BHK Child Development Board Remembers Rod

An organization that focuses on the needs of western U.P. kids holds a special dedication for someone who’s always placed children first.

As its name might suggest, the BHK Child Development Board serves Baraga, Houghton and Keweenaw Counties.

This afternoon, they dedicated and renamed their facility in honor of the agency’s now-retired longtime director.

BHK’s offices in Houghton are now officially named the Rod Liimatainen Center.

Current executive director Denise VanDyken says it’s a fitting way to honor someone who’s meant as much to kids in the western U.P. as Rod has.

BHK has been around since 1974.

But Liimatainen worked there, and for a similar predecessor agency, from 1969 until he retired in June of last year.

He says he’s humbled by the entire experience, and he says that it’s everyone’s desire at BHK to make children come first that’s helped the agency succeed.