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About the Cover Artist
Kathleen Conover of Marquette, an internationally recognized master artist, is the visiting artist of the month at Zero Degrees Gallery (525 N. Third St., Marquette), with a reception from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. on July 19. KathleenConover.com features originals and giclée reproductions for purchase.
5 City notes
HigHligHts of important Happenings in tHe area
14 then & now
Superior View rapid river HigH scHool and riverside manor
15 new york tiMes Crossword Puzzle meeting tHeir matcH (answers on page 83)
16 feature
MeliSSa wentarMini How Holly Greer’s vision Helped sHape Marquette’s sHoreline
21 sPorting life
KriSti eVanS MeMorial baseball tournaMent Honors leo durocHer
25 the arts
Jennifer ChaMpagne HeatHer courtney exudes quiet power beHind tHe caMera
31 lookout Point
MeliSSa wentarMini true nortH treks offers sanctuary to younG adults witH cancer
39 baCk then KriSty BaSolo viola turpeinen’s talent and cHarisMa Made Her a star
43 baCk then Brad giSChia MuseuM sHowcases local MininG HeritaGe
47 baCk then Bryon enniS tHe leGacy of lonGfellow’s ‘tHe sonG of HiawatHa’
51 lookout Point JoyCe wiSwell Hancock Moves forward after finlandia’s closure
59 in the outdoors SCot Stewart tHe world of wasps and Hornets
66 lookout Point
Jennifer donoVan suMMer caMps present opportunities for art, science entHusiasts
70 sPorting life
JiM laJoie kart club features fun, friendly atMospHere on tHe track
74 the sPirit of water
Sarah giMpl How MytHoloGy can teacH us to be water stewards
76 Poetry
BeVerly Matherne tHe gift
79 suPerior reads ViCtor r. VolKMan a visit to lakenen’s ‘junkyard art park’
81 on CaMPus news froM u p universities and colleGes
85 out & about
erin elliott Bryan & Carrie uSher july events, Music, art, MuseuMs and support Groups
Bonifas Arts Center rebuilding after fire
The Bonifas Arts Center in Escanaba is working to rebuild and recover after its facility was damaged by a fire on May 16, which was determined to be caused by a lightning strike.
As part of the cleanup efforts, the carpeted walls in the Powers Gallery have been removed, and a professional cleaning company has been treating the building from top to bottom. The next steps will be getting back into the offices and opening the gallery and studio spaces.
To support the Bonifas Arts Center or Players de Noc, visit bonifasarts. org or playersdenoc.org.
Marquette’s Fourth of July parade marshal, VIPs named The Marquette Kiwanis Club has announced the July 4 parade marshal and parade VIPs. The parade marshal will be Bob Kulisheck, a former Marquette mayor and longtime community advocate. Kulisheck has been involved with the Janzen House and Trillium House as well as leading local conservation and health efforts. He has also served as a volunteer crossing guard at the July 4 parade for 40 years.
The parade VIPs are Zosia Eppensteiner, CEO of the Community Foundation of Marquette County; Brandon Morey, firefighter of the year; Nick Emmendorfer, Kiwanis Club president; Marquette Mayor Jessica Hanley; Nathan King, police officer of the year; Ben Bernard, public service employee of the year; Catherine Lehmann and Kristina O’Connor, Marquette Area Public Schools teachers of the year; Pam Cornock, MAPS support staff of the year; Ray Carlson, Marquette County veteran of the year; and James Provost, Michigan veteran of the year.
NMU music department hosts summer concert series
The NMU Department of Music is hosting a new series titled Summer Concerts at Reynolds, which will take place on four Tuesdays this month at Reynolds Recital Hall. This year’s series will highlight the department’s faculty, all of whom are professional musicians in addition to teaching full time.
The concerts will feature Mark Flaherty (trumpet) on July 1; the Marquette Symphony Orchestra Brass Quintet at 4 p.m. on July 8; James A.
city notes
Hiawatha marks 45th year
The Hiawatha Traditional Music Festival will return to Marquette’s Tourist Park for its 45th year July 18-20. The three-day, family-friendly event presents all varieties of traditional and acoustic music from local and national performers.
“You have to love this music,” said Tom Dummer, one of the festival’s founding members and the current president of its board of directors. “It influences what music has become today, but it’s from decades ago.”
The festival, presented by the Hiawatha Music Co-op, kicks off on Friday with a dance featuring music from Brittany Haas and Nic Gareiss, Cold Springs, and Black Jake and the Carnies.
It continues all day on Saturday and Sunday with workshops, dancing, children’s activities and live music on the main stage from Tony Trischka’s Earl Jam featuring Michael Daves, Black Jake and the Carnies, Crys Matthews, Cold Springs, Brittany Haas and Nic Gareiss, Stina Jackson, Breabach, Joe Robinson, Mulebone, The Make-Believe Spurs, Pixie and the Partygrass Boys and WhoDat Brass Band.
“We’ve gained national prominence, and musicians know who we are,” Dummer said. “And we take care of our musicians. We feed them, we house them. They like to play here, and they like to come back.”
Dummer said additional activities occur in the campground at night as small groups of festival-goers come together for informal jam sessions.
Throughout the weekend, children can create their own instruments that they can play during
Strain (percussion) on July 15; and Patrick Booth (saxophone) on July 29. Performances begin at 5 p.m., unless otherwise noted.
Admission to all concerts is free, but donations will be accepted. All proceeds benefit the NMU Department of Music. For information, visit nmu.edu/music.
Tony Trischka
Sunday’s children’s parade. Almost since the beginning, Dummer said the festival placed an emphasis on the importance of including children and families.
Now, many children who grew up at the Hiawatha Music Festival are returning as volunteers and taking on important leadership roles.
The Hiawatha Music Festival was conceived by a small group of people who had attended the Wheatland Music Festival in Remus, Michigan, in the late 1970s. Led by Pat Rousseau, the group staged the two-day Bayshore Music Festival in Munising in June 1979.
In August of that year, the first Hiawatha Festival took place at the horse-pulling grounds in Champion. It moved to Tourist Park in July 1984.
After 45 years, Dummer said many of the people he has met through the festival feel like family.
“[Hiawatha] is a way to tie us all together, and it speaks to the community and the family nature of the event,” Dummer said. “Come join the community. I guarantee you’ll have a good time.”
For tickets and information, visit hiawathamusic.org.
—Erin Elliott Bryan
Performances in the Park planned in Copper Harbor
Theseventh season of Performances in the Park continues at 7 p.m. every Thursday through Aug. 28 at Donny Kilpela Memorial Park in Copper Harbor. Attendees are invited to bring blankets, chairs and picnic baskets to enjoy the entertainment.
Performances will include Bling Cro$by on July 3, Kevin Blackstone on July 10, Uncle Floyd on July 17, Gail English and Friends on July 24, Wild Honey Collective on July 31, Heather Evans on Aug. 7, Tapestry on Aug. 14, Almost Elvis featuring the Michigan TCB Mafia on Aug. 21 and John Snyder and Friends on Aug. 28.
Vinyl record show is July 3-6 at Ore Dock
Afour-day vinyl record show will
be held July 3-6 on the second floor community room of Ore Dock Brewing Company in Marquette. The show will open each day at noon.
Thousands of new and used vinyl records, CDs, posters, cassettes, books and T-shirts will be available. Sunday’s events will include a movie screening and six rounds of popular culture trivia.
Attendees can talk with Jon and Geoff about trading old records and tapes for new favorites or finding an unused media collection a new home. All are welcome at this all-ages event, presented by the NMU Vinyl Record Club.
Irontown Association to host Pioneer Days
The Negaunee Irontown Association will present the 2025 Pioneer Days celebration activities July 5-12.
The alumni softball tournament at LaCombe Field kicks off the week. There will be open houses at the Elks, VFW and Eagles Club, entertainment at local bars on Iron Street, Negaunee High School reunions and the Firemen’s Tournament, along with a variety of programs at the Negaunee Senior Center, Negaunee Historical Society and Negaunee Library.
The children’s bike parade and Elks children’s fun day will take place on July 9 at the Negaunee Ice Arena. On July 10, the Pioneer Princess Pageant will take place at Negaunee High School and the home run derby will take place at LaCombe Field.
Events on July 12 will include a new fun run/walk at 8:30 a.m., the annual community parade at 11:30 a.m. along Iron Street, live music from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Jackson Mine Park and a fireworks display over Teal Lake at dusk.
Adventures in History series returns to Eagle Harbor
As part of its Adventures in History series, the Keweenaw County Historical Society will present “How Sundials Helped Settle the American Frontier” at 7 p.m. on July 9 in the Eagle Harbor Community Building.
Mark Montgomery will explain
Booney Bash returns to Gould
The second annual Booney Bash — a music and arts festival — will take place July 25-27 at the Michihistrigan Campground in Gould City in Mackinac County.
Booney Bash originated in Wisconsin with an emphasis on heavy metal, but Allison Farley, one of the event’s organizers, said the focus has changed.
“We revamped that original idea,” she said, “and brought in hip-hop, electronic dance music, folk, instrumental and rap.”
Through their connections in the radio industry, Farley and her partner, Drew Griepentrog, built a wide network of connections — including several bands. Last year, the festival featured 40 performers. This year, there will be 60 bands spread over three days and three stages.
Organizers have streamlined the changeover process between acts, and the crew now has a year under their belts. “The wheels turn a lot smoother now,” Greipentrog said.
The Failsafes, Hatch Wiseguy and Dixon’s Violin will headline the three nights of the festival, and there will be between 15 and 20 acts each day.
Tickets are $20 for a day pass or $50 for a weekend pass. In addition, rustic campsites are available for $20 per night.
“We’re trying to create a festival for the people by the people,” Farley said. “We’re intentionally trying to make this the lowest-cost musical festival in the state of Michigan, for the amount and quality of the music.”
how William Burt came to invent the sun compass, used to further westward expansion in the United States, as well as how this surveying instrument relates directly to U.P. mining history.
The cost is $5. For information, visit keweenawhistory.org.
Partridge Creek Farm announces summer events
Partridge Creek Farm hosts its weekly Farm Stand and Skill Shares from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. on Wednesdays at its community farm in downtown Ishpeming. Visitors can shop a selection of fresh, seasonal produce and stay for a food demonstration and tasting using local ingredients.
The organizers also want to impress that the festival is for people 21 years of age and up. And though the event is sponsored by cannabis brands, it is not an open-consumption event.
Those looking for a break from the music can check out the ninehole disc golf course, restaurant and bar on site, nearby ORV trails, 30 retail vendors, food trucks, ax throwing, tabletop games and more.
“Expect summer camp vibes,” Farley said, “a bunch of people hanging around and listening to good music.”
She hopes people will give other genres of music a chance: “We want the Friday night metalheads to hang out with the Saturday rave kids.”
For more information about Booney Bash, check out Instagram @booneybash. For tickets, go to eventbrite.com and search for “Booney Bash 2025.”
—Brad Gischia
Community members can also take part in an informal tour of the farm from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Aug. 1 and Sept. 5. Attendees can see what’s growing, explore the farming practices and ask questions.
Partridge Creek accepts Food As Medicine Vouchers, Snap/EBT, cash, credit or debit cards and Senior Project Fresh. For information, visit partridgecreekfarm.org.
Youth invited to participate in Power of Produce
The Downtown Marquette Farmers Market will host the Power of Produce Children’s Program, made possible by funding from the Superior Health Foundation. Hosted by Par-
Dixon’s Violin
tridge Creek Farm, the POP Program will run every Saturday, July 12 to Aug. 30, at the orange POP tent near the Commons Overhang.
Open to youth ages 2 to 12, the program offers free hands-on activities such as cooking demos and scavenger hunts to encourage kids to explore healthy eating, local agriculture and physical activity. POP Club participants receive tokens to shop for fresh produce, meet farmers and discover new foods.
For information, visit partridgecreekfarm.org/power-of-produce.
Little Parsley Farm accepts Food as Medicine vouchers
As part of its commitment to supply fresh, local produce to residents who face economic barriers to food access and to senior residents west of Marquette, Little Parsley Farm now participates in the Food as Medicine program at the Negaunee Farmers Market.
Shoppers can purchase produce from LPF using UPFAM vouchers at the Negaunee market, which is open from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Wednesdays through September at Chiri Park on Iron Street. Seasonal produce varies from week to week, and recipe advice is always available.
For information about the Negaunee market, visit cityofnegaunee.com/ farmers-market.
Brittany Jean to perform at Lake Superior Theatre
Singer and songwriter Brittany Jean will return to Lake Superior Theatre at 7:30 p.m. on July 14 at the theater’s boathouse in Marquette.
Brittany Jean, who lives on the Columbia River in the Pacific Northwest, weaves folk and Americana traditions and blends her unique mix of original songs and favorite covers. She has released six albums recorded at Hilltop Recording Studios in Nashville.
Tickets are $15. For information, visit lakesuperiortheatre.com.
Music on Third returns to Marquette on July 17
Music on Third will once again bring live local music to Third Street in downtown Marquette. This free event transforms the street into a walkable music experience, with performances from local musicians at multiple locations along the way.
The music series will take place from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. on three Thursdays: July 17, Aug. 21 and Sept. 18. Third Street will be closed from Arch Street to Kaye Street beginning at 5:30 p.m.
An ’80s ‘Twelfth Night’
As part of Lake Superior Theatre’s summer season, a new adaptation of Shakespeare’s “Twelfth Night” will be staged July 29 through Aug. 1 at the boathouse at 270 N. Lakeshore Drive in Marquette.
A colorful and vibrant 1980s setting, featuring neon colors and synth-pop, will add a twist to this classic comedy of love and mistaken identity.
The production is being directed by 17-year-old Georgia Hummell.
“It’s a New York vibe. It’s a fun vibe,” Hummell said, adding that the theater itself will be decorated to fit the decade. “You’ll walk into a world that hasn’t been seen before.”
“Twelfth Night,” also known as “What You Will,” is a romantic comedy believed to have been written around 1601. This version features Shakespeare’s original story and original language.
“I was fascinated by how many different ways you can create it and make it your own even after all these years,” Hummell said.
She allowed that Shakespeare can be complicated at times and, because of that, many of the play’s jokes don’t hit with modern-day audiences. Hummell credited her cast of 20 people — ranging in age from 13 to 48 — who understand the language to help the audience understand the story.
“We have a great group of actors,” she said. “Set in more modern times will help the audience relate to the show much more.”
Hummell, who has been involved in theater for 13 years, was introduced to Shakespeare at age 11 by her father, Dr. Austin Hummell, a professor of English and poetry at NMU. She’s now read every Shakespeare play.
“It gave me something to do
For information, visit downtownmarquette.org.
Skandia Community Day scheduled for July 19
The Skandia Lions Club will host its annual Skandia Lions Club Community Day on July 19 at Maple Lane Sports. The parade will begin at 11 a.m., followed by local vendor booths, kids and adults games, food, live raffles and more.
during COVID,” Hummell said. Hummell and friends who are fellow Shakespeare fans later founded the Superior Shakespeare Company, which is now under the auspices of Lake Superior Theatre. The “baby company,” as Hummell referred to it, has its own board of directors and is under a five-year contract with LST. The company will stage a Shakespeare play each year, while Lake Superior Theatre helps with funding and grant writing.
Hummell was chosen to direct this production because she had studied Shakespeare the longest.
“We are a company that is accessible to everyone,” Hummell said. “We want people to love Shakespeare and develop more of an understanding and a love for the language.”
“Twelfth Night” will be staged at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, July 29, through Friday, Aug. 1. Tickets are $7.50 for youth ages 14 and younger; $12 for students ages 15 to 18, and seniors 60 and older; and $15 for adults. For tickets, visit nmu. universitytickets.com.
For information, contact Lake Superior Theatre at 906-227-7625 or visit lakesuperiortheatre.com.
—Erin Elliott Bryan
All types of parade participants are welcome, including farm equipment, business advertisements, decorated bicycles, ATV clubs and others. For information, call Ron at 906-9427662.
Wells Township pool to mark 50 years
AHappy 50th Birthday Pool Party will take place from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. on July 19 at the Wells Town-
Georgia Hummell
ship Pool and Hall in Arnold. Food, music, cornhole and kickball will be available.
Many improvements have been made to the pool to keep it running and part of free summer fun.
Photos and community stories from the past 50 years are also sought to build the history hall. For information, contact Janell Mineau at 920-268-6364 or jmineau.wellstownship@gmail.com.
Art on the Rocks returns on July 26-27
The Lake Superior Art Association will present the 65th annual Art on the Rocks fine art show July 26 and 27 at Mattson Lower Harbor Park.
This juried fine art fair features more than 100 local, regional and national artists exhibiting and selling their work in a wide variety of artistic media, including painting, drawing, fiber arts, jewelry, wood, ceramics, printmaking, mixed media, glass and more.
In addition to artist booths, Art on the Rocks will also feature an art activity and student expo tent hosted by NMU’s Student Art League, as well as food trucks.
The show will take place from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on July 26 and from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on July 27. Admission is free.
For information, visit marquetteartontherocks.com or find “Art on the Rocks” on Facebook.
Great Deer Chase is Aug. 16 in Calumet
The Great Deer Chase, presented by Rhythm Bike Shop and Level Up Branded Apparel Specialists of Houghton, will take place on Aug. 16 on the Swedetown trail system in Calumet. It is hosted by the Swedetown Trails Club.
Events will include 2-, 8-, 15- and 30-mile bike races, an Adventure Ride and a 50-yard tots race.
Registration is now open, and the first 80 registrants will get a commemorative event T-shirt. All proceeds support trail maintenance.
For information and to register, visit greatdeerchase.org.
Dementia-friendly movie scheduled for Aug. 20
Lake Superior Life Care and Hospice will host a Memory Café featuring a dementia-friendly movie matinee of “80 for Brady” at 1 p.m. on Aug. 20. The event is designed for individuals living with dementia and their caregivers.
Attendees can enjoy a free and relaxed screening of “80 for Brady,”
Air show is Aug. 2-3
The Michigan Flight Museum in Belleville, in conjunction with Marquette Sawyer Regional Airport, will present the inaugural Wings Over Marquette air show on Aug. 2 and 3. Activities will include three historic flyable aircraft from the museum that will provide rides, as well as aerobatic performances, ground entertainment and more.
“We’re excited to have something unique featuring these historic planes and special pilots,” said Susan Estler, CEO of Travel Marquette. “It’s another facet of what Marquette can offer.”
The Michigan Flight Museum has held an annual air show at its site for more than 25 years and was looking to take the show on the road. Organizers saw Marquette and the U.P. as an ideal location, particularly because the airport, a former U.S. Air Force base, has plenty of ramps and runway space to accommodate a variety of aircraft.
“Sawyer is very important to the history of Marquette County,” said Brenda Kerfoot, the museum’s director of communications. “This will be a way to see the airport in a historic way with historic aircraft.”
Among the aircraft that will be part of the show and will be available for rides will be a B-25 bomber and a C-47 transport from World War II and a Vietnam-era Huey Helicopter.
Air performances will include civilian aerobatic pilot Rob Holland flying his one-of-a-kind MXS-RH all carbon-fiber aircraft; hard-charging pilot Kevin Coleman flying his Extra 300 SHP with the Red Bull Air Force; a 1920s barnstormer-style show from Trevor Rafferty flying his highly modified Pitts 12 biplane; the Sovi-
a lighthearted comedy celebrating friendship and adventure, at Thomas Theatre in Marquette.
Pre-registration is required by Aug. 13. To make a reservation, call 906225-7760 or email outreach@lakesuperiorhospice.org.
Beaumier Center presenting two popular exhibitions
To celebrate the summer season, the Beaumier U.P. Heritage Center is
et-made MiG-17F flown by Mike Terfehr; and Warbird Thunder, a two-ship formation team of Chris “CT” Thomas and Mike “Buick” Eberhardt flying SNJ/T-6 Texans.
On the ground, the 10,000-horsepower Smoke-N-Thunder JetCar, piloted by Bill Braack, will race down the runway each day at speeds of nearly 400 mph. A variety of aircraft will be parked on site, and visitors can see them up close and speak to the pilots.
Kerfoot said the airport’s passenger service will continue as planned and its schedule will be incorporated into the air show’s events.
“We’re really excited to bring this up to the U.P.,” Kerfoot said. “This is a family event for all generations, and people from every era can be inspired.”
The Michigan Flight Museum takes on the management and financial costs of the event. Any proceeds will be used to support the museum, a nonprofit organization, and the maintenance and upkeep of its aircraft.
A variety of tickets and ticket packages are available, and youth 15 and younger are free. Tickets must be purchased online; for information, visit wingsovermarquette.com.
—Erin Elliott Bryan
bringing back two of its most popular exhibitions for the months of July and August: “Remnants: Ghost Towns of the Upper Peninsula” and “The Polar Bears: U.P. Soldiers in the Northern Russian Expeditionary Force 19181919.”
These exhibits will open on July 3 in the Beaumier Center’s gallery in Gries Hall at NMU. “Remnants: Ghost Towns of the Upper Peninsula” features 15 communities (one for
Warbird Thunder
Hancock festivities set for July 18-19
Key Ingredients, a celebration of local restaurants and musicians, will take place from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on July 18 along Quincy Street in downtown Hancock. Visitors will get a small sample of Hancock restaurants while they enjoy the local music scene at the same time. They can then choose at which restaurant they want to have their evening meal. Key Ingredients will feature three headline bands, Rewind, Chad Borgen and the Collective and Uncle Pete’s Red-Hot Revue, as well as other musicians dispersed along six blocks of Quincy Street. The street will be transformed into a fair with local artisans doing their art outside, games and activities for kids, music and dancing. For information, contact Todd Gast at city@cityofhancock.com or call 906-482-2720. Key Ingredients will occur the evening before the 50th anniversary of Canal Run. Canal Run registration and bib pickup will also be open from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. on July 18 on Quincy Green. Canal Run, on July 19, includes a half marathon, 10-mile run or walk, 5-mile run or walk, 2-mile run or walk and adaptive categories for each distance. For information, visit canal.run. (Photo courtesy of the City of Hancock)
each county of the U.P.) that could be considered ghost towns. These towns were settled around mines, mills, quarries and along railroads.
The exhibit will tell the stories of ghost towns across the U.P. through historic and contemporary photographs, a history of each site and a drone video presentation featuring each of the communities. It will showcase towns of renown and obscurity, including Fayette, Pequaming, Victoria, Johnswood and others.
“The Polar Bears: U.P. Soldiers in the Northern Russian Expeditionary Force 1918-1919” will present information about this little known and poorly understood part of WWI. In 1918, as a response to a ceasefire between Germany and Russia, there was an alliance of British, French, Canadian and U.S. troops who were sent to Northern Russia and Siberia to fight against the newly formed Bolshevik government troops. Nearly 100 men from the U.P. served in the “Polar Bears.”
A recurring theme in this exhibition will be on social and ethnic identity, as many U.P. soldiers were immigrants or first-generation Americans from Canada and Europe. The conflict had a significant impact on their growing identities as Americans and also for their families.
The exhibits will be on display through Aug. 30, and admission is free. The Beaumier U.P. Heritage Center is open from noon to 4 p.m. Monday through Saturday; visit nmu. edu/beaumierheritagecenter.
‘Mad About Maps’ on display at MRHC
TheMarquette Regional History Center is presenting the special exhibit titled “Mad about Maps” through Jan. 31.
Maps have been used as an aid to all types of transportation — from steamboat routes to today’s singletrack bike trails. They are also used as a marketing tool, for reference and entertainment.
Visitors can view maps of the Great Lakes and Marquette County, see how mapmakers have sometimes misled their viewers and how the local landscape and surroundings have changed.
For information, visit call 906-2263571 or visit marquettehistory.org.
New parts of Keweenaw mine open for tours
Visitors to the Painesdale Mine can now explore newly revealed parts of copper mining.
The Painesdale Mine, built in
1902, offers a fully above-ground tour showcasing intact history fused with restoration. New this summer, there have been major improvements and additions to show guests more parts of a shaft-rockhouse and the newly cleaned Captain’s Office.
Touring the facility, visitors can enter near two capped mineshafts, which were sealed only in the 1990s. Two minecarts still sit in the main work area — one cart would have brought down 20 to 30 men at a time across more than 50 levels, and the other cart would be simultaneously hauling up copper ore side by side.
The tour also takes visitors on a catwalk pointing toward the steam engine room, which has been cleaned and re-decked and adds more views into Painesdale’s rock bin, which has been emptied for the first time since the mine started operations.
The Captain’s Office — where a mine captain conducted business, kept special equipment and handled the payroll — has received new windows.
In 2023, the Painesdale Mine was added to the Keweenaw National Historical Park as a Heritage Site. Guided tours of the mine are held at noon every Friday and Saturday. Closed-toe shoes are required, and portions of the tour include climbing up to three flights of stairs. Climbing to the upper levels of the shaft house is optional.
For information, visit painesdalemineshaft.com.
Travel Marquette launches Junior Explorer Program
Travel Marquette invites local families and visiting adventurers to explore the natural beauty of Marquette County through the Marquette County Junior Explorer Pass, a new educational program.
Developed by Travel Marquette in partnership with Leave No Trace, this initiative encourages children and
families to experience the outdoors responsibly while earning prizes along the way.
The Junior Explorer Pass is part of the Respect Marquette County campaign, a broader effort to promote sustainable outdoor recreation across the region. As participants travel to seven scenic locations throughout Marquette County, they can explore the seven Leave No Trace principles through interactive experiences, videos and trivia questions.
Highlights include stops at Wetmore Landing, Flat Rock Trail, the Presque Isle Bog Walk, Jackson Mine Park in Negaunee and the Chocolay Bayou Nature Preserve, offering experiences that blend education, conservation and outdoor fun.
Participation is free, and the program is open all summer. For information, visit travelmarquette.com.
LSCP introduces West End Business Passport
The Lake Superior Community Partnership has announced the West End Business Passport, a new initiative designed to promote tourism and drive foot traffic to businesses across the West End of Marquette County, which includes the cities and townships of Ishpeming and Negaunee.
When visiting participating businesses, users can scan a unique QR code displayed on-site, creating an interactive experience for visitors and businesses. Participants who visit 10 or more participating locations and check in with the West End Business Passport will be entered to win a $250 Love on Local gift card.
The passport, featuring participating businesses that are both LSCP partners and non-partners, will be available to the public through Labor Day. The digital passport and a full list of participating businesses are available at marquette.org/passport.
DID YOU KNOW ...
that Italian immigrants developed farms in the North Country?
Italian immigrants, coming from the sunny peninsula of their home country, ignored the climate and soil conditions and developed a string of farms in the Menominee River Valley between Waucedah and Norway and in the Copper Country between Hancock and Calumet, where dairy farming was dominant.
Submitted by Dr. Russell M. Magnaghi, history professor emeritus of NMU and author of several books, including “Upper Peninsula Beer: A History of Brewing Above the Bridge.”
Haferkorn wins poster competition
The winner of the 2025 Blueberry Festival Poster Competition is Alexa Haferkorn with her submission titled “Blueberry Sunset on Washington Street.” Haferkorn’s design is a digital piece that depicts the festival in action. This year saw a record number of submissions, with more than 40 artists sharing their unique visions through a wide range of styles and media. The 26th annual Blueberry Festival is planned for July 25 in downtown Marquette.
Eagle Mine announces community feedback survey
Every six months, Eagle Mine participates with Voconiq Local Voices to understand community sentiment about its operations.
The survey provides communities around Eagle Mine with a way to express their views and experiences directly to the company. Topics include procedural fairness, management of environmental impacts, awareness of community support, regulations and health and safety.
Eagle Mine has committed to using data from these surveys to shape decision making and business planning. The survey is anonymous and takes five to 10 minutes to complete. Each survey unlocks a $5 donation for a local non-profit organization through a Community Rewards Program.
The survey is open through Aug. 1. Visit eaglemine.com.
From the desk of Gov. Gretchen Whitmer
• Whitmer recently appointed Christopher Germain of Escanaba to the Michigan Board of Real Estate Brokers and Salespersons. Germain is a Realtor with Premier Real Estate and is the president of Michigan Realtors.
• Whitmer recently appointed Jimmy Bruce of Escanaba to the Commission on Services to the Aging. Bruce is a member of the Executive Council of the Michigan AARP and a retired consultant.
• Whitmer recently appointed Rick Bowerman of Munising to the Michigan Board of Examiners in Mortuary Science. Bowerman is the director of Bowerman Funeral Home.
Local business news in brief
• Construction is now underway on the new D.J. Jacobetti Home for Vet-
erans in Marquette Township, following a May 23 groundbreaking attended by state, federal and local leaders, including Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, U.S. Rep. Jack Bergman, state Sen. Ed McBroom and state Rep. Karl Bohnak. The new project, made possible through a $57.6 million federal investment and a $33 million grant from the state, will replace the current aging facility with a state-of-the-art skilled nursing home.
• The NMU Board of Trustees has approved a $79 million bond authorization to construct two new apartment complexes and support ongoing and planned academic building renovations, helping address the rising demand for student housing. Construction is expected to begin this fall, with completion anticipated by 2027. In addition, the board approved the launch of four new academic programs this fall, expanding NMU’s offerings in early childhood education, sustainability, psychology and plantbased wellness.
• Kona Hills Campground, an 80-acre, 40-site rustic campground in Marquette, is now open for public res-
ervations. The campground provides a mix of 32 walk-in and eight vehicle-friendly sites with hand-pump potable water from a deep artesian well and portable toilets. Electric or water hookups are not available, and gas generators are prohibited. Kona Hills Campground, co-owned by Marquette natives Jeremy Johnson, Devin Mahoney and Tim Piirala, will be open through October. For information, visit campkonahills.com.
• Great Lakes Glass and Calibration, an auto and residential glass repair company, recently celebrated the grand opening at its new location at 649 Palms Ave. in Ishpeming. The company, owned by Zak Kantola, features a full-service auto glass shop, mobile repair services and residential window repair. For information, contact Kantola at 906-458-7526 or email zakkantola@yahoo.com.
• UP Health System–Marquette has announced that Julie Nordberg, MSN, RN, CPPS, has been named executive director of nursing. She most recently served as director of inpatient nursing services, where she oversaw multiple clinical departments and led quality
Bradford Veley is a freelance cartoonist, illustrator and homesteader in the U.P. Follow him on Facebook, Instagram and at bradveley.com.
Historic bus tours begin this month
The Marquette Regional History Center’s historic bus tours are hitting the road again this summer. Participants will be entertained by reenactors (pictured above) along the route while traveling in comfort in an air-conditioned Checker bus. Historic interpretation will bring to light the stories of buildings, people and sites along the way. The tour will feature the Marquette lakefront, downtown, historic homes, Park Cemetery and sites north of NMU. The 90-minute tour departs from and returns to the MRHC, 145 W. Spring St. Tickets are $25 and are on sale now. The tours will take place at 1 p.m. on four Tuesdays (July 15, July 22, July 29 and Aug. 5) and 6 p.m. on four Wednesdays (July 16, July 23, Aug. 6 and Aug. 13). (Photo courtesy of MRHC)
improvement initiatives, staff development and operational efficiencies. In her new role, Nordberg will oversee several key areas of inpatient care.
• UP Health System–Marquette has announced that Meg McConnell, MSN, BSN, RN, has been named chief nursing officer. She most recently served as assistant chief nursing officer and will now oversee nursing operations and lead initiatives focused on clinical quality, patient safety, staff engagement and nursing excellence.
• The American Sailing Association has named Brian VanWieren, owner of U.P. Sailing Company in Marquette, as a 2024 Outstanding Instructor, an award granted to the top 1 percent of all instructors worldwide. VanWieren is the only American instructor awarded this honor from all of the Great Lakes. He also earned the award in 2023.
• Rooted: Nourished Beginnings, a postpartum education and in-home support service in Marquette, offers postpartum planning classes during pregnancy and home visits during the first four months after birth. The com-
pany was founded by Jamie Kitchel, a certified nurse-midwife; Melinda Britton, a certified doula; and Heather Sullivan, a licensed master social worker. All three women, who are NMU alumnae, are also certified lactation counselors and hold certifications in perinatal mental health. For information, visit rootedmqt.com.
• Living Water Christian Academy will open Sept. 2 to offer a non-denominational, classical Christian education for students in third through eighth grades. In addition to core subjects, the school will serve students with training in theology, music, fine arts, theater arts and physical education. For information, call 906-2363909 or visit lwcaUP.org.
HOW TO SUBMIT TO CITY NOTES
The deadline for event and press release submissions for City Notes is the 10th day of the month prior to publication. Send your releases to editor@marquettemonthly.com.
then & now
The current Rapid River High School opened in the late 1970s. Before that time, the building above (pictured in the 1940s) was the community’s high school and gymnasium for about seven decades.
Photos provided by Superior View Studios, located in Art of Framing, 149 W. Washington St. Marquette viewsofthepast.com
Some hotel check-in areas
Singer Cruz known as the ‘‘Queen of Salsa’’
Jibe
Break, slangily
Rafael Nadal has won a record 14 of these
Boxer’s diet, maybe
Mmes. : France :: ____ : Spain
Deal with a problem later, as a filmmaker
Belle boy? 26 It’s a cinch!
‘‘Everything in the world is about ____ except ____’’ (quote often attributed to Oscar Wilde)
54 Brittney of the W.N.B.A.
57 Hardy mountain plants
61 Highest point
65 Cold and wet, as weather
66 Last-one-standing fights
69 ‘‘!!!’’
70 Seventh of 24
71 ‘‘Ain’t ____ Sweet’’
72 Hopper in the Hundred Acre Wood
73 High-tail it
74 Plead
75 A, in German class
76 Forehead-slapping moments
77 Mich. neighbor
78 ‘‘Star Trek: T.N.G.’’ empath
80 Greeting from a man’s best friend
81 Abstainer
83 Beefy, as gym bros 85 Composer Vivaldi
87 Bumps on a log
Fancy diving flips 90 Prefix with -caster
Uncle ____ (nickname for comedian Berle)
Point in the direction of
Yosemite’s ____ Adams Gallery
Gateway to the Amalfi Coast
Something that often changes color before it falls
Vegas opener?
99 One-named pop star with releases on the Monkey Puzzle record label 100 Kids’ cries
101 Guinness record-holder for most words in a hit single (1,560 in six minutes)
103 De Armas of ‘‘Blade Runner 2049’’
106 Fibonacci and Galileo, for two
108 Powerful force of attraction on display in this puzzle?
111 Dance in celebration 114 Single-use binders 115 ‘‘You gotta be kidding me!’’
Reddit endorsement
Fat substitute 121 Smallest discrete units of energy 122 More expensive
Drift (off) 124 Captain’s rear 125 Not go along, say
1 What Jason Momoa has, notably
Potassium ____ (preservative)
Orientation participant
It’s for kids, not silly rabbits
‘‘Toy Story’’ dino
Still alive, so to speak
Jason Statham or Sylvester Stallone
No. 0615
Spider-Man’s lightningwielding foe
In la-la land, with ‘‘out’’
Yielded 38 Piece of one’s mine
Even a little
Cagney’s partner on classic TV
La petite Thérèse, e.g.: Abbr. 44 Striped stones 46 Meal modifier 49 Hebrew honorific
50 Makes a mess of 52 Lesser deities in Greek mythology
53 Computer addresses, for short
54 Colorful feature of a lawn
55 Based on reason
56 ‘‘Show me! Show me!’’
58 Ground cover plant with trailing vines and five-petaled flowers
59 Like some patches
60 Japanese restaurant order
62 Lose it
63 Part of a retirement title
64 Chinese restaurant order
67 Yonder, to a pirate
68 Dr. Zhivago’s beloved
76 Syst. of unspoken words
79 Addams Family cousin
82 Constellation on Alaska’s flag
83 Big Fifth Avenue retailer
84 Subject of the Liberi painting ‘‘The Birth of Love’’
86 Offal
88 Tall, chic woman
89 Attacks like a kitten
92 Kind of sch.
94 Bottleful for un bébé
97 Like a mom or dad’s patience
100 Amalgamation
102 African country whose name is found in another country’s name
103 Totally stoked
104 Washington team, to fans
105 State of unease
107 ‘‘Thong Song’’ singer, 2000
109 Stitch’s film friend
110 Soft ball brand
111 Flop
112 Expose, poetically
113 Director DuVernay
116 Pioneer in electronica music
117 Soccer analyst Holden
118 Bowler or boater
feature
How Holly Greer’s vision helped transform Marquette’s shoreline
The path to civic health
By Melissa Wentarmini
Early summer in Marquette carries the scent of lilacs and lake breeze. Along the lakefront, near McCarty’s Cove, a young boy pedals along the bike path, his helmet bobbing as his father jogs to keep up. College students cruise toward Presque Isle on rental bikes, earbuds in. A silver-haired woman in bright spandex powers through her morning walk, nodding at passersby like old friends.
This is the Holly S. Greer Shoreline Bike Path: 18 miles of shared space where locals and visitors alike walk, ride and reconnect with the heart of Marquette.
In the early 1970s, Marquette’s lakeshore was dominated by coal yards, active train tracks and a pre-
vailing car-first mentality. Sidewalks ended abruptly, and cyclists were rare sightings. It was during this era that Holly Greer, a mother of four and a minister’s wife, experienced a moment that would alter the city’s trajectory.
While driving her son to swim lessons at Shiras Pool in Presque Isle Park, Greer nearly hit a child on a bicycle. The immediate danger passed, but the incident left an indelible mark. Her daughter Cathy Greer Cole said, “She was often driving us out there. … She just recognized the need for a bike path.”
Most people would have simply clutched the wheel more tightly and driven on. Greer, however, went straight home and began to organize.
What ultimately became the Holly Greer Bike Path wasn’t born from en-
gineering blueprints or grand master plans. Instead, it began in the early 1970s with a clipboard, a profound sense of civic responsibility and 1,500 meticulously gathered signatures.
Greer perceived something everyone else had overlooked: that public access to the lake and safe, nonmotorized transit weren’t mere luxuries but foundational necessities.
At a time when Marquette’s lakeshore was hemmed in by industry and largely inaccessible to pedestrians, Greer envisioned a different reality. She wasn’t a transportation expert or a seasoned politician. Nevertheless, she understood how public spaces could shape a city’s soul.
Fifty years later, that shoreline has been utterly transformed. And, as evidenced by the growth of its downtown, the activity level of its residents
and the safety offered to its pedestrians, so has Marquette itself.
When the Greers arrived in the mid-1960s, Marquette’s lakefront was beyond the reach of most residents. Coal companies controlled vast stretches, and industrial rail lines restricted public entry.
“It had been this blue blur at the edge of town,” said Sarah Mittlefehldt, an NMU professor and Marquette Planning Commission member. “Something you saw, but didn’t necessarily move through.”
Greer, however, envisioned something different: people connected not by automobiles but by accessible paths. “She saw the shoreline as something that should belong to everyone,” Mittlefehldt said.
The shoreline itself, reflecting the old industrial order, was unwelcom-
The Holly S. Greer Shoreline Bike Path links all of the City of Marquette’s waterfront parks as well as many neighborhoods. (Photo by Michael Murray)
ing and often unsafe to pedestrians and families. The few existing paths were disjointed and poorly maintained, frequently blocked by railcars or heavy equipment.
It was certainly not a place for a leisurely stroll, much less a child on a bicycle. Greer’s vision represented a philosophical shift: the radical idea that the most valuable land should be open and accessible to everyone.
That blend of tradition and pioneering spirit was central to her character. “She was the most feminist sexist I ever knew,” Greer Cole recounted with a laugh. “She had my brothers mow the lawn and me do the dishes. But she got stuff done.”
While Greer maintained traditional household roles, she simultaneously blazed trails, actively participating in consciousness-raising groups, playing a key role in launching the Women’s Center and consistently urging Marquette to view recreation as more than an afterthought.
“I think one thing about Marquette is that there are a lot of very able, capable women here,” Greer, a Chicago native, said in a 1981 interview. “And we didn’t just want to talk; we wanted to act.”
And act she did. In 1972, Greer was
the first woman elected to the Marquette City Commission, and in 1975, she made history again, becoming Marquette’s first female mayor. She brought with her not only the intellectual rigor of a Smith College education but a determination to challenge the norms she saw as hard-nosed and short-sighted.
Statistically speaking, Greer should not have existed — not as an advocate, not as a city official and certainly not as a mayor. Women comprised just 2% of municipal leadership posi-
tions in the 1970s. Few were seen as authoritative on issues like infrastructure or urban planning. Fewer still were mothers of four forging visionary urban design in a northern Michigan town of 20,000 people. She didn’t fit the mold. And she didn’t try.
Collecting those 1,500 signatures was more than just a bureaucratic step. It represented civic organizing at its most personal and impactful. According to Cathy, Greer engaged with people across town, patiently explain-
the city’s most
ing to friends and strangers alike why a bike path was so crucially important.
“She wasn’t confrontational,” Greer Cole said. “She just had this ability to sit with people and make them feel like what she was proposing was obvious and good.”
Not everyone readily embraced Greer’s vision, of course. To some, recreation seemed frivolous, nonessential and a drain on resources. Yet Greer firmly believed in it as a form of prevention.
“A lot of people felt that Marquette was spending way too much on recreation,” she said in 1981. “I still feel, and I will continue to feel, that the more you put into recreation, the less you have to put into the police department.”
This logic — that investing in community spaces could prevent future crises — would ultimately define her legacy.
In 1977, under Greer’s mayoral leadership, the city secured funding from the Shiras Institute to acquire land from the Spear Coal Company.
The Holly Greer Bike Path offers vistas of some of
iconic structures, such as the Marquette Harbor Lighthouse. (Photo by Michael Murray)
That property later became Ellwood A. Mattson Lower Harbor Park, a vivid symbol of the city reclaiming its shoreline for the public. Mattson Park and the bike path are now inseparably intertwined.
David Stensaas, zoning administrator for the City of Marquette, emphasized the role that engaged citizens play in shaping public spaces. “Private philanthropy plays a large role in creating recreational facilities,” he said. While Greer may have been responding to a groundswell of public interest, it was her initiative and persistence that ultimately helped turn vision into reality.
Stensaas also situated Greer’s efforts within a broader national context. “There was a national movement in the 1960s and ’70s to create bike facilities, and many parks created paths for bicyclists in that era,” he said. “Mayor Greer … was effective in getting a major project done that has been one of the community’s most cherished assets, a truly multiuse path.”
The original paved section of the path extended from Fair Avenue to Presque Isle. Over time, the path expanded considerably. Now stretching more than 18 miles and connecting with the Iron Ore Heritage Trail, the North Country Trail and the Iron Belle Trail, it seamlessly links neighborhoods, businesses and historic sites, serving as a quiet yet vital artery of movement throughout the city.
“She didn’t build it just for cyclists,” Mittlefehldt said. “She built it for everyone.”
Indeed, Mittlefehldt said, the very idea of a recreational shoreline path was deeply rooted in the 1960s ethos of civic engagement, public health and access for all. “It wasn’t about
elite athleticism,” she said. “It was about reclaiming public space. It was about equity. Holly understood that before many others did.”
Today, the path is far more than just a trail. It has become an integral part of Marquette’s daily rhythm.
Kevin Thomsen, owner of Queen City Running Company, views the bike path through multiple lenses: as a business owner, a father of four and an avid daily runner. “We live about two blocks away, so I run every day on that thing,” he said. “If I’m not out in the woods trail running, I’m on the path. It’s safe, it connects all points in town and it’s just beautiful.”
Thomsen credits the path with shaping his family’s lifestyle. “It’s the safest way to get around town,” he said. “We use it with the kids all the time. And as a business, we’re literally 20 feet from the start of it. Our Thursday night group runs, our couch-to-5K program — it’s all centered around the path. We had 25 new runners this spring, and they all fell in love with it.”
As a local business owner, Thomsen also clearly perceives the significant economic ripple effects. “People bike downtown now, they stop, grab dinner or a drink and head back up,” he said. “It keeps money local and supports downtown vitality. You don’t think about it until you visit other towns and realize how lucky we are.”
Even in winter, the city keeps major sections of the path plowed. “You’ve got at least 10 miles of runnable surface year-round,” Thomsen said. “That keeps people moving when they need it most.”
And he is acutely aware of the path’s history and the visionary woman behind it. “It’s crazy to think someone had the foresight to do this in the
Holly Greer, meeting with a planner, was instrumental in the creation of Marquette’s multi-use path. (Photo courtesy of the Marquette Regional History Center)
’70s,” he said. “Other towns are still trying to catch up. But Holly Greer saw it. And we’ve all benefited.”
Greer’s foresight has been confirmed time and again by compelling data. According to the League of American Bicyclists:
• Marquette has consistently maintained Silver-level Bicycle Friendly Community status since 2014.
• Its bike commuter rate is three times the national average.
• No cyclist fatalities have been reported in recent years. Nationwide research supports further findings:
• Homes situated near bike paths often increase in value by 3% to 11%.
• Communities with well-developed trails typically experience higher tourism and local spending.
• Individuals who live near trails report significantly higher physical activity levels.
In short: Bike paths demonstrably boost safety, prosperity, public health and overall happiness.
The path didn’t always bear Greer’s name. According to Greer Cole, it was her mother’s friend Gloria Versailles who spearheaded the effort to honor her remarkable contributions. Greer died in 2018 at age 86.
“She never wanted her name on anything,” Greer Cole said. “She just wanted people to be safe.”
Today, the path continues to evolve. As electric bikes, scooters and onewheels experience a surge in popularity, the city has partnered with Toole Design Group on an active transportation plan to strategically manage its future.
The 2025 Parks and Recreation Master Plan includes key recommendations for surfacing, signage, accessibility enhancements and historical interpretation. It also advocates for improved integration between existing parks and trailheads, new signage acknowledging the path’s origins and expanded off-season maintenance.
The city’s planners now view the path not just as infrastructure, but as a value system embedded in the landscape.
Years ago, Greer Cole planted flowers at the foot of a sign bearing her mother’s name. It was a quiet tribute, and she’s unsure whether the flowers ever took root. What did take root, however, was lasting change.
Greer’s profound legacy now thrives in every ride to school, every sunset jog, every serene walk along a shoreline that once felt impossibly out of reach. As Mittlefehldt put it, “This is the front door to Marquette. If we want to show people who we are, it should be open, safe and welcoming to all.”
“She believed if you invest in your community,” Greer Cole said, “the returns will come.”
And they most certainly did. MM
Melissa Wentarmini is a writer based in Iron Mountain with a focus on storytelling that highlights local communities, history and human connections. An avid runner and cyclist, she is actively engaged in her community and enjoys time with her family as a wife and mother.
Holly Greer’s legacy lives on as Marquette’s cyclists, runners and walkers enjoy the multi-use path every day of the year. (Photo by Michael Murray)
sporting life
A life on the diamond Memorial tournament honors Durocher’s
By Kristi Evans
The name Leo Durocher is most famously associated with the National Baseball Hall of Fame inductee who was a skipper for four major league teams, won three pennants and led the New York Giants to a World Series title. According to his bio, he had a fiery personality and would do anything to win. Legendary dirt-kicking tirades and verbal banter with umpires and executives earned him a reputation as “The Lip.”
His reported sixth cousin, a sports legend from Freda in Houghton County also named Leo Durocher, made his own indelible mark on the sport, albeit not at the professional level. Despite their similarities — both played shortstop at some point and were intensely focused and competitive — they diverged significantly when it came to temperament and bravado. A Mount Pleasant newspaper story on the two men called the U.P. native “The Zip” for his comparative shyness, humility and positive attitude.
Leo Durocher from Freda demonstrated versatility in playing any position on the field. He was particularly impressive at the plate, with a .311 batting average over three seasons at Central Michigan University and solid hitting performances when he joined a Wisconsin team in the National Senior Tournament in Arizona.
But he recorded his most impressive stats with his beloved Stanton (Township) Wildcats of the Copper Country Twilight League. During its prime, the CCTL was composed of multiple men’s teams that sprouted up in rural mill towns below and above the Portage Lake Lift Bridge. A handful still remain.
Durocher compiled a batting average of more than .420 over 40 seasons with the Wildcats, and he hit with such power that his line drives “literally tore the gloves off opposing fielders,” reported The Daily Mining Gazette He had an astonishing .486 average in his final season, before collapsing at home plate on his home field from a massive heart attack. Durocher died
impact on U.P. baseball
on May 27, 1999, at the age of 56. Among the family members he left behind were his wife, Mary; daughter, Darcy, a talented hardball and softball player in her own right; and three sons who played on the same team with their dad and witnessed the traumatic event: Daron, Tom and Andre. (The latter tragically died in a car accident several years later.)
“I was the lead-off hitter and got out and returned to the bench,” recalled Daron, who was 19 at the time. “My dad was in the batter’s box. I remember the second pitch to him was too high, and all of a sudden, he just fell to the ground. It was a shock because nothing about that day seemed abnormal to me up until then. My brothers and I were all logging with him — I was on summer break from college — and we got up at 5:30,
spent the day working, had dinner and then went to the ball field as we usually would.”
“Pink” Floyd Wakeham, nicknamed for the popular band, was a former neighbor of Leo’s family and played with the Stanton Wildcats from age 15 to the moment his friend collapsed at home plate. Wakeham was on deck to be the next batter when it happened. The former Army medic and practicing nurse performed CPR until the ambulance arrived, though he said he knew it would be a futile attempt. It surprised him that Leo experienced a medical crisis like that “because he seemed like he was in great shape; it bothered me that somebody could go that quick and that early in life.”
Mary did not attend the game. She was cleaning the family-owned Supe-
rior View Restaurant. She covered for Leo there on Saturdays so he could play baseball. After several attempts to call her, someone finally connected via her landline when she stopped home to change.
“I got there in time to ride with him in the ambulance,” she said. “It took 45 minutes for the ambulance to arrive because this is such a rural place and they have to cover many miles. I’ve been told it’s because of Leo that police up here now carry AED defibrillators. He was very well-known in the community through the family restaurant and his logging business, his roles as Stanton Township assessor and school board member and his heavy involvement in baseball and hockey as a player and coach. I think some of those who were impacted by Leo wanted to get the AEDs to help
Leo Durocher, left, played for the Stanton Wildcats of the Copper Country Twilight League with his sons, from left, Tom, Daron and Andre. (Photo courtesy of the Durocher family)
others possibly survive a heart attack as a sign of appreciation for all he did for the community.”
Despite the pain of losing Leo at a relatively young age while he was still incredibly active, family and friends agree there was some comfort in knowing his final moments involved playing the game he loved with his three sons.
Fueled by his longtime success as a player and manager/organizer with the Twilight League, a commemorative plaque was installed near the Stanton Field concession stand and a Leo Durocher Memorial Baseball Tournament was established the year after his death. Daron coordinates the event, and Mary is in charge of concessions and raffle ticket sales.
The 25th annual installment of the tourney is scheduled for July 11-13. Five Twilight League teams, along with clubs from Negaunee and Channing, will descend upon Stanton Field in pursuit of the winner’s trophy. Daron said the ball diamond is situated in a beautiful and serene location, sandwiched by trees and farmland. It is also sporting a refurbished infield and new fence.
Baseball was a family affair for Leo from a young age, according to Mary. His dad played, and his mom was also quite good, though she was not on any organized team. Wakeham said that in a rural community like Freda, there wasn’t much else going on to divert focus, so summers were all about baseball.
“When we were kids, we played in the cow pastures and used cow patties for bases,” he said. “And when we would go to the ballpark, if someone broke a bat, we’d take it home to fix it so we could use it ourselves. If they hit a ball and lost it, we’d go find it in the woods and tape it up. We were pretty inventive in coming up with our own equipment to play.”
“I think Leo started playing in the Twilight League when he was 14, and he was managing it not long after that,” Mary said. “When he had summers off from college or weekends off while teaching briefly in Wisconsin, he would still return home to play and manage the league. We came back to the area for good when he and his brother started the restaurant. I got to see him play twice a week when I wasn’t working for him there on Saturdays. It would have been really rough for him if he had to give up baseball.”
During one of his first practices as part of the Central Michigan University roster, Leo met Bobby Davidson. The two teammates started chatting
while playing catch and discovered they were both from the Upper Peninsula. Davidson hailed from Felch in Dickinson County. He eventually returned to his hometown and participated in men’s league hardball through his late 70s.
“Leo was a team leader and complete baseball player,” Davidson said. “I don’t know why his parents named him Leo, like the professional player, but he certainly lived up to that name by his skills. He played outfield mostly at Central, and was a very good hitter. I didn’t play much, but our team set a record for wins that was broken more recently. Central marked the beginning of a very durable and enjoyable friendship over many years. We were 50 when we joined the Wisconsin team at the Senior Baseball League World Series in Phoenix. As I understand it, the team doubled their wins from the previous year. We weren’t carousers or anything like that. We just loved playing the game.”
Former major league pitcher John Hiller spent his entire 15-year career with the Detroit Tigers, including the 1968 world championship season. After retiring, he joined the men’s team in Felch for a few years. Hiller said he doesn’t recall most of his opponents from that brief period, but Durocher stood out when their respective teams squared off occasionally.
“That’s partly because he had the same name as a Hall of Famer, but mostly because I remember that, for Leo, the Lord and family came first; baseball was a tight third,” he said. “I can visualize him standing at the plate. He was intense and competitive, yet always had a smile on his face. I wasn’t throwing my greatest stuff in my 40s, but he sure was a great hitter — what we called a ‘tough out.’ Leo had a clear passion for the game and loved talking about it. He asked me so many questions. I told him even though I made a living from baseball, he knew more than I did about it.”
The sport has been depicted in a number of movies. Even in those unrelated to baseball, a popular method for conveying the close relationship between a father and son is the quintessential scene of them conversing while having a catch in the yard.
One-on-one time with Leo was a rare commodity, given his demanding schedule, but Daron said his dad always made time for outdoor activity with his kids. The family would play pickle, a recess game where players try to tag runners as they sprint between bases, every day on the gravel road in front of the house. Or they
would go to a backstop erected in an uncle’s yard, and Leo would throw balls to them.
“I wonder now how he did all that, because every day from 5:30 a.m. to 10 p.m., it seemed like it was go, go, go for him,” Daron said. “We’d bug him as soon as he got home to play, but he’d take a short break or power nap first to refresh his energy. He didn’t push us into baseball; we wanted it because we loved watching him play. His knowledge and skills were second to none up here. He wasn’t an overly tough critic, but he wouldn’t sugarcoat things, either. He let us make mistakes and go to him with questions or to get his opinions.”
Leo would occasionally ump his sons’ games. Mary joked that it was much to their dismay because they knew he would call them out on any close play to avoid accusations of family bias. But he never coached their baseball teams.
“That was actually the best thing, in my opinion, because he wanted to keep playing and was just too busy to do both, especially when he was doing so much to keep the Twilight League going,” Daron said. “I wanted him to play for his sake more than I wanted him to coach us for ours because it meant so much to him to stay active in the game. Besides, I got my fun time with him every day, and he taught me a lot of valuable lessons through that, even though I didn’t always realize it at the time.”
Leo did coach his sons in hockey, a sport he also excelled at for many years. He was billed as a stellar defenseman and advanced to the Copper Country Chiefs, a semi-pro team that operated from 1972 to 1976. He later
joined the Calumet Wolverines senior team and served as an assistant coach with both the Copper Country Junior Hockey Association and the Houghton High School Gremlins. An effort to induct him into the U.P. Sports Hall of Fame was unsuccessful.
National Baseball Hall of Fame inductee Leo “The Lip” Durocher was often credited with the phrase “Nice guys finish last,” though there was some debate as to whether he actually said it. Regardless, his distant relative Leo “The Zip” Durocher did not buy into the same belief, as evidenced by the success he achieved without resorting to brash dialogue or demonstrative antics. He also embodied other positive qualities that cemented his legacy beyond baseball and was considered a true gentleman by those who knew him best.
“Leo was a tremendous person,” Davidson said. “He had great character, was honest as the day is long, and he had many good friends. Even though distance separated us during the summers and after school, we stayed close friends for a long, long time. I still keep in touch with his family.”
Daron said, “He had a competitive fire, but he would get others pumped up to do their best by leading by example, not through yelling or anger. He was a very calm, patient and understanding person, whether it be related to sports, work or anything else. My dad commanded respect by being a genuinely nice guy.”
MM
Kristi Evans is a public relations professional, writer and hobby photographer who spends much of her free time outdoors.
Leo Durocher, right, was joined at the baseball field by, from left, his father, Clarence; his brother, Clarence Jr.; and his sons, Andre, Tom and Daron. (Photo courtesy of the Durocher family)
the arts
The reluctant star
U.P. native Heather Courtney exudes quiet power behind
By Jennifer Champagne
For Heather Courtney, home is never far away — even as her documentaries have carried her from Afghanistan’s battlefields to rural Kenya and the newsrooms of struggling small-town papers. The multi-award-winning filmmaker, known for her immersive and intimate storytelling, grew up in the Upper Peninsula, in Houghton, where isolation bred a certain quiet grit that defines her work.
Though she now calls California home, her creative compass often points back to small towns like the one where she was raised. Courtney’s camera has traveled the world, shining a light on the lives of people often overlooked and giving voice to com-
munities that rarely make headlines.
Courtney is famously private about her personal life. Friends and collaborators say that’s not surprising for someone who prefers to train the camera outward, not inward.
“She’s brutally authentic,” said Karen Skloss, her longtime friend and editor. “What you see is what you get. She doesn’t chase celebrity or attention — she builds real trust with people, and that’s how she gets the kind of access most filmmakers dream of.”
Her ability to embed herself deeply into the lives of her subjects has
Filmmaker Heather Courtney is flanked by Cole Smith, left, and Dominic Fredianelli, Hancock natives who are featured in “Where Soldiers Come From.”
(Photo courtesy of Heather Courtney)
the camera
become her calling card. Whether following young soldiers into war zones or chronicling the slow decline of small-town newspapers, Courtney brings an emotional sensitivity that humanizes even the most complex issues. Her subjects and crew often become an extended family — relationships that endure long after the films are completed.
Courtney left Houghton to attend Northwestern University, where she earned her undergraduate degree in journalism. Before pursuing her MFA in film production at the University of Texas at Austin, she spent eight years working as a writer and photographer for the United Nations and several relief agencies, including time in Rwandan refugee camps following the 1994 genocide.
Those experiences overseas ex-
posed her to global inequality and human rights issues, planting the early seeds for her documentary work and reinforcing her interest in stories that give voice to people often left on the margins.
At UT Austin, she turned those real-world experiences into intimate, character-driven filmmaking, developing the observational style that would become her signature. It was there she met Skloss and Kyle Henry, two editors who would later become creative collaborators.
Even as a graduate student, Courtney stood out. Henry, who co-edited her Emmy Award-winning documentary “Where Soldiers Come From,” recalls being struck by her talent early on.
“She was already directing films that got broadcast on PBS as a grad
“Where Soldiers Come From” played to a full house at the historic Calumet Theatre in 2011. (Photos courtesy of Heather Courtney)
student. That’s not normal,” he said. “Right away, you could see her commitment to the stories and the people she was filming.”
That commitment was central to “Where Soldiers Come From” (2011), which followed a group of young men from Hancock as they enlisted in the Michigan National Guard, deployed to Afghanistan and returned home forever changed.
Among them was Cole Smith, who was 24 when he deployed as a driver and gunner in convoys searching for roadside bombs. Smith later attended Northern Michigan and Finlandia universities, but the experiences overseas left lasting marks.
“We obviously were really protective of her,” Smith said, recalling Courtney embedded with his unit during dangerous missions. “She gets so focused on what she’s doing that everything else strips away.”
Smith recalled one moment that captured Courtney’s single-minded focus. While his unit was actively clearing a road where a truck had just been hit by an explosive device, the soldiers moved carefully, sweeping for more mines. Courtney had been told to remain inside the vehicle for her own safety. But when Smith turned around, she was already out in the open, walking in the middle of the road advancing toward the team with her camera rolling.
“We told her, ‘You need to stop. You need to stay in the truck. This isn’t safe,’” Smith said. “But she just kept coming.”
Henry remembers receiving footage from Courtney’s time overseas and being stunned by her proximity to danger: “She was putting herself at risk anytime she went out on missions with them. I wouldn’t have done it. But that’s Heather. She’s fearless. She wants to show audiences things they wouldn’t otherwise see.”
Smith recalled how embedded Courtney was with the unit. “She was right there with us, in the back of the truck while we were out on missions,” he said. “After a while, we’d almost forget she was even there — she just stayed quiet and focused, filming everything, never getting in the way.” That ability to fade into the background allowed her to capture raw, intimate moments that might have been lost with a more intrusive approach.
Courtney’s focus sometimes led to decisions that left her crew shaking their heads. Smith recalled Courtney’s arrival in Afghanistan. Unlike most civilians embedded with military units, who followed strict security protocols, Courtney simply landed at
the airport, grabbed a taxi and found her way to the base.
“Who does that? It was crazy,” Smith said. The danger of traveling alone through Kabul didn’t seem to faze her. “That’s how she was — determined. She was going to get there no matter what, even if it meant hopping into a random cab and figuring it out on the way.”
In 2011, the year “Where Soldiers Come From” was released, Courtney returned home to screen the film to a full house at the historic 700-seat Calumet Theatre in Calumet — just miles from where the story began.
WE TOLD HER, ‘YOU NEED TO STAY IN THE TRUCK. THIS ISN’T SAFE.’ BUT SHE JUST KEPT COMING. “
fellow during the film’s development. Henry believes the story remains as relevant today as when it first premiered. “The rural-urban divide that’s shaped politics over the last 15 years — a lot of it goes back to who carried the burden of those wars,” he said. “Heather gave a face to that sacrifice.”
Often balancing multiple projects, Courtney stayed connected to her hometown’s small but vibrant film scene. In 2018, she returned to Houghton to screen “The Unafraid,” a feature-length documentary she co-directed with Anayansi Prado, at Michigan Tech’s 41 North Film Festival.
Later that year, the documentary aired nationally on the PBS program “POV” and went on to receive widespread acclaim, earning a 2012 News & Documentary Emmy Award, along with the Truer Than Fiction Award at the Film Independent Spirit Awards and a SXSW Jury Award. The film was praised by The New York Times and The Washington Post for its emotional depth and nuance and was supported by major funders including ITVS, the Sundance Documentary Fund and the United States Artists Fellowship. Courtney was also selected as a Sundance Edit and Story Lab
The film follows three Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, or DACA, recipients in Georgia as they fight for access to higher education despite state bans and tuition restrictions. After the screening at the Rozsa Center for the Performing Arts, Courtney and one of the film’s subjects held a Q&A, followed by a reception honoring her work. While immigration may seem far removed from life in the Upper Peninsula, Courtney said the audience still connected deeply with the personal stories at its core.
“That’s the whole reason I make documentary films — to make those connections and have audience members see a little of themselves in the people on the screen, even if their lives are very different,” she said.
Festival director Erin Smith added that Courtney’s involvement with 41 North extends beyond her own films. “A lot of documentary filmmakers know Heather and her work,” Smith
said. “She’s helped out quite a bit over the years.”
After “Where Soldiers Come From,” Courtney kept her focus on stories that give voice to people often overlooked. She teamed up with Skloss on “For the Record” (which began in 2017 and wrapped in 2022), a documentary following the slow collapse of regional journalism through the lens of a small-town newspaper publisher. Originally planned as a feature, the project shifted to a short partway through, reflecting changing circumstances and the realities of the festival circuit.
“We initially set out to make a feature,” Skloss said. “But COVID hit, resources got stretched and there were other films landing in the same space. Heather pivoted — which is also part of what makes her so smart.”
What the public didn’t see during that period was Courtney’s personal fight behind the scenes. While producing “For the Record” and another film, “Breaking the News” (shot from March 2020 through early 2023), she was quietly undergoing treatment for breast cancer.
“She was actually going through cancer treatment while we were working together,” Skloss said. “Two films, chemo, radiation — and she kept going. That’s Heather.”
Despite the challenge, Courtney completed both projects and is now cancer-free. “It was a lot,” Courtney said. “But the work helped me get through it. I needed to keep going. Frankly, it was good to have something else to focus on.”
“For the Record,” directed and produced by Heather Courtney, follows editor Laurie Ezzell Brown as she battles an oil bust and a pandemic to keep her family-owned weekly newspaper alive in rural Texas. (Photo courtesy of Heather Courtney)
Her latest film, “Widow Champion” (2025), continues her tradition of intimate, character-driven work while marking one of her most ambitious international collaborations to date.
Produced by Courtney and directed by Zippy Kimundu, the documentary follows a group of widows in rural Kenya who fight for land rights and
independence in the face of deep-rooted cultural and legal obstacles. After making its international debut earlier this year at Hot Docs in Toronto, the film had its U.S. premiere June 9 at the Tribeca Festival in New York.
For Courtney, the project reflects the same kind of personal connection and trust-building that have defined
her previous work, even as it took her far from home.
“I was really drawn to the women’s strength and resilience,” she said. “Even though the story is rooted in Kenya, the struggle for women’s rights, dignity and basic security is universal. That’s what makes it so powerful.”
As always, Courtney remains closely tied to the people and places that shaped her. The relationships she builds during her films rarely end when the cameras stop rolling — something her collaborators and subjects all recognize.
“They’re her family now,” Henry said. “That’s how she works — it’s not transactional. Once she’s in your life, she stays.”
Smith added, “Heather is one of the most genuine people I’ve ever met. She didn’t just parachute in, film and leave. She stayed connected to all of us after Afghanistan — checking in, visiting, still being part of our lives. That means a lot.”
That kind of lasting connection extended to Courtney’s collaborators as well. Early in Skloss’ filmmaking career, while both were at the University of Texas and Skloss was a single mother trying to launch her first project without any funding, Courtney showed up — not just as a friend but as a creative partner.
“Heather encouraged me in the beginning before I had any money,” Skloss said. “She would come over with a bottle of wine, shoot little interviews while I got my daughter in bed and stay for dinner. She made sure I wasn’t doing this all alone. That support helped me get the momentum I needed to keep going. …
“She creates lasting friendships and relationships with the people she
works with. And they’re true, meaningful friendships — not just professional connections.”
Even as her work has carried her around the world, Courtney has always found her grounding in these long-standing bonds. Though she and her husband, a network journalist, now call Venice Beach, California, home — along with their dog, Patrick — Courtney plans to return to the Upper Peninsula this summer to spend time with her “Where Soldiers Come From” family.
As for “Widow Champion,” Courtney is hopeful the film will land distribution after Tribeca. “We’re in conversations now, so hopefully it will find a good home,” she said.
While the film continues its run on the festival circuit, Courtney is already thinking ahead to future projects. “I’ve got a few ideas I’m starting to develop,” she said. Updates on her films and future projects can be found at heathermcourtney.com.
“She’s not chasing awards or money,” Skloss said. “She’s chasing truth.” MM
Jennifer Champagne tells stories about real people doing remarkable things — from film sets to the back roads of small-town America. Her work is fueled by curiosity, sincerity and more iced tea than she’d like to admit.
“Widow Champion” opened to rave reviews at the Tribeca Film Festival. It was produced by Heather Courtney, right, and directed by Zippy Kimundu, second from right. (Photo courtesy of Heather Courtney)
TNT offers young adults with cancer the space and support they need
‘We’re focused
By Melissa Wentarmini
Early-morning light scatters through the trees, dappling the ground in shades of gold and green. A stream trickles in the distance, and a group of young adults moves quietly along a wooded trail, each step softening the noise that cancer has etched into their lives. No one’s speaking, but there is conversation, in the silence, in the shared breath, in the rhythm of boots on dirt. Here, the path forward isn’t just literal. It’s the beginning of something new.
This is True North Treks, a nonprofit that is redefining survivorship by offering young adults with cancer and their caregivers the space, support and sanctuary to reconnect with them-
on healing’
True North Treks is a nonprofit that gives young adults with cancer the support they need. (Photo courtesy of True North Treks)
selves, each other and the wild.
The name True North Treks is more than a metaphor. Unlike grid or magnetic north, true north is celestial, constant, unwavering. “The goal isn’t to fix anyone,” said Dr. David Victorson, a former Escanaba resident and TNT’s co-founder and executive director. “The goal is to be together, to walk through this shared wilderness of experience.”
The idea for True North Treks germinated in the forests and lakes of the Upper Peninsula, where David and his brothers grew up steeped in nature. Their Grandma Delilah, grieving the death of her son Dale, found solace in a quiet forest, where she penned her poem, “Forest Cathedral.” Years later, inspired by nature’s healing capacity and their clinical work with young adults facing cancer, David, his wife, Gretchen Doninger, brother Scott and sister-in-law Gwen, envisioned a way to help others find their own sacred ground.
From the very beginning, the journey of TNT has been a family affair, rooted in resilience and deep empathy. David vividly remembers the day his young daughter came to him, holding out her piggy bank. “She said she wanted someone else to go on a trek,” he said. “She didn’t know what a nonprofit was, but she knew it was good. That pure gesture really set the tone. This work is about heart.”
With help from Northwestern University law students, who offered their services pro bono, and their brother Mike’s early donation, TNT was incorporated in 2008. Their first trek took place in 2010 in Montana, and it was a resounding success.
The founders’ commitment to healing has never been one-size-fits-all. That’s why TNT continually adapts, adding canoeing options for those unable to hike long distances, designing weekend “mini-treks” and even tailoring events specifically for survivors and caregivers to share the experience.
Healing beyond hospitals
Cancer at any age is life altering, but for young adults it’s uniquely disorienting. Diagnosis often coincides with critical life moments: college, relationships, newly found independence. Treatment pauses everything. And when the medical journey ends, many survivors find themselves in emotional limbo.
“So many young adults are blindsided by cancer, and when the treatment ends, so does the support,” Victorson said. “TNT picks up where the hospital leaves off.”
Participants, or “trekkers,” join small group expeditions into pristine wilderness. Backpacking or canoeing by day and sharing fireside conversations by night, they learn mindfulness meditation, engage in yoga and find strength in community.
“It really did change my life,” said Mason Gardberg, a 35-year-old participant diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer. “Getting diagnosed in your 30s is super hard, and it’s even harder to find people with similar experiences to talk to. Now I have all these people who just get it.”
Gardberg joined a weeklong canoe trek on the Green River in Utah. “We were in canyons the whole time, sleeping on beaches, seeing the Milky Way,” she said. “There were moments when we were all just floating, in silence, together. That was so powerful.”
The deeper impact, though, came through connection. “We were supposed to pair up with one person for the week, but our group switched every day,” she said. “New tentmates.
New paddling partners. It forced us to really get to know everyone, and we’re still all connected. We talk all the time.”
Gardberg remembers a yoga session led by a guide named Summer that moved nearly everyone to tears. “I don’t even remember what she said, but it was like she voiced everything we were feeling,” she said. “We were all crying; it was such a release.”
And it wasn’t just the big moments. “We did a writing exercise where we burned what we wrote afterward. It was like a cleansing,” she said. “Hard, but necessary. I’m not someone who shares a lot, and that part, being open, was challenging. But I think it was good. A nice release.”
Some of Gardberg’s most profound memories weren’t about what was said, but what wasn’t. “We’d float in silence down the river,” she said. “No one paddling. No one talking. Just taking in the beauty together. It was incredibly grounding.”
The bonds that formed endure well beyond the trek. “We have a group
chat and still talk all the time,” she said. “One of the girls sent me a paintby-number with a photo from the trip. Others pooled money for DoorDash gift cards when I started chemo. I never asked. They just did it. That kind of support, it’s everything.”
A day on the trail
Atypicalday on a trek begins with silence. As the sun rises, trekkers gather for seated meditation, tuning into their breath and the soundscape of birds and wind. Meals are shared, packs hoisted and trails followed. Along the way, there are mindfulness exercises, peer conversations, moments of vulnerability and, often, laughter.
At night, tents go up. Dinner is cooked as a group. Around the fire, trekkers share stories, not always about cancer, but about everything that came before — and after.
“Just because cancer brings participants together doesn’t mean it’s all we talk about,” said Vanessa Hood, TNT’s trek logistics lead and a for-
True North Treks has led excursions this year in Wyoming, Utah and the U.P. (Photo courtesy of True North Treks)
mer participant herself. “It’s the other threads of life — love, grief, growth — that form the deepest connections.”
Hood, who joined TNT after her diagnosis in 2012, now supports others through their journeys. “From participant to guide to staff, it’s been meaningful and has fueled a new purpose,” she said. “I came to TNT as a participant in 2018 on a caregiver/survivor trek with my husband. The experience was transformational. It gave us the chance to fully disconnect and heal together.”
Hood’s journey echoes that of many alumni, who evolve from participants into leaders. “I’m proud to help others reclaim their peace and purpose,” she said. “TNT truly changed my life.”
Expanding the circle
Initially focused on weeklong backcountry treks, TNT has evolved to meet more people where they are. Recognizing that not all survivors can or want to disconnect for a week, TNT introduced “mini-treks,” long weekend retreats in nature-inspired lodge settings.
“Adding canoeing opened doors to people who were more physically deconditioned,” Victorson said. “And we started offering survivor/caregiver treks because caregivers wanted to be part of the growth they were seeing.”
These innovations proved essential. One participant required medication that had to stay refrigerated — impossible on a backcountry trek but perfectly feasible on a mini. “We’ve
learned how to diversify our programming while staying true to our core,” Victorson said.
Gardberg, who took a break from treatment to attend, appreciated that flexibility. “I just really wanted to enjoy this trip for once,” she said. “And TNT made it possible.”
Despite her reserved nature, Gardberg embraced the experience fully. “I was terrified in the beginning to let go,” she said. “I didn’t know anyone. I’m not the type to just open up. But the moment we landed, things shifted. One of the girls found out it was my birthday, and the group celebrated that night. I hadn’t even told anyone. That kind of care, it just doesn’t happen everywhere.”
This year, TNT is offering a full calendar of transformative experiences across multiple landscapes. These include a backpacking and canoeing trip at Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore for participants aged 15 to 18, a Next Level trek for survivors aged 40-plus, backpacking at Yellowstone National Park and canoeing Utah’s Red Rock Canyon, as well as survivor and caregiver programs at the TNT Walden Institute.
“We’re constantly refining our offerings based on feedback and what’s most accessible,” Victorson said. “Whether it’s paddling through canyons or finding stillness along Lake Superior, we aim to meet people where they are — emotionally, physically and spiritually.”
Full details on 2025 trek dates, lo-
The founders of True North Treks have roots in the Upper Peninsula, and some of the organization’s programs include trips to Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore in Alger County. (Photo courtesy of True North Treks)
cations and application information can be found at truenorthtreks.org.
Peer support that lasts Connection is the heart of every TNT experience, and that connection doesn’t end with the trek. Katherine Scortino, TNT’s engagement lead, keeps alumni tethered through outreach and opportunities to give back.
“Every participant gets a message from me letting them know we’re here for as long as they need,” Scortino said. Some respond immediately. Others circle back years later.
The alumni network is a lifeline, and a launchpad. “One of our alumni, an oncology nurse and gifted cook, returned to prepare meals for a Walden trek,” Scortino said. “She experienced the magic herself and wanted to pay it forward.”
That ethos is embedded in TNT’s model. Treks are offered at no cost, but participants are encouraged to help raise funds for the next cohort.
Gardberg embraced this wholeheartedly. “I don’t usually ask for help,” she said, “but people showed up. My co-workers, my family, ev-
eryone donated. I think I raised over $9,000. That’s enough to send several people on a trek. It felt amazing to be able to do that.”
The science behind the story
Natureisn’t just poetic; it’s powerfully therapeutic. A growing body of research shows that spending time in nature improves mood, reduces anxiety and boosts immune function. For cancer survivors, who often suffer long-term physical and emotional side effects, these benefits are vital.
Studies have shown that time in nature decreases cortisol levels, enhances natural killer cell activity and increases serotonin. Mindfulness meditation, another core TNT component, has been shown to reduce depression, improve sleep and increase resilience.
Victorson, a clinical psychologist by training, designed TNT’s curriculum with these principles in mind. “There’s a difference between clinical care and healing,” he said. “We’re focused on healing.”
Programs like TNT have also
The Walden Institute is a sanctuary perched above Lake Superior in Au Train. The home was designed by an apprentice of Frank Lloyd Wright. (Photo courtesy of True North Treks)
demonstrated success in peer-reviewed evaluations. The NIH Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System and other tools show improved sleep, lowered stress and strengthened connection among participants.
The Walden Institute
What began in 2018 as a vision for expanding access has become a sanctuary for deep transformation. Nestled on 127 acres of Lake Superior shoreline in Au Train, the Walden Institute was conceived as a retreat-style facility where TNT’s mission could thrive year-round.
The land, originally developed by Finnish-American artist John Lundeen and his wife, Char, holds a story of its own, a story of devotion to architecture, nature and soul. Designed with Herbert Fritz Jr., one of Frank Lloyd Wright’s last apprentices, the Wright-inspired structure embodies simplicity, light and reverence for place. When TNT and the Foglia Family Foundation discovered the property, it was clear: This was where the next chapter would begin.
The name Walden honors both Henry David Thoreau’s transcendental philosophy and TNT’s own ac-
ronym: Wakeful Awareness in Life through Discovery and Encounters in Nature.
The Walden Institute offers a teaching kitchen, organic horticultural gardens and spaces dedicated to
yoga, meditation and mindfulness. It also includes lodging and gathering areas, quiet nooks for reflection and
The Walden Institute’s deck presents a stunning view of Lake Superior. (Photo courtesy of True North Treks)
opportunities for research, education and community partnership.
It is also a living laboratory, hosting students from Northern Michigan University to participate in agricultural and construction management internships. This spring saw a successful maple syrup harvest. Work has already begun on the gardens to grow fresh produce, which will make possible food-as-medicine workshops.
The dream doesn’t stop at the edge of the forest. The Walden Institute also serves as a site for collaboration with universities, hospitals and researchers interested in the intersection of nature and healing. “We envision this becoming a hub for thought leadership in cancer survivorship,” Victorson said.
The Walden Institute seeks to engage in community and connection with others through like-minded partners in community, academics, research and nonprofit sectors. Information on the institute can be found at tntwaldeninstitute.org.
A living legacy
Asthe wind moves through the trees above Lake Superior, a stillness settles across the Walden proper-
ty. Soon, it will be filled with laughter, breath, tears and transformation. The land has already begun its work. Gardberg, reflecting on her trek, said it best: “Just being grounded in nature, sitting in silence, listening to the birds, a stream … it helped me forget what I was going through, even just for a little while.”
JulieAnn Villa, a two-time participant who later died of cancer, said she treasured the chance to “return to where my healing began.” Her story is one of many that continue to echo along the trails and shorelines. In a world that often rushes to move on from pain, TNT offers something rare: the permission to pause, to connect and to rebuild. It offers a path forward, one rooted in the sacred soil of community, courage and the healing wilderness. MM
Melissa Wentarmini is a writer based in Iron Mountain with a focus on storytelling that highlights local communities, history and human connections. An avid runner and cyclist, she is actively engaged in her community and enjoys time with her family as a wife and mother.
True North Treks offers participants a path forward, one rooted in community, courage and the healing wilderness. (Photo courtesy of True North Treks)
back then
The virtuoso from Champion Viola Turpeinen’s talent and charisma made her a star
By Kristy Basolo
Described by women of her time as “glamorous” and by the men as “captivating,” world renowned accordion player Viola Turpeinen’s notoriety lives on because of her skill as a musician and entertainer.
Despite being born in a small iron mining community in Marquette County, she was determined to share her gifts with music lovers around the globe and was rewarded by hall of fame accolades, recording company contracts and even a campaign to get her face on a postage stamp.
Turpeinen spent her youth in the Upper Peninsula towns of Champion and Iron River, yet her talent and charisma took her across the country and even around the world. Folklorists have asserted that Turpeinen was the Finnish-American equivalent of Muddy Waters, Bill Monroe and Frankie Yankovic.
While she only lived to age 49, her accolades speak for themselves.
“Between 1924 and her untimely death in 1958, Viola became a legend on the ‘stomach Steinway,’” Gary Lambert wrote in the Ironwood Daily Globe. “In 1925, she became the first woman accordionist to record with the Victor Records label and later with Columbia and Standard record labels. Viola’s recording career contained many accomplishments, including 60 record sell-outs.”
Turpeinen was born in 1909 to mother Signe Viitala of Champion
and father “Jalo” Walter Turpeinen of Kivijärvi, Finland. She was the eldest of three or four daughters, depending on the source. Only one other, the youngest named June Marion Virginia, survived to adulthood, living until age 94 when she left this earth as June Lahti.
“Signe was born in Champion,
while Walter was an immigrant,” folklorist James P. Leary wrote in “The Legacy of Viola Turpeinen.”
“Like many men of his generation, Walter was a miner and followed his occupation to Iron River, Michigan.
… Both Walter and Signe played the ‘kaks rivinen,’ or two-row button accordion, an instrument popularized in
Finland in the late 19th century, and Viola soon learned to push-pull a melody.”
While in Iron River, Turpeinen started playing the accordion at age 14. “She was a genuine Finnish music tradition-bearer, learning by ear the tunes that her family members played,” Carl Rahkonen wrote in a Library of Congress article. “But the family lived across the street from the Italian American Bruno Hall, where they could regularly hear the strains of piano accordion. Viola’s earliest instruction on piano accordion came from Italian Americans, and she developed into an excellent player at a young age.”
Clearly a virtuoso and a star, she was discovered at age 16 by concert promoter John “Jukka” Rosendahl of Duluth, Minnesota, while he was touring the Upper Peninsula in the summer of 1926. “For the remainder of that summer, John played several nights a week in various Finn halls around the Upper Peninsula, many of these gigs with Viola Turpeinen,” Rahkonen wrote.
Rosendahl, born Juho Hugo Hemming Wiren in Elimäki, Finland, in 1891, immigrated to the United States in 1908. “He was an accomplished musician, playing violin or tenor banjo,” Rahkonen wrote.
Many sources agree that Rosendahl was a gifted promoter, skilled at finding venues that fit his talent base, promoting them with flyers and word of mouth and documenting his work in
Viola Turpeinen was born in Champion and later moved with her family to Iron River, where she started to play the accordion. She began touring professionally at age 16. (Photo courtesy of the Finnish American Heritage Center)
detailed diaries and scrapbooks of the tours.
Leary wrote, “… the lanky, dapper Rosendahl was above all a promoter. He realized that Viola was not only a virtuoso accordionist, but also a statuesque, vivacious, fair-haired Finnish-American beauty capable of charming an ethnic audience.”
And charm audiences she did. Firsthand accounts of her performances in the Keweenaw talk repeatedly of her warmth and charisma as well as her unique style.
“Viola’s accordion instructors were Italian, and as a result, she learned to play Finnish polkas, waltzes and schottisches with a decidedly Italian-staccato accent,” The Polka News reported in 2001. “It was a fusion of two different musical styles into a brand new style that made Viola Turpeinen and her music extremely popular.”
As their audiences grew, Turpeinen and Rosendahl began touring outside of the U.P. “In 1927, they lived in Chicago and performed dances at regional Finn halls and other venues. Viola studied at the Accordion Institute of Chicago with Leo Piersanti and learned to play especially challenging piano accordion pieces,” Rahkonen wrote. “In September 1927, Viola and John started a tour towards the East Coast playing gigs in Illinois, Ohio and Massachusetts before arriving on Jan. 3, 1928, in New York City.”
The duo found a vibrant Finnish-American community and played Finn halls and Finnish-Lutheran congregations from Harlem to Jersey City. Turpeinen was also able to study with Pietro Deiro, whom many polka scholars consider the most renowned piano accordion teacher of the time.
“Deiro had a large studio, led an accordion ensemble, published accordion music and was a leading promoter of accordion players,” Rahkonen wrote. “In Viola Turpeinen, Deiro found a talented, vivacious young woman — an ideal person to develop into an accordion star.”
Soon came the recording contracts, and Rosendahl and Turpeinen recorded four selections for Columbia and six selections with Victor before January 1928 came to a close, with the most important being “Kauhavan Polkka.”
Each year, the Library of Congress selects 10 songs to be preserved in perpetuity in its National Recording Registry. In 2024, “Kauhavan Polkka” was selected for the honor. The name originates from the town of Kauhava, Finland, which is known for its “puukko” knives. It is a med-
ley, with the other song being a wellknown polka call “Karelian Boys.”
Turpeinen did other duets and solo recordings for Victor Records during this time.
“She did a lot of recording. … Most Finnish-American homes had Turpeinen music on their 78 rpm wind-up phonographs,” according to the PBS documentary “The Duet of a Lifetime.”
In 1929, Turpeinen and Rosendahl toured Finland, drawing a crowd of 2,300 in Helsinki. They didn’t forget their roots, however, and concert flyers show they continued to tour through many Midwestern Finnish communities.
While the time of their meeting isn’t precisely documented, Turpeinen and Rosendahl crossed paths with Sylvia Polso of Ironwood, and soon she was added to their tour. Eventually the trio broke up, and Rosendahl and Polso began a relationship and a duo, which toured until Rosendahl’s untimely death in New York in 1932 after he fell down the stairs of his apartment building. He was 41.
During this time, the Finnish Accordion Quartet was formed, with another key player entering the picture: musician William Syrjala.
“Born in Finland in 1889, William Syrjala migrated with his family to Cloquet, Minnesota, as an infant,” according to the Finnish American Journal in 1993. “His earlier musical years include playing in circus bands, studying music at Valparaiso University in Indiana, playing violin, viola, guitar and being a music teacher.”
It wasn’t long after their meeting that Turpeinen and Syrjala became more than just bandmates.
According to the Finnish American Journal, “Viola and Bill met in Cloquet in the early 1930s when she was in town on tour. They travelled and performed as the Finnish Accordion Quartet along with two other Finnish-American musicians, Andrew Kosola and Sylvia Polso. Viola and Bill were married in 1933.”
They performed together in New York for 25 years and toured the Midwest in the summer. Eventually, they moved to Lake Worth, Florida, and played regularly at the Kantta Hall.
“Subsequently, Viola and Bill performed as a duo, including for a 1939 trip to Finland and Sweden,” the Finnish-American Journal reported. “Bill was a prolific arranger and composed the music for their dances and recordings. They lived in New York and had an avid following on the East Coast. During the summer they continued touring through the Great Lakes communities.”
The duo continued to entertain audiences throughout the country, even when Viola was diagnosed with cancer. Despite her illness, she continued to play for her fans, using an accordion of lighter weight.
The Polka News reported, “During the 1930s and 1940s, Viola and her husband continued to travel and play dance engagements in the east [and] Midwest.” She performed “in the Upper Peninsula communities of Eben Junction, Escanaba, Marquette, Bessemer, South Range, Hancock, Quincy, Calumet, Tapiola and other communities as well.”
Viola and Bill moved to Lake Worth in 1952 from New York City. The home where the couple lived was named “The House that Polkas Built,”
Viola Turpeinen toured in the United States and Europe and signed recording contracts with the Victor, Columbia and Standard labels. (Photo by Kristy Basolo)
named by Turpeinen. A sauna was added on, as she loved the sauna.
Eventually, Turpeinen succumbed to her disease on Dec. 26, 1958. Syrjala’s composition “Kulkian Suvi Aamu” (“Vagabond’s Summer Morning”) — one of Viola’s favorites — was sung at her funeral.
A stamp and a legacy Fans throughout the Midwest rallied for Turpeinen to get her accolades, even after her death.
The headline “Polka lovers seek Viola Turpeinen stamp” appeared in the Ironwood Daily Globe as supporters rallied to get Turpeinen her due.
“Now there is a grassroots movement to commemorate Viola Turpeinen on a U.S. postage stamp,” Gary Lamberg wrote. “Organizers of the effort cite the fact Elvis Presley and other musicians have been ‘stamped.’ Why not honor Viola and her beautiful accordion music?”
Petitions circulated. “Power to the Polka People!” Despite their campaign, no stamp ever materialized. Yet, many other acknowledgments of Turpeinen’s significance came to fruition.
In 1990, The Daily Mining Gazette ran “Collections of Viola Turpeinen recordings to be reissued,” which reported that there would be a re-release of her recordings, titled “Viola Turpeinen: The Early Days (Finnish-American Dance Music, 19281938).”
“The collection is drawn from records she made during the following 10 years,” the article reported. “She continued to tour North America and Finland, and although she died in 1958, she is still fondly remembered by thousands of Finnish-Americans who danced to her music.”
Still more, Raivaaja reported in 1994 that Turpeinen had been selected for induction into the IronWorld USA Polka Hall of Fame. “The induction ceremony will kick off IronWorld USA’s five-day international Polkafest and will take place in IronWorld’s Festival Pavilion. … In order to be considered, nominees must have made substantial contributions in promoting and popularizing polka music either locally or on a national level.”
Support came in from many places. Headlines in the polka world demanded that Viola Turpeinen and William Syrjala should be in the Polka Hall of Fame. “Viola would be the first woman, and with Bill, the first Finnish Americans inducted into the Polka Hall of Fame, should we gain enough support from across the country to add their names to the distinguished list of
This concert poster in the archives of the Finnish American Heritage Center features an alternate spelling of William Syrjala’s name. (Photo by Kristy Basolo)
honorees,” Polka World reported.
Brian Juntikka, District 6 delegate to the Michigan State Music Hall of Fame, nominated Viola Turpeinen Syrjala for the Hall of Fame. She was inducted in a ceremony coincidental with the Ninth Annual Polka Celebration in South Range, Michigan, on Sept. 16, 2001. This was a venue she had played dozens of times to soldout crowds.
“Turpeinen, as a mere girl and ever after, was a consummate musician able to infuse technically difficult and rapid passages with feeling,” Leary writes. “When we consider that she barnstormed through nearly every Finnish-American community in the country, that she recorded more than 100 different tunes on three labels and that her career spanned four decades, it’s no wonder that Viola Turpeinen emerges as the dance musician of her ethnic community.”
Betsey Norgard wrote in the Finnish-American Reporter in 2011 that “This beautiful and talented musician from Champion, Michigan, sang and played her way into the hearts of Finnish Americans, continuing to be fondly remembered two and three generations later.”
Even today, her legacy lives on with Viola Turpeinen T-shirts for purchase in the Finlandia Heritage Center bookstore in Hancock. To listen to her music, visit archive.org/details/viola_turpeinen.
MM
Kristy Basolo is a Marquette Monthly editor who still fondly remembers her grandfather playing the accordion for the family when she was a child.
back then
Museum showcases local mining heritage
Backyard treasures
By Brad Gischia
Sometimes the greatest treasures are in your own backyard. You just have to know to look for them.
One local example is the Michigan Iron Industry Museum — nestled in the pines of Negaunee Township between U.S. Highway 41 and the Negaunee Cemetery — which opened in 1987.
“The idea of the museum really began much earlier than that,” said Troy Henderson, who is a historian at the museum, a branch facility of the Michigan History Center. “There was a group called the Carp River Forge Bicentennial Park Association. It was a group of Negaunee residents who were really interested in the site of the Carp River Forge.”
The Carp River Forge was the first iron forge constructed in northern Michigan, in the mid-19th century.
The importance of that site to the history of the area was in the crosshairs of this group of residents.
The metaphorical foundation of the museum was laid by, among others, Frank Matthews, who established a mining museum in the area decades ago.
On July 15, Jack Deo will tell part of this story in a presentation at the Michigan Iron Industry Museum titled “Mining Man: Frank Matthews and the Jackson Mine.”
Deo is the owner of the Superior View Gallery in Marquette. His interest in local history was sparked when he acquired the photograph collection of Child’s Art Gallery in 1978.
“Child’s Art Gallery was [Cleveland-Cliffs Mining Company’s] photographer from 1860 to the 1960s,” Deo said. “A few years after I got it, I went to see Frank Matthews at his mining museum to show him my photos. We became friends after that.”
Each time Matthews made the trek to Marquette, he’d stop and see Deo at his business. Deo recorded a two-hour interview with Matthews in 1980 and had it digitized a year or so ago.
Matthews was the originator of an iron museum on U.S. 41, the precursor to the existing museum. “When the [current] museum got established,” Henderson said, “most of our collection came from Frank Matthews.”
Without the work of Matthews, all of this history would have been lost. “He had memories of where the
The Michigan Iron Industry Museum in Negaunee Township is one of 12 facilities in the Michigan History Center’s Michigan History Museum System. It opened in 1987. (Photo courtesy of the Michigan Iron Industry Museum)
Jackson Mine really was,” Deo said. “The pyramid monument [now in Miner’s Park in Negaunee] was right in his backyard. Without him collecting all that, there wouldn’t be a museum now.”
The Carp River Forge site was integral to the history of the area. “The association had plans on preserving the site,” Henderson said, “maybe to make a park there. At some point, it morphed into building a museum on the property.”
The rest of the story can be found in the museum, along with so much other information.
Henderson is one of two historians in charge of the Iron Industry Museum. They also take care of Fort Wilkins Historic State Park in Copper Harbor and Fayette Historic State Park on the Garden Peninsula, though Henderson is primarily based at the museum in Negaunee Township.
Henderson grew up in Negaunee and always loved local history. He attended Northern Michigan University and then went to graduate school at Loyola University in Chicago, earning a Ph.D. in Public History and American History.
Then he came home.
“It was pretty extraordinary for me to be able to live where I wanted to and to do a job I love in my field,” Henderson said.
For him, local history has always had a special attraction. “Even when I was going to grad school, most of my projects were involving local Upper Peninsula history,” he said. “U.P. history topics were always on my mind. I wrote my dissertation on lumberjacks
in the upper Great Lakes.”
While in school, Henderson wrote the National Register of Historic Places nomination for the Pickle Barrel House in Grand Marais. For those who may not know it, the Pickle Barrel House is exactly what it sounds like, a barrel-shaped house based on the design of author William Donahey, who created a cartoon called “The Teenie Weenies.” In an age before the tiny house, this was a marvel.
Henderson’s work on the proposal was successful. That house is now on the National Register of Historic Places. His eye for history has landed on a few other places as well, but because of the lengthy nature of the process, many structures never get nominated.
“You have to do a lot of documentation,” Henderson said. “Your language has to be very precise, and you have to have a lot of pictures and a packet of material that goes to the Historic Preservation Office. Then they go through it. It’s a long process.”
At the same time, Henderson said there are a lot of structures in the Upper Peninsula that merit the recognition, along with the federal dollars that would go to helping preserve those structures.
“There’s this idea that if it’s on a registry it limits what you can do to the property,” Henderson said. “It’s not true. If you get federal funding, you have to use that funding in a way to preserve the structure in observance with the National Park Service guidelines.”
All of that is more likely with a His-
The grounds of the Michigan Iron Industry Museum, which feature interpretive trails, are always open. (Photo courtesy of the Michigan Iron Industry Museum)
toric Sites designation. Some buildings are losing that race. “I used to do a bike tour on the [Iron Ore] Heritage Trail in Negaunee,” Henderson said. “I’d talk about the Sundberg Building on the end of Iron Street. One day it just fell down.”
But there are other buildings that are still standing tributes to history. One of them is the Iron Industry Museum, which has become a regular field-trip stop for the area’s schools.
“For people who grew up in the area, especially on the west end of Marquette County, the Iron Industry Museum is such a part of everyone’s life, a part of the community,” Henderson said.
But don’t think it’s the same museum you visited when you rode there in a hot school bus on a May day when you were 12. The museum staff has continually updated its exhibits.
“We’ve had several changes since the building opened,” Henderson said. “In 2011, we expanded our outdoor trail network and added interpretative signage.”
There was also the big addition of direct access off U.S. 41 with a new road in 2005.
“About a year ago, we did get the Yankee locomotive steam engine back into the building [after its restoration],” Henderson said. The Yankee was the first locomotive used in the area. “It used to be on the museum grounds, just slowly deteriorating. It was outside of the Brownstone in Ishpeming for years. It’s a community artifact. A lot of people will recognize it.”
With the changes in times comes a change in the way we look at our history. “We want local people to come back out and see that we’ve also expanded our interpretation at the museum to focus on the modern industry as well. That aspect has been greatly expanded. In 1987, the industry looked like it was on the verge of collapse. We know that didn’t happen now. People can benefit from a more modern look at the iron industry.”
The museum also offers a range of summer programming that runs from July 15 to Aug. 19. Presentations in the TAP series — for Tuesday Afternoon Program —begin at 2 p.m. in the museum auditorium and feature local historians and teachers.
“The Tuesday Afternoon Programs have been going on pretty much since the museum opened,” Henderson said. “We invite local scholars, authors and researchers on various aspects of U.P. history to come and present their material. We get a lot of tours and traf-
fic in the summertime, but it’s a great way I think to embed the museum into the community. It’s a way to get the locals to come to the museum and learn about history, even if they’ve been to the museum before.”
One presenter is Jim Paquette, who has spent his whole life looking for history. “I’ve had a passion for history since I was little,” he said. Paquette was a history minor at NMU and then went on to make some of the most important archeological finds in the Negaunee area.
“I was the first person to uncover evidence that prehistoric people lived around Teal Lake in Negaunee,” Paquette said. “It was the first discovery of the Copper Age in the area.”
The Copper Age in North America was 3,000 to 4,000 years ago. Paquette found evidence that made him think there had been people in the area even earlier.
Paquette’s idea of history goes farther back than most. “When the first
look what I found at Silver Lake,’” Paquette joked.
Instead, everything must be photographed in situ. GPS points have to be taken. Then comes the best part, in Paquette’s opinion. “You pick up this spearpoint and hold it in your hand, and you realized you’re the first person to pick that up in 12,000 years,” he said. “That’s a magical moment.”
Then there’s more work.
The State of Michigan requires that all documentation be sent to the Historic Preservation Office. Then researchers have to get the artifact to an archeology lab so scientific analysis can be completed. Then findings are shared through publication in scientific journals and presentations at conferences.
This is where the Iron Industry Museum comes in, as Paquette will be presenting his findings on the Silver Lake site on Aug. 5.
History is right in your backyard. Paquette said as much: “Throw a rock, and you’ll find history. It’s everywhere.”
Our local history is important, and it’s on display in Negaunee.
The Iron Industry Museum is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday. The grounds themselves are always open, and Henderson hopes people will come out and just walk the trails, see the sites and learn something along the way.
For more information about the museum and its TAP series, visit michigan.gov/en/mhc/museums/ miim or facebook.com/ironindustrymuseum.
Europeans settled here in the 1840s, there were already people here,” he said. “Someone had to show them where the iron ore was. But for thousands and thousands of years before that, people were here. Yoopers have always been here.”
Paquette’s search for pre-history led him from Teal Lake to Goose Lake to Deer Lake to Silver Lake. It was at Silver Lake that he found some of the oldest known artifacts ever to be discovered in the Upper Peninsula, including a spearhead that is believed to be 10,000 to 12,000 years old. “These are incredibly ancient artifacts,” he said. “These people were living right at the edge of the glacier, right here in Marquette County.”
The discovery of these amazing pieces is only the first step, though. For the artifacts to be considered legitimate, there is a painstaking process that researchers must follow. “You can’t just pick up a spearpoint and put it in your pocket and say, ‘Hey,
“Over time, the mission of the museum remains the same,” Henderson said. “It tells stories of the iron industry in Michigan and the history of Carp River Forge site. There’s always something to see and something to do.”
The best way to learn about the area is to know its history. “This industry has been going for over 170 years,” Deo said. “The iron industry is more important than any other.”
Paquette added, “The museum tells the story of the mining industry. We’re here because of the mines, the things documented in that museum. The state does an outstanding job of preserving our history. The staff is incredible and passionate. It’s a spectacular jewel for us in iron country.”
MM
Brad Gischia is a writer and artist native to Upper Michigan. He has published two children’s books and done illustrations for both comic books and novels.
The museum has become a regular field-trip destination for schools in the area. Below, the Future Historians group attends a presentation in the museum’s auditorium. (Photos courtesy of the Michigan Iron Industry Museum)
The legacy of ‘The Song of Hiawatha’
Simpler rhymes from simpler times?
By Bryon Ennis
In 1855, a poem by an academic writer changed the perception of millions around the world toward Native Americans. But this was not the first poem by this writer to touch the psyche of the populace. In order to understand the breadth of his influence and popularity, we may compare him with some of the most famous movie stars, musicians or social media personalities of today.
By the shores of Gitche Gummi
By the shining Big-Sea Water Stood the wigwam of Nokomis Daughter of the Moon, Nokomis. Dark behind it rose the forest, Rose the black and gloomy pine trees, Rose the firs with cones upon them; Bright before it beat the water, Beat the clear and sunny water, Beat the shining Big-Sea-Water.
This is the 170th anniversary of an epic poem set in the Upper Peninsula. Many in the U.P., especially its older residents, recognize these popular
lines from the poem, “The Song of Hiawatha.”
The name “Hiawatha” is also familiar to folks owing to a vast national forest that stretches across the peninsula. Moreover, thousands of attendees hail each other with “Happy Hiawatha” at a traditional music festival that occurs yearly in Marquette.
But of the millions familiar with the name Hiawatha, relatively few could correctly identify the person most responsible for its proliferation and ongoing currency.
From the mid-1800s to the end of the 19th century, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow was not only the most popular and beloved writer in America, but in much of the world as well. When he visited Great Britain to be honored by Queen Victoria in 1868, she was surprised to find an unusual interest among her attendants and servants who understood who he was.
“When he took leave,” Victoria said, “they concealed themselves in places from which they could get a good look at him as he passed. I have since inquired among them, and I
In “Departure of Hiawatha,” a small-scale oil painting, Albert Bierstadt captures a scene from “The Song of Hiawatha” by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. (Photo courtesy of the National Park Service)
am surprised and pleased to find that many of his poems are familiar to them.”
Though he was raised in an elite intellectual environment, Longfellow composed poetry that was accessible and cherished by common people. They agreed with many notions that Longfellow expressed. The gentle, sentimental language he used to express those notions and the pairing of rhyming lines created a type of “earworm” that men and women found comforting to silently recite in their daily lives.
My wife remembers her mother, born in Appalachia in 1913, quoting lines from Longfellow’s “Evangeline” late in her life because they were still poignant and meaningful. Yet her mother’s formal education had ended at the sixth grade.
Why, then, has this American poet of world renown lost his popularity so completely in the 20th and 21st centuries? Part of the explanation is that American writers and critics who followed after Longfellow at the turn of the 20th century did not attribute to his work the intellectual heft of newer writers such as Walt Whitman, Emily Dickinson and Edgar Allen Poe.
Another reason for Longfellow’s decline in prestige could ironically be that common folk, like my mother-inlaw and even children, could recite his poetry from memory. Certainly, critics claimed, if children easily understood Longfellow’s poetry, could there be much intellectual depth? Some rivals, such as Poe, also complained that Longfellow had plagiarized from earlier poets without acknowledging their influence.
Though I had a passing familiari-
ty with Longfellow’s work from literature courses I took in the 1960s, he was already a minor author in the era’s American literature anthologies. Longfellow had not crossed my mind in years until I read Marquette author Tyler Tichelaar’s deeply researched book, “Kawbawgam: The Chief, The Legend, The Man.” Tichelaar claims that Longfellow’s “Hiawatha” initiated a positive change in white Americans’ feelings about Native Americans.
Tichelaar writes, “One of the biggest bridges between white and Native cultures would be Henry Wadsworth Longfellow’s epic poem, ‘The Song of Hiawatha,’ published in 1855. Longfellow borrowed from [Henry Rowe] Schoolcraft’s writings, but also appropriated Native lore for his own purposes. While he retained the Upper Peninsula setting for his stories, he named his hero Hiawatha, after a legendary New York Iroquois.” Dr. April Lindala, professor of Native American studies at NMU, shed further light on why Longfellow may have decided to name the poem’s lead character Hiawatha.
“His real name is Ayenwatha,” Lindala said, “and he traveled with the Peacemaker to bring the message of the Great Law of Peace to five tribes: the Mohawk, Onondaga, Seneca, Cayuga and Oneida. This group is widely known as the Iroquois Confederacy, the Six Nations Confederacy [with the addition of the Tuscarora tribe], but to the people they call themselves the Haudenosaunee, the People of the Longhouse. The Haudenosaunee’s model for government caught the attention of notable ‘U.S. founding fathers’ such as Benjamin Franklin.”
Henry Wadsworth Longfellow’s home in Cambridge, Massachusetts, previously served as the headquarters for General George Washington in the Revolutionary War. (Photo courtesy of the National Park Service)
Longfellow’s personal interest in Native cultures did not arise in conjunction with writing “The Song of Hiawatha.” Many years before, while still a student at Bowdoin College, he presented in a public debate the real character of Metacom, a leader of the Massasoit people in New England in the 1600s.
Metacom, known to the English as King Philip, had battled colonists in the western settlements of Massachusetts Colony. Yet Longfellow argued from the viewpoint of the Massasoit people, whose land had gradually been seized and who had long been murdered with impunity by colonists.
Tichlelaar’s book spurred my interest to learn more about the poet who drew such wide attention to the Upper Peninsula at a time when copper and iron had only recently begun to be commercially mined and when the population of Marquette was a mere 1,500 souls.
“Longfellow never set foot in Upper Michigan,” Tichelaar writes, “but we can claim him as one of our own for first making Upper Michigan significant in literature on a nationwide level.”
According to Martin Achatz, past poet laureate of the Upper Peninsula, “Longfellow grafted the trochaic tetrameter from Baltic-Finnish folk poetry onto his epic poem about Hiawatha. Trochaic tetrameter is sometimes called Kalevala meter. The first really strong wave of Finnish immigrants to the U.P. came around 1864 and settled in the Keweenaw Peninsula. Longfellow published ‘Hiawatha’ in 1855, so he wouldn’t have been aware of any Finnish history in the Upper Peninsula at the time of publication. It’s simply serendipitous that Indigenous and Finnish cultures (both of which strongly influenced U.P. history) play a part in the creation of the poem.”
As I began to study Longfellow and his works, I discovered his poetry was more familiar than I had realized. I simply had not put the name Longfellow together with poetry that I was actually quite familiar with, such as, “Listen my children and you shall hear / Of the midnight ride of Paul Revere,” or “I heard the bells on Christmas Day / their old familiar carols play” or “Under the spreading chestnut tree / The village smithy stands … .”
What I also found was a complex and sensitive writer whose life was a collage of literary successes as well as devastating personal tragedies.
The most popular form of literary writing during Longfellow’s youth was poetry. Rhyming expressions were
popular in everyday speech for entertainment and advice for living. Newspapers, for those who could afford them, frequently contained poetry.
As a youth, Longfellow read it, enjoyed it and tried his hand at writing it. The occasion of seeing his first contributed poem in the local newspaper in Portsmouth, Maine, fired him with an enthusiasm that never left him.
Aside from nearly losing a leg from blood poisoning in his youth, Longfellow experienced no serious tragedies in his early life. He was a precocious, popular student, and his family was established and stable.
The first serious tragedy to take place in his life occurred on his second trip to Europe to study foreign languages. By this time, 1835, Longfellow had been teaching modern foreign languages at Bowdoin College in Brunswick, Maine, for seven years. His reputation as an accomplished professor spread beyond Maine.
Soon Harvard offered Longfellow a similar faculty position with the stipulation that he gain more proficiency in German and Scandinavian
languages by studying in Europe at his own expense.
His family, who had already underwritten a similar three-year study abroad to qualify for the position at Bowdoin, would not finance this trip. Longfellow and his young wife, Mary Potter, sold most of their possessions and set out for Europe in the fall of 1835. Pregnant, she was not eager to travel, but she felt the need to accompany her husband.
Shortly after they arrived in Europe, Mary suffered a miscarriage and died within a month. Henry, stricken and disbelieving, wanted to end his studies and return home, but his mentor at Harvard, George Ticknor, convinced him to stay on and complete the study.
From the depths of this tragedy emerged a new impetus to his writing, a rejection of what had motivated him in his days as a student at Bowdoin: “Let our thoughts, then, be not to build ourselves up, but to build up others, and leave our mark upon the age we live in, each according to the measure of his talent.”
This lithograph of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow by Joseph Edward Baker is displayed in the National Portrait Gallery. (Image courtesy of the Library of Congress)
“A Psalm of Life” was inspired by this tragic experience:
Lives of great men all remind us We can make our lives sublime, And departing, leave behind us Footprints in the sands of time; Footprints, that perhaps another, Sailing o’er life’s solemn main, A forlorn and shipwrecked brother Seeing shall take heart again. Let us then, be up and doing, With a heart for any fate; Still achieving, still pursuing, Learn to labor and to wait.
Longfellow remained in Heidelberg, but spring brought uneasiness to his mind and body, which ended all work. “My mind has lost its sensibility and does not feel the spur,” he wrote in his journal. “I cannot study; and therefore think I had better go home.”
But a good friend from Maine was visiting Italy, so Longfellow, longing for companionship, decided to travel through Austria and Switzerland and then over the Alps to Italy. However, when he reached the Italian border, he learned that his paperwork was restricted only to travel in the Tyrol region.
This obstacle eventually turned out to be perhaps the most pivotal twist of fate in Longfellow’s life. In a small village near Innsbruck, Henry came across Nathan Appleton, a prosperous Boston merchant accompanying his family through Europe, as they sought to put the death of Appleton’s wife and son behind them. With him were two daughters, Mary, the elder, and Frances, the younger, known by everyone as Fanny.
It was Fanny, 5 feet 10 inches tall, a striking dark-eyed beauty, who drew Longfellow’s attention. As the daughter of a textile magnate, she received a private education that would have rivaled an Ivy League experience. (Women were barred from all college lectures at this time.) Fanny maximized her opportunity, becoming uncommonly worldly and mature at age 17.
When her father received Longfellow’s calling card, she recognized his name as the author of a book she had read, though few others in America had. She recorded that evening in her journal, “Hope the venerable gentleman won’t pop in upon us, tho’ I did like his [book] Outre-Mer.”
When eventually they did meet, she was surprised to find him “an attractive, fashionably dressed young man with fair complexion and chestnut colored hair.”
It took Henry Wadsworth Longfellow seven years to win over Fanny Appleton. By all accounts, their 18-year marriage was a happy one. (Image courtesy of the Library of Congress)
It took seven years for Longfellow to win over a reluctant Fanny, but they were finally married in 1843. By all accounts, the 18-year marriage was exceptionally happy. The marriage produced six children and was considered the most productive period for Longfellow’s writing, including the epic poems “Evangeline,” “The Song of Hiawatha” and “The Courtship of Miles Standish.”
Many credit Fanny’s intellect and support as important components to Henry’s success. Henry wrote most of his works during this period in the same room George Washington had used to plan the Siege of Boston. Fanny’s father had given the couple Washington’s historic headquarters as a wedding gift.
After 18 idyllic years of marriage, another appalling tragedy visited Longfellow’s life. As Fanny was sealing locks of her children’s hair in envelopes, the candle used to heat the sealing wax tipped over and caught her wide crinoline dress afire. Panicked, Fanny ran to Henry, only inflaming her dress more. He tried to smother the fire by taking her into his arms. He succeeded only in receiving severe burns on his face and hands. She died the next day.
After Fanny’s death, Longfellow wrote few poems but devoted his life to raising their children. Even those who claim Longfellow was not a firstrate poet acknowledge that he was a first-rate father.
Though the title of this article suggests that Longfellow’s time was simpler than ours, we know that for those who lived in earlier times, life was as
frightening and complex to them as ours is now.
Longfellow routinely followed the politics of his nation closely and was concerned about the growing division between the slave and free states. One of his closest friends, Massachusetts Senator Charles Sumner, had been brutally caned at his Senate desk over his zealous advocacy for the abolition of slavery.
Longfellow had been carrying this concern about the growing animosity between regions of the nation when, on a visit to Boston in 1860, he climbed the steeple of the Old North Church, where the two lanterns of the Revolutionary era were hung. It must have been an inspiration, for it is reported that he began working on the poem “Paul Revere’s Ride” the next day.
There has been much discussion about the accuracy of Longfellow’s poem and some of the liberties he took in writing it. However, there is no question that Paul Revere did make a ride on the evening of April 18, 1875, to warn citizens of Massachusetts towns and villages that a large force of British regulars was on the move from Boston Harbor, and the two signal lanterns were indeed hung from the church.
Perhaps, in earlier times, it was entertaining to closely question the accuracy of Longfellow’s poem. Today, with the certainty of our democracy in question, it is more important to consider why Longfellow wrote “Paul Revere’s Ride” and why it has had such a lasting importance.
Like all of Longfellow’s works, part of the answer lies in the vividness of imagery and the appeal of the rhyme. But the reason for its relevance to us today, as it was in Longfellow’s day, lies in the last stanza:
So through the night rode Paul Revere; And so through the night went his cry of alarm
To every Middlesex village and farm,—
A cry of defiance, and not of fear, A voice in the darkness, a knock at the door,
And a word that shall echo forevermore! For borne on the night-wind of the Past, Through all our history, to the last, In the hour of darkness and peril and need, The people will waken and listen to hear The hurrying hoof-beats of that steed And the midnight message of Paul Revere. MM
Bryon Ennis has been an occasional contributor to MM. He taught English in Michigan public schools for 10 years and writing at Jackson Community College for 24 years. He is a 1968 graduate of NMU.
lookout point
Hancock moves forward in wake of university’s closure
Life after Finlandia
By Joyce Wiswell
When Finlandia University closed its doors for good in 2023, there was much concern about the effect on its hometown. After all, the school had been part of Hancock for some 127 years, first as Suomi College before becoming Finlandia in 2000.
Though the school had dwindled to a few hundred students by then, its historic buildings are a dominant presence in town. Hancock already had too many vacant storefronts and shuttered restaurants. Was this a fatal blow?
Two years later, worries about Hancock’s demise seem greatly exaggerated. The city is moving forward with a host of new businesses and a renewed emphasis on events that draw both locals and tourists.
“I do believe 10 years from now the City of Hancock will be stronger,” City Manager Mary Babcock said. “Finlandia was struggling for so many years that it depressed part of the city.”
Only four of Finlandia’s 20-plus buildings have not yet changed hands into private ownership. “That’s a big
win for us,” Babcock said. “There are a whole lot of new owners, and there’s excitement about what can happen with these properties.”
Along Quincy
Most of Hancock’s downtown is situated along the stretch of U.S. Highway 41 called Quincy Street.
Like so many Upper Peninsula communities, that half-mile or so once thrived with a large department store, specialty and grocery stores, newsstands and plenty of bars and restaurants. During its copper mining heyday in 1910, Hancock’s population was double today’s 4,500 residents, according to the U.S. Census.
While its plummeting enrollment — and clues like a building that was half painted but never completed — spelled trouble at Finlandia, its abrupt closure came as somewhat of a surprise. City officials sprang into action, acquiring many of the school’s buildings in hopes of selling them to developers.
“We have done a lot of events [for developers] to gain interest in those buildings. They are really solid, but there was a tremendous amount of
Two years after the closure of Finlandia University, community leaders in Hancock are pointing to signs of new life, like here at Small Craft. (Photo by Tom Miller)
deferred maintenance,” Babcock said. “There were layers and layers of mortgages and things — it was absolutely amazing to me, the complexity of their financial situation. I don’t think anyone truly understood the overall campus condition. There are still some open cases with receivership.”
Todd Gast has been Hancock’s community development director since February 2023. “When I first started, I felt the mood, even before Finlandia closed, was not as positive as I would have liked,” he said of Hancock’s downtown vibe. “We have worked hard to get that mood and way of thinking a little more positive.”
A steady roster of events has helped, Gast said. Quincy Green has happenings all year long, from winter sleigh riding (a scene straight out of a Norman Rockwell painting) to free movies on hot summer nights.
The tori (farmers market) takes place twice a week, Key Ingredients is scheduled for July 18 and the End of Summer Party is set for Sept. 6. Hancock’s popular Canal Run celebrates its 50th year on July 19.
On the waterfront Porvoo Park, the waterfront spot that overlooks the iconic Portage Lake Lift Bridge, has two new adjacent attractions.
Takka Portage offers spiffy Finnish-style saunas in private or social settings with lovely water views. Next door, Small Craft has turned a long-vacant building into a hip spot for cocktails and craft beer with a spacious outdoor seating area. Porvoo is also the site of free concerts most Friday nights throughout the summer.
Once dominated by the long-vacant Gartner Department Store (the largest department store north of Milwaukee when it opened in 1900), Quincy Street’s 100 block is coming back to life. Big Annie’s Antiques, a charming assortment of independent vendors, opened in June. It has the distinction of being open on Sundays, a rarity in Hancock.
“I have been traveling up to Houghton and Hancock every summer of my life since I was a child,” said owner Cassandra Sturos, who lives in Ishpeming and owns several other U.P. antique shops. “The area is super nostalgic and holds lots of warm memo-
The 100 block of Quincy Street features an eclectic mix of businesses, including the Copper Country Community Arts Center. (Photo by Tom Miller)
ries, and when I saw the building, it was a wrap.”
It’s a nice addition to a block that is becoming increasingly eclectic. A few doors down, artist and Michigan Tech chemistry professor Lynn Mazzoleni has launched a studio and retail gallery showcasing her oil and acrylic creations. She also offers visitors the chance to create their own art in The Color Lab, a pay-by-use space.
The 100 block also includes the large Copper Country Community Arts Center and, across the street, Ilo Creative, an expansive arts supply store. And it’s hard to miss the giant Ferris wheel that graces the window at K.C. Bonker’s, a toy and coffee shop.
At the other end of Quincy, the Keweenaw Co-Op has opened its brandnew supermarket in the formerly desolate 600 block. For decades, the co-op, established in 1973, was tucked away in an old neighborhood building that was probably overlooked by most visitors. The gleaming new market now includes a deli with indoor seating.
Locals were crushed when the Kaleva Café, a downtown mainstay for more than a century, closed in 2023. It’s reopened as Uncles’ Local Diner from the family that owns the always-popular Gino’s Restaurant.
Next to St. Vincent de Paul (one of the standouts among the charity’s 18 U.P. thrift shops), the former Nisu Bakery will soon become Griffin’s Family Café. It has relocated from its off-the-beaten-path location in the Jutila Center.
Far from ‘Finnished’
Those missing Hancock’s former Finnish-inspired eateries can take
IT’S A GOOD TIME FOR A NEW CHAPTER TO BE WRITTEN. “
heart in all the renewed action at the Finnish American Heritage Center, first opened by Finlandia in 1990 and now owned by the California-based Finlandia Foundation National.
“Within 24 hours of the announcement that the university was closing, an emergency board meeting decided unanimously to do everything they could to keep it open,” said David Maki, the center’s director and editor of the monthly Finnish American Reporter, which has subscribers in all 50 states as well as around the world.
“It was the easiest decision that the receiver firm had to make, and we were only closed for one day.”
The foundation raised north of $3 million, the most successful fundraiser in its history, to purchase the building and sustain its operations. “We will be a part of Hancock for a nice,
Big Annie’s Antiques on Quincy Street opened in June. (Photo by Tom Miller)
long while,” Maki said.
The handsome facility houses the Finnish American Historical Archive, the world’s largest and oldest collections of Finnish-American archive materials and works of art, as well as hundreds of museum pieces. It includes a spacious hall for special events, a fine art gallery and North Wind Books, where shoppers can find a trove of Finnish-related books and gifts as well as the latest bestsellers.
“It is kind of a hidden gem,” Maki said, “and more locals are catching onto that.”
Being a separate entity from Finlandia has been a positive development, Maki said. “When we were operating under ownership of the university, we were never able to be a priority. They were student centric, and rightly so. Now we are the priority.”
That means lots of expanded programming and special events where everyone, not just Finns, are welcome. “We are leading by example for other ethnicities to show what can be done,” Maki said.
Maki likes what he is seeing in Hancock. “There is a lot of potential and a lot of creative folks taking ownership,” he said. “It’s a good time for a new chapter to be written.”
Farther afield
The nine-story Jutila Center, which started life as a hospital in 1949 before Finlandia owned it, has new owners in Houghton-based Moyle Development, which plans to give a facelift to the aging façade. Now called Skyline Commons, it will include housing units and office space.
Moyle also snapped up Finn Hall, the university’s last functioning dormitory, and renamed it Summit Place. It’s expected to open in August with suite-style housing for students of Michigan Technological University, which is across the bridge in Houghton. Babcock called it “a great repurposing of that building.”
That structure’s former cafeteria is the site of yet another new spot, Shiba Café. It offers ramen dishes in meat, vegan, vegetarian and halal options — a bit of a rarity in these parts.
Gast said he likes what he’s seeing in Hancock. “We are not going to be a Mackinaw City or Mackinac Island,” he said. “We don’t want to be just a tourist town but a functioning city that acts like a community.”
MM
Joyce Wiswell is a freelance writer and editor in Hancock.
Takka Portage offers Finnish-style saunas in private or social settings with views of the water, like the one reflected in this window. (Photo by Tom Miller)
in the outdoors
The world of wasps and hornets
Story and photos by Scot Stewart
“Wasps like coffee, syrup, tea, Coca-Cola, butter and me. I am very fond of bugs. I kiss them and give them hugs.”
—Lee Bennett Hopkins
How does $660 billion sound? In 2021, the journal Biological Reviews published a story about wasps. In it, they reported that 33,000 species of wasps worldwide provided a combined beneficial effect of that amount for 960 plant species providing pollination and protection against a variety of insect pests they ate.
I rarely write in the first person, but the more I read about wasps, the more personal this story became. Just about everyone in the Upper Peninsula has had at least a few experiences with wasps. The protective coloration — usually stripes of yellow, black and white — advertise the dangers they pose to animals trying to bother or eat them.
For most, it has simply been an annoyance, a yellowjacket buzzing around dessert or over a can of soda at a picnic or outdoor dining time. For some, unfortunately, it may involve a sting. If there is an allergy, and anaphylactic shock is involved, it can be extremely serious. I have certainly had many experiences with them.
I remember in my college days watching my father dash into the house excitedly reporting he had run over a nest of ground yellowjackets and had been stung by several. A quick check found there were still three on him looking for a spot of bare skin to vent their displeasure! We removed the rest without further problems.
I was out exploring a copper mine dump near Mass City in those years, too, and must have picked up a rock covering the entrance to a wasp nest and got to say hello to several angry wasps.
Fortunately, these experiences have been just a tiny part of my contact with wasps before I truly learned more about them and began to understand them more. There have been so many more times providing smiles, intrigue and enlightenment.
Over the years, yellowjackets have
built at least two nests in our yard.
One was in the rocks at the base of some trees. The second was in one of the basement vents on the side of the house right under a daughter’s bedroom window. In both cases, the immediate thought was to get one of the wasp spray insecticides and blast the blazes out of them. But then thoughts arose, particularly with the latter. Would those poisonous fumes rise into a bedroom? That seemed even worse than the wasps.
So my plan turned to just letting
them proceed until something happened. Nothing happened to pose a threat to the family. No one got stung. So we just watched them fly in and out of the vent each day, bothering no one.
There was a lot of activity each day: With the wasps flying in and out and with daughters and friends doing the same, it seemed apparent something would tip the scales and help to make a decision on how to deal with them.
The next plan was to see what would happen if they were just left
alone. It soon became clear — nothing! They were busy with their own lives and not a bother.
In each case, though, the matter was taken care of by an outside source: skunks!
At night, skunks regularly patrolled the neighborhood. At each of the nests, skunks came during the night and dug in, removing entire wasp nests and eating all the larvae, leaving only fragments of the paper nests behind. Not sure what happened to the adults; best guess is that on cool nights, most were eaten without a blast of skunk fumes.
Wasps are the original paper makers. They can be seen chewing on old wood deck planks and other aging untreated wood. They chew the wood and mix it with their saliva to make the paper wraps for their colonial nests.
These are the easily recognized, sometimes basketball-sized gray nests that often are not visible in the woods until after leaves fall from the trees in autumn.
During my teaching days, I was told about a bald-faced hornet nest built on a window of a home near the school. I was so fortunate to have the homeowner, a professor at NMU, allow me to bring entire classes into his home to view the nests from inside. It was as though someone had taken a razor, sliced a hornet nest in half and glued it to the window.
The attachment of the nest provided an amazing view of the labyrinth of layers and passageways from the other side of the glass. It was possible to see the larvae nestled in their chambers and adults moving around to feed them.
Also visible were workers bringing newly made paper to expand the nest. They had been out searching and chewing aged, exposed wood. After scraping off small sections, they brought the pulp back to expand the nest. Chewing and moistening the wood with their saliva helped to break down the wood fiber into a wood pulp. Carried back to a nest, the pulp was spread out, constructing new parts of the nest as the pulp dried.
I began a long love affair with bald-faced hornet nests. After seeing a collection of them displayed from
Bald-faced hornets (Dolichovespula maculata) build large nests made of a paper-like material. The nests can house hundreds of hornets. (Photo by Scot Stewart)
the ceiling of a science classroom at a middle school in Rhinelander, Wisconsin, I decided to develop a collection of my own to display from the ceiling of my classroom by asking students to bring in nests after a couple of hard frosts.
In autumn, the nests empty out. Hornets forage on cooler days but are unable to make it back to the nest as cooler nights set in and slow the exothermic (cold-blooded) insects. Most nests are empty after a couple of freezing nights and are safe to remove. Only once in the 50-some nests did I see a few slow-moving live hornets still inside.
“Let us turn elsewhere, to the wasps and bees, who unquestionably come first in the laying up of a heritage for their offspring.”
—Jean-Henri Fabre
In late summer, the queen in a baldface hornet nest lays eggs that become new queens and fertile males. They fly off, mate and the new queens settle into the leaf litter and hibernate. In the spring, the fertilized queen will start new colonies, beginning with small nests containing around a dozen cells with new young.
As these first young mature, they help expand the nests and feed the young. But as colonies grow, unrest sometimes develops as the number of females grows. Occasionally the queens disappear, and the reasons are not totally known.
In the early stages of a colony, all energy goes into producing female
workers. Some of the females do begin to lay their own eggs in mid-July to start production of new queens and fertile males for the next year. Having more females laying eggs in one nest makes them different from other related wasps and unseats the queens in some nests. Bald-faced hornets do have complicated social lives and can
live in colonies of up to 700 members. Bald-faced hornets are fairly calm wasps but will hover near intruders that get too close to nests. Some sources describe them as being protective of their nests and of being aggressive and having the ability to sting repeatedly.
I have found that slow movements
around nests — especially when backing away from a newly discovered nest — will keep them relatively calm. They do have a secret weapon, though. They have the ability to shoot a chemical from their stingers capable of blinding skunks and other mammals getting too close. Adults have quite varied diets that include sweets
The downy yellowjacket (Vespula flavopilosa) is one of four Vespula species in eastern North America that closely resemble each other. The downy yellowjacket is typically about a half-inch long. (Photo by Scot Stewart)
like fruit, live arthropods including insects and spiders, and even tissue from dead animals.
Bald-faced hornets are not truly hornets. Nearly all of the approximately 20 species of true hornets, in the genus Vespa, live in Europe and Asia. These all make paper nests. The European hornet was introduced into the Northwest of the United States in 2019 and is now believed eradicated. True hornets are larger wasps with potent venom and are closely related to yellowjackets.
Nests made of paper-like material are constructed by two other varieties of wasps. Paper wasps make smaller nests that hang down from branches and other partly shielded sites and may be shaped like umbrellas. Yellowjackets build underground nests.
Another type of wasp is called a mud dauber. There are two families of these dark solitary wasps with thin structures connecting their middle section, the thorax, to their abdomens. They create tube-like nests, fill compartments with paralyzed insects or spiders, lay an egg on each victim and seal the section. The larvae feed on the muscle portions of the paralyzed prey, keeping it alive until the larvae metamorphose through the pupal stage into adult mud daubers.
A separate group of wasps called potter wasps has a unique take on the structures built for the development of young. While some use old passageways like natural holes in wood, or even nail and screw holes, and some build undergrown nests, many build
mud structures that look a little like jugs.
Collecting dirt with their jaws, they mix it with saliva to create mud balls they carry to secure sites. They then create structures thought to have provided Native Americans with the ideas for the shape of clay vessels for
water and other materials. Once the nests are completed, the wasps fill them with up to 10 paralyzed insects or spiders to provide the food that developing larvae need to grow and mature into adult wasps.
Many wasps perform double duties. Sand wasps create burrows to
provide sites for young to develop. The females are provisioners, providing paralyzed flies for their young through their development. As adults, they eat nectar and pollinate many flowers.
They can provide mesmerizing shows across country roads where
The five-banded thynnid wasp (Myzinum quinquecinctum) is identified by the five yellow bands on its abdomen. Females are about 1 inch long, and males are slightly larger. (Photo by Scot Stewart)
they are raising broods, as males fly over the roadways waiting to be the first to mate with females as they leave the burrows after feeding the young. Dozens of weaving males start wrestling matches with others as they mob the females, providing amazing displays.
“The wasp’s courage intrigued her. Most animals had a natural respect for species bigger than themselves. But not wasps. They exhibited a certain degree of hubris, seeming to think that their stingers would make them the victors regardless of their opponents’ size.”
—Camilla Läckberg
The largest wasps in the Upper Peninsula are the pelecinid and ichneumon wasps. There is just one single species of pelecinid in North
America and two elsewhere in the rest of the world.
The American pelecinid is just under 3 inches long and shiny black. Adults feed on nectar. They prey on June beetles, but not in the way one might think. Females fly low over the ground until they find a spot where beetle larvae are living underground. It is not known how they are able to locate the beetles or determine how deep they live underground. The wasps push their long abdomen into the ground until they reach the beetle larvae, sometimes 2 inches down, and lay an egg on the beetles.
In the northern part of their range, nearly all the wasps are females, able to produce eggs without fertilization, a process called parthenogenesis. After the eggs hatch, they begin feeding in the grub. It will take an egg about one year to mature into a new, scary
A European paper wasp (Polistes dominula) scrapes wood fibers to use in the building of its nest. (Photo by Scot Stewart)
looking (but harmless) adult, emerging in July. This is in sharp contrast to the maturation of paper wasps and hornets, which need 28 to 48 days to become adults.
Ichneumon wasps are even more impressive and are more common in Michigan. Back in the 1980s, a red maple blight killed most of these trees on Ridge Street in Marquette. As engraver beetles, bark beetles, carpenter ants and other insects invaded the bark and wood of these dying trees, a number of large pileated woodpeckers began chiseling into the trunks to dig them out. The city quickly worked to remove these weakened trees, especially those on the rightof-ways, and began cutting them down and sawing the trunks into 2- to 3-foot sections. I collected a couple sections with excellent examples of the woodpeckers’ work to show my students in science classes.
The maple logs remained in my room for the rest of the winter and into the spring. In early May, I was surprised to find a couple of 3.5-inch wasps in my classroom quietly buzzing at the window. They were newly emerged ichneumon wasps.
During the previous fall, wasps had located the larvae of the beetles and other insects living in the wood. Using their long ovipositors, they drilled into the bark and the wood, occasionally more than an inch, to deposit eggs in the hosts. Some of those hosts and
eggs were missed by the woodpeckers and continued to survive.
The wasps matured more quickly in the warm classroom and continued emerging for about a week. In all, about two dozen emerged from the two 30-inch logs. On July 8 last year, a cluster of new wasps was seen emerging from a red maple limb at Presque Isle.
One of the more unusual groups distantly related to wasps are horntails, part of a group of insects called sawflies. They are in the same order of insects as wasps, bees and ants. Although they do not have stingers, they do have structures at the ends of their abdomens to drill into trees. Their larvae are wood eaters, often living with carpenter ants and borer beetles. They are one of the targets of ichneumon wasps looking for hosts for their eggs in dead or dying trees.
Some mud daubers and other wasps have very narrow sections of their bodies connecting major sections. One of these groups is called the thread-waisted wasps. Many live in arid areas of the Great Plains. Some are fairly long but very slender. They are predators, feeding mostly on other insects (more on them below).
Cuckoo wasps are among the most colorful of the wasps. They are smaller, about three-quarters of an inch, and are often metallic green or blue. There are about 3,000 known species.
The gorgeous colors help to highlight the unusual surface of their exoskeleton, resembling the pebbled surface of a golf ball. Their outer surface is like armor protecting it from the sting of other wasps. They can also roll up in a ball to avoid stings. Cuckoo wasps have a habit of laying eggs in the nests of other wasps, like the thread-waisted wasp.
The process is amazingly complex, as the cuckoo wasp watches the larger wasp drag a paralyzed caterpillar back to a hole it has excavated in the ground. It watches the process closely because it can produce a chemical to mimic the smell of the other wasp.
When the thread-waisted wasp leaves to find a small pebble to cover the opening to the nest, the cuckoo wasp races into the burrow and lays its egg inside. When that egg hatches, it will begin eating the larva of the larger wasp, killing it as it grows into an adult. These are parasitoid. Some cuckoo wasp larvae simply steal the food meant for other wasp larvae and are called kleptoparasites. Other cuckoo wasps target moths, sawflies, walkingsticks and bees.
“The serpent, the king, the tiger, the stinging wasp, the small child, the dog owned by other people and the fool: These seven ought not to be awakened from sleep.”
—Chanakya
A great golden digger wasp (Sphex ichneumoneus) attacks a katydid (Tettigoniidae). (Photo by Scot Stewart)
Velvetants are one of the most unusual groups of wasps. There are nearly 7,000 different species. Wingless females resemble ants, and they get their name from their hairy coverings. They too are quite colorful, often orange, red, yellow or gold, as these colors advertise the danger of their stings, known to often be quite painful.
Because of the females’ lack of wings, they look quite different from males. Entomologists often have a difficult time matching the two sexes of the same species unless they are mating. Because of their preference for dry habitats, they are most often found in the U.S. in the Southwest, where 400 species have been discovered.
Only the smaller females have stingers on their abdomens, but both have structures near their tail to produce alarm sounds. They can also produce chemicals in their jaws to help protect them when attacked. Their exoskeletons are also extremely tough, strong enough to prevent penetration by jaws and stingers of other insects. They are nectar eaters.
“Anger is as a stone cast into a wasp’s nest.”
—Pope Paul VI
Waspsare not perfect. They do sting, and for those allergic to their venom it can be a serious problem. Sawtails and relative wood wasps cause huge amounts of damage
to spruce, oak and pines trees harvested for lumber. But even those drawbacks have positives. Brazilian paper wasp venom has been found to kill cancer cells without damaging adjoining tissue.
Fairyfly wasps are the smallest of all insects. Females are .015 millimeters in length, and males are even smaller at .013 millimeters long. It becomes easier to understand why so many wasps may yet be unidentified. There is still so much to learn about them.
And that brings us back to the original premise for loving wasps. Recognizing their value takes education beyond their stings. Like the rose, it may not be the thorn that ruins it for the blossoms; rather, the blossoms, with all their beauty and fragrance, make the thorns a tolerable part of that greatness.
Wander through a stand of milkweed or goldenrod or a patch of blooming oregano in the garden, and you will find wasps. They love sweet nectar, and as they proceed through the garden and sip the nectar of fruit, trees and vegetables, they are pollinating flowers.
The proof of this extends to hummingbird feeders, sites wasps just love. Moving them away from possible nest sites should reduce their visits. But around those flowers, you can see the pollen on their faces, legs and bodies.
Bumblebees, honey bees and butterflies are in trouble. Climate change, pesticides, mites and other challenges
have caused serious decreases in the numbers of many pollinators. Wasps may provide some of the help needed to offset those losses.
There is even a tropical orchid mimicking the female pheromones of a wasp to entice the males to visit and pollinate the flowers. Fig wasps are entirely responsible for the fertilization of figs in the tropics. Their impact is huge, especially on those plants relying exclusively on wasps to survive. Wasps’ role in insect control to protect crops is only starting to be understood. The impact of many wasp species is not yet known. It has been suggested that only 10% of the world’s species have even been identified. It is known that every group of insects is either preyed on or parasitized by wasps. Benefits of employing wasps to control more insect pests double the beneficial impacts — fewer pests and less pesticide use affecting other pollinators like bees and butterflies. Some, like cuckoo wasps and velvet ants, have a beauty of their own. The life stories of nearly all of these insects are unbelievably fascinating. You don’t have to start your own wasp nest collection — just take some time and study them this summer. You won’t be disappointed.
MM
Scot Stewart is an educator, writer and photographer with an inherent love of the natural world. He is active with the MooseWood Nature Center at Presque Isle Park in Marquette.
The American pelecinid wasp (Pelecinus polyturator) is known for its glossy black body. (Photo by Scot Stewart)
Summertime is camp time
The outdoor world presents opportunities for artists and science enthusiasts
Editor’s note: Summer camp has long been a staple of children’s lives, a place to swim, hike, sing around campfires and get a breath of the great outdoors. But there are other kinds of camps in the U.P., opportunities for children and adults alike to create art, play music, learn about the environment or grow a nutritious meal. In this two-part series, we’ll give you a peek at four of these camps — two this month and two in August.
By Jennifer Donovan
Stephanie Mae Howells was feeling burned out as a professional teaching artist when a friend told her about the Visitor Center Artist Camp. Nestled in the vast wilderness of the Ottawa National Forest near Ewen in Ontonagon County, the camp hosts artists for two weeks each summer. There they live cooperatively, reconnect with nature and explore their environment through art, using the red clay native to the area, natural dyes and other organic materials.
Northern Michigan University hosts an annual environmental science camp. (Photo courtesy of NMU)
“At first, I just wanted to be still in nature,” Howells said. She found herself enchanted by the delicate field grasses and wildflowers. “But to balance the intricate stillness, I also needed to move around and sweat.”
So she built three nestlike structures from piles of invasive tag alder branches and turned one of the nests into a woven gallery to display a series of tiny ink and watercolor sketches she had done of the grasses and wildflowers. “The ‘nest’ concept was a metaphor for the role I play as a teacher — providing a temporary but nurturing safe space necessary for growth,” she said.
The camp was just what she needed. “My first year was so restorative, inspiring and just plain fun that I returned the next year,” she said. Then she was invited to join the staff. Last summer, she served on the kitchen crew and worked with campers on independent projects.
During Howells’ second camp summer, she facilitated a communal grieving ritual motivated by the recent death of her cat and what she calls “the overwhelming collective global grief.” She centered it in the plentiful aspen trees. Ancient folklore holds that aspen trees have the ability to commune with the dead, Howells said. “A grove of aspen is in reality one living body, as the root systems connect underground and the canopy interlaces above, symbolizing the interconnectedness between the dead and the living,” she said.
“As I guardedly had conversations with other residents about my project, the visceral presence of grief in us all quickly became clear,” Howells said. “From there emerged a constant collaboration process both with the people but also the aspen trees.”
She made charcoal from aspen twigs for writing messages on the trees themselves, pressed clay into the bark and carved a stamp likeness of the bark to make invitations to the ritual. Several trees had fallen after a massive storm. She sawed them by hand to build an altar.
“For me,” Howells said, “the value of camp was getting away from my normal daily routines and stresses, immersing myself in nature and connecting with a community of other creative people.”
Julie JAO agreed. “Spending all my time outdoors, the communal living and especially the camaraderie of other artists — sharing our creative struggle — was a thrilling experience,” said the Minneapolis artist who attended the camp three years in a row.
During her first year there, JAO created a piece of land art in a hayfield across the road from the camp. She mowed a 75-foot by 75-foot “transformation spiral” for people to walk as they cleared their minds and asked a question of the universe. “The idea was to let go as you entered the spiral, ask your question as you reached the center and receive your wisdom for the future as you walked out,” she said.
JAO works in many arts. She paints, teaches banjo and does astrology. She said experiences like the artist camp can be life changing. “It is a chance to spend an extended period of time outdoors, just focusing on your art and getting the interaction, support and feedback of other artists,” she said. “It strengthens your human connection and your earth connection.”
In 2008, camp director Amy Joy Hosterman and a group of artist friends from the Minneapolis-St. Paul area started gathering at the camp site to recharge in the summer. Realizing that other artists were just as hungry for Mother Nature’s rejuvenation as they were, they opened the camp in 2014.
Hosterman is a ceramic artist and wild clay researcher. The local red clay is a perfect medium for her. “We’re making art while hanging out and living totally in nature,” she said, “and the clay is part of the earth, and so there’s even a stronger connection there.”
The camp’s expenses are small, and participant fees cover most of them. Organizers have received a few small grants over the years, and an annual grant from the Michigan Arts and Culture Council supports a public workshop called Day and Clay. This year’s Day and Clay, where members of the public can drop in to try their hand at making a mug or other small clay piece, is scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 2.
Amy Joy Hosterman is director of the Visitor Center Artist Camp in the Ottawa National Forest. (Photo courtesy of the VCAC)
Environmental science camp
Sponsored by the Seaborg Mathematics and Science Center at Northern Michigan University, the Seaborg Environmental Science Camp is a residential opportunity for 10th, 11th and 12th graders to explore and learn about the natural world and being good stewards of it.
For a week in July, campers live in NMU campus dorms, although they spend most of their time out in the woods, wetlands, rivers, rocks and wildlife habitats surrounding Marquette.
Camp co-director Susy Ziegler called it a magical experience. “Each camp is magical and special in its own way because the campers, counselors, faculty, staff and guest presenters each put so much into being in the moment and opening their minds and hearts to learning and building community,” she said. Ziegler is a professor and head of NMU’s Department of Earth, Environmental and Geographical Sciences.
Led by counselors who are NMU students — many of them former campers themselves — up to 20 campers explore the science vistas of the Upper Peninsula. They hike geological landmarks, paddle the Au Train River, study environmental issues in the Lake Superior watershed and learn about local natural resources and sustainable community development. They meet and interact with NMU students and professors, getting a firsthand taste of college life.
At the week’s end, the campers’ families are invited to a Showcase of Learning, where they see and hear about their students’ camp experiences.
For many campers, the learning doesn’t end when camp is over. “Learning about the geologic history of the U.P. was fascinating and motivated me to conduct my own research after camp ended,” said Angel El Bizri, who attended last summer.
El Bizri plans to attend NMU when she graduates from high school. She wants to become a teacher.
For camp co-director Kelsey Avey, the environmental science camp evokes the feelings she remembers from her own summer camp days: burgeoning independence, becoming fast friends with new people, pushing herself out of her comfort zone to try new things and not wanting the week to come to an end. Avey works as senior success adviser for the physical and natural sciences at NMU.
The Seaborg Environmental Science Camp was founded in 2014 primarily to recruit students to NMU. Some of the campers wind up attending NMU. Some don’t. But all of them take home new knowledge, an increased awareness of environmental issues and some fond, fun memories.
Minnesotan Wrenna Wright’s camping experience in 2023 added to her passion for restoration in ecosystems. “Pulling invasive species along
the lakeshore gave me a real-life view of what efforts can be made to nurture our world and how a small-scale project such as pulling invasives can lead to an entirely new native green space in the future,” she said.
Now a second-year student at NMU, she is majoring in environmental science with a concentration in natural resources and plans to work in rehabilitation and restoration of ecosystems.
The experience can have a profound impact on the counselors, too. “It definitely shaped what I wanted my future jobs to look like,” said Dayna Carlson, who worked as an environmental science camp counselor in 2023 and 2024. “Getting to be outside every day and make an impact on people’s lives was very fulfilling for me. It felt too good to be true.”
She just graduated from NMU with a Bachelor of Science degree in environmental studies and sustainability and a minor in earth science and is working this summer as a sustainabil-
ity intern at Deception Pass State Park in Washington.
The Seaborg Environmental Science Camp is a learning-by-doing experience. There’s some classroom time — the morning spent learning mapping techniques and watershed science, for example — but what they learn gets put right to work in the afternoon, with a canoe paddle on the Au Train River.
That was a highlight of Avery Case’s camp experience. Now a rising junior studying environmental studies and sustainability at NMU, Case was a Seaborg camper in 2022.
“One of my favorite days had to have been canoeing on the Au Train River,” she said. “There we learned all about the ecosystems in the area and how important it is to protect areas like the Au Train.” She’s thinking about becoming an environmental lawyer, to help do just that.
Campers learn the history of U.P. iron ore — from its geological formation to the development of the mining industry — by tracing the route from Ishpeming to Marquette, exploring geological landmarks, visiting the Michigan Iron Industry Museum. They taste what the miners typically found in their lunch boxes, by eating a hot pasty lunch atop Jasper Knob.
“The campers teach us just as much as or more than we teach them,” Ziegler said. “Our campers come with — and share — their own knowledge. They may be avid birders, field botany enthusiasts, rock hounds, scouts or outdoor adventurers. We nurture that spark in them and encourage them to keep going or help them see new ways to look at the world.”
MM
Jennifer Donovan is a freelance writer based in Houghton. She has decades of experience as a newspaper reporter, magazine writer and university communications specialist.
Participants in the Seaborg Environmental Science Camp at Northern Michigan University spend most of their week outdoors. (Photo courtesy of NMU)
By Jim LaJoie
Marquette Kart Club offers fun, friendly atmosphere
Saturday at the races
The engines rev. The tires peel out of the gate. And they’re off, zipping around a quarter-mile track, vying for inside position, hoping to win their coveted race.
Having fun. Winning. Making friends.
Those thoughts pretty much sum up the general feeling of those who participate in the Marquette Kart Club.
The nonprofit club, in its 26th year, began racing on Saturdays in midMay and will run through August at the course located at the Marquette County Fairgrounds off M-553 7 miles south of Marquette. It is the only karting track in the Upper Peninsula.
“It’s more about having fun than winning,” said 15-year-old Jada Arczynski, who has been racing since she was 4 years old. “My friends were racing before me, and my grandma said you should go race, so we started up. It’s a good way to be around people, make friends and really have a good time out here.”
The club’s mission is prominently displayed on its website at mar-
quettekartclub.org: “It is the goal of the Marquette Kart Club to promote the sport of karting in the Upper Peninsula and provide an environment in which families can enjoy the experi-
ence of friendly competition. Karting teaches our youth the importance of teamwork, effort, how to be good sportsmen, to accept victory or defeat graciously and to abide by the rules. It
also helps with the kids’ mental health by forming friendships, knowing how to accept defeat graciously and to work towards becoming better instead of giving up.”
The Marquette Kart Club is in its 26th year. The club’s track is located at the Marquette County Fairgrounds in Sands Township. Racing takes place on Saturday afternoons from mid-May through August. (Photo courtesy of the Marquette Kart Club)
The club races in several classes:
• Cadet Kart: 5 to 7 years of age
• Rookie 1: 7 to 12 years of age
• Sportsman: 8 to 12 years of age
• Junior: 12 to 15 years of age
• 206 Masters: 30 years old and up, or 15 and over if driver is more than 200 pounds
• Adult Medium: 15 years of age and up
• Yamaha: 15 years of age and up
• Tag 100: 15 years of age and up
And new this summer is a women’s division.
Jaime VandeZande serves dual roles with the club. A trained emergency medical technician who is readily available to respond on site, VandeZande is the president of the club’s board of directors.
The Marquette Kart Club, she said, is about much more than awarding trophies to the top finishers.
“It’s about building relationships with family and friends and to build leadership skills,” she said. “When you lose, it gives them the incentive of, ‘How can I get better?’ We try to encourage that and build up and focus on kids. They’re outside and not sitting at home playing electronics. We’re a lot like family. It’s amazing what kids can do when you have support.”
The Marquette Kart Club has a one-time initiation fee of $65. Yearly single racer memberships are $50, and a yearly family membership is $65. Spectators can attend for free. Special pit passes, which enable viewers to be on top of the action, are available for $10 apiece.
Racers maneuver and whiz around the track 10 or 20 times to earn points. The karts, which cost around $1,200 and up, can be purchased online or at warehouses in various locations.
“It’s up to the driver to go out and get sponsors,” VandeZande said. “The kart sizes are based on age level, from rookie karts up to adult sizes.”
Racers with memberships vie for first- through third-place laurels. Each week, the points are tallied up and put on the organization’s Facebook page.
“At the end of the season, we hold a banquet and trophies and awards are handed out,” she said. “We race also during the county fair week. This year during our fair weekend, we are going to have our annual Marquette Kart Club Shoot-Out, which we have racers from all over the United States and Canada that come for this. We race for trophies during the shootout.”
Each Saturday during the season, practice runs are held from noon to about 1:30 p.m., with the races com-
Each Saturday during the season, practice runs from noon to about 1:30 p.m., with races beginning at 2 p.m. (Photo by Jim LaJoie)
mencing at 2 p.m. Racing typically runs around three hours. In the event of inclement weather, particularly steady rain or threats of lightning, racing is cancelled that day.
“If a kart breaks,” VandeZande said, “we’ll wait for them to race. We all get together and find an extra kart for them to race. … We all jump in and get it fixed and come together. Halfway through the race, we put out a caution flag and start racing again to be more competitive.”
Annabella O’Neill, a first-grade student at Lakeview School in Negaunee, is in her first year with the club. “My dad wanted me to go racing,” she said. “I enjoy spinning out.”
Her mother said, “She’s a gearhead … always on the motor. She loves to ride, and we ride together as a family.”
Kane Marietta, 8, added, “It’s my first year. I get to pass people and drive as fast as I want. It’s fun, but not when you break something.”
The camaraderie and free-flowing enjoyment make for a wonderful time every Saturday, VandeZande said. “When you are starting out, many [riders] are withdrawn,” she said. “We see people helping each other. All you have to do is ask. There are good people in this world.”
Even though the club has been around for more than two decades, VandeZande believes many people in the county are not aware of it. She’s hoping that changes. “We have small crowds, and not a lot of people know we have a track there,” she said. “We would love to expand our track and need to get the funds to do it.”
To do that, she said, the club will need to put an increased emphasis
on fundraising in the years ahead. “Community donations currently go toward paying the EMT, flagman, PA announcer and lap counter,” she said. “We would also use it to purchase shirts and trophies for the club and make donation baskets for fundraisers. We also have to pay for supplies, like paint, when we need to paint our buildings.”
Regarding the present track, VandeZande eyes enhancements with tax-deductible gifts. “We would like to make the track longer and bigger while smoothing out some corners that have hard turns,” she said. “We have room to expand. And it would be great if we could have the whole track re-surfaced. There are places that are cracking and should be fixed.”
Arczynski summed up racing in the club well. “It gives me something to be proud of,” the freshman at Westwood High School said. “I look forward to this every summer.”
And for those intrigued with racing or wanting to give it a shot, she offered this simple advice: “Just come out here. People are more than willing to let you drive their karts to see if you would like it first. Everyone is willing to help.”
Those interested in joining the Marquette Kart Club or making a charitable gift to support the club are encouraged to contact VandeZande. She can be reached at 906-869-2351 or by email at hbot5359@gmail.com. MM
Jim LaJoie was a newspaper sports writer and sports editor from 1986 to 1996. He is an award-winning sports columnist for The U.P. Catholic. LaJoie lives with his family in Marquette.
The Marquette Kart Club features several classes ranging from 5-year-olds through adults. (Photo by Jim LaJoie)
spirit of water
How mythology can teach us to be water stewards
Editor’s note: This article is part of a series by the Interfaith 2024-25 Water Steward Initiative, a collaboration with local municipalities and Native American tribes to protect and preserve the quality of accessible drinking water. Visit cedartreeinstitute.org for more information.
By Sarah Gimpl
All around the globe, written and oral traditions have beautifully intertwined the ideas of water and self, connecting us back to the natural world through storytelling.
Myths and stories of goddesses like Mami Wata, serpent goddess of African waters; legends like Waynaboozhoo and the Great Flood; and deities like the Japanese god of the sea, Ryujin, can act as teachers for caring for the natural world.
So what can stories and mythology teach us about water? Every story is different, but common themes and representations of water include healing, feminine energy, wisdom, rebirth and death.
The Spirit of Water Health, Hope & Healing
stand significant themes throughout history so that we can show up as better stewards of the earth.
In dark times, it is incredibly valuable to utilize the power of language, imagination and soul, which is amplified through storytelling. According to the Barnhart Dictionary of Etymology, the etymology of soul may stem from a Proto-Germanic word meaning “coming from the sea, belonging to the sea.” Our souls and water are deeply connected. After all, humans are about 70% water, and the earth’s surface is over 70% water.
STORYTELLING AND
MYTH
CAN HELP US UNDERSTAND SIGNIFICANT THEMES THROUGHOUT HISTORY.
As we navigate the current threats to clean drinking water and understand the importance of being stewards of the land and waters, we must connect back to the natural world. In addition, storytelling and myth can help us under-
In Celtic mythology, water is greatly symbolic, and some of the earliest Irish texts are the Metrical Dindshenchas, which translates to “lore of places.” These writings tell the stories of how certain places in Ireland came to be — in other words, their creation story. One myth in particular that demonstrates a mirror to how humans live in relationship to water is that of the Celtic goddess Sinann, granddaughter of Manannán Mac Lir, Irish god of the sea. Sinann’s story created the name for the River Shannon, the longest riv-
er in Ireland, stretching 224 miles. In the story of Sinann, there is a place associated with the Celtic “Otherworld” called Connla’s Well. Believed to be a source of sacred knowledge, Connla’s Well is surrounded by hazelnut trees, which symbolize wisdom and poetic inspiration in Celtic mythology. Nine hazelnuts are dropped into the well and eaten by the salmon. One day, Sinann came to the well seeking wisdom and poetic inspiration. As she tried to drink the sacred water, the well swallowed her whole and she drowned, reincarnating her into a mighty river, River Shannon. (This translation is based on “Irish Literature, Vol. 8,” [1904] by Justin McCarthy.)
What can this story reveal to us about our relationship with water? It is apparent that Sinann is connected to water through her lineage, but she also approached the well in hopes of gaining something from it, something bigger than the natural world. Because of this, the water from Connla’s Well engulfed her in response to her desire for all-encompassing knowledge, making her one with the water. This can mirror today’s reality of humans seeking high power, authority and knowledge while using earth’s natural resources to help them get there, but without forming a respectful coexistence with nature first.
In Sinann’s story, the themes of death and rebirth show themselves through drowning and transformation.
Mythology can portray water as both life-giving and life-taking. This teaches us about the complexity of the natural world: how we treat nature will determine how nature responds. Western capitalist society can lack respect for place-based stories and develops self-isolating technologies that drift us farther away from our environment and surrounding ecosystems. When there is an absence of connection with the natural world in our everyday lives, we fall short of knowing how to intentionally tend to it. Mythology and storytelling can act as a tool not only for creative understanding of complex patterns in human evolution but can reinforce the ancestral preservation of tradition through writings, music, dance and artistic mediums.
It’s a gift to be able to use our imaginations to create stories that convey the human experience on earth. Making this a practice will help keep tradition alive through written and spoken words. In turn, future generations will learn to live hand-in-hand with nature and community. After all, our souls thirst for water, spirit and imagination. How will you write your story?
MM
Sarah Gimpl is a recent graduate of Northern Michigan University and is project coordinator for the Cedar Tree Institute 2024-2025 Interfaith Water Stewards Drinking Water Initiative.
The Interfaith Water Stewards Initiative works to celebrate — and protect — the joy of pure water. (Photo courtesy of the Cedar Tree Institute)
The Gift poetry
for Roger Magnuson
By Beverly Matherne
That morning, you awoke thirsty. I couldn’t give You enough water. You tried to stand
At your bedside but collapsed. Prostrate, you stared
At the ceiling, your eyes glassing over. The EMTs carried you out the front door, Down ice-glazed steps, one stone unstable, Throwing them off balance. Truck doors swallowed Your body. I didn’t know whether I’d see you again.
I hold you in a meadow of trillium, in Munising, Marsh Marigolds ablaze along the narrow country road, Kiss you in the tenderest way I know.
Beverly Matherne, author of seven books of bilingual poetry, ended her two-year term as U.P. Poet Laureate on May 31. Her latest book ― “Potions d’amour, thés, incantations / Love Potions, Teas, Incantations” ― is from Harvard Square Press. Beverly’s work has received seven first-place prizes and four Pushcart Prize nominations.
This poem is from the 10-year anthology, “Superior Voyage,” which is available for purchase. All proceeds benefit Peter White Public Library. “Superior Voyage” was selected as a 2023 U.P. Notable Book by the Upper Peninsula Publishers & Authors Association.
superior reads
A visit to Lakenen’s ‘junkyard art park’
Review by Victor R. Volkman
Lakenenland Sculpture Park in Chocolay Township is situated between Marquette and Munising on a particularly quiet stretch of M-28. The story of how ironworker Tom Lakenen’s park came to be which he details in his book “Lakenenland: The U.P.’s Most Unique Junkyard Art Park” — is almost as fascinating as the more than 100 statues that make up the attraction, which is free and open to the public yearround.
The current 37-acre site was not the park’s original home. Instead, the iron statues first began to appear in Lakenen’s front yard as he sculpted figures from scrap metal to fill his time between construction jobs after giving up drinking alcohol. He welded the sculptures together in his garage and installed them in his yard, but Chocolay Township officials told him they were considered signs and not permitted to be displayed. Lakenen has since reached a truce with the township, and the park is even listed in the Pure Michigan directory.
As Lakenen plied his ironworking trade across the U.P. and beyond, he would ask permission to keep interesting or quirky remnants of jobs that would be the grist for his imaginative art style. A partial list of sites he has salvaged scrap from reads like a “Who’s Who” of the industrial U.P.: the Louisiana Pacific chipboard mill, Northern Michigan University, Presque Isle Power Plant, Republic Mine, Upper Harbor Ore Dock in Marquette, the railroad garage at Lower Harbor in Marquette, the Kuester generating plant and other sites too numerous to list here.
Lakenen’s art style, if I had to describe it, reminds me most of the films of Tim Burton — in particular the fantasy epics like “Edward Scissorhands” or “The Nightmare Before Christmas.” The latter film features animated skeletons and the like, which are a common motif of Lakenen’s pieces such as “Skeleton in a Chair,” “Skeleton Daredevil,” “The
Many of the sculptures at Lakenenland, such as “The Purple Elephant,” have an interactive component. (Photo by Victor R. Volkman)
Big Skull,” “The Haunted House” and other macabre-themed sculptures.
Many of the sculptures are kid-friendly and have an interactive component, such as the saddle-chair in “The Purple Elephant.” The giant-scale iron Adirondack chair, which he claims is the most photographed object in the park, also qualifies. Finally, “The Smoking Dragon” was designed to have a wood fire in the base to exhaust smoke through the mouth and nostrils, although Lakenen is disinclined to light it up these days. Instead, he provides comforting winter bonfires to welcome snowmobilers and cross-country skiers on Trail 417,
which runs through the property.
You can see some of Tom’s heart in many of the pieces that are of a memorial or celebratory nature. There are memorials to cancer victims, the nurses of the COVID-19 era, fallen firefighter Ben Lauren and sailors lost to the wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald. He also addresses other causes dear to him, such as climate change, the Line 5 pipeline controversy and even Mother’s Day.
My personal favorites include the surrealistic “Fishosaurus” and the iconic “Lumberjacks.”
Lakenenen’s book is a beautiful 8.5-inch by 11-inch paperback with gorgeous full-color shots of all the statues featured in this story. Of course, the book would not have been possible without his collaboration with designer and editor Nancy Barr of Rapid River, an accomplished veteran newspaper reporter and professor of technical communication. The book’s 44 pages cover about 60 of the more than 100 sculptures of Lakenenland — so there is scope for a second volume at some point.
One of the most charming aspects of Lakenenland is how it is very much a family project. Tom’s mother works all summer touching up the paint on the iron sculptures. Looking through photos, I see “The Purple Elephant” was once pink with polka dots, so anything is possible. Tom’s wife, Lisa, sells a few Lakenenland-themed T-shirts and outerwear from time to time. There are no set hours, so visitors are encouraged to email her in advance.
Lakenenland is quite the opposite of a “tourist trap” — those places with a high admission fee and an emphasis on selling pricey gifts and trinkets for kids. After all, admission is free year-
round, and Tom has frequently hosted summer events without an admission charge for visitors or even vendors.
Although another music festival is unlikely anytime soon — Lakenen told me the logistics consumed his entire summer — I am hopeful that the park’s Summer Festival will return. The first one was held on July 21, 2024, and featured a wide variety of authors and their books for children and adults. The Summer Festival also featured artists from around the U.P. and their works including knives, paintings, driftwood mosaics, jewelry, fiber art and of course recycled and repurposed crafts.
“Lakenenland: The U.P.’s Most Unique Junkyard Art Park” is a fun and collectible gift for anyone who’s ever been to the park. I highly recommend it as a souvenir and perhaps the vehicle to convince your friends and family to visit while they are in the area. The park is beautiful year-round, so get those kids out there to burn off some energy.
Victor R. Volkman is a 1986 graduate of Michigan Tech and is the current president of the U.P. Publishers & Authors Association. He is senior editor at Modern History Press and publisher of the U.P. Reader.
HOW TO SUBMIT A BOOK
Send Upper Peninsula-related book review suggestions to victor@LHPress.com. Books submitted for review can be sent to: MM Book Reviews, 5145 Pontiac Trail, Ann Arbor, MI 48105.
“Lumberjacks,” left, and “Fishosaurus” are fan favorites at Lakenenland, which is open year-round free of charge. (Photos by Victor R. Volkman)
on campus
MTU’s environment mirrors Arctic conditions
In February, Michigan Technological University’s Great Lakes Research Center hosted marine technology startup company Seatrec, providing a test site for its prototype Arctic Power Station — a novel thermal energy harvesting system designed for the Arctic environment.
Lake Superior is a scientific gateway to the Arctic. With its vast, frigid waters, powerful storms and seasonal ice cover, Superior mirrors some of the extreme conditions of the far north. Michigan Tech’s proximity to Lake Superior is a distinct research advantage, making it a natural test bed for Arctic research. The GLRC’s Frozen Marine Testbed is a cost-effective place for companies and organizations to deploy and validate their technology before testing in remote Arctic regions.
Early this year, the GLRC served as a test site for Seatrec, a California-based innovator in thermal energy harvesting solutions. The Arctic-like environment allowed the company to identify all the potential risks and failure points of its latest technology before taking it up to the Arctic, which can be challenging from both cost and accessibility standpoints.
During Seatrec’s visit, researchers recorded an air temperature of minus 29 degrees Celsius (negative 20.2 degrees Fahrenheit) and a water temperature of zero degrees Celsius (32 Fahrenheit).
“With harsh winter temperatures often dropping well below freezing, along with the vast waters and extensive ice cover of Lake Superior,
our region provides an unparalleled testbed for Arctic technologies,” said Pengfei Xue, associate director of the GLRC and professor of water resources in Michigan Tech’s Department of Civil, Environmental and Geospatial Engineering. “By leveraging our Frozen Marine Testbed, we offer an exceptional environment to validate technologies like Seatrec’s power station in an accessible yet Arctic-like environment, reducing risks before deployment in the high Arctic.”
During the month-long field test, GLRC and Seatrec team members successfully deployed, operated and recovered the Arctic Power Station prototype in harsh winter conditions ranging from blizzards and subfreezing temperatures to sunshine.
The GLRC’s team facilitated a pre-deployment design review to help Seatrec optimize the system for survivability in Great Lakes winter conditions. They also assisted with shipping logistics, received freight and hosted Seatrec’s engineers on-site with full access to workshop space, tools and technical staff.
The APS was deployed within the deep-water takeout well located on the GLRC’s seasonally frozen pier, with additional infrastructure provided for power and network connections. Throughout the test, GLRC engineers supported routine system maintenance, monitored environmental conditions and provided boots-on-the-ground troubleshooting to ensure smooth operation and documentation.
Michigan Tech’s Great Lakes Research Center assisted tech startup Seatrec in testing its prototype Arctic Power Station. (Photo courtesy of MTU)
NMU alumna and faculty publish wildebeest study
The largest remaining migratory population of brindled wildebeest in southern Africa serves as a cornerstone prey species for large predators. Yet it has been understudied because of its remote location in the Greater Liuwa Ecosystem in western Zambia and Angola.
Northern Michigan University alumna Steph Szarmach, along with biology faculty members Alec Lindsay and Katherine Teeter, worked with collaborators in Zambia to explore the wildebeest’s genetic diversity and demographic history. They are among the coauthors of a recently published paper on the study’s findings.
“Very little is known about the Greater Liuwa Ecosystem, despite the size of its wildebeest population,” Lindsay said. “There had also been limited research on the population itself because it’s not very close to the other wildebeest populations in Kenya and other areas, which are located in close proximity to people doing the research. There are no population centers near this habitat; a lot of Indigenous people are living there. But unfortunately, Angola had a long civil war from 1975 to 2002, and that had some pretty dramatic effects on the wildlife there. It’s worth studying the wildebeest, even in this remote area, because the more we know about the prey population, the better informed we will be
for all other species living there.”
Lindsay previously completed a giraffe project with a collaborator in Zambia, and the two agreed to pursue a genetics project involving wildebeest. Szarmach became interested in the project as a graduate student and conducted work for the published study as part of her thesis project. Prior to participating in an NMU field studies course in Zambia, she said her only exposure to wildebeest came from reading research papers or working with their DNA in the lab.
“While most of my research was completed before the trip, traveling to Zambia offered me an amazing opportunity to view wildebeest in their natural habitat,” Szarmach said. “Analyzing genetic data through laboratory and computational work can become very abstract — it’s valuable to also spend time observing your study species in the wild, because their natural history and ecology are important to consider when interpreting the genetic data. Through the ‘Zambassadors’ trip, I was also able to meet Zambian biologists and conservationists and learn about all the great work going on to protect wildlife in Zambia.”
One of the challenges associated with researching a larger population of wildlife, according to Lindsay, is ensuring an adequate sample. The Zambian collaborators focus primari-
Steph Szarmach visited Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park (Victoria Falls) in Zambia during her “Zambassadors” field studies course through Northern Michigan University. (Photo courtesy of NMU)
ly on carnivores such as lions, hyenas and wild dogs. But they also have experience working in the Greater Liuwa Ecosystem, which few can claim.
“Over the years, they have both captured and radio-collared some of the wildebeest, and then they’ve also found recent kills from predators, and they would take tissue samples in all of those cases,” he said. “So it was a relatively random sample, because it happened over a number of years in a bunch of different locations. It wasn’t like going out and just darting 75 individuals that might all be close relatives. It was a good, diverse sample.”
Szarmach’s role was to sequence and analyze DNA from blue wildebeest tissues collected by Zambian Carnivore Programme biologists. An NMU research grant supported the genetic and computational work on campus. The late computer science professor Jeff Horn contributed to the interdisciplinary collaboration by creating a large computing cluster that his students trained Szarmach how to operate. She used this “massively parallel sequencing” method to sequence small regions of DNA from across the whole genome.
“That means she could get lots of sequence data through the genome for all 75 individuals at once, which can be used to characterize genetic diversity in a population,” Teeter said. “This technology generates huge data files, which is why we collaborated with Jeff Horn and his students. We needed much more computing power for the analysis
than we could get from a laptop.”
Researchers estimated the wildebeest population size, then determined the effective population size from a genetic context. Not all of individuals counted are necessarily breeders contributing their genes to the next generation.
“If you think of the similar ungulate of white-tailed deer, we know that almost all of the female deer are going to mate, but maybe only a few of the males — the really big bucks,” Lindsay said. “It’s kind of similar with wildebeest. So the genetic effective population size is oftentimes smaller. We think it’s about one-tenth of the estimated population in southern Africa.
Other credited coauthors of the study were Jassiel M’soka, Egil Dröge, Hellen Ndakala, Clive Chifunte and Matthew S. Becker. Their paper, titled “Genetic diversity and demographic history of the largest remaining migratory population of brindled wildebeest (Connochaetes taurinus) in southern Africa,” was published in the peer-reviewed journal PLOS One.
As a Ph.D. student at Penn State, Szarmach shifted her focus from mammals to birds. Her dissertation research integrated migration tracking and genomics to answer questions about the evolution of migration in the parulid wood-warblers. She successfully defended her dissertation at the end of May and will start a postdoctoral research fellowship at the Smithsonian Migratory Bird Center in September.
MM
Answers for the crossword puzzle on Page 15
out & about
Out & About is a free listing of Upper Peninsula events. Events included must cost $25 or less (except fundraisers).
All events are free and in Eastern time unless noted. We print information sent to us by a wide variety of people and organizations. It pays to double check the date, time, place and cost before heading out.
E-mail your August events by Thursday, July 10 to: calendar@marquettemonthly.com.
end of june events
25 WEDNESDAY
9:47 p.m.
Calumet
• Gail English and Friends. Part of the Summer Concert Series 7:30 p.m. Calumet Theatre, 340 Sixth St. 906337-2610 or calumettheatre.com.
Curtis
• Music in the Park. Featuring music by Angels and Outlaws. 6:30 p.m. Erickson Center for the Arts, N9224
Saw-Wa-Quato St. 906-586-9974 or ericksoncenter.org.
Ishpeming
• Art as Meditation with Apiary Life Studio. Participants will explore a set of guided drawing prompts in this class led by Amy Turner, an artist and emotional wellness life coach. No drawing skills are necessary and materials and instruction will be provided. 1 p.m. Ishpeming Carnegie Public Library, 317 N. Main St. 906-486-4381 or ishpeminglibrary.info.
• Italian Lessons: Casual Conversation. Marilena Corradino will teach Italian in a casual conversation format. The class is intended for beginners or those who want to practice
Hiawatha Traditional Music Festival | July 18 - 20 | Marquette
Photo courtesy of Hiawatha Music Co-Op
speaking Italian with others. 4 p.m. Ray Leverton Community Room, Ishpeming Carnegie Public Library, 317 N. Main St. 906-486-4381 or ishpeminglibrary. info.
• West End Farm Stand. 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Partridge Creek Farm, 550 Cleveland Ave. partridgecreekfarm. org.
• Community Skill Share. Partridge Creek Farm will host a food demonstration and tasting using ingredients from the weekly CSA. 4:30 p.m. 550 Cleveland Ave. partridgecreekfarm. org/events.
• Adult Horror Book Club (Nonfiction Edition). This month’s selection will be “The Indifferent Stars Above: A Harrowing Saga of a Donner Party Bride” by Daniel James Brown. 6 p.m. Ishpeming Carnegie Public Library, 317 N. Main St. 906-486-4381 or ishpeminglibrary.info.
Marquette
• Sunrise Lighthouse Tour. The guided tour will take you on the catwalk to view the sunrise on Lake Superior. $15. 5:30 a.m. Marquette Maritime Museum, 300 N. Lakeshore Dr. 906-225-2006 or mqtmaritimemuseum.com.
• NCLL: Marquette Board of Light and Power. In Part II of the initial presentation of “Your Board of Light and Power,” Matthew Zavislak will lead a tour of the BLP’s grounds and discuss current BLP services and planning Marquette’s future needs. NCLL members, $5; non-members, $10. 10 a.m. Marquette Board of Light and Power, 2200 Wright St. 906-235-8532 or susanholliday83@gmail.com.
• Congregate Meals for Seniors–Dine in or Curbside Pickup. Meals available to those age 60 and older and their spouses. Call to reserve a meal. $3.50 suggested donation. Noon to 1 p.m. Marquette Senior Center, 300 W. Spring St. 906-228-0456.
• Youth Community Art: Tye-Dye Flags. Youth of all ages can drop in to design and dye a unique rainbow flag. The flags will be added to a community art display in the Youth Services Room and will remain on display throughout the summer. 1 to 3 p.m. Great Room, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. 906-226-4323 or pwpl.info.
• Game On! Students entering sixth through 12th grades can drop in for board and video gaming. 2 to 4 p.m. Teen Zone, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. 906-226-4321, email apierce@pwpl.info or pwpl.info.
• Wednesday Night Market. Includes farmers, growers, food producers and artisans. 5 to 8 p.m. 100 Block of Washington Street. mqtfarmersmarket.com.
• Upper Peninsula History Book Club. The selection will be “We Kept Our Towns Going” by Phyllis Wong. The event will take place in-person and online via Zoom. 6:30 p.m. Marquette Regional History Center, 145 W. Spring St. 906-226-3571 or marquettehistory.
org/UPHBC.
• Spider vs. Insect: What’s the Difference? Guests will learn about some common invertebrates, spiders and insects, and what makes them different. Presented by Easton Zivnoska and Grace Souza, in partnership with Critter Classroom of Marquette. 6 p.m. MooseWood Nature Center, Shiras Pool Building at Presque Isle Park. moosewood.org.
• Concert on the Steps: Cloverland. Cloverland, featuring musicians Kerry Yost, Stephanie Whiton, Sarah Mittlefehldt and John Gillette, will perform a toe- and heart-tapping concert of folk and bluegrass tunes. 6:30 p.m. Front Street Steps, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. 906-2264322, machatz@pwpl.info or pwpl. info.
• Big Lake Theatre Co: “Bonnie & Clyde—The Musical.” This musical is based on the infamous criminal duo Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow. $25. 7 p.m. Ore Dock Brewing Company, 114 Spring St. biglaketheatreco.com.
Negaunee
• All Booked Up. “Upper Michigan Today” host Tia Trudgeon will lead an on-air book discussion of Percival Everett’s “James.” 9 a.m. WLUC TV6 Studio, 177 U.S. Hwy. 41 E. 906-2264322, machatz@pwpl.info or pwpl. info.
• Knitting Group. Crocheters, knitters and others interested in fiber arts are welcome to bring their projects and enjoy fellowship. Coffee will be provided and lessons are available. 1 p.m. Negaunee Public Library, 319 W. Case St 906-475-7700, ext. 18, or facebook. com/NegauneePublicLibrary.
• Kids’ Craft Time. Kids ages five to 12 will create pony beads at this hands-on crafting session. All supplies will be provided. Registration is appreciated but not required. 2:30 p.m. Negaunee Public Library, 319 W. Case St 906-475-7700, ext. 18, or facebook. com/NegauneePublicLibrary.
• Negaunee Market. 4 to 7 p.m. Chiri Park, Downtown. 906-360-2422.
• Negaunee City Band Concert. Bring a chair. 7:30 p.m. Negaunee Outdoor Performing Arts Center, east end of Iron Street.
Ontonagon
• UPStarts! Emerging Artists Showcase. This concert spotlights the best and brightest up-and-coming classical musicians from the U.P. This year’s featured performers are Curt Rogan, tenor (Calumet), Rachel Nulf, flute (Hancock) and Jane FallLakatos, violin (MTU student). Part of the Pine Mountain Music Festival. Pay As You’re Able ticketing. 7:30 p.m. Ontonagon Theater, 311 N St. pinemountainmusicfestival.com.
Rock
• Escanaba Public Library Bookmobile. 1 p.m. Rock Area Senior Center, 3892 W. Maple Ridge 37th Rd.
906-789-7323 or escanabalibrary.org.
Seney
• Bats! Wolves! Presentation. Part of the Seney National Wildlife Refuge’s 90th Anniversary. 6 p.m. Temporary Visitor Center, Seney National Wildlife Refuge, 1986 River Rd., Germfask. 810-938-3020 or friendsofseney.org.
26 THURSDAY
sunrise 5:58 a.m.; sunset 9:47 p.m.
Calumet
• Preschool Story Time. 10:15 a.m. Calumet Public Library, 57070 Mine St. 906-337-0311, ext. 1107, or clklibrary.org.
• Knitting and Crochet Group. Participants can bring their portable handwork project and enjoy an informal social time. Open to everyone. 1 p.m. Calumet Public Library, 57070 Mine St. 906-337-0311, ext. 1107, or clklibrary.org.
Curtis
• Turtle Day. Part of the Seney National Wildlife Refuge’s 90th Anniversary. 10 a.m. Curtis Public Library, 9220 N. Portage Ave. 810-938-3020, seneyrefuge90years@gmail.com or friendsofseney.org.
• The Sue Huber Evening of Piano with Joe Amijio. Joe Amijio will perform a unique, one-man band performance. Ticket prices vary. 7 p.m. The Pine Performance Center, N9224 Saw-Wa-Quato St. mynorthtickets.com.
Gwinn
• Gwinn Modeltown Market. Featuring a car show and music by Full Cord, The Knockabouts, WhoDat Brass & Operation Shoestring. Noon to 6 p.m. Riverside Pavilion, Peter Nordeen Park, 115 N. Pine St. 906361-4843 or modeltownmarket@ gmail.com.
Iron Mountain
• UPStarts! Emerging Artists Showcase. This concert spotlights the best and brightest up-and-coming classical musicians from the U.P. This year’s featured performers are Curt Rogan, tenor (Calumet), Rachel Nulf, flute (Hancock) and Jane FallLakatos, violin (MTU student). Part of the Pine Mountain Music Festival. Pay As You’re Able ticketing. 7:30 p.m. CDT. The Braumart, 106 E. B St. pinemountainmusicfestival.com.
Ishpeming
• Summer Concert Series. Featuring The Make-Believe Spurs. Bring a chair. Rain location is Lake Bancroft Pavilion. 7 p.m. Old Ish Park.
L’Anse
• Lakefront Concert. Featuring a variety of country classics by Lightning Ridge. 7 p.m. Lakefront Park, Broad Street at the lake (rain location is
Meadowbrook Arena, 204 Division St.).
Marquette
• Color Our World: Book Fair No. 1. Youth who are registered for Summer Reading and who have been tracking their reading can stop in to choose their first free book. 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Community Room, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. 906-226-4323 or pwpl.info.
• NCLL: Lunch and Learn. The focus of the conversation will be “What service for our age group do you feel is lacking in Marquette?” 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Slabz Restaurant in the Ramada, 412 W. Washington St. 906-458-5408 or csteinha@nmu.edu.
• Superiorland Duplicate Bridge Club. Games open to all interested players. $5 for games. 12:30 p.m. Marquette Senior Center, 300 W. Spring St. superiorland_bridge.tripod. com.
• Adult SRP 2025: Art Escapes— Card Making. As part of the adult Summer Reading Program, attendees can create one-of-a-kind greeting cards. Supplies will be provided. 2 p.m. Heritage Room, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. To register, call 906-226-4311.
• Ann Berman Book Reading. Michigan historian Ann Berman will read from her biography, “Louis Graveraet Kaufman: The Fabulous Michigan Gatsby Who Conquered Wall Street, Took Over General Motors, and Built the World’s Tallest Building.” 6:30 p.m. Shiras Room, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. 906226-4322, machatz@pwpl.info or pwpl.info.
• Big Lake Theatre Co: “Bonnie & Clyde—The Musical.” This musical is based on the infamous criminal duo Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow. $25. 7 p.m. Ore Dock Brewing Company, 114 Spring St. biglaketheatreco.com.
• “Love Letters.” The piece features readings of letters exchanged over a lifetime between two people who grew up together, went their separate ways, but continued to share confidences. Presented by NMU Theatre and Dance. NMU students, $5; youth, $15; NMU employees, seniors and military, $22; general public, $25. 7:30 p.m. Forest Roberts Theatre, NMU. tickets.nmu. edu.
• Marquette City Band Art Week Concert. 7:30 p.m. Harlow Park (rain location is Reynolds NMU’s Recital Hall). marquettecityband.com.
27 FRIDAY
sunrise 5:58 a.m.; sunset 9:47 p.m.
Caspian
• History Happy Hour. Kristen Underhill of the Crystal Theater will present “Breaking Legs for 98 Years in Iron County: Vaudeville at the Crystal Theatre.” $5. 6 p.m. CDT. Iron County
on the town
Big Bay
• Lumberjack Tavern.
- Saturday, July 26: Boots and Sandals.
202 Bensinger St. 906-345-9912.
Escanaba
• Upper Hand Brewery.
- Thursday, July 3: Anna p.s. 3 to 6 p.m.
- Sunday, the 6th: Jack Neumann. 2 to 5 p.m.
- Friday, the 11th: Noah Bauer. 5 to 8 p.m.
- Sunday, the 13th: Anna p.s. 2 to 5 p.m.
- Sunday, the 20th: Stu Selesky. 2 to 5 p.m.
- Tuesday, the 22nd: Jack Neumann. 5 to 8 p.m.
- Sunday, the 27th: Anna p.s. 2 to 5 p.m.
3525 Airport Rd. 906-748-9466 or upperhandbrewery.com.
Gwinn
• Happy Hour Bar and Grill.
- Friday, July 11: Danny Collins. 7 to 10 p.m.
- Friday, the 18th: Shamus. 7 to 10 p.m.
- Friday, the 25th: Anthony Lindsey. 6 to 9 p.m.; The DeGens from 9 p.m. to close.
- Mondays: Tumbleweed Taylor. 6 p.m.
- Saturdays: Karaoke. 9 p.m. to 2 a.m.
5 E. Stephenson Ave. 906-346-6340.
• Up North Lodge.
- Sunday, July 6: Chicken Stanley. 4 to 8 p.m.
- Sunday, the 13th: Boots and Sandals. 4 to 8 p.m.
- Sunday, the 20st: Eddie and the Bluesers. 4 to 8 p.m.
- Sunday, the 27th: Groove Candy. 4 to 8 p.m. 215 S. CR-557. (906) 346-9815.
Marquette
• 906 Sports Bar and Grill.
- Wednesdays: Trivia. 6:30 p.m.
145 W. Washington St. 906-273-0706 or 906barandgrill.com.
• Blackrocks Brewery.
- Thursday, July 3: Cold Springs. 6 to 8 p.m.
- Mondays: Trivia. 7 to 9 p.m.
- Wednesdays: Open mic. 6 to 9 p.m.
424 N. Third St. 906-273-1333 or blackrocksbrewery.com.
• Drifa Brewing Company.
- Saturday, July 5: Boots and Sandals.
- Mondays: Musicians’ Open Mic. 6 to 8 p.m.
- Thursdays: Trivia. 7 p.m.
501 S. Lake St. 906-273-1300.
• Flanigan’s.
- Mondays through Saturdays: Karaoke. 9:30 p.m. to 2 a.m.
- Tuesdays: Open Mic. 7 to 10 p.m.
429 W. Washington St. 906-228-8865.
• Kognisjon Bryggeri.
- Tuesday, July 1: Trivia. 6:30 and 7:30 p.m.
- Thursday, the 3rd: Iron Golem Games. 6 to 10 p.m.
- Saturday, the 5th: 44Acres & Tom Violence. 7:00 p.m.
- Sunday, the 6th: Jazz Brunch. 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.; Cribbage Tournament. 3 p.m.
- Monday, the 7th: Vinyl day.
- Tuesday, the 8th: Trivia. 6:30 and 7:30 p.m.
- Thursday, the 10th: Iron Golem Games, 6 to 10 p.m.; Hot Plate, 6 to 8 p.m.
- Friday the 11th: Groove Candy. 7 to 10 p.m.
- Saturday, the 12th: Jakey Thomas, 7 to 10 p.m.
- Sunday, the 13th: Jazz Brunch. 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.; Open Mic. 7 to 10 p.m.
- Monday, the 14th: Vinyl day.
- Tuesday, the 15th: Trivia. 6:30 and 7:30 p.m.
- Wednesday, the 16th: Luke Ogea. 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.
- Thursday, the 17th: Iron Golem Games, 6 to 10 p.m.
- Saturday, the 19th: Lillian Prescill. 7 to 10 p.m.
- Sunday, the 20th: Jazz Brunch. 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
- Monday, the 21st: Vinyl day.
- Tuesday, the 22nd: Trivia. 6:30 and 7:30 p.m.
- Thursday, the 24th: Iron Golem Games. 6 to 10 p.m.; Hot Plate. 6 to 8 p.m.
- Friday, the 25th: Alex Teller. 7 to 10 p.m.
- Saturday, the 26th: Knockabouts. 5 to 8 p.m.; Chanteymen, 9 to 11 p.m.
- Sunday, the 27th: Jazz Brunch. 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.; Open Mic. 7 to 10 p.m.
- Monday, the 28th: Vinyl day.
- Tuesday, the 29th: Trivia. 6:30 and 7:30 p.m.
- Thursday, the 31st: Iron Golem Games. 6 to 10 p.m. 1034 N. Third St. 906-273-2727.
• Ojibwa Casino.
- Saturday, July 12: Lost Cause. 8 p.m. to midnight.
- Saturday, the 19th: SPUN. 8 p.m. to midnight.
- Saturday, the 26th: Vinyl Tap. 8 p.m. to midnight.
105 Acre Trail. 906-249-4200 or ojibwacasino.com.
• Ore Dock Brewing Company.
- Thursday, July 3: Jakey Thomas from 3 to 6 p.m. and Lupine from 8 to 11 p.m.
- Friday, the 4th: Rick Fink from 3 to 6 p.m. and Cabildo from 8 to 11 p.m.
- Saturday, the 5th: Cabildo. 3 to 6 p.m.
- Saturday, the 5th: Charlie Millard Band. $10. 8 to 11 p.m.
- Thursday, the 10th: Hiawatha on Tap Pre-Fest featuring Youngman and Oldmen. Hiawatha members, $5; general admission, $10. 6 to 8 p.m.
- Saturday, the 12th: Noah Bauer. 5 to 8 p.m.
- Tuesday, the 15th: Beer Choir Summer Edition. 7 to 9 p.m.
- Friday, the 18th: BABA FATS. 7 to 10 p.m.
- Saturday, the 19th: Bumpus. $10. Ages 21 and older. 9 p.m.
- Thursday, the 24th: The Wallens. 6 to 9 p.m.
- Friday, the 25th: Seth Bernard.
Eddie and the Bluesers | July 20 | Up North Lodge, Gwinn
(continued on page 89)
Museum, 100 Brady Ave. 906-2652617 or info@ironcountymuseum.org.
Gwinn
• Family Health and Resource Fair. Families can enjoy food, health resources and activities. There will also be a ribbon cutting ceremony for the new Health and Wellness Garden. 1 to 5 p.m. Upper Great Lakes’ Sawyer Family Health Center, 301 Explorer St. uglhealth.org or jamie.muffler@ uglhealth.org.
• Alumni Co-Ed Softball Tournament. Alumni teams will compete throughout the week. Times vary. Forsyth Township Baseball Field, off Johnson Lake Road. gwinnmi.com.
Ishpeming
• Hanji Art for Kids. Children ages eight and older will create a unique piece of art using hanji (Korean mulberry paper) in this class led by local artist Jenny Cho. 1 p.m. Ishpeming Carnegie Public Library, 317 N. Main St. 906-486-4381 or ishpeminglibrary. info.
Marquette
• Color Our World: Book Fair No. 1. Youth who are registered for Summer Reading and who have been tracking their reading can stop in to choose their first free book. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Community Room, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. 906-226-4323 or pwpl.info.
• Cultivating Care, Compassion and Connection. This event will offer a safe space to pause, reflect and build connections with others who are committed to cultivating kindness. Each week, a different local organization will present educators and leaders who will facilitate a discussion while maintaining a shared commitment to the Charter for Compassion and the Circle of Trust principles. Noon.
on the town
(continued from page 88)
$10. 8 p.m.
- Saturday, the 26th: Slowfoot. 8 p.m.
- Sunday, the 27th: Igor and the Red Elvises. In advance, $15; day of show, $18. 7 p.m. All shows are free unless noted. 114 W. Spring St. 906-228-8888 or oredockbrewing.com.
• Rippling River Resort. 4321 M-553. 906-273-2259 or ripplingriverresort.com.
• Superior Culture.
- Tuesdays: Open Mic night. 8 to 10 p.m. 717 Third St. 906-273-0927 or superiorculturemqt.com.
Negaunee
• Barr’s Bar.
Heritage Room, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. 906-226-4303 or pwpl.info.
• Superiorland Duplicate Bridge Club. Games open to all interested players. $5 for games. 12:30 p.m. Marquette Senior Center, 300 W. Spring St. superiorland_bridge.tripod. com.
• LEGO Club. Youth of all ages can build with the library’s LEGO bricks. 2 p.m. Great Room, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. 906-226-4323 or pwpl.info.
• Fresh Coast Plein Air Painting Festival. Artists will register from 4:30 to 7 p.m. at the Presque Isle Pavilion and the public is invited to watch them in various locations throughout Marquette as they paint from 5 to 10 p.m. lakesuperiorartassociation.org.
• “Love Letters.” The piece features readings of letters exchanged over a lifetime between two people who grew up together, went their separate ways, but continued to share confidences. Presented by NMU Theatre and Dance. NMU students, $5; youth, $15; NMU employees, seniors and military, $22; general public, $25. 7:30 p.m. Forest Roberts Theatre, NMU. tickets.nmu. edu.
• UPStarts! Emerging Artists Showcase. This concert spotlights the best and brightest up-and-coming classical musicians from the U.P. This year’s featured performers are Curt Rogan, tenor (Calumet), Rachel Nulf, flute (Hancock) and Jane FallLakatos, violin (MTU student). Part of the Pine Mountain Music Festival. Pay As You’re Able ticketing. 7:30 p.m. St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 201 E. Ridge St. pinemountainmusicfestival.com.
Negaunee
• Building Storytime. Children ages three and older can listen to a story or two and be inspired to build with
Republic
• Pine Grove Bar.
- Friday, July 4: TBA.
- Saturday, the 5th: Troy Graham. 3 to 6 p.m.
- Saturday, the 5th: The Degens. 9 p.m. to 1 a.m.
- Friday, the 11th: Summer Jubilee.
- Saturday, the 12th: Summer Jubilee.
- Sunday, the 13th: Summer Jubilee.
- Friday, the 25th: TBA.
- Saturday, July 12: Boots and Sandals. 511 Iron St. 906-475-5233.
- Saturday, the 26th: Under the Radar. 8 p.m. to midnight.
286 Front St. 906-376-2234.
art galleries
Calumet
• Calumet Art Center. Works by local and regional artists. Wednesday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. 57055 Fifth St. 906-934-2228. calumetartcenter.com.
• Copper Country Associated Artists. Works by members and workshop participants in watercolor and oil, drawings, photography, sculpture, quilting, wood, textile, clay, glass and other media. Tuesday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. 205 Fifth St. 906-337-1252 or ccaartists.org.
• Gallery on 5th. Featuring works by local and regional artists. Call or visit Facebook for up-to-date store hours. 906-299-0118 or galleryon5th.com.
• My Story Gallery at Keweenaw Storytelling Center. Presented by Real People Media, the gallery shares stories of ordinary residents through multimedia exhibits. Contact for updated hours. 215 Fifth St. 906-9342346 or realpeoplemedia.org.
Curtis
• Erickson Center for the Arts–Waterfront Gallery. The gallery features unique work from local artists, including photography, pottery, jewelry, woodworking, paintings and more. Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. N9224 Saw-Wa-Quato St. 906-586-9974 or ericksoncenter. org.
Copper Harbor
• EarthWorks Gallery. Featuring Lake Superior-inspired photography by Steve Brimm. Daily, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. 216 First St. 906-231-6318.
Escanaba
• Besse Gallery. Works by local and regional artists. Days and hours vary. Bay College, 2001 N. Lincoln Rd. baycollege.edu.
• East Ludington Gallery. Works by local and regional artists. Tuesday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. 1000 Ludington St. (across the street from the gallery’s previous location). 906786-0300 or eastludingtongallery. com.
• Hartwig Gallery. Featuring works by local, regional and national artists. Days and hours vary. Bay College, 2001 N. Lincoln Rd. baycollege.edu.
• William Bonifas Fine Arts Gallery.
- Bonifas Membership Show, featuring a variety of works by emerging and professional artists, is on display through the 10th. Powers Gallery.
- East Ludington Invitational, showcasing artwork from more than 25 East Ludington members, is
on display through Sept. 5. Studio Gallery.Tuesday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. 700 First Avenue South. 906786-3833 or bonifasarts.org.
Garden
• Village Artisans/Garden Gallery. The Gallery has approximately 50 consignors each year featuring paintings, photography, quilting, stained glass, woodwork, pottery, jewelry and more. Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, noon to 5 p.m. 6367 State St. 906-644-2025 or villageartisansofgarden.org.
Hancock
• Finlandia Art Gallery. In partnership with the Finnish American Folk School, “The Folk School at Midsummer,” the fourth annual group exhibit presenting the work of the folk school instructors and students, is on display through Sept. 10. Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Located in the Finnish American Heritage Center, 435 Quincy St. 906-487-7309 or gallery@finlandiafoundation.org.
• Kerredge Gallery.
- Works by Cheryl Perkins will be on display through June 28.
- Letterpress and drawings by Alexander Lee Landerman will be on display July 8 through August 2. Tuesday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Copper Country Community Arts Center, 126 Quincy St. 906-482-2333 or coppercountryarts.com.
• Youth Gallery. Featuring works by local students. Tuesday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Copper Country Community Arts Center,, 126 Quincy St. 906-482-2333 or coppercountryarts.com.
• Lynn Mazzoleni Studio and Gallery. This is the working studio and retail gallery space of acrylic and oil painter Lynn Mazzoleni, showcasing her original artwork and high-quality reproductions, as well as home décor pieces and unique goods. Tuesday through Friday, 2 to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. 116 Quincy St. lynnmazzoleni. com.
Houghton
• The Rozsa Galleries. Works by local and regional artists. Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturdays, 1 to 8 p.m. Rozsa Center, 1400 Townsend Dr. mtu.edu/rozsa.
Manistique
• Lake Effect Community Arts Center.
- “A Sense of Direction,” featuring multimedia art and objects by Marquette artists Ruby Miller, Emily Weddle and Amber Dohrenwend, is on display through the 11th. - Freshwater felting experience and
LEGOs and other blocks. Older youth are welcome to quietly build as they please. 11 a.m. Negaunee Public Library, 319 W. Case St. 906475-7700, ext. 18 or facebook.com/ NegauneePublicLibrary.
28 SATURDAY
sunrise 5:59 a.m.; sunset 9:47 p.m.
Escanaba
• STEAM Story Time with the Robomos and Technomos. Intended for ages five to 12. 1 p.m. Escanaba Public Library, 400 Ludington St. 906789-7323 or escanabalibrary.org.
Gwinn
• Alumni Co-Ed Softball Tournament. Alumni teams will compete throughout the week. Times vary. Forsyth Township Baseball Field, off Johnson Lake Road. gwinnmi.com.
Houghton
• UPStarts! Emerging Artists Showcase. This concert spotlights the best and brightest up-and-coming classical musicians from the U.P. This year’s featured performers are Curt Rogan, tenor (Calumet), Rachel Nulf, flute (Hancock) and Jane FallLakatos, violin (MTU student). Part
art galleries
(continued from page 90)
installation, a two-week residency with Kati Fritz-Jung making fish, rocks and freshwater jellyfish, and Evan Gustafson’s drawings and paintings, will be on display July 14-25 with an artist reception on the 25th. Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. 244 Cedar St. info@lakeeffectarts.org.
Marquette
• Art—U.P. Style. Art by Carol Papaleo, works by local artists, gifts, classes and more. Monday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. 130 W. Washington St. 906-225-1993.
• DeVos Art Museum.
- “North of the 45th,” an exhibition highlighting artists living in this upper Midwest region from rural and urban areas in Michigan, Wisconsin and Minnesota, is on display through Aug. 1 with a reception featuring juror Rebecca Heidenberg at 6 p.m. on the 25th. Monday through Wednesday, and Friday through Saturday, noon to 5 p.m.; Thursday, noon to 8 p.m. Corner of Seventh and Tracy streets. NMU. 906-227-1481 or nmu.edu/ devos.
• The Gallery Marquette. Work by guest artist John French is on display through the 6th. A reception for July’s featured artists will take place on the 8th. Works by local and
of the Pine Mountain Music Festival. Pay As You’re Able ticketing. 7:30 p.m. Portage Lake United Church, 1400 E. Houghton Ave. pinemountainmusicfestival.com.
Marquette
• Fresh Coast Plein Air Painting Festival. Artists will register from 7 to 9 a.m. at the Presque Isle Pavilion and the public is invited to watch the artists in various locations throughout Marquette as they paint from 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. A reception and awards ceremony will take place at 6 p.m. at the pavilion. lakesuperiorartassociation.org.
• Farmers Market. Includes farmers, growers, food producers and artisans. 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Marquette Commons, 112 S. Third St. mqtfarmersmarket.com.
• Superiorland Duplicate Bridge Club. Games open to all interested players. $5 for games. Lessons, 10 a.m. Games, 11:30 a.m. Marquette Senior Center, 300 W. Spring St. superiorland_bridge.tripod.com.
• Marquette Art Week Pottery Demonstration. Attendees will have the opportunity to test their skill at bowl making, either with the wheel or by hand. Pinch pots can be made by younger visitors. Pottery will also be available for sale with proceeds benefiting the nature center. Noon to
3:30 p.m. MooseWood Nature Center, Shiras Pool Building at Presque Isle Park. moosewood.org.
• “Love Letters.” The piece features readings of letters exchanged over a lifetime between two people who grew up together, went their separate ways, but continued to share confidences. Presented by NMU Theatre and Dance. NMU students, $5; youth, $15; NMU employees, seniors and military, $22; general public, $25. 7:30 p.m. Forest Roberts Theatre, NMU. tickets.nmu. edu.
29 SUNDAY
sunrise 5:59 a.m.; sunset 9:47 p.m.
Gwinn
• Alumni Co-Ed Softball Tournament. Alumni teams will compete throughout the week. Times vary. Forsyth Township Baseball Field, off Johnson Lake Road. gwinnmi.com.
Ishpeming
• Historic Places Home Tour Fundraiser. Attendees can tour historic homes located at 609 N. Pine St., 604 N. Pine St., and 903 N. Main St. Refreshments will be available at The Mather at 107 E. Canda St. This event is a fundraiser for the Ishpeming Area
Historical Society. Advance tickets will be available at the Main Street Antique Mall or at each tour location on the day of the event. Suggested donation, $10. Noon to 4 p.m. 906-486-8680.
Marquette
• Fresh Coast Plein Air Painting Festival Sales and Social. The Lake Superior Art Association will host this event for the public and participating artists to socialize, view and purchase paintings. 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Presque Isle Pavilion. lakesuperiorartassociation.org.
30 MONDAY
Escanaba
• Music Mondays. Featuring Peltier Brothers. 7 to 9 p.m. Karas Bandshell in Ludington Park.
Gwinn
• Alumni Co-Ed Softball Tournament. Alumni teams will compete throughout the week. Times vary. Forsyth Township Baseball Field, off Johnson Lake Road. gwinnmi.com.
Marquette
• Pokémon Adventure. Youth of all
regional artists. Daily, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Inside the Masonic Building, 130 W. Washington St. thegallerymqt.com.
• Huron Mountain Club Gallery.
- “Nimiigwechiwendam (I Am Grateful)” by Sherri LoonsfootAldred and Aiyana Aldred is on display through the 31st. Monday through Thursday, 9:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Friday, 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., and Saturday, 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. 906-228-0472.
• Lake Superior Photo and Gallery. The studio features landscape photographic art by Shawn Malone, including naturescapes of the Lake Superior region. Monday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. 211 S. Front St. 906-228-3686 or lakesuperiorphoto.com.
• Marquette Arts and Culture Center Deo Gallery.
- “Detritus mine,” featuring multimedia sculptures by Ruby Andromeda Miller, is on display through the 31st. Monday through Thursday, 9:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., Friday, 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., and Saturday, 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Lower level, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. 906-228-0472.
• Niik Creative Co. Handcrafted and local artisan goods. Wednesday through Saturday, noon to 5 p.m.
Sunday, noon to 4 p.m. 2905 Island Beach Rd.
• Peter White Public Library.“Color Our World,” featuring artwork submitted by Marquette area youth, is on display with receptions from noon to 3 p.m., and 4 to 7 p.m. on the 28th. Community Room, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. 906226-4323 or pwpl.info.
• Presque Isle Station. This working pottery studio features pottery by Michael Horton and Terry Gilfoy, along with works by local artists. Days and times vary. 2901 Lakeshore Blvd. 906-225-1695.
• Second Story Studio. Thursday through Saturday, 2 to 6 p.m., and by appointment. Inside the Wattsson and Wattsson Marketplace, 118 B W. Washington St. tarynokesson.com/ second-story-studio.
• Wintergreen Hill Gallery and Gifts. Nature-inspired watercolor paintings by Danielle Bammert are on display through the 31st with a reception from 5 to 8 p.m. on the 11th. Wintergreen Hill Gallery strives to create an immersive art experience for visitors who are looking to buy or just looking for inspiration. Local art by local artists. Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. 810 N. Third St. 906-273-1374 or wintergreenhill.com.
• Zero Degrees Gallery. Work by artist Kathleen Conover is on display through the 31st with a reception from 1 to 4 p.m. on the 19th. The gallery features works in oils, watercolors, mixed media, jewelry, photography, metals, woods, recycled and fiber arts, and more. Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. 525 N. Third St. 906-228-3058 or zerodegreesgallery.org.
Munising
• UP-Scale Art. Featuring works by local and regional artists. Tuesday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. or by appointment. 109 W. Superior Ave. 906-387-3300 or upscaleart.org.
Rapid River
• Ritch Branstrom’s adhocWORKshop. Specializing in award-winning found object sculpture. By appointment or chance. 10495 S. Main St. 906-399-1572 or adhocworkshop. com.
Sand River
• Aurelia Studio Pottery. Featuring high fire stoneware, along with functional and sculptural pieces inspired by nature, created by potter and owner Paula Neville. Open by appointment or chance. 3050 E. M-28. 906-343-6592. MM
ages who love Pokémon can enjoy games, crafts, gaming, card trading and more. 3 to 6 p.m. Lower level, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. 906-226-4323 or pwpl.info.
Negaunee
• Storytime. Negaunee Public Library staff will host a program of stories, songs and rhymes on the theme of “Wind and Weather.” Rain will cancel the event. 2 p.m. Jackson Mine Park. 906-475-7700, ext. 18, or facebook. com/NegauneePublicLibrary.
july events
01 TUESDAY
Escanaba
• Tech Tuesday. Appointments or walk-ins are welcome. 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Escanaba Public Library, 400 Ludington St. 906-789-7323 or escanabalibrary.org.
Gwinn
• Middle Grade Book Club. Middle graders in third through fifth grade will discuss assigned chapters in “The Lemonade War” by Jacqueline Davies and participate in themed activities. 10:30 a.m. Forsyth Township Library, 180 West Flint St. 906-346-3433 or forsythtwplibrary.org.
• FOAMO Party and Sno-Cones. Children can enjoy timed periods in the wall of foam and free sno-cones. Bring a towel. 1 p.m. Peter Nordeen Park, 115 N. Pine St. 906-346-3433 or forsythtwplibrary.org.
• Alumni Co-Ed Softball Tournament. Alumni teams will compete throughout the week. Times vary. Forsyth Township Baseball Field, off Johnson Lake Road. gwinnmi.com.
Ishpeming
• Draw-a-Thon. Children and families are invited to stop in throughout the day to color, draw and be creative with more than just paper. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Ishpeming Carnegie Public Library, 317 N. Main St. 906-486-4381 or ishpeminglibrary.info.
Little Lake
• Bingo. A concession stand will be available. Doors open, 5 p.m.; early bird games, 6:30 p.m. American Legion Auxiliary Post 349, 1835 E. M-35. 906-346-6000.
Marquette
• Storytime in the Park. Families and youth can enjoy books, action songs, bubbles, parachute play and more. 9:30 a.m. East Ohio Street (Williams) Park. 906-226-4323 or pwpl.info.
• Gather2Grow: Feeding America West Michigan Meal Pickup. Shelfstable meals are available at no cost to
all youth (18 and younger) and disabled adults up to age 26. 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Dandelion Cottage Room, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. 906-226-4323 or pwpl.info.
• Superiorland Duplicate Bridge Club. Games open to all interested players. $5 for games. 12:30 p.m. Marquette Senior Center, 300 W. Spring St. superiorland_bridge.tripod. com.
• Oil Painting, Pastels and Drawing Classes with Marlene Wood. Bring your own supplies. $20. 1 p.m. Marquette Arts and Culture Center, Lower level, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. 906-225-8655.
• NMU Music Department’s Summer Concert Series. Featuring Mark Flaherty on trumpet. 5 p.m. Reynolds Recital Hall, NMU. nmu.edu/music.
Negaunee
• Readers Dozen Book Club. As part of the “Readers Dozen Reading Challenge,” the library will host an optional book club for all participants. Participants can enjoy refreshments, share what they’ve been reading, swap recommendations for the coming month and connect with fellow readers. 5 p.m. Reading Room, Negaunee Public Library, 319 W. Case St. 906475-7700, ext. 18, or facebook.com/ NegauneePublicLibrary. 02
Calumet
• Maggie Brotherton. Part of the Summer Concert Series 7:30 p.m. Calumet Theatre, 340 Sixth St. 906337-2610 or calumettheatre.com.
Curtis
• Music in the Park. Featuring music by A Place to Land. 6:30 p.m. Erickson Center for the Arts, N9224 Saw-Wa-Quato St. 906-586-9974 or ericksoncenter.org.
Gwinn
• Alumni Co-Ed Softball Tournament. Alumni teams will compete throughout the week. Times vary. Forsyth Township Baseball Field, off Johnson Lake Road. gwinnmi.com.
Ishpeming
• Italian Lessons: Casual Conversation. Marilena Corradino will teach Italian in a casual conversation format. The class is intended for beginners or those who want to practice speaking Italian with others. 4 p.m. Ray Leverton Community Room, Ishpeming Carnegie Public Library, 317 N. Main St. 906-486-4381 or ishpeminglibrary. info.
• West End Farm Stand. 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Partridge Creek Farm, 550 Cleveland Ave. partridgecreekfarm. org.
• Community Skill Share. Partridge
Creek Farm will host a food demonstration and tasting using ingredients from the weekly CSA. 4:30 p.m. 550 Cleveland Ave. partridgecreekfarm. org/events.
Marquette
• Heritage Room Book Group. The group welcomes readers interested in a variety of contemporary fiction. This month’s selection will be “The Wedding People” by Alison Espach. 10 a.m. Heritage Room, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. 906226-4323 or pwpl.info.
• Congregate Meals for Seniors–Dine in or Curbside Pickup. Meals available to those age 60 and older and their spouses. Call to reserve a meal. $3.50 suggested donation. Noon to 1 p.m. Marquette Senior Center, 300 W. Spring St. 906-228-0456.
• Wednesday Night Market. Includes farmers, growers, food producers and artisans. 5 to 8 p.m. 100 Block of Washington Street. mqtfarmersmarket.com.
• Marquette County Quilters Association Meeting. All skill levels are invited for socialization, program events and show and tell. Yearly membership fee, $20. 6 p.m. Lower level, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. marquettequilters.org.
Negaunee
• Knitting Group. Crocheters, knitters and others interested in fiber arts are welcome to bring their projects and enjoy fellowship. Coffee will be provided and lessons are available. 1 p.m. Negaunee Public Library, 319 W. Case St 906-475-7700, ext. 18, or facebook. com/NegauneePublicLibrary.
• Kids’ Craft Time. Kids ages five to 12 will create salt dough pinch pots at this hands-on crafting session. All supplies will be provided. Registration is appreciated but not required. 2:30 p.m. Negaunee Public Library, 319 W. Case St 906-475-7700, ext. 18, or facebook.
com/NegauneePublicLibrary.
• Negaunee Farmers Market. Fresh produce from Little Parsley Farm and crafts from a variety of vendors. 4 to 7 p.m. Chiri Park, Iron Street. cityofnegaunee.com/farmers-market.
• Negaunee City Band Concert. Bring a chair. 7:30 p.m. Negaunee Outdoor Performing Arts Center, east end of Iron Street.
03 THURSDAY
sunrise 6:02 a.m.; sunset 9:46 p.m.
Calumet
• Preschool Story Time. 10:15 a.m. Calumet Public Library, 57070 Mine St. 906-337-0311, ext. 1107, or clklibrary.org.
• Knitting and Crochet Group. Participants can bring their portable handwork project and enjoy an informal social time. Open to everyone. 1 p.m. Calumet Public Library, 57070 Mine St. 906-337-0311, ext. 1107, or clklibrary.org.
Copper Harbor
• Performance in the Park. Featuring live music from Bling Cro$by. 7 to 9 p.m. Donny Kilpela Memorial Park, 240 Gratiot St. 906-289-4020 or performances.in.the.park@gmail.com.
Escanaba
• Live on the Lawn at Lunch. Featuring music from The Cloverland Band and lunch from Bobaloons’s Food Truck and Main Squeeze Lemonade. 11:45 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. Escanaba Public Library, 400 Ludington St. 906789-7323 or escanabalibrary.org.
Gwinn
• Gwinn Modeltown Market. Featuring a farmers and artisans market as well as live music. 3 to 6 p.m. Riverside Pavilion, Peter Nordeen Park, 115 N. Pine St. 906-361-4843 or
Fireworks | Days and locations vary
Photo by Sebastien Gabriel on
modeltownmarket@gmail.com.
Ishpeming
• Feeding America Food Distribution Drive-Thru Site. 8:30 to 10 a.m. North Iron Church, 910 Palms Ave. feedwm.org.
• Summer Concert Series. Featuring Diversion. Bring a chair. Rain location is Lake Bancroft Pavilion. 7 p.m. Old Ish Park.
L’Anse
• Lakefront Concert. Featuring country music by Jack Jolliff and Friends. 7 p.m. Lakefront Park, Broad Street at the lake (rain location is Meadowbrook Arena, 204 Division St.).
Marquette
• Gather2Grow: Feeding America West Michigan Meal Pickup. Shelfstable meals are available at no cost to all youth (18 and younger) and disabled adults up to age 26. 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Dandelion Cottage Room, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. 906-226-4323 or pwpl.info.
• Freedom Fest. Featuring a variety of ethnic foods and local favorites. Sponsored by the Marquette County Exchange Club. Noon to 10 p.m. Mattson Lower Harbor Park. marquettefourth.com.
• Geoff and Jon’s Record Show. Thousands of new and used vinyl records, CDs, posters, cassettes, books and T-shirts will be available. Presented by the NMU Vinyl Record Club. Noon to 11 p.m. Community room, Ore Dock Brewing Company, 114 W. Spring St. 906-228-8888.
• Superiorland Duplicate Bridge Club. Games open to all interested players. $5 for games. 12:30 p.m. Marquette Senior Center, 300 W. Spring St. superiorland_bridge.tripod. com.
• Marquette City Band Fireworks Concert. Bring a blanket or chair. 6:30 p.m. Mattson Lower Harbor Park (rain location is Reynolds Recital Hall, NMU). marquettecityband.com.
• Independence Day Fireworks. Dusk. Mattson Lower Harbor Park. marquettefourth.com.
Michigamme
• Concert and Fireworks. Swampberry Moonshine will perform from 7 to 11 p.m. and fireworks at dusk. Downtown.
Negaunee
• Feeding America West Michigan Meal Pickup. Shelf-stable meals are available at no cost to all youth (18 and younger) and disabled adults up to age 26. Noon to 1:30 p.m. Negaunee Public Library, 319 W. Case St. feedwm.org or facebook.com/ NegauneePublicLibrary.
04 FRIDAY sunrise 6:02 a.m.; sunset 9:46 p.m.
Independence Day
Copper Harbor
• Independence Day Celebration. A parade begins at 10 a.m., followed by kids’ games and food at 1 p.m. A drone show will begin at dusk. Donny Kilpela Memorial Park, 240 Gratiot St. 906-289-4020 or performances.in.the. park@gmail.com.
Marquette
• Geoff and Jon’s Record Show. Thousands of new and used vinyl records, CDs, posters, cassettes, books and T-shirts will be available. Presented by the NMU Vinyl Record Club. Noon to 11 p.m. Community room, Ore Dock Brewing Company, 114 W. Spring St. 906-228-8888.
• Freedom Fest. Featuring a variety of ethnic foods and local favorites. Sponsored by the Marquette County Exchange Club. Noon to 10 p.m. Mattson Lower Harbor Park. marquettefourth.com.
• Independence Day Parade. 2 p.m. Starts at the corner of McClellan Avenue and West Washington Street. marquettefourth.com.
• Sensory-friendly Laser Show. This new show will be presented by Fresh Coast Light Lab and Travel Marquette. 20 minutes after sunset. Ore Dock, Mattson Lower Harbor Park. travelmarquette.com.
Michigamme
• Independence Day Celebration. The parade begins at 11 a.m., followed by food, races and a kids carnival. Downtown.
05
SATURDAY
sunrise 6:03 a.m.; sunset 9:45 p.m.
Ishpeming
• Independence Day Parade. Begins at the corner of Third and Empire streets. 10:30 a.m. ishpeming4th.com.
• Independence Day Celebration. Events include the Firecracker 5K/1 Mile Walk and Daryl Champion Kids Parade. The community picnic will include food vendors, kids’ games and live music with fireworks to follow at dusk. Al Quaal Recreation Area. ishpeming4th.com.
Marquette
• Farmers Market. Includes farmers, growers, food producers and artisans. 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Marquette Commons, 112 S. Third St. mqtfarmersmarket. com.
• Superiorland Duplicate Bridge Club. Games open to all interested players. $5 for games. Lessons, 10 a.m. Games, 11:30 a.m. Marquette Senior Center, 300 W. Spring St. superiorland_bridge.tripod.com.
• Geoff and Jon’s Record Show. Thousands of new and used vinyl records, CDs, posters, cassettes, books
and T-shirts will be available. Presented by the NMU Vinyl Record Club. Noon to 11 p.m. Community room, Ore Dock Brewing Company, 114 W. Spring St. 906-228-8888.
• Geoff and Jon’s Record Show. Thousands of new and used vinyl records, CDs, posters, cassettes, books and T-shirts will be available, and Today’s events will include a movie screening and six rounds of popular culture trivia. Presented by the NMU Vinyl Record Club. Noon to 11 p.m. Community room, Ore Dock Brewing Company, 114 W. Spring St. 906-228-8888.
• Music Mondays. Featuring Stone Wall. 7 to 9 p.m. Karas Bandshell in Ludington Park.
Gwinn
• Drop-in Crochet Club. All experience levels are welcome for crochet and conversation. Intended for adults and teens. 5 p.m. Forsyth Township Library, 180 W. Flint St. 906-346-3433 or forsythtwplibrary.org.
Marquette
• Art Show Drop-In and Create! Kids interested in submitting art for the library’s Color Our World Art Show can stop by to work on their project. Art materials will be supplied. 2 to 6 p.m. Youth Services, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. 906-226-4323 or pwpl.info.
• Superiorland Duplicate Bridge Club. Games open to all interested players. $5 for games. 6 p.m. Marquette Senior Center, 300 W. Spring St. superiorland_bridge.tripod.com.
Negaunee
• Bubble Pop Tot Hour. This event, designed for children up to age three with their caregivers, will feature family-friendly pop music, bubbles of all sizes and a variety of sensory activities. 10:30 a.m. Negaunee Public Library, 319 W. Case St 906475-7700, ext. 18, or facebook.com/ NegauneePublicLibrary.
• Feeding America West Michigan Meal Pickup. Shelf-stable meals are available at no cost to all youth (18 and younger) and disabled adults up to age 26. Noon to 1:30 p.m. Negaunee Public Library, 319 W. Case St feedwm.org or facebook.com/ NegauneePublicLibrary.
• Storytime. Negaunee Public Library staff will host a program of stories, songs and rhymes on the theme of “Garden Magic.” Rain will cancel the event. 2 p.m. Jackson Mine Park. 906475-7700, ext. 18, or facebook.com/ NegauneePublicLibrary.
• Tech Tuesday. Appointments or walk-ins are welcome. 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Escanaba Public Library, 400 Ludington St. 906-789-7323 or escanabalibrary.org.
Gwinn
• Middle Grade Book Club. Middle graders in third through fifth grade will discuss assigned chapters in “The Lemonade War” by Jacqueline Davies and participate in themed activities. 10:30 a.m. Forsyth Township Library, 180 West Flint St. 906-346-3433 or forsythtwplibrary.org.
• Literature at the Lodge. This month’s selection will be “The Paradise Problem” by Christina Lauren. 6 p.m. Up North Lodge, 215 S. Co. Rd. 557. 906-346-3433 or forsythtwplibrary. org.
Ishpeming
• Tot Dance Party. Kids ages six and younger are invited to dance in the glow-in-the-dark party zone. 11 a.m. Ishpeming Carnegie Public Library, 317 N. Main St. 906-486-4381 or ishpeminglibrary.info.
• BinGLOW. Youth ages eight and older can enjoy glow-in-the-dark bingo with the chance to win prizes. 3 p.m. Ishpeming Carnegie Public Library, 317 N. Main St. 906-486-4381 or ishpeminglibrary.info.
Little Lake
• Bingo. A concession stand will be available. Doors open, 5 p.m.; early bird games, 6:30 p.m. American Legion Auxiliary Post 349, 1835 E. M-35. 906-346-6000.
Marquette
• Storytime in the Park. Families and youth can enjoy books, action songs, bubbles, parachute play and more. 9:30 a.m. East Ohio Street (Williams) Park. 906-226-4323 or pwpl.info.
• Tech Coaching for Seniors. Learn how to make your electronic devices work with the help of retired teacher
museums
Baraga
• Baraga County Historical Museum. The museum highlights the historic and cultural heritage of Baraga County. Current exhibits include “The Ford Motor Company in Baraga County” and prehistoric copper objects on loan from the Ancient Artifacts Preservation Society. Children, free; teens $1; adults, $2.50. Thursday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. or by appointment. 803 US-41 S. 906395-1730 or baragacountyhistory@ gmail.com.
Big Bay
• Big Bay Lighthouse. Big Bay Lighthouse is an active aid to navigation monitored by the U.S. Coast Guard. The light is the brightest on Lake Superior and provides a beam that is visible 20 nautical miles. $10. Guided tours offered Sundays at noon and 1 p.m. 3 Lighthouse Rd. 906-345-9957.
Calumet
• Coppertown USA Mining Museum. View exhibits relative to the copper mining industry and community life. The museum is a Keweenaw National Historical Park Heritage Site. Children five and younger, free; children ages six to 15, $2; adults, $4. Monday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. 25815 Red Jacket Rd. 906-337-4354 or uppermichigan.com/coppertown.
• International Frisbee/USA Guts Hall of Fame and Museum. Learn about the history of Guts Frisbee. Days and hours vary. Open when events are held. Second floor ballroom, Calumet Colosseum, 110 Red Jacket Rd. 906-281-7625.
Caspian
• Iron County Historical Museum. The Iron County Museum is one of the largest outdoor museum complexes in the U.P. and is the designated “Log Cabin Capital of Michigan” with more historic log structures than any place in the state. Exhibits include the Carrie Jacobs-Bond House, Stager Depot, St. Mary’s Church, Toti’s Tavern, Pioneer School House, Giovanelli Studio and Gallery and Lee LeBlanc Memorial Art Gallery. Children five and younger, free; students. $10; adults, $15. Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. 100 Brady Ave. 906-265-2617 or ironcountymuseum.org.
Copper Harbor
• Fort Wilkins State Park. Built in 1844, this fort is a well-preserved 19th-century military post and lighthouse complex. Through museum
exhibits, audio-visual programs and costumed interpretation, visitors can explore the daily routine of military service, experience the hardships of frontier isolation and discover another era. Park store, bookstore, concession stand and campsites are on site. Michigan Recreation Passport required for entry. Dawn to dusk. US-41 (one mile east of Copper Harbor). 906-289-4215.
Covington
• Covington Historical Museum. Located in the historic 1905 Township Hall, a Michigan Historic Site, the museum houses exhibits, photographs and artifacts focusing on the life of early Finnish residents of Covington Township. The museum contains the township’s only jail cell. The Genealogy Room has family history files and early township records. Saturdays, 1 to 3 p.m. Center Street. 906-355-2169.
Eagle Harbor
• Eagle Harbor Life Saving Station. View displays of early wooden rescue boats, surfboats, life-cars and more. Daily, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. End of Marina Road. keweenawhistory.org.
• Eagle Harbor Lighthouse. The original lighthouse was built in 1851, which was replaced by the present red brick structure in 1871. The U.S. Coast Guard continues to operate the light at the top of the tower as an active navigational aid. Children 16 and younger and KCHS members, free; adults, $8. Daily, noon to 5 p.m. 670 Lighthouse Rd. keweenawhistory. org.
Eagle River
• Eagle River Museum. The museum focuses on four themes: the Cliff Mine, the town of Eagle River, the town and mine of Phoenix, and the Crestview amusement area. Wednesday, Friday and Saturday, noon to 4 p.m. M-26. keweenawhistory.org
Escanaba
• U.P. Steam and Gas Engine Association Agricultural Museum—Summer in the Village. Visitors can enjoy live demonstrations, classes and guided tours. Select Antique Village shops may also be open. Thursdays, noon to 4 p.m. U.P. State Fairgrounds (behind the Delta County Chamber of Commerce), U.S. Hwys. 2 and 41. upsteamandgasengine.org.
• Upper Peninsula Military Museum and Honor Flight Legacy Museum. The museum honors Upper Peninsula veterans and features exhibits and dioramas portraying
the Upper Peninsula’s contribution to U.S. war efforts from the Civil War through the Afghanistan wars. Learn the history of the honor flight trips. Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Inside the Delta County Chamber of Commerce, 1001 N. Lincoln Rd.
• Webster Marble Inventing the Outdoors Museum. Webster Marble came to the U.P. in the late 1880s to be a timber cruiser and surveyor, but later became an inventor. He held 60 patents and invented a long list of gear for camping, hiking, hunting and fishing, including a safety ax with an attached blade guard that folded into the handle. Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Inside the Delta County Chamber of Commerce, 1001 N. Lincoln Road. 906-786-2192 or deltami.org/webster-marble-inventing-the-outdoors-museum.
Garden
• Fayette Historic State Park. This site was once one of the Upper Peninsula’s most productive iron-smelting operations. A town of nearly 500 residents grew up around two blast furnaces, a large dock and several charcoal kilns. It now includes a visitor center, museum exhibits, a 26-station walking tour and a scale model of the original townsite. Michigan Recreation Passport required for entry. 9 a.m. to dusk. 14785 II Road. 906-644-2603 or michigan.gov/mhc/museums/fayette.
Grand Marais
• Lightkeeper’s House Museum. Step back in time to the early 1900s and discover the life of the early lightkeepers. Operated by the Grand Marais Historical Society. Daily, 1 to 4 p.m. On Coast Guard Point next to the inner range light. grandmaraismichigan.com/historicalsociety.
• Old Post Office Museum. The history of Grand Marais is on display, from the earliest peoples to the present day. A memorial rose garden is at the rear of the museum overlooking the water. Operated by the Grand Marais Historical Society. Daily, 1 to 4 p.m. Lake Avenue. grandmaraismichigan.com/historicalsociety.
• Pickle Barrel House Museum. This 16-foot-high barrel has been restored to its condition as a cottage, built for author and illustrator William Donahey, who created the Teenie Weenie characters. Operated by the Grand Marais Historical Society. Daily, 1 to 4 p.m. Northeast corner of Lake and Randolph streets. grandmaraismichigan.com/ historicalsociety.
Greenland (continued on page 97)
museums
(continued
• Adventure Mining Company. The mine opened in 1850 and closed in in 1920. Many of the shafts are still open for touring. Tours range from surface walking tours to underground rappelling down a mineshaft. Prices vary. Monday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. 200 Adventure Ave. 906-8833371 or adventureminetours.com.
Hancock
• Quincy Mine Hoist and Underground Mine. There are two options for touring the site. On both the surface tour and the full tour, visitors will see the museum, inside the No. 2 Shaft House and the Nordberg Steam Hoist and ride the cog rail tram car to the mine entrance. On the full tour, visitors will take a tractor-pulled wagon into the mine, seven levels underground. Prices vary. Daily, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. 49750 US-41. 906-4823101 or quincymine.com.
Houghton
• A.E. Seaman Mineral Museum. View an exhibit on Yooperlites, sodalite-bearing syenites that possess fluorescent properties. View the largest collection of minerals from the Great Lakes region and the world’s finest collection of Michigan minerals. Prices vary. Daily, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. 1404 E. Sharon Ave. museum. mtu.edu or 906-487-2572.
• Carnegie Museum of the Keweenaw. The museum features changing exhibits and programs about the region’s natural and cultural
and librarian Christine Ault. Bring passwords and ensure the device is charged. 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Heritage Room, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. To register for a 30-minute session, 906-226-4311.
• Gather2Grow: Feeding America West Michigan Meal Pickup. Shelfstable meals are available at no cost to all youth (18 and younger) and disabled adults up to age 26. 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Dandelion Cottage Room, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. 906-226-4323 or pwpl.info.
• Superiorland Duplicate Bridge Club. Games open to all interested players. $5 for games. 12:30 p.m. Marquette Senior Center, 300 W. Spring St. superiorland_bridge.tripod. com.
• Lake Superior Knitters. Learn how to knit, solve problems in reading patterns and expand your knitting skills. The group includes a variety of ages and levels of experiences; students nine and older are invited to learn how to knit over the summer months. Bring a skein of lighter color yarn and a size 7, 24-inch wooden circular needle to
history. Tuesday and Thursday, noon to 5 p.m. Saturday, noon to 4 p.m. 105 Huron St. 906-482-7140 or carnegiekeweenaw.org.
• MTU Archives and Copper Country Historical Collections. Features a variety of historical memorabilia, highlighting life in the Copper Country. Open by appointment. Lower level of the J.R. Van Pelt Library, MTU. 906-487-3209.
Iron Mountain
• Cornish Pumping Engine and Mining Museum. The 725-ton Cornish Pumping Engine, the largest steam-driven pumping engine ever built in the United States, is famous for dewatering Iron Mountain’s Chapin Mine, one of the wettest mines ever worked and the largest producer of iron ore on the Menominee Iron Range. The museum also displays underground mining equipment. Children five and younger, free; students, $5; seniors and veterans, $7; adults, $8. Wednesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. CDT. 300 Kent St. 906-774-1086 or menomineemuseum.com.
• World War II Glider and Military Museum. During World War II, the Ford Motor Company’s Kingsford plant built the CG-4A gliders for the U.S. Army. View one of seven fully restored CG-4A G World War II gliders, military uniforms from the Civil War through the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, memorabilia, restored military vehicles and more. Prices vary. Children five and younger, free;
make a hat or cowl. Suggested donation, $1 to $5 to the MRHC for the study and preservation of the fiber arts. 1 to 2:30 p.m. Marquette Regional History Center, 145 W. Spring St. beedhive47@ yahoo.com.
• Oil Painting, Pastels and Drawing Classes with Marlene Wood. Bring your own supplies. $20. 1 p.m. Marquette Arts and Culture Center, Lower level, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. 906-225-8655.
• Teen Tuesday: Diamond Art Book Covers. All art supplies will be provided for youth entering sixth through 12th grades to decorate the cover of their favorite book. 2 p.m. Community Room, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. Registration required. 906226-4321, apierce@pwpl.info or pwpl. info.
• Senior Dance Class. Free for City of Marquette and neighboring township residents ages 50 and older. 4
students, $5; seniors and veterans, $7; adults, $8. Wednesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. CDT. 302 Kent St. 906-774-1086 or menomineemuseum.com.
Ishpeming
• Cliffs Shaft Mine Museum. View local historical artifacts of miners and mines, past and present, safety equipment, blasting and diamond drilling equipment and more. Guided tours of the tunnels are available. Prices vary. Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (guided tours available). Sunday and Monday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. (museum only). 501 W. Euclid St. 906485-1882 or cliffsshaftminemuseum. com.
• Ishpeming Area Historical Society Museum. The museum focuses on everyday life, people, businesses and past times that showcase Ishpeming’s citizens, including John Voelker, Kelly Johnson and Glenn Seaborg, as well as memorabilia from the filming of “Anatomy of a Murder.” Open by appointment. See website for updates. Gossard Building, Suite 303, 308 Cleveland Ave. ishpeminghistory.org.
• U.S. National Ski and Snowboard Hall of Fame and Museum. The museum features more than 300 Hall of Fame inductees, presented in photographs and biographies, and displays and exhibits of skiing history and equipment, an extensive library, video show, gift shop, special events and more. Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. US-41 and Third Street. 906-485-6323 or skihall.com.
p.m. Baraga Gym, Marquette Senior Center, 300 W. Spring St. To register, 906-225-8655.
• “Mama Mia. ” Set on an island paradise, this musical is a tale of love, friendship and identity told through the songs of ABBA. Presented by Lake Superior Theatre. Youth, $7.50; seniors and students, $12; adults, $15 (plus $5 surcharge). 7:30 p.m. Lake Superior Theatre Boathouse, 270 N. Lakeshore Blvd. lstmqt@gmail.com or lakesuperiortheatre.com. For tickets, 906-227-7625 or tickets.nmu.edu.
Negaunee
• Regional Author Book Signings. As part of Pioneer Days, featured authors will be Negaunee native Adam Dompierre (mystery), Sue Harrison (historical fiction and children’s books), historian Tyler Tichelaar and Wisconsin author Joshua Chadd (action/Christian fiction). Their books will be available for sale. 4 to 6 p.m. Negaunee Public Library, 319 W. Case St 906-475-7700, ext. 18, or facebook. com/NegauneePublicLibrary.
• Alumni Softball Games. Times vary.
K.I. Sawyer
• K.I. Sawyer Heritage Air Museum. The museum promotes and preserves the aviation history the air base brought to the area. Air Force-related materials are on display, including photographs, flags, medals and more. Wednesday through Sunday, 1 to 5 p.m. or by appointment. 402 Third St. 906-236-3502 or kisawyerheritageairmuseum.org.
Lake Linden
• Houghton County Historical Museum. Exhibits include local Copper Country mining, logging and cultural history. Outdoor exhibits include a working Calumet & Hecla Mining Company train. Admission by donation. Daily, noon to 4 p.m. 53102 M-26. 906-296-4121 or houghtonhistory.org.
Marquette
• Baraga Educational Center and Museum. View artifacts and tools used by Venerable Bishop Baraga. Monday through Friday, noon to 5 p.m. and by appointment. 615 S. Fourth St. 906-227-9117.
• Beaumier U.P. Heritage Center. “Remnants: Ghost Towns of the Upper Peninsula” and “The Polar Bears: U.P. Soldiers in the Northern Russian Expeditionary Force 19181919” will be on display July 3 through August 30. The museum promotes and preserves the history and culture of the U.P. and collects and preserves artifacts related to the
• Escanaba Public Library Bookmobile. Noon. Bark River Senior Center, 4283 D Road. 906-789-7323 or escanabalibrary.org.
Calumet
• Red Jacket Readers Book Club. The selection will be “The Frozen River” by Ariel Lawhon. 6:30 p.m. Community Room, Calumet Public Library, 57070 Mine St. 906-337-0311, ext. 1107, or clklibrary.org.
• Adrienne Newman. Part of the Summer Concert Series. 7:30 p.m. Calumet Theatre, 340 Sixth St. 906337-2610 or calumettheatre.com.
Curtis
• Music in the Park. Featuring music by Fyrbird. 6:30 p.m. Erickson Center
museums
history of NMU. Monday through Saturday, noon to 4 p.m. Inside Gries Hall, corner of Seventh and Tracy streets, NMU. 906-227-1219 or nmu. edu/beaumier.
• Marquette Maritime Museum. Exhibits on shipwrecks in Marquette and Lake Superior, early life-saving and U.S. Coast Guard, the wrecks of the Edmund Fitzgerald and the Henry B. Smith, and more. Guided tours of the Marquette Lighthouse are available. Prices vary. Tuesday through Sunday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. 300 N. Lakeshore Blvd. 906-2262006 or mqtmaritimemuseum.com.
• Marquette Regional History Center.
- “Mad about Maps” is on display through Jan. 31, 2026. The exhibit includes maps of the Great Lakes and Marquette County, shows how mapmakers have sometimes misled their viewers and how the local landscape and surroundings have changed. The museum includes interactive displays as well as regional history exhibits. Youth 12 and under, $3; students, $4; seniors and military, $8; adults, $10. Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m.
for the Arts, N9224 Saw-Wa-Quato St. 906-586-9974 or ericksoncenter.org.
Eagle Harbor
• Adventures in History Series: How Sundials Helped Settle the American Frontier. Mark Montgomery will explain how William Burt came to invent the sun compass, used to further westward expansion in the U.S., as well as how this surveying instrument relates directly to U.P. mining history. Presented by the Keweenaw County Historical Society. $5. 7 p.m. Eagle Harbor Community Building.
Ishpeming
• LEGO Club. Youth can build with friends and attempt to complete LEGO challenges. 10 a.m. Ishpeming Carnegie Public Library, 317 N. Main St. 906-486-4381 or ishpeminglibrary. info.
• West End Farm Stand. 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Partridge Creek Farm, 550 Cleveland Ave. partridgecreekfarm. org.
• Community Skill Share. Partridge Creek Farm will host a food demonstration and tasting using ingredients from the weekly CSA. 4:30 p.m. 550 Cleveland Ave. partridgecreekfarm. org/events.
• Glow Bingo for Adults. Adults can play bingo and have the chance to win prizes. 5 p.m. Ishpeming Carnegie Public Library, 317 N. Main St. 906486-4381 or ishpeminglibrary.info.
to 3 p.m. 145 W. Spring St. 906-2263571 or marquettehistory.org.
• Upper Peninsula Children’s Museum. A variety of interactive exhibits offer learning through investigation and creativity. Prices vary. Tuesday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. 123 W. Baraga Ave. 906-2263911 or upchildrensmuseum.org.
Michigamme
• Michigamme Historical Museum. The museum has a collection of more than 125 years of history through artifacts, antiques and memorabilia, including the “Anatomy of a Murder” display. The museum also has an exhibit devoted to the Ford story and a 1900 steamer on display. Guided tours or special showings by appointment. Daily, noon to 5 p.m. 110 W. Main St. 906-323-9016 or 906-3236608, or michigammetownship.com/ michigamme-museum.
Menominee
• West Shore Fishing Museum. Tour the Bailey family homestead, the site of a pioneer commercial fishery. Grounds include a restored early 20th-century home, twine shed and carriage house. View boats, tools and
Little Lake
• Gwinn Quilters. Members learn new skills and techniques, work on individual and group projects, and create items to donate to community organizations. A business meeting takes place at 12:30 p.m. followed by show and tell. Bring a bag lunch. 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Fellowship Hall, Little Lake Chapel, 1761 M-35. 906-346-6344.
Marquette
• Red Cross Blood Drive. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Ore Dock Brewing Company, 114 W. Spring St. 906-228-8888.
• Congregate Meals for Seniors–Dine in or Curbside Pickup. Meals available to those age 60 and older and their spouses. Call to reserve a meal. $3.50 suggested donation. Noon to 1 p.m. Marquette Senior Center, 300 W. Spring St. 906-228-0456.
• Senior Visual Art Classes: Quilt Sculptures in Air Dry Clay with Marlene Wood. Intended for ages 50 and older. Free for City of Marquette and neighboring township residents. 1 p.m. City of Marquette Arts and Culture Center, lower level, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. To register, call 906-225-8655.
• Wednesday Night Market. Includes farmers, growers, food producers and artisans. 5 to 8 p.m. 100 Block of Washington Street. mqtfarmersmarket.com.
• Community Knit/Crochet Club.
equipment, including a new exhibit of a Kahlenberg engine. Walk the shoreline and nature trails. Enjoy the yard and gardens. Saturday and Sunday, 1 to 4 p.m. Fifteen miles north of Menominee or eight miles south of Cedar River on M-35. Turn at Bailey Park entrance. 715-923-9756.
Mohawk
• The Delaware Mine. Self-guided tours of veins of copper exposed in the walls of the mine, as well as indoor and outdoor train displays. Daily, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. 7804 Delaware Rd. 906-289-4688 or delawareminetours. com.
Munising
• Alger County Historical Society Heritage Center. Exhibits include the Grand Island Recreation Area, Munising Woodenware Company, barn building, homemaking, sauna and more. Tuesday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. 1496 Washington St. 906-387-4308.
Negaunee
• Michigan Iron Industry Museum. The museum overlooks the Carp River and the site of the first iron forge
5:30 p.m. Alley Kat’s Quilt Shop, 1010 W. Washington St. 906-315-0050.
• Concert on the Steps. Black Pearl will perform old-time rock, country and pop classics and standards. 6:30 p.m. Front Street Steps, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. 906226-4322, machatz@pwpl.info or pwpl.info.
• “Mama Mia. ” Set on an island paradise, this musical is a tale of love, friendship and identity told through the songs of ABBA. Presented by Lake Superior Theatre. Youth, $7.50; seniors and students, $12; adults, $15 (plus $5 surcharge). 7:30 p.m. Lake Superior Theatre Boathouse, 270 N. Lakeshore Blvd. lstmqt@gmail.com or lakesuperiortheatre.com. For tickets, 906-227-7625 or tickets.nmu.edu.
Negaunee
• Art Supply Swap. Knitting, sewing, crocheting, painting, cross stitch, embroidery and other supplies will be available on a first-come, firstserve basis. Noon to 3 p.m. Negaunee Public Library, 319 W. Case St 906475-7700, ext. 18, or facebook.com/ NegauneePublicLibrary.
• Knitting Group. Crocheters, knitters and others interested in fiber arts are welcome to bring their projects and enjoy fellowship. Coffee will be provided and lessons are available. 1 p.m. Negaunee Public Library, 319 W. Case St 906-475-7700, ext. 18, or facebook. com/NegauneePublicLibrary.
in the Lake Superior region. Museum exhibits, audio-visual programs and outdoor interpretive paths depict the large-scale capital and human investment that made Michigan an industrial leader. Michigan Recreation Passport required for parking. Wednesday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. 73 Forge Rd. 906-475-7857 or michigan.gov/mhc/museums/miim.
Painesdale
• Painesdale Mine and Shaft Inc. Tours of the ground level are free and visitors can see the hoist house, the captain’s office and the ground levels of the shaft house. Guides can provide interpretive information. Private tours can be arranged online. Fridays and Saturdays, tours begin at noon. 42634 Second St. 906-369-5358 or painesdalemineshaft.com.
Phoenix
• Phoenix Church. Built in 1858 and located in the town of Cliff, the museum was dismantled and moved to its current location in 1899. The last mass was was held in 1957. Daily, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Junction of US-41 and M-26. keweenawhistory.org MM
• Kids’ Craft Time. Kids ages five to 12 will make snap bracelets at this hands-on crafting session. All supplies will be provided. Registration is appreciated but not required. 2:30 p.m. Negaunee Public Library, 319 W. Case St 906-475-7700, ext. 18, or facebook. com/NegauneePublicLibrary.
• Negaunee Farmers Market. Fresh produce from Little Parsley Farm and crafts from a variety of vendors. 4 to 7 p.m. Chiri Park, Iron Street. cityofnegaunee.com/farmers-market.
• Negaunee City Band Concert. Bring a chair. 7:30 p.m. Negaunee Outdoor Performing Arts Center, east end of Iron Street.
10 THURSDAY sunrise 6:07 a.m.; sunset 9:43 p.m.
Calumet
• Preschool Story Time. 10:15 a.m. Calumet Public Library, 57070 Mine St. 906-337-0311, ext. 1107, or clklibrary.org.
• Knitting and Crochet Group. Participants can bring their portable handwork project and enjoy an informal social time. Open to everyone. 1 p.m. Calumet Public Library, 57070 Mine St. 906-337-0311, ext. 1107, or clklibrary.org.
• Kids Movie Magic. The film selection will be “The Last Unicorn ” $1 7 p.m. Calumet Theatre, 340 Sixth St. 906-337-2610 or calumettheatre.com.
Copper Harbor
• Performance in the Park. Featuring live music from Kevin Blackstone. 7 to 9 p.m. Donny Kilpela Memorial Park, 240 Gratiot St. 906-289-4020 or performances.in.the.park@gmail.com.
Crystal Falls
• U.P. Notable Books Club (Online). This month’s discussion will feature Joan H. Young, author of “How to Hike the North Country Trail: Not Quite a Guide.” 7 p.m. EST, 6 p.m. CST. Via Zoom. 906-875-3344 or egathu@crystalfallslibrary.org. upnotable.com.
Curtis
• Charlie Millard Band. Featuring Charlie Millard on the keys, organ and Rhodes bass, Will Harris on percussion and Jercat Millard on guitars, the Charlie Millard Band will perform their unique Indie-Roll sound. Ticket prices vary. 7 p.m. The Pine Performance Center, N9224 Saw-WaQuato St. mynorthtickets.com.
Escanaba
• Fiber Arts a la Carte. Intended for ages 16 and older. 5 p.m. Escanaba Public Library, 400 Ludington St. 906789-7323 or escanabalibrary.org.
Gwinn
• Michigan Science Center Hands-On Color Workshop. Participants will collaborate with a STEAM educator from the Michigan Science Center to explore the interactions of colors, their emotional impacts and human color perception. Attendees will create a visual effect using the colors they have studied. Intended for children and teens ages five and older. Noon. Forsyth Township Library, 180 West Flint St. 906-346-3433 or forsythtwplibrary.org.
• Michigan Science Center Hands-On States of Matter Workshop. Participants will learn how to define the states of matter and experience substances changing from one state to another. Intended for children and teens ages five and older. 1:15 p.m. Forsyth Township Library, 180 West Flint St. 906-346-3433 or forsythtwplibrary. org.
• Gwinn Modeltown Market. Featuring a farmers and artisans market as well as live music. 3 to 6 p.m. Riverside Pavilion, Peter Nordeen Park, 115 N. Pine St. 906-361-4843 or modeltownmarket@gmail.com.
Ishpeming
• Book Club. Hosted by the Ishpeming Carnegie Public Library, this month’s selection is “A Death in Door County” by Annelise Ryan. 11 a.m. Ishpeming Senior Center, 121 Greenwood St. 906486-4381 or ishpeminglibrary.info.
• Drop-In and Draw Club: Kathi Hanson Instructs. Kathi Hanson will teach a class on water-soluble graphite tips and techniques. All supplies will be provided. 1 p.m. Ray Leverton Community Room, Ishpeming Carnegie Public Library, 317 N. Main St. 906486-4381 or ishpeminglibrary.info.
• Summer Concert Series. Featuring Lost Cause. Bring a chair. Rain location is Lake Bancroft Pavilion. 7 p.m. Old Ish Park.
L’Anse
• Lakefront Concert. Featuring big band music by Uncle Pete’s Red Hot Revue. 7 p.m. Lakefront Park, Broad Street at the lake (rain location is Meadowbrook Arena, 204 Division St.).
Marquette
• Superiorland Duplicate Bridge Club. Games open to all interested players. $5 for games. 12:30 p.m. Marquette Senior Center, 300 W. Spring St. superiorland_bridge.tripod. com.
• Adult SRP 2025: Art Escapes— Rock Painting. All supplies will be provided for adults ages 18 and older to make your own unique rock. Part of the library’s Adult Summer Reading Program. Registration is required. 2 p.m. Heritage Room, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. 906226-4311 or pwpl.info.
• Second Thursday Creativity Series.
Guests can enjoy hands-on craft activities and free Culver’s frozen custard. This month’s theme is “Puddles, Ponds and Polliwogs.” 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Upper Peninsula Children’s Museum, 123 W. Baraga Ave. 906-226-3911 or upchildrensmuseum.org.
• Pub Run with Queen City Running Co. 6 p.m. Ore Dock Brewing Company, 114 W. Spring St. 906-228-8888 or oredockbrewing.com.
• Marquette Poets Circle. Local poets, writers and poetry enthusiasts can enjoy an evening of poetry. Participants will workshop their current work at 6:30 p.m., followed by an open mic at 7:15 p.m. New and experienced poets are welcome for either or both events. 6:30 to 8 p.m. Shiras Room, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. 906-226-4322, machatz@ pwpl.info or pwpl.info.
• “Mama Mia. ” Set on an island paradise, this musical is a tale of love, friendship and identity told through the songs of ABBA. Presented by Lake Superior Theatre. Youth, $7.50; seniors and students, $12; adults, $15 (plus $5 surcharge). 7:30 p.m. Lake Superior Theatre Boathouse, 270 N. Lakeshore Blvd. lstmqt@gmail.com or lakesuperiortheatre.com.tickets, 906-227-7625 or tickets.nmu.edu.
• Marquette Symphony Orchestra Summer Pops! This Wild, Wild West concert will feature “The Magnificent Seven” by Elmer Bernstein and “Hoedown from Rodeo” by Aaron
Copeland led by Music Director Octavio Más-Arocas. Bring a chair. 7:30 p.m. Marquette Commons, 112 S. Third St. marquettesymphony.org.
Negaunee
• Book Sale. All purchases are by donation. Hosted by the Friends of the Negaunee Public Library. 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Negaunee Senior Citizens Center, 410 Jackson St. 906-4757700, ext. 18, or facebook.com/ NegauneePublicLibrary.
• Feeding America West Michigan Meal Pickup. Shelf-stable meals are available at no cost to all youth (18 and younger) and disabled adults up to age 26. Noon to 1:30 p.m. Negaunee Public Library, 319 W. Case St feedwm.org or facebook.com/ NegauneePublicLibrary.
• 77th Copper Country Strawberry Festival. Events throughout the day include food (including strawberry shortcake), craft and vendor show, Chassell Heritage Center open house, children’s parade, queen crowning and a dance featuring music by Slick Nickel. Presented by the Chassell Lions Club. 9 a.m. to 1 a.m. coppercountrystrawberryfestival.com.
Gwinn
• Summer Storytime in the Park. Preschool-age kids can enjoy stories and snacks. This week’s guest reader will be Steve Finley of the Gwinn Food Bank and seed library. 10:30 a.m. Peter Nordeen Park, 115 N. Pine St. 906346-3433 or forsythtwplibrary.org.
Ishpeming
• Glow Painting. Youth ages 10 to 18 can create a unique piece of art using a black canvas and fluorescent paint. Registration is required. 1 p.m. Ishpeming Carnegie Public Library, 317 N. Main St. 906-486-4381 or ishpeminglibrary.info.
Marquette
• Gather2Grow: Feeding America West Michigan Meal Pickup. Shelfstable meals are available at no cost to all youth (18 and younger) and disabled adults up to age 26. 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Dandelion Cottage Room, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. 906-226-4323 or pwpl.info.
• Docu Cinema: “Freedom Flyers of Tuskegee: The Tuskegee Airmen.” In celebration of Independence Day, this documentary features the elite group of African American fighter pilots who defied institutional racism to become one of the most decorated units of World War II. Not Rated. Noon. Community Room, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. 906-226-4322, machatz@ pwpl.info or pwpl.info.
• Cultivating Care, Compassion and Connection. This event will offer a safe space to pause, reflect and build connections with others who are committed to cultivating kindness. Each week, a different local organization will present educators and leaders who will facilitate a discussion while maintaining a shared commitment to the Charter for Compassion and the Circle of Trust principles. Noon. Heritage Room, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. 906-226-4303 or pwpl.info.
• Superiorland Duplicate Bridge Club. Games open to all interested players. $5 for games. 12:30 p.m. Marquette Senior Center, 300 W. Spring St. superiorland_bridge.tripod. com.
Alumni Softball Games | July 5 - 11 | Negaunee
• LEGO Club. Youth of all ages can build with the library’s LEGO bricks. 2 p.m. Great Room, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. 906-226-4323 or pwpl.info.
• “Mama Mia. ” Set on an island paradise, this musical is a tale of love, friendship and identity told through the songs of ABBA. Presented by Lake Superior Theatre. Youth, $7.50; seniors and students, $12; adults, $15 (plus $5 surcharge). 7:30 p.m. Lake Superior Theatre Boathouse, 270 N. Lakeshore Blvd. lstmqt@gmail.com or lakesuperiortheatre.com. For tickets, 906-227-7625 or tickets.nmu.edu.
Negaunee
• Show and Tell Book Club. Children ages five to 10 can talk about books in a show and tell format. 11 a.m. Negaunee Public Library, 319 W. Case St. 906475-7700, ext. 18 or facebook.com/ NegauneePublicLibrary.
• 77th Copper Country Strawberry Festival. Events throughout the day include craft and vendor show, Strawberry Festival Parade, food (including strawberry shortcake and BBQ chicken), live music by Lightning Ridge, Chassell Heritage Center open house, children’s activities and a hands-on demonstration on how the Great Lakes are studied by scientists. Presented by the Chassell Lions Club. 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. coppercountrystrawberryfestival.com.
Escanaba
• Ink Society Local Writers’ Group. Intended for ages 16 and older. 10:30 a.m. Escanaba Public Library, 400 Ludington St. 906-789-7323 or escanabalibrary.org.
• LEGO Club. This month’s theme is “Red, White and Blue.” 1 p.m. Escanaba Public Library, 400 Ludington St. 906789-7323 or escanabalibrary.org.
Ishpeming
• Repainting Thrift Art with HopeDreams Art. Teens and adults will paint a new scene on a piece of vintage art. Registration is required. 11 a.m. Ishpeming Carnegie Public Library, 317 N. Main St. 906-486-4381 or ishpeminglibrary.info.
Marquette
• Farmers Market. Includes farmers, growers, food producers and artisans. 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Marquette Commons, 112 S. Third St. mqtfarmersmarket. com.
• Superiorland Duplicate Bridge Club. Games open to all interested players. $5 for games. Lessons, 10 a.m.
Games, 11:30 a.m. Marquette Senior Center, 300 W. Spring St. superiorland_bridge.tripod.com.
• Wiggly and Wonderful Worms! Children ages five to eight will find worms where they live, explore a worm up close, listen to a story and enjoy an activity or a craft project. Siblings welcome. 11 a.m. MooseWood Nature Center, Shiras Pool Building at Presque Isle Park. moosewood.org.
• “Mama Mia. ” Set on an island paradise, this musical is a tale of love, friendship and identity told through the songs of ABBA. Presented by Lake Superior Theatre. Youth, $7.50; seniors and students, $12; adults, $15 (plus $5 surcharge). 7:30 p.m. Lake Superior Theatre Boathouse, 270 N. Lakeshore Blvd. lstmqt@gmail.com or lakesuperiortheatre.com. For tickets, 906-227-7625 or tickets.nmu.edu.
Negaunee
• Pioneer Days Fun/Run and Walk. $15. 8:30 a.m. Starts at the Negaunee Ice Arena, 141 Rail St. negauneeirontown.com.
• Pioneer Days Parade. 11:30 a.m. Begins on Iron Street. negauneeirontown.com.
• Pioneer Days Old Towne Festival. Featuring live music, food trucks and a beer tent. 2 to 7 p.m. Old Towne Park, end of Iron Street. negauneeirontown. com.
• Pioneer Days Fireworks. Dusk. Teal Lake. negauneeirontown.com.
13 SUNDAY
sunrise 6:10 a.m.; sunset 9:41 p.m.
Calumet
• Art Play. This open studio time for adults encourages artists to create and share their work. 2 to 4 p.m. Calumet Art Center, 57055 Fifth St. 906-9342228 or info@calumetartcenter.com.
Ishpeming
• Bingo. Doors open at noon. Ishpeming VFW, 310 Bank St. 906-486-4856.
Rock
• Senior Dance. Country Express will perform. This event will raise money for the Rock Senior Corporation. 1 to 4 p m. Rock Senior Center, 3892 W. Mapleridge 37 Rd.
14 MONDAY
sunrise 6:10 a.m.; sunset 9:40 p.m.
Escanaba
• Music Mondays. Featuring Three Wheel Drive. 7 to 9 p.m. Karas Bandshell in Ludington Park.
Marquette
• Art Show Drop-In and Create! Kids interested in submitting art for the library’s Color Our World Art Show can stop by to work on their project.
Art materials will be supplied. 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Youth Services, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. 906226-4323 or pwpl.info.
• Color Our World: Book Fair No. 2. Youth who are registered for Summer Reading and who have been tracking their reading can stop in to choose their next free book. 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Community Room, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. 906-226-4323 or pwpl.info.
• Senior Theatre Experience: Monthly Theatre Workshop and Discussion. Free for City of Marquette and neighboring township residents ages 50 and older. 4 p.m. Room B, Marquette Senior Center, 300 W. Spring St. To register, 906-225-8655.
• Superiorland Duplicate Bridge Club. Games open to all interested players. $5 for games. 6 p.m. Marquette Senior Center, 300 W. Spring St. superiorland_bridge.tripod.com.
• Brittany Jean Concert . Lake Superior Theatre will present Nashville recording artist Brittany Jean. Youth, $7.50; seniors and students, $12; adults, $15. 7:30 p.m. Lake Superior Theatre Boathouse, 270 N. Lakeshore Blvd. lstmqt@gmail.com or lakesuperiortheatre.com. For tickets, 906-227-7625 or tickets.nmu.edu.
Negaunee
• Feeding America West Michigan Meal Pickup. Shelf-stable meals are available at no cost to all youth (18 and younger) and disabled adults up to age 26. Noon to 1:30 p.m. Negaunee Public Library, 319 W. Case St. feedwm.org or facebook.com/
NegauneePublicLibrary.
• Storytime. Negaunee Public Library staff will host a program of stories, songs and rhymes on the theme of “Outer Space.” Rain will cancel the event. 2 p.m. Jackson Mine Park. 906475-7700, ext. 18, or facebook.com/ NegauneePublicLibrary.
15 TUESDAY
Escanaba
• Tech Tuesday. Appointments or walk-ins are welcome. 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Escanaba Public Library, 400 Ludington St. 906-789-7323 or escanabalibrary.org.
• Color Our World: Puppeteer Kevin Kammeraad and Friends. 1 p.m. Escanaba Public Library, 400 Ludington St. 906-789-7323 or escanabalibrary.org.
Gwinn
• Middle Grade Book Club. Middle graders in third through fifth grade will discuss assigned chapters in “The Lemonade War” by Jacqueline Davies and participate in themed activities. 10:30 a.m. Forsyth Township Library, 180 West Flint St. 906-346-3433 or forsythtwplibrary.org.
Ishpeming
• Chalk the Walk. Attendees can make colorful creations outside of the senior center with sidewalk chalk, then head inside for an ice cream treat. Presented by the Ishpeming Carnegie Public
Canal Run | July 18 | Hancock
Photo by Brockit, Inc.
Library. 11 a.m. Ishpeming Senior Center, 121 Greenwood St. 906-4864381 or ishpeminglibrary.info.
• Adult Book Club. This month’s selection is “A Death in Door County” by Annelise Ryan. 2 p.m. Ishpeming Carnegie Public Library, 317 N. Main St. 906-486-4381 or ishpeminglibrary. info.
Little Lake
• Bingo. A concession stand will be available. Doors open, 5 p.m.; early bird games, 6:30 p.m. American Legion Auxiliary Post 349, 1835 E. M-35. 906-346-6000.
Marquette
• Storytime in the Park. Families and youth can enjoy books, action songs, bubbles, parachute play and more. 9:30 a.m. East Ohio Street (Williams) Park. 906-226-4323 or pwpl.info.
• Color Our World: Book Fair No. 2. Youth who are registered for Summer Reading and who have been tracking their reading can stop in to choose their next free book. 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Community Room, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. 906-226-4323 or pwpl.info.
• Tech Coaching for Seniors. Learn how to make your electronic devices work with the help of retired teacher and librarian Christine Ault. Bring passwords and ensure the device is charged. 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Heritage Room, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. To register for a 30-minute session, 906-226-4311.
• Gather2Grow: Feeding America West Michigan Meal Pickup. Shelfstable meals are available at no cost to all youth (18 and younger) and disabled adults up to age 26. 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Dandelion Cottage Room, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. 906-226-4323 or pwpl.info.
• Superiorland Duplicate Bridge Club. Games open to all interested players. $5 for games. 12:30 p.m. Marquette Senior Center, 300 W. Spring St. superiorland_bridge.tripod. com.
• Historic Marquette Bus Tours. The Marquette Regional History Center will offer historic interpretation and reenactors to bring to light the stories of buildings, people and points of interest along the Marquette lakefront, in downtown and at historic homes, Park Cemetery and sites north of NMU. The 90-minute tour will be aboard an air-conditioned Checker bus. $25. 1 p.m. Departs from the Marquette Regional History Center, 145 W. Spring St. 906-226-3571 or marquettehistory. org/bus-tour-tickets.
• Oil Painting, Pastels and Drawing Classes with Marlene Wood. Bring your own supplies. $20. 1 p.m. Marquette Arts and Culture Center, Lower level, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. 906-225-8655.
• Teen Tuesday: Terrarium and Tea Cups Garden. All supplies will be provided for youth entering sixth
through 12th grades to create a oneof-a-kind terrarium or tea cup garden. Registration is required. 2 p.m. MACC Studio No. 2, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. 906-2264321, apierce@pwpl.info or pwpl.info.
• Senior Dance Class. Free for City of Marquette and neighboring township residents ages 50 and older. 4 p.m. Baraga Gym, Marquette Senior Center, 300 W. Spring St. To register, 906-225-8655.
• NMU Music Department’s Summer Concert Series. Featuring James A. Strain on percussion. 5 p.m. Reynolds Recital Hall, NMU. nmu.edu/music.
• Artists and Their Art: Caravaggio Part Two (Online). Peter White Public Library will host art historian Ellen Longsworth as she continues to explore the life and work of artist Caravaggio. Via Zoom. 6:30 p.m. 906-226-4322, machatz@pwpl.info or pwpl.info.
• “Mama Mia. ” Set on an island paradise, this musical is a tale of love, friendship and identity told through the songs of ABBA. Presented by Lake Superior Theatre. Youth, $7.50; seniors and students, $12; adults, $15 (plus $5 surcharge). 7:30 p.m. Lake Superior Theatre Boathouse, 270 N. Lakeshore Blvd. lstmqt@gmail.com or lakesuperiortheatre.com. For tickets, 906-227-7625 or tickets.nmu.edu.
Negaunee
• Tuesday Afternoon Program. Historian Jack Deo will present “Mining Man: Frank Matthews and the Jackson Mine.” 2 p.m. Auditorium, Michigan Iron Industry Museum, 73 Forge Rd. 906-475-7857.
• Crafting Evening. Journaling enthusiast Mary Harris will show attendees how to create junk journals using repurposed materials. Registration is required. 5:30 p.m. Negaunee Public Library, 319 W. Case St. 906475-7700, ext. 18, or facebook.com/ NegauneePublicLibrary.
16 WEDNESDAY
sunrise 6:12 a.m.; sunset 9:39 p.m.
Calumet
• Cathy Bolton and Friends. Part of the Summer Concert Series 7:30 p.m. Calumet Theatre, 340 Sixth St. 906337-2610 or calumettheatre.com.
Curtis
• Music in the Park. Featuring music by The Kate Hinote Trio. 6:30 p.m. Erickson Center for the Arts, N9224 Saw-Wa-Quato St. 906-586-9974 or ericksoncenter.org.
Gwinn
• Wimee Live! with Kevin Kammeraad. Master puppeteer Kevin Kammeraad along with Wimee and Friends will present a whimsical, musical and collaborative experience based on their PBS TV show “Wimee’s Words.” 10 a.m. Forsyth Township
Library, 180 West Flint St. 906-3463433 or forsythtwplibrary.org.
Ishpeming
• Wimee Live! with Kevin Kammeraad. Master puppeteer Kevin along with Wimee and Friends will present a whimsical, musical and collaborative experience based on their PBS TV show “Wimee’s Words” for ages 10 and younger. 2 p.m. Ishpeming Carnegie Public Library, 317 N. Main St. 906-486-4381 or ishpeminglibrary. info.
• West End Farm Stand. 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Partridge Creek Farm, 550 Cleveland Ave. partridgecreekfarm. org.
• Community Skill Share. Partridge Creek Farm will host a food demonstration and tasting using ingredients from the weekly CSA. 4:30 p.m. 550 Cleveland Ave. partridgecreekfarm. org/events.
• Adult Book Club. This month’s selection is “A Death in Door County” by Annelise Ryan. 6 p.m. Ishpeming Carnegie Public Library, 317 N. Main St. 906-486-4381 or ishpeminglibrary. info.
Marquette
• Congregate Meals for Seniors–Dine in or Curbside Pickup. Meals available to those age 60 and older and their spouses. Call to reserve a meal. $3.50 suggested donation. Noon to 1 p.m. Marquette Senior Center, 300 W. Spring St. 906-228-0456.
• Memory Café: Asahi for All: Mindful Movement for Care and Connection. This free class is intended for individuals living with dementia and their caregivers to experience the flowing movements of Asahi, a calming exercise from Finland designed to support balance, relaxation, and overall well being. No experience is needed. 1 p.m. Playground, Mattson Harbor Park, 200 N. Lakeshore Blvd. To register by July 15, call 906-225-7760.
• Senior Visual Art Classes: Quilt Sculptures in Air Dry Clay with Marlene Wood. Intended for ages 50 and older. Free for City of Marquette and neighboring township residents. 1 p.m. City of Marquette Arts and Culture Center, lower level, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. To register, call 906-225-8655.
• Game On! Students entering sixth through 12th grades can drop in for board and video gaming. 2 to 4 p.m. Teen Zone, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. 906-226-4321, apierce@pwpl.info or pwpl.info.
• Wednesday Night Market. Includes farmers, growers, food producers and artisans. 5 to 8 p.m. 100 Block of Washington Street. mqtfarmersmarket.com.
• Historic Marquette Bus Tours. The Marquette Regional History Center will offer historic interpretation and reenactors to bring to light the stories of buildings, people and points
of interest along the Marquette lakefront, in downtown and at historic homes, Park Cemetery and sites north of NMU. The 90-minute tour will be aboard an air-conditioned Checker bus. $25. 6 p.m. Departs from the Marquette Regional History Center, 145 W. Spring St. 906-226-3571 or marquettehistory. org/bus-tour-tickets.
• Concert on the Steps: Bluegrass Throw Down. Performances will be presented by local bluegrass musicians. 6:30 p.m. Front Street Steps, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. 906-226-4322, machatz@pwpl.info or pwpl.info.
• Matthew Gavin Frank Book Signing. Co-hosted with Snowbound Books. 7 p.m. 114 W. Spring St. 906228-8888 or oredockbrewing.com.
• “Mama Mia. ” Set on an island paradise, this musical is a tale of love, friendship and identity told through the songs of ABBA. Presented by Lake Superior Theatre. Youth, $7.50; seniors and students, $12; adults, $15 (plus $5 surcharge). 7:30 p.m. Lake Superior Theatre Boathouse, 270 N. Lakeshore Blvd. lstmqt@gmail.com or lakesuperiortheatre.com. For tickets, 906-227-7625 or tickets.nmu.edu.
Negaunee
• Cold-Blooded Classification. In partnership with the Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum, there will be live animals as part of the demonstration intended for all ages. 10:30 a.m. Negaunee Public Library, 319 W. Case St 906-475-7700, ext. 18, or facebook. com/NegauneePublicLibrary.
• Knitting Group. Crocheters, knitters and others interested in fiber arts are welcome to bring their projects and enjoy fellowship. Coffee will be provided and lessons are available. 1 p.m. Negaunee Public Library, 319 W. Case St 906-475-7700, ext. 18, or facebook. com/NegauneePublicLibrary.
• Kids’ Craft Time. Kids ages five to 12 will paint with anything but a brush at this nature-made hands-on crafting session. All supplies will be provided. Registration is appreciated but not required. 2:30 p.m. Negaunee Public Library, 319 W. Case St. 906475-7700, ext. 18, or facebook.com/ NegauneePublicLibrary.
• Negaunee Farmers Market. Fresh produce from Little Parsley Farm and crafts from a variety of vendors. 4 to 7 p.m. Chiri Park, Iron Street. cityofnegaunee.com/farmers-market.
• Wimee and Friends. Master puppeteer Kevin Kammeraad, along with Wimee and Friends, will present a whimsical, musical and collaborative experience based on their PBS TV show, “Wimee’s Words.” 6 p.m. Negaunee Public Library, 319 W. Case St. 906-475-7700, ext. 18, or facebook. com/NegauneePublicLibrary.
• Negaunee City Band Concert. Bring a chair. 7:30 p.m. Negaunee Outdoor Performing Arts Center, east end of Iron Street.
17 THURSDAY
sunrise 6:13 a.m.; sunset 9:39 p.m.
Calumet
• Preschool Story Time. 10:15 a.m. Calumet Public Library, 57070 Mine St. 906-337-0311, ext. 1107, or clklibrary.org.
• Knitting and Crochet Group. Participants can bring their portable handwork project and enjoy an informal social time. Open to everyone. 1 p.m. Calumet Public Library, 57070 Mine St. 906-337-0311, ext. 1107, or clklibrary.org.
• Kids Movie Magic. The film selection will be “Sonic the Hedgehog ” $1 7 p.m. Calumet Theatre, 340 Sixth St. 906-337-2610 or calumettheatre.com.
Copper Harbor
• Performance in the Park. Featuring live music by Uncle Floyd. 7 to 9 p.m. Donny Kilpela Memorial Park, 240 Gratiot St. 906-289-4020 or performances.in.the.park@gmail.com.
Escanaba
• Live on the Lawn at Lunch. Featuring music from Chris Charboneau and Luke Ogea and lunch from the Curious Pig Food Truck and Main Squeeze Lemonade. 11:45 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. Escanaba Public Library, 400 Ludington St. 906-789-7323 or escanabalibrary.org.
Gwinn
• Gwinn Modeltown Market. Featuring a farmers and artisans market as well as live music. 3 to 6 p.m. Riverside Pavilion, Peter Nordeen Park, 115 N. Pine St. 906-361-4843 or modeltownmarket@gmail.com.
Ishpeming
• NCLL: Cliffs Shaft Mine Museum and Tour. Attendees will explore the Cliffs Shaft Mine Museum for artifacts and operational facts from the mine’s past, followed by a brief history and tour of the underground shaft. NCLL members, $5 plus $13 museum admission; non-members, $10 plus $13 museum admission. Two tours available at 12:15 p.m. and 2:15 p.m. Cliffs Shaft Mine Museum, 501 W. Euclid St. 906-235-8532 or susanholliday83@ gmail.com.
• Crochet Club. This is a time to gather with fellow crafters to socialize. Supplies and instruction will be provided for those who are interested in learning how to crochet. 2 p.m. Ishpeming Carnegie Public Library, 317 N. Main St. 906-486-4381 or ishpeminglibrary.info.
• Choose Your Own Adventure Book Club. Youth entering fourth through eighth grades can share their favorite books they are reading this summer. 4 p.m. Ishpeming Carnegie Public Library, 317 N. Main St. 906-486-4381 or ishpeminglibrary.info.
• Teen Graphic Novel Book Club. At
this first meeting of the new book club, teens ages 14 and older will choose a name, decide how the club will work and pick the first graphic novel to read. 5:30 p.m. Ishpeming Carnegie Public Library, 317 N. Main St. 906-486-4381 or ishpeminglibrary.info.
• Summer Concert Series. Featuring Hart Harp Bones. Bring a chair. Rain location is Lake Bancroft Pavilion. 7 p.m. Old Ish Park.
L’Anse
• Lakefront Concert. Featuring a preview of the Aura Jamboree. 7 p.m. Lakefront Park, Broad Street at the lake (rain location is Meadowbrook Arena, 204 Division St.).
Marquette
• Third Thursday Roundtable. This casual drop-in roundtable discussion will explore smartphone topics such as popular apps, how to manage settings, how to secure Facebook accounts and more. Bring your phone and a bag lunch. Noon to 1 p.m. Heritage Room, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. 906-226-4311.
• Superiorland Duplicate Bridge Club. Games open to all interested players. $5 for games. 12:30 p.m. Marquette Senior Center, 300 W. Spring St. superiorland_bridge.tripod. com.
• Wimee and Friends Puppet Show. Master puppeteer Kevin Kammeraad, along with Wimee and Friends, will offer a whimsical, musical and collaborative adventure for families with kids of all ages. 1:30 p.m. Community Room, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. 906-226-4323 or pwpl. info.
• Music on Third. Local musicians will perform along the sidewalks of Third Street. 6 to 9 p.m. downtownmarquette.org.
• Remote Worker Meetup. U.P. and Marquette area remote and independent workers can build community with their fellow workers. Friends, family members and kids are welcome. 6 to 8 p.m. Superior Culture, 717 N. Third St. marquetteremoteworkers@ gmail.com.
• Marquette City Band Children’s Concert. Bring a blanket or chair. 7:30 p.m. Mattson Lower Harbor Park (rain location is Reynolds Recital Hall, NMU). marquettecityband.com.
• “Mama Mia. ” Set on an island paradise, this musical is a tale of love, friendship and identity told through the songs of ABBA. Presented by Lake Superior Theatre. Youth, $7.50; seniors and students, $12; adults, $15 (plus $5 surcharge). 7:30 p.m. Lake Superior Theatre Boathouse, 270 N. Lakeshore Blvd. lstmqt@gmail.com or lakesuperiortheatre.com. For tickets, 906-227-7625 or tickets.nmu.edu.
Negaunee
• Feeding America West Michigan Meal Pickup. Shelf-stable meals are available at no cost to all youth (18
and younger) and disabled adults up to age 26. Noon to 1:30 p.m. Negaunee Public Library, 319 W. Case St feedwm.org or facebook.com/ NegauneePublicLibrary.
18 FRIDAY
Curtis
• “Hansel and Gretel.” Presented by Erickson Center for the Arts and The Missoula Children’s Theatre. Youth 10 and younger, $10; students, $15; adults, $20. 5:30 and 7:30 p.m. The Pine Performance Center, N9224 SawWa-Quato St. MyNorthTickets.com.
Gwinn
• Summer Storytime in the Park. Preschool-age kids can enjoy stories and snacks. This week’s guest reader will be Jodi Johnson, a Forsyth Township Public Library board member and teacher, who will share some of her favorite books. 10:30 a.m.
Peter Nordeen Park, 115 N. Pine St. 906-346-3433 or forsythtwplibrary. org.
Hancock
• Key Ingredients. This event is a celebration of local restaurants and will offer a taste of Hancock the evening before the Canal Run. There will also be live music from Rewind, Chad Borgen and the Collective, and Uncle Pete’s Red-Hot Revue, among others, as well as local artisans and games and activities for kids. 6 to 8 p.m. Quincy Street. 906-482-2720, city@cityofhancock.com or cityofhancock.com.
Ishpeming
• Nature’s Nightlife with the Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum. This session will explore the world of nocturnal animals, discussing why they choose to work in the dark and how they are adapted for life at night. Attendees can meet different live animals such as bats, reptiles and arachnids. Registration is required. 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. Ishpeming Carnegie Public Library, 317 N. Main St. 906-486-4381 or ishpeminglibrary. info.
L’Anse
• 47th Annual Aura Jamboree. Features traditional, folk, bluegrass, ethnic, classical, country and western music performed by more than 50 musicians from around the Midwest. Youth 12 and younger, free; ages 13 to 17, $5; two-day admission button, $15. 4 p.m. to midnight. Historic Aura Community Hall, 13759 Townline Rd., L’Anse. aurajamboree.com.
Marquette
• Gather2Grow: Feeding America West Michigan Meal Pickup. Shelfstable meals are available at no cost to all youth (18 and younger) and disabled adults up to age 26. 11:30 a.m. to 1:30
p.m. Dandelion Cottage Room, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. 906-226-4323 or pwpl.info.
• Cultivating Care, Compassion and Connection. This event will offer a safe space to pause, reflect and build connections with others who are committed to cultivating kindness. Each week, a different local organization will present educators and leaders who will facilitate a discussion while maintaining a shared commitment to the Charter for Compassion and the Circle of Trust principles. Noon. Heritage Room, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. 906-226-4303 or pwpl.info.
• Superiorland Duplicate Bridge Club. Games open to all interested players. $5 for games. 12:30 p.m. Marquette Senior Center, 300 W. Spring St. superiorland_bridge.tripod. com.
• LEGO Club. Youth of all ages can build with the library’s LEGO bricks. 2 p.m. Great Room, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. 906-226-4323 or pwpl.info.
• 45th Annual Traditional Hiawatha Music Festival. Features traditional music styles, such as bluegrass, oldtimey, Cajun, Celtic, acoustic blues and folk, including singer/songwriters, as well as traditional dance styles. Mainstage acts include nationally known performers as well as regional and local favorites. Ticket prices vary. Tourist Park. 906-226-8575 or hiawathamusic.org.
• “Mama Mia. ” Set on an island paradise, this musical is a tale of love, friendship and identity told through the songs of ABBA. Presented by Lake Superior Theatre. Youth, $7.50; seniors and students, $12; adults, $15 (plus $5 surcharge). 7:30 p.m. Lake Superior Theatre Boathouse, 270 N. Lakeshore Blvd. lstmqt@gmail.com or lakesuperiortheatre.com. For tickets, 906-227-7625 or tickets.nmu.edu.
Negaunee
• Building Storytime. Children ages three and older can listen to a story or two and be inspired to build with LEGOs and other blocks. Older youth are welcome to quietly build as they please. 11 a.m. Negaunee Public Library, 319 W. Case St. 906475-7700, ext. 18 or facebook.com/ NegauneePublicLibrary.
19 SATURDAY
sunrise 6:15 a.m.; sunset 9:36 p.m.
Copper Harbor
• End O’ The Road Keweenaw Tour and Car Show. A cruise from Calumet to Copper Harbor will be followed by a car show, live music from Chad Borgen and awards. Cruise, noon (begins in the Calumet Schools parking lot). Show, 1 to 6 p.m. Copper Harbor Community Building.
Escanaba
• Great Start Storytime. The theme will be “People Move.” Intended for families with children up to age eight. 10:30 a.m. Escanaba Public Library, 400 Ludington St. 906-789-7323 or escanabalibrary.org.
Hancock
• Canal Run. The event features a half marathon, 10-mile run and walk, 5-mile run and walk, 2-mile run/walk and a kids’ dash along the Portage Canal. Categories for adaptive athletes are also included. Cost varies by race; proceeds benefit U.P. Kids. Race times begin at 7:15 a.m. 906-483-1187, hello@canal.run or canal.run.
L’Anse
• 47th Annual Aura Jamboree. Features traditional, folk, bluegrass, ethnic, classical, country and western music performed by more than 50 musicians from around the Midwest. Youth 12 and younger, free; ages 13 to 17, $5; two-day admission button, $15. 10 a.m. to midnight. Historic Aura Community Hall, 13759 Townline Rd., L’Anse. aurajamboree.com.
Marquette
• Farmers Market. Includes farmers, growers, food producers and artisans. 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Marquette Commons, 112 S. Third St. mqtfarmersmarket. com.
• 45th Annual Traditional Hiawatha Music Festival. Features traditional music styles, such as bluegrass, oldtimey, Cajun, Celtic, acoustic blues and folk, including singer/songwriters, as well as traditional dance styles. Mainstage acts include nationally known performers as well as regional and local favorites. Ticket prices vary. Tourist Park. 906-226-8575 or hiawathamusic.org.
• Superiorland Duplicate Bridge Club. Games open to all interested players. $5 for games. Lessons, 10 a.m. Games, 11:30 a.m. Marquette Senior Center, 300 W. Spring St. superiorland_bridge.tripod.com.
• Skandia Community Day. Presented by the Skandia Lions Club, there will be a parade along Kreiger Drive, kids and adults games, vendor booths, food and more. 11 a.m. Maple Lane Sports, 124 Kreiger Dr. 906-942-7662.
20 SUNDAY
Marquette
• 45th Annual Traditional Hiawatha Music Festival. Features traditional music styles, such as bluegrass, oldtimey, Cajun, Celtic, acoustic blues and folk, including singer/songwriters, as well as traditional dance styles. Mainstage acts include nationally known performers as well as regional and local favorites. Ticket prices vary. Tourist Park. 906-226-8575 or hiawathamusic.org.
21
Escanaba
• Music Mondays. Featuring Igor and the Red Elvises. 7 to 9 p.m. Karas Bandshell in Ludington Park.
Hancock
• Buellwood Weavers and Fiber Arts Guild Meeting. All fiber artists are welcome. 1 p.m. Fiber Arts Studio (Room 105), Finnish American Folk School, lower level, Skyline Commons, 200 Michigan St. jegale@att.net or 906-221-5306.
Marquette
• Block Busting Cinema Dinner and a Movie: “Anora.” Attendees can bring their own dinner and see “Anora,” a romantic comedy-drama that follows Anora “Ani” Mikheeva, a 23-year-old stripper from Brooklyn’s Brighton Beach, who impulsively marries Ivan “Vanya” Zakharov, the 21-year-old son of a Russian oligarch. Rated R; no person younger than 18 years will be admitted. 5:30 p.m. Community Room, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. 906-226-4322, machatz@ pwpl.info or pwpl.info.
Arnold
• 50th Birthday Pool Party. There will be food, music, cornhole and kickball. Community members are invited to contribute photos and stories of the area. 1 to 5 p.m. Wells Township Pool and Hall, 38295 Co. Rd. 496. 920268-6364 or jmineau.wellstownship@ gmail.com.
• “Mama Mia. ” Set on an island paradise, this musical is a tale of love, friendship and identity told through the songs of ABBA. Presented by Lake Superior Theatre. Youth, $7.50; seniors and students, $12; adults, $15 (plus $5 surcharge). 7:30 p.m. Lake Superior Theatre Boathouse, 270 N. Lakeshore Blvd. lstmqt@gmail.com or lakesuperiortheatre.com. For tickets, 906-227-7625 or tickets.nmu.edu.
Skandia
• Watercolor Feathers. Adults will learn to paint the feathers of some of Upper Michigan’s birds, beginning with simple sketches, then painting. No experience is necessary. $10. 5 p.m. MooseWood Nature Center, Shiras Pool Building at Presque Isle Park. moosewood.org.
• Superiorland Duplicate Bridge Club. Games open to all interested players. $5 for games. 6 p.m. Marquette Senior Center, 300 W. Spring St. superiorland_bridge.tripod.com.
Negaunee
• Bubble Pop Tot Hour. This event, designed for children up to age three with their caregivers, will feature
family-friendly pop music, bubbles of all sizes and a variety of sensory activities. 10:30 a.m. Negaunee Public Library, 319 W. Case St 906475-7700, ext. 18, or facebook.com/ NegauneePublicLibrary.
• Feeding America West Michigan Meal Pickup. Shelf-stable meals are available at no cost to all youth (18 and younger) and disabled adults up to age 26. Noon to 1:30 p.m. Negaunee Public Library, 319 W. Case St feedwm.org or facebook.com/ NegauneePublicLibrary.
• Storytime. Negaunee Public Library staff will host a program of stories, songs and rhymes on the theme of “Forest Fun.” Rain will cancel the event. 2 p.m. Jackson Mine Park. 906475-7700, ext. 18, or facebook.com/ NegauneePublicLibrary.
22 TUESDAY
Escanaba
• Tech Tuesday. Appointments or walk-ins are welcome. 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Escanaba Public Library, 400 Ludington St. 906-789-7323 or escanabalibrary.org.
Gwinn
• Middle Grade Book Club. Middle graders in third through fifth grade will discuss assigned chapters in “The Lemonade War” by Jacqueline Davies and participate in themed activities. 10:30 a.m. Forsyth Township Library, 180 West Flint St. 906-346-3433 or forsythtwplibrary.org.
Ishpeming
• Christmas in July Author Visit: Dana Nelson. Local author Dana Nelson will share her new book “The Twelve Days of Yooper Christmas,” followed by an author meet and greet and Christmas-themed crafts. Attendees are invited to wear Christmas jammies or their favorite holiday outfit. 11 a.m. Ishpeming Carnegie Public Library, 317 N. Main St. 906-486-4381 or ishpeminglibrary.info.
Little Lake
• Bingo. A concession stand will be available. Doors open, 5 p.m.; early bird games, 6:30 p.m. American Legion Auxiliary Post 349, 1835 E. M-35. 906-346-6000.
Marquette
• Storytime in the Park. Families and youth can enjoy books, action songs, bubbles, parachute play and more. 9:30 a.m. East Ohio Street (Williams) Park. 906-226-4323 or pwpl.info.
• Poetry and Book Arts Workshop with Cindy Hunter Morgan. Poet and book artist Cindy Hunter Morgan will lead this three-day workshop, which will begin with a generative writing workshop and include instructions and materials to complete a book structure
to hold the work participants create. Registration required. 10 a.m. Shiras Room, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. 906-226-4322, machatz@ pwpl.info or pwpl.info.
• Teens Tuesday Cooking Class. Teens in sixth through 12th grades will learn an easy-to-prepare recipe in this hands-on cooking class. Register online for one session. 10 a.m. or 3:30 p.m. Kitchen, Marquette Food Co-op, 502 W. Washington St. 906-226-4321 or pwpl.info.
• Tech Coaching for Seniors. Learn how to make your electronic devices work with the help of retired teacher and librarian Christine Ault. Bring passwords and ensure the device is charged. 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Heritage Room, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. To register for a 30-minute session, 906-226-4311.
• Gather2Grow: Feeding America West Michigan Meal Pickup. Shelfstable meals are available at no cost to all youth (18 and younger) and disabled adults up to age 26. 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Dandelion Cottage Room, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. 906-226-4323 or pwpl.info.
• Superiorland Duplicate Bridge Club. Games open to all interested players. $5 for games. 12:30 p.m. Marquette Senior Center, 300 W. Spring St. superiorland_bridge.tripod. com.
• Historic Marquette Bus Tours. The Marquette Regional History Center will offer historic interpretation and reenactors to bring to light the stories of buildings, people and points of interest along the Marquette lakefront, in downtown and at historic homes, Park Cemetery and sites north of NMU. The 90-minute tour will be aboard an air-conditioned Checker bus. $25. 1 p.m. Departs from the Marquette Regional History Center, 145 W. Spring St. 906-226-3571 or marquettehistory. org/bus-tour-tickets.
• Lake Superior Knitters. Learn how to knit, solve problems in reading patterns and expand your knitting skills. The group includes a variety of ages and levels of experiences; students nine and older are invited to learn how to knit over the summer months. Bring a skein of lighter color yarn and a size 7, 24-inch wooden circular needle to make a hat or cowl. Suggested donation, $1 to $5 to the MRHC for the study and preservation of the fiber arts. 1 to 2:30 p.m. Harlow Park. beedhive47@ yahoo.com.
• Oil Painting, Pastels and Drawing Classes with Marlene Wood. Bring your own supplies. $20. 1 p.m. Marquette Arts and Culture Center, Lower level, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. 906-225-8655.
• NCLL: Intermediate Hike Along the Little Garlic River. Attendees will hike approximately one mile with ups and downs, creek crossings and scenic views of the Little Garlic River. Directions and carpool options will be emailed to registered attendees. NCLL
• Senior Dance Class. Free for City of Marquette and neighboring township residents ages 50 and older. 4 p.m. Baraga Gym, Marquette Senior Center, 300 W. Spring St. To register, 906-225-8655.
• “Mama Mia. ” Set on an island paradise, this musical is a tale of love, friendship and identity told through the songs of ABBA. Presented by Lake Superior Theatre. Youth, $7.50; seniors and students, $12; adults, $15 (plus $5 surcharge). 7:30 p.m. Lake Superior Theatre Boathouse, 270 N. Lakeshore Blvd. lstmqt@gmail.com or lakesuperiortheatre.com. For tickets, 906-227-7625 or tickets.nmu.edu.
Negaunee
• Snow White Storytime. Snow White will read stories and pose for photos. Dressing up is encouraged. 10:30 a.m. Negaunee Public Library, 319 W. Case St 906-475-7700, ext. 18, or facebook. com/NegauneePublicLibrary.
• Tuesday Afternoon Program. NMU Professor Dr. Emily Romeo will present “Extraordinary Women in U.P. History.” 2 p.m. Auditorium, Michigan Iron Industry Museum, 73 Forge Rd. 906-475-7857.
23 WEDNESDAY
Calumet
• Chad Borgen and the Collective. Part of the Summer Concert Series 7:30 p.m. Calumet Theatre, 340 Sixth St. 906-337-2610 or calumettheatre. com.
Curtis
• Music in the Park. Featuring music by The Seth Brown Trio. 6:30 p.m. Erickson Center for the Arts, N9224 Saw-Wa-Quato St. 906-586-9974 or ericksoncenter.org.
Escanaba
• Color Our World Printmaking. Beth Peterson will lead a printmaking session for youth in sixth through 12th grades. Registration is required. 1 p.m. Escanaba Public Library, 400 Ludington St. 906-789-7323 or escanabalibrary.org.
Gwinn
• Evening FOAMO Party and Popsicles. Children can enjoy timed periods in the wall of foam and free popsicles. Bring a towel. 5 p.m. Peter Nordeen Park, 115 N. Pine St. 906346-3433 or forsythtwplibrary.org.
Ishpeming
• LEGO Club. Youth can build with friends and attempt to complete LEGO challenges. 10 a.m. Ishpeming Carnegie Public Library, 317 N. Main
St. 906-486-4381 or ishpeminglibrary. info.
• Italian Lessons: Casual Conversation. Marilena Corradino will teach Italian in a casual conversation format. The class is intended for beginners or those who want to practice speaking Italian with others. 4 p.m. Ray Leverton Community Room, Ishpeming Carnegie Public Library, 317 N. Main St. 906-486-4381 or ishpeminglibrary. info.
• West End Farm Stand. 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Partridge Creek Farm, 550 Cleveland Ave. partridgecreekfarm. org.
• Community Skill Share. Partridge Creek Farm will host a food demonstration and tasting using ingredients from the weekly CSA. 4:30 p.m. 550 Cleveland Ave. partridgecreekfarm. org/events.
• Adult Horror Book Club. This month’s selection will be “The Fisherman” by John Langan. 6 p.m. Ishpeming Carnegie Public Library, 317 N. Main St. 906-486-4381 or ishpeminglibrary.info.
Marquette
• Poetry and Book Arts Workshop with Cindy Hunter Morgan. Poet and book artist Cindy Hunter Morgan will continue to lead the second session of a three-day workshop. Registration required. 10 a.m. Shiras Room, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. 906-226-4322, machatz@pwpl.info or pwpl.info.
• NCLL: The Future of Fungal Remediation and Environmental Innovation, Part 1. MycoNaut co-founders Joe Lane and Ryan Iacovacci will lead a discussion on how fungal-based remediation is offering nature-based solutions to the challenges of industrial pollution. The event will also feature a lab tour at the Innovate MQT SmartZone, where participants will gain insight into MycoNaut’s work. NCLL members, $5; non-members, $10. 10 a.m. Innovate MQT SmartZone, MycoNaut Co., 101 W. Washington St. 906-2499975 or margrifs@gmail.com.
• Hospice Nursing Information Session. Local nurses are invited to learn more about the role of hospice nursing. The session will also be available online via Zoom. Noon and 4 p.m. Lake Superior Life Care and Hospice, 914 W. Baraga Ave. 906-225-7760 or lakesuperiorhospice.org. For Zoom link, email info@lakesuperiorhospice. org.
• NCLL: Lunch and Learn: “Why Marquette?” The focus of the conversation will be “What attracted you to Marquette? Does that reason/characteristic still exist?” Noon. El Santo Tacos and Tequila, 113 W. Baraga Ave. 906-458-5408 or csteinhanmu.edu.
• Congregate Meals for Seniors–Dine in or Curbside Pickup. Meals available to those age 60 and older and their spouses. Call to reserve a meal. $3.50 suggested donation. Noon to 1
p.m. Marquette Senior Center, 300 W. Spring St. 906-228-0456.
• Memory Café: Welcome Wednesday at the Trillium House. This supportive gathering is intended for individuals living with memory loss and their care partners. Attendees will enjoy lunch, connect with others and hear from guests from the Alzheimer’s Association. A tour of Trillium House, which offers short-term respite stays and hospice support, will also be available. Noon. Trillium House, 1144 Northland Dr. To register by July16, call 906-264-5026.
• Dungeons and Dragons. Jordan from Iron Golem Games and local DMs will lead groups of teens in sixth through 12th grades on a quest with this role-playing game. 4 p.m. Community Room, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. To register, call 906-2264321 or visit pwpl.info.
• Wednesday Night Market. Includes farmers, growers, food producers and artisans. 5 to 8 p.m. 100 Block of Washington Street. mqtfarmersmarket.com.
• Historic Marquette Bus Tours. The Marquette Regional History Center will offer historic interpretation and reenactors to bring to light the stories of buildings, people and points of interest along the Marquette lakefront, in downtown and at historic homes, Park Cemetery and sites north of NMU. The 90-minute tour will be aboard an air-conditioned Checker bus. $25. 6 p.m. Departs from the Marquette Regional History Center, 145 W. Spring St. 906-226-3571 or marquettehistory. org/bus-tour-tickets.
• Native Species of the Upper Peninsula. Easton Zivnoska will explore some common mammals, reptiles, fish and birds of the U.P. and discuss each animal’s importance, role in their environment and where they can commonly be seen. Presented in partnership with Northern Scales Reptiles of Marquette’s Masonic Mall. 6:30 p.m. MooseWood Nature Center, Shiras Pool Building at Presque Isle Park. moosewood.org.
• Concert on the Steps: Ramble Tamble. Ramble Tamble will perform a night of surfer rock. 6:30 p.m. Front Street Steps, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. 906-226-4322 or pwpl.info.
• “Mama Mia. ” Set on an island paradise, this musical is a tale of love, friendship and identity told through the songs of ABBA. Presented by Lake Superior Theatre. Youth, $7.50; seniors and students, $12; adults, $15 (plus $5 surcharge). 7:30 p.m. Lake Superior Theatre Boathouse, 270 N. Lakeshore Blvd. lstmqt@gmail.com or lakesuperiortheatre.com. For tickets, 906-227-7625 or tickets.nmu.edu.
Negaunee
• Knitting Group. Crocheters, knitters and others interested in fiber arts are welcome to bring their projects and enjoy fellowship. Coffee will be
provided and lessons are available. 1 p.m. Negaunee Public Library, 319 W. Case St. 906-475-7700, ext. 18, or facebook.com/NegauneePublicLibrary.
• Kids’ Craft Time. Kids ages five to 12 will create Sharpie mugs at this hands-on crafting session. All supplies will be provided. Registration is appreciated but not required. 2:30 p.m. Negaunee Public Library, 319 W. Case St 906-475-7700, ext. 18, or facebook. com/NegauneePublicLibrary.
• Negaunee Farmers Market. Fresh produce from Little Parsley Farm and crafts from a variety of vendors. 4 to 7 p.m. Chiri Park, Iron Street. cityofnegaunee.com/farmers-market.
• Negaunee City Band Concert. Bring a chair. 7:30 p.m. Negaunee Outdoor Performing Arts Center, east end of Iron Street.
24 THURSDAY
Calumet
• Preschool Story Time. 10:15 a.m. Calumet Public Library, 57070 Mine St. 906-337-0311, ext. 1107, or clklibrary.org.
• Knitting and Crochet Group. Participants can bring their portable handwork project and enjoy an informal social time. Open to everyone. 1 p.m. Calumet Public Library, 57070 Mine St. 906-337-0311, ext. 1107, or clklibrary.org.
• Kids Movie Magic. The film selection will be “Sonic the Hedgehog 2 ” $1 7 p.m. Calumet Theatre, 340 Sixth St. 906-337-2610 or calumettheatre. com.
Copper Harbor
• Performance in the Park. Featuring live music from Gail English and Friends. 7 to 9 p.m. Donny Kilpela Memorial Park, 240 Gratiot St. 906289-4020 or performances.in.the. park@gmail.com.
Curtis
• Dave and Kristi’s Showband. Dave and Kristi’s Showband mixes many types of popular music, including folk, blues, swing and old-time country. Ticket prices vary. 7 p.m. The Pine Performance Center, N9224 Saw-WaQuato St. mynorthtickets.com.
Gwinn
• Gwinn Modeltown Market. Featuring a farmers and artisans market as well as live music. 3 to 6 p.m. Riverside Pavilion, Peter Nordeen Park, 115 N. Pine St. 906-361-4843 or modeltownmarket@gmail.com.
Ishpeming
• Crochet Club. This is a time to gather with fellow crafters to socialize. Supplies and instruction will be provided for those who are interested in learning how to crochet. 2 p.m. Ishpeming Carnegie Public Library,
317 N. Main St. 906-486-4381 or ishpeminglibrary.info.
• Author Visit: Annelise Ryan. Author Annelise Ryan will offer an author presentation and book signing featuring her Monster Hunter series, which begins with “A Death in Door County.” 5:30 p.m. Ishpeming Carnegie Public Library, 317 N. Main St. 906-486-4381 or ishpeminglibrary.info.
• Summer Concert Series. Featuring Boots and Sandals. Bring a chair. Rain location is Lake Bancroft Pavilion. 7 p.m. Old Ish Park.
L’Anse
• Lakefront Concert. Featuring music by Cathy Bolton. 7 p.m. Lakefront Park, Broad Street at the lake (rain location is Meadowbrook Arena, 204 Division St.).
Marquette
• Poetry and Book Arts Workshop with Cindy Hunter Morgan. Poet and book artist Cindy Hunter Morgan will continue to lead the final session of a three-day workshop. Registration required. 10 a.m. Shiras Room, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. 906-226-4322 or pwpl.info.
• Superiorland Duplicate Bridge Club. Games open to all interested players. $5 for games. 12:30 p.m. Marquette Senior Center, 300 W. Spring St. superiorland_bridge.tripod. com.
• Marquette Beautification and Restoration Committee’s 2025 Garden Tour. This walking tour will visit five unique gardens as well as a refreshment stop at Blackrocks Brewery. Children younger than 12, free; adults, $15. 1 to 7 p.m. mqtbeautification.org.
• Adult SRP 2025: Art Escapes— BYOP (Bring Your Own Project). Attendees are invited to bring their latest project to work on with others, whether it’s needlework, knitting, crochet, drawing or something else. Part of the library’s Adult Summer Reading Program. 2 p.m. Heritage Room, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. pwpl.info.
• Northwords and Music: Golden Oldies Show. Writer B.G. Bradley and his friends, including poet Marty Achatz, musicians Linda Smith and Seamus Collins (Big Lake Acoustic), and actress Jacque Love, will present an evening of music, stories, poetry and skits. The event will also be livestreamed. 6:30 p.m. Community Room, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. 906-226-4322 or pwpl.info.
• “Mama Mia. ” Set on an island paradise, this musical is a tale of love, friendship and identity told through the songs of ABBA. Presented by Lake Superior Theatre. Youth, $7.50; seniors and students, $12; adults, $15 (plus $5 surcharge). 7:30 p.m. Lake Superior Theatre Boathouse, 270 N. Lakeshore Blvd. lstmqt@gmail.com or lakesuperiortheatre.com. For tickets, 906-227-7625 or tickets.nmu.edu.
• Lasers on the Ore Dock. This new show will be presented by Fresh Coast Light Lab and Travel Marquette. 20 minutes after sunset. Ore Dock, Mattson Lower Harbor Park. travelmarquette.com.
Negaunee
• Feeding America West Michigan Meal Pickup. Shelf-stable meals are available at no cost to all youth (18 and younger) and disabled adults up to age 26. Noon to 1:30 p.m. Negaunee Public Library, 319 W. Case St. feedwm.org or facebook.com/ NegauneePublicLibrary.
25 FRIDAY sunrise 6:22 a.m.; sunset 9:30 p.m.
Caspian
• History Happy Hour. $5. 6 p.m. CDT. Iron County Museum, 100 Brady Ave. 906-265- 2617 or ironcountymuseum.org.
Crystal Falls
• The Blooze Brothers Band. This Chicago-based show band honors the music made by the original Blues Brothers in movies, TV and recordings, as well as the spirit in which they played, fusing musical traditions into an energizing stage performance. Students, $5; general public, $23. 7 p.m. CDT. Crystal Theatre, 304 Superior Ave. 906-875-3208 or thecrystaltheatre.org.
Gwinn
• Summer Storytime in the Park. Preschool-age kids can enjoy stories and snacks. This week’s guest reader will be Brian Rice, a Forsyth Township Public Library board member and GACS teacher, who will share some of his favorite books. 10:30 a.m. Peter Nordeen Park, 115 N. Pine St. 906346-3433 or forsythtwplibrary.org.
Ishpeming
• Color Workshop with the Michigan Science Center. Participants ages five and older will collaborate with a STEAM educator to explore the interactions of colors, their emotional impacts and human color perception. Together, attendees will create a visual effect using the colors they studied. Registration is required. 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. Ishpeming Carnegie Public Library, 317 N. Main St. 906-486-4381 or ishpeminglibrary.info.
Marquette
• Blueberry Festival. Featuring local vendors, sidewalk sales and lots of “blueberry fare,” from blueberry pizza to blueberry beer. 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. West Washington and South Front streets. downtownmarquette.org.
• Gather2Grow: Feeding America West Michigan Meal Pickup. Shelfstable meals are available at no cost to all youth (18 and younger) and disabled
adults up to age 26. 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Dandelion Cottage Room, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. 906-226-4323 or pwpl.info.
• Cultivating Care, Compassion and Connection. This event will offer a safe space to pause, reflect and build connections with others who are committed to cultivating kindness. Each week, a different local organization will present educators and leaders who will facilitate a discussion while maintaining a shared commitment to the Charter for Compassion and the Circle of Trust principles. Noon. Heritage Room, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. 906-226-4303 or pwpl.info.
• Superiorland Duplicate Bridge Club. Games open to all interested players. $5 for games. 12:30 p.m. Marquette Senior Center, 300 W. Spring St. superiorland_bridge.tripod. com.
• Marquette Senior Center’s 60th Birthday Party. Refreshments will be provided. 1 to 4 p.m. Marquette Commons, 112 S. Third St. To register, 906-228-0456.
• LEGO Club. Youth of all ages can build with the library’s LEGO bricks. 2 p.m. Great Room, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. 906-226-4323 or pwpl.info.
• “Blueberry Suede Shoes.” Almost Elvis will perform the music of Elvis Presley after Marquette’s Blueberry Festival. Advanced tickets, $10; at the door, $15. 7 to 9 p.m. Marquette Elks Lodge, 127 N. Front St.
• “Mama Mia. ” Set on an island paradise, this musical is a tale of love, friendship and identity told through the songs of ABBA. Presented by Lake Superior Theatre. Youth, $7.50; seniors and students, $12; adults, $15 (plus $5 surcharge). 7:30 p.m. Lake Superior Theatre Boathouse, 270 N. Lakeshore Blvd. lstmqt@gmail.com or lakesuperiortheatre.com. For tickets, 906-227-7625 or tickets.nmu.edu.
• Lasers on the Ore Dock. This new show will be presented by Fresh Coast Light Lab and Travel Marquette. 20 minutes after sunset. Ore Dock, Mattson Lower Harbor Park. travelmarquette.com.
Negaunee
• Show and Tell Book Club. Children ages five to 10 can talk about books in a show and tell format. 11 a.m. Negaunee Public Library, 319 W. Case St. 906475-7700, ext. 18 or facebook.com/ NegauneePublicLibrary.
the spirit in which they played, fusing musical traditions into an energizing stage performance. Ticket prices vary. 7:30 p.m. Calumet Theatre, 340 Sixth St. 906-337-2610 or calumettheatre. com.
Curtis
• Wine and Cheese Tasting and Auction Fundraiser. This annual fundraiser will include silent and live auctions. 4 p.m. Erickson Center for the Arts, N9224 Saw-Wa-Quato St. mynorthtickets.com.
Escanaba
• STEAM Story Time with the Robomos and Technomos. Intended for ages five to 12. 1 p.m. Escanaba Public Library, 400 Ludington St. 906789-7323 or escanabalibrary.org.
Ishpeming
• 126th Italian Fest. Presented by the St. Rocco-St. Anthony Society of Ishpeming, there will be a day-long picnic, vendors, games, activities and live music. Noon. Al Quaal Recreation Area. ishpemingitalianfest.com.
Marquette
• Queen City Half Marathon and Breakwater 5K Run/Walk. Proceeds support JJ Packs, which provides food to at-risk youth. Registration costs vary. 8 a.m. Downtown. queencityhalfmarathon.com.
• Farmers Market. Includes farmers, growers, food producers and artisans. 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Marquette Commons, 112 S. Third St. mqtfarmersmarket. com.
• Art on the Rocks. This juried fine arts show also includes food trucks and art activities. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mattson Lower Harbor Park. marquetteartontherocks.com.
• Outback Art Fair. Features more than 100 art and food vendors. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Shiras Park at Picnic Rocks.
• Superiorland Duplicate Bridge Club. Games open to all interested players. $5 for games. Lessons, 10 a.m. Games, 11:30 a.m. Marquette Senior Center, 300 W. Spring St. superiorland_bridge.tripod.com.
• Lasers on the Ore Dock. This new show will be presented by Fresh Coast Light Lab and Travel Marquette. 20 minutes after sunset. Ore Dock, Mattson Lower Harbor Park. travelmarquette.com.
27 SUNDAY
sunrise 6:24 a.m.; sunset 9:28 p.m.
• Art on the Rocks. This juried fine arts show also includes food trucks and art activities. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Mattson Lower Harbor Park. marquetteartontherocks.com.
• Outback Art Fair. Features more than 100 art and food vendors. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Shiras Park at Picnic Rocks.
28 MONDAY
sunrise 6:26 a.m.; sunset 9:27 p.m.
Escanaba
• Music Mondays. Featuring Chris Powell. 7 to 9 p.m. Karas Bandshell in Ludington Park. Marquette
• Superiorland Duplicate Bridge Club. Games open to all interested players. $5 for games. 6 p.m. Marquette Senior Center, 300 W. Spring St. superiorland_bridge.tripod.com.
• Senior Theatre Experience: Monthly Theatre Workshop and Discussion. Free for City of Marquette and neighboring township residents ages 50 and older. 4 p.m. Room B, Marquette Senior Center, 300 W. Spring St. To register, 906-225-8655.
• Nature Sketching. Adults will practice observation and sketching with some of Moosewood’s preserved specimens. Then they will head outside to a few sites around the center to sketch what they see. $10. 5 p.m. MooseWood Nature Center, Shiras Pool Building at Presque Isle Park. moosewood.org.
Negaunee
• Feeding America West Michigan Meal Pickup. Shelf-stable meals are available at no cost to all youth (18 and younger) and disabled adults up to age 26. Noon to 1:30 p.m. Negaunee Public Library, 319 W. Case St feedwm.org or facebook.com/ NegauneePublicLibrary.
• Storytime. Negaunee Public Library staff will host a program of stories, songs and rhymes on the theme of “Picnic Party.” Rain will cancel the event. 2 p.m. Jackson Mine Park. 906475-7700, ext. 18, or facebook.com/ NegauneePublicLibrary.
29 TUESDAY sunrise 6:27 a.m.; sunset 9:26 p.m.
Escanaba
26 SATURDAY
Calumet
• The Blooze Brothers. This Chicagobased show band honors the music made by the original Blues Brothers in movies, TV and recordings, as well as
Calumet
• Art Play. This open studio time for adults encourages artists to create and share their work. 2 to 4 p.m. Calumet Art Center, 57055 Fifth St. 906-9342228 or info@calumetartcenter.com.
Marquette
• Tech Tuesday. Appointments or walk-ins are welcome. 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Escanaba Public Library, 400 Ludington St. 906-789-7323 or escanabalibrary.org.
Ishpeming
• Musician Performance: Ben Traverse. Grand Rapids-based folk musician Ben Traverse, a member of the Earthwork Music Collective, will perform a variety of traditional styles, including old-time, bluegrass, Celtic
and sea shanties, all with a focus on the history and culture that fostered them. 11 a.m. Ishpeming Carnegie Public Library, 317 N. Main St. 906-486-4381 or ishpeminglibrary.info.
Little Lake
• Bingo. A concession stand will be available. Doors open, 5 p.m.; early bird games, 6:30 p.m. American Legion Auxiliary Post 349, 1835 E. M-35. 906-346-6000.
Marquette
• Storytime in the Park. Families and youth can enjoy books, action songs, bubbles, parachute play and more. 9:30 a.m. East Ohio Street (Williams) Park. 906-226-4323 or pwpl.info.
• All Booked Up: Can We Talk? This month’s selection will be “The Mighty Red” by Louise Erdrich. 10 a.m. Shiras Room, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. 906-226-4322.
• Tech Coaching for Seniors. Learn how to make your electronic devices work with the help of retired teacher and librarian Christine Ault. Bring passwords and ensure the device is charged. 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Heritage Room, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. To register for a 30-minute session, 906-226-4311.
• Gather2Grow: Feeding America West Michigan Meal Pickup. Shelfstable meals are available at no cost to all youth (18 and younger) and disabled adults up to age 26. 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Dandelion Cottage Room, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. 906-226-4323 or pwpl.info.
• Picnic in the Park. Intended for ages 50 and older. Hosted by the Marquette Senior Center. Suggested donation, $5. Noon. Harlow Park. To register, call 906-228-0456.
• Superiorland Duplicate Bridge Club. Games open to all interested players. $5 for games. 12:30 p.m. Marquette Senior Center, 300 W. Spring St. superiorland_bridge.tripod. com.
• Historic Marquette Bus Tours. The Marquette Regional History Center will offer historic interpretation and reenactors to bring to light the stories of buildings, people and points of interest along the Marquette lakefront, in downtown and at historic homes, Park Cemetery and sites north of NMU. The 90-minute tour will be aboard an air-conditioned Checker bus. $25. 1 p.m. Departs from the Marquette Regional History Center, 145 W. Spring St. 906-226-3571 or marquettehistory. org/bus-tour-tickets.
• Teen Tuesday: Cardboard Art. Artist Amber Dohrenwend will guide youth entering sixth through 12th grades to create art with cardboard. All supplies will be provided and registration is required. 1 p.m. Community Room, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. 906-226-4321.
• Oil Painting, Pastels and Drawing Classes with Marlene Wood. Bring
your own supplies. $20. 1 p.m. Marquette Arts and Culture Center, Lower level, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. 906-225-8655.
• Karen Babine Reading. Author Karen Babine will read from her recently published memoir, “The Allure of Elsewhere,” which chronicles her journey from her home in Minnesota to Nova Scotia to explore the place where her French-Acadian ancestors settled in North America four centuries ago. 3 p.m. Shiras Room, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. 906-226-4322 or pwpl.info.
• Senior Dance Class. Free for City of Marquette and neighboring township residents ages 50 and older. 4 p.m. Baraga Gym, Marquette Senior Center, 300 W. Spring St. To register, 906-225-8655.
• NMU Music Department’s Summer Concert Series. Featuring Patrick Booth on saxophone. 5 p.m. Reynolds Recital Hall, NMU. nmu.edu/music.
• Concert on the Steps: Bluesday Tuesday. Bahluze will perform a concert sponsored by the Marquette Area Blues Society. 6:30 p.m. Front Street Steps, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. 906-226-4322.
• “Twelfth Night. ” A vibrant ’80s setting, neon colors and synth-pop will add a fun twist to Shakespeare’s classic comedy. Presented by Lake Superior Theatre. Youth, $7.50; seniors and students, $12; adults, $15. 7:30 p.m. Lake Superior Theatre Boathouse, 270 N. Lakeshore Blvd. lstmqt@gmail.com or lakesuperiortheatre.com. For tickets, 906-227-7625 or tickets.nmu.edu.
Negaunee
• Tuesday Afternoon Program. The program will be a screening of “One Day Longer,” a documentary of the 1990 and 1993 strikes on the Marquette range, produced by Andy Skewis. 2 p.m. Auditorium, Michigan Iron Industry Museum, 73 Forge Rd. 906-475-7857.
• Michigan Folk Singer Ben Traverse. Ben Traverse will present a “Sea Shanty Sing-along” as he shares the role shanties played on ships and in maritime tradition. 5:30 p.m. Negaunee Public Library, 319 W. Case St 906475-7700, ext. 18, or facebook.com/ NegauneePublicLibrary.
Rock
• Escanaba Public Library Bookmobile. 1 p.m. Rock Senior Center, 3892 W. Maple Ridge 37 Rd. 906-789-7323 or escanabalibrary.org.
Curtis
• Music in the Park. Featuring music by SideTrak'd-Detriot. 6:30 p.m. Erickson Center for the Arts, N9224 Saw-Wa-Quato St. 906-586-9974 or ericksoncenter.org.
Escanaba
• Color Our World: Old Songs for Young People with Singer/Songwriter Ben Traverse. 4:30 p.m. Escanaba Public Library, 400 Ludington St. 906789-7323 or escanabalibrary.org.
Ishpeming
• LEGO Club. Youth can build with friends and attempt to complete LEGO challenges. 10 a.m. Ishpeming Carnegie Public Library, 317 N. Main St. 906-486-4381 or ishpeminglibrary. info.
• Italian Lessons: Casual Conversation. Marilena Corradino will teach Italian in a casual conversation format. The class is intended for beginners or those who want to practice speaking Italian with others. 4 p.m. Ray Leverton Community Room, Ishpeming Carnegie Public Library, 317 N. Main St. 906-486-4381 or ishpeminglibrary. info.
• West End Farm Stand. 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Partridge Creek Farm, 550 Cleveland Ave. partridgecreekfarm. org.
Marquette
• Congregate Meals for Seniors–Dine in or Curbside Pickup. Meals available to those age 60 and older and their spouses. Call to reserve a meal. $3.50 suggested donation. Noon to 1 p.m. Marquette Senior Center, 300 W. Spring St. 906-228-0456.
• Bubble, Bubble, Splash! Youth of all ages can enjoy sprinklers, toy car wash, bubbles, water play and more. Swimsuits and towels are highly recommended. 1 to 3 p.m. Front Street steps and lawn, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. 906-226-4323 or pwpl.info.
• Wednesday Night Market. Includes farmers, growers, food producers and artisans. 5 to 8 p.m. 100 Block of Washington Street. mqtfarmersmarket.com.
• Concert on the Steps: The Boston Imposters. The Boston Imposters, featuring Davey Harrison and Maire Clement, will showcase their training in classical, contemporary improvisation and traditional American, British and Celtic folk music. 6:30 p.m. Front Street Steps, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. 906-226-4322 .
students, $12; adults, $15. 7:30 p.m. Lake Superior Theatre Boathouse, 270 N. Lakeshore Blvd. lstmqt@gmail.com or lakesuperiortheatre.com. For tickets, 906-227-7625 or tickets.nmu.edu.
Negaunee
• Knitting Group. Crocheters, knitters and others interested in fiber arts are welcome to bring their projects and enjoy fellowship. Coffee will be provided and lessons are available. 1 p.m. Negaunee Public Library, 319 W. Case St 906-475-7700, ext. 18.
• Kids’ Craft Time. Kids ages five to 12 will get messy with splatter painting at this hands-on crafting session. All supplies will be provided. Registration is appreciated but not required. 2:30 p.m. Negaunee Public Library, 319 W. Case St. 906-475-7700, ext. 18, or facebook.com/NegauneePublicLibrary.
• Negaunee Farmers Market. Fresh produce from Little Parsley Farm and crafts from a variety of vendors. 4 to 7 p.m. Chiri Park, Iron Street. cityofnegaunee.com/farmers-market.
• Negaunee City Band Concert. Bring a chair. 7:30 p.m. Negaunee Outdoor Performing Arts Center, east end of Iron Street. 31
Calumet
• Preschool Story Time. 10:15 a.m. Calumet Public Library, 57070 Mine St. 906-337-0311, ext. 1107.
• Knitting and Crochet Group. Participants can bring their portable handwork project and enjoy an informal social time. Open to everyone. 1 p.m. Calumet Public Library, 57070 Mine St. 906-337-0311, ext. 1107, or clklibrary.org.
• Kids Movie Magic. The film selection will be “Sonic the Hedgehog 3 ” $1 7 p.m. Calumet Theatre, 340 Sixth St. 906-337-2610 or calumettheatre. com.
Copper Harbor
• Performance in the Park. Featuring live music from Wild Honey Collective. 7 to 9 p.m. Donny Kilpela Memorial Park, 240 Gratiot St. 906-289-4020 or performances.in.the.park@gmail.com.
Escanaba
30 WEDNESDAY
sunrise 6:28 a.m.; sunset 9:24 p.m.
Calumet
• Wild Honey Collective. Part of the Summer Concert Series. 7:30 p.m. Calumet Theatre, 340 Sixth St. 906337-2610 or calumettheatre.com.
• Community Skill Share. Partridge Creek Farm will host a food demonstration and tasting using ingredients from the weekly CSA. 4:30 p.m. 550 Cleveland Ave. partridgecreekfarm. org/events.
• Jack Deo Local History Presentation. Jack Deo will present photographs and stories of the Jackson Mine Museum and the D.S.S.&A trainwreck in Michigamme in 1939, among other histories. 6 p.m. Ishpeming
• Happy Hour - The Legendary Bars of Marquette. Jim Koski will lead a walking tour stopping at locations of the bars that live on in history sharing stories of the past. $5. 6:30 p.m. Marquette Regional History Center, 145 W. Spring St. 906-226-3571 or marquettehistory.org
• “Twelfth Night. ” A vibrant ’80s setting, neon colors and synth-pop will add a fun twist to Shakespeare’s classic comedy. Presented by Lake Superior Theatre. Youth, $7.50; seniors and
• Live on the Lawn at Lunch. Featuring music from The Boston Imposters and lunch from the Curious Pig Food Truck and Main Squeeze Lemonade. 11:45 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. Escanaba Public Library, 400 Ludington St. 906-7897323 or escanabalibrary.org.
Gwinn
• Gwinn Modeltown Market. Featuring a farmers and artisans market as well as live music. 3 to 6 p.m. Riverside Pavilion, Peter Nordeen Park, 115 N. Pine St. 906-361-4843 or modeltownmarket@gmail.com.
Carnegie Public Library, 317 N. Main St. 906-486-4381 or ishpeminglibrary. info.
The Boston Imposters | July 30 , Marquette | July 31, Escanaba
Ishpeming
• Summer Concert Series. Featuring Union Pacific. Bring a chair. Rain location is Lake Bancroft Pavilion. 7 p.m. Old Ish Park.
L’Anse
• Lakefront Concert. Featuring bluegrass music by Chasin’ Steel. 7 p.m. Lakefront Park, Broad Street at the lake (rain location is Meadowbrook Arena, 204 Division St.).
Marquette
• Superiorland Duplicate Bridge Club. Games open to all interested
support groups
• Adult Children of Alcoholics and Dysfunctional Families— Marquette Sundays, 7 p.m. Use the parking lot entrance. Downstairs meeting room, St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 201 E. Ridge St. adultchildren.org/meeting.
• Alano Club—Marquette. Twelvestep recovery meetings daily. Daily, noon and 7:30 p.m. 106 Coles Dr.
• Al-Anon/Alateen Family Groups. A fellowship offering strength and hope for friends and families of problem drinkers. al-alon.org or 888-425-2666.
• Al-Anon—Ishpeming. Friends and family who have loved ones dealing with alcohol issues are invited. Mondays, 6 p.m. Wesley United Methodist Church, 801 Hemlock St. 906-361-9524.
• Alcoholics Anonymous. Daily meetings throughout Marquette County at many locations and times. Twenty-four-hour answering service. aa-marquettecounty.org or 800-605-5043.
• Open AA Meeting—Gwinn. Tuesdays, 7 p.m. Basement, Gwinn Community Building, 165 N. Maple St.
• Open AA Meeting—K.I. Sawyer. Fridays, 8 p.m. 906 Community Church, 315 Explorer St.
• Men’s AA Meeting—Gwinn. Thursdays, 8 p.m. Saint Anthony’s Catholic Church, 280 Boulder St. (entrance to the right of main entrance).
• ALZConnected. This is a free, online community for everyone affected by Alzheimer’s disease and other memory loss diseases. alzconnected.org.
• American Legacy Foundation. Smoking quit line for expectant mothers and cessation information for women. 800-668-8278.
• Blood Pressure, Blood Sugar and Cholesterol Checks. Cholesterol checks are $5. Call for Marquette County schedule. 906-225-4545.
• Caregiver Support Group (Phonebased). Caregivers can share their
players. $5 for games. 12:30 p.m. Marquette Senior Center, 300 W. Spring St.
• Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson Reading. Jocelyn Benson, Michigan Secretary of State and a Democratic candidate for governor, will read selections from her newly published memoir “The Purposeful Warrior: Standing Up for What’s Right When the Stakes Are High,” and answer audience questions in a conversation moderated by former TV6 news anchor Elizabeth Peterson. A book signing will follow. 6:30 p.m. Community Room, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. 906-226-4322
or pwpl.info.
• Marquette City Band Concert. Bring a blanket or chair. 7:30 p.m. New pier at Founders Landing (rain location is Reynolds NMU’s Recital Hall). marquettecityband.com.
• “Twelfth Night. ” A vibrant ’80s setting, neon colors and synth-pop will add a fun twist to Shakespeare’s classic comedy. Presented by Lake Superior Theatre. Youth, $7.50; seniors and students, $12; adults, $15. 7:30 p.m. Lake Superior Theatre Boathouse, 270 N. Lakeshore Blvd. lstmqt@gmail.com or lakesuperiortheatre.com. For tickets, 906-227-7625 or tickets.nmu.edu.
Negaunee
• All Booked Up. “Upper Michigan Today” host Tia Trudgeon will lead an on-air book discussion of Louise Erdrich’s “The Mighty Red.” 9 a.m. WLUC TV6 Studio, 177 U.S. Hwy. 41 E. 906-226-4322 or pwpl.info.
• Feeding America West Michigan Meal Pickup. Shelf-stable meals are available at no cost to all youth (18 and younger) and disabled adults up to age 26. Noon to 1:30 p.m. Negaunee Public Library, 319 W. Case St feedwm.org or facebook.com/ NegauneePublicLibrary.
MM
feelings, develop friendships and learn about available community resources from their own home via phone. July 16. 2 p.m. To register, call 906-485-5527.
• Caregiver Support Group— Marquette. Family, friends and others who are caring for a person with a chronic illness or disability can share their feelings, develop friendships and learn about available community resources. July 9. 2 p.m. Lake Superior Life Care and Hospice, 914 W. Baraga Ave. 906-225-7760 or lakesuperiorhospice.org.
• Celebrate Recovery—Gwinn. Wednesdays, 6:30 p.m. First Baptist Church of Gwinn, 195 N. Billings St.
• Celebrate Recovery—Marquette. Twelve-step program for hurts, habits and hang-ups. Tuesdays, 6:30 p.m. Marquette County Salvation Army, 1009 W. Baraga Ave. 906-226-2241.
• Gamblers Anonymous. This group is for those who have or think they have a problem with gambling. Thursdays, 7 p.m. Library Room, First Presbyterian Church, 120 N. Front St., Marquette.
• Grief Support Group—Ishpeming. U.P. Home Health and Hospice offers support for those caring for a loved one with a life-limiting diagnosis or who recently experienced the loss of a loved one. Second and fourth Thursdays. 2 p.m. Ray Leverton Community Room, Ishpeming Carnegie Public Library, 317 N. Main St. 906-225-4545.
• Grief Support Group—Ishpeming. Anyone dealing with grief and loss is invited to attend. Third Wednesday of each month. 7 p.m. St. Joseph Catholic Church, 1889 Prairie Ave. 906-376-8475.
• Grief Support Group—Gwinn. People dealing with grief and loss are encouraged to attend. Individual grief counseling is available. July 9. 2 p.m. Forsyth Senior Center, 165 Maple St. 906-225-7760 or lakesuperiorhospice.org.
• Grief Support Group—Marquette. U.P. Home Health and Hospice will
offer support for those caring for a loved one with a life-limiting diagnosis or who recently experienced the loss of a loved one. First and third Thursdays. 3 p.m. Dandelion Cottage Room, Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St. 906-225-4545.
• Grief Support Group—Marquette. Guided by trained facilitators, these gatherings will offer comfort, understanding, and connection through shared experiences. Fourth Wednesday of each month. 4 p.m. Lake Superior Life Care and Hospice, 914 W. Baraga Ave. 906-225-7760.
• iCanQuit. Smokers are invited to learn more about quitting with the help of a quitting coach. 800-480-7848.
• Internet and Technology Addicts Anonymous. Tuesdays, 12:05 p.m. Upstairs, The Crib Coffee House, 401 N. Third St., Marquette. ITAAMQT@ zohomail.com.
• Michigan Tobacco Quit Line. This free quit smoking coaching hotline provides callers with a personal health coach. 800-784-8669.
• Nar-Anon Meetings—Ishpeming. Family and friends who have addicted loved ones are invited. Thursdays, 6:30 p.m. Mission Covenant Church, 1001 N. Second St. 906-361-9524.
• Narcotics Anonymous Meetings— Marquette. Family and friends who have addicted loved ones are invited. Open meetings on Wednesdays and Sundays, 7:30 p.m. Closed meeting on Fridays, 7:30 p.m. Downstairs Social Room, Marquette Hope First Campus, 111 E. Ridge St. (use Ridge Street entrance).
• National Alliance on Mental Illness—In-Person Support Group. Individuals living with mental illness and friends or families living with an individual with mental illness are welcome. July 14 and 17 (email ckbertucci58@charter.net to confirm meeting). 7 p.m. 1025 W. Washington St., Suite C, Marquette. 906-360-7107
or namimqt.com.
• National Alliance on Mental Illness—Zoom Support Group. Individuals living with mental illness and friends or families living with an individual with mental illness are welcome. July 9. (Zoom date may be subject to change). 7 p.m. Email ckbertucci58@charter.net or call or text 906-360-7107 before 6:45 p.m. the day of the meeting to receive the Zoom invitation. namimqt.com.
• Nicotine Anonymous. 415-7500328 or nicotine-anonymous.org.
• Parkinson’s Support Group. Open to people living with Parkinson’s and their caregivers. July 16. 2 p.m. Marquette Senior Center, 300 W. Spring St. 906-228-0456.
• SMART Recovery—Calumet. A self-help group for alcohol and substance abuse and other addictive behaviors. Mondays, 7 p.m. Copper Country Mental Health, 56938 Calumet Ave. smartrecovery.org.
• SMART Recovery—Hancock. Tuesdays and Thursdays, 7 p.m. Conference Room No. 5, U.P. Health System–Portage Hospital, 500 Campus Dr. smartrecovery.org.
• SMART Recovery—Marquette (Zoom). Mondays, noon. Via Zoom. smartrecovery.org.
• Take Off Pounds Sensibly. This is a non-commercial weight-control support group. Various places and times throughout the U.P. 800-932-8677 or TOPS.org.
• Virtual Caregiver Support Group. U.P. family caregivers are welcome to join. A device with an internet connection, webcam, microphone and an email address are necessary. Advanced registration required. Second Tuesday of each month. 2 p.m. 906-217-3019 or caregivers@upcap.org.
• Women, Infants and Children (WIC) Supplemental Food Program. Clinics include nutritional counseling and coupon pick-up. Appointments required. Call for Marquette County schedule. mqthealth.org or 906-475-7846. MM
