newsletter...recycled paper. one time i said recycled “toilet” paper. that was a big mistake, i...
TRANSCRIPT
Wow, two fun-filled fall months have passed; where do I start? It has been beautiful watching the leaves turn at the IKEs, with the gold reflecting in the pond. The kids that are part of the Strong Roots group have been busy building camps, making lanterns, and creating rattles out of gourds, as taught by
visitor Karen Brown. A week before Halloween many of the young families got together for a tree-trunk-or-treat walk through the woods, and the path was alive with colorful kids.
Then, before the Wild Game Dinner, they held a Lantern Walk along the creek, carrying their homemade lanterns and singing songs. Many of them
stayed for the dinner, and treated the rest of us to a song or two in the lodge.
In fact, the lodge was practically bursting at the seams for the din-ner. I counted 65 peo-ple! Granted, many of them were small, but they made up for it with extra energy. It was great to see a new generation so at home at the IKEs, sharing a meal and lots of laughter.
And the food was so good! While we never know quite what to ex-pect with a wild game potluck, it always works out deliciously, from the salads to the desserts.
Entrees included venison stro-ganoff, wild goose poblano chili, goose breasts, fantastic Florida fish, smoked salmon, and, I don’t know, but it was all really good. Thank-you all for sharing your food and friendship!
If you’ll remember, the last Inter-view was with Jade Reisterer, 10. Well, she inspired someone! One of our members was moved by what Jade said, and the thought of how important it is for all kids to
have access to nature. So this a n o n y m o u s person is do-nating money every month, for a variety of reasons. It may be used for a fam-ily’s mem-bership fee if they need the help, or it might be di-rected toward the new solar
power project. The details are be-ing worked out between the do-nor and Fred Eyer, our treasurer. It has already helped with a family membership, and the Izaak Wal-ton League thanks you!!
NEWSLETTER
December 2019
(continues on page 3)
page 2
Fall Fish and Wild Game DinnerTom Watson
It has been at least ten years since so many people enjoyed the semi-annual Game Dinner. Lodge ca-pacity is seventy-five and we were close to that num-ber. Big fun and lots of energy supplied by the many Strong Roots kids and their families.
Jack Hornbach donated Florida Fish and also veni-son burger, which I turned into stroganoff. I debated on whether to have the IKEs supply one or two hams and I was glad I decided on two, as we needed all of it to feed the crowd. Many other fish, veni-
son and goose entrees,wonderful sides and desserts, all were tasty.
I have limited space here this month so all I can do is list those that worked in the flurry that was the kitchen. Thanks to all who pitched in; hope I don’t miss too many here: Asher, Barry. Fred, Georgia, John, Karen, Len, Maurie, Mike, Nicky, Susan, Susan, Tam, Tom, Tammy, Ron and me.
Chili Cook OffGeorgia Donovan
The IKEs Update(from page 1)
page 3
Last month’s Chili Cook-Off deserves some coverage, because it was really good. This event is both fun and yet a bit quieter, as we take our tasting very seriously. Sometimes we have to go back again. And again, just to be sure. I believe we had seven entries this time, all very yummy.
And the First place winner was Jim Schneider’s delicious chili!!
Second place was John Stegmei-er’s poblano-goose chili!
Third place was tied, with the rest following so close that we decided everyone’s was about equal at that point. Each kettle had its fans, and you couldn’t go wrong. The side dishes were also fabulous!
Thank you, cooks & tasters.
Reduce, Reuse, RecycleBob Stegmier
This time I want to write about Bath (Toilet) Tissue made from recycled paper. One time I said recycled “toilet” paper. That was a big mistake, I was called on it right away!
Fortunately there are a number of brands now that are made from 100% recycled paper all the way from 50% post consumer to 100% post consumer content. Seventh Generation is one early brand that advertises “Minimum 50% post-consumer recycled paper.” It goes on to say, “If every household in the U.S. replaced one 24-pack of 240 sheet virgin fiber bathroom tissue with this product we could
help save over 4,900,000 trees.” This product: is free & clear, no added dyes, ink or fragrances and made in the USA.
Full Circle Market is another brand stating very much the same but adds, “Without chlorine” and “No perfume or added fragrance.” Our local & faithful Meijers has their brand too.
Full Circle Market also makes brown coffee filters and again no bleach used, 100% biodegradable fibers.
Let’s hear from you regarding Reduce Reuse & Recycle!
This reminds me that it is time to renew our memberships. If we can get them in by January, it will help the stress level and smooth our transition into a new year of togetherness. Doesn’t that sound nice? And if you have friends wanting to join, THIS is the time, to get a full year of benefits.
Next up: Christmas Potluck on Thursday, Dec. 5, FREE to mem-bers! See you there!
Georgia Donovan
Water Treatment Donations SoughtFred Eyer
At the Game Dinner on November 7, the members present unanimously approved the water treatment system project for approximately $2000. Bayes Water Treatment of Sparta has been selected to do the work after we got three quotes. The details of the quote process were published in our October newsletter.
We are seeking donations to defray the cost of this important improve-ment. The present well water quality causes the fixtures to become yellow-ish-brown from the iron in the water. Also, the present hardness and the iron create issues with the plumbing valves that require frequent mainte-nance and valve replacement. If you have used the facility, you will know that the water smells bad and tastes worse. Currently we are experiencing an increase in lodge use due to our increasing membership. Donations to the Dwight Lydell Chapter of the Izaak Walton League of America (DLC-IWLA) are tax deductible, because we have an IRS Tax Code des-ignation of 501(c) 3, a non-profit educational organization.
Your donations will help us afford this badly needed improvement for the lodge and let us have a more pleasant time using it. Please send the donations to Fred Eyer, Treasurer, 2488 Rockhill Dr. NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49525.
All donors will be recognized in an upcoming newsletter.
page 4
It seems that most people already know Bob Stegmier, as an IKEs old-timer, community supporter, and activist at all levels. As my dad’s younger brother, I’ve known Uncle Bob, 90, for a really, really long time. But if you don’t know him yet, let this interview be a way of introduction. We began our chat in timely fashion, that is, after the Michigan game.
Me: When you were little, what do you remember about playing outside?
Bob: When I was little we played games in the backyard. Like, croquet was a good family game. Softball and baseball. Oh, and “Eenie-eyenie-over”. You take turns throwing a ball over the garage roof and try to catch it and not get hit by the ball.(Me: It took a minute to remember, but we played that too!)
Me: Of course it’s common knowledge that you went to UM. What did you study?
Bob: Well first I went to JC for two years, which is now GRCC. At the time they sort of held hands with UM, so then I went there and took Mechani-cal Engineering.
Me: And where did you work?
Bob: Keeler Brass Co., and worked there 36 years.
Me: What did you do for fun? I know it involves fishing.
Bob: I remember my first big trout-fishing trip was with my dad and brother, Jack. We went to the Steketee property on the Baldwin River. ( Jack says “In those days we called it Baldwin Crick.”) I can remember because we waded in that cold water, bare-foot or with tennis shoes, and we caught some nice trout. Fishing was a big part of our family.
We went up opening day every year, to Joe Proose’s cabin on the Little South Branch of the Pere Mar-quette. That was a ritual.
Me: When did you build your cottage at Gifford Lake?
Bob: Well, the family went to Gifford as we were growing up, and we helped build that cottage [in the 1940’s.] Later, my brother Jack and I bought 300’ and split it. I built our cottage in 1957. [This has been a well-loved gathering place ever since.]
Me: I see your father, my grandpa Ir-win Stegmier, in the old group pho-to at the Lodge. Do you know when he became involved with the IKEs?
Bob: Oh, I think probably about 1950. It was mostly hunters and fishermen then, and largely downtown GR se-nior city employees, lawyers, and ex-ecutives. They used to meet in the old YMCA across from the GR Library. Even after the lodge was built, they
kept meeting there for lunch and would show an out-doors movie. One of the members, Dr. Oliver, owned the property where the lodge is now, and offered it to the IKEs. [His brook trout is on the wall.]
Me: What prompted you to first become involved as a citizen activist?
Bob: I’ll give our member John Trimberger credit there. He retired from the DNR and was looking for a group where his voice would be heard. He often said, “Those legislators are working for you, and you need to speak up.” My father was an influence too, because he would speak up. I think the issues then were about streams and the Great Lakes. Back then the only recycling I’d known of was gathering ma-terials for WWII. Early on with the IKEs I started going to the National Convention, and that pumps you up on the issues.
Me: When did you install solar power at your house?
Bob: 2006. Shirley Kalio put out a call and got sev-eral organizations to present on renewable energy. One was about installing solar, so Gail and I bit the bullet and put it on our house. We have two elements in our system, one for electricity, and the other to preheat our hot water.
Me: What is it you like about the IKEs?
Interview with Robert Stegmier, AKA “Steg”Georgia Donovan
(continues on page 6)
page 5
After the Lantern Walk, and after the Wild Game Dinner, I walked back to make sure everything was picked up around the pavilion, and found campers setting up! Nov. 7 was a pretty cold night, but Chad Morton’s son Reid wanted to spend his 15th birthday camping out at the IKEs! His buddy, Michael Thompson, 15, joined them on this adventure, pitching a tent under the pines.
Strong Roots ActivitiesOther activities included Shane building a
camp stool, a success-ful tripod knot, kids playing tug-a-war with rope they made themselves, and pick-ing up invasive Bitter-sweet berries.
page 6
BoarD of DirectorsPresident
Ron Waybrant ........................................... [email protected]
Vice PresidentGeorgia Donovan .... [email protected]
SecretaryJim Schneider ............................................ 340.4604
TreasurerFred Eyer .................................................. 363.0253
Membership SecretaryTom Watson .............................................. 874.7254
Conservation ChairJohn Stegmeier [email protected]
Grounds/Maintenance ChairC. J. Tasma ................................................. 887.8542
Lodge RentalJim Schneider ............................................ 340.4604
Board MembersMaurie Houseman ..................................... 560.2895
[email protected] Kizer .................................................. 866.4256
[email protected] Reisterer ........................ [email protected] Stoddard [email protected] Wilson [email protected] Wylie [email protected]
December 3 Strong Roots Program 9:00 am -2:00 pm December 4 Strong Roots Program 9:30 am -2:30 pm December 5 Strong Roots Program 9:00 am -2:00 pm December 5 Christmas Potluck Dinner FREE for Members December 7 Michelle Miller Rental 12:01 am - 11:59 pm December 10 Board Meeting 7:30 pm
Bob: We have local involvement, regional, national, and even worldwide. The issues are multifold. For example, I say “Global Warming;” because that’s the thing that is causing climate change. Today this is urgent.
Consumers’ Energy says 90% reduction of green-house gasses by 2040. I said to the Consumers CEO, “90% by 2040 is not good enough. It ought to be 90% by 2035, and 100% by 2040. “
I would encourage everyone to keep up your mem-bership in the IWLA locally and nationally. Get involved as much as you can. That’s important. Things that disturb you, let your legislators know how you feel.
The League website [iwla.org] has a good platform for that. Right at the top, click TAKE ACTION, and that leads you to finding your legislators and contacting them about current issues. The League took that link down, but I got it back. Encourage your friends to use it too!
Me: It’s a great link! Thank-you for getting it back! Everyone, try it today.
Robert Stegmier(from page 4)
page 7
Conservation Needs a Friend …….. Ask a friend to join the IKEs!NAME _______________________________________________ _________________ _____________________ HOME PHONE BUSINESS PHONESPOUSE __________________ CHILDREN & AGES _______________________________________________ADDRESS ___________________________________ CITY_____________________ STATE ___ ZIP _______E-MAIL ADDRESS__________________________________ ______ Family - $87 ______ Individual - $62 ______ Student (18-21) - $31 ______ Youth (under 18) - $16
Mail to Izaak Walton League Membership, PO Box 541, Belmont MI 49306. Checks payable to IWLA-DLC. Email Tom Watson at [email protected] for more information. Note: Term of membership is the calendar year. A gate key is available to you by request upon confirmation of membership fee payment. You can pick up your gate key at the next dinner at the lodge or request one from Tom Watson at [email protected] Please enjoy the 39 acres!
An active organization needs active helpers! Please check the IKE’s opportunities here and indicate “all” that you can help. Thanks from your DLC Board! Please enjoy the 39 acres!Indicate which of these important committees you're interested in working on: _____ Natural Features ____ Stewardship _____ Finance _____ Membership _____ Building & Grounds ____ Conservation _____ Programs _____ Every Member Dinners The Izaak Walton League of America – a non-profit conservation organization – is recognized as a Section 501(c)(3) public charity under the Internal Revenue Code.
Draft core eVeNt scHeDULe for 2020Izaak Walton League, Dwight Lydell Chapter
NOTE: This is a draft schedule. Especially for late year events you can check for updates in our newsletters and on our website along with notice of special events that come up on short notice and are not listed on this Event Schedule. Also additional information about these listed events can be found in the newsletter and on the website.Scheduled Event & LocationJanuary 25, Saturday 10am to 3pm ............................. Winterfest Family Outing @ CC March 7, Saturday ..................................................... Conservation Awards and Fund Raiser BanquetMarch 19 thru 22 ...................................................... Ultimate Sport Show - Grand Rapids April 11, Saturday ...................................................... Fix up/Clean up/play 9AM - ?? @ CCApril 16, Thursday ..................................................... Fish and Game Dinner and ProgramMay 2, 9, 16, 23 - Saturdays ..................................... Kids Fishing Mornings @ CC, 10AM-1PMMay 9, Saturday .......................................................... Fix up/Clean up/play 9AM - ?? @ CCMay 14, Thursday ....................................................... Steak Dinner and Annual Meeting June 13, Saturday ..........................................................Fix up/Clean up/play 9AM- ?? @ CCJune 20, Saturday, 10am to 3pm ................................. Summerfest Community Family Day @ CC June 20, Saturday, 10am to noon ................................ Native Plants for Everyone, @ CCJuly 11, Saturday ........................................................ Fix up/Clean up/play 9AM - ?? @ CCJuly 19 - 22, Sunday - Wednesday ............................. 2020 IKE’s National Convention, Cambridge MDAugust 8, Saturday ..................................................... Fix up/Clean up/play 9AM - ?? @ CCAugust 13, Thursday .................................................. Ribs and Chicken Dinner @ CC September 12, Saturday .............................................. Fix up/Clean up/play 9AM - ?? @ CCSeptember 16, Wednesday .......................................... Oktoberfest @ CCOctober 10, Saturday ................................................. Fix up/Clean up/play 9AM - ?? @ CCOctober 14, Wednesday ............................................. Chili Cook-off/Potluck @ CCNovember 11, Wednesday .......................................... Game Dinner @ CCDecember 3, Thursday ................................................ Christmas Potluck Dinner @ CC December 5, Saturday ................................................. Firewood gathering for Winter Wood SupplyCC is the Conservation Center/Lodge @ Ikes Property located at 5641 Myers Lake AvenueMailing address is Izaak Walton League, PO Box 541, Belmont MI 49306
Dwight Lydell Chapter
of the Izaak Walton League
PO Box 541
Belmont MI 49306
Defenders of Soil, Air, Woods, Waters and Wildlife ELECTRONIC SERvICE REquESTED
Please don’t throw this newsletter away - pass it on to a friend.
NonprofitOrganization
u.S. Postage PaidRockford, MI
Permit No. 208