Hello Clam Lake!
Whew! It’s been hot and WET! The days had been a mix of heat, humidity and sudden, often violent, storms. Due to that, we lost power a few times – once for three hours. Thankfully, after several more inches of new rain, things finally settled and cooled down to a more pleasant level. The forest is assuming an almost jungle feel with all the moisture. Ahh….summer in the woods! We’re there! We can definitely say the fire danger is LOW.
ST. GEORGE’S CHAPEL: A reminder that our historic “Chapel in the Woods” is once again celebrating Mass every Saturday evening at 6:00 pm. We are following safety guidelines put down by the CDC and Bishop Powers regarding the wearing of face masks and social distancing. We hope to provide a safe and pleasant place to worship. To call those in that wish to join us we ring the outside bell (dated 1886) so it can be heard over the lakes and forest. Come pray with us in our log cabin church made from the forest that surrounds it. Remember, St. George’s takes “No Vacation from God’s Service”.
CAMPING – THEN AND NOW: At times it is interesting to look back on the projections of the past When the Day Lake Recreation Area was in the planning stages (according to old Forest Service documents) by the year 1976, 196 campsites would be needed at Day Lake. This was followed with a projection for the year 2000 of 417 units. As it stands today there are 52. When Day Lake was being conceived in the mid-60’s, primitive camping was popular. It was an inexpensive way to pack up the kids and head out to spend time “getting back to nature”. No one foresaw that the “getting back to nature” of the future would include the RVs of our modern world. Although many still enjoy primitive camping, “the times they’ve been a-changin’”
This week brings some sad tidings to report as some of our friends and neighbors have left us.
THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS go out to Chris Ferda upon the passing of her husband Jerry. The Ferdas have been my Township of Spider Lake neighbors for the past 26 years and were very active in our township’s activities. Chris was the Town Clerk for many years with Jerry being the man who took care of the town’s recycling area. I often remember Bill MacLeod, on a Saturday, saying he was going to the Town Hall to visit with Jerry. I think many liked to go and visit him while he was on the job. Many years ago, when my children were small, he took a turn at playing Santa at our annual Community Club Christmas party, much to the delight of all the children. Before moving north Jerry worked on the Portage WI police department for 20 years. He was a kind and community minded man. He will be missed. Jerry was 80.
SYMPATHIES go out to Cher Cofrin on the loss of her friend and fur baby, George. Anyone that knew George knew he was a gentle giant whom loved his time up north where he could enjoy the forest and his Clam Lake people. One of George’s favorite activities was his participation in the Cause for Paws Annual Golf Outing put on by the Hayward Humane Society at the Telemark Golf Course. Every year would find him and Cher at hole 16 where they would monitor this par three for hole-in-ones. The day before George’s passing saw him doing the things he loved – walking about his forest home and making a last trek down to visit the lake. He will be missed by all his Clam Lake friends. George was 15.
CONDOLENCES go out to Fred and Kish Hodgeman on the loss of their daughter Tara Hodgeman. Tara resided in Cherokee, Iowa but would come to visit her parents at their Clam Lake home situated on the Chippewa River. Tara was only 48 when she was unexpectedly “called home”. She will be missed by her family and friends as our thoughts and prayers go out to them at this difficult time.
On a brighter note….
CONGRATULATIONS: Jill (Eder) Markee was happy to report that her and her family have officially adopted their new fur baby, Kenya, from Northern Lakes Rescue. They are very happy to welcome this new addition into their family.
Until next week….remember to “Summer Safely!”
Pictured is George Cofrin at his beloved Murmurwood.