Home    Happenings March 2007

February 2007 Happenings -- April 2007 Happenings

March 2007 Happenings

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.)

Stuttgart Chamber Orchestra to perform with guitarist Eliot Fisk March 25 at Rozsa 

Posted 03/23/2007 

HOUGHTON -- Eliot Fisk, one of the world's preeminent classical guitarists, comes to Michigan Tech's Rozsa stage at 7:30 p.m. this Sunday, Mar. 25, to perform with the internationally renowned Stuttgart Chamber Orchestra. The orchestra will be conducted by John Yaffé; concertmaster Benjamin Hudson will be featured as violin soloist. The performance will be followed by a lobby reception hosted by Minnesota Public Radio and open to all audience members. At 6:30 p.m. in the West Lounge of Douglass Houghton Hall, Eliot Fisk will give a pre-concert talk, free and open only to ticket holders, about works on the program. Due to very limited space, all seats for the talk must be reserved by calling the Rozsa Box Office at 487-3200. Fisk was the last student of the late great guitarist Andrés Segovia, who described him as "one of the most brilliant, intelligent, gifted young artists of our time." Tickets are available online at www.tickets.mtu.edu or at the door. Read more on the Rozsa Web site.
Photo: Guitarist Eliot Fisk, the last student of the late great guitarist Andrés Segovia, will perform with the Stuttgart Chamber Orchestra at 7:30 p.m. Sunday, Mar. 25, at Michigan Tech's Rozsa Center for the Perfoming Arts. Click on photo for larger version. (Photo courtesy Rozsa Center)

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

"Walk for Peace" to be held Sunday, Mar. 18

Posted 03/15/2007 

HANCOCK -- A "Walk for Peace" will begin at 1 p.m. on Sunday, Mar. 18, at the Hancock City Hall. This "Walk for Peace" is in observance of the fourth anniversary of this nation's tragic invasion, devastation and occupation of Iraq. The Peace Walk will proceed from Hancock to the Houghton City Hall and then return. All are invited to join in part or all of the walk. Bring signs of your choosing. Some prepared signs will also be available. For more information, call 337-6434.

Copper Country Trout Unlimited to meet Mar. 14

Posted 03/14/2007 

HANCOCK -- The Copper Country Chapter of Trout Unlimited will meet at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Mar. 14, at the Ramada Inn Waterfront, Hancock. The meeting has been adjusted from the regular second Thursday schedule to accommodate Brad Petzke of Rivers North Guide Service, who will talk about fishing across the Upper Peninsula and share photos and tips. Fishing and conservation enthusiasts, both men and women, are invited to attend. For membership information, contact Bill Leder, 482-0158.

Finlandia's Nordic Film Series to present Lupaus Mar. 15, 17

Posted 03/13/2007 

HANCOCK -- The Finlandia University Finnish American Heritage Center (FAHC) continues its Nordic Film Series with Lupaus at 6 p.m. on Thursday, Mar. 15. A repeat showing of the film will take place at 11 a.m. Saturday, Mar. 17. The subject of the film is the Lotta Svärd organization, a paramilitary movement that originated in Finland at the end of WWI and spread to Sweden, Denmark and Estonia. The organization was made up of female volunteers who wanted to serve their country by supporting the armed forces in a non-combatant role. By 1944 the Finnish Lotta Svärd counted 242,000 volunteers, the largest voluntary auxiliary organization in the world. The Lottas worked in hospitals, air-raid warning posts, mail delivery, morgues, transport and other auxiliary tasks in the armed forces. The film is in Finnish with English subtitles. There is no admission charge, but donations are gratefully accepted. The FAHC is located at 435 Quincy Street in Hancock. For additional information, please contact 906-487-7505.

Community Arts Center, Suzuki Association to host Art and Violins Mar. 16

Posted 03/13/2007 

HANCOCK - The Community Arts Center and the Copper Country Suzuki Association will host a joint fundraising event from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Friday, Mar. 16, featuring a live auction of fine art and artist-altered violins and a silent auction of art and adventure packages. Enjoy gourmet savories and wine, Celtic inspired music and dancing by Fiddlehead and classical music by Northern Lights Quartet. Admission is $15 per person or $25 for couples at the door. For more information call 482-2333. The event will take place at the Community Arts Center Ballroom, 126 Quincy Street, Hancock.
Photo: "Sweet Symphony of Spring," art work by Nancy Leonard. Click on photo for larger version. (Photo © 2007 Adam Johnson of Brockit.com. Reprinted with permission.)

Keweenaw Krayons to offer Oriental Dance beginning Mar. 13 in Mohawk

Posted 03/12/2007 

MOHAWK -- Keweenaw Krayons' new program; "A Cultural Experience," is a six-week class in Oriental Dance, the dance of the Near East, sometimes referred to in this country as "belly dancing." The class, which  still has room for registrants, will meet from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. on Tuesdays, from  Mar. 13 through Apr. 17, at the Mohawk School. Everyone is welcome; no prior dance experience necessary. Instructor Ahlam has taught beginner and experienced dancers and also has experience with people in wheelchairs and walkers. This is a class designed to increase your flexibility, grace and strength while learning the "ancient and enduring art" of danse orientale.  Learn to appreciate the beauty of your own body... just as it is! Music used in the class will include Arabic, Turkish, Persian and Armenian. This program is sponsored in part by the Michigan Women’s Foundation, which has granted more than $3 million to more than 400 non-profit organizations serving women and girls throughout Michigan. The cost is $15 a session or $65 for all six weeks. Full and partial scholarships as well as bartering opportunities are available, with no financial questions asked. Taxi fare is also available for those lacking transportation. Pre-registration is required. Call 337-4706 or email staff@keweenawkrayons.com.  

Great Bear Chase cross country ski races to be March 10, 11 at Swedetown Trails

Posted 03/09/2007 

CALUMET -- The River Valley Bank Great Bear Chase and the Junior Bear Chase cross-country ski races will be held this weekend at Swedetown Trails in Calumet. The Great Bear Chase, on Sunday, March 11, will include 50-km and 26-km freestyle races and a 26-km classic race. Registration is available at Cross Country Sports in Calumet on Saturday, March 10; but there is no registration on Sunday. Skiers will receive updated information and a course map in their registration packets. The Junior Bear Chase, on Saturday, March 10, is a youth Nordic ski race, both classic and freestyle, for skiers up to 16-years-old. This year a new event is a Human Dragon Ski and a Human Dogsled Race. The human dogsled teams should include one person 12-years or older and one person 12-and-under, with at least seven years' difference between the two. Registration and bib pick-up will be 11:30 a.m. -12:30 p.m. for freestyle and 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. for sprint on Saturday at the Swedetown Chalet. Visit the Bear Chase Web site and the Junior Bear Chase Web site for more information.

Concert, CD release to benefit Yellow Dog Watershed Preserve March 7

Posted 03/07/2007 

MARQUETTE -- A (rescheduled) benefit concert and CD release party for the Yellow Dog Watershed Preserve will be held at 7 p.m. Wednesday, March 7, in the Banquet Room of the UpFront and Company in Marquette. A similar benefit concert in August 2005 featured singer Greg Brown; and the CD of that concert, recorded by Earthwork Music, is being released at this party. This winter’s concert at the UpFront will feature Seth Bernard and Daisy May, Ignorant Mob and The Derrell Syria Project. All ages are welcome. Suggested donation: $5-$15. Visit the Yellow Dog Watershed Web site for details.

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)

Finlandia to present Finnish films, "True Tales," March 1

Posted 02/28/2007 

HANCOCK -- On Thursday, March 1, Erkki Määttänen of the Finnish Broadcasting Co. will be at the Finlandia University Finnish American Heritage Center (FAHC) for the U.S. premiere of two recent episodes of his primetime Finland television program, “Tosi Tarina” (True Tales). Both were filmed in the Upper Peninsula. Many of the local people appearing in the films will be on hand to answer questions. These two films, and three others, will be featured in two separate showings, according the following schedule: 1:30 p.m.: Haapala Boys - USA; Toivola -- Land of Hope; Voice from the Village; Minnesota Tango; Looking for My Father. Beginning at 6 p.m. these same films, with the exception of the last one, will be shown again. The films are in English and in Finnish with English subtitles. The Finnish American Heritage Center is located on Quincy Street in downtown Hancock. For additional information, please call 906-487-7505.

MTU to present Northern Lights Film Festival March 1-3 

Posted 02/28/2007 

HOUGHTON -- The Northern Lights Film Festival will be held Thursday, Friday and Saturday, March 1-3, in the McArdle Theatre of the Walker Arts and Humanities Center on the Michigan Tech campus. Thursday and Friday feature a variety of films dealing with gender issues, free speech and globalization. On Saturday, visiting filmmakers from the New York University graduate program in film, Kai Orion of Hancock and Jerome Loston, as well as documentary filmmaker George Desort, who has been working on a documentary about the wolf and moose study on Isle Royale, will participate in panels and workshops on filmmaking and present short films and previews of their work. A reception for the guest filmmakers will be held at 6 p.m. Saturday in the McArdle Theatre. Visit the Northern Lights Film Festival Web site for a full schedule of events.

February 2007 Happenings -- April 2007 Happenings