Page 6 - Leisure Living Magazine: June 2020 Edition

Meet Our Readers
Craig Koerpel, Catawba
By Brenda Haas, Feature Writer
Craig Koerpel, President of Catawba Island Historical Society, never expected his first fulltime job to, decades later, inspire him to help establish a museum in a late 19th century Sunday school.
Craig’s early work included directing capital building campaigns for nonprofit organizations. In 2018, he spearheaded the conversion of Catawba Island’s 1888 Union Chapel—a
nondenominational church—into a cultural asset offering the “Timeline Tale of Catawba.”
“People really have an interest in knowing how it was back in the day,” said Craig, who first began visiting the area while in high school. Even then, Catawba’s full-time residents and vacationers seemed
united in maintaining the island’s friendly, small town feeling.
“That pride and desire to preserve the community’s character was stronger than ever, when I returned to
retire here in 2010,” Craig added. “It’s the reason the Historical Society is attracting broad support.”
In the 1980s, Koerpel’s international sales position with a U.S. energy company took him to nearly 60
countries. He visited museums in most, along the way.
“I learned from international travel that the desire to connect with the past is universal,” Craig said.
“History repeats itself ... We want to try to give young people the advantage of looking at history and believing that the lessons that it teaches are relevant to their tomorrows.”
Catawba Island Historical Society Museum, 5258 E. Porter Street, is normally open to the public during seasonal hours. Check their website or call 419.967.5363 for re-opening hours after the COVID-19 closure.
LeisureLiving
Gracious Living for the 50+ Generation
On Lake Erie
Hello ~
.....are you as happy as I am to finally be able to
enjoy (almost) everything that our area has to offer? We all had a stressful spring between the weather, high water and stay at home orders.
Now that we are able to cautiously be out and about, there are a few things we need to remember. First, when making plans, be sure to confirm events and openings in advance.
While we are adjusting as individuals, many of our favorite businesses are adjusting too. So, be patient and kind with them. For example, the food supply chain has been hit hard and our favorites might not always be available and prices may be higher.
Many businesses may be short staffed this summer. The travel ban prevented them from hiring students from Europe, and other places, they hired in the past. So please be patient and treat the employees with respect.
On the plus side, the adversity we faced has made us more aware of each other and the need to be considerate as we adjust to the “new normal.”
So, wash your hands, wear your masks and enjoy the summer sunshine and fun!
LeisurelyYours -
Barb Clemons, Editor
LAKE FRONT PUBLICATIONS lakefrnt@thirdplanet.net 419.734.1280
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6 |LeisureLiving June 2020
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