Another darts season passes

The Cloquet Men's Retiree Darts league concluded its 2023-24 season April 29. Meeting on Mondays at Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Cloquet, the league reflects the old bowling league schedules going from fall to spring. "Some come for the competition, but for most, it's just a chance to get out of the house, have a cup of coffee and cookie, and laugh and converse with friends," said league commissioner Ray Wiles.

Usually 20-30 gents come weekly to test their right arm and dart baseball accuracy. Teams are randomly chosen each week, which contributes to all getting to know each other. Ranging in age from their late 60s to their late 80s, the retirees include teachers, firefighters, letter carriers, linemen, beekeepers, business owners, pilots, millworkers, grocery store managers, HR professionals, police officers, judges, and upholstery repairmen, to name a few. There are Democrats and Republicans, atheists and churchgoers, Vikings and Packers fans, health nuts and sweet-eaters ... all adding to the lively coffee break discussions of local and world events.

Many military veterans attend, so may share stories of being on a submarine in the depths of the North Atlantic, Vietnam-era Navy and Army assignments, serving in the color guard, military bloopers, and, overall, proud and memorable moments. Monday morning matches include three round robin games and two coffee breaks, and are played from 9 a.m. to noon.

Some of the more interesting coffee break stories have included feeding and riding Bessie, the Duluth Zoo elephant; playing bagpipes in the Hibbing parade and the accordion for the Chmielewski Funtime Band; and taking care of bees and beehives while avoiding being stung.

It's an eclectic group of seniors. Mike Berthiume won the MVP award (he brought the cookies and treats) and Rob Macaulay was the Rookie of the Year, edging out Pete Klitzke.

Retiree darts will resume play in October.

Steve Korby's interest in writing goes back to when he was in fourth grade and editor of the Scan-Satellite school newspaper in Scanlon. He welcomes ideas for human interest stories and tales regarding Carlton County residents, projects, history, and plans c/o [email protected].