Hello Clam Lake!
Happy New Year everyone!! Good-bye 2020!!!!! Oh….how we’re going to miss you. NOT!!!! With that said, I wish to extend a hearty welcome to the year 2021 and hope that everyone has a happy and healthy year.
REMINDER: Free covid-19 testing is available every Wednesday from nine to one at the Winter Fire Hall. If you are experiencing symptoms or have been exposed please get tested for the well being of yourself and your friends and neighbors. Thank you!
UPDATE: As reported in last week’s Glidden Enterprise, the Great Divide ambulance service has ended as of January 1st 2021 for the townships of Gordon and Shanagolden. “Individuals are encouraged to call 911 and the dispatcher will try to secure an available ambulance service for that call. However, if an ambulance is not available, it may be necessary to transport yourself or have someone transport you to the hospital.” This will not affect the townships of Spider Lake or Namakagon.
UPCOMING EVENT: The Elk Country ATV Club will be holding their annual ice fishing contest on Saturday, January 16th. Due to covid-19 concerns, some changes have been made with social distancing required when standing in line to register or when needed. There will be no food served this year although beer, soda and hot chocolate will still be available for purchase. The contest starts at 8:00am, ending at 3:00 pm. Remember there will be drawings for raffle prizes throughout the day. Over the past 13 years this has always been a popular event for people in and around the surrounding communities. And, in a year when nothing has been normal, the contest, due to it’s nature of social distancing, is a welcome return to business as usual. We hope to see you there!
SLOW START: Due to warmer temps and lack of larger snowfalls the 2021 snowmobile season is getting off to a slow and rocky (literally!) start. The word (from Rich Reukema) is that one needs to be careful of ski clankers and ride vigilant. Be on the lookout for rocks and dirt clumps. According to Randy Sersch (Gandhi), although the trails are open, the groomer has not been able to go out yet. In the meantime, he has been packing the trails with the tucker. He is requesting that snowmobilers pack the swamps so the groomer can get across. Definitely time to be cautious when out riding. We hope everyone has a safe winter season.
WE BID FAREWELL to one of our own with the passing of Bob Fanella on Christmas Eve. Bob and his wife Georgianna (Georgie) have been part of our community for many years. Back in the late 70’s Bob, then of Elmwood Park Illinois, was taking his son and some friends to a football game and happened to stop in Clam Lake to visit some friends enroute. Learning they had some property for sale off of Stuebe Road, he decided to snap it up. This became a much loved vacation home with them opting to move up permanently in 1983. They quickly became active in our community events, helping out whenever and wherever needed. Bob also worked for the Green Thumb program as a janitor’s assistant at the Glidden School for many years. Due to that, he is fondly remembered by many students. Bob was a kind man whom will always be remembered for his happy, friendly disposition. He was also a dedicated family man enjoying nothing better than time spent with his children and grandchildren. It seems only fitting that he was with them celebrating the holiday when he moved on from this life. My fondest memory is when I would meet him and he would always say, “And how are you today, young lady?” even though I was well past my “young” lady days. It always brought a smile to my face. He will be sorely missed. Bob was 84.
HISTORY MOMENT: The Directors of the Clam Lake Community Club of 1962 (58 years ago) were announced at the beginning of the year. They are as follows: “Resident Directors – Nick Conrad (Pine Beach Resort), Richard Snyder (Pinehurst Resort), Robert Gile (Clam Lake Store), John Makovec (caretaker of Minokemeg Camp – the Girls Camp) and Frank McCorison (Clam Lake Lodge). Non-resident Directors are: Joe Vecchie of Springfield Illinois and Carl Lueders of Sarasota Florida. Honorary Directors are – Clarence Busch of Milwaukee Wisconsin, Martin Hanson of Mellen Wisconsin and Henry Anderson of Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin.”
Until next week..
Pictured is Bob Fanella
