Pickford
By Audrey Hutchison 484-7825

Gary Klop (back row, far right) celebrates his retirement and service award with his family (back row, from left) brother Steve Klop, son A.J. Klop, (front row) sister-in-law Diane Klop, wife Judy, his mother, Doris, and his daughter, Cindi Hicks. They were all gathered with 85 friends, family members, and co-workers March 1, at the Sundown Lounge in Pickford.

Gary Klop, a corrections officer, of Pickford, retired Friday, February 29, from the Hiawatha Facility in Kinross.

He was presented a certificate of service award form the Director of the Department of Corrections, Patricia L. Caruso.

He started his career with the corrections department at Saugatuck Facility, which is an old monastery. He worked for 27 years, and was a sergeant for 19 years.

His retirement party was Saturday, March 1, at the Sundowner in Pickford. His wife, Judy, and children, A.J. and Cindi Hicks, his mother, Doris, and a brother and his wife, Steve and Diane Klop, were present, along with approximately 85 friends, co-workers, and relatives. A beautiful smorgasbord of food was served, many gifts were given, and everyone had lots of fun.

Quilters (from left) Marge Schmitigal, Mary Jane Pennington, Arlis Fountain, and Clara Hillock work on a handmade quilt that will be raffled off this year to raise money for the Pickford Historical Society. The quilt is made of many different traditional quilt square patterns.

Mr. and Mrs. Klop have lived in Pickford for 24 years. Mr. Klop was originally from Grand Haven, where his mother still resides. Mr. Klop has one sister from Portage, and a brother, a retired postmaster, from Interlochen.

What he liked most about his job, he said without hesitation, was his co-workers. It was great teamwork that made it an easier shift, he said.

Mr. Klop plans to continue substitute school bus driving for Rudyard and Pickford schools. He also drives a charter bus for Air Bear Tours, in Cheboygan. Being a member of the Pickford Lions Club is another interest. Mr. Klop is an avid golfer, and eagerly awaits the first green.

The Pickford Area Historical Society's Annual Quilt Show will be June 13 and 14 at the Pickford High School. The quitters are very busy putting the finishing touches to the quilt to be raffled. Each square represents an individual appliquéd quilt pattern, and each square is named and autographed by the designer.

Arlis Fountain, Clara Hillock, Mary Jane Pennington, Marge Schmitigal, and Idena Dodds are active in the group, which meets each afternoon at the Pickford Town Hall. Proceeds for the quilt raffle in June will go to the Pickford Historical Society.

Arlis and Orin Fountain have been married for 60 years. They were born and have lived in Pickford their entire lives. They have three sons, Andrew, Vern, and Dale.

There are 16 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren in the family. Mrs. Fountain was the cook at Pickford High School, during the '70s and '80s.

She is known for her great cooking. Mr. Fountain retired from Chippewa County Road Commission after 40 years.