of Representatives.)

Regular Meeting, September 24, 2008

Attendance was 17 members and 2 guests, Linda and Dave Grahek.

Kevin began the meeting by discussing the two projects he had spoken about a few weeks ago.

Project 1: The educational $1,000 scholarships recommended for both Lake Linden and Calumet High Schools. After much discussion, it was decided by unanimous vote to form a committee to decided upon the criteria for the scholarships.  The committee recommendation will then be presented to the Board of Directors and eventually to the members by January, 2009.

Project 2: A significant community project (such as a pavilion in the park ala the Houghton Rotary Waterfront Pavilion) that will be funded over a 3-year period to the tune of about $3,500 per year.  After much discussion, Kevin asked members to submit suggestions for this project by the end of September after which a decision can be made as to whether or not the club wishes to undergo the project.

Kevin said that both projects will require a significant financial and time commitment from the membership so your comments to the board swill be greatly appreciated.

All in all, it was a productive meeting challenging members to think and talk about the projects

in the  coming weeks and months.

See you next week.    

(Kevin listening wistfully to Phil's advice which is always well received and welcomed.)  

  

(After the meeting, some members were locked in conversation in the parking lot of the Irish Times.)  

Regular Meeting, September 10, 2008

Another nice turnout, 19 members and 6 guests. The guests were Bill Fink (Houghton), Dennis Racine (Calumet Players), Ernie and Edith Nederer, and Linda and Dave Grahek.

Ernie and Edith were thanked by the club for their contribution to the clock repair at the Township Hall.

After lunch, acting president Jim Lowell introduced Dennis, our speaker. Dennis said that the Calumet Players was organized in 1978. In addition to their annual Spring and Fall shows, they perform many other plays such as the dinner theatre presentation of Wilder's "Our Town" at the Irish Times recently, and performances at the Gem Theatre in Lake Linden.

The Fall play this year is "Annie Get Your Gun," and opening on Friday, the 12th, the start of a run of 5 shows. Our own Heather Store is in the cast and it is her debut on the big stage.. The cost is $15 for everybody, adults and children, senior citizens, etc.

Dennis said that "Annie" was an expensive show which cost in the neighborhood of $20,000 to stage. Some of the costs are hidden to the theatre-going public: Costs such as Royalties, script rental, theatre rent, some costume rentals, tuxedo rentals, Set pieces rentals, Props, some rented some borrowed, and other sound and lighting expenses. Yes, to stage a major musical is very expensive.

Income is derived from ticket sales, donations, some grants, a raffle (currently underway). Profits, if there are some, usually go back into renivating their building on Sixth and Oak and to funding another show or two.

A great show with many familiar songs. Bring the family for a wonferful night out!

See you next week.

BusinessMeeting, September 5, 2008

With 22 Members and 4 guests, attending, President Kevin thanked everyone for the nice turnout. The first order of business was singing "Happy Birthday" to the August birthdays for Dan, George, Chuck, and guest Dave Grahek. Our guests were Linda Lowell, Bob Sharkey (Houghton), and Dave and Linda Grahek. In addition, a good round of Happy Dollars were offered. (Below: one view of the meeting.)

After lunch, Kevin took the members through the financial statement which was very clear and easily understood. Kevin, in his followup e-mail to you all the net day spelled out the contents of the meeting very thoroughly so I will not try to summarize them for you. Suffice to say, that in two weeks, we will again revisit the statement and specifically the "Non-0perational Expenses, which were spelled out at the bottom. Please come prepared to discuss these items in two weeks.

(Another view...)


See you next week when Heather is scheduled to chair the program.