July 2007 Happenings -- August 2007 Happenings

Happenings

Hancock Planning Commission to meet Aug. 27

Posted 08/23/2007

HANCOCK -- The potential sale of waterfront lots in the City of Hancock's Government Lot 5 near Swedetown Creek will again be a subject of discussion for the Hancock Planning Commission at their next monthly meeting. The meeting begins at 6 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 27, in the Council Chambers in City Hall, 399 Quincy Street. Read the Agenda on our Blog.

Copper Harbor's Art in the Park to feature art, music, food Aug. 18-19

Posted 08/16/2007

COPPER HARBOR -- Sixty five artists from all over the country, music, pasties, hot dogs, brats, a bake sale, face painting, Lakers on Parade and Oreo the Skunk are just some of the items on tap for this coming weekend’s 20th Annual Art in the Park. The event will take place from 10 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 18, and from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 19, at Grant Township Park in Copper Harbor -- rain or shine. Read more on Keweenaw Now's new Blog.
Photo: Hunter's Point, a recreational trail in Copper Harbor in need of funding for its Phase II, will share proceeds from Art in the Park with local organizations. (Photo © 2007 Gustavo Bourdieu)

Calumet Heritage Celebration to be Aug. 17, 18, 19

Posted 08/16/2007

CALUMET -- Main Street Calumet's Heritage Celebration will offer three days of events for the whole family Friday, Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 17, 18 and 19. Heritage Days recognize the courageous emigrants who settled in the Calumet area and worked to become Americans. Come and celebrate Calumet's cultural diversity with music, dance, food and traditional arts. View the winners of the Windows Competition and visit the ongoing Key Ingredients Exhibit in the Keweenaw Heritage Center. Music will be provided alternately by Maple Sugar Folk and Fiddlehead between noon and 4 p.m. Saturday to celebrate this year's "French and Irish" theme. The Calumet Elks Beer Garden also begins at noon Saturday in Agassiz Park. Read more and see photos on Keweenaw Now's new Blog.
Photo: Croatian folk dance and music is represented by this colorful exhibit of the Croatian Fraternal Union Lodge #270 at 200 Fifth Street. Their window display tied with Rowe Furniture for Third Place as People's Choice in the window competition. The dolls' colorful costumes offer a preview of the Duquesne University Tamburitzans, who will perform ethnic folk dance and song at 7 p.m. Saturday in the Calumet Theatre -- all part of the Heritage Celebration! See our blog for larger version and more photos. (Photo © 2007 Gustavo Bourdieu)

Carl Olson Run/Walk to be held Aug. 25 at Chassell trails

Posted 08/15/2007

CHASSELL -- The annual Carl Olson Memorial Adventure Run/Walk will take place at the Chassell trails on Saturday morning, August 25. Bib pick-up and registration are from 7 a.m. to 8:30 a.m., and events begin at 8:45 a.m. Many runners call this their favorite race because of the beauty and variety of the trail system. Runners can choose a 5 km or 8 km race. Walkers can participate in the 5 km fun walk. There is a youth 2 km race and, new this year, a three-person-team 5 km event just for high school runners. Read more on Keweenaw Now's new Blog.

DEQ/DNR revise public hearing schedule for Kennecott Eagle Project

Posted 08/14/2007

MARQUETTE, LANSING -- The Michigan Departments of Environmental Quality and Natural Resources have issued an Updated Notice of their Consolidated Public Hearing on the Kennecott Eagle Project, a proposed nickel and copper mine in Marquette County. The notice is a response to public requests for an additional hearing in the City of Marquette. See the revised schedule on Keweenaw Now's new Blog.

"We Are all Family," fiber art by Christine Saari, on exhibit at Kerredge Gallery through Aug. 25

Posted 08/09/2007

HANCOCK -- "We Are All Family," a fiber art installation by Christine Saari, is on exhibit at the Kerredge Gallery of the Copper Country Community Arts Center through Aug. 25. The Marquette artist, well-known for her fiber art constructions about her family, will give a talk about her work at the Opening Reception from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Friday, August 10. This exhibition will feature three bodies of work: Family Album, Travel Bags and Shaman's Coat. The Travel Bags came about when Saari's husband was ill and she was confined at home. She began hand-stitching bags made from the bits of fabric and other treasures collected from more than 20 years of world travel.
Photo: Fiber art by Christine Saari. Click on photo for larger version. (Image courtesy Community Arts Center)

Eagle Harbor to host 47th Annual Art Fair Aug. 11-12

Posted 08/08/2007

HANCOCK -- The 47th Annual Eagle Harbor Fine Art Fair and Exhibit will be held from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 11, and from noon to 4 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 12, in the churchyard of St. Peter's by the Sea and the area surrounding the historic Rathbone School in Eagle Harbor. Featuring recent work by Copper Country Associated Artists (CCAA) members and more than 64 invited artists, the exhibit includes watercolor and oil paintings, drawings, photography, sculpture, quilting, fiber, pottery, jewelry, stained glass, basketry, silver, iron, copper, stone, wood, bark, computer assisted prints and other materials. Read more details on the Keweenaw Now Blog 
Photo: Eagle Harbor Art Fair. Photo © 2006 Duane Lyon with digital manipulation by Linden Dahlstrom. Reprinted with permission.

August Happenings now posted on Keweenaw Now's new BLOG

Posted 08/07/2007

HANCOCK -- Visit Keweenaw Now's new blog, www.keweenawnow.blogspot.com to learn about August Happenings. We recently posted community announcements on the First Annual Portage Paddle Fest, the Community Arts Center Summer Arts Camp, Keweenaw Krayons' "Homemade Fun Day" and the Keweenaw Guerilla Gardeners. See these announcements, watch for more Keweenaw Happenings and add your own comments on our blog or send us your own community announcement for the blog at andersm@pasty.com.

Two new book signings at Finlandia's North Wind Shops July 30, 31

Posted 07/29/2007

HANCOCK -- Finlandia's North Wind Shops, formerly North Wind Books, will host two authors for book signings this week. Loraine Campbell will sign copies of her new book, A Pocketful of Passage, at 3 p.m. Monday, July 30. For young readers, A Pocketful of Passage is based on the memories of Annie Bowen Hoge, whose father for many years tended a lighthouse that guided ships through an important shipping lane between Passage Island and Isle Royale in Lake Superior. Every summer until she was nine, Annie and her family lived on Passage Island. At 3 p.m. on Tuesday, July 31, Lauri Anderson will sign copies of his just-published collection of short stories, Back to Misery Bay. The stories are set all over America and beyond: in Misery Bay itself or nearby communities, in a north shore suburb of Chicago, in California, in Colorado, England and Florida. All are welcome to both events, and refreshments will be served. North Wind Shops is in downtown Hancock. For more information, contact the bookstore at 906-487-7217.

Finlandia Gallery to exhibit "In/of Nature," by Cherie Sampson, July 26-Sept. 5

Posted 07/26/2007

HANCOCK -- The Finlandia University Gallery, Hancock, continues a summer exhibition schedule of Finnish-American artists with "In/of Nature" by Cherie Sampson July 26 through Sept. 5, 2007. An opening reception for the artist will take place from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday, July 26, 2007, in the gallery, located in the Finnish American Heritage Center. At the reception, the artist will present a brief talk about her work. The reception is free and open to the public. Refreshments will be served. Sampson has received numerous grants to work in Finland. In both Finland and the United States, she has created environmental, performance and video art pieces, as well as sculpture and photography. more
Photo: Artist Cherie Sampson often works outdoors -- in wild, public and rural locations. (Photo courtesy Finlandia University)

Author, illustrator to sign new children's book, R is for Raccoon, July 28

Posted 07/25/2007

HANCOCK -- Finlandia University’s North Wind Books will host a book signing event with local children’s author Lesley A. DuTemple and local artist Susan Robinson at 1 p.m. on Saturday, July 28. All are invited and refreshments will be served. DuTemple and Robinson will sign copies of the newly published R is for Raccoon, their second collaboration. Their first book, One Little Balsam Fir, A Northwoods Counting Book, is also featured. Both books are pre-school picture books written by DuTemple and illustrated by Robinson. A resident of Eagle River, Mich., Lesley A. DuTemple has written and published more than 20 children’s books, many of them award-winning. Susan Robinson of Hancock is a self-taught artist with a lifelong interest in art and the natural world. North Wind Books is located on Quincy Street in downtown Hancock. For additional information, please contact the bookstore at 906-487-7217.
Photo: Cover of R is for Raccoon, by  local children’s author Lesley A. DuTemple and local artist Susan Robinson. (Photo courtesy Finlandia University. Reprinted with permission.)

Wildlife biologist to speak on wolf ecology July 24 

Posted 07/24/2007

GRATIOT LAKE -- Wildlife Biologist Greg Wright will present "Wolf Ecology: Fact and Fiction" at 8 p.m. tonight, Tuesday, July 24, at the Eagle Harbor Community Building. The presentation is free and open to the public. It will follow the Annual Membership Business Meeting of the Gratiot Lake Conservancy, beginning at 7 p.m. in the same location. Visit the Gratiot Lake Conservancy Web site for more information.

City of Hancock to hold public hearing July 18 on real property sale 

Posted 07/18/2007

HANCOCK -- The City of Hancock will hold a Public Hearing at 7:30 p.m. tonight, Wednesday, July 18, 2007, at the City Hall Council Chambers, 399 Quincy Street, Hancock, to consider public comments on the proposed sale of several parcels of  real property owned by the City. The parcels are located near Swedetown Creek and Portage Lake, including waterfront. Read the Public Notice.

Sibelius Academy musicians to perform July 18, 19, 20 at Calumet Theatre

Posted 07/17/2007

HANCOCK -- Each year Finlandia University and the Sibelius Academy of Helsinki, Finland, collaborate to bring a sample of Finnish musical excellence to Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. The only concert series of its kind in North America, this year’s festival takes place Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, July 18-20, at the historic Calumet Theatre in Calumet, Mich. All performances begin at 7:30 p.m. The Kegel Trio will perform Wednesday, July 18: Paavo Maijala, piano, Lauri Sallinen, clarinet, and Vuokko Lempiäinen, viola, are all post-graduate students at the Sibelius Academy. Thursday's concert will feature soprano Jenni Lättilä, accompanied by pianist Mikko Haapaniemi. Both are pursuing their second master’s degrees at the Sibelius Academy. On Friday, prize-winning solo pianist and Sibelius graduate student Tuomas Kyyhkynen will perform compositions by Bach, Mozart, Sibelius, Scriabin, Brahms, Chopin and Liszt. more
Photo: Prize-winning solo pianist Tuomas Kyyhkynen will perform compositions by Bach, Mozart, Sibelius, Scriabin, Brahms, Chopin and Liszt on Friday, July 20, at the Calumet Theatre. Kyyhkynen, who began playing piano at age four, is enrolled in a master's program at Sibelius Academy.  (Photo courtesy Finlandia University)

Keweenaw Mountain Lodge to celebrate Grand Opening with Thimbleberry Jam Fest July 21

Posted 07/16/2007  Updated 07/17/07

COPPER HARBOR -- The eighth annual Thimbleberry Jam Festival will be held in conjunction with the Grand Opening of the newly remodeled Keweenaw Mountain Lodge in Copper Harbor. The art and music festival will take place from 10:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. on Saturday July 21, at the Keweenaw Mountain Lodge. In addition to music, art and refreshments, guided trail hike/bike tours will leave at the top of each hour, courtesy of the Copper Harbor Trail Club. Explore the NEW hike/bike trails from the Lodge to Copper Harbor. A limited number of mountain bikes will be made available by Keweenaw Adventure Company. Food and beverages will be available for purchase throughout the day. more
Photo: Crawfish Moiakka, a local Cajun band, will be among the musical groups performing at Keweenaw Krayons' Thimbleberry Jam Fest July 21 at the Grand Opening of the Keweenaw Mountain Lodge in Copper Harbor. Pictured here during their performance at Keweenaw Krayons' 2007 Mardi Gras party, from left, are Oren Tikkanen, guitar, mandolin; Randy Seppala, percussion; Audrey Viola, bass and vocal; Kelly Suvanto, fiddle; Gary Aho, fiddle, guitar, vocal. (Photo © 2007 Gustavo Bourdieu)

Walk Against Violence to include pets July 18

Posted 07/14/2007  

HOUGHTON -- Barbara Kettle Gundlach Shelter Home and the Copper Country Humane Society invite you to join them in a Walk Against Violence at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, July 18. The walk will begin at the new East Houghton Waterfront Park located west of the Super 8 Hotel and behind the Isle Royale Apartments. Parking is available at the Franklin Square Inn overflow lot across from the Citgo Gas Station in downtown Houghton. Friendly pets under owner control are welcome. Research has shown a high correlation between domestic violence and animal abuse. The Walk Against Violence seeks to educate the public not only about the abuse link, but also about ways to support victims of abuse and to bring about awareness. Barbara Kettle Gundlach Shelter Home provides immediate emergency shelter and support services to victims of domestic violence; the Copper Country Humane Society dedicates itself to helping abused, stray or abandoned animals. Free commemorative water bottles while they last. For more information please contact Becki at 281-4773 or becki76@charter.net. Read about last year's walk.
Photo: Keweenaw Now's official mascot, Gordito, invites pet owners, their pets and those who want to end domestic violence to join the Walk Against Violence at 6 p.m. Wednesday, July 18, beginning at the East Houghton Waterfront Park. Click on photo for larger version. (Photo © 2007 Gustavo Bourdieu)

Celebrate Lake Superior Day and enter our "blog" photo contest!

Posted 07/13/2007  Updated 07/14/2007

ASHLAND, WIS.; HANCOCK, MI -- What’s better than a July picnic on a sandy beach next to the world’s largest freshwater lake? How about leaving the beach cleaner than you found it? Keweenaw Now is launching a new, interactive blog for readers with a photo contest. We invite you to celebrate Lake Superior Day (officially July 15) sometime during the week of July 14-22, record it with your camera and email us your best photo in one of three categories: landscape (the beauty of the lake), wildlife (if you can catch them) or responsible action (e.g., doing something to leave the beach cleaner than you found it). The Lake Superior Binational Forum is promoting the basin-wide Lake Superior Day to highlight the personal, environmental, economic and spiritual connections people have to this unique world treasure. Tell us about your connection with a photo! more
Photo: Keweenaw Now photographer Gustavo Bourdieu photographed this sunset with freighter near the Keweenaw Tip during the Reading the Landscape boat tour from Copper Harbor on the Isle Royale Queen IV June 30, 2007. (Photo © 2007 Gustavo Bourdieu)

Traveling exhibits to celebrate Copper Country food, culture July 14 - Aug. 26

Posted 07/12/2007  

CALUMET -- Food is the theme in the Copper Country this summer as a series of exhibits, festivals and presentations explore the region’s rich food culture. The events are anchored by two traveling exhibits that will remain open to the public from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily from July 14 through August 26 at the Keweenaw Heritage Center -- the former St. Anne’s church, Calumet. Key Ingredients: America By Food is a Smithsonian exhibit depicting the history of food production in the United States, the ethnic traditions that flavor the foods we eat and the many food-related traditions that are part of our culture. The second exhibit, Michigan Foodways, is a Michigan State University Museum exhibit exploring Michigan’s rich agriculture, its diverse ethnic cuisines and its special culinary traditions. more
Photo: During Heikinpäivä tori (market) on Jan. 20, 2007, Anita Campbell, board member of the Keweenaw Heritage Center and chair of the Children's Ethnic Recipe Contest held last February as part of Key Ingredients, displays information on the contest in the First United Methodist Church in Hancock. Also pictured is young helper Emma Tervo, right, of Calumet. (Keweenaw Now file photo © Michele Anderson)

Conservation District to sponsor Knapweed Pulling July 12 and 18 at preserves on Lake Superior

Posted 07/11/2007  Updated 07/14/2007

BETE GRISE -- The Houghton Keweenaw Conservation District (HKCD) will sponsor two Knapweed Pulling and picnic days to help eliminate two preserves of this non-native, noxious weed. Spotted Knapweed (Centaurea maculosa) is an agressive weed that is crowding out native plants at the Bete Grise and Lizzadro preserves. Those wishing to help at Bete Grise should meet at 10 a.m. Thursday, July 12, at the Bete Grise Preserve Parking Lot on the Gay/Lac La Belle Road. Bring a bag lunch, gloves and a shovel. HKCD will provide snacks and refreshments for the picnic at noon. On Wednesday, July 18, (note change of date) the same event will be held at the Joseph and Mary Lizzadro Preserve. Meet at 10 a.m. at the Lizzadro Preserve on M-26 between Eagle Harbor and Copper Harbor. Bring the same items mentioned above. For more information phone: 482-0214 or E-mail: sue.haralson@mi.nacdnet.net. 

Free Agassiz boat rides during Strawberry Fest July 7

Posted 07/05/2007  

HOUGHTON -- The public will able to board Michigan Tech's research vessel, the Agassiz, for three free 45-minute scientific excursions on Saturday, July 7. The rides will depart from the Chassell Marina in conjunction with the Chassell Strawberry Festival. The cruises begin at 1, 2 and 3 p.m. You can sign up at the Chassell public boat launch during the festival. If the demand is sufficient, a fourth excursion will depart at 4 p.m. Up to 17 persons, seven years of age or older, may participate on each excursion. Displays and educational materials will be available for public viewing onshore. "The public will be able to learn how the Great Lakes are studied and what they can contribute to having a healthy lake,"  said Joan Chadde, program coordinator. This event is coordinated by the Western U.P. Center for Science, Mathematics and Environmental Education* with funding from the Michigan Space Grant Consortium, the Departments of Biological Sciences and Chemistry, the Remote Sensing Institute and the Wege Foundation. For more information, email jchadde@mtu.edu or call 487-3341. *Visit the Center's Web site for photos and videos of the Agassiz.

Quilt Show to benefit Humane Society during Chassell Strawberry Festival

Posted 07/05/2007  

HOUGHTON -– For the third year in a row, The Portage Quilters and the owners of The Portage Quilt House have organized a quilt show to benefit the animals cared for by the Copper Country Humane Society. The show will be open from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Friday, July 6, and noon-4 p.m. on Saturday, July 7, at the Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Chassell. Over 100 items are expected to be on display, including exhibits of hand and machine quilting, embroidery and other fabric creations. The church is air conditioned, and refreshments will be available. A $4 donation is requested for admission to the show. For an additional $1 you can purchase a ticket for a prize drawing for a beautiful quilt made by Linda LaRoy. The 2005 and 2006 shows resulted in donations of nearly $5500 to benefit the animals. For information on the Strawberry Festival visit their Web site.
Photo: "Amish Steps" quilt. Click on photo for larger version. (Photo © 2007 and courtesy Judy Stallings. Reprinted with permission.) 

Reading the Landscape 2007 field trips to explore Keweenaw "Shorelands"

Posted 06/28/2007  

GRATIOT LAKE -- The Gratiot Lake Conservancy will offer "Shorelands" as the theme of this summer's Reading the Landscape of the Keweenaw art and natural history field trips for adults. The trips will take place on seven Saturdays: June 30 through August 11. Beginning with an evening boat tour along the easternmost coast of the Keweenaw with limnologist Judith Budd on June 30, the series will include two other sessions for adults and families: Sand and Pebbles on July 28, near 7-Mile Point, and Lake's Edge, August 11, on Lake Superior and Gratiot Lake shores. Adult trips (16 and older) are Coastal Geology, July 7 at Horseshoe Harbor; Lake Effect, July 14 at Great Sand Bay; Bete Grise Beaches, July 21 at Bete Grise; and Harbor Shores, Aug. 4 at Eagle Harbor. Visit the Gratiot Lake Conservancy Web site for details and the 2007 Reading the Landscape Brochure. Registration is required. Call 906-289-4514 for information.
Photo: Lake Superior shoreline at Bete Grise South -- part of the Bete Grise Preserve. The July 21 Reading the Landscape session will offer an Ojibwe perspective on historical and current uses of this shoreline's natural resources. Click on photo for larger version. (Keweenaw Now file photo © Michele Anderson)

Fiddlers ReStrung to Perform June 26 at Finnish American Heritage Center

Posted 06/25/2007  

HANCOCK -– Fiddlers ReStrung, a group of talented high school-age musicians from Saline, Mich., will present a bluegrass and American folk music concert at 7 p.m. Tuesday, June 26, at the Finlandia University Finnish American Heritage Center (FAHC). The 15 or so members of Fiddlers ReStrung play fiddle and other instruments, sing and even do clogging. They have appeared throughout North America and have performed with many internationally known musicians. They recently received several invitations to play in Europe. Advance tickets, available at the Finnish American Heritage Center, are $10 for adults, $5 for students (including Finlandia, MTU and Suzuki Association students). For more information visit FAHC at 435 Quincy St., Hancock, or call 906-487-7505.
Photo: Fiddlers ReStrung at Niagara Falls. Visit their Web site at www.fiddlersrestrung.com. Videos of their performances can be found at youtube.com. Click on photo for larger version. (Photo courtesy Finlandia University)

Relay for Life to raise funds for American Cancer Society June 22-23

Posted 06/20/2007  

HOUGHTON -- The 2007 Relay for Life, sponsored by The American Cancer Society, will take place from 1 p.m. Friday, June 22, to 1 p.m. Saturday, June 23, at the Houghton High School Track. Barb Maronen, logistics coordinator for the Relay, said the participants hope to reach at least the annual goal of $140,000 in funds for the American Cancer Society. Last year they raised $144,000. "Last year we also surpassed the $1 million mark for 11 years of doing relays," Maronen noted. Since the theme this year is "Cancer Takes a Holiday," many of the teams have selected a particular holiday for generating their events. Click here for the 2007 Relay schedule.
Photo: 2006 Relay for Life participants, from left, Elizabeth Flynn, Diane Shoos and Vicki Bergvall walk together at the Houghton High School Track. Click on photo for larger version. (Photo © 2006 Michele Anderson)

Chain Drive Festival offers mountain bike races June 16

Posted 06/15/2007  

HANCOCK -- The Portage Health System Keweenaw Chain Drive Festival will offer 16- and 32-mile mountain bike races on Saturday, June 16, at the Maasto-Hiihto / Churning Rapids Trails in Hancock. Distance events will begin with a 10 a.m. roll-out through downtown Houghton, starting at the Best Western-Franklin Square Inn. The finish will be at the Portage Health System hospital parking lot in Hancock. Awards are at the finish area at 2:30 p.m. This year the Junior Chain Drive -- timed races for youth ages 8-13 and above and non-timed races for those age 7 and under -- will be at 3:30 p.m. Saturday, starting and ending at the Portage Health campus, using a single-track trail in a wooded area east of the hospital. See the locator maps. The Chain Drive promotes the family sport of mountain biking and supports trail preservation efforts throughout the Keweenaw Peninsula. All funds raised by the festival will go to trail improvement, access and acquisition projects in Houghton and Keweenaw counties. Read details on the Chain Drive Web site. See photos of the 2006 Chain Drive races on Brockit.com. 
Photo: The 2006 Keweenaw Chain Drive distance races get underway as bikers cross the Portage Lift Bridge from Houghton to Hancock. Click on photo for larger version. (Keweenaw Now file photo © 2006 Michele Anderson)

Celebrate spring at Houghton's sixth Art and Music Festival June 9 

Posted 06/07/2007  

HOUGHTON -- Celebrate the arrival of spring with the Houghton Spring Art and Music Festival, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, June 9, on the waterfront at the bottom of Huron Street in downtown Houghton. The festival, now in its sixth year, provides an opportunity to hear live local music and shop at regional artists' booths. The music starts at 11:30 a.m. with harp music by A Harpo, the New Zealand Jazz Apples at noon, Tatterdemalion at 1 p.m., Orphan’s Torch at 2 p.m., Fiddlehead at 3 p.m., Erin Smith at 4 p.m. and the Neverland Rancheros at 5 p.m. The art fair starts at 11 a.m. and will feature a variety of art and fine craft. Many of the artists will be demonstrating. There is plenty of parking, and the event is free and open to everyone. more
Photo: The New Zealand Jazz Apples, with Mike Irish, right, on guitar, perform at the 2006 Art and Music Festival in Houghton. Also pictured are, from left, Scott McIntosh (bass), Mark Lucier (drums) and Jake Pearse (alto sax). The group will perform again at this year's festival June 9, when Irish and Pearse will be joined by Aaron DeGabriele (tenor sax), Jake Posega (bass) and Collin Osenroth (drums). (Keweenaw Now file photo © 2006 Gustavo Bourdieu)

CCGAP to hold raffle, dance fund-raiser May 12

Posted 05/08/2007 

HANCOCK -- The Annual Raffle and Dance fund-raiser for the Copper Country Guatemala Accompaniment Project (CCGAP) will take place from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday, May 12, in the Forestry Building on the Michigan Tech campus. The MOON DOGS will play a variety of music for dancing! Raffle tickets will be sold at the door for $5 apiece. The grand prize is a soft, hand-woven Guatemalan wool blanket; many other prizes will be offered. The event will also include a silent auction of Guatemalan hand crafts: purses, mirrors, ponchos, rugs, wall hangings, etc. Snack food will be available. Read about the recent water project in two Guatemalan villages by MTU's Engineers Without Borders in the CCGAP April 2007 Newsletter on their Web site.
Photo: A young mother tries out the new hand pump on the new well, courtesy of Michigan Tech's Engineers Without Borders, in the village of  Nueva Libertad, Guatemala. Click on photo for larger version. (Photo © 2007 Sue Ellen Kingsley. Reprinted with permission.)

Rhythm 203 to perform May 11 at Daily Grind café 

Posted 05/08/2007 

HANCOCK -- Rhythm 203 -- Norm Kendall, Sue Ellen Kingsley and Phyllis Fredendall -- will be singing at noon on Friday, May 11, at the Daily Grind café in Hancock. Percussionist Randy Seppala may join the group for Friday's songfest -- a variety of folk, country and blues favorites, including Chuck Berry's "Memphis Tennessee" in three-part harmony. You're welcome to sing along between sips of your coffee. The Daily Grind is located in Finlandia University's lower campus (location of the School of Art and Design, the former Portage Hospital building) on Michigan Street in Hancock.
Photo: Rhythm 203, from left, Phyllis Fredendall, Norm Kendall and Sue Ellen Kingsley perform during the Keweenaw Krayons fund-raiser held May 4 at the Americinn in Calumet. Click on photo for larger version. (Photo © 2007 Gustavo Bourdieu. Reprinted with permission.)

Guatemala accompanier to speak in Hancock May 10

Posted 05/08/2007 

HANCOCK -- The Copper Country Guatemala Accompaniment Project (CCGAP) will sponsor a presentation by Lindsey Engelman on Thursday, May 10, at the First United Methodist Church in Hancock. Lindsey recently returned to her home in Texas after serving seven months as an accompanier for witnesses in a landmark trial bringing charges of genocide against Guatemalan ex-presidents. She will show pictures and share her experiences with the public following a potluck meal at 5:30 p.m. Read a letter from Lindsey on page 3 of the CCGAP April 2007 Newsletter on their Web site.
Photo: Lindsey Engelman and friends in Guatemala. Click on photo for larger version. (Photo © 2007 and courtesy Sue Ellen Kingsley. Reprinted with permission.)

Vertin Gallery to host "Inside / Outside The Box" group exhibit May 4-25 

Posted 05/02/2007 

CALUMET -- An exhibit titled "Inside / Outside The Box" by a group of artists will be on display from May 4 to 25 at the Vertin Gallery in Calumet. An opening reception will be held from 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Friday, May 4, in the Gallery, located in the Historic Vertin Building at 220 Sixth Street in Calumet. The juried exhibit features new work by several artists. Gallery hours are Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.; Friday, 10 a.m.- 9 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.; and Sunday, Noon to 5 p.m. For more information visit the Vertin Gallery Web site and their sister site, the Vertin Press.
Photo: One of three sculptures by Calumet artist Gordon Borsvold for the Vertin Gallery's new exhibit, "Inside / Outside The Box." Click on photo for larger version. (Photo © 2007 and courtesy Ed Gray. Reprinted with permission.)

Second Town Hall Forum on renewable energy to be Apr. 17

Posted 04/17/2007 

HANCOCK -- "Renewable Energy: Reducing Home Energy Costs, Part 2," a Town Hall Forum, will be held at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Apr. 17, at Lakeview Manor, 1401 W. Quincy St., Hancock. Plenty of parking across the street at the Antila Funeral Home. The Forum follows up on the successful February forum where community members shared practical information based on personal experiences with renewable energy and reducing energy costs. During this forum, participants will break into working groups after presentations by Terry Kinzel, Mike Benda and Dave Bach on solar and wind power and on retrofitting older homes. Community members with homes powered with a wide range of alternative and sustainable energy sources will also be on hand to provide examples and experience. Mike Schira of the Michigan State University Extension Service will be the moderator. The Keweenaw Sustainability Project is sponsoring the forum, which is free and open to the public. For more information contact Michael Moore at 370-0206 or mmoore@mtu.edu.

Author Alan Weisman to speak on Gaviotas, sustainable rain forest community, Apr. 12

Posted 04/10/2007 

HANCOCK, HOUGHTON -- Journalist Alan Weisman, author of  Gaviotas: A Village to Reinvent the World, will speak to student groups and give public presentations at both Finlandia University and Michigan Tech University on Thursday, April 12. Gaviotas, a village in Colombia, South America, was named a model of sustainable development by the United Nations. Weisman will conduct a discussion about his book at 2 p.m. in the Finlandia Campus Ministry Center in the lower level of Finlandia’s Chapel of St. Matthew. There is no charge and all are welcome. At 7 p.m. Weisman will give a presentation in Room G002 of the Noblet Forestry Building on the Michigan Tech campus. This talk is also free and open to the public. During the day Weisman will meet with MTU students from various departments and will be interviewed for a new "Noticing Nature" sustainability radio show to be broadcast from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday, Apr. 15, on WMTU. Weisman's visit is sponsored by the Finlandia Campus Enrichment Committee and Michigan Technological University. For more information contact Angela Book at 906-487-7265.
Photo: Alan Weisman, author of Gaviotas: A  Village to Reinvent the World, will visit Finlandia and Michigan Tech on Thursday, April 12. Click on photo for larger version. (Photo © and courtesy Alan Weisman and Michigan Tech University. Reprinted with permission.)

Valentino Achak Deng to speak at Rozsa Apr. 3

Posted 04/02/2007 

HOUGHTON -- Valentino Achak Deng, real-life hero of Dave Eggers’ What is the What, will present a free lecture at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Apr. 3, in the Rozsa Center for the Performing Arts on the Michigan Tech University campus. Deng was a refugee from the Sudanese civil war of the 1980s and 90s. Separated from his family when Arab militia destroy his village, Deng becomes a "Lost Boy," beset by starvation, thirst and man-eating lions on a march to squalid refugee camps in Ethiopia and Kenya. He eventually reaches America, but finds his quest for safety, community and fulfillment in many ways even more difficult here than in the camps. more
Photo: Valentino Achak Deng, real-life hero of Dave Eggers’ What is the What. (Photo © 2007 and courtesy The Valentino Achak Deng Foundation.)

Houghton Keweenaw Conservation District Tree Sale deadline extended to Apr. 2; letters of support needed 

Posted 03/29/2007 

HOUGHTON -- April 2 is the extended deadline for ordering items from the Houghton Keweenaw Conservation District (HKCD) Tree Sale, the District's major fundraiser. State budget cuts mean the Conservation District needs support in this annual fundraiser more than ever. The District's budget was recently reduced by 50 percent for the remainder of 2007 and is in danger of being cut 100 percent for 2008. To order items from the Tree Sale call Sue Haralson at 906-482-0214 or download the flyer and Order Form at www.hkconserve.com. This year HKCD is offering several new items including Basswood, Paper Birch, three varieties of Lilacs and the Rugosa Rose, plus some larger sizes of trees and shrubs. Orders can be picked up from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. Friday, May 4, or from 9 a.m. to Noon Saturday, May 5, at the Houghton County Arena, 1500 Birch St., Hancock. During this time surplus stock will also be sold. Residents can help HKCD by writing letters to Governor Granholm and state officials. more
Photo: Bluebird House: a new item at the Houghton Keweenaw Conservation District 2007 Tree Sale. (Photo courtesy HKCD)

Artists to present work on climate change project Mar. 27 at Community Arts Center

Posted 03/26/2007 

HANCOCK -- Local artists Jennifer Slack, Joyce Koskenmaki and Bonnie Peterson, who participated in the Climate Change Art Exhibition, "Paradise Lost? Climate Change in the Lake Superior Region," will discuss their work and climate change issues at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Mar. 27, at the Community Arts Center in Hancock. The presentation will be preceded by a potluck at 6 p.m. (RSVP for the potluck by 5 p.m. Tuesday at 482-2333.) The exhibition, which is currently travelling around Wisconsin and Michigan, will come to Calumet's Omphale Gallery in September. It includes paintings, sculpture, poetry and music reflecting artists' perceptions of the science of climate change, its impacts on northern ecosystems and the actions that can be taken now to lessen those impacts. Visit the Northwoods project Web site for more information.
Photo: "Moose Running," a painting by Joyce Koskenmaki, is part of the Exhibition, "Paradise Lost? Climate Change in the Lake Superior Region." Click on photo for larger version. (Photo of painting © 2007 Joyce Koskenmaki. Reprinted with permission.)

MSU Extension to hold Small Wind Seminars March 26, 27, 28

Posted 03/23/2007 

HOUGHTON -- Michigan State University Extension will sponsor three meetings on small wind energy in the Upper Peninsula and Northeast Lower Michigan Mar. 26, 27 and 28. The program will cover an overview of wind energy as it relates to homeowners and small businesses, including farmers -- instead of large-scale, utility-type projects. Topics include introduction to small wind turbines, overview of sizes and types of turbines available, economics of small wind, interconnection to utility, net metering, system maintenance and USDA Farm Bill 9006 Energy Funding. All programs are from 6 p.m. - 9 p.m. Eastern Time in these locations: Monday, Mar. 26, MSU Extension Office of Delta County, Escanaba; Tuesday, Mar. 27, Noblet Forestry Building, Michigan Technological University, Houghton; Wednesday, Mar. 28, Presque Isle District Library, Rogers City. Resource people include Dr. Lynn Hamilton, Visiting Associate Professor, Department of Agricultural Economics, Michigan State University, and Warren Schauer, MSU Extension Educator, Farm Management. The program costs $20 for first person and $10 for each additional person from same family or business. Payment will be collected at the door. For more information contact Warren at 906-786-3032 or at schauer@msu.edu.

A Week-Long Revolution: Earth Week, March 19-23, 2007

By Katie Schalk  Posted 03/17/2007 

HOUGHTON -- Just when you thought winter would never end, spring is right around the corner and things are heating up for Earth Week 2007. Michigan Tech's Students for Environmental Sustainability are offering a variety of exciting activities the week of March 19 - 23, beginning with the documentary film Who Killed the Electric Car? on Monday evening, with a discussion led by Kate Alvord, author of Divorce Your Car. Other events include clothing reuse and tie-dying; a panel discussion on sustainability research at MTU; a presentation on Alan Weisman’s world and his inspiring book, Gaviotas: A Village to Reinvent the World; reports by Peace Corps Volunteers; a workshop on toxin-free, healthy household cleaners; and information on local recycling. more

New York African Dance, Drum Ensemble to perform at MTU's African Night Mar. 3 
Posted 03/02/2007 

HOUGHTON -- The Sankofa African Dance and Drum Ensemble from New York, sponsored by Michigan Tech's African Student Organization (AS0), will perform at 8 p.m. Saturday, March 3, in the Memorial Union Ballroom on the MTU campus. The performance will follow a dinner of African cuisine, beginning at 6:30 p.m. in the Memorial Union Building (MUB) Commons. Tickets for the evening of dances, fashion, ethnic cuisine and music are $10 for students and $12 for the community. Tickets will be available at the door for those who have not purchased them in advance at the MUB.
Photo: MTU students Magali Koyo, left, of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Adaobi Nnorukah of Nigeria, perform an African dance at the 2006 African Night celebration in the Michigan Tech MUB. Click on photo for larger version. (Keweenaw Now file photo © 2006 Gustavo Bourdieu)

Keweenaw Krayons Mardi Gras celebration draws large crowd
Posted 02/26/2007  

MOHAWK -- Keweenaw County Sheriff Ron Lahti was named "King" at the Third Annual Keweenaw Krayons Mardi Gras celebration Feb. 20 at the Mohawk School. The "Queen" award went to Nancy Fisher, owner of Yarns & Threads of Lake Linden, who teaches fiber arts classes for Keweenaw Krayons and offers much support to the non-profit organization and to other Keweenaw area activities. Winner of the "Queen Mum" award was 90-year-old Melvi Grosnick of Traprock Valley. Melvi is also a key supporter, volunteer and participant at Keweenaw Krayons. A large crowd of all ages, including several Keweenaw County Commissioners, attended the community event, which included music, dancing, a Cajun dinner, a silent auction, arts and crafts and a New Orleans "French Quarter" café. Watch for more photos and learn more about Keweenaw Krayons on their Web site.
Photo: Don Keith, Keweenaw County Board of Commissioners chair, hands the crown to Mardi Gras "King," Sheriff Ron Lahti. Applauding in the background are, from left, Carol Rose, Keweenaw Krayons director of the Teen Graphic Arts and Marketing Program, and Kathy McEvers, Keweenaw County's Kermit's Kids Program director. Don and Kathy were last year's Mardi Gras royalty. Click on photo for larger version. (Photos © 2007 Gustavo Bourdieu. Reprinted with permission.)

Library Media Event to include music, family fun Feb. 24

Posted 02/23/2007 

HOUGHTON -- Bring your family and friends to listen and dance to the music of six different musical groups at the Houghton Public Library's Media Event, to be held from 5 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 24, at the South Range Community Hall. The evening will include a potluck (beverages and table service provided), a silent auction, a kids' hour from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. with the Sugar Maple Folk entertaining with French Canadian Music and Dance, games and activities, easy folk dances, singing, piñatas and more. Other musical groups and performers include The Swedetown Irregulars, Crawfish Moyakka, Moon Dogs, Erin Smith and Lori Honrath. Juggler extraordinaire, Jason Cattelino, will perform throughout the evening. Proceeds from this event will purchase media related items for the library: music CDs, audio books for all ages, DVDs, etc. Proceeds from last year's event will purchase a listening station for kids.
Photo: "Je te plumerai le cou!" -- At the French Canadian music event in Lake Linden last December, Wellesley Pereira and his son Christian lead the chorus, band members and audience in singing the French Canadian favorite, "Alouette." Members of the group will again perform and teach songs and folk dances at the Houghton Public Library Media Event Feb. 24. (Click on photo for larger version.) (Photo © 2006 Michele Anderson)

Keweenaw Krayons to hold Third Annual Mardi Gras in Mohawk Feb. 20

Posted 02/17/2007 

MOHAWK --  The Mohawk School is a bustle of activity as Keweenaw Krayons enters the final stages of preparation for the Third Annual Mardi Gras Celebration to be held from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Fat Tuesday, February 20. The event, which will be held in the school gym and adjoining rooms, features a Cajun dinner, music, mask making, an art sale and a silent auction. Tickets for the dinner are $8 if purchased in advance, $12 at the door. Pre-schoolers are free, and family discounts are available. Rich Simpson is the head chef, assisted by Keweenaw Krayons volunteers, staff and youth. Horizons High School Culinary Class will be making King Cakes and assisting with other preparations. Music for the night will be provided by the Swedetown Irregulars, Crawfish Moiakka, and Ariel Lake on the harp. more
Photo: Crawfish Moiakka, a local Cajun band, will be among the musical groups performing at Keweenaw Krayons' Third Annual Mardi Gras Celebration to be held from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Feb. 20 at the Mohawk School. Pictured, from left, standing, are Audrey Viola, bass and vocal; Oren Tikkanen, guitar, mandolin, flute; Kelly Suvanto, fiddle; Gary Aho, fiddle, guitar, vocal; and, front, Randy Seppala, percussion. (Photo © 2007 Keweenaw Krayons. Reprinted with permission.)

Ski For Heart fundraiser to be held at Swedetown Trails Feb. 10

Posted 02/08/2007 

CALUMET -- The annual “Ski for the Heart of Our Community” fundraiser, which includes cross country skiing and snowshoeing, will be held at Calumet's Swedetown Ski Trails on Saturday, Feb. 10, 2007. The money raised will benefit two local non-profits, Omega House and, new this year, the Copper Island Cross Country Ski Club. The ski club is raising money to make a 25% match for a state grant which will allow them to keep some portions of the already established Bearchase Trail and to expand their trails as well. Omega House funds will continue to provide much needed hospice care to local residents at the Upper Peninsula’s only hospice home, located in Houghton. “We have tons of food and drinks for participants, along with t-shirts and door prizes," said Lois Berg, one of the event organizers. "On top of all that, there is great skiing or snowshoeing on the Swedetown Trails." Participants of all ages can cross country ski or snowshoe individually or join a team. Donations are collected in advance and turned in during registration the day of the event. For more information and  registration materials call Omega House at 906-482-4438 or ask at the Swedetown Chalet, open from 12 p.m.  to 9 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday.
Photo: Members of the Planning Committee for the "Ski for the Heart of Our Community" fundraiser, to be held at Swedetown Trails Feb. 10, are pictured here, from left, front row, Crystal Holzberger, Colleen Rowe, Diane Tiberg, Joni Moore, and, back row, Lois Berg, Ken Pepin, Ross Cooney, Ed Kraai and Mark Jindrich. Click on photo for larger version. (Photo courtesy Omega House).

National Parks to sponsor Children's Ethnic Recipe Contest for traveling exhibit 

Posted 01/27/2007 

CALUMET -- A Children's Ethnic Recipe Contest has kicked off as part of an upcoming Smithsonian traveling exhibit called "Key Ingredients - America By Food" to be featured at the Keweenaw Heritage Center (formerly St. Anne's Church) in Calumet this summer. The Isle Royale Natural History Association and Keweenaw National Historical Park, sponsors of the project, are encouraging all area youth to research their family history and submit a food recipe from their ethnic background. Anita Campbell, of Calumet, a board member of the Isle Royale Natural History Association, is coordinating the project. The deadline for submitting recipes is Feb. 1, 2007. more
Photo: Anita Campbell, right, coordinator of the Children's Ethnic Recipe Contest, marches with young recipe contestants in the Heikinpäivä Parade on Saturday, Jan. 20, 2007, in Hancock. (Photo © 2007 Michele Anderson)

Public reception for retiring Keweenaw National Historical Park Superintendent 

Posted 01/22/2007 

CALUMET -- A public reception for Frank Fiala, past superintendent of Keweenaw National Historical Park (KNHP) will be held from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 22, at the Calumet Theatre Ballroom. The open house reception is being hosted by the KNHP Advisory Commission to celebrate Fiala’s 32 years of service in the federal government. Fiala, who has been at the helm of KNHP since 1997, was the park’s second manager and provided much foundational work for the developing national park. Representatives from the park’s Congressional delegation plan on attending to pay tribute to Fiala’s tireless enthusiasm for the park and the historical resources of the Copper Country. All are welcome to join the delegation, the park staff and the Advisory Commission for cake and refreshments during the celebratory send-off. For more information, contact Advisory Commission Chair Kim Hoagland at 487-2113 or Commissioner Sue Dana at 337-1713.

TalviTohinat Ski Race To Feature Skijoring Jan. 20

Posted 01/19/2007 

HOUGHTON -- The Keweenaw Land Trust’s (KLT) second annual TalviTohinat Nordic ski race, TalviTohinat, Finnish for a "Winter Scramble," will be held Saturday, Jan. 20, at the Michigan Tech Nordic Ski Trails. TalviTohinat is a community fitness event open to all: 10 and 5 km cross-country ski races, a 2.5 km youth race and -- new this year -- the only organized skijoring race in the Keweenaw. Skijoring is a unique event in which one or more dogs pull each skier. This event, part of the Heikinpäivä Mid-Winter Festival, is a fundraiser for the Keweenaw Land Trust, a non-profit organization founded by local citizens to protect our natural heritage and quality of life through land conservation, stewardship and education. more
Photo: Afton Sather-Knutsen and his dog, Lua, train at the MTU Nordic Ski Trails for the TalviTohinat skijoring race to be held Saturday, Jan. 20, on the MTU Trails. (Photo © 2007 Erik Lilleskov. Reprinted with permission.)

Finlandia to exhibit art of Akseli Gallen-Kallela, Finland’s National Artist (1865-1931)

Posted 01/19/2007 

HANCOCK -- In coordination with the City of Hancock’s annual Heikinpäivä Celebration, the Finlandia University Gallery in the Finnish American Heritage Center will host an exhibit of prints and paintings by Finland ’s national artist Akseli Gallen-Kallela (1865-1931) Jan. 19 through Feb. 16, 2007. An opening reception for the exhibit will take place at the gallery Friday, Jan. 19, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. The event is free and open to the public. Refreshments will be served. Akseli Gallen-Kallela, widely known as the most prominent figure in turn of the 20th century pictorial art of Finland, lived in the United States from October 1924 until May 1926. In 1924, he visited Suomi College to work with students and hold a public exhibit and sale of his artwork. During that exhibition, Gallen-Kallela displayed, among other work, a print of the front- page illustration for his planned, but unfinished, book, Great Kalevala, which would have illustrated the complete Kalevala (Finnish epic). At the conclusion of the 1924 exhibit, Gallen-Kallela presented the illustration, along with 38 additional heliogravure prints, to Suomi College. These 39 prints, and two oil paintings from the collections of Finlandia University and Michigan Technological University, comprise the current exhibit.
Photo: Self Portrait by Akseli Gallen-Kallela, Finland's National Artist. Click on image for larger version. (Photo courtesy Finlandia University. Reprinted with permission.)

Keweenaw County Planning Commission to hear zoning change requests and public input Jan. 16

Posted 01/15/2007 

EAGLE RIVER -- Requests for zoning changes will be the subject of a public hearing to be held by the Keweenaw County Planning Commission at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 16, in the Mohawk School Gym in Mohawk. The purpose of the hearing, according to Jon Soper, Planning Commission chairman, is to take public comment on some proposed changes to the County Zoning Map. One parcel on the list of zoning change requests may evoke some discussion, since it involves potential expansion of the Mt. Bohemia Ski Resort, possibly to include yurts, which would be used for lodging accommodations. Discussion of yurts at the Dec. 14, 2006, Planning Commission meeting led to a final definition of yurts in the new proposed ordinance. Also at that meeting the Planning Commission officially recommended that the Keweenaw County Board of Commissioners repeal the existing 1975 County Zoning Ordinance and adopt the proposed ordinance. more
Photo: Lonie Glieberman, right, president of Black Bear, Inc., presents documents including drawings of potential yurt construction with buffers for the Mt. Bohemia Ski Resort to Keweenaw County Planning Commissioners at their Dec. 14, 2006, meeting in the Courthouse in Eagle River. (Photo © 2006 Michele Anderson)

MTU holds march, banquet, student events to honor Martin Luther King

Posted 01/14/2007 

HOUGHTON -- Michigan Technological University will honor Martin Luther King Jr. with a weeklong series of events capped with a banquet featuring soul food, gospel music and jazz. No classes will be held on Monday, Jan. 15, Martin Luther King Day. The Black Student Association and the Society for African American Men will present King's "I Have a Dream" speech at noon on Tuesday, Jan. 16, in front of the Memorial Union Building, followed by a march to the Rozsa Center with a candlelight vigil. At 5 p.m. on Tuesday, Betty Chavis, director of Outreach and Multi-Ethnic Programs, will recall her experiences meeting King during the civil rights movement; and others will discuss his legacy and the effect he has had on their lives. This and other events will be held in MTU's Memorial Union Ballroom B. The banquet will be at 5 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 20, in the Memorial Union Ballroom. For more information, contact Chavis at 487-2920 or ythbetty@mtu.edu. See details on the Educational Opportunity (sponsor's) Web site.
Photo: Betty Chavis, director of MTU's Outreach and Multi-Ethnic Programs, directs traffic at the beginning of the 2006 Parade of Nations from Hancock to Houghton last September. On Tuesday, Jan. 16, Chavis will speak at MTU about her own experiences meeting Martin Luther King, Jr. Click on photo for larger version. (Photo ©  2006 Keweenaw Now)

Lake Linden to present French Canadian music, dance Dec. 9

Posted 12/07/2006 

HOUGHTON -- Enjoy an afternoon of French-Canadian music and dance from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 9, at the American Legion Lakes Lounge, Calumet and 4th streets in Lake Linden. The program will include traditional folk songs and holiday songs in both French and English, with plenty of opportunities to sing along. Live music will provide  French Canadian fiddle tunes for listening and dancing and will accompany lessons in folk dancing and a lesson in the rhythmic foot tapping often heard in French Canadian dance music. This event is part of the Village of Lake Linden's French Canadian Christmas celebration. Admission is free. Other family events include a luncheon and bazaar, an art sale, arts and crafts for children, pork pie tasting and sale and horse and wagon rides. At 7 p.m. the Prairie Folklore Theatre will present "Canoe Song: A Voyager's Tale," at the Lake Linden United Methodist Church. more
Photo: Local folk dancers lead audience participants in a French Canadian dance during the August 31, 2006, French Canadian music event at the Chassell Heritage Center. (Photo © 2006 Michele Anderson)

Guatemalan survivor to speak at Finnish American Heritage Center Nov. 7

Posted 11/06/2006 

HANCOCK -- Edwin Canil Vicente of the Association for Justice and Reconciliation (AJR) will discuss efforts to hold Guatemala’s former military officials accountable for genocide and crimes against humanity in a public presentation at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 7, at the Finnish-American Heritage Center in Hancock. A K’iche’ Maya, Canil Vicente is the sole survivor of the 1982 massacre in his community of Santa María Tzejá, Ixcán, Quiché. As a six-year-old, he managed to hide among the trees as the army killed his mother, grandmother, three sisters, a brother and cousins. He fled with his remaining relatives to Mexico, where they lived in refugee camps for 12 years. Now a law student, Canil Vicente has joined with other massacre survivors, and Spanish courts, to bring those responsible for the massacres to justice. Guatemalan textiles and calendars will be for sale at the event, which is free and open to the public. The Copper Country Guatemala Accompaniment Project (CCGAP) and the Finlandia University Campus Enrichment Fund are sponsoring this lecture. For more information, call 487-7515 or 482-6827.

FOLK to sponsor update on sulfide mining issue at meeting Oct. 24

Posted 10/23/2006 

BARAGA -- Cynthia Pryor, executive director, Yellow Dog Watershed Preserve, Inc., will give an update presentation on the Sulfide Mining Issue at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 24, at the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community Senior Center in Baraga, following the General Membership Meeting of FOLK (Friends of the Land of Keweenaw), which will begin at 6 p.m. Directions: Going South from Houghton on US-41, turn right (West) onto M-38 at the light in Baraga. Then turn right on the first street across the railroad tracks, about a half block, onto Main Street. Go about a half mile, and the Ojibwa Senior Citizen Center is on the left at the big BINGO sign. The meeting is free and open to the public; snacks and coffee will be served. 

Gundlach Shelter to hold Candlelight Ceremony for Survivors of Domestic Violence Oct. 16

Posted 10/13/2006

CALUMET -- The Barbara Kettle Gundlach Shelter will sponsor a Candlelight Ceremony for Survivors of Domestic Violence at 7:30 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 16, at St. Albert the Great Catholic Church, 411 MacInnes Drive, in Houghton. The public is invited to show support in mourning victims, celebrating survivors and reaffirming the struggle for a non-violent future. October is domestic violence awareness month. Listen to music, speakers and poetry. Bring a candle or flashlight to join a walk after the ceremony.
Photo: Alexandra Matiella Novak shares her experiences during the July 2006 Walk Against Violence, sponsored by both the Barbara Kettle Gundlach Shelter Home and the Copper Country Humane Society. Over 95 people and 38 dogs marched through Houghton at the event to show support for victims of family violence, including pets. Novak will also speak at the Oct. 16 Candlelight Ceremony. Click on photo for larger version. (Photo © 2006 Michele Anderson)

MTU students invite all to "Tour of Latin America" and dance events through Oct. 21

Posted 10/10/2006  Updated 10/11/2006

HOUGHTON -- Michigan Tech’s Nosotros / Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers is celebrating National Hispanic Heritage Month with events through Saturday, Oct. 21. A "Tour of Latin America," free and open to all, is underway from Noon to 1 p.m. in the Red Metal Room 105 of the Memorial Union Building, including presentations on GUATEMALA, Land of Mountains, and PARAGUAY, Medicinal Secrets of Mate Tea on Tuesday, Oct. 10; ARGENTINA, Gauchos, Tango and More, and COLOMBIA, Emerald Paradise, on Wednesday, Oct. 11; MEXICO, Cradle of the Aztec Empire and Folklorist Dress and Dance Demonstrations on Thursday, Oct. 12. Free salsa classes will be held from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Monday-Thursday, Oct. 16-19, in the Memorial Union Commons. Free professional dance workshops are set for Friday, Oct. 20, and Saturday, Oct. 21, followed by a dance with live music from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. Saturday evening, Oct. 21, in the Memorial Union Ballroom 1. See the Nosotros Web site for details.
Photo: MTU student Idaliza Gomez of the Dominican Republic gives a presentation on her country Oct. 9, 2006, during the "Tour of Latin America," a week of celebration dedicated to understanding Hispanic cultures. Students present their countries in a variety of ways, from Power Point presentations to dances, music and food. Click on photo for larger version. (Photo © 2006 and courtesy Idaliza Gomez.)

MTU Sustainable Futures Institute to host poster exhibit, banquet Sept. 20

Posted 09/18/2006 

HOUGHTON --  Campus Sustainability Week at Michigan Tech University gets underway on Tuesday and Wednesday, Sept. 20 and 21, as the Sustainable Futures Institute (SFI) hosts the annual meeting of its advisory board. The Annual Sustainability Poster Session will be held from 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m on Wednesday, Sept. 20, in the Rozsa Lobby. This will be followed by the annual SFI reception and banquet. The Campus Sustainability Week continues on Monday and Tuesday, Sept. 25 and 26, with talks by David Gallo, Director of Special Projects at Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, located on Cape Cod, Massachusetts. more
Photo: John Sutherland, right, SFI co-director, and Neil Hutzler, chair of the MTU Civil and Environmental Engineering Department, admire posters at the 2005 SFI poster session. (Photo © 2005 Michigan Tech Sustainable Futures Institute.)

Parade of Nations to feature Cass Tech Marching Band, international entertainment Sept. 15-17

Posted 09/14/2006 

HOUGHTON --  Michigan Tech will feature several events in conjunction with the annual Parade of Nations, to be held Saturday, Sept. 16. Detroit's Cass Tech Marching Band, ranked third in the nation, will return to Houghton Friday, Sept. 15. In addition to marching in Saturday's parade, they will hold a workshop for local high school bands from 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 15, at Sherman Field. All are welcome to watch. On Saturday, participants representing as many as 90 countries will line up at 10:30 a.m. in front of Hancock Middle School for the parade, which features floats, bands and local 4-H groups helping to carry countries’ signs and flags. From 11 a.m. to noon, the parade will proceed from Hancock across the bridge to the Dee Stadium, where the public is invited to browse foods and crafts from China, Iran, India, Malaysia, Guatemala, Finland, Pakistan, the United States and more. Festivities also include international bands, songs, dances, and a fashion show. On Sunday, Sept. 17, at 7 p.m., visiting musical group Los Inkas will present "The Power of the Andes," indigenous music from southern Ecuador, in MTU's McArdle Theater. Tickets, $5 per person, will be available at the door or during the Parade of Nations.
Photo: Cass Tech Marching Band crosses Portage Lift Bridge from Hancock to Houghton during Sept. 2005 Parade of Nations. Click on photo for larger version. (Photo © 2005 Michele Anderson)

French Canadian music, dance program to be Aug. 31 in Chassell

Posted 08/21/2006 

CHASSELL -- An evening of French-Canadian music and dance will be presented at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 31, at the Chassell Heritage Center, 2nd Street in Chassell. The program, free and open to the public, will include folk songs, fiddle tunes, a lesson in French Canadian folk dancing by Deb McDowell and Kateryna Lapina and a demonstration of French Canadian foot tapping by Québec native Helen Fortin Valentyik. Song leaders and vocal soloists include Dave Bezotte, Evan Dixon, Marcia Goodrich, Gwen Hooper, Barbara Lide, Barry Pegg, Wellesley Pereira, Leroy Steinbacher, Helen Fortin Valentyik, Jan Wieber and Mary Younk. Additional singers will help the audience sing along; and several singers will also join Adam Durant, Floyd Henderson, Deb McDowell, David Owens, Kelly Suvanto, Oren Tikkanen and Patrick Younk to treat you to the sounds of button and piano accordion, fiddle, guitar, piano, mandolin, banjo, bodhran, and spoons. For more information, contact Dave Bezotte at 482-4956 or at dbezotte@yahoo.com. Aug. 31 will be the last day of the museum’s summer season, so come early (doors open at 4 p.m.) and enjoy the exhibits before the program. Photo: Dave Bezotte, organizer of the Aug. 31 French Canadian music program, plays a tune from Québec during the Dec. 3, 2005, French Canadian Christmas music event in Lake Linden. (File photo  © 2005 Michele Anderson) Click here or on photo for more photos of the December event.

Artist Dolly Luoma to exhibit baskets at Eagle Harbor Art Fair Aug. 12-13

Posted 08/11/2006 

CALUMET -- Artist Dolly Luoma of Laurium makes baskets that are functional, arty, decorative, expressive; she makes great ones, small ones, lean ones, brawny ones, brown ones, black ones, gray ones, tawny ones: all kinds of baskets. Selected as this year's Featured Artist by the Copper Country Associated Artists (CCAA), Dolly Luoma will show her art on Saturday and Sunday, August 12 -13, at the the 46th Annual Fine Art Fair and Exhibit in Eagle Harbor, an open-air fair of fine art and fine craft from more than 55 Michigan artists. Several local organizations will be offering food and beverage services, a bake sale and an all-township yard sale. All of the Keweenaw County Historical sites will be open. Hours are from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, and noon to 4 p.m. on Sunday. A handicap accessible restroom is available. more
Photo: Artist Dolly Luoma starts a new basket in her studio in Laurium. Luoma will be the  Featured Artist at the Copper Country Associated Artists (CCAA) 46th Annual Fine Art Fair and Exhibit on Saturday and Sunday, August 12-13, in Eagle Harbor, Mich. (Photo © 2006 J. Luoma, M.D. Reprinted with permission.)

"Social Art" by Paula McCambridge at Omphale Gallery through Sept. 4

Posted 08/09/2006 

CALUMET -- "Social Art," a cooperative art project by Hancock artist Paula McCambridge, is on exhibit through September 4, 2006, at the Omphale Gallery in Calumet. A reception for the artist will be held from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Friday, Aug. 11. The exhibit, which concerns freedom of expression, includes contributions from people all over the United States to whom McCambridge sent postcards bearing her drawing of a "blind" man and a quote from Noam Chomsky: "If we don't believe in freedom of expression for those we despise then we don't believe in it at all." more
Photo: This drawing by Paula McCambridge was reproduced as a postcard with a quote from Noam Chomsky and sent to people at random in all 50 United States. McCambridge is exhibiting their responses, including one from Chomsky, at the Omphale Gallery through Sept. 4. (Image © 2006 and courtesy Paula McCambridge. Reprinted with permission.)

Community prepares for 2006 Relay for Life June 23-24

By Wade Wainio  Posted 06/20/2006 

HOUGHTON -- The Copper Country's eleventh annual Relay For Life, a 24-hour fundraiser for the American Cancer Society, will take place from 1 p.m. on Friday, June 23, to 1 p.m. on Saturday, June 24, at the Houghton High School track on Gundlach Road. According to Kathy Archambeau, event manager, the Relay For Life is "the signature event for the American Cancer Society" in its fundraising for research, education and advocacy programs. The Relay For Life is a community event. The public is invited to join the teams in walking and to enjoy the activities. This year's theme is "Copper Country Goes Hollywood: Relay With The Stars." Read more and see the Schedule of Events.
Photo: Houghton residents Diane Shoos and her daughter Anna decorate Luminaria to honor family members (cancer victims and survivors) for the 2006 Copper Country Relay for Life to be held Friday and Saturday, June 23-24, at the Houghton High School track. (Photo © 2006 Michele Anderson)

TNC to dedicate Nicole Bloom Trail to Lookout Mountain June 18

Posted 06/16/2006 

MARQUETTE -- The Nature's Conservancy (TNC) will dedicate the Nicole Bloom Trail up to Lookout Mountain (Mt. Baldy) near Eagle Harbor at 1 p.m. on Sunday, June 18. Since M-26 is currently closed at Eagle River, go past Phoenix and take the first paved road on the left (3-4 mi.), the Eagle Harbor cutoff road. Just before reaching Eagle Harbor turn right on a two-track road located just across from the west end of Eliza Creek Rd. There is a Nature Conservancy sign at the entrance to this road and an area to park just before the sandy hill. Meet in the parking area. For a map visit the Northwoods Wilderness Recovery Web site.
Editor's Note: Nicole Bloom of Stevensville, Mich., a Michigan Tech graduate in Environmental Engineering and Biological Sciences, lost her life in a tragic accident while climbing in the Grand Tetons, near Jackson, Wyoming in June 2003. Read the tribute to Nicole by her friends.

Memorial service to be held for Janet Avery June 11

Posted 06/04/2006 

HOUGHTON -- A memorial service for Janet Morrow Avery of Gratiot Lake, Keweenaw County, will be held at 2 p.m. on Sunday, June 11, in the Memorial Union Ballroom on the Michigan Tech campus. Janet taught composition and technical writing in the Department of Humanities at MTU from 1981 to 1991. She was also the founder and president of AWAKE (Association Working Against Keweenaw Exploitation). Janet passed away March 4, 2006. The Reverend Dr. Bill Kennedy will speak, and all friends of Janet and her family are welcome to join in the celebration of her life and spirit. Read Janet Avery's obituary.

Community Arts Center to exhibit "Coppertown," photo documentary of Calumet by Eric Munch 

Posted 04/03/2006 

HANCOCK -- "Coppertown," a photo documentary of Calumet by Eric Munch, will be on exhibit from Apr. 4 through Apr. 29 in the Kerredge Gallery of the Community Arts Center, 126 Quincy Street in Hancock  Eric’s photos of Calumet, spanning 30 years, are playful and poignant as well as haunting. The public is invited to an opening reception from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Thursday,  Apr. 6. This exhibit is supported by a grant from the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs and members of the Copper Country Community Arts Council. For more information call (906) 482-2333.
Photo: "St. Mary's Osceola Mine Church Number 13" by Eric Munch. This photo was taken from a vantage point to make the church and the mine appear to be one building. Click here or on photo for larger version. (Photo © 1984 Eric Munch. All Rights Reserved.)

Forum on new mining legislation rules to be held Dec. 6 at MTU

Posted 12/04/2005 

HOUGHTON -- The public is invited to learn about proposed rules to implement Michigan's new non-ferrous mining law at a forum from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 6, in Fisher 135 on the Michigan Tech Campus. Panelists will discuss both the general regulatory framework and the arguments for and against the Kennecott Minerals Company's Eagle Project, the controversial proposed nickel-copper sulfide mine in Marquette County. The forum provides and opportunity to become informed about the issues and to become involved in the rulemaking process that will regulate mining projects in the future. more Photo: Ted Bornhorst, left, Michigan Tech professor of economic and engineering geology, chats with Jon Cherry, Manager of Environment and Governmental Affairs for Kennecott Minerals Company, after Cherry's presentation at MTU in September. Cherry and Bornhorst will participate in the Dec. 6 forum at MTU. (Photo © 2005 Michele Anderson)

Bete Grise Preserve to be dedicated at July 9 Celebration
Posted 06/20/2005 

HOUGHTON -- The Dedication of the Bete Grise Preserve, open to the public, will be held at 2 p.m on Saturday, July 9, 2005, on the Gay Lac La Belle Road between Point Isabelle and Lac La Belle. The Preserve includes 1,104 acres of pristine dune-swale wetlands and 7,500 feet of Lake Superior shoreline, which will be permanently preserved and open to the public for noninvasive recreation, research and education. The Houghton Keweenaw Conservation District and their Partners -- The Nature Conservancy, Keweenaw Land Trust, South Shore Association, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Michigan Department of Environmental Quality, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and many concerned individuals -- made possible the purchase of this area from International Paper/Lake Superior Land Co. more
Photo: This aerial photo shows the wetlands and beach at Bete Grise South in relation to the Gay-Lac La Belle Road. Lac La Belle and some Lac La Belle sloughs are in the background. (Photo © 2003 Michael Jordan. Reprinted with permission.)

Memorial service for Jim Rooks to be held June 13 in Copper Harbor

Posted 04/27/2005

COPPER HARBOR -- A memorial service for Jim Rooks will take place at 11 a.m. on Monday, June 13, 2005, at Our Lady of the Pines Chapel in Copper Harbor. Following the service, Jim's friends will gather at the Community Center for his favorite Turkey Potluck and share their special memories of "ROOKS." Jim Rooks -- naturalist, nature guide and educator -- passed away March 10, 2005, at Zablocki Veterans Memorial Hospital in Milwaukee. Read our Keweenaw Now tribute, Keweenaw loss: Jim Rooks of Copper Harbor, 1935 - 2005.
Photo: Jim Rooks and one of the tall Estivant Pines he helped preserve. (Photo © 2004 and courtesy Jim Junttila)

Business owners invited to meeting on proposed Wal-Mart supercenter

Posted 07/25/2003

HOUGHTON -- Copper Country business owners and residents concerned about the health and diversity of the area's business community are invited to a meeting from 7:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on Thursday, July 31, at the Holiday Inn Express in Houghton. Wal-Mart plans to build a supercenter in this area (either an expansion of their present store in Houghton -- to nearly double its size -- or a new store in a neighboring township). This meeting will allow the business community to share concerns about a supercenter's potential impact. Other Wal-Mart supercenters bring to the local market such items as inexpensive groceries, flowers, hardware, in-store banks, hair salons, jewelry, wedding supplies, photo development and automotive and other services.
Photo: At the July 8 Department of Environmental Quality public hearing in Houghton, Ray Frankenberg, representing Wal-Mart, explains plans to expand the Houghton Wal-Mart store. The hearing concerned wetlands to be impacted by the proposed project. (Photo by Michele Anderson)

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