Spokes, June 13, 2017

Posted by Dene Hadden
SPOKES VOL. LXIII NO. 48                                                                                June 13, 2017
 
 
70% of our members read Spokes last week.
 
We were greeted by Jerry Portman and Dan Liehr this morning.
 
We opened the meeting with the Pledge of Allegiance and Art Ayers’ invocation.
 
Guests:
Our guests this morning Terri Dotson and our speaker, Bruce Brandon.
 
Music:
Our first effort, “Red River Valley” sounded pretty good for a Canadian song.  Edith Fowke offers anecdotal evidence that the song was known in at least five Canadian provinces before 1896.[2] This finding led to speculation that the song was composed at the time of the 1870 Wolseley Expedition to Manitoba's northern Red River Valley. It expresses the sorrow of a local woman (possibly a Métis) as her soldier lover prepares to return to the east.  “She’ll be Comin’ Round the Mountain” was our second song, carrying on the C & W theme of the day.  It is believed to have originated during the late 1800s, based on an old spiritual titled "When the Chariot Comes" sung to the same melody.  Jim Davis, assisted by Jerry Gruber and Dottie, led us in a great finish with “Smile, Sing a Song”.
 
Spotlight:
Terri Ditson was our spotlight this week and thanked us for our donation (it’s in the mail) to the project of Hospice at Home to train people to become advisors to people as they begin their “end of life” discussions, which everyone should be having, even from a relatively early age.  (You can change them.)  She also reminded us of the Hospice beer and wine tasting event on August 5th.
 
Announcements:
  • Don’t forget the Club Runner App for your phones, it’s a great resource!
  • Our Induction dinner will be June 27th.  A signup list was passed around.  You must let Rhonda know by the 16 if you plan on attending.  Steve Larsen has organized a golf outing for that afternoon and has arranged for team #1 to get five strokes on the field.
  • Nick Tuit, our new assistant pancake breakfast director, announced that the sign-up sheet for the first breakfast is being passed around.
  • We are in charge of staging the 4th of July parade this summer so volunteers are needed on the evening of the 3rd and the morning of the 4th to make sure this event runs smoothly. A sign up list was passed around.
  • If you did not attend the LMC/SHPS Foundation fundraiser in April and have not made your donation to that fundraiser ($100) please get it to Rhonda as soon as possible so we can finalize that event.
  • The next Speaker’s Series will be this week Thursday and will focus on immigration.
  • Don’t forget the Cottage Walk on June 24th.
  • Liberty Hyde Bailey Museum has a new program, “Backwoods Sanctuary”.  Check it out at their website.
50/50
Don Kitchen had the lucky ticket today, but then ran out of luck, drawing the queen.  Ted Weber, on the other hand, walked away with the $2 prize.
 
Fines:
  • Art Ayers celebrated a birthday and we gifted him a rather well done Ludington style birthday song.
  • Paul Hemmeter celebrated an anniversary this week.  No number mentioned.
  • Rhonda Wendzel’s daughter celebrated her birthday this week
  • Tom Ruesink reminded all of us to have a dermatologist check every year.  He is pleased to remain cancer free.
  • Rhonda Wendzel had to pay a number of fines for her pin and missing next week’s meeting.
  • Terri Dotson is always glad to join us for a good time.
  • Tom Fleming also offered a health tip, reminding everyone to stay hydrated in this weather, and mentioned that there are several convenience stores in the area to purchase water.
  • Larry Lewis reported that his grandson continues to improve.
  • Larry Wittkop noted the Warrior’s win in the NBA finals last night.
  • Jerry Gruber complimented Terri Dotson on her great personality, even when she had to work for him.
 
Our Program presented by Ted Weber and was Coast Guard Auxiliary member Bruce Brandon.
 
Bruce retired here from northern Michigan after visiting here through-out his life.
 
He became a boat owner and then, in order to learn how to sail his boat, came into contact with the Coast Guard Auxiliary.He was impressed with their work and soon joined.He has been in the Auxiliary for 8 years.
 
By 1946 the various parts of the federal government dealing with maritime law had been merged into one organization that was responsible for enforcing maritime laws and saving lives – the US Coast Guard.
 
There are currently 18 Coast Guard stations on Lake Michigan.
 
The GC Auxiliary has 30,000 members nationwide, all volunteers.They save lives, promote maritime laws and other activities that help the Coast Guard do their duties, sometimes even serving on GC vessels.They do safety patrols, public education and vessel exams.They do about 40% of all Coast Guard missions.
 
The South Haven CG station was closed in 1973 and the following year the first in the nation Coast Guard Auxiliary branch was established here.
Having a strong Coast Guard presence in Lake Michigan is important as it is by far the most dangerous of the Great Lakes.
 
President Ayers thanked Bruce for his interesting program and presented him with one of our speaker’s pens.
 
Next week’s program: How Safe is Our Water:  Bill Hunter, Director of Public Works
 
Next week’s Greeters:  Glenn Pietenpol and Tony Martorano.
 
Editarian:  Dene Hadden