Newsletter
June 2009
You can download a printable version of this month newsletter as a PDF file here or calendar here.
Letter from the President
Good day, Finlanders,
At the time when I first became a member of the Finn Camp, back in 1982, I did not realize and appreciate the whole heritage, history and lineage of the Finn Camp. In fact, several members were at first going to make me a button that read Finn for a Day. I did not have the experience of growing up here as a kid like many of you second, third and fourth generations, so I have had to rely on others to tell me the stories about the good old days.
Over the years, I have learned about and grown to appreciate what an awesome Finn Camp we in fact have. And I’ve also come to appreciate the knowledge and wisdom of the present community and the others who have gone before us, leading the way. So now, after 27 years of being a member, I feel honored that you have had the confidence in me to be your president, and I thank you.
As we get ready for another summer season for our Finn Camp, I am reminded of the many programs and projects that are coming up, along with all the regular maintenance and upkeep that is required to showcase our facility. I see many of the same people showing up for various functions: the Talkoo, the forest clean-up, the Sun Lake clean-up, the Dance Hall work project, the upcoming Fishing Derby, the Children’s Weekend, and of course the Juhannus and Finn Fest events. I want to personally thank the faithful who keep showing up and to urge you to not grow weary, as your efforts do not go unnoticed. And to the ones who might not yet have rolled up their sleeves to join us in the labor, all of us bring many gifts and talents to our organization. Many are needed to make our Finn Camp a success, and many hands make the task lighter, so come join us for the fun and the fellowship.
So I want to inspire and challenge everyone to do their part, to give an encouraging word, to lend a hand, and not take for granted the privileges and responsibilities that lie before us. Life is too short; let’s all get off the bench and into the game. —Greg Pelto, President
Condolences
Arnie Soderholm, for the loss of his wife, Joyce Ilmi Soderholm. Joyce, a lifelong Finn Camp member, passed away at the end of April following a lengthy illness.
Chris Christensen, a former member, passed away on Monday, May 18, near Eastern Market in Detroit. Chris was 52. Condolences to his father, Thomas Christensen; mother, Janet Sprey; sister, Heidi; and brother, Norman.
A memorial service and luncheon are planned for Saturday, June 20, 11 a.m. at Highland Congregational Church, 1605 N. Hickory Ridge Road, north of M59 in Highland.
Children’s playground at Sun Lake
Work has started on fixing up the children’s playground at Sun Lake. At this point, workers are needed to spread around new safety rated mulch.. To put your work hours in early, please contact one of the work administrators or Maxine Halperin at 248-894-9073.
Handicapped Parking
Additional handicapped parking spots will soon be in place in the parking lots for the Clubhouse and Sun Lake. Look for the signs showing the designated spots.
New Members
We start the summer season this year with additional members. New members include James Kurin and his family, Kris Benestad (son of Michelle Foxworthy) and Walt Peltier and his family.
Mieluinen! (Welcome)
Dance Hall Update
New shutters installed. The floor has been sanded and three coats of polyurethane applied. Additional lighting in the changing room, bar area and porch installed. Fresh paint in the side stage rooms and changing room. In all, the dance hall is looking very good. Kiitos to everyone who was involved.
Sauna Summer Hours
Sundays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays 3-9 p.m.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Voima Boys’ Softball Games
Finn Camp is once again sponsoring the men’s softball team. Come cheer them on! All games are on Fridays, at 6:15 p.m., except the last one.
June 5, Finn Field
June 12 Finn Field
June 19, Finn Field
June 26, Park Field #1
June 26, Park Field #2, 7:25 p.m.
Note: There are makeup days in case of rain.
For the full Wixom “35 and Over” Softball League 2009 Schedule, download http://finncamp.org/calendars/2009/SoftballSchedule2009.pdf.
Friday Night Grill at the Kentta will be open every Friday, 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Enjoy a chicken sandwich, burger or hot dog while you watch the game.
Prom Night
Saturday, June 6, Sponsored by the Sisterhood
Step back in time and enjoy the prom that got away!
Doors open at 5 p.m.; cash bar
Appetizers at 6 p.m.,
dinner at 7 p.m.
Dance the night away with music from Buck Nekkid. Dinner and dance tickets only $20 per person. Dance-only tickets $5 per person after 9 p.m. Dinner menu: choice of tenderloin of beef with redskin potatoes and asparagus or chicken marsala with risotto and fresh asparagus. There will be appetizers and dessert served as well. Hurry—advance reservations are required, by May 31.
Call 248-313-9334 or email prom@finncamp.org.
Spring Classic Men’s Scramble Golf
Sunday, June 7, tee-off at 8 a.m.
River Bank Golf Course, South Lyon, 10 Mile at Currie. See Dave Niemi at sauna.
Annual Fishing Derby
Come one, come all to the Annual Fishing Derby on Sunday, June 14, at Sun Lake. Registration is $4 and begins at 9:00 a.m. Fishing starts at 10:00 a.m. and goes through noon (or a bit later, depending on the people filleting). Lots of games, prizes and a 50–50 raffle. We are in need of salads and desserts for the luncheon. If you have questions or would like to help, contact Sue Slaughter 586-731-5074 or email theslaughterhouse@wowway.com.
Juhannus
Saturday, June 20, starts at noon
Kokko at Juhannus 2008. Photo by Erick Leskinen
Plan to attend our annual Juhannus celebration, the traditional welcoming-in of summer. Some of the events are the third annual car show (see below), a raffle 50–50, music for dancing in the newly revamped dance hall, entertainment by Don Reinholm, and of course our famous kokko at 10 p.m., with Finnish music by Don Reinholm.
The kitchen will be open all day, 8 a.m. until 9 p.m. Breakfast will be served 8–12 a.m. Saturday morning and again Sunday morning at the same hours.
To work hours in the kitchen on Juhannus, please see the sign-up sheets that will soon be located at the Sun Lake office.
If you would like to work hours other than in the kitchen, please call Dick Pype at 248-926-6219. To make this event a success, we need everyone to come forward and help!
Our thanks for managing this event go to Dick Pype, chairman.
Third Annual Finn Camp Car Show
Cars lineup at Juhannus 2008. Photo by Erick Leskinen
Rain or shine, the third annual Finn Camp Car Show will take place on June 20, tying in with Juhannus. Registration is from 10 a.m. to noon; show time, noon to 5 p.m. Award and raffle time is 4 p.m. There is a $5 registration fee at the gate. Goodie bags will be available for the first 50 cars. There will be food on site, music and a cash bar, with later the lighting of the kokko (bonfire), something you do not want to miss. Come one, come all, and bring your classic car.
Contact Mike or Mary Barie at 248-698-8296 or FinnCampCarShow@yahoo.com for more information.
Forest Management
Friday, June 26, 9 a.m. meet at Pole Barn
We have hired a company, with a cherry picker machine, to cut down the tall dead trees around the ground. They only work on weekdays, this is the reason we are doing this on Friday. We need help clearing the logs and branches. If you can’t meet us at 9 a.m., look for the workers on the grounds.
Children’s Weekend
August 8–9
Finn Fest Weekend
August 14–16
Autumn Fest and Mojakka Cook-off
Saturday, October 3, Ravintola
BOARD and COMMITTEE MEETINGS
Future Planning Committee
Thursday, June 4, 7:30 p.m., Boardroom
Board Meetings
Wednesday, June 3, 7 p.m., Boardroom
No visitors.
Sunday, June 14, Boardroom, 10 a.m.
Visitors are welcome at noon.
Sisterhood Committee
Wednesday, June 17, 6:30 p.m., Clubroom
FOR SALE
1994 F150 Ford Pickup Truck
The board is currently accepting sealed bids for the association’s former pickup. It has a five-speed manual transmission and a late-addition CD player. It has only 23,000 miles on the odometer, having been driven just locally, but the frame is rusted.
Mail your bid with your name to:
DFCSCA
2524 Loon Lake Rd.
Wixom, MI 48393-1654
Camp #118
Located on the west side. It has a large deck for barbecues and built-in beds that sleep four people comfortably. A new roof was installed in 2008. A very nice camp for $4,600.
Call Eric Feldt, 248-926-6669
or cell, 734-320-2632.
FROM THE NEWSLETTER Editors
Received the Newsletter by Email
To sign up to receive newsletters via email only, send us an email giving your first and last names, saying “Subscribe to Newsletters” in the subject line, to: newsletter_editor@finncamp.org
Newsletter Items
Finn Camp members are welcome to submit items of news to be published in the newsletter. Calendar items should include a brief description of an upcoming event or meeting and contact information.
Items for the next newsletter are due by: July 15
Email copy to: newsletter_editor@finncamp.org
Or mail it to:
Newsletter Editor
c/o DFCSCA
2524 Loon Lake Rd.
Wixom, MI 48393-1654
Or place items in the Clubroom mailbox.
Newsletter committee members are:
David Hall, Sherry Kurin, Erick Leskinen
Brian Pelto, Jeff Pype
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
President: Greg Pelto
Vice President: Patti Leppi
Treasurer: Dick Pype
Secretary: Millie Packard
Works Administrators: Ralph Heikkinen,
Don Matt and Steve Melancon
SERVICES OFFERED
Calnen Construction
Mossy roof? Rotting wood? Need a deck? I can fix your camp, inside or out! Price is determined by the job. A licensed and insured builder. Call Bryan Calnen, 231-242-0401, any time
Erick Leskinen – Photographer
Would you like a portrait of your family, photograph of your children at the beach or playing ball? I am up to the challenge of getting the photographs you will cherish for a lifetime. Email: erick@ErickLeskinen.com or call 248-624-6188.
Affordable Windows and Siding Corporation
Where quality product, installation, and service make the difference. Eric Feldt owner.
7005 Jackson Rd, Ann Arbor, MI 48103
734-662-5551, www.affordablewindow.net
David R. Hall Editorial Services
Writing, Editing, Proofreading
Just Wh@ You Need
Are your marketing materials just not reaching your targets?
Maybe you’re underserved editorially, which is undeserved!
For an analysis and estimate, chargeable to your first job, contact me at davidrandallhall@gmail.com or 917.204.6494.
www.DetroitExcellentAdventures.com
Email any requests, comments or suggestions to Info@DetroitExcellentAdventures.com
Call us at 248-767-3577
Free “Services Offered” Section
All members will be invited to list here any services (for pay or barter) that they would like to advertise. Whether it’s a service such as handyman or seamstress or pet care, or seasonal activities like garage sales, we plan to list these in upcoming newsletters. All you have to do is provide—via your business card or information you supply by mail or email to the newsletter editor (see “Newsletter Items,” below) the following information: The Type of Service Offered; A Description of Just What You Do as the Service Provider; Your Price (Hourly Rate, Job Rate, To Be Negotiated, or whatever); Your Name; and Your Contact Information (Preferred Method and Times: Phone, Email, etc.). Total length, including spaces, should not exceed 50 words, not counting the headings. (Overlength copy will be edited for fit.) The deadline is the same as the date for newsletter copy: the fifteenth of each month.