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Happenings in the Keweenaw Peninsula January 19, 2005 Press Release and logo © 2005 Omega House. Reprinted with permission.

Omega House to sponsor mid-winter dance Jan. 21

HANCOCK -- When the bear rolls over, we've entered the last half of winter, or so they say. To help cure the  winter blues and cabin fever, Omega House hospice project is sponsoring a "fun"-raiser dance at the South Range Community Center, above the Fire Hall. 

"Friday evening, Jan. 21, will see a variety of dance-related activities available for the public," explained Jo Lorichon, Omega House director of marketing and development. "The evening starts out with Ralph Tuttila of the Finn Hall (Minneapolis) band giving private Finnish tango lessons (open to the public) from 6 p.m. - 7 p.m. for $15 per couple. Then there will be a debut performance by the Kivajat youth dancers and then the band will be playing for one and all to enjoy until midnight or so."

Tickets for the dance only (without the workshop) are $7. Coffee will be provided, and snacks and other beverages will be available for a small donation. Dancing will begin at 7:30 p.m.

Bill Sewell, Omega House dance committee chairperson, added, "Hancock's famous Heikinpäivä will be taking place the same week, and we thought it would be fun to provide additional music and dancing for those who have come to celebrate mid-winter."

Omega House is a place where family and friends can support their dying loved one through visits and short stays and where physical, emotional and spiritual needs will be addressed by professional and volunteer caregivers. The proposed hospice house will be a 6,400 square-foot homelike facility designed to house up to six patients and accommodate family members in their need for physical, emotional and spiritual support. The goal of Omega House is to preserve dignity and meaning for terminally ill patients throughout the final phase of life. 

For more information on how to support Omega House financially, contact Jo Lorichon or Julie Maroste at Omega House, 920 West Water St. Hancock, MI 49930, or call (906) 482-4438 (GIFT).

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