AltaZmeja is back for 2021

by Tom Coombe
After a one-year hiatus, a popular fundraiser for Vermilion Community College athletics returns later this summer and will include a special tribute to one of its namesakes.
The AltaZmeja Fundraiser for Vermilion Community College athletics is in its 30th year, although the 2020 event was not held because of COVID-19.
But it’s back and set for Saturday, July 31, and organizers say they’ve lined up an extra special day of fun and activities next weekend.
The golf and fishing outing, named in honor of retired VCC coaches Bob Altavilla and Rudy Semeja, and most recently in honor of former VCC assistant coach and local business owner the late Gary Zaverl, takes place at both the Ely Golf Club and on Shagawa Lake.
Semeja passed away in 2020, and in conjunction with the event is a celebration of life in his honor, which will take place at Zaverl’s Bar.
Fishing begins at 8 a.m. with golf getting underway at noon with a shotgun start. The fishing contest winds up at 4 p.m. with weigh-ins at the Shagawa Lake landing.
Entry fee is $80 for fishing, $125 for golf. Registration includes greens fees, a buffet dinner, beverages, awards, gifts and door prizes, and the event wraps up with a program, Semeja’s celebration, and karaoke that evening at Zaverl’s Bar. The program will include a live auction with top-rated prizes including Minnesota Wild ticket packages and major golf course packages.
To register, contact Paul McDonald at (218) 235-8015.