The trip to the Great North Region of our district was a highlight for us. We met so many wonderful Rotarians and made new friendships. The cooperation and support between the clubs was evident throughout the week.
The week began in Sault Saint Marie, MI at the Rotary Club of Sault Saint Marie Michigan. The club was chartered in January of 1919 by the Rotary Club of Marquette, MI. President Brian Felczak is doing a great job leading the club. As with many clubs they have lost members but those who have stayed are dedicated and doing great work. It was good to have AG Dave Seabrook along on this visit. Following the club meeting we took a drive downtown had posed for a picture in front of the statue of Herb Taylor. Herb created the 4 Way Test and is from Pickford not far from Sault Saint Marie. The installation of the statue was spearheaded by the Sault Saint Marie, MI club. Then we took a drive to Rotary Park where the club has installed benches and a miniature train.
On Tuesday we visited the Rotary Club of Sault Sainte Marie Ontario. The Sault Sainte Marie Ontario club was founded in 1918. President Gabrielle Scholz-DiTommaso is leading the club with 53 strong members. PDG Brain Roberson is a member of this club. President Gabrielle provided us with a long list of projects and fund raisers. They have a fundraiser at a hockey game, a splash pad at Bellevue Park, and a golf tournament. And of course the event they are best know for is Rotaryfest.
Wednesday took us to the Sault North Rotary Club. President Neil McLean leads the club. The North club has a history of supporting youth education, literacy, arts, music, and leadership. They sponsor the Youth Leadership Conference in September of each year.
Wednesday evening we took a drive up to Wawa. The drive along Lake Superior is breathtaking. The Wawa Club is strong and mighty. They boast of being the furthest north in the district. President Matthew Morrison is guiding the club this year. Liz and Rob Clark attended via Zoom from Toronto where Liz is awaiting a kidney transplant. The Wawa Club was chartered in 1961. The town was devastated by the closing of the local iron ore mine in 1998. PDG John Morrison is member of the Wawa club. Their major fund raiser is an online auction. One of their service projects is a sight and sound testing to lower elementary students with sight and hearing issues. While we were in Wawa, PDG John Morrison and his wife Kaireen took us on a tour of town including a visit to the goose.
Thursday morning with were back in Michigan to visit the Chippewa County Sunrise Club. The Sunrise Club was chartered in 2002. President Christine Foster is rightly proud of the work the club continues to do. While it is better to have a larger membership, a dedicated group can accomplish quite a bit. The pictures show benches and a sidewalk next to the Ball Hospice House. The club had local students build the benches and showed the city that the sidewalk was needed.
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